Culture Impact Committee Chair Ashley Glaze

Ashley Glaze

Culture is changing quickly and needs in our community abound. Not surprisingly, most of us are bombarded with a whole array of current cultural issues at work or in our interactions with family and friends. As a committee we have a heart for and are tasked with three main responsibilities. We seek to see our congregation educated and equipped to discuss cultural issues biblically. We aim to provide opportunities to support local ministries/organizations. Finally, as church gatherings open, we hope to sponsor events related to cultural issues affecting our local community. One thing we do when we meet each month is take time to pray for our partner organizations. Some of these ministries are financially supported by College Church. Others we support through providing volunteers or have congregants who are involved in the local work.

Understandably, our partner organizations have experienced many challenges alongside immense provision from the Lord this past year. Here are some brief updates and ideas on how we can get involved in God’s work within these local ministries and organizations. For more information, please email cultureimpact@college-church.org.

DuPage PADS

The partnership with PADS (People Allied to Deliver Shelter) has continued with a different approach during the pandemic. PADS is housing clients at an extended stay hotel in Downers Grove. Our role has been to provide portions of pre-packaged/bagged meals to the clients once a month. In the past, volunteers from College Church have set up beds and provided meals for clients at a local church. This has provided opportunity for much more interaction and sharing of the gospel than is now possible. PADS is planning a return to the use of church facilities to provide shelter and meals when it is deemed safe to do so. We praise God for the continuing leadership of Lisa Kortenhoeven in coordinating the meal preparation and distributions. And, as always, it has been a joy to hear expressions of appreciation from those receiving the meals.

Naomi’s House

Naomi’s House offers comprehensive services to women, who have suffered through commercial sexual exploitation, leading to hope and healing. Their residential and independent living programs were truly a safe haven for their resident women in the midst of a challenging and unprecedented year. It is plain to see there is a great need for services like Naomi’s House when one looks at sex trafficking statistics worldwide and locally. In the coming year, Naomi’s House will launch a new facet of their ministry called the Gathering Place. This day program will “reduce a woman’s vulnerabilities to exploitation through education, trauma-informed therapy, spiritual discipleship and job placement.” Please be in prayer for them as they expand in this way and serve these women.

Outreach Community Ministries (OCM)

Outreach Community Ministries’ mission is “to restore hope and provide opportunities for people to become all that God intends them to be.” OCM partners with the local church to put Christian faith into action through community service and they seek to serve the most vulnerable children, teens, and families in DuPage County. Once again College Church held toy collections in December for the OCM Christmas Store. For ease of drop off, the Culture Impact Committee had outdoor collection times that worked well amidst indoor restrictions. OCM has a current need for summer tutors and for individuals willing to transport meals and other donations. As a church we can also be in prayer for OCM as they have a new CEO, Nate Kaunley, and several positions shifted within the organization.

Safe Families

Safe Families seeks to keep children safe and families intact by connecting families in crisis

with families to temporarily host and care for children until the family is able to get back on its feet. Members of College Church have hosted children in years past. A recent interview was published in the Connections with the perspective of two College Church hosts. Although our involvement is minimal with Safe Families right now, we hope and pray more members will have a heart for these children and perhaps consider going through the process of getting approved to host. If you are interested in hearing more and getting in contact with a College Church host family to ask questions, please reach out.

Caring Network

College Church has a long relationship with Caring Network. This organization is the first step for women facing an unplanned pregnancy, offering unconditional love, counsel and resources. They are doing the difficult but rewarding work of changing hearts and saving lives. Abortion continues to be a major cultural issue that simply cannot be ignored as legislation advances to broaden its acceptance and use. Organizations like Caring Network need our support and prayer as they take on the task of turning cultural tides one woman at a time. College Church participated in the Coins for Caring Network again this year to help support this ministry.