Our Pastors, Directors and Residents: Our Pastors, Directors and Residents: Cheryce Berg, director of children’s ministries | Roger Burgess, pastor of visitation | Felipe Chamy, pastoral resident | Julie Clemens, director of disability ministries | Erik Dewar, pastor of worship and music | Tate Fritz, pastoral resident | Matt Heaton, pastoral resident | Baxter Helm, high school pastor | Dan Hiben, middle school pastor | Tim Hollinger, technology director Jim Johanik, pastor of evangelism | Ann Karow, human resources director Howard Kern, facilities director | Bruce Main, pastor of visitation | Josh Maurer, pastor of discipleship | Curt Miller, missions pastor | Josh Moody, senior pastor Mindy Rynbrandt, director of women’s ministries | John Seward, executive pastor | Nancy Singer, director of administration and finance | Wil Triggs, director of communications
Our Council of Elders: Mark Berg | Mark Bradley, vice-chair | Jay Cunningham Steve Ivester | Randy Jahns | Glenn Kosirog | Josh Moody, senior pastor | Jeff Oslund | Roger Sandberg | David Setran, secretary | Dave Tweeten | Chad Thorson | Brian Wildman, chair
Connections is a monthly newsletter published for and about the people of College Church. Send news items and suggestions to: connections@college-church.org. Keep Connections in mind to promote a community event to the College Church family. Send event information by the following dates: For the May issue: April 9 For the June issue: May 9 | For the July issue: June 9
CONTRIBUTORS
WALLACE ALCORN
Once Wallace and his wife, Ann, had retired, they committed to visiting at least one foreign country each year Including Ann’s native England, they visited twenty-four in Europe, six countries in Asia, four in the near east and Africa and one in South America In this issue, Wallace describes their Easter in Beijing
KEITH BODGER
is a recently retired environmental scientist He and his wife, Melody, live in Wheaton and have two adult children . Keith serves in KMs and he and Melody, lead a small group Keith enjoys writing and cooking in his newly found retired spare time
PAT CIRRINCIONE
isn’t reading or attending musicals or hunting Easter eggs with her granddaughters, she is praying for her grandchildren and writing Her greatest joys are God and her family
ANITA DEYNEKA
serves with Mission Eurasia, an organization she and her husband, Peter, founded She works with A Home for Every Orphan to help promote incountry adoption around the world
LIN FALLON
After retiring from teaching, Lin has spent the last six years as part of a community of potters at ClaySpace Ceramic Arts Center in Lisle . She is currently on the board as chair of sales and events as well as part of the teaching staff Lin has been involved with STARS and Kids Korner and World Relief ESL since retirement
VIRGINIA HUGHES
has served in children’s ministries and on the deaconess board At home, she is usually working in the garden, defending it against rabbits, or planning out her garden She and her husband, Roger, have three grown children
ALEX LEE has been a letter-carrier for 36 years and is counting down the days when he can hang up his satchel in retirement and take up his pen more frequently He and his wife, Virginia, are blessed with a daughter and a son, and five grandchildren
SARAH LINDQUIST
serves with the Sanctity of Human Life Task Force and serves on the Evangelism and the Evangelism and Culture Impact Committee . Sarah is a home-school mom, who also teaches Suzuki violin and viola at the Community School of the Arts at Wheaton College
JUDY SATTLER
has been collecting words and stories since before she could tie her shoes She and her husband, Tim, serve as College Church missionaries Along with reading and writing, Judy is also part of the ArtSpace community
ANU SILAS
is the founder and director of Vanitashray, an NGO in India committed to bring forth the best childcare practices, family preservation, adoption, and caring for the destitute, widows, and young girls Anu has a Bachelor of Arts, master’s in social work, and postgraduate work in Human Rights-Auxiliary Nurse Training (Mumbai)
NEIGHBORS NEAR
& FAR,
PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE
WIL TRIGGS | EDITOR
It seems especially apropos that our featured artist this month works in clay. With our theme of “neighbors,” it seems our treasured vessels shine light in special ways when we think about our neighbor and the gospel. Plus, potter Lin Fallon sells her craft from her backyard porch, opening up her gifts to the neighborhood. There’s some gospel opportunities in an sale like that.
Here are a few glimpses of such light from this issue. There’s the Easter proclamation in Beijing, the Lenten ruminations of Chicagoland neighbors, two women—one from India and one from the U.S.—reaching whole countries of children in need, gospel sharing with neighbors and work colleagues. What a marvelous collection of pieces built those who follow just through neighborhoods near and far, past and present. Not to mention the relationship between gardeners and rabbits. Poetry considers Eden and Gethsemane (from Judy Sattler) and an eternal take on punctuation (from Alex Lee). Note: there are a lot of gardens and gardening in this issue.
Church life featured in this month include our Easter season services and events, the journey of one of our leaders in the Sanctity of Human Life Task Force, significant plans and challenges related to our Gospel Now project, profiles of new members, more than the usual book features at our bookstall and a global study of generosity in our “Joy of Giving” column which may surprise some. It was not what I would have predicted.
Thinking about putting my Easter yard sign up, but I think I’ll wait until the local election is over and all those other yard signs come down. Inviting neighbors to Easter, I’m thinking of our next-door neighbor. She was out walking without her dog, and we asked her where her walking companion was. Her husband had months of recovery from an ankle/foot injury and now her dog is recovering from ACL surgery. There’s an invitation postcard and an Easter cinnamon roll waiting for her and others like her.
Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. ( Romans 15:2)
WALLACE ALCORN
Easter in Beijing
We didn’t choose Beijing because it was an especially appropriate place to celebrate Easter, but being there twenty years ago gave us an experience not otherwise possible. It is just that the advertised three-week China tour fit into our schedule and happened to include Holy Week. Although Ann and I had regularly been in church on Easter, we are not so religious as to fear we might lose our salvation if we were not. So, we reserved our places.
If anyone in our group noticed Good Friday, no one mentioned it. In point of fact, I was a bit surprised I hadn’t myself noted the day in my journal. There were not even “Easter” bunnies or eggs to bring the day to mind as at least a holiday. But on Saturday (sometimes spoken of as Holy Saturday or Black Saturday in this country and Europe), a few came to me having suddenly become aware of Easter. They asked if I could arrange it for them to be in some church, here in Beijing, on Easter.
(By this time into the tour, I had blown my cover story of being a teacher and yielded to the forthrightness of confessing to being a “Reverend.” I wanted them to know us first as persons and good neighbors.)
I went to our tour director, Fred. (That was his cover for Americans. His name was Xiao Tong.) I asked if there might be some way to fit an Easter service into our already tight itinerary or into any free time. There wasn’t any. I asked if there happened to be a (Christian) church in the area. Using tour director categories, he conveniently claimed “none.” I already knew from research that the Roman Catholic cathedral was within reasonable walking distance, and that would have been fine. But I respected his problem and said nothing.
Fred asked, expecting confirmation of what he had been told, “Americans are Christians, right?” Knowing he was Buddhist by having asked, I countered: “Perhaps fewer than there are Chinese who are Buddhist.” He had already talked about going to a temple to pray for his father who was losing his sight because of diabetes. Our Beijing guide was “Charlie,” and he had told us he was Communist. He also told me he was worried about his little girl who was seriously ill from a yet undiagnosed cause.
I negotiated with Fred and Charlie: Ann would board the bus on schedule and hold a seat, and I would be last to board. Charlie would delay his orientation talk for the day (with no mention of any church) until I had done “something Christian.” Both were later to tell me they had never run into this and were eager to see what I would do. A little nervous too, they admitted. They would surely recount this to the tour company.
As I climbed onto the bus, I paused next to the driver. I waited until everyone had quieted and were looking at me. Then I said with a boldness I had never previously: “He is risen!”
Instantly, every American on the bus responded full throated: “He is risen, indeed!”
One woman, later in the day, came to me privately with tears in her eyes: “I have said those very words every Easter in my life. But never have I said them with as much excitement as here in Beijing.” I asked her what she would do next Easter at home. She assured me, “It’ll never be the same.”
Another, a particularly cynical lawyer, spoke to me in what I sensed to be a tone of confused pride. “I don’t know what came over me. I don’t even believe this stuff.”
After that dramatic moment, I said I would pray briefly. I invited others to pray with me silently, if they wished. Otherwise, they could just listen and—if they would be good enough—to think about what I would pray.
I began by thanking our Heavenly Father for sending his Son to die on the cross to pay the cost of our sins and to offer salvation from our sins to all who will accept him as Savior.
I had thought through this strategic prayer to mention as much of the gospel as I could in as few inoffensive words as possible. I was so focused on the gospel statement that I hadn’t thought of what finally came to me as I climbed the steps into the bus.
I concluded by praying for Fred’s father and Charlie’s little girl.
Toward the end of that long day, they came to me amazed. One said, “We didn’t know Christians pray for Communists and Buddhists.”
Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
PAT CIRRINCIONE
How many of you watched “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood” as a child? When he walked through the door of his TV home, and replaced his jacket with his comfy sweater, and started talking to you from the television, didn’t you feel a sense of peace descend upon you as he asked you about your day? And didn’t you enjoy how he included you in his neighborhood? How did it affect your life? As I began thinking about Mr. Rogers, I saw God in the Garden of Eden, coming in from a hard day of creating this beautiful world we live in, and wanting to share it with us, his people. Once Adam and Eve were in the garden, can’t you just imagine God putting on his sweater and inviting them to talk about their day?
So, I ask you, have you been impacted by the neighborliness of God in your life? Do you even think of him as your neighbor? Have you invited him into your home and shared your day with him? Have you asked him to be your neighbor? You know, he would love to be yours.
As the Lenten season arrived these questions and thoughts kept bouncing around in my head, especially as we move our way forward to the death and resurrection of God’s only Son. It got me thinking about how I would be celebrating Easter Sunday.
There will be the usual: watching our five granddaughters’ excitement as they hunt for Easter eggs. We’ll enjoy their squeals and laughter as they find
the eggs, and chuckle at the joy on their faces as they go through their Easter baskets. And this grandmother will be sure to admire their beautiful Easter outfits and those white shoes. All of it just total fun! However, before any of this occurs, we all attend Easter services at our respective churches, because this day represents our greatest joy: Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Easter eggs and baskets pale in comparison to this reality.
God’s Son rose from the dead. After being brutally beaten and humiliated just a few days before, he came back to life and appeared to Mary outside the tomb, but according to John 20, verse 15, she thinks he is the gardener. I have read this verse before, but until last year I didn’t realize that the word “gardener” brings us back to the Garden of Eden, where God met with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day. How beautiful that we are brought back to this moment, God dressed as a gardener, again speaking to his people.
At this point I had to go back to the beginning chapters in Genesis, reading about how God created this beautiful world we live in, and how he created Adam and Eve to share in his creation, two people who became God’s neighbors! I checked my favorite source for the definition of the word “neighbor,” and according to Google “neighbors are people that live or are located near one another.” Biblically speaking, it’s anyone with whom we come into contact, whether Jew, Samaritan or Gentile (Luke10: 25-37). Being a neighbor is about sharing your life with others, and it all began in the Garden of Eden where God enjoyed walking and talking and sharing their days with them in paradise! But, and this is a huge but, Adam and Eve blew it, just like we do with our neighbors and friends when we listen to the serpents in our lives. They, and we, betray our neighbors, something God would never do.
One reason God places us in community with neighbors and friends is to learn about empathy and kindness, which in turn create places of connections and belonging. Think about why one of God’s main commandments is “to love your neighbor as yourself” (see Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 22:39). Being neighborly keeps us connected and supports our well-being in everyday life and during crises (like when you run out of milk that you forgot you needed for a recipe you are just about ready to place in the oven or when you see an ambulance arrive next door and you rush over to help in any way you can). It creates a safer and more cohesive environment as we watch over one other.
One of my favorite books that highlight neighborliness is Little Woman by Louisa May Alcott, in which Jo March goes out of her way to befriend Laurie, who appears to be sick and lonely. By reaching out to him she demonstrates the value of human connection and the healing power of friendship.
Also, Rosaria Butterfield in her book The Gospel Comes with a House Key, states: “Like His Son, God walks with broken people: He draws people close: He meets them empty and leaves them full: He turns everything upside down.” I should know! It’s what he did for me!
So, my question is, how can we be neighbors if we expect people to live up to our expectations? We can’t. We need to welcome one another as God has welcomed us, as we are, as God sees us, we should see one another.
In their book The Simplest Way to Change the World , by Dustin Willis and Brandon Clements, they explain: “We are called to enfold and embrace the lonely; recognize and include those who feel invisible; allow God to sustain us when we are included, invited, cared for, recognized and enfolded into the warmth of neighborliness, something in our psyche knows that
this is the type of connection we were designed for. People are starving for the depth that comes from real, in person relationships.”
By grace alone, this Easter and every other day of my life, I want to remember God’s faithful neighborliness (friendship). He saved my life. He walks with this broken person and stays by my side through the many ups and downs of living in this sinful world.
Easter not only brings the joy of being with family, but also the joy of knowing that we are saved, when we believe that God gave his only begotten Son to die on a cross for our sins, so that we may have eternal life. We can celebrate the love he gives to us each second of every day. May we see Jesus as he sees us. and celebrate Easter joy, resurrection joy, with our neighbors on Easter Sunday and, say, the following Tuesday.
Have a blessed and happy Easter.
INTERCONTINENTAL NEIGHBORS
Two Women Envision A World Without Orphans
ANU SILAS & ANITA DEYNEKA
Anu Silas and Anita Deyneka recently visited with Connections staff and told of their shared vision to change the world one orphan at a time.
HOW DID YOU EACH GET INTO A MINISTRY TO ABANDONED OR FORGOTTEN CHILDREN?
ANU: When I was ten months old, my birth mother left me on the steps of an orphanage in Pune, India. I was the lone girl in a large family of boys, so I was dropped off at the orphanage door. There were 2,000 girls in the orphanage, and our caretaker was an unkind women, who had been raised in an orphanage and never knew love. All through my growing up years, I longed for someone to come and take me away from the orphanage and bring me into a home. But my skin was too dark—there is a bias in India for the fairer-skinned girls, so I was never chosen. Because I was an abandoned child myself, I always had a heart for other children.
ANITA: Two wonderful children joined our family in 1987. When the Soviet
Union collapsed, the four of us—my husband, Peter, myself and the two children—moved Moscow shortly after we founded Peter Deyneka Russian Ministries (now Mission Eurasia). While there, a children’s home was near the apartment where we lived. The four of us would visit this home and have the joy of showing love to the babies and other children, up to five years old. The home was overcrowded and underfunded, and it moved my heart to do more if at all possible.
SO HOW DID YOUR HEART FOR CHILDREN IN NEED GROW INTO FORMAL MINISTRIES?
ANU: Though I was not chosen for adoption, I had academic success. Eventually I advanced academically, studied to become a nurse and earned my master’s degree in social work. Along the way, I fell in love with and married
my husband, Silas. Raised by a pastor’s widow, Silas was one of seven children. Together, we share the passion and care toward orphans and vulnerable children. We both came to faith in Christ and worked with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) in India. In fact, Silas was one of the pioneers of the YWAM West Central India ministry. We married and had two biological children and eventually began “Vanitashray,” a beautiful ministry to abandoned children and women in need. It was at this ministry that I became a mother to 56 girls.
When my husband and I visited the orphanage where I grew up, I experienced forgiveness in Christ with the caretaker woman who was still there. Jesus makes all things new. She became close to my girls and me— I would say even to the point of her being like a mother to me and a grandmother to my two daughters. The ministry was thriving, but then tragedy struck with the unexpected death of my husband.
ANITA: After the collapse of communism, a main ministry of Peter and me was helping connect many Christian organizations who wanted to assist and partner with Christians in Russia and Ukraine, especially. With all the spiritual hunger at the time, evangelism was expanding in amazing ways. Among other ministries, we helped to place American Christians—at the request of the then Russian government—to teach biblical ethics and morality. Increasingly, Christian families began adopting children from formerly atheistic orphanages and bringing into their homes. God was working in the hearts of Christian families in astonishing ways. Then my husband succumbed to lymphoma in 2000. The board of Russian Ministries appointed me president, and I served in this role until 2010. As I turned over responsibilities to a new leader, who had been born in Ukraine, I began to focus on growing Christian movements in Russia and Ukraine who united to adopt children out of orphanages and welcome them to their homes.
In Ukraine, the motto was “One family, one church, one child.”
IN WHAT WAYS HAS THIS CONCEPT OF CHRISTIANS ADOPTING RATHER THAN FUNDING ORPHANAGES GAINED TRACTION IN YOUR WORKS?
ANU: After 14 years of running a residential care for orphans, we transitioned to helping children and families to stay together and grow stronger. We shaped the Vanitashry ministry to come along side families to help equip and train them economically to help them keep their families intact and grow their homes to keep children out of orphanages, allowing them to stay in their homes. Vanitashray is now in its 25th year. Today we are embarking on a journey of seeing orphans and vulnerable children belonging to safe and loving families. As part of this, Project Legacy is in the planning stages to create workshops for women with a focus on education and skill development and economic strengthening to help women become confident and build strong families.
ANITA: A key part of Russian Ministries/ Mission Eurasia has always been networking ministries, resources and people in need. As I was free to focus on children, I saw God open amazing doors of innovation and cooperation for me to work initially, as a missionary of Russian Ministries/Mission Eurasia, I then began to serve with A Family for Every Orphan, of which I was one of the founders. It was through A Family for Every Orphan, I also assisted with the founding of World with World Without Orphans, which is now an alliance of 60 countries globally, with organizations deeply committed in their own homes to the care of the least of these around the world, and to children being in loving, caring families rather than institutional care, and to know the love of Jesus.
Making and creating are gifts given to us that are an attribute of God. I enjoy going to ClaySpace, a studio in Lisle, and making useful functional pottery items that are enjoyed as one drinks their coffee, entertains guests with the dishes or service ware or a beautiful vase to hold a little bit of nature in our homes. Creating and in a shared space allows me the opportunity for collaboration and community. Clay is a versatile medium that can take so many directions. I’ve enjoyed the process of this creating and making throughout my life and I am grateful to God that he has given me this gift. Joy comes from the Father.
Photography by J. Marr Miller
GALLERY
LIFESPRING
Celebrating resurrection and new life through the arts
SUBMISSIONS OPEN THROUGH APRIL 3
Submit your art at: college-church org/artspace
SHOW RUNS APRIL 13-MAY 16 all are welcome to submit
GALLERY HOURS: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12 to 2 p .m .
NOTE: For other opening times, contact the church office at (630) 668-0878 or email artspace@college-church .org
GATHERING
A monthly coming together, where we discuss our personal projects and the many facets of creativity and God
TUESDAY, APRIL 8 at 7 p m in Crossings
Artist and teacher Rachael Coray will guide our hands-on gathering this month with plenty of creative supplies for everyone .
April word of the month: NEIGHBOR
ALL ARE WELCOME!
Future Meetings: May 13, June 10
WORKSHOP
CREATING WITH PURPOSE: Artificial Intelligence & the Church
Hands-on discussion of AI and its impact on the church today .
SATURDAY, APRIL 5
1 p m to 3:30 p m in Crossings
COST: FREE
Do you keep hearing about AI, but struggle to explain what it actually is or why it could be useful? Do you learn best by doing instead of just listening? Join us as we explore generative AI tools and how they can both positively and negatively impact our relationship with God, others, and the creations we bring to life All technology familiarity levels welcome Our time together will be part presentation and part breakout sessions . Laptops encouraged but not required
Tony Visconti has served at College Church as the digital ministry manager since 2019 He lives in Winfield with his wife, Kristin, who also serves College Church by teaching music in the STARS Disability Ministry They have two boys, Pearson (7) and Isaiah (4)
For more information or to sign up for a workshop, visit our webpage: college-church.org/artspace.
PRICELESS
KEITH BODGER
In fifth grade I was part of a group class project about world explorers. Judy, who was the self-appointed group leader, assigned me the part of discussing if the travels of Vasco De Gama (or Magellan or Drake, it’s a bit fuzzy) were worthwhile. I concluded, after some study, that the trip was without merit because they brought back a bunch of spices that were priceless. I didn’t understand what priceless meant. Priceless. To me, that was without a price, thus of no value. Or free.
Priceless or free. What value is our salvation? How much did you pay for your salvation? I paid nothing for mine. What did you contribute to your salvation? I simply put my faith in Christ. But I contributed nothing. So, is salvation free? Yes, it is the free gift of God according to Romans 6:23. Put your faith in Christ as Savior and you are saved. It costs you nothing and there’s nothing you can do to earn it. Ephesians 2:8-9 makes that clear. You are saved by faith; it’s a gift of God (free) and you can’t get it by works (earning it). Therefore, if it’s free, it has no value, right? No, it’s priceless. It’s free to you but Jesus paid it all. He died for me, and he died for you. Salvation is costly because Jesus paid for it through his death on the cross (see 1 Corinthians 6:20). Let’s compare it to Antiques Roadshow. Somebody finds a table by a dumpster, takes it home, and uses it in the front room for decades. The Antiques Roadshow rolls into town, and the person takes the table to have it appraised and discovers it’s worth $50,000. Knowing its value, the person wants to protect the table
and insure it. You are that table. Free, along-side a dumpster with all your sin, but Jesus saw your value and paid it all for you.
Now look around your home and neighborhood. Who do you see? Do you see people who have the same value that Jesus sees in you? Do your neighbors know you have this priceless salvation for which you paid nothing? Have you shown it off to them or do you hide it (under a bushel)? Some of my neighbors know of my salvation but most do not. Perhaps I can tempt them with a cinnamon roll and tell them there’s plenty more of those at College Church on Easter morning? I need to be like Vasco de Gama and explore next door and across the road and let them know they can have this priceless treasure for free.
When my fifth-grade group reviewed our respective parts prior to presenting our findings, Judy was upset with me and she angrily defined priceless. And, just like that, I saw the value in De Gama’s trip. I presented that new-found perspective to the class and got full marks. When it comes to salvation, all of you are just like me in a fifth-grade group project. You contribute nothing but get full value. Your neighbors have that value. Your colleagues have that value. Let them know their worth.
POETRY JUDY SATTLER
There are two gardens in Scripture that bookend the story of our separation from God and his truly awesome restoration of that relationship.
OUT OF EDEN
We left the garden clothed in disgrace banished to the wilderness of the world we had broken the naked truth a flaming sword at our backs I could not conceive of it until it was born in me my lust for knowing hatching death. Out here in the darkness in the garden of thistles and thorns the man sweats and I give birth to sinners we two bearing the pain of labor…
They spoke of it as we grew older so we brought Him the first of our yield I from the field he from the fat of his flock my gift fell short
Have I no worth I grumble
Does all my toil in your cursed soil mean nothing
What makes my brother better than me I raise my fist and the first of us falls to the ground an offering to the god of this world The Fall is fruitful and fills the earth…
GETHSEMANE
We swallow the bread and the wine and follow him out to the olive grove all of us but one Here in the shadows we drowse
The hour draws near The night sweats with it, dripping with agony and willing but weak we sleep
The cup of wine is a cup of blood the cup of wrath poured out on me I must drink from this chalice of shame and glory for my hour is here
We awake to the power of darkness in a crooked kiss and the sound of eternity in a single name I Am Who I Am
CHURCH LIFE
APRIL HIGHLIGHTS
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICES
Everyone welcome.
Join us at 8, 9:30 and 11 a m Livestream broadcast is at 9:30 a m You can watch it at college-church org/ livestream
MORNING SERMON SERIES:
The Gospel of Matthew
Senior Pastor Josh Moody preaching
APRIL 6: Following Jesus, Matthew 8:18-34
Easter Week Services
Senior Pastor Josh Moody preaching
APRIL 13, PALM SUNDAY: Save Us!, Psalm 118
APRIL 17: THURSDAY
COMMUNION SERVICE AT 7 P.M.: The Feast! 2 Chronicles 30:12-22
APRIL 18: GOOD FRIDAY SERVICES AT 6 AND 8 P.M.: By His Wounds We Are Healed! Isaiah 53
APRIL 20: EASTER SERVICES AT 8, 9:30 AND 11 A.M.: Arise, Shine! Isaiah 60
The Gospel of Matthew
Senior Pastor Josh Moody preaching
APRIL 27: Not the Righteous, Matthew 9:1-26
SUNDAY EVENING SERVICES: Everyone welcome.
Join us at 5 p .m . in Commons Hall .
Let’s Gather: Songs of Wisdom: Sermons from the Psalms
APRIL 6: Psalm 128, Felipe Chamy preaching
APRIL 13: No evening service
APRIL 20: No evening service
APRIL 27: Psalm 119:1-8, Curt Miller preaching
ADULT COMMUNITIES
Adult Communities do not meet on Easter
FORUM 15 Sundays 8 a m in C104F
• Teacher: Bruce Main, John Maust, David Fetzer, and others
• Study: April 6 & 13—Selected psalms; April 27—Lesson 1 of series: “Responses to ‘He Is Risen’”
• Description: prayer, singing and study with class interaction
GREEK EXEGESIS CLASS Sundays 9:30 a m in the Board Room
• Teacher: Jon Laansma
• Study: 1 John
• Description: Reading and discussion of the Greek New Testament Knowledge of Greek is not required for this class
LIFE TOGETHER COMMUNITY Sundays 9:30 a m in Commons Gym
• Teacher: Teaching Team
• Description: Various Topics with small group discussion . Authentic, biblical community for adults ages 25–40
LIVING WORD Sundays 9:30 a m in C104A & C104C
• Teachers: Felipe Chamy, Jacob Samuel Raju, and others
• Study: Gospel of John
• Description: A “community within a community,” where we share, pray and learn together
LOGOS Sundays 9:30 a m . in C104E
• Teacher: James Seward
• Study: The Book of Hebrews
• Description: A caring community centered around interactive Bible teaching and prayer, spanning a range of ages and family situations
THRIVE Sundays 9:30 a m in Crossings-Clapham Main Area
• Teachers: Joe Becker
• Study: The Gospel of John
• Description: a vibrant group, ages approximately 40-60, committed to growing with Jesus and his church through Bible-based teaching, small group discussion, common prayer and fellowship
VERITAS Sundays 9:30 a m in C104B & D
• Teacher: Dr Gregg Quiggle
• Study: Christian History since the Reformation
• Description: a teaching class with active discussion and interaction Most attendees are middle to upper age
WOMEN’S MINISTRIES
MOM2MOM (MONDAYS)
APRIL 7: Large Group Gathering, 9:30-11 a m in Commons Hall, topic: discipline
APRIL 14: Playdate, 9:30-11:30 a m
APRIL 28: Playdate, 9:30-11:30 a m
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY
We hope you’ll join us as we study 1 & 2 Chronicles this semester . To register, visit our website
*Spring Break on April 2
MORNING: 9:30-11 a m
EVENING: 6:45-8:15 p m
WOMEN’S MONTHLY GATHERING
Join us on April 12 from 9 to 10:30 a m in Commons Hall as we think deeply about Jesus’ statement in John 14: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life . No one comes to the Father except through me ” Whether you’ve joined us before, or this would be your first time, we hope to see you there!
MEN’S MINISTRIES
MEN’S BREAKFAST SERIES
Saturday, April 5, 7:308:30 a m in Commons Hall
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY
Wednesdays, 6:45-8:15 p m in Commons West, Spring Break, April 2
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES (KIDS’ HARBOR)
Family Worship on Easter
SUNDAY MORNING
Nursery (0-2) at 9:30 and 11 a m
Bible school (preschool-third grade) at 9:30 a m
At the 9:30 hour, fourth and fifth graders begin with their families in the service (or an Adult Community) until dismissed for Bible school
Wonders of Worship “WOW” (K-third grade) dismissed during second half of 11 a .m . service
Children’s church (older preschool) during second half of 11 a m service
Children’s church (younger preschool) at 11 a m
SUNDAY EVENING
God’s Children Sing, Children’s Choirs, Preschool and Nursery
SUMMER PROGRAM
Registration is open online Visit the events page on the church
website for more information and to register
WEDNESDAY MINISTRIES
KIDS KORNER: 9:30-11 a m , (connected with morning Women’s Bible Study)
EVENING PROGRAMS: 6:45-8:15 p m No Kids’ Harbor programs on April 2—Spring Break
FCA BASKETBALL practice on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and games on Saturday from 8 a m to 12 p m at College Church Other practices and game times will be at Wheaton Academy
MIDDLE SCHOOL ( KINGS MESSENGERS)
SUNDAY MORNINGS:
9:30-10:30 a m , in the KMs room (Commons Lower Level)
WEDNESDAY EVENINGS: 6:45-8:15 p m in the Crossings
APRIL 2: No KMs—Spring Break
APRIL 20: No KMs—Easter Sunday
HIGH SCHOOL (HYACKS)
SUNDAY MORNINGS 9:30-10:30 a m in Crossings—Baxter Helm is teaching a series on the book of Hebrews titled, “Jesus is Better ”
WEDNESDAY MORNING:
Men and Women of Courage groups meet in Crossings conference Room and women meet in Welsh Hall 6:30-7:30 a m
APRIL 20: no meeting for Easter Sunday
WEDNESDAY EVENING: large group in Crossings (Clapham main area) or small groups in homes at 7-8:30 p m
APRIL 2: Spring break
APRIL 9: Small Group
APRIL 16: Large Group leader panel on mental health and Christianity
APRIL 23: Small Group
APRIL 30: Large Group welcoming ninth graders to Hyacks
WEDNESDAY MORNING:
Men & Women of Courage Men meet in Crossings conference Room and women meet in Welsh Hall 6:30-7:30 am
APRIL 2: Spring break
APRIL 16: Hebrews 4:14-16, 12:1-3
APRIL 30: Last meeting of the school year
COLLEGE GROUP
AFTER HOURS: Sunday evenings, 6-7:30 p m in Crossings; dinner, fellowship, and examination of Biblical Christianity
APRIL 6: Party with the Pastoral Staff
APRIL 13: Special Evening presented by college ministry associates
APRIL 27: Worship Night
HOME STUDY: of Gospel of John, Monday or Tuesday evening
PRAYER GROUP: Friday evening Contact tmain@college-church org for details
STARS DISABILITY
SUNDAY
Adult/Multi-Generational Sunday classes meet at 9:30 and 11 a m
Child/Teen Sunday classes at 9:30 and 11 a m
STARS Choir Sundays at 5 p m
*Not meeting April 20. continued on next page
STARS Moms Bible Study Sundays at 5 p m
*Not meeting April 20.
STARS Praise in Action Wednesdays at 6:45 p m
*Not meeting April 2.
FRIDAY NIGHT FUN on April 4 from 6:30 to 8:30 p .m . (last FNF until fall)
STARS Ministry Sunday on April 27 at 8, 9:30 and 11 a m (No 11 a m class)
SIGNS OF LOVE
Deaf Ministry Building Bridges, April 6, 3:30-5 p m in the Crossings conference room
ARTSPACE
Details on page 9
KEENAGERS
meet pastors and staff, learn about College Church, and find out how you can get involved Lunch is on us! RSVP to help us plan .
Looking Ahead
MEMBERSHIP
THEATER
Arena Theater at Wheaton College presents:
Silent Sky
Thursday, April 3-Saturday April 12
For Tickets: (630) 752-5010; artsevents@wheaton .edu
Written by Lauren Gunderson and directed by Kailey Bell
Silent Sky brilliantly illuminates the startling story of the historymaking 19th Century Harvard astronomer Henrietta Leavitt .
ANNUAL MEETING
College Church Annual Meeting
May 18, 2025
5 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Join us on April 11 as we hear from God Centered Life—the Bible-teaching media ministry of Pastor Moody God Centered Life broadcasts sermons to over 200 countries around the globe and is on more than 120 U S radio stations, including Moody Radio Learn more about producing a radio broadcast, delve into the challenges and opportunities in today’s Christian media landscape, and be prepared for some ministry and Pastor Josh trivia! The evening begins with a reception at 5:30, dinner at 6, and program at 7 p .m . Sign up by April 8 by emailing keenagers@collegechurch org, or use the QR code The cost is $10 per person, payable that evening
ABOUT US LUNCH
Are you new to College Church or would you like to learn more about us? If so, you’re invited to a special lunch on Sunday, April 27, at noon in our Fireside area – the west side of the Sanctuary lobby Come and
Ready to participate fully in the life and ministries of College Church? Come find out about College Church’s history, core beliefs, ministries and what it means for you to be a member This membership opportunity will be Saturday, May 3, from 8 a m - noon; registration is requested For more info, contact Christy at membership@collegechurch org, or call (630) 668-0878, ext 175
Under the Radar
DISCUSSION PANEL
Revival Amidst Oppression: The Persecuted Church in China
Tuesday, April 1
6:30 p.m.
Barrows Auditorium
500 College Ave, Wheaton, IL
The panel includes Ryan Brown, Philip Ryken, Pastor Sean Long, Hannah Nation, Michael McKoy and Yousaf Sadiq
Everyone welcome; members, make every effort to attend
PLANT SALE
City of Wheaton: Native Plant Sale
Saturday, April 26
8:30-11 a.m.
Wheaton Public Works Storage Yard, 820 W Liberty Drive
Wheaton’s Environmental Improvement Commission encourages the community to save the date for its annual Native Plant Sale in cooperation with the Wheaton Park District . The sale will feature flowers, bushes, grasses, shrubs, and more that are native to Illinois, making them a hardy and environmentally friendly choice
SFS BENEFIT
A Night for the STARS
With special guest Pam Tebow
Friday, May 16
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. College Church Sanctuary
A benefit evening for STARS Family Services
CREAM OF WHEATON
June 5-8, 2025
Memorial Park & Downtown Wheaton
Kick off summer at Cream of Wheaton! Enjoy four days of summer fun including live entertainment, food and drink,
Facilities FACTS
How many setups each week at College Church?
We use a program designed to set up an average week of Sunday classes, worship services, youth, STARS, children’s choir and childcare, Wednesday Bible Studies, Clubs, youth, STARS and childcare and Thursday choir practice, our custodians set up 2,328 chairs and 502 tables
carnival rides, kids’ activities, a business expo, and arts and crafts fair College Church will have a display in the park
If you are interested in helping to staff our College Church display, email wtriggs@college-church org for details
OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRAYER
Call the church office or email info@college-church.org for details on these prayer meetings.
SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER: 8:15-8:40 a m , meets in the Commons board room
However, these numbers do not accurately reflect the scope of work because they do not include all the other events that happen regularly such as the weekly and monthly events: Mom2Mom, STARS, MultiNations Fellowship, Keenagers, Men’s Breakfast, Women’s Monthly Gathering, any standing meetings or one-off conferences, weddings, funerals or outside events If you are in a life stage that allows you time to join the set up teams here at College Church, please contact Howard Kern at HKern@college-church org
MILESTONES
BIRTHS
Ashlyn Joy was born to Evan and Carolyn Singley on March 10. She is welcomed by siblings Logan, Maddie and Reagan. Her paternal grandparents are H.E. and Noretta Singley
Jamisyn Luna was born to Micah and Jenna Chiang on January 2 in Pasadena, CA. She joins her older brother Malachi. Jamisyn’s maternal grandmother is Ann Lawrenz.
DEATHS
Pray for Jim (Janet) Vanne and family as they grieve the loss of Jim’s brother Mark on March 28 in Aurora, Illinois.
Pray for Joel (Cary) Barnes and family as they grieve the loss of Joel’s mother and long-term College Church member, Joanne Barnes, who passed away on March 10 in Dekalb, Illinois.
Pray for Harry Genet and family as they grieve the loss of Harry’s wife, Carol, who passed away on March 2 in Huntsville, Alabama.
MONDAY MORNING PRAYER: 6:15 a m , meets in C104A
MIDWEEK PRAYER MEETING: Wednesdays at noon via Zoom
APRIL 2: Josh and Brittany B , Pioneers, evangelism and church planting in Asia and the U S
APRIL 9: Jon and Kathy Haley, WorldVenture, mobilization in Spain .
APRIL 16: Jamie and Kim Viands, AIM, seminary teaching in Kenya
APRIL 23: Stanley (Marjorie) Okoro, GEM church planting in France .
APRIL 30: Dave and Majka P ., GEM, evangelism/discipleship in U S /Austria
PRAYER FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH: Fridays, 12-1 p m in the Board Room
AARON-HUR PRAYER FELLOWSHIP
will meet on Tuesday, April 10, at 7 p .m . at the home of Ruth Diffin, 1917 Ardmore Lane, Unit B, in Wheaton, (610) 291-2437 Our guests will be Tim and Judy Sattler, serving worldwide
BARNABAS PRAYER FELLOWSHIP
hopes to hear from Elizabeth M about her work in the Middle East North Africa region at its meeting on Tuesday, April 15, at 1:30 p .m . in the Patio Dining Room at Covenant Living at Windsor Park
Fresh in all Seasons
Iam the dahlia tuber that completely dried to dust in the box when no one was looking. Also, the one that rotted because it needed seven minutes more last fall to dry out just enough before being shut into winter storage. I am the sparrow who falls to the ground; so, hearing that not one fallen sparrow; not one? Not one is outside our Father’s care lifts me back onto the branch where the berries grow.
Not one? Not one.
It is known that gardeners are— I don’t want to say crazy—so I’ll say perennially, maybe terminally hopeful. We make promises we can’t keep. We especially make promises to ourselves we refuse to keep. We falter, but we don’t give up.
I just watched myself order three more seed packets of flowers the rabbits and I adore. I’m speaking of you, thou delicious candy to rabbits, oh heart breaking luscious dahlias. The giants among you called dinner plates to welcome a hungry rabbit as you bloom in every color, not to mention the little pompoms in delicate multicolored mouthfuls.
I had declared being done with dahlias as being flowers that wear me out. Dahlias were not on my tried-and-true list scrawled in hope over the years:
FLOWERS RABBITS LEAVE ALONE IN MY GARDEN (see list on next page)
I heard myself say to myself and anyone in the room: I have grown wise and therefore no longer planting rabbits’ favorites. Look at all these varieties they do not favor. I will stick to these. I am tired of cloches, wire fencing, pepper spray, deterrent pellets and chasing rabbits with the “Stop Thief!” energy Mr. McGregor unleashed in the stories about Peter Cottontail.
Yet when a supplier had dahlia seeds on sale, they suddenly hopped into my
VIRGINIA HUGHES
cart even while knowing security and diligence at the highest levels would be required. Maybe I have only learned one thing and that is to stop making noisy declarations I will not follow.
The other side to the coin is I don’t dislike wild rabbits. Not really. I love animals. Squirrels that make a mess burying acorns in the yard boo hiss; and even the rascals that raid bird feeders. The wild bunnies know I have pulled their young from the eager maws of cats and dogs. And when it went too far with said cat or dog, we buried the baby bunnies in solemn, biblical services strewn with tears and flower petals, marking tiny graves with popsicle sticks.
The rabbits’ neighborhood newsletter circulates gossip about me having had pet rabbits in younger days; they know I don’t wish them harm; and can’t volunteer at the animal care centers due to a soft spot for all the sweet house rabbits needing homes there. They know I consider planting Timothy Hay outdoors for them against the advice of better judgement.
What helps a gardener’s unbelief is watching seeds one can barely see land on the soil, feel the sun, drink the drop of water and burst forth. Over and over this process resonates new life, a fresh start, a do over and try again.
And because we believe in the process, gardeners keep planting seeds having taken to heart the parable Jesus told of the Sower. There will be attrition, but we keep planting, watering and harvesting. This work is never finished for us. As we plant, we refresh our own souls by listening to God’s Word and obeying, listening and obeying, listening and obeying in a cycle that repeats over and over. We recommit with our minds and carry on loving and sowing the gospel as we walk every day.
When Jesus said “it is finished” he meant his work in God’s story within the scene
of perfect sacrifice. He did it. He made it through to the end of his painful, perfect sacrifice that all creation had pined for since the fall. We can lean into the knowledge and gift of Jesus, let go and fall with our fallen selves right into his redemption that he keeps fresh for us all this while.
The echo returns. Not one? Not one!
Not one of the sparrows will fall outside our father’s care. And even the very
hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows; how we relish reading these words from Matthew 10:30-31.
Jesus has paid it all through the past cold wintery season and remains a fresh sacrifice this spring. This Easter we rise to hear and believe in his resurrection power. It is time to grow again.
Flowers Rabbits Leave Alone In My Garden
• agastache—got eaten once, but otherwise ok
• bleeding heart
• candytuft
• cleome
• coleus
• daffodils
• day lilies
• echinacea—protect when small
• four o’clocks
• grasses—protect fresh shoots
• herbs—protect when small
• iris
• Jacob’s ladder
• lavender
• lily of the valley
• marigolds—older varieties NOT delicate hybrids
• old fashioned phlox
• peonies
• penstemon
• perennial geraniums— protect at beginning of season
• perennial hibiscus
• nepeta
• rudbeckia—older perennial variety
• salvia
• scented geraniums
• sedges
• sedums
• verbena—the self seeding tall ones
• vinca—do not plant in back corner by the fence
• wild flower varieties— protect young shoots
NEW MEMBERS
JOAQUIM & CHRISTINE FRAGOSO
The Fragosos have been married over 15 years and have four children They participate in Bible studies at College Church and attend the Living Word Adult Community . Joaquim grew up in Brazil and met Christine while she was in Brazil for a short-term missions trip
Joaquim is the facility manager at a plumbing and heating company, after 14 years at Intervarsity Press Christine homeschools her children and does freelance writing and editing
TYLER JONES
Tyler has been married to Haley since 2021 . He directs a discipleship ministry for men through Wayside Cross Ministries
MICHAEL & AMBAR KLEIN
Michael and Ambar marred in 2023 . Ambar is a daughter of College Church members Jaime and Giselle Mejia She is a musician and is involved in the church’s worship and music ministry Michael is involved in the choir and Men’s Bible Study . He grew up in a military family and now works in sales after college
MARIEL MARTIN
Mariel is the daughter of College Church members Bob and Aleta Martin She enjoys volunteering in the STARS Ministry and is involved in the 20s group Mariel teaches middle school special education .
KARI SHAMA
Kari’s family is a mixture of Irish and Egyptian She is semi-retired, having worked in education Kari is involved in the Living Word Adult Community
WILLEM VAN DER MEIJ
After graduating from college last year, Willem began attending College Church . He is involved in the 20s group and in Men’s Bible Study His brother Johannes is also a member; they grew up in a multicultural family—their mother is from Illinois and their father is from the Netherlands Willem works as a software developer .
GRACE WIGGINS
Grace is a daughter of College Church members David and Heather Wiggins She is involved in the 20s group and serves in HYACKS Grace works on the marketing team at Crossway Publishers .
For decades, it has been the desire of the church leadership to provide parking on the north side of Seminary Avenue, on the same side of the street and adjacent to the Sanctuary. Purchasing and/or being the recipient from donors of several houses on the south side of Seminary allowed for the building of the Commons with the 180 parking spaces there. We purchased the two apartment buildings at the southeast corner of Seminary and Scott Streets in 2006 for eventual parking but were not able to acquire anything on the north side of the street.
Five of the seven parcels directly to the west of the Sanctuary were owned by one family. They had moved a house there from Main Street in Wheaton in the 1920s, built the small brick house, and purchased the others. They all have rich histories, and the family was adamant that they would not sell to us.
Several of us got to know the owners’ family members and began extensive conversations which resulted in the purchase of those five parcels over a period of years. The sixth house was purchased through an auction after a foreclosure, and because the house was not in salvageable condition, it was torn down and the lot grassed over. The final house on the corner was purchased when it was listed for sale in the market, and a very generous estate gift we had received made that purchase possible.
Altogether, the houses had close to 20 apartments, and we continued that rental pattern while we refined the plans for a parking lot containing spaces for accessible parking for those in our
FROM Raising TO Razing TO Praising
New accessible parking coming to College Church
NANCY SINGER
STARS ministry, senior citizens and visitors. We assured the tenants that while we were planning the eventual demolition of the houses for parking, we would give them six-month notices so they could find other housing. You’ll remember that fundraising for the demolition and building a parking lot started with the 2020 capital campaign and continued through the existing Gospel Now Project.
The deacons and elders provided direction to give those notices in February, and we are finalizing all the paperwork required to submit demolition permits to the City of Wheaton. Part of this process requires public notices to the owners of property all around these parcels so they might make comments when the public hearings are held by the City. Our goal is to have as much of that extensive paperwork done as possible so that permits can be granted by the City and work started in mid August.
One of the Gospel Now Project initiatives is to raise sufficient funds to add to the 2020 capital campaign funds to pay for the project. But we are short of that goal. We are trusting God to provide what is needed to fully pay for the demolition and parking lot through the generosity of this congregation. If you are interested in making sure we have sufficient funds, you may contribute online to the Gospel Now Project, designating your gift to “Accessible Parking” or writing a check payable to College Church and writing “Accessible Parking” on the memo line. With everyone pitching in, we can make the parking lot a reality before the winter snows in late 2025. These new 100+ spaces will serve the church well for years to come.
God Centered Life in the UK
TONY DILEONARDI, Executive Director, God Centered Life
Sixteenth century English missionary William Carey is well known for saying, “Expect great things from God.” Well, at God Centered Life (GCL), we were wonderfully reminded of this truth as we completed our first-ever ministry trip to the United Kingdom. While in England and Ireland for two weeks, Pastor Josh Moody preached at the invitation of several local Christian pastors and ministry leaders. What started as a conversation between a missionary and our church grew into a wonderful ministry experience for thousands and an eye-opening trip for me.
Pastor Moody began by preaching to university students at Cambridge, then by speaking at two GCL conferences in Belfast and London. He preached to over 100 university students in Belfast prior to heading back to London where he spoke to ministry workers in London and on the south shore of England in Bournemouth.
And over the two Sundays we were there, Josh preached in churches in Belfast, Cambridge and Oxford. It’s hard to summarize all that happened as he preached 13 times in 13 days. Pastors, missionaries and ministry heads were encouraged and equipped to continue to serve God in their churches and ministries.
One pastor shared this: A short note to say a big thanks again for your work and ministry for the day in London. A blessing for a church pastor to step away for a day and be fed and encouraged!
As Josh said, “There is a great need in the UK, for amid encouragements there are great challenges, as there are needs all around the world. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the church there.”
I’m not sure what my expectations prior to departure were— perhaps a bit of worry about details and long travel and potentially un-engaged participants. But, upon return, it is clear, God delivered great outcomes despite my limited expectations.
Here are three things I experienced in the UK:
1. Gospel awakening
2. Encouragement
3. Recognition of resources and needs
At every event we attended, whether young university students, grizzled ministry veterans, or young families headed out as missionaries, there was a keen sense of awakening in their ministry. God is at work—particularly with the backdrop of
spiritual darkness in that region. I saw revival in their stories, their energy and in their singing. Despite the often-small size of the ministry, the engagement and singing told a different story.
We were so encouraged by this. I took for granted our worship and singing here at this large body at College Church. I always appreciate the singing here. These small body of believers gave us a run for the money. Their worship was beautiful, their singing was joyful (and loud), and their desire to live out a life centered on God was obvious, even among a non-believing culture. What an encouragement to me it was!
And finally, there is a need. A need I did not see coming. So many of the pastors shared with me of their fatigue. They are working, even in the UK, well under-resourced. It caused me to appreciate all we have in our ministry and seek to continue to steward it well. It made me pause and consider the trajectory of the U.S. church: are we just a generation behind our brothers and sisters in the UK and Europe?
This trip brought to life for me the lyrics from Belfast’s very own music legend, Van Morrison, as he sings in his song “Full Force Gale.”
And no matter where I roam I will find my way back home I will always return to the Lord
In the gentle evening breeze
By the whispering shady trees
I will find my sanctuary in the Lord I was headed for a fall
Then I saw the writing on the wall
Like a full force gale, I was lifted up again I was lifted up again by the Lord.
I will close with this note from a local pastor I met.
I thoroughly enjoyed the day (with God Centered Life). It provided a wonderful space to reflect and be recharged. I think key to that for me were the clear focus on listening to God’s word, and the connection from Josh that was tailored to leaders facing real life challenges. There is an acute need for evangelicals to pull together now in the UK—across bounds of denominations and attitudes and ‘positions’ on matters that are entirely secondary to our salvation in Jesus.
So again, God delivered great things through the preaching of his Word by Pastor Moody and God Centered Life in the UK. Why would I have expected anything else?
POETRY: ALEX LEE
DEATH AS PUNCTUATION:
PERIOD.
Between pulses: a period, so brief a myriad make but a while, in which to smile as the camera clicks, in which to fix one’s sleeves and tie before the guy in the hood says, “Good, hold it,” and pulls the cord. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
QUESTION MARK?
What dreams may come when we are dead (as Hamlet said) may puzzle some
whose will remains unbowed before the grace of God. But we, redeemed, are neither awed nor vexed nor cowed. That undiscover’d country is for us the mansion’s entry.
EXCLAMATION POINT!
How swiftly life evaporates—our joys unremembered, our strife turned to soundless fury, or else a voice crying in the wilderness. Everything for which we strove— every act of kindness not done in love— is just a cymbal’s clanging. Vanity—vanity! All our labor and rhapsodizing mere inanity.
Of the many roads a man walks down, be he Bunyan or a singer named Bob, naught but the narrow, narrow one leads faithfully to God.
COMMA,
Think of it this way and you may lessen your dismay. The final time each eye closes for good, as you die, is the same moment they open onto heaven: The radiance of the view afforded you will make the glorifying worth the dying.
Doing some spring cleaning this month? Keep, toss or donate to our resale stores, STARS Resale and Twice is Nice.
STARS Resale donation hours are 10-2 every day except Wednesdays and Sundays
Donations hours for Twice is Nice: Monday-Friday, 10-3, Saturday 9-2 . starsresaleshop com
OUR VISION
2025 INITIATIVES
Vision: “Proclaiming the Gospel”
PATHWAY. We will foster a pathway for our gospel ministries: Discover Jesus, Grow in Your Faith and Impact the World. In 2025, we will continue to expand and strengthen this pathway by 1) equipping and encouraging congregants so that they are motivated to share the gospel and their personal faith stories within the community; 2) expanding outreach initiatives by building upon our existing programs and developing new efforts designed to invite community members to engage with the church more frequently and meaningfully; and 3) promoting the proclamation of the gospel and what College Church offers to the community through a variety of communication channels.
Rationale: After consultation with a Christian communications company, and surveying the neighborhood, we have discovered that we need to present the distinctive gospel ministry opportunity of College Church more clearly and invitationally to the surrounding community.
COMMUNITY. We will cultivate care, encouragement and connection in 2025 by: 1) Calling a pastor focused on care, encouragement and connection; 2) Establishing a permanent Care Team to support congregational care; and 3) Exhorting our congregation to: make consistent attendance on our Sunday morning worship a priority; be active in a smaller gathering; and to be involved in an area of service.
Rationale: After conversations with key ministry leaders, it is apparent we need to increase connectivity between members and attenders of the church through mutually loving and caring hospitality.
DISCIPLESHIP.
We will elevate biblically rigorous and practical discipleship in 2025, by developing a clear track to introduce people to the foundations of Christian discipleship: basics of the Christian faith, spiritual growth (including training in Bible study and prayer) and gospel impact. This will parallel our church-wide ministry pathway of discover, grow and impact.
Rationale: After a churchwide discipleship survey, we have ascertained a growing need for more rigorous and practical discipleship that is coherently coordinated across both small and large groups.
CAMPUS. We will increasingly activate our campus by utilizing the Crossings as a crossover space to reach the community and for student, worship and family space, executing year two of the three-year capital campaign launched in 2024, prioritizing safety and accessibility upgrades to our parking and other key areas, and clarifying the highest and best missional use for our portfolio of rental properties.
Rationale: After the Site and Facilities committee’s extensive work surveying the ministry pinch points, it is apparent that we need to develop our ministry space, and we will target the Crossings space.
PARTNERSHIPS. We will leverage the church’s history of church planting, training programs, and connections across the country and world by seeking to develop one new church partner in each category (planting, strengthening, revitalizing) by December 2025.
Rationale: By partnering with like-minded churches and organizations, and by broadening our scope to including planting, strengthening, and revitalization, we can increase our gospel impact through gospel-centered, Bible preaching churches.
We bathe all these initiatives in prayer.
My SOHL Journey
My first introduction to Caring Network came through the baby bottle drive, Coins for Caring Network, at College Church. As a new college graduate, I was not yet passionate or involved in the pro-life movement. Although I agreed that preborn children should have human rights and those in crisis needed our help, I was not very familiar with the abortion issue.
Years later, during the very first ultrasound of my older child, the Holy Spirit caught my attention. My heart softened. I realized that many women have their abortions right after medically verifying their home pregnancy test and having an ultrasound—at the same juncture as I was at the time. I was already excited about being pregnant, but I didn’t realize how much more I would love my son until he was born! I then resolved to start supporting Caring Network regularly as I didn’t want any woman to miss out on the amazing journey of motherhood because of a quick decision made in a panic.
Coins for Caring Network has been a key part of teaching about the value of human life at College Church. Once a year, we set up stations outside the children’s classrooms, the main entry for Adult Communities and the Sanctuary to hand out the bottles to individuals and families. Our hope is that all congregants discover how Caring Network provides free pregnancy and abortion recovery services and then be ready to refer others or find assistance for themselves. One woman shared about the transformation that began when she picked up a baby bottle at College Church. She thought that if Caring Network helps people who are pregnant unexpectedly, they might care about those who already had an abortion. Seeing Caring Network’s information on the bottle, she contacted them about her constant mental and spiritual anguish after an abortion many years before. Eventually she found healing and peace from Christ through the Caring Network Restore After Abortion process.
For my own sons, the baby bottle drive provided the opportunity to take pro-
life action even though they were only in grade school and preschool. Each year, they still walk around the neighborhood asking for donations. Honestly, I’m inspired by my own children! The truth of the pro-life message is clear and intuitive to a young child. Babies in the womb and their mothers have great value and deserve our Christlike love and tangible support.
Caring Network provides respectful and responsive support before, during and after birth. They present information while striving to reduce the client’s stress, encourage her to be empowered to choose life, and share the gospel when the Holy Spirit opens a door of willingness to listen. All services such as pregnancy tests, telehealth calls and ultrasounds are free because of donors like College Church congregants. There is no governmental funding for Caring Network, rather our state has been targeting pregnancy centers. The abortion-minded women Caring Network serves typically do not have a social network of support such as loving spouses and family, willing friends
SARAH LINDQUIST
and church connections to assist them in crisis. Their friends, family and father of their child often advise them or coerce them to have an abortion or are simply not present. When in crisis, many of us have a social network that can help us with last minute babysitting or drive us when the car breaks down, or we have contacts who assist us when we need to find a job, and the like. Caring Network helps build the support network around a client to overcome her obstacles through mentoring, connecting her to a church group that agrees to assist her, and providing referrals to free medical care, job training resources, housing, transportation and more. Some referred, financially needy clients receive donated Baby Bank supplies from Caring Network through the first four years of their child’s life.
Members of College Church were instrumental in founding the local crisis pregnancy center that eventually grew to the Caring Network pregnancy centers. One Sunday, another congregant told me how his wife used to answer Caring Network client calls in the early days of the ministry. So, get ready, College Church! It’s time to contribute toward our longstanding ministry partner’s operating funds. They depend on our support.
In 2024, College Church congregants donated $15,701.24 for Caring Network operating expenses during Coins for Caring Network. Let’s increase our generosity to Caring Network as it opens more centers this spring and summer in Chicago, as well as helping more regretful clients through telehealth, clients who want to reverse the effects of the first abortion pill to save their baby.
Fill up a baby bottle during the campaign with coins or cash. You can also write checks or give online. If you give online through the QR code below, please indicate that you are from Col-
lege Church so we can track the total donated. Consider supporting Caring Network monthly and receiving email updates from them to help inform your prayers for this ministry.
• April 13 (Palm Sunday)-bottle distribution begins!
• Mother’s Day, May 11-Return baby bottles
SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE ANNOUNCEMENTS
4 ILLINOIS PLANNED PARENTHOODS CLOSING
Two centers with 40 Days for Life campaigns, Bloomington and Decatur, as well as clinics in Englewood and Ottawa due to finances. These closures are in addition two other abortion clinics closing outside of Illinois during the fall 40 Days for Life fall campaign (which were the 158th and 159th closed since 40 Days for Life began prayer vigils!)
40 DAYS FOR LIFE PRAYER
Saturday, April 26, 1-2 p.m. Join Sanctity of Human Life Task Force at 40 Days for Life’s year-round peaceful prayer vigil. Meet on Waterleaf pregnancy center’s property across from Planned Parenthood Aurora. When abortion bound clients change their minds and don’t show up, lives are saved and cancelled appointments cut into Planned Parenthood profits. Planned Parenthood employees report up to 75% no show rate when prayer is happening outside. Questions? Contact sohl@college-church.org.
CARING NETWORK CORNER
Did you know that new Caring Network pregnancy centers in Chicago are ready to open but lack enough staff? Please pass on job listings for nurses and sonographers to your contacts.
Bring diapers, wipes, baby lotion, shampoo, and wash, diaper cream, and formula to the crib (outside the sanctuary on the 1st Sunday of every month and in the Commons the rest of the month).
Building for Gospel Impact: A Vision for the Future
As we approach the one-year anniversary of the Gospel Now project, we have much to celebrate. Over the past ten months, our congregation has deepened its commitment to prayer, Scripture memorization, and local outreach. Together, we have embarked on a journey of faith and generosity, seeking to strengthen our impact both within our church and throughout the community. Now, we stand at a pivotal moment—one where our vision can become a reality.
One of the most exciting components of Gospel Now is the transformation of the Crossings building. If you attended the Gospel Now Open House on March 12, you saw firsthand how this space will enhance our church’s ministries. From expanding student spaces to hosting more dynamic men’s and women’s ministries, the improvements to the Crossings will allow us to accelerate our outreach and deepen our community impact. If you missed the event, don’t worry—you’re still invited to be part of this incredible journey.
WHERE WE ARE AND WHERE WE’RE HEADED
Our total fundraising goal for Gospel Now is $8.5 million, and through the generosity of our congregation, we’ve already raised more than half of that. This is a significant milestone, but we still have work to do. Before we can break ground on construction, we must ensure sufficient funding is in place.
While $8.5 million may seem like a daunting number, consider this: it’s actually less than the church’s current annual budget. If all of us committed to increasing our giving by just one-third for the next three years, we would not only reach but exceed our goal. For many, this is a doable sacrifice—one that, with creativity and commitment, will yield lasting impact.
WHY THIS PROJECT MATTERS
The heart of Gospel Now can be summarized in four simple words: strategic future gospel impact. This initiative is about more than a building; it’s about investing in people, strengthening our ministries, and ensuring long-term sustainability. It’s about equipping the next generation, serving the vulnerable and creating spaces where lives will be transformed by the gospel.
Currently, about 40% of our congregation has made a financial commitment to Gospel Now. That’s a great start, but as we approach the one-year mark, our goal is for 100% participation. No gift is too small, and no sacrifice is unnoticed. What matters most is not the amount we give, but our willingness to allow God to work in our hearts and move us toward a lifestyle of generosity.
AN INVITATION TO GIVE
Talking about money can be uncomfortable, but now is the time to have this conversation. It’s easy to ask for prayer and action, but right now, we are also asking for financial commitment. If you’ve already given, thank you. If you have yet to join us in this effort, we invite you to consider making a contribution today. There are many incredible organizations and causes that deserve support, but as members of this church, our local community should be our main priority. Investing in youth and community ministries is an investment in gospel transformation that will resonate for generations to come.
So, let’s rise to the challenge. Let’s commit, give and pray as we continue to act on behalf of the gospel in our community. Together, we can make Gospel Now a reality, leaving a legacy of faith and impact for years to come.
1ST FLOOR SOUTH: College Group space. This is the main entrance to the Crossings We want this space to be inviting with a variety of seating but primarily used for gathering/ worship and meals
2ND FLOOR SOUTH: Hyacks. Worship/gathering space with a hangout space
1ST FLOOR NORTH: Adult Gathering space. Open, flexible space for meetings/ gatherings Between the north and south spaces on the first floor is a kitchen that can be utilized to prepare meals served on both sides
MEZZANINE: Living Room. This is one of three living room spaces The other two, one on the first floor between the north and south gathering spaces and one on the second floor looking south
2ND FLOOR NORTH: KMs. Worship/gathering space with a hangout space
at the BOOKSTALL
With it being the month of April, we thought we’d focus on Easter books! Stop by the church bookstall to find Christ-centered resources that help you reflect on the resurrection, deepen your faith, and share the hope of the gospel Whether you’re looking for devotional readings, books for kids, or something to give away, we have great options for you Visit the bookstall this Sunday and take a look!
Sharing the Gospel:
Give these books to an unbeliever or someone exploring the faith, and share the hope of the gospel this Easter
Bookstall Price: $3
EASTER: THE GREATEST NEWS
by Paul Williams
Death is a difficult topic, often filled with fear and uncertainty But Easter brings the greatest news: Jesus has conquered death, offering us peace, assurance and freedom Through his resurrection, death becomes the doorway to the most glorious beginning of our lives
MERE CHRISTIANITY
by CS Lewis
C S Lewis, one of the 20th century’s most influential Christian writers, sought to explain and defend the core beliefs shared by all Christians . His classic work, originally a series of radio broadcasts, is both simple and profound, making it an important read for believers and a valuable resource to share with skeptics
Bookstall Price: $14
Bible-Reading Plans
HEAVEN, HOW I GOT HERE
by Colin Smith
What if you woke up one morning knowing that it was your last day on earth? That’s what happened to the thief on the cross, who died a few feet from Jesus Heaven, How I Got Here is his story, told in his own words, as he looks back from heaven on the day that changed his eternity, and the faith that can change yours .
Bookstall Price: $8
A PASTOR PRAYS FOR HIS PEOPLE
by Wendell Hawley
Drawing upon years of experience here at College Church, Pastor Wendell C Hawley provides a timeless collection of prayers to lead the church in bringing their praise, joys and struggles before the throne of God Steeped in Scripture, these prayers can be used in public as well as private worship
Bookstall Price: $15
Pick up your copy of the Discipleship Journal Bible reading plan, available for free at the bookstall Most days of the year, this reading plan coincides with Pastor Moody’s daily Bible-reading devotionals .
Devotional Books:
Deepen your reflection on Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection with a great devotional this Easter
POETRY OF REDEMPTION
by Leland Ryken
God’s redemptive plan unfolded in a few tumultuous days, and for two thousand years, believers have sought to express its significance This anthology brings together poetry, hymns and Scripture, paired with literary insights from Leland Ryken . Through forty meditative readings and timeless artwork, it invites reflection on Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, stirring hearts to worship and devotion .
Bookstall Price: $15
Books for Kids:
IN QUIETNESS & TRUST
by Matt Searles
Jesus calls his followers to a counter-cultural way of blessing— one that leads downward in humility rather than upward in status These 40 devotions walk through the Beatitudes, guiding you toward freedom, joy and life in Christ Each day includes Scripture, a reflection, a prayer and a song, with a full playlist available on Spotify
Bookstall Price: $12
Introduce your kids to the joy of reading with Christ-centered books that teach, inspire, and grow their faith this Easter
THE FRIENDS AND THE TRAVELLER
by Sam Brewster
“The friends set off, the traveller walking with them on the way.
They walked and talked and talked and walked throughout the ebbing day.”
Winding along the road to Emmaus, two friends meet a traveller who opens their eyes to a life-changing discovery Join them on the road as the joy of the first Easter dawns
Bookstall Price: $8
EMPTY!
by Joshua Colley &
James Elston
Some things in life are terrible when empty, such as piggy banks, cookie jars and giftwrapped Christmas boxes
But empty can be amazingly good, like Saturday chore lists and that beehive you just bumped into Two thousand years ago, outside Jerusalem, a group of people found a miraculously empty tomb—and the world has never been the same
Join New York Times bestselling author Joshua Cooley in a funny, meaningful journey into Jesus’ empty tomb— the greatest empty in the history of emptiness!—and what it means for us today .
Bookstall Price: $12
Visit the Shepherd Shelf
Between the fireside and the bookstall checkout desk, we are building a “Shepherd Shelf,” a curated collection of books our pastors and directors are referencing in their varied counseling and Christian living situations Be sure to check out this new “Shepherd Shelf ”
GENEROUS MEASURES & SCORES
TThe Charities Aid Foundation monitors and measures generosity country by country and ranks them annually. The foundation for their rankings comes out of the answers to three questions:
1. Have you donated money to charity?
2. Have you helped a stranger or someone you didn’t know who needed help?
3. Have you volunteered your time to an organization?
The foundation released its report for 2024. I would have guessed the United States would come out number one, or at least in the top three. Here are the top ten countries for 2024:
1. Indonesia
2. Kenya
3. Singapore
4. The Gambia
5. Nigeria
6. United States
7. Ukraine
8. Australia
9. United Arab Emirates
10. Malta
So, the U.S. wasn’t quite as high as thought, but we were in the top ten. The thing that sticks out to me about this is that wealth is not the ultimate measure that sets generosity. There are wealthy countries and not so wealthy countries on the list.
I know of no comparable body to register generosity on the scale of religious belief, but surely Christianity would be the number
one faith when it comes to donating money, helping strangers and volunteering time. We have to be number one. After all, we are followers of Jesus, who gave everything—all his resources, his very life to help the strangers, the people who were running from him or rejecting him. Our use of time, help for others and giving?
Number one for sure. There are Muslim and secular or multifaith countries on the list as well. Sometimes natural disasters or war can make a country’s ranking rise or fall. But as a beacon to the world, the church and we Christians as a people—these measures should be a hallmark of who we are.
We should be giving our money to the church and other charitable organizations.
We should be helping people in need, even strangers or people we’ve recently discovered are in need of help.
We should volunteer our time as we are able at church and other Christian and community agencies.
Like I said, I know of no other human measure for these things. But God knows. And in our hearts, if we take the time to take a personal inventory, we can know, too. We can strive to do more and to do better.
And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:41-45)
