“How often do we so delight in his Word that we linger in it day and night, savoring in and through it all that God is for us in Jesus Christ?”
Read “A Word of Delight”
Pastor Josh Maurer on page 20
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August Highlights
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Opportunities for Prayer
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From the Editor
WIL TRIGGS
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A Testimony of God’s Faithfulness
ADAM KALLAL
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Our Vision
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ArtSpace
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Artist Spotlight— Art & Story Collaborative
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Do You Know Me?
PAT CIRRINCIONE
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The Lord’s Doing
ESTHER WALDROP
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Dinner Plus ANONYMOUS
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Meet Your Leaders
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Milestones
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A Word of Delight
JOSH MAURER
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Grateful for God’s Word in Our Hearts
MICHELLE KELLEY
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Redeeming the Sunday Morning Struggle
ASHLEY ANTHONY
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At the Bookstall
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Where Were You When?
SARAH LINDQUIST
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Sanctity of Human Life
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Under the Radar
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Looking Ahead
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Campus Maps
Our Pastors, Directors and Residents: Josue Alvarado, pastoral resident | Matt Anthony, pastoral resident | 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 | 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 | Richard Moomjian, pastoral resident | Ben Panner, college 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: David Bea | Mark Berg | Mark Bradley | Howard Costley, chair | Steve Ivester | Glenn Kosirog | Josh Moody, senior pastor | Jeff Oslund | Roger Sandberg | David Setran | Jeremy Taylor, secretary | Chad Thorson | Brian Wildman, vice-chair
332 E. Seminary, Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 668-0878 | www.college-church.org
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 September issue: August 9 | For the October issue: September 9 | For the November issue: October 9
ASHLEY ANTHONY
is involved in women’s and children’s ministries at College Church. She and her husband, Matt, a pastoral resident, moved to Wheaton last August.
PAT CIRRINCIONE
is a regular contributor to Connections and enjoys reading, baking and knitting. Her greatest joys are God and her family, and spending time with both makes for much joy and laughter.
ADAM KALLAL
is a first-time contributor to Connections. Most of all, Adam enjoys having deep conversations and discussing the Bible with other people. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking and woodworking.
MICHELLE KELLEY
has been on staff at College Group for four years. She started with College Group discipleship, migrated to missions and is currently joyfully serving in women’s ministries. Michelle’s summer bucket list includes spending time swimming in the cool water of Lake Geneva and watching the sunset on the lake.
SARAH LINDQUIST
serves with the Sanctity of Human Life Task Force and the Evangelism and Culture Impact Committee. She homeschools her sons and teaches at the Community School of the Arts at Wheaton College. She is thrilled that the last three Olympic all-around gymnastics champions announced their comebacks this summer!
JOSH MAURER
is the pastor of discipleship at College Church and teaches at Wheaton College as an adjunct professor in Bible and theology. He enjoys reading, writing, music, sports and great coffee He and his wife, Caitlin, have five children: Natalie, Celia, Annabelle, Tobin and Lina.
ESTHER WALDROP
a regular contributor to Connections, enjoys hearing stories of God’s faithfulness from our missionary family. Esther and her husband, John, have enjoyed serving the church in Ukraine, Czech Republic, and most recently, the Middle East.
ART: Eloise Voelker STORY: Alexander Lee
He scanned the land, and seeing there no sign of God, he peered within himself instead. But sin stared back—as blank a glare as nature’s message and his own visage. So he searched elsewhere.
The Word was in the book spelled out, unlike nature’s clues or his own seductive psychic muse. The absence he mistook for abandonment solidified in each commandment, each verse by Paul and Luke.
Everyone welcome.
Join us at 9:30 and 11 a.m. Beginning August 20, we will return to three services: 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Livestream broadcast is at 9:30 a.m. You can watch it at college-church. org/livestream
For adults of all ages, high school and college students
AUGUST 6: Turn to Me and Be Saved, Isaiah 45:18-25, Pastor Josh Maurer
MORNING SERMON SERIES:
From the Book of Judges, Senior Pastor Josh Moody
preaching
AUGUST 13: Risk Faith, Judges 6:1-32
AUGUST 20: You Can Rely on God, Judges 6: 33-7:8
Return to three morning services: 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m.
AUGUST 27: Get God’s Tactics, Judges 7:9-25
Everyone welcome.
5 p.m. in Crossings
SERMON SERIES: GOING UP
Evening sermons from the Book of Ezra
AUGUST 6: Ezra 8:1-36, Pastor Josh Maurer
AUGUST 13: Ezra 9:1-10:44, Pastor Curt Miller
NEW SERMON SERIES:
STRENGTH IN WEAKNESS
Evening sermons from the Book of 2 Corinthians, beginning August 20
SUMMER FORUM: “This I Believe: Meditations on the Apostles’ Creed” Sundays in Commons Hall, at 9:30 a.m. An up-close look at the Apostles’ Creed to remind us of the foundational truths of the faith.
AUGUST 6: God the Holy Spirit (Part 2) with Phil Ryken followed by table discussion.
AUGUST 13: God the Holy Spirit (Part 3) with Josue Alvarado, Pastoral Resident
AUGUST 20: The Creed in History with Gregg Quiggle, D. L. Moody Professor of Historical Theology at Moody Bible Institute
AUGUST 27: The Creed in Discipleship with Dave Setran, Price-LeBar Chair of Christian Formation & Ministry at Wheaton College; Dan Haase, Associate Lecturer of Christian Formation & Ministry at Wheaton College
MOM2MOM
Park Playdates at 9:30-11:30 a.m.
MONDAY, AUGUST 7: Briar Knoll Park, Wheaton
MONDAY, AUGUST 21: Lake Ellyn Park, Glen Ellyn
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY
We’re excited to be diving into the Book of Acts for the year. We hope you’ll join us! To register, visit our website.
MORNING: 9:30-11 a.m.
EVENING: 6:45-8:15 p.m.
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY
Men’s Bible Study, starting Wednesday, September 13, in Commons 6:45-8:15 p.m.
We are studying the Book of Acts for the entire year and are encouraging men to register this year.
A QUEST FOR GODLINESS by J.I. Packer
Thursdays at 7 p.m. in Commons
Book available at the bookstall or at the meeting.
AUGUST 3: Chapter 16 Marriage and Family in Puritan Thought
AUGUST 10: Chapter 18 Puritan Evangelism
SUNDAY MORNING
NURSERY (0-2) at 9:30 and 11 a.m.
PRESCHOOL at 9:30 a.m.
ELEMENTARY SUMMER LIGHTHOUSE
Who: Entering 1st-5th graders
HARBOR)
What: a worship and Bible teaching time for kids
When: Sundays through August 6 at 9:50 a.m. The kids will participate in the 9:30 worship service and will be dismissed as a group to head to their classrooms.
Where: 1st-2nd grade in room 101, 3rd-5th grades in room 201
Why: The basic activity that defines the church is corporate worship. Children are part of the church body, and we want them to participate in worship with us.
Check-in: In the Narthex or at any kiosk before the service.
FAMILY WORSHIP SUNDAY
AUGUST 13: No Kids’ Harbor; only nursery 9:30 and 11 a.m.
KIDS’ HARBOR FALL START-UP begins Sunday, August 20.
Commons Lower Level at 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Join us on Sunday mornings for time to get to know other students, play games together and spend time studying the Book of Philippians. No meeting on August 13.
WEDNESDAYS 6:45-8:15 p.m.
AUGUST 2: Final Summer Wednesday in KMs room
AUGUST 9: No meeting
AUGUST 16: No meeting
AUGUST 23: KMs Wednesday in Crossings
AUGUST 30: KMs Wednesday in Crossings
SUNDAY MORNING
Gather on the Commons Patio at 9 a.m. and we can attend the Summer Forum together at 9:30 a.m.
AUGUST 6: Summer Forum
AUGUST 13: Summer Forum
FALL STARTUP
AUGUST 20: Fall Kickoff, 9:30-10:30 in Crossings, 3:30-7:30 p.m. in Commons
AUGUST 27: Sunday Morning Hyacks, 9:30-10:30 in Crossings
WEDNESDAY EVENING
Wednesday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m. beginning August 23
AUGUST 20: New Student Welcome Breakfast in the Crossing at 10:45 a.m.
AUGUST 27: Sunday Gathering Launch in the Crossing at 10:45 a.m
AUGUST 29: The Table (College dinner and Bible Study) in the Crossing at 6:45 p.m
SUNDAYS
All classes on Commons Tunnel Level.
INCLUSION (NURSERY-HIGH SCHOOL), rooms vary CHILD/TEEN COMMUNITY: in C001
ADULT COMMUNITY: in C002
MULTI-GENERATIONAL COMMUNITY: in C005
Steps of Faith such as believers baptism or confirmation, and infant baptism or dedication are important signposts in our lives. If you are interested in pursuing one of these for yourself or a family member, contact Christy at baptism@college-church.org .
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Looking for ways to serve at College Church that can be flexible with your schedule? Be part of the Go Team! Within our church family, there are frequent requests for help in a variety of ways —taking a meal to someone after a hospitalization, providing transportation to a medical appointment, helping move a piece of furniture, minor maintenance work or handyman help, or even help with a computer problem. Consider being part of the team so that we can show love and serve one another well! Use the QR code to sign up!
Are you new to College Church? If so, you’re invited to our Visitors Lunch on Sunday, September 10, at noon in Commons Hall. Come and meet pastors and staff, learn about College Church, and find out how you can get involved. Lunch is on us! RSVP using the QR code, or by emailing welcome@collegechurch.org
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. in C101
Monday Morning Prayer 6:15-7:15 a.m. in the Board Room
Wednesday Night Prayer (Zoom only) 7-8 p.m.
AUGUST 2: Jonathan and Amy Harris, evangelism and organizational leadership with OM in Cardiff, Wales
AUGUST 9: Jonatán Simons, seminary teaching with SIM in Bogota, Colombia
AUGUST 16: Kristiana and Cory Miller, missionary kids care with GEM in Vienna, Austria
AUGUST 23: JJ and Amy Jones, World Impact DR report
AUGUST 30: Steve and Teri Pardue, seminary teaching in Manila, the Philippines, with Teach Beyond
Friday Prayer for the Persecuted Church, Board Room, 12-1 p.m. Led by Wil and Lorraine Triggs. The weekly prayer guide is also available at our website: college-church.org/ impact/prayer
Aaron-Hur Fellowship will meet on Thursday, August 10, at 7 p.m. at the home of Ruth Diffin, 1917 Ardmore Lane, Unit B, (610) 291-2437.
Barnabas Prayer Fellowship hears from Joan concerning her continuing ministry in a southeastern Asian country among friendly people of another faith. The meeting is planned for its usual time and place: Third Wednesday of August, which is August 16, at 1:30 p.m., in the Arts and Crafts Room of Windsor Park’s Centrum. Both men and women are welcome.
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! PSALM 34:8
As summer moves toward fall, this issue of Connections encourages and challenges readers to celebrate God’s goodness in the big and little things of life. The beginning of the school year for children and students signals a new beginning for the church. As such, each of us has the opportunity to consider God’s work in and through us.
We can do this in part by looking back. Adam Kallal’s “A Testimony of God’s Faithfulness” and the missionary retrospective of Gene and Lois Taylor look at big swatches of life and find God at work to bring faith to life both near and far. It’s an encouraging exercise to look back and see God’s good hand. These perspectives help us to persevere for the long haul.
We can also ask God to help us reach out in new ways. Pat Cirrincione’s “Do You Know Me?” story and our anonymous Giving Joy column both provide examples for us all to consider ways to respond to the people around us with the gospel of Jesus in mind.
We can also pray for cultural impact and outreach partnerships. Sarah Lindquist’s “Where Were You When?” reminds us to keep the most vulnerable in mind as we live day by day.
Finally, a new season can mean a new time of growing in God’s Word. The living Word of God comes to light in Pastor Josh Maurer’s “A Word of Delight,” opening up the Psalms in some new ways, while Michelle Kelley’s “Grateful for God’s Work in Our Hearts” gives us glimpses of the Bible entering and changing lives. These are especially important to bear in mind as we approach a new season of Men’s and Women’s Bible Studies. Registration for both studies is now open.
Fall ministries begin this month for children and students, which makes Ashley Anthony’s “Redeeming the Sunday Morning Struggle” timely reading for those who struggle to get the family in all their various places on Sunday. Ashley helps us consider the ministry we have to those closest to us at a time like Sunday morning, which can be a crazy-busy rush time.
A new season to give, to share, to reach out, to worship God, to taste and see his goodness and love. May God guide each one of us and stretch us in good and new ways together.
I grew up in a rural area near Jerseyville, Illinois. I’ve heard it said that you can take the boy out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the boy. I’ve found this to be true; but with my identity in Christ, I now realize I have much more in common with a true Christian from any background than I do with any of my childhood friends. I was raised Roman Catholic, and until last year, I never encountered anyone who
was willing to outline the theological problems with the Catholic Church. Not even when I asked directly. I thought I was a good person, mostly because of the things I didn’t do. I knew Jesus died for me, but I didn’t really understand the significance of that. I didn’t understand that I was dead in my sins, and that I deserved to spend eternity in hell, no matter what good things I did. I didn’t understand how merciful God is, or how
his love for us is different than the world tells us it is. God seemed very distant, and although I believed in God, I sometimes had huge doubts.
This all changed seven years ago. I was living in southeast Missouri when, one morning, I received a call from my mom asking me to come home. She told me my dad had fallen, and that he couldn’t feel his legs. I prayed harder than ever before during the next few months. When I returned to work, one of my coworkers told me his dad, a firefighter, became paralyzed after falling through the floor of a burning building. After months of therapy, my coworker’s dad was finally able to walk again. I had the same hopes for my dad. He was the best man I knew, surely God wouldn’t make him spend the rest of his life as a paralytic. At the time, I believed God would heal him if my faith was strong enough. In the months following my dad’s accident I was numb to what had happened. I focused on supporting my family, and we were a mess. There eventually came a time when I felt like everyone else had moved on. The gravity of the situation finally sunk in. My dad would never walk again.
After over a year of unanswered prayer, I gave up hope. I started to doubt that God even existed, and then eventually became an atheist. I felt as if the veil had been lifted and I was seeing things as they truly were. I felt free. But this bliss was short-lived. For the remainder of my time as an atheist, I experienced complete emptiness. I couldn’t understand why anyone would want to be alive without God. I wanted things to go back to the way they were, even if I was believing a lie. I wanted to believe again, but just couldn’t.
I felt something prompting me to learn more. I eventually found what I was looking for—logical and scientific evidence for the existence of God. I started to realize there was a good chance that God did exist, and I wanted to learn who God was. I stumbled upon a sermon by Billy Graham on YouTube. He relayed the gospel to me in a way I had never heard before. That night, January 16, 2017, I committed my life to Christ. The next morning, I woke up with indescribable joy. I was completely at peace, and it was the best day of my life. I’ve had a hunger for learning more about God ever since. For about a year, my only source of Bible content was sermons by Billy Graham and other preachers. That changed one day when I noticed my parents reading the Bible. I had never seen them do this before (nor have I since), and the passage they were reading made me want to start reading the Bible myself. I researched where to start and was advised to read the Book of John. Once I got through John’s gospel, I just kept going. Reading the entire Bible for the first time changed my life. I didn’t believe it to be inerrant at first, but after
wrestling with what I thought were problems, I eventually changed my mind.
God has been refining me ever since. In April of 2020, I was laid off from work. I searched for a job for over a year. I wanted to live in the country the rest of my life, but God had other plans. My best friend worked near Chicago, and he got me an interview at his company. I got the job and moved to the suburbs. After being here for about seven months, two Mormon missionaries came knocking on my door. I met with them quite a few times over the next few months. I tried so hard to convince my new Mormon friends of the truth, but I simply wasn’t able. While researching the LDS church, I stumbled upon criticisms of Catholicism. I was shocked. I had failed to realize some of the Catholic church’s teaching are not in agreement with the Bible—including its views on Mary, praying to saints, and the insufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice. In addition to being extremely confused, I was angry. I felt like I had been lied to my whole life. Although it was a time of fierce internal struggle, it was also when I was first given assurance of my salvation. I was carrying the weight of my sins, and it was crushing. When God took this weight from me, I became a new man. Because of this, I want to tell as many people as possible about the false teachings of the Catholic Church. Doctrine matters.
I had no idea where to start when looking for a new church. I remembered talking to a regular attender of College Church months earlier and decided to check it out. So, in June of 2022 I visited College Church for the first time. It was very different from what I was used to, and I didn’t go back for over a month. I decided to try it one more time, and God brought me on the perfect day to hear a sermon made just for me. I still felt out of place for months after that, but I never missed a Sunday there. In September 2022, my best friend moved to Colorado. The very next Sunday someone I didn’t know came up to me and encouraged me to become involved in an Adult Community. I decided to give it a try, and College Church became my home. My new church family encouraged me to tell my parents about my decision. I had been putting this off because I was dreading the inevitable conflict. It went even worse than I had expected. I felt like a little kid all over again. It was hard being yelled at for doing what I knew was right. There have been many ups and downs since, but my family is now supportive of me, even though we disagree.
God put the desire in my heart to be baptized as a public proclamation of my commitment to serving the Lord. So, on May 28, I was baptized at College Church. Even though
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I had been reborn six years earlier, it was still a significant moment for me. Looking back, I can see how drastically my life changed when I was born again. Until that time, I didn’t realize I had a darkness inside of me. I had been harboring resentment towards my mom for years. Billy Graham preached about how we are to forgive others, as we have been forgiven. By the power of the Holy Spirit, I was able to forgive my mom. Afterwards, it was like a curse had been lifted from me. Recently, I found out that my sister had been seeing a therapist because of our mom. I know my sister could be freed the same way I was, but God hasn’t yet worked on her the way he has on me. Multiple people in my family have told me that the gospel message is too good to be true, and I’ve told them that’s why it’s called good news. I must remind myself that conversion is up to God; my job is simply to share the good news.
Before coming to Christ, I never was open about personal issues. Now I share freely in hopes that it will help others. I was told when I started my first job to “fake it until I made it.” Even as Christians, we want others to think we are more Christlike than we feel. It’s hard to be honest, but God has given me the humility to realize I
am much worse than anyone will ever know. I have been helped tremendously by people who have shared their testimonies about addiction to pornography. I used to feel like it was pointless trying to quit, that all guys do it. I had never heard of anyone being able to break free from it. Only after being born again, was I finally able to break free, and even then, I still had occasional struggles for years. God has provided for me, and I was finally able to break free for good. The difference this has made in my life is tremendous. Now I can see it as a perfect illustration of what it’s like to be a slave to sin, and to have Jesus set me free from that. I know what it’s like to become a new creation. I also know what it’s like to have God work on me so slowly that the changes can only be noticed well after the fact.
God has given me so much, but along with my salvation, the greatest thing he has given me is an appreciation for his character. In the ten years leading up to the day I was saved, I could count on one hand the times I shed a tear. Now I find myself tearing up often while reading Scripture and listening to sermons. At this point in my journey, I realize the joy I have in Christ alone is well worth any suffering I’ve endured along the way.
The vision of College Church is summarized in three words: “Proclaiming the Gospel.” This higher purpose elevates and focuses all our activities. We have identified five initiatives for the purpose of proclaiming the gospel.
Pathway. We structure our ministries so that you can Discover Jesus, Grow in Your Faith, and Impact the World. Our goal was to call a pastor of evangelism by June 2023. Jim Johanik accepted that call and is leading the discover portion of this pathway.
Community. We are a community that cultivates care, encouragement and connection. Our goal is to mobilize us all to care for each other, call a community life pastor, and have increased use of counseling with designated space in the Crossings.
Discipleship. We will elevate biblically rigorous and practical discipleship. Our goal is to explore more adult communities and two churchwide educational seminars on matters of current discipleship importance by December 2023.
Campus. We will increasingly activate our campus. Our goal is to utilize the Crossings as a crossover space to reach our community, for student and family space, with phase 2 plan established and capital campaign launched by December 2023.
Planting. We will leverage the church’s history of church planting, training programs, and connections across the country and world. Our goal is to plant multiple new churches in partnership with likeminded churches by 2030.
The Crossings Task Force continues to meet and consider next steps in our campus buildings and outreach. Watch for more to come in early 2024 or sooner.
ART & STORY
Running through August 27 in Crossings
Hours: Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 12-2 p.m.
Visual artists and writers from College Church in partnership create art and stories that stimulate, inspire and celebrate.
A STARS Family Services Mini Gallery
Friday, August 11, 7-9 p.m., then open during regular gallery hours in Crossings.
Discover the different aspects of the SFS art studio with a look at a typical day of ministry in the studio
A monthly coming together, where we discuss our personal projects and the many facets of creativity and God.
Tuesday, August 8, at 7PM in Crossings
We will be discussing Whereever I Am, I Am Always Birding from the New York Times. The article is short and challenges people to try drawing a bird. If you’d like to give it a try, bring along your illustration, photography or write something about a bird. It also delves into the differences between illustration and photography. The article does not discuss faith, but there is much to consider here about creative people and our creative God. It will make for an interesting discussion. You should be able to open the article and read it from this link without any cost: https:// tinyurl.com/ef637dp8 or visit our website at collegechurch.org/artspace and follow the link.
Creativity word for the month: Oasis
If able, bring something creative along that theme
IMPROV/GAME WORKSHOP
September 16 | 10AM-NOON | In Crossings | Cost: $15 Minimum people: 8; Maximum: 20 You must register to attend.
The Improv/Game Workshop draws heavily from the book Improvisation for the Theatre by Viola Spolin and Neva L. Boyd. Everybody can use more fun and laughter in their lives, even us Christians. Maureen Kelly brings 30+ years of teaching improvisation to this workshop, relying upon the concept of “play.” Workshop participants work with each other in ensemble, keenly aware of their fellow players and working in the moment at hand. Participants will discover and enhance listening skills, unharness innate spontaneity and wit, and increase attention to their surrounding environment and other participants. There also can be quite a bit of laughter, which is never discouraged.
About Maureen Kelly, AEA, WGA, SAG-AFTRA
Maureen Kelly has worked with The Second City Improvisational Theatre in Chicago and performed/created eight reviews on the Mainstage and E.T.C. stages. She is a co-founder of the E.T.C. theatre. She has also worked as an actor and screenwriter in Hollywood, and has collaborated with producer Lawrence Mark, Diane Keaton, Robin Williams, Drew Carey, and many others. She loves teaching theatre games (improvisation) to people from all walks of life. Her improv classes are great for helping adults access their creative sides and have fun at the same time.
For more information or to sign up for a gallery or workshop, visit our webpage: college-church.org/artspace.
The works in this gallery bring together words with art, artist with writer, to create works that are stronger together than apart. Thanks to all who partnered with one another, sometimes meeting for the first time, to create each Art & Story piece Be sure to visit the gallery before August 27 to see the many images and to read their corresponding stories.
Celeste Barnett
Katherine Baylis
Keith Bodger
Anita Deyneka
Barbara Elsenheimer
Liita Forsyth
Thomas Gaenzle
Linda Gaenzle
Nadia Gorduek
Ruth Gregornik
Philip Hossu
Lenny Johncola
Alexander Lee
John Maust
Kathryn McBride
J Marr Miller
Richard Moomjian
Meagan Shuptar
Michelle Smidesang
Alyssa Smidesang
Wil Triggs
Adriaan van Wijk
Ian van Wijk
Eloise Voelker
Esther Waldrop
Nancy Weckler
Katrina Wiebe
Susan Zimmerman
Do you know me? If so, then why haven’t you invited me into your home? Or your small group? Or out for a cup of coffee? Is it the clothes I wear? The car I drive? Am I dirty? Do I smell? Do my jokes leave you moaning, or laughing without really thinking I’m funny? Is it the town I come from? Is it my race, my opinions or my nationality?
The word “hospitality” is mentioned four times in the Bible and can be found in
Romans 12:13 where Paul says: “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” In 1 Timothy 5:10 (speaking of widows): “…and having a reputation for good works; if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.” Hebrews 13:2 says: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
Finally, 1 Peter 4:9: “Show hospitality to another without grumbling.”
You are probably thinking by now, what’s up with her? So, I’ll tell you. I have been inundated with three amazing book reads this past year in Women’s Ministries Monthly Gathering: The Gospel Comes with a House Key by Rosaria Butterfield; The Simplest Way to Change the World by Dustin Willis and Brandon Clements, and Organic Outreach for Ordinary People by Kevin G. Harvey. The reads and discussion this year focused on loving our neighbor as ourselves and, quite frankly, I feel exhausted!
Open my house to strangers? Are you mad? My house is my sanctuary! It’s my quiet space! It’s where I get to cuddle up with my pillow and a good book! It’s where I go when I’m tired of the outside world. And you want me to bring it inside?
And yet, as I read God’s Word that’s exactly what the early Christians did, with joy and love. Jesus practiced hospitality and received it. He sat with sinners, tax collectors and prostitutes, making them all a part of his community—even identifying with them. So, I should invite these people into my sanctuary? My holy of holies? Invite outsiders to be family? Establish relationships with them? It’s just too much. I can do it for friends, but strangers? Nope, no way. My house is not a Day’s Inn, or a place where guidance is offered. I’m not qualified to listen to people’s problems, and I’m definitely not blessed with miraculous powers! But yet in Genesis 18, Abraham demonstrates that hospitality is a sacred duty to treat friends and strangers alike, welcoming one another into our homes and our lives. Whew! I’m getting a headache just thinking about it.
Then this thought came to me: Weren’t we all once strangers that needed to be welcomed? According to Dustin Willis in his book The Simplest Way to Change the World , isn’t it a gospel centered motivation for welcoming the stranger and foreigner? Weren’t even the Israelites once strangers in need of welcoming?
As stewards of God’s grace, are we not to keep loving one another earnestly? Are we not to show hospitality to strangers? Are we not to use our gifts to serve one another, to stay steady in prayer and glorify Jesus in all we do?
In Matthew 25:40-46, Jesus describes acts of mercy we can do every day; simple acts freely given and freely received. To quote a note on this passage from my King James Bible: “We had no excuse to neglect those who have deep needs, and we cannot hand over this responsibility to the church or government. Jesus demands our personal involvement in caring for others’ needs.” Whew! How do I open my doors and let God bring about change? Well, Dustin Willis says: “by mimicking our hospitable God in how He welcomed us.”
So, now what? Well, here’s what I’ve been doing, and I realize it is a quiet beginning, but I am going to pray, wait quietly, and listen to the Holy Spirit as he leads me in how to do outreach within my neighborhood. As a matter of fact, I’ve already begun doing this in my daily walks. I pray for those behind closed doors, and if someone is outside, I’m saying hello, and not with my head down, but with a bright smile directed at the person. When I go to a restaurant, before praying for my meal, I’m going to ask my server if he or she have a need I can pray for (this is an idea from Kevin G. Harney in his book Organic Outreach for Ordinary People ). I will learn to listen as Jesus did, and to love as Jesus did. If I’m sitting in front of my house, I will put out an extra chair like my friend Tom does, and make conversation with my neighbors and remember that outreach is an adventure, not a formula.
I think I can do all of that. I can plant some “seeds” of love, and then let God rescue the people he sends my way. This could be fun! God gave of himself to others (and you and me), how could I not follow his lead? Okay, so I know what you’re thinking: Why haven’t you invited them inside your holy of holies? Your sanctuary? Your home? And all I can say is little steps first. Allow me to plant the seeds and grow with God’s help, and then join in this journey of hospitality as we truly get to know people, and then it won’t matter if you don’t like the clothes they wear, or if they smell, or if their jokes leave you moaning, or laughing without really thinking they’re funny. Nothing else will matter except that they are children of God.
“What do I want to be remembered for as a College Church missionary?” Gene Taylor pauses to reflect. “Truthfully, a jack-of-all-trades best describes the work of a pioneer church planter. Church planters and their families are called on to do far more things than I dare list, and need to be open to God’s call no matter what he asks of us.”
In their 35 years of church planting with Far Eastern Gospel Crusade in Japan (now SEND International), the Taylors saw churches planted in five locations. “God was building his church, and in each place, we saw the Lord work.” And in each place, the work is still going strong. Gene is quick to point out that the results were what the Holy Spirit did, not what he did. “It was God’s work—all his. We saw God make himself real in each of the places we served.
“My wife, Lois, and I arrived in Japan in 1962, along with our one-year-old daughter, Polly. Our son, Jeff, was born in Japan in 1964. Our first two years were taken up largely by language study and attending the local Japanese church.”
During Lois and Gene’s first term in Japan, Gene taught English Conversation at a National University, pastored a Japanese church, supervised a Japanese kindergarten, and planned and supervised the building of a two-story missionary-student center building. “I had no prior experience with most of these assignments but carried them out by God’s grace and through the patience of
many Japanese people. I preached in Japanese, not well, but the Lord did the work and we were happy for that.”
As mother and homemaker, Lois always made church people, students and others feel welcome in their home. “I would invite them, Lois would make them feel at home, and they would keep coming back,” Gene recalls. Their daughter, Polly, remembers, “Her gift of hospitality made our home a refuge that was open to all, a place where people felt loved and cared for. I felt privileged to have parents who were such strong believers we could look up to. They would invite people in, always give them something to eat. We got to meet so many interesting people.”
“During our second term,” Gene continues, “we continued in Japanese language study and took an assignment to the west side of the Kofu Valley for a new church-planting ministry. We picked up the ministry started by a previous missionary. There was no church started yet, so we had to decide what to do first. We prayed and worked out an action plan.” The plan included a newspaper insert with the Taylors’ name, address in Japanese and telephone number. The insert also listed English classes Gene would teach and the cost—about half the cost most other teachers were charging for small group lessons.
“God blessed these efforts and sent many people to our home for English lessons,” Gene points out. “We also opened our home to local neighbors for a Sunday evening tea/coffee time. The local ladies liked it very much but fewer men attended. We began offering Bible study and the group grew.”
Soon the Bible study outgrew their living room, and Gene and Lois began looking for a separate building. “It was tough to find anyone who would rent land or a building for a Christian church,” says Gene, but God was at work. When their landlord came over for his annual New Year’s Day greeting, he said to Gene, “My boy and I understand you are looking for land to put a church on.”
“That’s right,” Gene replied—and the landlord offered to rent some of his farmland for a church. “We would need room for worship and eventually for living space for a pastor and his family when the time came, but we signed an agreement for a 20-year renewable lease of land for a church. Now I was called to supervise the building of a Japanese-style church parsonage—again, with no prior experience.”
God opened another area of ministry for Gene—writing gospel tracts to put into the newspaper and distribute
continued on next page
Hatoyama Christ Gospel Church
Mrs. Eiko Ishida
October 18, 1997
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Taylor:
You served at Hatoyama Gospel Church for close to 10 years. Because of you my eldest daughter, Mayuri, was baptized this spring and now goes to church with me.
Because you came to Hatoyama and built a church here, my two daughters and many of their neighborhood friends have heard the gospel and have started coming to church. Also, my neighbors, Mrs. Takami and Mrs. Takikane, made decisions to become Christians and started coming to church. Also women who didn’t come to church
Some came to the women’s meetings and heard the gospel. I am praying and believing that through the grace and mercy of the Lord much fruit will result from the seeds of the gospel that you sowed. In the women’s meeting we studied the Bible, had good fellowship and learned how to make delicious food. Thank you.
You ministered to the children also—Sunday School, English classes, camp, hiking, laughing and playing. We really are thankful for the many fun memories we have of you.
Jn your life i n America, we pray for God’s abundant peace and grace to fill you and that you will enjoy good health.
Translation by Ruth Leafto neighbors. “I was blessed to have a Japanese friend to correct my grammar mistakes!” Gene remembers fondly. “I did not realize at that time, but our ministry in west Kofu set the pattern for the next three terms of service in Japan.” The pattern was to settle into a new location after each year of home service, and by the end of each four-year term they were ready to hand the work over to others. Each time the Taylors returned to Japan, they willingly slipped into the next assignment they were given, wherever it was, took stock of what needed to be done, grew and developed the work in that place, and on it continued.
“In one place we were able to build a student center near a university. The first floor was the student center, and the second a missionary residence. The Lord did this, just a few blocks away from the church, and a five-minute walk to the university. Students would come for language classes and other activities. We had a music room, where they would play the guitar and sing, and ping pong tables too. It was a really good time. We lived there for a year, until it was time to go on home service. Our mission then sent a couple who was fluent in the language and a competent pastor to take over.”
“We continued to offer English classes for all ages, English Bible classes—for both believers and seekers, and Lois offered some Western cooking classes, as well, after which she would give a short Bible lesson. In between these duties, I also helped other missionaries when they needed assistance with mechanical things, such as leaky faucets and other plumbing issues.”
Although Gene and Lois went to Bible school and had missionary internship experience prior to their move to Japan, Gene’s jack-of-all-trades description of their ministry is probably the most appropriate, even when they were called to do things for which they had no training or experience. Not that is mattered to Gene, who sums up their service, “None of this work would have been possible without the Holy Spirit, who empowers his saints.”
As the psalmist wrote, “This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” (Psalm 118:23)
October 28, 1997
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Taylor:
Burning with a spirit of diligence and determination, the Lord’s servants, Mr and Mrs Taylor were sent to the Kofu area for which we, from our hearts, give praise and thanksgiving to God.
The Taylors began their first assignment in the Kofu Christ Gospel Church which at that time was without a pastor so Mr Taylor in place of a pastor began the work of the church, in addition he carried the burden for the chairman of the day care center as well as chairman for the Kofu Christian Student Center and I suppose that it was a very difficult time. I think having been in Japan only a short time the Japanese language of someone like me was very distressing and difficult and caused a lot of pain and agony. In spite of that always with a bright, warm large-hearted attitude you offered us fun topics and encouraged us with laughter.
At times when you had occasion to speak from the pulpit you said “Your God is too small” and we whose foolish eyes could only see the present and always looking around us through your faith our eyes were opened and we looked up to see our living and working God the Father who is Creator of all things, our hearts were enlarged and we became people filled with joy and peace. Mr. Taylor’s graceful helper and one who labored in prayer Mrs. Taylor was my highest example. No, not just mine. She is also praised by many sisters in the Lord. I know that your children in the faith have wonderfully kept the faith they received, are being used of the Lord and have a testimony of faithfully following the Lord. I would like to commend Psalms 134 to you.
Translation by Ruth Leaf
Recently my husband and I got home from work to find our neighborhood cordoned off with caution tape, numerous Nicor Gas and City of Wheaton trucks parked haphazardly down the street, and the smell of natural gas in the air. In talking with the Nicor crew, it turned out that a gas line had been accidentally cut during some construction work being done on the condo building down the street. Crews were working overtime to repair it. Until the work was finished, neighbors weren’t allowed back in their homes, but it really wasn’t safe for anyone to be outside either. There was a shared feeling of frustration and anxiety among those who were being displaced.
While I went in our house to put down my work bags, my husband spent some time outside talking to the neighbors and the workers. When he came back in the house, I knew what he was going to say, and I admit that my first thought was not one of joyful giving. I had already made a mental to-do list for that evening with several tasks that I wanted to accomplish—grocery shopping, making dinner, laundry, and hopefully some time to relax before going to bed— and I was very tempted to ignore what was happening down the street.
Even though my husband also had things he wanted to accomplish that evening, he proposed that we gather everyone together for dinner and pass the time until they could return home. He enjoys looking for opportunities to serve and how could we not help? Quickly adding up how much feeding our entire block would cost and figuring out how to get that much food in a hurry, we knew it would be an expensive meal and a lot of running around, but also an opportunity to show the love of Christ through generosity and hospitality.
As our house wasn’t big enough to hold everyone, we directed people to our neighborhood clubhouse to wait while we quickly ran out to get pizza, chips, and pop. While we were gone, neighbors pitched in to bring tableware
and spread the word to the rest of the neighbors. While I was worried that this could be stressful as not everyone knew each other, the Lord turned this opportunity into a wonderful experience. Pushing a few folding tables together and making one very long dinner table, we all got pizza and introduced ourselves to neighbors we’ve only waved to, had a chance to meet their children, and hear about their lives. Everyone was able to relax and cool off in the air conditioning, and by the time dinner was done and cleaned up, we got the all-clear from the Nicor crew that they could return to their homes.
In the end, we had so much fun together that we started making plans for a block party, joking that the next time we get together doesn’t need to be in a crisis situation! What started out as an evening of confusion and frustration ended up being filled with sweet fellowship and the joy of new friendships. And now, instead of just waving at each other in passing on the sidewalk, we often take the opportunity to stop and chat. It was clear that the Lord blessed that time together and we’re so grateful he gave us the opportunity. Those memories are so much richer and longer-lasting than a completed to-do list would have been.
WHERE I SERVE: Board of Deacons
WHY I SERVE: It’s a way to show Christ’s love to others
THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME: friendly, funny, hardworking
MY FAVORITE HANG-OUT SPACE: Downtown Wheaton restaurants AND our son’s baseball games
GRACE BLISS
WHERE I SERVE: Board of Missions; music for Kids’ Harbor
WHY I SERVE: It gives me such joy to get to use my gifts to serve and encourage those in my church family. When I serve, I am also encouraged.
THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME: task-oriented, artist, Third Culture Kid
MY FAVORITE HANG-OUT SPACE: If I have time without kids, you might find me at a thrift store or at Blackberry Market.
WHERE I SERVE: Board of Deaconesses
WHY I SERVE: I serve because it’s a joy to do so and a great way to make connections and form relationships.
THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME: authentic, caring, joyful
MY FAVORITE HANG-OUT SPACE: My garden.
WHERE I SERVE: Board of Deaconesses
WHY I SERVE: It’s a privilege to serve and be used by the Lord. It brings me joy and connects me to my church family.
THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME: I asked my four sisters to separately text me three words that describe me. They didn’t know what it was for but there were some common threads—loyal, hardworking, fun.
MY FAVORITE HANG-OUT SPACE: It doesn’t matter where. It’s any place my husband, family, extended family or friends are at and we’re together.
WHERE I SERVE: Evangelism and Culture Impact Committee
WHY I SERVE: Because God has called us to share the good news of Christ and to participate in his restoration of all things
THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME: adventurous, strategic, empathetic
MY FAVORITE HANG-OUT SPACE: Our sunroom looking out over Wheaton College
WHERE I SERVE: Council of Elders (the discipleship and care committee and ordination committee)
WHY I SERVE: The Apostle Paul calls us to “live the life assigned to you” and so I find God’s summoning to be faithful and empowering. Serving as an elder brings me great joy, strengthens my convictions to love God’s people well, and inspires my stewardship of the gifts he’s generously granted me.
THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME: Hospitable, encouraging, present
MY FAVORITE HANG-OUT SPACE: Burnham Harbor, Lake Michigan
WHERE I SERVE: Hospitality Committee, Adult Choir
WHY I SERVE: Because the Lord has allowed me to.
THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE
ME: creative, generous, under the radar
MY FAVORITE HANG-OUT SPACE: A cruise ship
WHERE I SERVE: Board of Deacons, HYACKs (high school ministry)
WHY I SERVE: I believe we are each called to serve the church, so I seek to use my gifts for the glory of God. I choose to serve in HYACKs because I think that high school is a uniquely pivotal time in the life of a person.
THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME: tall, focused, opinionated
MY FAVORITE HANG-OUT SPACE: Anywhere I can take a nap!
WHERE I SERVE: STARS 11 a.m. Superintendent
WHY I SERVE: I felt called to serve as a member of the church and asked how I could help. The STARS ministry needed volunteers and I had some exposure to working with people on the autistic spectrum, so I signed up. They’ve had opportunities for me to serve ever since.
THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME: kind, bright, conscientious
MY FAVORITE HANG-OUT SPACE: When not at home and often in front of a screen or mobile device, I can be found dancing the Lindy Hop around the Chicago area.
Alice Blair was born to Nate and Laura Amodio on July 19 in Peoria, IL. She joins her big brother Asher . Alice’s paternal grandparents are Carl and Lorraine Amodio , and her paternal greatgrandmother is Ruth Comfield .
Peter John was born to Andy and Beth Luther on July 6. Peter joins his four siblings, and his paternal grandparents are John and Rosemary Luther
Maisy Jane was born to Graham and Emily Farnsworth on July 6. She joins her siblings Liam, Norah and Caleb . Maisy’s maternal grandparents are Gary and Valerie Chase .
Pray for Dick (Sharon) Jahns and family as they grieve the loss of Dick’s sister, Gloria Rusk , who passed away on July 19 in Mesa, Arizona.
Pray for Pat (Lin) Fallon and family as they grieve the loss of Pat’s sister Susan, who passed away on June 22 in the Atlanta, GA, area.
Pray for Wes (Jean) Dusek and family as they grieve the loss of his brother, Jim , who passed away on June 2.
AUGUST 6 & SEPTEMBER 3
Josh Maurer
In July, my wife and I and our now nine-month-old daughter, Lina, spent a couple of weeks in the UK. The trip, a hybrid of professional/ministerial duties and vacation, took us to St. Andrews, Paris and London. During the first part of the trip, I participated in an academic conference hosted by the University of St. Andrews. Specifically, I presented a paper in which I interacted with a recent book on hermeneutics (i.e., the art and science of interpretation) that offered a fresh model for approaching the task of biblical interpretation—namely, apprenticeship.
The title of the book intrigued me: Hermeneutics as Apprenticeship: How the Bible Shapes Our Interpretive Habits and Practices. (The quotes in this article are from this book by David I. Starling, published by Baker Academic in 2016). In other words, the author is suggesting that we approach biblical interpretation through the metaphor of trade—as apprentices, seeking to understand and imitate how the masters themselves, that is, the biblical writers, approached and interpreted Scripture. If the title intrigued me, it was this sentence at the end of the book that compelled me to read the whole thing: “the deepest springs of hermeneutical wisdom are to be found in the Scriptures themselves, and the interpretive practices of the canonical writers ought to play a
uniquely formative and authoritative role in shaping us as readers of the Bible” (p. 206).
If that intrigues you, and you would like to read the full paper, feel free to ask me and I will gladly get you a copy. But in this short article, in view of our launch of fall
ministries soon (all which center on the Bible in one way or another), I want to reflect on one essential aspect of our approach to and engagement with Scripture—one piece of our apprenticeship as it were—that has been too easily forgotten, ignored, downplayed, or occasionally even downright rejected. Drawing from the Book of Psalms especially, author David Starling refers to this aspect as the “hermeneutics of delight.”
Surely it is no accident that the Psalter begins in this way: “Blessed is the man . . . [whose] delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” (Ps. 1:2, emphasis added) The blessing of God is upon the one who rightly approaches and engages with his Word. And how is that? Delight! Of all the things the psalmist could have rightfully said (for example, believes [Ps. 106:12], trembles [Isa. 66:2], obeys, [Gen. 26:5] and so on.), he chose delight. How often is that our posture toward and experience of God’s Word? How often do we so delight in his Word that we linger in it day and night, savoring in and through it all that God is for us in Jesus Christ? How often do we approach our study of the Bible in the context of our various ministries with this aim? I hope and pray that God would be pleased to use this brief meditation to renew, or perhaps awaken for the first time, such delight in his Word.
What is it about God’s Word that fosters so much delight to the psalmist? Or, to ask it in a slightly different way, how do the prayers and praises of the Psalter train us who read them to rightly perceive the Scriptures and find exceeding delight in them? If we linger in the psalms, attentive to how the various psalmists speak about God’s Word, we discover at least four answers.
First, the person trained by the psalmists will experience both the vast diversity of Scripture and the coherent unity of Scripture. Take Psalm 119 for example. There are eight different words used for the utterances of the LORD, and the psalmist speaks of many of them in the plural: commandments, judgments, precepts, testimonies, rules, etc. Yet two of the psalmist’s favorite words for Scripture, torah [instruction, teaching] and dabar [word], occur there “almost exclusively in the singular and function broadly as umbrella terms for the whole of the LORD’s revelation” (Starling, p. 29). Diversity and unity.
Second, the apprentice of the psalmists will see Scripture ever more clearly as both luminous and illumining, that is as “an object to gaze upon and its power to shed light on other things” (again on page 29). Here, consider Psalm
19. The law of the LORD is “both an object of beauty to be delighted in (vv. 7–10), expressing God’s glory like the stars of the sky (cf. vv.1–4a), and a searchlight on the heart, exposing hidden faults like the hot, glaring rays of the sun (vv. 11–14; cf. vv. 4b–6)” (29). This is why the psalmist prays both, “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law” (Ps. 119:18), and “Send out your light and your truth, let them lead me” (Ps. 43:3). Luminous and illumining.
Third, the student of the psalmists will experience Scripture as both demanding and gracious, “a word of grace from first to last, but also a converting, transforming grace” (30). In other words, obedience is essential, but it is founded upon God’s grace in his Word. Again, Psalm 19 is instructive here. The law of the Lord revives the soul (v. 7); the precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart (v. 8); the commands give light to the eyes (v. 8). “The revelation that the psalmists celebrate,” says Starling, “is the kind of grace that seeks out a straying sheep and brings it back to the way of the commandments (Ps. 119:176).” Demanding and gracious.
Finally, one schooled in the classroom of the psalms will understand that Scripture presents itself and God’s purposes revealed in it as both for Israel and for the world; he is “the God not only of Israel but of all the earth” (Starling, p. 32). In one sense, of course, the law celebrated in the psalms is not a universally accessible “moral law within me” (as in, for example, Immanuel Kant) but the particular law given to Moses at Sinai: It is emphatically for the people of Israel, the covenant people of the Lord. Yet, the proclamation of the Lord’s Word is intended, according to the psalmists, to go to the nations. In a profound example of a biblical writer interpreting and applying previous Scripture, the psalmist says, “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.” (Ps. 67:1–2; Num. 6:24–26) For Israel and for the world.
Diversity and unity; luminous and illumining; demanding and gracious; for Israel and for the world. There is no other book like the Bible, for there is no other being like the true God! Indeed, he has “exalted above all things [his] name and [his] word.” (Ps. 138:2) Apprenticing ourselves to the psalmists will lead us to embrace these four realities in our own ongoing approach to and engagement with Scripture. And embracing these four realities of God’s Word will assuredly increase our delight in it. So, College Church, tolle lege [take and read], and experience the blessing of God as you delight in his Word.
We celebrated 40 years of Women’s Bible Study in 2021. How incredible–40 years of seeing God’s Word at work in the women of College Church. Forty years of spiritual growth in the women of Wheaton and the surrounding area. Praise God!
This past school year we studied the Books of Deuteronomy and Luke and saw how God is our provider and sustainer. We saw how he walked with the Israelites in the desert and came to dwell among his people in the person of Jesus. And we experienced God’s kindness to us by giving us sisters to walk alongside and encourage us through difficult and joyful seasons, and through many answered prayers.
We asked a few women to share how the study of God’s Word has impacted them this year and wanted to give you a glimpse into how God has been at work:
• “I was unable to join a Bible study for a couple of years due to my daughter dealing with a health
issue. In March 2022, she had to have major surgery. She still may need another surgery, which has weighed heavily on my heart. I joined Women’s Bible Study at College Church in the fall of 2022. I am a shy person, but the
Lord gave me the courage to share about my daughter at our first small group meeting. I was touched by how quickly the women showed me the love and compassion of Jesus. For the entire year, they would pray with me and ask how she was doing and how I was doing. Each week, I felt more refreshed and felt my burden become lighter. There was still a possibility of a second surgery for my daughter, but now I had other women walking alongside me. Studying God’s Word, praying alongside my sisters in Christ, and listening to gifted teachers this past year have helped me to remember that I am not alone in my journey. It has been humbling to pray for others as well and help to lighten their burdens. The Lord has been reminding me of the joy of being a part of the body of Christ, whether you have known someone for years or just recently met them.”
—Yvonne Bartlebaugh• “I consider Bible studies, in general, truly as gifts from God—a special gift that our Lord has given to the body of Christ. It is very personal to me because at my darkest moment, I got saved in a Bible study, surrounded and prayed for by godly, faithful women who led me through the prayer of faith that eventually changed the direction of my life. Women of faith with a passion and devotion to the Word of God are the total essence of women’s ministry. One of the things I love about Women’s Bible Study at College Church is the freedom to be yourself, to be accepted for who you are and to come as you are, loved and knowing that you belong here. Together, women share God’s Word, lift each other’s burdens and look forward to next week’s lesson where we bless each other all over again. I am reminded of Galatians 5:13: ‘For you were called to freedom brothers [sisters]. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.’”
—Kaye Waugh• “I have really enjoyed studying the Gospel of Luke this spring. Women’s Bible Study provided me with an excellent opportunity to study God’s Word with women who love God and Scripture. I must say that I did not have such an experience of studying the Bible with other women in my home country. It was fascinating to observe how women of all ages would get together to pray, share and learn from each other. The discussions that took place were special as they gave me an opportunity to hear different perspectives. The reflections and thoughts shared in my Bible study group were meaningful and uplifting. While I learned from others on the one hand, my distinct perspectives, due to my cultural background and life experiences, were also greatly appreciated and welcomed by the wonderful
women in my Bible study group. We prayed, kept engaged and encouraged each other through the Word of God. I have grown in my understanding of God’s amazing grace through this study. It’s absolutely beautiful to recognize how we are transformed by the renewal of our minds. God is interested in our hearts, and not what can be seen from the outside. I sometimes think, Wouldn’t it be fantastic if women in my home country would be provided with such an excellent opportunity to pray and study the Bible together in this way? I’m grateful to the Lord for the wonderful women in my Bible study group, and for those who took the time to organize an opportunity for women to study God’s Word at College Church.” —Ruth
Yousaf• “In this culture of busyness, each year I wonder if I really have time to give a whole morning to Women’s Bible Study, but as I think about how I’ve been impacted, I realize I don’t have time not to do WBS. I get to spend eight months diving deeply into God’s Word with a small group of women at different life stages. We get to know one another, pray for one another, and share in each other’s lives. I learn so much from other group members as we discuss our homework each week, and often another member will have an insight that helps me better understand a biblical truth. Even though I’ve been a believer for so much of my life, in Bible study I realize how much I need to preach the gospel to myself every day. There is still so much I have to learn from God’s Word! I also love the community and fellowship of WBS—getting to go deeper in relationship with fellow members. It’s easy to feel disconnected and lost in a church like College Church, but WBS gives me a place of deep connectedness and fellowship. So, join me in the adventure of WBS—diving deep into God’s Word and making some fun new friends while you do it.” —Holly
SetranAs we look to the 2023-2024 school year, we’re excited to dive into the Book of Acts for the whole year. Our study is titled An Unstoppable God: a growing church despite opposing forces. We hope you will consider joining us as we journey together through this exciting book and reflect upon the character of our sovereign and powerful God as revealed in the Bible.
Registration is open on the College Church website. You can also find the link in our Church Family News email that goes out on Fridays or in the Women’s Ministry Enews.
“And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of disciples multiplied greatly.” (Acts 6:7)
May the Lord continue to be at work transforming our hearts, through the next 40 years of Women’s Bible Study and beyond.
Ashley Anthony
Moving from a much smaller church to College Church, I initially marveled at the feat of strength settling my family into Sunday morning service entailed. Beginning with the often-hectic process of making six people presentable for public entry, to traversing the parking lot, children’s classrooms, and Sanctuary, to parenting in community—Sundays quickly felt challenging. If I’m honest, I sometimes found myself dreading Sunday mornings and feeling lost in the shuffle.
Is the Sunday service really this important?
It was in a church stairwell that I hit my tipping point. I was exhausted, alone, carrying a 15-pound baby in his car seat when the Holy Spirit brought Romans 12:1 to mind: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” If all our lives are to be presented as a sacrifice to the Lord, this includes our Sunday morning struggles too.
In his commentary on the Book of Romans, John Calvin notes that the presentation of sacrifices in Romans 12:1 alludes to the Mosaic sacrifices, “which were presented at the altar…in the presence of God.” (452) Isn’t this a beautiful image for our challenging Sunday mornings? By allowing the Holy Spirit to prepare our hearts and our
efforts, and by allowing the Holy Spirit to remind us that Sunday morning worship is not about us, every Sunday morning can be viewed as a sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.
As we get our families ready and out the door—as we confront poor attitudes and encourage the positive ones in our kids—we can lay our efforts on the altar as a sacrifice of worship to the Lord.
There are many mornings when our efforts may seem fruitless, but these same mornings are full of potential spiritual fruit. In 1 Timothy 2:5, Paul traces Timothy’s faith back to his mother, and he then traces his mother’s faith back to his grandmother’s faith: “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.” As Timothy grew up, the faith of his mother and the faith of his grandmother were on full display. Their faith was so compelling and influential that Paul thought to mention it here, as he reminded Timothy to hold on to his own faith and to be encouraged by the faith he observed in his mother and grandmother. Similarly, parents, our faith is on full display to our children, and this includes how important we consider meeting together with our church family. As the adage goes, “More is caught than taught.” It may not feel like much of an offering, but as our children spend every Sunday morning under the teaching of Scripture and in community with people who love Jesus—and as our children watch us give up comfortable and easy Sunday mornings for the sake of worshiping God with our church communities—the weight of our offering becomes more apparent.
Recently, I’ve had the privilege of listening to several testimonies from church members, young and old. One man shared how he came to know the Lord during a conversation with his father, when Ephesians 2:8-9 finally stuck; he had grown up in a Christian home and healthy church. A young man shared how he came to know the Lord at youth camp. Another young woman shared how she decided to pray with her parents one night after church.
While each testimony displays its own profound beauty and the sovereignty of its Author, those who follow the years-long thread of Christ shared in home and church are most striking to me. Many Sunday mornings of worship prepared these young hearts for the gospel— hearts prepared by a parent’s act of dressing, feeding and carrying little bodies so they could hear God’s Word with their church communities; by a mother’s act of giving
up her full focus during the sermon so that her children could see they’re valued church members; by a father’s recognition that he is not the focus of his worship on Sunday mornings, but God is, so that his family can see that this is true for them too.
Even before we step through the Sanctuary’s threshold, our worship begins. This Sunday, we’ll probably face the same struggles and temptations to believe that our efforts are fruitless. We will probably still face spilled milk, failed attempts to squeeze tiny feet into shoes, and the lastminute rush to get everyone in the car. But we can face every inconvenience and temptation knowing that our efforts and our heart attitudes are a sacrifice of worship on the Lord’s altar.
While convenience may not abound this Sunday, we pray that spiritual fruit will.
the teaching ministry of Pastor Josh Moody, features Bible teaching, both online and on the radio. This exciting ministry with a global reach continues to grow in impact. Here in the U.S., the program is heard on the radio in about 70 locations. Globally, the ministry also has a mission impact. The teaching is heard online through the OnePlace and TWR360 platforms, which have extensive listenership outside North America. Imagine! More than 35,000 people have been touched with some form of gospel content through this outreach, either an online audio message, a spiritually encouraging article, or a devotional reading. You can listen locally on Moody Radio (WMBI) at 10 p.m. M-F and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday and can have daily devotionals delivered right to your inbox.
Your prayers and partnership with this ministry are greatly appreciated.
godcenteredlife.org
It’s not surprising that Jerry Bridges once said that “every Christian who is serious about holiness should read The Enemy Within .” When it comes to understanding the seriousness of sin, and the battle we each must embrace, this book is a gem. Author Kris Lundgaard draws heavily on two masterful works by John Owen and shows us that when it comes to fighting sin, we can discover hope and renewed love for Christ.
We highly recommend this book and encourage you to get a copy from the bookstore.
For the month of August we’ll have it on special offer at $8 (usually $13).
Jonathan Carswell, 10ofThose
GARY CHASE, service and engagement committee
The Seven Resolutions by Karl
ClausonGLENN KOSIROG, elder
A Journey to Victorious Praying by
Bill ThrasherJONATHAN LARSON, service and engagement committee
Spiritual Leadership by J.
Oswald SandersANN LAWRENZ, deaconess
Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope by Esau McCauley
Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish
Harrison WarrenPhoebe by Paula
GooderJEFF OSLUND, elder
Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope
by Esau McCauleyBiblical Critical Theory: How the Bible’s Unfolding Story Makes Sense of Modern Day Life and Culture
by Christopher WatkinTimothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation by
Collin Hansen
BRIAN WILDMAN, elder
Lead 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church by Paul David
Tripp
The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt
Strength To Love by Martin Luther King, Jr.
Also, anything written by William Kent Krueger, these are fun fiction books, many set in wilderness areas and very well written
ANNA WALSH, hospitality committee
Prayer by Timothy Keller
The Messiah Comes to Middle Earth: Images of Christ’s Threefold Office in The Lord of the Rings
by Philip Graham Ryken
The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas
by Ann Voskamp
On a summer walk through Wheaton College’s campus with a dear alumnus friend visiting from New England, we recalled the historic moment. We chatted about where we were and what we were doing and what our first thoughts were when 9/11 intruded on world events. I was working out at Coray Alumni Gymnasium, and she was at the Stupe when we watched the plane fly into the World Trade Center. Other significant dates are marked on our collective memories: Pearl Harbor, V-E Day, President Kennedy’s assassination, the Challenger space shuttle explosion. For me, June 24, 2022, will remain seared in my memory as a pivotal date for our country. I was at a real estate closing when a text came from my best friend with the news of the fall of Roe v. Wade. The Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision had been released and I was thrilled. Any steps toward protecting the human rights of the preborn by law are to be celebrated, much less one of such magnitude.
In years past, College Church had attended the Chicago March for Life in January. That march did not take place this year. Instead, a new event to present a public witness, raise awareness, and encourage each other to act on behalf of those whose human rights are denied by legalized abortion occurred.
On the first anniversary of the Dobbs decision, June 24, 2023, my day began with group prayer at College Church. Then, with plenty of water and snacks in hand, congregants boarded the bus to Federal Plaza in Chicago. My grade schoolers and mom accompanied me on the free bus ride to participate in a new Chicago Pro-Life Rally and March in celebration of the Dobbs decision. Once we arrived at Federal Plaza, we enjoyed free doughnuts as a band played to add to the festive feel (and to mitigate noise from abortion supporters across the street). As always, the police were present and stuck to the usual logistics of keeping abortion supporters separate and across the street from the pro-life event. Speakers from Pro-Life Action League, Simply Pro-life and Illinois Right to Life as well as Peter Breen from the Thomas More Society law firm and a client from Aid for Women crisis pregnancy ministry
kicked off the rally. A short march followed. One benefit of holding the event in June is the excellent weather and a lot more passers-by saw our pro-life message.
On the bus ride back, I was feeling grateful. Years ago, one of my high-school students told me during a violin lesson that she was going to the National March for Life. This seemingly small act of sharing her plans was used by God to prick my conscience and heart. The conversation challenged me to be pro-life in public and to attend the Chicago March for Life. I am grateful for the inspiration, encouragement and motivation I gained from attending that first march. My passion grew to truly value the preborn and their parents who are targeted by the profitdriven abortion industry.
A law teaches us norms and affects societal behavior. American abortion rates drastically increased starting in 1973 because abortion was legalized. Praise God for the states that have newly enacted legal abortion restrictions. The Dobbs decision is a huge change that has resulted in about 60,000 lives saved in one year. As distance is a deterrent to following through on quick abortion decisions, we glorify God for those mothers who instead decided to carry life instead of ending the life of their child.
We celebrate Dobbs but we must also regroup as Christians who know that God made each of us and has determined the number of our days. There are huge challenges in a country that was accustomed to legal abortion everywhere for 50 years. As I heard Super Bowl champion and prolife advocate Benjamin Watson express, Dobbs marks the end of the beginning. We are at the end of the first half of the big game. Roe fell. Let us do our part as players in this second half of the game to help make abortion illegal and unthinkable. Like God used the church in the past to change widespread and formerly accepted human rights violations, he can use us. Let us draw upon our College Church abolitionist roots to again act collectively and individually with courage on behalf of the exploited and vulnerable preborn children and their parents.
Gospel Fellowship Church were handing out information to women near the Planned Parenthood parking lot. A sidewalk counselor told a woman exiting that there was help for her at Waterleaf pregnancy center. The pregnant woman rolled down her window and told the pastor and his associate, “I went into Planned Parenthood, but the longer I sat and waited for my abortion appointment, the more I realized that it was not the right thing for me to do. So, I got up and left.” The Holy Spirit was at work.
The pastor and his associate said they would like to talk with her if she was willing. She agreed and pulled into the parking lot behind Auto Zone. They celebrated her decision and prayed with her. They gave the young woman a baby gift and invited her to their church on Sunday. She said she would see them tomorrow.
Go Public 4Life Prayer Vigil Saturday, August 26 10:30-12:00
Organized by Vision 2020 IL, a pro-life unifying organization. Being only privately pro-life costs lives. It’s time to Go Public 4Life!
Roughly 125-150 healthy babies per day are aborted in Illinois. Every Illinois resident has been forced to subsidize this human rights violation since 2017 by law. College Church is joining other Christians at this statewide vigil outside of Planned Parenthood Aurora from 10:30 a.m. to noon on August 26. We will participate in prayer and worship and hear how the Holy Spirit is at work in many lives.
CARING NETWORK’S BABY BANK IN WHEATON
NEED: Diapers (all sizes—opened packages accepted), wipes, baby lotion, shampoo, and wash, diaper cream, and formula
Sunday, August 6, outside the Sanctuary
After August 6, the donation crib is in the Commons, across from the elevator.
client families.
Scan the QR Code to order on Amazon. Select “Church of the Resurrection’s Gift Registry Address” for where to ship.
SOHL IS SEEKING TO EXPAND OUR TEAM
Be aware. Be aware and able to share information in your circles. Sign up to receive SOHL monthly enews to receive events schedule, resources, inspiration and life-related news. https://college-church.org/impact/sohl/
Be an advocate. Are you interested in pro-life training and equipping? Let us know so we can be strategic together. Serve. Interested in serving but not yet a part of the volunteer team? Already volunteering but thinking about getting more involved? Email sohl@college-church.org if you are interested in advocacy or volunteering.
It’s no fun to hear about an event after the fact. That’s why we feature Under the Radar. If you know of a local event that includes College Church members or attenders or may be of interest to them, email connections@college-church.org with the details and we may be able to include your event in this space.
INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS:
• Part-time Ministry Associate for Inclusion (10-13 hours per week) College Church in Wheaton is looking for a person to assist the Disability Ministries with integrating children with special needs into the programs of College Church in Wheaton. A successful candidate will have a thriving relationship with Jesus, have some experience and training in disability ministries and have a love for children with special needs. Candidates need to be able to participate in Sunday morning service times and inclusion events during the school year. Regular attendance and membership at College Church in Wheaton preferred.
A yearly tradition for friends and alumni of Wheaton College and Honey Rock (ages 55+)
We look forward to welcoming new and returning Northwoods Adventure participants this September. First-time attendees, enjoy a 10% discount, and there is financial assistance available for returning attendees.
Northwoods Adventure at Honey Rock is a time for you to enjoy the company of fellow Wheaties, Honey Rock alum and friends—and the beautiful colors and weather of a Northwoods fall. While there, you may participate in activities such as guided nature walks, horseback riding, pontoon rides, swimming, fishing, canoeing and much more.
There are special events such as a variety show, classes as talks by guest speakers. For more information or to request a registration form, email Rachel Nichwitz at rachel.nichwitz@wheaton.edu or call (630) 752-6024
• Part-time Wedding/Events Coordinator College Church in Wheaton is looking for Event Coordinators to help make sure that the weddings and events occurring on College Church property occur in a manner that reflects our ministry vision of Proclaiming the Gospel, our faith in Jesus Christ and our moral teachings.
A successful candidate will have a love for God and College Church (CCIW membership is required) with a heart for encouraging and assisting others with use of the church facilities. They will have a good attention to detail, be creative, a good listener, enjoy problem solving and troubleshooting and will be energized by assisting others with their plans and challenges.
This position requires availability on evenings and Saturdays as well as the ability to stand for long periods of time. Compensation is by flat rate per project.
For more information, please contact Ann Karow at: akarow@college-church.org
Stay updated by visiting our job opportunities webpage: www.college-church.org/job-openings
Not a one-shot workshop or a one-time meeting, our new marriage ministry promises to be a time for learning and growing together, and will involve touching base and learning new things together every quarter. Watch for details in September.
• GriefShare begins Monday, September 11 @ 7 p.m.
• Grace Groups begin Monday, September 11 @ 7 p.m.
• Keenagers kicks off on September 15 with Marr Miller sharing about his recent trip to the Holy Land
• Membership opportunity on October 28 from 8 a.m. to noon.
Singing not only involves text, pitches, and rhythm, but it also helps create a bridge into the mind and heart of those participating. Music is a unique avenue to help us hide God’s Word in our hearts to help guide and shape us to become more like Jesus.
The Children’s Choirs at College Church provide an opportunity for our 1st-6th grade students to do just that—imbed biblical truths deep within them as they prepare to help lead in worship services and concerts.
The Children’s Choir concerts are a wonderful evangelism opportunity. Some, who would otherwise never darken the doorstep of a church yet need to hear the gospel, will come to hear children sing.
“SINGING DOES AT LEAST AS MUCH AS PREACHING TO IMPRESS THE WORD OF GOD ON PEOPLES’ MINDS.” —D.L. Moody
