December 2019 Connections

Connections Proclaiming the GOSPEL

LOCAL & GLOBAL STORIES, NEWS AND EVENTS of COLLEGE CHURCH

Do You Have a Mr. Potter in Your Life?

See A Hearty, Happy Welcome

by Mike Solis, page 13.

DECEMBER 2019

Family

Outreach

Relationships

An Advent Family Guide

A Hearty, Happy Welcome

Where Are They Now?

FROM KIDS' HARBOR | 8

MIKE SOLIS | 13

CATCHING UP WITH OUR PASTORAL RESIDENTS | 19

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4

December Highlights

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An Advent Family Guide

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A Gift of Joy and Love | PAT CIRRINCIONE

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The House of the Bread of Life | WALLACE ALCORN

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A Hearty, Happy Welcome | MIKE SOLIS

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Shall We Keep the Traditions Alive? | STEVE KROGH

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A Literary Christmas | FELICITY CARSWELL

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December Book of the Month

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Best Books of 2019

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Director of Children's Ministries | INTRODUCING CHERYCE BERG

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Pastoral Residents: Where Are They Now?

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In Person at the March For Life Chicago | RON CHIODRAS

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Milestones

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Looking Ahead

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Around Town

DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS Sunday Mornings SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICES—8, 9:30 & 11 a.m.

December 1:

Advent 1: Pastor Josh Moody preaches Songs of the Season, “Mary’s Song,” from Luke 1:46-55. We will also celebrate communion in all three services.

December 8:

Advent 2: Pastor Josh Moody preaches Songs of the Season, “Zechariah’s Song,” from Luke 1:67-79.

December 15: Advent 3: Pastor Josh Moody preaches Songs of the Season, “The Angels’ Song,” from Luke 2:13-14.

We will have two services, 9:30 and 11 a.m., on December 22 & 29. Adult Communities will not meet on these two Sundays, nor will Kindergarten—sixth grade Bible school and WOW. December 22: Advent 4: Pastor Josh Moody preaches Songs of the Season, “Simeon’s Song,” from Luke 2:29-32.

December 29: Pastor Josh Moody preaches “Life with the End in Mind” from 1 Peter 4:7-11

Sunday Evenings SUNDAY EVENING SERVICES—6 p.m.

December 1:

No evening service; rehearsal for the Christmas festival, “Wonder & Waiting."

December 8: “Wonder & Waiting” Christmas festival Our Christmas Festival, “Wonder & Waiting” is a glimpse into the grand journey of Christmas through the stories and songs of Zechariah, Mary and Simeon. Each character will retell the events surrounding his or her song from Luke’s gospel. Seven choirs—our four children’s choirs, the adult choir and our middle school and high school choirs—will fill the platform. We are excited to invite you to join us in congregational singing and reflection, accompanied by a variety of wonderful instrumentalists. This Christmas festival is for everyone, and we are praying that all would come expectantly to experience and celebrate the wonder of God and his work throughout history on our behalf. Invite friends and neighbors to come and celebrate with us.

December 15: Enjoy the evening as members of our STARS ministry present a delightful Christmas program, “Investigation: Christmas,” in the Sanctuary.

December 22: It’s the annual Carols & Cocoa on December 22. Let’s open the church doors wide for an evening with friends, neighbors and all who come for carols and stay for cocoa.

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December 29: There will be no evening service.

Christmas Eve Services—4, 7 & 9 p.m.

Surviving the Holidays

The 4 p.m. children's service features singing, a Christmas skit, the Christmas story and excited children. Welcome Christmas Day at the 7 & 9 p.m. candlelight services. Pastor Moody preaches Songs of the Season, “Paul’s Song,” from Philippians 2:6-11.

Has the loss of a loved one left you wondering how you will survive the Christmas holiday?

Surviving the Holidays is an encouraging seminar about dealing with loss during the holiday season. This special GriefShare seminar will be Tuesday, December 10 at 7 p.m. in the College Church Commons.

Anyone is welcome to attend, and there is no charge. For more info, contact Christy at ext. 175 or griefshare@college-church.org.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES Children’s Service at 4 p.m. | Candelight Service at 7 and 9 p.m.

Senior Pastor Josh Moody Paul’s Song | Philippians 2:6-11 332 E Seminary Ave Wheaton, IL 60187 college-church.org/christmas

Giving this holiday season Gifts in person: Cash envelope contributions or checks may be dropped off at the church office until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31. Or, they can be dropped through the mail slot in the front door of 330 E. Union (the Brown House) until midnight on Tuesday, December 31. Contributions dropped off after midnight will be credited to 2020 even if the check or cash envelope is dated 2019.

Checks in the mail: Checks received in the mail with the envelope postmarked December 31 or earlier will be credited to 2019, but those postmarked after December 31 will be credited to 2020 even if the check is dated 2019.

Online gifts: Making online gifts is easy through our website at college-church.org by clicking “online giving” on the Giving page of the website. Gifts made before midnight on December 31 will be credited to 2019. Online gifts made after midnight will be credited to 2020.

Gifts of Stock or Mutual Funds: In order for a stock gift to be credited for 2019, it must be received by Friday, December 27. To make a gift of stock or mutual funds, contact Deb Carlburg, ext. 127, or Nancy Singer, ext. 113.

Required Minimum Distribution: If you must take a “required minimum distribution (RMD)” from an IRA, have the custodian of the account send a check directly to College Church. Check with your tax advisor to see if this will benefit you when you prepare your 2019 income taxes.

Update on Safeguarding Certification Process with G.R.A.C.E. As you may know, we have been going through the Safeguarding Certification process with G.R.A.C.E. (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment). We had two training sessions with G.R.A.C.E. in 2019 – one for church leadership, as well as a churchwide training in April. We are pleased to announce that we have updated College Church’s Protection Policy, and it has been approved by the Council of Elders. More information will be in the January Connections.

Women's Ministries Mom2Mom December 2, 9:30-11 a.m., in the

Commons. Moms and little ones, you’re invited to a birthday party for Jesus. Join us for crafts, music, games and a story as we remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus. We will be collecting donations of new, unwrapped toys for the Outreach Community Ministries Christmas Store. For more details or to find the Target and Amazon registries, please visit: https://www. outreachcommunityministries.org/christmas-store/.

Join us for our last Gym Play Date of the year on Monday, December 16, 9:30 a.m. in the Commons. We will enjoy a story hour with Diane Jordan, director of children’s ministries. She will read some favorite Christmas stories to the little ones while moms enjoy a coffee break.

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DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS CONT. Women’s Monthly Gathering on December 14 Our last women’s ministry monthly gathering for the semester will be Saturday, December 14, at 9 a.m. in Welsh Hall. We will be discussing how our two previous themes of identity and contentment ultimately relate to who or what we worship. Come for encouragement, warm beverages and community discussion as we talk about the topic of idolatry.

Women’s Retreat (registration open) If Christmas shopping intimidates you, but you still want to give a special lady a priceless gift this season, we have a perfect solution. College Church is hosting a Women’s Retreat the weekend of February 21-23 that will be a spiritual, refreshing gift.

Take advantage of the early bird discount and register by December 10. For more information, please go to www.collegechurch.org/adults/women.

Apples of Gold (registration open) If you are a woman—from newlywed to not-so-new mom with teens or somewhere in between—you could be a part of this delightful program that includes Bible teaching, cooking demos and sit-down meals. The lessons, from Titus 2:3-5, are led by godly women who have a passion to help younger women practically apply God’s Word to their lives. Come and meet new friends in a warm, caring environment. The program is held in a nearby home every Thursday evening, January 16 through February 27, 6-9 p.m. Cost is $20. Email Mary Gieser for further information: maryegieser@gmail.com.

Men's Ministries Men’s Gathering Saturday, December 14, at 7:30 a.m.

We’ll be looking at the book of Isaiah. Jacob Warren will help us see how Isaiah fits into the overall storyline of the Bible by pointing us to the coming Messiah—just in time for Christmas.

Men’s Bible Study We will gather on Wednesday, December 4, at 6:45 p.m. and then not again until January 8.

Please see the schedule on the website: www.college-church.org/adults/men.

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Opportunities for Prayer Monday Morning Prayer Meeting: Every Monday,

Prayer for the Persecuted Church: Every Friday,

from 6:15 to 7:15 a.m., meet in the Board Room (second floor of the Commons building). This group is open to everyone.

12–1 p.m., we meet in C103 (across from the reception desk) to pray for persecuted Christians.

Midweek Prayer Meeting at 7 p.m. Note locations

Celebrate the season by attending the Tuesday, December 10, meeting of Lydia Prayer Fellowship at the home of Mary Ryken, 1217 Oak View, at 9:15 a.m. Faith Hurst from Bolivia has much to share with us.

changes below. Join us for the Wednesday night prayer meeting where we pray for our church and missionaries as well as hear from a different ministry speaker each week. Midweek Prayer Meeting will meet on these Wednesdays in December. Note: We will not meet December 25.

December 4 (meeting in C104A): Steve Krogh, serving with Training Leaders International will update us about his work.

December 11(meeting in C104A): Marr Miller, giving an update on how God is moving in The Republic of Chad.

December 18 (back in the fireside area): Daniel Bair, serving executive director of Englewood Family Outreach, a small nonprofit organization on the south side of Chicago.

Hannah Prayer Fellowship will not be meeting in December. We will meet again on January 8.

Aaron-Hur Prayer Fellowship will not be meeting in

December, but will meet on Thursday, January 9, at 1 p.m. at Charlene Irish’s home, 30101 Fowler Circle in Warrenville. We look forward to hearing from Debby Nichols. We welcome new members who are interested in praying for overseas workers.

For more information, contact Char at (630) 442-4188.

Christmas Prayer Dr. Wendell C. Hawley, A Pastor Prays for His People Wonder counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Those divinely given titles only partially describe you, baby of Bethlehem.

They cause us to stop—and worship you in wonder and adoration.

No typical baby, you: You are a matchless gift from the eternal Kingdom.

We come to you, Everlasting Father, Holy Father, Whose care for his children will never be eclipsed.

For some, the picture of a father’s care is gravely distorted, but there is no disappointment with Jesus.

He alone can promise: Cast all your care upon me, for I care for you.

Not just a few cares, not just for today, but all our cares—forever . . . Everlasting Father.

Wonderful Counselor, we turn to you amidst the complexities of life, for your counsel is sure.

You know all things—the beginning from the end; with you is no darkness at all, no confusion, no contingencies.

We commit our needs, our way, our life to you—direct us, Wonderful Counselor.

We turn to you, Prince of Peace, as the only one who can bring peace to our hearts, our homes, our cities, our country, our world.

Unregenerate mankind plots against God and his Anointed One, but their hideous rebellion shall utterly fail.

Someday—perhaps today—the Prince of Peace will come and make wars to cease: no more hatred, no more fighting, no more spilling of blood.

We turn to you, Mighty God, for we are limited.

In fact, everything we need comes from you.

Your hand is not shortened, not withered, your thoughts are not clouded, your purposes are never frustrated.

Nothing less than a Mighty God could reach us, save us, keep us, provide for us, raise us up in the last day, where we will be with the Lord forever.

Then, not only wise men and shepherds will bow and worship, but the whole world—every knee—will bow, and acknowledge him as the King of kings, Prince of Peace.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

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FAMILY

An Advent Family Guide The word “advent” comes from the Latin word adventus and means coming or arrival. Advent begins the fourth Sunday before Christmas. It is a time of reflecting on and preparing for the coming of Christ as we look back at his first coming and look forward to his return.

The advent wreath helps us rehearse Jesus’ first coming and anticipate his coming again. Each candle represents a different aspect of the Christmas story, with the colors of the candles providing additional details.

The first candle is called the promise candle, and it reminds us that God promised to send a King. The second candle is the Bethlehem candle and reminds us where Jesus was born as predicted by the prophet Micah. The third candle represents the messengers who prepared for and proclaimed Christ’s birth.

The fourth candle reminds us of the shepherds who, upon finding the Christ child, went out and spread the news of Jesus’ birth. The fifth candle, which is lit on Christmas Eve, is the Christ candle. It reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world.

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First Sunday of Advent The Promise Candle

Let us listen to the Words of God from Jeremiah 23:5-6. “‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In His days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which He will be called: The Lord Our Righteousness.’”

We light our first advent candle to remind us to look up and center our thoughts on a loving God, who sent his promised Son to us—and who promises his Son’s return.

A reading from Isaiah 7:14, 9:6 and Luke 1:68-70 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

The purple candles are lit on weeks one, two, and four. The color purple is the color of royalty and reminds us that Jesus is the King. Purple also is called the color of repentance and reminds us to prepare our hearts for receiving Jesus as King.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

The color pink is often associated with joy. The pink candle, which is lit on week three, reminds us to look with joy on Christ’s incarnation, and joyfully anticipate his second coming.

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has come and has redeemed His people.

The center white candle, which is lit on Christmas Eve, reminds us that Jesus is holy, and he comes to make his people holy.

These advent readings are intended to help you as a family anticipate and prepare for celebrating the incarnation and Christ’s second coming. The readings after the lighting of each candle can be read responsively or alternately by each member of the family. The suggested hymns are included with each devotional reading.

Our prayer for this Christmas season is summed up in the fourth verse of “O Little Town of Bethlehem”: O Holy Child of Bethlehem! Descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin, and enter in; Be born in us today.

We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel.

Christmas Blessings!

Kids’ Harbor

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And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as He said through His holy prophets of long ago.)

Sing: O Come, O Come Emmanuel Come Thou Long Expected Jesus Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for promising to send a Savior/ King who would free us from the power of sin. Thank you for keeping your promise by sending Jesus, our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Teach us how to live with Jesus as our King. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Second Sunday of Advent The Bethlehem Candle

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Third Sunday of Advent The Messenger Candle

Let us listen to the Words of God from Micah 5:2.

Listen to the Words of God from Isaiah 40:3,5

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

“A voice of one calling in the desert: prepare the way for the Lord.

Make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God . . . and the glory of the Lord will be revealed . . .”

We relight the first Advent candle to remind us to look up and center our thoughts on a loving God, who sent his promised Son to us - and who promises his Son’s return.

We relight the first Advent candle to remind us to look up and center our thoughts on a loving God, who sent his promised Son to us—and who promises his Son’s return.

As we light the second Advent candle, let it remind us to look back 2,000 years to the moment when God’s gift came to us in Bethlehem—and look forward to his coming again.

We relight the second Advent candle to remind us to look back 2,000 years to the moment when God’s gift came to us in Bethlehem—and look forward to his coming again.

A reading from Luke 2:1-7

As we light the third Advent candle, let it remind us to look within ourselves, reflecting on Christ’s first coming and preparing for his return.

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.

(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)

And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.

He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.

She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Sing: O Little Town of Bethlehem Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne Prayer: Father, thank you for your promise of a ruler who would be born in Bethlehem. Thank you for sending your Son to fulfill that promise. Help us to take time this busy season to draw closer to Jesus, and to allow him to truly rule in our lives.

We pray this in the King’s name. Amen.

A reading from Luke 2:8-14 “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, (ALL) "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.”

Sing: Angels We Have Heard on High Angels from the Realms of Glory Prayer: Father, thank you for sending messengers to prepare the way and to proclaim the Savior’s birth. Thank you for making this good news known to us. Help us to take time this busy season to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Help us prepare our hearts to joyfully celebrate Christ’s incarnation and to be ready for his second coming. We ask this in the Savior’s name. Amen.

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Fourth Sunday of Advent The Shepherd Candle

CHRISTMAS EVE The Christ Candle

Listen to the Words of God from Isaiah 40:9.

Listen to the Words of God from Isaiah 9:2.

“You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, ‘Here is your God!’”

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”

We relight the first Advent candle to remind us to look up and center our thoughts on a loving God, who sent his promised Son to us—and who promises his Son’s return.

We relight the second Advent candle to remind us to look back 2,000 years to the moment when God’s gift came to us in Bethlehem—and look forward to his coming again.

We relight the third Advent candle to remind us to look within ourselves, reflecting on Christ’s first coming and preparing for his return.

As we light the fourth advent candle let it remind us to look out at a lost and needy world, sharing the good news of the Savior’s birth, and warning of the judgment to come at his return.

A reading from Luke 2:15-18, 20 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

We relight the first Advent candle to remind us to look up and center our thoughts on a loving God, who sent his promised Son to us—and who promises his Son’s return.

We relight the second Advent candle to remind us to look back 2,000 years to the moment when God’s gift came to us in Bethlehem—and look forward to his coming again.

We relight the third Advent candle to remind us to look within ourselves, reflecting on Christ’s first coming and preparing for his return.

We relight the fourth advent candle to remind us to look out at a lost and needy world, sharing the good news of the Savior’s birth, and warning of the judgment to come at his return.

As we light the Christ candle, let it remind us that the message of Christmas calls us to open our hearts to Christ—the Light of the world—and give him glory, honor and love until he returns.

A reading from John 1:1,4; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Revelation 22:3,5

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Sing: O Come All Ye Faithful Go Tell it on the Mountain Prayer: Father, we glorify and praise you for sending Jesus as our Savior/King. Thank you for revealing the Good News to us. Help us to respond as the shepherds did, spreading this good news to all we come in contact with. May your Kingdom be expanded in us and through us—for Christ’s sake. Amen.

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For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’, made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city . . . There will be no more night.

They will not need the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

Sing: I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light Joy to the World Prayer: Our Father, thank you for shattering the darkness with the light of your Son, Jesus. Thank you for making us children of light. Help us to let our lights shine before men so that you may be praised and glorified. We pray this in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

MEMORY

A Gift of Joy and Love Pat Cirrincione My family was poor when I was growing up. To purchase Christmas gifts for the family, my mom would begin baking pies, cookies and cakes in October for my Dad to bring to his office and sell.

Mom’s baked goods were so delicious that every year the orders just kept increasing. We children would usually help ice the cookies (making sure they were done to Mom’s specifications— nothing sloppily made would ever leave her kitchen). As we grew older, we were promoted to packaging the baked goods into boxes for Dad to take to work each morning.

Watching Mom stir and mix the different batters, cut out cookies, make her pies and decorate her cakes, I came up with the idea that she and Dad needed a special gift from their children.

It’s not like they didn’t receive gifts from us, but how many paper chains for the Christmas tree could they use? How many hand-painted reindeer could they continue to hang on the walls? Their faces always lit up when they received these gifts from us, but that year I just felt they needed something more special.

So, I invited my younger brother and sister to a secret meeting in my bedroom to brainstorm ideas for a special gift, and then to figure out how in the world we were going to come up with the money to pay for it.

After about an hour of tossing around ideas such as baseball bats, candy, frozen snowballs and bubble gum, we came up with the perfect gift. We should buy them a Nativity set, just like the one the church put out each Christmas. Of course, we wouldn’t get them one with the life-size figurines, but something on

a smaller scale Yes, this is a picture of the Nativity set (the hay disappeared from that would fit the manger over the years and the Christmas star has lost its in our home. A glitter). The white angel to the right was made years later by our Nativity set of our youngest son. very own, with a sold more copies of my neighborhood Baby Jesus that would be set out after newsletter, which now was christened midnight, after the angels announced “The Busy Bee Chronicle.” Each copy to the shepherds that a Savior had been was handwritten, and always had a born. feature story about someone in the My brother and sister looked at me neighborhood. Who doesn’t like to see cross-eyed, mouths agape as I began to their name in print? Especially around persuade them why this was such a great the holidays? I worked at increasing idea—better than wrapped packages of “The Busy Bee’s” circulation. candy and bubble gum. Then came the Then it was Christmas Eve. We checked real question: “Pat, how are we going the coin jar in the morning—we had to pay for something like that? We don’t saved a whopping three dollars! Off my get allowances, we can’t steal the money, brother and I went to Kresge’s. As we and we’re too young to get jobs!” We trekked through the snow on Madison agreed to hold another secret meeting in Street, we discussed what figures the the bedroom after we had several days Nativity set should have: Mary and to ponder how to raise the funds for this Joseph, Baby Jesus, an angel, a star, special gift. three wisemen, a few shepherds, a cow It was my brother who came up with and a donkey. We were jittery with the first idea. He would scour the excitement when we got to the spot in neighborhood for empty bottles and the store where the Nativity sets were return them to the local A&P grocery sold, and then stood in awe at how many store, where he would collect a penny or shepherds, Wise men, animals and even two per bottle. My little sister couldn’t the Blessed Family from which we could come up with any ideas, being three choose! What to do! After several hours years old and all. I decided to write, edit of hemming and hawing over each and publish a neighborhood newsletter figurine, we finally made our selection, and sell it for a penny. And we began our which totaled two dollars and twentyyearlong task to put our pennies into a five cents. As the sales clerk wrapped jar hidden away in my clothes drawer. each piece in tissue paper, my brother and I decided to spend the rest of the After Thanksgiving, we decided to money on a plate of French fries at the count the coins in the jar, and quickly soda fountain counter. It was hard work realized we still had some saving to picking out our gift, and we were hungry do if we wanted to go to S.S. Kresge’s by the time we were done. We never told five and dime to buy the Nativity set our little sister about the French fries we had set our hearts on. I joined my because we didn’t want her to feel bad. brother looking for empty bottles and

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That evening, after everyone had gone to bed and we no longer heard our parents talking in the living room, the three of us tiptoed to the living room and placed our gift under the tree, hoping that Santa wouldn’t come and find us still awake. We were jumping with excitement and kept shushing each other so that we didn’t wake up our parents.

Each year after that, our Nativity Set had a special place under the Christmas tree, and Mom and Dad never tired of hearing the story of that Christmas when their three children came up with a plan to surprise them with a real gift, not just paper chains, but a home for our own Baby Jesus, and we could gaze upon the newborn King to our hearts’ content.

Like every home, Christmas morning came very early. Not only were we excited to open our gifts, we could not wait to see the look on our parents’ faces when they opened their gift from us. I will never forget the look on their faces when they didn’t find paper chains or reindeers, but a Nativity set, with all the major people and animals, plus the angel, a star, a manger, with straw—and our very own Baby Jesus. My dad smiled and my mom had tears streaming down her face. They were really touched by what we had done and said it was the best Christmas ever. Wrapping paper went flying all over the room as we opened our gifts, and Mom and Dad set up the manger, Mary and Joseph and the Baby Jesus and all the other cast of characters.

Dad and Mom have since “passed over” to eternity, and that Nativity Set now sits in my house. Mom handed it down to me after I got married and made me promise to repeat the story to our children of the year my brother, sister and I came up with the idea to surprise them for Christmas.

Imagine, a Nativity set and the main cast of characters for only two dollars and twenty-five cents. Imagine, Baby Jesus and his family sitting in our home year after year, blessing each and every one of us with the memories of family love that only Jesus could have given to each of us as a gift, and the promise of salvation to those who believe.

OUR JOURNEY

The House of the Bread of Life Wallace Alcorn “In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab...”

How humiliating it must have been for Elimelech to admit to wife Naomi that the House of Bread had no bread. There in the center of Israel's bread basket, there was no grain in “grainland” (Ephrathah).

Their men now dead, Naomi brought daughter-in-law Ruth back from Moab to find the area once again flourishing, with grain and bread in abundance. Ruth had been redeemed by her kinsman, Boaz, and from their love came Obed. From Obed came Jesse and from Jesse, David. When Samuel, father of the prophets, anointed him in Bethlehem as king of Israel, the village came to be known further as the City of David.

Then another, Micah, prophesied messianically that a son of David was to be born there: “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.”

As time was fulfilled, “Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem...” The angel sent shepherds of Ephrathah

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back into town “for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

Despite crops in the field, the land was then groaning from the worst famine imaginable. The Ephrathah fields were yielding their usual harvest of grain as in the days of Ruth and Obed, mind you, and Bethlehem's ovens were producing a wealth of bread—but the people were yet starving. With full stomachs, their souls were dead.

But from the virgin womb, that day in Bethlehem, the city of David, there was born the son of David, our KinsmanRedeemer. Some years later, in arid and hilly Galilee, he took a snack of bread and fed over five thousand people. The silly crowds clamored for more bread, which would only perish.

Against this, he offered himself: “I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst.”

Yet again, the night he was betrayed “he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’”

We need not journey to Bethlehem in Ephrathah for this bread.

Our journey is to the House of the Bread of Life.

FRONT DOOR MINISTRIES

A Hearty, Happy Welcome Mike Solis At the end of the classic movie It’s A Wonderful Life, George Bailey sprints through the snowy streets of Bedford Falls, shouting at the town, “Merry Christmas, Emporium! Merry Christmas, you wonderful old Building and Loan!” He is ecstatic that he’s been given his life back. George rushes to the window of his enemy, the greedy and spiteful Mr. Potter. Through the window, George yells, “Merry Christmas, Mr. Potter!” Mr. Potter scowls and begins to give a cutting remark, but George is already gone, absorbed in the rapturous joy of a second chance.

for how Christians are to interact with people who are on the margins of society, those who are maligned and abused, those who aren’t sure about Jesus, those who don’t have a family, those who don’t have a home, those who have unmet physical and social needs, those who are refugees and immigrants, those who are broken and beaten down, and yes, even those who are our enemies. Christian hospitality loves the other, even in all the hatred and hostility. The church’s response to Mr. Potter is always a hearty, happy “Merry Christmas!”

This scene vividly illustrates how the gospel can change the way that we as Christians interact with our enemies.

Paul wrote that we are to welcome other people as Christ welcomed us, to the glory of God (Romans 15:7). Incredibly, our welcome to others is based on the sort of welcome that Jesus gave to us as the friend of sinners! Consider for a moment the implications of Paul’s words. Before we were saved by God’s grace, we were enemies of God, hostile toward him and rebellious against him.

Yet God’s response toward us was not to destroy us or to dismiss us but rather to deliver us to salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus. No longer strangers and outcasts, we are now brothers and sisters in the household of God. No longer alone and ostracized, we are now given a place of honor and dignity in the throne room of the king.

No longer slaves of sin, we are welcomed to freedom through the chain-breaking power of the Redeemer. Viewed in this way, the gospel is no less than a divine welcome, God’s open arms toward broken, lost people.

I realize as I write these words that there are many who have experienced pain from Christians (perhaps even in this church) who have not given you the welcome that Jesus models. In my role with Front Door Ministries, I’ve met many people who are looking for a fresh start and a new place of belonging.

One of the greatest joys of my work here at the church is to offer a relationship of restoration, where my interactions can extend the welcome of God toward them. Often, a simple smile is all that most of us need to feel comfortable, loved and seen. It doesn’t take much to be hospitable, but a little love goes a long way. The holiday season is regarded in our broader culture as a time of universal peace toward all. Surely there is no better time to extend warmth and welcome to all human beings around us, especially because our hospitality toward others is a response to God’s loving hospitality toward us.

This gospel, then, becomes the pattern

Practically, how can we at College Church show hospitality toward all during the Christmas season? I want to suggest a few ideas for hospitality in three different contexts: church, family and personal.

A CHURCH WELCOME Our church is hosting an event called “Carols & Cocoa” the evening of Sunday, December 22. We’re opening our doors to all in our community to come in and sing the classic carols, drink hot chocolate and celebrate holiday cheer. This time is not primarily a “church event.” It’s intended for our neighborhoods as a warm, hospitable gathering, especially for those who aren’t connected to a church. Mention this event to your neighbors, book club friends, gym buddies, classmates or coworkers as a simple, merry way to celebrate the season.

A FAMILY WELCOME Gift-giving is a wonderful part of our Christmas tradition, and it can be a useful way to care for those who are on the margins of your life. While your family may send a Christmas card to your loved ones, consider sending a hand-written note of appreciation to people you know who could benefit greatly from unexpected kindness.

Perhaps you have an acquaintance at work, at a favorite local business or from your past who seems to be having a difficult year. A small act of love toward them could yield large benefits in these relationships.

A PERSONAL WELCOME Is there a “Mr. Potter” in your life?

Someone who is consistently difficult, frustrating or even hostile toward you?

Meditate on the welcome of God toward you during this season, and perhaps reach out with forgiveness toward your enemy. May the gospel of God’s peace on earth influence us all to greater hospitality, love, mercy and grace this season!

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come off on the corner of Baldwin and Chicago Drive?” Then with the look of glee, I administer the coup de grâce, “And just who is it that disposes of the tree in an environmentally acceptable fashion that's preserving the ozone layer for one more year? And speaking of ozone, wouldn’t that everimportant layer be better off if we did get an artificial tree?”

Humble silence reigns. After such a devastating blizzard of rhetorical questions, one need not even stoop to address such things as lowly as milk carton ice candles.

Or so I thought.

REFLECTION

Shall We Keep the Traditions Alive?

Steve Krogh This Christmas reflection is from Topography: A Pastor’s Reflections on the Terrain between Sundays, a collection of essays and thoughts Steve wrote while serving as a pastor in Michigan.

Older sister Kate shuddered at the thought of her four-year-old brother, Luke, growing up in a home with, yikes, of all things, an artificial Christmas tree. How low could a family go?

Sensing that I wasn't racked with the appropriate amount of parental guilt, she immediately added, “And what about all the Christmas traditions I grew up with and have such fond memories of? Remember making those ice candles? How we had to find half gallon milk cartons, drink all the milk, fill it with ice cubes and poor in the hot wax? Then after it cooled, we would light the candle and watch the colored wax flow through the openings? What will happen to poor Luke if (sob, sob) he doesn't grow up with these things?”

Being skilled at Kate’s game, I had my ready defense. “Ah, but who is it that leaves the comfort of the warm van to pirouette evergreen trees, one by one, on the icy tree lot on Chicago Drive, silently pleading to the warm faces in the fogged-up van, ‘How about this one? Does it look good? Will Mom like it? Is there a bare spot I can't see since my face is buried in its wet, prickly needles?’”

Feeling smug, I play my trump card. “Who is it that straps the tree on the roof of the van and prays that the bungee cord won’t

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Motivated not by parental guilt, but pastoral reflection, I ponder, “Why do we have traditions? Why did I teach my kids how to make those ice candles just like my father did with me?”

Could it be that in an ever-changing world, where half-gallon milk cartons are increasingly hard to find and technology advances daily, it is important to have a connection with one’s roots? That children need to know that we aren't left to figure it all out on our own? That though this month's “latest and greatest” device makes last month’s obsolete, some things transcend the generations?

It's comforting for our kids and grandkids to know that “my dad did it this way when he was a kid. One day I will teach this to my kids. Life will work. Things change, but it will be okay.”

And there are some things even more comfortable than ice candles and real Christmas trees. Parents spending time with their kids. Like Dad doing what dads do. Like Mom being mom. Like loving, caring, listening, laughing, enjoying, creating, remembering.

So as you drive by Chicago Drive one wintry night this week, yes, that will be me doing the “Evergreen Pirouette” one more time. I am not doing it for the eighteen-year-old son or seventeen-year-old daughter. Or even for four-year-old Luke.

I am doing it for the generations to come should our Lord's second advent be delayed.

What are your traditions? Are you keeping them alive? And what about passing down to the next generation the greatest tradition of all—a reverence and love for God. May we instruct our children and our children's children as Mary did when she found out that she was to bear the Messiah, “His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.” (Luke 1:50)

OUTREACH

A Literary Christmas Felicity Carswell I love Christmas—the tunes, the smells, the tastes, even the cold weather that brings with it cozy evenings by the fire. My seasonal joy makes its full appearance by about week two of December, but I’m married to a Christmas enthusiast who stacks up the carol-singing CDs in the car from the start of September!

While I sometimes wish my husband would bring out the tree a little later, I love that we are thinking about Christmas for weeks. As the carols circle around again, I’m reminded, through often profound words, of the amazing gift of Jesus.

My Christmas-fueled delight in God’s wonderful rescue prompts me to think of those who haven’t accepted Jesus.

Whether it be friends, family or others who populate my days and weeks.

friend Christ. Evangelism is often terrifying, but also encouraging. As ever, it’s God who will be working in us to give us confidence to grab those God-given opportunities over the Christmas season.

Here are a few ideas to get us thinking intentionally about how to hold out the gospel to those within reach.

1. CHRISTMAS SERVICES With our Christmas services and concerts, we are all encouraged to bring those who don’t usually attend church.

How about making even more of that opportunity by ensuring that each visitor goes away with something that points to Jesus to read in their own time?

While not everyone will have Christmas on their mind from the moment the first autumnal leaves fall, we do know it is coming. We need to plan how to use the Christmas season to reach out to those who don’t yet know Jesus. Hopefully you’re already thinking about who you could invite to the church’s Advent and Christmas services. But I wonder if you’ve thought about using literature to make even more of the Christmas opportunity? Not just any literature, but evangelistic books, tracts or even a gospel text that explains why Christmas is all about Jesus.

I used to go to a church that ran numerous carol services throughout the Christmas season, and at each service, the gospel text for the preached message was placed on each chair. The minister preached from that text— literally holding the same copy—and then everyone was encouraged to take it home with them.

There are so many ways to use evangelistic literature, and I’m no expert on how to do it. I still have a knot of fear each time I give a book or tract away—that “sweaty palms, tempted to hide the book” kind of feeling. But then I remember how God might just use this one exchange to show my

One of the best ways of getting gospel truth into a household is through children’s books. I know of numerous church toddler groups who use Christmas as a time to give a Jesuscentered picture book. Maybe you are involved in a church youth group— giving a goody bag of edible treats with

If one on each chair is too much, how about having someone at the exit offering a book for visitors to take away with them?

2. CHILDREN’S BOOKS

a book tucked in too might even get the most reluctant reader idly giving it a go.

In many ways, children’s books are the least intimidating way of handing someone the gospel. While they are intended for the kids, the prayer is that the parents can’t help but hear the truth as they read it to them or glance at what their teenager has brought home.

3. GATHERINGS While everyone shivered their way through November in the privacy of their own homes, come December suddenly schedules fill up with parties— gatherings for families, work colleagues, neighborhoods and anyone else who comes to mind.

Could you plan to host? An opportunity to get to know people, and maybe a chance to get some gospel literature into their hands. My sister’s family hosts a Christmas street party at their house every year. It’s crazy and hectic with people coming and going and gaggles of children careering around, but everyone who comes is handed a children’s Christmas story book on their way out.

4. PRESENT GIVING Everyone loves presents. While it would be odd to remember every colleague’s birthday with a book, it’s normal in most workplaces for there to be some kind of Christmas gift-giving. As a Christian, your desire to share the gospel could

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shape that present giving. While we hesitate to leave Christian literature on someone’s desk normally, Christmas came about because of Jesus. We might just be bold enough to give them something that will point them to the truth of Christmas. While working for a church in London, I heard of some city workers’ wonderfully creative gifting of books accompanied by various items— posh chocolate, a mini bottle of wine, or something particular to that person.

This could be done for anyone—from a friend at the school gate to the garbage collector.

5. CARDS AND LETTERS Christmas brings correspondence. Cards still thud onto the doormat, even in our digital age. While we can pick our cards carefully to convey something of the gospel message, we could also include a tract—a short, winsome leaflet that explains how Jesus is God’s rescuing king. We never know who might read it as they trawl through their mail.

Carols in September aren’t for everyone, but don’t wait until December to plan your Christmas outreach. As we are reminded of Christmas’ true meaning,

let’s not hesitate to make the most of the season’s opportunities to share Jesus with those we know, and even those we don’t know.

Practice your book-buying skills at the 10ofthose pop-up bookstore at the Crossings throughout December. Free coffee and good books. Felicity’s husband, Jonathan, is the president of 10ofthose and shared in our morning services. We are delighted to partner with them in the bookshop this December.

December Book of the Month How Christmas Can Change Your Life "How we view Christmas is often directly connected to how we view the Savior and the Gospel message. As someone that loves and sometimes over–sentimentalizes Christmas, I found myself very refreshed and challenged to think more deeply. This book is bold, wise, and fun—and I’m confident it will increase your love for Christmas, and your love for Jesus every day of the year."

Kevin Palau, president, The Luis Palau Association "Christmas is not sentimental, it is instrumental.’ Josh Moody helps us see that Christmas doesn’t need to be only a time of hurried traditions and exhausting activity, it can be a season God uses to change our lives. This book will help you thoughtfully celebrate the true magic of Christmas: God making peace with us through the incarnation of Christ."

Heather Winslow LeFebvre, author of The History of Christmas: 2,000 Years of Faith, Fable and Festivity.

Stop by the Bookstall on Sunday morning and don’t forget about the Christmas Pop-Up Bookstore at Crossings—now open through December, Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m..

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RECOMMENDED

Best Books of 2019 We asked ministry staff and some of our lay leaders for the best books they read in 2019.

Watch for more in next month’s issue and online at OneWord Journal.

Tad Williams, elder

Zach Fallon, high school pastor

A Brief Reader on the Virtues of the Human Heart by Josef Pieper

Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

Written by a German Catholic philosopher, published in 1941, exhorting moral courage and fortitude. Very good.

Jesus Came to Save Sinners by Charles Spurgeon

Clarence Thomas and the Lost Constitution by Myron Magnet

Living Sacrifice by Helen Roseveare

A very well-written look at the life and thought of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

Erick Solomon, pastoral resident

Paul: A Biography by N.T. Wright

Discipling: How to Help Others Follow Jesus

by Mark Dever

An enjoyable narrative that puts together the life, missionary journeys and thinking of the Apostle Paul. Full of Scripture.

The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God

by D.A. Carson Published in 2000, this is a short book that offers excellent biblical instruction in how to think and speak carefully about the love of God. Dan Hiben, junior high pastor Have No Fear by John Lennox.

I haven't read the book yet, although I'm planning to order it soon. I heard Lennox speak at the Getty conference in August and I've read some of his other books and really appreciate him.

Mike Solis, pastoral resident The Imperfect Pastor by Zach Eswine This work is a powerful confession for vulnerable, grace-soaked ministry, and it gave me a clear, compelling vision for the sort of pastor (and Christian) I’d like to be.

The Politics of Ministry: Navigating Power Dynamics and Negotiating Interests by Bob Burns, Tasha D. Chapman and Donald C. Guthrie This book is an excellent, thoughtful examination of how people work together in ministry and how we can carefully, lovingly navigate the complex dynamics of these relationships.

Remarkably practical and mercifully short, Mark Dever’s book on discipleship will challenge you to pursue other Christians for their spiritual good and give you a great framework for that pursuit.

A Gospel Primer: Learning to See the Glories of God’s Love

by Milton Vincent Next to the Bible, this has been the most influential book in my heart and mind this year. Milton Vincent tells the gospel story with clarity and covered in Scripture in a variety of ways. Like a diamond, there are many angles to the gospel, and this book keeps our focus on the message of the good news of God’s love in Christ. Incredibly helpful.

On Reading Well: Finding the Good Life through Great Books

by Karen Swallow Prior Karen Swallow Prior is clear and engaging. She has made me want to read better fiction. Each chapter is just long enough to teach me something and just short enough to lead me to the stories about which she is writing.

The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism by Jemar Tisby This is a hard book. Jemar Tisby is painfully honest without becoming antagonistic. In an age of outrage and social media, his voice is both instructive and welcome to lead the church in looking more and more like Jesus.

Jacob Warren, pastoral resident Delighting in the Trinity by Michael Reeves The Life of God in the Soul of Man by Henry Scougal

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Director of Children's Ministries Introducing Cheryce Berg Cheryce Berg is the candidate to fill the position of director of children’s ministries at College Church as Diane Jordan, our current director, seeks to move toward retirement in the months ahead.

INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS: Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, January 18, 2020, at 8:00 a.m.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING: Sunday, January 19, 2020, at 6:00 p.m.

PROFILE: Cheryce Berg, candidate for director of children’s ministries PERSONAL: Growing up in a home where the family moved around the country every few years, Cheryce learned to make friends and connect to churches and schools across the country.

After attending Wheaton College, where she met her husband, Mark, she has devoted much of her time to serving in a variety of roles at College Church. Wife to Mark, mom to Josh, Ryan and Luke, daughter of Stann and Gloria Leff, Cheryce also enjoys writing, cooking, travel, running, taking walks with Mark and hosting people in their home.

WORK EXPERIENCE: For the past two years, Cheryce has served as a ministry associate for HYACKS. In this role, she discipled adult leaders in their ministry to students. In her six years working as a ministry associate for children’s ministries, she created curriculum, managed family/outreach events for Kids’ Harbor and connected children with missions. She also worked as a fifth-grade teacher at a public school in Batavia from 1993–1997. Cheryce also lists on her resume the work experience of “mom,” from 1997 to present.

CHRISTIAN CONVERSION AND GROWTH: Cheryce knows firsthand the power of ministry to children. She first made the decision to follow Jesus when she was four years old. She learned and grew in Christ in both her home and church. In a time of family struggle, however, she began to trust in her own power to be strong and good. She recommitted her life to Christ at a Christian camp when she was 12 years old. In her student years, her family moved often. While at her home church in Portland, Oregon, Cheryce experienced student discipleship, went on her first missions trip and began to lead in children’s and student ministries.

As a student at Wheaton College, she planned to go on the mission field as a teacher, but God instead gave her a relationship with future husband, Mark. Upon graduation, she took a job teaching fifth grade locally. After she and Mark married, they began attending College Church where they have stayed for the past 25 years. “It is here that I have been able to see God at work in an array of ministries and lives,” Cheryce comments on her adult life at College Church. “It is here that God has satisfied my hunger

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for missions by giving me chances to travel and give and grow as a sender rather than as a go-er. It is here that God has grown my passion for discipling the next generations to pursue Him. And it is in these adult years that I continue to see God rescue and redeem and use what I cannot fix. All glory goes to him for his work in and through my life through his Spirit. I am saved by his grace alone and for his glory alone. Praise Him!” CHURCH CONNECTIONS: Cheryce has been involved in the following ministries at College Church and elsewhere: Englewood Justice and Compassion Trip Leader 2019 Re:New board member and volunteer 2019–present Side by Side Ministry training 2018–2019 Nominating Committee 2014–2015, 2019–present HYACKs small group leader 2013–2017 Board of Missions (secretary) 2016–2019 Coordinator ESL Family Bible Time 2016–2019 World Impact Committee 2011–2019 Refugee Committee 2016–2019 Simeon Trust Workshop on Biblical Exposition 2017–2019 STAMP team leader: Turkey 2015 South Wheaton Campus 2014–2015 ESL Bible study leader 2014–2016 STAMP team leader, Dominican Republic 2013 Children’s Ministry Associate 2007–2013 Culture Impact Committee (chair) 2012–2015 Apples of Gold helper 2007 Women’s Bible Study leader 2009–2012 Children’s Church curriculum developer 2008–2012 STAMP team co–leader, Bolivia 2007 Kids’ Korner superintendent 2004–2007 First grade teacher 2005 Christian Education Board 2003–2004 Kids’ Harbor nursery worker 1999–2001 Kids’ Korner craftsperson 1998–1999 Kids’ Korner curriculum developer 1998–2002 Preschool Bible school teacher 1997–1998 Children’s Worship Folder writer 1994–1997 Fifth-grade Bible School 1994–1995 At Compass Church: MOPS leader1997–1998 MINISTRY PERSPECTIVE: Cheryce seeks to focus her heart and mind on the ministries and people of Kids’ Harbor so that the next generation would know, follow and share Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord for his glory, by his grace alone.

CATCH UP

Pastoral Residents: Where Are They Now? What better time than Christmas to catch up with some of our pastoral residents? Think of these as their Christmas letters and updates to College Church.

Andrew Fulton, Mark Biehl and Mat Martin were the first class of pastoral residents at College Church. Currently, Andrew is the pastor of congregational life at New Covenant Church in Naperville, our third church plant. Andrew writes, “We are thankful for our recent sanctuary improvements and the newly installed organ.” As Andrew and Pastor Chris Castaldo look forward to Advent, they would like us to pray that the church’s Lessons and Carols Christmas service will “cause both Christians and outsiders to contemplate God’s grace to us in Christ.”

Mark Biehl is serving as lead pastor at Upland Community Church in Upland, Indiana. Writes Mark, “I have been at this church 11 years (since leaving College Church), and in this position for 10 years. God has surrounded me with a wonderful staff who are wiser, smarter and godlier than I am. We serve much of Taylor University and Indiana Wesleyan University faculty, staff and students. Presently, we are in the final steps of calling our first full-time worship pastor.

The congregational vote is scheduled for December 1.

Mark’s wife, Dianne, continues as the cofounder and chair of the board of directors of Life Eastbrook Afterschool Program.

This is a local non-profit organization that ministers to the whole person of at-risk children. Mark reports that their adult children have been blessed with godly spouses, and he and Dianne enjoy their nine grandchildren.

As Mark and his church approach Christmas, they will take a “strategic” break from their study in the book of Revelation and begin a five-part series on “The Light” which follows the steps of the wise men. “Pray that our church community (hopefully sensitized by the vision of John) may hear and receive the call to leave this world behind in order to follow, worship, serve and share the light sent from the throne room of heaven.”

Chris Spano writes that he and his wife, Lauren, “along with our children Calvin, Clive, Fiona and Shedd, are thankful for the opportunity to live in Bowie, Maryland, where I serve as the senior pastor of Trinity Community Church.” For the past eight years, Chris has been blessed with a loving church family, good friends, opportunities to enjoy the benefits of living close to Washington, D.C. and plenty of activities to keep the Spanos busy.

“Recently, two former College Church members, Tim and Carol Avery, joined our church,” says Chris. “Tim is serving as a pastoral intern while he finishes his graduate studies at Reformed Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. Pray that the Lord will enable me to serve Tim well, and that the Lord will use Tim’s internship to help him (and me) grow as a preacher and pastor.”

First a pastoral resident, and then junior high pastor at College Church, Tommy Johnston is now the lead pastor at College Park Castleton. “The Lord has greatly blessed our little church plant at College Park Castleton, Indiana, in many ways,” says Tommy. “Please rejoice with us. All the pieces seem to be in place for us to be

ready as a self-governing, independent church on April 1, 2020.” The church saw one person trust Jesus this year and is currently praying for new birth to take place for a number of non-Christians who regularly attend its services. “Pray for us to keep pressing in with our evangelism,” requests Tommy. “Ask the Lord to give us the gift of welcoming them as brothers and sisters in Christ this Christmas.” Tommy and his wife, Precious, want us to know that the College Church family is still in their hearts and prayers.

After serving eight years at Westgate Church in Weston, Massachusetts, Brandon Levering and his wife, Carissa, and their family recently relocated to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where Brandon now serves as the lead pastor at Stonebridge Church (EFCA). They have four children, Joshua (15), Moriah (11), Eva (8) and Chloe (7).

Please pray for their ongoing transition, especially for the kids as they settle into new schools and new rhythms. “And pray for Stonebridge as we seek to build relationships and share Christ with our neighbors this Christmas,” adds Brandon, “especially with Christmas coffees, a little something we picked up from College Church."

Five years ago, Gavin Lymberopoulos finished his pastoral residency at College Church, but he still thinks often about his training and friendships from that season of ministry. “These days I am overseeing Tenth Presbyterian Church’s (Philadelphia, PA) local and global outreach, preaching the evening service and running our young adult ministry,” says Gavin. “Each of these responsibilities requires different skills and wisdom.”

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For his time in the pulpit, Gavin points out that he often is “going back to my years of training at College Church in Scripture and Sermon, the weekly preaching workshops lead by the pastors. For global outreach, I frequently draw on the experiences I had leading College Group missions trips to China and Vietnam. For our young adult ministry, I often think about the many people at College Church who invested in my life, and I attempt to pass on this gift to others.”

On a personal note, Gavin would welcome our prayers for his wife, Julie, and their two children, Thomas and Annette.

John Supica says that he has the distinct privilege of serving as pastor for discipleship and community life at Zionsville Fellowship in the suburbs of Indianapolis, Indiana. “Pray that God would deepen a culture of disciple-making in our church family,” writes John. “Pray for God to daily refresh my own heart as I seek to serve Zionsville Fellowship with joyful diligence. And pray for deep renewal and awakening in the hearts of our people—for greater enjoyment of Christ, for deeper conviction of sin and for fresh vigor to live worthy of our calling as disciple-makers.

Recently ordained, Ryan Potter serves as the assistant pastor at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan, focusing on the college ministry at Western Michigan University. Ryan is excited to see the college ministry grow in the next year and is praying for leaders to step up. “Pray for my continued evangelism on campus, and that I will meet students who are receptive to the gospel,” adds Ryan.

He and his wife, Sarah, are moving forward with their adoption from China. (“We are exceedingly grateful to College

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Church for the contribution from the Caroline Fund,” notes Ryan.) They are in the final process of gathering paperwork for their dossier to send to China. “Pray that our paperwork would be processed and accepted without any issues,” writes Ryan, “and that the Lord would continue to provide for our needs as we wait to bring home our child.”

Jeff Hershberger and his wife, Tamara, have been College Church missionaries since 2013, and they serve in Japan. Jeff writes from Japan to pray for the church plant’s various Christmas ministries, including outreach events and services. “Pray that the Lord would lead seekers from the focus city to join one of these events and encounter the Savior. Also pray that the Lord would be magnified through our worship services.

A little over four years ago, Michael McKittrick finished his pastoral residency.

“I’m still so grateful for those two years,” recalls Michael.

He and his wife, Heather, have three daughters, Eliza, Gloria and Fiona.

Michael sent us this update: “On September 1, we officially launched public services of Eastside Church (eastsidemadison.church), a new church plant on the east side of Madison, WI. We really sensed a need for a gospel-preaching church on the near east side of the city, known for being the progressive heart of a city that has only 5% of people identifying as evangelicals. Again and again, we heard from other pastors that this was an unreached part of our city.

“Madison has a neighborhoodcentric focus, and our vision is to plant neighborhood churches that are identified by prayerful dependence on God, biblically faithful teaching, loving community and missional hospitality in

the neighborhoods on Madison’s east side. These neighborhood churches meet twice a month in homes, and then we all gather at a local elementary school twice a month. We hope that these rhythms will help better equip the saints for ministry and provide different spaces for unbelievers to consider the gospel.

“Pray that every member of our church would have a missionary mentality in their neighborhood. Second, pray for the training and raising up of more elders. We see this as a crucial need for our church.

Third, pray for protection from the enemy for our leadership team. We've really sensed the spiritual battle. It's real, but we know that Jesus has defeated the enemy!

Fourth, pray for God to raise up some additional monthly supporters for our first couple of years.”

A Special Goodbye George Bednar, one of our current pastoral residents, has accepted the call to serve as minister to students at the First Baptist Church of Charleston, South Carolina. His last day with us will be December 15. Let’s pray for God to guide and bless George, Alexis, Raomi and Miles in this new ministry opportunity. We will miss you and your family.

THE GIFT OF LIFE

In Person at the March For Life Chicago Ron Chiodras I am always encouraged when I participate in March for Life Chicago, though not always thrilled with the January weather. Nonetheless, we march in January because back in 1973 on January 22, the Supreme Court of the United States handed down its terrible decision to legalize abortion. Now, among the pro-life, this day is called Sanctity of Human Life Day. Years ago, God placed on my heart a desire to participate in rescuing unborn babies from the ravages of abortion.

When I march, I have an opportunity to speak out for those who have no voice and to encourage others to engage in the battle to protect unborn humans from abortion.

Those at the Chicago march and the hundreds of thousands who march in different cities around the country each January demonstrate to the world that the pro-life movement is growing stronger, and it shines a light in the midst of a dark culture that is troubled and confused about the protection of innocent humans in the womb.

What continues to catch my attention is the number of young people who march with us. The pro-life movement is gaining traction among young people and encourages me. It encourages me

to see young people enthusiastically holding signs that proclaim, “I am the Pro-Life Generation.” It encourages me to see the “new blood” and enthusiasm they bring to the pro-life movement.

Many organizations and campaigns grow stagnant and apathetic after a while and lose sight of their mission, but the message of life connects with these young people. It makes sense to them that, if we should protect human rights, we should certainly protect the most basic of human rights—the right to life. A sign that aptly expressed this sentiment read, “Social Justice begins in the womb.”

These marches are attended by people from all walks of life. From those who are Evangelicals to Catholics to Orthodox and from everywhere on the political spectrum, we are united in the cause of rescuing unborn humans from the devastation of abortion as well as pleading with and preventing mothers and fathers from a decision they may deeply regret. For those who have been involved in an abortion decision, Christ offers unlimited, measureless forgiveness and healing.

We pray that our peaceful presence and our united voices will bring hope to those who have an unwanted pregnancy

and who believe that abortion is the only solution.

I view my involvement on the Sanctity of Human Life Task Force as an opportunity to speak up for those who have no voice and to encourage others to engage in the battle to protect unborn humans from abortion. That’s why, for the past three years, the Sanctity of Human Life Task Force has arranged for College Church to bring busloads of members and friends to join thousands in downtown Chicago to raise our voices for the voiceless.

We plan to have the buses again and have added a sign-making party at the church on January 4. If you can’t march, then join us for making the signs.

Of course, we would love to see you join College Church as we return to the March for Life Chicago on Saturday, January 11, 2020. We will meet at College Church at 11 a.m., take buses to Chicago, walk to Daley Plaza and join the march. We will board the buses after the march and plan to arrive back at College Church by 5 p.m.

Register to reserve seats on the bus for you, your family and your friends: https://www.college-church.org/sohl.

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MILESTONES Births and Marriages • College Church members, Joey McKenna and Rebekah Puhr, were married at College Church on Saturday, November 16.

Joey is the son of members, Steve and Lisa McKenna.

• Liese-Lotte was born to Jon and Anne Brazier on November 3.

She joins her siblings Hannah, Heide, Anson and Ansel.

Condolences • Family and friends of Bob Carlson who passed away on November 25. Pray for Bob’s wife, Peggy, and their children—

Bobbi, Carrie, Ted and Eric. Bob became a member at College Church in 1944. Services are pending.

• Jim ( Janet) Vanne and family as they grieve the loss of Jim’s mother, Fairie Vanne, who passed away on Saturday, November 16, in Wheaton.

• The family of Flo Schmid, as they mourn her passing on November 11. Flo was the mother of Laurel (Bruce) Aulie, Becky ( James) Cook, Lisa (David) Helm, Amy ( Jon) Dennis and Julie (Dave) Sohmer.

• Marilyn (Carl) Cepuran and family as they grieve the loss of Marilyn’s father, Fred Minchk, who passed away in Hoffman Estates on November 4.

LOOKING AHEAD Perspectives—a fifteen-week class, taught by fifteen instructors

Believers Baptism/Confirmation/ Infant Baptism/Infant Dedication

“Perspectives. . . helped our members to discover how they can effectively become part of the global Christian movement.”

—Tony Evans, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship

There are dates coming up for those interested in believers baptism, confirmations, infant dedications and infant baptism.

If you would like more information about any of these opportunities, email Christy at baptism@college-church.org.

“Perspectives calls every Christian to become engaged in the greatest enterprise of all.” —Luis Bush, Transform World Connections “Perspectives is absolutely essential for anyone interested in missions!” —George Verwer, Operation Mobilization The class meets on Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m. at College Church.

Dinner is included. The first class is January 21, 2020. Register at Perspectives.org and search for the Wheaton, Illinois class. Early bird registration ends December 15. The course is designed around four “perspectives”—biblical, historical, cultural and strategic. Each one will highlight different aspects of God’s global purpose.

March for Life Chicago 2020 Saturday, January 11 If you’re riding the College Church bus to the rally, plan to be at church by 11 a.m., and the buses will return to church by 5 p.m.

Visitor Lunch—January 12

NEW TO COLLEGE CHURCH? VISITOR LUNCHES SUNDAYS AT 12:15 P.M.

2020 January 12, February 9, March 8, April 19, May 17

TGC Women’s Conference TGC Women’s Conference is June 11-13. Use discount code COLLEGECHURCH for $25 off the registration price.

Looking for other College Church women attending the conference? If you’re going, let us know. We’d love to plan a meetup for College Church women at the conference.

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Come join us in the Sanctuary lobby for a casual lunch - on us!

Becoming One

PREP FOR MARRIAGE CLASS

Becoming One is a class for engaged, pre-engaged and newly married couples. It provides a biblical perspective on topics such as the covenant of marriage, roles of husbands and wives, finances, intimacy, communication and conflict resolution.

The class will meet Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m., beginning January 26, 2020. If you have questions or would like to register, please contact Christy at marriage@college-church. org. Registration fee of $35 per couple covers materials and an online inventory.

Becoming One SUNDAYS, 9:30 A.M. - FEB 2 - APR 5

For more info, email Christy at marriage@college-church.org, or scan the QR code.

AROUND TOWN Wintersong 2019 Christmas with the Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale, featuring organist Dan Mattix and Chamber Orchestra. This festive holiday concert is Friday, December 6, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 7, at 3 p.m. at College Church. Advance online ticket prices through December 5 are $18 for adults; $15 for seniors (age 62+) and $8 for students.

Tickets are available at the door for $20, $17 and $10.

A Vintage Christmas The Community School of the Arts (CSA) at Wheaton College presents a Suzuki Strings Christmas concert, “A Vintage Christmas” at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, in Edman Memorial Chapel.

“A Vintage Christmas” will celebrate the birth of Christ and fond Christmas memories. More than 300 students ages four through high school will perform Christmas favorites such as “White Christmas,” “Silver Bells,” “Joy to the World,” “Here Comes Santa Claus,” and “The First Noel.” Come hear the music of Rosemary Clooney, Bing

Crosby, Nat King Cole, Doris Day, Judy Garland, Dean Martin and Elvis Presley. The event is free and open to the public.

Camerata Chicago Academy Orchestra Baroque Concerti and Lyrical Classics Saturday, December 7, at 7 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church, Wheaton Enjoy the beautiful performance of the Camerata Chicago Academy Orchestra comprised of excellent young musicians.

• Kate Johnston will perform the Bach Harpsichord Concerto in D Minor.

• The Academy Orchestra will perform the Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 by Bach and Symphony No. 15 by Mozart. They will be joined by the Junior Academy, which plays the Kuchler Violin Concertino in G Major with young soloist Aleksia Nenadovich.

Tickets are $15 and may be purchased online at cameratachicago.org.

Children may attend free.

Take advantage of events—some one-time, some ongoing—that are taking place around town this month.

Also, keep Connections in mind to promote a community event to the College Church family.

Send event information by the following dates to connections@college-church.org.

For the January issue: December 7 For the February issue: January 7

Connections is a monthly newsletter published for and about the people of College Church.

Send news items and suggestions to: connections@college-church.org.

332 E. Seminary, Wheaton, IL 60187 • Phone: (630) 668-0878 • www.college-church.org Our Pastors, Directors and Residents: George Bednar, pastoral resident | Eric Channing, pastor of congregational care and family ministries | Julie Clemens, director of disability ministries | Erik Dewar, pastor of worship and music | Zach Fallon, senior high pastor | Dan Hiben, junior high pastor | Tim Hollinger, technology director | Diane Jordan, director of children’s ministries | Curt Miller, missions pastor | Josh Moody, senior pastor | Ben Panner, college pastor | Mindy Rynbrandt, director of women’s ministries | John Seward, executive pastor | Nancy Singer, director of administration and finance | Mike Solis, pastoral resident | Erick Solomon, pastoral resident | Josh Stringer, pastor of discipleship | Wil Triggs, director of communications | Michael Walker, pastoral resident | Jacob Warren, pastoral resident Our Council of Elders: Bruce Aulie | Mark Bradley | David Dix, vice chair |Steve Ivester | Dan Lindquist | Josh Moody, senior pastor | Phil Nussbaum | Tom Nussbaum | Mark Taylor, chair | Mark Trieglaff | Brian Wildman | Tad Williams | Rob Wolgemuth, secretary