April 2021 Connections

Connections Proclaiming the GOSPEL

local & global stories, news and events of College church

“, , , these past three months taught me how to care for Imago Dei better.”

Not All Pandemic Lessons Are Online by Vijai Kuruppacherry on page 7

APRIL 2021

Life Lessons

I Believe

Face to Face

Not All Pandemic Lessons Are Online

Before I Was Born

The Mess and Mystery of Myanmar

NICK GIRGIS| 10

GEORGE BEDNAR | 12

VIJAI KURUPPACHERRY | 7

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Connections April 2021

April Highlights

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Not All Pandemic Lessons Are Online VIJAI KURUPPACHERRY

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Prayer Gatherings

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Before I Was Born NICK GIRGIS

God's Goodness in a Time of Pandemic BARB DELEW

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The Great Commission Meets Closed Borders JIM AND KATHY HANSEN

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Update From Pastoral Resident Mike Solis

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The Mess and Mystery of Myanmar GEORGE BEDNAR

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A Letter from Pastor Josh Stringer JOSH STRINGER

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Watch Workers Keep Watch on Myanmar ANONYMOUS

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New Members

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Baby Bottle Drive 2021

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Books and Media

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Milestones/Looking Ahead

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Growing Naomi’s House SIMONE HALPIN

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Announcing A Congregational Meeting

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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 May issue: April 9 | For the June issue: May 9 | For the July issue: June 9

1 Anonymous are ministry partners who work in Myanmar, and

CONTRIBUTORS

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they provided the valuable prayer insights in “Watch Workers Keep a Watch on Myanmar” on page 14. We pray that they might someday soon return to that country.

2 George Bednar serves as student pastor at First Baptist

Church in Charleston, SC. We got to know George, his family and his love for Myanmar while he served as a pastoral resident here at College Church. What a delight for him to contribute “The Mess and Mystery of Myanmar” on page 12.

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3 Barb DeLew serves and cares well for this church family.

Whenever we talk to Barb, we always come away refreshed. We were delighted to see Barb’s reflections on thankfulness in the pandemic in our inbox, now on page 16 under the title “God’s Goodness in a Time of Pandemic.” We just want to know how her dog, Bonnie, is doing these days.

4 Josh Stringer has worked with church plants in Atlanta and

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Louisville, and also spent years working as a butcher, which might explain his interest in grilling.

5 Nick Girgis is in the newest class of members at College

Church. We welcome him and look forward to what is in store for him and us in the days ahead. He managed to share his I Believe story of faith (on page 10) even as he studies at dental school.

6 Simone Halpin has served as the executive director of Nao-

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mi’s House since 2016. In her article, “Growing Naomi’s House,” on page 15, Simone shares her heart for the ministry and some exciting initiatives for 2021 and beyond. She is a member of Moody Church.

7 Jim and Kathy Hansen served as missionaries in Bolivia

for 25 years with SIM. Jim now serves Ethnos360 Bible Institute in Waukasha, WI, and Kathy teaches at Faith Community Christian School in Fort Atkinson, WI. They contributed “The Great Commission Meets Closed Borders” on page 18.

8 Vijai Kuruppacherry opens up in his article “Not All Pan-

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demic Lessons Are Online” on page 7. He shared his journey of faith, ”Before and After,” in the March 2020 issue of Connections and “The Internet, the Weekend and Haitian Kids” in the August 2019 issue of Connections. A member of College Church who has served in a variety of ministries, we are delighted to welcome Vijai back to our pages.

9 Jonathan Merry works at College Church as the Administrative Assistant for Communications. He practices photography in his spare time and is the creator of this month's cover image.

Our Pastors, Directors and Residents: Eric Channing, pastor of congregational care and family ministries | Cheryce Berg, director of children’s ministries | Julie Clemens, director of disability ministries | Erik Dewar, pastor of worship and music | Zach Fallon, senior high pastor | Dan Hiben, middle school pastor | Tim Hollinger, technology director | Diane Jordan, director of visitation and care | Howard Kern, facilities director | Josh Maurer, pastorial resident | 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 | Josh Stringer, pastor of discipleship | Wil Triggs, director of communications | Michael Walker, pastoral resident Our Council of Elders: David Bea | Howard Costley | Dave Gieser, vice chair | Randy Jahns| Heinrich Johnsen | Dan Lindquist | Josh Moody, senior pastor | Phil Nussbaum | Tom Nussbaum | Jeremy Taylor | Mark Taylor, chair | Tad Williams | Rob Wolgemuth, secretary

APRIL HIGHLIGHTS

Sunday Morning Services Feel free to invite people to worship with us.

Join us at 8:00, 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. College Group service in Commons at 10:15. Registration, masks and social distancing required for 8:00 (on Easter Sunday) and 9:30. Registration also required for the 11:15 service: college-church.formstack.com/forms/worship_signup Starts April 18, mask optional service at 11:15. No registration needed.

Livestream broadcast is at 9:30 with a rebroadcast at 11:15.

You can watch it at college-church.org/livestream Senior Pastor Josh Moody preaches from John, Believing and Living • April 2: Good Friday “Behold” John 19:16-27 • April 4: Easter Sunday “Why Are You Weeping?” John 20:11-18 • April 11: “It Is the Lord” John 21:1-14 • April 18: “Do You Love Me?” John 21:15-19 • April 25: “A True Witness” John 21:20-25

Adult Communities—in-person and Zoom options Note: No Adult Communities will meet on Easter Sunday.

• Veritas meets Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. with Dr. Daniel Block teaching Ezekiel. Attend in person or via Zoom.

• Logos meets Sundays at 9:30 with Dr. Victor Kuligin teaching on the doctrine of salvation. In person or via Zoom.

• Joint Heirs meets Sundays at 9:30 with a rotation of teachers teaching from the Book of Psalms. Available in person or via Zoom.

• Greek Class meets Sundays at 9:30 with Dr. Jon Laansma teaching 1 John. Available in person or via Zoom.

• Forum 15 meets Sundays at 9:30 with David Fetzer teaching 1 & 2 Peter.

• All Nations meets Sundays at 9:30 with Steve Krogh leading the discussion of the sermon.

For connection via Zoom, email sarndt@college-church.org for your link of choice.

Congregational Events We are pleased to announce the following opportunities for publicly expressing faith in Christ: • Infant dedications will be observed on Mother's Day, May 9.

• Infant baptisms observed Father’s Day, June 20.

• For believers baptism or confirmation, contact Christy at baptism@college-church.org or call the church.

To move forward with any of these commitments, contact Christy at cchiodras@college-church.org or call the church.

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LORD'S SUPPER April 2 | May 2

Children’s Ministries

High School

Sunday morning nursery, preschool and Bible school (grades 1-5), weekly reservations required.

Sunday Night Live on April 11 and 18 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in Commons Gym.

Wednesday Evening Clubs (Boys Brigade and Pioneer Girls) for grades 1-5.

A special event is scheduled for April 25; details and time TBD.

Registration required at college-church.org/children/weeklyprograms

STARS

Middle School Middle schoolers are meeting in Commons Hall on Tuesday nights beginning at 6:45 p.m. On Sunday mornings, plan to attend worship services with your family.

• No Zoom class on Easter Sunday | Recorded lesson April 4 • Zoom Sunday morning class | 9:00 a.m. | April 11, 18, 25 • Zoom Wednesday music | Wednesdays 7-8 p.m., April 7, 14, 21, 28 • Parking Lot Friday Night Fun | 6:30-7:30 p.m., April 23

College Group Student Service: With COVID limitations, we are creating space for students to easily worship at 10:15 a.m. in the Commons each Sunday. Join us!

Mid-Week Outdoor Small Groups: Monday-Wednesday at 7 p.m. Email Ben at bpanner@college-church.org for more details.

Men’s Ministries—Men's Bible Study Men’s Bible Study: Wednesdays, 6:45–8:00 p.m.

In person C002, request Zoom link here: my.college-church.org/?page=3640 “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24). Would you like to know how to interpret and apply what you are reading in your Bible so that you may be like the wise man that built his house on a rock? Hermeneutics, which is all about studying and interpreting the Bible, is our topic of discussion in Men’s Bible Study. Dr. Victor Kuligin and Pastors Josh Stringer and Ben Panner will lead the teaching through a variety of topics as we learn how to apply God’s Word to our daily lives. Each week stands on its own, so please join us when you can. For more information, please visit our Men’s Ministry website at college-church.org/men

Women’s Ministries Mom2Mom (Monday, April 5 | 7-8 p.m. | Sanctuary Narthex) Join us Monday evening, April 5, to continue our book discussion of Glory in the Ordinary by Courtney Reissig. We’ll be looking at chapter seven and considering together what it means to find our identity in Christ as opposed to our relational roles or the work we do each day.

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Monthly Gathering, Saturday, April 10 | 9:00-10:30 a.m. | Commons Hall Women, join us Saturday morning (in person or by Zoom) for our Monthly Gathering discussion on the spiritual discipline of silence and solitude. This year we’ve been looking at spiritual practices that shape the follower of Christ – Bible intake, prayer, worship and fasting, and now—silence and solitude. We’ll enjoy a short teaching time on this, then roundtable discussions as we seek to consider together how to lean into this spiritual discipline. Next Women’s Monthly Gathering will be Saturday, May 1.

Women’s Conference (May 14 & 15) Mark your calendars for our Women’s Conference on Friday night and Saturday morning, May 14-15. After this long year of distance, we’re looking forward to coming together to worship, to hear from one another, and to listen to teaching on the Book of Psalms from author and Bible teacher Courtney Reissig. To join us, please register on our website.

Membership Ready to participate fully in the life and ministries of College Church? Come find out about College Church’s history, core beliefs, ministries and what it means for you to be a member. This one-day-only membership opportunity will be Saturday, May 1, from 8 a.m. until noon. Attendees have the option of participating in person in the Commons, or virtually via Zoom. Registration is requested. For more info, contact Christy at membership@college-church.org, or call (630) 668-0878, ext. 175.

Spring Cleaning Come and join our maintenance team as we clean up the church grounds and make them look beautiful. Spring Grounds Day is April 24, from 8 a.m. to noon. Lunch provided for all volunteers. Email Audrey at amceuen@college-church.org to help spruce up the church grounds.

Current Fiscal Year Deadlines With the end of our fiscal year being April 30, all receipts for reimbursement or any other disbursement request must be received by the Accounting Office by Monday, April 19. For contributions to be posted in our current fiscal year, we must receive them by Friday, April 30. Any stock gifts must be received by Tuesday, April 27. We need to have these cutoff dates to have the financial reports completed on time for the printing of the Annual Report.

Keenagers Meeting on April 16, 2021 The Keenagers (age 55+) are happy to announce a special meeting in the sanctuary on Friday, April 16, starting at 6:30 pm. It will be our sincere pleasure to have Leslie Goddard with us to present her interpretation of one of the most well-known and influential American ladies of the 20th century, Eleanor Roosevelt. Ms. Goddard has appeared before us several times in the past to unanimous acclaim, and we’re sure this time will be no exception.

This gathering will be different from our regular meetings in several ways: • Following the church’s protocols and guidelines, we will NOT have our usual delightful meal (yes, we’re as disappointed as you are - but blame COVID-19).

• No advance reservations are required.

• We’ll be gathering in the sanctuary and adhering to the church’s Sunday morning protocols regarding wearing masks and social distancing.

• And finally, we will begin at 6:30, to allow the opportunity (weather permitting) for a time of appropriate socializing outside after the program.

• We will collect a free-will offering to help defray the cost of the program; suggested donation of $3 - $4 per person.

If you have questions, please call Everett and Marcelyn Peterson at 630-784-5069 or email them at everett@petersonlink.name.

If you are age 55+ but have not previously been attending Keenagers meetings, please consider this an invitation to join the Keenagers for this evening’s entertainment (in admittedly atypical circumstances). We also hope you will join us for our regular meetings when we are able to resume our regular activities (3rd Friday evening: Sep.—Nov. and Jan.—Apr.). Although it is too soon to announce any specific plans for the future, we hope that we can resume regular meetings (with our scrumptious meals and great programs) next fall.

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LIFE LESSONS

Not All Pandemic Lessons Are Online Vijai Kuruppacherry

I was at work when my mom called me, her voice frantic over the phone. "Vinod has been yelling to go out to get Pepsi and now the police are here."

Feeling my anxiety level rising, I listened to a barrage of statements that were barely comprehensible. I asked her to wait a bit and drove with my wife, Alma, to the Renew Wheaton Center apartments, where my parents and brother were staying.

BROTHERLY CHALLENGES Vinod, my brother, is on the autistic spectrum. He lives part of the year in India with my parents, where he and they have their regular medical care, and he attends a school for people with special needs. They are permanent residents in the U.S., and when they come, they live with us. He comes to the STARS meetings on Sunday mornings and enjoys them. In 2020 they were in for a much longer stay during the year due to the pandemic, so they moved to a rented apartment at Renew Wheaton Center on Liberty Drive.

Vinod turns fifty in April this year. When he first started exhibiting symptoms of his developmental disorder, no one knew what to make of it. He exhibited savant-like skills at an early age.

He taught himself how to read and write in English around the same time. By the time he was four, he was always reading— magazines, newspapers, anything he could get hold of. Everyone in the family was proud of his accomplishments, until he started attending preschool. There his behavioral challenges led to the school asking my parents to remove him from enrollment.

At the time in India, autism was not widely recognized or diagnosed except in highly specialized settings. Although the term was used to describe cases in which people exhibited social aloofness and self-absorption, the term "infantile autism" was first listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 1980.

In the mid-1970s, my parents took Vinod to the Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMC) in Vellore, India, one of Asia's most celebrated hospitals. They could not understand how a child with such skills could also exhibit developmental delays. He was frequently loud and disruptive, especially in social settings. They diagnosed his condition as childhood schizophrenia.

Over time, his vocabulary decreased and was eventually reduced to familiar phrases with which he made sense to his family.

These behavioral challenges continued into adulthood. He discontinued formal education at the age of five. He would be enrolled into a special needs school again, only at the age of twenty-eight.

A NEW ROUTINE So, when my mother's frantic call came, disturbing thoughts played in my mind. When we reached their apartment, my dad let me know that Vinod had been yelling to be let out to buy a can of Pepsi, and a neighbor had called the police. The officer was courteous and spoke kindly to Vinod.

This was not the first time the neighbors had reported the noise.

Two times prior to this, the apartment office had called us to let us know that they had received complaints. We let them know that we were working on getting Vinod adapted to his new surroundings. The office manager told us that we needed to ensure that it did not keep happening. I was sure that this would be the last straw now that the police had been called. When we got there, the officer had left, and Vinod appeared to be calmer but still insisting on getting his soda.

We tried reasoning with Vinod. We struck a deal with him that we would come by after work in the evening and take him out to McDonald's where he could get Pepsi from the drive-up window. He seemed to see the justice of this and agreed.

We established a schedule for him to get his soda—Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and the weekend. We would come daily to check on him and my parents. Our activities during this time involved helping keep house, getting virtual appointments with their U.S. doctors and getting their food. We took turns spending the night with them. Either one of our two kids, Alma or I would be present each night in case of an emergency.

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Thankfully, the apartment office did not follow up on the matter.

Over time, Vinod adapted to his routine. We sent notes to the neighbors on their floor, requesting patience with his slow adaptation to the new environment. A couple of them sent kind replies, with promises to meet once the pandemic was over.

A Muslim family from Pakistan sent a gift of chocolates. My parents were greatly encouraged by these gestures. Our kids put together a Christmas tree and lighting. Some family and close friends sent them Christmas cards. Eventually Vinod started to love the place so much he would sing ditties whenever we went out with him or came by to visit.

CAREGIVERS FOR PARENTS At the same time, I had been helping my parents with various doctors’ appointments involving their own health challenges. A Christian primary care practitioner had a kind office manager who called often to ensure their well-being. I was finding out that sometimes it is a great blessing to receive, just as it is to give. This simple, loving act relieved the frustration of navigating the labyrinthine maze of getting specialist care for my parents’ various healthcare needs. We had called to set up an appointment for my mom’s failing eyesight. She had had cataract and glaucoma-related surgeries years ago, and now had optical nerve damage. She did not have vision in one of her eyes, and the other eye was deteriorating. The ophthalmologist needed a PCP’s referral. After we got the referral, the ophthalmologist wanted us to get another referral from a general ophthalmologist, after which the specialist would step in. All this took several weeks.

On Christmas Eve, we had my parents and Vinod over at our house for dinner. We were concerned that Vinod might insist on staying the night. He had stayed with us before the pandemic, but with our work from home and the kids' sometimes virtual classes, this created challenges. After dinner, he seemed elated to be with us and again sang some songs. When he was done, he was ready to return and got up to go. The apartment was becoming home.

Throughout their stay, we were concerned about my parents' health. Both are diabetic and have multiple health issues that needed careful monitoring and care.

On New Year's Eve, we dropped in to have dinner with them, and my intuition prompted me to check my mom’s blood sugar level. It was so high the machine advised her to get medical help as it went far beyond a safe threshold. I stayed with my parents overnight, monitoring her blood sugar several times during the night, after we administered a rapid acting insulin to lower it.

The night passed without incident, and we changed her routine and insulin injections after consultation with her doctor.

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Remarkably, Vinod, who is prone to insecurity and agitation during such times, was peaceable, as if he knew it was a difficult situation and better for him to stay out of the way. A couple of times my sister, a physician who lives in Bloomington, came by with her family, including three children. With them and our family in the apartment together, chaos reigned. Again, Vinod was not unduly perturbed.

More difficult for my mom than her failing eyesight and frequent physical aches was a deepening sense of loneliness and isolation.

Prone to anxiety and depression, she had been battling these feelings for several years. Now she spent most of her time in the apartment unable to get out of bed or talk much. Her PCP advised her to improve her diet due to the constant fluctuations in her blood sugar levels. He would tweak her insulin intake to adjust for these, but they kept fluctuating wildly, likely due to her inconsistent eating habits.

Some days she would skip lunch because she wanted to lie down and be undisturbed. On other days she would drink a glass of orange juice, and the sugar level would shoot up. We would visit with her but get little response during our one-sided conversations. It took a toll on us as caregivers, even though we shared these jobs among the family members. For one of us alone to perform these tasks would have been a daunting challenge. I’m thankful for my family who shared the burden.

BACK TO INDIA In January, my mother's deteriorating eyesight (from the optic nerve damage following glaucoma) took a turn for the worse.

Coupled with the challenges in managing her diabetes and other issues, she felt it would be best for her to receive care in India, where she had access to in-home caregivers. She had an ophthalmologist’s appointment coming up but couldn’t wait that long. I accompanied them to India in mid-January and helped find a long-term caregiver to support my brother and parents.

In India, we were in mandatory quarantine at my parents’ home for seven days, and then we needed to get tested for COVID-19 in order to be released. A Hindu neighbor, whose parents had known my parents for more than 80 years, called and asked about their health needs during our mandatory quarantine.

He helped with shopping, getting mobile phone and internet connections reinstated and other such essentials. He offered to call his sister who was a greeter at a major hospital in the area to stand by when my parents visited. He also offered to help sourcing a home nurse to support them. Every day he would check on them before heading to work. Once again, such kindness taught me that no system, whether government, church or society, could replace strong relationships when it came to managing such challenges.

After twelve days in India, I flew back to Wheaton. On my return, my parents let me know that the new caregiver had been wonderful, and Vinod was responding well to him. My mother went to a glaucoma specialist who informed her that her optic nerve damage could not be reversed. The best they could do was to relieve pressure on her working eye to slow its deterioration.

However, a few days later she stepped out for a walk, and the sharp sunshine hit her eye, and she called me excitedly to say that there was marked improvement in her vision. A couple of days later, she called to say that the improvement did not last long. These ups and downs mark this season in my parents’ lives.

I’m often reminded of the words of the English churchman, Edward Bouverie Pusey: “Never dwell on the morrow.

Remember that it is God’s, not thine. The heaviest part of sorrow often is to look forward to it. The Lord will provide.”

PANDEMIC LESSONS The pandemic has been especially hard on the elderly and people like Vinod, not the least due to the social isolation and precautions to avoid contracting the virus.

offers a glimpse into how persons with autism can comprehend these difficult situations. Further, it offered me a lesson on Imago Dei, something we mention in theological ruminations to draw out principles about human nature, mission, human agency of God and human rights.

At a very operational level, these past months taught me how to care for Imago Dei better—its need for restored dignity when people, disturbed or annoyed about the noise, call the police, or when aging parents, unable to support Vinod, let him soil his clothes before he can reach the toilet. It helped me remember that our systems, in church or outside, are limited in their capacity to support such needs.

So often we miss out on opportunities to witness God’s compassion when we wait for people to voice their needs or come to church programs. I’m thankful to the people who sensed these needs from afar and reached out to us. I’m thankful to God that such lessons, well known to generations a hundred years ago, can still be learned even though it took a pandemic to teach them to us.

What struck us was Vinod's resilience and ability to adapt to the changed conditions. This did not come without challenges, but it

PRAYER GATHERINGS ONLINE & IN PERSON Call the church office or email info@college-church.org for details on these prayer meetings.

Sunday Morning Prayer (Online) 8-8:40 a.m.

Led by Pastor Eric Channing Monday Morning Prayer (In person) 6:15-7:15 a.m. in C104A. Led

by Elder Rob Wolgemuth Wednesday Night Prayer (Online) 7-8 p.m.

Led by the Missions Office • April 7: Daniel & Charis • April 14: Vic and Leslie Trautwein • April 21: Simone Halpin (Naomi’s House) • April 28: Speaker TBD Friday Lunch Prayer for the Persecuted Church (In person) 12-1 p.m. in C103.

Aaron-Hur Prayer Fellowship details coming from the group.

Hannah Prayer Fellowship will

meet on Wednesday, April 14, at 1:30 p.m. in C103 in the Commons. Jessica Smith will be sharing with us. She and Phil have recently transitioned into an exciting ministry of empowering those who are working with the disabled.

You don't need to be a member of Hannah to attend. We welcome you!!

We meet with masks and social distancing.

Lydia Prayer Fellowship will gather with Abigail Prayer Fellowship this month.

Abigail Prayer Fellowship will meet on April 8, 1-3 p.m. at College Church in C104A. We will welcome Cheryl Warner, missionary to Ukraine, to our meeting.

Our Prayer Pulse email goes out every Monday. You can get prayer updates via that email. Sign up by clicking "Enews signup" on our website. If you already receive other emails from College Church, click "manage my preferences" at the bottom of any email and select Prayer Pulse to add yourself.

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I BELIEVE!

Before I Was Born Nick Girgis

For many, their journey of faith begins in a Sunday School class, in the aftermath of a crazy life experience or simply by picking up a Bible. These elements exist in my story, but ultimately, I believe my testimony began well before I was born. I am the grandson of Joseph and Niemat Girgis. Both my grandparents were born and raised in Egypt and both had the incredible blessing of being born into Christian families. Both also experienced great pain early in life that God would use to change their hearts.

Growing up, I went to a church where I regularly attended its AWANA program. AWANA is a Bible-based youth program where kids memorize verses, play games and hear Bible lessons.

When I was in third grade, I remember the Bible teacher talking about the horror of hell and how we would end up there because of our sin and the punishment that it deserves. He explained that by believing in Jesus and his death and resurrection on the cross, we could be saved from this fate. That night, I prayed to accept Christ as Savior.

My grandfather had pneumonia at age 17 that was so severe his physicians thought he would die. In response, my grandfather prayed earnestly to God, saying that he would fully commit his life to Christ if the Lord spared him. The Lord answered this prayer, and my grandfather followed through with his promise. Anyone who knew my grandfather knew that he was a faithful follower of Christ. He was a man of noble character, who regularly shared the gospel and showed love towards all he encountered. My grandmother, on the other hand, lost her father at a very young age and embraced her Heavenly Father as a result. Her life was defined by constant prayer and the embodiment of a tender love that is only a result from a life spent walking with Jesus.

From that point on, my faith was expressed in church attendance on Sundays, participation in other church programs, and from time to time, Bible reading. I had not yet made my faith my own.

Unfortunately, my story occurs all too frequently with those who grow up in the church. For many, Christianity is something you do rather than a relationship in which you engage, and this was the case for me until my high school years. Thankfully, God changed this by transforming my relationship with him through two specific chapters of my life.

My grandparents married in 1951 and spent a large portion of their married life in Egypt running a car dealership while raising four sons. At the time, Egypt was a corrupt nation, where dishonesty was rewarded and the freedom to follow Christianity hindered. My grandparents saw this and made the incredibly difficult decision to leave everything and move to the United States. Not only did they face the typical hardships that are characteristic of immigrant families trying to find stability and success in a new country, but they also endured the devastating death of their son Peter who lost his life to Lupus at the age of 21.

Despite this, they stayed committed to the Lord. When I have asked my grandparents about these times, it is not the sadness they recall, but the many ways in which God remained faithful.

The history of my dad’s family is one characterized by pursuing the Lord and appreciating his goodness.

By God’s grace, my mom’s family has a similar story that has been defined by a commitment to Christ despite many challenges. As a result of all this, I had the invaluable privilege of being born to parents who sincerely loved Christ and encouraged me to do the same.

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The first chapter occurred during my freshman year of high school when I attended a two-week service leadership program at my church camp. The program focused on helping students see the importance of imitating Christ’s example of service in their lives and making their faith their own. These two weeks of teachings challenged me to walk daily with the Lord and serve him by serving others. As a result, I went back home and started living a new life.

My renewed relationship with Christ had an impact on the extracurricular activities that I participated in during high school, how I woke up every day and how I viewed my purpose in life. Eventually, it also inspired me to attend Wheaton College for its faith-based education and to pursue a service-oriented career of dentistry. Toward the end of college, a staleness set in once again, where my faith felt like a series of necessary disciplines. I knew all the right things, but there was something missing.

This brings me to the current chapter of my life where I have really seen God work. I started dental school back in the fall of 2019. If you are familiar with the dental school process, you would know that the first year is notorious for long days and little sleep because of the amount of studying and lab work required.

At my school, the first-year students can be quickly identified by

their raccoon-like appearance—dark circles around their eyes and yellowed teeth from consuming too much coffee. But what should have been one of the most stressful years of my life was the one that I look back on as most defined by joy due to the work that God chose to do in my life.

Since I live at home, I spend about an hour in the car each day on my commute to school. I could have spent this time listening to the news or to the radio but because of the encouragement of my brother, I decided to spend the time listening to sermons and the Bible on tape. It was through these messages that God really started to open my eyes to the beauties of the gospel. I began to see how depraved I was and how much I needed saving in a whole new way. But even more than this, I started to truly appreciate the beauty of God. I differentiate this chapter of my life from the rest because I believe that it is in this time that God has been opening my eyes like never before to who he is. I always understood that Jesus died on the cross for my sins but now the magnitude of his sacrifice means so much more than it did. To think the God of the universe, who put the stars into place and spoke the universe into being with a word would consider my fate was amazing in and of itself. Beyond that, this same God chose to show his love for me in the most unimaginable way possible. He chose to submit to the most humiliating and brutal form of punishment humans could conceive – death by crucifixion. God seemed to have been saying, “Yes I love you that much. Even this is worth

it.” It is through reflecting on these truths and who God is that I have come to know that following Christ is a lot more like falling in love than adhering to a list of commands.

Now, the beauty of the gospel motivates me to live for Christ. It makes me want to live my life daily for him. The love that he has for me makes me want to show the same love to others. Spiritual disciplines have lost their monotony, and I instead see them as ways to reencounter the beauty of Christ. I have come to know that the life God calls us to is one centered around him because he knows this is how we, as his creation, can experience the most joy.

There is a quote I think about often and that I aspire to live out myself. This quote comes from William Borden. He was the son of a very rich family in America in the early 1900s and came to know the Lord early in life. He attended Yale University, but then decided to leave his riches and opportunities and enter the mission field. He went to Egypt where he intended to share the gospel with Muslims there. Early on in his missionary career, he died of cerebral meningitis. The world sees this as a wasted life, but Christians must view it differently. Borden laid his life down for Christ in such a way that it made (and still makes) the world wonder about the motivation that would lead to such a life. That is why Borden’s gravestone is inscribed with these words: “Apart from faith in Christ, there is no explanation of such a life.”

I pray that this will describe my life when the Lord calls me home.

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FACE TO FACE

The Mess and Mystery of Myanmar George Bednar

While George served as a pastoral resident with College Church, we were blessed by many stories of his missionary experiences in Myanmar. So, when the coup took place, we reached out to him for his thoughts. Here’s what he had to say.

A CELEBRITY WEIGHS IN Myanmar—what a mess. A mess that those who know Myanmar saw coming long ago. While I was in Myanmar, the late chef Anthony Bourdain toured the country, showcasing both food and country. We were all thrilled because he had a brilliant way of uncovering the deep beauty of the culture. We wanted the world to see what we saw. We wanted the world to know what we knew. At the same time, we were also terrified that he was going to promote the country as fully and finally reformed.

Myanmar had just opened to the world. It held democratic-like elections. Things were looking up. But those of us on the ground knew the truth—that opening was likely a poorly constructed facade, a facade that was incredibly delicate. Fragile. We feared that Bourdain would call tourists and businesses to flood the country as though everything was just suddenly good.

There’s a scene at the end of his episode on Myanmar (filmed in 2013) where Bourdain is sitting atop a pagoda I know too well in the city of Bagan. The scene is, as one would expect, beautiful.

Seasonal rains had made the arid landscape green and full. It is quiet. There’s calm. Bourdain makes the case that things are in the process of changing. A country he long refused to promote for fear of supporting an oppressive military government was becoming worthy of the world’s spotlight. Then he closed the episode with a statement that went something like this, “Things are changing. Things here are beautiful and untouched. And things are changing. But even with all of the change and all of the excitement, you can tell that in the hearts of the people, there is the sense that at any moment everything could flip right back to the way it was.”

That’s my George paraphrase, of course. Bourdain knew that things were changing, but he also sensed that those leading the change weren’t necessarily doing so with open hands. They wouldn’t risk that. Their grip might have been shifted to the shadows, but a hidden grip is still a grip, nonetheless.

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A MILITARY UNDERESTIMATES My best friend from Myanmar has been stuck in the States since February 2020, mainly because of COVID and travel restrictions. He became engaged to a young woman from South Carolina while she served overseas. They traveled here to see her family before they returned to Myanmar to be married.

They never made it back, which meant I oversaw his wedding here!

My friend has been uncharacteristically vocal on social media. He has always been calm. Careful. Guarded to a degree. Genuine. But now he has spoken out and spoken out aggressively. I think he knows that if the world sits back and lets this happen, there’s a chance that he will never see his family again. He’ll never make it home. The last time the military took over the country like this it lasted five decades.

The problem the military ran into was its underestimation of just how much the people would enjoy freedom. For the people of Myanmar, freedom and a voice meant further distancing themselves from the military every chance they got. The military also underestimated the ability of the people to pay attention. It wasn’t long ago that the military generals running the country actually resigned from the military in order to serve the country in the same position as civilians. This was their attempt at being credible in hope of gaining legitimacy in the eyes of the world.

The people weren’t fooled. Each election cycle since things “opened” was a landslide vote against the military party even as they served as civilians. They lost more and more control, but they would never lose all their power. While Aung San Suu Kyi was locked away, the military made it so that they’d never have less than 25% control (based on my understanding). The recent election brought them too close to that number for comfort, so they simply revealed their hand. Their grip was still intact.

The charges against Suu Kyi and the president she put into place after the election are foolish charges. Suu Kyi is charged with illegally importing walkie-talkies and faces up to three years in prison for it. She and the president also face charges of violating COVID precautions during the lead up to the election.

That’s another three years in prison. Suu Kyi is 75 years old. It seems like six years in prison might effectively end her ability to influence and help the Burmese. This is, in my opinion, the hope of the military.

A GOOD WORK CONTINUES Yes, missionaries were caught in a bad spot. Once the coup took place everything shut down. There were missionaries whose passports were inside the now closed U.S. embassy. There were missionaries who needed cash. They had no access to their passports. No access to cash. And, even if they had cash, there were reports that markets were running out of rice and other goods. People were stocking up on rice the same way we stocked up on toilet paper when COVID arrived. These are, at the moment, mere inconveniences. The Americans I know there are, as of this writing, fine. They are being extra careful.

They’ve shut down social media (the military has been shutting down the internet anyway). They’ve gone dark and live with the tension of do they stay, or do they pack up their belongings in case they are kicked out.

But even as they are careful, some of them haven’t stopped. One family has been ministering to a Burmese family for months.

Their work with that family hasn’t slowed. In fact, that family just recently believed and the only thing stopping them from true, genuine baptism is an honest fear of water.

So, the work continues. And, for some, they are reporting that this has opened up a different level of work. It is funny how that happens, isn’t it? Something major happens. A disaster or pandemic. And the assumption is that the Lord’s work is going to be hindered. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a major piece of this that fits nicely into the category of spiritual warfare, but as

the dust settles, what is evident isn’t a God whose work has been slowed, but a God who simply opened new doors and directed and redirected his work as he always planned.

DISPERSED PEOPLE SPEAK OUT A bright spot for me has been to read the comments my Burmese Christian friends wrote on social media. Before social media was shut down and/or monitored, my other best friend there was echoing Peter’s words to “those chosen, living as exiles dispersed abroad.” Peter instructs these folks that in their suffering and difficulty, there is an honorable way for them to live and that because of their fear of God they need not fear anything nor anyone else.

My buddy issued a similar call to the Burmese church. He reminded them that this isn’t their home. That theirs is a king who reigns not because he won majority votes and suddenly and belligerently seized control. Theirs is a kingdom that can’t be taken from them. And while they’re here on this earth breathing the air their king created and gifted to them, they are to honor him in how they respond to this. The collapse of their earthly freedom, my buddy said, wasn’t sufficient cause to compromise their convictions of what is good and honorable conduct.

Tragically, the situation is grim. Violence has elevated and people are being killed, even children. Yet in the midst of it, there is the light of Christ shining bright as ever. Awakening dead hearts to life. Guiding the conduct of his people to love and serve in ways that make zero sense in the eyes of the world.

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Watch Workers Keep A Watch on Myanmar

From their home assignment in the States, a couple of our missionaries anxiously watch and pray for their friends caught in the military coup in Myanmar.

First a disclaimer, there are so many facets to Myanmar, and this is only one perspective on the events that are unfolding there.

History flashes before our eyes as we watch in horror as the military retakes power in Myanmar after a period of some sort of democracy and freedom. The reactions of the Burmese people are understandable when one comprehends the kind of tight control—economic, religious and political—that gripped this country for 50 years until 2010. As we witnessed the opening of the country to foreign companies and their involvement, the average person gained more opportunities to work and to receive an education. People freely expressed their political opinions. Hope was very high for change for the better. Now, all hope is being dashed as the military remains closed to any kind of negotiation. Meanwhile people have resorted to creative protesting.

Before coming to Myanmar, I was familiar with protests that involved blocking roads, being a nuisance, parading along the streets and making demands. In Myanmar, people protest in creative ways. It started with banging pots and pans at 8 p.m. every night; then came civil disobedience: doctors not going to work at government hospitals, civil servants not working, taxis “breaking down” en masse in the middle of the street, large groups walking in circles at intersections and not allowing cars to get through, groups “picking up” onions off the ground and putting them in plastic bags with holes so that they would fall back to the street. Recently, in one face-off with the police and military forces, the protesters glued a large poster of the leading general on the street, slowing the police advance because they had to take great pains not to step on their leader’s face (culturally, to step on your leader’s image is more insulting than not advancing quickly).

Emotions continue to run high. To have all hope of political freedom and economic success crushed and then protesting in desperation, people are becoming discouraged. Aung San Suu Kyi has long been viewed as the liberator and the hope of the nation. With COVID restrictions, the economy was already severely depressed. Many people live hand to mouth literally.

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Day laborers spend almost their entire day’s wages on food just for the day. During this month of protests, business has ground to a halt, and basic services are affected: banks, grocery stores and electricity. People are hungry and desperate.

In many ways the coup has made people suspicious and fearful of each other. Neighborhoods have organized community watch groups to patrol at night when many police/military raids occur. Other neighborhoods have become places where a kind of justice is dealt out by citizens, such as shaving the heads of women informing to the military or police. The unpredictable nature of the protests can turn any street in any of the major cities into a clash between police and protesters.

The churches, many of which already had been broadcasting services on YouTube or Facebook, are in difficult circumstances and feeling isolated and fragmented. Many Christians are part of the National League for Democracy (NLD), the hugely popular political party of Aung San Suu Kyi that had won the election.

Christians are selling personal possessions and giving the money to the church to provide for one another’s needs. They are handing out food and water to people in the streets to alleviate their needs. This is a highly unstable situation that could quickly turn for the worse for any reason.

This is a call to pray.

• Pray for a nation that has not had much political or economic hope in many years.

• Pray for a nation that is filled with spiritual darkness and without the true hope.

• Pray that the Lord would intervene in this impossible situation that, from a human standpoint, is certain to end in more bloodshed and tyranny.

• Pray for the church, that God would call his people to true worship and trust in him alone.

• Pray for the largely Buddhist people who are so proud, that the Lord would call these people out of the darkness and into his marvelous light.

• Pray for provision of basic needs for the people.

• Pray for workers who are still there, sharing the good news with those who are perishing.

LOCALLY SOURCED

Growing Naomi’s House Simone Halpin

We began 2021 at Naomi’s House (NH) as we have in the years before: thanking God for the previous year, reflecting on our work and evaluating the highs and lows and praying for the year ahead. At the top of our list of things for which we’re thankful is the way God showed us his love (demonstrating Hesed, our 2020 theme) through a global pandemic. Despite the hardships and challenges that have come from COVID-19, Naomi’s House persevered, and we served more women in 2020 than we had in previous years. Additionally, in January of last year we began preparations for an additional program that we hoped to launch in 2021. Having no idea that pandemic was on the horizon, we moved forward to planning and prayers for a 2021 day program launch. Months into the implementation of our strategic plan (several months into the global spread of COVID-19), we clearly had confirmation that moving forward with an expansion of our programs was essential. This was not inspired by the pandemic but because of the pandemic. We believe that vulnerable people are impacted the most because of COVID-19, and we fully expect an increase in referrals and in the need for our services, which provide hope and healing for victims of sexual exploitation.

On January 22, we closed on a building that will eventually provide The NH Gathering Place! The Gathering Place will be a day program that will offer programming to victims of sexual exploitation, modeled after what we have been providing through our residential programming. We. Are. Thrilled. Over the next few months, we will renovate the building to fit the needs of the program, and our prayer is that we will open The Gathering Place and launch our day program later this year.

It took 12 months from vision to closing on this new space. And

in those 12 months, we watched God provide what we needed to accomplish this goal, create a new program and prepare us for an expansion while the pandemic rages on. This reflection is what inspired our theme for 2021. There is a passage in John 16 where Jesus is offering comfort to his disciples as he prepares them for his crucifixion and, ultimately, his death. He recognizes that the world will continue to bring trouble but exhorts them to “take heart” because he has overcome the world. Boy, does this motivate us! There is no need for me to express the trouble our world is experiencing and facing right now – that is not the point. The point is that Jesus calls us to BE BRAVE (NCV version).

This is our focus in 2021 – to be brave. Not just to be brave about growth and expansion as an organization and ministry, but to be brave as survivors. To be brave as trauma victims.

To be brave on our healing journeys. To be brave to trust the church. To be brave to surrender to Jesus. Be brave.

As always, my heart is exploding with gratefulness for our NH network. It is filled with people praying alongside the women at NH, supporting them, volunteering with them and expressing unconditional love to them. Thank you for your gifts, your time, your prayers and your hope. That is brave.

Naomi’s House exists because every woman who has suffered from commercial sexual exploitation deserves a new start. Its programs offer hope and healing through comprehensive services, addressing each need of program participants through a trauma-informed comprehensive program that includes professional staff, individual plans, daily programming and strategic partnerships with local community agencies. Women may stay in the program for up to 15 months.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. In our next issue of Connections, look for a feature related to this sobering topic and our partnership with Safe Families.

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Announcing a CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

The Council of Elders has called for a special congregational meeting at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 18. The purpose of the meeting is for the Regular Members to vote on two motions from the Council of Elders: 1. To approve Baxter Helm as Senior High School Pastor 2. To amend the College Church Bylaws The meeting will be held in a Zoom webinar format. There will be two informational meetings so that congregants can get additional background information in a less formal setting. The informational meetings (also by Zoom) are scheduled for Wednesday, April 14, at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 17, at 8:00 a.m.

The absentee ballot will be available online at: www.college-church.org/congregationalmeeting

College Church In Wheaton April 18, 2021 RESOLUTION TO APPROVE BAXTER HELM AS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PASTOR WHEREAS: The Bylaws provide that “The Senior Pastor shall recommend to the Council for its approval those of his choice to serve as members of the Pastoral Staff”; and WHEREAS: Pastor Josh Moody has recommended Baxter Helm as the Senior High Pastor; and WHEREAS: The Council of Elders has interviewed Mr. Helm on topics such as his sense of call to this position, his commitment to the Church’s Articles of Faith and Standards of the Christian Life, his personal habits of Christian maturity, and his views on key cultural issues, and the Council has recommended that he be approved as High School Pastor: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That Baxter Helm is hereby approved as the Senior High Pastor for a term beginning on May 2, 2021.

Meet Baxter Helm My wife, Kelsie, and I are especially excited to be candidating at College Church for the role of Senior High School Pastor. It’s been a privilege to be a part of this process and we have been encouraged by the gospel work currently happening at College Church.

Ironically, this church has played an important role in my life from the very beginning. I was the first boy baptized

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in the new sanctuary at College Church. My mom, Lisa (Schmid) Helm grew up in this church, daughter of Ted and Florence Schmid, and my dad, David Helm, served on staff for many years. They, along with my Uncle Jon and Aunt Amy (Schmid) Dennis, were sent out as College Church’s first church plant, Holy Trinity Church in Chicago. Presently my sister Joanna is serving in the college ministry along with her husband Ben, who is the College Pastor. I’m incredibly grateful for the faithful legacy of this church and the impact it has had on me and my family for many years.

The Lord put the work of church ministry on my heart at a young age. I was active in my own high school youth group as a student leader while at Holy Trinity. I also served on the student leadership team in the College Ministry at College Church while at Wheaton College, majoring in business/economics and minoring in Bible and theology.

Following my undergrad years, I joined a team that was newly developed at PT Asset Management. I worked there for five and a half years as a wholesaler, covering clients across the country, and later as the manager of the internal wholesaling team. I was fortunate to learn and grow in that professional environment for many years.

In 2015 I committed to Holy Trinity’s church plant in the Pilsen neighborhood. Since then I have served as an Elder, a community group leader, on the worship team, and as a member of the preaching team. After a season of prayer, Kelsie and I believed the Lord was calling us into full-time ministry work. I left my job last year and have been in a full-time ministry training program called “The Chicago Course on Preaching” through The Charles Simeon Trust.

The program equips pastors and ministry leaders in rightly handling and teaching God’s word. During this time, I’ve grown in my conviction for biblical exposition and have been given the regular opportunity to preach. I hope to use these tools for years to come, that students might cultivate a deeper love for God’s word.

One way I enjoy personally connecting with the Lord is through creating music. I love playing guitar and piano. I find much joy in “singing a new song to the Lord” as Psalm

96:1 says. I hope to find avenues to continue to encourage the hearts of students through writing music alongside them for us to sing corporately.

Kelsie and I met at Holy Trinity Church in Pilsen when she moved to Chicago after graduating from Taylor University.

She enrolled in a graduate program and received a degree in clinical counseling and art therapy. She currently works in community mental health in the city of Chicago. We were married in December of 2019, it was a great day! She is my best friend, the one I love to laugh with, and my teammate for life. We enjoy exploring new restaurants, museum exhibits, and any live music events. I am a big Chicago sports fan, namely the Bulls and a certain baseball team on the south-side of Chicago, which I have been advised not to talk about that much during my candidacy. I hope to get to know many of you and labor alongside you in the gospel work at College Church.

You can view the job description for Senior High Pastor by clicking on the link on college-church.org/congregationalmeeting

College Church In Wheaton April 18, 2021 RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE COLLEGE CHURCH BYLAWS WHEREAS: The Council of Elders has recommended that the bylaws be amended to eliminate or restructure certain committees and elective positions and to streamline the process of separating individuals from membership: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the bylaws of College Church in Wheaton are hereby amended as follows: [The words that are crossed out will be deleted, and the words in bold type will be added. There are also numerous instances in which cross-references and sequential numbering will be amended.]

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ARTICLE II. MEMBERS Section 5. Separation from Membership (a) Reasons for Separation from Membership. Members of the Church shall be separated from membership upon their death or upon the action of the Council. The Council shall take action to separate from membership Members who have: (1) become regular members of another church (unless such Members are or become Associate Members); (2) moved away from the local area or, for any other reason, absented themselves from the services of the Church for a period of twelve consecutive months (except as may be determined otherwise by the Council); (3) requested that their membership be terminated; or (4) ceased to meet one or more of the qualifications for membership (see II.3(a)). (b) Publication of Names. Upon initial recommendation of the Council that a Member be separated from membership, his or her name shall appear in an official Church publication, as a Member subject to separation, for a period of two consecutive weeks prior to any final determination by the Council. If requested by that Member or that Member’s immediate family, the Council may determine not to publish that Member’s name. If a Member has any reason why an individual whose name has been published for separation should not be separated from membership, he or she should express such concern confidentially in writing to the Council. (cb) Vote by Council. Not less than two weeks following the first publication of a Member’s name as subject to separation, or, if not published, following the initial recommendation of the Council, the Council shall vote to confirm its initial recommendation to separate the Member. Upon notification that a Member is subject to separation, the Council shall vote to separate the Member. If the vote is affirmative, the person shall immediately be separated from membership.

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(dc) Recording of Separation from Membership. The Council shall record in its minutes the names of Members who have been separated and notify the Church office, which shall make a permanent record of Members’ separation from membership. Unless instructed otherwise by the Council, the Church staff shall also publish in an official Church publication (print or electronic) the names of persons who have been separated from membership.

ARTICLE V. COUNCIL OF ELDERS Section 5. Responsibilities (d) Boards and Committees. The Boards of Deacons, Deaconesses, and Missions shall be responsible to, and report directly to, the Council. The Nominating, Evangelism, Music, Culture Impact, Evangelism and Culture Impact, Discipleship, and Service and Engagement Committees and any special committee created by the Council shall report to the Council.

ARTICLE VI. BOARDS Section 2. Board of Deacons (c) Responsibilities. The Board of Deacons, working in concert with the appropriate members of the Pastoral Staff, shall oversee the business ministries and certain administrative and mercy ministries of the Church. This Board’s responsibilities shall include: (1) Business and Administrative Ministries: (K) Support Staff. Overseeing, through the Pastoral Staff, the provision and performance of the Church office staff and custodial staff; and (K) Ushering and Life Safety Team. Oversee the teams of ushers and life safety personnel for all church services and other functions as needed.

Section 4. Board of Missions (a) Composition. The Board of Missions shall consist of: (2) twelve thirteen elected members; (3) the Missions Prayer Fellowship Coordinator

ARTICLE VII. COMMITTEES The Church shall have seven six standing committees: the Nominating Committee, the Evangelism and Culture Impact Committee, the Music Committee, the Hospitality Committee, the Culture Impact Committee, the Discipleship Committee, and the Service and Engagement Committee...

[The following changes combine the Evangelism Committee and the Culture Impact Committee.]

Section 2. Evangelism and Culture Impact Committee (a) Composition. The Evangelism and Culture Impact Committee shall consist of six nine elected Regular Members and a member of the Pastoral Staff designated by the Senior Pastor, subject to approval by the Council (see XI.3(b)). The Pastoral Staff designee shall serve without vote. Each year, two three Regular Members shall be elected to serve three-year terms. Members may not succeed themselves more than once, unless filling an unexpired term of one year or less. (b) Organization. The Evangelism and Culture Impact Committee shall elect its own chair annually. It may enlist the services of other Members to assist it in carrying out its duties. (c) Responsibilities. The Evangelism and Culture Impact Committee shall assist the Pastoral Staff designee in planning and implementing the evangelistic and culture impact

ministries of the Church. This shall include educating the congregation with regard to its responsibilities for personal evangelism, equipping of individuals to effectively share the gospel, and sponsoring evangelistic services and events and other evangelistic ministries. This shall also include educating the congregation about cultural issues on the local, state, and national levels, with particular emphasis on the moral and spiritual implications of these issues, encouraging and providing opportunities for congregational involvement in cultural impact ministries, and sponsoring related events.

Section 5. Culture Impact Committee [This entire section is eliminated, and the essence of this role is combined with the new Evangelism and Culture Impact Committee.]

ARTICLE X. OTHER ELECTIVE POSITIONS Section 11. Head Usher [This entire section is eliminated, and the Board of Deacons will assign and oversee this position.]

Section 12. Assistant Head Usher [This entire section is eliminated, and the Board of Deacons will assign and oversee this position.]

Section 18. Missions Prayer Fellowship Coordinator [This elective position is eliminated, and the Board of Missions is expanded by one member who will carry out the essence of this role.]

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SIDE BY SIDE

God’s Goodness in a Time of Pandemic Barb DeLew

What a year this has been with all the struggles related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that the year is in the rearview mirror, I wanted to give thanks to God, but struggled with how COVID-19 and this pandemic brought anything into my life for which to be thankful. And yet ". . . we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

Lord, please show me your goodness through this past year. He did.

1. Our good God is our protector. My medical doctor husband suddenly became a frontline worker. I watched him leave the house each morning for the job God had given him, and it created anxiety. Our new routine included prayers for "a bubble of protection" around him each morning, and I visually placed him in God's hands as he left for work. The trust of the Lord grew within me.

2. I realized each day I needed to make sure I exercised and got fresh air. and I have an energetic dog that needs exercise. We walked together as many days as we could, and I found myself talking to God. I discovered that when I looked up at the sky and had fewer distractions, I could focus and center my thoughts on him as I walked. My prayer life grew deeper and richer as I drew near to him and he drew near to me.

3. Our good God wants us to cast our burdens on him and leave them at his feet. We are so thankful that all four of our adult children and one daughter-in-law were able to work from home. However, there are still struggles—and even more so with the isolation. I answered phones calls about their personal struggles, career decisions and just plain disappointment with the way things were. If you are a mom, you know that you just want to run to them and be the help that is needed and fix it—but I couldn't. So, what to do? Pray!

As a result, I have seen so many answers to prayer—to specific prayers for their well-being and their souls.

4. God works—even and especially through technology. I have been a Women's Bible Study co-leader for many years and did not want to have to give that up this year. I was paired with a new co-leader who preferred not to attend WBS in-person and Zoom entered my world. Each Wednesday

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morning, I meet with 15 wonderful, faithful women to study the Book of Genesis. Our conversations are rich and beautiful as we consider and see how God uses his weak people to accomplish his promises, and we usually have 100% attendance. I've been able to invite neighbors and out-oftown family who are reticent to go to church, to worship with me at virtual Sunday services. I think of those who cannot or should not be in a social setting in these pandemic days due to their circumstances and am grateful that they have a way to worship each Sunday online.

5. Our good God shares his wisdom when we ask for it. As I wrestled with the new restrictions that COVID brought and how to respond, it amazed me to see how many strong and differing attitudes there were to the situation in which we all found ourselves. And how much unknown and uncertainty

we were dealing with this new virus. Lord, how should I respond, or should I say anything at all?

As I prayed, I remembered the JOY acronym I learned years ago - Jesus, Others and You - and that became my guiding principle. Put Jesus first, others second and myself last. I would take all COVID precautions because Jesus taught me to put the concern of others first. The mask is hot and uncomfortable, and not what I prefer, but my neighbor’s safety comes before my own self-interests—with no grumbling.

Lord, help me to be that good neighbor as you have shown us in your Word.

6. I learned more about myself, and our good God brought blessing from that lesson. I discovered just how much of an introvert I was and was happy to busy myself with projects at home with the extra down time. I am involved in the Sideby-Side ministry with Pastor Eric Channing, and I had been meeting with several women from time to time. Suddenly, the pandemic was upon us, and person-to-person meetings halted.

I must confess that it would have been very easy for me to just end these meetings with these sisters in Christ that the Lord had brought into my life and busy myself with, well, myself.

But no, we found creative ways through Zoom, Facetime or just that old-fashioned phone call to meet and pray. I now had a new routine within my days of solitude that blessed an introvert like me.

7. Our good God taught me about others who don’t look like me. I grew up in the 60s and certainly saw the negative side of racism. But I never took time to read and learn more about

the whole issue. I finally had the time and went on a "cultural awareness journey" and read recommended books, listened to podcasts and watched videos to learn the history and life of someone who doesn’t look like me or have the privileges I have. I learned about the ugliness of racism and the beauty of the gospel in changed hearts and reconciliation. Lord, open my eyes and heart to perceive the world from more than my own eyes.

8. Our good God showed me the special blessing of marriage.

As empty nesters for many years now, it’s just the husband, the dog and me. A year ago, I realized that the three of us would be spending a lot of time alone together in the pandemic. My marriage took on more meaning as a relationship that would need to be more than just “good” after 40 years. Lord, help us both to show even more grace and more mercy toward one another in these crazy days. (And, yes, I have found myself talking to the dog more lately.)

A little over 21 years ago, our family of six, four of them between 6-14 years of age, embarked on a six-month medical missions adventure to Kenya. At that time my husband chose Jeremiah 29:11 as the Bible verse to guide us in those days of so many unknowns and challenges. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

And even more so in these pandemic times, I have realized that the Lord’s plan is for good and our “well” fare. Even through these days of suffering and distress, he has given me a future and a hope as I see his goodness shine through this pandemic, and I “give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1)

Visit Pastor Josh’s Bible-teaching ministry at godcenteredlife.org. You can have daily devotionals delivered right to your inbox. There is also a daily teaching program streamed online, through podcasts, and at over 50 radio stations nationally. You can listen locally on Moody Radio (WMBI) at 10 p.m. M-F and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Your prayers and partnership with this ministry are greatly appreciated.”

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GLOBAL VOICES

The Great Commission Meets Closed Borders Jim and Kathy Hansen

This is from a recent prayer letter College Church missionaries Jim and Kathy Hansen sent to their prayer partners. Jim and Kathy served in Bolivia for twenty-five years, and now serve with SIM at Ethnos360 Bible Institute (EBI) in Waukesha, Wisconsin, preparing prospective missionaries to serve overseas.

In their recent letter, Jim and Kathy wondered: How does the church fulfill the Great Commission when international borders are closed?

How do we make disciples of all peoples when travel around the world is restricted? The current pandemic has affected missions along with every other aspect of society, but these questions are nothing new for the church and for missions. The church has always faced closed borders and even hostile communities that resist the good news of Jesus.

When the church first began, there was persecution. The stories of the martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 7) and James (Acts 12) were just the start. The persecution of the church increased continually for the next 300 years. As a result, by the second century, it was rare to formally send out new missionaries and yet the church kept growing!

So, how does the church keep growing when international borders are closed, and the activities of the church are restricted?

A study of church growth in the context of the early church persecution is a good place to start, but rather than looking for an evangelistic strategy or a missions plan, the most revealing approach is to ask, “Why did so many decide to follow Jesus despite the growing persecution?” A further study of the testimonies of those who came to Christ doesn’t reveal great preaching but great living. As one early church preacher said, “We don’t preach great things, we live them.”

Again and again these early church converts tell us how they saw the power of God lived out in the lives of Christians and despite the persecutions they decided to follow Christ.

The gospel is very simple. We have all sinned against God and all of us fall short of what is required to enter his presence. But God loves us so much, that anyone who believes in Jesus receives forgiveness and the power of the Holy Spirit to live rightly for Christ. The proclamation of this simple truth is liberating, but it is even more powerful when we live it. Nothing can stop the gospel, not even a pandemic, when we live it!

Perhaps because we had to limit our enrollment this year (because of COVID), the number of prospective students inquiring about enrollment at EBI in the fall has risen dramatically. The enthusiasm for missionary service is encouraging, but many are also reaching out for personal help and counsel. Please pray for wisdom for our staff as they consider these applications and provide counseling.

I am very thankful that our classes have continued and that the number of COVID cases on our campus has been small (thanks to good planning and God’s grace). Pray that our Bible teaching will be more than academic, and that we will encourage spiritual growth and maturity.

Update from Pastoral Resident Mike Solis College Church, I’m delighted to announce that I have accepted a pastoral position at Rock Hill Community Church in Duluth, Minnesota. My wife, Melissa, and I will be transitioning there soon, but before we move up north, I wanted to take a moment to thank you all for these past two years of pastoral residency. When I graduated from seminary, I was very aware of how much I still had to learn about how to shepherd, teach and lead God’s people—and this residency offered an incredible opportunity to learn these things alongside wise, faithful men and women. I am grateful for the experiences I had here, from leading our Front Door Ministry to speaking at KMs retreats to teaching in HYACKs to walking with our seniors at Windsor Park through the pandemic (and so many other valuable opportunities). Even more, I am grateful for the relationships we’ve built, for your prayers and words of encouragement, and for the well-wishes you’ve expressed after I received the call to minister in Duluth. Thank you! May God bless the mission of College Church, and may his kingdom come!

Mike Solis, Pastoral Resident

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With great joy and sadness and with the support and encouragement of Pastors want to communicate to you that I have accepted the Senior Pastor role at Livin Cumming, Georgia. Ever since my years pastoring the South Campus, I have wre in my life towards a role like this one and have remained attentive to God’s prom sought the Lord regarding this opportunity, and, through many confirming steps believe this is where God is leading us.

A Letter from Pastor Josh Stringer

We will be forever grateful for our time at College Church. This is the place whe You are our church family away from our natural family. All of our kids have bee our oldest two were baptized here last summer. In August we would have been that time, you have celebrated with us, cried with us, served us, and been gene you, encouraged, exhorted, shepherded, Our Dear College Church Family, have By been theI have body been of Christ to our family.

In short, you have and loved us with the sharpened in ways that will bear fruit all the days of my life.

With great joy and sadness and with the support and I am humbled to prayed, have had of serving staff here variety of differen As we have wethe seejoy God openingon a door for usintoa walk encouragement of Pastors Moody and Seward, I want to the role has been, my greatest joy has been the people with whom I’ve had the through by faith. We believe there is a communicate to you that I have accepted the senior pastor role say it during every membership class when introducing the staff, elders, and lay at Living Stones Church in Cumming, Georgia. Ever since my opportunity to take skills and thatfriends have been than unique gifted colleagues.

These arethe brothers andgifts sisters, of the deepest kin years pastoring the South Campus, I have wrestled with God’s gospel refined at College to serve Jesus’ church in a new role. ministry.

By you,Church I have been encouraged, exhorted, shepherded, and sh leading in my life towards a role like this one and have remained bear Living fruit allStones the days of my islife.

Church a smaller, Baptist church just north of attentive to God’s prompting. Shana and I have sought the Lord Atlanta. As senior pastor, I will be responsible for shepherding regarding this opportunity, and, through many confirming steps As weGod’s have people prayed,through we see God opening a door for us tovision. walk through by faith. preaching, discipleship, and and wise counsel, we believe this is where God is leading us. unique opportunity to take the skills and gifts that have been refined at College It is say goodbye to all ofis you who have welcomed church in bittersweet a new role.to Living Stones Church a smaller, Baptist church just north We will be forever grateful for our time at College Church. usPastor, into your lives.

My last Sunday at College Church will bethrough preac Senior I will be responsible for shepherding God’s people This is the place my family calls home. You are our church April 18. Between now and then, we look forward to connecting vision. family away from our natural family. All of our kids have been with many of you and to help transition my areas of ministry dedicated here, and our oldest two were baptized here last responsibility to others.

It is bittersweet to say goodbye to all of you who have welcomed us into your liv summer. In August we would have been here for a decade! Over College Church will be April 18. Between now and then, we look forward to con I would greatly appreciate your prayers for my family and me as that time, you have celebrated with us, cried with us, served us, and to help transition my areas of ministry responsibility to others. we walk this path by faith. We are and been generous towards us. You have been the body of Christ trusting inappreciate God’s goodyour planprayers for ourfor family, and for College to our family. In short, you have loved us with the love of Jesus. I would greatly my family and me as we walk this pa Church. trusting in God’s good plan for our family, and for College Church.

I am humbled to have had the joy of serving on staff here in

a variety of different roles. But whatever the role has been, my greatest joy has been the people with whom I’ve had the opportunity to serve. I say it during every membership class when introducing the staff, elders, and lay leaders. These are more than gifted colleagues. These are brothers and sisters, friends of the deepest kind, and partners in gospel ministry.

With deep affection and gratitude to the Lord on your behalf, With deep affection and gratitude to the Lord on your behalf,

Josh,Josh, Shana, Truett, Elliott,Elliott, Annette, Barrett, and Rhett Shana, Truett, Annette, Barrett, and Stringer Rhett Stringer

NEW MEMBERS

Cory & Kristiana Miller PLACES LIVED: Kristiana grew up in Vienna, Austria, came to California to Westmont College and met Cory there.

They moved to Dublin, Ireland to serve with GEM, and currently are seeking visa approvals to enter Austria.

FAMILY: The Millers have two girls, Rylynn and Melody. Kristiana’s parents are College Church missionaries Jim and Lynette Hatcher, serving in Austria.

9 TO 5: Mid-term missionaries currently in Wheaton on furlough. Cory works as a web developer.

PASTTIMES: Cory enjoys spending time with his family, playing guitar, hiking; Kristiana enjoys reading, creative writing, travel and attending artistic events.

CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: Small group and music and worship, Women’s Bible Study.

Kris Kraker

Josh

PLACES LIVED: Plainfield, IL, Akron, OH.

PLACES I’VE LIVED: Grew up with his parents on the mission field in the Philippines and Indonesia; has lived in northern Indiana and West Virginia; currently lives in the Atlanta, Georgia area.

FAMILY: Husband Kerry and she have three grown children.

9 TO 5: Kris and her husband served at Cedar Lake Bible Conference Center for ten years. Kris has worked as a teacher for more than 30 years.

PASTTIMES: Loves nature and being outside. Enjoys yard work, being with family and friends, swimming, walking and entertaining at home.

CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: Children’s ministries and Women’s Bible Study.

(last name withheld for security)

FAMILY: Married Elise, daughter of Joe and Pat S. in 2019.

9 TO 5: Missionary Prep Program and is an economics professor at Georgia Gwinnett College.

PASTTIMES: Enjoys hiking, traveling, healthy living, time with Elise and learning.

Domonique McCoy PLACES I’VE LIVED: Michigan & Texas FAMILY: Mother to three PASTTIMES: Was in the military; currently works for Pitney Bowes CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: Enjoys math puzzles

Pawan Munnangi PLACES LIVED: Born in Hyderabad and grew up in Mumbai, India. Now lives in Naperville.

FAMILY: His parents and relatives live in India; a brother lives in New Jersey.

9 TO 5: Works as a mechanical/design engineer at Molex in Lisle.

PASTTIMES: Enjoys reading, working out, traveling, hiking/backpacking, spending time with friends and outdoor activities.

CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: Small group

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LOCALLY SOURCED

Baby Bottle Drive 2021 YOUR CHANGE CHANGES LIVES College Church will hold its annual Coins for Caring Network campaign beginning on April 18 and ending on Mother’s Day, May 9. Each year Caring Network runs a Baby Bottle Drive collecting change, bills and checks that provide critical support for this vital, life-saving ministry.

We plan to distribute baby bottles after each service on April 18. We will also have touch-free options where you can donate online or via electronic check to the office in Glen Ellyn.

College Church and Caring Network have a true partnership as we share the love of Christ to women facing unexpected pregnancies. With your support, Caring Network has saved thousands of lives by providing free pregnancy consultations and services to help families overcome challenges—and choose life.

Your support this year will make reaching more women and rescuing more lives a reality. Can we count on you?

Here are costs involved in saving lives: • $50 helps women find us right when they need us, and supports marketing outreach about the locations of our six centers and free services.

• $75 provides post-pregnancy counseling to connect new moms with sources of material goods, parental support and spiritual guidance.

• $100 pays for one woman’s pregnancy test and initial session with a trained pregnancy counselor.

• $150 provides pregnancy helpline training and online chat support to women seeking critical, on–the–spot help with their pregnancy decision.

• $250 goes toward ongoing pregnancy support (includes all client follow up). Our expert pregnancy counselors meet the unique needs of each client with discernment and compassion, empowering choices for life.$350 covers the cost of ultrasound services, offering a mother the first chance to meet her baby and witness the heartbeat. A truly “life-giving” experience.

• $1,200 is what it costs to save one life! Covers services from the minute a woman reaches out to us, makes an appointment, meets with her counselor, receives pregnancy test(s) and ultrasound services and all follow up sessions offering resources for needed assistance.

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BOOKS AND MEDIA

Free Gospel Tracts Available at the Bookstall!

rightnowmedia.org/Library

MILESTONES Condolences • Pray for Jeff (Alison) Oslund and family as they grieve the loss of Jeff’s mother, Cynthia, who passed away on March 19 in Carol Stream.

• Pray for Senior Pastor Josh (Rochelle) Moody and family as they grieve the loss of Josh’s mother, Rosemary, who passed away in England on March 7. Her service will take place on Tuesday, April 6, in London, England, and livestreamed in the College Church Sanctuary at 9 a.m. All welcome to attend.

• Pray for James (Patricia) H. and family as they grieve the loss of James’ father, John, who passed away on March 2 in Weaverville, NC.

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• Pray for Sarah Williams and family as they grieve the loss of Sarah’s son, David, who passed away on February 27.

• Pray for Janice and Jenny Youngwith and family as they grieve the loss of Dick, Janice’s husband and Jenny’s father, who passed away on March 1. Jenny is part of our STARS ministry.

Marriages & Births • Marlene “Marley” Renee Orlow was born to Bob and Katie Orlow on March 11. Marley’s maternal grandparents are Howard and Lisa Kern.

• Matthew Alexander was born to Mike and Liz Rogers on March 1. Matthew’s maternal grandparents are Ed and Elaine Meyer.

• Jack Byron Nielson was born to Dan and Lyndee Nielson on February 18. Jack joins his big sisters Emery and Millie Rae. • Ryan Patrick Perkins was born to Brandon and Sarah Perkins on February 27. Ryan joins his siblings Emma and Owen. Maternal grandparents are Patrick and Linda Fallon.

• Jase William Cepuran was born to Eric and Leah Cepuran on February 26. Jase joins his siblings Eliza and Leif. His paternal grandparents are Carl and Marilyn Cepuran.

Celebration • On March 2, the City of Wheaton celebrated Jan (Tom) Kay as one of the women who have played a role in helping make Wheaton what it is today. Congratulations, Jan, not only to your contribution to the city but also to your church family!

• Ed and Joanne Hollatz celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary last August. The family members gathered at their home in Wheaton. Son-in-law Chad Bergman presided over their vow renewal ceremony.

LOOKING AHEAD

The Service and Engagement Committee is spending the month of April “reaching out” to connect with members and regular attenders of College Church. This is just a way for them (and us!) to say hello to as many people as they can. Whether or worshiping via livestream or in person, we want to connect with you!

Tuesday, April 20 Watch for the sign-up link this month

Announcing our Kids’ Harbor Crew Team (formerly SICM) for Summer 2021: Claire Johnston—crew leader

Brianna Newhouse

Hope Aviles

Bethany Taylor

Autumn Heberg

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