December 2022 Connections

DECEMBER 2022

CONNECTIONS L O C A L & G L O BA L S TO R I E S, N E W S A N D E V E N T S O F C O L L E G E C H U RC H

“To marvel at the Incarnation is to be reminded of our sin and the loving sacrifice of God that redeems us. But to view one’s sin in contrition in the light of God’s good news is to be also lighthearted.”

Read “A Very Good Christmas, Jeeves”

by Vijai John Kuruppacherry on page 8

GLOBAL VOICES

SIDE BY SIDE

I BELIEVE

A Valuable and Vulnerable Resource

Life’s Collision

Nothing Wasted

ANITA DEYNEK A | 06

WILLIAM HOWARD & GLENN KOSIROG | 12

JOY LOEWEN | 18

TABLE OF CONTENTS PA GE 02

PAG E 14

December Highlights

Milestones

PA GE 05

PAG E 15

From the Editor

Meet Your Leaders

WIL TRIGGS

PAG E 16

PA GE 06

The Charm Bracelets

A Valuable and Vulnerable Resource

PAT CIRRINCIONE

ANITA DEYNEKA

PAG E 18

PA GE 08

Nothing Wasted

A Very Good Christmas, Jeeves

JOY LOEWEN

VIJAI JOHN KURUPPACHERRY

PAG E 20

PA GE 10

The Bellows Tool of Serving JAY CUNNINGHAM

Hark Now Hear

PAG E 21

KEITH BODGER

Under the Radar

PA GE 11 Artist Spotlight—Marr Miller

PAG E 22 At the Bookstall

PA GE 11

PAG E 23

Prayer Gatherings

Christmas at College Church

PA GE 12

PAG E 24

Life’s Collision WILLIAM HOWARD & GLEN KOSIROG

Campus Maps

Our Pastors, Directors and Residents: Josue Alvarado, pastoral resident | Matt Anthony, pastoral resident | Cheryce Berg, director of children’s ministries | Roger Burgess, pastor of visitation | Julie Clemens, director of disability ministries | Erik Dewar, pastor of worship and music Baxter Helm, high school pastor | Dan Hiben, middle school pastor | Tim Hollinger, technology director | Howard Kern, facilities director Bruce Main, pastor of visitation | Josh Maurer, pastor of discipleship | Curt Miller, missions pastor | Josh Moody, senior pastor Richard Moomjian, pastoral resident | Ben Panner, college pastor | Mindy Rynbrandt, director of women’s ministries | John Seward, executive pastor | Nancy Singer, director of administration and Qnance | Wil Triggs, director of communications Our Council of Elders: David Bea | Mark Berg | Howard Costley, chair | Dave Gieser, vice chair | Randy Jahns | Heinrich Johnsen Josh Moody, senior pastor | Jeff Oslund | Roger Sandberg | David Setran | Jeremy Taylor, secretary | Chad Thorson | Brian Wildman

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 January issue: December 9 For the February issue: January 9 | For the March issue: February 9

CONTRIBUTORS KEITH BODGER

GLENN KOSIROG

has lived in Wheaton since he married his wife, Mel, 28 years ago. He and Mel have been at College Church since 2012 and they lead a small group together.

Keith greatly enjoys winter and can be found shoveling at church when it snows on Sunday mornings.

and his wife, Debbie, Qrst visited College Church twenty years ago, and stayed. Glenn has served as a deacon and is currently on the board of STARS Family Services.

You can also Qnd Glenn serving in Kids’ Harbor on Sunday and Wednesday mornings.

PAT CIRRINCIONE a regular contributor to Connections, enjoys reading, baking, crocheting, knitting and cross stitching. Her greatest joys are God and her family, and spending time with both has lead to much joy, fun and laughter.

JAY CUNNINGHAM is proud and blessed to say he’s Paige Cunningham’s husband. Lord willing, they celebrate 45 years of marriage this month. His favorite season is winter, his Spotify playlist is quite eclectic, and more than once he’s been stopped at borders while smuggling in Bibles.

VIJAI JOHN KURUPPACHERRY has been attending College Church for the past 17 years. He’s served the church as a deacon and small group leader. He and his wife, Alma, live in Wheaton along with his two kids, Emma and David Kuruppacherry. In his spare time, he enjoys table tennis and reading with a nice cup of chai.

JOY LOEWEN writes about her experiences and gives practical advice for sharing Jesus with a Muslim friend in her book, Woman to Woman, Sharing Jesus with a Muslim Friend, available at the College Church bookstall.

ANITA DEYNEKA serves with Mission Eurasia, an organization she and her husband, Peter, founded. She works with A Family for Every Orphan. An avid reader, Anita has also authored several books including A Song in Siberia and Christians in the Shadow of the Kremlin.

WILLIAM HOWARD has been a College Church member for nineteen years and has taught four-year-olds and second-graders in Kids’ Harbor. Retired after thirty-three years serving as a professor of English, he now teaches English to homeschoolers and international students.

MARR MILLER spent his early years in the Congo as an MK and began photographing in third grade.

Retirement has allowed Marr to use his photography gift for churches and in Uganda, Brazil, Indonesia, Thailand and Chad. He has served as a deacon and is currently on the Board of Missions. Marr is the featured artist for this edition of Connections.

COVER IMAGE: Marr Miller

DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICES

SPECIAL DECEMBER EVENTS

Everyone welcome

MOM2MOM BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR JESUS December 12, 9:30-11 a.m. in Commons Hall

Join us at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Livestream broadcast is at 9:30 a.m. You can watch it at college-church.org/ livestream

Christmas: Can You Believe It? Pastor Josh Moody preaching on Luke

CHRISTMAS FAMILY EVENT (KIDS’ HARBOR EVENT) December 16, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (registration required) ARTSPACE WINTER/ADVENT SHOW IN CROSSINGS Through Sunday, Christmas morning

ADULT COMMUNITIES ALL NATIONS Sundays 9:30 a.m. in C104F

• TEACHER: Jim Tebbe • STUDY: The Mission of God in Scripture—Daniel 1-6,

DECEMBER 4: ADVENT 2—But I’m Too Old! Luke 1:5-25 DECEMBER 11: ADVENT 3—But I’m Too Young! Luke 1:26-38 DECEMBER 18: ADVENT 4—Good Enough to Shout About, Luke 1:39-80 DECEMBER 24: CHRISTMAS EVE—It Really Happened!

Luke 2:1-7 Services at 4, 7 and 9 p.m.

DECEMBER 25: CHRISTMAS DAY—Go and Tell Others, Please, Luke 2:8-20, services at 9:30 and 11 a.m.

SUNDAY EVENING WORSHIP SERVICES Everyone welcome.

In the Sanctuary at 5 p.m.

DECEMBER 4: The Silence of Christmas—Children’s Choir Program DECEMBER 11: O Great Mystery—Adult Choir Program DECEMBER 18: Bright Star Inn—STARS Christmas Program DECEMBER 25: No evening service

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signs in John’s gospel, end of Acts after Paul’s arrest, messages to the seven churches in Revelation • DESCRIPTION: Exploring the mission of God in Scripture through Bible study. There will also be testimonies, information about and prayer for the church in different parts of the world.

FORUM 15 Sundays 9:30 a.m. in Welsh Hall

• TEACHER: Bruce Main • STUDY: Life of Christ • DESCRIPTION: In-depth study of important times in the life of Christ GREEK CLASS Sundays 9:30 a.m. in the Board Room

• TEACHER: Jon Laansma • STUDY: 1 John • DESCRIPTION: Knowledge of Greek is not required for this class.

LIFE TOGETHER COMMUNITY Sundays 9:30 a.m. in Commons Gym • TEACHER: Teaching Team • STUDY: Varying Topics • DESCRIPTION: Authentic, biblical community for adults ages 25–40 LIVING WORD Sundays 9:30AM in C104A & C104C • TEACHER: Doug Moo, Josh Maurer and Felipe Chamy • STUDY: 1 & 2 Thessalonians • DESCRIPTION: Fellowship and exposition of 1 & 2 Thessalonians, with application to life today

LOGOS Sundays 9:30 a.m. in C104E

• TEACHER: Dan Haase • STUDY: The Gospel of John • DESCRIPTION: Appeal of Jesus THRIVE Sundays 9:30 a.m. in Crossings-Clapham Main Area

• TEACHER: Teaching Team • STUDY: Varying Topics • DESCRIPTION: Biblical community for 40s to mid-50s, including: single/married/widowed/divorced. Join us to be encouraged and thrive.

VERITAS Sundays 9:30 a.m. in C104B & D

• TEACHER: Neil Wright • STUDY: Book of Revelation—Young parents are welcome!

CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES (KIDS’ HARBOR) SUNDAY MORNING

CHILDREN/TEEN STARS: 11 a.m.

Dec. 4, 11 in C001/C003 Commons Tunnel Level ADULT and MULTI-GENERATIONAL STARS: 9:30 a.m.

Dec. 4, 11, 18 in C002 & C005 Commons Tunnel Level ADULT and MULTI-GENERATIONAL STARS: 11 a.m.

Dec. 4, 11 in C002 & C005 Commons Tunnel Level STARS Choir Dec. 4, 11 at 5 p.m. in C002 Commons Tunnel Level

WEDNESDAYS PRAISE IN ACTION at Dec 7 , 1 4 at 6 : 4 5 p. m. Welsh Hall in Sanctuary building

FRIDAYS BUDDY BREAK on December 2, 6:30 p.m. in Commons Tunnel Level

MIDDLE SCHOOL (KMs) SUNDAY MORNING FOUNDATIONS, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

NURSERY (0-2) at 9:30 and 11 a.m.

in the KMs room

BIBLE SCHOOL (preschool-fifth grade) at 9:30 a.m.

Crossings East

WONDERS OF WORSH P WOW( (K-third grade) during second half of 11 a.m. service—not meeting this month—will resume January 15.

WEDNESDAYS large group gathering, 6:45-8:15 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL (HYACKS) SUNDAYS at 9:30 a.m. in the Crossings Sunday night Discipleship in the Crossings at 7 p.m.

CHILDREN’S CHURCH (preschool) at 11 a.m.

WEDNESDAYS from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

PRESCHOOL at 5 p.m.—not meeting this month—will resume January 15.

COLLEGE GROUP

GOD’S CHILDREN SING (Kindergarten and Pre-K) and CHILDREN’S CHOIRS (grades 1-6) at 5 p.m.—not meeting this month—will resume January 15.

WEDNESDAYS K DS HARBOR WEDNESDAY CLUBS at 6:45 p.m.—not meeting this month—will resume January 11.

in the Crossings—Clapham main space

SUNDAYS at 10:45 a.m. in the Crossings Building Gospel Friendships, Shaping Biblical Convictions

HOME GROUPS: Monday-Thursday at 7 p.m.

Bible Study of Romans

WOMEN’S MINISTRIES

The Wednesday clubs include Pioneer Girls ( grades 1 - 5 ) MONTHLY GATHERING and Boys Brigade (grades 1-5). Join us this year.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3: in Commons Hall, 9-10:30 a.m.

STARS DISABILITY SUNDAYS INCLUSION CLASSES at 9:30 and 11 a.m.

CHILDREN/TEEN STARS: 9:30 a.m.

Dec. 4, 11, 18 in C001/C003 Commons Tunnel Level

This year we’re looking at Matthew 22:35-40, seeking to better understand what it means to love God and how this impacts the way we love our neighbors. These mornings are open to all women and include a short teaching and time around tables with discussion questions. Were excited to welcome Renew Project this month, to hear about how they welcome our refugee neighbors. continued on next page

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WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY (Doesn’t meet in December) Morning: 9:30-11 a.m.

Evening: 6:45-8:15 p.m.

20s MINISTRY A landing place for you to grow in Christian community and launching pad to send you out in the ministry and mission of the church. Weekly gatherings and events.

For more information, contact Kaitie Girgis at kgirgis@ college-church.org.

In January, we look forward to diving into Luke’s Gospel and seeing the compassion of Christ revealed.

We anticipate a joyful and fruitful journey together this year. To register, visit our website.

YEAR-END

MEN’S MINISTRIES MEN’S BIBLE STUDY 6:45-8:15 p.m.

Commons C002 (tunnel level) There’s no registration needed, and we look forward to seeingyouaswegatheraroundGodsWordtogether.

Our hope is to cultivate a hunger for God and an ability tohandleGodsWordindailylife.

In January, we will study the Gospel of Luke together.

VISITORS LUNCH Know someone new to College Church? If so, invite them to join you for a casual lunch in the Narthex (the Sanctuary Lobby) catered by Jason’s Deli on Sunday, January 22, at noon. Lunch is on us! Come and meet pastors and staff, learn about College Church and find out how you can get involved. Help us plan by checking the box on the online connect panel, use the QR code, or by emailing welcome@college-church.org.

KEENAGERS Join the senior adults (55+) of College Church on Friday, January 20, as we enjoy a delicious dinner together, followed by an entertaining program. The special guest will be Jean Kuecher, puppeteer and producer of the Marionette Playhouse, who will present the biblical story of Queen Esther. Jean comes with her own stage, handcrafted marionettes, beautiful costumes, sets, lighting and sound! She holds a master’s degree in counseling and guidance and has used puppets to connect with people of all ages.

The evening begins with a reception at 5:30, dinner at 6, and the program at 7 p.m. Reservations are required by January 17 by emailing keenagers@college-church.org.

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GIVING TO COLLEGE CHURCH

We invite each of us to prayerfully invest in the work of the kingdom of God in and through College Church.

GIFTS IN PERSON: Cash envelope contributions or checks may be dropped off at the church office until 5 p.m., Friday, December 30. Or they can be dropped through the mail slot on the southernmost door of the Commons until midnight December 31. Contributions dropped off after midnight will be credited to 2023 even if the check or cash envelope is dated 2022.

CHECKS IN THE MAIL: Checks received in the mail with the envelope postmarked December 31 or earlier will be credited to 2022, but those postmarked after December 31 will be credited to 2023 even if the check is dated 2022.

ONLINE GIFTS: Making online gifts is easy through our website at college- church. org by toggling over MPACT, ( then click Give( and Give Online. ( Gifts made before midnight on December 31 will be credited to 2022.

Online gifts made after midnight will be credited to 2023.

GIFTS OF STOCKS OR MUTUAL FUNDS: In order for a stock gift to be credited for 2022, it must be received by Monday, December 26. To make a gift of stock or mutual funds, call the Church Office at (630) 668-0878 and ask for Dan Bauer, ext. 127, or Nancy Singer, ext. 113.

If you currently use contribution envelopes, a new box for 2023 with your name on it will be available in the Narthex. If you do not have contribution envelopes and would like a box, or if you would like to transition to online giving, please email Dan Bauer, Accounting Manager at dbauer@college-church.org for help.

FROM THE EDITOR

GR E ATE R GIF TS Have you noticed that one-day sales these days never last for just one day? I think Black Friday ran for at least a week and Cyber Monday was at least two days—no, as I write this, I see that in the hands of some marketers, it is now week-long. I guess the current cultural environment means that a day is not as a thousand, it’s at least 48 hours, and stretched out as long as there are consumers out there willing to buy the goods and services.

But there are greater gifts than the ones we buy in stores or online.

People are gifts to us when they share their stories. As they did in this issue of Connections, and we get to know and think in fresh ways about Ukrainian orphans ( p. 6 ) or take a second look at an old Christmas song ( p. 1 0 ) . We can ponder what it must be like to live in a country that left a scar and how God brings hope even in a situation like that (p. 18). I’ve never thought much about charm bracelets, but the story on page 1 6 gives me a new appreciation for them. When you share stories you are giving gifts to others.

So don’t let this Christmas season pass without the gift of stories. The stories we tell each other from our lives are treasures that only we can give. Words can be more meaningful than the tangible gifts we give.

And our first installment of best books of the year( finds life in this issue as well (p. 22). Consider adding one or more of these on your list of reads for the new year.

Watch for even more titles coming in the January issue.

Beyond our own stories and the books we’ve loved this year, above all else—let’s not forget the greatest story ever—the one that God tells through the coming of Jesus.

That’s a story that intersects with us in ways that only God could manage.

So, Christmas blessings to everyone. Let’s be little lights for the love of Christ no matter what path we find ourselves walking.

WI L T RI GGS

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ANITA DEYNEKA

A Valuable and Vulnerable Resource

GL OBAL VOI CES

Ordered by Vladimir Putin, the Russian military launched its heaviest wave of attacks on Ukraine in October, since Russia invaded that nation on February 24. Across Ukraine, missiles, rockets, drones and other weapons blasted 30% of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Those same missiles, rockets, drones and other weapons destroyed children’s parks, schools, hospitals and other civilian targets in cities which were beginning to regain a sense of normalcy.

Now, our ministry partners in Ukraine report widespread power and water outages, as Ukrainian responders work feverishly to restore what has been destroyed as temperatures are already near freezing at night.

Thousands of children with families, and especially those without parental care, are again at very great risk. Many now again shelter in frigid underground basements

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and metros. Their urgent need is to not only escape active war but also lifethreatening temperatures as thousands more homes and evacuation centers are without heat and water. The plastic tarps many had put on their blown-out windows and bullet ridden roofs are no by children and families, evacuated after many months of living in basements again rising and terrifying.

A Family for Every Orphan, with which I serve as a missionary of Mission orphans and other vulnerable children 70 million children have been forced to leave their homes, since the war, initiated by Russia, began February 24.

More than half a million children have reportedly been deported to Russia and

their fate and status is currently unknown. Some of them were adopted by Russian people, who were instructed to change children’s names, so that Ukrainian links could not be found in their roots. About 20% of Ukrainian children remain in areas of the country still under Russian occupation, including in some of the most wartorn regions. Less than a year ago, these children went to school, had food and shelter, played games and lived normal lives. Today countless children are forced to sit in basements for months without means of subsistence, warmth and sometimes water. On the verge of survival, they face high risk of death and urgent need of help.

Save Ukraine—a network of churches, Christian organizations and leaders across the nation—is the primary partner of A Family for Every Orphan. Their mission is to rescue the most vulnerable from combat zones and help them rebuild their lives—including orphans and other vulnerable children. They also provide special assistance to those with disabilities—currently, there are more than 164,000 children with disabilities living in Ukraine. The Save Ukraine network has set up 24-hour hotlines to which they respond, providing evacuation, food and other care, given with the hope and comfort of the gospel.

have, and they thank God for all who have helped with this equipment, which will enable to them to help many more people. Since the war began, Save Ukraine has evacuated 70,000 children and families—including children from 22 orphanages—taking these children to places where they can sleep peacefully, and not wake up shaking from explosions and sirens. Save Ukraine members have also provided food packages for more than 81,000 people and helped thousands of adults and children with safe housing in Ukraine and abroad.

Even as Russian military, relentlessly attack Ukraine, with no regard of who is in their path of destruction, Save Ukraine and its teams are bring hope and help to Ukraine’s most vulnerable and valuable resource—her children.

c

When families decide to evacuate, they often dont have enough time to pack—and must leave their belongings at home. Many wander without any means to survive, including money, food, clothing, hygiene products. Those who had enough time to grab something have small After the Russian military approached Lysychansk, backpacks with the most necessary items. Currently, a life changed forever for Alla, her two little daughters and her mother who su ers from the aftermath of vital project is the Save Me( Rescue Packs for children. a stroke. For four months Alla and her family hid in These rescue packs include basic food items, water, safety a damp basement and as a result came down with and hygiene kits and a children’s New Testament. One pneumonia. It was impossible to receive medical care backpack is enough to provide these necessities for three since the Russian military had bombed the nearest days, while a child is first evacuating. There is also enough hospital. Still, despite all the dizculties, illness a space for a child to take one favorite toy. Mission Eurasia pain—Alla’s arm had healed improperly from a is providing children’s New Testaments for the backpacks. severe fracture—she managed to cook meals on the We know that many times the whole family reads and Qre amidst the shelling so that her family would not cherishes Gods Word. starve. She was cooking when a shell landed in her house.AllQveRoorswereblazing,andconcreteslabs Another critical need is to help with housing in safe were collapsing from the ceiling and walls. There was places, where evacuees can temporarily live, rest and chaos, screaming, dead and wounded people all recover. Save Ukraine is currently constructing temporary around. Alla quickly gathered her documents from structures for people displaced from their homes. As the the now bombed-out apartment, realizing she and war subsides and more people can return home, Save her family must escape. Our Ukrainian colleagues Ukraine will also build small modular frame houses, where were nearby driving an evacuation bus to help the families can live short-term—and some long-term. hurting. This Save Ukraine team made every e ort to calm the children and their relatives and were Responding to its 24/7 hotlines, Save Ukraine is rescuing able to take them to safety. That day, on the eve of up to 500 people daily from active combat zones and the occupation of the city, volunteers evacuated 22 taking them initially to one of 15 rescue hubs in safer people from Lysychansk. Currently, Alla’s family is in places throughout Ukraine. Workers with Save Ukraine western Ukraine and an A Family for Every Orphan are grateful for the five armored cars, 22 vans, 11 partner ministry team is taking care of this family. ambulances, six buses and a gasoline tanker they now

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L I F E L E S S O NS

A Very Good Christmas, Jeeves Vijai John Kuruppacherry

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I can’t stretch these stories to be true parables. Jeeves, find themselves outwitted by his resurrection, with the after all, is manipulating events if only partially to satisfy key to death and Hades in his hands. his selQsh interests. He sacriQces nothing and shows To marvel at the Incarnation is to be reminded of our sin no remorse in having his employer go through public and the loving sacrifice of God that redeems us. But to humiliation to accomplish his desired end. But it is in the view one’s sin in contrition in the light of God’s good news middle, between the presentation of the initial problem and is to be also lighthearted. Fleming Rutledge writes in her its resolution, that Qnd myself in familiar territory in the book The Crucifixion, “It is with a sense of lightheartedness desire to control the destinies of everyone I care about, the that one comes before the mercy seat of God, but none petty dudgeon towards those with better understanding can understand this until the light of grace dawns upon or experience, and the vanity that convinces me that I am them. ( She describes as an example of this paradoxical better than I could ever hope to be. response to the Incarnation the composer Bach’s cantatas, with “movements back and forth between deepest, heartwrenching lamentation and exuberant, life-affirming “I l oo k b a ck o n ho w I dev i s ed pl a ns , dance forms, suggesting the experience in life of having d re a m e d d r ea ms , a nd mo bi l i z ed r es o urces one’s deepest fear and shame understood by someone t o loo s en i t , but G o d pr es ent s else in a context of promise and hope. (

a di f f er ent pl a n. ”

Wodehouses world fills me with laughter and longing because it invites me to a resolution that, held in the context of all that went before, is utterly delightful. The Events that transpire convince me that his ways are higher stakes are not high but exaggerated—the prospect than mine, his thoughts deeper. If a resolution presents of being banished from the table of the chef Anatole, itself, as it sometimes does, I’m enabled to see the Gordian Gods gift to the gastric juices, ( fills his patrons with f knot that bound me. I look back on how I devised plans, and trembling. We who inhabit a world with far more dreamed dreams, and mobilized resources to loosen it, consequential results to our sin know that it takes God but God presents a different plan. If we can relax for a in Christ to save us from the serpents jaws. When we are moment and see it all unfold, we may be outraged by its rescued, we see that he has spread a table for us in the incredible farce. What could one expect from such a God, presence of our enemies, and our cup overflows, because who incarnated into human form, lived among fisherfolk “we have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living reeking of the day’s catch, ate with unwashed hands, and God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels stumped the learned scribes of his day with stories so in festal gathering. ( ( Hebrews 1 2 : 2 ) simple a child could comprehend and yet so layered that they confounded them?

Scripture presents Adam as a being made to rule the good land God made as God’s representative, but corrupted by the serpent, infecting him and his progeny with its venom that results in death over every human ever made.

We see the ongoing interventions by God to carve out little Edens through Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and others through history, resulting in short-lived victories that cannot seem to deliver God’s promise that the son of Eve will crush the head of the serpents offspring. ( COMMUNION AT COLLEGE Rulers who once showed promise are now revealed to be infected by the venom just as much as anyone else. Others DECEMBER 4 take matters into their own hands, wresting control of kingdoms, allying with foreign empires, and finally turning out to be exactly like the nations that God replaced to make room for them. Called to be a holy people, Israel returns to its sinful ways, and is banished once again from the good land God gave them. God keeps his promise through the most unlikely event imaginable, a baby born into poverty, among animals, with the powers of darkness gathering to destroy him. When they finally succeed, they

CHURCH

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F A CE T O F ACE

Hark Now Hear Keith Bodger In the mid-1980s when I was in my early 20s, each Christmas, Harknowheartheangelssing(wasatleastsomethingwith for about four years, my friends and I would sing Christmas which I was familiar because of the other carol, the “Hark! carols at a nursing home. The local newspaper would print the Herald Angels Sing( one. But it was the next phrase, the lyrics to the carols, and we’d use those printed songs to a new King born today( that confused me. really didnt guide us through an hour or so of singing on a Friday night. knowwhattheyweresingingabout.Whowasthisking?Why The residents seemed to enjoy this unprofessional group of didnt know of this king? What was his name? On what day singers who were simply being nice to others at Christmas was he born? t says born today but what speciQc day? Did time. We would sing traditional carols such as Angels it mean We the Friday night we were singing? And what about Have Heard on High,( Silent Night( and Jingle Bells.( But Queen Elizabeth? Would she still be queen if there were a the one song that stood out to me was the lesser known new king born today? It just didn’t make sense.

Marys Boy Child.( “And man will live forevermore Mary s Boy Child( had a becauseofChristmasday.This ( revival of sorts in 1978 by lyric baffled me. Man does musician Boney M, and not live forevermore. We die. likely got a lot of air play I knew that. I knew people who at Christmas time. I expect had died. Even though we had that’s how I knew it. The Christmas Day, people still song was originally recorded died. I just didn’t understand

by Harry Belafonte in 1956. it.WhatwasitaboutChristmas It was a calypso Christmas Day that caused people to carol, written by Jester Joseph live forevermore? The song Hairston from North Carolina. was illogical.

According to Wiki, Hairston But I cried. The nonsensical was a leading expert in Negro lyrics didn’t stop me from Spirituals and a choral singer/ loving that song. So, I would conductor. His grandparents sing along, to the extent were slaves. Hairston wrote I could, until the emotion the song with a calypso overwhelmed me, and I would rhythm for a Hollywood choir. have to mouth the words and I don’t expect my group of discretely wipe away the tears. friends and I did the calypso rhythm justice, but we sang it. Or, at least, I tried to sing it. Eventually, the popularity of Marys Boy Child( waned, and I didn’t hear the song anymore, until about ten years ago, The song made me cry. I would move my mouth to form when I found the song on iTunes and bought it. Now it’s a the words, but I could not often sing out loud because I regular part of my (year-round) playlist. And now I get it. The was crying. What made me cry? Was it the lyrics? Was it the angels did sing. A new King was born, and his name is Jesus music? Was it the Holy Spirit tapping me on the shoulder?

Christ. And man will live forevermore because Jesus, our don’t know. But I looked forward to singing this carol each Savior, was born and we celebrate that on Christmas day.

Christmas, even though I didn’t understand it. The chorus made no sense. At that time, I didn’t go to church, and I And I still cry. did not know Jesus. Look at the words of the chorus: “Hark now hear the angels sing, a new King born today.

And man will live forevermore because of Christmas Day.”

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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

PHOTOGRAPHY

MARR MILLER

Born to missionary parents in the Belgian Congo, Marr spent most of his formative yearsintheCongowithhomeassignmentsinWheatonandAlma,Nebraska.Hislast twoyearsofhighschoolwereinWheaton.CollegebeganatJohnBrownUniversity (JBU), interrupted by service in Vietnam followed by more studies at JBU, the University of North Carolina and DePaul University. His MBA is from Keller Graduate School.

Marr worked for a photo studio before returning to Africa with his wife, Mary, as short-term missionaries with AIM International in the then renamed Zaire. His main artistic interests are nature related, especially wildlife, scenic and landscape, although event photography seems to be the usual assignment. Lately, he does video work, which expands the art to include audio.

He has worked as an administrator with a mission agency, an HR director for a manufacturingQrm,atamortgagecompanyandisnowretiredfrompropertymanagement.

Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. 1 CHRONICLES 29:11

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

Sunday Morning Prayer 8:15-8:40 a.m. in C101 Monday Morning Prayer 6:15-7:15 a.m. Board Room

HANNAH PRAYER FELLOWSHIP

will not meet in December. Meetings will resume in January.

BARNABAS PRAYER FELLOWSHIP

Wednesday Night Prayer (Zoom only) 7-8 p.m.

will not meet in December. Meetings will resume on January 18.

DECEMBER 7: Steve & Lois Dresselhaus

AARON-HUR PRAYER FELLOWSHIP

DECEMBER 14: Jim & Nan Green DECEMBER 21: TBD

will not meet in December. Meetings will resume in January.

DECEMBER 28: TBD Friday Prayer for the Persecuted Church (Board Room) p.

1-2 m.LedbyWilandLorraineTriggs.Theweeklyprayer guide is also available at our website: https://bit.ly/3vzdcAz 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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S ID E B Y SI DE

Life’s Collision

Glenn and Debbie oK sirog came to College Church twenty years ago, and they needed help, supop rt and a network. They found all three: at a welcoming class for newcomers lead

by Neal and Joanna Conley and Jim n ( ow with the Lord) and Freda Davis and in the STARS disability ministry and its caring community.

married to Rachel who is expecting their fourth child. Kendra is married to Karl, is a speech therapist, lives in Wheaton and just had their third child.

Connections, with William Howard, sat down with Glenn and talked about the ways God has been at work in his life.

by having four older siblings. The old er kids were such a big help in caring for Christy. They rallied and were all on board.

I believe each of the four older kids has become more tender because of Christy.

Christy has impacted each of their lives.

Nate and Emily have a passion for foster care and were recently able to adopt a lit tle boy they had been caring for, who has his own special challenges to overcome.

Christy, the youngest, is 25 years old. She was born with Down Syndrome and a

When Hannah shared her testimony at her eighth-grade graduation, she told of Christy’s influence in her coming to faith in Christ. Justin’s story of why he wanted to be a doctor, includes the impact of Christy on his life. Kendra’s decision to be a speech therapist was greatly influenced by the years of speech therapy Christy received, watching her language develop, and Kendra trying to help Christy say different words.

Talk to us about your some of the bless - Tell us more about Christy. ings and challenges of raising a child with Often, I say Christy is our greatest developmental disabilities. How do you challenge and our greatest reward.

We learned Christy had a heart defect within 24 hours of Debbie’s emergency C-section. About a week later, we received the official diagnosis that Christy had Down syndrome. I remember telling God, “I can handle the heart issue but not the Downs.” The reverse is true for me now. The leakage from one of

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Christy’s heart valves has increased, and I pray for her physical heart and her spiritual heart.

In her first year of life, Christy had three hospital stays.

During the first hospitalization, we began to use a feeding tube to help her gain weight. Putting that feeding tube in became a whole family event. We learned to together as a team—a couple of us to hold her still, others to get the supplies ready so we could move quickly, one to put the tube in through the nose and down the correct passageway, and another to encourage.

deep mental, emotional and psychological pain. I will be receiving training to help men who have been involved with making the decision to abort a baby. For moms who decide to keep their baby and place them for adoption, we refer them to the Evangelical Child Family Agency that helps with adoption services. work

The other hospital stays were for surgeries involving Christy’s heart, which included open heart surgery at 10 months. God provided a wonderful cardiologist and surgeon.

Christy’s care impacted the family-owned pharmacy as we moved into being provider of medical equipment because we needed the equipment.

It is amazing to see how far God has brought Christy, how he has provided for her, protected her, and blessed others through her. I remember thinking we would not be able to ski together as a family—something we love to do, but through volunteer trainers at a Colorado outdoor education center that teaches those with special needs, Christy learned to ski. Christy also learned to ride a two wheeled bike—another family favorite activity.

At one point in your life, your commitments to your daughter, STARS and Caring Network collided with your profession as a pharmacist. Would you share with Connections what happened?

After receiving my pharmacy degree, Debbie and I moved Christy always wanted to be a nurse and help people. to Chicago, and I worked with my dad in the two Kosirog God provided over and above. Christy works 12 hours Pharmacies my family owned. My dad wanted me to get a week at the Wheaton Eye Clinic, gets to wear nurses more experience, so I worked part-time filling in at the scrubs, and can walk to work. She also enjoys working at VA Hospital downtown and then part- time for Walgreens, the Stars Resale Shop once a week. Christy loves music, traveling to different stores. I was thankful when I went dance, acting, taking viola lessons, attending the STARS back to working full-time for my dad, especially after Family Services art studio, and of course, social times with working at some Walgreens that filled more than 7 0 the STARS. She is quite helpful with home chores such as prescriptions a day. laundry and mealtimes. Christy is good at finding activities she enjoys—puzzles, paper crafts, basketball or Frisbee.

Eventually the family pharmacy on Damen Avenue closed and worked at the Kosirog Pharmacy on Western Avenue Christy has routines that are hard to break, but she does until it sold in January 2019. As a pharmacist, many surprise us. She keeps me on track with discipline. I need customers would ask me for the morning after pill—and Christy more than she needs me, and she points me to the I would refer them to a pharmacy down the street. I was Lord every day. advised not to proselytize.

I believe you are also associated with Caring Network.

When the governor at that time mandated tha I serve on the board of directors of Caring Network, pharmacists fill prescriptions for the morning after pill, which has a vision for twenty-five new clinics by 2025 to another pharmacist and I joined in filing a suit against provide an alternative to Planned Parenthood and other the governor. t was a long battle, about eight years. We abortion providers, and Illinois is the leading provider lost several times in the lower courts. I remember walking of abortions in the Midwest. Along with Caring Network around Springfield one time, crying out to God, “I don’t clinics is a program called Restore( that provides know afterwhere else to turn but you. ( abortion care. It is designed to show the forgiveness, truth and joy of Jesus Christ. The scars left after having continued on next page an abortion go much deeper than physical. There is

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Life’s Collision continued It was God’s battle, and he fought for me. God also provided for our case in surprising ways. One Sunday, as I served communion, another communion server came late, but it proved to be God’s timing and providing. A conversation began. By the end of the exchange, my fellow server, an attorney, came on board to represent us in filing a brief needed the very next week.

Christy that had gotten into breast pump sales. When Christy was an infant, Debbie was pumping so much to have milk for Christy’s tube feedings. It’s amazing and awesome how God brings everything together.

One more story. I was once asked to reverse the effects of the morning after pill. A mom changed her mind, and now wanted the baby. A Catholic nurse in California referred the woman to our pharmacy. There is a short window of time, about seventy-two hours, where this is possible.

I prayed with the mom in the store, and nine months later she gave birth to healthy twin boys. Recently, the mom At possibly the lowest point of the battle, when we were sent beautiful pictures of the boys heading off to their being persecuted in the media, out of the blue Mark first day of preschool. Praise God! Ramsey, an attorney from Washington DC, called. Mark had connections to Americans United for Life and to What are ways we at College Church can become involved in the American Center for Law and Justice. He wanted to sanctity of life issues or help in our disability ministries to represent us. We appealed on the right of conscience.

The and care for young, teen and adult STARS? encourage case went to the Illinois Supreme Court, and we won!

Pray, pray, pray that God will open opportunities to serve.

The Illinois State Department of Health had previously There is a special place in God’s heart for widows, orphans, given me an award for helping the women of Illinois as the unborn, the vulnerable, the handicapped, the least of the number one provider of breast pumps for women. Yet these. They need support. Pray out of obedience. God will there I was in court for denying women their health rights. provide opportunities. We think these vulnerable ad Mark Ramsey used the award to help with defending and children need us, but we need them as they all point the case. It was a turning point. And it was because of us to God in unique ways.

M I L E S T O NES MARRIAGES

Isaiah Daniel was born to Karl and Kendra Bratt on October 23. Isaiah’s maternal grandparents are Glenn and Debbie Kosirog.

Jasmine Aughenbaugh married Timothy McDunn at College Church on November 18. Tim is a regular attender of College Church.

Calvin Micah was born to Trent and Bridget Tovsen on October 4. Calvin joins his brother, Oliver. His maternal grandparents are Jeff and Alison Oslund.

College Church member Jessica Johnson married Thomas Miller at College Church on Saturday, October 29.

DEATHS

College Church member Susanna Ramsden married Micah Roy on October 2.

Ryan Kastilani and Sarah Jagrowski were married onSeptember3 0inWoodville,Washington.Sarah is the daughter of College Church members Jerry and Laura Jagrowski.

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Pray for Paul Robbins and family as they grieve the loss of Paul’s wife, Mary, who passed away on November 26.

Lois Erickson entered the presence of Jesus on November 19. Pray for her son, Kurt (Julia), and family as they grieve the loss of Lois.

BIRTHS

Pray for Jeff (Cheryl) Kirchman and family as they grieve the loss of Je s mother, Carol, who passed away on November 4 in the Dekalb area.

Julianna Joy was born to missionaries Stephen and Karis Rigby on November 12. Julianna joins her siblings Abigail, Eoin and Zaks.

Pray for Carlos (Alex) Bell and family as they grieve the loss of Carolos’ father, Larry Bell Williams, who passed away on October 30.

Victoria Noelle was born to Anthony and Abby Valerio on October 27. Victoria joins her big brothers Anthony and Michael.

Pray for Linda (Paul) VanDerMolen and family as they grieve the loss of Linda’ mother, Rosemond Fik, who passed away on October 26.

C OL L E G E CHUR CH

Meet Your Leaders KOLBY ATCHISON

LIBBY NEWTON

WHERE I SERVE: board of deacons

WHERE I SERVE: board of deaconess.

I have previously served on the hospitality committee and have taught in Kids’ Harbor Bible school

WHY I SERVE: As a member of the body of Christ, I am committed to helping our church however I can.

I am very grateful for College Church and the ways it has blessed my family.

THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME: loyal, hard-working, fun MY FAVORITE HANG-OUT SPACE: bike rides with my kids

WHY I SERVE: I want to serve and support members of the College Church community. Additionally, it has been a wonderful way to meet new people and learn about ministries here at church.

THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME: caring, steadfast, patient

ADRIENNE CASSEL WHERE I SERVE: board of deaconess

MY FAVORITE HANG-OUT SPACE: at my family’s lake house in Eagle River, Wisconsin

WHY I SERVE: It helps me feel more connected and I want to serve the body of Christ.

ASHLEY GOSSELIN WHERE I SERVE: nursery and in HYACKs (the high school ministry)

THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME: friendly, loyal, family-oriented

WHY I SERVE: I’m called to serve as a part of the church body, and I enjoy being a part of both the little ones and the but with the high school students.

MY FAVORITE HANG-OUT SPACE: anywhere in the mountains or on my backyard swing

THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME: adventurous, loyal, dependable MY FAVORITE HANG-OUT SPACE: my home

God Centered Life the media ministry of College Church, features the Bible teaching of Pastor Josh, both online and on the radio. This exciting ministry with a global reach continues to grow in impact. Here in the US, the program is heard on the radio in about 70 locations.

Globally, the ministry also has a mission impact. The teaching is heard online through the OnePlace and TWR360 platforms, which have extensive listenership outside North America. Imagine! More than 35,000 people have been touched with some form of gospel content through this outreach of our church, either an online audio message, a spiritually encouraging article, or a devotional reading.

You can listen locally on Moody Radio (WMBI) at 10 p.m. M-F and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday and can have daily devotionals delivered right to your inbox.

Your prayers and partnership with this ministry are greatly appreciated.

godcenteredlife.org

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FACE TO F ACE

The Charm Bracelets Pat Cirrincione While watching our two oldest granddaughters a few months ago, the youngest, Katie, asked if I would help her straighten out her bedroom. Little did I know what I was getting myself into as I gazed upon a room that made me think: “Oh no!

My granddaughter has turned into a hoarder!” Stuffed animals everywhere, books all over the place, dolls and their various paraphernalia lying on her bed and the bunk bed above hers, art projects covering her dressers. Where to begin I quietly shrieked to myself! Take a deep breath, the Lord said, smile and tackle one group of things at a time.

Okay, I can do that, and then Katie and I talked about a plan of attack. First, we organized all the stuffed animals, then we weeded out her books and straightened out her bookshelves (the weeded books would be handed down to her younger cousins). Next, we cleared the furniture of all but the most valued art projects and threw out the rest, and then placed all the dolls in their respective homes.

We threw the garbage out.

The last item to investigate was this little square box that now sat prominently on the main dresser, once we cleared it of various and sundry items.

In this box were charms for a bracelet, but minus the

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bracelet to attach them to. How could this be? Well, it could be because Katie didn’t realize they could be attached to anything, let alone a bracelet! Looking at those charms prompted me to do

something when I got home. I pulled out all my charm bracelets and took a walk down memory lane.

time of conception, until she died, Mary kept her memories not on a bracelet, but in her heart. What a blessing, what a life so full of watching miracles performed, of seeing her My very first charm was an airplane I received from my son walk and talk among his people. Of seeing him touch parents. It came with a note saying they were sending me so many lives. What can compare to this? Nothing. on my senior class trip to Washington, D. C. Looking at this, plus all the charms on my various charm bracelets, made May I ask you to do something this most blessed of me see images in my mind that had not faded, but some seasons? If you’ve got charm bracelets or old photos had even grown stronger in time. languishing in a box, pull them out this Christmas and share them and their stories with your family. Don’t be surprised if some of them aren’t interested but do enjoy “T h e d o m ina nt t heme t ha t k ept cr eep in g the fun of sharing your past memories with those who will in t o m y h e a d w a s o ne o f no s t a l g i a , w h ich enjoy hearing the stories, as well as your telling of them.

c a n b e t he g i f t t ha t k eeps g i v i ng . ” The dominant theme that kept creeping into my head was one of nostalgia, which can be the gift that keeps giving. Even with all the accelerated progress and movements in our lives, these charms provided ample opportunity for remembrance, and the lamentation or celebration of things past.

Far better than the stories behind charm bracelets or old photos is Mary’s story that, through God’s grace, has become our story to declare again and again to future generations.

Katies room has returned to a jumble of stued animals, books, and dolls, but soon it will have a bracelet to place those charms on, in that little square box somewhere on her dresser.

Merry Christmas.

As I kept gazing at, and touching each charm, I began to realize (yet again) how blessed I was. I have visited at least twenty-six states, two countries and three large amusement parks. Several of my bracelets hold two high school class rings (mine and my mom’s); one holds her baby ring. One holds an old boyfriend’s ring (whoops!

Should have given that back!). There are Christmas charms, a charm with our wedding date, and charms in the shape of birth certificates for each of our sons. There is a high school diploma charm and football, basketball and soccer charms. Also hanging from one bracelet is a Sweet Sixteen charm and a Friend’s Forever one from my friends in college. There was a charm of a race car, bringing back memories of going to the racetracks and reminding me NEW LEADERS NEEDED of how I occasionally drag raced down Route 83 in the Seeking new leaders to start new groups in the new year. days before shopping malls and office buildings and no stop lights. You could cruise down Route 83 all the way COME TO OUR TRAINING LUNCH to Route 66. Then there are my Harlequin charms from If you are a current leader or think this might be for you, come to our January 8 lunch in Commons Hall. my time on the stage, and a pen and quill for my writing dreams. There’s even a music charm for winning “most improvedvoice(when sangwithSweetAdelines.Somany fun memories. Each one could conjure a story, and all I can say is thank you to God for the wonderful memories of people, places and things.

Then I began to wonder as I had wandered. At this time of year, as Christmas approaches, what would Mary’s, ( the mother of Jesus) , charm bracelet have held? Would Sign up today via the QR code or there be an ankle charm? A baby charm? A star charm? by visiting http://bitly.ws/xmkK A charm of shepherds and sheep? Of Magi from the east?

A charm with a lock of hair from her Qrstborn, Jesus?

If you have questions, email Josue at jalvarado@college-church.org.

A donkey? A cross? We know from Luke 2 : 5 1 that - his mothertreasuredupallthesethingsinherheart.From ( her

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I BEL I EVE!

Nothing Wasted Joy Loewen

A PIONEERING FAMILY I was raised in a pioneer visionary missionary family who ministered among the Somali Muslim people for fifty years. Their first twenty years were spent working among Somalis in Yemen where I was born.

When Mom and Dad received the long- awaited permission to reside in Somalia, they moved there and opened up a hospital, clinics and schools. The translation of the Bible into Somali, when there was no alphabet at the time, was an incredible challenge. It was exciting to be part of a pioneer endeavor where Scripture and worship songs were birthed for the first time in history. I remember being part of daily prayer meetings where big needy prayers were lifted up to God. Miracles were expected and they happened. The memories of those prayer meetings where so much faith and perseverance had to be exercised shaped much of who am today. When the missionaries had to leave Somalia Dad started up a radio program called Voice of New Life. The radio programs have been discontinued but have since been expanded and are now available on the internet for Somalis living anywhere in the world. My parents, Warren and Dorothy Modricker, were College Church missionaries and we spent some of our furlough years in Wheaton. We have all been the recipients of the church’s outstanding hospitality, material generosity especially of clothes and housing, prayers and financial support.

EXCITEMENT, ADVENTURE, TRAUMA The excitement and adventure of missionary life seemed to pulsate in me being raised in such a courageous pioneer visionary family. Yes, there was excitement and adventure, but the truth is I was actually traumatized by some of the things I went through in Somalia and left

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that land unhealed. Living in Somalia had some dangers. in cross cultural ministry among Muslims moved from One of those was walking through the murder of one of obedience to love and compassion. the missionaries. Mr. Merlin Groves was murdered and his A REDEEMED SUFFERING wife survived a brutal stabbing. Their children were our We served in Pakistan from 1 9 7 8 1 9 8 . We were playmates. I was left frightened especially of Muslims well bewildered when we sensed God was redirecting us with into my adulthood. We often form generalizations which our two children to return to Canada to minister among aredistorted.AmagniQedfearandanxietythatallMuslims Muslims there. In 1988 we didn’t know anyone we could are dangerous took root. I had a bad case of Islamophobia. ask to help us to know how to proceed. At that time Ed and met at Moody Bible nstitute. While therenot we many mission agencies accepted sending countries responded to a missions talk. We prepared and went as to legitimate places to minister but thank God that has Pakistan to work at TEAM’s hospital. For me the response changed significantly. Arab World Ministries accepte was primarily out of obedience to the Great Commission. us to work with them in Canada until that agency was There was no particular love for Muslims yet birthed in me absorbed into Pioneers. The last thirty-three years we have for I remained unhealed. In fact I did not really know apart been involved with Muslim international grad students, from a doctrinal fact that God loved me. I had become a child refugees from war torn Islamic countries, Muslims who of God but did not know how loved a child of God I was. have immigrated with professional skills, asylum seekers and followers of Jesus from Muslim background. We have A MISSIONARY DUTY a wonderful open door in our own country with complete Three months after we arrived in Pakistan, and I had freedom to share the gospel. acquired a minimal level of language proQciency asked a senior missionary if she would take me to a tailor’s home Today I thank God for all that I went through growing up in to get some Pakistani outQts sewn. had a plan toSomalia share because God has redeemed much of the suffering the gospel in my bare minimal Urdu with the tailor. I put and removed my fears and anxieties of Muslims. God has together a three minute speech and memorized it going healed me. God loves Muslims and so do I. John 3:17 says: over it many times. When arrived at the tailors“God home did not send His Son into the world to condemn it but neighbor women crowded into the courtyard to get a view of to save it. ( We partner with God in his heart cry. My earlier the foreign woman. Someone o ered me a chair while the suffering and trauma have enabled me to understand women all sat around me on mats. I shared my memorized what many of my Muslim friends have gone through. God three-minute gospel presentation which I suspect no one does not waste anything but can redeem everything for understoodbutwasRyinghigh.hadbecomeamissionary! his glory and purposes.

I never inquired of their names or their stories. There was God has given me many opportunities to help equip no love between us. I just simply did my missionary duty to Christian women in befriending Muslim women with the fulQllmycallingfromGod.twasactuallyveryempty.Empty hope of sharing the Good News with them. To reach the of love and the power of the Holy Spirit. millions of Muslim women will require a great equipping of Christian women who will love them deeply and sacrificially JESUS LOVES ME, TOO? It was in Pakistan where God began a big healing job in me with the love of Jesus. They will be largely reached oneand revealed his deep love for me and for Muslims. One on-one as a neighbor, work colleague, or classmate. The day I got the nerve up and shared with a senior missionary secret is not only sharing the Good News with them but to my dilemma. “I know that God loves the Pakistani Muslims actually love them. I discovered missionary work is empty and powerless without encountering but dont know God loves me. ( He was understandably shocked and replied, m sorry cant help you. ( felt so God intimately and without loving the person. My expedismayed and ashamed but God was directing everything. rience at the tailor’s home showed me clearly what was Shortly after that came down with hepatitis. While on needed to be effective and fruitful my sick bed, in the middle of the day, I heard an inaudible for God’s glory. voice say, Joy love you. ( Those words were repeated Joy writes about her experiences and multiple times and came washing over me like a big wave. gives practical advice for sharing Jesus When recognized that it was the voice of God speaking to with a Muslim friend in her book, me told him, Stop got it. ( You might say moved from Woman to Woman, Sharing Jesus being mostly obedient to falling in love with Jesus; ...from with a Muslim Friend, available at head to the heart. God removed the fear of Muslims from the College Church bookstall. my life and replaced it with his love. Fear and love cannot coexist. From that point on the reason for giving my life

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F A CE T O F ACE

The Bellows Tool of Serving Jay Cunningham, member of the Nominating Committee

The most important tactical tool for your wood-burning She’s quick to offer prayer for someone who looks like they fireplace is the bellows. Rapid expansion and compression could use it. Or perhaps you Suzy is good with numbers of the bellows forces air through a small nozzle and ( Well, shes a lot quicker at math than am! ( ) and has a increases oxygen supply, thereby raising the rate and mind for organizing businesses. Or she might be naturally intensity of combustion. With just a few hedge- clippinggifted at connecting with pre-teens or middle-school kids like movements of your arms, and a whoosh, whoosh, and they seem to enjoy being around her. She’s the kind whoosh, those quiet embers begin to glow brighter and of person others wish to follow. Well, enough about Suzy. brighter until, suddenly, they burst into flame. Soon, the You get the idea. logs are burning, too, their mesmerizing flames throwing Here’s the cool thing: among all the other marvelous off light and heat, creating a cozy atmosphere. blessings we enjoy as believers, we are entrusted, through No analogy is perfect, (bear with me now) but imagine the nominating process, to help the entire body at College that the work of the Nominating Committee at College Church function as God intended.

Church is a bellows tool. Working with the glowing embers In one of the great leadership passages in Ephesians 4 we identified by the congregation, we gently stir up or fan the are encouraged “to grow up in every way into him who is flame of desire and aspiration for ministry. The Holy Spirit the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined is like the wind that fans those embers into flames. and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, This January, all College Church members will receive an when each part is working properly, makes the body grow invitation to recommend names of individuals the Lord so that it builds itself up in love. ( When you and pray for brings to mind to serve in elected leadership positions. the Lord to show us who our leaders should be, we are You can begin praying now for the Holy Spirit to point out helping to equip College Church so that all the parts are other College Church members whom you can see serving held together by the leadership joints- everything is w in these positions. oiled and in good working order. (Think, the Tin Man after the oil can is applied).

Perhaps you already know someone who might be a good fit for serving as a deaconess or the recording secretary, Do you want to be a fully engaged member at College the nursery superintendent or church treasurer. Perhaps Church? Do you want to help fan into flame the gift of you have thought of someone who could serve as an elder God? Start now by preparing your heart to help the or on any of the other boards, committees and elected Nominating Committee. positions. You can find all these elected roles and who is More amazing facts and riveting stories will be forthcoming currently serving at college-church.org under the Discover about elected positions. For more information, drop us a menu and select elected positions. ( note at nominations@college-church.org. Thank you!

There is tremendous precedent for choosing leaders 2022-2023 Nominating Committee: when you read in Acts chapter 6 that the people were encouraged by the apostles to choose people to serve Allison Bonga Jay Cunningham who were known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. ( Here’s an idea: pause right now and ask the Lord to begin Teri Hiben to show you people in our body who are “known to be full Josh Moody of the Spirit and wisdom. ( Thanks!

Jeff Oslund Once you start to pray, you might observe that fellow church member Suzy has a heart for people. She loves serving others. She goes out of her way to be sure that strangers are welcomed, that no one gets left behind.

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Becky Sandberg Dave Setran

UNDER THE RADAR It’s no fun to hear about an event after the fact. That’s why we’re Introducing Under the Radar.

If you know of a local event that includes College Church members or attenders or may be of interest to them, email connections@college-church.org with the details and we may be able to include your event in this space.

MESSIAH

presented by the Community School of the Arts at Wheaton College Suzuki Strings Christmas Concert featuring calligraphic artwork by Timothy R. Botts.

Students ages four through high school will perform familiar Christmas favorites such as the “Hallelujah Chorus,” “Joy to the World” and “For Unto Us a Child is Born.”

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 AT 10 A.M. Edman Chapel at the corner of Washington and Franklin Admission is free for this family-friendly event

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at the Bookstall BEST BOOKS 2022 We asked ministry sta and elected leaders to share favorite books they read in 20 . Here is a partial list. We will publish more in the January issue of Connections and all titles will be published at onewordjournal.

JOSUE ALVARADO, pastoral resident

JAY CUNNINGHAM, deacon

The Cross of Christ*

Created to Flourish

By John Stott

By Peter Greer

Stott helps us to see how the cross is central to the gospel in a profound but simple way.

This book opened my eyes even more to the amazing impact that Hope International (and other micro finance organizations) have had by helping the poorest of the poor to get lifted out of poverty by creating very small businesses.

Trust groups, populated mostly by women, serve to not only teach simple skills like saving and investing, but also are the central place where the gospel is shared and lives are changed. This is a strongly hopeful book.

CHERYCE BERG, director of children’s ministries

Holier Than Thou*

By Jackie Hill Perry

Jackie writes, “[B]ecause God is holy, all that He says is true and all that He does is good....Hear this: God’s words and works can be trusted because it is impossible for God to sin against you.”

MARK BERG, elder

Beyond Entrepreneurship 2.0

By Jim Collins

Classic business book—profound concepts made accessible and applicable O Jerusalem

By Laurie King

Fiction, 1920s, Sherlock Homes & Mary Russell Project Hail Mary

By Andy Weir

Science fiction—very creative No Little People*

By Francis Schaeffer

A collection of Schaeffer sermons— a classic

This Land of Snow: A Journey Across the North in Winter

By Anders Morley

This memoir of a young man’s cross-country ski trip from the Pacific Coast of British Columbia to Central Canada was a fascinating read. The writing is strong, and the use of language and analogy is captivating. I was excited to read a book by a fellow Taylor University grad...but I was disappointed in the end to learn that Morley no longer believes in God and much of the book’s introspective nature tended toward selfishness and how others had disappointed him in his life. He also had a patronizing view of women. But if you like snow or skiing or nature... there’s a lot in here that is beautiful.

Affirming the Apostles’ Creed*

By J.I. Packer

This delightful, short book is well worth a read. Packer provides the history of this central Christian creed, breaking each line into a jam-packed theological package of the wonders of God. This book helped really appreciate what we recite at College Church on a Sunday morning, and taught me how creeds are one key way to pass down theological truths from generation to generation. *available at the Bookstall

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CHRISTMAS AT COLLEGE CHURCH

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS CHOIR CONCERT December 4 at 5 p.m.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES December 24 at 4, 7 and 9 p.m.

“O GREAT MYSTERY” ADULT CHOIR CONCERT December 11 at 5 p.m.

CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICES 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.

He Has Come!

STARS CHRISTMAS PROGRAM December 18 at 5 p.m.

Christ has come—three words change all Three words reverse our very Fall!

We are not left by God above He came He came He came in love!

We come to Him not first, you see We live by God’s Priority He came, he comes, he’ll come again Praise the Advent Lord! Amen.

—RICHARD MOOMJIAN

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COMMONS COMMONS SECOND FLOOR

MAIN LEVEL C101 LOST & FOUND

OFFICES

OFFICES

C103

BOARD ROOM

OFFICES

C104A

C104B

C104C

C104D

C104E

C104F

LOWER LEVEL 2

CL01 COMMONS KITCHEN

LOWER LEVEL 1

CL02B

TUNNEL

CL03

CL02A

N KEY

C001

Adults

C002A

STARS

C003

CL07 GYM C002B

Students Children Bathroom Elevator

C005

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Stairs

SANCTUARY SANCTUARY MAIN LEVEL

SECOND LEVEL 205

101

201 202 204

210

SANCTUARY

SANCTUARY BALCONY

LIBRARY

FIRESIDE ROOM

208

LOST & FOUND

211

BOOK STALL

LOWER LEVEL

014

301 GYM

020

021

022

305

302

304

019

012

WELSH HALL

017

HUB

KIDS HARBOR

OFFICES

023

001

011A 013 011B 015

005

KITCHEN

THIRD LEVEL

KEY

Adults STARS

N

CROSSINGS

CLAPHAM SCHOOL

STARS RESALE SHOP

Students Children

Bathroom Elevator Stairs

CROSSINGS EAST

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