Our Pastors, Directors and Residents: Caleb Aulie, pastoral resident | Cheryce Berg, ministry director of children | Roger Burgess, pastor of visitation Julie Clemens, ministry director of STARS disabilities | Matt Heaton, pastoral resident | Baxter Helm, high school pastor | Dan Hiben, middle school pastor Tim Hollinger, technology director | Jim Johanik, pastor of evangelism Ann Karow, human resources director | Howard Kern, facilities director Ethan Kim, pastoral resident | Bruce Main, pastor of visitation | Josh Maurer, pastor of discipleship and care | Curt Miller, missions pastor | Josh Moody, senior pastor | Jacob Samuel Raju, pastoral resident | Mindy Rynbrandt, ministry director for women’s discipleship and care | James Seward,
of community | John
executive pastor | Nancy Singer,
Council of Elders: Mark Bradley, vice-chair | Jay Cunningham | Steve Ivester | Randy Jahns | Heinrich Johnsen | Anson Johnson | Jonathan (J.J.)
senior pastor | David Setran, secretary
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
332 E. Seminary, Wheaton, IL 60187 (630) 668-0878 | www.college-church.org
CONTRIBUTORS
WALLACE ALCORN
gives a different perspective on a familiar Christmas carol this month, and reminds us that Jesus will come again with “peace on earth, good will to men.”
KEITH BODGER
is a retired environmental scientist. He and his wife, Melody, live in Wheaton and have two adult children. Keith serves in KMs and he and his wife, Melody, lead a small group. Keith enjoys writing and cooking in his newly found retired spare time.
PAT CIRRINCIONE
brings her wit and wisdom to Connections on a regular basis. Pat enjoys reading and Christmas baking this time of year.
GARY COOK
Gary serves as the ministry associate for small groups at College Church and as an adjunct professor in theological studies. His pastoral experience and study of church history have given him a passion for faithful stewardship by the church of the essential truths of the Christian faith. You can often find Gary reading and writing at a table in the Commons, and he’d welcome the opportunity to meet you and hear your story!
CHARLES KARURI
is married to Yasmin and the Lord has blessed them with three children. Charles wears several hats: pastor at Crossway Baptist Church Malindi, Neopolis director for East Africa, and an English-Swahili translator of theological resources.
SEAN LONG
is pastor of Zion Church in Beijing, China. Sean and his wife have made College Church their spiritual home in the U.S. while Sean pursues his doctorate degree at Wheaton College.
JOHN MAUST
began work in writing and publishing in 1975 as editor of a small-town weekly newspaper in Indiana. The verse he inserted in the newspaper masthead, “Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together (Psalm 34:3)” remains an inspiration for his writing. John and his wife, Elsa, enjoy visiting their grandchildren and walks in the forest preserves.
JUDY SATTLER
As the days grow colder and the nights longer, you will find Judy reading a good book or writing a story with a cup of hot chocolate close by. She likes the cold weather, so this is the time of year she walks outdoors praising the Lord for his beauty, praying for neighbors and grandchildren, and mulling over ideas for another Connections article. She attends the Logo class where her husband is team-teaching.
DAVID MACKINNON
and his wife, Millie, have been members of College Church since 2022. David is a retired marriage and family therapist. Prior to psychology, David was an executive with Bank of America domestically and internationally (living in Japan and Malaysia). In addition to prison ministries, his current passions range from cycling, amateur radio, Bible study and camping/ travel. He and Millie have four married children and nine grandchildren.
KAYE WAUGH
and her husband, Kurt, were married in Okinawa, Japan and have been members of College Church since 2019. She loves gathering with friends and families from College Church. Kaye loves to tell the stories of seasoned missionaries, past and present.
UPSIDE-DOWN GLORY
WIL TRIGGS | EDITOR
It’s Christmastime. Advent, if you like. Underneath it all is the most significant birth in all history: Jesus. When he came, the angels sang, “Glory to God.”
What is the glory of Christmas? Our writers this month help us consider that question. From the beginning it has been an upside-down glory compared to what we humans tend to cherish.
I am especially pleased to welcome first-time writer Charles Karuri, “The Glory of God in the Humility of Christ,” who is also a church-plant partner from Kenya. His is a personal testimony of unexpected glory coming in inspirational ways. John Maust begins his article on glory with a childhood memory and ends with contemplating the glory of Jesus shining in our lives and that light growing every day in his “A Greater Glory.” Pat Cirrincione writes of the glory of the Christmas accounts in the Gospels in her “Glory to God in the Highest!” Keith Bodger writes of 50 years singing “Glory” to God and how the meaning has changed and grown for him. Kaye Waugh recounts her journey of faith and salvation in her “God’s Glory in My Weakness.” Gary Cook’s “Soli Deo Gloria: Glory to God Alone” explores Paul’s expression of God’s salvific glory in Ephesians.
We have other writing about Christmas not as directly linked to glory with Wallace Alcorn’s “Christmas Bells” and Judy Sattler’s “Bethlehem Light.”
Read all of these as part of your Advent weeks, or spend time with them between Christmas in New Year’s. But wait.
Sean Long’s “Update from Zion Church” gives us an inside look at the news-making persecution of the house church network in China. We should make prayer for Zion Church a part of our prayers this Advent/Christmas. This issue also includes an important update from the Parchman Prison missions trip and an update from a recent Caring Network event. Contemplation of God’s glory would not be complete without these reports from persecuted people and those who have heard of and even found Jesus behind bars.
I think the glory of Christmas is upside down from what we humans think of as glory. Think manger glory. Shepherds as courtiers while the people at the inn closed their eyes for a night of shuteye. And then the flight to Egypt. The Good News has no bars, borders or shackles, shining its light—its glory—on the One who humbled himself.
Christmas blessings to all.
The Glory of God in the Humility of Christ
CHARLES KARURI
Iwas teaching a class of 7 to 13-year-olds at our Kingdom Kids outreach recently when the question came up concerning the devil’s appearance. Some thought he was red in color while others were persuaded that he was black. Most were confident he had horns and a tail, and a few threw in a pitchfork. You might be smiling at this childish speculation but really, what is the devil like?
While there are many things that can be said on this subject, I have always found C. S. Lewis’ observation from Mere Christianity to be spot on. Lewis says that it is pride that makes the devil the devil. Of all the vile and loathsome things that are true of the Enemy of our souls, it is important to remember that the odious spring from which they flow is pride. Pride led the Enemy to consider equality with God something to be grasped. Pride led the Enemy to say in his heart: “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.”
(Isaiah 14:14)
What heights of impudence! What depths of foolishness! What a terrible miscalculation!
How could a creature think this way concerning his Creator?
How could one whom the Scriptures describe as “the signet of perfection” (Ezekiel 28:12) be so hopelessly wrong in his estimations?
The prophets supply an answer, “The pride of your heart has deceived you.” (Obadiah 1:3)
The pride in the Enemy’s heart deceived him. Deceived and deceiving, the Enemy came down and roused pride in our parents’ hearts in the garden saying to them “... you will be like God ...” (Genesis 3:5) From that moment onward pride, that insidious exaltation of self above God, has truly become the “mother of all sin,” the bane of all the sons of Adam. As we lift up our hearts and minds toward God in this season and think about Christmas and the birth of the God-Man
Christ Jesus, it is helpful for us to take some time to marvel anew at the glory of God in the humility of Christ. In more specific terms, I invite you to marvel anew that Christ “. . . though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped . . .” (Philippians 2:6)
At the very point where both the Enemy and the first Adam got their estimations so horribly wrong, our Lord Jesus Christ, the last Adam, counted correctly. He did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped. He chose the path of humility. He refused to elevate self above God but rather, “. . . emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” (Philippians 2:7) He came down to us, he lived and walked among us, and never once did he elevate himself above the Father’s will.
Humility birthed obedience and this obedience was the seal of his love for the Father; even when it brought him to the foot of that repulsive tree. This tree was
not good for food, it was not pleasant to the eye, nor was it desirous in any way. To the perfectly sinless One, this tree was utterly abhorrent.
This is the reason for the anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane. Anguish that turned sweat into great drops of blood (Luke 22:44). Another Adam, another Garden, and the same fork in the road; whose will shall it be?
Isn’t this the question of the ages? Whose will shall it be?
In the earthly ministry of our Lord this question always met the same consistent answer, “Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42).
I wish I could say the same.
I wish I could say that from the moment the Lord called me into Christian ministry, to date, God’s will has always been my default choice in every situation. I wish I could say that I have steadfastly refused the temptation to elevate my will above that of God.
But that would not be true. The truth is this; pride has been a daily trap for my soul and times without number I have fallen for its deceitfulness.
For example, from the very earliest I pridefully resisted the call to ministry because there was no way I was going to become a pastor and run the risk of going back to the poverty that I was raised in. Why not make a decent living for myself and support a ministry instead? Why run the risk of going back to that place where the next meal is uncertain, where rent is uncertain, and where even a necessary hospital visit is certain cause for financial distress?
That early resistance was of course illfounded and yet after years in pastoral ministry, my observation in East Africa has been that truthful men who preach Christ without deceit or hypocrisy struggle financially. These men who hold out the light of the gospel to their generation, become bearers not only of light but also of judgment (John 3:19); and in so doing so others accuse them of breaking the
Eleventh Commandment to which they hold fast: “Thou shall not judge.”
Thou shall not judge those who lie in grant applications.
Thou shall not judge those who refuse to discipline unrepentant wealthy members.
Thou shall not judge those who collaborate openly with false, well to do teachers.
Thou shall not judge those who appropriate ministry funds.
All the above are not hypothetical points given for the sake of illustration; sadly, they are actual instances where men in ministry have lost their view of the glory of God in the humility of Christ.
They no longer see that to deceive a donor is to pridefully despise the God who gives; that to lower God’s standard of holiness is to pridefully set oneself above the chief attribute that defines our God; that to have fellowship with wealthy false teachers is to pridefully choose mammon over God.
The pride of life has quenched their love for the Father.
For such, the idea of pastoring a small church, struggling to make the rent, struggling to put the kids through school, perhaps never owning a car, and perhaps never getting to be rich is absolutely terrifying.
So terrifying that in August this year a Kenyan pastor was in the news for suing witchdoctors whom he claims defrauded him of approximately $11,000 which he had paid them in order to be “cleansed from financial misfortune and to help his church flourish.”
Now this of course is a very Sub-Saharan view of things given our post-colonial context where nations and populations are young; where most of the population are either living in poverty, in various stages of emerging from it, or at best are only a generation removed from it. For just about everyone, a falling back into, or a continuation in material destitution is a scenario to be avoided by all means. Christian and non-Christian, old and
young, male and female, all are united in this singular will to not be poor.
But then whose will shall it be?
Lord knows there is heartbreak in all the varied situations where poverty leads to indignities, injustice, physical suffering and even death.
Poverty brings a man low, it is true, but shall we then treat the glory of God in the humility of his Son as of no account and sinfully seek to acquire financial security?
God forbid!
Let us remember the Scripture: What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar.
(Proverbs 19:22)
O that the Lord would cause us again to see his glory in the humility of Christ! Then we would be better able to see the pride that lurks in our own hearts. How it crouches at our door daily waiting patiently for the opportunity to devour.
We would see through the lies.
We would see that our faithfulness to serve and to love is what truly matters; not the size of our congregation.
We would see that our identity is rooted in Christ; not in the envy of peers over our material successes; the size of our church building, its annual budget, and so on.
We would see that we are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses who suffered much, who endured much, and yet remained faithful to the end.
O that the Lord would cause us again to see his glory in the humility of Christ!
A Greater Glory
JOHN MAUST
Growing up in church, I participated each year in the children’s Christmas program. This meant lots of practices, short pieces to memorize and carols to learn.
But what I especially recall from those programs was the reading of the Christmas story from the Bible. Just from hearing those Scriptures read, I still remember the words from texts such as, “The angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.”
We kids didn’t always understand the language of the King James Bible, but we could tell from this passage that there must be something wondrous about the “glory of the Lord.” Otherwise, why did it make the shepherds “sore afraid,” or apparently so scared that it hurt?
Reflecting recently about my childhood introduction to the glory of the Lord, I wondered: How much do I think about God’s glory today? What does God’s glory really mean? How does it, or should it, influence our worship and energize our witness?
As I began to explore these questions, here are a few things that I discovered.
DEFINITION OF GLORY
“Glory” as it is used in the Old Testament, is “the visible and supernatural manifestation of the supreme and incomparable majesty of God,” the New Bible Commentary says. It is “the honor stemming from the manifestation of the sum total of God’s attributes, and also from the awe which such a revelation inspires in those who behold it.”
In the New Testament, the chief use of the word, glory, “is to describe the revelation of the character and the presence of God in the Person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the outshining of the divine glory (Hebrews. 1:3).”
It’s this shining part that we most often associate with God’s glory. Examples include: the blinding light of Jesus’ appearance to Saul on the road to Damascus, the luminous appearance of Jesus in his transfiguration, and the shining glory of the Lord appearing to the shepherds outside Bethlehem.
There is also Moses, whose face shone so brilliantly with God’s glory after standing in God’s presence for the giving of the law on stone tablets that he had to veil his face in the presence of the terrified Israelites.
A GREATER GLORY
And yet, each of these awe-inspiring manifestations of God’s glory was only superficial and temporary. As believers, we are granted a greater, eternal glory through the dwelling of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.
The Apostle Paul writes, “Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, transitory though it was, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts! (2 Corinthians 3:7-11, NIV)
This glory is about God’s light in our hearts. “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine in the darkness, made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” (2 Cor 4:6, NIV)
While it would be amazing to witness a brilliant visible display of God’s glory as the shepherds did, what could be greater than the gift of God’s glory through a personal relationship with Jesus and his Holy Spirit in our hearts?
THE WEIGHT OF GLORY
We believers have the assurance of salvation and eternal glory in heaven. However, this glory in the Lord comes with a weight, a responsibility, as C.S. Lewis noted in his classic sermon, “The Weight of Glory,” later published in a book by the same title. We are called to share our faith, not hoard it.
Preaching to war-weary Londoners in 1941, Lewis said, “It may be possible for each of us to think too much of his own potential glory hereafter; it is hardly possible for him to think too often or too deeply about that of his neighbor.”
Every person that one encounters is at a crossroads facing one of two ultimate destinations, either “immortal horrors or everlasting splendors,” he explained.
“All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other of these destinations. It is in the light of these overwhelming possibilities, it is with the awe and circumspection proper to them, that we should conduct all our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics.”
It is a sobering reminder of our call to share our faith with a world hungry for hope.
LETTING OUR LIGHT SHINE
Our faces may not shine with God’s glory like Moses’ on Mount Sinai. However, we may radiate his glory with our words and in many subtle, impactful ways that awaken a desire in others to know the Jesus we love and serve.
We’ve probably all had the experience of interacting with a stranger about whom we comment afterward, “I bet that person was a Christian!” There was just something different about the person’s manner, way of speaking, or caring expression that had evidenced the presence of Christ. Is that what people think after an encounter with us?
I’m reminded of an intriguing art project by a friend at university. She gathered
head-shot photos of various married couples taken through the years of their married lives, from newlyweds to senior citizens. She then cut those facial photos in half, joining half of the wife’s face with half of the husband’s face into a single head-shot photo. In these spliced photos, it was remarkable to observe how husbands and wives increasingly looked like one another with the passing years, their adjoined photos finally merging almost seamlessly into one.
Similar to this art project, may we resemble Jesus more and more with each passing year. As Scripture says, “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Cor. 3:18, NIV)
SHINING THE LIGHT OF GOD’S GLORY
During this Christmas season, we will celebrate Jesus’ birth and the glory of the Lord that shone round about the shepherds near Bethlehem. And what better time for us to shine the light of God’s glory in our actions and words. I end with the words from something else learned as a boy growing up church:
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine….
Don’t let Satan ‘poof’ it out, I’m gonna let it shine….
Hide it under a bushel, no! Let it shine, all the time, let it shine.
TO G OD
Glory HIGHEST! in the
PAT CIRRINCIONE
Christmas Eve. I’ve so many wonderful memories of this day and evening. Daytime was always filled with preparing the evening meal. Mom, her mom, her sisters, my sister and I were in the kitchen making all the delicious food. At six o’clock, we sat down with the men of the family and passed around one delicious dish after another. Before anyone took a taste or a bite, we would bow our heads as Dad would lead us in blessing and thanking God for what he had provided for us to eat, and for those who had prepared it all. After we had eaten our full of food and dessert, cleaned up the dishes, and put the food away, we would stream back to the table for a time of playing games until it was time to leave for midnight service. Bundled up in our winter coats, boots, hats and scarves we would head out into the cold, crisp, frosty air. The sky was always clear and filled with a gazillion stars, and we would chat or sing Christmas carols the whole half block to church. Excitement would mount up in our young hearts as we climbed the steps into church, entered the sanctuary, and ran to the front to see if Jesus had arrived
and was nestled between his parents Mary and Joseph in the Nativity manger. There would be sighs of relief when we saw that our newborn King had safely arrived! There he would be, the gift of gifts, and the miracle of miracles surrounded by his parents, the shepherds, some sheep and the three wisemen. All part of Christmas Eve, never realizing how special this miracle of miracles was for many years, or how God had given his Son as an amazing gift to us—the objects of his redeeming love.
In his book Rembrandt Is in the Wind, Russ Ramsey says: “Extra-ordinary events take place in the most unlikely places, and among the most unlikely people.”
God’s glory began with an ordinary girl, Mary, betrothed to an ordinary man, Joseph, in a town called Nazareth. Like most newly engaged couples they were looking forward to a life together, and having a family, but, and this is huge, God had other plans. He sent one of his angels to appear to Mary with this message: “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” (Now, about this time I may have run screeching into another room, but not Mary.) Although troubled
by the angel’s comment she graciously stayed and listened to what else he had to say: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
(Luke 1:20-23) Can you imagine how strange to hear this angel tell her not to be afraid? Her whole life was about to change. There would be consequences. Mary and Joseph would live as fugitives for a while as they fled their home and their families, and Mary would be the object of gossip as she was seen to be in a family way and not married. Yet Mary said, in her song of praise, the Magnificat:
“…for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will called be blessed;
For he who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is his name.
He has shown strength with his arm; He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate…”
(Luke 1:48-52)
God was in control, fulfilling his plans and promises for our salvation through a humble servant.
God’s glory, revealed in the Incarnation, shows us a love almost too glorious to fit into our finite human brains. As Paul Tripp wrote in his book Everyday Gospel: “God’s love is so unlike any other experience of love we have ever had that we cannot fully grasp its beauty or extent.”
When we view the newborn King, lying in a manger, we need to embrace our need of him, put our trust in him, and
receive the greatest gift ever given: Life in his name!
“God provided in his Son, as well as the church, our spiritual home as we await the final kingdom.” (Paul Tripp, Everyday Gospel) How? By an ordinary person saying yes to his extraordinary plan. What gifting occurred: a child was born, a Savior arrived, and God blessed his people with an amazing gift of grace.
Did I realize any of this, all those years ago, as I looked at Baby Jesus lying in that manger surrounded Mary and Joseph and the barn animals? As I happily sat on my earthly father’s shoulders on our walk back home those early Christmas mornings while snow fell gently all around and on us? Not really. It would take many years for his saving grace to capture my joy in his most generous gift.
It would take reading those passages in the Gospel of Luke about the Incarnation, and Mary’s prayer, the beautiful Magnificat, for me to realize that God had given us all the greatest gift of all: an ordinary man and woman, who were given his Son to raise on this earth, allowing us to be blessed with the grace of true love, which receives, forgives and transforms us.
Thank you, God, for choosing Mary, your humble servant, and Joseph, her wonderful husband to bring your gift of love, Jesus, your Son, into our lives.
ArtSpace SPOTLIGHT
This month, we invited ArtSpace artists to submit art specifically for the December issue of Connections. We were delighted by the response. Enjoy this selection of images and glory in the creativity of God and his people.
HELEN READ
JONATHAN TITCOMB
KATHRYN MCBRIDE
NADIA GORDEUK
ESTHER WALDROP
GALLERY
ADVENT HARVEST
Visions of hope, peace, joy, love THROUGH DECEMBER 28
Curated global images of hope, peace, joy and love from around the world.
OPENING IN JANUARY
WINTER EPIPHANIES
Surprising gifts of hands, heart, dark, light
JANUARY 11-FEBRUARY 20
In the spirit of the Magi from the east and their gifts, we invite all creatives to submit their art to be included in this inspiring collection of winter worship and inspiration. Register at college-church.org/ artspace
GALLERY HOURS:
Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12 to 2 p.m.
NOTE: For other opening times, contact the church office at (630) 668-0878 or email artspace@ college-church.org
GATHERING
A monthly coming together, where we discuss our personal projects and the many facets of creativity and God.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9 at 7 p.m. in Crossings
Artists, writers and all lovers of art are encouraged to attend. We will share a relaxed time of creative sharing and making. December and January are creative t-shirt nights. Bring a custom design in December; we’ll print it in January.
Dec. word of the month: GLORY Jan. word of the month: STILLNESS
WORKSHOPS
ORIGAMI & ORNAMENTS
Celebrating the holidays with paperfolding and handcrafts.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13
Noon-2 p.m. in Crossings
FREE | Ages 8+ | Registration required.
Come celebrate the holiday season by making and decorating your own origami ornament, a keepsake to cherish and remember as the years go by. Come learn a bit about the art of paper folding from Ruth Gregornik and CJ Wenninger. This is a workshop suitable for adults and children eight years and older.
IMPROV GROUP
THIRD SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH BEGINNING JANUARY 17
Noon-2 p.m. in Crossings conference room
FREE | No registration.
Join this new recurring group to learn and practice principles and practices of improv, led by Doug Lindhardt.
ALL ARE WELCOME!
For more information or to sign up for a workshop, visit our webpage: college-church.org/artspace.
SINGING GLORY
KEITH BODGER
In my youth, I was in the elementary school choir. Our music teacher, Mrs. Timmins, had us sing “Angels We Have Heard on High” at Christmas. Sometimes I could only mouth the words as I was getting choked up by the song’s beauty. When I could, I would boldly sing, “Gloria, in excelsis Deo” in my 10-year-old soprano voice. I loved the song. I had no idea what it meant, in English or in Latin. A decade or so later, I sang along to U2’s “Gloria”, which I only recently learned was a song giving glory to God rather than a love song about a girl named Gloria. I don’t pay attention to lyrics.
I have been singing glory to God for over 50 years and didn’t know it for the first twenty. I have also sung, and understood, Fanny Crosby’s song “To God be the Glory.” I can almost sing that one by heart. “To God be the glory great things he has done. So loved he the world that he gave us his son. Who yielded his life an atonement for sin. And opened the life gates that all could go in.” But what is glory? How do I glorify God by singing to him? How did the angels glorify God when they said, “Glory to God in the highest” before the shepherds regarding Jesus’ birth? Is God glorified just by saying, “Glory to God?” I don’t know. Let’s see what I can learn.
First, without using a dictionary, I’m going to work out what glory is. I went to the concordance on the shelf and found, in the New Testament, that glory is from the Greek word doxa, which comes from the word dokos, which means opinion. Dokos is used 155 times in the New Testament. Glory comes from the word opinion. Hmmm, I got nothing there. Let’s check the Old Testament. Kabod is used 147 times for glory. Kabod is from the word kabed or kabad, which means heavy or weighty. Combine the Old and New Testament origins and we have a weighty opinion. That’s somewhat helpful to me. And I do recognize I’m not using biblical scholar methods. This is me trying to work it out.
Weighty opinion speaks to the importance of glory. It’s not something we should take lightly, even as I write in a lighthearted manner. Let’s see how God’s glory is first used in each testament. Kabod is in Exodus 16:7. A variant of kabod is used for glory in Exodus 14:4 but let’s go with the actual kabod that’s used 147 times for glory. For context, let’s start in Exodus 16:6, “So Moses and Aaron said to all the people of Israel, “At evening you shall know that it was the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and in the morning you shall see the glory of the
Lord, because he has heard your grumbling against the Lord. For what are we, that you grumble against us?”
The Israelites are complaining about being hungry in the wilderness after being saved from slavery in Egypt. They’re longing for that slavery and the meat pots beside which they sat (Ex 16:3). God responds by showing them his glory by giving them bread in the form of manna in the morning (Ex 16:1321). I had never noticed that before. God’s provision is his glory. That’s a weighty thought. Can I extend God’s meal provision for the Israelites to God’s provision for my meals? For my daily bread? Is that also his glory? Put another way, should I give God glory for all my meals? I think the answer is yes.
One caveat in my understanding is that in Exodus 16:10, the Israelites see the glory of God in a cloud when they look toward the wilderness. Moses says to them you’ll see God’s glory in the morning (16:7), then they see God’s glory in a cloud that same day (16:10) then they see manna in the morning (16:14). Am I right in saying the manna is God’s glory?
Like in 16:10, a little later in Exodus, my traditional expectation of God’s glory is mentioned again. The Lord tells Moses to come up to Mount Sinai where the glory of the Lord dwells (Ex 24:16). There’s a cloud up on the mountain and his glory is described as a devouring fire. That’s fantastic and more exciting than white flakes on the ground in the morning.
In the New Testament, God’s glory shows up in Luke 2:9 when an angel appears before the shepherds while they watch their flocks. Somewhat consistent with Exodus, God’s glory shone around the shepherds. It’s a physical attribute. But then the host of angels give glory to God. From verse 9 to verse 14, glory moves from a physical attribute of God, something he has, to something to give to him. But how do I give God glory if he is a devouring fire of glory? My giving is minimal. How does my tiny lit match glorify the devouring fire that shines?
There are verses that state we are to give God glory or glorify him. Psalm 115:1 says, “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!” The psalmist is giving God glory through speaking or writing. The psalmist appreciates God’s steadfast love and his faithfulness. Are there other reasons we should give God glory? Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” The context of this verse is regarding the potential of offending people by eating or not eating certain foods. Let’s consider Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Here we’re being told to give glory to God for the good things we do. When we do good works, we are like light. Our light does not shine like a devouring fire, nor does it illuminate shepherds, but we’re to give him glory.
I’ve visited Mammoth Caves National Park in Kentucky, and the guides bring you to a mammoth section of the cave and turn out the lights. There is no light. You can’t see a hand in front of your face. The guide lights a single match, and this mammoth room is illuminated. My light is not going to dazzle God and his glory. In a dark world, however, should I shine and give God the glory, I can illuminate. I must illuminate. But I gotta give God the glory. If I don’t, then it’s my foolish pride in which there is no illumination.
Why all this talk of glory? It’s Christmastime. We celebrate the birth of Jesus, who is the bread of life (John 6:35). The angels knew Jesus’ birth was special and gave glory to God. Why was it special? The hymn “Hark, The Herald Angels Sing” has a couple lines of note: “Mild he lay his glory by. Born that man no more may die.” With Jesus born, he became the sacrifice for our sinful ways. He would be punished for all our sins. He was punished and killed but he arose from the grave. God laid aside his glory to become a man (mild he lay his glory by). Jesus was born so we would not die but live eternally with him in heaven. It’s glorious.
Why should we be compelled to give him glory? He was born so he could die for our sins. As December rolls along and there are parties, gifts, family, solitude and reflection, consider your sins. Our Christmas traditions that begin early with Black Friday sales, giving Tuesday, watching White Christmas for the 42nd time, turkey, chocolate and mistletoe are for Jesus and his glory because of our sins. There’s an irony in there. We’re all busy partying because Jesus was born. He was born so he could die so we could live. Surely through it all, we can give him glory.
How do we give God glory? Is it as simple as saying, “To God be the glory?” To me, there’s a two-fold approach to glorifying God. First, there should be something glorious. Romans 11:36 says, “For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.” (NLT) John 15:8 says, “When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.” (NLT) In Fanny Crosby’s song it says, “To God be the glory, great things he has done.”
Each glorification references something that God has done or has done through you. Then there is the opportunity to say, “To God be the glory.” That’s not a statement I often make, except in prayer. I think of football players being interviewed and giving glory to God for a touchdown. I give them a bit of an eye roll. I need to change and when (if) I do something good, I need to audibly give God the glory. Perhaps I’ll start in church circles and work out from there. How about you? Are you audibly giving God glory? As we celebrate Jesus’ birth, give him glory as the angels did.
God’s Glory in My Weakness
KAYE WAUGH
The glory of God. As I reflect on this, I find myself pondering how to put into words what the Bible so clearly declares. The glory of God is woven through every passage of Scripture. From the wonder of Creation to the unfolding of end-times prophecy, his glory stands as the central thread, that everything that God saw was good and for his glory.
Yet beyond the pages of Scripture, I’ve also seen glimpses of his glory in the quiet moments of my own life; when his strength carried me through weakness, when his peace calmed my anxious heart, and when his love met me in seasons of uncertainty. It’s in those personal encounters that the glory of God became more than a doctrine to study: it became a reality to behold and a presence to cherish.
I still remember the day, a lifetime ago, when I decided I no longer wanted to live. That decision was born out of months of unrelenting hardships, enduring abuse, longing for a happy ending that never came, and my sinking into a deep well of hopelessness and bitterness, depression compounded by shame, abandonment and loneliness.
In those moments, I cried out to a God I didn’t yet know. You see, religion had never taught me about having a personal relationship with the one true God, so I felt unloved and believed a lie that if I were gone, no one would even miss me.
But God. In his mercy and grace, he spoke into my circumstances and whispered, “Child, I’m not done with you yet.” Almost immediately, things began to change. The very next day, a faithful and loving friend invited me to a Bible study, where a family of faithfilled believers welcomed me. I shared in their joyfulness, their delicious meal and their genuine love. Confronted by the truth of John 3:16, I could no longer resist. I surrendered my life to Jesus
Christ, and he transformed not only my heart but also the entire course of my life.
In the years that followed that momentous decision, I began to see what genuine faith truly looked like: steady, quiet and honest. For the first time, I felt a sense of belonging—not just to a community of believers, but to Someone who loved me deeply and cared for me beyond anything I could have ever imagined.
After all these years since becoming a believer, I can see that God is still writing my story. The words he once spoke: “I’m not done with you yet,” remain true to this day, standing as a living testament to his unfailing grace and the glory of his ongoing work in my life.
If you’re like me, constantly studying the Bible, you’ll notice that it’s just not about the strong and the steadfast. It includes those who are broken.
They are the ones who keep showing up, even when life breaks them. The mother who visits her husband every day in the hospital. The friend who admits they are scared but keeps on praying. The one who humbly asks for help instead of pretending to be fine. My beloved friend, who recently passed away from cancer, yet faced her battle with quiet courage and unwavering faith.
So now, when I think of the glory of God, I see it not only in the splendor of creation or the majesty of heaven, but also in the quiet miracle of a redeemed life...
So now, when I think of the glory of God, I see it not only in the splendor of creation or the majesty of heaven, but also in the quiet miracle of a redeemed life, mine included. He also brought
redemption to my once religious, idolatrous family. Before my mother passed away, she became a follower of Christ, and just recently, my younger brother who also was baptized as a follower of Christ, received his diploma in biblical studies and now desires to teach Bible courses. It has taken twenty years of persistent prayer, but God, in his perfect timing, has shown that no prayer is wasted and no heart is beyond his reach.
Our God is faithful and only he deserves all glory and honor forever and ever. Amen.
“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6, NIV)
Soli Deo Gloria: Glory to God Alone
GARY COOK
Have you ever been in a church where someone in the congregation joyfully and loudly responded to a sermon? I remember one individual that, in response to certain points of a sermon, would shout out “Glory!” That certainly caught the attention of not only the preacher in the pulpit, but also many people in the pews.
Now, I don’t believe the shouting of “glory” was praising the preacher. I do believe the shouts were praising the Word of God coincident with praising God. From beginning to end, from Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures are filled with illustrations of the glory of God. But be careful when you use the word “glory.” We need to remember that God’s glory surpasses the glory that we’ve seen in anything or anyone else. A slogan echoed during the Reformation, “Soli Deo Gloria,” reminds us that glory belongs to no one else and nothing else but God.
The word “glory” caught my attention as I was reading through Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus. In the very first chapter, Paul gave his beloved students an advanced course in the glory of God.
Just a warning, dear reader, that I’m going to dive deep into the first chapter of this letter. I’m not going to subject you to intense theological discourse. My goal is to provide some context surrounding Paul’s use of the word “glory” and draw you into greater worship and awe of God. Before I get started, I recommend you read Ephesians 1. Read it slowly and thoughtfully, and you’ll get a grasp of Paul’s praise for the incredible, immeasurable, incomparable span of God’s glory.
Did you notice that Paul used the language of glory more than once? Did you get a sense how Paul’s reverence and awe for who God is and what he has done prompted him to choose the word glory? Were you tempted to stop and shout “glory”?
It’s helpful to observe two constructs in Paul’s testimony. First, there are four distinct sections in Paul’s encouraging instruction.
Verses 3-6 tell us that God purposely and personally preordained our place in the acts that display his glory. Verses 7-10 and 1114 give us two perspectives of God’s glory through his plan for our salvation through his incarnate Son. Finally, in verses 1523, Paul prays for the church to have deeper understanding of what God has done and what is to come.
Second, there’s a common word thread throughout each section that should trigger awe and reverence as you absorb what Paul attributes to the glory of God. Paul signals this by the phrase “according to,” meaning, that which displays his glory has been his will, purpose and plan from all eternity. Don’t skip over this phrase.
All right, let’s get into this opening to the letter!
GOD’S GRACE IN CHOOSING US DISPLAYS HIS GLORY (EPHESIANS 1:3-6)
Paul begins his account of God’s glory with a word of awestriking encouragement. The picture he paints is almost beyond our comprehension.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. (emphasis added)
Glory! The opening words, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” captures Paul’s wonder as he unpacks the unfathomable scale and scope of God’s plan for the believers of the church at Ephesus—and us—a plan conceived from eternity past, before creation. Don’t miss that detail. The “according to” tells us this was not an accidental or an along-the-way decision. Our choosing was intentional, purposeful and worthy of praise.
GOD’S
WORK OF SALVATION THROUGH HIS SON DISPLAYS HIS GLORY (EPHESIANS 1:7-10)
Paul’s story of God’s glory continues as he digs deeper to reveal the purposeful plan of God’s eternal will, that which was accomplished in the sending of his Son to give his life for our sins. Read the next sentences slowly, acknowledging with every phrase the magnificence of God’s grace.
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
Glory! Through his incarnate Son, Jesus Christ, came salvation to we sinners. Redemption. Forgiveness. And if that wasn’t enough, God supplies us with wisdom and understanding not only of what he planned and what he has done, but also of what this will look like in the future. Such is the glory wrought by his grace.
GOD’S
PLAN OF SALVATION
MAGNIFIES
HIS GLORY (EPHESIANS 1:11-14)
Following his account of what happened, Paul describes to his Ephesian brothers and sisters how it happened. Salvation came by the wisdom of God’s will. Notice the progression of each grace-infused, glory-displayed step: from hearing the gospel, to believing in Christ, to being sealed by the Spirit, to full reception into the eternal kingdom.
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. (itals added)
Glory! Do you recall the moment you heard the Word of truth and believed? Paul reminds us that this non-erasable moment is consistent with the eternal will of God—a transformative event sealed with a guarantee by the Holy Spirit as a permanent exhibit of God’s glory. These words give assurance of what God has done for you. Greater still is when you have the privilege of seeing someone come to faith in Christ, hear a testimony, or witness a baptism, you have a front-row seat to behold God’s glory. Greater still? Every single soul saved by God’s unchangeable will, unwavering purpose and unstoppable plan will display his
glory throughout all eternity. And those numbers increase moment by moment, magnifying the glory of God. The realization of these truths, along with hearing the gospel again and again, should cause each one of us to drop to our knees in reverent awe, praising the glory of our God.
Three times now has Paul stated that everything God is accomplishing is according to his purpose, his plan and his will. Think about this for a moment. There is nothing God has done since he spoke creation into existence that is not in accordance with his will, plan and purpose.
GOD IS THE FATHER OF GLORY (EPHESIANS 1:15-23)
Humbled by hearing the unfolding of God’s eternal plan, which includes every believer in the Ephesian fellowship, in these verses the church reads how Paul is praying for them. He hopes they gain greater understanding, richer praise and a deeper relationship with God. He shares one more dimension of God’s glory in the events transpiring in the heavenly realms. The key phrase is found in verse 17, where Paul describes God as “the Father of glory.” This term for God seems almost parenthetical, but it has intensely personal meaning for every single believer, who has been adopted and become his “glorious inheritance.” Glory!
LET’S SEEK TO BRING GLORY TO GOD
Paul’s lesson in what comes from God’s glory and brings God glory is magnificent. His desire is that every believer would grow in their understanding of God’s eternal will, purpose and plan, which continues to unfold every single moment. We should respond in praise, so let’s not be silent when we see read about it or see it! And we should grasp from these verses, knowing that God’s will, purpose and plan is eternal— before the foundation of the world and before any of us was born—that God is not dependent on us to find ways to bring him glory.
What should our response be? You can’t tweak his plan, rewrite his purpose, defy his will or put something in his suggestion box. Yet if you continue reading Ephesians, you’ll see many acts by his people and his church, from their new life in Christ, that both reflect God’s glory and bring God glory. The Father of glory is worthy of being glorified in all we say and do. Paul concludes the third chapter of his letter with an encompassing statement this ongoing and evident glory:
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21).
Amen! Glory! Amen!
DECEMBER
CHURCH LIFE
DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICES
Everyone welcome.
Join us at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m.
You can watch it at college-church. org/livestream
MORNING SERMON SERIES:
SIX STEPS TO CHRISTMAS
Senior Pastor Josh Moody preaching
DECEMBER 7: The Word Became Flesh, John 1:14-17
DECEMBER 14: God’s Last Word, Hebrews 1:1-4
DECEMBER 21: Adoption as Sons, Galatians 4:4-7
DECEMBER 28: The Loving Kindness of God, Titus 3:4-7 (two services at 9:30 & 11 a.m.)
SUNDAY EVENING
CHRISTMAS PROGRAMS:
5 p.m. in the Sanctuary
DECEMBER 7: Children’s Choir Program: “Child of Light”
DECEMBER 14: STARS Christmas Program: “Love Came Down”
DECEMBER 21: Adult Choir Program: “Abide with Us”
DECEMBER 24: Christmas Eve services in the Sanctuary—Why Jesus Came, 1 Timothy 1:15-17, Pastor Moody preaching
• Children’s Candlelight service at 4 p.m.
• Candlelight services at 7 and 9 p.m. DECEMBER 28: No evening service
ADULT COMMUNITIES
FORUM 15 Sundays 8 a.m. Commons Hall (C104F)
• Teacher: John Maust (Dec. 7 & 14)
• Study: “Good News for All the People” & “The Glory of God” (Luke 2:8-10)
• Teacher: David Fetzer (Dec. 21)
GREEK EXEGESIS Sundays 9:30 a.m. in the Board Room
• Teacher: Jon Laansma
• Study: 2 & 3 John
• Description: reading and discussion of the Greek New Testament. Knowledge of Greek is not required for this class.
LIFE TOGETHER Sundays 9:30 a.m. room 211 (old library)
• Teacher: David Kelley (teaching team coordinator)
• Study: Parables of the Christian Life
• Description: short teaching with small group discussion. Authentic biblical community for adults, ages 25-40.
LIVING WORD Sundays 9:30 a.m. Commons Hall (C104A)
• Teachers: Dick Albright, Felipe Chamy, Gary Cook, Jacob Samuel Raju, Jay Cunningham, Phil Ryken
• Study: John 16-21
• Description: A “community within a community,” where we share, pray and learn together.
LOGOS 9:30 a.m. Commons Hall (C104C & E)
• Teachers: Rob Nordstrom and Tim Sattler
• Study: Exodus
• Description: a caring community centered around interactive Bible teaching and prayer, spanning a range of ages and family situations
THRIVE Sundays 9:30 a.m. in Clapham Fine Arts Center
• Teachers: Joe Becker (teaching team coordinator)
• Study: Letter to Titus
• Description: a vibrant group, ages approximately 40-60, committed to growing with Jesus and his church through Bible-based teaching, small group discussion, common prayer and fellowship.
VERITAS Sundays 9:30 a.m. Commons Hall (C104B & D)
• Teacher: Dr. Gregg Quiggle
• Study: The Person and Work of Christ
• Description: a teaching class with active discussion and interaction. Most attendees are middle to upper age.
WOMEN’S MINISTRIES
BUNCO NIGHT
Tuesday, December 9, from 7 to 9 p.m. in Commons Hall.
MOM2MOM
DECEMBER 8: Large Group
Gathering: birthday party for Jesus!
DECEMBER 15: Playdate in Commons Gym
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY
Wednesdays, semester break from Dec. 4–Jan. 20
MORNING: 9:30-11 a.m.
EVENING: 6:45-8:15 p.m.
MEN’S MINISTRIES
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY
Wednesdays at 6:45-8:15 in Commons West. Semester break from Dec. 4–Jan. 20
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Thursdays at 8 p.m. in Commons Gym
MEN’S WINTER RETREAT
Save the Date: February 6-7 Dr. Paul House will be our speaker. Registration now open.
CHILDREN’S
MINISTRIES (KIDS’ HARBOR)
SUNDAY MORNING AT 9:30 A.M.
Nursery (0-2) weekly
Bible school (preschool-third grade) at 9:30 a.m. not meeting Dec. 28 and Jan. 4
Fourth and fifth graders begin with their families in the service until dismissed for Bible school. Not meeting Dec. 28 and Jan. 4
SUNDAY MORNING AT 9:30 A.M.
Nursery (0-2) weekly
Children’s church (younger preschool) at 11 a.m., not meeting Dec. 28 and Jan. 4
Children’s church (older preschool) during second half of 11 a.m. service, not meeting Dec. 28 and Jan. 4
Wonders of Worship “WOW” (K-third grade) dismissed during second half of 11 a.m. service, not meeting Dec. 28 and Jan. 4
SUNDAY EVENING AT 5:00 P.M.
Nursery (0-2), semester break from Nov. 30 to Jan. 4
God’s Children Sing (3-6), semester break from Nov. 30 to Jan. 4
Children’s Choirs (first-sixth grade)
WEDNESDAY MINISTRIES
Semester break from Dec. 10 to Jan. 14
Kids Korner 9:30-11 a.m.
Evening Programs 6:45-8:15 p.m.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ( KINGS MESSENGERS)
SUNDAY MORNINGS
KMs meets in the KMs Room (lowest level of the Commons) 9:30-10:30 for fun & fellowship, worship & prayer, and Bible study & small groups. NO meeting on Dec. 21 and 28 and Jan. 4.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT
KMs meets in the Crossings 6:458:15 for fun & fellowship, worship & prayer, Bible study & small groups, and snacks. No meeting on Dec. 17, 24 and 31 and Jan. 7.
HIGH SCHOOL (HYACKS)
SUNDAY MORNING
HYACKS meets in the Clapham Space in the Crossings building 9:30-10:30 for a time of teaching and worship. The entrance is on Wesley Street across from the ATM machines. There will be a flag outside the entrance door. No meetings on Dec. 21 or 28 (Christmas break).
WEDNESDAY NIGHT
HYACKs: 7-8:30 Small Groups meet in homes on December 3. We will have our annual Christmas Coffeehouse on December 10 in Clapham from 7 to 8:30 p.m. No meetings on December 17, 24 or 31 (Christmas break).
COLLEGE GROUP
(for college-age young adults)
SUNDAY MORNING
(Dec. 7 & 14): College Group gathers at 10:45 a.m. –12 p.m. in the Crossings for fellowship through God’s Word, musical worship, prayer and testimonies.
SUNDAY NIGHT
(December 7): Discipleship Cohort meets 6:30-8 p.m. for a deep dive into systematic theology and how it translates into our discipleship and calling.
WEEKNIGHT LIFE GROUPS
Tuesday and Thursday nights; Life Groups meet in homes to read through the Book of James and build intentional fellowship within the body of Christ.
STARS DISABILITY
Children, Adult and Multi-Generational Sunday classes meet at 9:30 and 11 a.m. No adult and multigenerational classes on Dec. 21 and 28. No children’s class on Dec. 14. Praise in Action: Wednesdays, 6:45-8:15 p.m. in Welsh Hall/Choir Room. No Praise in Action Dec. 17Jan. 14
STARS Choir: No STARS choir Dec.21-Jan. 11
Friday Night Fun: is not meeting in December
SIGNS OF LOVE
BUILDING BRIDGES: 3:30-5 p.m. on December 7 and 21 in Crossings conference room
On December 7, Building Bridges welcomes special guest Tom Adamo, who will be sharing a special Christmas message through Sign Language.
continued on next page
ARTSPACE
Details on page 9.
COLLEGE CHURCH’S LEGAL CLINIC
will be held Saturday, December 20, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. For only $30, people can book a 45-minute appointment with an attorney to discuss their legal situation, explore their options, and decide on a plan. Our center volunteers are present to welcome, support and encourage clients with the knowledge that God cares for them, and they don’t need to face their situation alone. To learn more or book an appointment, visit the website or call toll-free 855-818-4554.
GRACE GROUPS
Grace Groups are for those affected by mental illness. Family Grace is for those who have a loved one living with difficult mental and emotional issues. You’ll find it to be a warm, caring and confidential environment. Meets almost weekly, October 20 through May.
STEPS OF FAITH
Steps of Faith such as believers baptism or confirmation, and infant baptism or dedication are important signposts in our lives. If you are interested in pursuing one of these for yourself or a family member, contact Christy at baptism@collegechurch.org.
Looking Ahead
KIDS’ HARBOR
JANUARY 24: Family Open Gym, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
GOD’S GOOD DESIGN
is a class for 4th and 5th grade students and their parents about Biblical sexuality. While there will be classes at church on Sunday mornings, the majority of the learning takes place at home. Our goal is to equip parents to train their children to understand how to live with sexual integrity in a difficult cultural setting. We ask those who register to commit to participating in each of the Sunday gatherings and to creating space and time at home to go through the curriculum. Our sessions build on the curriculum so that classes at church are meant to enhance what you are already doing at home. Cost is $35 for curriculum. The class will meet January 18, 25, February 1, 8 at 9:30 a.m. Scan the QR code to register or contact Megan at kidsharbor@ college-church.org with questions.
FOLLOWING JESUS
is a class for 4th or 5th graders in Kids’ Harbor who want to learn more about how to follow Jesus and grow as a Christian. The class consists of a small group of kids having fun doing projects and studying our Bibles together so we can grow. Topics include “What is a Christian?”, “How does a Christian grow at home?”, “How does a Christian grow at church?”, and “How does a Christian help others grow?” Class size is limited to 10 and meets on January 27, February
3, 10, 17 from 3:45 to 5 p.m. Scan the QR code to register or contact Megan at kidsharbor@ college-church.org with questions.
BECOMING ONE
is a class for engaged couples. It provides a biblical perspective on topics such as the covenant of marriage, roles of husbands and wives, finances, intimacy, communication and conflict resolution. Becoming One will be Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. It includes one daylong session with other couples, plus two personal sessions with a mentor couple. Cost is $50 per couple for the online premarital assessment, lunch and expenses. If you have questions or would like to register, please contact Christy at marriage@ college-church.org.
MEN’S RETREAT
FEBRUARY 6-7, 2026: VENUE: Hilton Doubletree Inn, Oakbrook, IL
SPEAKER: Dr. Paul House
TOPIC: “Our Story Ends with God Singing”: A study on the Book of Zephaniah
Under the Radar
DOWNTOWN WHEATON
Night of Lights in Adams Park Through January 4, 4-10 p.m
Christmas Tree Walk
Stroll around town and enjoy the display of 50 four-foot Christmas trees decorated by shops and restaurants.
AT THE ARBORETUM
Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum, Through January 3. Purchase tickets online at tickets.mortonarb.org
GLEN ELLYN
Free holiday movies at the Glen Art Theater, 540 Crescent Blvd., Saturdays through December 21. Doors open at 10 a.m. movies start at 10:30
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
Suzuki Strings Christmas Concert, Saturday, December 13, 10-11:30 a.m. Ready for “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire?” Join Community School of the Arts violin, viola, cello, bass, and guitar students ages 4 through high school as they perform familiar Christmas favorites such as Linus and Lucy, Joy to the World, O Tannenbaum, and Hark the Herald Angels Sing., Edman Chapel at the corner of Washington and Franklin, Wheaton College, Admission is free for this familyfriendly event. csa.wheaton.edu
ARTS & CRAFTS
Mayslake Art and Craft Market, Saturday, December 13, 10-5 p.m., Mayslake Peabody Estate (Oakbrook)
Facilities FACTS
DISPENSERS
Did you know that all the dispensers have been replaced in the Commons, Crossings and Sanctuary buildings? There were 92 toilet paper dispensers, 77 soap dispensers and 68 paper towel dispensers. The soap and paper towel dispensers are automatic for sanitary reasons. College
Church custodial staff refills the dispensers. These are important behind the scenes details that Facilities handle to make sure the ministries and events at church continue to run smoothly.
UPDATE ON SEMINARY AVE HOUSES
We are now prayerfully ready to ask the City of Wheaton for approval to raze the houses and put down grass. After discussing with neighbors, we have followed the City requirements by giving written notice to the neighbors, and we will be submitting the permit paperwork on November 10. A public hearing will be held at the City chambers once Wheaton reviews and approves our paperwork. Assuming we get the green light to proceed, the razing will take a couple of weeks and then we’ll finish by putting down grass.
Over the winter months, church leaders, deacons and elders will determine how to provide the maximum number of accessible parking spots possible, and also evaluate options for the remainder of the property. Please pray for the City’s quick review and favorable permit acceptance, for mild weather to allow demolition, and for us to discern God’s will for the property.
OPPORTUNITIES
FOR PRAYER
Call the church office or email info@college-church.org for details on these prayer meetings.
SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER: 8:15-8:40 a.m., meets in the Commons board room
MONDAY MORNING PRAYER: 6:15 a.m., meets in C104A
MIDWEEK PRAYER MEETING: Wednesdays at NOON via Zoom
DECEMBER 3: Isaac & Jennifer Stough, Youth for Christ, evangelism and discipleship in Spain
DECEMBER 10: Phil & Ann Baur, Pioneers, administration and organizational leadership worldwide
DECEMBER 17: Karen Bradley, English language training
DECEMBER 24: No Meeting
DECEMBER 31: No Meeting
PRAYER FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH: Fridays, 12-1 p.m., Commons board room
AARON-HUR PRAYER FELLOWSHIP will not be meeting in December.
BARNABAS PRAYER FELLOWSHIP
meets Tuesday, December 16, at 1:30 p.m. in the Patio Dining Room at Covenant Living at Windsor Park. Men and women are invited to hear our speaker—TBA—and pray with us for College Church cross-cultural workers.
Bethlehem Light
JUDY SATTLER
The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light. Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them. (Isaiah 9:2) Chiaroscuro. I encountered the word for the first time several years ago. I had to look it up in the dictionary and Google how to pronounce it. Generally, it has to do with the way artists use light and shadow in their paintings. I have seen beautiful examples of it in the works of Rembrandt and Vermeer when I visited the Art Institute in Chicago and the Tate Museum in London. Then, at an ArtSpace gathering, we examined and discussed the life and religious paintings of Caravaggio who used the technique so dramatically it made him famous.
On the day I first discovered the concept, I grabbed my camera and coat and went outside in the windy sunlight to see if I could find some chiaroscuro for myself. It was everywhere. The winter afternoon was bright with a palette of snow on the ground and there
were brush strokes of blue shadow sweeping across the garden in the wake of my birch tree and collecting in the hollows of rabbit tracks and rolling lawn. Unlike the paintings of the Baroque artists, there was more light than shadow in the images I was seeing; a reversal, perhaps, of what those artists were intending to convey with the technique in their own paintings. I wandered the neighborhood shooting shadows and snaring light wherever I found it, and my eyes were opened to the abundant presence of chiaroscuro in the world around me.
Often when I am struck by the beauty of nature, I am also struck by the beauty of the nature of our Creator as he is reflected in it. At the beginning of the creation of this world there was only darkness. No light. No contrast between the two. Then God said, “Let there be light” and he has been using the effect of chiaroscuro to illustrate his nature and kingdom ever since. It has been on my mind this season as
I contemplate its pointed use at the birth of Christ.
First there are the shepherds in the fields keeping watch over their flocks by night. It reads almost like a Caravaggio painting. Notice the humble group of men gathered together around a campfire, their faces turned to the wavering firelight, their backs to the shadows that define the night. Besides the fire, they have only the distant stars overhead and perhaps the moon in one of its phases for illumination. Then suddenly, an inexplicable eruption of glorious light shines all around them and a man unlike any they have ever seen before speaks, his words illuminating the darkness within each of their hearts. There is no mention of the sheep spooking at the sudden brilliance and apparition, but the shepherds were terrified by it. Here is divine light from the realm of heaven overcoming the natural darkness of the world’s night.
There is also the journey of the magi at the time of Christ’s birth. The event is shrouded in unrecorded history, and there has been a lot of reading between the lines in the intervening years, but this much is certain about the unique astronomical phenomenon that is so much a part of the story: the wisemen of the east saw a strange light in the night sky that they believed to be a star and understood to herald the coming of a king worthy of their worship. They followed the light as it led them from their distant homeland to the small, rural village of Bethlehem where it stood over the place where the infant Jesus was. Once again, heavenly light plays a significant role in the unfolding drama.
God has painted a wonderous picture for us, contrasting the earthly with the heavenly, the darkness with light; illuminating the greater contrast between the spiritual darkness enslaving the world to the evil one and the shadow of death within each of us, to
the source of Divine light that cannot be overcome by either of them. As a part of the outworking of God’s plan, Jesus was born at night; born into the physical and spiritual darkness of this world. But there was a flood of light that shone on a handful of lowly Jewish shepherds to announce his arrival; and a singular, heavenly light that went before a caravan of wealthy, foreign scholars like a pillar of fire in the wilderness to show them the way to the Light of the World.
I would say that is chiaroscuro illustrated at its finest.
Christmas Bells
WALLACE ALCORN
It really isn’t a Christmas carol, although we use it as if it were.
Written at Christmas in 1863, it isn’t even about Christmas however much provoked by the holiday. Henry Wordsworth Longfellow sat down at his study desk in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that Christmas Day and wrote a poem he titled, simply, “Christmas Bells.” He was actually disgusted by the village churches ringing their bells for Christmas as if this were a time to celebrate, especially “peace on earth, good will toward man” (Luke 2:14, KJV). What the poet intended was a poem to be recited, not a holiday carol to be sung.
It didn’t become a song until London organist John Baptiste Calkin set it to his tune WALTHAM and gave it the title by which we came to know it, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” Setting this poem to music refocuses its content and changes the meaning.
This cheerful, lilting tune suggests the celebratory, holiday use for which Calkin put it, to be sure. But this differs from Longfellow’s morally profound
intent. The tune being used for all stanzas requires that each be played and sung in the same cadence and tempo. Indeed, in the same focus, spirit and emotion. The fact of the matter is that Calkin’s tune obscures, almost compromises, Longfellow’s poem.
When he put pen to paper, America was in one of the darkest moments of the Civil War. Moreover, the poet was in personal despair from compounded tragedies. His wife had recently burned to death, and his oldest son ran away from home. He had received a letter that March in which the son, Charles (“Charlie) Appleton Longfellow, informed him that he had defied his father by enlisting in the Union army. “I have tried hard to resist the temptation of going without your leave but I cannot any longer. I feel it to be my first duty to do what I can for my country and I would willingly lay down my life for it if it would be of any good.” A few weeks prior to this Christmas a war telegram informed that his son had been severely wounded in The Battle of Mine Run, and surgeons feared he would be paralyzed.
With all this festering within him, from outside he could hear the bells of neighboring churches calling people to Christmas worship. Longfellow took pen in hand.
Read the first two stanzas aloud in his tone of mocking cynicism—a difference, mind you, both from the tune’s suggestion and from popular assumptions about the words, yet consonant with Longfellow’s purpose.
I heard the bells on Christmas day Their old familiar carols play, And wild and sweet the words repeat Of peace on earth, good will to men.
I thought how, as the day had come. The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along th’unbroken song Of peace on earth, good will to men.
In decidedly non-poetic language, this can be fairly paraphrased: Sure, I heard the traditional carols. The words are ever-so-sweet and sung uncritically and without restraint. They keep repeating that nice-sounding phrase: “peace on earth, good will to men.”
We hear these everywhere, from every church in town. They never stop to think through what they sing.
Now read, again aloud, the third stanza with a distinctly different tone. Read it with a note of honest disgust.
And in despair I bowed my head: “There is no peace on earth,” I said, For hate is strong, and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to men.”
I suggest reading the initial stanzas with mocking cynicism, because I hear this in Longfellow’s tone. One might presume upon the usual hilarity of Christmas that they are to be sung cheerfully—until one comes to this dark dirge. The shock forces us to reevaluate understanding and, therefore, our tone to this point. They cannot be sung festively as if this were what he means here at the heart of his poem. Things are not at all what the carols sing, i.e., “Peace on earth, good will to men.” As a matter of fact, he comes to recognize, on this Christmas Day 1863, there is no peace on earth.
He sees hate, and the hate he sees is strong. It is a hate that mocks the song, “Peace on earth, good will to men.” If contemporary reality mocks the traditional Christian carols sung so blissfully and naively, then he wants us to feel the poem mockingly. The poet becomes the cynic.
I’m not so sure that organist did the church a favor, that this is a valid contribution to the hymnody of Christmas. This poem is neither a hymn nor a carol, which celebrates the good news of Advent. Longfellow had written a social tract in poetic form.
This third stanza, then, is the turning point in the progression of the poet’s thought. The initial two and the final two stanzas swing upon it.
Now, read the final stanzas with the tone of hopeful optimism—celebration—
because things can yet change, he assures us:
Yet pealed the bells more loud and deep:
God is not dead, nor doth he sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, With peace on earth, good will to men
Then ringing, singing on its way, The world revolved from night to day—
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
Now, these stanzas could be a Christmas carol, but not until this point. The church bells can peal yet louder and deeper, because God is neither dead nor asleep. “Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalms 121:4).
Although we rejected him at the advent for which we now ring bells, he will yet come with “peace on earth, good will to men.” These will be the bells that ring true.
MILESTONES
BIRTHS
Lucy Grace was born to Michael and Annelise Thrasher on November 9.
Lucy joins her siblings Zeke, Joanna and Joy. Her paternal grandparents are Bill and Penny Thrasher.
James Bradley was born to Pastor Dan and Amy Hiben on October 30. James joins his big sister Lydia. His maternal grandparents are Chris and Sarah Tews, and his paternal grandparents are Brad and Teri Hiben. His paternal great grandmother is Della Wiebe
Danielle (Dani) Jeanne was born to Jon and Becca DeMoss on October 25. She joins her siblings Joanna, Luke, Leah and Zachary
Elizabeth True was born to David and Allison Kelley on October 17. She joins her big sister, Josie
Josiah Judah was born to two of our global workers on October 7, joining his sister, Kate
MARRIAGES
Pastoral Resident Matt Heaton married Kat Sezonov on November 15 at College Church. Kat is the daughter of Tim and Jennifer Sezonov
Jake Nussbaum married Lexie Suwyn on November 1 at Holy Trinity Church in Chicago. Jake is the son of College Church members Tom and Barb Nussbaum.
Derek Wang married Lelia Connor on August 9 at College Church. Derek serves as a ministry associate with our 20s group. He and Lelia are making their home in Glendale Heights.
DEATHS
Pray for a global worker whose father, Keith, passed away on November 15.
Pray for Laurel (Ken) Larson and family as they grieve the loss of Laurel’s mother who passed away on November 12.
Pray for Jon (Barb) DeLew and family as they grieve the loss of Jon’s mother, Dolores DeLew, who passed away on October 26 at the age of 96 in Glen Ellyn.
Pray for Rick (Gail) Pflederer and family as they grieve the passing of Rick’s mother, Carole Pflederer (87), who passed away on October 21 in Peoria.
Pray for Liz Cook and James (Becky) Cook and family as they grieve the loss of Liz’s husband and James’ father, longtime College Church member Harold Cook, who passed away on October 7 at the age of 95.
Update from Zion Church
SEAN LONG
Greetings. My name is Sean Long. I am the interim lead pastor of Zion Church (China) and currently pursuing my theological doctorate at Wheaton College. For the past six years, my family has been regularly attending College Church—our spiritual home in the U.S. I want to share with you the testimony of Zion—my home church under ongoing persecution.
Zion Church was founded in 2007 in Beijing by Rev. Jin Mingri. His English name is Ezra. Ezra was converted to faith in Christ after the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, when he was a student in Peking University. When Ezra started Zion in 2007, there were only two families, less than 20 church members. But by God’s grace and power, within just one decade, Zion grew rapidly into one of the largest emerging urban house churches in China, with more than 1,500 members and 20 ministers. Since 2010, I have been serving as a pastor at Zion, and I was ordained in 2017.
Also in just one decade, religious persecution has increasingly intensified in China. Thousands of church crosses have been torn down, church buildings bulldozed, Christians abused including pregnant women, young children and elderly people, pastors and elders imprisoned, some of them sentenced to 10 years and more, Bibles collected and burnt publicly. Persecution similar to that of the Cultural Revolution.
In 2018, Zion suffered a wave of persecution. Authorities pressured hundreds of our church members to prevent them from participating in Zion Church. On September 9, 2018, hundreds of police brutally smashed our church building and shut it down. All our church property was taken away. Since 2018, our senior pastor, Ezra, has been put under national surveillance and border restriction, which means he cannot leave China. Consequently, Ezra has been forcibly separated from his family in the U.S. for more than seven years. (Ezra’s wife, Anna, and their two sons are living in Wheaton. They are also regular attendants of College Church.) By the end of 2018, as the then youngest ordained pastor, I was sent overseas by Zion urgently and strategically, to advance my theological education, and at the same time, to prepare for even more severe persecution in the future.
In 2022, I attended Open Doors’ press conference in Washington DC. Unknown to organizers, the large photo of the sealed door next to the platform was of the side door of Zion Church. On the seal was the date the police shut down the church. My first
sermon after its shutdown was from Revelation 3:8: “Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” (Italics added) Jesus’s words are incredibly comforting and encouraging, reminding us, that although the government can shut the door of our church building, it cannot shut the door of salvation that Jesus has opened for his church. Just like Cesar’s sealing of the grave did not stop the resurrection of Christ, CCP’s (the Chinese Communist Party) sealing of the gate cannot stop the church of Christ that even “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
When we lost our place of worship, we might have been the first church in China to practice “walking worship” and then switched to online services—all in early 2019, before COVID hit the world. It’s as if God prepared us beforehand in his providence. During the past six or seven years, despite the dual pressure of persecution and pandemic, Zion has launched 100 new church plantings in 40 cities across China, by adopting a hybrid multisite church model, namely, large online gatherings plus small inperson groups in multiple locations.
In 2025, a new wave of religious persecution is emerging across China. Many churches in China are suffering ongoing persecution this year, Zion Church in particular. From October 9-11, nearly 30 Zion pastors and co-workers in different locations were arrested by police from Beihai city, Guangxi province, and taken back to Beihai to be detained. During a month of detention, ten people have been released or granted bail. However, those who were released from detention so far do not include the core leaders of Zion. Currently there are still 18 pastors and co-workers— ten sisters and eight brothers—separately detained in Beihai No.1 and No. 2 detention centers. They are facing the criminal charges of “illegal use of information networks.” This may be the first church case charged under a recently issued regulation on internet religious affairs in China. In addition, some pastors’ homes have been sealed, their personal property confiscated, and bank accounts suspended.
The church has assisted most of the families of the detainees in hiring lawyers. Nearly 40 Christian lawyers are involved in the case. Most detainees have met their lawyers at the detention center and were able to send out very inspiring messages. Like the Apostle Paul, Pastor Ezra proclaimed he is not ashamed of
the gospel. As an excellent Pauline scholar, Ezra is imitating the apostle as Christ’s “ambassador in chains.” Later, in his pastoral letter in prison, Ezra encouraged us to not fear and “do not throw away our courage” for “cowardice, though small, can block the door to heaven.” Another jailed pastor, Joshua Gao said, “A prison is a pastor’s monastery.” So, although the prison’s high walls temporarily separate these pastors from their loved ones, nothing can separate them from the love of Christ.
Please keep praying for those who are still detained, especially as the prosecutor’s office decide whether they will be released or formally arrested. Pray for their families, especially their sad spouses and scared children. Pray for our legal team. Those brilliant and brave Christian lawyers themselves are facing the authority’s pressure. Pray for our pastoral team, both within China and overseas. Pray for our unity and teamwork to keep the church advancing amid adversities. If you want to subscribe to more updates of the persecuted Zion Church and to support those impacted families, prayerfully and financially, please visit our official website Hope for the Persecuted Church in China: hpcc.world
When we look at the brief history of Zion Church, we clearly see how God can use persecution not only to purify this church but even to push forward his mission. Before 2018, Zion Church was just a local church in Beijing. After the shutdown in 2018, our church building and church property were sacrificed, ushering in Zion Church plantings across China. After this crackdown, we are looking to the future as these dozens of Zion pastors are like fragrant living sacrifice
for Christ, through which we pray and hope to usher in Zion global for God’s global mission.
Since its start, Zion has always been a missional church. We have sent out more than 20 missionaries to the minority areas in China, to the unreached people groups in the “10/40 Window” areas like Central Asia, Western Asia and the Middle East. Even during intense persecution, Zion was still sending out and supporting missionaries. It’s not only Zion Church as more and more Chinese church leaders are promoting the Mission China movement, whose current goal is to send 20,000 Chinese missionaries to the nations by 2030. And its ultimate goal is proposed by Pastor Ezra Jin—to join hands with all nations and return to Zion, that is, the new Jerusalem that Jesus Christ will bring when he returns.
Not long before his arrest, on a Zoom call, I asked, “What if they put you in prison and put all of our 50ish ministers and staff under control?” Instead of “Hell no!,” I didn’t expect the first word coming out his mouth to be Halleluiah! He said, “for a new wave of revival will follow then!” Yes, from the Book of Acts, and throughout the church history, including the Chinese house church history, it has been repeatedly proved that where there is repression, there is revival. The persecutors did not learn the same lesson from history. The most important spiritual DNA of Chinese house church movement is the way of the Cross. The suffering servant Christ will lead his suffering church through the path of the cross with his nail-scarred hands and as Risen Lord Jesus will open the door of revival for his redeemed church that no one can shut.
PARchman Prison Update
DAVID MACKINNON
“So, how was Parchman?”
Great question; difficult to answer. I went to bring hope, and I received hope. I went to bring the love of Jesus Christ, and I received the love of Jesus Christ. I went to bring joy, and I received joy. I went to serve, and I was served.
It was not what I expected. I saw and experienced more joy and enthusiasm for Jesus Christ than at almost any other time in my life. Most of the men with whom I interacted were lifers or had very long release dates. Make no mistake, every one of them earned their time at Parchman with horrible, horrible crimes, but these Christian men hungered for the Word of God in order to learn more about Jesus and how to live the lessons of Scripture. I did not hear excuses, rationalizations or dismissals of the reasons for their incarcerations. What I did hear were seemingly genuine requests for prayer, learning and fellowship. Conversations were easy and comfortable, and many were willing to share about their incarcerated lives. There seemed to be a transparency to the conversations that I am guessing was a result of these men having nothing to lose while gaining an empathetic listening ear.
I was a part of a 19-person team made up of two churches (College Church and Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church), a senior leader from a correspondence Bible study company in Grand Rapids (MI) and a recently ordained chaplain from Washington, DC. We gave two messages to the field ministers who are inmates who have completed M.Div. education at the seminary located and reside in one of the six living units (essentially separate prisons) on the Parchman property, or Farm. We gave six messages at the living units, where almost all inmates had access to hearing the Word of God, and two messages in a worship service type setting in a large auditorium (250+ inmates attended each service). We also spent time in a unit which housed men with behavioral and/or mental difficulties who were secured in cells with very thick doors. We talked and prayed with them through 3” by 9” slots in their cell doors. We spent time in a medical unit that housed those who needed medical attention for age-related issues or have restricted movement because of the loss of a limb. We attended a large group (100+) Bible study and sat at round tables and participated in the discussion time. We visited Death Row where most of the inmates were allowed to mill around a common area and engage in conversation.
Every individual discussion began with, “Do you know Jesus?” We asked each inmate for prayer requests and immediately prayed for him. Every message and sermon was crafted and infused with the reality of living anew redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. The two messages in the large auditorium were by our pastoral residents, Caleb Aulie and Jacob Samuel Raju, were as powerful as any preaching I have ever heard. Each brought the truth of Jesus Christ and the assurance, confidence and hope we have as followers of this very same Jesus. The response
from the inmates was thundering and overwhelming.
We met Charles Crawford (30 years on Death Row) at the Sunday afternoon large group Bible study and then on Monday morning before we left. Charles was moved Sunday evening to the newly renovated Death Row unit where he would be executed that Wednesday evening. On Monday morning, he brought out his Bible and preached to us for about 15 minutes. Here was the strange juxtaposition of the our weekend experiences.
Charles’ crimes were beyond horrible, and he deserved to die or least spend the rest of his life behind bars, and he knew Jesus Christ, he knew his Bible and he knew what it meant. Charles’ victim’s family is suffering, and Charles is experiencing first-hand the love of Jesus. It was difficult to put these realities together.
Anyone of my team members could write this next paragraph and describe their different experiences, and the blessings of the one-on-one times with so many inmates. For me, there was Landon. He has an 11-year-old son who has been diagnosed as autistic and bipolar and is being raised by Landon’s 70-year-old parents. We prayed about his relationship with his son and parents between now and his release in February 2027. I met and prayed with Zachariah (through that 3” x 9” door slot) who said he was a Christian yet struggles with so many competing thoughts and how to determine which ones to listen to. I could only see Zachariah’s hand (which I held as we prayed) through the slot. I met and prayed with John who will get out in the next three years and is concerned about where he will go, who he will live with and how he will re-acclimate. James has been on Death Row for 13 years, is a believer, has no execution date and has concerns for other inmates on the Row. I sat with Ashton, Marion, Dimi and Julio at the Bible study, all who want to grow in their faith and learn more about what the
Bible says. I spent time with 75-year-old Richard who thought he was going to die the prior week of some respiratory difficulties (the medical attendants thought so too) but, as he said, “I feel pretty good today. I guess God wants me around for a while longer.” And there were many more conversations and prayers where I didn’t get names but was left with profound gratefulness that I had met them.
During my quiet time on Saturday morning, I read Galatians 3: 26-28, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (NASB, 1995) I was reminded of the phrase that at the base of the Cross, the ground is level, meaning that sin is sin, we are all sinful before accepting Jesus as our Savior, and then all Christians are the same when redeemed by the blood of Jesus. My team and I had just spent two days ministering to men who had committed terrible crimes, and most had received redemption through the blood of Jesus. This is earth, and I was challenged to think about what heaven will be like with all these men. I contemplated the Lord’s Prayer words, “...Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” and what it means to bring heaven to earth. I am wrestling with my long-held prejudices and assumptions about people and their behaviors and trying to learn to see the world and people through Jesus eyes. It is not simple or easy.
So, how was Parchman? Great, challenging, thought provoking, sad, inspiring, joy, inviting, and sometimes confusing. I do know that I love Jesus more now than before visiting Parchman.
our VISION
2025 INITIATIVES
Vision: “Proclaiming the Gospel” PATHWAY.
Coming to College Church you have the opportunity to Discover Jesus, Grow in Your Faith and Impact the World. We want you to discover Jesus if you don’t already know him personally, discover College Church if you’re not yet a part of the church, and for all to grow spiritually and have a real impact on the world around.
COMMUNITY.
Community matters to all of us at College Church. There are many ways to connect with one another. We treasure connection and deeper care for one another, with the help of our pastoral staff and other leaders, as we move forward side by side.
DISCIPLESHIP.
Being disciples of Jesus brings real-life change as we embrace the foundations of the Christian faith, grow spiritually, and reach beyond ourselves in gospel witness. CAMPUS.
We are increasing our campus capacity for community outreach and ministry activities, as well as advancing safety and accessibility, through a current capital campaign.
PARTNERSHIPS.
We are developing one new partner in church planting, strengthening, and revitalization this year that reflect our
AN INTELLIGENT ANSWER TO AI
TONY DILEONARDI
When I was coming of age in the corporate world, many years ago, I was trained on the three Cs to master when attempting to sway opinion and evoke an action to your idea. Your message needed to be clear, concise and compelling. I think the three Cs are under attack these days.
Recently, I tested this feeling of finding compelling and accurate information today in the marketplace and in the media. Additionally, how does one stay clear, concise and compelling when sharing facts with others seems daunting. What are facts? What is truth? What can I rely on to get to the truth? Does anyone believe anything anymore? I tested my cynic-ways by going to ChatGPT for answers.
ChatGPT is an AI chatbot developed by OpenAI that uses natural language processing to engage in human-like conversations and generate various text outputs. It can answer questions, write different types of text, and even assist with tasks like code generation and content creation. How it works: It’s based on a large language model (LLM) called GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer). This model is trained on a massive dataset of text, allowing it to learn the patterns and structures of human language. Scary? Perhaps, but like any tool, there is value in this new technology. If you are troubled by services and features of artificial intelligence tools, you’re not alone. However, don’t blame the tool makers, blame the abusers of the tool. But that’s not the point here.
I typed in, “provide me a brief summary of the state of evangelical Christianity in the U.S. today.” For those of you familiar with AI resources, the speed in which it provided me three very reasonable sounding paragraphs was impressive. Here’s how it started:
Evangelical Christianity in the United States stands at a crossroads—morally influential, culturally potent, yet increasingly fractured. Once defined by a shared belief in the authority of Scripture and the need for personal conversion, today’s evangelical movement is often more recognizable for its political affiliations than its spiritual commitments. The faith tradition that birthed revivalist preachers, global missionaries, and vibrant worship movements now finds itself enmeshed in culture wars, partisan identity, and generational divides.
That’s interesting, and, perhaps accurate, I thought. I’m not sure. So, I asked ChatGPT for a bit more. I typed, “add some current research from the Pew research group.” Quickly, it re-wrote “my summary” and additionally, this appeared:
Recent data from the Pew Research Center underscores this transformation. As of 2023–24, only 62% of Americans identify as Christian, down from 78% in 2007. Evangelical Protestants now comprise 23% of U.S. adults, a decline from 26% in 2007. This decline is particularly pronounced among younger generations; fewer than half of 18- to 29-year-olds identify as Christian, while nearly the same portion have no religious affiliation.
Many younger evangelicals are walking away—not from Jesus, but from what they see as a faith co-opted by nationalism, exclusion, and power. Meanwhile, older generations remain loyal to a vision of evangelicalism tied to conservative politics and traditional social values. This tension is producing not just denominational splits, but a spiritual reckoning: Who gets to define what it means to follow Christ?
The summary concluded with this final paragraph: Yet, amid the noise, there are signs of renewal. New voices are emerging—diverse, justice-minded, and biblically rooted—pushing for a return to the gospel’s core: love God, love neighbor. Whether evangelicalism can survive this moment with its soul intact depends on its ability to disentangle faith from faction and rediscover a unity not in power, but in purpose.
Well, there’s perhaps a better way to seek truth and get clear, concise and compelling information. Listen to and read solid Bible teaching daily, much like we consume news daily. But where, you ask? Well, one place is God Centered Life, the Bible-teaching ministry of Pastor Josh Moody.
You can augment your weekly digest of Pastor Moody’s Sunday preaching by going to www.godcenteredlife.org. There you can subscribe to receive a daily devotional, delivered to you email address. Or you can listen to a sermon series every day (from past sermons) right on your computer or your smart phone. Want an App to do that, we have it.
No matter how you desire to access these resources, they are there for you. At least this is one way to seek a clear. concise and compelling truth about what matters, what’s God saying, not just throughout time, but now, and how it impacts the way we live in this culture.
And instead of what was produced from AI above, perhaps we will re-discover this clear, concise and compelling truth:
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.—John 3:16
community outreach SPOTLIGHT
Key ministry updates and events from the Evangelism & Culture Impact Committee and the Local Ministry Partners of College Church
COLLEGE CHURCH MINISTRY TASK FORCE UPDATES
Englewood Family: Introducing Archer Academy (K-12), the result of Englewood Family’s lengthy working, planning and praying for a new school in the Englewood neighborhood. With a logo depicting an archer aiming true, the Academy’s mission is to raise a generation of leaders who live wisely, act courageously, and serve faithfully for the renewal of Englewood and the glory of God.
Prison Task Force: After a Spirit-filled time of preaching and prayer ministry, the team is home from its Parchman Prison (MS) trip in October. Be sure to read Dave Mackinnon’s article in this issue of Connections.
Koinonia House: Note its new office location: 1749 South Naperville Road #200 in Wheaton.
PADS (Building Community, one meal at a time) If your company is ready to make a difference in DuPage County, then bring your corporate team to the DuPage Pads Interim Housing Center to help prepare and serve lunch for 300 guests. Need more information about the Meals That Matter Initiative? Contact Michelle Rollins @ mrollins@ dupagepads.org.
Outreach Community Center: The Outreach Christmas Store in Carol Stream is December 13. Pray that Outreach clients would feel the love of the Lord as they interact with the staff and volunteers while they shop for Christmas gifts. Pray for the Lord’s blessing on their families this Christmas season. Stop by one of the Christmas Store displays around church for gifts lists. Or
volunteer the day of the store. Visit weareoutreach. org, click on EVENTS and choose Christmas Store Carol Stream.
Decision Point: Praise God that its recent banquet raised awareness and funds to make the resource Set Free available to high school students across the nation. The book addresses many of today’s biggest lies such as abortion, social justice, and transgenderism. The book includes links to personal testimonies by those who have wrestled with and overcome these issues.
LifeWise meets in the Crossings and offers Bible classes to public school students (grade school and junior high) during their lunch hour. While still in the early phases and the numbers are small, new leaders are being trained, and plans for another Wheaton location are underway. Here’s a challenge to Christian parents: have your children bring friends to hear the good news at these classes.
Naomi’s House: January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Naomi’s House’s goal is to raise awareness and provide Church Toolkits that include tangible resources (such as outreach bags) for survivors. Look for an article about Naomi’s House in next month’s Connections magazine for more details.
We Carry Hope: CARING NETWORK’S ANNUAL NIGHT FOR LIFE
SARAH LINDQUIST
Caring Network’s Night for Life at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace, began with a ride from friends Elin and Paul Klauke with Holly Burke. My husband met us in the windy parking lot as we all walked inside with smiling in anticipation. One of my favorite parts of being involved with prolife ministry is how people from many backgrounds and churches unite in Christ for the unborn, their parents, and those who have been affected by abortion. Our table encompassed old friends who hosted us at our first Caring Network banquet, current SOHL volunteers and newer friends from church and the Illinois Prolife March. We ranged in age from 20’s to retirement. After chatting over dinner, the program began.
Denise Winkelmann, VP of Development at Caring Network, shared how culture had affected her views when her high school-aged niece became pregnant. Her first thought was that her niece should end her pregnancy. Fortunately, her niece decided to give life to her baby. Later, Denise felt guilty about this reaction and started her prolife journey, culminating in leaving her role as a chemist to work for Caring Network.
Monet, a pregnant teen mom who called Caring Network from the southeast side of Chicago, narrated her story for the enthusiastic audience. She called Caring Network after searching online. She was picked up by an Uber courtesy of Caring Network to take her an hour away to the Naperville Caring Network site. Monet made a choice for life and brought her two-week-old son to the banquet, cradled in her arms! Think about other lives that will be saved once the Calumet Heights clinic hires staff in order to open in Monet’s area.
Updates and vision for the future from President Kirt Wiggins followed. Two new Chicago Caring Network clinics had opened recently in the Little Village and Rogers Park neighborhoods in Chicago. God’s hand of provision was shown in how a Venezuelan-born Caring Network ultrasound tech, Liliana, encountered an abortion-minded Venezuelan couple, Sophia and her husband, who already had a eight-year-old daughter. During the ultrasound as images of the baby were shown to the parents, the father began to cry. At this very first appointment at the new location, Sophia made the decision to follow Christ, and her child became the first baby saved in
Little Village! Kirt updated the audience that 64 Caring Network clients had accepted Christ as of that night (this number increased to 78 as of the end of October) among all nine clinic locations. Caring Network’s past strategic placement of six pregnancy centers brought down DuPage county abortion rate enough to contribute to two abortion businesses closing. If Caring Network also causes a 15-20% decrease in abortion business clients in Chicago, abortion businesses will likely close due to lack of profitability like observed in other areas. Pray for staff to be hired for the next Chicago Caring Networks and similar impact be made in Chicago communities most in need of pregnancy support.
Keynote guest speaker—former ambassador, senator and governor of Kansas—Sam Brownback reminded us that because our culture cut off the roots of our Judeo-Christian foundation, we have become like cut flowers; we are wilting. Christians are needed urgently to strengthen our civilization by sharing Christianity and saving unborn lives. The seriousness of demographic winter, the falling birth rates below replacement levels, in developed countries including ours necessitates partnership of all sorts to turn from a culture of abortion to instead encourage building families. The nobility of motherhood must be lifted high. As so many individuals are pro-abortion, the challenge can look impossible to Christians. But “God finds it interesting; he doesn’t want odds on his side,” said Brownback. Gideon’s 300 men vs. troops like locusts. David vs. Goliath. ten minas given in offering. A few fish and loaves. We must not abandon our faith. Instead, Sam Brownback urged us to fight like a believer, not a mere human in our own strength. In the words Mother Teresa quoted Brownback, “All for Jesus. All for Jesus. All for Jesus.” There will be scars from the fight, but it is all worth it.
What is next? If you have not already, I encourage you to donate this Christmas season and share job listings to help Caring Network find new staff. I’m excited about enabling the opening of three more new Caring Network clinics serving women and saving lives in the city of Chicago, where hope is needed most. The Austin center will open part time in January, but needs additional staff to open full time. Calumet Heights and Chicago Lawn clinic needs staff hired to open.
The Wheaton Baby Bank housed at Church of the Resurrection collects and then distributes supplies for Caring Network clients in need. Bring diapers (size 6 especially needed), wipes, baby lotion, shampoo, and wash, diaper cream, and formula to the crib (outside the sanctuary on the 1st Sunday of every month and in the Commons the rest of the month). Check out Everylife diaper company which funds pregnancy centers. https://everylife.com/ (20% off with auto renew. Use code LIVEACTION10 for an additional $10 off first order.) You may also order from the Baby Bank Amazon QR code.
Join Sanctity of Human Life Task Force Saturday, December 13, Peace in the Womb caroling event led by Pro-Life Action League. Join SOHL across from Aurora Planned Parenthood at 9 a.m. Additional local caroling will occur at Downers Grove Access Health Center 10:15 a.m.
ENCOURAGEMENT
44 Planned Parenthood Closures in 2025!
SAVE THE DATE
VISION TOUR Join SOHL at an informal, small group Vision Tour Thurs., January 15, 7-8 p.m. at the Glen Ellyn Caring Network center. Meet President Kirt Wiggins, tour the pregnancy center, hear about how the ministry connects with clients, and enjoy refreshments. www.caringnetwork.com/events/ growing-together
ILLINOIS PRO-LIFE MARCH On Thursday, March 19, we will travel together from church to Springfield.
God Centered Life is an independent, listenersupported ministry that brings the preaching and teaching of Pastor Moody to all corners of the globe. Listeners from more than 200 countries visit the GCL website for resources.
A broadcast listener shared this: “I live and work in Japan. My wife is Japanese and not a believer. We have two daughters. There has been a lot of pressures, suffering and difficulties. But I am hopeful, holding on to God’s wonderful promises. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. God bless God Centered Life…”
This global ministry is here for you, College Church. Use it to augment your daily devotions and re-listen to pastor Moody’s sermons throughout the week. Or get it in your email daily. Download the God Centered Life app and listen to the daily podcast, wherever you get your podcasts.
One Another
GETTING TO KNOW OUR COLLEGE CHURCH FAMILY
Each month, we’ll have a chance to get to know various people who call College Church home. It’s a little way we can make our big church feel a bit smaller.
GAVIN HANKES
What has been your greatest spiritual challenge after coming to faith? I have really struggled to trust God over the last few years; both that his plan for my life will be good, and that I will be able to fulfill his purposes for me. It’s been an ongoing challenge to actively lift up my future plans to the Lord and trust that his design is far better than anything I can imagine. Think of a hard experience you’ve had. What would you say to someone who’s walking through the same thing? Three of my grandparents passed away in the past two years and I have really wrestled with the fallout from that. I would love to encourage others with something that has helped me a lot: the church really is your family! Our Christian journey is a collaborative effort and it’s okay to admit that you need help from the brothers and sisters around you.
What exhortation/encouragement did a fellow Christian give you that you could share with your College Church family? I was once told that “God does not call the equipped, He equips the called.” While the universal truth of this statement is shaky, the encouragement it offered me (as one who constantly doubts his own abilities) has been undeniable. For all those in the church who don’t think they have anything to offer, remember that God doesn’t make mistakes! He has wonderful plans for you that don’t rest on your ability to make them happen.
HOLLY BURKE
What could you talk about for hours without getting bored? The history of classical music has long been a favorite subject. From Gregorian chant to Bach, Handel, Mozart, and Brahms, the lives of the composers provide a fascinating window into the times and places that shaped their music.
What activities/hobbies allow you to experience the creativity and pleasure of God? I have been singing in choirs since I was in middle school. Both listening to and performing quality music gives me a profound sense of the creativity and pleasure of God.
As a single person, what is key to thriving spiritually? Spending time with the Lord in his Word and praying, both privately and with others. Serving in the church has deepened my faith and connected me with other believers who have encouraged me in my walk. Learning from the example of faithful Christians from the past who were single has also inspired me.
PAM FERRILL
What’s something most people wouldn’t know about you? I was very active in Community Theater. I was only on stage once, but I was backstage for many performances. My favorite things were running a sound board or a spotlight. I also liked being a stage manager, because you are essentially in charge of the whole production!!
What exhortation/encouragement did a fellow Christian give you that you could share with your College Church family? At one time our family was preparing to go on the mission field. It seemed there were roadblocks to our going at every turn. We were getting very frustrated and felt like God was very far from us. One of our pastors told us “Never forget in the dark, what you knew in the light.” That helped us realize that God is still the same God he was when he put the desire for missions in our hearts, and we could rely on the fact that the roadblocks were there for a reason.
What do you know now you wish you had known when you were young? Jesus. I made many stupid decisions when I was young, because nobody ever told me they were wrong. I did not have any moral guidance. Now, I may still make some unwise decisions but at least I have beliefs to guide me.
at the BOOKSTALL
Tenofthose Christmas Sunday
We’re delighted to have 10ofThose coming on December 7 for our annual Book Sunday. They will bring a large, carefully curated bookstore and it will be located in the fireside room for all services that day. Come prepared! It’s a superb opportunity to get gifts for Christmas, and resources for the coming year.
DAILY READINGS FROM ALL FOUR GOSPELS
by JC Ryle
This beautifully produced hardback brings together J. C. Ryle’s classic Gospel readings, arranged for morning and evening throughout the year. With Ryle’s trademark clarity, warmth, and Christ-centered focus, these devotionals offer daily nourishment for believers wanting to deepen their love for Jesus
Bookstall Price: $29
THE SING! HYMNAL –HARBACK
Curated by Keith and Kristyn Getty
The Sing! Hymnal brings together a rich collection of classic and contemporary hymns that help God’s people sing timeless truth with beauty and conviction. Designed for church or home use, it features liturgical readings, psalms, hymn stories, and a durable, scuff-resistant cover. A beautiful resource to deepen worship and unite believers through the power of song.
Bookstall Price: $29
ALL YOU WANT FOR CHRISTMAS
by David Platt
explores four profound reasons Jesus came—To be with us, to die for us, to show us how to live, and to serve us. This giftable hardback shares the true meaning of Christmas in a clear and compelling way, perfect for friends, family, or seasonal outreach. A thoughtful resource to celebrate Christ and share the gospel during the holidays.
Bookstall Price: $8
THE CHARACTERS OF CHRISTMAS
by Rachel Hearson
Meet the memorable characters of the first Christmas in this beautifully illustrated book by Rachel Hearson—from brave Mary and excited shepherds to scary King Herod, and of course, Jesus, the most important character of all. Kids will be drawn into the story and discover how they can be part of God’s amazing plan. A perfect read for family time, church events, or sharing the Christmas story online.
Bookstall Price: $5
WAYS TO GIVE TO COLLEGE CHURCH
Giving of our tithes and offerings is an integral part of our corporate worship because it is a unique expression of gratitude to God. When we give, we celebrate all that God has given for us, especially his incredible grace in our lives through the shedding of Christ’s blood on the cross to reconcile us to Himself. God owns everything and when we give, we are simply giving back a portion of what He has entrusted to our managing. Giving to College Church makes possible all our church does here at home, our care for others throughout the community, and our missions outreach around the world.
After you have prayfully determined what you will give, we have several methods which you may use to support the ministries and missions efforts of College Church:
GIFTS OF CHECKS OR CASH
You may use pre-numbered envelopes for your cash or checks payable to College Church in Wheaton. If you don’t have prenumbered envelopes, you may request them from the Accounting Office by e-mailing Cindy Schuerman at cschuerman@collegechurch.org. Checks may also be dropped in the offering plates at the back of the church when you leave after a service.
ONLINE
Nearly two-thirds of our congregants are choosing the electronic method of making contributions on-line in the same way many pay their bills. With the security of your information of highest importance, you can rely upon our on-line giving site to set up a one-time, or recurring gift of whatever amount you choose, and however often you choose. And it is easy to change the amount or frequency whenever you wish. Visit college-church.org/giving to get started.
DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS
If you have established a donor-advised fund through any number of different qualified organizations, gifts to College Church may be made by authorizing the organization to send funds at the time and frequency of your choosing.
GIFTS OF STOCKS OR MUTUAL FUNDS
You may donate stocks or mutual funds directly to College Church by transferring them from your broker to the church’s broker. Although you should consult your tax advisor, giving in this way may provide a tax advantage. There may also be small numbers of shares you own that you would rather move out of
your portfolio but would prefer not to handle all the paperwork involved. College Church is pleased to be able to expedite those transactions for you. Please contact Nancy Singer or Dan Bauer 630-668-0878 for specific instructions.
BITCOIN OR CRYPTOCURRENCY
College Church has a relationship with a non-profit organization in Illinois that can be used by a donor to deposit cryptocurrency, which is then sold and donated to the church with only a 1% fee. Contact Nancy Singer, at nsinger@college-church.org for details.
GIFTS THROUGH YOUR WILL
College Church would count it a privilege for you to remember us as one of the beneficiaries of your estate. Because College Church is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, monies directed to be given to the church may save estate and inheritance taxes , but again, you should consult with your tax advisor.
MEMORIAL GIFTS
You may ask your loved ones to request that gifts in your memory be made to College Church. Likewise, you may give to College Church gifts in honor of a loved one who has passed away, whether they attended the church or not. It is just one more way of making your gifts count toward Kingdom Work.
REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONS
If you are at the age when you are required to withdraw a portion of your IRA as a RMD (Required Minimum Distribution), you can direct your IRA custodian to make a direct transfer to College Church as a 501(c)(3) non-profit as a qualified charitable donation (QCD). Again, consult your tax advisor, but the amount withdrawn may provide tax advantages.
REMINDERS ABOUT YEAR-END GIFTS TO COLLEGE CHURCH
Gifts will be credited to 2025 if dropped off through the mail slot in the southern-most Commons door by midnight on 12-31-2025. Checks received in the mail postmarked 12-312025 or earlier will be credited to 2025, but if postmarked after 12-31-2025 will be credited to 2026 even it the check is dated 2025. Online gifts made before midnight on 12-31-2025 will be credited to 2025, and those made after midnight on 12-31-2025 will be credited to 2026. In order for a gift of securities to be credited to 2025, it must be received by Tuesday, 12-23-2025.
