June 2023 Connections

“The 30-year-old Pennsylvanian, a product of the Christian and Missionary Alliance’s Bible Training Institute in Nyack, NY, was proven dreadfully wrong.”

Read “The Red Story: Capture, Ransom, Escape in 1934 China” by Ray Smith on page 6.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE 02

June Highlights

PAGE 04

Opportunities for Prayer

PAGE 05

From the Editor

WIL TRIGGS

PAGE 06

The Red Story: Capture, Ransom, Escape in 1934 China

RAY SMITH

PAGE 09

Milestones

PAGE 10

ArtSpace

PAGE 11

Artist Spotlight— Marge Gieser

PAGE 12

Comfort Along Uncertain Paths

HEATHER OWENS

PAGE 14

Clapham School Completes Library

Renovation in Crossings

DANIELLE EVERETT

PAGE 18

New Members

PAGE 20

My Heavenly Father

WALLACE ALCORN

PAGE 21

Meet the Summer Crew

PAGE 22

Pro-Life in Public

KARA BETH VANCE

PAGE 23

Sanctity of Human Life

PAGE 24

At the Bookstall

PAGE 26

Our Vision

PAGE 27

The Little Square Basket

ANONYMOUS

PAGE 28

Campus Maps

Our Pastors, Directors and Residents: Josue Alvarado, pastoral resident | Matt Anthony, pastoral resident | Cheryce Berg, director of children’s ministries | Roger Burgess, pastor of visitation |Felipe Chamy, pastoral resident | Julie Clemens, director of disability ministries | Erik Dewar, pastor of worship and music | Baxter Helm, high school pastor | Dan Hiben, middle school pastor Tim Hollinger, technology director | Ann Karow, human resources director | Howard Kern, facilities director | Bruce Main, pastor of visitation | Josh Maurer, pastor of discipleship | Curt Miller, missions pastor | Josh Moody, senior pastor | Richard Moomjian, pastoral resident | Ben Panner, college pastor | Mindy Rynbrandt, director of women’s ministries | John Seward, executive pastor | Nancy Singer, director of administration and finance | Wil Triggs, director of communications

Our Council of Elders: David Bea | Mark Berg | Mark Bradley | Howard Costley, chair | Steve Ivester | Glenn Kosirog | Josh Moody, senior pastor | Jeff Oslund | Roger Sandberg | David Setran | Jeremy Taylor, secretary | Chad Thorson | Brian Wildman, vice-chair

332 E. Seminary, Wheaton, IL 60187

(630) 668-0878 | www.college-church.org

Connections is a monthly newsletter published for and about the people of College Church. Send news items and suggestions to: connections@college-church.org. Keep Connections in mind to promote a community event to the College Church family. Send event information by the following dates: For the July issue: June 9 | For the August issue: July 9 | For the September issue: August 9

CONTRIBUTORS

ANONYMOUS

Connections introduces a new occasional feature on page 27 that will always be written anonymously from people within the congregation offering insights and experiences on “Giving Joy.”

WALLACE ALCORN

reared as he was in a church culture that placed a heavy emphasis on public evangelism and personal soul-winning, he began his professional ministry so styled. As he studied the dynamics of personal relationships narrated in the Bible, observed both effective and ineffective fathers around him, and himself experienced being a father, he began to grasp the biblical concept of fatherhood through fathership.

DANIELLE EVERETT

and her husband, Brett, started attending College Church last summer with their children, ages five, three and one, and are happy to have found their new church home. Prior to being a mom, Danielle worked as a television news reporter. She enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with family and friends.

MARGE GIESER

is our featured artist this month. She earned a Masters of Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Marge became a member of College Church in 1980 and served the church through her artistic vision and gifts from then until her death in 2011. Her talents are highlighted in our “A Marge Gieser Retrospective,” which runs in the ArtSpace Gallery through the end of this month.

HEATHER OWENS

and her husband, Daniel, have served as College Church missionaries in Vietnam since 2003. Their work has primarily focused on theological education and Christian publishing, but Heather has also led women’s Bible studies and directed children’s ministry for the international church in Hanoi. The Owens family is returning to Wheaton for a season as their two boys transition to adulthood.

RAY SMITH

A third generation MK, Ray has served College Church in many areas since becoming a member in 1956. The journalist and retired magazine publisher was inducted into the Wheaton College Hall of Honor while covering varsity athletics and the school’s alumni for 73 years. This article is based on a portion of his book The China Experience , available at the College Church Library.

KARA BETH VANCE currently serves as a mentor with the College Group discipleship team and is on our Sanctity of Human Life Task Force. She works in Wheaton as a financial planner. Kara Beth has a recent interest in nutrition and is learning to “count macros” for the first time in her life.

COVER IMAGE: Bronze Sculpture by featured artist Marge Gieser

JUNE HIGHLIGHTS

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICES

Everyone welcome.

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

Ephesians: The Heavenly Places

Pastor Josh Moody preaching

JUNE 4: The Household, Ephesians 6:1-9

JUNE 11: ONE SERVICE SUNDAY @ 10 a.m.—Be Strong in the Lord, Ephesians 6:10-24

SUNDAY SUMMER FORUM

For adults of all ages, high school and college students

SUMMER FORUM: “This I Believe: Meditations on the Apostles’ Creed” Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in Commons Hall, beginning June 18.

An up-close look at the Apostles’ Creed to remind us of the foundational truths of the faith. The Summer Café will be open for business with coffee and home baked treats.

We welcome our students and their adult leaders who are joining the discussion on “This I Believe!”

The Apostles’ Creed—it’s in the worship folder and on the screens. We stand up, say it, sit down and move on. What if we didn’t move on, and instead, let the truths of the ancient creed sink into our hearts and lives? What if each “I believe” statement was a clarion call for us to persevere in our faith as we wait for the glorious return of the Lord?

NEW SERMON SERIES

IF YOU WANT TO GET GOD YOU’VE GOT TO GET OVER YOURSELF

Morning sermons from the Book of Judges. Beginning June 18, summer service times: 9:30 and 11 a.m.

JUNE 18: No Compromise, Judges 1:1–2:5

JUNE 25: Keep the Covenant, Judges 2:6-3:6

JULY 2: Be Consistent, Judges 3:7–31

JULY 9: Step Up to the Plate!, Judges 4:1–5:31

SUNDAY EVENING WORSHIP SERVICES

Everyone welcome.

NEW SERMON SERIES: GOING UP Evening sermons from the Book of Ezra at 5 p.m.

JUNE 11: No Evening Service

JUNE 18: Ezra 1:1-11

JUNE 25: Ezra 2:1-3:13

JULY 2: Ezra 4:1-24

JULY 9: Ezra 5:1-17

The Summer Forum, “This I Believe: Meditations on the Apostles’ Creed,” is designed to walk us through the Apostles’ Creed purposely and carefully. Each week, our pastors and pastoral residents as well as current and former professors from Wheaton College and Moody Bible Institute will discuss what we believe about God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit—not in broad brushstrokes but in a way that will present a full and rich picture of our beliefs.

And as this ancient creed comes to life, we will be reminded of the foundational truths of the faith so that, in being build up, strengthened and equipped to contend for it, we might persevere in our faith as we await the glorious return of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Jude 3, 20, 21)

The morning includes the talk, followed by Q&A, table time and prayer.

JUNE 18: Introduction with Pastor of Discipleship

Josh Maurer

JUNE 25: Liturgy with Pastor of Worship and Music

Erik Dewar

JULY 2: God the Father with Pastoral Resident

Josue Alvarado

WOMEN’S MINISTRIES

MOM2MOM

Park Playdates, 9:30-11:30 a.m. (rain location College Church Commons gym)

JUNE 12: Sunset Park in Glen Ellyn

JUNE 26: Rathje Park in Wheaton

SUMMER BOOK GROUP

A QUEST FOR GODLINESS by J.I. Packer

Thursdays at 7 p.m. in Commons

JUNE 8: Chapter Two— Why We Need the Puritans

JUNE 15: Chapter Three Puritanism as a Movement of Revival

JUNE 22: Chapter Seven The Puritan Conscience

JUNE 29: Chapter Nine The Doctrine of Justification in Development and Decline among the Puritans

VISITORS LUNCH

Know someone new to College Church? If so, invite them to join you for a casual lunch in the Narthex (the Sanctuary Lobby) catered by Jason’s Deli on Sunday, June 4, at noon. Lunch is on us! Come and meet pastors and staff, learn about College Church and find out how you can get involved. RSVP to help us plan.

GO TEAM!

Looking for ways to serve at College Church that can be flexible with your schedule? Be part of the Go Team! Within our church family, there are frequent requests for help in a variety of ways—taking a meal to someone after a hospitalization, providing transportation to a medical appointment, helping move a piece of furniture, minor maintenance work or handyman help, or even help with a computer problem. Consider being part of the team so that we can show love and serve one another well!

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@college-church.org .

MIDDLE SCHOOL (KINGS MESSENGERS)

Starting June 18 in Commons Lower Level at 9:30-10:30 a.m. Join us on Sunday mornings for time to get to know other students, play games together and spend time studying the Book of Philippians.

WEDNESDAYS

JUNE 14: KMs Wednesday in KMs room

JUNE 21: Grill a Burger, Grill a Leader at Pastor Dan’s home.

JUNE 28: KMs Wednesday in KMs room

HIGH SCHOOL

SUNDAY MORNING

Gather on the Commons Patio at 9 a.m. and we can attend the Summer Forum together at 9:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY EVENING

What: “Teach us to Pray: A Summer in the Lord’s Prayer” When: Wednesday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on the following dates:

JUNE 14: His Name, Helm home

JUNE 21: His Kingdom, Clapham

JUNE 28: His Will, Clapham

STARS DISABILITY

SUNDAYS

NOTE: No in-person classes on June 11, 9:30 a.m. only starts on June 18. All classes on Commons Tunnel Level.

INCLUSION (NURSERY-HIGH SCHOOL), rooms vary

CHILD/TEEN COMMUNITY: in C001

ADULT COMMUNITY: in C002

MULTI-GENERATIONAL COMMUNITY: in C005

JUNE IN KIDS’ HARBOR

SUNDAY MORNINGS

Nursery and Preschool at 9:30 and 11 a.m.

ELEMENTARY SUMMER LIGHTHOUSE

Who: Entering 1st-5th graders

What: a worship and Bible teaching time for kids

When: June 4-August 6 at 9:50 am (does not meet June 11)

The kids will participate in the 9:30 worship service with their families until the sermon, and then they will be dismissed as a group to head to their classrooms.

Where: 1st-2nd grade in room 101, 3rd- 5th grades in room 201

Why: The basic activity that defines the church is corporate worship. Children are part of the church body, and we

want them to participate in worship with all members of the body, not just other children. Summer is a perfect time to give this a try.

Check-in:  In the Narthex or at any kiosk before the service.

DURING THE WEEK

PRESCHOOL ADVENTURE DAYS

Four-year-olds through entering Kindergarten

June 6 and 12, 1-3 p.m.

FOURTH AND FIFTH GRADE HANGOUTS

Sunday afternoons, June 11 and 25, 1-3 p.m.

TWISTS AND TURNS VBS

Following Jesus Changes the Game

JUNE 19-22: College Church

JUNE 26-29: Jorgenson, 25W714 White Birch Court, Wheaton

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. in C101

Monday Morning Prayer 6:15-7:15 a.m. in the Board Room

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

JUNE 7: Steve and Lois Krogh, with Training Leaders International, worldwide

JUNE 14: Mike Hernberg, evangelism with international students and visiting scholars, Reformed University Fellowship, Northwestern University

JUNE 21: Steve and Mirian Cox, discipleship, administration and teaching with Word of Life Bible Seminary in Brazil

JUNE 28: Mike and Carol Beth, counseling, encouragement, support and pastoral care for workers in Asia.

Friday Prayer for the Persecuted Church (C101 or Board Room) 12-1 p.m. Led by Wil and Lorraine Triggs. The weekly prayer guide is also available at our website: https://bit.ly/3vzdcAz

AARON-HUR PRAYER FELLOWSHIP

Aaron-Hur Fellowship will meet on Thursday, June 8, at 7 p.m. at the home of Everett and Marcelyn Peterson, 127 Westminster Drive in Carol Stream, (630) 784-0569. Our guest will be Kevin Cox, serving in Brazil.

BARNABAS PRAYER FELLOWSHIP

The Barnabas Prayer Fellowship is anticipating an update from Chad and Leanna Wiebe about their activities in support of the church in Ukraine in its ministry in these unusual times. The group meets in the Creative Arts Room at Windsor Park at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 21. Both men and women are encouraged to visit or join the group for this informative time and prayer session for several of our overseas or U.S.-based partners.

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

FROM THE EDITOR

SEASON OF CHANGE

While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease. Genesis 8:22

The rhythms of God’s creation stand sure for us. As the heat of summer rolls around again, park district pools open, people stand in line for Dairy Queen, special outdoor events happen in all our towns and many parks. It’s a time to relish.

But not only that. Summer is often a season of spiritual change and growth. It’s a time of change for us as a church, but also a time for us as people to look at things from a different perspective than we have during the academic year. This issue of Connections provides us with stories of change that should encourage us.

Ray Smith’s saga from the missionary past, and Heather Owen’s story of present missionary change help us to see broad brushes of God’s care as the world swirls and changes all around us in the past, present, and by faith, in the future. Danielle Everett tells of the architectural change in Crossings that transformed a space into the library of Clapham School is another kind of change entirely.

Wallace Alcorn’s piece for Father’s Day honors both his earthly and heavenly fathers, seeing one reflecting the other—a change of perspective both familiar and new at once. Kara Beth Vance’s piece reflects change in the pro-life movement shifting from the frigid January March for Life to the new Summer of Life rally coming up in Chicago.

Summer signals an opportunity for growth and change. Our Summer Crew team is giving their summer over to our kids. This kind of ministry can change a child’s life, but it can also help set a life-changing course for those young adults on the team. As you read about them, pray for God to work in them and to use them to help make Jesus and the gospel come to life in the children of College Church.

Not everything changes. God does not change. Jesus’ love never ends. The Word of God continues to live and breathe like no other book every written. These unchangeable truths can give us hope that we can change for the better with the help of God.

May this summer find us more like Christ. Happy reading.

The Red Story: Capture, Ransom, Escape in 1934 China Ray Smith

Only one Westerner ever escaped successfully after being captured and held by a formal Chinese Communist army during the 1900s warlord era. Rev. Howard Smith (1904-81), serving under the Christian and Missionary Alliance, never failed to credit the Lord’s deliverance when sharing his “Red Story” over 100 times to varied audiences.

Rifle butts hammering on the compound gate and shots heard in town alarmed the missionary couple serving isolated Pengshui in Szechuan province that early May 8, 1934, morning. They were just finishing prayers with several local

believers. “Let’s hope it’s just bandits after loot,” Howard said to his wife, Gertrude, aware that 21-month-old Raymond Henry was upstairs with his amah (nurse).

The 30-year-old Pennsylvanian, a product of the Christian and Missionary Alliance’s Bible Training Institute in Nyack, NY, was proven dreadfully wrong.

The feared Reds had overrun the undefended county seat after its 300man garrison and city officials “bugged out” during the wee hours without warning the missionaries to also flee.

Amazed at his good fortune in capturing “foreign devils,” Communist General Ho Lung (or He Long) the next day released Mrs. Smith and the child to deliver the impossible ransom demand of $30,000 U.S and $3200 in medicine for Howard’s freedom. Gert, a 1926 graduate of Wheaton College, faced the 500 miles and ten harrowing days down the Wu and Yangtze rivers to reach her Ekvall missionary parents’ station in Wuchang and the mission office in Hankow. She had waved as Howard, amid Pengshui’s wealthy bound to-one-another-to-be-ransomed, were marched away with the 5000-man Third Route Army. Howard was allowed to keep a pocket devotional titled “Broken Bread,” in whose margins he made daily notes.

was aware of an old Chinese proverb: “A peasant was brought in to play with the Han Emperor. To avoid having his head cut off he had to play well enough to satisfy the Emperor but never to win.”

And, yes, Howard witnessed to his faith and talked theology of sorts to any receptive captors, including some who had been exposed to missionaries. One day sitting on the edge of a ravine reading his little devotional, an officer accosted him. “Doesn’t your Bible say if you are struck on one cheek you are to turn the other?” Smith braced himself for a practical test as he affirmed the truth of this statement. But the officer was only inquiring to strongly state the Communists objection to this so-called doctrine of non-resistance.

During Smith’s next 45 days, the Communists would march a 15-mile route, and a max one-day route of 40 miles, pausing to propagandize villagers, train new recruits and take any resisting villages with mortars and machine guns. While covering about 800 circuitous miles in rugged Szechuan and Kweichow provinces, Howard remained unharmed, an asset, for desperately needed funds. “Every day I memorized our terrain while looking for ways to escape. But all prisoners were kept in the middle of the daily march and closely guarded at nightly bivouacs,” he recalled. He noticed extensive fields of poppies grown to produce opium.

General Ho enjoyed conversing with his “prize” while showing off his Parker pen filled with red ink. After occasionally eating at the general’s tent, Howard would play Shang Chee (elephant chess) by candlelight with the onetime warlord officer turned Communist in 1926. Smith

Although fit enough to keep pace, Howard sensed time was running out for him. “Eventually the Reds executed those whose families failed to pay up and I knew they’d tire of feeding me.” Finally on June 21, for the very first time, he was quartered in a hut on the outskirts of the five-mile-across encampment. Providence? That midnight Ho called a surprise drill to see how quickly his army could break camp. Not satisfied, he then harangued his troops in ranks (including Howard) for 90 minutes before dismissing the men to their hassocks. Howard somehow remained awake on the board he lay, eyes closed. Just before dawn as cooks prepared the morning rice, the guard who had been pacing outside the door, sat down exhausted and dozed off. Housed with a sleeping colonel and four soldiers, Howard slid into his perfectly placed sandals, took the four long steps he had practiced to the door, saw no one on the dirt alley and crept out. He knew the Reds knew all the tricks for recapturing escapees, and whom he’d seen some publicly executed as an example, Howard figured he’d need a half hour head start. It was not to be. Just ten minutes bushwhacking up the mountainside, bugles sounded the alarm and pursuit was on.

In the next seven days on the run, Smith was apprehended and got away from five separate hostile groups. Blessedly, none guessed he was escaping from the Reds. Hollywood would have rejected the episodes as too improbable a script for what would have made a thrill-a-minute movie*.

Holing up in a cave that first day, Howard crossed the summit by night into the next valley heading in the general direction of the Wu River. Thirty –six hours later he approached the rare house but moved on when a red flag on its roof. Another time villagers with dogs shooed the ragged stranger away. Desperate for food he surrendered the silver dollar he’d concealed in his trousers for nine raw eggs and found some raw peas and a cucumber in a garden.

continued on next page

Ray Smith and Madame Xue Ming in 1982 hold photo of her late husband, Red Army Marshall He Long . Three He children pose in front of image of He crossing a river during the 1934 Long March.

At dusk, weak with fever and sunstroke, Howard approached a “wild looking village” where he begged shelter from a reluctant villager. Lying on some boards in a middle room where a child had been evicted, he was awakened about 3 a.m. by men in a frenzy pounding on the wooden walls with big knives. Sha, Sha (kill, kill). “I’d been seen. These were Spirit Society or God Soldiers who hated all military, foreigners and strangers. They felt imperious to bullets.” Howard shinnied into the rafters and walked the beams toward the back of house as the front door splintered. Yelling men poured in, driving the family outside. A shot went through the roof. Smith peeked out a back window. A burly guard, swinging his sword and afraid to miss the action, left his post. Jumping out, he passed another window, heading for the corner of the house. Just then a head popped out an open window. A soldier yelled “ Sha !” Unrecognized in the darkness, Howard hollered “ Sha ” right back, closed the window and dove down a bank into a corn field. Crawling noisily away he lost his precious sandals.

Remarkably, six-foot-two Howard was never recognized as a white man. Fluent in the dialect and with his black hair, brown eyes, ragged clothes and dishevelment, rural folk assumed he was a strange “Ningpo Chinese” from the city on the faraway coast.

A day later in pouring rain he again climbed up into a grain loft to dry and rest. “I congratulated myself on my resourcefulness. And then barking began inside the house. The dog had smelled me and wouldn’t quit. When the farmer opened the door, it came right out and looked up at me. In plain sight from a lamp in the house, guys from the village with torches forced me down and into the house. Five impressive men in loincloths sat in a circle around me, calling me a robber and sending one of them to get a gun to kill ‘this bad guy’. [He never returned.] They had no idea who I was or even that I could understand

everything they said.” Howard improvised. Pulling out and pointing to the writing in his devotional. he identified as a Russian on an “important mission” for the nearby Red army, “they’ll kill all of you if you do anything to me. They half-believed me and felt they needed a higher up in the morning.” Feeding him a bowl of rice and some veggies, they left and he slept. When no one showed up in the morning, Howard told the bemused farmer he was on a mission and couldn’t wait and simply walked away. “I’m not proud I deceived those boys, lied to them,” he admitted later, “but my life hung on it this time.”

Day four and exhausted he flopped down on the trail and drank from the same hole a lad’s water buffalo had. “Typhoid was the least of my problems.” Then crawled up into the back of a roadside shrine with its two pusas (idols) “If I’d been found there, considering it sacrilegious, people would have killed me on the spot.”

In an incident Smith never told publicly—sensitive to skeptics of guardian angels—Smith came to a fork in the road where there was a sign he couldn’t read, knowing

Howard demonstrates his chopstick skill to the amusement of a Chinese boatman.

General Ho Lung in the 1930s.

one trail would lead to a river he could follow downstream. Which path? Starting on the one that looked easier on his bare feet, he glanced back from the crest of the sloping hillside. A male figure, the only person he’d seen all day, stood at fork and hailed: “Where are you going?” Howard thought: “Why is he asking me? Is this a trap?” Finally answering: “Chetan,” a known friendly town. The man: “You’ll never get to Chetan that way.” Howard knew if he were going the wrong way, he’d never have strength to retrace. He looked at the mountain chain ahead, decided to believe the man, and cut across to the other trail. As he started around the bend the figure was still standing there.

Howard’s feet were now cut and bleeding. “I began looking for some straw sandals that a coolie had thrown away. Anything for the bottom of my feet.” And he found one for his left foot, though too small for his size 12 feet, which became eventually infected. Soon he stumbled across a right foot sandal! Chance? Doubtful.

MILESTONES

BIRTHS

Hazel Esther was born to Joey and Bekah McKenna on May 15. Hazel joins her sister, Amber. Her paternal grandparents are Steve and Lisa McKenna.

MARRIAGES

Ann Hancock married Brett Kauffman at College Church on Saturday, June 3. Ann is the daughter of Nathan and Liz Hancock. College Church members Jacob Frerichs and Micah Aviles were married at College Church on March 25.

Merit Davey and Danielle Girgis were married at College Church on March 11. Danielle is the daughter of members Phil and Maggie Girgis

DEATHS

Pray for Catherine Chong and family as they grieve the loss of Catherine’s brother, Anthony Pun , who passed away on May 17 in Sydney, Australia.

Pray for Carol (Kevin) Casey and family as they grieve the loss of Carol’s mother, Edith Johnson , who passed away on May 7 in Prospect Heights.

Pray for friends and family of Tony Zalar , who passed away on May 6.

Pray for Sherry (Scott) Torppey and family as they grieve the loss of Sherry’s mother, Frances Main , who passed away on May 5 in Wheaton.

Reaching the river, four travelers he encountered reported the Reds had a blockade at the normal crossing several miles behind, which Howard had skirted. Not over yet, Smith stumbled into an encampment of warlord troops who put him under guard for two days, debating selling him back to the Reds. Howard successfully cautioned them of the wrath of Chiang kai Shek and, providentially again, the only known Chinese Christian in the area paid for a junk to transport him back to Pengshui and safety.

Howard‘s little leather-covered book has Psalm 34:6 underlined: “This poor man cried and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.”

*Ray

Pray for Donna Lynn Poland and family as they grieve the loss of Donna’s husband, Larry , who passed away on May 3.

Pray for the family of Juanita Grace Taetzsch , who passed away on April 24.

Pray for College Church missionary Pam (John) P. and family as they mourn the loss of her mother, Joanne Burns, who passed away on April 18 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Pray for Jenny Dudasik and family as they grieve the loss of Jenny’s stepmother, Dee , who passed away on April 6.

CONGRATULATIONS

On April 28, Dr. Jim Tebbe , chair of the Board of Missions and retired College Church missionary, was honored for his service at Forman Christian College in Pakistan at the dedication ceremony of the Jim Tebbe Campus Center. Dr. Tebbe has been credited with saying that Forman Christian College “offers an umbrella of Christian grace to every student,” and the new center in his name provides students a space to meet, connect, build relationships. A plaque on the ground floor of the building has these words from Psalms on it: “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”

describes these experiences and more in his book The China Experience , available in the church library.

Galleries

A MARGE GIESER RETROSPECTIVE

May 14, 2023 to June 30, 2023

Come see the many sides of Marge Gieser, whose art graced College Church for many years. With help from her family, visitors can see works of art that demonstrate Gieser’s great depth, breadth and faith.

The ArtSpace gallery is located in the Crossings building at 321 E. Front Street in Wheaton.

HOURS: Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday: 12-2 p.m. Other times available by appointment. Call the Church Office.

ART & STORY

Exhibition planned for summer 2023

This summer we are planning an exhibition that will combine “Art & Story.” We will be teaming up an artist with a writer to produce one art piece to be displayed in the gallery. For the writer, it can be a short story, poem or an insightful quote. For the visual artist, it can be a painting, illustration, graphic art, photography or any type of visual artwork.

Don’t put off signing up. Register today. This is our firstever collaborative exhibition, and we need to hear from you. Please sign up at www.college-church.org/artspace.

Gatherings

A monthly coming together, where discuss our personal projects and the many facets of creativity and God.

Tuesday, June 13, at 7 p.m. in Crossings

We will be discussing the CT Article:  In Times of Tragedy, I Find Solace in Scriptural Art  by A. Trevor Sutton.

Creativity word for the month:  Balm. If able, bring something creative along that theme.

Workshops

PAINT YOUR HEART OUT

July 29 | 9AM-NOON | In Crossings

Cost: $35

You must register to attend.

The workshop is for non-artists and artists alike, requiring no previous skills. You will be guided through emotion-processing-prayer-painting exercises that help you to express things that you cannot put into words. It will give you a new visual vocabulary for expressing your heart to God. It is a powerful tool for grieving and lament as well as worship and praise. You will leave the workshop with three finished paintings on canvas that have personal, symbolic significance to you.

IMPROV/GAME WORKSHOP

September 16 | 10AM-NOON | In Crossings

Cost: $15

Minimum people: 8; Maximum: 20

You must register to attend.

The Improv/Game Workshop draws heavily from the book Improvisation for the Theatre by Viola Spolin and Neva L. Boyd. Everybody can use more fun and laughter in their lives, even us Christians. Maureen Kelly brings 30+ years of teaching improvisation to this workshop, relying upon the concept of “play.” Workshop participants work with each other in ensemble and to be keenly aware of their fellow players and working in the moment at hand. Participants will discover and enhance listening skills, unharness innate spontaneity and wit, and increase attention to their surrounding environment and other participants. There also can be quite a bit of laughter, which is never discouraged.

For more information or to sign up for a gallery or workshop, visit our webpage: college-church.org/ artspace.

Marge Gieser’s art graced the worship services of College Church since she began creating them in the 1980s. As congregants listened to sermons from different books of the Bible, they also saw new visual expressions of the themes of sermon series through her banners.

While those who attend College Church still see her banners used in worship services, especially around the holidays, we don’t realize the many sides of Marge’s art. This collection shows some of the banners she created for worship along with a variety of other media. She drew, painted murals and sculpted in metal, and the collaborative Fourth of July parade floats she designed became church projects many summers in advance of the city’s Independence Day parades. This retrospective show in Crossings celebrates the many sides of her artistry.

Besides College Church and some of its church plants, Wheaton College and the Wheaton Eye Clinic, her art has been displayed in many places including: Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago; Moody Church, Chicago; Coventry Cathedral of England; St. George Church of Bagdad, Iraq; Khartoum Evangelical Church of Sudan.

While on medical mission trips with her husband Dick, an ophthalmologist, Mrs. Gieser would paint colorful murals to brighten hospital wards of in faraway places like Vellore, India; El Alto, Bolivia; and Ulan Bator, Mongolia.

We are grateful to Marge’s family for sharing with us the many sides of this remarkable artist, woman and follower of Christ.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT MARGE GIESER

The artists and creatives of College Church thank God for the inspiration of Marge Gieser’s artistry and example for us all. Enjoy her art here in Connections and in the Crossings Gallery throughout the month.

Comfort Along Uncertain Paths

Heather Owens

Leaving the mission field is sometimes the right thing to do, but it is rarely the easy thing to do. The invitation to write for Connections suggested that I reflect on transition and trusting God as Daniel and I wait for the Lord to direct our next steps in ministry. June 2023 marks twenty years since College Church commissioned us and sent us to work in Vietnam. It also marks our return to the States for the foreseeable future. Daniel and I want to allow our boys time to finish high school and transition to college. We also sense that our parents need us to be nearer for a season. At the same time, we have recognized that Hanoi Bible College and Seed Christian Resources (the publishing company we helped establish) might be strengthened by our stepping back and allowing others to take up the work. We are learning much about trusting God when the path before us is unclear.

Practically speaking, I am learning that a 10 cubic meter shipping crate only holds about 8 cubic meters of belongings. I have taped a 2x2x2 meter square on our floor and wall as motivation. For the past weeks, I have been deciding what will fit into that shrinking square and what must be sold or donated or discarded. Homeschooling resources, notes from my seminary studies, much-loved books and toys, and folders full of the boys’ stories and drawings have all gone on the discard pile. Most of our furniture has been claimed by new missionary families who are still bewildered about where to find anything. They are exceedingly grateful for our scuffed bunk beds and scratched desks. Bedding and linens and kitchen stuff must go next. Honestly, some days it seems that a house fire would be easier!

When I am weary of sorting, I remind myself that process is important. In the coming weeks, we will be leaving more than our home. We will say goodbye to our adopted country, our church in Hanoi, close friends, work we have cared deeply about, our routines, and familiar places. Daniel will no longer be an academic dean or a professor at Hanoi Bible College. I will no longer be a homeschooling mom or children’s ministry director. We are reducing more than just our books and belongings. We are letting go of a life. The onerous task of emptying a house forces me to reckon with these losses and to remember that God has been very good to us.

I am learning that grief and gratitude can travel hand in hand. Every time I put a beloved picture book in the give-away box or toss a stack of the boys’ watercolor paintings in the trash, I feel sad (perhaps a little bitter) but also thankful. Those items represent sweet moments reading stories at bedtime and messy afternoons with paint splattered everywhere. They are faded evidence of a life richly blessed. Again and again, I find myself moving from delight in a particular memory to sadness at the fleeting nature of our human lives and then to gratefulness for God’s goodness. The one constant in this topsy-turvy life of ours has been God’s steadfast love and unflinching faithfulness.

Life is full of transition. Whether we move internationally or live our entire lives in one town, we all face transitions. We age, our children grow and leave home, loved ones

pass away, jobs take us to new locations, friendships ebb and flow. We grieve the losses, but even in our grief we cling to the goodness of God. Sometimes the losses themselves remind us that God has been so very good. He will continue to be good because he does not change.

One of the hardest parts of transition is letting go of all that is familiar without being able to see clearly (or even to imagine) what lies ahead. When we are shaken out of our comfortable, predictable grooves, we feel disoriented. In this disorientation, two things help us to find our way forward: memories of God’s goodness in the past and confidence in his unchanging faithfulness in the future. God has been good, and he will be good. This truth provides enough light to keep walking. However impatient we might be to know the details of God’s purposes it is enough to know God himself. He knows the plans he has for us, and those plans are for our good. (Jeremiah 29:11) We can trust him.

I would not recommend the pressure of reducing a home to 8 meters cubed, but there is something to be said for taking time to reflect on the many ways God has been good. If you are feeling discouraged by a loss or uncertain about the future, look through a photo album or a box of treasured items in the attic and recall forgotten blessings. Be grateful to God for those things and remember that he will never change. He is still good, and he is still taking care of us. This truth is comfort as we slowly find the path ahead.

Clapham School Completes Library

Renovation in Crossings

Reflections on God’s Providence Through the Process

Danielle Everett

One of the oldest buildings on the College Church campus has a fresh new look inside following a major remodel that wrapped up in May. At the southwest corner of the Crossings sits a historic 1872 red house. A retired

tion of the old red house into a library for Clapham School, an independent Pre-K –12 Christian classical school that shares space with College Church in the west end of the Crossings. On May 19, the school’s students, faculty, staff and families gathered to celebrate the library’s long-anticipated completion at a dedication ceremony.

“Today we honor and celebrate the timeless pursuit of goodness, truth and beauty,” said Kolby Atchison, Clapham’s head of school and member of College Church, as he addressed the crowd.

farmer and Wheaton resident of long ago, Rufus Grover, built the house that would become the site of the TomsPrice furniture store in 1955. Over the years the Price family added on to the house, eventually creating the more than 60,000 sq. ft. facility College Church now owns—the Crossings.

Over the last several months, work has been ongoing to transform a por -

“May this library serve as a lighthouse of learning, preserving the riches of the classical tradition while preparing a new generation to carry forward the mantle for biblical truth.”

One of the many in attendance at the event was Jim Pursley, a Clapham parent and one of the contributors to the library project. “I love the old red house and the library is beautiful,” he said. “Walking through it, it’s what you would envision for a classical school that loves literature.”

Another College Church member and Clapham parent Chip Sanders was also there. “I think it really captures the spirit and the aesthetic that Clapham wants to project, both to our students and to the community,” said Sanders. “It has an elevated, scholarly feel and is functional as well.” Sanders, who has six children at Clapham School, helped oversee the completion of the library project along with Clapham parent Kelly Martin since construction began on it about one year ago.

Thousands of titles fill the dark painted shelves that line the library walls, from children’s picture books to wellknown classic novels, with many beautifully hardbound antique books included as well. A mix of natural light and newly installed decorative fixtures cast a warm glow in the room, highlighting the old 19th century rafter beams overhead. The room has a rich and luxurious feel.

“We wanted the library to mean something,” said Atchison. “We wanted it to convey that truth matters, that old things matter, that we are recipients of a great tradition. Education has always been about so much more than information or job preparation. It is about forming a particular type of human being, one marked by wisdom, virtue and a love for the Lord. This kind of education is the greatest gift we can pass on to future generations.”

On one side of the library is an old brick chimney on which a brand-new bronze plaque hangs in honor of Pursley’s great-grandmother, Ina J. Pursley, for whom the library is named. Ina Pursley’s resume was impressive—she was a Christian, wife, mother of three, librarian, Latin teacher, high school principal, lover of Shakespeare and Sunday school teacher in Farmland, Indiana.

“I didn’t know her personally, but my grandfather spoke of her often,” said Pursley. “The more I learned about her, the more I felt she would have really loved Clapham.”

Pursley recalled stories of his great-grandmother arriving home with a picnic basket full of books for her family to enjoy and of the times she went out in the evening to unlock the public library doors for a child who needed a book after hours. Pursley and his wife, Katie, agreed it would be fitting to name the library after Ina. The couple added that, through the Lord’s providence, they were blessed with the means to contribute to the school at the exact time Clapham was looking to fundraise to transform the old furniture store into a school.

The Lord’s providence was on display in countless other ways, too, as contractors and a team of parent volunteers worked to make the building transformation a reality in time for the start of the 2021–2022 school year.

THE LORD PROVIDES A SITE

About seven years ago, Clapham formed a building committee whose main purpose was to find a new site for the school. At the time, the school had been meeting in the Kids’ Harbor classrooms at College Church. The space had served the school well since it first opened its doors in 2006, but by the Lord’s grace the student body was growing and soon required more room.

The committee spoke with other churches and considered an unoccupied office building, but none of the options seemed to fully suit the school’s needs.

“We really did our due diligence to look at the community and to research the market to see what other options were out there,” said Sanders, who joined the committee in 2016. Little did he and others know then that the solution they were looking for was practically a stone’s throw away. As the site search wore on, College Church was in the process of acquiring the Toms-Price building and brainstorming possible uses for the space.

“It was during that time that College Church knew Clapham was looking for a building and asked if we would like to renovate with them instead of looking elsewhere,” said Christy Truitt, College Church member and Clapham parent who volunteered to lead the committee in 2017. The rest is history as Clapham agreed to enter a space sharing agreement with College Church and occupy the west end of the Crossings facility.

“Having this building and still be in partnership with College Church is an answer to prayer and it is definitely only through God’s provision,” said Heidi Johnsen, another longtime member of College Church whose three children have all attended Clapham. “When there was no other option, God provided exactly what we needed.”

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While it was a blessing to have found a site, the older west end consisted of seven additions built between the 1950s and 1970s, plus the old Grover house. Truitt and others involved questioned how to turn the hodgepodge of spaces into a school.

“In the early days, we were working with one of the architects and he was helping us with initial layouts,” said Truitt. “He was the first one who could see the space without all the partial furniture store walls. He boiled it down to the core structure and exclaimed, ‘Wow! This already looks like a school!’”

“Each section of the building seemed purpose built by God for our use—our wish list just sprang up in plain sight,” she added.

“While a school is very different from a furniture store, there weren’t any major structural walls we had to take down or rework,” said Steve Hinchee, another longtime member of College Church and Clapham parent of three, and a member of the building committee. “We were able to utilize the structure of the building and redistribute the space with interior walls. But the expensive construction work of creating new structure, we were able to avoid those costs. We were grateful to have a space to do that.”

The Glenn H. Johnson Construction Company understood the school’s mission and helped drive down costs.

“The Lord was good in sending us to a contractor who was extraordinarily helpful and didn’t count pennies and nickel and dime us, but really cared for us,” said Sanders. “They helped us save money where we could and get the result we needed.”

UNEXPECTED BLESSINGS

Throughout planning and construction Truitt observed other acts of the Lord’s wonderful providence. STARS Resale Shop, also located in the Crossings, had acquired a lot of bookcases when Toms-Price and Prairie Path Books vacated the building. When the resale shop found it did not need all the shelves, Truitt was contacted to see if Clapham wanted to purchase them. Thought she appreciated the offer, Truitt knew that in order for the shelves to work in the school’s library, they would have to meet the precise measurements from the architect: 36” wide x 12” deep x 92” tall.  Plus, the school would need at least 12 bookcases, if not more, to match one another exactly.

Truitt stopped at STARS Resale Shop to measure the shelves and, to her amazement, they measured exactly 36” x 12” x 92.” But how many were available? The store said it could sell 12 of them, maybe more in time. In the

end, Clapham purchased enough matching bookcases to serve the entire library space.

“It felt like a miracle,” said Truitt. “And a clear sign that the Lord was blessing this project—he was walking with us, mindful of every detail, and providing more than we could ask or think!  If he cares enough to provide the exact bookcases we need in the abundant quantity we need from inside the very building where we need them, what can we not trust him to provide?”

The school had bookshelves, but not nearly enough books to fill them. The shelves offered enough room for about 3,000 to 4,000. Unknown to them at the time, Nate and Melissa Peterson and Nate’s parents, Everett and Marcelyn Peterson, all longtime members of College Church, had just the solution to this problem.

Nate’s 91-year-old aunt, Barbara Peterson, had recently entered a memory care facility. Up until that time, she had been a voracious reader and book collector, collecting more than 6,000 books in the basement of her small Evanston bungalow. With his aunt in memory care, Nate assumed the responsibility of finding a new home for her books. He reached out to some places he thought might take them, but without much success. It was then he reached out to Clapham’s head of school, Kolby Atchison, to inquire if the school might be interested. Sure enough, Atchison said he was.

“Her book collection was so aligned with Clapham’s values,” Atchison said. “Everything we talk about in terms of a rich, classical curriculum was really found in her library.”

Clapham purchased about a third of the book collection at a modest price. Sadly, Barbara’s dementia was too severe for her to understand the blessing her collection was to the school before she passed away in February 2023.

“I think she would be pleased to know they ended up in a classical school,” said Everett Peterson, Barbara’s brother. “She loved to learn.”

“At the time, I didn’t really think about how the Lord was working in this,” said Nate. “My focus was just how to get 6,000 books out of this basement. But, in spite of that, it’s great God can use our efforts to care for someone’s belongings and find a new home for them.”

The books now fill the shelves in the newly finished Clapham library, waiting for students to discover the riches within.

FOR HIS KINGDOM

These stories offer only a small glimpse into the ways the Lord provided for Clapham during its building project. As Truitt reflects on her time serving on the school’s building committee, she knows the work she and many others dedicated to the project served a bigger purpose.

The extra space has allowed for the ability to further its impact and equip more children than before.

“During the building project, I adopted the biblical phrase, ‘Unless God builds the house, the workers labor in vain,’” said Atchison. “It was a great reminder that ultimately what we’re trying to do is kingdom work and we really do need to trust the Lord in every aspect of this project because apart from God, we can do no good.”

While the main building project is complete, there are other projects and improvements in the works. Clapham is in the beginning stages of creating an outdoor playscape for its youngest students. There are also plans for landscape improvements and further upgrading its STEAM lab. As the school moves forward, its faculty, staff and families will continue to place their trust in the Lord every step of the way.

God Centered Life

“It’s not about Clapham, it’s not about us,” she said. “It’s about God’s kingdom and what he’s going to do through the school and through the church to build his kingdom.”

Like College Church, Clapham shares a similar passion for proclaiming the gospel and advancing Christ’s kingdom. Its mission is to inspire students with an education founded on a Christian worldview, informed by the classical tradition, and approached with diligence and joy.

the teaching ministry of Pastor Josh Moody, features Bible teaching, both online and on the radio. This exciting ministry with a global reach continues to grow in impact. Here in the U.S., the program is heard on the radio in about 70 locations. Globally, the ministry also has a mission impact. The teaching is heard online through the OnePlace and TWR360 platforms, which have extensive listenership outside North America. Imagine! More than 35,000 people have been touched with some form of gospel content through this outreach, either an online audio message, a spiritually encouraging article, or a devotional reading. You can listen locally on Moody Radio (WMBI) at 10 p.m. M-F and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday and can have daily devotionals delivered right to your inbox.

Your prayers and partnership with this ministry are greatly appreciated.

godcenteredlife.org

COLLEGE CHURCH

New Members

HEATHER JUNE

Heather and her husband, Ryan, have three young children. They attend the Life Together Adult Community. Heather serves in the Kids’ Harbor preschool class on Sunday evening and helps coordinate park playdates for Mom2Mom. She’s also involved in Women’s Bible Study. Heather is currently a homemaker and previously worked as a middle school math teacher.

JOSH KANNARD

Josh is involved in the College Group. He is a missionary kid from Rome, Italy, and has served through music, translation and youth ministry. Josh also has a heart for missionaries and MKs like himself. He is a student at Wheaton College studying philosophy and Bible/theology. He also works at Suburban Music in Wheaton.

JUSTIN & STEPHANIE LAMBERSON

The Lambersons have been married about three years. Justin works in online education, and enjoys gaming, playing Frisbee, history and traveling. Stephanie is involved in Women’s Bible Study, and they have participated in Grounds Day, the Chili Cook-Off and Tuesdays Together. Stephanie currently works as a realtor. Previously she worked as a middle school Spanish teacher. She also has a certificate in UX Design and has worked in UX research and design. She enjoys cooking, reading, traveling, and being outdoors.

JAIRUS LUKOSE

Jairus, son of James and Jerusha Lukose, works as an internal medicine physician. He attends the Life Together Adult Community when he is able. He also plays percussion. He enjoys staying active playing tennis, golf, basketball and volleyball.

KELSEY MARKS

Kelsey is a 30-year-old young woman who lives with her mom, dad and dog, Bitsy. She has been attending College Church and its STARS ministry since she was a teenager. Kelsey participates in Sunday morning classes, church services, Friday Night Fun, Hanging with a STAR, STARS choir, Praise in Action, music camp and Run for the STARS. Kelsey loves spending time with her friends and worshiping with her church family.

DAN & CHARLENE MILLER

The Millers are part of the Life Together Adult Community. Daniel is involved in music and worship as an instrumentalist. He works as an actuary. Charlene participates in Women’s Bible Study and Mom2Mom. She is a stay-at-home mom and enjoys being creative with painting, floral design, digital design and cooking.

JIM & TERRIE MITTLESTAEDT

The Mittlestaedts have been married more than 30 years and have three adult children. They have been attending the Veritas Adult Community, and Terri attends Women’s Bible Study. Jim works as a corporate controller for a manufacturing company. He likes to bike, hike, kayak, and spend time in the north woods of Wisconsin. Terri is a licensed physical therapist but is currently a homemaker. She also enjoys light construction projects.

STEVE & KRISTINE PETNO

The Petnos are married and have two teens. They attend the Thrive Adult Community. Steve works in IT sales and marketing. He enjoys time with family and being outdoors. Food is also central in their home as Kristine is of Greek descent and Steve is half Italian, so they love to cook. Kristine is a geriatric registered nurse and is currently a homemaker.

SUSAN PHILLIP

Sue lives in Hinsdale and has four adult children and nine grandchildren, three of whom live right next door to her. A register nurse, Sue recently left a medical office position and is now primarily a homemaker. She has been attending the All Nations Adult Community.

JASON & MICHELLE RIEK

The Rieks are part of the Thrive Adult Community and are in a small group. They live in Carol Stream with their son, Colin. Jason is from St. Louis and works as a project engineer at a company called Pentair.

Michelle works on the nonprofit side of Accenture and manages all the digital learning projects they provide to nonprofit partners.

MARGARET ROY

Margaret has been involved in STARS ministry for about 12 years. She has two adult daughters and lives in Naperville. She enjoys making cards for friends and volunteers that have Scripture for encouragement.

My Heavenly Father

Wallace Alcorn

I experienced a distinction between my Father “which art in heaven” and my heavenly father. At a social gathering, our host broke the ice by asking each to answer her question: “How did you come to know God?” The accounts were earnest and credible testimonies as to how we came to accept Christ as our personal Savior. This is the way others took the suggestion because this is what the expression usually means.

But this is not how I took it. However the host meant it to be taken, something else came to my mind. While others reported truthfully and no doubt accurately what had been the occasion of their accepting Christ, I thought of the cause of my coming to know God.

In my case, the occasion of my decision to accept Christ might have been an October Saturday morning in 1939 in the balcony of the Tabernacle Baptist Church on West Wells Street in Milwaukee during “the invitation” in a child evangelism rally. Alternatively, it might have been the following morning at the end of the worship service at Garfield Avenue Baptist Church when I actually “went forward” at “the invitation.”

The actual cause was different. In point of fact, neither of the 1939 events was actually even the occasion. I came to this realization gradually through the years of maturing spiritually. This is to say, as I learned (not only mentally but experientially) more about God, the gospel and myself.

The occasion of my accepting Christ was my upbringing in, first, my home on North First Street and, second, as supplemented by the ministry and fellowship of Garfield church. The cause (within this occasion) was the lives I observed my parents living and the lives I saw being lived by the people in our church. Narrowing the focus still further, it was my father who embodied our Father. It must have been one of those many times Dad and I had serious talks with a shared Bible between us. My father was god-for-me (see Ps 82:6; Jn 10:34) until I accepted God in his Son.

A colleague once came to me and unburdened an incident that both sobered and challenged him—and demonstrated this to me. As he had passed his young daughter doing

her homework and wanting to ask his help, she looked up and began, “Dear heavenly…” Embarrassed, the girl tried to explain: “You know, Daddy, sometimes I don’t know if you’re daddy or Jesus.”

My father not only represented God to me but also, as far as I could recognize, modeled Christ for me. To hear me say this would have made him most uncomfortable because he was quite aware of the ways in which and at times when he was not much like Christ. Nonetheless, he was in many ways and at most times very like Jesus. When I heard the nature of God and the actions of God taught, I thought of my father. What is God like? He’s, well, like Dad. My initial understanding of God was my observations—and especially experience—of my father. He was a heaven-like father.

How did I come to know God? By knowing my father who knew God and lived a consistently godly life.

I have a strong suspicion that the majority of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior came to know God because we saw him lived in some Christian believer. When we heard the gospel proclaimed, it made sense because of what we saw in that person or those people. Frequently, we don’t recognize this immediately, but it comes to us as we grow to know Christ better.

Make no mistake about it: It is the work of the Holy Spirit that we are saved. But part of that work was and is our seeing the Spirit working out salvation in that person. Perhaps the most effective evangelistic thing we can do is to be that person.

MEET THE SUMMER CREW

KIDS’ HARBOR

NAME: Nathan Achziger

SCHOOL: Wheaton College

MAJOR: History

HOMETOWN: Wheaton

FAVORITE TEAM: Seattle Krakens (mainly because of the name)

HOBBIES: reading, hanging out with friends, spending time outdoors. As a kid I was super into Legos, I still kinda am

My friends & family would describe me as funny (I hope)

NAME: Cat Ausherman (short for Catherine)

SCHOOL: I graduated from Wheaton College this May with a Biology major and Spanish minor

HOMETOWN: Santa Clarita, CA

HOBBIES: baking/cooking, reading, running and playing piano

As a child, I love playing with my American Girl doll, Emily. As a pretty shy girl, I preferred activities like sewing, baking, or reading instead of group games.

Friends/family would describe me as quiet, compassionate, a good listener, organizer, encouraging and joyful.

NAME: Hope Aviles or “Hopey”

(leader)

SCHOOL: Cedarville University

MAJOR: Primary Education

HOMETOWN: Wheaton/Mongo, Chad, Africa

HOBBIES: I enjoy painting, playing guitar/singing, biking, running and baking

As a kid I loved playing in the dirt with my siblings and friends and playing active games like tag. And of course, I liked Barbies

My friends & family would describe me as enthusiastic, energetic, and a lover of the outside world.

NAME: John David Jones (JD for short for either way is fine)

SCHOOL: I am going to Taylor University in the fall

MAJOR: probably going to be

Biblical Arts

HOMETOWN: Carol Stream

FAVORITE TEAM: Favorite NFL team is the Bears and favorite college team is Auburn

HOBBIES: reading, hanging out with friends and sports. As a kid, I loved Legos (especially Lego Star Wars), Hot Wheels and Mario Bros (on Wii)

My friends & family would describe me as a jokester, energetic, fun, arguer and kind

NAME: Josh Kannard

SCHOOL: Wheaton College

MAJOR: Philosophy and Bible/ Theology

HOMETOWN: Rome, Italy

HOBBIES: playing and enjoying music, learning to cook Italian food, and spending time with those I love. As a kid, Legos!!!! I grew up on anything Lego Star Wars related.

My friends & family would describe me as thoughtful, intentional, adaptable, encouraging, supportive, personable, funny, articulate, passionate and outgoing.

Pro-Life in Public

Kara Beth Vance

For years now, I write my annual article for January Connections about Sanctity of Life month and the March for Life Chicago (a pro-life event that College Church participated in for at least five years, but the event has since moved to Springfield).

Why January? Because the Roe v Wade Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in the United States and declared it to be a “fundamental right” in the United States came out on January 22, 1973. Since that time, over 60 million abortions have been performed in the United States.

You’ve heard me say that I long for the day when abortion would be both illegal in this nation and unthinkable in our culture. We are still longing for that day.

Though the Roe v. Wade decision was overturned last summer through the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision that determined there is not a constitutional right to an abortion, allowing states the ability to pass laws protecting the unborn.

It has been reported that in the first six months following the Dobbs decision there were about 32,000 fewer abortions than would have been expected. I do praise God for preserving the lives of all the children who live today because their moms chose to forgo an abortion since it wasn’t an available option anymore in the state where they lived.

And while we can praise God for saving lives even through a Supreme Court decision, our work really hasn’t changed. Illinois has actively sought to expand abortions in the state in part by marketing to people in surrounding states that have legal protections for the unborn.

One thing I have always appreciated about March for Life Chicago was the opportunity to put feet to our beliefs. Traveling downtown (especially when we did this in the frigid January temps!) and spending most of a Saturday requires some personal sacrifice. If your picture is posted on social media at a pro-life event, you may even have to endure some opposition.

It’s also a public witness that every human life is valuable— and this includes the unborn. Your public witness may even lead to conversations with those who passionately disagree about abortion and the unborn (such as the person opposed to your social media post). And what an opportunity that would be to winsomely engage: asking good questions, clearly laying out the case for life, pointing broken people to the God who gives new life and hope in Christ!

May the Lord give us courage to stand for what is right and good and true in public and in private and may he be glorified in our lives as we seek to be faithful in that.

Mark your calendars to join me and your College Church family on Saturday, June 24, as we take buses once again to Federal Plaza in Chicago to participate the Summer of Life Kick-off Rally. This public event will be structured along the lines of the past March for Life Chicago, beginning with speakers in the plaza, then marching together on a short route holding our life-affirming signs, and ending back in the plaza with a brief celebration.

There will be no cost to ride the bus, but we do want you to register. Keep an eye out in an upcoming enews for the registration link or email sohl@college-church.org with any questions.

sanctity of human life

Did you ride the College Church bus to the March for Life in January in years past? If so, make plans to ride that bus with the College Church family and attend the Summer of Life Kick-Off Rally together to present a public witness, raise awareness, and encourage each other to act on behalf of those whose human rights are denied by legalized abortion. Speakers from Pro-Life Action League, Simply Pro-life and Illinois Right to Life, as well as a client from Aid for Women crisis pregnancy ministry will begin the rally at 11 am. A short march and celebration in Federal Plaza will follow the speakers. Keep an eye out for more details and bus registration.

CARING NETWORK CORNER

Caring Network needs staff as it expands! Refer people for job openings in administration, medical, affiliate center leadership, church partnership and client services: www.caringnetwork.com/careers

FORGOT TO DONATE TO COINS FOR CARING NETWORK?

Give online! Funds raised are critical for operating costs of Caring Network pregnancy centers. www.caringnetwork.com/baby-bottle-drive-give

DONATION CRIB COLLECTION FOR CARING NETWORK’S BABY BANK

Diapers (all sizes—opened packages accepted), wipes, baby lotion, shampoo and wash, diaper cream, and formula

Sunday, June 4 outside the Sanctuary

For the rest of June, the crib will stay in the Commons near the reception desk and stairs.

Caring Network provides free pregnancy services such as pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, consultations, gospel witness, resources and referrals to meet needs such as employment, housing, and medical care, as well as support

Wheaton’s Baby Bank distributes baby supplies every two weeks to needy clients who have chosen to parent despite difficult finances.

40 DAYS FOR LIFE PRAYER AT PLANNED PARENTHOOD

Saturday, June 10, 1-2 p.m. Join Sanctity of Human Life Task Force led by Sarah Lindquist at 40 Days for Life’s year-round peaceful prayer vigil. Meet on Waterleaf pregnancy resource center’s property across from Planned Parenthood Aurora’s driveway. Last time, we ere pleased to be able to discuss abortion and Christ with two high school students who approached us and asked why we were there.

Sign up to receive SOHL monthly e-newsletter to receive events schedule and life-related news at college-church. org/impact/sohl

at the Bookstall

Best News Ever

Free shelves at the bookstall offer gospel tracts for giveaway along with some English Bibles and Bibles in foreign languages to share with friends, neighbors, co-workers. If you would like to purchase more copies or explore the availability of the Bible in languages not on our shelves, you can visit churchsource.com and type the language you’re looking for in their search bar.

Summer Reading List

Connections asked church ministry leaders if they would share some of their summer readings lists. Here are a few. More will be coming in July and August, so check back for more lists then. Books with a * are available through the College Church bookstall.

JOSUE ALVARADO, pastoral resident

The Cross of Christ*

by John R. W. Stott

Shepherding a Child’s Heart*

by Tedd Tripp

Sacred Marriage by

Gary Thomas

The City of God by

Saint Augustine

CHERYCE BERG, director of children’s ministries

Raising Emotionally Strong Boys*

by David Thomas

Are My Kids on Track?*

by

Sissy

Goff, David Thomas, and Melissa Trevathan

Seasons of Sorrow*

by Tim Challies

Delighting in the Trinity* by

Michael Reeves

I Forgive You*

by Wendy Alsup

Concise Theology*

by J.I. Packer

ROGER BURGESS, pastor of visitation

The Gift of Heaven*

by Charles Stanley

JOSH MAURER, pastor of discipleship

Hermeneutics as Apprenticeship: How the Bible Shapes Our Interpretive Habits and Practices

by David L. Starling

Come, Lord Jesus: Meditations on the Second Coming of Christ*

by John Piper

The Glory of Christ*

by John Owen

Tim Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation*

by Collin Hansen

Social Conservatism for the Common Good: A Protestant Engagement with Robert P. George*

by Andrew T. Walker, ed.

Biblical Critical Theory: How the Bible’s Unfolding Story Makes Sense of Modern Life and Culture

by Christopher Watkin

WIL TRIGGS, director of communications

A Passion for God*

The Spiritual Journey of A.W. Tozer

by Lyle Dorsett

A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life*

by J. I. Packer

Cotton Candy: Poems Dipped Out of the Air

by Ted Kooser

Musical Tables

by Billy Collins

You’re Only Human: How Your Limits Reflect God’s Design and Why That’s Good News*

by Kelly M. Kapic

The God of the Garden*

by Andrew Peterson

Proclaiming the Gospel

The vision of College Church is summarized in three words: “Proclaiming the Gospel.” This higher purpose elevates and focuses all our activities. We have identified five initiatives for the purpose of proclaiming the gospel.

Pathway. We structure our ministries so that you can Discover Jesus, Grow in Your Faith, and Impact the World. Our goal is to call a pastor of evangelism by June 2023 to lead the discover portion of this pathway.

Community. We are a community that cultivates care, encouragement and connection. Our goal is to mobilize us all to care for each other, call a community life pastor, and have increased use of counseling with designated space in the Crossings.

Discipleship. We will elevate biblically rigorous and practical discipleship. Our goal is to explore more adult communities and two churchwide educational seminars on matters of current discipleship importance by December 2023.

Campus. We will increasingly activate our campus. Our goal is to utilize the Crossings as a crossover space to reach our community, for student and family space, with phase 2 plan established and capital campaign launched by December 2023.

Planting. We will leverage the church’s history of church planting, training programs, and connections across the country and world. Our goal is to plant multiple new churches in partnership with likeminded churches by 2030.

PATHWAY UPDATE

We are excited to welcome Jim Johanik to the position of Pastor of Evangelism. As he begins his ministry this month, let’s stand behind him in prayer. Let’s also open ourselves up to new possibilities for how we might share our faith with those around us. Tuesdays Together offers three nights this summer to invite friends and neighbours to the church parking lot for food and talk for adults, and games and bouncy house amusements for kids.

The Little Square Basket

Anonymous

In Kindergarten Bible School, every week I bring little baskets to the small group rooms. It’s our nod to giving. At the beginning of the year, I explain the purpose of the little baskets. Why do we give offering, I ask. The children give a variety of answers: to help people, because we’re supposed to, to tell God we love him. Those are a few I remember.

It was easier to explain offering when they saw it being physically taken every week as part of the worship service. The offering plates were passed and people put money into them as they went by. We don’t do that anymore, so there isn’t that visual cue each week. And Kindergarteners aren’t old enough to remember before COVID when we used to do that. But we do have the plates as people leave or enter the Sanctuary, where some surely see them.

This offering basket thing is as low key as it can be without disappearing altogether. If I forget to bring the baskets round, they let me know. Someone comes ready to give most every week—a sandwich bag with some coins, a dollar bill. Others explain when I bring it to their table, “I always forget” or “We don’t do that.” Sometimes the kids use the baskets to collect crayons they want to keep track of while drawing their craft.

One thing I love about the Kindergarteners is that they don’t have all the filters we older folks have. When they like something or when they don’t, they let us know. This will go away soon enough, but it’s one thing I love about them.

Over the course of the year, the subject of money has come up a few times, and they enthusiastically let me know they love it. They know they don’t have very much of it, but they all want more. They love what it will buy them. It’s fun and gratifying for them to think of what they would do if they had more of it. There is energy and enthusiasm expressed when the subject of money has come up. More than one of them has said out loud with gusto and with no sense of irony at all, “I love money.”

A few weeks back, something happened that brought me up short. The little basket in one of the groups was overflowing with a plastic bag stuffed with coins and bills. There was a $10 bill, and a lot of singles.

All kinds of coins, some possibly foreign, or those rare dollar bill coins, some folded into a little square that once

fit into a little pocket. The small group teacher explained that it all came from one boy who brought it in with much enthusiasm. “Wow,” I said, and added, “thank you so much.” I could tell this was a big deal for him and he was quite happy to do this surprising thing. He was excited to bring it. I mean, he was happy about it. Some of the other kids looked a little shocked.

When his dad came at the end of the hour to pick up his son, I asked him about it. “Yeah,” he said. “It wasn’t just him. His brothers and sisters—they’ve all been saving up for it.”

“That’s great,” I said as the father and son left.

In the world of Kindergarten, this was the equivalent of the unexpected six-figure gift. This little boy and his siblings, they love money, but they’re learning that giving it away, giving it to church, actually, giving it to Jesus as a part of worship, this is a great thing. As I saw that overflowing basket, I wondered if I should be giving more and with the joy of that boy.

I can’t help but think of another person from another time, a widow whose little coin went into the offering box. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them.”

Anonymous stories of giving and generosity are welcome. If you have one or an idea related to this, email wtriggs@college-church. org. Such stories will appear under the heading “Giving Joy.”

CROSSINGS

CROSSINGS