November 2023 Connections

NOVEMBER 2023

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

“Being reminded often of my own temporality has ended the idea of eternity being any distance of length to travel. More of a step this way.

Eternity is right here.”

Read “Walking Through the Rain”

by Virginia Hughes on page 24

SIDE BY SIDE

I BELIEVE

FACE TO FACE

The Two Dimensions of Communion

Why Don’t You Do What You’ve Been Told

Thanksgiving, or Thanks-keeping

WALLACE ALCORN | 12

JON SMALLEY | 14

ALEX LEE | 20

TABLE OF CONTENTS PA GE 02

PAG E 19

November Highlights

Autumn Trilogy—Poems By Richard Moomjian

PA GE 05

PAG E 20

From the Editor

Thanksgiving, or Thanks-keeping

WIL TRIGGS

ALEX LEE

PA GE 06

PAG E 22

ArtSpace

Milestones

PA GE 07

PAG E 23

Artist Spotlight—Randy Atkison

Our Vision

PA GE 08

PAG E 24

The Jaranwala Tragedy: Response to Suffering and Persecution

Walking Through the Rain

YOUSAF SADIQ

PAG E 26

PA GE 10

Christmas Store 2023: An Interview with Vanessa Roth

Thanksgiving Eve Offering CURT MILLER

PAG E 28

PA GE 12 The Two Dimensions of Communion WALLACE ALCORN

PAG E 30

PA GE 14 Why Don’t You Do What You’ve Been Told?

Repair Work

ALLISON KELLEY

Sanctity of Human Life

Opportunities for Prayer

PA GE 16

Thoughts about Pregnancy

PAG E 29

PA GE 13

JON SMALLEY

VIRGINIA HUGHES

At the Bookstall

PAG E 31 Under the Radar

PAG E 32

KEITH BODGER

Looking Ahead

PA GE 18

PAG E 33

New Members

Giving Joy: Five Truths I Learned from Dad

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 | Jim Johanik, pastor of evangelism | 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 December issue: November 9 | For the January issue: December 9 | For the February issue: January 9

CONTRIBUTORS WALLACE ALCORN

ALEXANDER LEE

RANDY ATKISON

CURT MILLER

and his wife, Mary, and their now-grown daughters Lydia and Rachel, have lived in their same home in Wheaton for almost 50 years. He and Mary became members in 1977. We welcome his photos in this issue of Connections.

missions pastor, encourages disciple-making locally and globally. He is thankful for the global church and connecting with our mission partners. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children, Caleb, Gideon and Moriah.

KEITH BODGER

VANESSA ROTH

is thankful that his favorite season of the year is arriving, winter. Keith and his wife, Mel, have lived in Wheaton since they married 28 years ago. He and Mel lead a small group together.

has served on the College Church board of deaconesses and has participated in short-term missions trips. She is the chief operating officer at Outreach Ministries. Vanessa enjoys traveling and perfecting her put.

She’s thankful for time well-spent with family and friends.

VIRGINIA HUGHES

YOUSAF SADIQ

ALLISON KELLEY

JON SMALLEY

taught scouting recruits as senior patrol leader in his church’s troop and Sunday school while a high school student. In the army, he was an instructor at The Adjutant General’s School, US Army Chaplain School, Command & General Staff College. Connections is thankful for Wallace’s regular contributions.

has served in children’s ministries and on the deaconess board. At home, she is usually working in the garden or writing.

Virginia and her husband, Roger, have three grown daughters, and are thankful for trips to Ann Arbor (MI) to visit their grandson.

and her husband, David, will welcome their first child this month. She serves on the hospitality committee and teaches once a month Lighthouse in Kids’ Harbor. Allison is thankful for family in the area, and mashed sweet potatoes (with extra marshmallows) at Thanksgiving.

and his wife, Virginia, have been members at College Church for some ten years. They are thankful for their daughter, son and four grandchildren. Alex works as a letter-carrier, and enjoys reading, writing, watching movies and going to flea markets.

and his wife, Ruth, have been members of College Church for some eight years. They have two daughters. Yousaf is passionate to be a voice for the persecuted church. Currently, he is developing a Center for the Globally Persecuted Church.

has just completed a three-year term on the Board of Deacons, serving as secretary. He shares emcee duties in Veritas, ushers at the 8 a.m. service, and helps his wife, Kristie, look after a corner of the church’s landscape.

COVER IMAGE: by featured artist Randy Atkison

NOVEMBER 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

MORNING SERMON SERIES:

IF YOU WANT TO GET GOD YOU’VE GOT TO GET OVER YOURSELF From the Book of Judges, Senior Pastor Josh Moody preaching NOVEMBER 5: God Is Ever Just Judges 16:1-31 Communion Service NOVEMBER 12: Meism in Religion Judges 17:1-18:31 NOVEMBER 19: Stop Sin Spreading Judges 19:1-20:11 NOVEMBER 26: Root Out Sin Judges 20:12-21:25

THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE A time to give thanks together. Bring friends and family.

Wednesday, November 22, at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

SWEET TIME COAT DRIVE AND GATHERING Bring a winter coat to donate to people in need who will get them at Repeat Boutique. Enjoy a sweet and some fellowship after the Thanksgiving Eve service.

ADULT COMMUNITIES

SUNDAY EVENING WORSHIP SERVICES Everyone welcome.

5 p.m. in Crossings

EVENING SERMON SERIES:

STRENGTH IN WEAKNESS

Evening sermons from 2 Corinthians NOVEMBER 5: 2 Corinthians 3:7-18, Pastor Dan Hiben preaching.

NOVEMBER 12: 2 Corinthians 4:1-6, Pastoral Resident Richard Moomjian preaching.

NOVEMBER 19: 2 Corinthians 4:7-15, Pastor Jim Johanik preaching.

NOVEMBER 26: No Evening Service.

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ALL NATIONS Sundays 9:30 a.m. in C104F • TEACHER: Jim Tebbe • STUDY: God’s Mission as seen in Scripture: The Life of Abraham • DESCRIPTION: Besides studying Scripture, we will have testimonies as well as information about and prayer for the church in countries around the world as a regular feature of the class FORUM 15 Sundays 8 a.m. in C104F • TEACHERS: John Maust • STUDY: In the Beginning: God Speaks • DESCRIPTION: prayer time, singing and study with class interaction.

GREEK EXEGESIS CLASS Sundays 9:30 a.m. in the Board Room • TEACHER: Jon Laansma • STUDY: 1 John • DESCRIPTION: Reading and discussion of the Greek New Testament. Knowledge of Greek is not required for this class.

LIFE TOGETHER COMMUNITY Sundays 9:30 a.m. in Commons Gym

• TEACHER: Teaching Team • DESCRIPTION: Short teaching with small group discussion. Authentic, biblical community for adults ages 25–40

MEN’S BREAKFAST

LIVING WORD Sundays 9:30 a.m. in C104A & C104C • TEACHERS: Felipe Chamy, Grant Flynn and Josh Maurer • STUDY: The Letter of James • DESCRIPTION: Fellowship and exposition of James, with application to life today

SUNDAY MORNING

LOGOS Sundays 9:30 a.m. in C104E • TEACHER: Teaching team led by Josh Maurer • STUDY: 1-2 Thessalonians

CHILDREN’S CHURCH (older preschool) during second half of 11 a.m. service

THRIVE Sundays 9:30 a.m. in Crossings-Clapham Main Area

ALL KIDS’ HARBOR SUNDAY P.M. PROGRAMS

• TEACHERS: Joe Becker, Dan Haase, Dan Lindquist, Mark Odell, Dave Setran, John Yoder

NOVEMBER 4: 7:30 a.m. in Commons

CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES (KIDS’ HARBOR) NURSERY (0–2) at 9:30 and 11 a.m.

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

WONDERS OF WORSHIP “WOW” (K–third grade) during second half of 11 a.m. service

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

God’s Children Sing, Children’s Choirs, Preschool and Nursery

• STUDY: Gospel of John

KIDS’ HARBOR WEDNESDAY MINISTRIES

• DESCRIPTION: Fellowship, teaching and prayer with an

KIDS KORNER 9:30-11 a.m.

emphasis on applying God’s truth to our lives VERITAS Sundays 9:30 a.m. in C104B & D

• TEACHER: Neil Wright • STUDY: The Nature of God: God Is Better than You Think • DESCRIPTION: Teaching and discussion about the nature and attributes of God. All Ages Welcome.

EVENING PROGRAMS 6:45-8:15 p.m.

MIDDLE SCHOOL (KINGS MESSENGERS) SUNDAYS: Commons Lower Level at 9:30-10:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAYS: in Crossings, 6:45-8:15 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL

WOMEN’S MINISTRIES

SUNDAYS: in the Crossings at 9:30-10:30 a.m.

MOM2MOM

WEDNESDAYS: 7-8:30 p.m.

NOVEMBER 6: Large Group Gathering, 9:30-11 a.m., Commons Hall

NOVEMBER 1: Crossings

NOVEMBER 13: Mom’s Night Out, 7:30-9 p.m.

NOVEMBER 27: Park Playdate, Northside Park, 9:3011:30 a.m.

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY

NOVEMBER 8: Crossings NOVEMBER 15: Homes/Small Group NOVEMBER 22: Not meeting—Thanksgiving Eve NOVEMBER 22: Homes/Small Group

We’re excited to be diving into the Book of Acts for the year. We hope you’ll join us! To register, visit our website.

COLLEGE GROUP

MORNING: 9:30-11 a.m.

SUNDAYS: Sunday Gathering in Crossings at 10:45

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

WOMEN’S GATHERING NOVEMBER 11: 9–10:30 a.m. in Commons

MEN’S MINISTRIES MEN’S BIBLE STUDY Men’s Bible Study, in Commons 6:45-8:15 p.m.

We are studying the Book of Acts for the entire year and are encouraging men to register this year. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/4vc8smjv

(No meeting November 26, Thanksgiving weekend)

TUESDAYS: The Table (dinner and Bible study) in Crossings at 6:30 p.m. (No meeting November 21 Thanksgiving Break)

STARS DISABILITY SUNDAYS All classes on Commons Tunnel Level.

INCLUSION (Nursery-High School): rooms vary (continued on next page)

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CHILD/TEEN COMMUNITY: in C001, 9:30 and 11 a.m.

ADULT COMMUNITY: in C002-B, 9:30 a.m.

MULTI-GENERATIONAL COMMUNITY: in C002-A, 9:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAYS PRAISE IN ACTION in Welsh Hall and the Choir room, 6:45 p.m. (no meeting on Nov. 22)

FRIDAYS November 3 FRIDAY FRIENDS in Commons Tunnel Level, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

FRIDAY NIGHT FUN in Commons Lower Level, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

ARTSPACE Details on page 6.

KEENAGERS Join the senior adults (55+) of College Church on Friday, November 10 for a delicious dinner, followed by an exciting piano concert by Dr. Bill Phemister, professor of music emeritus from Wheaton College. The evening begins with a time of fellowship at 5:30, dinner at 6 and the program at 7 p.m. Reservations are required

by Tuesday, November 7, by emailing keenagers@ college-church.org.

BECOMING ONE is a one-day opportunity to meet with other couples on Saturday, January 27, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (to include lunch) and will also include three personal sessions with a mentor couple at another time. The registration fee of $35 per couple covers materials and an online inventory. Email marriage@college-church.org for more information, or register using the QR code.

GO TEAM!

GRACE GROUPS Mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety and other problems with mood stability are real and need compassionate support. Living Grace and Family Grace are support groups that meet weekly on Monday evenings through February 2024. Living Grace is meant for the person who is living with the pain of difficult mental and emotional issues; Family Grace is for the person who has a loved one who struggles with these issues. For more information email gracegroups@college-church.org, or register using the QR code.

VISITORS LUNCH Are you new to College Church? If so, you’re invited to attend our Visitors Lunch on Sunday, November 12, at noon in the lobby outside the Sanctuary. Come and meet pastors and staff, learn about College Church and find out how you can get involved. Lunch is on us! Help us plan by emailing welcome@ college-church.org, or using the QR code.

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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!

SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS Has the loss of a loved one left you wondering how you will survive the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas? Come be encouraged about dealing with loss during the holiday season. This special GriefShare seminar will be held Monday, November 13, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Commons Hall. For more info, contact Christy at ext. 175 or griefshare@ college-church.org.

FROM THE EDITOR

P R A Y E R S , T HAN KS GIV IN G, COM F OR T

The month of November begins with the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. And this issue of Connections begins with a close-to-home story of persecution in Pakistan, written by Yousaf Sadiq, a member here at College Church who currently serves on our board of missions. The fellowship of suffering is part of the Christian life, a true element in our connection to Jesus.

The issue moves, like the month does, with both suffering and, as we approach Thanksgiving, comfort. I am so grateful for those who have shared their writing in this issue.

Besides Yousaf, there is Wallace Alcorn who shares a moving story of the power of the Lord’s Table. There is Keith Bodger who considers road repairs and our Christian lives. Virginia Hughes beautifully describes the challenges of a health issue in light of our own mortality. I love how Alex Lee explained his struggles to give thanks, something many struggle with but few admit. Vanessa Roth talks about the Christmas Store, a legacy of help for many years to local families facing difficult times and Pastor Curt Miller outlines our Thanksgiving Eve Offering that this year to help Pakistan and Syrian youth at these seasons of great need. Jon Smalley’s journey of faith is one that has me giving thanks, partly because I love Jon as a brother, and because of the hand of God that I see in his story. Our Giving Joy celebrates the priority of giving passed from father to son and now on to grandchildren.

Neither Israel nor Ukraine is featured this month, but both countries are in our prayers and we hope to have something in December from one or both of those places of great need.

Our legacy as Christians fits the arc of November: from suffering to Thanksgiving. As a church and a people, we put others first, we give as we are able to give and help others, even in the midst of our own suffering.

Comfort comes in all of this. May it be true in us this November and the months ahead. Thanksgiving greetings all around.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. — 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-5

WI L T RI GGS

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Gallery

Coming in January:

ISAIAH 55 GOD’S CALL TO THE NATIONS

WRITING YOUR FAITH JOURNEY

Hours: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Fridays 12-2 p.m.

Also open on Sunday after the evening service.

Ends November 12.

Jesus told the man liberated from demons, “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” Your journey to faith may not seem as spectacular as this man’s, but it is a story worth telling nonetheless. Have you shared with your family and friends how the Lord drew you to him, and how he has continued to work in your life? More specifically, have you written this down as a record of God’s faithfulness and as an encouragement to others?

God calls us to take the good news of the gospel out into the world. He promises that his Word will always fulfill its purpose, and his promises always come to fruition. And the Holy Spirit is with us to empower us to do his will. Come celebrate College Church’s commitment to answer that call, imaged in artistic and photographic reflections on God’s Word as the source, motivation and promise that upholds our mission to the nations.

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

Tuesday, November 14, at 7 p.m. in Crossings November creativity word for the month: Comfort In November we will discuss the article, “Art and Culture—What Is a Christian’s Responsibility?” https://tinyurl.com/2f3chmcu

Workshops ORNAMENT ART

Details to come.

In this workshop, you will receive guidance on how to write your faith story, be it the account of your conversion to Christ or the story of a different, specific experience when God intervened or moved in your life in a powerful way. You’ll also learn how to make your writing clear and compelling so that readers will stay with you to the end of the story. We’ll include time for some in-class writing, so that you’ll come away from the workshop with a good head start on writing your faith journey.

John Maust is president of Media Associates International, a training ministry that equips Christian publishers and writers in the Majority World. His journey into writing and publishing began as a small-town weekly newspaper editor in Indiana, followed by several years as a news reporter for Christianity Today magazine and then extended service as a missionary journalist in Latin America.

November 4 | 9AM-NOON | Crossings Cost: Individual $15, Family $30 Make a handmade ornament perfect for a gift or your home collection. Ideal for ages eight-adult. This workshop is open to everyone, including STARS. Visit college-church. org/artspace for details and registration. You must register to attend. Note: Children under age 10 and STARS must be accompanied by an adult.

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

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“Ever since my college days, I have enjoyed

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

taking photographs,” says Randy Atkison, this

RANDY ATKISON

month’s spotlight artist. After graduation, he began his lifelong career as a pharmacist, working for many years at Central DuPage Hospital. But his camera was always close at hand.

“I probably have about half a million photographs total. Looking back, these photographs create a visual documentary of my life and family. In recent years, as my children have moved way, I’ve begun to do more experimental images and techniques including changing or making colors, making things glow, and experimenting more on the computer.”

Randy has taken his camera with him and photographed images in Egypt, Africa (Niger in 1997 and Burkina Faso in 1993), various countries in Europe, including the UK, where one of his daughters and her family reside.

Asked if he had a favorite, Randy answers, “I love taking photographs of flowers. There’s nothing like their colors and varieties.”

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The Jaranwala Tragedy: Response to Suffering and Persecution

GL OBA L VOI CES

Yousaf Sadiq

Just two days after Pakistan’s 76th

attacks on Christian communities since

Independence Day, 28 churches and 180

1980, resulting in deaths as well as burn-

homes were burned by mobs in the city

ings of Christian homes and churches.

of Jaranwala. On the morning of August

Every single incident under the blasphe-

16, the local mosque announced that a

my accusation has been proven to be a

couple of Christians had desecrated the

result of personal conflict, accompanied

pages of the Qur’an (the sacred book of

by false witnesses.

the Muslims), and for people to teach a lesson to the Christians by committing acts of violence.

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It is said that experience is the best teacher, so after this August attack, local Christians were immediately alerted

Pakistan has the strictest form of blas-

when the announcements came through

phemy law. According to the Pakistan

the loudspeakers installed in the mosque

Penal Code 295B, the punishment for

minarets. It was around 5:30 a.m., and

damaging, desecrating or defiling a copy

many were still asleep in their beds. As

of the Qur’an or an extract from it is pun-

believers realized the urgency of the

ishable with life imprisonment. Under

matter, they started knocking on each

this law, there have been several mob

other’s doors. In this unimaginable time

of panic and fear, they knew they had very little time— minutes, not hours—to make a crucial decision. This decision would be incredibly hard for anyone who realizes that shortly his house and possessions would be looted and burned by a mob. It needs to be noted here that this Christian community, like many local Christians living in other parts of Pakistan, is an underprivileged community, often without access to personal means of transportation.

ing religion, which also are justified by people in general.

Imagine you only had 10-15 minutes to leave your home, what would you take? Perhaps one might think of cash, passports or precious family memories as important, but there is so much to think about in such a short time. For children it might be their toys and gifts from parents and grandparents. The Christian community in Jaranwala went through all these complexities. The sick, the elderly, pregnant women and even pets were also among those who left their homes for safety on August 16. The protection of their families and neighbors was most important to these Christians.

Sunday after these attacks, Christians started to gather

Consequently, the law enforcement personnel often ignore the attacks and do not act against attackers.

How are Christians responding to this tragedy? Many victims are especially sad that their churches have been burnt. Some can be heard saying that they are sad for their homes, but mobs should not have burnt the house of God, where they worship as a community. The very first outside their burnt churches. They worshipped together and listened as their pastors preached, while sitting on the ground. They sang the psalms of lament as a community, expressing their grief but also asking God to grant them comfort and peace in their current situation. As they ask for justice and for authorities to act against those who looted and burnt their churches and properties, the Christians are trusting God for his provision for their needs in this time of trouble. It is commendable how the Pakistani Christian community from all over the country

Shortly after the Christian community left, the first mob arrived with sticks and stones. Though the Christians had put locks on their doors upon leaving, the mob broke the locks, started to loot, and took whatever they could. A second mob followed with metal rods and chemicals to burn the properties. They not only vandalized personal properties, but also the churches. Some Christians were able to find public transportation early in the morning and went to their relatives or extended families in nearby towns. For others, the only available option was to hide and spend the day and night in nearby sugarcane fields.

And no one had any idea of what was happening to their properties and churches.

is reaching out to the community in Jaranwala. With the

After two days, some members of this Christian community returned to check on their properties. Sadly, there was nothing left except their burnt homes. The level of stress, trauma, pain and lament to see one’s sweet home burned to the ground is unthinkable. The scenes of Christian women standing outside their homes and churches, wailing and expressing their loss were extremely sad.

Home insurance is not common for most of the people in this part of the world. Consequently, many will restart their lives from scratch. Although the government has made compensation promises, it’s known for making verbal promises without taking any serious action about it. So, the Christian community has no expectations for the government to intervene and help.

followers of Christ. They believe that God himself is their

Religion is a highly sensitive matter in Pakistan. Oftentimes, people take the law into their own hands, considering it their religious duty. As a result, a culture of mob attacks has developed when it comes to matters concern-

continue to work on maintaining order, for Christians who still

little resources that they have, they are sharing them with fellow brothers and sisters in need.

Apart from the material needs, these Christians also have spiritual, emotional and mental needs. Since they live in a community culture, the affected Christians are going through this crisis together praying for each other, looking after other’s needs, comforting one another, and encouraging each other through the Word of God. They believe that they are one as a family, and that they must act as a community of God’s people.

The Christians in Jaranwala are persecuted for being the comforter, and relate to Paul’s words that nothing can separate them from the love of Christ, neither hardships nor persecution (Romans 8:35-37). In their sufferings, they identify with the sufferings of Christ, who himself was persecuted (1 Peter 4:14). These brothers and sisters see the Jaranwala incidents as the testing of their faith and plead before God to grant them strength to persevere in these trials (James 1:12). May the Lord grant them his divine peace and comfort. Amen!

On the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, please pray for Christians whose churches and homes have been destroyed, for pastors as they lead their congregations in difficult times, for authorities as they have not been able to return to their homes, for the rebuilding of homes and churches, for believers to stand firm in faith, and for the spiritual needs of the Christians to be met.

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G LO B AL VO ICES

Thanksgiving Eve Offering Curt Miller, missions pastor

How can we, one local church in Wheaton,

nificantly non-Christian community in the

Illinois, make a lasting difference in the

Middle East and supporting trauma care

Middle East and in Pakistan?

among a persecuted Christian community

The annual Thanksgiving Eve Offering (TEO) provides a unique opportunity for us as a church to support global word and deed ministry. Although most of our attention throughout the year is focused on proclamation-oriented ministry, the TEO provides an opportunity to enable, support

and

encourage

Christians

working in very hard places.

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in Pakistan, we help enable local Christians as they communicate the love and the message of Jesus to those around them.

EDUCATING MIDDLE EASTERN YOUTH George Washington Carver once said, “Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.” In many places around the world, where Christ-followers serve in education among the next generation,

This year, the following two proposals

they witness the door to the mind and

were approved by the Board of Missions

the heart opening. Many students come

and then by the Council of Elders. By sup-

to experience freedom educationally,

porting an education project among a sig-

socially and spiritually.

This project will provide professional, compassionate care and counseling for individuals and families who survived these traumatic events.

The vision is for many persecuted Christians to experience the healing and transformative power of God’s love over the coming months.

We should never overestimate the impact of our work.

We must be realistic. It is highly unlikely that this offering will change the course of any country’s future, but friends, our goal is not geo-political in nature. Our goal is more specific than that. Ninety kids in Syria and one community in Pakistan.

According to our global worker, “For the past two years, a returned refugee, and majority background follower of Jesus, has led an educational project providing high quality elementary education to families in her village. It now serves around ninety students grades one through four.

Trained teachers like Sondes focus on reading, writing and math, filling the gaps in the educational system in an unstable comunity that has been heavily impacted by the war. The snacks and nutritional support also help families make ends meet in the face of a challenging economic situation. Sondes and her coworkers are working to be a spot of stability and hope in these children’s lives and to give hope to their families, providing the basic education that will prevent a ‘lost generation.’ She and other teachers also regularly share stories from the gospels, psalms and Old Testament with children as they face difficulties and uncertainties, praying together for God’s provision and help.”

Can we make a lasting difference for them? Can we impact their future? I believe we can.

Cole Richards, president of The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM), will be sharing insights on persecuted Christians and churches at the Prayer Meeting for the Persecuted Church on Friday, November 3, in the Commons of College Church.

VOM serves, and serves with, Christians who are severely persecuted for their faith on the world’s most difficult and dangerous missions frontiers.

This work is carried out by a multinational team of missionary leaders that responds to persecution and advances God’s eternal kingdom in 70 restricted nations and hostile areas.

SUPPORTING THE PERSECUTED IN PAKISTAN Since August of this year, dozens of churches and many homes of Christians in Pakistan have been burned and destroyed. We have received a list of these churches.

Religious persecution results in Christians who need both immediate and long-term trauma care from trained leaders. We have an opportunity to support trained Christian leaders to come alongside our brothers and sisters in the faith during a very dark period of their lives.

He joined VOM in 2006 after living and ministering in one of the least-reached and restricted nations in the Middle East, where he, his wife and their children reached out to Muslims and supported persecuted Christians.

We are pleased to welcome Cole and hear from him at our Friday prayer meeting.

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SI D E B Y S I DE

The Two Dimensions of Communion Wallace Alcorn When my fellow chaplain walked into the Fort Sheridan Chapel, he surprised me mildly because he had been scheduled for troop visits at one of his anti-aircraft batteries that Sunday. It was why he had asked me to substitute at communion this day. My surprise was but mild because, in the army, change doesn’t surprise—it just confuses. The organ prelude had just begun, and he took his place prominently center-front. Although in civilian clothes because off-duty, he probably wanted other worshippers to know that chaplains, too, come to communion to receive as well as serve it.

The greater surprise was his teenage son slipping into the back pew well into the service and slouching almost hidden. The kid had stopped coming to chapel when his father gave up forcing him. My colleague had asked me to pray for reconciliation with his son because they were suffering what looked like a fatal separation because of his son’s violent rebellion against “all that is spiritual.”

They ate and slept in the same quarters, but neither was present for the other.

Then the son came to me for counseling on the condition I wouldn’t tell his father. I added I would never reveal anything he told me. Their accounts were mirror images, each blaming everything on the other. I gave impeccable counsel to both, that would have impressed those who had trained me. It was based on Scriptural teaching and put logically and reasonably.

But you can’t reason a person out of a condition he didn’t enter by reason. They—father and son—had become blinded and desensitized by hostile emotion.

I did all that was left to me to do, this is, I, well, prayed.

Even as I did, I couldn’t conceive what it would take to bring these two together. But here they are in the same service at the same time—but hardly together. Then came communion itself.

In army fashion for a general protestant service, the protocol was to accommodate to the wide range in both understandings and practices of communion. The serving trays the ushers passed through the pews offered the choice of grape juice or wine. Another accommodation was the option to remain in the pew and receive the elements there or walk to the front, kneel at the altar rail, and be served by the chaplain.

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My colleague, and brother-in-Christ, amused me slightly by doing a very un-Southern-Baptist thing in coming to the rail and kneeling. What sobered me was the boy coming down and approaching the rail, hesitating behind his father.

I looked at the son in a way that asked, “Are you sure you want to do this?” He nodded. I put my hand between the father and the soldier kneeling next to him to make room.

Father and son—heretofore estranged and hostile—knelt side-by-side and received the bread and then the cup.

Neither as much as glanced at the other, but the son leaned into his father. At first, he stiffened and then relaxed in acceptance. They were then and there one-in-spirit. The first time in a very long time. The Holy Spirit moved in that moment in a way no sermon or counseling ever could. I felt it palpably. My heart warmed and tears came.

The ceremony completed, father-and-son stood and moved back toward the pews. Father put his arm around his son’s shoulders as they reached the aisle, and the son reached around his daddy’s waist. They didn’t speak but walked directly out of the chapel into a communion of their own. It was the communion that comes as Christ designed communion to come—from the vertical to the horizontal, from reaching up and then reaching out.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRAYER

God Centered Life

Call the church office or email info@collegechurch.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.

NOVEMBER 1: Joe and Holly Greeson NOVEMBER 8: Isaac and Jennifer Stough NOVEMBER 15: Jon and Kathy Haley NOVEMBER 22: No meeting this week due to Thanksgiving Eve Service

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

NOVEMBER 29: Daniel Bair

Friday Prayer for the Persecuted Church 12-1 p.m. in the Board Room. Led by Wil and Lorraine Triggs. The weekly prayer guide is also available at our website: college-church.org/impact/ prayer. Cole Richards, president of Voice of the Martyrs will join us for a special time together at 12 p.m. on November 3.

COMMUNION AT COLLEGE CHURCH

AARON-HUR PRAYER FELLOWSHIP Aaron-Hur Fellowship will meet on Thursday, November 9, at 7 p.m. at the home of Ruth Diffin, 1917 Ardmore Lane, Unit B, in Wheaton (610-291-2437). Our guests will be Isaac and Jennifer Stough, serving in Spain.

BARNABAS PRAYER FELLOWSHIP Barnabas Fellowship meeting details will be in the Prayer Pulse enews.

NOVEMBER 5 & DECEMBER 3 13

I BEL I EVE

Why don’t you do what you’ve been told?

PART TWO Jon Smalley As I look back on my formative years, I see a

at the time, it was probably a kinder way to de-

reasonably compliant child turn into a rebel-

scribe overly creative elements in my work.

lious teen who degenerated steadily into an adulthood marked by ambivalent conformance with social norms in general and an increasing movement away from Christian values in particular. Such was my disposition as I grew more entrenched in rejection of all things religious.

wife and infant son to America—a prison break as I escaped the upbringing I rejected. Life was great on every front, or so it seemed despite that small inner voice that refused to go silent.

In a couple of years, however, the edifice

Despite parental rigor, I strayed beyond the scope

started to crumble and a series of challenges

of their endeavors—whether through motherly

culminated in a divorce from my wife.

pleas or fatherly threats—repeatedly doing what I had been told not to. As the years passed, any semblance of restraint diminished as far as the externals were concerned, save a small inner voice occasionally interrupting my insensitivity before being suppressed. By my late teens, I was able to put more distance from family life and left home during my college years.

Following college, a work assessment character-

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An unexpected opportunity brought me, my

For months, I avoided doing what I had been told: submit to God and let him guide the course of my life. Determined to figure things out on my own, life was relentlessly draining as I tried to salvage family, home and financial security—to no avail. Reluctantly, I decided to do the right thing but on quid pro quo terms. Circumstances did not improve.

Then, one day sitting in a hospital visitors room

ized my performance as “gregarious.” Although,

by Ruth Leaf idly leafing through pamphlets, Translation I opened one

I blithely accepted the observation as positive

titled, “Prayers for the Sick” and read Psalm

121:8: “The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming

An obvious example is Noah who, being warned by God

in from this time forth, and even for evermore.” (KJV)

concerning the impending deluge—an event not seen

In that “but God” moment, the course of my life dramatically changed as I caved. The circumstances remained yet everything was different—new motives rooted in new values as I surrendered control to God. Amazingly, God’s restoration of my life has outweighed those lost years in so many ways. New purpose, new marriage, new family, new joy. Yet old habits die hard, if they truly die at all. While there is certainly the resolve to do right the vestiges of enmity and disobedience remain to be fought. Maybe it’s just me, or is it?

The best teaching, short of personal experience often marked with failure, is through observation. Scripture provides notable examples to guide us in the “dos and don’ts” of obedience to what we have been told.

The Israelites serve regularly as an example of many things, often by way of warning to us as they frequently forgot who they were called to be as God’s chosen people.

God through Moses told the people that the land was as good as theirs, they just had to go in and take possession.

The spies brought back the reassuring report: “It is a good land that the Lord our God is giving us.” But the people rebelled and murmured because they would not take God at his word, and the consequence was that they suffered the anger of the Lord who swore: “Not one of these men of this evil generation shall see the good land that I swore to give to your fathers.” (Deut. 1:35) Perhaps there is no more dramatic example than King Nebuchadnezzar who received a remarkably vivid second dream from God and its clear interpretation through Daniel. Scarcely one year later, the king was overtaken by the pride lurking in his heart resulting in utter humiliation.

What a repulsive and sorry sight he must have been, physically marred in his appearance made all the starker

before, constructed an ark for the saving of his household.

I can just imagine the snide remarks and ridicule Noah endured as he obeyed God, and we see that “By this, Noah condemned the world and became an heir of righteousness that comes by faith.” (Hebrews 11:7) Then there is Rahab, a prostitute and hardly a likely candidate to receive God’s protection. And yet Rahab had heard the stories of what God had been doing which led her to bargain for her life and the life of her family. Her obedience to what she had heard bore fruit as she, her family and all her relatives were rescued, and Jericho and all the inhabitants and livestock were destroyed and its memory obliterated.

How can we overlook David, a man after God’s own heart, who spoke of his delight in doing God’s will. David’s celebration of God’s Word captured and expressed in so many psalms frequently testified to David’s thoughts, speech and actions in glad and grateful response: “I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end.” And “I keep your precepts and testimonies for all my ways are before you.” David enjoyed much blessing through obedience.

So, what about us? Jesus is not looking for slavish obedience but an expression of gratitude from hearts softened and constrained by his love expressed to us through his willingness to come down to where we are to raise us up to where he is.

Our heavenly Father has sent his Shepherd to bring us to himself. His Shepherd has sent his Holy Spirit to come alongside and go with us until we are brought safely home.

Our role in this is to have the strength of character to see our resolve fulfilled in action, but where do we find that strength? The Apostle Paul reminds us that our strength is

by his mental ineptitude.

not our own, instead we are strong in the strength that is

Jonah regularly takes a hit, this time as an example of willful

comes to us, there should only be one answer regardless

disobedience—a prophet of the Lord, no less, determined to counter the hope of salvation God intended to extend to the Ninevites. I wonder if Jonah would have been so quick to board that ship to Tarshish if he had known the consequences of his decision? Being hurled into storm-tossed waters only to be swallowed whole by an enormous fish is bad enough,

ours in Christ. So, when the word of direction or exhortation of appearances even to the contrary: “Yes, Lord.”

At the root of our “not doing what we’ve been told” is the disposition of our heart, and somewhat unexpectedly, Jesus explained that obedience goes hand in hand with love. It’s the heart Charles Wesley described in his hymn, “O For a Heart To Praise My God,” a heart “in every thought

but then to spend three days and nights in the belly of the

renewed and full of love divine” that we gain entrance into

fish before being vomited out must have been the “anti-icing”

the joy of grateful obedience becoming increasingly what

on the cake. My guess is that he would have found some

we are intended to be—one with the Lord.

other opportunity to avoid being a messenger to Nineveh; his attitude towards undeserving people was so strong.

But what about those obedient to what they had been told?

Take my will and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine.

Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.

“Take My Life and Let It Be” by Frances Ridley Havergal

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L IF E LES S O NS

Repair Work Keith Bodger In the mid-80s, I picked up my friend Aleric at his house. As we drove, he asked that we take Bridge Street to get to our destination. Both Aleric and I worked in construction at that time.

Aleric said, “Keith, ya gotta go down Bridge Street. I repaired a spot and it’s the best asphalt repair you’re ever see.”

He was so excited. We drove a little out of the way and he excitedly directed me to the spot so my tires would travel over his repair. After I crossed his two-foot by two-foot patch, he exclaimed, “Wasn’t that smooth?

There was no lip! No bump! It’s a perfect repair.” I smiled and nodded in agreement.

Aleric said, “You drove a little fast over it. Maybe we should go back and drive a bit slower?”

We continued to our destination, and he was a little disappointed.

Years ago, when driving my daughter to school, for several days I noticed a construction crew working on Plamondon Road at Merrill Drive. They had a section of the northbound lane excavated to make an underlying repair. One afternoon I came home on that route and the street was repaired. As I drove, I waited for the expected bump or divot that

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I’ve come to expect from most street repairs. There was none. It was smooth.

I was stunned. Should I turn around and drive over it slower? I did not. I drove the same route the next day and confirmed the smoothness. Seven years later and it’s still a thrill to drive over that repair.

There’s no click. There’s no bump.

There’s no depression. It’s a delight.

I wrote a glowing email to the Wheaton

Public Works Department to let them know how well their contractor did at repairing the road. I never heard back from them.

I could have written to them about the many poor repairs over which I’ve driven on the streets of Wheaton. Some are like speed bumps. Some are depressions. They’re all noticeable and disheartening, except for that perfect repair on Plamondon.

Like the Wheaton roads in need of perpetual repair, so too, are our lives.

We might be the last to recognize these pothole-like sins or we may be fully aware of them. The good news is that Jesus perfectly forgives us and works in us to repair the potholes of sin in our lives. Our sins affect the relationship traffic around us. With Jesus as our Savior, our sins (potholes) are forgiven. While fully and perfectly forgiven, our sins leave a mark. It’s the consequence of our sin. But by recognizing our sin, confessing it and repenting of it, the patchwork begins. Sometimes the repair is just a mark and when you drive over that repaired sin, there’s no bump, no divot and no difference in sound. But it’s there.

Sometimes, our sins leave more than a mark. There’s still

a bump in the road. Or there’s a deep divot that requires both hands on the wheel. It might cause you to slow down or swerve to avoid it. They’re all forgiven in Christ, but they leave a mark.

Consider my sin of anger. I’ve confessed it. I’ve repented.

And Jesus has helped to control my temper. But those to whom I’ve raised my voice, they are not sure if that pothole is fixed. They might take a different route rather than approach me. Or they slow down before the pothole, not knowing if the repair is complete. They don’t trust me.

Forgiven? Yes. Repaired? I think so. Speed bump? Yes, that forgiven sin continues to affect those around me, despite the repair. Some swerve. Some avoid. Some slow way down and approach with caution. The damage is done.

What do your repairs look like? Bumps and divots or just marks? Are there still potholes you need to confess?

Put your faith in Jesus to ensure your sins are forgiven and repaired. Continue confessing your sins and seeking forgiveness. Some of our sins require ongoing roadwork, like Illinois highways. Some might require a single repair, like on Plamondon Road. Ultimately, in heaven, where the streets are paved with gold, like transparent glass (Revelation 21:21), the repairs will be perfect and permanent.

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CO L L E G E CHUR CH

New Members JENNIFER QUINONES Jennifer lives with her family in Melrose Park and works as a speech pathologist. She began attending College Church at the invitation of the James Lukose family and has served in Kids’ Harbor.

Jennifer enjoys reading, gardening and spending time with her family and friends.

CYNDI ROYCE The Royces have three children. Cyndi grew up in Downers Grove. She had a career in commercial real estate in Chicago before becoming a homemaker. Cyndi has been attending Women’s Bible Study. She enjoys time with friends, reading, writing, hiking and biking.

ARIEL SCHROEDER Ariel and her husband have three children. The STARS ministry brought them to College Church, and they have been blessed by that and the broader community.

Ariel has attended Women’s Bible Study. She grew up in northwest Indiana with two siblings with whom she is very close.

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KATRINA WIEBE Katrina is a daughter of College Church missionaries Chad and Leanna Wiebe.

Aside from furloughs, Katrina spent most of her growing up years in Russia and Ukraine.

The stateside home base is Kansas near their relatives.

Katrina is involved in the 20s Group and attends the All Nations Adult Community. Katrina is an adult leader in KMs for the seventh-grade girls. She teaches third grade at Schaumburg Christian School.

HARRISON WIGGINS Harrison is a son of new members David and Heather Wiggins. He was born and raised in St. Charles and is the oldest of five children.

After college he worked as a lab technician; but now works at Crossway as a licensing representative in its Global Ministry. Harrison enjoys creating things, and enjoys reading, writing and created a radio drama podcast. He enjoys being outside and being active.

CHRISTIAN & SARAH WILLIS The Willises have been married just over three years.

They are involved in the 20s Group and in the Front Door Ministry. Christian works as a sales engineer. Sarah works as a marketing specialist. She enjoys cooking, painting, volleyball, reading and traveling.

Autumn Trilogy Poems by Richard Moomjian

LATE SEPTEMBER STREETS Golden boulevards lined with honey

TOUCHDOWN

locust leaves are strewn

Leaves of green vines swing

from curb to curb

their weightless legs over

SUNDAY SUNRISE

like glitter scattered

the two large windows

Rise over the rooftops

in elementary days.

of northern walls. Dancing

Of the gingkoes and maples

It sticks to the glue

with the breeze, their offensive

Rise of the blazing sun of worship.

of childhood, guiding us

line guards the sunlight

Peek through the spaces between

each autumn with a wink

from passing through to me.

Past the glistening chimneys

of light, reminding us that

I love watching them

Within the congregated branches.

one strong breeze and

die. And each October they creep

a look in the right direction

further into red and drop,

might soon sweep

protecting no one anymore

the celestial city

from collecting the warm

across this very road.

autumn blitz of light.

Move just an inch And blinded by light Streaming in the eternal Beaming one inch closer To perfect sight.

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FA CE T O FACE

Thanksgiving, or Thanks-keeping Alex Lee

I thank You God for most this amazing day: for the leaping greenly spirits of trees And a blue true dream of sky Thus did the poet E. E. Cummings blithely express his gratitude for nature, and for his place in it.

Stuart K. Hines’ hymn, published just a year earlier, describes the same works God’s hands have made—the stars, the rolling thunder— and concludes with the soul’s declaration of “How Great Thou Art.” Is this your life? Either trilling with transcendentalism, or drenched in the pathos of a classic hymn? Is this how you feel all—or most—of the time, thankful for God’s gifts of creation and consciousness? No, not really, truth be told.

But is it how we ought to conduct our lives?

No doubt it is.

The problem is that reality intrudes. Not every day is amazing; some days are aggravating. Most days just go by in a blur, and any opportunity for acknowledging God, let alone praising him,

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appears and disappears like a shooting star, less fixed in

luck, but when they got home, some of them, looking in

the firmament than an airliner’s landing lights. Out of the

a mirror, might have been disappointed to notice a few

“blue true dream of sky,” with little warning, a storm may

wrinkles on their forehead, or a wart or mole on their

burst and cause a tree—leaping greenly spirits and all—to

chin. If I know humanity (been there, done that), there’s

fall on the house. At such a moment, hearing “the rolling

a good chance that over time discontentment crept into

thunder” may not evoke the awesome wonder of which

those lepers’ lives.

the famous hymn speaks.

How many of us, asking God for our daily bread, and then

Gratitude does not come easily to me. Pride is a log

receiving it, resent that we got a crusty heel from the

which distorts my vision. It makes me see all that I do as

loaf, or that the bread isn’t gluten-free? How many of us,

my accomplishment, and any blessing bestowed on me

rather than saying “Thank you,” look expectantly for the

as merely a lucky windfall. Yet this same disinclination to

butter, too?

attribute God’s hand in my successes, perversely, does not extend to my misfortunes. When bad things happen to me, I am only too quick to ask God why he let them happen, as though he had been my partner the whole time. This skewed view of providence, widely universal, is proof that men and women are defective in their nature, and, left to themselves, will complain their way to permanent discontent. When we view the world through unredeemed, astigmatic eyes, the left one critical, and the right one cynical, we can be certain the way forward will be problematic. Half the time, we will in fact be moving backward, believing our nose to be an obstacle of some kind.

What is the antidote to bitterness? Giving thanks to God— for in this offering of praise we surrender, as well, our will.

And once our will is transferred to his, we empty ourselves of covetousness. Hence, the baseline for our happiness simply becomes the fact of our standing as God’s children, worthy of the most marvelous inheritance. When you hold in your fist a jewel of great size—worth, say, just to quantify it, ten million dollars—you wouldn’t be worrying about the mud on your boots, or the torn turf of the field from which you had extracted the gem. Nothing else matters in that moment; only one overwhelming fact is relevant. You shout hallelujah! to the Lord because you know your status in life has been secured.

So, it has for all believers—not, of course, regarding financial status, or merely life’s circumstances. The next life’s assurance of bliss, in truth, has been secured. That bliss, that unity with God, is the true pearl of great price, and we possess it right now in the palms of our hands. In fact, today is an amazing day.

This month, we must renew our minds. On your commute, do not bemoan the traffic; instead thank God for the job waiting for you. Be grateful your car’s transmission isn’t making funny noises—because, you know, it could very well be doing so. Thank God for your family, who consumes the bacon you bring. Enjoy the sunrise blinding you on North Avenue; soon it may be a snowstorm. We will find, when we recalibrate our expectations, that our world is much nicer and calmer. It is technically the same identical planet we used to inhabit, but we ourselves have changed—or have been changed. That is the power of peace.

The bedrock guarantee of God’s salvation, and the fathomless reservoir of his mercy form, in seamless sections, the divine arm reaching down from heaven, as in Michelangelo’s rendering, ready to catch us when we fall. This arm is what eased King David’s mind on sleepless nights, sustained him on the battlefield, carried him through his sin and grief. No wonder the psalms are full of David’s songs: of praise, of exultation, of distress and authenticity, of sheer relief. It is theologically noteworthy that of all the books of the Old Testament, Jesus quotes most frequently from the psalms.

The Apostle Paul, too, felt the same propulsive power of gratitude in his ministry. At every turn, he expressed his appreciation for his fellow believers, their gifts, and his co-workers. His tormentors Paul regarded with gritty indulgence. He was thrilled with God’s favor, and with equanimity accepted God’s testing. Whatever came his way, good or ill, including the “thorn in his flesh” which buffeted him, Paul saw as part of the divine plan. This is why he could conclude in Romans that “all things work

That one Samaritan leper whom Jesus healed, and who

together for good to them that love God.” That being the

returned to thank his healer—that former leper may

case, practically speaking there isn’t room for grumbling

have been the only one to appreciate his wondrous

in our daily life, though we look for an excuse anyway.

new skin for the remainder of his days. The other nine

It would be helpful if we could transform our particular

lepers, cleansed of their disease, but forgetful of God’s grace, might at first have been incredulous at their good

(continued on next page)

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complaints and pet causes, through some spiritual

of empires gone bad. (Daniel 2) As in Israel’s case—and

alchemy (like prayer), into harmless inert facts, with which

in the church’s case at present—God’s enduring mercy

we may then grasp a transcendent truth.

will be a balm of Gilead, and his power in the end will

For me, a deep regret is watching the tree of this country get devoured, leaf by leaf, by two species of political insect, its bark stripped by the whirlwind of social upheaval. Yet as I think about it, this decline shouldn’t be surprising. In recent generations, though that tree may have stood tall enough, our people have not watered its roots with moral teaching, but instead have poured the muck of humanism round its trunk.

All this points to a larger truth and encourages me. Israel

overcome every foe and heresy.

When we shift our perspective and push our horizon to the near edge of eternity, our complaints and grievances begin to appear laughable, and thus become manageable.

We position ourselves to cheer our Lord. When our nation passes away, and the kings of the earth reconnoiter the land for their next prize, suddenly the Lion of Judah will return to set up his rule, and of that government there will be no end, its fireworks celebration being the prismatic

in ancient times turned repeatedly from God, whining

shafts of joy and holiness exuded by all the saints—by us.

in the wilderness, and compromising its covenant with

Given that ultimate victory is ours—given that Christ has

Jehovah among alien and unworthy tribes. Not much has

fulfilled the law, and conquered death, and promised us

changed. “Without vision, the people are unrestrained and

his abiding good will, what other attitude toward life and

perish,” as Proverbs says. Our country is one in a long line

others is possible, save one of thanksgiving?

M I L E S T ONES BIRTHS Olivia Autumn was born to Daniel and Hollee Ball on October 6. Olivia joins her older siblings Stephen, Sophia and Emily.

Elliott Michael was born to Josh and Sarah Borwick on October 4. He joins big brother Ethan. His maternal grandparents are Mark and Marilyn Papierski.

Oliver Thomas was born to Nate and Lucy Williams on October 4. Oliver joins her older sisters Josie and Evie. Oliver’s maternal grandmother is Ann Classen.

Ewan Thomas was born to Daniel and Lindsey Conroy on September 24. Maternal grandparents are College Church missionaries Matt and Lisa Befus.

Dawit Aba and Etenesh Hailemarian welcomed baby Aaron to their family on September 19. Aaron joins big sisters Naomi and Ruth.

Natalie Elise was born to Micah and Suzy Roy on September 9.

Baby Lily was born to Laous Angalo and Bolis Koko this summer. Proud big brothers are Paul, Basim and Beman.

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Taylor Johnson and Olivia Wiggins were married on September 29 at College Church. Olivia is the daughter of College Church members David and Heather Wiggins.

Hannah Kosirog married Jason English on August 12 in Pennsylvania. Hannah is the daughter of College Church members Glenn and Debbie Kosirog.

DEATHS Richard Armstrong, husband of Miriam, father of Rick, Barb and Brent, passed away on October 16 in Florida. Pray for the family at this time.

Kathryn King, daughter of Karen and Chuck King (former College Church music pastor), passed away on October 9 after a long battle with cancer. Pray for Chuck and Karen, Kathryn’s husband, Brian Tasch, and their extended family as they grieve.

Pray for Carol Nickerson as she grieves the loss of her sister, Anita Weimar, who passed away in Indiana on October 1.

MARRIAGES

Pray for Ann (Steve) Vander Klok and family as they grieve the loss of Ann’s mother, Barbara Kieft, who passed away on October 2 in Bradenton, FL.

Michael DeLew married Emma Nilsson on September 28. Michael is the son of College Church members Jon and Barb DeLew.

Pray for Judy (Dan) Ford and family as they grieve the loss of Judy’s sister, Jeannie Anderson, who passed away on September 29.

O U R V I S I ON

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 was to call a pastor of evangelism by June 2023.

Jim Johanik accepted that call and is leading 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.

COMMUNITY UPDATE: Executive Pastor John Seward works with several aspects of community building. He is also overseeing the search for a Community Life Pastor, which is planned to take place as early as the end of our current fiscal year. He also reports a growing network of care and counseling for our congregation and an effort to see that the Council of Elders pray for each member of College Church by name.

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SI DE BY SI DE

Walking Through the Rain Virginia Hughes

THUMP,

suddenly

awake

and

frantically

reaching for water. It is not within reach, and I loudly call out which brings my husband swiftly to my side holding out the rescue bottle. Drinking the cool water works immediately. Heartbeat slows and breathing regulates. Whew, no shock treatment was delivered from the ICD* device within me.

And even though the water helps, internal agitation builds. To quell a growing panic, I arise like a nocturnal beast in the forest with a restless need to move throughout the house.

“I almost left for heaven just then,” is the nonverbal agreement passing between us.

The truth amplifies in my husband’s eyes.

The big heart thumpers do not happen often, but enough times in the past eight years to no longer be new or unexpected. Me almost leaving is all too familiar.

Being tracked remotely means a report from the ICD clinic will inform how close it came to a shock treatment being delivered; two more seconds and wham! Along with a seemingly favorite number to report: how many years remain on the battery inside the ICD device.

Hopefully, there will be no talk of increasing beta blocker meds. Daylight hours as a

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zombie? No thanks, there was enough of that during the child rearing years.

Unwittingly, the role of the overeager student has been assumed. Repeatedly she raises her hand in a class which she did not intentionally enroll; asking God is it her turn yet, is it now, how about now? All the while not wanting that turn today, or too soon, or at least not yet.

Because of these close calls, the veil between heaven and earth is worn to a thin thread brushing against my soul like a whisper. Being reminded often of my own temporality has ended the idea of eternity being any distance of length to travel. More of a step this way. Eternity is right here.

Gone are ambiguous hopes and papery dreams of easing into a long-lived, logical ending. What remains is a stark awareness that even while one is very much present with feet of clay on earthly terrain in this moment, the next step could be a blink into glory. It sneaks up and surprises the sleeper with a sudden thumper. One may be sitting at the table, in mild conversation, or working peacefully in the garden. The events are random and keeping short accounts is paramount. Thoughts of the ticking clock of mortality within oneself are huge and cannot be outrun.

However, run I must to the Scriptures for the good company of Moses and Elijah and the ruler of all things, God himself.

Moses and Elijah ran for their lives and ended up at Mount Horeb also known as Mount Sinai. Moses was hiding in the desert after murdering an Egyptian. He ran into God’s presence where he, a jar of clay was glazed and fired by the kiln-like burning bush. Moses was transformed by a giant mission to lead God’s people. He later returned to the same mountain to get refreshing water from the rock and soon after, commandments for God’s people.

Elijah ran from a victory over Baal and its bloody aftermath of slaying the prophets of Baal. Elijah’s burnout and fear of being hunted by Jezebel drove him into God’s feast and restful sleep. He then journeyed to Mount Horeb for God’s display of a wind so strong it knocked rocks off the mountain, followed by a shaking earthquake and a fire.

Terrifying and otherworldly, it led to God’s presence in the silence and God’s still, small voice with a plan for Elijah.

In his sermon, “The Still Small Voice,” Charles Spurgeon said: “It is well for us who are always weak that we can so clearly see that the strong are only strong because God makes them so. Their occasional weakness proves that they are naturally as weak as we are: it is only by Divine strength that they are made mighty, and this strength is ready to gird us, also, for the conflict. We take comfort from this, though we do not from it excuse our own infirmity.

The Lord God of Elijah is our God, and as he sustained a man of like passions with ourselves, he can and will sustain us if we cry unto him.” (Charles Spurgeon, July 9, 1882)

So, I walk in a rain of promises. I talk to the Lord, and he reassures me with his Spirit in the words: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV) Thanksgiving is an everyday practice. Today, I’m walking in the rain outdoors under a vast, grey sky with dark, charcoal smudges. Turning the corner, the other side of the sky reveals a thin edge of light. Just there. It reassures me that I’m not just walking in the rain, I’m walking through the rain and never alone.

ICD Definition: An implantable cardioverter defibrillator, ICD, is a small electronic device connected to the heart. It is used to continuously monitor and regulate potentially fast and lifethreatening electrical problems with the heart.

Mark Your Calendar!

LIGHT BEYOND SHADOW DECEMBER 3 5PM | SANCTUARY

Dan Forrest To kick off the Advent season at College Church this year, we’ll enjoy an evening of singing together with a special program, “Light Beyond Shadow.” The world-renowned choral composer, Dan Forrest will be joining us for this event, as the choir will sing many of his beautiful pieces that evening. Mark your calendars for December 3 at 5 p.m. in the Sanctuary (with a guest artist forum beforehand at 4:15 p.m.). You won’t want to miss this special time together as we begin our season of longing for Christ’s return.

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L O CALLY S O UR CED

Christmas Store 2023 An interview with Vanessa Roth

How did the Christmas Store come to be?

How long has it been running?

VANESSA: Almost 30 years ago, I was the executive director of the Outreach Carol Stream center. In a staff meeting we were discussing how Adopt-AFamily, which was the program we were using at that time, did not preserve the God-given dignity of the families we were serving in the way we desired.

The adopt-a-family approach was to match one community family with a church family, and the church family then would buy Christmas gifts for the community family. However, this proved embarrassing for the community family who wanted to provide Christmas gifts for their family themselves. One

staff member at the time had heard about a model that an organization in Denver, Colorado, that allowed families to purchase new, donated gifts at severely discounted prices. This model was a perfect fit for us. If we could get churches in the broader community to donate brand new toys and gifts, then we would price them at 25% of the retail price so that our families could afford to purchase Christmas for their own children but at an affordable price.

Who are “qualifying” families? Your website says that “purchasing affordable gifts honors parents and grandparents” How so?

VANESSA: The Outreach Carol Stream center has a target service area of the of

neighborhood southeast

Carol

Stream. We define that neighborhood by the geographic

bounda-

ries of Geneva Road on

the

south,

Gary

Avenue on the west, North Avenue on the north and Bloomingdale Road on the east.

This neighborhood is one of the largest in DuPage County with households of modest incomes.

Any

family

living within that geographical area qualifies for the Christmas Store.

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Grandparents

living in the neighborhood also qualify to purchase gifts for their grandchildren.

As I said earlier, we believe all people are created in God’s image and therefore all people have dignity. We chose the model that we did for the Christmas Store, because we want to offer parents a way to purchase gifts themselves.

All parents who love their children would prefer to be the one that gives Christmas gifts to their child. Though it probably never factors into our gift buying, there is a certain dignity involved in purchasing Christmas gifts so that on Christmas morning the gifts are from the parent.

The shopping options just need to be affordable.

Do you have any stats from last year’s Christmas Store? How many gifts were purchased? Number of families who shopped the Christmas Store? Amount of proceeds to Outreach?

VANESSA: In 2022, the Christmas Store served more than 300 families representing close to 1000 children and youth. Over 2200 gifts were purchased which produced close to $10,000 in proceeds. Outreach uses the proceeds for the Family Assistance Fund at the Center throughout the year. These funds are used to support families with financial assistance for basic needs such as housing, food, medications and job development activities. Any leftover gifts are taken to Twice Is Nice, College Church’s resale store on the edge of the southeast Carol Stream neighborhood. Twice is Nice sells the leftover gifts and those funds are also part of the Christmas Store proceeds.

Along with purchasing gifts for the Christmas Store, what are some other ways we can be involved in the event?

VANESSA: There are numerous volunteer opportunities of which the people at College Church can take advantage.

Whether it’s encouraging other groups within your network to do a gift drive or being a shopper’s helper or gift wrapper on the day of the Christmas Store, we need lots of help. People can visit the Christmas Store website by going to https://weareoutreach.org/events/christmasstore/. Volunteer Registration opens on November 1.

This year’s Christmas Store will take place on Saturday, December 9. There are several ways you can help.

• You can give a gift to the Outreach Christmas Store.

Online gift registries: Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/mte7268u Target: https://tinyurl.com/4a5rhv39 Drop off gifts here are College Church on: November 19 November 26 December 7 • You can give a gift to Outreach to help cover costs for the Christmas.

• You can volunteer on the day of the event.

Let’s all pray that this year’s Christmas Store reaches a great number of families and helps point them to the best Christmas gift ever, Jesus.

Any advice for parents who want to get their children involved in the Christmas Store?

VANESSA: The best way to help your child understand that some families have less money to purchase Christmas gifts for their kids is to go shopping for the Christmas Store and ask your kids help in choosing gifts for the store. You could also bake cookies as a family, and then drop them off at the Center for the Hospitality Room that is open for the shoppers while they are waiting for their gifts to be wrapped. Outreach is grateful to College Church for hosting a gift drive and demonstrating the love of Christ to the families of the neighborhood.

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SAN CT I T Y O F HUMAN LIF E

Thoughts about Pregnancy Allison Kelley Lord, help us trust the process of creation. Thank you for the sacred gift of being co-creators with you.

I recently received the book, To Light their Way, by Kayla Craig. She wrote modern day psalms for parenting and the one that I have been praying over and reflecting on is “A Prayer for Pregnancy.” The thought and reality that God allows us to be co-creators with him is so amazing.

I’ve enjoyed thinking through the fact that God doesn’t need us to be a part of his creation, but he graciously allows us to be.

After an unforeseen trip to the urgent care clinic, my husband and I got a call from the on-call doctor with news that the routine test from the lab came back positive for HCG hormones—I was pregnant! We were blessed to find out early in the pregnancy at just five weeks. This meant the little life inside of me was just the size of a poppy seed. I googled pictures of what a baby looks like at five weeks and, to be completely honest, it was not the adorable image I had in. Regardless of how this baby looked at that moment, we were adamant about saying that this was a life.

individual person inside of me even though that individual wasn’t making any sizable impact in my day-to-day life yet. I think, it is necessary to acknowledge that every life is indeed a life even when it isn’t the most noticeable. That started with me calling this little life a life when nothing significant changed for me.

It’s been a few months now and the growing life inside of me is becoming easier to detect. At our 20-week ultrasound we found out we are having a little girl. We got to see her move as the ultrasound tech took all her measurements. The other morning, I was sitting at my desk, and I felt her hold a stretch for a few seconds. Our little girl is taking shape into a beautiful person who does morning stretches. Between the ultrasound pictures and feeling her move, we’re slowly putting the puzzle pieces together of who this little person will be. She was the same stunning life back when she was the size of a poppy seed, and I’ve gotten to know her better as she slowly grows.

And beyond any comprehension God lets me participate in creating this magnificent life with him.

I was even excited for the pregnancy side effects. I heard of women getting sick or having ridiculous cravings and I was prepared for all of it. So far, those side effects haven’t happened to me. I experienced barely any nausea and slept a little bit more in the first few weeks, but nothing dramatic. I took an at-home pregnancy test just to make sure I was pregnant even though we had a positive test from the hospital. Nothing felt like it changed in my life even though there was this huge chronicle developing inside of me.

This reality, being pregnant but not feeling pregnant, made me even more fixed on the idea of calling this growing fetus a life.

Especially in a time when the question of On Saturday, October 7, SOHL joined area churches and the national LifeChain when life in the womb is considered life, organization in lining both sides of Roosevelt Road near Compass Church. We held I wanted to be persistent in recognizing an prolife signs as a public prolife witness and prayed silently for an end to abortion.

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sanctity of human life

SAVE THE DATE The Effects of Abortion on the Black Community with Rev. Michael Wright Tuesday, November 7 at 7:30 p.m. in Commons Hall Michael Wright is a pastor and the new executive director of Caring Network pregnancy resource center in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago, the first Cook County Caring Network location. We are excited to host Rev. Wright from our College Church partner organization, Caring Network, as we learn from him and get to know a brother in Christ.

MEET DEBBIE CASE VP of Caring Network Affiliate Clinics Debbie Case has joined the Caring Network management team to oversee the new Telecare Clinic and the launch of new clinics. In her new role, Debbie will identify strategic locations for new clinics and cultivate relationships with those interested in helping us launch clinics in their communities. She also works alongside local leadership at each clinic to secure facilities, hire and train their teams, launch patient services, and ultimately equip more women to choose life for their preborn children and hear about the gospel.

RESTORE AFTER ABORTION Matt reached out to Restore for help dealing with the difficult emotions following a recent abortion with his exgirlfriend. He felt guilty, sad, hopeless, and was struggling with bad dreams. He got connected to a male Restore leader for individual sessions. During their first meeting, his leader shared about his faith and the gospel message, and Matt was interested in hearing more. He told the Restore director that his first meeting with his leader was exactly what he needed. After one of their sessions, Matt’s leader followed up by sharing the path to salvation. Matt prayed to receive Christ and became a brother in Christ.

Since then, Matt has been reading his Bible and asking more questions about God. His leader said, “There is no question that God has changed this man.” Praise the Lord for a life saved!

If you are suffering from post-abortion stress and want to begin your road to recovery, contact Caring Network at Care@RestoreAfterAbortion.com or 630.599.0043.

CARING NETWORK BABY BANK DONATION CRIB Provide for financially needy Caring Network clients who decided to parent. Every two weeks referred families have an opportunity to pick up baby supplies and connect with Christians volunteers. For parents and grandparents, this is a great way to teach children about the value of life in the womb and help those who have chosen life despite hard situations.

NEED: Diapers (all sizes- opened packages accepted), wipes, baby lotion, shampoo, and wash, diaper cream and formula Sunday, November 5 outside the sanctuary For the rest of November, you will find the crib in the Commons near the reception desk and stairs.

Scan the QR Code to order on Amazon. Select “Church of the Resurrection’s Gift Registry Address” for where to ship.

40 DAYS FOR LIFE PRAYER AT PLANNED PARENTHOOD Saturday, November 18, 1-2 p.m.

Join Sanctity of Human Life Task force at 40 Days for Life’s year-round peaceful prayer vigil. Meet on Waterleaf pregnancy center’s property across from Planned Parenthood Aurora’s driveway.

SOHL SURVEY Please scan the QR code to fill out the Sanctity of Human Life survey! Help us plan prolife learning, training, prayer, and volunteering opportunities. Join us as we advocate for human rights of the most vulnerable, the preborn, who are created in God’s image.

Ask a friend to sign up for our SOHL monthly e-news to receive events schedule, resources and inspiration, and life-related news. https://college-church.org/impact/sohl/

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November at the Bookstall FEATURED TITLES FROM

BIOGRAPHY

DEVOTION

To a Different Drum

O Come O Come Emmanuel

by Pauline Hamilton

by Jonathan Gibson

This is the best missionary biography I’ve read in the last

As we prepare for Christmas,

decade. A wonderful, powerful and

let’s prepare our hearts and turn

encouraging read. It’s the story

them to God’s Word. This is a 40-

of Pauline Hamilton, who God

day devotional liturgy that will

dramatically saves, but then leads to serve in the world of science research, and then overseas to share Christ. This is brilliant.

Retail: $12.99, Bookstall Price: $12

help keep your eyes on Christ and worshipping Him. Retail: $29.99, Bookstall Price: $15

KIDS

GIFT Bread of Life

by Abigail Dodds This is a unique book. Packed with food for mouth and soul!

In this beautifully photographed book she shares 11 delicious easy-to-follow recipes but alongside them shows you how to find your ultimate fulfillment through Christ the all-satisfying bread of life. It’s a wonderful gift book for the holiday season.

Retail: $29.99, Bookstall Price: $25

Treasures of the Snow

by Patricia St. John Lucien’s teasing of Dani leads to an accident with far-reaching consequences. Annette is intent on revenge and does all she can to make life a misery for Lucien. His only friend is the old man up the mountain who recognizes his skill in carving wood and gives him new hope . . . Set in Switzerland this story of Annette, Lucien and Dani has caught the imagination of millions of children. Patricia St. John’s classic story of love and forgiveness is a gem!

Retail Price: $9.99, Bookstall Price: $8

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

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

Turkey Trot 2023 ST. JAMES FARM, WINFIELD Thanksgiving Day, 9AM The annual GO Ministries Turkey Trot 5K is Thanksgiving Day at St. James Farm in Winfield, and start time is 9 a.m. This year, all proceeds are going toward a registry of items for GO sports coaches and teachers. Empower our staff to make disciples through sports every day.

Register for the 2023 Turkey Trot and donate at: https:// gomin.org/tt23/ GO Ministries is a Christian non-profit organization based in the Dominican Republic that empowers local leaders to make disciples through church planting, medical care, sports ministry and more.

HOMETOWN VETS PORTRAIT EXHIBITION FEATURING THE WORK OF ARTIST & VETERAN

Don Ryan At the Palette & Chisel, 1012 N. Dearborn, Chicago, IL The Opening will be Saturday, November 11, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and the exhibition will run November 3-13.

Don says “The purpose of this exhibition is to promote a sense of community, and thankfulness for the veterans of our armed forces. Celebrating veterans of all eras, Chicago veteran artist paints portraits of local vets; their faces have a story to tell. Many of the portraits are of College Church members who have served in the armed forces. My goal is to have a great representation of veterans of all ages and ethnic backgrounds currently living in and around the Chicago area. This is my gift to the veterans who have served.”

Perspectives Sessions beginning the week of January 22 Wednesday nights at Moody Church (kaitlynwski@gmail.com)

Let the Stable Still Astonish WHEATON COLLEGE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL: Friday, December 1, at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 2, at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Tickets from $15-25 per ticket

Thursday nights at Community Fellowship Church (laura.ciaffara@perspectives.org) The Perspectives class is a 15-lesson education course exploring different aspects of God’s global purpose in a multifaceted learning experience. Together they create an intriguing puzzle while searching for the truth behind a mysterious mathematical theory. www.perspectives.org

Celebrate the glory of Jesus’ birth with the annual Wheaton College Christmas Festival

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LOOKING AHEAD

WATCH YOUR MAILBOX for NEW MORNING PREACHING SERIES Missionary Christmas Letter Christmas Joy Thanksgiving Eve projects/offering DECEMBER 3

THANKSGIVING EVEa.m.

SERVICE 8, 9:30 and 11 AND Shocking SWEET TIME Joy, Luke 1:26-28 after service gathering and donations DECEMBER 10 November 22 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m.

Divine Joy, Matthew 1:22-24 COMMUNION November 5 DECEMBER 17 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m.

True Joy, Luke 2:8-12 DECEMBER 24

9:30 & 11 a.m.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER (NO 8 a.m. service) FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH Worshipful Joy, Matthew 2:9-12 November 5 SPECIAL UPDATE from Cole Richards,

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president Voice of SERVICES the Martyrs at the SUNDAYofEVENING Prayer for the3Persecuted Church DECEMBER November 3 at 12 p.m.

Light Beyond Shadow Adult Choir Program with Dan Forrest in the Sanctuary at 5 p.m.

DECEMBER 10

At the Name of Jesus Children’s Choir Program in the Sanctuary at 5 p.m.

DECEMBER 17

The Promised Child STARS Christmas Program in the Sanctuary at 5 p.m.

DECEMBER 24

Christmas Eve Services Endless Joy, John 3:16 in the Sanctuary Children’s Candlelight service at 4 p.m.

Candlelight services at 7 and 9 p.m.

Five Truths I Learned from Dad Anonymous Some things are better caught than taught.

I learned a lot about giving from my dad—not because he sat me down and taught me how to give—but because I watched him do it.

My dad was a union steelworker on the south side of Chicago for 38 years. Every Friday was payday. Every Friday he cashed his check at the bank and brought home a wallet full of $20 bills. For those too young to remember, this was before the days of direct deposit, ATMs, Venmo and Zelle.

When he came home from work, I watched him sit at the dining room table with my mom. The first thing he did was to count out a certain number of bills and put them in the church offering envelope. The offering envelope then went into his Bible to bring to church the following Sunday morning.

What did I learn by catching my dad doing this?

First, I learned that giving was a top priority. My dad put money in the offering envelope before he gave money to my mom for groceries; before he put aside money for the mortgage; before he spent money on anything else. God was first place in his life. His giving reflected that.

Second, I learned that giving was proportionate to his income. The more money he made in a given week because of overtime or side jobs the more money went into the offering envelope. Dad gave a fixed percentage of his income every week.

Third, I learned that giving was to be done regularly.

Because Dad was paid every Friday, I witnessed his giving every Friday. He didn’t give once a month or on special occasions. He gave whenever he was paid.

Fourth, I leaned that giving was sacrificial. Dad put money in that envelope no matter how good the week was. And there were some lean weeks. Many times, I overheard discussions about what and how certain purchases would just have to wait. There just wasn’t enough money at that time. But money still went in the offering envelope every week and still went in the Bible.

Finally, I learned that giving was a privilege and something to be done cheerfully. I never heard Dad complain about how he could have more money if he didn’t give. He never talked about giving to gain God’s favor. Giving for him was a privilege; something that made him glad. My dad was a cheerful giver.

Some things are better caught than taught.

I often wonder what my children have caught from me.

I pray that when it comes to giving, they’ve caught the same thing I caught from their grandpa.

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