CHRISTIAN POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT IN AN AGE OF PUNDITS, PERSONALITIES AND PARTISAN POLEMICS
Pastor Josh Maurer
Wading into political engagement.
On the Cover: Learning lessons by Kathryn McBride
Our Pastors, Directors and Residents: Our Pastors, Directors and Residents: 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 | Tate Fritz, pastoral resident | Matt Heaton, pastoral resident | Baxter Helm, high school pastor | Dan Hiben, middle school pastor | Tim Hollinger, technology director Jim Johanik, pastor of evangelism | Ann Karow, human resources director Howard Kern, facilities director | Bruce Main, pastor of visitation | Josh Maurer, pastor of discipleship | Curt Miller, missions pastor | Josh Moody, senior 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: Mark Berg | Mark Bradley, vice-chair | Jay Cunningham Steve Ivester | Randy Jahns | Glenn Kosirog | Josh Moody, senior pastor | Jeff Oslund | Roger Sandberg | David Setran, secretary | Dave Tweeten | Chad Thorson | Brian Wildman, chair
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 October issue: September 9 | For the November issue: October 9 | For the December issue: November 9
332 E. Seminary, Wheaton, IL 60187 (630) 668-0878 |
CONTRIBUTORS
WALLACE ALCORN
has taught, at least as a substitute or adjunct, on every level from kindergarten through doctoral candidates This is in addition to having been an instructor in three army service schools “The greatest value of being a teacher,” he says, “is that you learn so much—especially from and because of your students ”
KEITH BODGER
recently retired from a career in environmental compliance He and his wife, Mel, look forward to traveling retirement They live in Wheaton, lead a small group, and have been married almost thirty years .
PAT CIRRINCIONE
When not writing or praying for her grandchildren, Pat enjoys reading and baking and attending musicals . Her greatest joys are God and her family, and time with both makes for much joy and laughter
PAIGE CUNNINGHAM
has attended College Church for almost 19 years Most of her professional life has revolved around controversial issues (abortion and bioethics) . She is drawn to making intimidating and complex ideas relevant to the life of a Jesus follower She and her husband, Jay, have three married children and seven—soon to be eight— nearly perfect grandchildren
ALLISON KELLEY
And her husband, David, are enjoying their one-year-old daughter, Josephine . Allison serves on the Hospitality Committee and in Kids’ Harbor
JOSH MAURER
is the pastor of discipleship at College Church and teaches at Wheaton College as an adjunct professor in Bible and theology . He enjoys reading, writing, music, sports and great coffee He and his wife, Caitlin, have five children: Natalie, Celia, Annabelle, Tobin and Lina, and one dog, Moxie
JUDY SATTLER
has been collecting words and stories since before she could tie her shoes She and her husband, Tim, serve as College Church missionaries Along with reading and writing, Judy enjoys experiencing the wonders of God’s creation
JAMES SEWARD
serves as ministry director of Neopolis, a network committed to multiplying healthy global churches through churchbased leadership development He’s served for over 20 years as a pastor, including at College Church and in Texas and Ontario (Canada)
CORAY WATSON
is a foster and adoptive mom who grew up in College Church She enjoys worshipping here with her family and runs a foster care ministry in Wheaton She enjoys reading, playing games, and spending quality time with her people . One of Coray’s greatest passions is sharing her heart for foster care .
LIFELONG LEARNING
WIL TRIGGS | EDITOR
“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” — Henry Ford/Lifelong Learning
I’m not sure I totally buy Henry Ford’s perspective on learning. After all, he aged and died between the day he said the quote and the day you are now reading it. No matter how much learning we do, we will still die. This quote isn’t really about death; it’s all about life.
So I do believe in always being a student, always learning new things. Why not squeeze as much out of life as we can? And that means that the learning never stops. So, with our “lessons learned” theme this month, I think you’ll surely agree that we can look back and see the things we learned and the need to keep on learning.
First are Pastor Josh Maurer’s riffs on gender and the Bible (p. 2) and political engagement (p. 20). There’s lots still to learn and he’ll be teaching on both topics this fall. Plan to attend and learn.
There’s Keith Bodger’s retirement reflection (p. 4) and Wallace Alcorn’s story on what he learned as a teacher (p. 6), both of which make me wonder how hard I’m trying to learn from the people around and the God who loves eternally.
From anxieties of the new school year to the loving arms of our Savior, Pat Cirrincione (p. 10) looks back and rejoices. And Coray Watson (p. 12) shares lessons to learn from foster care.
James Seward (p. 22) considers life and death and parenthood with his son Charles while Paige Cunningham gives us the second part of her article on the IVF, always more to learn from this issue.
Allison Kelley (p.28) gives a personal spin on Women’s Bible Study and what Judy Sattler learns from a weed (p.29) makes me consider never pulling a weed again.
I like Coray’s approach. Looking back, what are specific lessons you’ve learned? Ask yourself. They could be lessons about a particular topic, or simply life lessons. Inevitably, I always find myself saying “You could do better” about a truth I know, and my response to actually learning and growing in Jesus Christ.
The Manner Matters
PASTOR JOSH MAURER
Chances are you don’t need me to tell you how sensitive and volatile the issues surrounding gender and sexuality are today—outside the church, yes, and inside the church as well. We are living in a period of what the famous 20th century philosopher of science, Thomas Kuhn, called “revolutionary science,” wherein a new paradigm, in this case one of sex and gender, has begun to overturn the so-called normal science of yesteryear. The sheer existence of the “gender unicorn”—a tool created by the Trans Student Education Resources organization to assist someone in determining that person’s identity with respect to the intersection of gender identity, gender expression, sex assigned at birth, sexual orientation, and emotional orientation1—reveals that we are not in Kansas anymore.
Add to this Obergefell, pride parades, drag queen story hour, updated sex ed curriculum, the question of intersex and its relevance to the sex binary, the debates among evangelicals over the validity of “Side B”2 and pronoun hospitality, entire denominations that have become wholesale LGBTQ+ affirming (or at least significantly divided over the question),3 and the seemingly perennial realities of pornography, premarital sex, adultery, divorce, sexual harassment, sexual abuse and more, we see clearly that we are living in a society in which “everyone does that which is right in their own eyes” (Judg. 21:25)—and celebrates it!
What are we supposed to think of all this? How are we to love our neighbors when we are in complete disagreement with them?
Gender and Sexuality within the Christian Story
What we need to realize, as clinical psychologist, Dr. Juli Slattery, rightly points out, is that “each of these problems is a devastating by-product of a larger tragedy: we don’t understand sexuality within the context of the Christian narrative and the call to follow Jesus . . . [we are not] embracing God’s design for our sexuality.”4
The troubles that arise from these new paradigms are real and ultimately harmful to human flourishing (in this life and the next), and we must answer them with the light and truth of God’s Word. At the same time, we must never lose sight of the fact that behind the ideologies stand real people—human beings made in the image of God. And that means the manner in which we engage matters. C. S. Lewis’s haunting reflection describes the utter reality of another human being:
It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree helping each other to one or the other of these destinations. It is in the light of these overwhelming possibilities, it is with the awe and the circumspection proper to them, that we should conduct all of our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics. There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations—these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit—immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.5
I am under no illusion that one seminar is sufficient to address all the complexities and diversity of people’s experiences. But I am convinced that laying a thick, biblical foundation— putting sexuality and gender within the larger Christian narrative—is an essential step in the right direction.
To do that, I am planning to teach a sixweek interactive seminar this fall. And
I would love for you to join us. If you can’t participate, join me in prayer for this time, specifically that Jesus would be magnified, truth would be clear, compassion would be felt, and respect for all would be evident.
1 These categories (along with their respective definitions) are taken directly from their website: https://transstudent org/gender/ My usage of them here does not signal agreement 2 Side B refers to Christians who prefer to identify as LGBT or have LGBTQ+ experiences, but who take a traditional view of human
sexuality and thus commit to celibacy or a mixed-orientations marriage For more on the distinction between this and another group, identified as Side A, see https://slate com/human-interest/2014/07/celibate-lgbtqchristians-the-mainstream-gay-communityshould-be-more-welcoming html
3 E g , https://www christianitytoday com/ct/ 2020/january-february/methodists-umcdivision-lgbt-dispute html
4 Juli Slattery, Rethinking Sexuality: God’s Design and Why it Matters (Colorado Springs: Multnomah, 2018), 9, 14
5 C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory (New York, Simon & Schuster, 1975) 39, italics mine
SCHEDULE
Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. in the Crossings September 8 to October 13
WEEK 1:
Gender and Sexuality: Introduction to Key Concepts and the Christian Worldview
WEEK 2:
Gender and Sexuality: Created
WEEK 3:
Gender and Sexuality: Fallen, Part 1
WEEK 4:
Gender and Sexuality: Fallen, Part 2
WEEK 5:
Gender and Sexuality: Redeemed & Renewed
WEEK 6:
Gender and Sexuality: Ongoing Discipleship and the Beauty of the Gospel
Open and free to everyone, but registration is encouraged Use this QR code to register
Still a Student
KEITH BODGER
Iretired yesterday. After 34 years of working in the environmental compliance field, and about ten years of working as a construction laborer, truck driver, and working with explosives, it came to an end on August 31. For the past six years, I managed an environmental department with four employees in corporate America. I told my company a year ago that I would retire in August.
Back in March and April, I prayed, with some consistency, that God would take it easy on me these last six months. “Lord, take it easy on me. I don’t want to learn anything new. Let me coast breezily to the finish line. I’m happy to teach and guide my employees but Lord, take it easy on me.”
I seriously prayed that—and I am chagrined to admit it. After several weeks of that prayer, I realized my folly. That isn’t an iron sharpens iron prayer. It’s a flesh dullens flesh prayer. So, I changed my prayer. “Lord, please give me the right attitude to learn, even as I finish. Give me the right attitude for when things go wrong. Help me to bring you glory even in difficult times. Help me to keep caring and earning my paycheck.”
I think I earned it. It’s been quite the ride these last few months. Auditors, agencies, inspections and oddities. At times, there was something new every day. Other times it was every week. Things happened that I’ve never heard of before. It was
exhausting. All the while I was transferring as much knowledge as I could into my team. There were times I felt punch drunk. There’s a Far Side comic of a classroom setting and a student with an unusually small head has his hand up. The caption reads, “Mr. Osborne, may I be excused? My brain is full.” I felt like that kid sometimes. “God, may I be excused? My brain is full.” But God didn’t excuse me. He kept testing me and requiring me to learn.
I’m not at a point where I don’t want to learn anything. I’m just at a point where I don’t want to learn more about the career I’m ending. Moses, Caleb, Abraham and Sarah—these are people God used well into their 80s and beyond. They continued to learn about their abilities and to learn about God.
I learned that God is not a genie in a bottle. My original prayer was a wish. Oh Lord, grant me this wish. That’s not how we should pray. Although Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” How do I reconcile that? I asked for the desires of my heart, but I wasn’t delighting in the Lord. I was delighting in myself. I need to focus on Psalm 26:4, “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.” I need to still be a student of God. Who knows what he has in store for me twenty or thirty years from now?
OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRAYER
Call the church office or email info@college-church.org for details on these prayer meetings.
SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER: 8:15-8:40 a m , meets in C101
SIGNS OF LOVE DEAF MINISTRY POTLUCK & PRAYER: 12:30-2 p m , in Crossings Meets every other Sunday . Sept dates are Sept 8 & 22 .
MIDWEEK PRAYER MEETING: Wednesdays now at noon via Zoom
SEPTEMBER 4: Chuck and Anita Howard, ReachBeyond, education and discipleship in Ecuador
SEPTEMBER 11: Steve and Teri Pardue, TeachBeyond, seminary teaching in the Philippines
SEPTEMBER 18: Greg and Faith Hurst, SIM, church-planting in Bolivia
SEPTEMBER 25: Nathan and Vera Beck, GEM, evangelism/churchplanting in Czech Republic
FRIDAY PRAYER FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH: 12-1 p .m in the Board Room .
AARON-HUR PRAYER FELLOWSHIP will meet on Thursday, September 12, at 7 p m at the home of Ruth Diffin, 1917 Ardmore Lane, Unit B, in Wheaton, (610) 291-2437 Our guests will be Greg and Debby Nichols, serving in Czech Republic
BARNABAS PRAYER FELLOWSHIP anticipates meeting Daniel and Victoria at its September meeting, which is Monday, September 16, at 1:30 p m in the Patio Dining Room of Covenant Living at Windsor Park (note date change) Both men and women are welcome to visit or join us monthly in prayer for some of our cross-cultural workers
Arthur
WALLACE ALCORN
It was the first day of school—but substantially different from the others (grade school, high school, college, grad school, and even seminary). It was my first day as a full-time public-school teacher. I think, now, I might have been the least prepared.
During the preceding days, I had set up my classroom for what was soon to be my fourth graders in this Grand Rapids area school. I wasn’t aware of how much I had to prepare
myself. Married but a year, Ann and I had no children. But I was smart enough to go to Mrs. Gruenberg, our third-grade teacher, who had the previous year been their teacher. I asked her to fill me in on the kids individually. What are they like and what can I expect from them?
Mrs. Gruenberg said, “Wallace, I don’t think I should do this. The children you meet tomorrow will not be nine-year-olds plus three months. They are now or will become ten.
At this stage in their very young lives, they have relatively matured during this summer. I want you to study the cumulative folders [in which their former teachers had recorded their observations] and get to know each one as an individual. Then, after a month or so, come back and we’ll talk.”
Except…” She took a deep breath and looked me in the eye. I took a deep breath. “Except for Arthur. I may as well tell you now. And none of his teacher have dared to put in writing what I will tell you.”
This lovely Christian lady and longexperienced teacher continued. “It pains me to say this terrible thing, but I must be honest with you about him. Arthur is a monster. I have prayed very hard for him and tried everything I could think of. But I don’t know that Arthur can ever change.”
She went on to explain the school superintendent had decided to try placing some men in classrooms in lower grades than was traditional. “Maybe what Arthur needs is a man teacher. Maybe what that boy needs is you, Wallace. Just be there for him.”
I quickly learned from other teachers, the principal, and even mothers of his classmates. The accounts were consistent, and I’ll mention just one. The previous year he had formed a gang of younger and weaker boys whom he dominated and they terrorized the school, even older children. They grabbed a kindergarten girl and dragged her behind hedges. Heating a needle, they pushed it under her fingernail and laughed at her screaming.
As a Michigan State term project in guidance and counseling Ann and I were taking, I made an oral presentation of Arthur as a case study. This class of schoolteachers was horrified, and the professor slammed his fist on the desk, shouting: “Get that monster out of the public schools!”
One day Arthur came to school late, he brought an excuse note from his mother stating that the boy had been “sickly.” Arthur, however, told me she kept him at home because his father, only occasionally home, wouldn’t beat up on her as badly if children were around. I think this was the first time Arthur opened with me, and I began to notice slight improvement in his attitude and behavior. Now and then, he would actually try to learn. He resisted me less and responded more.
It was about this time his second-grade brother, Darcy, began to follow me around the playground as I supervised during recess (for extra pay). He seemed to be talking to someone but disappeared when I turned toward him. I began to listen for this, and one day I finally made it out: “Hi, Daddy! I love you, Daddy!”
Then, one day, it all came to a head. Someone had smeared berries on the playground slide so that children’s clothing became indelibly stained as they slid down. The principal sent a note for Arthur to report to the office. I knew immediately what was coming down, i.e., Arthur was presumed to be the culprit and for very good reason. I went myself and told the principal Arthur did not happen to be guilty this time. On playground duty, I had lost track of him and when I couldn’t keep an eye on Arthur, the whole school was in danger. I went to the streetside of the building and spotted him with brick in his hand about to throw it through an office window. I grabbed him and kept him at my side.
Returning to my class, I gave them some busy work and took Arthur into the hallway. We sat side-by-side on the boot rack, and I told him what had happened. He looked up at me with an expression of utter unbelief—someone was on his side and had spoken up for him.
I found my arm around Arthur, and he leaned into me. (I put the verb in
the passive voice because I didn’t remember choosing to put my arm around the boy—it just happened. This was something no one did, if for no other reason other than the kid seldom took a bath.) But here we were, just the two of us: Arthur and me.
I continued to surprise myself and perplex him. I told him my middle name is Arthur. He looked up with eyes wide open. He put into this something I hadn’t intended. There is no logical connection, but I let it sink in.
From that moment on, everything began to change. This puzzled kids and shocked teachers. He still misbehaved but recovered when I but looked at him.
A month earlier, the principal had arranged for the school district’s parttime clinical social worker to give Arthur fifty minutes once a week. Now the visitor told the principal Arthur no longer needs him because Arthur told him, “I don’t care anymore when Mr. Alcorn punishes me because I know he loves me.”
Artist SPOTLIGHT
KATHRYN MCBRIDE
It was during the Covid pandemic that I began working as the graphic designer at College Church. I had owned my own graphic design firm for many years at that point. I consider myself a lifelong learner, and so three years ago, I enrolled at Triton College to earn a degree in photography. With my work at the church, I take one class per semester. It may take me ten years to earn this degree, but as my Aunt Glenys always said, “The ten years will pass whether you do anything with them or not.”
In celebration of the “learning” issue of Connections, I’m excited to share some of my student photos with you.
I would like to invite anyone who has artistic inclinations, or just loves art to get involved in Artspace. We are building a nurturing community of Christian artists and would love to have you join us.
GALLERY
WATERS OF THE WORD
SEPTEMBER 8-OCTOBER 4
Opening Reception: September 8, 12-2 p m
Exploring water through the stories and truths of the Bible
Submissions accepted on our webpage at college-church org/ artspace through September 2
All ages are welcome to submit art
GALLERY HOURS: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12 to 2 p m Also open on Sundays after the evening service
For other opening times, contact the church office at (630) 668-0878 or email artspace@college-church org
GATHERING
A monthly coming together, where we discuss our personal projects and the many facets of creativity and God
We will be returning to our normal meeting date on the second Tuesday of each month beginning in September
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 at 7 p m in Crossings
September word for the month: Student
Future Meetings: October 8, November 12, December 10
Look forward to seeing you there!
For more information or to sign up for an adult workshop, visit our webpage: college-church.org/artspace.
WORKSHOPS
LET’S MAKE MOVIES!
Creative techniques for developing material for film
INSTRUCTOR: Maureen Kelly
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12
10 a m -Noon in the Crossings COST: $20 per person, registration required
This workshop’s not just about filming stuff on our phones We’ll learn how to approach creating material in the first place We’ll learn how to film captivating scenes in one take and build the basic blocks that go into a short film
Registration is required Sign up at www .college-church .org/ artspace or by using this QR Code .
GARDEN DESIGN FOR YOU
INSTRUCTOR: Henry Parker
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16
10 a m in the Crossings Conference Room
COST: FREE
Master Gardener Henry Parker gives you insights in planning and designing
Registration is not required, but is encouraged . Sign up at www . college-church org/ artspace or by using this QR Code
Special thanks to the following ArtSpace artists who generously donated their work to the recent STARS Family Service Art Auction and Sale: Barbara Elsenheimer, Lin Fallon, Liita Forsyth, Ruth Gregornik, Marr Miller and Don Ryan All the donations sold, most with multiple bids before the auction ended
Teacher’s Pet
PAT CIRRINCIONE
The beginning of the school year is always exciting, but it can lend itself to feelings of anxiety. You find out if you’re going to have your favorite teacher, and at my granddaughters’ “Meet and Greet” they can find out if any of their closest friends (or troublemakers) are in the same class as they will be for the next year.
In my day, we didn’t have “Meet and Greets,” and were pleasantly, or not so pleasantly, surprised by our teacher and classmates on that first day of school. As I was about to begin seventh grade, I stood at the school doors, awaiting the arrival of the nuns from their mother house to see if they would tell me whose classroom I would be in for the year. When I found out, I would volunteer to help her set up the classroom, getting to know my teacher before the full class descended on us a week later.
I guess you could have called me “teacher’s pet”, although I disliked being relegated to the “pet” kingdom. According to Brittanica Dictionary, “a ‘teacher’s pet’ is a student in a class who is liked by the teacher and who is treated better than others.” This didn’t always happen to me, and then Google adds: “a ‘teacher’s pet’ is usually the smartest and academically talented individual within a classroom. They often display signs of holding high amounts of knowledge within certain areas of interest, and as such, are called upon by the teacher more often than other students.” Well, unless I was winning a spelling bee you
could leave me out of this category also. Google continues, “a ‘teacher’s pet’ goes out of their way to impress the teacher.” Nope, not me. I was a quiet child, who just preferred helping set up a classroom for the year and getting to know my teacher before the other students came.
It was that seventh-grade teacher who turned my life around. At a parent/ teacher conference she told my parents that I was an introvert. When I asked my dad what that meant he told me I should look the word up in a dictionary. Here is what I discovered: “An introvert feels more comfortable focusing on their inner thoughts and ideas (like a writer or artist does?). They enjoy spending time with one or two people rather than large groups, and prefer alone time. They may appear shy by being quiet, withdrawn and isolative.” (Merriam-Webster) Wow!
It was then that I decided to become like Peter, you know, the Peter of the Bible. The impulsive, ambitious, selfassertive, quick to commit without fully understanding? Yet compassionate and loyal. That Peter. I think my favorite teacher opened a pandora box of what I became, until I met the Lord.
He definitely had other plans for me, even before I was born. To be loved and forgiven over and over, seventy times seven. To become the Peter who learned about Jesus, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16). Peter, who learned more about who God wanted
him to be for him, instead of himself. I began to enjoy serving more, and being with others in a quieter manner, how I learned to become a student of God, than of the world.
To be held in his loving arms, instead of being a teacher’s pet. From being an impulsive and overly outspoken human being, to allowing Jesus to correct me. To see how through the grace and patience of our Lord he worked and works with a flawed follower like myself, helping me to seek his guidance and trust in him alone.
Lessons Learned From Foster Care
CORAY WATSON
1
THANK GOD WE’RE NOT IN CHARGE
Every parent eventually learns that we are not in control. It’s just expedited in foster care. The greatest blessing and pain of my life has been to accept that I have no control over what happens to my kids. All I can control is how I treat them and what I teach them. There have been so many times when, if I were in charge, things would’ve gone differently. For example, recently I thought my son’s biological sister would be a part of our family. My heart was fully invested and it completely broke as we hit roadblock after roadblock within a very broken system that was preventing her from coming to us. I thought I was fighting passionately for what was right and doing everything I could to make it happen. Instead she ended up exactly where God intended for her to be. Somewhere I never would have thought to fight for her to go. But it’s the most healing and hopeful place God had for her all along. Thank God that my passion for justice didn’t get in his way.
2
THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE
A few years ago, I had a five-year-old son who was violent and aggressive and hurting and angry—and had been taught all the wrong ways to handle those feelings. It was a daily battle with him. I felt hopeless, discouraged and
angry. I didn’t know how I’d make it through. I certainly had no hope for this child’s future. I didn’t think he’d ever be able to handle life well or kindly. Fast forward to this January when I had the awesome privilege of watching this now loving, polite, kind boy be baptized. There is always hope. Not because of anything we can do but because of God alone. This boy was surrounded by so many prayers from my family and his current family. No human brought this change about, only our God of hope brought light to the darkness. There is always hope when we follow God.
3
THERE BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD GO I
It is not due to anything we have done that we have the good gifts we’ve been given. Sure, we may have made a lot of good choices and done a lot of good things. Most of us had an easy path to those good things. For many of us, one generation has commended God’s works to the next and we are abundantly blessed. We have been blessed to be a blessing, which can be hard to fully understand until we realize we didn’t earn or deserve this blessing. We have a responsibility to use our blessedness for good. To bring others into the blessing. Because as much as I did nothing to earn the life I have, neither did my kids’ parents. They are also God’s children who he loves. And the more of their
stories I hear the more I realize there but for the grace of God go I. What will I do with the life I’ve been given? Live comfortably soaking in the good? Love those near me who love me back and are easy to love? Or choose discomfort in order to spread the goodness to others who may be somewhat hard to love? God’s grace has brought us to where we are, where will his grace next lead us?
4
GOD CREATED US IN COMMUNITY
We were made to live in community, in the messiness of life together. That’s how we were created, and it is the way of the God we serve. Before he created us, he was already in relationship as the Trinity. When he created us, he knew it was not good for us to be alone. Yet over and over in the world of foster care I meet single moms with no community. People imagine kids coming into care because of abuse, and that does happen, but none of my kids have come into care that way. They ultimately come into care because their moms had no community. Every single one of my kids’ bio moms have said to me that I’m the first person who has cared about them. Of course, that’s not the reason listed for why they’re coming into care. But I’ve found that is what it has come down to. We were made for community. And without community we cannot thrive. We must go and offer community to those who need it.
5
THE CYCLE REPEATS ITSELF
It is really easy to get Christians to care about kids in hard situations. It is really difficult to get people to care about their parents. These parents were once the kids in the same situation. All but one of my kids’ parents were in foster care as kids. But as soon as they’re adults we don’t care for them the same way we do
for kids. It’s re-learning the lesson that these parents need community and love and support. They need people in their corner to help them break the cycle. They cannot do it alone. Again and again people walk away when it comes to the parents. It’s more attractive to love the kids, but to love the kids without loving the parents only continues the cycle. We must love the family as a whole and work to keep them together and break the cycle. We must learn what it looks like to surround a family.
I AM A SINNER
Parenting is the most sanctifying work I have encountered. Many years ago Doug O’Donnell preached a sermon on Mary’s Magnificat and what has stayed with me in the almost twenty years since is this line: “When Augustine, the church father, was asked what he thought were the three greatest Christian virtues, he replied for those who want to learn God’s ways, humility is the first, humility is the second, and humility is the third.” The other day, I yelled at my daughter, “STOP WHINING!” And she yelled back, “STOP YELLING!” While I wanted to tell her not to talk to me like that, I paused and received the reprimand because she was right. I cannot parent without humility. I cannot learn God’s ways without humility. And that means accepting my own sinfulness as a parent instead of saying to myself that my kid’s difficult behavior made me act like this. The moment we realize our own sinfulness, it becomes a lot easier to love the sinners who are just like us.
“THERE ISN’T ANYONE YOU COULDN’T LOVE ONCE YOU’VE HEARD THEIR STORY” (MARY LOU KOWNACKI)
“Coray, the boys’ mom has reported that you’re not cutting their nails enough” the caseworker informed me. Interestingly, that wasn’t the first time I’d heard that
line. I’ve had my kids’ bio parents complain about me for lesser things. At the beginning when this happened, I was defensive and angry. Why would someone attack me when I’m caring for their kids. In this situation, I let it go, understood that a mom loved her kids and felt out of control over their well-being, and I chose to get to know the mom. She ended up becoming a close friend and I had the privilege of being invited to continue my role in her sons’ lives even when they were no longer in my home. Her story doesn’t have a happy ending, unfortunately, but her son is heading towards one. He is the boy I watched being baptized, and I still get to be his Auntie Coray five years later. Again, almost every single mom of the kids who come into my home was in foster care themselves as a kid. We are quick to judge people, but truly once we take the time to listen to their stories people become a lot easier to love. There is a reason each of us is the way we are, and our stories are complicated. As the common proverb goes—“Don’t judge a man until you’ve walked a mile in his shoes.” If we remember who we are and remember Whose they are, there is no one we can’t love.
WE MUST LIVE IN LIGHT OF ETERNITY
Finally, I’ve learned that life is not about my personal happiness or entertainment. We have dreams and ideals we strive for, but if they aren’t “to glorify God and enjoy him forever” what is the point? Ecclesiastes makes it clear enough from beginning to end: “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless” (1:2b), “Laughter, I said, is madness. And what does pleasure accomplish, (2:2), so “here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (12:13). We may sacrifice things on earth when we choose these harder paths, but as missionary martyr Jim Elliot said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
NEW MEMBERS
KEVIN & ANN BLOESE
The Bloeses have been married for over 40 years They currently attend church virtually because of mobility issues Kevin has with Parkinson’s disease He is an attorney who continues his practice as a legal analyst Ann is a retired educator of communications and English
DREW & EMILY BRATCHER
Drew and Emily have been married for about 16 years and have four children Drew grew up outside Nashville He is a writer and professor in the English department at Wheaton College Emily grew up outside of Washington, D C and met Drew at a magazine where they both worked Emily works remotely in marketing .
SAM CARLSON
Sam was born in Ethiopia and was adopted by David and Mary Carlson when he was 10 years old He recently graduated from college and hopes to work in the finance area . He enjoys all kinds of sports and is involved in the 20s ministry and a small group
BRIAN CISKE
Brian is married to Tania, and they have three children, including one who is involved in STARS They operate a wholesale distribution company, which allows him to be a hands-on dad after many years of traveling for work
DOUG CLASSEN
Doug is married to Ann, and they have seven children, nine grandchildren and one dog He was born in Nigeria, Africa, where his parents were missionaries under SIM They then moved to Irving, Texas, while his father went to Dallas Theological Seminary Doug’s career has been in sales in the financial services industry He is involved in the STARS ministry and ministry with the Missionary Furlough Homes
GARY & KAREN COOK
Gary and Karen have been married 30 years and have two adult children, including College Church member Taddie (Jonathan) Larson Gary and Karen moved to the Wheaton area this year from Boerne, Texas They are involved in the Thrive Adult Community and participate in a small group Gary is an adjunct professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, and recently retired from full-time pastoral ministry A bookkeeper for a CPA firm, Karen loves DIY and is currently remodeling their basement
DEREK & ALYSSA JOHANIK
Derek and Alysa were married last fall . Derek is the son of Pastor Jim and Heidi Johanik and serves as a ministry associate with the College Group He works as a client care associate in wealth management and is an officer in the U S Army Reserves Alyssa is pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy . She enjoys running and is currently training for the Chicago Marathon this fall
OUR VISION
2024 INITIATIVES
Vision: “Proclaiming the Gospel”
PATHWAY. We will develop a simple invitational pathway for our gospel ministries: Discover Jesus, Grow in Your Faith and Impact the World. In 2024, we will continue developing that pathway by emphasizing and enhancing the “on ramps” to College Church in the following ways: 1) promoting Kids’ Harbor as one of the first impressions of College Church, 2) augmenting and strengthening our Front Door ministries, and 3) establishing a culture where our congregants willingly and effectively share our faith.
Rationale: After consultation with a Christian communications company, and surveying the neighborhood, we have discovered that we need to present the distinctive gospel ministry opportunity of College Church more clearly and invitationally to the surrounding community.
COMMUNITY. We will cultivate care, encouragement, and connection in 2024 by: 1) calling a pastor focused in these areas (title to be determined), 2) establishing a permanent CARE team to support congregational care, 3) expanding elder prayer for each member of the church by name, and 4) identifying and training Small Group Coordinators to support all of our Small Group Leaders.
Rationale: After conversations with key ministry leaders, it is apparent we need to increase connectivity between members and attenders of the church through mutually loving and caring hospitality.
DISCIPLESHIP.
We will elevate biblically rigorous and practical discipleship by, in 2024: 1) emphasizing and encouraging a renewed focus on discipleship in the context of church family life, 2) providing additional resources for personal disciple making as well as improving awareness and accessibility to them, and 3) offering two churchwide seminars on matters of current importance for being faithful disciples in today’s world.
Rationale: After a churchwide discipleship survey, we have ascertained a growing need for more rigorous and practical discipleship that is coherently coordinated across both small and large groups.
CAMPUS. We will increasingly activate our campus by utilizing the Crossings as a crossover space to reach the community and for student, worship and family space, funded through Gospel Now, prioritizing safety and accessibility upgrades to our parking and other key areas, and studying the highest and best missional use for our portfolio of rental properties.
Rationale: After the Site and Facilities committee’s extensive work surveying the ministry pinch points, it is apparent that we need to develop our ministry space, and we will target the Crossings space.
PARTNERSHIPS.
We will leverage the church’s history of church planting, training programs, and connections across the country and world by: 1) expanding the scope of our church planting efforts to include planting, strengthening and revitalizing, 2) hosting a prayer gathering for College Church members interested in this work, 3) exploring partnership with one new organizational partner, and 4) seeking to develop one new church partner in each category (planting, strengthening, revitalizing) by December 2024.
Rationale: By partnering with likeminded churches and organizations, and by broadening our scope to include planting, strengthening, and revitalization, we can increase our gospel impact through gospel-centered, Bible-preaching churches.
CHURCH LIFE
SEPTEMBER HIGHLIGHTS
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICES
Everyone welcome.
Join us at 9:30 and 11 a m throughout August . Livestream broadcast is at 9:30 a m You can watch it at college-church org/livestream
NEW MORNING SERMON SERIES:
The Gospel of Matthew
Senior Pastor Josh Moody preaching
Two services at 9:30 and 11 a.m.
SEPTEMBER 1: God with You, Matthew 1:18-25
Three services return at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m.
SEPTEMBER 8: The Wisdom of Worship, Matthew 2:1-12
SEPTEMBER 15: Overcoming Trauma, Matthew 2:13-23
SEPTEMBER 22: Life Turn Around, Matthew 3:1-17
SEPTEMBER 29: Defeating the Devil’s Tactics, Matthew 4:1-11
SUNDAY EVENING WORSHIP SERVICES
Everyone welcome at 5 p m
SEPTEMBER 1: no evening service on Labor Day weekend
NEW IN SEPTEMBER
SPECIAL EVENING SERVICES:
Word and Worship
Pastor Josh Moody preaching at 5 p .m . in the Sanctuary. BBQ dinner following the service
SEPTEMBER 8: Finding Help When Things Seem Beyond Hope, Luke 7:1-10
SEPTEMBER 15: How to Bounce Back from the Grave, Luke 7:11-17
SEPTEMBER 22: Is Jesus Who Christians Say He Is, Luke 7:18-35
SEPTEMBER 29: Lessons from a Prostitute, Luke 7:36-50
These new Sunday night services in September will meet in the Sanctuary Invite people from the city, colleges and the community to join us
Dinner afterward: a team here at the church will provide authentic Texas-style BBQ smoked in a 500-gallon smoker: pulled pork, ribs, smoked sausage, with all the fixings for the month of September We’ll also be serving vegetarian and gluten free options
ADULT COMMUNITIES
ALL NATIONS Sundays 9:30 a m in C104F
• Teacher: Curt Miller, Matt Heaton
• Study: Word Based Equipping for Gospel Impact
FORUM 15 Sundays 8 a m in C104F
• Teacher: Bruce Main
• Study: Probing Scripture: Personal Bible Study Principles
GREEK EXEGESIS CLASS Sundays 9:30 a .m in the Board Room
• Teacher: Jon Laansma
• Study: 1 John
• Description: Knowledge of Greek is not required for this class
LIFE TOGETHER COMMUNITY Sundays 9:30 a m in Commons Gym
• Teacher: Teaching Team
• Description: Various Topics with small group discussion Authentic, biblical community for adults ages 25–40
LIVING WORD Sundays 9:30 a m in C104A & C104C
• Teachers: Felipe Chamy, Jacob Samuel Raju
• Study: Gospel of John
LOGOS Sundays 9:30 a m in C104E
• Teacher: James Seward
• Study: The Book of Hebrews
• Description: A caring community centered around interactive Bible teaching and prayer, spanning a range of ages and family situations
THRIVE Sundays 9:30 a .m in Crossings-Clapham Main Area
• Teachers: Teaching Team
• Study: Gospel of John
VERITAS Sundays 9:30 a m in C104B & D
• Teacher: Dr Gregg Quiggle
• Study: Christian History since the Reformation
WOMEN’S MINISTRIES
MOM2MOM
SEPTEMBER 9: Park Playdate
9:30-11:30 a m at Northside Park
SEPTEMBER 23: Moms Night Out 7:30-9 p m at Karen Bagge’s home in Wheaton
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY
Women’s Bible Study starts Wednesday, September 11—and we’d love to have you join us! We’ll be diving into Philippians in the fall, and 1 & 2 Chronicles in the spring, and anticipate an exciting year of learning and being together Learn more and register on our website for either morning (9:30-11 a m ) or evening (6:45-8:15 p m )
MEN’S MINISTRIES
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY
Beginning Wednesday, September 11, we will dive into the Book of Philippians We combine table discussion and expository teaching to deepen our understanding of Scripture and our relationship with God Join us for our weekly studies from 6:45 p m to 8:15 p m in the Commons (west side) Registration is required and space is limited . Placement is on a first come first served basis
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES (KIDS’ HARBOR)
SUNDAY MORNING
9:30 a.m.: Nursery (0–2) and preschool
Bible school (preschool-third grade) at 9:30 a m
At the 9:30 hour, fourth and fifth graders begin with their families in the service (or an Adult Community) until dismissed for Bible school
Wonders of Worship “WOW” (K-third grade) dismissed during second half of 11 a m service
Children’s church (older preschool) during second half of 11 a .m . service
Children’s church (younger preschool) at 11 a m
ALL KIDS’ HARBOR SUNDAY P M PROGRAMS (choirs, God’s Children Sing and nursery) begin September 8
KIDS’ HARBOR FALL WEDNESDAY MINISTRIES begin September 11
Kids Korner 9:30-11 a m
Evening Programs 6:45-8:15 p m
SEPTEMBER 15: Kids’ Harbor Welcome Back Party 3-4:30 p m in the Crossings
MIDDLE SCHOOL (KINGS MESSENGERS)
SUNDAY MORNINGS: 9:30-10:30 a .m , in the KMs room (Commons Lower Level)
WEDNESDAY EVENINGS: in the Crossings 6:45-8:15 p m
HIGH SCHOOL (HYACKS)
SUNDAY MORNING: Students are encouraged to join their families in the worship services They also may participate in our optional discipleship groups studying Galatians for the summer Details on the website
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS: 7-8:30 p m in Commons Gym: “Words for the Church,” The Seven Letters to the Seven Churches in Revelation
COLLEGE GROUP
For the month of September, come for the service in the sanctuary at 5:00 p m , and join the congregation for a barbecue dinner at 6:00 in the Commons Then, end the evening
in the Crossings with an hour of fellowship with other college students, conversation with Pastor Moody, and interviews with respected scholars on relevant and engaging topics
SEPTEMBER 8: Becoming a Disciple: Pitfalls and Practices, Dr Steve Ivester
SEPTEMBER 15: Evangelism: Leading with Beauty in a Disenchanted World, Dr . Jerry Root
SEPTEMBER 22: Trust, Skepticism and Scandal, Dr John Dickson
SEPTEMBER 29: Is this Biblical? Sexuality, Identity and Marriage, Dr Josh Maurer
STARS DISABILITY
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1: Children meet at 9:30, but no in-person meeting for Adult and MultiGenerational classes
Beginning September 8, Children/ Adult/Multi-Generational Sunday classes meet at 9:30 and 11:00
PRISON TASK FORCE
Every Saturday our Prison Task Force heads to Stateville Prison for ministry to the inmates there Join them in prayer in the parking lot at 9:10 a m
Other ways to get involved:
• Commit to pray at home during our services (15 minutes)
• Pray for the names of men who share requests (10 minutes) .
• Help establish a new ministry of weekday, in-person visitation
• Be a pen pal to help disciple believers behind the walls Find out more by emailing prisontaskforce@collegechurch org
ARTSPACE
Details on page 9
SIGNS OF LOVE DEAF MINISTRY
POTLUCK & PRAYER
See opportunities for prayer on page 5
GRACE MARRIAGE
AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD INTO YOUR MARRIAGE:
ABOUT US LUNCH
Are you new to College Church or would you like to learn more about us? If so, you’re invited to a special lunch on Sunday, September 8, 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! RSVP to help us plan
GRIEFSHARE
Despite it being part of life, death is never easy . It hurts to lose someone, and it may be hard to feel optimistic about the future GriefShare is a 13-week class which features video seminars with experts, focused group discussions and personal study and reflection that can help you face your challenges and move toward rebuilding your life
The fourth Saturday of every month, beginning September 28 and ending August 23, 2025, from 8 to 10 a m in the Crossings Grace Marriage will offer sessions of teaching videos/in person, dialogue with other married couples and dedicated time to talk with each other This program will encourage and equip couples to strengthen marriages that showcase the gospel Cost: $139 for the year Light refreshments will be available throughout the morning If you have any questions, please email Josh Maurer at jmaurer@ college-church org
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!
GriefShare begins on Monday, September 16, 7-8:30 p m in the College Church Commons It is open to College Church members and attenders, as well as people you know from the community or other churches You are welcome to begin attending GriefShare any week . Each session is “self-contained,” so you do not have to attend in sequence You will find encouragement and help whenever you begin For more information, contact Christy at griefshare@ college-church .org, or register using the QR code
MEMBERSHIP CLASS
Come find out about College Church’s history, core beliefs, ministries and what it means for you to be a member This membership opportunity will be on Sunday, September 29, in the
Commons This new format will start with lunch at noon, and then the class will run from 12:30-4:30 p m Registration is requested For more info, contact Christy at membership@collegechurch org, or call (630) 668-0878, ext 175
KEENAGERS
Join the senior adults of College Church on Friday, September 20, as we enjoy a delicious dinner together, followed by a program of beautiful music from violinist Daniel Ziesemer The evening begins with a reception at 5:30, dinner at 6, and the program at 7 p m Reservations are required by September 17 by emailing keenagers@college-church org, or by using the QR code . The cost is $10 per person, payable that evening
Looking Ahead
GRACE GROUPS
BEGINNING OCTOBER 7
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 will meet about twice a month on Monday nights starting October 7, 7-8:30 p m 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 a schedule or more information,
email gracegroups@ college-church org, or register using the QR code
Under the Radar
GOLF FOR THE STARS
Enjoy a day of golf and support Stars Family Services at Cantigny Golf Club on September 26 Visit StarsFamilyServices org for details
REENACTMENTS
Revolutionary War Weekend September 7-8 from 10-4 p.m.
Get a feel for camp life, experience a battle and enjoy the sights and sounds of the 18th century . Free activity with paid parking at Cantigny.
JAZZ
DuPage Community Jazz Ensemble Sunday, September 15 at 4 p.m.
Free at the Lake Side Pavilion, McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage
REMEMBRANCE
Tuesday, September 3
6:30 p.m. at Wheaton College Barrows Auditorium
Participate in an evening of remembrance for the 127 Pakistani Christians who died and the 170 seriously injured in a suicide bombing last September at the All Saints Church in Pakistan
Organized by Dr Yousaf Sadiq, Bishop Mano Rumalshah from Pakistan will share about the victims of All Saints Church, how the church is caring for its persecuted congregants and way the church continues to grow and witness for Christ
MILESTONES
BIRTHS
Callum Grey was born to Taylor and Olivia Johnson on August 6. Callum’s maternal grandparents are David and Heather Wiggins
Jacob Jeffery was born to Jeff and Meredith Sommars on August 1. Jacob joins his big sister Nora. His maternal grandparents are Ray and Beth Chase, and his paternal grandparents are Steven and Arlene Sommars.
Natalie Joy and Howard William were born to Andew and Alex Costley on July 16. Their first-time paternal grandparents are Howard and Laurie Costley
DEATHS
Pray for Rich Wilson and the friends and family of Doug Dykema, who passed away on August 24 in Wheaton.
Pray for Kathy Vician and family as they grieve the loss of Kathy’s father, Thomas Gallagher, who passed away on August 12.
Pray for Bill Anderson and family as they grieve the loss of Bill’s daughter, Sharon, who passed away unexpectedly in her home in New Jersey.
Pray for Wes (Jean) Dusek and family as they grieve the loss of Wes’ brother Ted, who passed away in Mesa, AZ, on July 30.
Children’s
Choirs
“SINGING DOES AT LEAST AS MUCH AS PREACHING TO IMPRESS THE WORD OF GOD ON PEOPLES’ MINDS.” —D.L. Moody
Singing not only involves text, pitches and rhythm, but also helps to create a bridge into the mind and heart of those participating Music is a unique avenue that helps us hide God’s Word in our hearts, guiding and shaping us to become more like Jesus
The Children’s Choirs at College Church provide an opportunity for our first-sixth grade students to do just that—imbed biblical truths deep within as we prepare to help lead in worship services and concerts
Our concerts also are wonderful evangelistic opportunities Some, who would otherwise never darken the doorstep of a church yet need to hear the gospel, will come to hear children sing Children’s choirs run September through May on Sundays, 5-6:15 p m Registration opens soon
SEEK THE WELFARE OF THE CITY
Christian Political Engagement in an Age of Pundits, Personalities and Partisan Polemics
PASTOR JOSH MAURER
In John 17, Jesus makes it clear that his followers are not of the world (17:14, 16). Equally clear is his desire that we be in the world (note his prayer in v. 15: “I do not ask that you take them out of the world”). Lest we misunderstand this “being in the world” as a mere truism—obviously we exist in the world—Jesus clarifies that our “being in the world” stems from having been “sent into the world” (17:18). And that implies purpose, direction, a mission even, for our life as followers of Jesus. Thankfully, we are not left to ourselves to figure out what that is. God has given it to us in his Word. Like a diamond, it is multi-faceted but holistic. Here are just a few examples:
“Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” (Gen. 1:28)
• “Make disciples of all nations.” (Matt. 28:19)
• “Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
• “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” (Amos 5:24)
• “Cease to do evil, learn to do good, seek justice, correct oppression, bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” (Isa. 1:16–17)
• “. . . repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem—you are witnesses of these things.” (Luke 24:47–48)
• “Proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Pet. 2:9)
• “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” (James 1:27)
• “. . . bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations.” (Rom. 1:5; 16:26)
At College Church, we summarize it as: “Proclaiming the Gospel.” But it would be a mistake to think that means we only care about evangelism and the eternal salvation of souls and not about addressing the pain, injustice and suffering that continue to plague people’s lives. We agree with the following perspective articulated by John Piper: “We care about all suffering, especially eternal suffering.”1
In fact, our vision brings this out more clearly: “Our vision is for the God-centered gospel of Jesus Christ to be proclaimed—in us as a church, through us to the world—by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.” The gospel so transforms a person— indeed, a whole people—that such people long to bring the healing and hope of Jesus into every sphere of suffering in every place on the planet. Transformed lives move outward in love toward all need, especially eternal need.
So, we are not of the world. But we most certainly are in the world—for the world. And that brings us inevitably into the realm of politics.
Now, before you aim your rhetorical arrows in response, hear me out. By “politics” I do not have in mind participation in the virulent ethos of today’s pundits, personalities and partisan polemics. Nor do I mean mere social activism or working in, and/or for, Washington. I am using the word “politics” in its original and much more mundane sense of referring to the activities, relationships, behaviors, structures, etc., that characterize a polis—a “city.” In ancient Greece, a polis “denoted the city and all that held it together as a cohesive social and cultural unit.”2 In that sense, the question is not whether we should be involved in politics—we already are!—but how we should do so consciously as Christians.
In other words, how should our primary identity in Christ shape our political engagement? And no less important, how can we avoid letting the worldly politics of our day destroy (or at least hinder) the blood-bought unity we have in Christ?3
These questions are more pressing in light of the growing divide among evangelicals, manifesting itself yet again in another national election year. With approaches ranging from Anabaptist isolationism to Christian nationalism,4 and attitudes ranging from indifference to full-throttled zeal, evangelicals today are increasingly divided over how to faithfully respond to the cultural crisis in America.
I’m no political theology expert, nor am I a political scientist. I do not claim to have all the answers to the complex interplay between faith and politics, or how it should play out in every issue we face. There is room for debate and disagreement. But I am convinced that the growing division (not the same thing as disagreement) among us is not good for the witness of the church in an increasingly post-Christian America. And I’m concerned, especially in election years, that our Christian identity can so easily take a back seat to the secular political options before us that we end up aligning ourselves more with our non-Christian Republican or Democrat neighbors than with one another—sometimes even to the point of viewing one another as enemies. Brothers and sisters, this should not be so.
To help ground us in the primacy of our Christian identity during what is sure to be another volatile election season, and to suggest some practical ways we might together seek the good of our neighborhood, city, and country—to be in the world, for the world—I am leading an evening seminar on Monday, October 7, at 6:30 p.m. I hope to see you there.
2 Timothy G Gombis, “The Political Vision of the Apostle to the Nations,” in Christian Political Witness, ed George Kalantzis and Gregory W Lee (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2014), 76
3 The sentiment, though not the exact wording, is taken from Preston Sprinkle’s book, Exiles: The Church in the Shadow of Empire (Colorado Springs, CO: David C Cook, 2024), see back cover
4 There are, of course, various shades of meaning for both of these approaches, and many approaches in between I am here using them heuristically as opposites on a spectrum of views concerning Christian political engagement For one mainstream version of an Anabaptist approach, see Rod Dreher, The Benedict Option: A Strategy for Christians in a Post-Christian Nation (New York: Sentinel, 2017) For one mainstream version of a Christian Nationalist approach, see Stephen Wolfe, The Case for Christian Nationalism (Moscow, ID: Canon Press, 2022)
Charles Shouldn’t Be Alive
JAMES SEWARD
This might be a surprise to those who know him. He courses with life. He’s high-energy, outgoing, talkative and eager to engage with all sorts of people. You can’t miss him in a crowd.
But he shouldn’t be alive.
There’s a strange calculus used by many today that determines whose lives are worth protecting and whose lives are not worth protecting. It’s a calculus that has gained traction since the fall of Roe v Wade in 2022.
The thinking goes like this: babies conceived in consensual, stable relationships should not be
aborted. However, if the baby’s life originated against the mother’s will, that baby’s life is not worth protecting.
This is not the first attempt to differentiate which pre-born lives deserve protection. Roe v Wade stipulated those lives younger than “24 to 28 weeks” weren’t worth protecting. Others have argued that if a mother is particularly young, the life in her shouldn’t be protected.
In each iteration of this calculus, my son fell outside the parameters of protection. His birth mother was raped. She gave birth to him at age 13. He was born at 23.5 weeks.
My adopted son Charles shouldn’t be alive.
In such bleak circumstances, many young moms would have been pressured to abort their baby. We are deeply grateful for the courage of Charles’s birth mom for choosing life. Without her courage in the face of awful circumstances, our son would be dead.
But why do so many people today want to remove protections for a vulnerable baby in the same situation as my son’s? Why is this life less worthy of protection than another child’s?
The argument typically runs that it’s cruel to force a woman to give birth to a child she came to carry against her will. The proper and appropriate empathy we have toward the mother’s awful situation is leveraged in favor of abortion. But this right empathy should not negate empathy we feel toward a baby. Concern for a mother’s situation ought not rob us of our concern for the child.
I believe the argument works only because pre-born babies are faceless (to us) and nameless. It’s easy to dismiss or ignore their personhood.
That’s why Charles wants his story told. Because when you create criteria about which babies we should allow people to kill, it’s not a faceless and nameless child. You are saying that you don’t believe the life of my son Charles should have been protected. Other pre-born lives should have been protected, but not my son’s. This is wrong. It is evil.
The next time someone argues that abortion should be permitted under certain circumstances, think of my son. Is his life okay to extinguish but not someone else’s? Does his biological father’s crime mean his life is not worth protecting?
Too many people are fine with logic that relegates my son’s preborn life to “optional.” Not our God. He is the protector of the vulnerable. And so should we. Listen to my son’s voice. Protect vulnerable life, no exceptions.
Note: I wrote this article, however, the content of it was chosen and reviewed by my son, who preferred that I craft the words for his story.
The IVF Journey: Part 2
In Part 1 of this IVF Journey, we entered the story of Kate and Jason, a representative couple going through IVF (in vitro fertilization). In light of the national uproar over the Alabama Supreme Court’s decision that frozen embryos (in an IVF clinic) are protected under the state’s Wrongful Death of a Minor Child Act, it is timely to pause and think about how and what we think about IVF and human embryos.
In this article, I will describe some of the risks and consequences of IVF and suggest moral guidance for making wise choices about reproductive technologies. Let us assume for these purposes that IVF is being sought by couples who are Christ followers, not same sex partners, single parents or people who use gestational surrogates.
RISKS AND CONSEQUENCES OF IVF
Kate and Jason sit hunched over the paperwork in the counseling room. They may not know how to evaluate the clinics’ claims or forecast the costs (two things noted in the previous commentary.) They will be asked to agree to the technique to be used (there are a variety of options), decide whether to have genetic testing, and whether they want any remaining embryos to be frozen, discarded, or donated for research.
Kate may be prescribed up to eight different hormones, one or two medications, and an antibiotic. The effects on her body and emotions can be quite intense. Risks include an irreversible condition know as OHSS1, as well as headaches, weight gain, nausea, muscle aches, depression, allergic reactions, blood clots, and more. She may experience mood swings more intense than she’s ever had.
The egg(s) that are retrieved may not fertilize or may develop abnormally. Depending on the particular method, IVF-created children have a higher rate of major and minor birth defects, small size, low birthweight, and prematurity. Some studies show that higher risks (vs. natural conception) increase from 2.2% at birth to 6% by age 5.2 Children and adolescents may have higher risks of cancer, mental health problems, and learning disabilities.3 IVF techniques that involve injury to the egg’s exterior (such as ICSI4) have higher risks than “traditional” IVF. Due to successful pressure for insurance coverage, use of these more expensive techniques is increasing.
Once in the womb, IVF embryos have a higher rate of twinning. Pregnancy with multiples is riskier for both mom and babies, including an increased chance of premature birth and low birth weight.
Let’s get back to Kate and Jason, staring at the paperwork. Are these risks disclosed? Will they be subtly pressured to have their embryos tested? Or, to create lots of embryos in order to reduce costs and hassle? If so, these embryos will be frozen until they are needed. What happens if their embryos get mixed up or inadvertently destroyed in the lab, as happened with the couples in the Alabama IVF case?
POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES
One of the most obvious consequences of the IVF journey is the financial impact. Medications and lab work can increase the average cost to $23,000$30,000. If Kate and Jason have twins or triplets, hospital costs will be higher, especially for premature births. With only four states providing Medicaid coverage, costs of IVF are out of reach for most Americans.
If they lack insurance coverage, Jason and Kate may wrestle with the question: How many times do we try? Until our savings run out? Some couples take out personal loans, a second mortgage, or even use a credit card. Although one cannot put a price tag on a child who already exists, there is something different about going to extreme lengths in pursuit of a child who might never come into being. The deep and good yearning for a child can induce couples to make unwise or rash decisions.
During the first forty years of IVF and other infertility treatments, twin births doubled, and triplets and higher birth rates quadrupled. While multiple births have declined noticeably, the ethical question remains: What obligation do we have to take into account the impact our decisions have on others? Of course, one couple’s choice that results in twins or triplets changes little societally. But the cumulative effect of thousands of such choices cannot be ignored. Is this possibility relevant to Christian couples considering IVF? Or, does the good of having children outweigh any potential negative impact on others?
What about the selection process? IVF inevitably involves selecting a particular egg and for ICSI, a particular sperm. Genetic testing done on the early embryos ensures a decision to reject any “defective” ones. None of these things happen with traditional procreation.
The IVF process is appropriately called “assisted reproduction.” It treats future children as a project, as something that is produced, rather than someone who is procreated. The deep and understandable desire of couples to procreate tempts them to see their potential children as a means to fulfillment of that yearning. Embryos can become the means to a good goal, but handled in a way that does not seek their own good.
These considerations can overwhelm a couple already dealing with the sadness of infertility.
MORAL FRAMEWORK FOR MAKING WISE CHOICES
Kate and Jason may be daunted by all the risks and decisions. Where can they turn for guidance? “Just read your Bible and pray” is not the kind of advice they need. The Bible is a resource—our primary resource—for making wise moral decisions. But, without interpretation and application, without biblical wisdom, it can be frustrating. Although infertility appears in Old Testament stories, the resolution to barrenness is most often direct divine intervention, a child born in old age or announced by an angelic messenger. Is this what Kate and Jason should be praying for?
How can we use the Bible wisely? How do we know what is good or right when it comes to medical technologies that seem to bear no connection to moral dilemmas we encounter in the Bible?
Several guidelines for thinking ethically can help. First, is there a clear command or prohibition? If so, that settles it. But,
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only about 10% of the Bible is direct commands; the rest is letters, poetry, narrative, discourses, visions, prayers, and laments.
Rather than focusing on explicit commands, look for the biblical principle(s) behind the command. What principles come to light in the biblical stories? In Genesis, we observe that God made us for relationships: with him, with each other, and with the natural world he created. What breaks those relationships? The thirst for knowledge. . . the hubris of using new technologies to build a tower...jealous rage over a brother’s offering to God. What do we observe about the relationships between husband and wife, between siblings, between parent and child, between mistress and servant, or within a community?
One Old Testament story sheds light on the social and cultural dimensions of infertility. When Sarah offered Hagar as a substitute birth mother for the child promised by God, she was following cultural practices.
What Sarah suggested was widely accepted—even expected—but was it wise? What happened to the relationship between her and her servant? And later, to, to the relationship between their sons?
What do we observe? The child of Abraham and Hagar was not conceived within the marital union. Ishmael’s birth was the result of a human effort to generate the son of God’s promise, to, if you will, “produce the gift.” The marital relationship was ruptured, and so were the extended relationships within the household. Was this wise?
Further, a third party was introduced to assist in creating the child. Could this be analogous to the involvement of the infertility specialists, embryologists, technologist, nurses, and others at the IVF clinic in assisting Kate and Jason’s efforts to reproduce?
A natural rejoinder is that IVF technologies present a radically different scenario. Like modern medicine, assisted reproduction technologies seek to ameliorate results of the fall. The question, as theologian and ethicist Dennis Hollinger puts it, is whether we are using God-given creative power “in service to others and . . . in accordance with God’s overall designs.”5
Genesis is relevant for thinking ethically about technology in general, but that is an endeavor for another day. For now, we must be aware that technology is not neutral. It tempts us to overcome God’s good creation as finite creatures. Technology has a trajectory and virtually irresistible power. Imagine how hard it would be to disconnect completely from social media or even worse, your cell phone.
We know that “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” (Ps. 127:3, NLT), one of many gifts God offers to us. Technology enables us to endlessly pursue that gift. And through gamete selection and genetic testing, it invites us to select the child, reminiscent of the way wedding and Christmas gifts are acquired these days. Wish lists have replaced open-handed gratitude with a consumerist mentality. We must be careful that this does not color our responses to infertility.
While this commentary barely scratches the surface of the myriad and evolving issues in IVF and other assisted reproduction technologies, one thing should be clear: it is difficult to live out our conviction that embryos created in the laboratory are human beings, tiny persons whose future is currently controlled entirely by others.
How can Christians who are unashamedly pro-life live out their moral convictions when embarking on a journey that presses them to de-humanize and devalue the embryo?
For couples who are at peace about pursuing IVF, their moral commitment should include the following: only use their own gametes; do not freeze any embryos; transfer all the embryos that are made; no genetic selection; and set limits on how much time and money you will in good conscience spend.
Do Kate and Jason need more time to reevaluate their journey? Perhaps, they will decline IVF, with deep sorrow and even deeper peace.
1 OHSS stands for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome Symptoms include bloating and abdominal pain, shortness of breath, swollen ovaries that leak fluid into the abdomen, blood clots, nausea, difficulty breathing, severe pain, and, rarely, death See, e g , “Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome,” Cleveland Clinic, https://my clevelandclinic org/health/ diseases/17972-ovarian-hyperstimulationsyndrome-ohss
2 Chun-Lin Liu et al, “Optimal Follow-Up Duration for Assessment of Birth Defects After In Vitro Fertilization—Embryo Transfer: A Multicenter 5-Year Cohort Study in China ” Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2022 (March 17) https://www frontiersin org/ journals/endocrinology/articles/10 3389/ fendo 2022 817397/full
3 See, for example, Hillary Klonoff-Cohen, Mounika Polavarapu, “Assessing the Relationship Between Traditional In Vitro Fertilization and Birth Defects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” Journal of IVF-Worldwide, 2023;1(4) doi:10 46989/001c 91039 https:// jivfww scholasticahq com/article/91039-assessing-the-relationship-between-traditional-in-vitro-fertilization-and-birth-defects-a-systematic-review-and-meta-analysis">= Barbara Luke, Morton B Brown, Hazel B Nichols, “Assessment of Birth Defects and Cancer Risk in Children Conceived via In Vitro Fertilization in the US,” JAMA Network Open 2020;3(10) https://jamanetwork com/journals/jamanetworkopen/article-abstract/2772342 Barbara Luke, Morton B Brown et al, “Risks of nonchromosomal birth defects, small-for-gestational-age birthweight, and prematurity with in vitro fertilization: effect of number of embryos transferred and plurality at conception versus at birth,” Assisted Reproduction Technologies 2021;38(835-846) https://link springer com/ article/10 1007/s10815-021-02095-3
4 ICSI stands for intracytoplasmic sperm injection, where the sperm is inserted by needle into the egg It is most commonly used for several male infertility
5 Dennis Hollinger, Creation and Christian Ethics (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2023), 66
SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE ANNOUNCEMENTS
JOIN THE SOHL TEAM.
LEARN, SHARE, ADVOCATE, SERVE TOGETHER.
Fill out SOHL participation interest survey to Indicate your interest in inviting a friend to join our email list or come to an event, attending prolife events yourself, or getting more involved with the volunteer team.
COINS FOR CARING NETWORK
baby bottle campaign raised $15,701.24 for operating expenses of Caring Network pregnancy centers (up from last year’s $11,109.03)! Thank you!
Learn more and spread the word about Caring Network’s ministry by attending an informal, small group Vision Tour on Thursday, September 12, 7‒8 p.m., at the Glen Ellyn pregnancy resource center.
STOCK THE WHEATON BABY BANK
For much of College Church’s history, our church library has been known for the depth and breadth of its resources While the library existed in various rooms and houses over the decades, since the complete renovation of the Sanctuary building in 1991-1992, it has occupied a large section along the west wall of the second floor, just outside the balcony We hosted numerous annual library conferences where ideas were exchanged with other church librarians Duplicate materials and resources no longer actively used by our church family have been given to other churches to enhance their libraries’ quality and usefulness
With all the technology available, patrons grew accustomed to the ability to access books online and the ability to instantaneously download materials to their devices The church library has become a less relevant part of church member life as it was in years past Over the last ten years because of the librarian’s efforts with promoting reading, the children’s area of the library still had visitors and books checked out, but even that traffic has now dwindled to just a handful of kids
The time has come to offer books and Christian resources to children in a different way Director of Children’s Ministries Cheryce Berg has curated a collection of books and materials in her office available to children and their parents .
Provide for referred Caring Network clients in the Wheaton area who chose to parent despite financial difficulty. Bring diapers, wipes, baby lotion, shampoo and wash, diaper cream and formula to the crib (outside the Sanctuary the first Sunday of every month and in the Commons the rest of the month). Scan QR Code for Amazon ordering.
40 DAYS FOR LIFE PRAYER
Saturday, September 7, 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.
Books in the current library will be offered to our congregants and our staff at no cost to build their own resource libraries Our church plants, missionaries, missionary libraries and other churches will be offered materials as well
Our goal is by the end of the year after some basic sprucing up of the room, this space will become an exciting and inviting area right across the hall from the west Sanctuary balcony to allow for overflow seating during large worship services, prayer meetings, membership classes, and much more It could also be used as a quiet space for ministry leaders to meet with congregants
We’re excited about repurposing this underutilized space to serve our ministries and congregants
Take Courage
ALLISON KELLEY
The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.” Acts 23:11.
Paul was in prison. Take courage. Serious plots were being made to kill him. Take courage. Take courage, because God had plans for Paul to eventually get to Rome, and he encouraged Paul to trust him on the journey even when the physical circumstances didn’t look the greatest. I was a part of Women’s Bible Study last year as we studied the Book of Acts. I had finished the study on the passage that included Acts 23:11, titled “Take Courage.” I didn’t realize how soon I would be listening to the Lord’s words to take courage.
That same afternoon my four-month-old cried and cried for no reason that I could figure out. Four-month-old babies are poor communicators. Or perhaps you might argue that they are great communicators, just not in the typical ways you and I interact. I prayed for help on how to help her, I prayed for patience, I prayed for endurance through all the crying, I tried to pray for joy in the moment—and I prayed for her to stop crying. Then I thought of Paul and how the Lord “stood by him and said...”. And I thought, “God, why don’t you come to me and tell me what to do?!” I was frustrated that the Lord didn’t show up for me that moment in the way he did for Paul.
As babies do, mine eventually calmed down and went to sleep. I then sat and reflected on where my thoughts spiraled to in my
frustration. The Lord put the verse Romans 8:28 in my mind. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good.” God, in his divine Word, has told me, more than that, has promised me, that all things will work together for good. He didn’t physically stand in front of me like he stood by Paul in that moment, but I have something potentially even better than what Paul had. I have a love letter from the Creator of the universe telling me all the truths that I need to know.
And of course, I had the words from the study I had done not eight hours earlier—take courage. In the same way that the Lord knew the plans for Paul’s life and said to trust him on the journey, he has told me that he sovereignly knows the plans for my life and I can trust him on my journey, even in the long crying moments.
It would be remiss to not also mention the community that God had placed me in at that moment in time. The study was a wonderful way God used to direct my heart, and I was also in a Women’s Bible Study small group with some experienced mothers. I had a table full of women who encouraged me and prayed for me and knew exactly where I was at. Jesus “stood by” Paul, and God stood by me through his Word, a study and godly women.
A Weed in the Walk W
hile I admit to being OCD in some ways, I am not one of those people who cannot tolerate a speck of dust on the furniture or leaves on the lawn. I do, however, enjoy green grass, crisp edges, trim shrubs and the oh-so-satisfying absence of pernicious weeds. But when the final furnace-blast of summer wilts even the rabbits resting in the shade beneath my garden bEnch—I give up. If not for my trusty husband, the grass would turn brown and not even the pots of geraniums would survive.
There is a weed growing in a crevice of my front walk. It is growing bigger all the time and yet, compulsively tidy person that I am, I continually walk past it, resisting the urge to pull it. There is hardly a space for purchase, and yet it is thriving in that crack better than the pampered impatiens in their pots on the front porch. That weed has grit and tenacity. It doesn’t give up. Day after day, it stubbornly clings to the aim of every weed to sprout, bear seed, and fill the earth—it is calmly and unapologetically fulfilling the purpose for which it was created.
The reason I haven’t pulled it, poisoned it, or whacked it into oblivion is this: I admire it.
I often pray that the Lord will show me more and more of his hand at work in the world around me and his hand at work in my own life. It has become apparent to me as I read through Scripture that a part of the human condition in this fallen world is either to forget what God has said or to miss the point. Through the years I have found that even the smallest things in God’s creation can become object lessons or reminders for his truths. Jesus often used common, everyday things like mustard seeds, candles, bushel baskets and bread to show us what he was like, what he was doing and what he expected of us. These homely illustrations are like breadcrumbs left along the path to understanding.
Judy Sattler
The Scripture words that spring to mind when I consider my gutsy weed are found in Galatians 6:9: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” And also, in I Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”
Occasionally, I do get weary of doing good. Sometimes it feels exhausting sticking to the narrow path, and I just want to bust out and go my own way, or hole up like a hermit and withdraw from service. More than once, lacking tangible results, I have experienced that sinking feeling that my toil has been in vain. It helps me to have visual reminders of what God has to say about that, so, for now, that weed is staying put. As I pass it each day, I appreciate the reminder that I need a little more of that weedmindedness in my own walk
at the BOOKSTALL
Newly Released from Pastor Josh Moody and Christian Focus:
THE JOY OF JESUS
by Josh Moody
“With theological richness and devotional warmth, Josh Moody guides us through Advent as he walks us through the Gospel accounts of the greatest story ever told Your heart will be stirred and your mind enriched as your eyes are pointed to the child of the manger and the Lord of salvation Here believers will be drawn afresh into the wonder and joy of the Saviour’s arrival—and those just exploring the faith will find a gentle and winsome invitation to experience that same wonder and to discover that unmatched joy ”
Jonathan Griffiths, Lead Pastor, The Metropolitan Bible Church, Ottawa, Canada
Bookstall Price: $9
Purchase early and give away for Advent readings throughout the season.
THE HEART OF JESUS
by Dane Ortlund
This book is an adaptation of Dane Ortlund’s bestselling Gentle and Lowly. Written for a wide audience—younger readers, new Christians, and those beginning to explore the Christian faith—it features easy-to-read terms and helpful explanations
Bookstall Price: $10
I CAN’T BELIEVE MY EYES!
by Joshua Cooley
A young boy asks his dad, “Is God real?” His father answers by taking him on a kiteflying adventure and teaches him how he can know that God is real This little story is wonderful for showing how we can disciple our children in the Lord even when they are very young . It has a few surprise fold-out pages which are fun when reading to your little ones
Bookstall Price: $15
OUT OF THE BLACK SHADOWS
by Stephen Lungu
Stephen Lungu grew up in a poor African country and was abandoned by both his parents by age 7 When he was grown up, he joined a gang with his friends called the Black Shadows They synchronized their watches for bombing a missionary tent meeting one night and he arrived early Stephen sat down to listen to what they had to say The rest of the story is better than fiction!
Bookstall Price: $10
THE MIRACLE COIN IN THE FISH’S MOUTH
When Jesus taught, often people did not understand him. They needed help. He had to explain. Or he was teaching to his own and the meaning was meant for them, but not for others.
Then we read this in Matthew’s gospel: “When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the tax?” He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?” And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.”
(Matthew 17:24-27)
Many of the parables and miracles seem clear to me, but this one makes me feel like the baffled people that were right there with Jesus and the others.
The temple tax was for the temple. When I think of tax, I think IRS, but this wasn’t for government; it was for the temple. Imagine the furor if churches or denominations were to impose a tax on folks with the money they gave. A friend of mine once said he felt as if his church did that. His was a different tradition than ours, and they had people checking up on folks.
But we are free to give or not give. I know there are passages that tell us to give. But in this passage, it’s not a law exactly.
This miracle tells me that there is a miraculous element to our giving. Go to the sea, cast and catch. In the mouth of the fish, money is there for nothing other than to give.
This was no boring obligation. It was a miracle. Go fishing. Catch. Give.
I’m no bookkeeper. I don’t like to think that God is keeping track of every penny I spend and give. He knows the numbers of hair on my head, so I know he knows. Maybe, though, the posture of my heart is what matters most. And the coin in the mouth of the fish makes me want to, well, rejoice.
I’m no classically trained theologian. But I think of this story sometimes when I give. I don’t need to do it, but actually I want to. I want to catch the fish in my life and take the money out of the mouth. It’s right there, I have only to look. This money is nothing more than a miracle given to me as a child of God. My giving is not an obligatory tax but a provision of God for my good and for his glory. It’s a miracle. How can I as his child do anything with it except to give?
