concepts we’ve learned), and sometimes we even use sign language to help us remember. Some of our friends really benefit from sensory space—that means to have space to walk or to move. These classrooms have really helped everyone feel more comfortable while also being together. Our Praise in Action and STARS Choir music programs continue to grow and the STARS’ abilities have grown under the leadership of Kristin Visconti. It is a wonderful thing to see a quiet confidence grow as we see the gifts God has given them on display. Beth Gunther continues beautifully as our ministry associate for respite, welcoming STARS for monthly Friday Night Fun and Hangin’ with a STAR. Finally, Kathy Brinker has joined us on staff, replacing the recently retired Shelley Swanson. Kathy’s expertise as a professional and as a STARS parent helps our parents feel welcomed, and helps set our young STARS up for success. In these uncertain times, we’ve been reaching out and connecting our families through virtual Sunday school and small groups through Zoom. We are reminding them that Christ is always with them. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)
Mindy Rynbrandt
Director of Womens Ministries Last summer, College Church women gathered neighbors and friends in homes to study the book of Colossians, and during this study, I encountered a text which cast a vision for me of ministry.
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“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.” (Colossians 1:28-29) In everything we do within our ministries at College Church, we seek to proclaim Jesus’ name. We are Christo-centric—meaning that in every program, in every interaction, we aim to point to the person and work of Jesus. This passage fleshes out the goal of proclaiming Jesus: maturity in Christ. Certainly, we are called to share the good news to all, but it is more than simply crossing the starting line of the Christian faith. Here we see the calling to teach and exhort one another in Christ. To what end? That we may present everyone mature in Christ. Practically then, this calls the local church to more than warm social connections and an acknowledgement of Jesus’ kingship. These are good things. But our responsibility to one another within the family of God is that we use every opportunity in ministry towards spiritual maturation. Thankfully we are reminded in verse 29 that we are not left alone to fulfill the Lord’s lofty prescription. He has powerfully worked within us, enabling us through his energy. Maturity is the goal, and he has given us everything we need in Christ to equip us for this task. When we apply this vision to women’s ministry at College Church, we see the importance of both proclaiming Jesus and exhorting each other towards Christlike maturity. The Lord is using the women of College Church to proclaim his gospel, evidenced by the women who encounter Jesus each year through Bible study and discipleship. As women claim the name of Christ, we seek to encourage our sisters beyond initial discovery, towards growth. And there is no greater means for growth than by studying and applying to life the Word of God. In our weekly Women’s Bible Study program, we’ve experienced the transformative power of Scripture this year as we’ve studied Job and
