January 2020 Connections by College Church In Wheaton

Connections Proclaiming the GOSPEL

LOCAL & GLOBAL STORIES, NEWS AND EVENTS of COLLEGE CHURCH

"How can we support parents in the discipleship of their children from birth until the time they go to college and beyond?" See Out of My League on page 11 an interview with Diane Jordan and Cheryce Berg

JANUARY 2020

Prayer

Reflection

Missions

Praying Together in the New Year

A Voice for the New Year

2019 Board of Missions Highlights

PASTOR ERIC CHANNING | 9

VIRGINIA HUGHES | 14

BOARD OF MISSIONS | 16

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4

January Highlights

Women's Retreat | ELIZABETH DIFFIN

G.R.A.C.E. Training Update | PASTOR ERIC CHANNING

Praying Together in the New Year | PASTOR ERIC CHANNING

Missions Prayer Fellowship Gatherings

Mark Your Calendar: A Congregational Meeting

Out of My League | LORRAINE TRIGGS WITH DIANE JORDAN AND CHERYCE BERG

A Voice for the New Year | VIRGINIA HUGHES

2019 Board of Missions Highlights

Missionary Christmas Thank You

SURVEY RESULTS: Update from the Missions Office

The Perspectives Class Could Be For You | MELISSA WARNER

Best Books of 2019 and Devotionals for 2020

Milestones

Looking Ahead

JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS Sunday Mornings SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICES—8, 9:30 & 11 a.m. January 5: Psalm 19 with Pastor Ben Panner preaching at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. We will also be celebrating the Lord’s Table together. NEW PREACHING SERIES Strong: The Four Forgotten Truths About God’s People from the Book of Joshua January 12: “You’re on a Mission,” Joshua 1:1-9 with Senior Pastor Josh Moody January 19: “You Have to Take a Risk,” Joshua 2:1-14 with Senior Pastor Josh Moody January 26: “You’re in a Battle,” Joshua 5:13-15 with Senior Pastor Josh Moody

Sunday Evenings SUNDAY EVENING SERVICES—6 p.m. January 5: One New People—Ephesians 4:1-6 with Pastoral Resident Erick Solomon January 12: All Church Prayer Meeting in Commons Hall January 19: Congregational Meeting (see page 10 for details) January 26: One New People—Ephesians 4:7-16 with Pastor Zach Fallon

Grace Group Mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety and other problems with mood stability are real and need compassionate support. Living Grace and Family Grace are support groups that meet weekly on Tuesday nights. Living Grace is meant for the person who is living with the pain of difficult mental and emotional issues; Family Grace is for the person who has a loved one who struggles with these issues. For more information, email gracegroups@college-church.org.

March for Life Join us as we unite with thousands of others from all walks of life, in the heart of the city, to raise our voices for those who have no voice, on January 11 at the March for Life Chicago. There we will declare that all human life— born and unborn—is sacred. This is a fun, family-friendly event and a great way to begin the new year. Visit www.college-church.org/sohl to find out more about the march and to sign up for the buses.

Women's Ministries

Women's Bible Study resumes January 15: Studies resume (9:30-11 a.m./6:45-8:15 p.m.)

It is not too late to join us as we continue our study in First Peter. For more information and to register please visit www.college-church.org/adults/women.php

Mom2Mom Large Group Gathering January 13 (9:30- 11 a.m.) in Commons Hall

Women’s Retreat You won’t want to miss this! Registration closes on January 20.

With the holidays behind us, it’s time to register for the upcoming women’s retreat, February 21-23 at the Abbey Resort in Fontana, WI. “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.” Jesus calls us to abide in him, but what does that really mean? As women with many demands on our attention we often struggle to dwell, rest and remain in Christ himself. Together we’ll study what God’s Word says about abiding, and take the time to put it into practice as we worship the Lord, connect with one another, and enjoy beautiful Lake Geneva together. For more information please go to www.college-church.org/ adults/women.php

Monthly Gathering Join us in reading Tim Keller's "Counterfeit Gods" before our next Women's Monthly Gathering on Saturday, January 11, at 9 a.m. During our time together, we will be doing a round-table discussion on the book and will not only cover questions raised in the book itself, but also encourage one another as we transition into our relationship series in February. If you do not get a chance to read the book before our time together, don't worry! We welcome anyone who is seeking community and desiring to more deeply engage with the topic of idolatry and how it pertains to our lives as believers.

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to slow down and reevaluate your weekly activities, then you’ll appreciate this month’s topic: Busyness. Moms of little ones, join us for our first Large Group Gathering of the new year as we discuss the topic of busyness and consider together how to make the best choices for our families this year. Gym Play Date January 27 with Linda Gulbransen (9:30 – 11 a.m.) in Commons Hall Winter weather making your kids a little stir-crazy? Problem solved! Join us for our Gym Play Date hosted by Linda Gulbransen. Your kiddos will play fun games and run off some energy in the gym while you enjoy a relaxed coffee break with other moms. January 30 Mom’s Night Out with Amy Rienow on the “Not So Perfect Mom” (7-8:30 p.m.) Commons Hall Do you know a mom who feels overwhelmed? All moms are invited to hear local author and speaker, Amy Rienow (Visionary Family Ministries), talk about getting back to the basics with our mothering and listening to God’s message of hope for moms.

TGC Women’s Conference ( June 11-13) Use discount code [COLLEGECHURCH] for $25 off the registration price. Looking for other CC women attending conference? If you’re going, let us know! We’d love to plan a meetup for College Church women at the conference.

Keenagers January 17: Diane and Lilian Chou, musicians: piano, cello, violin, and viola. RSVP on the connect panel in the worship folder.

JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS CONT. Men's Ministries Menâ€™s Gathering Saturday, January 11, at 7:30 a.m. Erick Solomon will be teaching on Matthew as we continue the Storyline of the Bible.

Menâ€™s Bible Study Resumes January 15, you are welcome to join us. Our goal is to provide an experience for men to develop their biblical and theological understanding and to apply it to their lives. We meet together on Wednesday nights in the Commons from 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. in room C002. Using video and table discussion, we'll be working through Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology. Daunting? Perhaps. Worth it? Absolutely. Together, we're going to dig a little deeper and develop our spiritual muscles so that we can press on in our faith and faithfully bring others with us! Men, rise to the challenge this new year for Men's Bible Study!

Becoming One Becoming One is a class for engaged, pre-engaged and newly married couples. It provides a biblical perspective on topics such as the covenant of marriage, roles of husbands and wives, finances, intimacy, communication and conflict resolution. The class will meet Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m., beginning January 26, 2020. If you have questions or would like to register, please contact Christy at marriage@college-church.org. Registration fee of $35 per couple covers materials and an online inventory.

WOMEN'S MINISTRY

Women's Retreat Elizabeth Diffin Stressful. Overwhelming. Exhausting. Lonely.  Ask any woman at College Church to describe her life and there’s a good chance she’d use one of those words. But Jesus calls us to something deeper and better. He calls us to abide in him.  At this year’s Women’s Retreat, we’ll dig into that call through teaching, worship, and the chance to connect with other women. All are welcome, whether you’re a college student, professional, stay-at-home mom or retiree; whether you’re single, married, divorced or widowed; whether you have kids or not. The women of our church are diverse, but the Women’s Retreat is a wonderful opportunity to focus on our commonalities as sisters in Christ. The Women’s Retreat takes place February 21-23 at The Abbey Resort in Fontana, Wisconsin. The theme of the weekend will be “Abide,” taking its inspiration from the words of Jesus in John 15:4 -- “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.” Four gifted teachers from among our own women will lead us through a study of this important concept during our times of worship and learning.  In addition to the corporate study of God’s Word, we’ll also enjoy times of fellowship with our fellow believers. Past retreats have resulted in new relationships blossoming and lifelong connections being deepened. You’ll also want to take advantage of unscheduled times to make friends around a game board or at the swimming pool, enjoy exploring (and shopping!) in nearby Lake Geneva, or even indulge in a muchdeserved nap. Our hope is that each and every woman returns from the retreat refreshed and encouraged in the knowledge of who she is in Jesus Christ.

Single, double, triple and quad rooms are available, but all roommates must be registered with payment in full by January 20 to guarantee room type (rumor has it that some of the most meaningful connections are formed when you share space for a weekend!). We do not want finances to prevent any woman from being able to attend the Women’s Retreat; if you’d like to explore scholarship options, please contact Karen Bagge (karen.a.bagge@gmail.com). In the past, the Women’s Retreat has been a highlight of the year, providing the chance to take a breather from the stresses and busyness of everyday life and its sometimes-overwhelming responsibilities and to connect with women who might not seem similar but share a true and deep bond thanks to Jesus. We invite you to join us for a weekend of laughter, learning, and lots of sweet time together. Together, let’s discover how to abide. Dwell. Rest. Remain.

G.R.A.C.E. TRAINING UPDATE

An Update from Pastor Channing Dear College Church, I am pleased to announce that G.R.A.C.E. (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment) has approved College Church to receive its Child Safeguarding Certification. The process for approval has taken one year to complete, and many steps have been involved. January 2019: • A representative from G.R.A.C.E. conducted a leadership training in January 2019 for all pastoral staff, elders, elected leaders and all children’s and youth ministry leaders. • We developed a Child Safeguarding Team that was tasked with reviewing/editing the church’s current protection policies in light of G.R.A.C.E.’s feedback. Moving forward, the Child Safeguarding Team, which is comprised of three pastoral staff members, two elders and two congregants, will report to the elders and will be responsible for revising the protection policy and determining how to best equip the congregation to make the policy “livable,” among other duties. April 2019: • Two representatives from G.R.A.C.E. conducted a churchwide training for the purpose of educating/ equipping the congregation on God’s heart about abuse, the nature of abuse, characteristics of those who abuse others, and how to best respond to/care for victims of abuse. August 2019 • The Safeguarding team finished their policy revisions. October 2019 • The elders approved the Protection Policy.

November 2019 • After grammatical/formatting revisions, the policies were finalized. December 2019 • G.R.A.C.E. officially bestowed College Church with its Child Safeguarding Certification. This is a oneyear renewable certification.

What are the next steps? In December, the entire congregation was given access to the revised Protection Policy via e-news and the website. In the coming months, the Child Safeguarding Team will be planning a rollout of the Protection Policy. In addition, we will be conducting age-appropriate talks in the various ministries to educate children/youth about boundaries with ministry workers. Furthermore, pastors, directors, and other ministry workers will be trained on how to implement the policy within their respective ministries.

Why is this important? College Church has zero tolerance for abuse. We want to continue to be a place where children and STARS are provided a safe place to receive the gospel and grow in their faith. Together we can be equipped to prevent and respond to abuse in ways that honor the Lord and provide a light to the world around us. If you have any questions about the G.R.A.C.E. certification or the work of the Child Safeguarding team, please contact me at echanning@college-church.org. Serving him together, Eric Channing Pastor of Congregational Care & Family Ministries

PRAYER FOCUS 2020

Praying Together in the New Year More from Pastor Channing, this time on prayer in 2020 College Church family, The beginning of the new year is a wonderful time to connect with the Lord afresh. To that end we have planned the following weekly times of corporate prayer to help you connect with the Lord and others. Would you be willing to commit to one of these corporate prayer meetings in the month of January?

Sundays

Morning prayer: 8-9 a.m. in the Old HYACKs room C002B led by a pastor/elder

Mondays

Morning prayer: 6:15-7 a.m., in the boardroom; led by an elder

Wednesdays

Lunch prayer: 12:15-12:45 p.m., Commons 104A–first room on the right when you walk in main doors (only January 1, 15, 22 and 29); led by Pastor Channing Evening prayer: 7-8 p.m., led by the missions team

Fridays

Lunch prayer: 12-1 p.m., “Prayer for the Persecuted Church”; led by Glenn Deckert, Wil Triggs In addition, mark your calendars for our all-church prayer meeting on Sunday evening, January 12 from 6-7 p.m. in the Commons. We are excited to see what the Lord will do in and through us as we seek him together! For His Glory, Eric Channing Pastor of Congregational Care & Family Ministries

Missions Prayer Fellowship Gatherings Monday Morning Prayer Meeting: Every Monday,

from 6:15 to 7:15 a.m., meet in the Board Room (second floor of the Commons building). This group is open to everyone.

Midweek Prayer Meeting at 7 p.m. Join us for

Wednesday night prayer meeting where we pray for our church and missionaries as well as hear from a different ministry speaker each week. We will meet on these Wednesdays in January: January 8: Reagan Humphrey, sharing an update on her midterm service with Cru in Eastern Europe and Russia. January 15: Adugna Tahear, sharing an update on her shortterm trips doing dental work worldwide. January 22: Josh and Brittany, introducing East Asians to Scripture through digital platforms. January 29: Speaker in process

Hannah Prayer Fellowship will meet on Wednesday,

January 8 at 1:30 p.m. in C103 of the College Church Commons. Shannon Sparling will be sharing with us. Come and learn about one of our new missionaries hoping to leave for the field soon.

Abigail Prayer Fellowship will meet Thursday, January 9, at 1 p.m. at the home of Charlene Irish, 30101 Fowler Circle in Warrenville. We look forward to hearing from Debby Nichols. We welcome new members who are interested in praying for overseas workers. For more information, contact Char at (630) 442-4188.

Aaron-Hur Prayer Fellowship: Details to come. Dorcas Prayer Fellowship, meeting Wednesday, January 16, at 1:30 in The Upper Deck at Covenant Living at Windsor Park. Speaker TBD. Men and women, from Windsor Park or elsewhere, are welcome to visit or to join the group.

Lydia Prayer Fellowship What connection does Carole

Johnston Seume and her husband ministering in Africa have to do with the seminary her parents founded in Europe? Come and find out at Lydia Prayer Fellowship at Joan Stough’s, 655 Dunhill Ln., Carol Stream on Tuesday morning, January14 at 9:15 a.m.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Announcing: A Congregational Meeting on January 19, 2020 at 6 p.m. We will be meeting to consider the following two motions from the Council of Elders: November 5, 2019

RESOLUTION Approval of Cheryce Berg as Director of Children’s Ministries WHEREAS: Pastor Josh Moody has recommended that Cheryce Berg be appointed as fulltime Director of Children’s Ministries; and WHEREAS: The Council has reviewed the position description and Cheryce’s application for the position and has interviewed Cheryce; and WHEREAS: The Council finds Cheryce to be eminently qualified for this position: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Council hereby approves of Cheryce Berg as the fulltime Director of Children’s Ministries; and FURTHER RESOLVED: That Cheryce’s candidacy will be presented to the Regular Members for final approval at a congregational meeting currently scheduled for January 19, 2020. December 3, 2019

RESOLUTION Approval of Diane Jordan as part-time Director of Visitation and Care WHEREAS: The care and shepherding of our congregation is a large and important task; and WHEREAS: The Pastoral Staff and the Council believe that it would be wise to have a qualified woman to participate alongside Pastor Eric Channing; and WHEREAS: Pastor Moody has recommended that Diane Jordan be appointed to this part-time position (25 hours per week), and the Council knows of Diane’s strong qualifications for this role: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Council approves of Diane Jordan’s appointment to the part-time position of Director of Visitation and Care, and that the Council will recommend her to the Regular Members for their approval at the congregational meeting on January 19, 2020. If you have questions, bring them to one of our Informational Meetings, both to be held in the Fireside Area: • Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at 8 p.m. • Saturday, January 18, 2020, at 8 a.m.

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

Out of My League Lorraine Triggs talks past and future with Diane Jordan and Cheryce Berg Lorraine: Diane, let’s begin with you and your journey to director of children’s ministry. Diane: One thing I'm excited about is how Cheryce’s journey parallels mine in some ways. Back around 1992-93, I was on the Christian Education Board with then-high school pastor Marc Maillefer who told me they were going to hire someone to direct children’s ministries. I remember thinking “Yeah! It’s about time.” I was teaching preschool Bible school and was also a Pioneer Girls pal [today we would use the term mentors]. Marc asked me when I was going to apply for the job. I said I wasn't going to. I was working part-time at my husband's office. But Marc kept asking me. He talked to my daughters Linda and Em who were in the youth group at the time and asked them if I liked my job. They were like, “Mom, Pastor Marc keeps asking about your job.” I finally agreed to pray about applying. I figured it was a safe bet that when I went home and told my husband, he would say absolutely not, because I tended to overcommit, and this would be a huge over-commitment. I went home and told my husband what Marc said, and my husband said that yes, we should pray about it. I knew I was in trouble. I prayed, I applied for the job and interviewed along with three other candidates. I figured I wouldn't get the job and that would be the end of it. Then Marc called. The committee met and voted to offer me the job. I was stunned and I literally—and this isn’t an an exaggeration—went to my favorite

“Reliance on God is primary. God gave us brains. He gave us resources, and I'm grateful for books and the people he’s placed in my path, but the greatest resource we have is the Holy Spirit.”

recliner chair, knelt and sobbed for 20 minutes straight. “God, what are you doing? I am not the person. I am not qualified.” I just felt so out of my league. I was out of my league. But after I calmed down and prayed over it, I called my husband who talked me off the ledge. I recognized that God knew I couldn't do this job and I would have to rely on him. I would have to be on my knees continually and he would have to see me through it and when I finally got to that realization, it made it much easier to say yes even with fear and trepidation. God has grown me a lot in the area of relying on him because of that call. Lorraine: So, what were your qualifications? Diane: There were none. None. My qualifications were my birth order—I was the eldest of 13 kids in my family and I had three children of my own. I did do a variety of volunteer work. I served in junior high ministry, in high school ministry and children's choirs. When we came to College Church, I served in children's church, preschool Bible school, VBS, Pioneer Girls and several other things. But I never went to college. That was one of the things I said to Marc. In fact, I pretty much laughed in his face when he encouraged me to apply. I said this is College Church. You have college professors here. I have zero college credits. You need someone with a degree for this position. Marc replied that they just wanted the person God wanted, and it didn’t matter what

- DIANE JORDAN qualifications, or lack thereof, I had on paper. Lorraine: Cheryce, on paper, you do have the qualifications, but that resumé doesn’t show your heart. Tell us about your journey to this new position. Cheryce: As a teenager, I babysat. At my church in Oregon, I was on a SICM-type of ministry as a high school student. In college, my job was nannying, and I chose to study elementary education because I love working with kids. Mark and I married shortly after college, and I taught fifth grade and was involved in various ministries here at College Church. Once our sons came along, I stayed home. When our youngest, Luke, was four years old, I think you, Diane, or Barb Nussbaum (then a children’s ministry associate) called me and asked if I wanted to apply for a children’s ministry associate position. During the six years that I worked with Diane, I wrote curriculum, did family nights and connected with missionaries. But I was also intrigued with all the international students walking through the hallways. I sensed God calling me to connect better with them, so I traded my job here in children’s ministries to volunteer with World Relief. When my kids entered high school, I began working with HYACKs (the high school ministry) and loved, loved, loved that. I currently disciple the women small group leaders, and meet up with my students who have graduated whenever they’re in town.

Lorraine: From the sounds of it, you weren’t even thinking about being the next director of children’s ministries. Cheryce: This wasn’t even on my radar. Diane and I have connected with each other, most recently in the Side-by-Side class, or we’ll see each at church. I really wasn’t in tune with children’s ministries, especially with my sons now in college and late high school. It never, ever crossed my mind. Then John Seward emailed me, asking if we could meet at the end of August. On September 1, I had a couple hours to meet with John before my husband and I flew to Europe for our 25th anniversary trip. In that meeting, John asked me to consider being a candidate for Diane’s position. This was so far out of my league. You think I’m qualified? I don’t have any seminary education. I haven’t had a full-time job in more than twenty years. But John was very gentle and patient and said to pray about it. Lorraine: And then you left the country . . . for your anniversary trip, I mean. Cheryce: We were part of a tour group made up of people from all over the place. We quickly became friends with another couple. They were Christians, from the Midwest, with two boys in college and celebrating their 25th anniversary. The similarities were amazing. As we got to know them a little bit, I asked the wife what she did. She said that she taught Bible study, raised her family and her youngest was halfway through his senior year of high school—just like mine. My new friend continued her story. Then one day, the executive director at her church called to ask if she wanted to be the children’s director at her church. I was like, "whoa," and told her that I was just asked the same thing a few days ago. I knew that God had placed us together for a reason. And that was the first time I thought, "maybe I'll consider it." But even as I started praying, I was completely overwhelmed with the idea. I would lay awake at night thinking about it, and God began to remind me of all the people in Scripture who were called to something that they weren't capable of: Moses, Elizabeth, Sarah and Abraham. I felt God gently but clearly saying, "I don't want you to feel adequate." And, as I read my Bible, passages would pop out at me from the Psalms about telling the next generation about God. It’s exciting when it's that clear, but also scary because I like to be in control of things. I'm a first born. Diane is so excited about what she does, and I’ll have a chance to overlap with her. I don't think I would have said yes if I didn’t have someone that I love and respect. There’s no way I could have stepped into this role cold.

Lorraine: Diane, what are some things you've learned along the way that you would like Cheryce to know? Diane: Reliance on God is primary. God gave us brains. He gave us resources, and I'm grateful for books and the people he’s placed in my path, but the greatest resource we have is the Holy Spirit. It's okay to gather information. It's okay to talk with people and go to seminars and do all that, but, Cheryce, God's clear call to you and knowing that he who calls you is the one who qualifies you—that's what will help you the most. Also, this position requires someone who can be an advocate and champion for children. Kids are very dear to Jesus's heart. I love all those Scriptures that talk about Jesus and the children or "whoever welcomes a little one in my name welcomes me." There are so many clear indications of God's heart for children, and children can get overlooked in our society, and in any society. And so advocating for their needs so that their voices are heart and their potential is recognized is really important. Third, not only do kids need Jesus, they also need to know they can meet Jesus in the pages of the Bible. We have a responsibility to help them learn and understand the Bible in a way that connects them to Jesus. Even with young children, how you handle God's Word communicates to them a reverence and awe for the Word and points them to Jesus. So God's Word is foundational to all we do in children’s ministries. Lorraine: Cheryce, come those dark cold days of January and February when before, you could just make a cup of tea and start writing your blog, what will get you up and out the door? Cheryce: I think first, I trust my Lord that if he is calling me to this, he’s going to accomplish something. I'm excited about that. Second, I don't have connection with many little kids in the church right now because my kids are older, but the ones that I do know, I love. I also love discipling young women, so I am excited about getting to know the young moms. Now that my sons are older, I can look at this season of life when children are young in a little bit calmer of a way. I want to come alongside these moms and tell them that it gets better. Don’t give up. It is about relationships and discipleship for me. It’s also about the great team of Diane’s staff as well as the volunteers in Kids’ Harbor. I look at the names on the emails Diane’s already copying me on, and I think, "wow, these are great people." I recognize that we are all part of a body, and I'm coming in at this one part. My experience has been that when you serve in ministry, you are blessed by relationships and working together. I also love the pastoral staff, and I'm excited about that, too.

Lorraine: Why is children's ministry integral to the church community? Cheryce: As Diane said, children are not just the future of the church; they are the present. And at College Church, a huge part of our demographic is children. Also, statistically, that's when most people make a decision to follow Jesus as their Savior. That’s why we need to do everything we can to make him known and loved. We can’t miss that window in their lives, plus, they can teach us in return. If we're supposed to have faith like a child, we need to see what that looks like and be working with them, whether or not we have children that age at home. All this helps us to grow in our faith. Diane does all this. One of our sons had a serious injury when he was six years old, and Diane came over with Culver’s and cheered him up. Whether Diane is visiting the elderly or children, she just lights up a room because she comes in with so much energy and joy and fun. She’s life-giving.

“…we need to do everything we can to make [Jesus] known and loved. We can’t miss that window in their lives, plus, they can teach us in return. If we're supposed to have faith like a child, we need to see what that looks like and be working with them, whether or not we have children that age at home. All this helps us to grow in our faith.” - CHERYCE BERG

Lorraine: What does the future look like for children’s ministries at College Church? Cheryce: Well, it needs to stay focused on the Bible. As far as what that looks like, I don't know yet. Diane, Dan Hiben (junior high pastor) and Zach Fallon (high school pastor) have started conversations about how can we minister to families as a whole rather than individually as children and junior high and high school students. How can we support parents in the discipleship of their children from birth until the time they go to college and beyond? What does this look like and how can we make that stronger? I'm excited for that because I wanted help with my own kids through those stages.

been in that kind of a role. And the more integration we can have between these ministries the better. I want us to stay on track with that, and there are a lot of different models for how that might look. Cheryce: I would love our worship services to be family friendly and still feed adults like we need to be fed, and I would love to have kids in the service and not be looked down on. It’s work helping your kids learn to worship. I don't know what the future looks like and I am not coming in with an agenda. Plus, Diane will still be around. Lorraine: We talked about partnering with parents. What does that look like? Diane: It is a work in progress. I think more and more parents feel like they are under siege in terms of their authority being undermined, not only by their own kids but also by culture that says, "We know how to raise your kids better. Let us, the experts, take over," and that's scary to me. I believe God holds parents responsible for the spiritual nurture of their children. It's also mutually beneficial. God will help parents just as he will help Cheryce and helps me when he calls us to something. He gives us the resources we need to do it. I want parents to have confidence in that. I want them to feel empowered that they can pass on faith to their children, that they can build spiritual foundations in their children. They don't need to send them off to Sunday school or off to you or to me or off to some expert to teach them about Jesus. Parents can do that. So I want to empower parents to see that, and that's what it means when I talk about a partnership. I don't want parents to look at children's ministries as the experts or the ones that are doing the parents' job. I want to lock arms with them because yes, I will have interactions with them. I have had interactions with them, but I also want to do what I can to help parents realize that they can do this. I want to cheerlead for parents. You have your kids 24/7. We might have them three hours a week. We want to build bridges into the home and help parents know that they can do the job, that we're cheering them on. We will help, even provide resources if they are struggling a little bit, but we're not the experts. We're in this together. And, in my mind, we are sharing and moving in a direction that allows for an environment where spiritual foundations are built. As Diane passes the baton to Cheryce, we’re excited to welcome Cheryce and see how God will use her in the lives of the parents, children and volunteers who make up the Kids’ Harbor team.

Diane: It helps that Cheryce has been part of the high school ministry and has a relationship with Zach. That is another one of the reasons I'm excited about Cheryce, because she's already

Down the street, at the start of a new school year in yet another new neighborhood for our family, I was halfway to school when a girl bounded down the front steps of her home and walked ahead of me. She turned around and asked, “What grade are you in?” I was in fourth grade and so was she. That fourth grade was enough to forge a friendship; making us fast friends by the time we arrived at school.

REFLECTION

A Voice for the New Year Virginia Hughes

In the following days, I walked to the bright pink house where Sandy lived. She ran down the steps to meet me—her waist length, straight brown hair pulled back by a headband. A pair of perfect shoes and matching knee socks completed another of her well-coordinated outfits. Then her questions would start. My friend noticed I always wore dresses and asked why I wore the same ones so much. Daily, I hoped Sandy wouldn’t again point out the painful fact that I always wore a dress to school even on the coldest days. Pants were treated as a woeful choice for a young lady growing up in our home. The plague of cold weather hives hummed and swelled wherever my tender skin was exposed to cold air between the tops of knee socks, my dress hemline and around my neck and face. Sandy asked if I was ever going to get a poncho. “You really should wear a poncho; everyone has a poncho,” she declared one morning. Fads were as unreachable as Pluto within our meager household. However, my two older sisters, keener in the area of fashion trends, assured me that a poncho was indeed a key fashion accessory and it would serve me well to get on board. Where in my fourth-grade life would I ever get a poncho? I already gave attention to securing loathsome rubber bands to hold up my socks, praying they’d stay in place under the sock fold at the top of each sock. The rubber bands pinched my legs unmercifully and often exposed the fact that the elastic had all but disappeared from my knee socks a sister or two ago. My dear mother, when I explained the importance of being seen in a poncho, hunted through her fabric scraps. She found a portion of leftover avocado-themed kitchen curtain fabric, cut a hole in the fabric’s center for my head and trimmed the entire outer edge with avocado green pom poms until I matched our kitchen decor most perfectly. I remember begging Mom to hurry, hurry, HURRY, because I needed to wear the poncho and be in style today, today, TODAY! Two blocks of warm, floating happiness with green pom poms dancing on my fresh poncho were dashed upon the cold, craggy sidewalk of reality by my pal. She immediately declared my poncho ALL WRONG, and pointed out that a real poncho comes down to here, below the elbows, not above your elbows, Silly! I absolutely could not reply, “This was all the fabric we had left over from our kitchen curtains,” so I walked on, blinking back tears, trying not to care. After a few days Mom asked what happened to the poncho I was in such a hurry to get the other day and why wasn’t I dutifully wearing it after all that fuss? I shrugged and hoped I’d not be scolded for vanity or wastefulness which I would be, truth be told. Way later in life, when I watched, “Gone With the Wind,” Scarlet’s plush

velvet drapes sewn into a fashionable gown had me laughing and crying tears of victory on her behalf. I was too young to tell my friend how hurtful her comments were. She was my forever best friend through sixth grade despite her constant observations of where I fell short. Her voice was not a good voice in my life. What ultimately drove us apart was not her scrutiny, but her growing, singular interest in boys. She dropped me for a new friend (same age) with fancy bleached blond hair, mascara and robin’s-egg-blue eyeshadow. Plus, her new best friend had a boyfriend to scheme and talk about. Meanwhile, I had real concerns. Busy with cages to clean and rabbits to feed, I was raising a family of rabbits to sell so I could attend church camp. Maybe I’d find a new friend at camp next summer. Then something wonderful happened in our family. We changed churches to an established church right in town. We didn’t have to move and the church came with a new friend my age. The new Sandy was a believer. She and I giggled our way through junior high and high school. We believed in the same most important person, Jesus. So, I made a good friend even before camp. The new Sandy had a better voice to listen to since we believed and worshipped the same God. We eventually parted ways for college but never lost each other due to our common bond of faith. With a new year at hand, anticipation may shine brightly for some while it barely glimmers for others. Friends move, and the past year may have altered us or taken friends and family far away. The new year carries the sense that a reasonable goal or good routine started right now will change us for the better. We may need to do more; we may need to do less. It’s time to take stock, as in the old Irving Berlin song from 1946, “I Got the Sun in the Mornin’ and the Moon at Night.” The song begins, “Taking stock of what I have and what I haven’t. What will I find?” The song’s conclusion is, “The things I got will keep me satisfied.” Which is true if you have the best friend, Jesus, with the best voice.

“It’s time to take stock, as in the old Irving Berlin song from 1946, ‘I Got the Sun in the Mornin’ and the Moon at Night.’ The song begins, ‘Taking stock of what I have and what I haven’t. What will I find?’ The song’s conclusion is, ‘The things I got will keep me satisfied.’ Which is true if you have the best friend, Jesus, with the best voice.” Niagara Falls or any other majestic flow of water, you have heard and felt this sound. The roar of rushing water drowns out human voices; there is no point in talking or trying to yell above it. The whipping droplets of water have invisible, charged particles, ions which bear an electric charge. Standing by the rushing waters of a waterfall not only thrills us but elevates our well-being because the good ions abound. The voice of Jesus resounds, consuming doubt, and therefore is the best voice to welcome us into the new year. John was terrified at the sight of Jesus and he fainted. Jesus touched him and brought him back. Conscious again, John looked at Jesus whose face was shining bright as the sun, hair white like wool, eyes burning with fire and feet like bronze on fire in a furnace. Jesus wore a robe to the floor with a golden sash and held seven stars in his right hand. John was supposed to be writing everything he saw but was too afraid to move. Jesus reassuringly said: Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One. I was dead and now look, I am alive forever and ever. God’s promises roll over us as we walk in his tender mercies, and we benefit from his amazing grace. We rest within his magnificent voice, and he raises us to welcome the new year.

In the first chapter of the book of Revelation, there is a beautiful picture of Jesus in his glory beginning to share the plan about the coming judgment. Here we learn he has a voice like roaring waters. If you have ever stood close to

MISSIONS

2019 Board of Missions Highlights The Board of Missions (BOM) at College Church consists of 15 elected members, the missions pastor and an elder liaison. Each board member prepares for and attends monthly board meetings, serves on one or two sub-committees and prays regularly for and routinely communicates with eight to ten supported missionaries. This past year, the Board of Missions reviewed 76 motions. Here is a small taste of what the board has accomplished on behalf of our church this year:

Appointment of new career missionary: Bruce Wilson. Bruce served as a missionary in Indonesia along with his wife, Becky, for more than a decade and was the missions pastor at College Church from 2002-2016. Bruce is developing a pilot program with Pioneers called PROpel, based in Orlando, FL. Propel provides short-term opportunities for marketplace professionals to use their skills to help missionaries and teams fulfill their mission.

Portuguese and Korean. The Gospel Coalition is working to produce the Concise Essential Resources Library to offer biblical, theological and practical education to pastors and Christians around the world. This series of seven essential resources, in six different languages, seeks to reach two-thirds of the world’s population as a free resource. The project budget is $2.5 million and will take at least five years to complete.

Support for global theological resources in Ukraine: $4,000 to Odessa Theological Seminary for the translation of On Being the Church: Revisioning Baptist Identity by Brian Haymes, Ruth Gouldbourne and Anthony R. Cross. This book will be included in the Contemporary Protestant Theology series. Odessa Theological Seminary is one of College Church’s national partner schools. Support for missions mobilization in Ukraine: $6,000 to SEND 3M to provide financial support for Ukrainian missionaries and church-based missions mobilizers. SEND 3M (Missions Mobilization Ministry) accomplishes its purpose by providing missions education, ministry training for short-term teams and cross-cultural workers, publications for missions awareness and prayer, speakers and teachers, assistance for missions conferences, consultation on support raising, networking with churches in cross-cultural ministry efforts and strategic financial support. College Church missionaries Chad and Leanna Wiebe work side by side with Ukrainian mission mobilizers in these efforts. Our gift of $6,000 funds three to four mission mobilizers on contract with SEND 3M for one year.

Appointment of new mid-term missionary* in Eurasia from April 2019 to March 2021.

She teaches art and English at an international school in Eurasia and has signed up for a two-year commitment. She is also the daughter of College Church career missionaries. *name withheld for her security

Support for global theological resources: $3,000 to The Gospel Coalition (TGC) in support of an online theological resource library to be developed, translated and made available in English, Spanish, French, Chinese,

Support for church planting globally: $10,000 to Neopolis. Jon Dennis previously served as high school pastor of College Church and is now pastor of College Church’s daughter church, Holy Trinity in Chicago. Jon serves as the chairman of Neopolis, whose vision is for cities of the world to be transformed by the power of the gospel of Christ. They do this through working with existing churches to plant churches that are committed to Christ-centered preaching, pastoring and planting to the glory of God. Support for discipleship training in South Africa: $2,000 to East Mountain. Rod and Kathy Duttweiler have been College Church supported missionaries since 1989. Rod is the co-founder of East Mountain. East Mountain’s ministry equips followers of Christ to live deeper and see further into their unique role in his kingdom and his vision for the church. They do this through community, discipleship and partnership.

Appointment of new mid-term missionaries to Uganda: Jesse and Molly Furrow, serving August 2019 to August 2021. The Furrows are serving with Mercy Care Ministries (MCM) which provides education and medical services for the local community as well as care for orphans. Jesse is running their children’s athletic programs as well as working with their micro-lending program. Molly is teaching at MCM’s school.

Appointment of new mid-term missionary* to Asia: serving August 2019 to July 2021. She is a recent graduate of Wheaton College and has a deep desire to teach theology in countries where theological education is scarce. She is developing a program to increase students’ English and Bible proficiency so they can receive overseas theology training at the graduate level and return to train others in their home country. *name withheld for her security

Support for counseling in Asia: $5,000 to Cornerstone Counseling Foundation toward building a site for developing mental health care in Thailand. Jake Finn, a College Church supported consortium missionary (originally from Moody Church) serves at Cornerstone Counseling Foundation, which provides confidential and professional counseling, consultation and training from a Christian perspective for individual Christian workers, families, teams and organizations throughout Asia.

Appointment of new career missionary* to the Middle East. She is US-based but will be overseeing work in the Middle East. She has previously served as a College Church career missionary. *name withheld for her security

Appointment of new mid-term missionary* to the Middle East: serving from October 2019 to July 2022. He is returning as a teacher to the country where he served in 2015-2016. *name withheld for his security

Appointment of new mid-term missionary: Libbie Casey, serving with GO Ministries in Santiago, Dominican Republic from December 2019 to November 2022. Libbie is the coordinator of women’s GO Sports, coaching women and leading discipleship. GO Ministries partners with local pastors across the DR and Haiti who desire to redeem people, renew their communities and restore creation through forming mutually transformational partnerships. Libbie will be working directly with another College Church supported missionary, Kyle Bradley.

Appointment of new career missionary* to Eurasia. She has previously lived in the region in which she will now be serving. *name withheld for her security A huge thanks to our Board of Missions members for their tireless efforts which have given us the opportunity to engage in God’s work in many places around the world.

Missionary Christmas Missionary Christmas is a unique tradition of College Church and an immense blessing to our missionary family. We encourage our missionaries to use these personal gifts for non-ministry related purposes. Especially during the busyness of the holiday season, we suggest for them to take a step back out of the busyness and be reminded of the beauty of Christ. We want each missionary to take a moment to care for his or her own soul, for their family and to do something relaxing - and fun. We praise God for your generosity! We’ve been receiving notes of gratitude from our missionaries for these gifts and wanted to pass on a warm thank you to each of you who give financially or pray for our missionary family. Thank you very much for your generous Christmas gift! It is just one of so many ways in which all of you at College Church care for your missionaries. You have blessed us immensely over the years. We appreciate your graciousness in sharing with us to make our Christmas celebration even more special. Warmly, Lois & Steve Dresselhaus We thank the Lord for your encouragement in so many ways and pray likewise for the Lord’s grace and encouragement to all of you. J&M

Please join us in praying for the board as they work to encourage and support our 98 career missionary units (177 individuals) and 11 mid-term units (18 individuals) serving in 47 different countries. And, thanks—to you!—for your faithful generosity in giving toward missions. Our special offerings to provide Christmas gifts for our missionaries and support missions initiatives in Spain and the Dominican Republic totaled more than $68,000! Missionary Christmas: $37,991.17 total Thanksgiving Eve Offering: $30,022.06 total

SHORT-TERM MISSIONS

SURVEY RESULTS: Update from the Missions Office We recently surveyed the church regarding our short-term missions trips. Thanks for your input! Here’s what we learned:

What is most important to you when considering a short-term trip? First, the type of work being done. We hear you! Our 2020 selection includes various opportunities: • English Classes, Discovery Bible Study (Czech Republic, May 22-30) • Outreach, Evangelism (Greece, May 1-11) • Construction and Manual Labor (Honduras, February 16-22, 2021) • Love in Action (Israel, June 6-14) • Sea-kayaking and Evangelism (Mexico, November 1-8) • Community Outreach Festival, Fiesta Activities and Support (Spain, July 1-12) • Disability Ministry (Uganda, July 6-17) Second: the missionaries we’re partnering with. Who are they? • Nathan and Vera Beck Nathan and Vera serve with Greater Europe Mission in Opava, Czech Republic. Their passion and focus are to make disciples and equip them to make more disciples. They do this together through reaching out to local non-believers. In addition, Nathan teaches and coaches missionaries in discipleship across the continent. • Judy Blumhofer Judy’s compassionate heart for children has motivated her to serve as a medical missionary through Christian Health Service Corps in northeastern Honduras as well as serving as the interim director of a residential facility to 30+ children. • Steve & Lois Dresselhaus Steve and Lois founded Reconciliamar, a Mexican nonprofit that “uses adventures at sea to transform lives.” They take small groups on sea kayaking or scuba excursions and intentionally bring up spiritual conversation, pointing people to Christ and the reconciliation of all things. As a result of these trips, they have also started a house church. • Susan Perlman Susan lives in San Francisco, California and serves with

Jews for Jesus as the chief partnership officer. Jews for Jesus seeks to bring the good news that Jesus is the awaited Messiah to Jews worldwide, which Susan supports through working with mission agencies, churches, theological institutions and more. • José Pablo & Jane Sánchez José Pablo and Jane are spreading the gospel in Spain through their work with Decisión Evangelistic Association, which José Pablo directs. It’s estimated that 92% of towns in Spain don’t have a single born-again Christian. Decisión preaches the gospel on national public TV and radio. In 2018, five million people watched Good News TV programs in Spain and 182,000 listened to the “Stories of Faith” radio programs. • Greater Europe Mission In support of Thad (and Joy) McAuley, who serves as COO and regional director of GEM Europe and is a missionary of College Church, we seek to once again support the national church in relief efforts for immigrants and refugees arriving on the shores of Greece. This will be the fourth time College Church will support immigrant and refugee ministries in Greece. • Stars Ministry Uganda Named after College Church’s STARS ministry, this organization was created in 2015 to support people who truly care for and are committed to children with special needs in order to reach them with the gospel of Jesus and declare their worth in the body of Christ.

There are other obstacles to going. We’re with you on that! Here’s what’s holding most of you back: …I don’t want to raise funds. Our teams are supported through fundraising, which, though often daunting, is an opportunity for others to join with you as you participate in the Lord’s work. Many people are eager to support you as you support our missionaries! We want the words of Ephesians 4:16 to be true of our church. “From [Christ] the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Some of us will go this year, others will not be able to. Let us each do the work the Lord has before us and grow together in unity. Remember, God will provide. This is an opportunity to let your faith grow as you see people respond to this call to action. As God moves in your heart to go, he will move in others’ hearts

to give. He is a good Father who graciously and tenderly takes care of his people. Raising funds for these trips is one way we declare that we depend on him in faith as we wait to see how he will provide. Everyone has a role to play in the Great Commission. For some who are unable to go, due to various circumstances, there is great joy in supporting and participating in God’s work through giving. In the book of Acts when brothers were going out to preach the gospel, in both their send-off and their return, worship is often mentioned. Invite others to join you in making an impact, while engaging in worship through prayer and financial support.

…The dates of the trips don’t work for me. Our trips vary between May, June, July and November 2020, and February 2021. If these don’t work for you but you are interested in serving internationally, reach out to the Missions Office. We are happy to partner with members of our congregation as they pursue other short-term opportunities that align with our vision. Would you prayerfully consider going this year? To find out more about each of these trips, and to apply, visit college-church.org/stm. For questions, email stm@collegechurch.org. The application deadline is January 15, or until teams are full, whichever comes first. Lack of applicants may result in cancellation of a trip.

GROWING IN 2020

The Perspectives Class Could Be For You Melissa Warner explains why. On January 21, we want to welcome everyone to experience night one of Perspectives on the World Christian Movement. The first night is free and open to anyone from churches in the surrounding area. It has been recommended for mature high school students and up. We will meet in Welsh Hall with dinner available starting at 5:45 p.m. and the class begins at 6 p.m. To help us plan for dinner, register for the “First Night Free” option at Perspectives.org for the Wheaton class. This first evening, taught by Kyle Reschke, Sending and Outreach Pastor at Wheaton Bible Church, will give students a vision for the heart of the class. Participants are welcome to register for the duration of the course after attending night one free. This dynamic course taught by 15 different instructors, Tuesday nights for 15 weeks, has been described as a discipleship course, a Bible study of all Bible studies, and a “God-view” course. Rather than thinking about how we should view the world, this course focuses on how we should view God and the work he already has in motion all over the world. The course starts with five weeks of Biblical foundation to support the thesis that God wants every ethnic group to know him, and that he calls every believer to be a part of this mission: a movement of Christfollowers. The second dimension walks students through the historical highlights of the World Christian Movement. What happened after Jesus died, rose, and ascended into heaven? It describes where the gospel went throughout the world and what we have left to do in our modern age of missions. Next, instructors guide students in a deeper understanding of what it means to take the true gospel message across cultures. How do we share a pure gospel and empower ethnic groups to continue the task of sharing Jesus with their own people in a sustainable manner?

Each week, students get to read articles written by experts in their field on topics such as these. Finally, the class explores the most strategic ways to spread the gospel to every ethnic group God has made. How strategic has the church been with their finances and resources when supporting the Christian Movement around the world? This last dimension enlightens students on the unfortunate reality that many resources are not used wisely. Leaders of the Perspectives course hope that students leave this 15-week journey with a strategic vision for their role in God’s global Christian Movement whether in their own culture or crossing cultures both here and abroad. Perspectives believes that God is calling every believer to be involved in his global mission based on this clear Biblical narrative from Genesis to Revelation. Some may feel confused by this because they believe they are not “called to missions.” For those who may be feeling this way, we hope that a deeper understanding of how much faith and conviction of believers throughout history it took to bring the gospel to you will inspire you to carry on this message to others. Even if you do not cross cultures with the gospel, you could be a part of essential support for people who do, and at the very least, a part of sharing Jesus with those in your own culture. At some point in history, a group of believers reached out to your ethnic group out of obedience to God's call. Will you carry on the task of sharing the gospel within your culture and supporting the pioneers who are crossing cultures? God, in his infinite power, is already doing this. He is inviting you to join him and experience the blessing of knowing him and following him in this World Christian Movement. Email wheatonperspectives@gmail.com with your questions or to find out more.

RECOMMENDED

Best Books of 2019 We asked ministry staff and some of our lay leaders for the best books they read in 2019. Watch for more in next month’s issue and online at OneWord Journal. Josh Stringer, pastor of discipleship

Porn-proofing today’s young kids (Companion book – Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr. – for younger children; A simple plan to protect young minds) A must read for parents and children to help expose the danger of pornography and help them make safe internet choices.

Endurance by Alfred Lansing Rise of the Ultrarunners by Adharanand Finn From Weakness to Strength by Scott Sauls

The Christmas Promise by Alison Mitchell. This retelling of the Christmas story focuses on the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a King –A NEW KING – A RESCUING KING – A FOREVER KING. It ends with “And do you know what this King’s name is? His name is . . .(Last page) JESUS!”

The Color of Compromise by Jemar Tisby Ready Player One by Ernest Cline Diane Jordan, director of children's ministies I decided my parting “book list” as Children’s Director would focus on some favorite kids’ books that I read this year. Jesus and the Lion’s Den by Alison Mitchell. Not a typo – a book that shows how the story points to Jesus. Very well written and an excellent model of how to tell the OT stories in the broader context of the biblical storyline. If Nathan Were Here by Mary Bahr. A story about a young boy dealing with the death of his best friend. It is not a book dealing with death from a Christian perspective, but rather a book that validates the very real emotions which come with grief and loss.

Goodbye to Goodbyes by Lauren Chandler. A true story about Jesus, Lazarus, and an empty tomb. As Nancy Guthrie put it – “In this winsome little book, Lauren Chandler applies resurrection reality to the heart, in a way that will help both adults and kids face death with faith and hope.” Eric Channing, pastor of Congregational Care and Family Ministries A Call to Prayer by J.C. Ryle

My Mama and Me by Crystal Bowman and Teri McKinley. “Mama, I’ve got questions for you. Who is God and what does He do?” This book of short, rhyming devotionals deals with topics such as God, Jesus, what God thinks about us, and how we can show love to God.

Christianity & Liberalism by J. Greshem Machen

Good Pictures Bad Pictures by Kristen A Jenson and Gail Poyner;

Descriptions and Prescriptions by Michael Emulet

Reset and Christians Get Depressed Too by David Murray

AT THE BOOK STALL

Devotionals for 2020 Daily Readings from all four Gospels for Morning and Evening By J.C. Ryle

New Morning Mercies A Daily Gospel Devotional By Paul Tripp

Undated Devotions Through the Book of Exodus By Alec Motyer

Forty-four Undated Devotions Through the Book of Deuteronomy By Alec Motyer

MILESTONES Births and Marriages

Condolences

• Twins Jackie Dorothea and Janie Patricia were born to Rich and Lisa Howard on December 13. The girls join older siblings, Nathan, Jeremy, Abbie, Lucas and Rico.

• Pray for College Church missionary Cheryl (Charley) Warner as she grieves the loss of her father, Dick Anthony, who passed away on December 20 in Texas.

• Michael James was born to Anthony and Abby Valerio on December 9. Michael joins big brother Anthony Jr. His maternal grandparents are Gary Vician and Kathy Vician.

• Pray for College Church missionary Kathy ( Jim) Hansen as she grieves the loss of her mother, Margaret Davis, who passed away at the end of November in Canada.

• Simeon Jude was born to Pastor Ben and Joanna Panner on December 4. Simeon joins siblings Piper, Jeremiah and Levi.

• Pray for the family and friends of Bob Carlson, who passed away on November 25. Pray for Bob’s wife, Peggy, and their children – Bobbi, Carrie, Ted and Eric. Bob became a member at College Church in 1944. Visitation will be Saturday, January 11, at noon in the College Church Fireside, followed by a memorial service in the Sanctuary at 1:30 p.m.

• Colin Richard was born to Drew and Lauren Olson on November 26. Colin's paternal grandparents are College Church members Rich and Sue Olson. • Josie Anthem was born to Israel and Karis Vazquez on November 25. Her maternal grandparents are College Church members Bruce and Laurel Aulie.

• Pray for Bill Howard as he grieves the loss of his father, who passed away on November 18.

FRIDAY MARCH 13

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PURSUING A FRUITFUL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD THROUGH PRAYER

DICKSON VALLEY CAMP AND RETREAT NEWARK, ILLINOIS

LOOKING AHEAD Believers Baptism/Confirmation/ Infant Baptism/Infant Dedication There are dates coming up for those interested in believers baptism, confirmation, infant dedication and infant baptism. If you would like more information about any of these opportunities, email Christy at baptism@college-church.org.

Coming in February 2020… MEMBERSHIP Ready to participate fully in the life and ministries of College Church? Come find out about College Church’s history, articles of faith, core values, initiatives for the future, ministries, missions and more. The one-day-only winter membership class will be on Saturday, February 1, from 8:30 a.m. until noon; registration is requested. For more info, contact Christy at membership@college-church.org, or call (630) 668-0878, ext. 175.

Gifted To Serve To all College Church Members and Regular Attenders: Announcing the Gifted to Serve Class All of us have gifts and talents that the LORD has given us to put to use for his Kingdom. Have you struggled to discover what your spiritual gift(s) might be? Do you wish to use your spiritual gift(s) to further his Kingdom but are not sure how to go about it? On February 2, 9 and 16, Dave Setran and Dan Haase will be leading a three week class to assist us with these important questions. The Gifted to Serve class will be hosted by the Joint Heirs class and will be held in Commons Hall in Rooms A&C at 9:30 a.m. While space is limited, it is open to all, so please feel free to come!

…and in March 2020 Men, with 2020 here, are you facing burnout? What warning lights may be going off? How is your pace of life? How did you get here? What are the potential consequences? Are you able to recover your true identity? Did 2019 leave you striving, stressed, anxious, fearful or exhausted? If so, how do you rest, rethink, reduce, refuel, relate, resurrect? Plan NOW to join us on March 13-14 for our 2020 Men’s Conference, as we gather to hear from David Murray and fellowship with one another to hit the reset button. Please see the Men’s Ministry page for more details college-church.org/ adults/men.php.

Take advantage of events—some one-time, some ongoing—that are taking place around town this month. Also, keep Connections in mind to promote a community event to the College Church family. Send event information by the following dates to connections@college-church.org. For the February issue: January 7 For the March issue: February 7

Connections is a monthly newsletter published for and about the people of College Church. Send news items and suggestions to: connections@college-church.org.