November 9, 2008

Dear College Church Family,

On behalf of the Council of Elders of College Church, we extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the members of the Pastoral Search Committee. And though they have labored together as one, I would like to express our gratitude individually to Roger Sandberg, Edith Blumhofer, Cindy Cochrum, Neal Conley, Howard Costley, Jon DeLew, Ellen Elwell, Tim Onufrock, Gregg Quiggle, Flo Schmid, Carol Taylor and Brian Wildman.

We also owe a debt of gratitude to the families of these brothers and sisters who sacrificed so many hours with their loved ones so that they could serve our church in this way.

We rejoice that their work on our behalf has come to such a fruitful end. We now look forward expectantly to the day when Dr. Josh Moody, his wife, Rochelle, and children, Josiah and Sophia, arrive to join us in work, worship and fellowship at College Church.

Dr. Moody will remain in New Haven until December 14, fulfilling the “60 days notice” term of his employment contract with Trinity Baptist Church. He will be taking some well-deserved vacation time the remaining two weeks of December to move his family to Wheaton and get settled into the community.

We have a wonderful group of pastors, directors, ministry residents, operations and support staff that Dr. Moody will have the joy and responsibility of leading. To that end, the elders are asking Dr. Moody to invest the first few weeks of January in getting to know our staff and becoming oriented to the operations of the church. At the same time, Josh will be planning and preparing his sermon series for the year and begin participating in our worship services. Our new Scripture Memory Program will begin the first Sunday in January. A formal installation service for Dr. Moody will be held on January 18, 2009. He will begin his preaching series on January 25.

Between now and then, we look forward to a wonderful fall with warm fellowship, strong preaching and special services surrounding the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. We thank God for His gracious care towards us these past several years and eagerly anticipate all that He has in store for us in the coming year.

With gratitude to our Lord and those who have served Him and us so well,

Bruce Howard, Chair, Council of Elders