Current Sermon Series
FROM ZACH
Fall is almost here. Even if the heat is still hanging on, we know cooler days are coming. In the same way, there are seasons in the life of a church when we can’t yet see everything God is doing, but we trust that He is at work. Scripture reminds us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). Continued days of ministry, growth, and fruitfulness are ahead as we stay faithful.
This month we begin a short series called “Grace in Practice.” We will look closely at the two ordinances Jesus gave His church: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. These are not empty rituals. They are powerful pictures of the gospel. If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, or if you have trusted Him but have not yet been baptized, we want to invite you to take that step. The baptistry will be ready. There is no better time than now to publicly declare that Jesus is Lord.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 20. That morning we will gather for a special Volunteer Appreciation Sunday. We are honored to welcome Chad Ragsdale and Front Line from Ozark Christian College. Chad is a gifted speaker and has written books and spoken at many conferences. As gifted as Chad is as a communicator, Front Line is at leading worship. It will be a huge blessing to have them all! We will have one combined service at 11am as we thank the many servants who make ministry possible at RCC. Then that evening at 5pm, we will hold our Congregational Meeting. We will look back on the past year, celebrate the life-change God has brought, review financials, hear staff reports, vote on the 2026–2027 budget, and vote on elders and a trustee. Nursery care will be provided. We’re asking everyone to bring a side item and a dessert for a celebration meal following the meeting. Church, we have much to celebrate and be thankful for! On behalf of the eldership, I ask that if you are a member, you make this meeting a priority.
As we step into this new season, let’s remain strong in the faith and keep our eyes on the mission. We are called to be Disciples Creating Disciples. Paul urged the Corinthians, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). May that be true of us this fall—steady, serving, and full of hope in Christ.
See you Sunday, RCC!
In Christ,
Zach
This month we begin a short series called “Grace in Practice.” We will look closely at the two ordinances Jesus gave His church: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. These are not empty rituals. They are powerful pictures of the gospel. If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, or if you have trusted Him but have not yet been baptized, we want to invite you to take that step. The baptistry will be ready. There is no better time than now to publicly declare that Jesus is Lord.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 20. That morning we will gather for a special Volunteer Appreciation Sunday. We are honored to welcome Chad Ragsdale and Front Line from Ozark Christian College. Chad is a gifted speaker and has written books and spoken at many conferences. As gifted as Chad is as a communicator, Front Line is at leading worship. It will be a huge blessing to have them all! We will have one combined service at 11am as we thank the many servants who make ministry possible at RCC. Then that evening at 5pm, we will hold our Congregational Meeting. We will look back on the past year, celebrate the life-change God has brought, review financials, hear staff reports, vote on the 2026–2027 budget, and vote on elders and a trustee. Nursery care will be provided. We’re asking everyone to bring a side item and a dessert for a celebration meal following the meeting. Church, we have much to celebrate and be thankful for! On behalf of the eldership, I ask that if you are a member, you make this meeting a priority.
As we step into this new season, let’s remain strong in the faith and keep our eyes on the mission. We are called to be Disciples Creating Disciples. Paul urged the Corinthians, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). May that be true of us this fall—steady, serving, and full of hope in Christ.
See you Sunday, RCC!
In Christ,
Zach
Contact Zach Here:
Worship Ministry
Comunidad Cristiana
Querida familia de la iglesia:
Esta semana mi corazón está lleno de gratitud. Como padre, tuve el privilegio junto con mi esposa Gladys de llevar a nuestra hija Dayana a una nueva etapa de su vida en EnterMission. Como muchos padres entenderán, hay despedidas que producen sentimientos encontrados. Por un lado, está la alegría de ver a nuestros hijos crecer, tomar decisiones y comenzar a caminar por sí mismos. Pero, por otro lado, queda ese pequeño vacío cuando uno regresa a casa y se da cuenta de que una etapa ha terminado y otra acaba de comenzar.
Después de tantos años teniéndola cerca, ahora nos corresponde verla iniciar una aventura diferente. Sin embargo, hay algo que me llena de mucha paz: Dayana no solamente está buscando estudiar, sino también servir. Su deseo es descubrir cómo Dios puede utilizar su vida, especialmente a través de las misiones. Como padre, eso me emociona profundamente, pero también me recuerda que llega un momento en el que nuestros hijos tienen que aprender a escuchar la voz de Dios por ellos mismos.
Mientras pensaba en esta nueva etapa de Dayana, recordé la historia de Hiroo Onoda, un oficial japonés que durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial fue enviado a una isla en Filipinas con órdenes de continuar su misión y no rendirse por iniciativa propia. La guerra terminó en 1945, pero él no creyó los mensajes que anunciaban el final. Permaneció durante casi 29 años convencido de que todavía estaba cumpliendo la misión que se le había dado. Finalmente, tuvieron que localizar a su antiguo comandante y llevarlo personalmente hasta la isla para darle una nueva orden y decirle que su misión había terminado.
Siempre me ha impactado esa historia porque aquel hombre tenía disciplina, compromiso y disposición para obedecer. El problema no era su falta de entrega. El problema era que estaba viviendo durante años siguiendo una orden que ya no correspondía a la realidad. Y eso me hizo pensar en algo importante para nuestra vida espiritual: no basta con estar dispuestos a obedecer; también tenemos que asegurarnos de estar escuchando la voz correcta.
Podemos ser personas trabajadoras, responsables, disciplinadas y llenas de buenas intenciones, pero todavía necesitamos detenernos y preguntarle a Dios: “Señor, ¿esto es realmente lo que Tú quieres para mí?” Podemos pasar años siguiendo las expectativas de otras personas, nuestros propios planes, las definiciones de éxito del mundo o incluso sueños que alguna vez fueron buenos, pero que quizá Dios quiere redirigir. Podemos estar muy ocupados y, aun así, estar caminando en una dirección que Dios nunca nos pidió tomar.
Por eso, cuando dejamos a Dayana en EnterMission, una de mis oraciones más importantes no fue simplemente: “Señor, dale éxito.” Mi oración fue: “Señor, enséñale a escuchar Tu voz.” Porque ella puede adquirir conocimientos, viajar, conocer culturas, aprender habilidades y recibir muchas oportunidades, pero sobre todas esas cosas deseo que aprenda a preguntarle a Dios: “¿Qué quieres hacer con mi vida?”
Como padre, no quiero solamente que mi hija encuentre una profesión. Quiero que encuentre propósito. No quiero solamente que construya una vida cómoda. Quiero que construya una vida obediente. No quiero solamente que llegue lejos. Quiero que llegue exactamente al lugar donde Dios quiere que esté. Porque podemos avanzar muchísimo y aun así descubrir que avanzamos en la dirección equivocada. Por eso Proverbios 3:5-6 nos recuerda: “Fíate de Jehová de todo tu corazón, y no te apoyes en tu propia prudencia. Reconócelo en todos tus caminos, y él enderezará tus veredas.”
Pero esta reflexión no es solamente para Dayana. También es para todos nosotros. Quizá Dios está llamando a algunos a las misiones, a otros al ministerio, a otros a enseñar, a servir desde una profesión, a formar una familia que honre a Cristo o a utilizar sus talentos en lugares donde jamás imaginaron servir. No todos recibiremos la misma asignación, pero todos debemos aprender a hacer la misma pregunta: “Señor, ¿qué quieres de mi vida?”
Isaías escuchó la voz de Dios preguntando: “¿A quién enviaré, y quién irá por nosotros?” Y su respuesta fue sencilla: “Heme aquí, envíame a mí.” Me encanta esa respuesta porque expresa disponibilidad, pero también me recuerda que antes de decir “envíame” necesitamos aprender a reconocer quién es el que nos está enviando.
Como padres, también estamos entrando en otra etapa. Durante muchos años somos nosotros quienes damos instrucciones. Decimos: “Haz esto”, “ten cuidado”, “llámame”, “estudia”, “no olvides esto”. Pero llega un momento en que nuestros hijos comienzan a tomar sus propias decisiones y nuestra responsabilidad cambia. Ya no podemos controlar cada paso. Ahora nos toca confiar en lo que sembramos, confiar en lo que ellos han aprendido y, principalmente, confiar en Dios.
Gladys y yo también estamos aprendiendo a vivir esta nueva temporada. Después de tantos años criando hijos, la casa comienza a sentirse diferente. Hay nostalgia, por supuesto, pero también hay emoción. Porque mientras nuestros hijos comienzan nuevas aventuras, Dios todavía tiene nuevas aventuras para nosotros. La vida no termina cuando una etapa familiar cambia. Simplemente aprendemos nuevamente a preguntar: “Señor, ¿qué quieres hacer ahora con nosotros?”
Tal vez esta carta también llega a alguien que lleva años haciendo lo mismo. Quizá algo que antes tenía sentido ya no parece tenerlo. Tal vez estás cansado o sientes que Dios está moviéndote hacia una nueva etapa. No tengas miedo de preguntarle: “Señor, ¿siguen siendo estas Tus instrucciones para mí?” No vivamos simplemente diciendo: “Siempre lo hice así”, “mi familia espera esto”, “todos lo hacen” o “este era mi plan”. Necesitamos mantener un corazón sensible a la dirección de Dios.
Salmo 32:8 dice: “Te haré entender, y te enseñaré el camino en que debes andar; sobre ti fijaré mis ojos.” Esa promesa me da mucha paz. Dios no solamente nos llama; también desea guiarnos. Nuestra responsabilidad es permanecer cerca de Él para escuchar.
Hoy quiero agradecer públicamente a Dios por Dayana. Gracias, Señor, por permitirnos verla llegar hasta aquí. Gracias por cada persona que ha influido espiritualmente en su vida, por quienes han orado por ella, por quienes la han animado y por quienes han sido parte de su crecimiento. Gracias porque ahora comienza una aventura que nosotros no podemos caminar por ella, pero Tú sí puedes caminar cada paso a su lado.
Mi oración como padre es: “Señor, cuando Dayana necesite instrucciones, que busque Tu voz. Cuando tenga dudas, háblale. Cuando tenga miedo, recuérdale que estás con ella. Cuando tenga que decidir, dale sabiduría. Cuando se equivoque, corrígela con amor. Cuando tenga éxito, mantenla humilde. Cuando esté cansada, dale fuerzas. Y cuando le muestres una necesidad en algún lugar del mundo, dale valor para responder: ‘Aquí estoy, Señor, envíame a mí.’”
Y al terminar esta reflexión, quiero dejar una pregunta para todos nosotros: ¿Estamos esperando órdenes de Dios o seguimos obedeciendo voces que hace tiempo dejaron de tener autoridad sobre nuestra vida? Que nunca nos falte disposición para servir, pero que tampoco nos falte sensibilidad para escuchar. Porque una vida con propósito no consiste solamente en mantenerse ocupado. Consiste en poder decir: “Señor, estoy donde Tú quieres que esté, haciendo lo que Tú quieres que haga, con los dones que Tú me diste, para la gloria de Tu nombre.”
Con gratitud y esperanza,
Pastor Arturo Mejía
Rogers Comunidad Cristiana
¿Y cómo creerán en aquel de quien no han oído? ¿Y cómo oirán sin haber quien les predique?
— Romanos 10:14 (RVR1960)
Esta semana mi corazón está lleno de gratitud. Como padre, tuve el privilegio junto con mi esposa Gladys de llevar a nuestra hija Dayana a una nueva etapa de su vida en EnterMission. Como muchos padres entenderán, hay despedidas que producen sentimientos encontrados. Por un lado, está la alegría de ver a nuestros hijos crecer, tomar decisiones y comenzar a caminar por sí mismos. Pero, por otro lado, queda ese pequeño vacío cuando uno regresa a casa y se da cuenta de que una etapa ha terminado y otra acaba de comenzar.
Después de tantos años teniéndola cerca, ahora nos corresponde verla iniciar una aventura diferente. Sin embargo, hay algo que me llena de mucha paz: Dayana no solamente está buscando estudiar, sino también servir. Su deseo es descubrir cómo Dios puede utilizar su vida, especialmente a través de las misiones. Como padre, eso me emociona profundamente, pero también me recuerda que llega un momento en el que nuestros hijos tienen que aprender a escuchar la voz de Dios por ellos mismos.
Mientras pensaba en esta nueva etapa de Dayana, recordé la historia de Hiroo Onoda, un oficial japonés que durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial fue enviado a una isla en Filipinas con órdenes de continuar su misión y no rendirse por iniciativa propia. La guerra terminó en 1945, pero él no creyó los mensajes que anunciaban el final. Permaneció durante casi 29 años convencido de que todavía estaba cumpliendo la misión que se le había dado. Finalmente, tuvieron que localizar a su antiguo comandante y llevarlo personalmente hasta la isla para darle una nueva orden y decirle que su misión había terminado.
Siempre me ha impactado esa historia porque aquel hombre tenía disciplina, compromiso y disposición para obedecer. El problema no era su falta de entrega. El problema era que estaba viviendo durante años siguiendo una orden que ya no correspondía a la realidad. Y eso me hizo pensar en algo importante para nuestra vida espiritual: no basta con estar dispuestos a obedecer; también tenemos que asegurarnos de estar escuchando la voz correcta.
Podemos ser personas trabajadoras, responsables, disciplinadas y llenas de buenas intenciones, pero todavía necesitamos detenernos y preguntarle a Dios: “Señor, ¿esto es realmente lo que Tú quieres para mí?” Podemos pasar años siguiendo las expectativas de otras personas, nuestros propios planes, las definiciones de éxito del mundo o incluso sueños que alguna vez fueron buenos, pero que quizá Dios quiere redirigir. Podemos estar muy ocupados y, aun así, estar caminando en una dirección que Dios nunca nos pidió tomar.
Por eso, cuando dejamos a Dayana en EnterMission, una de mis oraciones más importantes no fue simplemente: “Señor, dale éxito.” Mi oración fue: “Señor, enséñale a escuchar Tu voz.” Porque ella puede adquirir conocimientos, viajar, conocer culturas, aprender habilidades y recibir muchas oportunidades, pero sobre todas esas cosas deseo que aprenda a preguntarle a Dios: “¿Qué quieres hacer con mi vida?”
Como padre, no quiero solamente que mi hija encuentre una profesión. Quiero que encuentre propósito. No quiero solamente que construya una vida cómoda. Quiero que construya una vida obediente. No quiero solamente que llegue lejos. Quiero que llegue exactamente al lugar donde Dios quiere que esté. Porque podemos avanzar muchísimo y aun así descubrir que avanzamos en la dirección equivocada. Por eso Proverbios 3:5-6 nos recuerda: “Fíate de Jehová de todo tu corazón, y no te apoyes en tu propia prudencia. Reconócelo en todos tus caminos, y él enderezará tus veredas.”
Pero esta reflexión no es solamente para Dayana. También es para todos nosotros. Quizá Dios está llamando a algunos a las misiones, a otros al ministerio, a otros a enseñar, a servir desde una profesión, a formar una familia que honre a Cristo o a utilizar sus talentos en lugares donde jamás imaginaron servir. No todos recibiremos la misma asignación, pero todos debemos aprender a hacer la misma pregunta: “Señor, ¿qué quieres de mi vida?”
Isaías escuchó la voz de Dios preguntando: “¿A quién enviaré, y quién irá por nosotros?” Y su respuesta fue sencilla: “Heme aquí, envíame a mí.” Me encanta esa respuesta porque expresa disponibilidad, pero también me recuerda que antes de decir “envíame” necesitamos aprender a reconocer quién es el que nos está enviando.
Como padres, también estamos entrando en otra etapa. Durante muchos años somos nosotros quienes damos instrucciones. Decimos: “Haz esto”, “ten cuidado”, “llámame”, “estudia”, “no olvides esto”. Pero llega un momento en que nuestros hijos comienzan a tomar sus propias decisiones y nuestra responsabilidad cambia. Ya no podemos controlar cada paso. Ahora nos toca confiar en lo que sembramos, confiar en lo que ellos han aprendido y, principalmente, confiar en Dios.
Gladys y yo también estamos aprendiendo a vivir esta nueva temporada. Después de tantos años criando hijos, la casa comienza a sentirse diferente. Hay nostalgia, por supuesto, pero también hay emoción. Porque mientras nuestros hijos comienzan nuevas aventuras, Dios todavía tiene nuevas aventuras para nosotros. La vida no termina cuando una etapa familiar cambia. Simplemente aprendemos nuevamente a preguntar: “Señor, ¿qué quieres hacer ahora con nosotros?”
Tal vez esta carta también llega a alguien que lleva años haciendo lo mismo. Quizá algo que antes tenía sentido ya no parece tenerlo. Tal vez estás cansado o sientes que Dios está moviéndote hacia una nueva etapa. No tengas miedo de preguntarle: “Señor, ¿siguen siendo estas Tus instrucciones para mí?” No vivamos simplemente diciendo: “Siempre lo hice así”, “mi familia espera esto”, “todos lo hacen” o “este era mi plan”. Necesitamos mantener un corazón sensible a la dirección de Dios.
Salmo 32:8 dice: “Te haré entender, y te enseñaré el camino en que debes andar; sobre ti fijaré mis ojos.” Esa promesa me da mucha paz. Dios no solamente nos llama; también desea guiarnos. Nuestra responsabilidad es permanecer cerca de Él para escuchar.
Hoy quiero agradecer públicamente a Dios por Dayana. Gracias, Señor, por permitirnos verla llegar hasta aquí. Gracias por cada persona que ha influido espiritualmente en su vida, por quienes han orado por ella, por quienes la han animado y por quienes han sido parte de su crecimiento. Gracias porque ahora comienza una aventura que nosotros no podemos caminar por ella, pero Tú sí puedes caminar cada paso a su lado.
Mi oración como padre es: “Señor, cuando Dayana necesite instrucciones, que busque Tu voz. Cuando tenga dudas, háblale. Cuando tenga miedo, recuérdale que estás con ella. Cuando tenga que decidir, dale sabiduría. Cuando se equivoque, corrígela con amor. Cuando tenga éxito, mantenla humilde. Cuando esté cansada, dale fuerzas. Y cuando le muestres una necesidad en algún lugar del mundo, dale valor para responder: ‘Aquí estoy, Señor, envíame a mí.’”
Y al terminar esta reflexión, quiero dejar una pregunta para todos nosotros: ¿Estamos esperando órdenes de Dios o seguimos obedeciendo voces que hace tiempo dejaron de tener autoridad sobre nuestra vida? Que nunca nos falte disposición para servir, pero que tampoco nos falte sensibilidad para escuchar. Porque una vida con propósito no consiste solamente en mantenerse ocupado. Consiste en poder decir: “Señor, estoy donde Tú quieres que esté, haciendo lo que Tú quieres que haga, con los dones que Tú me diste, para la gloria de Tu nombre.”
Con gratitud y esperanza,
Pastor Arturo Mejía
Rogers Comunidad Cristiana
¿Y cómo creerán en aquel de quien no han oído? ¿Y cómo oirán sin haber quien les predique?
— Romanos 10:14 (RVR1960)
Dear church family,
This week my heart is full of gratitude. As a father, I had the privilege, together with my wife Gladys, of taking our daughter Dayana into a new season of her life at EnterMission. As many parents understand, some goodbyes bring mixed emotions. On one hand, there is the joy of watching our children grow, make decisions, and begin walking on their own. On the other hand, there is that small emptiness you feel when you return home and realize that one chapter has ended and another has begun.
After so many years of having her close to us, we now have the opportunity to watch her begin a different adventure. Yet there is something that gives me great peace: Dayana is not only pursuing education, she is also pursuing service. Her desire is to discover how God can use her life, especially through missions. As a father, that deeply encourages me, but it also reminds me that there comes a time when our children must learn to hear the voice of God for themselves.
As I thought about this new season in Dayana’s life, I remembered the story of Hiroo Onoda, a Japanese officer who, during World War II, was sent to an island in the Philippines with orders to continue his mission and not surrender on his own. The war ended in 1945, but he did not believe the messages announcing that it was over. He remained there for almost 29 years, convinced that he was still carrying out the mission he had been given. Eventually, his former commanding officer had to be located and personally brought to the island to give him new orders and officially tell him that his mission was finished.
That story has always impacted me because that man had discipline, commitment, and a willingness to obey. His problem was not a lack of dedication. The problem was that he spent years living according to an order that no longer matched reality. That made me think about something very important in our spiritual lives: it is not enough to be willing to obey; we must also make sure we are listening to the right voice.
We can be hardworking, responsible, disciplined people with good intentions, and still need to stop and ask God, “Lord, is this truly what You want for me?” We can spend years following the expectations of others, our own plans, the world’s definition of success, or even dreams that were once good but that God may now want to redirect. We can be extremely busy and still be moving in a direction God never asked us to take.
That is why, when we left Dayana at EnterMission, one of my deepest prayers was not simply, “Lord, give her success.” My prayer was, “Lord, teach her to hear Your voice.” She can gain knowledge, travel, experience different cultures, develop skills, and receive many opportunities, but above all of those things, I want her to learn to ask God, “What do You want to do with my life?”
As a father, I do not only want my daughter to find a career. I want her to find purpose. I do not only want her to build a comfortable life. I want her to build an obedient life. I do not only want her to go far. I want her to arrive exactly where God wants her to be. Because we can travel a great distance and still discover that we were moving in the wrong direction. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
But this reflection is not only for Dayana. It is for all of us. God may be calling some into missions, others into ministry, others to teach, others to serve through a profession, to build a family that honors Christ, or to use their talents in places they never imagined. We will not all receive the same assignment, but we all need to learn to ask the same question: “Lord, what do You want from my life?”
Isaiah heard the voice of God asking, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” His response was simple: “Here am I! Send me.” I love that answer because it expresses availability, but it also reminds me that before we say, “Send me,” we need to learn to recognize who is doing the sending.
As parents, we are also entering a different season. For many years, we are the ones giving instructions. We say, “Do this,” “Be careful,” “Call me,” “Study,” “Do not forget this.” But eventually, our children begin making their own decisions, and our responsibility changes. We can no longer control every step. Now we must trust what we have planted, trust what they have learned, and most importantly, trust God.
Gladys and I are also learning how to live in this new season. After so many years of raising children, the house is beginning to feel different. There is nostalgia, of course, but there is also excitement. Because while our children begin new adventures, God still has new adventures for us. Life does not end when a family season changes. We simply learn once again to ask, “Lord, what do You want to do with us now?”
Perhaps this letter also reaches someone who has been doing the same thing for years. Maybe something that once made sense no longer seems to. Maybe you are tired, or perhaps you feel that God is moving you into a new season. Do not be afraid to ask, “Lord, are these still Your instructions for me?” Let us not live simply saying, “This is how I have always done it,” “My family expects this,” “Everyone does this,” or “This was my plan.” We need to keep our hearts sensitive to God’s direction.
Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” That promise gives me great peace. God does not only call us; He also desires to guide us. Our responsibility is to remain close enough to Him to listen.
Today I want to publicly thank God for Dayana. Thank You, Lord, for allowing us to see her reach this point. Thank You for every person who has influenced her spiritually, for those who have prayed for her, encouraged her, and helped shape her growth. Thank You because she is now beginning an adventure that we cannot walk for her, but You can walk every step beside her.
My prayer as a father is this: “Lord, when Dayana needs direction, may she seek Your voice. When she has doubts, speak to her. When she is afraid, remind her that You are with her. When she has to make decisions, give her wisdom. When she makes mistakes, correct her with love. When she succeeds, keep her humble. When she is tired, give her strength. And when You show her a need somewhere in this world, give her the courage to answer, ‘Here I am, Lord. Send me.’”
As I close this reflection, I want to leave one question for all of us: Are we waiting for God’s instructions, or are we still obeying voices that should no longer have authority over our lives? May we never lose our willingness to serve, but may we also never lose our sensitivity to listen. Because a life of purpose is not simply about staying busy. It is about being able to say, “Lord, I am where You want me to be, doing what You want me to do, with the gifts You have given me, for the glory of Your name.”
With gratitude, hope, and pastoral love,
Pastor Arturo Mejía
Rogers Comunidad Cristiana
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”
— Romans 10:14
This week my heart is full of gratitude. As a father, I had the privilege, together with my wife Gladys, of taking our daughter Dayana into a new season of her life at EnterMission. As many parents understand, some goodbyes bring mixed emotions. On one hand, there is the joy of watching our children grow, make decisions, and begin walking on their own. On the other hand, there is that small emptiness you feel when you return home and realize that one chapter has ended and another has begun.
After so many years of having her close to us, we now have the opportunity to watch her begin a different adventure. Yet there is something that gives me great peace: Dayana is not only pursuing education, she is also pursuing service. Her desire is to discover how God can use her life, especially through missions. As a father, that deeply encourages me, but it also reminds me that there comes a time when our children must learn to hear the voice of God for themselves.
As I thought about this new season in Dayana’s life, I remembered the story of Hiroo Onoda, a Japanese officer who, during World War II, was sent to an island in the Philippines with orders to continue his mission and not surrender on his own. The war ended in 1945, but he did not believe the messages announcing that it was over. He remained there for almost 29 years, convinced that he was still carrying out the mission he had been given. Eventually, his former commanding officer had to be located and personally brought to the island to give him new orders and officially tell him that his mission was finished.
That story has always impacted me because that man had discipline, commitment, and a willingness to obey. His problem was not a lack of dedication. The problem was that he spent years living according to an order that no longer matched reality. That made me think about something very important in our spiritual lives: it is not enough to be willing to obey; we must also make sure we are listening to the right voice.
We can be hardworking, responsible, disciplined people with good intentions, and still need to stop and ask God, “Lord, is this truly what You want for me?” We can spend years following the expectations of others, our own plans, the world’s definition of success, or even dreams that were once good but that God may now want to redirect. We can be extremely busy and still be moving in a direction God never asked us to take.
That is why, when we left Dayana at EnterMission, one of my deepest prayers was not simply, “Lord, give her success.” My prayer was, “Lord, teach her to hear Your voice.” She can gain knowledge, travel, experience different cultures, develop skills, and receive many opportunities, but above all of those things, I want her to learn to ask God, “What do You want to do with my life?”
As a father, I do not only want my daughter to find a career. I want her to find purpose. I do not only want her to build a comfortable life. I want her to build an obedient life. I do not only want her to go far. I want her to arrive exactly where God wants her to be. Because we can travel a great distance and still discover that we were moving in the wrong direction. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
But this reflection is not only for Dayana. It is for all of us. God may be calling some into missions, others into ministry, others to teach, others to serve through a profession, to build a family that honors Christ, or to use their talents in places they never imagined. We will not all receive the same assignment, but we all need to learn to ask the same question: “Lord, what do You want from my life?”
Isaiah heard the voice of God asking, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” His response was simple: “Here am I! Send me.” I love that answer because it expresses availability, but it also reminds me that before we say, “Send me,” we need to learn to recognize who is doing the sending.
As parents, we are also entering a different season. For many years, we are the ones giving instructions. We say, “Do this,” “Be careful,” “Call me,” “Study,” “Do not forget this.” But eventually, our children begin making their own decisions, and our responsibility changes. We can no longer control every step. Now we must trust what we have planted, trust what they have learned, and most importantly, trust God.
Gladys and I are also learning how to live in this new season. After so many years of raising children, the house is beginning to feel different. There is nostalgia, of course, but there is also excitement. Because while our children begin new adventures, God still has new adventures for us. Life does not end when a family season changes. We simply learn once again to ask, “Lord, what do You want to do with us now?”
Perhaps this letter also reaches someone who has been doing the same thing for years. Maybe something that once made sense no longer seems to. Maybe you are tired, or perhaps you feel that God is moving you into a new season. Do not be afraid to ask, “Lord, are these still Your instructions for me?” Let us not live simply saying, “This is how I have always done it,” “My family expects this,” “Everyone does this,” or “This was my plan.” We need to keep our hearts sensitive to God’s direction.
Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” That promise gives me great peace. God does not only call us; He also desires to guide us. Our responsibility is to remain close enough to Him to listen.
Today I want to publicly thank God for Dayana. Thank You, Lord, for allowing us to see her reach this point. Thank You for every person who has influenced her spiritually, for those who have prayed for her, encouraged her, and helped shape her growth. Thank You because she is now beginning an adventure that we cannot walk for her, but You can walk every step beside her.
My prayer as a father is this: “Lord, when Dayana needs direction, may she seek Your voice. When she has doubts, speak to her. When she is afraid, remind her that You are with her. When she has to make decisions, give her wisdom. When she makes mistakes, correct her with love. When she succeeds, keep her humble. When she is tired, give her strength. And when You show her a need somewhere in this world, give her the courage to answer, ‘Here I am, Lord. Send me.’”
As I close this reflection, I want to leave one question for all of us: Are we waiting for God’s instructions, or are we still obeying voices that should no longer have authority over our lives? May we never lose our willingness to serve, but may we also never lose our sensitivity to listen. Because a life of purpose is not simply about staying busy. It is about being able to say, “Lord, I am where You want me to be, doing what You want me to do, with the gifts You have given me, for the glory of Your name.”
With gratitude, hope, and pastoral love,
Pastor Arturo Mejía
Rogers Comunidad Cristiana
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”
— Romans 10:14
Contact Arturo Here:
EVERY SUNDAY - Jr. High and High School Bible Study @ 9:30am in the Student Center!
EVERY WEDNESDAY - OASIS @ 6:30 pm
A Mid-week worship/small group experience exploring the Bible together!
September 2 - DOWNTOWN SCAVENGER HUNT - 6:30 to 8:00 pm
Come to the Downtown Rogers Picnic area to the West of the Railyard Playground. We'll be doing a huge scavenger hunt from 6:30 to 8:00 pm! Wear comfortable shoes! Students can be dropped off as early as 6 pm and picked up as late as 8:30 pm.
September 25-26 - Jr. High Retreat!
6th-8th grade retreat for girls and guys. Sleeping in Cabins, Bible Study, Prayer, Worship, Hiking, Exploring and more! $35 per student. We’ll be headed out to Ponca, AR, located near the Buffalo National River. We'll leave at 4 pm on Friday and get back at 2 pm on Saturday!
Must sign up to attend!
October 9 - The Corn Maze! 4 pm to 12 am
We'll be headed to Aurora, MO, for a Huge Corn Maze ! There'll be a camp fire, rides, and more! $25 per student! Must sign up to attend!
October 28 - The Numa Costume Party!
Wear your best costume to Rock the Night! We'll be having games, dinner, as well as prizes! And don't forget the Costume Competition! Categories are: Best Dressed, Best Group, Most Creative.
EVERY WEDNESDAY - OASIS @ 6:30 pm
A Mid-week worship/small group experience exploring the Bible together!
September 2 - DOWNTOWN SCAVENGER HUNT - 6:30 to 8:00 pm
Come to the Downtown Rogers Picnic area to the West of the Railyard Playground. We'll be doing a huge scavenger hunt from 6:30 to 8:00 pm! Wear comfortable shoes! Students can be dropped off as early as 6 pm and picked up as late as 8:30 pm.
September 25-26 - Jr. High Retreat!
6th-8th grade retreat for girls and guys. Sleeping in Cabins, Bible Study, Prayer, Worship, Hiking, Exploring and more! $35 per student. We’ll be headed out to Ponca, AR, located near the Buffalo National River. We'll leave at 4 pm on Friday and get back at 2 pm on Saturday!
Must sign up to attend!
October 9 - The Corn Maze! 4 pm to 12 am
We'll be headed to Aurora, MO, for a Huge Corn Maze ! There'll be a camp fire, rides, and more! $25 per student! Must sign up to attend!
October 28 - The Numa Costume Party!
Wear your best costume to Rock the Night! We'll be having games, dinner, as well as prizes! And don't forget the Costume Competition! Categories are: Best Dressed, Best Group, Most Creative.
Contact Isaac Here:
RCC Kids September Newsletter
September is here, and we are excited for another month of learning, growing, and having fun together in RCC Kids! As our children settle into their school-year routines, we want to continue partnering with families to help them know God, trust Him, and understand His Word.
Baby Dedication — September 13th
We will celebrate Baby Dedication during both services on Sunday, September 13th! Baby Dedication is a special opportunity for parents to publicly commit to raising their child to know and follow Jesus. It also allows our church family to commit to encouraging and supporting these families along the way. If you have a baby you would like to participate in the dedication, please get me your information as soon as possible so we can make the necessary preparations.
What We’re Learning
This month, we will continue walking through The Biggest Story on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. Each lesson helps our children see how the individual stories of the Bible fit together into one big story: God’s plan to rescue His people through Jesus. Be sure to ask your child what they learned each week. Even a short conversation in the car or around the dinner table can help reinforce the truths they are learning at church.
Memory Verses
New memory verse cards are available each Sunday for children to take home. Our kids have been doing an excellent job learning Scripture! We encourage families to practice the verse together throughout the week. When children see the adults in their lives valuing and learning God’s Word, it makes an even greater impact.
Join the RCC Kids Team
We are always looking for caring adults and students who want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our children. We currently have opportunities to serve on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights, including several roles that do not require teaching or working directly with children.
Whether you can serve regularly or help fill an occasional need, there is a place for you on the RCC Kids team! Contact Jeana if you would like to learn more.
Thank you for allowing us to love, teach, and encourage your children. We are grateful to partner with your family!
Jeana
September is here, and we are excited for another month of learning, growing, and having fun together in RCC Kids! As our children settle into their school-year routines, we want to continue partnering with families to help them know God, trust Him, and understand His Word.
Baby Dedication — September 13th
We will celebrate Baby Dedication during both services on Sunday, September 13th! Baby Dedication is a special opportunity for parents to publicly commit to raising their child to know and follow Jesus. It also allows our church family to commit to encouraging and supporting these families along the way. If you have a baby you would like to participate in the dedication, please get me your information as soon as possible so we can make the necessary preparations.
What We’re Learning
This month, we will continue walking through The Biggest Story on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. Each lesson helps our children see how the individual stories of the Bible fit together into one big story: God’s plan to rescue His people through Jesus. Be sure to ask your child what they learned each week. Even a short conversation in the car or around the dinner table can help reinforce the truths they are learning at church.
Memory Verses
New memory verse cards are available each Sunday for children to take home. Our kids have been doing an excellent job learning Scripture! We encourage families to practice the verse together throughout the week. When children see the adults in their lives valuing and learning God’s Word, it makes an even greater impact.
Join the RCC Kids Team
We are always looking for caring adults and students who want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our children. We currently have opportunities to serve on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights, including several roles that do not require teaching or working directly with children.
Whether you can serve regularly or help fill an occasional need, there is a place for you on the RCC Kids team! Contact Jeana if you would like to learn more.
Thank you for allowing us to love, teach, and encourage your children. We are grateful to partner with your family!
Jeana
Contact Jeana Here:
Community Groups are active! If you aren't involved in a C-Group and would like to be, please contact Zach Davis with the form below!
OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS
Baby Dedication Sunday is September 13th
We will be having Baby Dedication on Sunday, September 13th, during both 1st and 2nd services. If you have a child that has been born within the last year and would like to have them dedicated, please email Jeana Pierson, jeana@rogerscc.org, or call the church office, 479-636-9067, by Sunday, September 6th.
We will be having Baby Dedication on Sunday, September 13th, during both 1st and 2nd services. If you have a child that has been born within the last year and would like to have them dedicated, please email Jeana Pierson, jeana@rogerscc.org, or call the church office, 479-636-9067, by Sunday, September 6th.
Women of the Well Women’s Breakfast
We are excited to invite you to breakfast as we kick off our women’s ministry season together! We will be meeting Saturday, September 12th, at 8am in the Student Center, where we will enjoy fellowship and encouragement. Sharon West will be our guest speaker and will be sharing about being a woman of worth as a modern day woman at the well. There will be childcare for ages 5th grade and below, but we encourage you to bring your daughters with you to take part in this special time with the women in their lives. You can reach out to Lacey Thurman, 479-202-2237, with questions. Can’t wait to see you there!
We are excited to invite you to breakfast as we kick off our women’s ministry season together! We will be meeting Saturday, September 12th, at 8am in the Student Center, where we will enjoy fellowship and encouragement. Sharon West will be our guest speaker and will be sharing about being a woman of worth as a modern day woman at the well. There will be childcare for ages 5th grade and below, but we encourage you to bring your daughters with you to take part in this special time with the women in their lives. You can reach out to Lacey Thurman, 479-202-2237, with questions. Can’t wait to see you there!
Ladies Out to Lunch Bunch
All ladies are invited to lunch September 14th at 11am at Golden Corral in Rogers. This is a fun time of fellowship with other ladies, and we hope you will join us! Contact Krista Howard, 479-903-5762, for more information.
All ladies are invited to lunch September 14th at 11am at Golden Corral in Rogers. This is a fun time of fellowship with other ladies, and we hope you will join us! Contact Krista Howard, 479-903-5762, for more information.
Volunteer Appreciation Sunday
September 20th is Volunteer Appreciation Sunday! We will only be having our 11am service that day, and all of our volunteers will have the day off to just be celebrated as we worship. Chad Ragsdale, Academic Dean at Ozark Christian College, will be our guest speaker, and Frontline, Ozark's worship team, will lead our worship that morning. There will be a team of background checked, highly skilled volunteers to handle our Children's and Nursery areas, as well. This is our chance to do something we seldom get to do: worship together as one! We are looking forward to this day together!
September 20th is Volunteer Appreciation Sunday! We will only be having our 11am service that day, and all of our volunteers will have the day off to just be celebrated as we worship. Chad Ragsdale, Academic Dean at Ozark Christian College, will be our guest speaker, and Frontline, Ozark's worship team, will lead our worship that morning. There will be a team of background checked, highly skilled volunteers to handle our Children's and Nursery areas, as well. This is our chance to do something we seldom get to do: worship together as one! We are looking forward to this day together!
Annual Congregational Meeting September 20!
All members are asked to attend RCC's annual Congregational Meeting in the Worship Center September 20th at 5pm. At this meeting we will look back at the previous fiscal year, celebrate what God has done, and recap the many things that have happened. We will also use part of this hour to look forward and communicate vision for the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, we will vote on elder candidates, trustee, and the budget for the upcoming 2026-2027 fiscal year. Nursery care will be provided. We will be having a celebration meal following the meeting, so please bring a side dish and dessert to share. Our leadership wants to encourage every member to make it a priority to be at this informative and important meeting.
All members are asked to attend RCC's annual Congregational Meeting in the Worship Center September 20th at 5pm. At this meeting we will look back at the previous fiscal year, celebrate what God has done, and recap the many things that have happened. We will also use part of this hour to look forward and communicate vision for the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, we will vote on elder candidates, trustee, and the budget for the upcoming 2026-2027 fiscal year. Nursery care will be provided. We will be having a celebration meal following the meeting, so please bring a side dish and dessert to share. Our leadership wants to encourage every member to make it a priority to be at this informative and important meeting.
The 8th Street Motel Serving Ministry
Our next service at The 8th Street Motel will be on Thursday, September 24th. We need 2 people to help with meal preparation at 1pm in the Worship Center kitchen, and 12 people to help with set up and serving. We’ll meet in the Worship Center at 4:15pm to go set up, and should be done by 5:30pm. A sign up sheet is available on the RCC table. Contact the church office, 479-636-9067, for questions.
Our next service at The 8th Street Motel will be on Thursday, September 24th. We need 2 people to help with meal preparation at 1pm in the Worship Center kitchen, and 12 people to help with set up and serving. We’ll meet in the Worship Center at 4:15pm to go set up, and should be done by 5:30pm. A sign up sheet is available on the RCC table. Contact the church office, 479-636-9067, for questions.
RCC+
Did you know about “RCC+”, RCC’s online garage sale? If you would like to be added to this email group, send your name and email address to office@rogerscc.org, or call the church office, 479-636-9067.
Did you know about “RCC+”, RCC’s online garage sale? If you would like to be added to this email group, send your name and email address to office@rogerscc.org, or call the church office, 479-636-9067.
The Greeting Team Needs You
RCC’s First Impressions Team needs your help! The First Impressions Team is one of the many ways that RCC makes all visitors to our campus feel welcomed and important. We desperately need people to fill this important position! If you are interested, you can contact the office at office@rogerscc.org or 479-636-9067. We need your smiling faces in important places!
RCC’s First Impressions Team needs your help! The First Impressions Team is one of the many ways that RCC makes all visitors to our campus feel welcomed and important. We desperately need people to fill this important position! If you are interested, you can contact the office at office@rogerscc.org or 479-636-9067. We need your smiling faces in important places!
Baby Room
Due to all of the babies in our church family, we have created a baby room for parents and their children. This is a space where you will find a changing table, play mat, chairs, and a tv that will be live streaming the Sunday service. The Baby Room is located near the coffee in the Worship Center. Enjoy!
Due to all of the babies in our church family, we have created a baby room for parents and their children. This is a space where you will find a changing table, play mat, chairs, and a tv that will be live streaming the Sunday service. The Baby Room is located near the coffee in the Worship Center. Enjoy!
RCC's Church Directory
The RCC eldership would love for our members and guests to be a part of our church directory! Click the “Directory Registration Sign Up” tab on the home page of the RCC app, or click the Directory Sign Up button below, to get started. For families, only the name and email of a parent is needed to get started. For individuals, please send your name and email.
The RCC eldership would love for our members and guests to be a part of our church directory! Click the “Directory Registration Sign Up” tab on the home page of the RCC app, or click the Directory Sign Up button below, to get started. For families, only the name and email of a parent is needed to get started. For individuals, please send your name and email.
Homebound Communion
We have put together teams of individuals who will deliver communion to our homebound church members. If you are unable to make it on campus for service and would like for someone to come to your home and serve you communion, please contact our Lead Pastor, Zach, at the church office by phone or email (479-636-9067, zach@rogerscc.org).
We have put together teams of individuals who will deliver communion to our homebound church members. If you are unable to make it on campus for service and would like for someone to come to your home and serve you communion, please contact our Lead Pastor, Zach, at the church office by phone or email (479-636-9067, zach@rogerscc.org).
THE NON-FOOD PANTRY
The Non-Food Pantry is open on the first Tuesday of every month from 5-6pm. If you, or someone you know needs some help, then stop by! Photo ID and proof of residency in Rogers are needed in order to receive items.
The Non-Food Pantry is open on the first Tuesday of every month from 5-6pm. If you, or someone you know needs some help, then stop by! Photo ID and proof of residency in Rogers are needed in order to receive items.
Are you crafty? Or do you just have a heart for those in pain? Join this ministry!
Pray, while making a shawl, for an individual who has a long term illness (Illness lasting 6+ months)
How you can help:
1. If you can crochet or knit, your help in making shawls would be greatly appreciated
2. Donations to help with the yarn for making shawls. (Just an average cost for the yarn to make a shawl is approximately $15.)
3. Send in names for people to receive a shawl. Text or call 479-426-5687 or send a Facebook message to Heather Fyffe.
Pray, while making a shawl, for an individual who has a long term illness (Illness lasting 6+ months)
How you can help:
1. If you can crochet or knit, your help in making shawls would be greatly appreciated
2. Donations to help with the yarn for making shawls. (Just an average cost for the yarn to make a shawl is approximately $15.)
3. Send in names for people to receive a shawl. Text or call 479-426-5687 or send a Facebook message to Heather Fyffe.