Current Sermon Series
FROM ZACH
I know I’ve shared with you before that most people that visit a church have decided within the first 10 minutes after arriving on campus whether they’ll come back the next week or not. 10 MINUTES! What have they experienced in the first 10 minutes that is so important? I think what they’ve seen is where we place our value. Most every person that visits a church wants to know that if they attend, they will be valued. I think they’re walking in with some reasonable assumptions. They assume we’ll sing songs. They assume we’ll preach from the Bible. In fact, they can experience all of that on our website or livestream by watching past services online. So they really don’t have to assume a whole lot by the time they get to our campus. The main thing they can’t know is, How will I be treated? and Will they value me?
Back to that in a moment.
Years ago, I surprised Alecia with a gift. Alecia has always enjoyed working out, and at this time, an incredible workout machine had hit the market. You could do everything with this machine. It didn’t use actual weights, but flexible rods with varying levels of flexibility. As you strained against the rods, they bowed creating resistance. You probably already know what this machine is: The Bowflex. I thought it was a great surprise. I thought wrong. Alecia wasn’t all that happy that I had made such a purchase without consulting her, but that’s not the only reason it wasn’t a good purchase. Honestly, we weren’t home enough to use it, and when we were home, we didn’t want to use it. So, like so many other workout machines before it, The Bowflex just sat there, collecting dust. Alecia and I never got in better shape because of The Bowflex. We never got stronger because of The Bowflex. But. Don’t be mad at The Bowflex, it did nothing wrong. We just didn’t use it like we should have.
We’re back.
Because we do value our guests so much, we have put many systems in place to make sure our guests feel valued. To begin with, we have invitations for our members to use to invite people to church any Sunday, and we even print up special invitations for special events (we’ll have Church on the Lawn invitations available this Sunday by the way). When your guests arrive to campus, we have some great systems too! We have greeters at every door. It’s our goal to have smiling faces in important places so that when guests come to our campus, their first impression is one of friendliness and help. We have guest information right inside the doorway of the Worship Center for them to grab. Did you know that a few years ago we changed to our current coffee service because we wanted our guests to have better coffee? I know all of you coffee drinkers benefited when we made that move, but the move was for our guests. I’m not going to lie, the donuts are for us, but guests enjoy them too! We brought in a small fridge and put in bottles of water because our guests don’t know about the water fountain in the Adult Discipleship Wing. Have you listened to our Welcome in the last couple weeks? It’s 99% about our guests. In our communion communications, we tell our guests where they can find a communion station and that we use a “stacked cup” system. When our guests leave, we give them a gift. It’s nothing fancy, just a bag with a journal, church info and some small chocolates. If they fill out a guest card or online connect card, we send them a hand-written thank you card along with a gift card for coffee. Many of you reading this know everything because you felt valued enough through these systems to stick around and make this your church home. These systems work.
Can I tell you something? The Bowflex works too.
It didn’t work for Alecia and me, and why was that? Because we didn’t use it. Every system above only works if we use it. If you were a guest and had the following experience, how likely would you be to return?
-You arrive to campus. You have no idea where to go. Fortunately, you see a sign as you start walking towards buildings.
-As you approach the Worship Center, there are several groups of people visiting with each other. This is great! This church seems to really love each other! The problem is that you can’t get into the Worship Center because they’ve congregated so close to the entrance. Finally though, you make your way in and see two people wearing nametags that say, “Greeter.”
-They must have forgotten that they were wearing those because they’re so busy talking with each other that they’re not actually greeting anyone.
-You find the coffee okay, and after a short wait have a hot cup of joe and are ready to get your worship on and check out this church!
-The service starts, and someone else with a nametag gets up and welcomes everyone, encouraging them to find their seat. It’s kind of weird though. No one actually listens. They just keep congregating back by the donuts and the entrances, talking, laughing all while the person welcoming everyone is having to talk louder and louder to welcome guests and offer some directions about the service.
-After they’re done with the welcome, everyone is supposed to say hello to the people around them. You’re not surprised when no one says hello to you because they’re still busy talking to each other in the back.
That’s about the first 10 minutes for a guest in many churches. If you’re that guest, how valued do you feel? While I can’t say that the above scenario played out exactly like I listed, I know without a doubt that some of our guests have experienced some of what’s covered in that scenario. As your pastor and brother, I need to ask all of us to value our guests more. Let me close this long article with some requests.
(1)Keep inviting. What God is doing at RCC is special. Let’s not keep it a secret.
(2)Join the First Impressions Team. Be one of those smiling faces in important places. Email me if you’d like to fill in some of our gaps: zach@rogerscc.org. We have critical needs here.
(3)Please let our greeters do their jobs. Please don’t monopolize them when they’re supposed to be welcoming people to campus.
(4)Greeters, please don’t let anyone keep you from doing what you’ve volunteered to do. Your are absolutely critical to our guests feeling welcomed.
(5)Be in the worship center at least 10 minutes before service starts to get coffee and to connect with brothers and sisters.
(6)Teachers, please dismiss classes and groups at least 10 minutes before service starts.
(7)Connect with brothers and sisters away from the Worship Center entrance, and know that when I politely ask you to move that I love you and I love your fellowship!
(8)Start finding your way to your seat about a minute before service starts.
(9)Once the service begins, please wrap up conversations so that guests can hear the welcome.
(10)When you are asked to say hello to the people around you, please find guests or people you don’t know and welcome them.
RCC, you are a part of great systems that have proven to work! I am grateful to be your pastor and friend. We share the same desire to see RCC grow and reach lost people and people that are looking for a church home. We will be far more successful when we show our guests how important and valuable they are to us.
Thanks, RCC!
Zach Davis
Back to that in a moment.
Years ago, I surprised Alecia with a gift. Alecia has always enjoyed working out, and at this time, an incredible workout machine had hit the market. You could do everything with this machine. It didn’t use actual weights, but flexible rods with varying levels of flexibility. As you strained against the rods, they bowed creating resistance. You probably already know what this machine is: The Bowflex. I thought it was a great surprise. I thought wrong. Alecia wasn’t all that happy that I had made such a purchase without consulting her, but that’s not the only reason it wasn’t a good purchase. Honestly, we weren’t home enough to use it, and when we were home, we didn’t want to use it. So, like so many other workout machines before it, The Bowflex just sat there, collecting dust. Alecia and I never got in better shape because of The Bowflex. We never got stronger because of The Bowflex. But. Don’t be mad at The Bowflex, it did nothing wrong. We just didn’t use it like we should have.
We’re back.
Because we do value our guests so much, we have put many systems in place to make sure our guests feel valued. To begin with, we have invitations for our members to use to invite people to church any Sunday, and we even print up special invitations for special events (we’ll have Church on the Lawn invitations available this Sunday by the way). When your guests arrive to campus, we have some great systems too! We have greeters at every door. It’s our goal to have smiling faces in important places so that when guests come to our campus, their first impression is one of friendliness and help. We have guest information right inside the doorway of the Worship Center for them to grab. Did you know that a few years ago we changed to our current coffee service because we wanted our guests to have better coffee? I know all of you coffee drinkers benefited when we made that move, but the move was for our guests. I’m not going to lie, the donuts are for us, but guests enjoy them too! We brought in a small fridge and put in bottles of water because our guests don’t know about the water fountain in the Adult Discipleship Wing. Have you listened to our Welcome in the last couple weeks? It’s 99% about our guests. In our communion communications, we tell our guests where they can find a communion station and that we use a “stacked cup” system. When our guests leave, we give them a gift. It’s nothing fancy, just a bag with a journal, church info and some small chocolates. If they fill out a guest card or online connect card, we send them a hand-written thank you card along with a gift card for coffee. Many of you reading this know everything because you felt valued enough through these systems to stick around and make this your church home. These systems work.
Can I tell you something? The Bowflex works too.
It didn’t work for Alecia and me, and why was that? Because we didn’t use it. Every system above only works if we use it. If you were a guest and had the following experience, how likely would you be to return?
-You arrive to campus. You have no idea where to go. Fortunately, you see a sign as you start walking towards buildings.
-As you approach the Worship Center, there are several groups of people visiting with each other. This is great! This church seems to really love each other! The problem is that you can’t get into the Worship Center because they’ve congregated so close to the entrance. Finally though, you make your way in and see two people wearing nametags that say, “Greeter.”
-They must have forgotten that they were wearing those because they’re so busy talking with each other that they’re not actually greeting anyone.
-You find the coffee okay, and after a short wait have a hot cup of joe and are ready to get your worship on and check out this church!
-The service starts, and someone else with a nametag gets up and welcomes everyone, encouraging them to find their seat. It’s kind of weird though. No one actually listens. They just keep congregating back by the donuts and the entrances, talking, laughing all while the person welcoming everyone is having to talk louder and louder to welcome guests and offer some directions about the service.
-After they’re done with the welcome, everyone is supposed to say hello to the people around them. You’re not surprised when no one says hello to you because they’re still busy talking to each other in the back.
That’s about the first 10 minutes for a guest in many churches. If you’re that guest, how valued do you feel? While I can’t say that the above scenario played out exactly like I listed, I know without a doubt that some of our guests have experienced some of what’s covered in that scenario. As your pastor and brother, I need to ask all of us to value our guests more. Let me close this long article with some requests.
(1)Keep inviting. What God is doing at RCC is special. Let’s not keep it a secret.
(2)Join the First Impressions Team. Be one of those smiling faces in important places. Email me if you’d like to fill in some of our gaps: zach@rogerscc.org. We have critical needs here.
(3)Please let our greeters do their jobs. Please don’t monopolize them when they’re supposed to be welcoming people to campus.
(4)Greeters, please don’t let anyone keep you from doing what you’ve volunteered to do. Your are absolutely critical to our guests feeling welcomed.
(5)Be in the worship center at least 10 minutes before service starts to get coffee and to connect with brothers and sisters.
(6)Teachers, please dismiss classes and groups at least 10 minutes before service starts.
(7)Connect with brothers and sisters away from the Worship Center entrance, and know that when I politely ask you to move that I love you and I love your fellowship!
(8)Start finding your way to your seat about a minute before service starts.
(9)Once the service begins, please wrap up conversations so that guests can hear the welcome.
(10)When you are asked to say hello to the people around you, please find guests or people you don’t know and welcome them.
RCC, you are a part of great systems that have proven to work! I am grateful to be your pastor and friend. We share the same desire to see RCC grow and reach lost people and people that are looking for a church home. We will be far more successful when we show our guests how important and valuable they are to us.
Thanks, RCC!
Zach Davis
Contact Zach Here:
FROM ALLEN
Vigilance
Our youngest child just turned two-years-old a few weeks ago. Having a toddler in the house makes life … um … exciting. His range of emotions are very broad. He’s extremely loving and willing to do what is right and good. He learns to use new words every day. He can destroy a house faster than our teenagers. The list goes on and on. What sets him apart from our other kids (other than his age) is that he has a death wish. It is our main purpose as parents right now to keep him alive. He is unaware of the dangers that are everywhere. He goes through the day with complete abandon. Our eyes must be always on him. If he runs out of the room and things are quiet, he’s either climbed the toilet and is brushing his teeth (after spreading tooth paste over the sink and mirror), he’s climbed the kitchen counter and is going through the cabinets looking for the honey (if he finds it our day is over,) or has found an unlocked door and is heading outside to throw rocks at our vehicles or go running down the street. We do keep our doors locked so doesn’t escape, but sometimes he finds an unlocked door. When we’re at church we can’t keep him off the drums!
The key word for life with a toddler: vigilance. Letting your guard down could be disastrous. This applies in all areas of life, but let me highlight our spiritual life for a moment.
Proverbs 4:23, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
As parents, as church leaders, as business leaders, and good employees, we must be vigilant and aware of our thought patterns, our actions, and especially our prayer habits. Let me remind you to pray without ceasing. Always have the Lord on mental speed dial. Whenever we need counsel, He is present. Whenever we need to vent and express our feelings, He is ready to hear it. Let us all walk in step with our Creator!
Church on the Lawn is coming up in a few weeks on Sunday, May 21st. We are looking for people to help set up and tear down, to bring sides and desserts, and to tell your friends and neighbors! It’s always a very special time with our church family. Sign-ups are on the RCC table just as you enter into the Worship Center. We will provide the burgers, hotdogs and drinks. Jamie and the Children’s ministry have prepared a ton of games and inflatables for the kids. Please come and join us on May 21st!!
Servin’ God and Lovin’ It!
Allen
Our youngest child just turned two-years-old a few weeks ago. Having a toddler in the house makes life … um … exciting. His range of emotions are very broad. He’s extremely loving and willing to do what is right and good. He learns to use new words every day. He can destroy a house faster than our teenagers. The list goes on and on. What sets him apart from our other kids (other than his age) is that he has a death wish. It is our main purpose as parents right now to keep him alive. He is unaware of the dangers that are everywhere. He goes through the day with complete abandon. Our eyes must be always on him. If he runs out of the room and things are quiet, he’s either climbed the toilet and is brushing his teeth (after spreading tooth paste over the sink and mirror), he’s climbed the kitchen counter and is going through the cabinets looking for the honey (if he finds it our day is over,) or has found an unlocked door and is heading outside to throw rocks at our vehicles or go running down the street. We do keep our doors locked so doesn’t escape, but sometimes he finds an unlocked door. When we’re at church we can’t keep him off the drums!
The key word for life with a toddler: vigilance. Letting your guard down could be disastrous. This applies in all areas of life, but let me highlight our spiritual life for a moment.
Proverbs 4:23, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
As parents, as church leaders, as business leaders, and good employees, we must be vigilant and aware of our thought patterns, our actions, and especially our prayer habits. Let me remind you to pray without ceasing. Always have the Lord on mental speed dial. Whenever we need counsel, He is present. Whenever we need to vent and express our feelings, He is ready to hear it. Let us all walk in step with our Creator!
Church on the Lawn is coming up in a few weeks on Sunday, May 21st. We are looking for people to help set up and tear down, to bring sides and desserts, and to tell your friends and neighbors! It’s always a very special time with our church family. Sign-ups are on the RCC table just as you enter into the Worship Center. We will provide the burgers, hotdogs and drinks. Jamie and the Children’s ministry have prepared a ton of games and inflatables for the kids. Please come and join us on May 21st!!
Servin’ God and Lovin’ It!
Allen
Contact Allen Here:
Calendar May/June
May 7 - Senior Recognition Sunday: This is a day where we celebrate and honor our High School Graduating Seniors! If you have a Senior that would like to participate - contact Isaac!
May 8 - Women’s Ministry Gathering: 6:30 pm in the Worship Center!
May 13 - MEN’S BREAKFAST @ 8 AM : guys of all ages are invited to this month’s Men’s Breakfast. Please join us here in the Worship Center for a great breakfast, time with the guys, and an encouraging message. This month, Pastor Rick Pierson will be our guest speaker. Rick is a former elder and ministry team leader for RCC, but answered the call to go into vocational ministry. Rick will share with our men and boys about how to weather the storms of life. Men’s Breakfasts are great events to invite your neighbors, friends and co-workers to, so don’t miss out on this opportunity. Remember, this is for guys of every age, so bring your sons and their friends with you as well, dads! We’ll see you Saturday!
May 21 - Church on the Lawn and the PAINTBALL FUNDRAISER - This is a fantastic day of fun for the whole family! Worship on the Lawn at 11 am under a huge tent! Food, fun, and inflatables after! Then at 1:30 pm - We'll be hosting the PAINTBALL FUNDRAISER - students will be shot with paintballs to earn funds toward RCC summer trips! If you're interested in participating the Paintball Fundraiser - reach out to Isaac!
May 24th - THE BURN! We'll be celebrating the last Wednesday Night of the season with a huge bonfire! Food, outdoor games, and great worship! Come and be a part of THE BURN at 6:30 pm!
June 22-28 - CIY MOVE - We’re taking a high school group to Glorieta, NM for a conference with Christ in Youth! This event is currently closed to sign ups.
July 9-14 - JR. HIGH CAMP - This is a fantastic opportunity for your 6th-8th graders to zoom out of life and go deeper with God for a week! It’s an adventure filled, Gospel-packed week that they won’t want to miss. Please message Isaac if you’d like to sign up! $255 per student.
July 23-28 - SR. HIGH CAMP - This is a fantastic opportunity for your 9th-12th graders (or recently graduated) to zoom out of life and go deeper with God for a week! It’s an adventure filled, Gospel-packed week that they won’t want to miss. Please message Isaac if you’d like to sign up! This year’s Thursday Banquet theme is: The Old West. $255 per student.
TO SIGN UP FOR EVENTS - PLEASE TEXT, CALL OR EMAIL ISAAC, OUR STUDENT PASTOR, OR SIGN UP AT THE HUB IN THE STUDENT CENTER.
479-426-5897 // isaac@rogerscc.org
May 7 - Senior Recognition Sunday: This is a day where we celebrate and honor our High School Graduating Seniors! If you have a Senior that would like to participate - contact Isaac!
May 8 - Women’s Ministry Gathering: 6:30 pm in the Worship Center!
May 13 - MEN’S BREAKFAST @ 8 AM : guys of all ages are invited to this month’s Men’s Breakfast. Please join us here in the Worship Center for a great breakfast, time with the guys, and an encouraging message. This month, Pastor Rick Pierson will be our guest speaker. Rick is a former elder and ministry team leader for RCC, but answered the call to go into vocational ministry. Rick will share with our men and boys about how to weather the storms of life. Men’s Breakfasts are great events to invite your neighbors, friends and co-workers to, so don’t miss out on this opportunity. Remember, this is for guys of every age, so bring your sons and their friends with you as well, dads! We’ll see you Saturday!
May 21 - Church on the Lawn and the PAINTBALL FUNDRAISER - This is a fantastic day of fun for the whole family! Worship on the Lawn at 11 am under a huge tent! Food, fun, and inflatables after! Then at 1:30 pm - We'll be hosting the PAINTBALL FUNDRAISER - students will be shot with paintballs to earn funds toward RCC summer trips! If you're interested in participating the Paintball Fundraiser - reach out to Isaac!
May 24th - THE BURN! We'll be celebrating the last Wednesday Night of the season with a huge bonfire! Food, outdoor games, and great worship! Come and be a part of THE BURN at 6:30 pm!
June 22-28 - CIY MOVE - We’re taking a high school group to Glorieta, NM for a conference with Christ in Youth! This event is currently closed to sign ups.
July 9-14 - JR. HIGH CAMP - This is a fantastic opportunity for your 6th-8th graders to zoom out of life and go deeper with God for a week! It’s an adventure filled, Gospel-packed week that they won’t want to miss. Please message Isaac if you’d like to sign up! $255 per student.
July 23-28 - SR. HIGH CAMP - This is a fantastic opportunity for your 9th-12th graders (or recently graduated) to zoom out of life and go deeper with God for a week! It’s an adventure filled, Gospel-packed week that they won’t want to miss. Please message Isaac if you’d like to sign up! This year’s Thursday Banquet theme is: The Old West. $255 per student.
TO SIGN UP FOR EVENTS - PLEASE TEXT, CALL OR EMAIL ISAAC, OUR STUDENT PASTOR, OR SIGN UP AT THE HUB IN THE STUDENT CENTER.
479-426-5897 // isaac@rogerscc.org
Contact Isaac Here:
Sunday Series: HEROIC
Series Overview: Every kid wishes they had superpowers, but with Jesus, we don’t need x-ray vision or invisibility to be heroes! In this four-week series, kids will hear stories about the heroes of the Early Church — the apostles and disciples who used their unique abilities to spread the good news of Jesus. Through their stories, we’ll see that anyone can do great things for God because God gives everyone a mission, the Holy Spirit gives us power, and we’re heroic when we work as a team!
MEMORY VERSE:
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” — 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
Upcoming Events:
May 18: Last day for Early Bird rates for 5th grade camp. Register ASAP!
https://maranathabiblecamp.campbrainregistration.com/?ReturnUrl=%2fHome%2fLanding
May 24: Last Wednesday night of the year
June 11-15: 5th grade camp $170 if registered before May 18
July 15: Beginner day camp $35 if registered before June 22
July 20-22: 2nd-4th grade camp $115 if registered before June 22
Blessings,
Jamie
Hey friends! I’m looking to fill some volunteer needs within Children’s ministry. Let me know if you feel like any of these might be a good fit for you:
1) Special needs buddies. We are working toward finding buddies for all of the kiddos who are coming that need a bit more accommodations or help with things. Specifically during second service at this time; I need half a dozen people or more. No experience needed, training will be provided.
2) 4/5th grade lead teacher and assistant. We are needing a lead teacher and a classroom assistant in our 4/5th grade classroom during the Bible Study hour.
3) Tech help during second hour. Run the computer/sound.
4) Tech help in preparation for services. Help download and load things into the presentation software. This is super flexible timing and can be done weekly or monthly.
5) Help to create and disciple serve teams. I'd love to create serve teams for the kids that they can lead. Examples are a tech team, first impressions team, and communion team. Volunteer to help lead one of these teams!
If I can answer any questions, please ask! I need some fantastic people- men and women- to help shape these little minds and help them know Jesus is King! I can add you to the schedule weekly or even just once a month!
~~~~
Series Overview: Every kid wishes they had superpowers, but with Jesus, we don’t need x-ray vision or invisibility to be heroes! In this four-week series, kids will hear stories about the heroes of the Early Church — the apostles and disciples who used their unique abilities to spread the good news of Jesus. Through their stories, we’ll see that anyone can do great things for God because God gives everyone a mission, the Holy Spirit gives us power, and we’re heroic when we work as a team!
MEMORY VERSE:
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” — 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
Upcoming Events:
May 18: Last day for Early Bird rates for 5th grade camp. Register ASAP!
https://maranathabiblecamp.campbrainregistration.com/?ReturnUrl=%2fHome%2fLanding
May 24: Last Wednesday night of the year
June 11-15: 5th grade camp $170 if registered before May 18
July 15: Beginner day camp $35 if registered before June 22
July 20-22: 2nd-4th grade camp $115 if registered before June 22
Blessings,
Jamie
Hey friends! I’m looking to fill some volunteer needs within Children’s ministry. Let me know if you feel like any of these might be a good fit for you:
1) Special needs buddies. We are working toward finding buddies for all of the kiddos who are coming that need a bit more accommodations or help with things. Specifically during second service at this time; I need half a dozen people or more. No experience needed, training will be provided.
2) 4/5th grade lead teacher and assistant. We are needing a lead teacher and a classroom assistant in our 4/5th grade classroom during the Bible Study hour.
3) Tech help during second hour. Run the computer/sound.
4) Tech help in preparation for services. Help download and load things into the presentation software. This is super flexible timing and can be done weekly or monthly.
5) Help to create and disciple serve teams. I'd love to create serve teams for the kids that they can lead. Examples are a tech team, first impressions team, and communion team. Volunteer to help lead one of these teams!
If I can answer any questions, please ask! I need some fantastic people- men and women- to help shape these little minds and help them know Jesus is King! I can add you to the schedule weekly or even just once a month!
~~~~Contact Jamie Here:
Hello RCC Family!
In the month of May, children in the nursery will be learning lessons all about how God gives us people in our lives who help us, and that people at church help us learn about Jesus! Our theme will be based out of the verse in 1 Corinthians 12:28. We will help your child to hear words and songs about Jesus' help for His friends; feel cared for by people at church; play with a variety of toys and materials and experience love and help from teachers.
Ideas to connect the theme with your kids at home:
Little Activities for Little People
1) When your toddler shows affection in caring
for a doll (and boys need dolls as much as girls),
comment about the way he or she is loving the
doll just as you love him or her.
Say:
You put the doll to bed just like I put you to bed.
Putting your tired baby to bed is a good way to help him or her.
2) Provide blocks of several different sizes for your
child to use. While your child is stacking or piling
blocks, look for indications of awareness of differ-
ing sizes. Point to and identify the big and little
blocks. Ask your child to bring you a big block,
and then a little block. Praise these efforts.
Emphasize that you enjoy being with your child
and helping him or her to learn new words.
Color Walk
• Cut some paper (red, blue, green, yellow) into
4-inch (10-cm) squares.
• Give your child one of the papers. Walk around
the house together, looking for items the same
color as the paper.
• Repeat the activity with other colors.
• Say:
You're holding the red paper. Look!
There's a red truck. It's the same color as the
paper. What else do you see that's red? We're
helping each other find red toys. God gives
us people to love and help us.
___________________________________________________________________________
Here are some current ministry volunteer needs we have in the RCC nursery:
- 1st service check-in desk volunteers-
The Check-in desk is a fun, faster-paced environment where you really can get to know all the families we serve at RCC as they drop off their kids for service, and help greet new guests as we get their needed info!
- 1st and 2nd service nursery workers-
I need several volunteers; especially the 3rd Sunday each month, each service time . You get to love on little ones and teach them simple lessons that are provided each week.
Additionally, I would love to have some who are willing to commit to volunteering multiple Sundays a month; being a more long-term teacher for our older Sea Lions nursery class!
- 1st and 2nd service nursery subs-
We always need people willing to step in last minute to help serve when others are sick or out of town! If you would like to help occasionally and could be available last minute before Sunday morning, let me know!
If you are interested in serving in The Harbor Nursery Ministry or at the Check-in desk, please email Becky King with the form below, or text at 479-426-3319.
Love you all and Thank You!
Becky
Email Becky with the form below:
IGLESIA CRISTIANA
Blessings! Last month I wrote about conquering adversity. Today I want to share with you about facing the world.
As believers in Christ, we are called to take on an unbelieving world. The Bible warns us in 1 John 2:15-17 not to love the world or anything in it. When we base our self-worth on worldly things, we head down a dangerous path. The consequences of loving the world are many, including turning away from the Lord's work and other believers, alienation from God, corrupting sins, and deception by false teachers.
But the good news is that God is the great redeemer. He has won our love over with His sacrifice. We were once dead in sin, but through Christ's death and resurrection, we are made alive in Him. Now that we have been made alive and called to a pure and holy life, we need to have a plan and a strategy to face the world without falling into the temptation of loving the things of the world.
The first step is recognizing that we cannot do it on our own. Proverbs 3:5-6 and Hebrews 10:25 remind us that we need to rely on God and gather with other believers for support. We also need to be proactive in our faith, as Ephesians 5:11 tells us. We cannot be stagnant Christians, as Satan loves to keep us from doing the work of the Kingdom.
Another important step is to avoid being "yoked" with unbelievers, as II Corinthians 6:14 warns us. We need to be careful how much we put our trust and our lives into the hands of unbelievers. It all starts with priorities, and we have very different priorities in life, therefore we are going to be living with different objectives.
We must also realize that the battle we face is not just physical but spiritual, as Ephesians 6:12 reminds us. We are in a constant battle, and we can never take a break from it. This is why it is crucial to fill our minds with good things, as Philippians 4:8 tells us. We need to focus on things that come from God and are characteristic of His holiness.
So why are we here? Jesus wants us to be in the world but not of the world, as John 17:15-19 reminds us. We are called to share the good news with others and seek God only for our self-worth. As Matthew 5:13-16 tells us, we are like salt, preserving people from a Christless eternity. If we are not allowing God to use us for His Kingdom, we are useless to His purposes.
In conclusion, taking on an unbelieving world as believers in Christ is not an easy task. We face many challenges, including temptation, false teachers, and spiritual warfare. But we have the power of Christ in us, and with His help, we can overcome any obstacle. Let us rely on God, be proactive in our faith, avoid being yoked with unbelievers, fill our minds with good things, and fulfill God's purpose for our lives.
In Christ,
Freddy Alas
As believers in Christ, we are called to take on an unbelieving world. The Bible warns us in 1 John 2:15-17 not to love the world or anything in it. When we base our self-worth on worldly things, we head down a dangerous path. The consequences of loving the world are many, including turning away from the Lord's work and other believers, alienation from God, corrupting sins, and deception by false teachers.
But the good news is that God is the great redeemer. He has won our love over with His sacrifice. We were once dead in sin, but through Christ's death and resurrection, we are made alive in Him. Now that we have been made alive and called to a pure and holy life, we need to have a plan and a strategy to face the world without falling into the temptation of loving the things of the world.
The first step is recognizing that we cannot do it on our own. Proverbs 3:5-6 and Hebrews 10:25 remind us that we need to rely on God and gather with other believers for support. We also need to be proactive in our faith, as Ephesians 5:11 tells us. We cannot be stagnant Christians, as Satan loves to keep us from doing the work of the Kingdom.
Another important step is to avoid being "yoked" with unbelievers, as II Corinthians 6:14 warns us. We need to be careful how much we put our trust and our lives into the hands of unbelievers. It all starts with priorities, and we have very different priorities in life, therefore we are going to be living with different objectives.
We must also realize that the battle we face is not just physical but spiritual, as Ephesians 6:12 reminds us. We are in a constant battle, and we can never take a break from it. This is why it is crucial to fill our minds with good things, as Philippians 4:8 tells us. We need to focus on things that come from God and are characteristic of His holiness.
So why are we here? Jesus wants us to be in the world but not of the world, as John 17:15-19 reminds us. We are called to share the good news with others and seek God only for our self-worth. As Matthew 5:13-16 tells us, we are like salt, preserving people from a Christless eternity. If we are not allowing God to use us for His Kingdom, we are useless to His purposes.
In conclusion, taking on an unbelieving world as believers in Christ is not an easy task. We face many challenges, including temptation, false teachers, and spiritual warfare. But we have the power of Christ in us, and with His help, we can overcome any obstacle. Let us rely on God, be proactive in our faith, avoid being yoked with unbelievers, fill our minds with good things, and fulfill God's purpose for our lives.
In Christ,
Freddy Alas
Contact Freddy Here:
INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS
Camp Hope
Since May is mental health awareness month, the International Missions Committee would like to spotlight an organization RCC supports that is near and dear to our hearts. Camp Hope is an orphanage in the Quito, Ecuador area that caters to disabled children who face lifelong mental challenges, not to mention intense home situations that have resulted in their stay with Camp Hope. With the help of funding from places like RCC and the constant prayers of their supporters, Camp Hope has been able to make a lasting impact in Quito and is fulfilling the Gospel by comforting those who have been forsaken by others.
Will you please join us in praying that the local government will make true on their word to provide the financial support they originally promised the orphanage? God has graciously taken care of the needs of these children the past several months without it, but it would be such a blessing to the children and their caretakers to receive the funding they’re due. Thank you for your prayers!
-The International Missions Committee
Since May is mental health awareness month, the International Missions Committee would like to spotlight an organization RCC supports that is near and dear to our hearts. Camp Hope is an orphanage in the Quito, Ecuador area that caters to disabled children who face lifelong mental challenges, not to mention intense home situations that have resulted in their stay with Camp Hope. With the help of funding from places like RCC and the constant prayers of their supporters, Camp Hope has been able to make a lasting impact in Quito and is fulfilling the Gospel by comforting those who have been forsaken by others.
Will you please join us in praying that the local government will make true on their word to provide the financial support they originally promised the orphanage? God has graciously taken care of the needs of these children the past several months without it, but it would be such a blessing to the children and their caretakers to receive the funding they’re due. Thank you for your prayers!
-The International Missions Committee
Community Groups will meet through May 24th! If you aren't involved in a C-Group and would like to be, please contact Allen Williams with the form below!
OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS
Widows and Widower's Ministry
RCC has a brand-new ministry aimed to serving the 19 widows and 3 widowers in our RCC community, encouraging them to connect, heal, and grow in Christ’s church. This ministry meets members right where they are and walks with them as they navigate their way on this path God has placed before them. With Jesus at the helm, this ministry is here to help support the spiritual and physical needs of those who have lost a spouse. Recently, the ministry had a memorable Valentine’s Day luncheon and already has a May luncheon scheduled. If you’re interested in joining, please be sure to reach out to Nancy King, (479-936-1824).
Members include:
Bob and Nancy King
Jim and Alice Mote
Linda and Roy Payne
Donna Meyer
Alice Panter
Marie Alas
Chuck Ritter
RCC has a brand-new ministry aimed to serving the 19 widows and 3 widowers in our RCC community, encouraging them to connect, heal, and grow in Christ’s church. This ministry meets members right where they are and walks with them as they navigate their way on this path God has placed before them. With Jesus at the helm, this ministry is here to help support the spiritual and physical needs of those who have lost a spouse. Recently, the ministry had a memorable Valentine’s Day luncheon and already has a May luncheon scheduled. If you’re interested in joining, please be sure to reach out to Nancy King, (479-936-1824).
Members include:
Bob and Nancy King
Jim and Alice Mote
Linda and Roy Payne
Donna Meyer
Alice Panter
Marie Alas
Chuck Ritter
Join us Monday, May 8th at 6:30pm for our last Women’s Ministry Gathering before summer! We will be having a Mother's Day/End of Year Celebration. As always, childcare will be provided. See you there!
*And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
*And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
SATURDAY, May 13th—Guys of all ages are invited to join us in the Worship Center at 8am for an awesome time of food and community! Rick Pierson, Lead Pastor at Gentry Christian Church, will be our guest speaker. Bring some friends, and we hope to see you there!
All ladies are invited to lunch on May 15th at 11am at the 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.
May 18th from 12-4pm we are partnering with the Red Cross for a Blood Drive! You can visit redcrossblood.org, to get scheduled. Thank you for partnering with us to serve our community!
Join us May 21st for Church on the Lawn! We will have one service at 11:00am on the front lawn under a tent, with food and fun following! No adult or children’s programming that day, but nursery for ages 3yrs and under will be provided. RCC will provide the burgers, but we need you to sign up to bring sides. Sign-up sheets will be on the RCC table. This is an excellent event to invite your friends to, so start thinking of who you want to bring!
Our next service at 8th Street Motel will be on Thursday, May 25th. We need 4 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 will be available on the RCC table. Contact Betty Evans for questions.
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.
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.