To the Field: Sending Our Own
It’s a great way to start the year, indeed! We praise the Lord the privilege of sending our very own, Louisa Schlener, to the mission field.
As the early church sent Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey through prayer and the laying on of hands (Acts 13), so RBC has commissioned Louisa to take the Gospel to Portugal.
Dear Lord – we continue to lift Louisa up to You. May You use her mightily in the Word of Life camps as she shares Your love to the many campers. As she reconnects with her childhood church, use her to impact and bring many women and girls into a deeper walk with You. Bless her and bless Your name as she cares for the other female Word of Life staffers arriving in Portugal. Protect her, give her much wisdom and continue to draw her closer and closer to You! Thank You for calling Louisa and allowing us the blessing of sending her. In the name of our Precious Savior, Amen!
Louisa – just has you have impacted many here in NOVA, we are confidant that the Lord will use you mightily in Portugal. Keep walking by faith! Know that you are loved deeply! (Love, Your RBC Family)
Preparing for Sunday | January 15
We will be singing a new song this week called What A Beautiful Name, which we will sing after a baptism. The truth we will sing can be found in Hebrews 3, where we read that Jesus is far greater than Moses, just like the “builder of a house has more honor than the house itself.” As we joyfully celebrate the work of grace in the lives of those being baptized, we are reminded that it is a testament to the beautiful and powerful work of Jesus Christ who “has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection” (1 Peter 1:3).
SONGS WE’LL BE SINGING TOGETHER
Come Thou Fount | [listen]
by Robert Robinson (1873)
Psalm 16:11
O Praise The Name | [listen + lyrics]
by Benjamin Hastings, Dean Ussher, Marty Sampson
Romans 5:8
In Your Presence | [listen]
by Mack Brock, Chris Brown, Steven Furtick, London Gatch, Wade Joye, Jane Williams
Deuteronomy 31:6
What A Beautiful Name | [listen]
by: Ben Fielding, Brooke Ligertwood
Hebrews 1:3
Great Things | [listen + lyrics]
by Mack Brock, Chris Brown, Wade Joye
Isaiah 12:5
SERMON TEXT
Proverbs 6:16-19
Caroling for Christ Update
Throughout the month of December, RBC ministries, Shepherd Groups, and friends joined together to spread Christmas cheer and the gospel of Christ to our Northern Virginia neighbors.
This was the first time that we offered “Caroling for Christ.” It was an evangelistic opportunity, led by those in the congregation. To participate, the carolers would pick up a Caroling Kit that equipped them with everything they needed for planning their community outreach. Each Caroling Kit contained song sheets, candy canes, gospel booklets of the book of John, and invitations to the Christmas Eve service.
After gathering in groups, choosing a time and a location to carol, and assembling the Christmas caroling material, each group greeted 15 houses. Not only was this an event to minister to our community, but it was a fun way to bring Christian brothers and sisters together and be an encouragement to one another. Many caroling groups drank hot cocoa, ate cookies, and shared laughs together.
Over 500 households were reached the Christmas message. Praise God!
Here are a few comments we received from members our caroling groups:
“After caroling at one house, the lady commented that she had never been caroled to before. We asked if she’d like to hear another song and she said, ‘Yes, please!'”
“I was surprised by all the smiles.”
“It was a magical night, hopefully the first year of a long-lasting tradition.”
“We had an overwhelmingly positive response from the neighborhood and one family even wanted more information about RBC service times.”
“We had a whole night of caroling practice and prayer before actually caroling. I’m thankful for this community!”
In Support of Dr. John Brewer
I have a very important announcement regarding the recent recommended termination of Dr. John Brewer from his position as principal of Dominion High School in Sterling.
In addition to his fifteen-year tenure as principal, John and his family have also faithfully attended and served here at Reston Bible Church for many years. John has a long-term proven record of outstanding character as he has consistently lived in the grace of God as a husband, father, teacher and principal.
Some specifics include:
- Dr. Brewer was Commended by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors and named by the Loudoun Times Mirror in 2008 as “Citizen of the Year” because of exemplifying kindness, competency, professionalism, and reliability and how those qualities positively impacted students and teachers.
- In 2010 John was recognized by the Washington Post as the Distinguished Educational Leader for Loudoun County because “he goes beyond the day-to-day demands of his position to create an exceptional educational environment.”
- John was also named the 2010 Loudoun County Principal of the Year.
- Dr. Brewer visits the home of every incoming freshman to meet them and their family, demonstrating initiative and humility.
- John writes a personal letter to every graduating student evidencing his sincerity and care.
Dr. Brewer was notified of the recommendation for termination a few days before Christmas. After much prayer and counsel with our youth pastor Bob Shull, his attorney, and other educational leaders experienced in these matters, John has decided to appeal his termination before the Loudoun County School Board. Because of John’s faithfulness as a brother in Christ, his impact for the sake of the gospel, and the clear injustice of his termination, the leadership of RBC desires to support him in his appeal.
Naturally, in a church our size, many of you may not know Dr. Brewer on a personal level. Without a more complete knowledge of him or the facts surrounding his recommended termination, it is understandable that many of you would be reluctant to e-mail a note to school board members, sign a petition or make a call in support of John’s reinstatement. However, I want to assure you that the details surrounding this matter, John’s role in it, and his character have all been seriously considered by both pastoral staff and the Elder Council. Based on our knowledge of the situation and of Dr. Brewer himself, the leadership at RBC believes the recommendation for termination is extreme, unwarranted, and unjust. As can happen in any situation like this, some of what is stated in various newspapers is not accurate. Loudoun County Public School representatives are not accusing John of a violation of policy, insubordination, or of violating any civil or criminal law.
Consequently, although you may lack details, we are asking you to trust our collective judgement, pray for John, his family and the School board, and for you who are lead, to please attend the Loudoun County School Board Meeting in Ashburn on Tuesday, January 10, in support of John’s reinstatement as principal at Dominion. This is one of those circumstances when having a lot of people simply show up can have a great impact, so your presence matters.
Additional information on the specific location, and time of the meeting as well as recommended actions you can take are listed below. In a case like this of clear injustice, we want to do for one what we wish we could do for everyone.
If you have questions, please contact me at brucecampbell@restonbible.org or call me at 703-404-5011.
Bruce Campbell
Executive Pastor, Reston Bible Church
Recommended Actions:
- Pray for each LCSB member to vote to reinstate Dr. Brewer as Principal at Dominion High School.
- Pray for peace and wisdom for Dr. Brewer, his wife Rachel, and his daughters Belle & Abby during this time of uncertainty and waiting.
- Attend the upcoming Loudoun County School Board Meeting on Tuesday, January 10. Numbers matter. Your presence – even for 1 hour – is important. Even if you can’t get into the auditorium because of the crowds, being in the hallway or on the front lawn even for half an hour will be part of the impact.
- When: Tuesday, January 10, at 6:30pm. If possible, arrive no later than 6:00pm.
- Where: 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, VA 20148 ( Next to Clyde’s Willow Creek.)
- Sign the petition to reinstate Dr. Brewer at the following link: https://www.change.org/p/loudoun-county-school-board-support-dr-brewer
- Call or e-mail Loudoun County School Board Members. Individual and group contact information is located here: https://www.lcps.org/Page/1629
- Sign up to speak on behalf of Dr. Brewer’s character, the story of Dominion High School and his record of excellence there by calling 571-252-1020 or by emailing clerk@lcps.org.
- A fund has been established to help Dr. Brewer defray the significant legal costs resulting from the LCPS hearing process. You can help or find additional information at the GoFundMe page.
Links to Additional Articles of Interest:
- Commendation of Dr. Brewer for 2008 “Citizen of the Year”
- Cedarville University article on John’s positive impact as a principal & educator
- Washington Post article on Dr. Brewer’s energizing effect at DHS
- Washington Post article on Dr. Brewer’s positive impact on students
- Loudoun Times-Mirror article on John as Principal of the Year
- Connection article on the “community of caring” John developed at DHS
- Support Dr. Brewer Facebook page
Preparing for Sunday | January 8
SONGS WE’LL BE SINGING TOGETHER
Great and Mighty King | [listen]
by Chris Brown, Zachary Kale, Brett Younker
Psalm 145:3
O Praise the Name | [listen + lyrics]
by Benjamin Hastings, Dean Ussher, Marty Sampson
Romans 5:8
Holy, Holy, Holy | [listen]
by John Bacchus Dykes, Reginald Heber
Isaiah 6:3
Always | [listen]
by Jason Ingram, Kristian Stanfill
Psalm 121:1-2
SERMON TEXT
Proverbs 1
Annual Report 2016
“I will remember the deeds of the LORD… I will ponder all Your work and meditate on Your mighty deeds.” – Psalm 77:11-12
As 2016 comes to a close, we hope you’ll take some time to remember, reflect and give thanks for many things our God has done in and through the body here at RBC over the past year. Our annual report is a way of doing just that. It is not a list to highlight our accomplishments, but a way of “remembering the deeds of the LORD…”
In the annual report, you’ll find brief overviews of many things God has done as we sought to know Christ and to make Him known in 2016. Of course, He has done far more over the past year than we can put here – “Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.” (John 21:25) But our prayer is that this report will give you a brief glimpse of some of His mighty deeds, a taste of what He has done. Taste and see that the Lord is good! (Psalm 34:8)
As you read through and remember the goodness of God, we pray that you would rejoice in the glory of His grace and give thanks for the beauty of His gospel as it goes forth in so many ways in Northern Virginia and around the world.
Christmas Devotional from Pastor Mike
Words mean something.
In this short devotional, my desire is to look at some of our favorite words that we sing at this time of year and reflect on their meaning. You might be in for a surprise.
Preparing for Christmas Eve
SONGS WE’LL BE SINGING TOGETHER
Light of the World | [listen + lyrics]
by: Paul Mabury, Paul Duncan, Lauren Daigle
John 8:12
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel | [listen + lyrics]
by: John Mason Neale, Henry Sloane Coffin, Andy Melvin
Isaiah 7:14
O Little Town Of Bethlehem | [listen]
by: Phillips Brooks
Micah 5:2-3
Come and Stand Amazed | [listen]
by: Dustin Kensrue, Klaas Hart, Zach Bolen
O Come All Ye Faithful | [listen]
by: John F. Wade (1743)
Luke 2:15-16
Angels We Have Heard On High | [listen]
by: Hymn possibly from the 18th century; translated by James Chadwick (1862)
Luke 2:9
All Creation Sing (Joy To The World) | [listen]
by: Isaac Watts (1719), Steve Fee
Luke 2:10
Revelation Song | [listen]
by: Jennie Lee Riddle
Revelation 5:12
How Great Thou Art | [listen]
by: Stuart K. Hine, Carl Boberg
Psalm 145:3
Silent Night | [listen]
by: Franz Xaver Gruber, Joseph Mohr, John Young
Luke 2:1-20
SERMON TEXT
Isaiah 9:2
Luke 2:11
John 14:3
Preparing for Sunday | December 18
SONGS WE’LL BE SINGING TOGETHER
Angels We Have Heard On High | [listen]
by: Hymn possibly from the 18th century; translated by James Chadwick (1862)
Luke 2:9
Silent Night | [listen]
by: Franz Xaver Gruber, Joseph Mohr, John Young
Luke 2:1-20
All Creation Sing (Joy To The World) | [listen]
by: Isaac Watts (1719), Steve Fee
Luke 2:10
O Little Town Of Bethlehem | [listen]
by: Phillips Brooks
Micah 5:2-3
SERMON TEXT
Micah 5:1-2
Celebrating Generosity: Guilford Thanksgiving
Over Thanksgiving, RBC partnered with the staff of Guilford Elementary School to host a Thanksgiving dinner for the students and their families. Over 700 people enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving meal, many for the first time. Every person left full, happy, and grateful. We are so thankful for your generosity and your faithfulness. The staff at Guilford sends their thanks for your continued amazing support! Thank you for being a generous church.