Update: I.C. Health Fair
The body of Christ came together in a beautiful way this week in International Connection, the English as a Second Language (ESL) program at RBC. In order to make a Health Fair work, I was in need of healthcare instructors to deliver short talks on general good health habits to our internationals, and I also needed translators to assist in the lower level classes. With the precision of a physically fit body, and by God’s grace, it all came together! Students were divided into 3 groups, depending on their level of English. Everyone rotated through 3 different seminars on health on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, instead of their regular English classes.
In the two days of health seminars, we featured a registered dietician, nurses, a dental hygienist and a representative from Medicare/Medicaid. Students had their blood pressure taken, learned what those numbers mean and how to improve them. They were also given vaccination schedules for their families and talks on general preventive medicine. The dietician gave talks on eating appropriately from the five food groups and dedicated all of Wednesday’s seminars to diabetes education. The dental hygienist used student volunteers to act as “teeth” as she used a giant brush to demonstrate proper brushing habits and a jump rope for flossing! With our ESL students, the more demonstrations and visuals one has, the better! The rep from Medicare/Medicaid spent time emphasizing how to live an active and fit life.
In addition, we had RBC attendees come alongside our presenters to translate into Spanish (our largest language group) all of the details of this important information. They also spent time one-on-one with some of the students who had very specific questions for our health care professionals. It was a beautiful thing!
I was blessed to have a very robust turnout for this unique event which leads me to think that it might be wise to have this on an annual basis. I will be looking for more ways to serve our international community in the future and welcome any ideas that the church gives me in this regard.
Susan Morinaga
Director, International Connection
Click here to learn more about International Connection and our ESL program at Reston Bible Church.
An Update on the Herring Family
Ralph Herring, who had a very long connection with Reston Bible Church, went to be with the Lord on April 12 at Winchester Medical Center.
Ralph’s connection to our church began in June of 1978 when John Woodall (an RBC pastor at the time) and his father were stopping by homes in the Reston area and talking to them about the gospel. They stopped by the home of Ralph and Ruth Herring, and over the course of a couple of meetings, they shared the gospel and saw them both come to Christ along with their son Steve.
Soon afterwards, Ruth was diagnosed with cancer and Ralph retired from his electrical contracting business to care for her. Ralph and Ruth came to love RBC and both decided that Ralph would also begin helping RBC build our first church home on North Shore Drive in Reston. This was a very selfless decision for them both, knowing it would take a great deal of Ralph’s time and effort.
This sketch is of our North Shore campus in Reston. The Lord used Ralph and his family in an instrumental way to provide this facility for our church.
Ralph was instrumental in designing, funding, and in finding ways to cut costs that allowed the building to be completed. The building process started in the fall of 1982, Ruth went to be with the Lord in October of 1983, and the church building was finished in June of 1984. The fellowship hall was dedicated in recognition of the faith and sacrifice from both Ruth and Ralph and was named “Herring Hall.”
Ralph continued to be an active and driving force within Reston Bible for many years after that. He took on the role of adviser to the leadership at RBC and worked as well with the early efforts to relocate RBC, which eventually led to us now being on our current property.Ralph married Beverly Shull and they relocated to Winchester in the mid 1990s. Ralph and Bev have attended Fellowship Bible Church in Winchester since then. His son Steve and his wife Jacki attend RBC as do his stepson, Bob Shull and his wife Leisa. Ralph also has two stepdaughters, 17 grand children, and 4 great grand children.
A viewing for Ralph Herring will be on Monday, April 15, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Omps South Chapel, 1260 Front Royal Pike in Winchester. The Celebration service for Ralph Herring will be on Tuesday April 16 at 11:00 am at the same location. The burial and reception will follow. Details can be found and regards given at Ompsfuneralhome.com. Any memorial contributions may be made in Ralph Herring’s name to the Fellowship Bible Mission Fund, 3217 Middle Road, Winchester, VA 22602.
Sunday Rewind | 4.14.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Everything Glorious by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
Nothing But The Blood (Ephesians 1:7-8) – Facedown by Matt Redman
Mighty To Save (Zephaniah 3:17) – Yahweh by Hillsong Chapel
Glorious (Psalm 72:18-19) – Glorious by Paul Baloche
TEACHING: A Word to the Wise – Part 5
Because Satan is the “father of lies” (John 8:44) and rules over the world system (Ephesians 2:2), we can conclude that the world is lying to us constantly about how we ought to live. Scripture gives us a clear lens through which we can distinguish truth from lies in the world system.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- As you reflect back on this week’s sermon, what one principle or insight, what one principle stands out as being particularly helpful, insightful or difficult to grasp?
- Read and discuss Proverbs 1. What do you see about the nature of man in these verses? What do you observe about the nature of God? What do you learn about wisdom from these verses?
- How does wisdom “cry out” to us?
- Why do we often turn a deaf ear to wisdom’s call?
- What are some ways we can grow in wisdom? How does the Gospel allow us to do this?
- What have been some big take-aways from the “Word to the Wise” series for you personally?
- What are some specific areas of your life where you currently need wisdom? Spend some time in prayer with your small group about these.
Men’s Ministry News – April 2013
Men of RBC: The Men’s Ministry would like to invite you to some upcoming activities that have been designed to positively and encouragingly impact your walk with the Lord and in turn your spheres of influence.
WEEKLY DISCIPLESHIP CLASSES
Men’s Ministry weekly discipleship classes are a great way to get connected and increase your knowledge of the word and provide you with some mid-week encouragement. No previous experience or Bible knowledge is required; all you need is a willingness to grow and be challenged. For a course listing and full details, please visit www.restonbible.org/men.
- FUEL—Men of Action: The Role of Authentic Men in the Next Generation Church. Join us on this journey to Authentic Manhood. Tuesdays 6:25-7:30 AM – Sr. High Bldg.
- Training Faithful Men-Great Doctrines of the Faith. No registration required. For questions, call or email Ray Shoaff (703-625-5595) or ray@shoaff.com). Wednesday 6:00-7:00 AM – Sr. High Bldg.
- Exemplary Husband – Wednesday 7:00-9:00 PM- Room 250A. For questions, call James Roberts at 703-309-0303.
DAD & DONUTS – DON’T MISS OUT—REGISTER TODAY!!!
When: April 20, 2013, 8:30-11:30 AM
Where: RBC Clubhouse
Sigh-up: www.restonbible.org/donuts
While the women are at retreat, Jason Goetz will direct the Annual Dads and Donuts event on Saturday, April 20, 8:30-11:30. It will be a low-key event that includes breakfast, a short family devotional/skit, activities similar to AWANA games, board games, and crafts. Childcare will be provided for infants/toddlers in the Nursery if Dads have multiple children
FAITH & REASONING 101
When: Monday, April 22, 2013, 7:00 PM-8:30 PM
Where: RBC, Room 238
Topic: Topic: “The Legend Theory”: If you’re sharing your faith with non-believers, it’s inevitable that you will run into objections, and one of the most prevalent theories among skeptics is “The Legend Theory”. It says that Jesus was just a good teacher and although there may be wisdom in His teachings, He is not God; He did not die for our sins, and He is not the only way to heaven. You’ve undoubtedly heard some version of this – the Bible is just a bunch of fables and stories full of legendary material that were exaggerated over time…
Are the teachings about Jesus being God and having died for our sins the result of embellishments? Or do we actually have good reasons to believe the Gospel message?
Come out and join us on Monday, April 22nd, as we’ll examine the historical evidence for “The Legend Theory”. RSVP: wgaines@firstphc.com
Upcoming activities are scheduled in May and beyond. So mark your calendars.
SACRED RELATIONSHIP WEEKEND – Early Bird Registration Ends 4/8/13
When: May 2-4, 2013
Where: RBC Sanctuary
Speaker: Gary Thomas
Sign-up: www.restonbible.org/sacred
Sacred Search – May 2 – Singles
Join us as Gary Thomas explores love, dating, and how to find a spectacular marital match in his new book, The Sacred Search.
Sacred Marriage – May 3-4-Engaged/Married Couples
What if God designed marriage to make us holy instead of happy? Scores of books have been written that offer guidance for building the marriage of your dreams. Yet, what if God’s primary intent for your marriage isn’t to make you happy…but holy? And, what if your relationship isn’t as much about you and your spouse as it is about you and God?
Based on Gary’s bestselling book, the Sacred Marriage seminar helps couples uncover how marriage can become a doorway to a closer walk with God and each other. Learn more about Gary at www.garythomas.com. Childcare and scholarships information available on the web.
THE SUMMIT
When: Monday, May 20, 2013
Where: RBC Sanctuary
Speaker: Larry Moody
Sign-up: www.restonbible.org/summit
EMF Director Larry Moody is President of Search Ministries, and since 1981, Moody also has served as the Bible study leader for the Professional Golf Association (PGA) Tour.
DAD & KIDS CAMPOUT
When: June 7-9, 2012
Where: Pohick Bay Regional Park, Lorton
Sign-up: www.restonbible.org/campout
Dads, bring your kids and come on out to Pohick Bay Regional Park (near the Mason Neck Wildlife Refuge) in the Lorton area for a weekend of bonfires, sleeping under the stars and just plain fun! We’re going have a blast with group games, bonfires, campfire-songs, marshmallow roast, and Sunday morning worship. Special opportunities to create life-long memories with your kids and get connected with other dads. Scholarships available.
RBC MEN’S RETREAT
When: September 20-22, 2013
Speaker: Dr. Richard Blackaby
Where: Meadowkirk Retreat & Conference Center, Middleburg, VA.
Information and registration will be on website soon.
SERVICE OPPORTUNITY
Men’s Ministry is looking for a few good men to help with our event logistics and to take photos of our events. No special skills needed—just a servant heart. Events are The Summit, Marriage Conference, Boosters, and special men’s events. We plan to have teams that can alternate events. If interested, please contact Brad Hummel at mensministry@restonbible.org.
As always, the Men’s Ministry is here to be an encouragement in your walk with the Lord. Contact us at mensministry@restonbible.org if you have any questions or concerns.
God Bless,
The Men’s Ministry Leadership Team<
From the Field: Cameroon
Adapted from a letter published to staff of Wycliffe USA from Bob Creson, President and CEO.
Translator Lee Bramlett was confident that God had left His mark on the Hdi culture somewhere, but though he searched, he could not find it. Where was the footprint of God in the history or daily life of these Cameroonian people? What clue had He planted to let the Hdi know Who He was and how He wanted to relate to them?
Then one night in a dream, God prompted Lee to look again at the Hdi word for love. Lee and his wife, Tammi, had learned that verbs in Hdi consistently end in one of three vowels. For almost every verb, they could find forms ending in i, a, and u. But when it came to the word for love, they could only find i and a. Why no u?
Lee asked the Hdi translation committee, which included the most influential leaders in the community, “Could you ‘dvi’ your wife?” “Yes,” they said. That would mean that the wife had been loved but the love was gone. “Could you ‘dva’ your wife?” “Yes,” they said. That kind of love depended on the wife’s actions. She would be loved as long as she remained faithful and cared for her husband well.
“Could you ‘dvu’ your wife?” Everyone laughed. “Of course not! If you said that, you would have to keep loving your wife no matter what she did, even if she never got you water, never made you meals. Even if she committed adultery, you would be compelled to just keep on loving her. No, we would never say ‘dvu.’ It just doesn’t exist.”
Lee sat quietly for a while, thinking about John 3:16, and then he asked, “Could God ‘dvu’ people?”
There was complete silence for three or four minutes; then tears started to trickle down the weathered faces of these elderly men. Finally they responded. “Do you know what this would mean? This would mean that God kept loving us over and over, millennia after millennia, while all that time we rejected His great love. He is compelled to love us, even though we have sinned more than any people.”
One simple vowel and the meaning was changed from “I love you based on what you do and who you are,” to “I love you, based on Who I am. I love you because of Me and NOT because of you.”
God had encoded the story of His unconditional love right into their language. For centuries, the little word was there—unused but available, grammatically correct and quite understandable. When the word was finally spoken, it called into question their entire belief system. If God was like that, did they need the spirits of the ancestors to intercede for them? Did they need sorcery to relate to the spirits? Many decided the answer was no, and the number of Christ-followers quickly grew from a few hundred to several thousand.
The New Testament in Hdi is ready to be printed now, and 29,000 speakers will soon be able to feel the impact of passages like Ephesians 5:25: “Husbands, ‘dvu’ your wives, just as Christ ‘dvu’-d the church…” I invite you to pray for them as they absorb and seek to model the amazing, unconditional love they have received.
Around the world, community by community, as God’s Word is translated, people are gaining access to this great love story about how God ‘dvu’-d us enough to sacrifice his unique Son for us, so that our relationship with Him can be ordered and oriented correctly. The cross changes everything! Someday, the last word of the last bit of Scripture for the last community will be done, and everyone will be able to understand the story of God’s unconditional love.
Sunday Rewind | 4.7.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Holy, Holy, Holy (Psalm 99:5) – Original Arrangement
How Great Thou Art (Psalm 145:3) – Original Arrangement
Your Love Never Fails (Romans 8:28) – Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
In Christ Alone (Galatians 2:20) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
TEACHING: A Word to the Wise – Part 4
Everyone has some amount of strength, intellect and wealth. The natural pull of the human heart will be to glory in any of these and pit our human wisdom against against God’s wisdom.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- As you reflect back on this week’s sermon, what one principle or insight, what one principle stands out as being particularly helpful, insightful or difficult to grasp?
- In what ways do people tend to pit human intelligence against God’s wisdom? What does this tend to look like in your life?
- Read and discuss Jeremiah 9:23-24 and Psalm 73. What do you see about the nature of man in these verses? What do you observe about the nature of God?
- Strength, riches, intellect: which do you tend to lean on at the expense of trusting God?
- How does the Gospel remedy our tendency toward trusting in these finite things?
- “Are you currently scheming to ‘bury an Egyptian’?” Ask God to reveal any areas where you may be pitting your human wisdom against His sovereign wisdom, and spend some time in prayer with your small group about this.
Conversations 2013 Recap
Last week, the RBC Sanctuary was transformed into Fast Eddie’s, a funky old diner, for the annual production of Conversations.
At Fast Eddie’s, families came on their way to the “best Spring Break trip of their lives,” infomercials from the infamous Kevin Winthrop, memories of lives spent together, and a community college study group. We were serenaded by the music of Philip Phillips, Coldplay, Gabe Dixon, The Beatles and more… But most importantly, we heard stories of God’s grace in real lives.
It was a wonderful week, made possible by the more than 300 volunteers, who provided food, served in the Coffee Shop, ushered, baked cookies, etc. We are so grateful for everyone who served, whether on stage, in the lobby or behind the scenes. More than 3,000 people attended Conversations this year, many of whom are friends, family, and neighbors of our regular attendees. Many people were able to come, relax, and hear the truth of the Gospel message through this production! We’ve been encouraged by the many stories of how God enabled people to attend, is softening hearts, furthering the conversation, and working in our community as a result of this production and the faithfulness of our body to invite their friends.
Just before our final performance, we received an email from someone who first attended Conversations two years ago. They wrote, “I have attended Conversations each year since (including last night). I really wanted you to know that you do have an impact on people. I don’t know if you hear from many people who you have been involved helping start a relationship with Christ, or wonder if you have reached people – You have! I’m living proof.”
We give thanks to our gracious God for what He has done – and may do still – through this production. Do you have a story to tell from your experience at Conversations? We’d love to hear it – drop us a line at stories@restonbible.org.
Remember the elevator scene from Conversations 2012? Conversations 2013 saw the return of the infamous Kevin Winthrop.
Thanks to Mike Kelly for the photos above. You can check out more shots from Conversations by Mike here.
Sunday Rewind | 3.31.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
Majesty (Isaiah 53:5) – Majesty: The Worship EP by Leeland
Forever Reign (Lamentations 5:19) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong
Crown Him With Many Crowns (1 Peter 1:3)
TEACHING: He Is Risen
The two thieves hung with Jesus at His crucifixion show the beautiful simplicity of the Gospel. These thieves represent two paths – one leading to death, the other leading to life. Which path have you chosen?
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is one thing from this sermon you hope to discuss as a group?
- What Easter traditions do you and your family have?
- Read and discuss Luke 23:32-43. What do you see about the nature of man in these verses? What do you observe about the nature of Christ?
- Compare and contrast the two thieves. How are they similar? How are they different?
- In what way does the one thief represent death? In what way does the other represent life?
- In the context of Pastor Mike’s sermon, what does it mean to “pass through the cross”?
- Spend some time in prayer with your small group giving thanks for our risen Savior, Jesus.
Sunday Rewind | 3.25.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
Our King Has Come (Romans 5:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
Hosanna (Mark 11:9-10) – All Of The Above by Hillsong United
God Is Able (Ephesians 3:20-21) – God Is Able by Hillsong
I Lift My Hands (Psalm 46:10) – And If Our God Is For Us… by Chris Tomlin
TEACHING: A Word to the Wise – Part 3
“It’s just me and God” is not a biblical mindset. Rather, scripture shows us that there is great wisdom in close relationships. Don’t let pride keep you from experiencing the joy of deep friendship in your pilgrimage.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- Per last week’s message & discussion, were you able to intentionally impact in a positive way last week though the power of your words?
- What is one thing from this sermon that you hope to discuss as a group?
- Read and discuss 1 Samuel 23:15-18. What characteristics of a great relationship do you observe between David and Jonathan? Where else in scripture can we see the value and wisdom of close relationships?
- What are the hallmarks of a great friendship? How have you personally seen or experienced the value of wisdom in terms of relationship?
- Do you have any “Level 5” friendships? How have those impacted your life?
- Why do we tend to pull back from deep relationships?
- How does the Gospel push us away from pride to see the wisdom in close relationship with others?
- Are there specific relationships you feel God is asking you to pursue to greater depth? Spend some time in prayer with your small group about this.
Guilford Updates: Bingo Night & Book Fair
BINGO NIGHT: RBC helped sponsor a Bingo Night at Guilford Elementary last Friday evening. The event is one of the school’s biggest community events with 300-400 families attending. The Guilford staff and PTA were so thankful for the RBC volunteers and the financial support we were blessed to be able to provide.
Here’s an excerpt from a note we received from Alex Collier of the Guilford PTA:
“The volunteers really made the evening run smoothly. They were up for helping with anything we needed, and added a definite air of excitement to the night! Katie VanDorsten and her son were the best 50/50 raffle hawkers we’ve ever had! Together they raised almost $100! Julie and Micah Loesch worked the popcorn and cookie concessions like pros, and Tyler Preast and his friends did a spectacular job manning the bingo sales table, selling cards and daubers with confidence and pizazz!”
BOOK DRIVE: We are thankful to God for all who donated books and time for yesterday’s Guilford Elementary Book Fair. We were able to give out over 1500 books! Each child was able to take home 3 books of their own, and the librarians and resource teachers were able to restock their dwindling supply of books and resource items. The principal and entire faculty were so thankful to RBC. Many of these children have never owned a book and were joyfully overwhelmed to be able to take three books home. RBC is sharing the love of Christ to children in need in our community, and we are grateful for the many who invested your time (and books!) in serving them.