Announcing Our New Elder Candidates
This past year, we’ve had three elder candidates sitting in on our elder council meetings. That year is now up, and we are pleased to present them to the RBC congregation for the next two weeks.
The candidates to join our elder council are Ed Lee, Dan Lowen, and Jason VanDorsten. If there is anything that you know about these men that we don’t know, please let the elders know at elders@restonbible.org. We would love your feedback on anything that might disqualify any of these men from being an elder, or if there are any positive things that you would love for us to hear about them.
We believe that they are very well qualified, and we are eager to introduce them to you following this period of consideration.
VIDEO: Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief – Day 2
A Tribute to Dr. R.C. Sproul
For those of you unfamiliar with the world of theology, allow me to introduce you to the greatest theological mind in the last century – Dr. R.C. Sproul. In a culture awash with theological liberalism, Dr. Sproul has been one of the greatest defenders of the faith in our lifetime.
On December 14, he went home to meet the Savior he has faithfully preached about for the last fifty years of his life. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant!” were no doubt the first words he heard upon entering his eternal home and walking into the presence of his Lord.
God gifted Dr. Sproul with a mind that was far beyond that of the greatest of scholars. A scholar himself in numerous fields, he was a superb philosopher, an accomplished linguist, a master logician and a theologian beyond compare. What he casually knew about various disciplines often exceeded the knowledge of scholars dedicated to those fields. To challenge R.C. to a debate was to face sure defeat even before the first words were spoken. His mind was a true gift from God and a true gift to Christianity – a gift well-stewarded in advancing the Kingdom.
When Dr. R.C. Sproul left this world, I am quite certain 90% of its intelligence left with him. But our great loss is overshadowed by his great legacy. May God bless Dr. Spoul’s legacy, and may it continue to bear gospel fruit for generations to come.
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. -Philippians 1:21
Celebrating Generosity: Hurricane Relief
After the devastation left by several hurricanes this year, Reston Bible Church engaged in relief efforts in Texas and Puerto Rico, providing manpower and supplies. Here’s a brief update from two trips. If you’re interested in future relief trips, please contact Dale Peak.
Celebrating Generosity: Freedom Sunday
We are thankful for many who seek justice and love mercy. Over the past year, we have been able to contribute to both of these organizations because of your generosity.
To learn more about International Justice Mission, visit ijm.org or to learn more about the Northern Virginia Human Trafficking Initiative, visit novahti.com
Parking Update for the 10:45 Service
Starting this Sunday (March 5), we will be opening up a few extra parking spaces during the second service to help ease congestion and make sure everyone has a place to park.
These spots are in the grass area behind the side parking lot (to the right of the main entrance). You can watch the video below to see how to access them.
Thank you for your patience as we continue to think and pray about ways to improve the parking experience.
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
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.
Thank You from Nicaragua
We are thankful that over 500 hundred bikes have been donated by RBCers in support of the Casa Bernabe orphanage in Nicaragua.
Thanks in part to your generosity, the orphanage has developed Nica Bikeshop, a thriving bicycle shop where orphans are discipled in Christ as they learn vocational skills like bike repair, sales and customer service. We recently received the photo above from some of the Nica Bikeshop workers – the sign reads, “Thank you RBC Friends. You are a blessing!”
We also received the message below from Cal Covert, our ministry contact for the bike donations. Cal is on the board of directors for NicaWorks, the non-profit organization that oversees the bike collection and many other aspects of care, support and ministry in Nicaragua.
The bike shop has provided opportunities for many Nicaraguans, including orphans and at-risk youth. It is now the largest bike shop in all of Nicaragua. RBC has played a vital role in donating more than 500 bikes to the ministry. The shop has been a tremendous opportunity to mentor young men and women who otherwise would have no hope of a future for themselves or their families. For example, Josh, the director of the bike shop is a recovering alcoholic. Last fall he looked me square in the eyes and said, “If it wasn’t for this business, I know I would be dead right now.” Not only has he pulled his life together, but he is in a strong walk with Jesus that he never had before. Josh meets with his Nicaraguan and American (via Skype) mentors at least once every week.
Thank you, RBC, for your continued generosity as we know Christ and make Him known in Northern Virginia and around the world!
Friday Food to Guilford Elementary
The mission of our Adopt-a-School relationship with Guilford Elementary School is to help meet the physical, relational and spiritual needs of the disadvantaged through service and generosity, and to encourage the staff who work with these families.
The mission of our Adopt-a-School relationship with Guilford Elementary School is to help meet the physical, relational and spiritual needs of the disadvantaged through service and generosity, and to encourage the staff who work with these families.By leveraging the talents and resources of many RBC volunteers, we have the opportunity to positively affect the lives of students, their families, and the staff of Guilford. We can help to fill the gap created by budget cuts and a poor economy with our abundance and share the hope that is in us.
One of the ways in which Reston Bible serves Guilford Elementary is through Backpack Buddies, where we send bags of food home every Friday with the children of families living below the poverty level.
One of the ways in which Reston Bible serves Guilford Elementary is through Backpack Buddies, where we send bags of food home every Friday with the children of families living below the poverty level.Right now, Guilford has 250 families that meet that criteria and need assistance. Last Thursday, volunteers gathered together in the clubhouse to pack bags for our first delivery of the school year. It was a time of fellowship, service, and an opportunity to show the love of Christ to our local community. Thank you to the volunteers who came out to help! This ministry would not be possible without your faithful service. We are in need of many more weekly volunteers – especially for Backpack Buddies delivery on Fridays when we take the bags of food to Guilford. If you are interested in serving with us, please click here for more information.
VIDEO: Weekend Logistics Update
Thank you for your patience in cooperating with all of us assisting in the parking lot each week. We still have some tweaking to do and we can always use more helpers in our rotation (email hostteam@restonbible.org to express your interest!)
If you arrive for the second service somewhere close to 10:55, the parking lots will be full. You can drop your family off at the main entrance, but you will have to drive back to the overflow parking at the bottom of the hill to park.
Also, when leaving the property after services, please note that there is a Yield sign – not a Stop sign – at the bottom of our driveway. A volunteer will be posted there to remind people they don’t have to stop, which backs up traffic. We hope this knowledge will save you some time on Sunday mornings.
In addition, we have an imbalance in the number of children attending Quest during the first and second services. If you are a family with elementary school-aged children and attend the 10:45 and it is not a hindrance to your family, please consider attending the 9:00am service.
New Staff Announcement
Here’s a short video from Pastor Mike announcing some staff changes here at RBC.
Weekly Update | 8.19.2016
Blessings from the Staff, Elders and Deacons of Reston Bible Church. Here’s a look at some opportunities coming up in the life of our church in the weeks ahead.
VOTER REGISTRATION
Are you registered to vote in the upcoming presidential election? If you have changed residence since the last election you will need to re-register. If you turned 18, or are a new American citizen, you also need to register. Bob & Angie Magruder will be offering voter registration in the lobby after both services this Sunday, August 21, The deadline to register is October 17.
OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE: International Connection
The English as a Second Language program at RBC has a need for a lead teacher on Wednesday mornings from 9:30 to 11 am weekly starting September 14 and running until early May with breaks for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Curriculum, training and an assistant teacher provided. For more information, please contact Susan Morinaga.
OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE: Host Team Volunteers
We are in need of volunteers to serve as Ushers, Welcome Desk Attendants, and Coffee Attendants during the services. Please contact Ashley Ramsey if you are interested in helping meet one of these needs.
OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE: Fall QUEST/BABYQUEST Children’s Ministry Volunteers
Question:: What does loving Jesus and serving His precious children have in common? Answer: These are the only things required to serve in QUEST and BABYQUEST. The Fall session runs from September 18 through May 2017. Ages range from Infant’s to 5th Grade. Interested? Please click here.
AWANA REGISTRATION: Now Open
Registration is now open for Clubbers and Volunteers alike! Through the Awana program, Reston Bible Church works together with parents to develop spiritually strong children and youth who faithfully follow Jesus Christ. Awana Clubs meet on Sunday evenings from 4:30-6:30 pm from September 18 through May.
WOMEN’S PRAYER GROUP
The women’s prayer group that meets on Tuesdays from 1:00 to 2:00 pm has moved to Room 236. All women of the RBC community are invited to join together to seek God in prayer for our church, nation, neighborhoods and families. Even if you can only come for a part of the time we encourage you to join us! If you have any questions, please contact Marsha Mathews.
EVENING OF PRAYER AND WORSHIP: Tomorrow Friday, August 19 (7:00-8:30 pm)
We will be having an evening in the Sanctuary devoted to praying and worshiping together as a church. Come join us as we seek the Lord for His continued blessing and direction for our church.
JR HIGH: Welcome Party Wednesday, August 24 (7:00 to 9:00 pm, Youth Building)
We are hosting a Welcome to BreakThru Party for rising 6th grade students. On Rising Up Sunday, August 28, 6th graders can join Sunday Morning BreakThru for the first time at 10:30 am in the Jr High room. If you are a parent of a rising 6th grader, there will be a Parent’s Meeting that Sunday at 10:30 am in the front classroom of the youth building. Parents are then invited to attend the rest of BreakThru after the meeting ends.
NEW WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDIES: Begin September 14 and 15
Registration is now open to women who regularly attend Reston Bible Church. Most classes have a size limit, so register early for best selection. Starting September 8, women who attend another church and want to join one of our bible studies are invited to register for remaining spaces in classes and childcare. These studies meet at the church both morning and evening. Click here for more information about class offerings and to register.
SANCTITY OF LIFE MINISTRIES: Post-Abortion Group Bible Study
SLM is supported by RBC stateside missions. If you or a friend struggle from a past abortion be encouraged; there is hope and healing. Prayerfully consider joining us for a Bible study beginning September 13 – November 1 from 7:00-9:00 pm at the Nova Pregnancy Help Center in Alexandria. For further information or to RSVP by September 1, please contact Mayra Navarro.
FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY: Starts Sunday, September 18 (4:30-6:30 pm)
Over the course of nine biblical, practical lessons, you’ll learn how to beat debt, build wealth, find bargains, invest for the future, give like never before, and much more! Register for our upcoming session of Financial Peace University, September 18-November 20.
ANNUAL MEN’S RETREAT: September 30 – October 2 (Meadowkirk Retreat Center, Middleburg)
Has your God-given ambition been starved or sedated for too long? Join other men from RBC for a weekend away in the Loudoun County countryside as speaker Dave Harvey calls for a rescue. It’s time to reach further and dream bigger for the glory of God. Options are available for overnight stays starting at $180 and $125 for day rates for the conference/meals only. To register, please click here.
CULTIVATE: A WOMEN’S GATHERING AROUND THE WORD with Kelly Minter: October 14-15
Biblically focused and stylistically simple, this will be a time to seek God’s Word, worship with an elegant trio of musicians and enjoy the warmth of community. To learn more about the event, find out about volunteer opportunities (we’ll need lots of help!) and to purchase tickets click here. Email Marsha Mathews if you have questions.
PREPARING FOR SUNDAY: New Blog Feature
We have a new weekly blog feature to help you prepare your heart for Sunday worship. Please check it out here.
SUNDAY REWIND: The Purposeful Mind
Stagnation is devastating in the life of a believer. We must set our minds to the greatest purpose of all life – to know Jesus. Sunday Rewind.
We hope you’re enjoying these summer months and that you’ll consider some of these opportunities as we seek to know Christ and make Him known together. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events section of the website for more. And don’t forget to check out the Throne of Grace attachment for prayer and praise items!
An Update on Conversations
If you’ve been around RBC for much time at all, you know that this time of year, we are usually in full swing putting together an Easter week production we call Conversations. Conversations is a winsome combination of live music, real life stories, humor and drama that is ultimately meant to lead to conversations about the beautiful good news of Jesus. Originally developed as an outreach-focused alternative to our traditional Easter Cantata, it has been a staple event in the life of our church for over a decade. Hundreds of volunteers, cast and crew have given significant amounts of time, treasure and talent to this production – and we are grateful to the Lord for every single person who has been involved in some way over the history of Conversations.
We want to let you know that the leadership of RBC has decided to not do Conversations this year, but instead provide a smaller series of teaching and worship events called A King & A Kingdom. During these evenings of worship, teaching, testimonies and prayer, Jamie Winship will encourage and challenge the RBC body to seek the King of Kings in all aspects of life.
We understand that not having Conversations is a big change in the rhythm of life at RBC. With that in mind, we wanted to provide you with some answers to some of the questions you may have regarding this change.
1. Why aren’t we having Conversations this year?
The Conversations team prays, evaluates and discusses Conversations every year to see if it is accomplishing what we want to accomplish and if it is the best thing for our congregation and community. We don’t ever desire to do events just because we have done them in the past. This year, we believe that Conversations does not best meet the needs of our congregation, as we see that there are many among us who are hurting deeply and have significant needs. We believe this year, rather than focusing outward, that it would be more effective for us to build up the body of Christ at RBC and to ask God to encourage, direct and heal His people here.
2. What is “A King & A Kingdom”?
A King and A Kingdom is an opportunity for us to come together as a body for a concentrated time of teaching, prayer, and worship, that we might grow in unity and in our individual walks with Christ.
The main sessions of A King & A Kingdom will take place 7:00-9:00pm the evenings of Wednesday, March 23 and Friday, March 25. These evenings will include worship, teaching, prayer, testimonies, and special music. Jamie Winship will be our speaker and will explore forgiveness, repentance, redemption through the lens of kingdom living. Our hope is that we will be greatly encouraged and challenged to follow the King and build into His Kingdom.
In addition to the two main evenings open to everyone, the ladies are also invited for an evening of teaching and encouragement with Donna Winship on Thursday night.
3. Will Wednesday and Friday night be the same?
The structure of Wednesday and Friday will be similar, but the content is different and will build on itself. We would encourage you to attend both evenings (but the events will stand alone if families are only able to attend one.)
4. Will the content be available after the events?
We plan to record the content and have it available for those who are interested, but unable to attend.
5. Will childcare be available?
Childcare will be available for all events, but only to those who register online in advance.
6. Is this an outreach?
The evenings of A King & A Kingdom are designed for followers of Christ to enrich their spiritual walks. We believe that those who do not know Christ would certainly receive value from their time here and might enjoy the events, but A King and A Kingdom is not specifically intended to be outreach opportunities.
Lastly, we want to clarify that these events are not to fill the calendar or replace Conversations, but rather as we sought the Lord regarding the needs of our congregation, we believe that He is directing us to provide opportunities to build into our church body. We encourage you to take advantage of these gatherings, and see what the Lord may have for you in them. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at A King & A Kingdom.
Ordination of Mike Meyers
On Sunday, February 28, our church leadership was pleased to formally ordain Mike Meyers, our Children’s Ministry Director, to the pastorate. We thank the Lord for Mike’s faithful work here at our church and beyond, and we pray for Jesus’ blessing on Mike’s continued ministry. We are grateful to now have two Pastor Mikes on staff!
A LITTLE ABOUT MIKE: Michael John Meyers is a man who loves Jesus, loves his family and has a passion for helping young people find the Way that leads to life. In pursuit of that calling, Mike left the business world over a decade ago, where he was an operations manager of a Fortune 500 company. He eventually took on the role of Director of Children’s Ministries at Reston Bible Church in Reston, Virginia. In 2005, Mike and his wife Patricia founded Open Arms Brazil and in 2006 moved to Brazil where they ministered to at-risk children. Mike and his family moved back from Brazil, and in 2013, Mike resumed his full-time position as Children’s Ministry Director at RBC. He is also the acting president of Open Arms Worldwide (OAW), an RBC-supported missions organization with the goal of mobilizing, preparing, equipping, and aiding Christians to implement transformational, faith-based outreach projects for children and youth among the world’s poor.
Mike speaks to adults, youth, and children in the United States and throughout Brazil on the church’s role in raising a generation that knows the Lord and has a Biblical worldview. Mike brings a passionate and entrepreneurial approach to children’s ministry, missions, the church and the urgent need for God’s people to stand in the gap for the next generation.
Mike frequently blogs here on the RBC site and at Last Man Standing Church. He has also written a book called Last Man Standing: Jesus & the Fight for a Generation.