Introducing Courage Quest
According to data collected in 2009, one out of every five households in the United States has at least one child with special healthcare needs. These needs may include physical, cognitive, communicative, and behavioral challenges. This represents a significant segment of the nation’s population and the numbers seem to be trending upward. This same trend is reflected in our church family and that is why I am so excited to share with you the realization of a dream that we have had for RBC Children’s Ministry for many years. It is our desire that EVERY CHILD be able to engage with the timeless truths of the Bible and grow in a joyful relationship with Jesus Christ, not the least of these are our children with special needs.
Courage Quest, or CQ, is a new special needs initiative within the Children’s Ministry of Reston Bible Church. CQ exists to aide and empower all of our children to actively and significantly participate in all aspects of the Children’s Ministry and to provide appropriate support and accommodations when necessary. CQ accomplishes this goal by providing RBC Children’s Ministry volunteers with appropriate tools,resources and instructions to carry out their calling to minister to all children including those with special needs and disabilities.
On January 26th, we will be holding a special training for current Children’s Ministry Volunteers and people interested in learning more about becoming a Courage Quest Volunteer. This training is essential for all, as it will…
• Introduce the Courage Quest team members and their roles.
• Explain how Quest/Awana volunteers can, with and without direct CQ help, better minister to children with a variety of special needs including behavioral, developmental, and physical.
• Introduce new resources to help all Children’s Ministry volunteers know how to respond when issues arise with any child.
Please consider joining us for this important training. By helping a child engage with the Savior you are inviting the presence of Christ into your life. “And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” Matthew 18:5
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE FOR THE JANUARY 26 COURAGE QUEST TRAINING EVENT.
When: 1/26/14 – Right after the second service from 1:00 to 3:00pm.
Where: Quest Clubhouse
What: Lunch and free childcare will be provided. (If your children cannot eat pizza, please provide a bag lunch for them.)
I look forward to seeing you there.
Blessings,
Mike Meyers, for the RBC Children’s Ministry Staff
Annual Report 2013
If you missed last month’s announcement, we’ve released our 2013 Annual Report. The Annual Report is designed to provide you with a broad overview of what God has done in and through Reston Bible Church over the last year. Our prayer is that this year-in-review is an encouragement to you as we reflect on what God has done in and through His people for His glory. This report is not a compilation of our accomplishments, but those of our great and glorious God. It is a joy to look back on what He has accomplished and look ahead with joyful anticipation at what we trust He will do this upcoming year. We hope this report is an occasion to give thanks together as we continue seeking to know Christ and to make Him known here in Northern Virginia and beyond.
To read through the 2013 RBC Annual Report online, visit www.restonbible.org/annualreport. Printed copies are available at the welcome desk in the lobby. If you are out of the area and would like a copy mailed to you, please make a request to info@restonbible.org.
Sunday Rewind | 12.15.2013
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Closer (Psalm 89:14-15) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
O Come All Ye Faithful (Luke 2:15-16) – Christ Is Come by Big Daddy Weave
Lord of All (Psalm 97:5-6) – North Point Live by Kristian Stanfill (North Point)
Our King Has Come (Romans 5:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
Joy To The World (Luke 2:10) – Original Arrangement
TEACHING: Philippians: A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 7
Good relationships are built on who you are, not what you can do. Integrity is the glue that holds relationships together.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What is one thing that stood out from this sermon that you found particularly insightful, helpful, or difficult to grasp?
- Who is someone you have a “level 5” relationship with? What is the glue that holds that relationship together?
- Read and discuss Philippians 2:19-29. What does this tell you about the person and nature of God? What do you see about the nature of man? What do you observe about the integrity and character of the men Paul mentions?
- What is the difference between integrity and honesty? What role does character play in the life of a Christ-follower?
- “Much of life is measured by relationships…” Have you found this to be true? What is the purpose and value of good relationships?
- How does the gospel affect or direct your relationships?
- Can you think of someone who desires your success above their own? Are you that person for someone else?
- Can you think of someone you can push toward success in kingdom living? Spend some time in prayer for them and ask God how He might have you reach out to them this week.
No Other Name – Live Worship Album
We’re so thrilled to introduce our first live album, No Other Name. And we’re hopeful that it’s the first of many. There was very little discussion over what the vision for this particular project would be. We simply wanted to produce an album that puts great worship music into the hands of our people – but ultimately is filled with songs that have become the heartbeat of who we are as worshipers and how we desire to see God work in our church, both now and in the future.
The album title, No Other Name, comes from the lyrics of the song Forever Reign – a song that has resonated with so many of our people over the past year. We hold to a firm belief that God desires our worship and He empowers us to worship Him through the power of the Holy Spirit. It should be the desire of our hearts to praise no other name but the name of Jesus. As a church, when we gather together, worship together, and experience the love and mercy of our God together, we are reminded of how nothing can ever compare to the embrace of our Savior.
We hope that when you listen to these twelve songs, you’re reminded of how blessed we are to praise Him with our voices every week… from the bottom of our souls to the top of our lungs.
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No Other Name is available from the digital music vendors below. A limited number of CDs will be available soon in the RBC Bookstore. You can also find No Other Name on Spotify, eMusic, Rhapsody, Rdio, and iHeartRadio. 
Deacon Commissioning
Today’s culture presents its own unique problems and challenges in fulfilling all the responsibilities and duties articulated by scripture for the church body to carry out. As a partial response, the elders of Reston Bible Church this year established the position of deacons and delegated to them the task of addressing the material needs of those that would call RBC their church home. Following a year-long review, selected individuals from the church body presented to the elders a proposed manual for a deacon ministry at RBC. The elders approved the manual and solicited deacon nominations from the congregation.
On November 24, nine deacons were publicly commissioned before the congregation and have begun serving as an extension of the church body’s love and care for widows and widowers, and a channel to direct the generosity of the body of believers at RBC to those with financial or material needs within the congregation. Please be in prayer for our deacons and this ministry.
Learn more about deacons at RBC at www.restonbible.org/deacons.
An International Connection Thanksgiving
The RBC Club House room was packed with international faces and languages – children, adults, seniors – all chattering and eating. The annual Thanksgiving Dinner for International Connection (our ESL, or English as a Second Language program) was a chaotic but lively and warm gathering! We welcomed 168 guests, which made it shoulder-to-shoulder in that space.
The buffet area was set up with two rows of international cuisine – tamales, rice pilaf, spring rolls– mixed in with traditional dishes of turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing. The International Connection volunteers (plus extra helpers) provided the traditional Thanksgiving fare to give our students a taste of North America. The students proudly contributed the bounty from their home countries. What a feast!
After dinner, the children were dismissed to take part in their own supervised activities while the adults remained to enjoy the program. Pastor Ed Nalle led us in singing “Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart” and then performed “Be Ye Glad” to a rapt audience. We watched a short video that presented the history of the holiday. Then there were class presentations and individual student speeches – the highlight of the evening. From the choral readings to the personalized expressions of why they are thankful, it was a time to count our blessings and then focus on the greatest gift of all – Jesus. Mike Meyers, Children’s Ministry Director, reminded us to stop and recognize the good things right in front of us that are easily taken for granted.
Our students come from about 25 different countries and 14 language groups. They are sometimes mystified by the new culture in which they find themselves but when they come to English classes here at RBC each week, they find an oasis where they can practice their language skills in a safe and caring environment and where they can learn about how to adapt to life in this country. Many come for the English but come back for the friendship and more. May God give us grateful hearts this holiday time as we think of those who are struggling to survive in the midst of so much upheaval
Men’s Ministry News – October 2013
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 – The Journey to Authentic Manhood Continues. Current Series: Living a Life with Purpose; On Purpose – What road are you on? Where are you headed? Every one of us is on a road – and every road we are on is taking us somewhere. Where do you want to go, and what is the right road to get there? Join us for this workshop to help us create a framework for the future state of our lives. It’s about being intentional, on purpose, and the next step is up to you. At FUEL, our desire is to help men grow and live to be the Authentic Men God designed them to be as modeled by Jesus Christ. Join us! Tuesdays 6:25-7:30 AM – Sr. High Bldg.
- EXEMPLARY HUSBAND – The home is the most important area of ministry for husbands. It is often also the most difficult. Come out on October 23rd at 7pm in Room 236 for a 13-week study of ‘The Exemplary Husband’. It will be a challenging but also encouraging opportunity to explore how the Lord wants us to lead in our Marriages and Families. For questions or more information, contact Brad Hummel at mensministry@restonbible.org or 703-489-6028.
MARRIAGE BOOSTER
When: Friday, October 18, 2013, 8:00 PM
Where: RBC Sanctuary
Speaker: Pastor Paul Goodnight
Topic Entropy and Other Laws of Marriage
Registration: www.restonbible.org/
Join us for our next Marriage Booster where you’ll enjoy an evening of looking at the laws of marriage that are impacting your relationship, or could impact them in the future. Pastor Paul will lead our time…so you know it won’t be normal.
The booster consists of two parts: 1) An on-your-own dinner date with your spouse where you talk over advance questions provided by our speaker, and 2) a message followed by small group discussion at RBC. Child care reimbursement is provided by RBC as needed and information on the website.
THE SUMMIT
When: October 21, 2013, Monday 7:30-8:30 PM
Speaker: Congressman Daniel Webster of Florida
Topic: “How to Live with Integrity while Under Attack”
Where: RBC Sanctuary
Dinner: 6:30 PM RBC Clubhouse by Famous Dave’s BBQ
Registration: www.restonbible.org/summit
Our speaker will be Daniel Webster who has served as the Speaker of the Florida House and Majority Leader in the Florida Senate. He is currently a conservative congressman in the US House of Representatives where he has served since being elected in 2010. He is known for many things, but Daniel Webster still holds his faith, his family, and his principles as his biggest assets.
Come out and join us on Monday, October 21st, to hear how he views the challenges facing our county and the difference a personal relationship with Jesus has made in the life of a prominent leader in our country. We encourage you to bring a friend or co-worker.
FAITH & REASONING 101
When: Monday, October 14, 2013
Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Where: Reston Bible Church, Room 238
Topic: God Created Sex…So Let’s Talk About It (Part 2 of 2)
Registration: Please e-mail wgaines@firstportfolio.com to RSVP that you will be attending so that we can plan accordingly.The popular view in our culture is that the Bible is outdated and irrelevant with regards to sex. This month we’re going to look at what our culture says about sex and contrast it with the Bible’s message, and ask, “Who’s Really Looking Out For You?”
Men, women and teens are welcome to join this adult conversation on an important Biblical topic. Hope to see you there!
Faith & Reasoning 101 Mission Statement: To equip believers in the Christian faith to be prepared to have answers for those who ask them for the reason for the hope that they have, and to assist those seeking spiritual truth by providing a comfortable place to learn.
Upcoming activities are scheduled in November and beyond. So mark your calendars.
MISSIONS CONFERENCE WEEK – 11/6-10 – watch the RBC website for info!
SERVICE OPPORTUNITY
Men’s Ministry is looking for a few good men to help with our event logistics. No special skills needed—just a servant heart. Events are The Summit, Men’s Retreat, 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
Summer Review: Dad & Kids Campout 2013
Earlier this summer, a whole bunch of RBC dads loaded up their kids and camping gear for an unforgettable weekend in the woods. The Dad & Kids Campout was held at Pohick Bay Regional Park, and it was a great weekend of bonfires, sleeping under the stars, and just plain fun! As Phil Robertson would say, everybody was “happy, happy, happy” with group games, campfire songs, a talent show, s’mores roast, and Sunday morning teaching & worship. The 2013 Dad & Kids Campout was truly a special opportunity to disconnect from daily distractions and create life-long memories with our kids while getting to know other dads at RBC.
Special thanks to Brad Hill for putting together the recap video above!
Bike Project Update
On Sunday, September 15, RBC accepted bike donations to benefit an orphanage in Nicaragua. Through our SACS Thrift Store partnership, we are working with Verbo Ministries, a church-planting and disciple-making ministry working with the Casa Bernabe Orphanage. Verbo has partnered wtih the orphanage to develop a thriving bicycle shop, where orphans are discipled as they learn bike repair, sales and customer service. Nicaragua is the second poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, where 60 percent are underemployed or unemployed. The training they recieve in the bike shop serves the orphans well when they enter the job market.
We are thankful to God for the generosity of so many here at RBC. On Sunday, we collected 175 bikes!
Here is part of an email we received from one of the project coordinators:
We’ve been collecting for several years from a bunch of churches. I think the most we ever got from a church collection was 58. Talk about shattering a record. You nearly tripled it!
I met some really great people today. What a blessing. We are very, very grateful. And, the quality of the bikes was excellent. This is a huge help to the ministry. Thank you for the remarkable work you did to make this happen.
Please extend our sincerest gratitude. This will make a difference in Nicaragua.
Thank you to all who donated bikes. Please keep the Casa Bernabe orphanage and those who minister the gospel there in your prayers.
Stephen Chiang Memorial
Stephen Chiang, who had attended RBC for many years and faithfully served the congregation he loved so dearly went home to be with his Lord last weekend. The service for Stephen will be on Saturday at 11:00 am at Money & King Funeral Home, 171 Maple Ave W, Vienna, VA. They will be hosting family visitation at 10:00am, and will follow the memorial with a short graveside service. The family would love to have anyone who knew Stephen attend the service.
Stephen served the RBC body by volunteering every chance he could, including at the Welcome Desk and with the Media Ministry in the sound booth. He was also a dedicated blood donor and member of the ForWord young adults ministry.
Please be in prayer for Stephen’s family during this difficult time. Also please pray for Pastor Wayne Johnson as he shares the hope of the gospel that only Christ can offer, and the assurance that Stephen had through his salvation.
If you know of anyone who might like to attend, please feel free to share the service details with them.