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.
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<
Men’s Ministry News – March 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, ray@shoaff.com). Wednesday 6:00-7:00 AM – Sr. High Bldg.
- Exemplary Husband – Wednesday 7:00-9:00 PM- New class starts 3/6, Room 250A. For questions, call James Roberts at 703-309-0303.
FAITH & REASONING 101
When: Monday, March 11, 2013, 7:00 PM-8:30 PM
Where: RBC, Room 238
Topic: “The Case for Easter”
RSVP: wgaines@firstphc.com
Of all the major religions in the world, only one claims that its founder returned from the grave. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the very cornerstone of Christianity. However, skeptics claim Jesus’ resurrection is a superstitious myth. But is that really where the evidence points? Come join us on Monday, March 11th, as we will examine the evidence for the resurrection and “The Case For Easter”.
MINISTRY IN THE WORKPLACE COURSE
An 11 Week Journey to Connect Faith and Work
When: March 4-May 20, 2013 7:00-9:00 PM
Where: Youth Building, Senior High Rm.
Sign-up: https://www.restonbible.org/
Does your work have significance? Join us for a first-of-its-kind, collaborative program to help you see your job—and company—in a whole new way. Whether you have a desk job, you work in the field, you’re a manager, or you’re the CEO, this course will be an 11-week journey, designed with you in mind. It’s packed with deep content and challenging insights to connect faith and business. RBC has a large community of men and women in the workforce. Our heart is to help you connect and learn with others what it means to really live out your faith—ALL WEEK LONG!
Please Register Now. Our first session is free and will set the tone for the entire series. We’ll explore the topic, “Why Work?” it will challenge the way you view your job and your career!!! If you have any questions, contact Brad Hill at 703-517-9941. You can register on line for the free session or for the entire 11 sessions of $55. Scholarships available.
EXEMPLARY HUSBAND CLASS
When: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 * NEW START DATE
Where: Room 250A
RSVP: James Roberts at 703-309-0303
The home is the most important area of ministry for husbands. It can also be the most difficult, and it is often the most neglected. The characteristics of a Christian husband do not come naturally, nor are they taught in school. We need help.
So, come out and join other men weekly on Wednesday evenings as we explore how to become an Exemplary Husband. It will be a time of encouragement and our basis for the study will be The Exemplary Husband by Stuart Scott and with reviews like “If I wrote a book on being a godly husband this would be it” (from John MacArthur), there is sure to be something for all men in the study.
Upcoming activities are scheduled in April and beyond – mark your calendars.
DADS & DONUTS
When: April 20, 2013, 8:30-11:30 AM
Where: RBC Clubhouse
Sigh-up: www.restonbible.org
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
SACRED RELATIONSHIP WEEKEND
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. Further information and website registration will be available soon.
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
Registration available soon
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
RBC MEN’S RETREAT – SAVE THE DATE
When: September 20-21, 2013
Speaker: Dr. Richard Blackaby
SERVICE OPPORTUNITY – EVENT LOGISTICS & PHOTOS
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
New Elder Candidates
Reston Bible Church is governed by a council of elders, consisting of some of our pastors and other biblically-qualified men who are volunteers. It is my pleasure to put three names into nomination for your prayerful consideration and feedback. They are Pete Ferrara, Jeff Lawler, and Brian Stegeman. You’ll find pictures and a brief bio of each candidate here. Over the last 12 months, they have all completed a thorough process examining their spiritual qualifications and calling.
Biblical eldership is absolutely critical to the spiritual growth of the body of Christ. Listen carefully to what the apostle Paul tells Titus around 65 A.D.:
“This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.” (Titus 1:5-9)
There are two things I’d like you to notice here. First, there is relatively little mention of a an elders talent in Titus 1 or in 1 Timothy 3 (the other passage that lists qualifications for this office.) Instead, these qualifications are about godly character, being able to lead in a way that is pleasing to God. Secondly, notice the importance of the knowledge of God’s Word, so that they can teach sound doctrine and just as importantly, refute false doctrine.
Now a word about the selection process. These men were chosen from a list created by the pastors, staff and elders of our church. They then completed a study of all relevant passages regarding eldership in the Bible. Then they began to meet with the elders at our regularly scheduled meetings, where they participated but they didn’t vote on the agenda items. This was a year long, two-way process for them to determine if they felt called to this ministry and for our current elders to agree to issue that call.
They have and we have, and now all of you have a part to play. We will mention Brian, Pete and Jeff’s names this week and for the next two weeks. We are looking for feedback from the congregation about these men. Please give us positive feedback, if you have observed their good character or their ministry among us. Conversely, if you have observed anything in these men’s lives that concerns you, we would like to know that as well.
You may give us feedback in direct conversation or you may email the elders. We take the appointment of new elders seriously as one of their functions is to guard the doctrine of the church, which is to say, to guard the truth about Jesus Christ and His church. Again, you can find pictures and a brief bio of each candidate here. Please be in prayer for each of them, and we would love to hear from you regarding their candidacy for the elder council of Reston Bible Church.
Men’s Ministry News – February 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, ray@shoaff.com). Wednesday 6:00-7:00 AM – Sr. High Bldg.
- Exemplary Husband – Wednesday 7:00-9:00 PM- New class starts 3/13, Room 250. For questions, call Brad Hummel at 703-489-6028.
FAITH & REASONING 101
When: Monday, February 18, 2013, 7:00 PM-8:30 PM
Where: RBC, Room 238
Topic: “Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up! False Christs in a Pluralistic World” – The Jesus of the Couch Potato
Speaker: Pete Lackey
RSVP: wgaines@firstphc.com
MINISTRY IN THE WORKPLACE COURSE
An 11 Week Journey to Connect Faith and Work
When: February 25-May13, 2013 7:00-9:00 PM
Where: Youth Building, Senior High Rm.
Sign-up: https://www.restonbible.org/
Does your work have significance? Join us for a first-of-its-kind, collaborative program to help you see your job—and company—in a whole new way. Whether you have a desk job, you work in the field, you’re a manager, or you’re the CEO, this course will be an 11-week journey, designed with you in mind. It’s packed with deep content and challenging insights to connect faith and business. RBC has a large community of men and women in the workforce. Our heart is to help you connect and learn with others what it means to really live out your faith—ALL WEEK LONG!
Please Register Now. Our first session is free and will set the tone for the entire series. We’ll explore the topic, “Why Work?” it will challenge the way you view your job and your career!!! If you have any questions, contact Brad Hill at 703-517-9941. You can register on line for the free session or for the entire 11 sessions of $55. Scholarships available.
A Message from the Goodnight Family
Thank you for the many who attended Leigh Goodnight’s memorial service last week.
If you would like to express condolences, Leigh requested donations be made to the following ministries:
Clarity Ministries International, Inc.
PO Box 10
LaGrange, WY 82221
http://www.clarityministries.org/news/
and
Open Arms Brazil
c/o Kim Reynolds
1562 Woodcrest Drive
Reston Va 20194
http://openarmsbrazil.blogspot.com/
Meals have also been set up for the family at:
http://www.takethemameal.com
Last Name: GOODNIGHT
Password: LEIGH
Please feel free to e-mail her dear friend Terry Schulman with any questions.
Thank you for your continued prayers for Paul and his family.
Dale Peak
Administrator
(703) 404-5013
Thank You, Host Team!
We love to take the opportunity to thank those who serve at Reston Bible Church… which is exactly what we hoped to do at the Host Team Appreciation Dinner last week.
Our dinner was western-themed, complete with cowboy hats, bandanas, root beer, country music and a square dance! The goal of our evening was simple: express appreciation to those who serve throughout the whole year – and have fun doing it.
What a blessing to see our volunteers fulfilling the vision to be stewards of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to guests and our congregation by demonstrating love, expressing value, and offering practical support at weekend services.
Week after week, our Host Team joyfully serves our congregation. They have helped transform the culture of our church toward loving hospitality and we who attend get to reap the fruit of their service.
We are so thankful for those who serve on the Host Team at Reston Bible Church.
Reflections on a Year of Community Outreach
I want to share some astonishing numbers with you. And I want to share what the Lord has done in one year of our Community Outreach ministry. Through the sacrificial giving of time, talents and finances of the body here at RBC, amazing things have been accomplished by the grace of our Lord. This is mostly facts and numbers, and doesn’t adequately represent the many lives that have been changed through this ministry – one of which is my own. However, I hope that it will at least show some of the many areas that we have been able to make a difference for our neighbors.
From September 2011 – July 2012, RBC has received over $135,000 in donations towards Community Outreach. Of that approximately $61,000 was designated for the food pantry, and $18,000 was designated for Guilford Elementary, the rest was undesignated. We have spent approx. $90,000 of what has come in. That means a couple of things – we have funds as we move forward, and it means that the giving for this ministry has sustained. RBC has shown we want to reach the community for Jesus Christ.
So, let me share some of what the Lord has accomplished through you this year and share a little about our upcoming plans.
VIDEO: Ordination of Aaron Osborne
On September 18, 2011, the pastors and elders of Reston Bible Church joyfully ordained Aaron Osborn as a pastor. Please pray for Aaron as he continues his work with our Junior High students here at RBC!
Friday Update: February 18, 2011
Sorry Folks – the Thursday Update is a day late this week as I was at a conference in Dallas yesterday and didn’t have access to a good Internet connection. Here’s what’s coming up in the days ahead:
BABY BOTTLE RETURN
You may begin returning your Sanctity of Life Ministries baby bottles this weekend. Look for a table in the lobby. You can also bring them in the following weekend if you need more time to collect change.
MARRIAGE BOOSTER: Friday, February 25
Our next Marriage Booster will feature Pastor Paul Goodnight teaching on the topic of children and parenting in a message entitled “KIDS: THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON TAKING!” Registration is free and where needed, childcare reimbursement is provided. Please click here to register.
BLOOD DRIVE: Sunday, February 27
We only have one week of sign-ups for this drive, so be sure to drop by the table in the lobby this Sunday to choose a donation time or click here for more information or to reserve a time online.
WOMEN’S ANNUAL RETREAT: March 4-6
It’s the last week to register for the Women’s Retreat. Get your registration in by February 23 and take advantage of this special weekend away to connect with other women and strengthen your walk with God. Click here for information and registration.
Also, if you’d like to donate to our scholarship fund you can bless a lady who needs financial help to attend the retreat. Just follow the retreat registration link above to find the donation box.
DADS AND DONUTS: Saturday, March 5
The RBC Men’s Ministry is bringing back this very successful “partner” event on the Saturday of the retreat. Dads are encouraged to take advantage of this 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. Please click here to register or for more information.
YOUTH WINTER RETREAT UPDATE
Everyone got off around 11:30 this morning. Four buses of kids, staff and volunteers are on their way to Pennsylvania for the weekend. Please pray for safety as they travel and while at the Bible Camp, for speaker Zane Black, and for changed/renewed hearts for our precious young people.
MORE ABOUT PARKING AND TOWING
Please exercise caution as you walk around the church property as we are once again a construction site. Consider carpooling, parking in the RBC Overflow Lot, or attending the 8:15am or 11:45am services during this time to alleviate some of the parking congestion.
In addition, we ask that you park ONLY in the RBC Parking Lot or in the designated RBC Overflow Lot. A number of cars parked illegally on Oakbrook Court were towed last Sunday by businesses who have lost their parking spots.
TAKE TWO
Click here to hear Pastor Mike answer various questions often asked in life via a two-minute video … you’ll love it.
That’s it. Please worship with us this Sunday as we continue our series on addiction.