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Peer Pressure

I have recently discovered that peer pressure in my child's life (at least at his age) is a good thing. With peer pressure, Caiden has learned how to ride his "big" bike and swim better. Because of peer pressure, we believe that Dawson talks more and wants to do everything his big brother does.

Positive peer pressure isn't too bad for us adults either. I have two groups of people that hold me accountable on my weekly time spent with God. In the past, I have had accountability on my weekly weight loss goals. In all instances, I try my best to do well for the week because I can't bear the thought of having to explain to my accountability group that I failed or didn't spend enough time with God. That is peer pressure and it keeps me on my toes. I think that accountability, positive peer pressure, is something that God truly intended for us to have and experience.

I also know that peer pressure can be negative in a child's life. I forever wish the day when the positive peer pressure turns to negative wouldn't come for my sons. However, isn't it because of peer pressure that we experience things and learn to do what is right? We just have to remember as parents that we have to have a positive impact on our child's life and make sure the "peer pressure" turns in to "pure pressure." One way to do that is to guide them according to what the Bible says.

There's your thought for the day.

REMINDER: Informational Meeting for FUEL

There is an informational meeting for all parents and students going into grade 6-8 on Sunday, July 27 after the worship service. Food will be provided along with a Q and A time with the Family Ministry Team. Any questions, please contact Shelby@rockspringschurch.com or Heidi@rockspringschurch.com

Read More 0 comments | Posted by Shelby Craig

FUEL is Coming

Do you know what the word fuel means? No it is not an acronym for something deeper to life...keep thining. If you are thinking about the stuff we have to get loans for, then you are thinking of the noun version of FUEL. Do you know what the verb definition is: "something that sustains or encourages". That is what this is all about.

On August 3, a brand new junior high ministry is launching on Sunday Mornings called FUEL. It is going to be during the normal worship time and will supplement my lessons from Wednesday Nights. The student will worship with their families and then be dismissed from the auditorium to a designated area just for them. It will meet the first three Sundays of every month breaking the fourth and occasional fifth Sunday to spend the whole time in worship with their families. I am so excited about the potential of this ministry and let me tell you why.

First, this ministry is going to be a small group setting just for the 6th-8th graders. It is exclusive to them to grow, learn, and encourage each other about the issues that are going on in each others lives.

Secondly, It is an opportunity for us to bridge the gap between children's ministry and student ministry. In the past, the baton has been dropped in this transition and we want to make sure that your student is introduced to Ignite Student Ministry in the right way. This class is taught by Nina Wildes, (she has been teaching in children ministry for many years now) and by myself, Shelby Craig. With both of us tag-teaming, it will give them a taste of what they are use to and a flavor of what lies ahead. This will ease them into the ministry with full support from both of us.

Let me say that this is not a substitute for Wednesday night but an opportunity to dig deeper. It is a chance for your student to fully grow in the Lord in a personal way. 6th-8th grade is a foudational time in the lives of students. It will mold thier teenage years for the good or the not-so-good. I encourage you to be in prayer about this ministry and the leadership behind it. I look forward to seeing you August 3rd as we FUEL the next generation!

Press On,
Shelby Craig
Student Minister

Read More 0 comments | Posted by Shelby Craig

Three Crosses

On the way to church last weekend at my in-laws, the girls were being over-dramatic about it taking FOREVER to get there (it only takes about 5 minutes). The following conversation took place...

Emily (3): Momma, it's taking a long, long time to get there.
Me: Chill, we're almost there.
Mara (4): Remember Sissy, when we see the three crosses then we'll know we're there.
Emily: Yeah, just like Jesus died on the cross.
Me: He did! Do you know who Jesus died on the cross for?
Emily: For my sins!

Phillip and I were both absolutely speechless. I was frustrated with them for being so over-dramatic (yes, that "Chill" was said with much impatience.), but my four-year-old turned it around to an amazing conversation about Christ.

Father, thank you for choosing me to be the mother of these three amazing people. Help me to take advantage of each and every moment of our 'normal' day to point them to You.

Carrie

Family Fun Day Pics

Enjoy these pics of the Family Fun Day our church held a few weeks ago. Thank you to the numerous volunteers that helped put this together. You served God well and you're awesome!

FUEL Coming Sunday, August 3rd!

What is FUEL you ask? FUEL is our new Sunday morning small group for middle school students in grades 6-8. FUEL will begin on Movin' Up Day, August 3rd. FUEL will meet 3 out of the 4 Sundays of every month. The middle school students in this small group will further study the material that is taught every Wednesday night by our student pastor, Shelby Craig at the Ignite youth group. Your middle school students are encouraged to attend both Wednesday nights study and the Sunday morning small group. FUEL will help transition the middle school students make the tough transition from The Zone. It will be taught by Nina Wildes with frequent appearances by Shelby Craig.

Parents, please mark Sunday, July 27th on your calendars. We will have a brief meeting after church on that day to address any questions you may have regarding this new small group. We're excited to offer this to your family and student. Please pray for this new small group and its leaders.

The Parent Avenue

Our Inspiration

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:5-9