For all the new parents to the Zone ministry and for those who've been with us a while, here's a look at what's happening for October. We'll focus on the virtue of "INDIVIDUALITY."

Notes from the Editor - Body Building
Geeks. Jocks. Brainiacs. Skaters. The Pretty Committee. Were you a member of one of these crowds? Maybe you carried a membership in THE group, the one that everyone wanted to join. Interesting, isn’t it, that no matter how old we are when we join a “club,” whether we give it a name or not, that group of people eventually helps us discover who we are or aren’t? We discover our likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses, how we are similar and how we stand out, whether we belong to that group or need to move on.

But being an individual is more than just discovering how we are like someone else or different from others—at least for believers it is. Being an individual is also about how our heavenly Father designed us to make a difference in this world. God, the master Architect, has a master plan in which He is weaving together all our character traits and experiences in order to shape and mold us into the people He wants us to become, and He’s doing this with each of us, twining our lives together in ways that are intricate, beautiful, and mind-boggling.

So in October we’ll be talking about individuality, discovering who you are meant to be so you can make a difference. We’ll introduce kids to some not-so-well-known individuals, each of whom made a difference in the lives of people around them:

WEEK 1:
THE Onesimus – because when you belong to God, you can make a difference.
WEEK 2:
THE Epaphroditus – because when you take care of others, you can make a difference.
WEEK 3:
THE Dorcas – because when you use what you have to help others, you can make a difference.

THE BATTLE WITHIN
Each one of us faces a battle within, a battle that may go unseen by those around, but inside there is major brawl. It’s a battle with temptation. And depending on the temptation and its hold on your life, it may be a battle that seems impossible to win. In this series, Andy Stanley takes a look at the temptations Jesus faced in the desert, and identifies the driving forces behind the temptations we all face every day. Because once you realize what the pull is behind the temptation, you can find the confidence to follow Jesus’ example and respond as He did.

Week One: The Main Event (July 7)

Guest Speaker: Chris Brewer
Bottom Line: In every single temptation you face, there is always more at risk than you think.

In the sport of boxing, the main event is the big fight, the moment where everything is on the line. But for most of us, we are oblivious to the truth that in every temptation we face, there’s a lot at stake as well. When face to face with temptation, the choice feels insignificant sometimes. There are times when it feels like no one will notice, or it’s not really a big deal. But in looking at the temptations Jesus faced, we realize just how much is at stake—not only in His life, with the temptations that were before Him—but in our lives as well, with the ones we face every day.

Week Two: In This Corner (July 14)

Bottom Line: Every time you’re tempted, your confidence in God is at stake, not just your self-control.

When facing temptation, it seems like it’s always about the choice, the decision, the temptation. But it’s always about more than that. It’s not just your reputation or your innocence that’s at stake—it’s your confidence in God. The lure of temptation makes us question whether we can really trust God to come through for us, to be there for us, to provide for us. We begin to think He’s not in our corner, that He’s not looking out for us. But what if we began to see Him there? What if we realized that whatever is luring us away really has nothing to do with what we think it’s about, and there’s a deeper issue, a trust issue, at work? It might completely weaken the pull of that temptation, and it might help us get to the heart of what is really going on.

Week Three: Fixing the Fight (July 21)

Bottom Line: We are tempted to believe we know how God works and how we think we can work Him.

In the boxing world, sometimes things aren’t always what they seem. Sometimes the winner is known before anyone walks into the ring. Sometimes the outcome is pre-determined by a person who has manipulated things behind the scene. Sometimes a fighter takes a dive. Sometimes a boxer throws the fight. And if each one of us were completely honest, sometimes we try to work things as well in our fight with temptation. And who or what we are manipulating isn’t the temptation, it’s God.

Week Four: Hook and Jab (July 28)

Bottom Line: We are tempted to pursue the right thing the wrong way.

Temptation doesn’t always have to be about doing something bad. In fact, sometimes it’s not the end result that’s not necessarily a bad thing, but how we plan to get there. It’s the shortcut, the path, the compromise. And in this fight, this struggle with temptation, sometimes the punches we throw and the ones thrown at us are simply about pursuing the right things but in the wrong way.

Our family has recently gone through the tragedy of losing a dog. Our kids have grown up with this dog and she's been a part of Dale's and my life for 13 years. So, needless to say, it was a little traumatic on all of us. However, in the midst of this pain, we've had the opportunity to have some tender moments with our boys.

I don't know if there will be animals in heaven or not but for the purpose of this event, we told our boys that Nicki had gone to heaven. In our opinion, that was the easiest way to explain to them what happened. And, wow...it has opened a lot of doors for conversations especially with Caiden, our 4 year old, about heaven and dying.

It is tender moments like these when we are hurting as a family in which we need to take advantage of to help further teach our kids about our incredibly awesome God. I know it is hard to do that sometimes but in the midst of explaining things to our kids during this moments, we come to rely upon and give ourselves more completely to our Creator. I think we become less self-focused about the pain we are feeling when we are teaching, praying and encouraging others through theirs. So, take advantage of tender moments, good and bad, with your kids and students to help them learn more about God and what He wants for their life.

Today I just set up a system for parents to get up-to-date status of youth events. This will be used when we are going on trips, like next week when we go to YEC. Let me give you the reasons why this will be beneficial.

1. This will eliminate the question: What time will they be home? It is very hard to know or plan when we are going to be home, especially with large conferences. They always provide a start time, but not an end time. We usually have each youth call their parents to let them know the time. Now I can send one text message and alert all parents.
2. This will allow you to get a glimpse of what we are doing. If something cool is going on, I can let you know via text message as it is happening.
   

All of this is powered through twitter which is a new social media that will become the norm like MySpace and Facebook within the next year. It has already grown from 900,000 users last year to 35, 500,000 users as of today. This will put you on the forefront of social media before your kids are...you'll thank me later.

So how do you receive these update? Two ways

1. Text 'follow rscignite' to 40404
   
2. You can set up a twitter account and choose to follow us on there.

If you have questions about this, please email me or contact me.

I'm not sure if many of you have heard of Tim Hawkins, but he is one of the funniest men that I know with clean humor. I remember a clip from him about a year ago and thought I would post here for you to enjoy (Click Here if you are getting this by email). If you get a chance, support his ministry and rent or buy his DVD's.

Warning: Some language may be offense to some readers. The below content is not intended for kids to read. Viewer discretion is advised.

Two normal teenagers thrust together for one sleepless night of club-hopping in New York City. Hookups, drinking, crude sexual jokes… teenagers are loving Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist, starring voluptuous Kat Dennings and Juno's Michael Cera. It's the modern day Fast Times at Ridgemont High… but with only a PG-13 rating.

My dad had American Grafitti- clean by today's standards, but pretty edgy for its time. In the 80's my generation had the R-rated Risky Business and Fast Times. Teenagers in the 90's had Dazed and Confused, also R. The new millennium must have ushered in a new standard, because Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist is the same ol' thing, but somehow it squeaked through with a PG-13.

Sure, Nick & Norah's doesn't have nudity. It just has orgasms, implied sex, non-stop sensuality, plenty of sexual references and crude humor. It seems as if the MPAA rating just doesn't spell it out clear enough. Nick & Norah's rating is: Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material including teen drinking, sexuality, language and crude behavior. Do you think that particular rating prepares parents for this?

• A gay band brainstorming band names: The Jerk Offs, Sh** Sandwich, D**k Ache, and Fistful of A**holes.
• Songs like "I'm Going to Screw the Man" or "Balls Deep."
• Comments from girls like, "You're practically blowing him with your eyes."
• Gay and lesbian references throughout
• A discussion about orgasms ("Word on the street was, you never had an orgasm." "I've probably had a million! How am I supposed to know?" "Oh, you'd know.")
• A couple have sex (out of sight) in the back of the car, resulting in the lead character breaking out cleaning supplies, commenting about having to "clean up the mess."
• A scene where we hear the "play by play" of two other people having sex ("your bra… I can't undo this button on your pants… your hands are cold…") and then we watch the studio's sound meter as it records the girl's orgasm.

If you're offended by the above list… good! So am I. Just realize that many of our youth group kids will be watching this film in the next few weeks. After all, public high schools are even allowed to show PG-13 films without parents' permission. Consider that on your kids' next slow school day where the teacher pops in a movie.

I guess I shouldn't expect anything less. For those of us who put our faith in God and His Word, we know that these are the world's morals, not ours. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, Peter writes:

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

In Ephesians 4:17-24 Paul writes:

17 With the Lord's authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused.18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him.19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.20 But that isn't what you learned about Christ.21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him,22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

In God's word, we are consistently reminded that we are different than the world. The world lives for temporary pleasure and impurity. We, however, aren't supposed to live that way. Both Peter and Paul (above) remind us, "But you aren't like that!"

It's really a shame. Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist is a very creative film, cleverly written and well directed. Many audiences love the heart and the artistic expression of the lead character Nick through his "mix CDs" (much like John Cusack's "mix tapes" in High Fidelity). Michael Cera's boyish charm delivers once again. No doubt, this movie tells a charming story… sprinkled in manure.

The film also offers parents and youth workers a glimpse of real-world morals and teenage perception of real-world hurt. The characters are genuine and the dialogue is authentic. But unfortunately, Nick & Norah's doesn't reveal real-world consequences. Even though characters seem to experience some loneliness and pain, we never see evidence of "regret." In Nick & Norah's world, apparently casual sex doesn't have any consequences. At least Cameron Crowe's Fast Time's at Ridgemont High showed consequences both physical and emotional.

Be prepared for polar reactions to this film. Despite the concerns voiced by some critics, pro-gay groups love the movie because of its lack of proverbial gay stereotypes. Some parent groups are calling it clean compared to other mainstream films released to DVD the same month (The bar was pretty low: Sex Drive, and Zack and Miri Make a Porno). I've even read some positive reviews from Christians.

So am I being too hard on this piece of "art?"

The film certainly has cinematic merit- it will probably become a cult classic. But I just can't bring myself to praise such an irresponsible film. My concern lies in its abundance of immitatable behavior and its seeming lack of real world consequences. We have enough media lying to our kids right now. This is one piece of art that doesn't need to fill their heads with..

It's always interesting to see what films draw teenagers. A year ago, Juno was the hottest thing. Last fall it was Twilight. So what film has their attention now?

Last Tuesday a film was released that I predict will be one of the next cult classics of this generation. The film is Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist. Like Juno and Twilight, the film has a PG-13 rating. But this is one PG-13 film that has me wondering what the MPAA is smoking.

Let me be clear. I'm not a big fan of the MPAA rating system anyway. I've never been one to let a secular rating system tell me which movies are "good" and "bad" for my kids. I've seen plenty of R-rated films that I have no problem with (The Passion, Saving Private Ryan, The Last Samurai...). And I've seen plenty of PG films that are full of subtle lies. That's a sore spot for me. I don't like it when the media lies to us, especially to our kids. It's completely irresponsible to consistently show actions without consequences. That's just not the way life works.

Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist is a clever movie with strong characters and creative dialogue... kids are loving it. But not only is it full of graphic sexual talk, hookups and crude humor, it's also a distortion of reality. There are drastic consequences emotionally and physically to most of the casual behaviors portrayed in Nick & Norah. Are these destructive behaviors true to life? Yes. But they are most often linked to consequences, consequences that the people behind the story of Nick and Norah chose to ignore.

Yes, Cinderella might also be a distortion of reality. Mice and birds don't make dresses. And maybe there is no Prince Charming for most girls. But I've never met a teenage girl who bought into the lie that a mouse named Gus-Gus would be her best friend and a guy on a horse would take her away into the sunset. On the contrary, I've worked with plenty of teenager girls that found out the hard way that the casual actions in Nick & Norah have devastating consequences.

Can't we be real with our kids? Nick & Norah is a nice fairy tale, based on realistic characters and authentic feelings. But we're fools if we don't understand how influential this kind of media is on our kids. The imitatable behaviors in this film aren't just entertainment, they are telling our kids how to live in the real world.

Don't let your kids construct their ethics from films like this.

Tomorrow I will devote an article to the content behind Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist. In that article I will give you a glimpse of what our kids will be seeing in that film

Parentunity.org is a social media site that is designed to connect and encourage parents.

D6 (www.D6family.com) has been chosen as a featured resource. We encourage you to join the D6 Group on Parentunity.org and receive encouragement from parents just like you.

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Join the D6 Group on Parentunity.org!

Check out Parentunity.org where parents just like you have found a place to learn, grow, and encourage one another.

Check out the parenting forums from Focus on the Family. They are a great way to connect with other parents on issues that we are dealing with - no matter what age your kids are. Plus, you can count on Focus on the Family to make sure that everything is monitored and that their experts will give you information from a Biblical standpoint.

Cassidy has been serving in the Kids Klub toddler class off and on for the past 2 years. She relates well to the kids and loves getting down on their level and playing with them. We enjoy watching her serve. Thank you Cassidy for all you do for the RSC kids.

Nina Wildes and her family have been a part of RSC since the very beginning. She has been serving at least that long in our family ministry area. For many years, she served as the Zone girls 2-5 grade small group leader. However, recently, Ms. Nina been leading our FUEL group on Sunday mornings. She feels called to work with middle school students. She does a phenomenal job. The kids adore her and she seems to always find common ground with them. She is passionate about getting the kids into the Word and making sure they learn at least one Bible truth each week. Thank you Ms. Nina for the incredible job you do! We love having you on our team.


Katie recently began serving in our Ignite youth ministry on Wednesday nights as a small group leader. She relates well to the girls and is always upbeat and fun. She juggles ministry and a full-time job. She is an incredible young person who is on-fire for God. Thank you Katie for answering God's call and worshipping Him through your amazing service! We are so glad you are a part of our team.

Ted & Shelly have been actively serving in the Kids Klub nursery area for over a year now. They enjoy holding and playing with the babies. Often, Ted can be seen walking the halls when one little guy or girl fusses a bit. They have been a great addition to the family ministry team. Thank you Ted & Shelly for all you've done this past year for our lil' ones!

It seems like Calvin and Kimberly have always been a part of RSC. They are enthusiastic servants in the Kids Klub Nursery area. They love serving in this area for much the same reasons as the others, including getting to play with the little ones. They have tried other areas but know that the nursery is just the right fit for them. However, they are always willing to jump in and help wherever needed. They both have a lot of patience and are always calm. Sometimes you see them in the hallway walking a little one trying hard to comfort them while mom and dad get a chance to enjoy the worship service. These guys surely have incredible perspective why they serve. Thank you for such caring hearts!

Suzanne is a long time member of RSC and serves in the Kids Klub nursery area. She has an incredibly gentle touch and calming personality. She loves working with the babies and enjoys rocking, feeding and playing with them. She enjoys serving in this area and it shows. She is always enthusiastic and ready for the day. We love having her on our team. Thank you Suzanne for serving God in this special way!

Jennifer has been a member of RSC for about 5 years now. She is the wife of our student minister, Shelby Craig. She actively serves alongside him on Wednesday nights at our Ignite student ministry. She is a small group leader for the girls in 11 & 12 grades. She is extremely relational and easily befriends the students at Ignite. Everyone loves her! She is incredibly caring and available to chat if you have something going on in your life. And...she gives great hugs too. Thank you Jen for all you do for the family ministry area. We appreciate the sacrifices you and Shelby make as a family to be involved in ministry.

Michelle is a seasoned member of RSC and serves in the Kids Klub Nursery area. She loves the little ones. Having 4 older children of her own, in the nursery she gets a chance to rock a baby to sleep or sometimes feed him or her a bottle. Those are things she doesn't get to do anymore with her own children. Michelle is extremely helpful, often asking us if we need any additional help for the day. She has a caring spirit that comes through in her service. We appreciate all you do Michelle! Thanks for being such a member of our team.

Dennis and Jody have been attenders of RSC for a while and started serving in the Kids Klub nursery area this past year.

6 Pa. high school students busted after sharing nude photos via cell phones

In an unusual legal case arising from the increasingly popular practice known as “sexting,” six Pennsylvania high school students are facing child pornography charges after three teenage girls allegedly took nude or semi-nude photos of themselves and shared them with male classmates via their cell phones.
The female students at Greensburg Salem High School in Greensburg, Pa., all 14- or 15-years-old, face charges of manufacturing, disseminating or possessing child pornography while the boys, who are 16 and 17, face charges of possession, according to WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh, which published the story on its Web site on Tuesday....Read More

Cliff and Valerie Moore started attending RSC last summer. They soon began serving God in the area of worship.

On Wednesday nights, Cliff and Val lead our Ignite youth ministry students through their worship. Then, on Sunday mornings, Cliff and Val serve in the Zone as our worship leaders during the large group time.

They are incredible worship leaders with a heart for kids and students. Cliff plays the guitar and Val accompanies him on vocals. They are a great team that seem to enjoy serving God in this unique and awesome way! We are so excited and grateful to have you guys as a part of the family ministry team. Thank you!

I'm not sure exactly when the Crye's started coming to RSC but I know they've been here for at least 5 years. And, I know they've been serving for that long too.

Everyone who has a child should know Gwen. She serves at our registration every week. She's the one who signs in your child and provides him/her with a name tag. She's always friendly, upbeat and faithful in her service - that's what makes her so good at what she does.

Bert serves faithfully every week too. He oversees the setup/tear down and other things to get our areas ready for Sunday worship. He is an amazing worker with a heart for God. And, he's also known at our church for being able to lift an incredible amount of weight - just watch him work on Sunday mornings!

Thank you Gwen & Bert for your faithful service and your love for God.

I just wanted to say thank you for your patience as we convert to a new design. Sometimes the internet and the designer doesn't get along.

But...If you are receiving this via email haven't seen our new design, head on over to www.rscparents.com and let me know what you think. Also, if you have taken our poll, please do so before the end of the month.

Thanks,
Shelby

Jennifer has been a attending RSC now for a while and decided she wanted to get involved almost immediately. She's been a great addition to the Family Ministry Team and the Kids Klub Toddler class, where she serves as a helper.

Karin & Mariah began serving in the family ministry area in the middle of this past year. What's so awesome is that they get to serve together. We have enjoyed having them on our team and watching them grow in to this ministry area.

Our Volunteer of the Day, Linda, has been a member of 2001 and I'm sure she's been attending almost since the very beginning. As to my knowledge, Linda has always served in the family ministry area. Amazing!

I wanted to share an article that a youth ministry mentor from LifeWay wrote today. It is encouraging to parents of youth and parents to youth that will soon be there. Enjoy!

Being a parent is one of life’s most challenging roles. I thought I knew it all before my wife and I had children of our own. Now that we have two teen daughters, I realize I know nothing about parenting. Actually, that’s a little overstated. I have learned a thing of two about parenting over the years. I’ve just learned a lot of it the hard way. The best parenting advice I’ve found comes from the Bible – specifically Deuteronomy 6. This passage provides a solid approach to parenting:

Listen, Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD Is One. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving to you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deut. 6:4-9).

Walking and Talking
Parents are intended to be the primary developers of their children. That means providing for your teen’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. It also means using every opportunity that you can to talk with them about loving God.

Parents can’t be the primary spiritual developer of their kids without investing time in them. If biblical parenting involves teaching as you’re sitting, walking, lying down, and getting up, then parents and kids have to be together. If the Bible says teaching happens in the normal course of life, our course of life may need to be modified.

How Jesus Grew
Ever wonder what Jesus was like as a child and teen? Luke 2:52 gives us a glimpse. It also provides a great framework for our kids’ development. Based on this passage, here are the three areas in which we must help our children develop:

Favor with God: We want them to know God in a very real way. We want them to go beyond just knowing about Him to building a personal relationship with Him.
Wisdom and stature: We want our kids to own their faith. We want them to experience God in their everyday lives and recognize who they are in Christ.
Favor with man: We want our kids to make their faith known. One of the coolest things parents can experience is seeing their kids share Christ through the influence and relationships they build.
Step by Step
So what can you do to create a new normal as the primary spiritual developer of your kids? Here are some ideas:

Decide you will make your teen’s spiritual development your primary task. Seems basic, but unless you commit to this, it won’t happen.
Don’t try to be a super Christian. Just model that you know God, own your faith, and make your faith known.
Start small. Choose one day a week to eat dinner together and do a short devotional as a family. (LifeWay provides a free online devotional that is delivered by email twice a week. You can sign up to receive the Heart Connex Enews Devotional at www.lifeway.com/heartconnex.)
Pray for your kids every day. Pray that they will know God, own their faith, and make their faith known.
Be involved in your kids’ church activities. Don’t expect your youth ministry team to be the primary spiritual developer of your kid.
You will not create your new normal in a single day. The key is starting with a few actions that matter most – and being consistent. Let your kids hear you talk about God and what He is doing in your life. Let them hear you pray. Let them see and hear you share your story of His work in your life.

God has entrusted us enough to loan us our children and has also established a strong pattern for parenting in Deuteronomy 6. Accept His challenge. Help your kids know God, own their faith, and make their faith known. Future generations, including your grandchildren will be impacted by your children’s strong faith.

Paul Turner and his wife Sondra have two teen daughters, Shelbi and Morgan. In addition to his ministry to youth leaders across the country, Paul can usually be found training for a marathon.

Rebecca (pictured here in red) and her family joined RSC this past year. We're so glad to have the Von Loewe family!

We would love to periodically hear feedback from you. Here is our first attempt to do this. For those getting this in an email, click here.

Christina has only been at RSC for a short time but she's on fire for God! She is ready to serve and has jumped in with both feet.

She is ministering as a co-small group leader on Wednesday nights to 9th & 10th grade girls. She is also serving a Sunday per month in the Kids Klub Preschool class as a helper. Then, some months she gets up early and helps with the church set-up.

She is full of energy and zest for life. She is actively serving and inviting people to church. She has been an awesome addition to our team. She is much fun to be around and the kids and students adore her. Thank you Christina for all you've done and what is going to do through You this year!

Janet Knorp and her family have been a part of RSC for a few years now. It didn't take her long to get involved in the family ministry area.

Brian & Stacey Bloodworth have been a part of the RSC family for over a year now. They did not waste any time getting involved.

The volunteers we honor today are George & Debby Dillard. Being long time members of RSC, they know the ins-and-outs of serving. They've been doing it since the beginning.

Debby has been an incredible addition to our family ministry team. As a teacher in the Kids Klub Preschool class, she exhibits amazing patience, poise and preparedness. She loves the kids she serves. She works hard at knowing her lesson and making sure everyone gets something out of it. There is never a Sunday that goes by that the kids don't learn from Ms. Debby about how very much Jesus loves them.

As for George, he is truly Debby's helpmate. He can often be seen on Sunday mornings helping her carry her bags in to her class. But, Georges' service does not stop there, every Sunday he gets up early and helps set up the children's areas. He mops the floors, cleans tables and makes sure things get where they are needed. He also helps others carry things in too. George is an incredible help to us. If we need something, George is always willing to help in any way. He is extremely devoted to God and that shines through His service.

Thank you George & Debby for all you do. We notice the little things you give great detail to in your service and so does God.

Its was one year ago today that we started this blog. We hope it has blessed you and your family. We look forward to continuing to serve our RSC families this year.

Blessings to you from your RSC Family Ministry Team,
Heidi, Shelby, Lesley & Carrie

Our volunteer of the day today is Dorothy Cross. Her and her family recently returned once again to worship with us at RSC. Both before and now, she remains faithful in wanting to be a part of the family ministry team. She just started serving regularly in the Kids Klub Preschool class. I hear she is a wonderful help, willing to jump in and assist the teachers and kids in any way. Plus, you can just tell that she loves being with them. We are so happy to have you back, Dorothy. Thank you for being obedient to God's word.

Our first volunteer of the day, Katlyn Krueger is still in high school and has been actively for at least 2 years now (WOW!). She is an extremely well-rounded, responsible and compassionate lady. She began serving in the Kids Klub Preschool class and continues to serve in that area because she loves the kids so much. Last summer, she served as the Family Ministry intern. She was able to learn some of the ins-and-outs of our ministry. I know God has incredible things in store for her as she graduates this year. Thank you much Katlyn for all commitment to God to and to the RSC preschoolers.


Our other volunteer of the day, Ms. Gwen has been at RSC almost since the very beginning. She is a helpmate to the RSC staff as she serves regularly in the church office doing what she can administratively. Each month, she copies the curriculum for all of the Zone small groups, as well as the large group material for Lesley. This is a very behind-the-scenes task but something that we could not do without. She truly has a servant's heart. Ms. Gwen, you have no idea how much you help us with this. Thank you for all your hard work and faithful service. We appreciate you!

Our first volunteer of the day - Jody Eisher, along with her husband Mike, have been long time members of Rock Springs Church. She has served in the family ministry area for quite some time. I'm not even sure she has ever taken a break.

She serves as one of the teachers for our Kids Klub preschool class. In that class, she ministers to 3-5 year olds, as well as to the helpers serving alongside her. She is magnificent in this area. As a grandma, she has a patient, calm, fun and sometimes crazy side to things that the kids simply adore. She talks often to the children about how much Jesus loves them, reminding each one before they leave the room every week. Thank you Jody for serving our kids in this special way!



Our second volunteer of the day is Joby Williams. She has not only served in the family ministry area this past year but she is also the church ministry assistant. All this and she still finds time to get her college studying done.

Joby serves in the Kids Klub preschool class. To say the kids love her would be a true understatement. I mean, they really LOVE HER! In the morning when the kids greet her in the hall, she'll bend down to get on their level and get a high five or a big hug from them. Many of the kids can't wait to see "Ms. Joby." Her love for God is apparent in everything she does. Thank you Joby for all you do - both seen & unseen!

Well you can…but you don’t want to.

It’s 2009 and we want you to be prepared for the upcoming year with all the information that you can obtain in one setting. This Sunday Ignite student ministry will be having Ignite All Access, an informational meeting about the upcoming events for 2009. In this meeting you will get all the dates for every event, deadlines, when money is due and much more. One family will be given a FREE trip ($300 value) to our summer camp in July just for coming! Lunch will be provided. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call or email.

You can RSVP to shelby@rockspringschurch.com just so we will have enough food.

See You Sunday,
Shelby Craig
Student Minister

Chris & Julie have only been attending our church since July but they've already made a huge impact. They have definitely gotten involved!

Julie decided a few months ago that she wanted to be a part of the family ministry team. She started in the Kids Klub preschool small group but has settled on helping in the toddler class. It is there where she plays with the kids, serves them drinks & snacks and teaches them about the love of Jesus. She's been an incredible addition to our team.

Chris has taken the initative to get involved in the setup team. So, each Sunday morning, he gets up really early to come and move things out of the trailer in to the school. Then, after service, he helps pick everything up in the school and move it back to the trailer. It seems like a tedious job but we could not minister to anyone if we didn't have somewhere to meet or someplace to sit so our effectiveness hinges on the setup team. Chris is a hard worker who goes about his serving area quietly but with much impact.

Chris & Julie...we are so glad that God placed you here. Thank you for getting involved and for all your hard work!

Today's volunteers, Harry & Connie, have been a part of RSC for at least 5 or 6 years now. Our Pastor, Chris even performed their wedding. They have been very actively involved in our family ministry.

Connie serves as one of two teachers for the Zone K-1 grades class. After taking a break to try out the preschool class, Connie realized that this is definitely the age group God has called her to teach. She is awesome at it too. She's very patient with the kids, helpful when needed and nurturing. She is someone we can always count on.

Although Harry isn't officially on our schedule, he often serves as Connie's helper in the Zone K-1 grades class. He too enjoys the kids and the change of pace. He jumps in and helps Connie wherever she needs him on that day. That is a true servant's attitude - helping wherever needed the most.

Thank you Connie & Harry for all you do and for all that goes unnoticed!

Wes and Chelle have been members of Rock Springs almost since the very beginning. In everything, they serve the Lord enthusiastically.

Chelle is one of our Kids Klub toddler small group teachers. Every other week, she keeps things rolling in the toddler class. She is a great leader and excellent with this age group. The kids really love her.

Wes is a little newer than Chelle to the family ministry area. About a year or so ago, we needed some male teachers for our Zone boys 2-5 small group. We approached Wes and he said that he'd give it a try. He's still at it and is incredible with the boys. He comes prepared and willing to try new things.

Besides serving in the family ministry, Chelle also leads our mission team and Wes serves as an elder of our church. I know they help out in many other areas as well. They both have awesome servants' hearts. Thank you Wes & Chelle for all you do for God and for RSC!

Yvonne & Brian are an incredible couple that would do just about anything for you. Yvonne and Brian have both served in the Zone for a few years now.

Yvonne started in the Zone K-1 small group and now leads the Zone 2-5 girls small group every week of the month. Every time I peek in on the girls, they look like they are having fun just being with Ms. Yvonne. She is always very calm and patient. I've never seen her frazzled.

Brian brings a lot of energy and fun to the Zone boys 2-5 small group. He always thinks of cool and new things to do to incorporate the days' lesson. He too is very calm and patient with the boys.

In addition to serving in the family ministry, the Warner's along with their 3 kids often stay late on Sunday mornings to help with tear down. They always seem to have the "whatever it takes" attitude. Thank you Warner's for all your help & hard work!

The Warta's have been a part of the Rock Springs Church family since the very beginning. They were the couple to first host the "church" before our official launch. The Warta's have served in many areas of our church.

The Winner is cat_eyes6969@yahoo.com

This person was the 10th person to register for our newsletter and picked up the January Virtue Pack!

Unfortunately, there weren't any more than 13 people to register so there were no further winners. We will do promotions like this in teh future, so be on the look out for your chance to pick up some cool prizes!

Carrie & Phil Jerkins have been long time members of Rock Springs Church.

Carrie currently serves as our Kids Klub Coordinator. In that position, she handles most of what happens in the children's ministry classes for ages birth through preschool. She is a vital member of our family ministry team where she brings lots of creative ideas, spunk and loads of organization.

Phil serves in many areas of our church - set up team, media team, worship team and as one of our elders. Despite serving all those areas, he is Carrie's husband and is faithful to the Kids Klub area as well. He often fills in when we need him in the toddler or preschool class. Serving as a family is truly the name of the game for this couple and their 3 girls.

Thank you Carrie & Phil for all your hard work!