Good morning!  Hope you're all staying dry and enjoying the break from school.  Lots to discuss and my keyboard has a demon in it, so I'll get right to the details!

We continued our series James last night.  The winter break crowd allowed for a slower pace    which I enjoyed.  Great passage and some "REAL" issues for all of us.  There is a huge battle going on today and "YOU" happen to be at the very center of it, in more ways than one.

• ROCK LAB - our last night of this first Rock Lab is Saturday night.  We'll put the finishing touches on Colossians.  It's been great to go through this book with those who have come.  It's not too late to jump in.  We'll meet in the lower building, (C).
• GIMC    - Saturday morning canvasing - Saturday evening Hang - Sunday morning glean.  More details in the bulletin and to be announced    Sunday morning!
• DNOW 2020 - Sign ups are going down now. We must have shirt sizes by this Wednesday night.  We ALSO ARE IN NEED OF SOME MORE HOST HOMES.  WE NEED YHELP WITH THIS. DNOW  can't happen without the homes.  Any help is greatly appreciated.  Sign ups and info can be found     HERE.

That's it for now.  Again, sorry about any miscues above. My keyboard for real has some issue and I may have missed some errors in correcting things.

Have a weekend and we'll see everyone Sunday! 
​Be in prayer for this weekend as well.  Low Country Boil Friday and "Family Day"  Sunday morning!

Happy Thursday!
I hope your week has been great thus far, it’s definitely been a rainy one!

Good afternoon!  Hope everyone is safe on this rainy day. I know of several folks who have had some issues today at the their house due to the amount of rain and such.  So really hoping all of you have escaped any issues.  

I've spent all day working through the books of 1 & 2 Samuel.  A great look into the great lengths God will go through to work out His plan for all creation and for His own glory.  it was quite a task working through some 27 chapters today but so encouraged by the hope that God is always working and often times doing so in ways we could never imagine.  So many truths learned today but none greater than the reality that our God is working.  Trust that today and allow it to give you this same hope.  Even in the midst of a rainy day that may or may not have brought some unplanned house maintenance or roadside stops.  Even in this, God is working.

We continued our walk through the book of James last night.  We did so by looking at the foundational passage for the entire book, James 2:14-26.   It was doesn't get any more clearer than v. 26.  Or does it?  We hoped to provide more clarification to this section and to better understand the relationship with our Faith and what we do.  As always, we've provided the sermon below for you to follow along with our study.  We just ask that you don't "Pelosi" it please.

• ROCK LAB - Saturday night at 6:30p - at The Altman's:   This is a simple Bible study where we'll dive into Colossians over the next 3 Saturday nights.  Everyone reading this in invited.  Yes, it's for the students but what better way for you parents to understand some of what we do.  PLUS, who doesn't love walking through Scripture.  Don't answer.  We'll have some snacks, coffee and hot chocolate.  Feel free to bring your own personal snack but please plan to bring a Bible, a Pen, and a Journal of some sort.  Looking forward to some great conversation surrounding this great letter to the Colossians.
• DNOW  2020 - March 13-15.  We are currently registering for DNOW.  We need to know if your student is coming....Please sign up online or you can register by paying me directly.  We do need shirt sizes BY February 27th.  So if your students want a shirt that fits....best be signing up.  We are also still needing host homes...badly.   You can learn more about DNOW by visiting our page.  You can also register online here.
• GIMC 2020 - February 29th - Come hang out with us Saturday morning and canvas our area.  We'll be promoting our Easter Weekend along with the Gospel.  So come and help us out.  THEN....Come hang out with our missionary beginning at 6:3op.  We will host this in The Rock.  

Sorry if this seems quick but I'm sort of in a hurry to check on the house....in the process of converting it to an ark.  Have a great weekend!  Hope to see you Saturday night!

​Chris

Remember that time you were scurrying around to get things in order for Christmas?  What feels like yesterday has been replaced with baseball practice and tennis matches and soccer and .........  The "old folks" used to tell us that time seemed to move quicker with age, to which I laughed or maybe begged that it would indeed move quicker.  Now I find myself asking for it to slow down.  Paul knew the value of time and using it wisely.  For that reason he encourages us to "redeem the time"  in Ephesians 5:16.  Don't put off, don't forget to love those around you  Don't forget to stop as you rush.  Don't forget to love as you discipline.  Don't forget to squeeze as you hug.  James would remind us that life is nothing more than a vapor.  In light of this...redeem the time.  Yes, Christmas will be here in 2-3 weeks I suppose.  But don't allow 11 months to slip by without having invested in the things that should matter most.  In other words, redeem the time.  And Merry Christmas!

Smaller crowd than usual last night.  We typically have many of our students participating in spring sports and we also know of many who are sick.  So praying for those students in the midst of tryouts and for those dealing with sickness!   
Last night we continued our series in James.  Having dealt with the reality that we are to be DOERS of the Word as well as HEARERS of the Word, James begins what will be examples of what it looks like to "DO THE WORD."    Andrew's sermon is attached below for you to take a peek at where we've been.

Just a few things for you to take note of as we make the push to Spring/Summer.

• February 8th - 15th - 22nd:  ROCK LAB - This is a continuation of our time at Refuel.  We'll take the book of Colossians, dive in, and get the gold.  It's a great resource for our students and for you too!  Parents are invited to come!   We'll kick off at 6:30p at the Altman house.
• February 29th - GIMC:  We do have our service on March 1st for the GIMC but that Saturday is the big day for our ministry.  We'll work with the church at large to canvas our area and then that night we'll hang out with our missionary, Mike Outten, here at the church.  We'll let you know what time that will be as we get close.
• March 13th-15th - DNOW:  This is a huge weekend for our ministry and area.  We'll partner with several other church to make this weekend happen.  To learn more about DNOW in general please visit the DNOW page on our website.   WE ARE STILL IN NEED OF HOST HOMES.  Get with us if you're able to help with that aspect.  Sidenote: We do realize that the Central HS prom is that Friday night but we had very little options with dates and ultimately had to go with this particular weekend.  Apologies!  But any student attending prom can join us Saturday morning.
• SWEATSHIRT & HOODIE ORDER:  We'll be placing an order for sweatshirts and hoodies this afternoon.  The price will be $20 for either.  Maroon and Navy will be the options.  If you would like to ensure your student has one in their size please email Chris@roopvilleroad.org by 3p on Thursday.  We will be getting some extras and there is a possibility we'll do another order.

​

That's it for this week!
Love you all and so thankful we get to serve and live with such a great group of parents!
In Christ,
Chris

Good afternoon!  Hope everyone is doing good and hopeful this dreary day.  I believe one of the greatest blessings of following Christ is the joy and hope we find on days like today.  You know those days.  The list of things to do is greater than the time in the day, the conditions of the weather seem to make the list grow with each passing mile.  The pressure and stress of life seem to make the good weather leave and the miserable weather linger.  Days we want to end seem to be stuck as if we're Bill Murray in the movie Groundhog Day.  But one great hope is that in the midst of that type of day, maybe today for you, there a joy and a hope of a new day that is coming.  This present situation, stress or weather pattern can't overcome the fact that a new day is coming.  What a day that shall be!  Until then...we walk, we drive, we live and punch out all that's on our list.  But as we do...we smile.  If not outward, inward.

About doing....Andrew led our time together last night as we continued our series in the book of James.  What does it look like when Faith and Life collide?  Faith Works....we saw this so clearly last night as James addresses the reality that we cannot simply hear the Word only.  We must DO the Word.  What does this look like?  What does this mean?  That's what we discussed last night.  I've attached the sermon for you below.  

Let me say our REFUEL trips this year were incredible.  My heart was so full seeing 60 students dive in, discuss and ultimately digest the Word of God.  We began the work of learning valuable principles that will hopefully last for a long time.  The purpose?  So they may learn and know how to read the Bible for themselves.  Such a huge thing for students to know and understand.  Refuel helps this process and I couldn't be more excited about all we saw.

• ROCK LAB - With the above in mind we're hoping to offer 2 Rock Lab's each year, outside of Refuel.  These will kick off next month. FEBRUARY 8th, 15th, 22nd we'll gather our the Altman home for some time in Colossians.  We'll read it, study it, break it down and get our minds around what God wanted the church at Colossai to know.  What response did He desire?  Then, we'll bring it to 2020.  What is it God is wanting us to know and do from this letter?  I'm excited and really could do this every Saturday.  FOR NOW, WE'LL SETTLE FOR THIS 3 WEEKS.   Also, you as a parent are more than welcome to sit in on the discussion.  The more the merrier.  If we get to crowded at the house we'll move the party to The Rock.  Really hope to see our students come out to this as I know it'll be a huge help to them and us.

• DNOW - March 13-15 - We need host homes for this event.  Please consider helping.  If you have questions as to what this involves let me know.  Sign-ups begin this Wednesday in the Rock.  You can do this online or by signing up in the back of the Rock and actually hand me money.  Cost will be $25.

I believe that's it for this week.
So excited to play a small part in the discipleship process of your student.  Know that we (the leaders and I) love your student and love the Lord.  Our hope is to see them mature in Christ.  To ultimately know Him and make Him known.  It's why we do all we do.

Have a great day and don't forget to smile!
​GRACE WINS.

Good morning/afternoon!   Trusting everyone is enjoying the sun today and getting some good use out of the dust covered sunglasses.  This afternoon you may even want to go in your yard and reacquaint your kids as to what being "outside" is all about. 

​Just a few things to keep you up to date with our Wednesday and some events we have coming up soon.

We continued our James series last night looking at Trials and Temptations.  James offers such a refreshing way to view the junk we often go through.  As a matter of fact by the end of the night I'm hoping The Rock began to reconsider calling issues, junk.  If God truly only gives "good and perfect gifts,"  how could what He allows and sends be junk?  James helps us see this and also helps guide in how we are to walk through these situations in life.  All the while guarding our hearts from the enemy....speaking of temptations and the flesh.  Such a practical issue for us all!  God saves us from our sin and sees us through our sorrow.
We all experience trials and temptations and both are intended to complete us in Christ Jesus. 

Good morning!  I wanted to go ahead and give you all a quick update as we begin this new week. As you know we've started a new series on Wednesday night, working through James.

Our series is called FAITH WORKS: WE DO.  James is a great book that helps see what happens as our Faith and our Life collide.  What happens is works.  Works happens as a result of Faith...not in hopes of anything.  We DO is a simple series that will helps students know what life with Christ looks like.  I'm excited about it.  This week we look at trials and temptations.  What are they?  How do we walk through them?  How do we avoid the bad and embrace the good?

Refuel for our High School students is this weekend.  Here are some details.

• We will leave the church this Friday at 5pm.  Best if students eat something before they get here.  We will stop for a restroom break only and then have some heavy snacks when we get to the house.  
• We need full payments by this Wednesday. If that is a problem let us know you need longer.  This helps us know for sure who is attending.
• We will return on Monday, around 3/4p.  We will text when we get close to Lagrange.
• Cost is $125 which covers food, lodging and materials for teaching. 
• Students need their Bible and a pen, clothes, a towel and washcloth.
  
• NO SLEEPING BAGS OR SHEETS NEEDED.
• They will need spending money for lunch and a gas station stop.  We will also go to the outlets one day for free time.  Otherwise they'll have 3 meals a day and snacks throughout the day.  They won't go hungry while we're there!

Please let us know of any other questions!  It should be a great trip!

Happy Thursday! 
The New Year has started off great in the Rock and I'm sure it has for everyone else as we all get back into the swing of things!
There is a ton going on in the Rock this semester and one we are most excited about is the new series we kicked off last night in the book of James!
The first half of our year was spent looking at who God is specifically through Christ - this semester in light of what we know about the Lord we find in James how that impacts our life! The faith that is working in us translates into us working out our faith. (i.e. bearing fruit!) James helps us understand that! 
It's going to be a great series the students and leaders don't want to miss!

HS Refuel is almost here!
Make sure you are paid up if your student is signed up. If you are not signed up and you think you are going let us know ASAP - or if you were signed up and you are not going anymore we definitely need to know that as well for sleeping arrangements! 
This is going to be an incredible time away as we work through the book of Habakkuk together in our HAB LAB.
MS Refuel went great and we are expecting the very same for HS Refuel!
Join us in praying for the students and leaders this week and next!

As for the details of the trip?  Head to our Refuel page for all the details you need.
​Have more questions?  Send an email, shoot a text or give us a call.

Rock Lab - Our MS Refuel HAB LAB went so well that we have decided to do it more often! Twice a year we are going to offer in-depth Bible study opportunities through books of the Bible. We can't always say everything we want to on a Wednesday night, the ROCK LAB is a great opportunity to do this. The first opportunity begins in February. We will meet Saturdays (February 1, 8, and 15) from 6-8pm to work through the book of Titus. All are welcome and invited! (Parents included.)
GIMC - Global Impact Missions Conference weekend is getting closer! This is a church-wide conference where missionaries of all kinds come from all over the world to share their stories with us and help us understand how we can be involved! Student-wise we will gather for a Hangout on Saturday the 29th in the Rock to hear from our missionary!
DNOW - Discipleship-Now weekend is a ways away from us, March 13-15. However, we know it will sneak up on us quickly! Just a reminder to mark your calendars for the weekend! Just like every year, we will also need volunteers and host homes! If you are interest in hosting students and leaders in your home this year let Chris or Andrew know! As the weekend gets closer, we will give more info!


Thankful to serve you guys week-in and week-out! 

In the beginning was the WORD and the WORD was with God and the WORD was God.  John continues in verse 14 by proclaiming that the WORD became flesh and dwelt among us.  No greater announcement has ever been made.  God, in the flesh, has come down to earth as a baby.  The plan of redemption continues in the most strange way, through a baby.  But God would ultimately work His plan to perfection yet again.  The dwelling place of God is with man and this was the next great step in seeing that to it's end.  Merry Christmas from The Rock SM, we hope each of you find hope, peace, joy and love this Christmas season and throughout your life.  All made possible because the WORD became flesh and dwelt among us.

Our middle school refuel trip is sneaking up.  Make sure you are paid up if your student is signed up.  I've included an attachment below of all the students we currently have signed up.  If you notice your student is there, we're planning on them going.  If you don't notice your student there, we're probably planning on them not going.  Feel free to update us if they are on the list and do not plan to go.  For all other inquiries we are down to the waiting list currently due to all spots being taken. 

As for the details of the trip?  Head to our Refuel page for all the details you need.  We do have two different trips for Refuel but these are clearly marked as you hunt for your particular trip.  Have more questions?  Send an email, shoot a text or give us a call.

Happy Thursday! 
We had a great night in the Rock last night! We continued our walk through the I AM statements of Jesus. Here, Jesus helps bring greater clarity to who he is and what he has come to accomplish. Jacob Stewart, our college pastor, worked through John 14 helping us see that Jesus is the only way to the Father; he is truth and life is found in him. Many were out last night due to practice for the Christmas musical, we missed you tremendously! If you did miss the Rock last night check out the sermon notes below!
This season, the Advent season, is an incredible season of the year but a busy one!
​Check out the details for the Rock below!

​Thankful to serve alongside incredible leaders as we serve some great students and parents and an even greater Savior.  

Coming up

• SUNDAY SCHOOL - Currently in Sunday School we are working through an Advent series together. We are working through passages of Scripture that help us to see the hope... peace... joy... and love found in the 1st and 2nd Advents of Christ. Girls, guys, middle and high meet together in the Rock for this series! Hope to see you there!!
• WEDNESDAYS - We are back in the swing of things... However, don't forget to put on your calendars that we will, not be meeting Dec. 25th and January 1st... for obvious reasons! Yes we are just as sad as you, but thankful for the birth of our Savior!
• TACKY CHRISTMAS PARTY - Our annual Tacky Christmas will be December 18th in the Rock! Wear your favorite tacky Christmas sweater!
• CHRISTMAS MUSICAL - Don't forget to come out and support your fellow Rock students, leaders, and parents as they exalt the Lord through the production of Jesus, that name. 
• REFUEL - DON'T FORGET - Signs up and info can be found HERE. 

Good morning!  A quick update today as my morning is filled with a meeting and then some Christmas Extravaganza video prep.

Last night we enjoyed some time together around the table at the RockFeast.  It was loud but the kind of loud that is music to you ears.  Yes, we saw the occasional bread roll flying across the room.  We saw an ice-cube or 5 fly darting towards someone.  But that happens at all family functions right?  At least the normal ones.  The beautiful part was the buzz of conversation that was happening. I'm sure the doctrine of salvation wasn't being discussed. I'm not even certain that "what stood out from my morning devotion" was brought up.  But conversation and fellowship was happening.  And that was music to my ears.  We were together, sharing a meal, as a family.  To me, that is what the RockFeast is all about.

We were reminded last night, before the meal, of 1 Peter and all we have to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.  There were many students there last night which to me represent may different situations.  For some it will be a fun Thanksgiving while others may experience a very sad Thanksgiving.  No matter the case, in Christ we have reason to be hopeful.

I hope you and your family have a great Thanksgiving!

Greetings!  That's what old people say right?  It's just we "young people" don't typically use that word do we?  Maybe it's that it's a very official greeting.  A little more friendlier than "TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN" but not as inviting as "hello."  Vintage I guess?  I'm feeling a bit vintage myself today.  I've just finished a meeting with other youth pastors from the area.  39, 30, 26, 25 were the ages.  And then there's me....46, and counting.  I get it, I'm old. But why do we have to go around the table and say our age and how long we've been in the ministry?  Why not just rent out the buildings on Time Square to let everyone know Chris' age?  That's right, Kanye already has that spot.  So I guess we just go around the table and speak loudly.

I'm totally kidding.  I'm not old, I'm not intimidated or concerned with the fact that these guys were in diapers when I first started here at RRBC.  I'm thankful for the time God has given.  I'm thankful for the patience of past and current parents. That's you!  I'm most thankful that God has allowed me to serve Him here.  I'm praying for many more years to work in this local church.  Just a friendship reminder that your brith date is seldom a qualifier to serve the Lord.  Just go and serve and allow Him to guide you as He opens the doors to ministry.
But for real, next round table I'm straight up lying.  I'm now 33 and will grow the goatee back to prove it.  But I guess that means I totally shave my head...or a touppe?  To be continued...

Even in death I'm alive!  That what the hope coming from last night.  Jesus declares this to be true in this 5th I AM statement.  He says "I AM THE RESSURECTION AND THE LIFE."  This is to say that He brings hope and life even in the midst of death.  What a huge encouragement and source of joy for us.  Death represents the most hopeless situation we could face.  Jesus steps into that and says the opposite.  Death doesn't have to be hopeless!   What's the key?   
JESUS!    "Believe in me" He says.  

The sermon notes are attached so you can follow along and be encouraged yourselves.
Just a reminder, next week we pause our series to enjoy some good ole family time around the table.  YES!  IT'S RockFeast TIME!  You guys have done a great job in signing up.  Only a few things remain.  Check out our sign-up page below!

There are many things coming up as we look ahead to the end of the year.​ 

• NOVEMBER 20 - RockFeast:  Our annual Thanksgiving meal as The Rock family.  We need your help to pull this off.  Please CLICK HERE to sign up to bring a dish, or two.
• NOVEMBER 24 - Turkey Bowl: Our annual Rock flag football game. 1p at Central Middle.
• DECEMBER 18 - Tacky Christmas Party - A night of faith, family and fun.
• DECEMBER 29-31 - Middle School Refuel Trip - Click date for more info. 
  
  • CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for MS Refuel.
• JANUARY 17-30 - High School Refuel Trip - Click date for more info

Good morning, afternoon or evening!  Great crowd and energy last night with our hooligans as we laughed together, prayed together and learned together.  Also, I do mean hooligans as a term of endearment!  There's no greater feeling than to be in that room each Wednesday night with those kids and leaders.  The only drawback is time. I wished we had more time.  Part of that is I would love to have 2 hours each Wednesday but the other part is simply being around them more.  Each camp, Dnow weekend, winter trip or hangout leaves me loving those kids more and more.  To be able to get together and simply be together for an extended period of time.  We all know time flies....life is a vapor.  I can remember my own kids resting in my arms and thinking "I could do this forever."  Forever just didn't last long enough.

The hope is a better forever is coming. All the joys, satisfactions, fulfillments we experience today as parents or people will only be experienced to the fullest in the better forever.  Sam Postelle is experiencing that this very moment.  I loved Sam and had the opportunity, along with many of our leaders, to have him for 7 years in our student ministry.  I love the Postelle family.  They are dear to our family, our ministry and our church family.  Their hearts are breaking right now in the midst of KNOWING where Sam is and who Sam is with.  That is the comfort and hope.  But we know that comfort and hope is seen and felt dimly now, especially for them. This loss hurts but for no reason would they ever want to bring Sam back....to take him from the better forever.  NO!  The hope and reality is that they will one day go to him.  That is our hope as well.  One day all the forever moments we've experienced here will be brought to completion in the better forever.  But for now, we trust in Christ, we walk in Christ we look to Christ, the bringer of the better forever.  Please continue to pray for the Postelle family and Sam's fiance Abbi.  Such a hard time but thankfully we serve and worship such a big God.  God is greater than even this!

There are many things coming up as we look ahead to the end of the year.​ 

• NOVEMBER 9 - Bonfire Hangout - At the Rainwaters. Color War, Bonfire, S'mores, oh my
• NOVEMBER 20 - RockFeast:  Our annual Thanksgiving meal as The Rock family.  We need your help to pull this off.  Please CLICK HERE to sign up to bring a dish, or two.
• NOVEMBER 24 - Turkey Bowl: Our annual Rock flag football game. 1p at Central Middle.
• DECEMBER 18 - Tacky Christmas Party - A night of faith, family and fun.
• DECEMBER 29-31 - Middle School Refuel Trip - Click date for more info.
• JANUARY 17-30 - High School Refuel Trip - Click date for more info

Good morning! I'll keep it a bit short today in the hopes your eyes will be drawn straight to the specifics.  Consider this an early Christmas present! 

We continued our I AM series looking at statements Jesus made about himself.  In these statements Jesus boldly declares who he is and helps bring into greater focus who God is.

Last night we addressed The Door.  I've attached the sermon below for you to have in it's entirety all we looked at.  Hope it brings your encouragement as we look to Jesus as the ONLY WAY to safety and life abundantly.

There are many things coming up as we look ahead to the end of the year.

• OCTOBER 30 - Hallelujah Night:  A great night of outreach, ministry and fellowship. 
• NOVEMBER 9 - Bonfire Hangout - At the Rainwaters. Color War, Bonfire, S'mores, oh my
• NOVEMBER 20 - RockFeast:  Our annual Thanksgiving meal as The Rock family.  We need your help to pull this off.  Please CLICK HERE to sign up to bring a dish, or two.
• NOVEMBER 24 - Turkey Bowl: Our annual Rock flag football game. 1p at Central Middle.
• DECEMBER 18 - Tacky Christmas Party - A night of faith, family and fun.
• DECEMBER 29-31 - Middle School Refuel Trip - Click date for more info.
• JANUARY 17-30 - High School Refuel Trip - Click date for more info

Have a great weekend and be praying for all our students participating in the different sports and arts.  Many involved in championship games, competitions and region tournaments this week and weekend.  Praying they all take this platform and lift high the name of Jesus.  

See everyone Sunday as we gather to be reminded, encouraged, challenged and sent out.

Happy Thursday!  Hope everyone is doing good and really hope you enjoyed this chilly morning.  You do realize that we were 11 degrees from freezing right?  Bonfire season is here it seems!  So Merry Christmas to you and your family!  Too soon?

Below we have some great information as we push towards Christmas break.  There are many opportunities outside our normal Wednesday night services.  Hope you'll take a minute to read about them and consider how your student can get involved!

A few of our sports are nearing an end and in light of this we had a great crowd last night.  We're so proud of our students' involvement at their schools and pray they make the most of that opportunity.  Of course we miss them when they miss The Rock but we constantly pray they use those times as a platform to shine brightly!  But we had a full house last night.  What did we do with our time together?  Glad you ask.  The sermon is below but essentially we continued our look at some statements Jesus made in the book of John. These statements are huge as they help bring into FOCUS who he was....or who he is.  Last night we learned Jesus is the Light of the World!   Jesus brings light to the darkness and clarity to the situation.

Here are some things coming up that you should know about.​

• OCTOBER 30 - Hallelujah Night:  A great night of outreach, ministry and fellowship. 
• NOVEMBER 9 - Bonfire Hangout - At the Rainwaters. Color War, Bonfire, S'mores, oh my
• NOVEMBER 20 - RockFeast:  Our annual Thanksgiving meal as The Rock family.  We need your help to pull this off.  Please CLICK HERE to sign up to bring a dish, or two.
• NOVEMBER 24 - Turkey Bowl: Our annual Rock flag football game. 1p at Central Middle.
• DECEMBER 18 - Tacky Christmas Party - A night of faith, family and fun.
• DECEMBER 29-31 - Middle School Refuel Trip - Click date for more info.
• JANUARY 17-30 - High School Refuel Trip - Click date for more info

Hope everyone is enjoying the fall break.  The Rock met as normal last night so  we wanted to pass along the first sermon of our new series and some other things that are coming up.

"I AM" is our new series which simply continues the thought from our last series in a sense.  So much of what we can know about God is seen through Jesus' life, ministry and teaching.  Our last series was all about learning who God is.  We learned that God is perfectly perfect, God is here, God knows, and God is able.  I AM takes Jesus' 7 I AM statements and helps us see how Jesus is the one sent from the Father.  That Jesus is actually claiming to be God in the flesh.  This didn't sit well with everyone that heard.  In fact it's safe to say that Jesus was ultimately killed because of statements like these.  At the end of it all everyone must make a decision about Jesus Christ.  Based on all He said and did he is either a liar, a lunatic or He is Lord.

If Jesus is a liar or a lunatic, we'd better run away from him, stranger danger.  BUT....if Jesus is Lord and everything true, we'd better run towards him with all we've got.  SO, what is your response to Jesus?

Last night we learned how Jesus is the bread of life.  Ultimately meaning this, Jesus is our greatest need and our greatest fulfillment.  Nothing satisfies more than Jesus.

• Oct. 12th (THIS SATURDAY) - Hangout in the Gym - 6:30p.  Guys brings drinks, girls bring snacks.  Come and simply hangout, play some games, have some fun.
• Oct. 30th - No Rock due to Hallelujah Night.  Great opportunity to serve and hang out.

Have a great end to your fall break and we'll see everyone Saturday night at the Hangout!

96 - 95 - 82 - 83 - 79 - 74 - 76 - 78.   These are not lottery numbers, nascar drivers, defensive linemen or wide receivers.   While they could be my grades from college, that is not the case.  I know you're thinking they are probably Psalms and while I appreciate your spirituality these are not Psalms.  These numbers represent a pattern we've been waiting on for some time now.   These numbers represent the high temperature for the next 7 days.  I'm really hoping the weathermen aren't simply playing with us.  If not....those numbers could represent the emails I send them each given day to give my disproval of their sick joke.   Let's be praying Fall has finally fallen on us!  So much for a deeply discipling introductory paragraph right?

We finished up on series Center last night.  For the last 4 weeks we've spent our time learning more about God.  Who is He?  What is He like?  What makes Him so unique and special?  In the midst of this we have gained much hope.  It seems the more you learn about God the more in awe you are of Him.  With this comes a sense of confidence knowing that this great, all-knowing, ever present, perfectly perfect God is FOR US and not AGAINST US.

This series gives way to our "I AM" series we'll begin next week.  I AM picks up the storyline by looking at the 7 I AM statements of Jesus.   Jesus takes what we know about God and puts flesh on it....GOD IN THE FLESH.   He takes what we know to be true about God and brings it into greater FOCUS.  What did Jesus say about Himself and why is it so important?  That's next week.  For now, I pray you'll read through the sermon notes from last night.  These will help guide your conversations with your students.

We have a few things coming up over the next few weeks.  Hoping the students take advantage of the gathering opportunities.

• October 12th - HANGOUT in the GYM - 6-8pm
• October 23 - Costume Night at The Rock
• October 30 - NO ROCK - Hallelujah Night - 6-8p

​Have a great Friday/Saturday and we'll see everyone bright and early on Sunday Morning!

Hope everyone is doing good today and resting in the reality that God is BIG.  We know this right?  But do we know walk each day IN this?  What does that even look like?  I believe it's a life that doesn't worry or fret.  It's a life that seeks to do everything with excellence and a life that is at peace knowing that this BIG GOD is working all things out for our good and His glory.  I need that and I'm glad I have that.  In the dark, scary moments as well as the lazy Saturday afternoon moments I have peace that God is big and that God is working.  There is nothing that surprises or scares Him.  There is nothing that is too big or small for this God.  Sometimes it's the things we know the most that too quickly escapes our thoughts and mind.

We continued our series called CENTER last night.  Center is all about getting to know the ONE who is at the center of all things.  Whether we accept it or not God is at the very center of all things.  So far we've looked at God being Holy and Omnipresent.  That is to say that God is perfectly perfect and has been everywhere forever.  That's mind-blowing isn't it?

Last night we looked at the reality that God is omniscient.  Big word right?  It simply means that God knows everything.  In fact, God is the truer and better "know it all."  Like He knows all things.  That includes educational knowledge but also personal details.  God has both complete knowledge and complete wisdom.  A potentially scary thing for us to learn but ultimately a comforting thing for us to know.  How?  Because although God know, He still loves.

The sermon is attached below.  You can also find the outline and Scriptures in the You Version app, under events.  If you save the event each Wednesday night you're able to view it throughout the week.  So if you can't find it today simply re-visit the app next Wednesday.

Something new here.  As parents we often feel alone.  We can easily feel no other parent is struggling the way we are.  It's only as we begin to talk, discuss and open up that we find we're not alone.  Then the reality that we are kind of "normal" begins to resurface.  We aren't that much different or behind or dare we say "failing."  But do we really set ourselves up for that comfort?  What is the comparison for us as parents/guardians?  When we feel as though we're failing what is that standard?  What if I don't feel that way?  What if I feel like we're actually doing pretty good?  Well, truth is we all feel each of those ways at time.  The hope in what I'm about to share is that we can simply come together and do so under the umbrella of seeking to raise students to simply Honor God.   How can I shepherd my child when I feel so out of touch with everything that's going on today?

We'd like to help you even more in this area.  The way I'd love to do this is to get together at least twice a year for something we'd call Parent University.  A simple time for us to get together and simply talk, learn and partner.   It will be practical, informative, encouraging and hopefully engaging.   We may not leave with every question answered but we will leave knowing we're not alone.  

Here's where I need your help. Two ways. 
1. Are you interested in this?  Would be interested in spending two hours with other parents learning, encouraging and partnering together?
2. What are some things you are currently struggling with?  Now I don't expect deep, dark things here but are there areas of a students' life you simply don't understand.  This could be technology or schedule management.   It could be how, when and where to begin financial planning.  It could be in the area of dating, friendships.  The goal is to see where we may feel we need help and then partner together to hear thoughts, share concerns and ideas.  

We've always heard that it takes a village to raise a child.  The Rock is glad to be a part of your village.  Consider this a little help to increase the size of that village.

Are you interested and How can we help?
This is also a good test to see how many of you actually read this much of the update!

October 12th - Hangout in the Gym (or date night for parents!)
October 30th - Hallelujah Night . (No Rock)
November 20th - RockFeast (our annual Rock Family Thanksgiving Dinner)
December 18th - Tacky Christmas Party
December 29-31 - Middle School Refuel - $90 - 

Good afternoon!  Praying everyone is doing good and eager to gather on Sunday to celebrate together the goodness of God.  Good, bad, ugly or just to the point of giving up pretty much sums the condition of everyone gathering in a church on any given Sunday.  This includes our church right?  Church is not a place to go and get things fixed.  There is not special ingredient to make our life better.  Life may still be tough, rough, and pushing us to the point of "giving up."  So how does church help?  How does me attending help me?  Gathering together each Sunday, and every other time we gather, helps as we're reminded that this world is not home.  It helps as we're reminded of a greater hope than what we see.  It helps as I remove the attention off of me and place it where it belongs, The Lord.  Life doesn't get better because we gather, it's simply better understood.  Perspective changes, attitudes change, and yes, maybe our situations change.  But the simple fact about us gathering is this:  We come to celebrate and lift high the name that is above every name.  In the good, bad and ugly we lift high the name of Jesus.  So I pray we see you Sunday.  You may very well come in all dinged up from the world....but I pray you leave encouraged, still dinged up, but hopeful in a God who is bigger than any situation you could ever face here.  God is greater, let's lift that high this Sunday!

Last night we kicked off our first series of the our new year and our new theme, Focus.  We ask a pretty big question that we all must consider.  What is at the blazing center of your focus?  What drives you?  What is the single most important reason to all you do and hope?  What should be there? One thing to consider is what was most important to Jesus?

So, what was at the blazing center for Jesus? God and His glory.
If this is the case then shouldn't God be at the center of our focus?
For the next 4 weeks we'll spend time learning more about who God is.
What is he like? How does he act? What does that all mean for me?

This may be seem boring, trivial, or way too big but we must know this:
If God is to be at the blazing center of all we do, shouldn't we spend time learning about who he is and how we can know him?

Last night: God is Holy.  The message notes are attached below.  Pray you are encouraged, equipped and informed.

Hope everyone is doing good today and ready to meet together as a church family on Sunday!  Many of us, you get together or at least cross paths throughout the week but there is absolutely nothing that can replace us being together each Wednesday and Sunday.  So as we reflect on us being together last night may we already be anticipating being together on Sunday.  But now, today, we're in the grind, in the world, equipped and encouraged for what the day brings.   I pray you're ready to face all that God will place before you today.

 In the We had a great time in the Word last night as a student ministry.  We finished our series digging into How and Why we accomplish the What of The Rock SM.  We've discussed certain elements of our faith that are must haves.  We've looked at why these things are so important and how they in fact do help us in this life.  Andrew finished us off last night.  His sermon is attached below.

I do want to share one question I was asked last night in my group, after the sermon.  Had nothing to do with the sermon but everything to do with life.  It will help you understand the seriousness of the struggle and what exactly is on the mind of the random 15 yr old as we peel behind the layers.
The question "Why doesn't Jesus help me?"  His problem was this, he doesn't expect Jesus to provide bread or money or a new house.  He simply is curious why Jesus doesn't take the pain away.  Great question, popular question and also one of the biggest "hang-ups" with people today.  So how would you respond?  There is not good answer, only the most right.  Jesus didn't come to take all our boo boos away.  We will experience pain, suffering, wrong while living here.  He understood this. But why does his mom keep getting "done wrong?"  Again, a big perspective is key here.  Has God forgotten us?  Is Jesus real?  Is Jesus enough for our daily needs?  Huge question and the answer is something that will continue to be lived out.  Be praying for this young man and for the others who do not yet have the boldness to ask such a question.  But be honest....we think this too sometimes don't we?  In the end the question had everything to do with the sermon I guess.  If this center of the sermon was questioning why we continue in this Christian life, questioning where Jesus is in my pain is an obvious reason to not continue.

Last night we attempted something new.  Many students have cell phones with them on Wednesday night.  They seem to not have their Bible.  We do have actual Bibles for them to use each Wednesday night.  Over the last 10 years we've probably bought 500 Bibles.  We let them take them if they do not have one....occasionally they forget to bring them back, obviously.  But....they rarely forget their phones.  So why not put them to use in a good way.  Why not teach them that even the phone can be used for good.  
YOUVERSION is a Bible app in all app stores.  Within that app there are events, bottom right option, third down from the top.  EVENTS.  Once you hit, if your location is used within the app you'll see us.  

Once there, during the service, students can follow along with the points, commentary and Scripture.  A great way to be present during the night and a great way for students to continue to chew on what we've talked about.  We'll give it a go for the next month and see what students think.

Meet & Greet is a time for us to meet and talk with parents and students after the AM worship.  We told you all about this last week along with Camp and Refuel information.  So I'll simply point you back to that for all the details.


Have a great rest of your week and we'll see everyone Sunday morning!
Thank you for allowing us to be a small part in your students life.
​Chris

Hello!  Hope everyone is well and resting in the grace and mercy of God which stands new for us this very morning.  What an incredible thought and truth.  We all have things we love and wished would never run out.  The vacation, the summer break, Christmas, that amazing meal, endurance and energy are but a few things I wished I had an endless supply of in my life.  The reality is these things ultimately end and then I wait.  In those cases that in and of itself is a beautiful.  If everyday were vacation we'd eventually grow tired of that, at least some of us would.  But as we turn our focus to the grace and mercy of God we have this endless supply.  We could never turn to it one day and find it empty.  We could use it all up to return to an empty tank.  No, it is always more than enough, ultimately sufficient in and for our every need.  Do you need encouragement today?  Do you need motivation to continue on?  Do you need a simple reminder that God is for you and not against you?  Find rest, comfort, hope and joy in the reality that His grace and mercy stand new, fresh, completely full for you today.
That's a hope that will never end and never be found empty!  What a great truth.

We continued our series on Why and How we accomplish the What of The Rock SM.  This series is one that will specifically answer the question of the Bible, Jesus, Church and us continuing in these things will help us with our WHAT.   The What is simple:  Know Christ and make Christ Known.

Last night we looked at the church.  The church is under attack this very day.  It has been from the beginning but now it seems people who once aligned with the church are walking away from her, not seeing the need for her and not understanding the importance she can play in their lives.  This is sad and actually a tragedy.

The church is instrumental, needed and actually a God designed, Jesus loving, Bible supported need in our lives.  So why is the church so important to me knowing Christ and making Christ known?  Find the answer in the pages of God's holy Word.  You can also read through the sermon from last night and get a head start.  

Last night was not a complete look at the importance of the church.  It was a basic and simple glance at the Why and How of the church.

One thing is certain....there are many things in our culture that are meant to aid the church that are actually competing with the church.  Video sermons, para-church ministries, that Youtube channel of your favorite christian personality.  Small groups, home groups, cell groups, travel ball groups, work groups.  You name it and everything has the potential to replace the church.  But we find in God's Word that the church is the be the pillar of each community.  A city set on a hill filled with a people (true definition of the church) that are, not called to be but ARE salt and light.  These people gather, they are an assembly of called out ones.  Meant to gather only to be scattered into their personal lives to go proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ.  This is the church and it is precious to God.

The main question is this.  If the church was designed by God and if the church is important to Jesus, and if the church is taught from pages of Scripture.....why shouldn't it be important to us?  Don't be confused or misled.  There are many benefits and need for the preacher on youtube, for live stream, for the para-church ministries.  But the minute they begin to replace the gather of the body of Christ is the minute a problem begins to rise.

Below is the pricing plan for both trips as well as the calendar for any price increases for each trip. All deposits will be non-refundable and non-transferable. 
Price for each trip covers all food, lodging, shirt and programming and is determined by the date of a minimum $20 deposit. 

Good morning, afternoon and evening!  Hope everyone is good and settled into the routine of school. Football officially kicks off soon, just have to pray for football weather to quickly follow! Praying for a great season to all those involved in the many things going on right now. Football, softball, band, and then ACADEMICS! Probably missed some but praying either way for God to be glorified in all we say, do and think.

Last night we continued our series "The WHY and the HOW of the What of The Rock SM."  Simply put, What are we here for?  Why are we here for that reason?  How will we ever hope to accomplish that 'What?' Big questions personally and a big question for our ministry.  Peace and direction seems to happen when clarity exists.  As we understand the what, why and how we can just live. Clarity helps so much.  So this month we're simply re-visiting all of these things as we do each August.  Why are we here, why does it matter and how does that even help?  This year we're approaching it by looking at 4 huge things....The Bible, Jesus, The Church, and us actually Walking. How and Why will these things helps us do the What.  By the way, the WHAT is simple:  Know Christ and Make Christ Known.

Attached is the sermon from last night as Andrew led us to better understand how and why Christ is so important to every "what" in our life.

September 4th - Kick off night with snow cones after a short FOCUS explanation.

September 8th - Meet & Greet: come and meet the leaders who pour into your students each week.  Also a great time to learn the why's, what's and how's of our ministry.  Also....a great time to bring some folks you know who are yet to be plugged into The Rock SM. Also.....an opportunity to go ahead and register for our Winter and Summer Retreat at a discounted price. Special price for that day only. 




Have a great weekend and we'll see everyone Sunday!
Chris

After some time away the RockBlog is back.  We took the spring/summer off to really try another method of communicating with The Rock SM family.  Moving forward we'll house all weekly communication and updates here on our website.  We will push the information from various format but they will all point here.   

The blog is mainly this.  A weekly note to let you know what's happening in The Rock, what's being taught at The Rock, what's coming up at The Rock and anything in between.  Sometimes I get long-winded, like today, while other times it's short and sweet (few and far between.)  But the hope is that every week you hear from me or Andrew.  We never want to be distant or secretive.  We feel the home is to be the main disciple maker of these students.  We are merely a support group and partner for you.  We do realize not every student has a home where that takes place.  But we never assume the role of a Father and Mother.  We do however hope to play a significant part in their lives.  One aspect of that is communication.  That's where the blog and this website come into play.

Our website is the central hub to all things Rock.  We will be fading out our Remind communication.  That account will be deleted by September and text/emails will be our main form of contacting you.  If you have not updated your profile on the Roopville Road Community Builder I would definitely do that.  Ensure your email is correct and also ensure your cell number and carrier is up to date.  Our hope is that we have an open and active line of communication to you as parents.  The Community Builder is the best option moving forward.

On another note, Community Builder has an app called LEAD.  This app is for the phone and is great for quick contact information, messages and calendars.  It syncs with and is the same at the online version of Community Builder.  So....be looking for those changes to take place by the end of August.

  August is typically the bridge from one year to the next.  August is a transition month for all families as we get to know that school schedule once again.  Our Calendar at The Rock SM is fairly empty. We purposely keep it that way to ensure our students are making that transition from sleeping in to getting up early and then the struggle of having to function for 6 hours a day.  

We do meet in August and each year we love to address who we are as a ministry.  What is our hope?  Our vision?  Our goal?  Why do we come each week?  Why does Roopville Road even have a student ministry?  Furthermore, why am I, a student, even here.....on earth?

We love these questions and specifically address them each August.  This year our approach is to look at how the Bible, Jesus, Church and Walking fit into the hope of this ministry.  The title is lengthy but a the actual purpose.  The why and how of the what of The Rock SM.

The Hope of WHAT of the Rock Sm is simple: 
Help students come to know Christ and make Christ known.
We seek to work towards that in many ways.  Each year is different but the end is the same.  We hope to help students come to know Christ and make Him known.

One huge statement from last night was this: 
Our hope is that we introduce you to Christ (the WHY).   If we change the Why of our lives, the Whats seem to fall into place.   That's when we go on offense rather than defense.  That's when we begin to facilitate rather than motivate.  That's my goal.  That we would have a ministry filled with students who fully embraced the WHY.   of course we know there will always be people struggling in the WHY.  For that reason our ministry is also changing and adapting and seeking to meet all students where they are.  The full sermon is available below.

It was good to be back on a normal night.  I'm so excited for our new year, new theme, upcoming series.  This year has the potential to fully meet students with the WHY's and WHAT'S of their life.

Good morning!  A quick bulleted update for you.

GIMC STUFF 

• SATURDAY - 8:30am - It all begins for The Rock SM Saturday morning as we help serve at the Central Middle School Cupcake Chase.  This is a great event and the timing of it sets up perfectly for us to get out, show some love and meet some folks.  We need help working the table (in the gym) and also working the crowd (handing out our BIG INVITE cards).    Be at the gym at 8:30 to help.  Running in the race?  No worries, just stop by the table before or after the race to hang out a while or to grab some cards to go give out.  
• SATURDAY - 6pm - We'll gather at The Rock for some pizza and discussion with our missionary Michael Radka of Living Water for Roatan.  This is a great time for intimate shoulder rubbing with someone doing a great work in a high poverty area where the gospel and water are needed badly.  

DNOW STUFF 

• Sign ups are going on now on the DNOW PAGE.  You can also find the most up to date information for the weekend.  You are more than welcome to sign up and pay online or in person.  We do have some registration forms in The Rock.

Good morning! Just a quick note to let you know of a few things that are just around the corner. Feel free to email or call for any clarification.

• GIMC - March 2-3:  This is our annual missions conference.  It's a great time to learn about what God is doing around the world for His glory.  Most of these missionaries are ones we support and visit annually.   ON SATURDAY MORNING our students will be working a booth at the CMS Cupcake Chase.  We will have more information later but we need help manning the booth, getting information and passing out freebies.  A great way to be a presence in our community.  Make plans to hang out at the table while your student runs the race or make plans to stop by and hang out after you run the race.  Either way....stop by and hang!
• DNOW WEEKEND - March 8-10:  DNOW weekend is always a great time of discipleship.  It's also a great way to get to know folks in the youth ministry, to get connected.  The cost for the weekend is $25.  For more info please be checking our DNOW PAGE.  
• HOST HOMES FOR DNOW:  Sure, I could have included this above but it needs it's own line.  We are always needing host homes for this weekend.  Our students stay in homes, are watched by Youth leaders.  So basically we need a place for these folks to stay.  The only meal you'll need to supply is a light breakfast and some light snacks.  We also encourage our students to bring some snacks as well.
• ROCK SHIRTS:  We have been taking orders for various Rock shirts over the last month.  I'm sorry I haven't communicated this better.  So here ya go.  We have several long sleeve options, one shirt sleeve option and then one sweatshirt option.   The Short Sleeve is $5, Long Sleeve is $15, Sweatshirt is $25.  I've attached some designs below for you to sneak a peak.  Our sweatshirt is a basic grey hoodie with our Rock "R" symbol on the front chest.  Order deadline is this Sunday.  
• NEW SERMON SERIES ON JOSEPH BEGINS TOMORROW:  Excited about this as we strengthen our belief regarding God's faithfulness and sovereignty.  He is in control despite what our situation or circumstances look like.  Our God is greater than our sin, our shame, our situations.  Don't you dare quit on life because of a bad situation.  Doing so elevates us rather than the faithfulness and plan of God.  We follow Him fully trusting that He is in full control.  HE KNOWS and HE'S WORKING!

Much stuff coming down the pike.  Know I'm praying for your student daily.  Andrew Toney and I, along with all our leaders, love them and plan, pray, pour into, and fight for them.