7.22.15 Rock Update

Forgive me for not updating you last week.  My family and I went on a road trip and time was of the essence!  But we do have some things to let you know about so I'm hoping you're up for reading a minute.

Devotions

At The Rock SM we seek to lead students to knowing Christ and following Christ.  A huge part of this is reading God's Word.  In order to make this easier, this sounds bad really, and also to make it more meaningful we write devotions for each week.  We know we don't have the best devotions but they are full of purpose and heart.  We simply try and write simple devotions that will lead students into the Word and also help them learn to study the Word on their own.  We don't make them flashy, we just make them authentic.

How does it work?  Each Wednesday we have a bulletin at The Rock so we've turned this bulletin into a devotion guide.  We still have announcements and sermon outlines but now we also have a weeks worth of devotions.  What if I miss Wednesday night? If you miss, or your student(s) miss we have them online at therocksm.org. Just look under "daily devotions" and you'll be able to pull them up on your smart phone or kindle.  They are saved in .pdf form so really you don't have to be here on Wednesday.  BUT, we want you here on Wednesday night!  This is also a good way for parents to read along with their students and be fed in the process.

So get plugged in and make sure your student is spending time in the Word!
To make this easier I've attached the devotion guide for the week but keep in mind these are also available on the "daily devotions" page. 

devotions_4_-_july_23-29.pdf
File Size:	363 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

---

August 1st - TO SAVE A LIFE movie

On Saturday, August 1st ,we will be showing a movie at The Rock.  The movie is a sensitive movie but one that speaks loudly to a huge need in our culture. I would recommend sending your student to see the movie and be involved in the discussion that will follow.  We do need to communicate that there are some scenes portrayed that are a little crude.  These scenes lead to an event (suicide) that ultimately changes the heart of one student who then begins to live unapologetically for Christ.  It’s a convicting, honest movie that we hope will help turn the hearts of our students to also live a life that is unashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Below is a letter of recommendation from a parent.  Laura Colquitt has a strong desire to show this movie and to also offer a time of discussion for our students regarding the movie.  She has been huge in coordinating this event and is willing to discuss the movie in detail with anyone who has further questions.
--------------------------------------------------
Dear Youth Parents,

I would like to encourage you to allow your youth (grades 6-12) to participate in the movie and following discussion on August 1st.  I would like to warn you that some very heavy but very pertinent topics would be addressed.  All the major issues faced by teens today are addressed including: suicide, bullying, cutting, drinking, drugs, parental pressure, premarital sex, fear of failure, dating, parents' divorce, hypocrisy, teen pregnancy, loneliness, self-worth, peer pressure, school violence, pressure to succeed, abortion, college stress, and rejection.  The movie takes a Biblical stance and encourages teens to make a positive difference in their schools.  I am excited about the opportunity that my girls, Mallorie (going into 7th grade) and Brianna (going into 9th grade), will have to view this movie with their youth group and discuss the issues in a setting where adults care for them and can give them godly guidance.  Even more than that, I am looking forward to the impact that all of our youth can have in our schools and the positive difference they can make!

Sincerely,
Laura Colquitt
--------------------------------------------------


Really hope you consider allowing your student to come, watch the movie, and be involved in the discussion that will follow. I can assure you the issues addressed, words heard and scenes viewed are prominent subject in any school campus, neighborhood or city square.  We must be bold in confronting relevant issues.  This is one small step in being proactive and addressing the needs/concerns.  Please feel free to call me if you have any questions or concerns.


* Due to the rating and sensitive issues we are asking each student to have a permission slip signed.  We just want to be open and honest with all parents.  Permission forms are available at the Rock and below.

to_save_a_life_permission_form.docx
File Size:	224 kb
File Type:	docx

Download File

---