‘Twas the Night Before Book Day
Have you ever videotaped your children when they first see what is under the Christmas tree on Christmas morning? That was what the children’s faces looked like last Tuesday at Guilford Elementary School. We surprised the students when they came in for “Picture Day” with 2,000 books piled on tables. The students were told that they could choose 3 books each to have for their very own. For many of these kids, these will be the first books that they have owned. They went back to their classrooms hugging their books and excited to be allowed to write their names inside – proof that they could keep them “forever and for always”. Many thanks to all who donated books to our first Book Drive for Guilford Elementary School, and a huge thank you to the volunteers who helped set up, assist the children, and clean up after the event.
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‘Twas the night before Book Day
When in the Guilford gymnasium
Tables were set up
for the big surprise yet to come.
The boxes were unloaded by volunteers with care
In hopes that kids’ smiles soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds
With no idea of the special day that was ahead.
For our people are caring, and they give when we ask
So we stacked up those books – a formidable task!
We sorted those novels, the fiction and non
Picture books, tall tales and stories from beyond,
Goosebumps and Pokemon and Jillian Jigs
Sports books, and math books and tales about pigs.
The teachers were skeptical
as they waited their turn.
Would there be enough books
so their students could learn?
When what to their wondering eyes should appear
Books and more books, (there was no reason to fear!)
There were more than enough for each child to have three.
The hard part, of course – Which three would it be?
More rapid than eagles,
The children they came
And they whistled and shouted
And called books by name.
“Star Wars, and Hardy Boys,
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Junie B. Jones, and a book about squids!”
“Do you have Curious George?
Oh we just love them all –
Choose a book, choose a book,
It’s like a book mall!”
We had to explain to each little peep
That these books were for them
To take home and to keep.
Forever their own to love and to read,
Our people were so generous to help fill this need.
Each child stopped to thank us with words, waves and hugs.
Each child made an impact – my heartstrings felt tugs.
So I thank each of you for your giving and love.
Such a great witness of our Father above.
Jr. High Fall FNL Events
Jr. High Friday Night Live events (FNL) are monthly fun, safe events where our teens feel comfortable inviting their friends and the Gospel and the truth about Christ is clearly presented.
On September 16th, we had Jello night, where we threw Jell-O, shot Jell-O, swam in Jell-O, and ate Jell-O. It was a blast, but also a total mess. We also got to talk about the messes in our own lives (e.g., divorced parents, lying to fit in), and the God who has come in human form into our mess, to renew and restore by dying on a cross for all of our sins, and rising from the dead to give us everlasting life. We had over 60 friends attend and over 10 indicate decisions for Christ.
On October 14th, we put on our own version of Minute to Win It. Erik Palmer hosted a series of games from the TV show for an excited crowd of almost 200 Jr. Highers (about half were visitors). We also had 20 middle schoolers from Cornerstone School in Anacostia. The teens played games, won prizes, and ate pizza. But as the games puts contestants under pressure to perform, we face a huge pressure to perform in academics, athletics, relationships, etc. Thankfully, God hasn’t left us alone in those pressures, and says our identity isn’t based on our performance (we will never be good enough to get to heaven), but on what He has already accomplished for us by dying to pay the penalty for our sins and rising to give us life. Please pray as we follow up with over 20 visitors that indicated decisions for Christ that night.
Below are highlight videos from both of the events. Please continue to pray for the seeds that were planted at these events and the new faiths that began.
VIDEO: First Fruits
First Fruits is a service project that has rallied the RBC church body for over 20 years. It is a unique serving opportunity for families, shepherd groups, and individuals to come together and make a difference in the lives and families of others in our area who are in need of help and encouragement. Join us and you will be blessed to see the tangible “fruits” of your labors!
Learn more & get involved at www.restonbible.org/firstfruits
Starting Point at Fuel
Starting September 20 at FUEL, we will begin a 10-week study called Starting Point. If you know anything about Starting Point, you probably know it is designed for people who have questions about faith as well as those who want to learn about basics of the Bible and Christianity. So why are we going through Starting Point at Fuel? During this time, we will have the opportunity to re-explore the foundational aspects of the Christian faith in a way that is relevant and engaging while also strengthening community among our men. Our desire is that we could continue to be rooted in our walks with Jesus and that going through the Starting Point curriculum would also open up venues for sharing our faith.
VIDEO: Men’s Retreat 2011
We invite you to join the men of RBC this fall at our annual Men’s Retreat where we will be challenged to live out the abundant life (John 10:10) in the context of Christ-centered community. This year, we’ll hear four addresses from Steve King, Senior Pastor at Cherrydale Baptist Church in Arlington. Pastor King will be speaking on Strength in Numbers. We will study Ecclesiastes 4 and see how relying on Christ-centered community can radically change our walks and thus our personal, family and corporate lives. Like as individual aspects of our walk such as faith, hope, love and the word, we will also see how prayer and evangelism are stronger when utilized in unison.
https://www.restonbible.org/mensretreat
Guilford Elementary Partnership Kick-Off
We have a huge praise for the overwhelming success of our Welcome Back to School Breakfast at Guilford Elementary school. This event was the kick-off to our ministry at the school. The entire teaching staff was there and I was given the opportunity to share with them about the different ways Reston Bible Church will be able to come along side them this year. The teachers were told about the water cooler and coffee that we will be providing for them, and about the school supplies and field trip fund that they have already been given. Each teacher was given their snack box, filled with their first month’s supply of snacks for the children that do not bring a snack to school. The teachers were also able to choose items for their student incentives – stickers, pencils, flashcards, etc. Each grade level team was also given a gift card to purchase more supplies.
The teachers were hesitant at first to ask questions about how we could help, but once they started to share the needs of their students it was obvious that they love these kids, and would do just about anything for them. The thing that overwhelmed me is that the school is not asking for big things like better computers that would make their lives easier. The things that I was asked about were small things that would help these children maintain their dignity and be able to learn – things like packages of new underwear for when a child has an accident, or a student who has difficulty reading because he needs glasses that his family can’t afford. Through the generosity of our body here at RBC, we can help with these kinds of things.
It was humbling to hear that this was the first time anyone had brought in breakfast for the staff. Such a simple thing, that meant so much. The teachers were grateful, appreciative and we felt no resistance to our involvement with them. Clearly the Lord has gone before us in this endeavor. A huge thanks to those that donated food, and who came and helped serve.
There are still lots of needs, so if you haven’t already, check out www.restonbible.org/guilford to get involved.
VIDEO: Adult Bible Fellowships – Fall 2011
Adult Bible Fellowships (ABFs) at Reston Bible Church are mid-sized groups that meet regularly for fellowship and to encourage one another around in-depth study of God’s Word. The groups have quality teaching based on Scripture, led by men with a gift for presenting God’s Word in an interesting and engaging way.
To get more information and register for our Fall 2011 offerings, please visit www.restonbible.org/classes
Melodies & Marinades Song List
A number of people have asked about the set list from our Melodies & Marinades event this past Saturday. Ask and you shall receive:
HOW GREAT IS YOUR FAITHFULNESS – Matt Redman
HOSANNA – Hillsong
GOD IS WITH US – Michael Olson
AS IT IS IN HEAVEN – Matt Maher
YOUR LOVE NEVER FAILS – Jesus Culture
HOW GREAT THOU ART – Charlie Hall
GREAT IN ALL THE EARTH – Starfield
MIGHTY TO SAVE – Hillsong
YOU NEVER LET GO – Matt Redman
O FOR A THOUSAND TONGUES – Erik Palmer
GLORIOUS – Paul Baloche
LORD OF ALL – Kristian Stanfill
BEAUTIFUL JESUS – Kristian Stanfill
I LIFT MY HANDS – Chris Tomlin
VIDEO: Women’s Bible Studies – Fall 2011
New RBC women’s Bible studies kick off in September 2011! For more info and online registration, visit https://www.restonbible.org/women/biblestudies
VIDEO: REVEAL Survey Update
In March of 2011, the RBC congregation was asked to take a survey that would help gauge the health of our body and provide insight as the leadership looks ahead in planning ministry strategy. In this video, Executive Pastor Ed Nalle gives a brief overview of the survey findings. (From June 2011)