rbcstudents Small Groups: Sunday, December 16th

We had a wonderful day this past Sunday with your students! We started the day off by looking through the book of Matthew and learning about worshiping God and not ourselves at Christmas.  Christmas can be a tricky time when it comes to avoiding materialism.  American culture makes the Christmas season so much more about possessions and presents than it does the real message of Christmas.  This is a time for us to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. 
We also LOVED getting to carol and swap gifts with everyone at Switch House!  Who could ask for a better way to end your weekend than singing Christmas songs together and getting "awesome" White Elephant gifts? Hopefully your students got some great presents. :)
We hope you and your students had as great of a day as we did on Sunday and we hope they got a lot out of what we taught.

rbcstudents Small Groups: Sunday, December 9th

What a lovely day we had yesterday with rbcstudents.  We began our series called "The Trouble With Christmas".  It's easy to have a "commercial mindset" when it comes to Christmas.  The world has commercialized Christmas in so many ways over the years.  When someone asks us what we think of when we hear the word "Christmas", what is our response? Usually we respond with things like  Christmas trees... or sugar cookies... or presents.  But what about Jesus? Isn't He the reason we celebrate Christmas? This is exactly what we talked about yesterday.  After decorating our "human Christmas trees" with shaving cream, gum drops, and tinsel, Nate & James began the discussion of how we have commercialized Christmas and how we need to remember why it is that we celebrate this holiday. We hope all of your students enjoyed yesterday's lesson and are excited for the rest of this series! Have a great week & try to stay warm!

December 9 - 411

We Need Your Medical & Travel Consent Forms!

-->

Dear rbcparents,

            We hope you and your students are just as excited as we are for this year’s rbcstudents Winter Retreat!  In preparation for the retreat, we need new medical forms and travel consent forms from all of our students.  It is imperative that you get these forms in as soon as possible; all medical forms must be notarized.  Each student will also need to have the release form for the James River Retreat Center filled out.  If you are coming to the parent meeting on Wednesday, November 28^th, you may get your students’ medical form(s) notarized at the meeting.  Just a reminder, the parent meeting is Wednesday, November 28^th at 7:30 pm in the FC.  If your child is going on the Winter Retreat and you cannot make it to the meeting on Wednesday, please have these forms filled out, notarized, and turned into the student ministry office by Friday afternoon.

Cordially,

Kate Ford

Student Ministry Associate

Kate@ridgecrestbaptist.org

Please print out, sign, and hand in the forms below...

411 for Sunday, November 25th

Winter Retreat Info & Online Registration

Hey rbcparents! I know some of you have been wanting more info
about Winter Retreat...

So here you go...
There WILL be a parent meeting next Wednesday, November 28th
at 7:30 pm in the FC.
Make sure you're there!

If you haven't registered your child yet, you need to!
You can even do it online.
Just click on the Winter Retreat image above 

and it will guide you to our online registration page.

We are so excited for Winter Retreat with rbcstudents and we hope your kids are as well.
Here are some videos of what to expect at Winter Retreat...

A Note From Kate Leigh Ford (the new student associate)

Hello there parents of rbcstudents! I’ve already had the opportunity to talk to some of you, and I look forward to getting to know all of you and your families.  I am so incredibly excited to be a part of the rbcstudents staff! Some of you know me from a few years ago and some of you got the chance to hear me speak at Creative Night last week, but there are probably quite a few of you who know nothing about me.  First, let me introduce myself… My name is Katherine Leigh Ford, but you can just call me Kate.  I am from Denver, Colorado, but grew up here in lovely Springfield, Missouri.  I moved here when I was 10 after living in MANY different places.  I graduated from New Covenant Academy (Go Warriors!) and then quickly rushed off to Los Angeles for art school.  I studied Visual Communications in LA and got the opportunity to also be on staff at a church called Mosaic, which is really what led me to working in ministry.  After a series of different events, I made the difficult decision to leave my home in Los Angeles and move back here.  I moved here about four weeks ago, and God has made it so evident that this where I am supposed to be.  From the minute I found out about this position, it’s been so easy to see how God has been orchestrating my steps and I feel so incredibly blessed to be where I am.  Outside of my job here at Ridgecrest, I am an installation artist, painter, and blogger (feel free to visit my blog at Cordially-Kate.com). My favorite color is white… I have an extreme addiction to coffee… My favorite flowers are Craspedias and Peonies… and most importantly, I love Jesus. So there you go… Kate Leigh Ford in a nutshell.  If you have any questions or just want to talk, please let me know!

rbcstudents small groups: Sunday, November 18th

What a wonderful morning we had yesterday with rbcstudents.  This week we continued our new series, "Voices in My Head".  Yesterday we learned that the phrase "listen to your heart" can actually be quite dangerous.  Often times we do things according to our own desires, rather than according to God's desires.  Sometimes it can be difficult to discern between God voice, our own voice, and the voice of the enemy.  We studied a parable in John 10 about sheep and their shepherd.  We, just as sheep do, tend to wander where our own desires lead us.  Just as a shepherd is the best protection for sheep, Christ is the best protection for us.  As believers, we have God as our shepherd and therefore find joy and protection in Him.  This week we encourage everyone at rbcstudents to listen to God's voice carefully and see where He is leading you. Have a great week!

411 for Sunday, November 18

rbcstudents small groups, Sunday, Nov 11

What a great day with rbcstudents yesterday!  We started a new series of lessons called "Voices in my Head."  These lessons will help us learn how to discern and tell the difference between our voice, God's voice, and the voice of the enemy.  We learned that God's voice will ALWAYS match scripture, and never go against what God's word says.  We are excited about the weeks to come, and students were very interactive and excited to learn!

411 November 11, 2012

rbcstudents Small Groups, Nov 4

We had a great morning with students yesterday.  We finished off The Story curriculum with a recap of what we had learned, then students had the chance to get into discussion in their groups about what God had taught them from The Story.  We are excited about our new and upcoming Sunday morning lessons!

411 November 4, 2012

411 October 28, 2012

rbcstudents - October 28, 2012

Today was our final lesson in The Story.  Our lesson was titled "The End of Time," and we discussed the book of Revelation and the end times.  All of this can very confusing, as well as interesting.  In our groups, we looked at the big picture of Revelation.  We looked at John's view of heaven, and what is happening there.  Heaven will be about God, and about worshiping Him.  Heaven will be full of people from every tribe and nation, worshiping God.  Heaven is a place where God will wipe away every tear from every eye.

Next week, we will recap all of The Story. 

rbcstudents Small Groups, Sunday 10/21/12

What a great day with rbcstudents yesterday!  We are nearing the end of our Story curriculum, and it has been so great to study God's Word by seeing how it all fits together.  This week, we talked about the Apostle Paul's final days, and how God used him in incredibly ways to spread the Gospel all throughout the world.  One of the major themes we looked at was how Paul sought to run the race with perseverance.  Philippians 3:12-14 shows Paul's attitude and desire, and his willingness to strive more and more to know God.  We can all be challenged by Paul's attitude and his desire to seek God!

411 October 21, 2012

rbcstudents Small Groups, 10/14/12

Hey Parents,
We had a great day with students yesterday!  In our small groups, we studied lesson 29 of The Story, which covered the life of Paul and the early church.  It was great to look at Paul's life, and be challenged by his obedience and perseverance in spreading the message of Jesus in the world.  We desire to be people on mission, in the same way that Paul was!  We have 2 more weeks of The Story, and we are excited to keep learning as we go!

411 October 14, 2012

High School Leadership Summit

Parents,
On Saturday, October 20, rbcstudents will host the High School edition of the Global Leadership Summit.  This will be an incredible opportunity for students to learn, grow, and be challenged as young leaders.  We challenge YOU to challenge YOUR student to be a part of this day.  You can register online at ridgecrestbaptist.org/GLSHS

411 October 7, 2012

rbcstudents Small Groups, September 30, 2012

We had a great day in small groups with students yesterday!  This week, the story focused on the resurrection of Jesus, and the victory that He has over death.  Such an exciting story, and so pivotal to our faith as followers of Jesus.  We also took some time to talk about the time when Jesus was on earth after he was raised from the dead.  Many people doubted, and yet many people believed.  We often experience doubt in our own lives, and it so valuable to know that doubt is a normal human experience.  There is so much joy in knowing that even when we doubt and struggle with questions about our faith, Jesus never changes, and He is constant!

411, September 30, 2012

rbc Small Groups 9.16.12

Happy Monday, all!   We hope you all had an amazing weekend!  Tailgating was a little 'soggy' on Friday night, but we had fun anyway!   Saturday was no exception to the 'sogginess' either...We hope you took the time to spend with those that mean the most to you.  

Yesterday was yet another great time in Small Groups.    Where else might you see a fellow student mummified?   Or have some candy with a unique twist?  It was certainly a "Thriller"!  All was not without purpose, though.   Our lesson yesterday was about Lazaras being raised from the dead.    The opening activity involved a brief discussion about what a dead, decaying body looks like and the various stages it might go through.   (No worries - we didn't get graphic!) We wrapped a willing volunteer to illustrate the process by which one was buried in that time period.   It was amazing to later learn that Jesus raised a dead and decaying Lazaras from the dead!   What a tremendous way for us to see who Jesus was and is.    Who do you say Jesus is?   What does your life tell people about who Jesus is?   Often times we try and live in a way to make ourselves look good or successful.  Our goal should be to align ourselves with Jesus in all we do using caution to insure that we aren't letting 'life' get in the way.  

Have a great week and make it your goal to strive and live a life that exemplifies you know who Jesus is and what he has done for you!  

411 September 16

rbcstudents Small Groups 9.9.12

What a great Monday!  The weather was awesome over the weekend and today is looking very nice, as well.  We hope that you had an opportunity to spend some time outside enjoying it!     The weather isn't the only thing that was pretty amazing.  Small groups were once again an hour of fun-filled, jammed-packed, getting to know God's word action!   

The lesson was Chapter 24 of The Story which continues with the many miracles and teachings of Jesus.   The hour started with an illustration of the feeding of 5,000.   It's a familiar story of Jesus taking food from a boy and multiplying it so that it would feed the masses.   As a group, we enjoyed some bagels and gold fish as a result.    In the story, the boy gave all he had to Jesus.  Are you willing to give your all to him, as well?    This was simply one of the many accounts of Jesus' miracles.  In class we tried to list as many miracles as we could.   Seems the 11th grade boys came out on top with recalling 17 of them!  (Well done, boys... you must have an amazing teacher?!)  In small groups we also studied the Lord's prayer.  This is a prayer many of us know, but are we truly praying AND forgiving?   Jesus teaches us to forgive others and the heavenly Father will forgive us.  Gossip, jealousy, revenge and bitterness are all toxic products of the lack of forgiveness.  The Lord's prayer can be found in Matthew 6.   Challenge yourself to commit it to memory and when you pray, do so with a forgiving heart.  

Have a great week~  

411 September 9

rbcstudents Small Groups 9.2.12

We hope you were able to rest and relax over the long Labor Day weekend.  Small Groups were full of energy on Sunday.   The hour opened with an activity to get the minds (and feet) moving!   It was a trivia game of "Who Am I?" which provided to be quite interesting by identifying football players, baseball players, pop singers and even TV sitcom accountants.  The goal was to tie into the lesson about John the Baptist and Jesus...about knowing who each was.  

In our Small Groups, we discussed many things about John the Baptist and Jesus.  We learned that Jesus went to John to be baptized, Jesus was tempted in the wilderness and that Jesus performed many, many miracles.   We were introduced to the twelve disciples who were selected by him to go and preach His word.   This really is the beginning of Jesus' Ministry.  While this week contained a lot of information, we hope that you have an even better understanding of Jesus and who He really is, what he is capable of and how he can impact your life if you simply seek to have a relationship with Him.   

Have you seen miracles in your own life?   They may not be the turning of water into wine or multiplying the fish and loaves to feed a multitude, rather the small stuff that we take for granted.  Challenge yourself this week to look for the small miracles that you are blessed with.  In doing so, it will help you to appreciate more of who Jesus really is.   

Have a great week!   

411 September 2

411 August 26

rbcstudents Small Groups 8.26.12

Yesterday was Promotion Sunday and what an amazing day it was!   Students moved into their new classes for the new school year.   We have some new teachers in place and we are certain it's going to be another fantastic year.    

Yesterday began with somewhat of a "non-traditional" opener as students arrived to find Christmas decorations, Christmas music and an opportunity to decorate sugar cookies complete with red and green sprinkles!     Our lesson from the story was about the birth of Christ.   We learned of the angel speaking to Mary telling her God found favor in her and her unquestionable obedience.   We saw the impact Jesus had as a young child in the temple demonstrating his wisdom among the teachers.   It was a great day to be reminded of what his birth means to each of us.   

The lesson was a good reminder to celebrate His birth every day, not just once a year.   Challenge yourself this week...be thankful for His birth and celebrate!   

Back to School Bash!

Do you know what today is?  It's Tuesday... which is the day before the Back to School Bash!    Encourage your your student to come hang out with us in the parking lot tomorrow night at 6pm.  There will be the MCU, Hot Dogs, inflatables, games and fun!   It's gonna be good!      

Church to Go Podcast - August 20, 2012

Hey Parents,
Be sure to check out our Church to Go Podcast!  A new episode is up now --->>>http://rbcstudents.podbean.com/2012/08/20/church-to-go-august-20-2012/

Or, you can subscribe to the feed at http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/rbcstudents/id423557011?mt=2

We provide weekly updates on rbcstudents, info, and details about whats going on!

411 August 19

rbcstudents Small Groups, 8.12.12

We had a great day in small groups yesterday.  We studied lesson 21 of The Story Curriculum, which is the final portion of the Story from the Old Testament.  We are excited to move into the New Testament now that we have a strong foundation of the Old Testament.

Story 21 was all about Nehemiah, and how he obeyed God's prompting to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.  This was a big deal, because it showed how God was rebuilding a city as well as the people of Israel.  There was opposition to the building, and yet, it was rebuilt in 52 days!  Nehemiah showed great leadership in the process.  At the end of it all, Ezra the priest stood and read the book of the law in its entirety, with all the people listening.  The people rejoiced, and made a fresh commitment to follow God.

How about you?  Are you listening for God's prompting?  Are you obeying God's prompting?  Are you staying faithful to what God has called you to, even if there is opposition?  Take a chance to read the book of Nehemiah...its good stuff!

411 August 12

411 Aug. 5

411 July 29

Winter Retreat Music Downloads

Hey All,
Remember Winter Retreat?  It was cold, but we had a great time.  Sean Lea led us in worship, and recorded all of it.  Now, you can download a set of worship songs from Winter Retreat!  Go to rbcstudents.com and click on "rbcstudents audio."  Enjoy, and tell a friend!

Packing List and Info for the CAMP Reunion on July 27th

rbcstudents CAMP REUNION – Friday, July 27th, 8pm - 9am

PACKING LIST AND INFO:

What to Bring

    Sleeping bag and pillow

    Toothbrush (and any other personal care items you need)
   
    Gym shorts and tee shirt

    Modest Clothes to sleep in

    Money for ice cream at Braums

    PREGNANCY CARE CENTER DONATIONS
(Please bring at least one item)

Diapers:  Newborn size 1
Clothes (sizes 12 months to 18 months), Onesies would be great
Wipes
Gift for moms (example:  lotion, hand sanitizer, etc.)


OTHER INFORMATION:

No showers available at Ridgecrest
We will be at Ridgecrest Baptist Church the majority of night but with one off campus activity. (Braums)
Students will need to have a signed Travel Consent Form and rbcstudents Medical Release Form.  All students will need to have a new Travel Consent Form.  Students only need a Medical Release form if they have not already been on a trip or to an event with rbcstudents.  A notary will be on hand at check-in on Friday night. 

Contact info:

Nate (417-569-7888)
James (417-880-9112)

411 July 15

CAMP Details

In case you missed the CAMP Parent Meeting (or lost your packet)... Here are all the details!

Let us know if you have questions!   Otherwise, we will see you Wednesday at 4pm.

411 July 8

CAMP Parent Meeting

Hello, Parents!

Just a reminder:  Our last CAMP Parent Meeting is Sunday, July 8th, at 6:30 pm in the FC.

Please come and get the scoop on the CAMP Schedule, what to bring, and the guidelines for the week. We'll double check paperwork and have you sign one last form for your student!  You can also sign up your student at that time, if you haven't done so already!

If you absolutely cannot make it to the Parent Meeting, please email or call Jessie at 417.885.5275 or jstone@ridgecrestbaptist.org by Tuesday, if possible, to sign paperwork and get the details.

Thanks!  See ya Sunday!
Jessie

411 July 1

July Calendar

Project SGF: June 27th

Hey, Parents!

Needing details about Project SGF this Wednesday, June 27th?  Check out the Project SGF tab at the top of this page for the scoop.  If your student has not yet registered for Project SGF, please follow the instructions on the Project SGF page to register your student by 5 p.m., Monday, June 25th.

If you've got any questions, please feel free to contact me at 417.861.8143.

Thanks!
Jessie

411 June 17

CAMP INFO!

Hello, Parents!

We wanted to make you aware of our CAMP Parent Meeting.  CAMP is coming up oh so soon!  Have you signed up your student yet?  It's not too late!  In fact, if you sign up by Sunday, June 17, you can receive the discounted price of $210 per student.  After June 17, the price goes up to $230.  To sign up for CAMP, click here.

If your student attends CAMP, we need y-o-u to attend one of two parent meetings.
Choose between these times:
-Sunday, July 1, at 5:30 p.m.
-Sunday, July 8, at 6:30 p.m.

We will make sure all of your paperwork is up to date and also go over some very important details with you.  We promise to make the most of your time though, and get you in and out as quickly as possible!

Please let us know if you have any questions regarding CAMP or the CAMP Parent Meetings.

Thanks!

411 June 10

411 June 3

June Calendar

411 May 27

Project SGF Details

Are you or your student interested in serving your hometown through Project SGF this summer?

Please check out all the details for our Project SGF dates by clicking here or visiting the tab marked "Project SGF" across the top of this page.

We are so excited to serve with you this summer!

411 May 20

411 May 13

411 May 6

May 2012

411 April 29

How to Bless Your Young Adult Children

Here is a link to a great blog post about how we as parents can bless and serve our children.  Enjoy!

Senior 2012 Info

Parents of Seniors,

Here are all the details you need for Senior Recognition Sunday!  You should have received this in the mail already, but we have heard of some complications, so that may not be the case for you.

Please let us know if you have any questions at all!  And, of course, CONGRATULATIONS to your student and your family!

2012 Garage Sale Announcement!

Hello, Parents,

We wanted to make you aware of an upcoming opportunity within rbcstudents.  On June 1 & 2, we will host our annual rbcstudents Garage Sale here in the FC.  Students desiring to earn money for CAMP and Summer Missions may volunteer to help with the Garage Sale. 

So here's the important information:
The sign-up sheet for all students and parents wishing to help at the Garage Sale will be posted beginning Sunday, April 29, on the rbcstudents kiosk in the FC Foyer.  The volunteer sign-up is a first come, first served deal, and when it's full, it's full. 

If you have questions about the rbcstudents Garage Sale, please give us a call at 417.887.2317.

Thanks!

411 April 22

Hey, Parents!

Happy Monday to you!

Are you interested in continuing the discussion from yesterday's small groups?  Check out a recap with some discussion points from yesterday's lesson under the Small Groups tab.  We encourage you to continue to dialogue from God's Word throughout the week.  The best way to know about your student's relationship with God is to simply ask. 

So, jump in and start the conversation.  We hope this week's small group recap will help you get started!

Have a great week!

411 April 15

Note:  Dodgeball & Donuts is on Sunday, April 29, from 5:30-8pm in the FC.

April Calendar

411 April 8

Church to Go iPhone App is here!

Hey Parents,
Be sure to download our new iPhone/iPod Touch App.  You can stay connected to our calendar, blogs, videos and more!  So, head on over to the iTunes store and get it today!  Click on the image below to link directly to the App.

Small Group Recap

What a weekend we had!  DNOW was incredible; we saw God at work in the hearts and lives of students.  On Sunday morning, during small groups, we wrapped up our DNOW Bible study by talking about Joshua and his challenge to the Israelites to choose whom they would serve.  Sunday morning's small group recap is now posted here. 

We encourage you to utilize these recaps as you start spiritually significant conversations with your students!

Have a great week!

411 April 1

Small Groups & DNOW

Howdy, Parents!

We just wanted to let you know that this week's small group recap is now up.  Check it out and dig into some discussion with your student.  Each small group recap can be found under the "small groups" tab across the top of the page.

On another note, DNOW is this weekend.  It's finally here, and we couldn't be more excited!  Just as a reminder, we've got a DNOW Parent Meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, night at 7:30pm in the FC.  Please make plans to attend so that you can get all the nitty gritty on this awesome weekend!

If you haven't yet signed up your student for DNOW, fear not: it is not too late.  Simply click here and you can register online.  Or, you're also welcome to call us at 417.887.2317 and get the scoop that way too.  Either way, sign up your student!  We know God's got great things in store for this weekend and we don't want your student to miss it!

Feel free to contact us with any questions you've got!

We'll see you Wednesday!

411 March 25