Happy New Year!

Newsletter

We launch into 2019 on a celebratory note: we raised, with your generosity, over $50,000 for missions in December! Our first attempt at this taught us a lot about the passion of our members for giving to those in need. Thank you!

This weekend we’re doing another new thing with our family ministry teams - giving new and gently loved toys to children in need. We’re naming this mission project, “Play it Forward.” I’m obviously writing this before it happens, but I’m encouraged in that, as a pastor, I have never seen so many connection cards come back on Christmas Eve in response to an invitation to an event. Would you join me in praying that our younger generation will learn about generosity through Play it Forward?

“Oh, What Fun!”Our Preschoolers got a special tour of Dicken’s Village, and visited Pastor Bryan’s office to sing Christmas Carols!

What’s Happening at RB Community Church

Issue No. 56January 5-6, 2019

Wednesday Night Suppers resume

January 9!

Please note price change:

Family of 4 AdultsKids Age 6-14Kids Age 4-5Kids 3 +under

$25.00 $8.50$5.00$2.00Free

This month we will be studying the first chapter of John’s Gospel. Titled, “John - See for Yourself,” there will be a sermon series emphasis on experiencing the presence of God as Holy Spirit. Also this month, your Session and Deacons will be meeting as a new group for training and discernment of big agenda items for 2019. Your prayers for them, the women and men you elected for leadership, are appreciated.

Thank you for your prayers, your generosity, and your faithfulness to Christ. May the Lord bless our church family with Holy Spirit wisdom, a passion to know Jesus and make Him known, and a heart for ministry and mission. It is an honor to serve Christ with you within this church family.

NEWSLETTER | January 5-6, 201902

The Mission of RB Community Church College of the Bible is to “equip believers for the work of ministry” (Ephesians 4:12-14)with RB Community Church. The goal is to effectively train believers in the Word so they can grow in their relationship with Christ and others and effectively minister in their community. RB Community Church College of the Bible is committed to the foundation of God’s truth in the Scriptures, the clear presentation of those truths as they relate to each course, and the application of those truths to individual believers and their ministry in the world.

The College of the Bible offers ten tracks which students can follow that will lead to a “major,”and/or “minor.”

To receive a Major Certificate, students must complete 60 credit hours of which 36 hours must be within the discipline of their track. The remaining 24 credit hours may be taken outside their track.

The Certificate Majors are:1. Christian Ministry (CMCM) Includes a concentration on a wide range of classes that support a student’s spiritual growth and discipleship.The focus is on the Christian life in general and how to live a Christian life within a secular world. (Although this can be a declared track, those who do not declare a major or minor will automatically be enrolled in this track.)

2. Biblical Studies (CMBS) Includes a concentration on the 66 books of the Bible. The student will be equipped to interpret the Bible for themselves and others. The focus will be on the understanding and application of the Bible through enhanced historical and contextual exploration of its various books.

3. Theology (CMTT) Includes a concentration on the doctrines of the Reformed Faith. The focus will include Systematics, Biblical, Historical, Covenant, and Pastoral approaches to assist the student in deepening their understanding of how theology relates to ministry and the Christian life.

4. Christian Leadership (CMCL) Includes a concentration on principles which enhance and develop the student’s leadership skills and knowledge to lead the church professionally and spiritually in its ministry. The focus will be on how to utilize the church’s structure to provide transformational and servant leadership that contextualizes the church’s ministry in the community.

5. Missions (CMMT) The Missions major includes a concentration on preparing students for effective cross-cultural ministry as skillful workers & as clear communicators of the gospel. The focus will be ministering and working in an intercultural community which has become international and multinational. It will also include serving in a cross-cultural setting, either in the United States or abroad.

Thank you to everyone who donated gifts for our Military Angel Tree! You brought smiles and joy to the sons & daughters of those who faithfully serve our country.

Military Angel Tree

Thank you!

“...this is exactly the vision that our Lor has for us: to be filled to such a point that out of our mouths, our pores, our very being, will flow his love and grace, into a very dry and arid world.”

RB Community College of the Bible Curriculum Tracks

To receive a Minor Certificate, students must complete 36 credit hours of which 18 hours must be within the discipline of their track. The remaining 18 credit hours may be taken outside their track.

The Certificate Minors are:1. Church Health and Growth (CNCH) Includes a concentration on the signs, principles and practices of a healthy growing church along with cultural influences and reaching the unchurched. The focus will be on assisting the student to demonstrate an understanding of the biblical models of healthy churches and the missional nature behind growing churches in the context of the church’s ministry in the community.

2. Spiritual Formation (CNSF) Includes a concentration on promoting growth in the student’s inner life of faith and prayer with God in the context of a shared community, while also developing the student’s knowledge-base in the Word, spiritual formation and soul care. It focuses specifically on ways to deepen the student’s knowledge and openness to God and His work, as well as understanding the self and others in order to grow toward conformity of character and inner life in the image of Christ. In turn, it trains students to assist others in their journey of growth in Christ and His body.

3. Teaching (CNTT) Includes a concentration on training for the church educational programs and discipleship ministries. The focus will be on the student acquiring the tools to teach, lead and work in a variety of church education and discipleship positions including children, youth and adult ministries.

4. Arts and Theology (CNAT) Includes a concentration on preparing the student to be an effective interpreter of Christianity in contemporary culture. The focus will be on combining the study of music, art, or theater (with theology), creating opportunities for students to prepare for ministry in a wide variety of fields where faith intersects with culture.

5. Youth Ministry (CNYM) Includes a concentration in a biblical philosophy of youth ministry, understanding contemporary youth culture, youth problems, and counseling of adolescents in different settings. It focuses

January 5-6, 2019 | NEWSLETTER 03

on how to communicate biblical concepts effectively in a variety of teaching situations. It will also include an internship that gives the student real experience in the field.

NOTE: You will still be able to take any class you would like, but if you declare a major or minor there will be a selection of courses you can take that will lead to the Certificate. If you don’t declare a major or minor you will automatically be in the Christian Ministry track. To make your declaration, and to register in the College of the Bible, you will need to take the “Gateway Class” which will be offered various times throughout the year.

We surpassed our Advent giving goal for missions of

$50,000!

Thank you, our most generous church family,

for this wonderful Christmas gift for Christ.

20152016 2014 2013

NEWSLETTER | January 5-6, 201904

Daniel: Lives of IntegrityWednesdays, Jan. 16-March 279:30-11:30 am | Upper FiresideA Beth Moore in-depth study of a clash in culture between An-cient Babylon, with all its worldly pleasures, and the Jewish culture of Daniel. Join us on this 11-week journey as we investigate the inspi-rational life of a Jewish exile who chooses to follow God at all costs. From the DVD’s of Beth Moore, group discussion, personal appli-cation, and prayer, we will glean biblical teachings on how to live a life of integrity.

Computer BasicsWednedays, Jan. 16-May 156:00-7:00 pm | Lower FiresideNeed to use a computer? Want to access the internet? Not sure where to begin? This class will start you off in the right direc-tion, and help you feel comfort-able using this technology. We’ll cover everything from how to download your precious family photos to answering the ques-tion, “What’s that cloud thing?!” Class size is limited to 12, so register on the courtyard to-day!

Human Conflict & Christian PeaceWednesdays, Jan. 16-March 279:30-11:30 am | Upper FiresideAn exploration of the sources and consequences of war, conquests, and clashes found in the hu-man political, social, and cultural spheres with suggested possibilities for peace from historical, analyti-cal, and literary sources and how they stack up to the biblical view of Peace as taught by Christ. An analysis of the 1960’s Civil Rights Movement will be a case study in-cluded in this exploration.

Adult Education Classes and LifeGroupsLife-Changing Spiritual H.A.B.I.T.S.Wednesdays, Jan. 16-May 156-7 pm | Lower FiresideDr. Stamper will lead you through the right Habits that will help you grow in godliness. “H.A.B.I.T.S.” stands for six categories of Spiritual Disciplines which include:

• Holy Time• Accountability• Biblical Study• Investments• Testimony• Sabbath

Class ScheduleJan. 16 Healing PrayerJan. 30 Gateway Feb. 6 Gateway †Feb. 13 Gateway †Feb. 20 How to Mentor & be MentoredFeb. 27 Maintain a Spiritual JournalMarch 13 Sharing Your TestimonyMarch 20 Best Sabbath PracticesMarch 27 Gateway ‡April 3 Gateway ‡April 10 Gateway ‡April 17 No ClassApril 24 The Well/Tailgate (No Class)May 1 Centering PrayerMay 8 How to Study the BibleMay 15 Connecting with Other Believers

For more information on any classes, pick up a Spring 2019 Course Catalogue, or contact Pastor John at john@rbcpc.org.

LifeGroups Kick-OffWed. January 16 | 5:00 pmAre you part of a small group? OR are you interested in learn-ing more about why LifeGroups are such an important part of our church community? Don’t miss the celebration as we kick-off the New Year. Come for Wednesday Night Supper and join other LifeGroup members for dessert and information session as Pastor John shares some of the exciting events happening in our LifeGroups.

All LifeGroup members and those interested in exploring what it means to be part of a group are encouraged to attend. For more info, contact Kathy Wesley: lifegroups@rbcpc.org.

LifeGroups RetreatSee dates & times below:The retreat time will provide an opportunity to get to know other LifeGroup leaders and share experiences as well as a time to learn more from small group experts on topics that, at some point, impact all small groups. If you facilitate a LifeGroup or would like to become more involved or start a new group, this retreat is for you!

• Friday, Jan. 11 | 6:00-8:00 pm Fellowship Center (Dinner included)

• Saturday, Jan. 12 | 8:30 am-2 pm Fellowship Center (Lunch included)

January 5-6, 2019 | NEWSLETTER 05

Savvy TravelersThe next Savvy Travelers excur-sion is seeing “Mamma Mia!” at Lawrence Welk Resorts on Satur-day, Feb. 2. Includes lunch start-ing at 11:15 am & 1:00 pm. Please provide your own transportation as church bus is not available.

Also this year, we will be going to the Disney Concert Hall on March 2! Gustavo Dudamel, Mu-sic & Artistic Director of the LA Philharmonic, will conduct.

Sign up for both or either one of these events at the Savvy Traveler booth on the Courtyard today!

PrimeTime Returns!Mark your calendars! After a nice holiday break, PrimeTime will resume on February 7. Mark your calendar as we kick off the Spring Season with crowd fa-vorite, Michael Ruhl. RSVP to Bill Stanley at bill@rbcpc.org or call 858.487.0811.

Fine Arts Academy RegistrationRB Fine Arts Academy Spring 2019 registration is open online now! Just go to rbcommunitychurch.org and click on the Fine Arts Academy link at the top of the page. The Spring session runs from January 13-May 19.

Cost: $150 for 13 Sessions. Tuition scholarships available upon request by emailing olivia@rbcpc.org.

FAA VolunteersOur youth Fine Arts Academy (Sundays 11:15-2pm) needs adult volunteers to serve in supervisory roles on a rotating basis. No in-structional responsibilities expect-ed! Please contact liz@rbcpc.org.

Opportunities and Events Service OpportunitiesPlay It ForwardJanuary 6 & 13Attention Youth! Did you re-ceive some new toys for Christ-mas? Please help us be a blessing to children living in transition-al housing by donating a gently used toy to the Salvation Army in Escondido or Presbyterian Urban Ministries (PUM) downtown. New and gently-used toys will be collected on the courtyard and in worship.

“Souper Bowl” of CaringJanuary 13 – February 3During the month of January, Carpenter’s Fellowship is partnering with our preschool and youth, Boy Scouts, and Ministry for Missions to sponsor the annual “Souper Bowl” of Caring. We will be collect-ing individual cans/boxes and flats of cans for food pantries operated by Presbyterian Urban Ministries (PUM) downtown and Escondido based Interfaith Community Ser-vices. Drop your cans or boxes off on Sunday mornings in the court-yard or in the Welcome Center during the week. An added feature of Souper Bowl of Caring this year will be Can-Struction projects in the gallery area built by our middle and high school youth and the Boy Scouts of Troop 680. Watch as our construction projects take on new shapes each week leading up to Super Bowl Sunday. For more info contact missions@rbcpc.org.

Soaking in God’s PresenceSat. January 12 | 6:10-7:15 pm Lower Fireside Come rest in God’s amazing, un-conditional love. Listen to Scrip-ture readings and worshipful, soaking music as the prayer team silently prays for you. Please park in the Lower Parking Lot.

In Celebration of Women Art Gallery InstallationJanuary 12, 2019Kathryn Peterson uses her gifts of artistic expression through very diverse mediums. Her artwork is thematic, symbolic, and re-lates to women from her own life experience.

There are six overlapping themes found in her artwork: Doing (be-ing active and enaged), Fortitude (strength , resilience, courage, grit, and determination), Intelligence, Adaptability (change), Vulnerabil-ity, and Ancestors (their positive influence through time). These themes create a narrative about women, who we see becoming em-powered and respected through the generations of time.

MSM Winter CampJan. 18-21, 2019 | Cost: $250Our Middle School ministry is excited to head to Thousand Pines Christian Camps for a fantastic weekend of biblical teaching, and recreation. Join us for a high-energy weekend filled with wild games, challenging speakers, and a chance to connect with the Lord. For more information contact Tim Wazny at tim@rbcpc.org.

Our youth had fun on their Amphibious Christmas adventure!

Our Challenge: Their FreedomA Conversation About Human Trafficking

coming to rb community churchjoin the discussion on

wednesday, january 23, 2019

DINNER: 5:00 PM | PRESENTATION: 6:00-7:30 PMMORE INFO: RBCOMMUNITYCHURCH.ORG

Tracy Daugherty is the Director of Freedom Challenge USA. She and her husband Dan have pastored in the local church for 25 years.Tracy’s ministry focus centers around her greatest passions – women, missions and teach-ing the Word of God. She is motivated to create a movement of people with a passion to be challenged personally for the freedom of vulnerable women and children all over the world.

For more information on the Freedom Challenge, visit their website: thefreedomchallenge.com.

Pastoral CareIf you or someone you know is ill, home-bound, facing surgery, would like a pastoral visit, com-munion, or a prayer request in-cluded on the prayer chain, please email pastoralcare@rbcpc.org or call 858.487.0811 x221.

Prayer MinistryIf you or someone you know is in need of prayer, our Prayer Team would love to pray for you after the service. You may also submit requests using the prayer cards in the pew racks.

Parish NurseHigh Blood pressure can be man-aged and is an important risk fac-tor for Heart Disease and Stroke. Blood Pressure Screening on the courtyard every Sunday. Contact parishnurse@roadrunner.com.

GriefShareSunday, Jan. 6 | 2:30 pm GriefShare is a Christian program featuring practical, spiritual, and biblical concepts for healing from grief. There is no registration or fee required. We meet on the first and third Sunday of each month from 2:30-4:00 pm. If you are interested, please contact Carol Kasser: ckass-er@yahoo.com.

Wednesday Night Suppers are Back!Wednesday, Jan. 9 | 5:00 pm Wednesday Night Suppers resume this Wednesday at 5:00 pm in the Fellowship Center (see page 1 for cost).

Enjoy steak, mashed potatoes, and signature salad. As always, there is a salad bar, and dessert!

Opportunities and Events

January 5-6, 2019 | NEWSLETTER 05

a few memories from 2018...

What’s Happening @ RB Community Church MONDAY, 1/79:00 am Spiritual Strength & Stretch9:15 am Laubach12:00 pm OEA Meeting4:30 pm Pastoral Care Meeting5:30 pm CBS Men6:00 pm Boy Scout Troop #680 CBS Women 6:30 pm HR Committee Meeting7:00 pm Arts Forum Meeting

TUESDAY, 1/88:30 am CBS Women Leadership Meeting9:00 am Serendipity Women’s Bible Study Stephen Ministry Supervision 9:30 am MomsConnect Bible Study 11:00 am All Staff Meeting12:30 pm Tuesday AM LifeGroup6:00 pm Tuesday PM LifeGroup Tied in Prayer Quilt Basics & More6:30 pm Arabic College Group Boy Scout Troop #680 Meeting7:00 pm Stephen Ministry Supervision

WEDNESDAY, 1/98:30 am Women’s Prayer Group9:00 am MOPS Meeting4:00 pm Mini Melodies6:00 pm Contemporary Choir Rehearsal High School Ministry Wednesday PM LifeGroups Life Changing Spiritual H.A.B.I.T.S.7:30 pm Young Adult Bible Study

Contact Liz Virkler: liz@rbcpc.org

Interested in joining a

Ensemble?

THURSDAY, 1/109:00 am CBS Women10:00 am Women Crosstalk6:00 pm Love in Motion Rehearsal7:00 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal Senior Quilts

FRIDAY, 1/116:00 am Men Crosstalk Bible Study 8:00 am Pew Angels9:00 am Spiritual Strength and Stretch9:30 am Tied in Prayer Quilt Ministry5:30 pm Fun Friday Night6:00 pm Musical Rehearsal

SATURDAY, 1/128:00 am Men’s Walk to Emmaus9:00 am Musical Rehearsal Senior Quilts5:00 pm Contemporary Worship Service6:15 pm Soaking in God’s Presence

SUNDAY, 1/138:30 am KidsLife Traditional Worship Service Worship Café10:00 am Contemporary Worship Middle School Ministry High School Ministry11:00 am Arabic Speaking Service11:15 am RB Fine Arts Academy11:30 am Computer Basics Traditional Worship Service2:30 pm Musical Rehearsal