Upcoming Events
This Sunday Rev. Manny becomes an Elder at RCA.
This Sunday there will be baptisms.
This Sunday we get to send some money with missionary Alan Reed to build a church in Tanzania!
Jan18- UFC Poker Night
Jan31-Feb1st- Prayer Mountain Retreat
Feb6- CBU Basketball Game
Victoria Baptized by AC Slater There were two outstanding warrants from the residents of Mennes Street. The Holy Spirit had overtaken all of her brothers. Jason, Jr, and Andrew had all taken the plunge in baptism and their sister Victoria was feeling the conviction. Last Sunday, we appeared and Victoria made the great confession. Like a prosecutor, the pastor asked: “Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died for you on the cross, was buried and rose from the dead?” An emphatic “Yes! Yes I do!” was joyfully returned.
Vicki has long been an inspirational member of RCA. For years she was part of the kids’ program, and last year began attending youth group. Between the powerful preaching of Nathan Vigil, the leadership of Cici Wilson and Bethany Castillo, Vicki was even more inspired to take baptism.
She was so proud of her faith, and so was her mother. The two of them beamed with excitement. I have hardly seen a prouder pair. Opposite Rev. Drew was Linda “Grams” Olivares. She has long been a godly influence on Vicki and her brothers. “Grams” has been a saint to those from Mennes Street. Her prayers, accompanied by her hospitality, is a winning combination.
There are many good souls who care about Victoria, and who have encouraged her in the godly path. We are proud of her for not only relying on them, but for making good decisions. God has declared His verdict, “innocent of all charges; her testimony is true!”
Youth are Packing the House
by Rev. Drew Brattrud
Youth are seeking God. Hands are being raised. The altar is crowded and voices are being lifted. All this begins at 6:30pm on Wednesdays. This is followed by the youth being dismissed to the Fellowship Hall where youth leader Nathan Vigil and team are ready to serve them.
There is often a sharp well-prepared message. Sometimes the youth get into small groups. This is where friendships and connections are made. More than that, this is where faith is joined and God moves through them. God is using them to minister to each other.
This week there was extra excitement in the air because of the new Fellowship of Christian Assembly Bibles. Thirty New Testaments were overjoyed to be opened and used.
The fellowship is strong. There’s an icebreaker game, basketball and jump rope, and time to simply “hang out.” This is more than a ‘safe-place.’ This is a strengthening place. We are building disciples, that is why it is growing.
Tagline Contest
RCA-time is running out on the Rise newsletter tagline contest. Last year our own Cici Wilson won a $10 gift certificate by coming up with 2019’s Rise “unto a new life.”
We are soliciting another tagline in 2020 Rise. All entries must be in by January 29th. The winner will be announced on Sunday February 2nd. It must be 5 words or less. We have a form provided in the back.
Quick Brown Fox by Terry Aki, picture of Jack Key
A quick brown fox
over a dog did jump,
the fox nabbed a chicken,
the dog was a chump.
The farmer was angry
the dog got the stick
the fox got a meal
and got away quick.
Moral: Be vigilant Drewism: “Wisdom dwells in the house of morning, foolish dwells in the house of mirth.”
Niko has a Vision
“We can reach millions of people with the service we already have! We have the content. Our worship is great and the preaching is top level! We need to get the cameras, sound, and live-streaming equipment to match. With the authority of a prophet, Nikko McClean declared to the elders and deacons: “We will have the best live stream.” Nikko had just finished a masterful power point presentation where he compared RCA’s Facebook stream to other churches--some big, some small, some local, some far, but all were relevant. The pitch was a plea for the releasing of funds to purchase “Sling Studios.” The is a platform that will allow us to cut to different camera angles and have a fluid stream. The amount of the investment is a one-time fee of about $2,000. Convinced of the potential upside, the group was inclined to move forward on the project. First, the sound must be improved on the current feed. Second, different angles must be experimented with. Third, Nikko must captain a “tech team” to help this ministry. We can reach more people through this ministry in a day than we have in all the years combined. It is possible. People are watching. We are growing our digital footprint through consistent feeds, daily videos, and the weekly Rise Newsletter.
Will you pray about joining the tech team? Will you “Like” and “Share” the videos RCA is putting out? We want you to be proud. We want to match the quality of what goes out to the quality of what happens within.
Kick of the week by Jesus Fontez on Rev. Drews Face
Strength is being passed and confidence are rising among our neighborhood kids thanks to the Shudokan. Free karate lessons for kids Wednesdays 4-5pm, intermediate and advanced Mondays at 5pm and cardio class Thursdays at 6pm.
