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FROM ZACH

Even before the turkey’s cold, most of our minds began racing with thoughts of the Christmas season.  If we’re not careful though, those thoughts will center around good things at the expense of focusing on the best thing about Christmas.  At RCC, we’re not anti-Christmas trees or anti-gift exchanges. I think most of us even have a little fun with Santa Clause!  Christmas is a very robust holiday in the church with a lot of traditions and layers of expression and celebration.  Because it is so robust, and because it has so many layers, the greatest thing, the foundational thing about Christmas, can easily be pushed to the backburner.  So, we have two options in my mind.  (1)We can get rid of all the trees, the stockings, the gifts so that ONLY the greatest thing remains.  (2)Make sure to keep the greatest thing as the main thing despite the robustness and layers of the Christmas season.
 
There are people that advocate for #1, and I understand why. Personally though, I’m a big proponent of #2. I think you’ll see that our church, for the most part, identifies with the second option as well. The reason that many of us do is because we believe that we are capable of keeping the truest meaning of Christmas in the center and foundational to all of our traditions, celebrations and expressions. Our December calendar of events for the church will reflect this idea, and I wanted to encourage you to plug in and participate in as many as you can. Beginning on December 1st, we’ll kick-off the season with a message series I’ve titled, “The Sounds of Christmas.”  In these five messages, we’ll consider classic Christmas hymns and the Scriptures that inspired them.  That evening, we’ll put on our ugly Christmas sweaters, bring some sweets, and have a blast singing at Sing ‘n Sweets.  We’re providing gifts for children in our church family whose parents need a little help this year. On the 24th, we’ll sing and celebrate Jesus’ birth by candlelight. This month, the platform will be decorated festively to inspire us as we consider the gift of our savior. Some of our Bible Studies, Leadership Meetings, etc., may exhibit more of a Christmassy vibe with gift exchange games, holiday dinners, and Christmas games. All of these events and ideas are good within themselves, but imagine if we can keep the greatest part, the most meaningful part of Christmas, as the foundation to all of it. If we did that, we’d sing with more hope. We’d serve with more peace. We’d celebrate with more joy. We’d live with more love. Certainly, the option exists to expel all of these events and attitudes from your calendar and your life, but I want to encourage you to use them, to leverage them to keep your eyes more firmly fixed on the reason for the season, the birth of our God-in-flesh Savior, Jesus Christ!

I will do everything I can to make sure that we as a church body keep our eyes focused on Jesus during this holiday season. I believe it to be proper and right to do so, but I also believe that it will bless the many other traditions and layers to this robust time of year. I remember what Jesus said to his followers in John 10:10. Jesus told them that he came to this planet for a purpose, and that purpose would create a life for them that would be full, and I’ll add, robust. This goes without saying, but your Christmas season where you struggle to remember Jesus and his miraculous birth will be just another holiday. With Jesus as the foundational center of your Christmas though, it can be full. It can be powerful. It can be life changing for you and those around you.
 
I mentioned above that we will worship by candlelight on the 24th.  We will have two services that day at 5pm, and 6:30pm. Both services will have our nativity with live animals for the kids (and grown-ups) to interact with and feed. The 6:30pm service will be the only service that offers Spanish translation. For Candlelight Services, we do not offer nursery or childcare, and the service will be about an hour in length. We have Candlelight Service invitations available on tables throughout our campus. Please pick them up and start inviting your family, friends, co-workers and neighbors asap! It’s going to be a full and exciting month, RCC!  Let’s be faithful!!!
 
In Christ,
Zach

Contact Zach Here:

FROM ALLEN

Christmas is such a fun season in the Williams household. Much like in your households, we decorate (after Thanksgiving!), we plan what types of cookies and other baked goods we’re going to enjoy, we watch our favorite Christmas movies, we pile into our van and know the best neighborhoods for Christmas lights, and we go sledding in the back of the church property! Christmas is the best!

As a worship pastor, the Christmas season plays an important role in what we emphasize during the worship services. More than 10 years ago, I started emphasizing the season of Advent. This important Christmas practice was started by the early church just after Acts 2, from where we get our roots. As we turn our attention towards this seasons, we know and celebrate the truth written in John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Advent is a season of waiting. Much like an expecting mother waits for the birth of her child. You know the birth is soon and you are excited and can hardly wait! It is in the waiting that we cultivate an awareness of God’s redemptive actions—past and present, and future. We are reminded of the prophecies of Jesus’ birth and know that He will return in fulfillment of all of the Old Testament prophecies. In Advent we experience the larger story of God’s plan of redemption for His people.

During the 4 services in December, you will notice 5 candles on the center communion table in front of the platform—1 pink, 3 purple, and 1 white. The first candle is purple and represents Hope; the second candle is also purple and represents Peace; the third candle is pink and represents Joy; the fourth candle is purple and represents Love. The final candle which is lit at our Candlelight service is white and is known as the Christ candle, representing Purity and Christ’s Light coming into the world.

On December 1st we have our Sing-n-Sweets event, where we gather in the Worship Center to sing a few Christmas carols and enjoy sweets! The event starts at 5pm and ends at 6:30pm. We’ll have our annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest, so make sure you wear your ugliest Christmas sweater. Can’t wait to see you there!

Servin’ God and Lovin’ It!
Allen

Contact Allen Here:

Iglesia Cristiana

Querida Familia de la Iglesia,

El Salmo 100 es un hermoso recordatorio de lo que significa vivir con un corazón lleno de gratitud. Al reflexionar sobre este salmo juntos, recordamos que la acción de gracias no es solo un momento, sino un estilo de vida. En este breve pero poderoso pasaje, el salmista nos llama a a clamar con alegría, a adorar con gozo y a entrar en la presencia de Dios con gratitud y alabanza. Estas palabras nos animan a celebrar a Dios no solo por Sus bendiciones, sino por quién es Él: nuestro Creador, nuestro Pastor y nuestro fiel y amoroso Señor.

El salmo comienza con una invitación llena de alegría: "Aclamen alegres al Señor, habitantes de toda la tierra. Adoren al Señor con regocijo; preséntense ante él con cánticos de júbilo." La gratitud desborda cuando reflexionamos sobre la bondad de Dios. Es una alegría que no puede ser contenida, una alegría que nos lleva a la adoración. Sin importar cómo se vean nuestras circunstancias, podemos regocijarnos porque la fidelidad de Dios nunca cambia.

El salmista continúa: "Reconozcan que el Señor es Dios; él nos hizo, y somos suyos. Somos su pueblo, ovejas de su prado." La verdadera gratitud comienza al reconocer quién es Dios. Él nos creó con amor y nos guía como un Pastor guía a Sus ovejas. Cuando entendemos que le pertenecemos, esto llena nuestros corazones de humildad y paz.

Finalmente, el Salmo 100 nos llama a entrar en la presencia de Dios con acción de gracias y alabanza: "Entren por sus puertas con acción de gracias; vayan a sus atrios con alabanza; denle gracias y alaben su nombre. Porque el Señor es bueno y su gran amor es eterno; su fidelidad permanece para siempre." Estos versículos nos recuerdan que el amor de Dios es eterno y Su fidelidad abarca todas las temporadas y circunstancias de nuestra vida. Por esto damos gracias, no solo por lo que Él ha hecho, sino por quién es Él.

Como familia de la iglesia, vivamos la verdad del Salmo 100 en nuestra vida diaria. Comprometámonos a adorar con corazones llenos de gozo, a reconocer la mano de Dios en cada situación y a compartir Su bondad con quienes nos rodean. Durante esta temporada de acción de gracias, les animo a tomarse un tiempo para reflexionar sobre las bendiciones de Dios, compartir su gratitud con otros y buscar oportunidades para servir.

Que las palabras del Salmo 100 nos guíen mientras crecemos en gratitud: "Porque el Señor es bueno y su gran amor es eterno; su fidelidad permanece para siempre."

Con amor y agradecimiento,
La Paz de Dios te acompañe
Pastor, Arturo Mejia
Dear Church Family,

Psalm 100 is a beautiful reminder of what it means to live with a heart full of gratitude. As we reflect on this psalm together, we are reminded that thanksgiving is more than a moment—it’s a way of life. In this brief yet powerful passage, the psalmist calls us to shout for joy, worship with gladness, and enter God’s presence with thanksgiving and praise. These words encourage us to celebrate God not only for His blessings but for who He is: our Creator, our Shepherd, and our faithful, loving Lord.

The psalm begins with a joyful invitation: "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." Gratitude overflows when we reflect on God’s goodness. This is a joy that cannot be contained—a joy that leads us to worship. No matter what our circumstances may look like, we can rejoice because God’s faithfulness never changes.

The psalmist continues, "Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture." True gratitude starts with recognizing who God is. He created us with love, and He leads us as a Shepherd leads His sheep. When we understand that we belong to Him, it fills our hearts with both humility and peace.

Finally, Psalm 100 calls us to enter God’s presence with thanksgiving and praise: "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." These verses remind us that God’s love is eternal, and His faithfulness spans every season and circumstance of our lives. This is why we give thanks—not just for what He has done, but for who He is.

As a church family, let us live out the truth of Psalm 100 in our daily lives. Let’s commit to worshiping with joyful hearts, recognizing God’s hand in every situation, and sharing His goodness with those around us. During this season of thanksgiving, I encourage you to take time to reflect on God’s blessings, share your gratitude with others, and seek opportunities to serve.

May the words of Psalm 100 guide us as we grow in gratitude: "For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."

With love and thanksgiving,
La Paz de Dios te acompañe
Pastor, Arturo Mejia

Contact Arturo Here:
Contact
NUMA STUDENT CALENDAR - December-January

EVERY SUNDAY - Jr. High and High School Bible Study @ 9:30am in the Student Center!

EVERY WEDNESDAY (During the School Year) - OASIS - 6th-12th grade LifeGroups and Worship @ 6:30pm

December 1st - Sing n' Sweets - 5-6:30pm - come enjoy an amazing night of singing Christmas songs and enjoying sweets together!

December 18th- Youth Group Christmas Party!  - 6:30 to 8pm - Wear your favorite Ugly Sweater for the Contest!

December 25th - No Youth Group 

December 30th - 8pm to 12am - New Year's Eve Eve!  $40 - Get ready for a night of fun, excitement, and worship for the new year! Must sign up at the Hub or by messaging Isaac.

January 1st - No Youth Group

January 8th - OASIS KICK-OFF!  Free Pizza, Games, Prizes.  Invite your friends!  6pm to 8pm! 


TO SIGN UP FOR EVENTS - PLEASE TEXT, CALL OR EMAIL ISAAC, OUR STUDENT PASTOR, OR SIGN UP AT "THE HUB" IN THE STUDENT CENTER.
479-426-5897 // isaac@rogerscc.org

Contact Isaac Here: 

Hey Parents!

Christmas is here, and I couldn’t be more excited to share what’s been going on with your amazing kids! We’ve been having such a blast learning about the Bible together. Right now, we’re on a mission to learn all the books of the Bible—yes, all of them! But it’s not just about knowing the names. We’re helping your kids understand that the Bible is like God’s love letter to us—filled with wisdom, hope, and promises that never fail.

We dove deep into the book of Ruth in November, and let me tell you, this story is packed with goodness! Ruth’s faith, loyalty, and God’s big plan for her life are such an encouragement. Plus, it’s the perfect lead-up to Christmas because it reminds us that God is always working behind the scenes to bring His promises to life—just like He did by sending us Jesus.

As we celebrate this special season, I want you to know how much we love partnering with you to help your kids grow in their faith. Watching them learn and light up when they connect with God’s Word is the best gift ever!

I’m praying your Christmas is full of joy, laughter, and moments that remind you just how much Jesus loves you. Thanks for letting us be a part of your kids’ lives—they’re awesome, and so are you!

Merry Christmas,
Jamie

Upcoming dates:
December 1st : Sing 'n Sweets: Bring a dessert and join us for an ugly sweater contest, games, and Christmas carols led by our kiddos
December 18th: Kids Christmas party!
December 25th- Jan 1st: No Weds programs
January 8th: Weds kick-off
March 7th-8th: Superstart for kids in 4th and 5th grade. Parents & grandparents, this is an AWESOME conference designed just for preteens! Great option for a Chrismtas gift!

Contact Jamie Here: 

December is here and the Holidays are in full swing! I pray that you and your families had a blessed Thanksgiving. November was full of fun learning about Thanksgiving and what it means to be thankful. But this month, our focus is all on Jesus as a baby as we celebrate his birth and learn the TRUE meaning of Christmas. Our theme this month comes from Luke 1:31 “you will give birth to a son and call his name Jesus!” Your children will hear words and songs about the birth of Jesus, celebrate Jesus’ birthday, and play with toys and materials to learn about the birth of Jesus.

December may be filled with much excitement and busyness for your family. However, in the midst of it all, take time to celebrate the presence of Christ in your daily lives. Set aside intentional moments with your children to think about all the ways He blesses your life this holiday season.


SING IT
Happy Birthday, Jesus!
(to the tune of “Jesus loves me”)
It’s Jesus’ birthday, time to sing!
Shake the bells and make them ring.
Let’s all sing a happy song.
Bring your drums and march along.
Happy birthday, Jesus
Happy birthday, Jesus
Happy birthday, Jesus
We sing this happy song.

______________________________________________________________

VOLUNTEER in The Harbor Nursery!

We have many volunteer opportunities available in the Harbor Nursery Ministry and at Check-in!
•1st and 2nd Service Check-in Volunteers
•1st and 2nd Service Substitutes- BIGGEST NEED!

If you're interested in serving in this vital ministry at RCC, please reach out to Andrea VanAuken using the form below.  
Thank you!

Email Andrea, The Nursery Coordinator, with the form below:

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS

The International Missions Committee is excited to share with the body our revised monthly commitment amounts. We’ve been able to increase our giving to the organizations we support due to RCC’s generous giving. We thank all of you for being gracious stewards of God’s blessings, and in turn, blessing others with the Gospel.

Abra Church of Christ Ministries Association: $2,000
Philippines Bible Seminary: $183
Vision for Missions: $600
Other Philippines Missions: $400
Team Expansion: $500
Camp Hope: $400
Scriptures in Use: $300
Total: $4,383

-The International Missions Committee

Community Groups are active! If you aren't involved in a C-Group and would like to be, please contact Allen Williams with the form below!

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sing ‘n Sweets
Join us December 1st from 5-6:30pm for our Sing-’n-Sweets event. We will eat sweets, sing carols, and have an ugly Christmas sweater contest! Bring your family and friends as we dive into the Christmas season! Please bring something sweet to share!   See ya there!
Women’s Ministry Gathering
Join us Monday, December 16th, at 6:30pm for our monthly Women's Gathering! We will be enjoying a hot cocoa bar, pot luck dinner (bring your favorite side or dessert), a Christmas devotional, ornament exchange (bring a wrapped ornament to exchange), door prizes, and fellowship! Childcare will be provided. See you there!
Men’s Breakfast
Guys of all ages are invited to join us on Saturday, December 21st, for our Men’s Breakfast! RCC’s Student Pastor, Isaac King, will be our guest speaker. We will meet in the Worship Center at 8am for an awesome time of food and community! Bring some friends, and we hope to see you there!
There will be no Wednesday night programming December 25th or January 1st.  We will be back on January 8th. Enjoy your Christmas vacation!!
CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT SERVICES
Please join us for one of our Candlelight Services on December 24th at 5pm or 6:30pm.  Both services witll be identical, with spanish translation during the 6:30pm service. We will also have a live nativity with animals you can feed before or after each service.  This is an incredible way to prepare our hearts for the true meaning of Christmas!
The church office will be closed Christmas day and New Year's day!
The 8th Street Motel Serving Ministry
Our next service at The 8th Street Motel will be on Thursday, December 26th. We need 2 people to help with meal preparation at 1pm in the Worship Center kitchen, and 12 people to help with set up and serving. We’ll meet in the Worship Center at 4:15pm to go set up, and should be done by 5:30pm. A sign up sheet is available on the RCC table. Contact the church office, 479-636-9067, for questions.
Beginning January 12th during the 9:30am Adult Bible Class hour, we will be offering Financial Peace University. This is a 9-week course designed to help people be the managers of their money, instead of their money managing them. Cost is $80. Please reach out to Josh or Melissa Turner for more information, or email Melissa at mdturner79@gmail.com
New Baby Room
Due to all of the new babies in our church family, we have created a new baby room for parents and their children.  This is a space where you you will find a changing table, play mat, chairs, and a tv that will be live streaming the Sunday service. The Baby Room is located near the coffee in the Worship Center. Enjoy! 
Homebound Communion
We have put together teams of individuals who will deliver communion to our homebound church members. If you are unable to make it on campus for service and would like for someone to come to your home and serve you communion, please contact our Lead Pastor, Zach, at the church office by phone or email (479-636-9067, zach@rogerscc.org).
THE NON-FOOD PANTRY
The Non-Food Pantry is open on the first Tuesday of every month from 5-6pm. If you, or someone you know needs some help, then stop by! Photo ID and proof of residency in Rogers are needed in order to receive items.
Are you crafty?  Or do you just have a heart for those in pain? Join this ministry!

Pray, while making a shawl, for an individual who has a long term illness  (Illness lasting 6+ months)

How you can help:
1. If you can crochet or knit, your help in making shawls would be greatly appreciated
2. Donations to help with the yarn for making shawls. (Just an average cost for the yarn to make a shawl is approximately $15.)
3. Send in names for people to receive a shawl. Text or call 479-426-5687 or send a  Facebook message to Heather Fyffe.

Contact the Office: 

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