Twas the Night Before Christmas...
Showing posts with label events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label events. Show all posts
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Since we couldn't have church today...
Well, we couldn't have church this morning so here is the Christmas Program from last week, since we couldn't see it this morning. The message of the true meaning of Christmas; Christ birth and the importance we must place on it rang throughout the program. The choir, actors, children, director, sound and lighting crew did a fantastic job. We now present:
Twas the Night Before Christmas...
Twas the Night Before Christmas...
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Prayer Vigil for Mrs. Jean
Don't forget we are having a Prayer Vigil for Jean this Friday November 6th at 6pm in the Main Sanctuary. If you haven't signed up for a time slot please contact the Church office today before 3pm. Let us come out to support and petition our Heavenly Father for our precious sister Jean.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
4th of July... What does it take to truly be free?
Here is a portion of Sunday's Fourth of July Service. Pastor Chris Blackburn gave a thought provoking message before the final song "God Bless the USA" and after several requests here is the text in it's entirety.
Land of the free and home of the brave . . . Is this nation really free or have the people become slaves? . . . Fallen into sin time and time again. . God shed His grace on thee, this nation used to see . . . That Jesus Christ, not our own desires, is what it takes to be free.
During this time of celebration we are called to reflect upon the true history of this country and how it was that we became a nation. We formed this nation based on Godly, Biblical principles that define the true meaning of freedom and we stood for what is right. We did not back down to tyrannical leaders and forms of government who desired to control us. We fought against unbelievable odds and triumphed because our faith as a nation in God and in ourselves was greater than the power of the opposition. We believed in a destiny that this nation, America, would be a shining example of freedom to the world and that through our example, God would be glorified. With that determination, we won our independence.
During the time America fought to win its independence, our leaders had a deep understanding of God’s plan and purpose for His people and for this country. They understood that God should come first. The Declaration of Independence stated that all men are created equally and they are endowed by the Creator with certain inalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. We know from the Bible that all men are equal when we read John 3:16 . . . “For God so loved THE WORLD that He gave His only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”.
The first Presidential inaugural address given in 1789 by George Washington . . . our President opened with both his concerns and the burden of the responsibilities that lay before him as the first leader of this new nation. Following that opening paragraph, George Washington acknowledged God stating, “IT WOULD BE IMPROPER TO OMIT IN THIS FIRST OFFICIAL ACT MY FERVENT SUPPLICATIONS TO THAT ALMIGHTY BEING WHO RULES OVER THE UNIVERSE, WHO PRESIDES IN THE COUNCILS OF NATIONS, AND WHOSE PROVIDENTIAL AIDS CAN SUPPLY EVERY HUMAN NEED.” Washington would later state “NO PEOPLE CAN BE BOUND TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND ADORE THE INVISIBLE HAND WHICH CONDUCTS THE AFFAIRS OF MEN MORE THAN THOSE OF THE UNITED STATES.”
In that part of his speech, George Washington, our founding father, is reminding us that the people of the United States of America, more so than any other nation on earth, should acknowledge and adore that God is the provider, the protector, the author, foundation and finisher of our faith as a people and as a nation!
What has happened to us?
In the song just presented, the words should grip our conscious and provoke a repentant spirit within us . . . Generations lost, over time this land has strayed . . . From leading all the children in Your holy ways . . . Many only reach to You when there’s a need . . . But then it’s back to the world and on sin their spirits feed . . . What has this land become? What have the father’s done? . . . They’ve betrayed their role as leader and failed more than just one Son . . .
As Christians, we are called to be Christ’s example to the world . . . to the people of this nation . . . to the people of our neighborhoods . . . to our friends and to the loved ones in our home! Our national motto cries out “In God We Trust”, and it is mocked every time we go to the polls and we vote our pocketbooks instead of our Christian values. As a nation, we have become distracted by the parlor games that our media plays . . . red state vs. blue state . . . Republican vs. Democrat . . . Conservative vs. Liberal . . . right vs. left when it should be about what God’s Word says is right vs. wrong. We now define ourselves by what the media labels us as and we are choosing daily not to live the example that Jesus set for us. We no longer understand that the greatest commandment is to LOVE ONE ANOTHER as we love ourselves. Instead we are quick to judge, quick to condemn and demonstrate the same hate towards others as is being shown to us as Christians by a nation quickly turning its back on God.
In fact, we as Christians have submerged ourselves into the melting pot of this world. We now indulge ourselves daily with the pursuit of a life that puts Christ in the background as we chase worldly idols that we are convinced that we need more than Him. Our happiness is no longer based on our salvation through Christ’s work on the cross, but through the pursuit of those things that bring joy into the day. Our liberty now seems to be based on the size of our salary, our savings and our ability to live in a manner that is not dependent on God’s provision. It is obvious to those who take a sincere look at our nation, at our people . . . and at the man in the mirror, that we have turned our back on God. We no longer have a true understanding of His love, His mercy, and His grace for us. How hypocritical of us as individuals and as a nation to say one thing, but to live another.
So where do we go from here?
In II Chronicles 7:14, the Word states clearly “If My people, who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land.” God is calling us to repentance . . . as individuals, as a community and as a nation. We must begin by taking a long, serious look at ourselves in the mirror of God’s unchanging Word and humble ourselves to the fact that we are all sinners, and fall short of the glory of God. We have no hope without the selfless work of Christ on the Cross. We must choose to give the most valuable asset that we have, our lives, back to God and walk in the life, liberty and freedom that only He can provide. Only then can real change come to our homes, to our communities and ultimately to our country that we take such pride in. A pride that is reflected in our final number today, Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless The USA”.
As we perform this final number, I ask that you take a moment to reflect on this nation . . . on our history . . . on our communities . . . but most importantly on your relationship with Jesus Christ and your Heavenly Father. It is not enough to be saved . . . but we must once again choose to be the Christ-like example to the world before it is too late. This world, this nation and our communities will eventually pass away, but God has promised us in His Word in Matthew 28:20 “and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you and surely I am with you always, EVEN to the END of the age.”
- Pastor Chris Blackburn
Land of the free and home of the brave . . . Is this nation really free or have the people become slaves? . . . Fallen into sin time and time again. . God shed His grace on thee, this nation used to see . . . That Jesus Christ, not our own desires, is what it takes to be free.
During this time of celebration we are called to reflect upon the true history of this country and how it was that we became a nation. We formed this nation based on Godly, Biblical principles that define the true meaning of freedom and we stood for what is right. We did not back down to tyrannical leaders and forms of government who desired to control us. We fought against unbelievable odds and triumphed because our faith as a nation in God and in ourselves was greater than the power of the opposition. We believed in a destiny that this nation, America, would be a shining example of freedom to the world and that through our example, God would be glorified. With that determination, we won our independence.
During the time America fought to win its independence, our leaders had a deep understanding of God’s plan and purpose for His people and for this country. They understood that God should come first. The Declaration of Independence stated that all men are created equally and they are endowed by the Creator with certain inalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. We know from the Bible that all men are equal when we read John 3:16 . . . “For God so loved THE WORLD that He gave His only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”.
The first Presidential inaugural address given in 1789 by George Washington . . . our President opened with both his concerns and the burden of the responsibilities that lay before him as the first leader of this new nation. Following that opening paragraph, George Washington acknowledged God stating, “IT WOULD BE IMPROPER TO OMIT IN THIS FIRST OFFICIAL ACT MY FERVENT SUPPLICATIONS TO THAT ALMIGHTY BEING WHO RULES OVER THE UNIVERSE, WHO PRESIDES IN THE COUNCILS OF NATIONS, AND WHOSE PROVIDENTIAL AIDS CAN SUPPLY EVERY HUMAN NEED.” Washington would later state “NO PEOPLE CAN BE BOUND TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND ADORE THE INVISIBLE HAND WHICH CONDUCTS THE AFFAIRS OF MEN MORE THAN THOSE OF THE UNITED STATES.”
In that part of his speech, George Washington, our founding father, is reminding us that the people of the United States of America, more so than any other nation on earth, should acknowledge and adore that God is the provider, the protector, the author, foundation and finisher of our faith as a people and as a nation!
What has happened to us?
In the song just presented, the words should grip our conscious and provoke a repentant spirit within us . . . Generations lost, over time this land has strayed . . . From leading all the children in Your holy ways . . . Many only reach to You when there’s a need . . . But then it’s back to the world and on sin their spirits feed . . . What has this land become? What have the father’s done? . . . They’ve betrayed their role as leader and failed more than just one Son . . .
As Christians, we are called to be Christ’s example to the world . . . to the people of this nation . . . to the people of our neighborhoods . . . to our friends and to the loved ones in our home! Our national motto cries out “In God We Trust”, and it is mocked every time we go to the polls and we vote our pocketbooks instead of our Christian values. As a nation, we have become distracted by the parlor games that our media plays . . . red state vs. blue state . . . Republican vs. Democrat . . . Conservative vs. Liberal . . . right vs. left when it should be about what God’s Word says is right vs. wrong. We now define ourselves by what the media labels us as and we are choosing daily not to live the example that Jesus set for us. We no longer understand that the greatest commandment is to LOVE ONE ANOTHER as we love ourselves. Instead we are quick to judge, quick to condemn and demonstrate the same hate towards others as is being shown to us as Christians by a nation quickly turning its back on God.
In fact, we as Christians have submerged ourselves into the melting pot of this world. We now indulge ourselves daily with the pursuit of a life that puts Christ in the background as we chase worldly idols that we are convinced that we need more than Him. Our happiness is no longer based on our salvation through Christ’s work on the cross, but through the pursuit of those things that bring joy into the day. Our liberty now seems to be based on the size of our salary, our savings and our ability to live in a manner that is not dependent on God’s provision. It is obvious to those who take a sincere look at our nation, at our people . . . and at the man in the mirror, that we have turned our back on God. We no longer have a true understanding of His love, His mercy, and His grace for us. How hypocritical of us as individuals and as a nation to say one thing, but to live another.
So where do we go from here?
In II Chronicles 7:14, the Word states clearly “If My people, who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land.” God is calling us to repentance . . . as individuals, as a community and as a nation. We must begin by taking a long, serious look at ourselves in the mirror of God’s unchanging Word and humble ourselves to the fact that we are all sinners, and fall short of the glory of God. We have no hope without the selfless work of Christ on the Cross. We must choose to give the most valuable asset that we have, our lives, back to God and walk in the life, liberty and freedom that only He can provide. Only then can real change come to our homes, to our communities and ultimately to our country that we take such pride in. A pride that is reflected in our final number today, Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless The USA”.
As we perform this final number, I ask that you take a moment to reflect on this nation . . . on our history . . . on our communities . . . but most importantly on your relationship with Jesus Christ and your Heavenly Father. It is not enough to be saved . . . but we must once again choose to be the Christ-like example to the world before it is too late. This world, this nation and our communities will eventually pass away, but God has promised us in His Word in Matthew 28:20 “and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you and surely I am with you always, EVEN to the END of the age.”
- Pastor Chris Blackburn
Thursday, July 2, 2009
I Pledge Allegiance to the Flag...
Memorial Day, Flag Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day fill our summers with patriotic holidays. Each one represented by the colors of the Flag of the United States. Red standing for valor; white for purity and innocence; and blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice. Early patriots determined the colors and general design of the flag. From the beginning, the colors remained the same. The stars and stripes were debated but agreed upon eventually. In school we are taught that Betsy Ross sewed the first flag with the specifications of George Washington. Later, Congress passed laws to make flags exactly the same, to a particular scale, to hang a certain way, to never be thrown away, to be carried before any other flags, and so on. Since the flag has come to be the symbol of patriotism, Americans recite a pledge to it. It is an oath of loyalty to the United States of America. School children say it everyday and even the Senate and House of Representatives recite the pledge at the begining of their daily sessions.
The first pledge was written by Francis Bellamy. He was a Baptist minister, a children's magazine editor, and a socialist. He was a member of a committee for the 400th anniversary ceremony of Christopher Columbus. In the September 1892 issue of The Youth's Companion Magazine, Bellamy wrote:
"I pledge allegiance to my flag, and the Republic for which it stands: One Nation indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all." That October 12th, children all over the country recited the pledge for the first time. Since the original, changes have been made and Congress adopted The Pledge of Allegiance of the United States of America. Today debates and lawsuits over the words in the pledge are common. So let's think about these words for a moment...
I pledge allegiance...I promise my loyalty
to the flag of the United States of America...to the symbol of my country
and to the Republic for which it stands...and the government that it represents
One Nation under God,...one country, with The God as the true ruler, overseer
Indivisible,...not separate states, together,
with liberty...with the freedom to speak, think, share, pray,
and justice...and fairness and equality
for all....for every single person.
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands: One Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
July 5th Radford Worship Center will be having a choir special to celebrate our God and our country. Please come join us!
- Susie Hickman
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Steppin Out at MK's
Steppin Out went to MK's Gourmet Pizzeria near Claytor Lake. As you can see by the photos above everyone had a great time eating, talking and laughing. Thanks so much to all who made it out. Next month... TBA
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Firearms Training Class
Today, several of us from RWC went to a Firearms Training Class in Pulaski, VA. In short: We had a blast! Part classroom and part firing range, our instructor, Jeff Walke, definitley knows his stuff. From teaching us the Law to teaching and showing proper safety for firearms this man is truly a wealth of knowledge. Oh, and we learned that Edith (and a few others of us) is an incredible shot. There was even some talk of starting ladies shooting club. MMMMM.... Here are some shots from the day.
Our group talking while waiting for our paperwork.
Luke and Dr. Dave compare targets.
Laura on the range.
You go girl!
If anyone is interested in the class or would like more information please contact Tim Ratcliff.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Crossroads Summer Program Prepares to kick off in July
There are so many ministries at the Radford Worship Center and I would like to take some time and let you know a little about one of them, Crossroads Ministry. Crossroads is dedicated to recognizing and meeting the needs of incarcerated youth, adults and their families. We currently are operating within four facilities, providing bible studies, life skills classes, counseling, weekly services and our summer program “Planning for Success on the Outside”.
Most Juvenile Detention Centers have limited funds for programs. As a result there was a hole in the summer schedule during regular school hours at the local juvenile detention center. So they asked if we could fill that hole - a time slot of roughly 8:30 to 3:00 five days a week. We saw this as an excellent opportunity to help these teens grow in Christ. With that began our first year of conducting the “Planning for Success” summer program. This is one of the most exciting opportunities we’ve been given at Crossroads.
The summer program is a unique blend of class room and hands on activities designed to equip the teens with some of the life skills necessary to become successful in life. The really cool thing about the program is the whole thing is centered on Jesus! We invite grounded adults from all walks of life and professions to come and invest in the teens. Last year we had a former home ec teacher do cooking classes, a banker teach on finances, physical therapists taught proper exercise techniques, pastor Mike taught on a biblical view of sex, other ministers came to invest their time with studies, and a former gang member from Atlanta came to share his testimony of how Christ changed his life.
It does not take being around the young people long to realize how much investment it takes with this population to see a real change in their life. In many cases you find yourself having to re-parent them. Last year there were many times that I was reminded of a scripture in 1 Corinthians 4:15 “You may have countless Christian guardians, but you don't have many spiritual fathers. I became your father in the Christian life by telling you the Good News about Christ Jesus.”
The awesome thing about the whole summer is we get to see these young people begin to really embrace a relationship with Jesus Christ. Last year we had many come to Christ, and actually had the opportunity to hold a baptism service in the New River.
We always have opportunities for qualified individuals to come and be a part of what God is doing. Feel free to contact me if you’re interested in what opportunities we have for this year’s summer program. This year we will begin on July 6th.
Pastor Ted Farmer
Director Crossroads Ministry
540-230-3720
Most Juvenile Detention Centers have limited funds for programs. As a result there was a hole in the summer schedule during regular school hours at the local juvenile detention center. So they asked if we could fill that hole - a time slot of roughly 8:30 to 3:00 five days a week. We saw this as an excellent opportunity to help these teens grow in Christ. With that began our first year of conducting the “Planning for Success” summer program. This is one of the most exciting opportunities we’ve been given at Crossroads.
The summer program is a unique blend of class room and hands on activities designed to equip the teens with some of the life skills necessary to become successful in life. The really cool thing about the program is the whole thing is centered on Jesus! We invite grounded adults from all walks of life and professions to come and invest in the teens. Last year we had a former home ec teacher do cooking classes, a banker teach on finances, physical therapists taught proper exercise techniques, pastor Mike taught on a biblical view of sex, other ministers came to invest their time with studies, and a former gang member from Atlanta came to share his testimony of how Christ changed his life.
It does not take being around the young people long to realize how much investment it takes with this population to see a real change in their life. In many cases you find yourself having to re-parent them. Last year there were many times that I was reminded of a scripture in 1 Corinthians 4:15 “You may have countless Christian guardians, but you don't have many spiritual fathers. I became your father in the Christian life by telling you the Good News about Christ Jesus.”
The awesome thing about the whole summer is we get to see these young people begin to really embrace a relationship with Jesus Christ. Last year we had many come to Christ, and actually had the opportunity to hold a baptism service in the New River.
We always have opportunities for qualified individuals to come and be a part of what God is doing. Feel free to contact me if you’re interested in what opportunities we have for this year’s summer program. This year we will begin on July 6th.
Pastor Ted Farmer
Director Crossroads Ministry
540-230-3720
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
RWC Church Picnic 2009
Sunday we had our annual Church wide picnic down at Bissett Park. As you can tell from the photos there was a crowd of people and we had a blast. There aren't too many things that say Summer around here more than Kids, Church Lady Food, and Lots of Friends.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Images...
From movies, music videos, magazines, and television, media is bombarding children with images they deem perfect. Children in turn are believing these deceptions and comparing themselves to them. They do not know of the surgeries, constant unhealthy diets, and even photo touch ups used to make these "superstars" look unblemished.
While studying this topic for Missionettes, I found these scriptures to try and combat the attack of these lies. Some are celebrating our differences and remind us of who created us.
So God created humans in His image. In the image of God He created them, male and female. (Gen. 1:27)
Each person has a special gift from God and these gifts vary from person to person. (1 Cor. 7:7)
You are
Light for the world. (Matt. 5:14)
Beauty doesn't come
From hairstyles, gold jewelry, or clothes. Rather, beauty is something internal that can't be destroyed. (1 Pet. 3:3-4)
I will give thanks to You because I have been amazingly and miraculously made. (Ps. 139:14)
God has
Made us what we are. He has created us in Christ Jesus to live lives filled with good works that he has prepared for us to do. (Eph. 2:10)
Do not be
Afraid,... I have called you by name and you are mine. (Is. 43:1)
God saw everything He had made and that is was good. (Gen. 1:31)
Even one star differs in splendor from another star. (1 Cor. 15:41b)
The Children's Ministry team at Radford Worship Center has agreed to help encourage our young ladies in this area by hosting a "SPA Day" for school age girls, kindergarten to sixth grade. We have not set a date other than after school is out for the summer. If there are any women that can style hair? Wash feet? Paint fingernails? Fix salads? How about lead aerobics? Encourage these young ladies? Read the Bible? Pray? Or maybe you have a special talent not mentioned that you want to share? Please contact Susie Hickman or Pastor Tina Blackburn.
- Susie Hickman
Missionette Director
A Ministry to Girls
While studying this topic for Missionettes, I found these scriptures to try and combat the attack of these lies. Some are celebrating our differences and remind us of who created us.
So God created humans in His image. In the image of God He created them, male and female. (Gen. 1:27)
Each person has a special gift from God and these gifts vary from person to person. (1 Cor. 7:7)
You are
Light for the world. (Matt. 5:14)
Beauty doesn't come
From hairstyles, gold jewelry, or clothes. Rather, beauty is something internal that can't be destroyed. (1 Pet. 3:3-4)
I will give thanks to You because I have been amazingly and miraculously made. (Ps. 139:14)
God has
Made us what we are. He has created us in Christ Jesus to live lives filled with good works that he has prepared for us to do. (Eph. 2:10)
Do not be
Afraid,... I have called you by name and you are mine. (Is. 43:1)
God saw everything He had made and that is was good. (Gen. 1:31)
Even one star differs in splendor from another star. (1 Cor. 15:41b)
The Children's Ministry team at Radford Worship Center has agreed to help encourage our young ladies in this area by hosting a "SPA Day" for school age girls, kindergarten to sixth grade. We have not set a date other than after school is out for the summer. If there are any women that can style hair? Wash feet? Paint fingernails? Fix salads? How about lead aerobics? Encourage these young ladies? Read the Bible? Pray? Or maybe you have a special talent not mentioned that you want to share? Please contact Susie Hickman or Pastor Tina Blackburn.
- Susie Hickman
Missionette Director
A Ministry to Girls
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