by Minister Sonia Mayo

by Minister Fredrick Sanders, Director SALT Ministry

by Bro. Marocco Roberts

FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY

As part of the Dump the Debt Challenge, Financial Peace University (FPU) classes will begin on Wednesday, February 13^th from 7-9pm, and will run every Wednesday evening for 9 weeks. Financial Peace University teaches God's way of handling money. Through video teaching, class discussions and interactive small group activities, FPU presents biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to where you've dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more!  Each family that participates in the program is required to purchase a FPU kit. Contact kylisah@rlcdc.org for registration information.

10^th ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC AND CHARITY JAZZ BRUNCH

With the holidays behind us, we begin looking towards our 2013 events!  Actually, we started about two months ago working on the 10^th Annual Charity Golf Classic and the Charity Jazz Brunch to benefit our college scholarship program and the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program.  The golf classic will be held on Monday, April 29^th at Old Hickory Golf Club, and the Charity Jazz Brunch will take place on Saturday, June 1^st from 11am-1pm at Old Hickory Golf Club.

Last year was a great success but 2013 promises to be even greater!  This is where we need your help.  In 2013 our goal is to max out the course with 128 players.   We need you to register to play, volunteer for the planning committee or help with sponsor support.  All the information you need is posted at www.rlcdc.org.  The same is true for our annual Charity Jazz Brunch.  We need for you to register to attend and enjoy a morning of live jazz, wonderful food and help us celebrate our scholarship recipients and the great work of the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program.

2013 COMMUNITY COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

If you are the parent of a high school senior who will be entering college as a freshman in the fall of 2013, the RLCDC Community Scholarship application will be available for download beginning January 15^th.  The deadline for submission is May 15^th.

ANNUAL COMMUNITY SUMMER JAM!

On Saturday, August 10^th beginning at 10am, RLCDC will be hosting the annual Community Summer Jam!  During this annual event, RLCDC distributes free book bags filled with school supplies to local area students to help them start the new school year off excited and prepared to learn!  It's also a day that we celebrate families in our community with food, fun, entertainment and local area business vendors!  This year, the annual Church picnic will be part of the festivities!   There will be more information to follow as we get closer to the event; however, you can sign up now to be a part of the planning committee. Simply send us an email at rlcdc@rlcdc.org and tell us you want to help!

First, I want to say that if you missed the W.O.E. Christmas Tea with Lady O, you missed a treat!  We had about 80 ladies to attend this event. 

The word Lady O shared was simplistic, but yet it's a necessary practical application suitable in the life of every Believer.  So this month, I want to echo that message as food for thought.  You know "words" are one of the most powerful forces.  They can be used for good or evil. Your words can change the course of a day, the course of a life.  It's important that you use your words in positive, powerful ways.  In doing so, you may ....

*  encourage a husband to achieve his dreams;

*  impart confidence into a child's heart;

*  encourage a friend's waning hope;

*  draw someone to the love of Christ; or

*  open the door to a powerful prayer life.

As a woman, the potential to impact the lives of others will yield profound possibilities as you use this mighty force and speak life to those around you.  There are many examples of women in the Bible to model, as we embrace God's Incredible Gift!  Paul broke it down to the church in Rome when he said:

"So what exactly was Moses saying?

The word that saves is right here,

as near as the tongue in your mouth,

as close as the heart in your chest.

It's the word of faith that welcomes God to go to work and set things right for us. This is the core of our preaching."(Romans 10:8, Message)

That's it!  The power of our words (agreeing with God's Word), gives way for God to move on our behalf and in the lives of others.  This year give the free gift of God's Word. He freely gave to us and the Word admonishes us to freely give, as we have received. If we look around, God will give us countless opportunities to bless those around us. What better gift to give than the gift of life and hope!  The ability to give this gift is not predicated on our budget, He paid the price so it costs us nothing, but obedience!

May the Lord bless you and keep you, may He be gracious to you and give you peace!

The W.O.E. Ministry Team & First Lady Ollie Reeves

Upcoming Events:

Event:       W.O.E. Meeting (in lieu of Women's Shut-in)

Date:         January 12, 2013

Speaker:  Bishop E.V. Reeves

by Elder Renee Johnson

Exists to Promote:

• Knowledge of God's Word
• Christian Character
• Community
• Discipleship

Bible Bowl is a ministry for youth in grades sixth to twelve (Middle and High School Divisions) which combines Bible study with Christian competition and fellowship. The purpose is to give our youth a firm foundation for their faith through the systematic study, memorization, and application of Scripture. Each quarter, a designated portion of Scripture will be chosen as the study text.  Weekly practices will be held (in-person, conference calls, web-cast, etc.) consisting of learning and applying the designated text, devotions, quizzing, plus lots of fun and fellowship.  

Our Unstoppable Youth Ministry will hold our inaugural Bible Bowl meeting at New Life on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 12:00pm. At this time we will assign teams, discuss rules and provide study materials. Teams will consist of 3 to 5 players, who will initially compete against other New Life teams and eventually expand to ICEC churches and other surrounding churches later in 2013 (trophy, ribbons, plaque or possible scholarships/bonds will be given as prizes for the end of the year competition). All scripture will be taken from the New International Version (NIV). Remember David's words found in Psalm 119:105, "Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path."  Let's do our best to make that verse come to life for each youth involved with the Bible Bowl.  Parents please bring all of your middle and high schoolers out for an exciting and enriching time in GOD!  For any additional information please see any one of New Life's Unstoppable Youth leaders.

Here are ideas to use in preparing/studying for Bible Bowl:

1. Meet at least one time per week (try not to over-work the students, especially at first).
2. Use colored pencils to color code the scripture:  Blue-Quotes, Yellow-Names, Orange-verse numbers, Green-places, Red or pink-objects and other nouns
3. Encourage parents to help in study
4. Make a schedule to follow to cover a certain amount of material per week
5. Split up students to have practice contests or tests
6. Compliment students in front of the congregation, in church newsletter, in front of parents, etc.
7. Remind them that all that they learn will help them in life and for eternity
8. Challenge and encourage each student to participate.  Their confidence and desire will grow as they learn.
9. Use free Bible downloads and apps for various phones and computers
10. As you study try not only to know the facts-try to understand what is going on.
11. Read the Bible first without your study guide.  Take short notes or write down words and items you do not understand.
12. Look at the guide and see if it helps you understand (if not, ask your parents, coach, teacher or Pastor)
13. Remember to start with PRAYER in your study!
14. Do not get discouraged!

Lastly, memorize this verse as you study, II Timothy 2:15, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."  Blessings!

by Brother John Butler  

Beginning this New Year, The Fit for Life Ministry will sponsor a "Get Fit and Healthy Initiative".  This challenge is not considered to be a competition between members, but more as a commitment and new way of life for all members as we all seek collectively to obtain and/or maintain good healthy habits and to prosper in good health as God wants us too.  1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (KJV) states: 

What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

The challenge is designed not to be overbearing but it will require a commitment.  Do not expect to change years of habits just overnight.   After all, the weight did not accumulate overnight. Your outcome will be mostly contingent upon you being disciplined and doing the right things for your body.  Here is what you need to do:

1. Sign up on December 31^st from 8pm - 9pm before the New Year's Eve service at C.D. Hylton High School for your official weigh-in.  Please note:  weight will only be known and/or seen by the coaches
2. Attend scheduled meetings that will assist you with your fitness journey.
3. Stay in contact with coaches who will help you plan various fitness activities you may choose to take part in, e.g.  Zumba, Cardio Kickboxing, Cardio Senior-cise, Boot-Camp, Brisk Walking, Shadow Boxing.

As always, please consult your healthcare provider before starting any exercise, wellness or workout regimen.

MONTHLY PRAYER CALENDAR

Youth College Bus Tour 

All High School students are invited on a college tour. March 25 through the 28^th observe campus life first-hand at prestigious universities to include UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke University, Hampton University, Norfolk State and more! The trip includes transportation, lodging, most meals, campus tours, materials and activities. The cost is $300 with a deposit of $150 due by January 6^th. Download details

Text Messaging System  

Now, not only can you receive texts about service cancellations, but you can also receive Daily Prayer Scripture, ministry news and more right on your phone as soon as it's announced! Go to the Members Text Messaging Page now to learn more!