VIEWS AND REVIEWS “COMING OF THE SPIRIT”

It is a curious thing that after the risen Jesus Christ told his inner circle to go into the world to

make disciples, he didn’t say, “Now get out there and do it!” Instead, he told them to wait until they received power from the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8).

You’d think the training they had received during the previous three years would have sufficiently prepared them. You’d think that

witnessing the resurrection of Jesus would have been adequate inspiration. But, no. They needed something more: the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit fell upon the followers

of Jesus who huddled together in ancient Jerusalem, some amazing things happened. The rag-tag band became church. Their

devotion to Jesus became a mission. Their fearfulness gave way to boldness. It was only when the church was filled and empowered by the Spirit that it was ready to

get about its wonderful, holy business. With the resources that only God can provide, the early disciples began to proclaim the truth in a world of deception, tear down walls of hostility

in a world of division, and serve with compassion in a world of selfishness. We celebrate the coming of the Spirit on

Pentecost Day. We speak of this day as the birthday of the church. The mission we have in our time is an extension of the mission bestowed on the church on Pentecost two

thousand years ago. In this sense, every church is Pentecostal. We continue to need the Holy Spirit to guide us, empower us, and

encourage us as we serve the Lord. Our own abilities and strengths are not enough. The Holy Spirit makes all the difference.

Grace and Peace,

Craig

SUNDAY, JUNE 7TH, ~ THURSDAY, JUNE 11TH

5:30 ~ VBS DINNER

6:30 ~ CROCODILE DOCK!

PRESCHOOL NEWS FROM SUZANNE

Wow! We’re nearly at the end of another fantastic school year. Next week 53 VPK students will graduate from our preschool and move on to the world of elementary school and

the “Big K” (kindergarten). We will miss each and every one of them. It has been a blessing and joy getting to know them. Thank you to all

who have helped these little children develop the skills they will need to be successful in their adventures through education, and a special thank you to all of our parents for sharing their

children with us. Each day is an adventure. You wouldn’t believe the stories we hear…all good of course!

Congratulations Graduates! On Monday, June 8th, our summer school

reading adventure “Hooked on Books” begins. Summer session will run from June 8th thru August 14th. There will be 84 children joining us for endless adventures and possibilities as we

enjoy the books of Eirc Carle, Audrey Wood, Leo Lionni, Margaret Wise Brown, Robert Munsch, and many other wonderful authors.

We still have some availability for Fall VPK and preschool classes beginning August 24, 2009. Call 954-753-2445 or stop by the preschool office for more information.

Have a wonderful summer!

Church Chatter June 2009

“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 62:5-6)

WELCOME RPCC joyfully welcomes

three new members to the church family this past month. JOSH LOOMIS teaches

biology at Nova South Eastern University. He moved from Pennsylvania to Florida six years ago, and lives here with his wife and four year old daughter. Josh attended other churches,

but says, "I didn't know any one and no one knew me." Josh loves the personal touch at RPCC and is happy to find a "church family." EUNICE MUNDY was introduced to the church

through her four year old daughter, Angelica, who attends our preschool. She works as a medical assistant and lives with her husband

and daughter. Eunice joined RPCC because "the people are very kind and warm, friendly, sincere and extremely welcoming." LILETH HARRIS has lived in Coral Springs for

eight years with her daughter and granddaughter. Her son, who has completed two tours of duty in Iraq, lives next door. Lileth

tried out a few other churches but found them to be either too big or unwelcoming. Ingrid Chung, during one of her shopping trips to Walmart where Lileth works, invited her to

RPCC. From the first visit, Lileth knew it was where she wanted to be. RPCC is delighted to have Josh, Eunice and Lileth as part of our church family, and extends

to them an embracing welcome.

6/1 Lynn Kroop 6/2 Amanda Sikora 6/5 Trinidad Ortiz

6/7 Mallory Carter 6/12 Earlene Beckford 6/14 Angelica Beckford

6/18 Kimberly Williams Cheryl Zahn 6/19 Ken Herman Rosanne Muriello

Loni Skipper 6/21 Jamie Chung Thomas Laverde 6/25 Jorge Tocuyo

6/27 Carla Casas Sheila Surgeoner

JUNE ANNIVERSARIES 6/9 Scott & Patti Johnson Frank & Sheila Surgeoner

6/22 Richard & June Derby [We apologize if your name is not on the list. Please call the office to update your information!]

GOOD NEWS OF BLESSINGS It only takes one smile to offer welcome…

And blessed be the person who will share it. It only takes one moment to be helpful… And blessed be the person who will spare it.

It only takes one joy to life a spirit… And blessed be the person who will give it. It only takes one life to make a difference… And blessed be the person who will live it.

~ Amanda Bradley

The children of Venita Adams, Dominique Antal and Lionel Adams, sent the above on a card

acknowledging that “God blesses those who give of themselves.” They send their thanks for everything our church community did to help

their mother.

“BREAKTHROUGH” We have youth going to each of the camps listed below, and they like to

receive mail. To ensure they receive their mail, please mail it early, and address it in the following

manner: Camper’s Name

Camp Event (CYF Conference, ChiRho, etc.)

Christian Church Conference Center

6455 E. Silver Springs Blvd.

Silver Springs, FL 34488

It is not too late to register for some of the camps. If you are interested, please call the office as soon as possible. Camp registration

forms are available on the youth room door (or download them at www.flconferencecenter.org). Also, if you are interested in helping with transportation, please call the church office.

Camp Grades Dates Cost

CYF Conference 9th – 12th 6/14 – 20 $310

3rd Grade Camp 3rd 6/21 – 25 $260

Junior Camp 4th - 5th 6/28 – 7/2 $260

Chi Rho Camp 6th - 8th 7/19 – 24 $295

EMAIL PRAYER GROUP If you have a prayer need, please let us

know. If you would like to participate in the prayer group, call or email Alice in the church office (954-753-2383 or rpcc2@bellsouth.net). It is an honor to pray for those who request

prayer.