Things to Know this Week (Nov 3)

RCS Families,

 

God’s hand of blessing is on Renton Christian. I see it in the stories of student’s committing their lives to Christ. I see it in the smiles on every student. I see it in the doors God is opening for RCS to expand our capacity. I see it through encouraging thoughts and emails from parents. Let’s not take for granted God provision, protection, and guidance. Thank you for partnering with us to develop the lives of every student in our care. I appreciate your trust, your prayers, and your encouragement.

 

Here are a few of things to know this week:

 

RCS Cares | November 6^th – 17^th 

Our prayer is that every student at RCS learns to be missionally minded, thinking beyond themselves. We want to cultivate compassionate students whose heart breaks for the things that break the heart of God. In November, we have two opportunities for the RCS community to serve:

• Food Drive: We will be receiving non-perishable food for the Renton Salvation Army Food Bank. There will be boxes outside each classroom to receive food beginning Monday, November 6^th. 
• Operation Christmas Child: We want to provide a Christmas gift to 500 children in need across the world. Special Operation Christmas Child boxes will be available in each class beginning Monday, November 6^th. 
• Additional details for both opportunities was sent by Mrs. Turner in an email on Monday (Oct 30^th).  

 

RCS Fall Book Fair | Next Week: Nov 6^th – 9^th | 8am – 5pm

Next week is our fall book fair with I:55. This Christ-centered company provides family friendly books that are prescreened to ensure they align with RCS values. CLICK HERE to browse the types of incredible books that may be available next week. Free shipping is available on any online order over $50 with the code: “FREE50WA007”. Stop by the RCS Library anytime between 8am to 5pm to pick up some great books. Each class will also have an opportunity to visit the book fair during the school day next week. The book fair will accept cash or cards.

 

No School | Friday, Nov 10 | Veterans Day Observed

RCS, BASC and SLC will be closed on Friday, November 10 in observance of Veterans Day. We appreciate the service and sacrifice of veterans who protected the freedoms we enjoy each day.

 

RCS Spirit Day | Apple Cup Attire | November 17

Support your favorite team in the Apple Cup on November 18^th for spirit day! Students can wear University of Washington or Washington State University gear for our Apple Cup themed spirit day. Students not participating in spirit day should wear standard RCS uniform attire.

 

Encouragement and Prayer:

How do you stay centered in the midst of uncertainty? You never know what you will see when you open social media or look at the news. For many, emotions of fear, anxiety, anger, or sadness can be invoked by each post or story. The flow of information that invokes these emotions is not new, however, the constant access to it is a modern feature of our always connected culture. It is all too easy to get sucked into the endless feed of the newest update, the latest crisis, or the next reason to be divided. 

 

We were not designed to live in a constant state of mental stimulation. The Bible teaches several practices that will help us return to our God-given design:

1. Remain in Christ – Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” John 15:5. We are designed to be fruitful, not out of our own strength or abilities but because through the nourishment of being connected to Jesus.
2. Seek Solitude - During a busy season of ministry, Jesus found a quite place. “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” Mark 1:35. When are you intentionally in a quiet place, without distraction, where you can seek and hear from God? For me, it is 5am before everyone in my house wakes up. I read two chapters in the Bible BEFORE I turn on my cellphone. 
3. Trust God to Provide – Jesus promised that as we seek God and His righteousness, God would provide our needs (Matthew 6:25-34). Sometimes we focus so much on our own self-reliance that we forget God is the true source of our provision.
4. Find Rest in Jesus – Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls,” Matthew 11:28-29. We can find rest, not through binge watching Netflix or an extra nap, instead, true soul level rest comes through Jesus.
5. Trade Anxiety for Peace – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:6-7. God can handle your questions and emotions. Give him your anxiety and He will trade it for an amazing peace the will protect your thoughts and emotions.

 

My prayer for you comes from the famous Serenity Prayer, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.” So many things are out of our control. However, we can find firm footing for our soul in the promises and practices of Christ. I pray that God would give you peace in the middle of uncertainty today!

Have a great weekend! 

Thanks,

Randy McMillan

RCS | Head of School