12 in this issue... Walking Up, Up, Up N 2 YOUTH MINISTRY WHO WE ARE MISSIONS Rochester Church is a diverse family of loving people on a editor’s blog... N 3 HUEYS VISIT journey of faith together. We are drawn from communities all N Beth Bowers - REACH Editor across northern Oakland, western Macomb and southern Lapeer TANZANIA/UGANDA Counties to be a beacon of Jesus’ love to the tri-county area. N 4 RCC PARKING LOT We come from varied backgrounds, not only geographically, but Most of you know by now I learned (or in some cases, PROJECT spiritually, socially, religiously, educationally, and economically. that Brian and I, along with Tom reinforced) some important Together we are seeking to know God and grow in our and Kristin Butler are heading to lessons in WV that I will take N PROJECT ONE22 relationship with him as we serve people and make a difference Tanzania for three weeks to visit with me up Kilimanjaro. 6 in our communities and around the world. and work with the Haciases in 1. We are not made to January. As a part of that trip, do life alone. I really cannot N 8 ART EVENT CHURCH STAFF we are climbing Mt Kilimanjaro say enough about how COMING TO RCC with Katy Hacias. encouraging Brian has been to I am not an athlete. I am most me on this journey. He literally REACH Staff Leadership: at home with books, music, and talked me up the mountain on Adam Hill Brian Bowers Netflix. However, I do have a love more than one occasion. If you Minister of the Word Minister of Community Life for the outdoors (but I usually don’t already have them, find [email protected] [email protected] RCC Reaches Community prefer to enjoy it from my porch your people. Let this church *Chris Shields Dan Henegar while reading a book). family be your people. Worship Minister Minister to Families with Youth Brian and I have been 2. Spoken goals can be Through VBS and Musical [email protected] [email protected] spending a lot of time hiking powerful motivators. Create N Philip Brackney - Minister to Families with Children Darren McCullough Duane Harrison (mostly close to home), and I them, commit to them, and Operations Minister Executive Minister have grown more deeply in love speak them out loud to others. [email protected] [email protected] with nature and with hiking. 3. We can do hard things. RCC’s annual Vacation School increasing each We took a week-long camping/ When the goals seem and Musical made for a fantastic week. night. As usual, Karen Owen Philip Brackney hiking trip to West Virginia in unreachable or when you have This year we used the same theme for the Children’s Business Manager Minister to Families with Children July to get some more intensive gotten off track, remember that VBS and Musical, “Not Your Average Joe.” Musical was [email protected] [email protected] training in, and ended up you can do hard things. Children went on a journey through the life a hit thanks

Support Staff: logging 29 miles in 5 days, the 4. Faith is an adventure. God of as they learned that he was no to the help of so many including our looking forward to next summer as majority of that being tough, created an amazing world ordinary guy. director, Melissa Koch, who always does a we witness our children growing in *Beth Bowers *Betty Dunlap uphill climbs. worth exploring, and I am On Monday, our topic was “I know fantastic job. the Lord. A huge thank you to our Publications Receivables and Payables IT WAS HARD. I cried at one learning to trust God more and you have a plan for me.” We looked at There were over 70 children involved incredible Rochester church family. [email protected] [email protected] point during a hike on our third more with every step of the Joseph’s life from the time he received in the musical this year, which told the Without you, these two events could the coat of many colors, to his betrayal story of Joseph in a unique way. Set not have happened! Trudy Kesler Sara Whitten day. When you push yourself journey. at the pit by his brothers. On Tuesday, during the 1950s with a beach/surfer I am so blessed to work with such Member and Guest Resources Communication & Scheduling harder than you’ve ever pushed, theme, it was a “totally awesome story, an incredible group of volunteers who [email protected] [email protected] and realize that you are actually our theme was “Trust;” Joseph was in the going to make it, it’s emotional dungeon and worked his way up to the dude!” We are already love our children. *Laura Stewart business! palace. Wednesday’s theme was “I see FWC & FWY Ministry Support, your plan for me,” which Facility Usage *Part-Time Position examined the [email protected] end of Joseph’s story - famine Rochester Church Preschool: RCC OUTLOOK and reuniting with Stephanie Corp his family. Finally, Preschool Director Sept 24: “Art Is Good”* on Thursday, [email protected] we talked about Oct 22: Trunks, Trucks & Treats* forgiveness - not only the forgiveness Sunday Worship Gathering: 10:30 a.m. Nov 20: Harvest Sunday* Joseph had for Bible Classes: 9:30 a.m. his family, but the Dec 3: Party with a Purpose* ultimate forgiveness Wednesdays: 7 p.m. Jan 22: Vision Sunday we all receive from Jesus. *denotes one of the monthly RCC initiatives We averaged around 130 children with the mumbers N more photos on page 10 250 W. AVON RD., ROCHESTER HILLS, MI 48307 248.651.1933 - ROCHESTERCOC.ORG - : ROCHESTERCHURCH September & October 2016 2 11 RCC Youth Ministry on INSide: Rochester Church a Mission N Dan Henegar - Minister to Families with Youth N BABIES N MARRIAGES N TRANSITIONS Larry & Marian Kreul moved We have had an amazing summer serving more to Florida on August 26. Many with our middle school and high ministries. blessings on your new journey! school mission trips. The students and Mission: chaperones were able to experience Chosen God in powerful ways. They grew in Ranch was relationship with one another and were an amazing able to partner with multiple communities opportunity Stewardship Overview this summer that are ministering year- to partner Ewan William Milligan joined Justin Panzica and Faith N YTD through 8-29-16 round to a variety of people. with a newer Sean & Allison on July 25. Armstrong married on General Fund: One of our goals when choosing ministry that June 26. various mission trip sites is to partner is doing Budget: $673,050 with groups or ministries that are already some wonderful things for the people N Actual: $653,837 established, supporting an ongoing work of Alcona County. It’s a place where BAPTISMS in which the missionaries/ministers have teens can find stability in the midst gMariella Lyon was baptized on June 22 Special Designations: proven to be effective in their efforts. of personal chaos. We were given Member Care: $4,985 gEllie Keyes was baptized on June 23 We desire to be a support and blessing the opportunity to serve the people Mission Grounds: $1,480.30 wherever and to whomever we are called of Chosen Ranch and it truly was a gMeta Fleischhut was baptized on June 24 Pure Change: $3,982.83 to partner in mission and ministry. wonderful trip. It was humbling to Mission: Cincinnati was a wonderful receive such positive and affirming Special Care: $ 12,798.80 opportunity to partner with a known words from our brothers and sisters at ministry who has a new vision for how to Chosen Ranch. impact the projects of Cincinnati. In past On both trips, each student and years, we spent a lot of time loving on chaperone was split into a team that planned Hueys Visit Africa an evening devotional. N continued from page 3 These devotionals included pavilion that the local church had built, to Uganda. personal knowing that two years ago, this group of Most of you are thoughts, believers did not exist! While the worship familiar with scripture was in Swahili, the people were welcoming Kibo, but if you reading, and so happy that we had come from so ever want to prayers, far to join with them. Hearing Adam teach know any more worship in Swahili is quite an experience! We have about it we will songs, no idea what he said, but he was excited be happy to and other about it! Afterwards, we all moseyed share! Jinja is creative along to the nearest watering hole where also home to abandoned children. ways of Adam baptized two new believers into the Busoga Bible While both these families love engaging Lord. Watching Katy with the women and School, which our church supports. what they do, they love being part God Maddie and Francis playing with the other While in Jinja, Keith taught his World of our Rochester Church of Christ and one children just confirms how well equipped Religions class to the students there, family as well. They appreciate your the children of the projects and spending another, and these were some of the they are for the work they are doing. which is always a really rewarding messages and emails and love to a majority of our time with the kids. This highlights of both trips! After moving on to Uganda, we experience for him. Much of Kibo’s hear from all of us! They listen to the year, our time was more service project We sent over 40 people on mission enjoyed a completely different style of work, and most of the BBS students podcasts and would love to hear the oriented for a variety of reasons. This trips this summer and created lifelong visit, for a variety of reasons. Jinja is a live in the villages surrounding Jinja, singing! That’s what they miss the allowed our group to serve a greater memories of serving our wonderful much more bustling place, and there is but this time our visit kept us in town. most about sharing Sunday mornings variety and number of ministries as well Creator. Please find a teen or two and always something going on! Because of Lenny loves to take care of people, and with us. Sharing the kingdom of as meet the vision of La’Marque Ward ask them about their experiences this its location, it is a larger hub for ministries after years of volunteering has recently Christ with you is precious to them, and Cincinnati Urban Ministry Outreach. summer. I’m sure they would love to and organizations that work out of the taken on a position as volunteer and they love you all! We were still able to play with kids and tell you about it! town. It is the home of Kibo International, coordinator with Amani, which is an show them the love of Christ while which is what brings Henry and Lenny organization that takes in orphaned or 10 3

Hueys Visit Tanzania VBS and MUSICAL in Photos... and Uganda

N Barb Huey

As someone who grew up a military brat, and who spent the first half of my married life in eight different cities, moving to new places has never really intimidated me. But when I think about people who are willing to move across the globe to a new place with completely different customs, language and lifestyle, I admit that I find that to be very impressive! Being blessed to visit the Hacias family in Tabora, Tanzania and the Oyier family in Jinja, Uganda reinforces for me that it can be done with grace and by everyday, ordinary people like us! While we sometimes find ourselves thinking that we could never (fill in the blank), we might instead find ourselves amazed by what we can accomplish when we find ourselves called to fit into a different life than what we imagined. We come back from such a visit and find ourselves answering similar questions, so I’m guessing the first thing you would like to know is, “How are they doing?” The answer is that they are doing great! They struggle with some things that were expected, and some that were not. They have to deal with power outages at really inconvenient times, water that might not be available when they turn on their faucet, pitted dusty roads and bugs larger than we like to imagine. But they have friends, and homes they love, and great adventures. They have a sense of accomplishment for the work that they do. They have children who love simple things and lots of family time. Whenever they think about things they don’t have, they also speak of the things they do, and both families view themselves as richly blessed. Our visit began in Tanzania with Adam and Katy Hacias and their children, Maddie and Francis. Tabora time is restful and relaxing for visitors, as the town, while large, is simple and quiet. Because their work there only began two years ago, the churches they have planted are small and rural. It was an amazing experience to worship with them in the village of Lugila in a small open

N continued on page 11 4 9

for creating a new freeze/thaw season and address stabilized foundation. any drainage fails or compromised RCC Finishes Parking Less than two weeks areas. Then in the spring of 2017, LifeGroups Ready to into construction, the big trucks will return to place a Lot Project Phase 1 was final “wearing” layer of asphalt. Launch New Season completed. This phase In short, this Full Depth N Karen Owen - Business Manager included pulverizing Reclamation process has N Brian Bowers - Minister of Community Life the existing asphalt, transformed a parking lot that was stabilization (a new 12- various layers of failing asphalt LifeGroups begin in mid-September! up (many are Eight months into our parking inch foundation) of the West entrance laying directly on clay to a lot with LifeGroups are a way to make big terrified) into lot project planning, we arrived at drive and the North lot, some curb a solid foundation and durability church smaller by having a small group positions of the highly anticipated start date for removal and replacement, installation that should last for the foreseeable of adults that meet once a week or every LifeGroup construction on August 15. It was of extensive underdrainage and the future with only the need for other week to “do life” together. Groups leadership. in their lives. ground breaking – literally. Day one, placement of a fresh leveling layer routine seal and maintenance work. have a Bible study, some element of The individual stories involved in It’s not too late to join a the massive pulverizing equipment of asphalt on the North Lot. Phase 2, spiritual formation, and time to be with each launch always make each new LifeGroup. We always have ground up the existing pavement in (Pictured below - top left going which should be nearing completion one another. Our groups operate on an cycle unique. I love hearing the dozens groups form throughout the year such a way that it could be mixed with clockwise: pulverizing, stabilization when this issue of REACH goes to annual cycle, kicking off right after Labor and dozens of comments saying and families that are placed into other substances and repurposed. day, post-stabilization day, print, will address ADA corrections, Day and meeting through Memorial some form of “I love my group and existing groups throughout the What looked like your average, dusty curb replacement, Karen Owen drainage solutions for the East end of Day, before taking the summer off. don’t ever want to leave them.” That cycle. If you’d like to sign up to construction project was actually a very and Darren McCullough (the the property, more curb removal and In some ways, one LifeGroup launch sentiment becomes a chorus, and it join a group, fill out the form on precise, calculated, scientific process, formidable team!), drainage, replacement and the stabilization and is just like another. A few new groups speaks to the impact that LifeGroups the church website at any time which began in a lab months ago when leveling layer). paving of all remaining surface areas. begin. A majority of existing groups have on our members. during the year: rochestercoc.org/ core samples were taken and used Our geo specialists will monitor the continue with little or no changes in This year, we have a fair amount of lifegroupregistration. to determine the optimal compound project over the course of the next the roster, while other groups entirely college students who have requested I look forward to another amazing re-form. Some leaders choose to step to join groups. They have seen the LifeGroup cycle where God uses our down from their roles to take a deserved impact LifeGroups have had on other groups to change lives. break, while other new people step college students and want the same

10 for 10: Ladies Prepare for Party with a Purpose

N Julie Piazza

For the past nine years, women from that the body this congregation, along with their friends is made up and family, have been raising money to of assorted help families in need here at Rochester and diverse Church. Through silent auctions and members, Paul raffles over $40,000 has helped pay utility goes on to bills, purchase groceries, help with rent state that some and other needs that arise when our of the weakest members are in need. This amount does members of not even include the additional gift card the body are, donations that are collected. in some ways, contributes to the care of its members. PWP is a “party” in nature (great the most necessary. He intentionally Join the effort to raise $10,000 themes, fun venues, wonderful food gives special honor to parts that might for the tenth year of this organized and various entertainment), but the true appear to be lacking. Paul explains it this and fun event! Mark your calendar, PURPOSE of this event is to build up way: “This makes for harmony among volunteer to help or make in- member care in many ways. On one level the members, so that all the members kind, monetary, and silent auction it builds up the amount of funds available care for each other” (12:25). Perhaps donations from you or your to help crisis situations. On a much deeper more literally, “So that the members business. Email Carolynn Wilson level, it builds up the compassion and might care in the same way for each at [email protected] regarding kindness our church body has for our other.” In God’s design of the church, all donations of any kind. families who might be going through a of the members care for each other in PWP tickets go on sale in short or long-term situation that needs compassion and love. November to women 12 years and financial support. Party with a Purpose is just one way older. Contact Julie Piazza with In 1 Corinthians 12, after explaining the church body here at Rochester questions: [email protected]. 8 5

circumstance. In that remind you that you forgiving others regard, creativity can are loved and chosen. • Put on love—the kind of love ART is Good: A Weekend teach us how to trust Welcome College “Therefore as God’s that God showed us in Jesus in God, developing an chosen people, holy • Let the peace of Christ rule in of Beauty at RCC active faith that allows Students! and dearly loved, your hearts us to follow God when clothe yourselves with • You are a part of God’s larger N Brian Bowers - Minister of Community Life we don’t know the next N Katelyn Hargrave and Adam Hill compassion, kindness, family—his body step. humility, gentleness, • Be thankful RCC members (and and patience. Bear with Rochester Church’s September friends) can submit artwork to be put Whether you’re a first time college each other and forgive one another And if you struggle with any of monthly initiative, Art is Good, is a new on display at RCC for the event and student or senior with a bad case if any of you has a grievance against these things, we are here for you. event that will celebrate creativity and for a week afterward. Sharing a piece * 1:45-2:45 p.m.: Breakout Sessions of “senioritis” - welcome (back) to someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave We see you. We love you. artistic expression. God created is in God’s of your art is sharing a bit of yourself. These classes will allow us to practice school! The 2016-2017 school year is you. And over all these virtues put on College students are an important image, and one of the most amazing Allowing others to see your art provides art and learn from creative people. sure to be one filled with adventures, love, which binds them all together in part of the larger ministry to young aspects of this is that we possess the connection with others, in addition to learning experiences (in and out of perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ adults at Rochester Church. I hope * 2:45-4 p.m.: Communal Art that you feel especially invited to ability to create—like God. This event will inspiring others to greater amounts Creation the classroom), some stupid mistakes, rule in your hearts, since as members of encourage us to engage creativity as a of creativity. Painting, woodwork, laughs, tears (possibly over papers), one body you were called to peace. And participate in all of our young adult Every attendee will have the ministry offerings. From game life practice and give us a way to connect poems, drawing, pottery—we can new relationships, and so much more. be thankful....” opportunity to paint small rectangles nights and camping trips to bible with God. display most anything. We want to put We at Rochester Church are excited Maybe (if you’re like me) a list which will be assembled at the end studies and service opportunities, Creativity reaches much further than artistic expression on display, blending and happy to walk with you during this of these things will be easier to of the weekend into a large mural. our ministry to young adults hopes just art. Not everyone is capable of excellence with beginners and young school year, and hopefully, beyond. remember: to provide an inclusive place to creating fine art, though with practice with old. The goal is to celebrate all * 4:15-4:45 p.m.: Closing Gathering If we don’t know you already, we are • You are chosen connect with others and form anyone can improve in that regard. artistic expression, so imperfect creativity Creative worship in a communal excited to get to know you! • You are holy—set apart for God’s deep friendships that can help you Creativity is a life practice. It involves is as valuable as polished work. Submit format, which includes prayer, Being a college student is an purposes continue to develop a meaningful thinking outside the box, attempting new art that you are proud of! singing, discussion and performance. adventure like no other; I think • You are loved and personal faith. strategies in the workplace, finding the Art Is Good will take place on Colossians 3 is a good place to rest • Clothe yourselves with compassion, May God heap rich blessings best study habits to succeed in school, Saturday, September 24 from 1-5 p.m. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 in the midst of adventure. May these kindness, humility, gentleness and on you as you begin this next finding new ways to connect with people and Sunday, September 25 from 1-5 p.m. words sink in and bring you some patience * 10:30 a.m.: Worship Gathering season of life. build relationships, etc. Creativity is an at RCC. Here’s the basic schedule: Our normal worship gathering will calm and comfort in the middle of a • Bear with each other and forgive intentional decision to engage in doing include elements of creativity and chaotic season of life. May they help one another life with an open mindset. When we SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 artistic expression. you remember what is important and • You are forgiven and capable of practice creativity, we train our souls to be open to God’s wild possibilities. * 1-1:45 p.m.: Opening Gathering * 1-1:30 p.m.: Opening Gathering It can be scary because we don’t Creative worship in a communal Creative worship in a communal know what direction to take in every format, which will include prayer, format, which will include prayer, singing, discussion and performance. singing, discussion and performance. * 1:45-3 p.m.: Communal Art Creation Every attendee will have the opportunity to paint small rectangles that will be assembled at the end of the weekend into a large mural. * 3-4:15 p.m.: Exhibition & Demonstration Watch as art is created in front of you while you enjoy culinary arts. * 4:15-5 p.m.: Closing Gathering Creative worship in a communal format, which includes prayer, singing, discussion and performance.

Get all the info and fill out a submission form at rochestercoc.org/artisgood. Join us as we celebrate creativity! 6-7 Rochester church families Serve with Project one22 N Brian Bowers- Minister of Community Life

Project ONE22 was another struggling with spiritual, emotional community and in urban farming. organization (RCC), government smashing success! On Sunday, July and relational issues. Though the Over the course of two days, 14 entities, and local businesses. That’s 24, 245 people from Rochester team did amazing work in clearing people build an 8 x 12 permanent a win in anyone’s book. Church accomplished 18 separate a pond on the property to become shed to provide storage space and Rochester Church does P122 as projects to show God’s love in a a park-like area, the most significant security. a way to tangibly show people how tangible way. These projects were accomplishment was relationship The ramp project was a much God loves them and how directed toward people inside our building. The Chosen Ranch is a new monumental undertaking. Over two God has chosen them. This is not church, to organizations with which ministry—less than a year old—and days, about a dozen RCC people something that is done for personal our church partners, and community our relationship with them is brand built a long ramp for a local woman glory; all good things originate from families who have no connection to new. It’s important for us to see who has recently been diagnosed the Father above. RCC. what God is doing there as our with MS. She will no longer need to We reflect God’s glory and point P122 included a full weekend connection with them deepens. go up and down stairs with a walker. people to Christ because we have project at The Chosen Ranch near Our two most ambitious projects The community projects this been richly blessed—not for our Alpena, MI. A team of about 15 to date were building a tool shed year were all recommended by own sake, but for the sake of others. people served an entire weekend and a handicap-accessible ramp. A the Rochester Hills Mayor’s office We continue to dream of how P122 at The Chosen Ranch, a boys’ very hard working team built a tool and the Fire Department. With will develop in years to come. home which provides short term shed for Micah 6 Community—a donations given by both Lowe’s and and long term help for teenagers ministry partner in Pontiac that Home Depot, a unique collaboration from broken homes, or those invests in growing a neighborhood developed between a religious