Purpose and Aim for RiverLakes High School Ministry
Know - The goal that each student would come to KNOW God personally and KNOW Him more through Gospel-centered preaching, Gospel-centered worship and Gospel-centered discipleship.
Grow - Encourage personal GROWTH and spiritual maturity through a Gospel-centered and biblically formed deeper relationship with God, parents, leaders and peers.
Go - Provide Gospel-centered support and opportunity for students to GO reach others and to GO serve others
LeaderBill Wills // (661) 589-9733, ext. 207 or billw@riverlakeschurch.org
March 3 || 7:00pm || Seating Section: 203, ~$17/ticket + additional fees (must purchase on your own online)
Join HSM for Faith and Fun Night at the Condors hockey game! Our goal is to all sit in the same section, so purchase your tickets in advance for the seating section 203. You can plan with your friends/family to ensure you have seats next to or near each other!
February 15 || 6:30pm-8:30pm (drop-off and pick-up at host home) || Bring $5 for activity
It’s Valentine’s Day, but who needs to get all sappy? Instead, hang with the homies and gals and let’s enjoy some fun! Gonna be rad and you’ll be glad to come and hang out with us!
GALS: Wills Home (4307 Almond Grove Ln.). Expect painting, waffle bar, and games!
DUDES: Haas Home (10005 Laurie Ave.). Expect BBQ, meat, mustaches, root beer, and games!January 22 || 10:25-11:45am || HS Room || Coffe + Donuts!
This meeting is for our HSM parents/guardians who lead and oversee their family’s discipleship. We hope to communicate effectively what the upcoming teaching/discussion/video hybrid Apologetics series will look like this year in its structure, content, calendar, and more. There will be time for parents/guardians to ask questions as well.
Separate from Wednesday night Real Groups.
February 19, 26; March 5, 12, 19 || 7:00-8:30pm || The Wills Home (4307 Almond Grove Ln.)
Consider joining this 5-week co-ed bible study hosted and led by the Wills to go deeper into Christian Apologetics! It will, helpfully, supplement the overlapping apologetics sermon series.
December 18 || 8:30am-10:15am || HS Room || Potluck - Bring something to supplement the delish pancakes for breakfast!
During HS Sunday service on December 18, we’ll be having PJs & Pancakes–pretty self explanatory! We’ll play some games, eat some food, worship, and conclude our Christmas sermon series, In Christ Alone. Wear your fav pajamas and bring something to share for the breakfast potluck!December 10 || 6:30-8:30pm || The Aleman Home (3641 Piedmont Ave.)
A classic white elephant gift exchange around the fire! Bring a white elephant gift ($15 spending limit), wear an ugly sweater/Christmas swag, bring some Christmas goodies to share, and bring a lawn chair to sit in. Invite a couple of friends! Dress warm–it’ll be chilly out.November 30 || 6:30-8:30pm || HS Room (JH + HS)
All JH + HS students are invited and welcome to join us for a Christmas-themed worship night! We'll spend time worshiping through song, prayer, and Scripture reading. We hope you join us there!
November 4-6 || OPTIONAL - $20 cost (for t-shirt + follow-up devo book) || Registration deadline October 21. Link to register online: tinyurl.com/hsinhome22
A weekend full of missionally-minded service, worship, and staying in host homes while having meaningful times of fellowship and connection. For questions or information on signing up (or volunteering!), try to attend the meeting on Aug. 28 and/or contact Sarah Sibecas (sarahs@riverlakeschurch.org).
The weekend will conclude with breakfast during HS Sunday Service, November 6, 9:00am in the HS Room!
October 1 || 5:45-8:45pm || The Mission at Kern County
We value and recognize that the "church" is more significant than RiverLakes Community Church. Come engage the "worship experience" with those participating in The Mission at Kern's discipleship program! We worship the same Lord and share a commonality in Christ. Meet @ RCC at 5:45pm and we’ll caravan over. The worship service will be 6:30-8:00pm. Families are welcome and encouraged to come with us! If students need rides, we will have a few seats open, but it may be worthwhile to plan who your ride will be in advance. We'll plan to be back at the church by 8:45pm for pickup.
Sundays, September 11-October 16 || 7:00-8:30pm || 4307 Almond Grove Ln.
For the HS ladies! If you want to go deeper into a study of the book of Acts, this group is for you! It'll be a 6-week study, led and hosted by Dani Wills, *separate from Real Groups*. Book must be purchased on your own before the first meeting, "The Gospel on the Ground (for Teen Girls)."
June 10-15, 2023 || $560 || San Diego, CA || Applications due November 20 + Deposit of $75 due November 28 (Rest of cost to be support-raised).
This short-term missions opportunity is for those who are serious about their faith and living it out, being the hands and feet of Jesus, serving and loving others, and getting out of their comfort zone! Grab an application from the HS Room or request one from HSM Assistant Sarah (sarahs@riverlakeschurch.org). If you have questions about this trip before applying, feel free to contact Bill Wills (billwills@riverlakeschurch.org) or Sarah Sibecas.
HUME LAKE WINTER CAMP 2023! (Re Crafted)
February 10-13 || $375/student || $100 deposit to secure a spot || Family Discount (10%) for families sending 2+ students AND Scholarships (up to 50%) are available!
Contact HSM Ministry Assistant Sarah Sibecas (sarahs@riverlakeschurch.org) to request a scholarship application.
Registration will open on SEPTEMBER 4 and close on JANUARY 16. We have limited spots and will begin a waitlist once those spots are filled. We cannot guarantee you'll get a place once on the waitlist, so don't wait long to get a deposit down to secure your spot!
Link to Register Online (can also pay by cash/check): tinyurl.com/hswinter23
-Put a deposit down
-Fill out a Student Ministry Participation Form (2022-23) **if you haven't already since June 2022**
-Complete Hume online medical/release forms when sent to you by Sarah
**Initiation in constructing a box sled and/or making shirts for broom hockey teams is encouraged!! Get together on your own with your team(s) and go to town! Be prepped + ready for Winter Camp by February 10!**
September 10
6:30 - 8:30pm
Fall festival vibes, outdoor games, potluck, families invited! Bring a lawn chair, blanket, and food to share.
HSM has some hangout nights throughout the school year. We encourage HS students to come and invite friends to these events, which serve as great times of fellowship, outreach, and connection!
November 16
6:00 - 7:30pm
HS Room
EVERYONE: Bring your favorite Thanksgiving dish to share!
HSM Real Groups are about to go on their winter break! November 16 will be our annual Give Thanks Potluck where we eat, reflect and share about what God has done and is doing in our lives, and enjoy fellowship with each other to close out semester one of Real Groups.
**Time Change** Our Fall Newsletter reflects an outdated time for this event. The NEW time is 6:00-7:30pm.
August 21 || 11:45am-1:30pm || HS Room || Coffee + Donuts provided!
Parents/Guardians are invited to come and hang out, connect, and catch up with us over coffee and donuts! This will also double as an informational meeting with details about our hope and plan for a 2023 HSM mission trip.July 31: Bill Wills will be preaching in Main Service! Join HSM in the front right section (when looking at the stage) at 9am service.
July 3: We'll be at camp! For those not attending camp, join your family in the Main Service this day.
June 18, 12pm (meet at SMG on Calloway Dr. at 11:30am)
$18 for HS students and adults attending (covers admission, popcorn, & drink). www.tinyurl.com/HSMjurassic
Any HS student and leader is invited to come see the new Jurassic World movie with us! Reserve your spot by June 12. You can use online registration or pay by cash/check payable to RCC.
6:30-8:30pm || 4307 Almond Grove Ln.
Hang with us at the Wills' this summer! At each Summer Hangs, we'll watch a couple episodes of The Chosen season 2, eat some good food, and enjoy community.
June 16 // Breakfast for Dinner (pancakes - bring your favorite topping)
June 23 // Chip 'n' Dip (bring your favorite chips & dip)
July 21 // Sundae Night (bring a sundae topping)
July 28 (LAST ONE) // Potluck BBQ (bring something to share)
6:30-8:30pm || Dates + Host Homes Below
Devo Series: "Men and Women of the Bible: God Can Use Anybody"
SSS (Summer, Swim, & Study) is a midweek time for swimming, fellowship, worship, and time in scripture throughout the summer with HSM! Bring a snack to share - no dinner served.
June 8 // 3641 Piedmont Ave.
June 15 // 10005 Laurie Ave.
June 22 // 10507 Chapel Hill Way
July 13 // 6107 Ozark Mountain Dr. (gate code TBA–join our Remind to receive it the week of)
July 27 (TACO NIGHT) // 12606 Oahu Ln.
No SSS on June 29 (summer camp), July 6, or July 20 (VBS week)
JH + HS Ministries of RiverLakes Community Church
June 29-July 3 // Santa Cruz, CA // $335*
Registration begins Sunday, April 10!
Deadline to register: June 12
Join us THIS summer for a fun few days at camp in Santa Cruz! We’ll enjoy some beach time, beautiful weather, a trip to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and (most importantly) we’ll spend a lot of time digging into God’s word together. Don’t wait until the last minute to register for this awesome time of community, worship, and growing together! Contact your respective Ministry Assistant for more information or with questions about scholarships and everything camp-related!
*Cost breakdown: $300 baseline + $35 if wanting an unlimited rides wristband for the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (optional)
-Scholarships (up to 50% off) are available, but you must first submit an application
-Family Discount (10% off) offered for families sending 2+ kids to camp across Pier 56, JH Ministry, and HS Ministry. Use promo code "FAMILY" at checkout when registering online.
A Camp Details (PDF) sheet, the Student Ministry Participation Form (2022-23) (PDF), and a scholarship form (PDF) can be found at the bottom of this page.
JH Registration: https://rivlksca.infellowship.com/Forms/469109
HS Registration: https://rivlksca.infellowship.com/Forms/469017
Counselors (previously confirmed with Bill Wills or Zach Whitmore): https://rivlksca.infellowship.com/Forms/469018
HS Ministry Assistant: Sarah Sibecas, sarahs@riverlakeschurch.org
JH Ministry Assistant: Nate Baker, nateb@riverlakeschurch.org
May 29
11:50am - 2:10pm
HS Room
Ceremony starts at 12:10pm, lunch provided for the family.
Join us for a time to celebrate our seniors; their journey and walk of faith; family guidance, presence, care; and God's goodness these past 4 years. We hope to bless, laugh, reflect, and take in the promises of what has been done and what God is going to do for us all ending the 2022 school year with a bang! Congratulations seniors, we love you!
RSVP with Sarah Sibecas (sarahs@riverlakeschurch.org) by May 15 (2-3 guests max. per senior graduate).
***Parents/Guardians of Seniors:
1) You will have the opportunity to speak a brief word of encouragement/blessing for your student if desired. This matters as you are the greatest influence in your graduate's life! If so desiring, let Sarah know with RSVP by May 15.
2) We also need a baby photo and a graduation photo. Please forward to Sarah with RSVP registration by May 15 for your graduate. Thank you!
May 29
9:00am
HS Service
We say farewell to our graduating SENIORS during HS service! Parents/Guardians are welcome and encouraged to join us this morning in HSM!
May 27
5:30pm - 7:00pm
Wills Home (4307 Almond Grove Ln.)
Dinner, connection, reflection, and community vibes for graduating class of 2022!
April 24
11:45am - 1:00pm
HS Room
Lunch by Deli Delicious provided
For parents of graduating 8th graders, come join us for a hangout and meeting to hear from Bill Wills about the vision, mission, purpose, and outlook for RCC HS Ministry this upcoming year! You’ll have time to ask any questions you might have. We hope you join us!
April 1-2
10:30pm: Check in at Flight
7:00am: Pick up at Flight
Flight Adventure Park (3200 Buck Owens Blvd #100)
Signups end March 27!
$55/student. Socks included. Can bring in your own food and drink.
Registration is open! tinyurl.com/hsflight22
March 6
The Mission at Kern County
6:05pm - 8:25pm (includes drive time) Meet @ RCC at 6:05pm and we’ll caravan over. The worship service will be 6:30-8:00pm. Families are welcome to come worship with us! If students need rides, we will have a few seats open to take them there and back. We'll plan to be back at the church by 8:25pm for pickup.
March 4
Rollerama West (7850 Brimhall Rd.)
7:00 - 9:00pm
$9 Admission, $3 Skates/Blades Rental (or bring your own) + REPRESENT by wearing your favorite sports team/player or school swag! We'll meet outside of Rollerama at 6:45pm, doors open at 7:00pm. Skate night ends at 9:00pm, so make sure your rides know to pick you up at 9:00pm.
January 16-February 27
**Separate from Real Groups** (This is a committed time with more focus and less activity)
Meeting on Sundays, 7:00pm-8:30pm
A study on "Anxious: Fighting Anxiety with the Word of God", led by Dani Wills at the Wills home, 4307 Almond Grove Ln.
January 16-February 27
**Separate from Real Groups** (This is a committed time with more focus and less activity)
Meeting on Sundays, 7:00pm-8:30pm
A study on Craig Groeschel's "Fight: Winning the Battles that Matter Most", led by Bill Wills at the Henslee home, 10101 Keeneland Ct.
January 9, 10:25-11:15am, HS Room
HS Ministry parents/guardians are invited to enjoy some coffee, donuts, and fellowship with each other! This will be a low-key time to hangout, catch up, and enjoy community.
December 26, 9:00am or 10:30am Main service
No HS Sunday Service on December 26. Worship with your family and/or friends in the Main Service!
Where: Hume Lake Christian Camps (hume.org)
When: February 11-14, 2022
Transportation: Bus
For any questions about camp, please contact HS Ministry Assistant, Sarah Sibecas (sarahs@riverlakeschurch.org).
December 19
During HS service (9:00am) in the HS Room
Breakfast, flannels, lumberjack pancakes, and Jesus! Come early, 8:40am, for pancakes.
December 1
6:30 - 8:30pm
Community Center Auditorium
Student ministry is worshipping through song together on December 1! All JH & HS students are invited.
HS Room + at the RCC South Field (for turkey bowl)
Dates: November 5 - 7
Cost: $20 (shirt + book included in cost)
Join us for a weekend full of serving, worshipping, and staying with friends at host homes having meaningful times of fellowship and connection!
For questions or information on how to sign up, attend the meeting on August 29 or contact Sarah Sibecas (sarahs@riverlakeschurch.org).
October 20, 6:30pm, HS Room
All of HS Ministry is invited to listen to our RiverLakes-supported ICM missionaries, James & Mary Kamau, speak and share about where they’re from and what they do! They will also be in the Main Service on October 17.
4307 Almond Grove Ln.
September 23, November 11
6:15 - 7:15pm
Bi-monthly prayer meetings for our volunteer leadership to gather and pray over each other and HS Ministry.
Location: Morning Star Fresh Food Ministry // 2240 S Union Ave 93307
Date & Time: Saturday, September 18. Meet up at RCC and we’ll leave together by 7:35am. We’ll be done by 10:00am.
Serving at Morning Star Fresh Food Ministry means helping pack boxes of fresh food on their monthly distribution day. They make these boxes available and affordable to families who desperately need good, quality groceries by the time the end of the month comes around. To learn more about this local, community-driven ministry, head to their website here.
Hosted and led by Dani Wills
Sundays, September 12 - November 14, 7:00 - 9:00pm
4307 Almond Grove Ln.
Join some HS ladies in a 10-week study in the book In His Image by Jen Wilkin. Must purchase the book prior to the first meeting day.
Separate from HSM Real Groups
Sunday, September 12
11:35am - 1:00pm
HS Room
Bill Wills will be giving a general overview of this upcoming year in HS Ministry, as well as a refresher of the mission, vision, and purpose of HS Ministry here at RCC. Lunch will be provided.
T.G.I.F. Nights are monthly, Friday night hangouts that will take place throughout the school year.
December 3, 6:30 - 8:00pm || Christmas Bonfire, White Elephant || The Aleman home, 3641 Piedmont Ave. Bring a white elephant gift ($5-20), a Christmas treat to share, and dress warm. Christmas ugly sweaters and swag encouraged!
In-Home Mission Retreat (Nov.) + Mission Trip (Jun. 2022) (lunch provided)
Sunday, August 29
11:35am - 1:45pm
HS Room
Come listen and receive pertinent information about these upcoming missional opportunities in HS Ministry. Learn about the cost of both, what the signup and application processes will be like, and how parents/guardians might be involved.
Mission Trip Applications will be available early September.
Morning Star Fresh Food Ministry
5/29, 6/19 // 7:45-11:30am
Let's gather, outreach to our community, and feed families with the hope and love of Jesus who are fighting to make ends meet, struggling with hunger in the soul and body.
***Meet in the North Parking Lot in front of RCC, wear clothes to work in, bring a mask, and get ready to serve for the Lord!***
This summer, HS Ministry will hang out and have a space to worship and study God's word together on Wednesday evenings, 6:30-8:30pm in different homes for 6 weeks! The schedule with home addresses is attached at the bottom of this page.
***NO MEAL // Bring a snack to share***
***NO MEAL // Bring a snack to share***
Location
4307 Almond Grove Lane, 93312
Student Ministry Summer Camp 2021
When? August 5-9
Where? Granite Ridge Christian Camp
How Much? $375
*Registration Closed*
Are there scholarship opportunities? YES! Get in touch with us about scholarship aid if needed. We also have a family discount (10% off for families sending 2+ students).
Junior High Students: Contact Nate Baker or Zach Whitmore
High School Students: Contact Sarah Sibecas or Bill Wills
Got more questions? Contact Sarah Sibecas at sarahs@riverlakeschurch.org (HS) or Nate Baker at nateb@riverlakeschurch.org (JH)!
Q&A Cafe on ZOOM - Summer 2020
Dates: 7/1, 7/15, 7/29, 8/12, 8/26
Time: 6:30-8pm
Zoom link sent out weekly via email & HS Remind. If you are not connected to either of these means of communication, email Sarah Dickinson (sarahd@riverlakeschurch.org; HS Ministry Assistant) and she will get you connected!
Join us for these Q&A Cafe sessions on Zoom this summer! Ask your questions during the session or beforehand (anonymous option) at tinyurl.com/qazoom2020. Any questions are welcome and will be answered by both Nik Crown and the entire group from a biblical perspective--it's a group discussion!
B.Y.O.M. (Bring Your Own Mug) full of something good! Lemonade, soda, a smoothie, water if that's more your speed.
When: Evening of 4/23
Time & Location TBD We’re holding a parent meeting the evening of April 23 with light snacks/dessert for our continuing and new HS parents/guardians. We invite our soon-to-be freshman parents/guardians to join us! An Evite will be sent out in March with more details. Please RSVP by 4/17.
December 13 | 6:30 - 9:00pm
The Cozy Hangout Night we had planned for November had to be moved to December.
December 22 | 9:00am
On December 22, we are going to have a Christmas Party in the High School Room (Sunday morning)! The leadership team wants this to be an opportunity to invite friends. If you are interested in providing a breakfast food, pastries, desserts, etc., contact Nik Crown or Sarah Dickinson (contact info at the bottom of this newsletter).
December 21 | 4:00pm (arrive earlier)
Studio Movie Grill
$20 (includes ticket, drink, and meal)
We’re seeing the new Star Wars movie and you should come with us! If you sign up, we’ll be meeting in front of Studio Movie Grill at 3:00pm that day so we get there ahead of show time (4:00pm). Sign up by paying Sarah on a Sunday.
WINTER CAMP 2020: Welcome to the Fam
Date: January 17-20, 2020
Location: Thousand Pines Christian Camp
If you've registered for camp, final payments and Participation Forms (2019-20) are due 1/5/20.
After you register with us, complete the CampDoc Release Forms for Thousand Pines here no later than 1/3/20.
If you have any questions about camp, registration, deadlines, or financial assistance, contact Sarah Dickinson or Denise Aleman!
Sarah Dickinson (HS Ministry): sarahd@riverlakeschurch.org
Denise Aleman (JH Ministry): denisea@riverlakeschurch.org
Fall Olympics
Where? RCC Campus (meeting first in HS Room, or Rm. 213 upstairs in the Education Building)
When? 11/2, 4-7pm
Who? Any and all JH + HS students that want to come!
Food? YES
Fall Olympics is happening! We’ll be playing laser tag, kajabe can can, lawn games, ultimate frisbee, and more. This is a great event to invite friends to and is come one, come all! No sign-up required. If you've been coming to RiverLakes awhile or are brand new, this will be a great time of hanging out and having fun!
Wednesdays @ 6:30 - 8:30pm
June 19, 26, July 3, 10, 24, 31
Different homes every week!
Summer, Swim, & Study is starting up soon! Join us at different homes on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer for some swimming, dinner, and study of God’s Word. Sign up for the HS Remind to get the address sent to you each week (text @829chd to 81010). [Note: There will be no SSS on 7/17]
Wednesday, June 12 | 6:30 - 8:30pm
RiverLakes Church (HS Roomm & South Field)
Come out for Tie-Dye Wars to kick off the summer with us! Wear a white or light-colored t-shirt you don’t mind getting dyed and bring a friend or two! [Note: The “dye” is water with food coloring in it]
Friday, June 7 | 6:30 - 9:00pm | 9805 Copa Cabana Ct.
If you are an incoming freshman, we would like for you to join us for some dinner, swimming, and hanging out! Parents, we would love for you to be there as well. There will be some time for everyone to hang out, as well as time for the freshmen to get to know current HS Student Leaders and for Nik to talk to parents. RSVP by 5/30 to Sarah at sarahd@riverlakeschurch.org for food estimations.
Sunday, May 19 | 6:00 - 9:00pm | $5.00
Don’t miss this opportunity to have a night of fellowship, reflection, and looking toward the future with fellow 2019 graduates! There’s going to be a nice dinner at a wonderful host home, and so much prayer and encouragement for those of you graduating this year. Sign-ups begin April 28 and close May 12.
Dates: January 18-21, 2019
Location: Thousand Pines (our camp will be independent from their camp program)
Cost: $350 ($75 deposit to secure spot)
HS: Education Bldg, Rm. 213 @ 9:00am // JH: CC, Rm. 122 @ 9:00am
Graduating classes are moving on up! Incoming 7th grade students and incoming freshmen students will be joining JH ministry & HS ministry (respectively) for the first time!
KEY SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 8:6
WHEN: July 22 - 27
WHERE: Sierra Pines Youth Camp, Bass Lake
COST: $275 through 6/30, $300 after 6/30
DEPOSIT: Paperwork + $75 deposit to secure a spot!
WHAT: HS Summer Camp 2018 is headed up to a site near Bass Lake for a week! Games, free time activities on-site & at the lake, a snack shop, and more are all things we’ll be enjoying during the week. Most importantly, we’ll be getting deep into God’s Word, examining the emotions of Jesus and how he is not only wholly God, but also wholly man—He is the perfect human at that. He is the prototype of God’s intended design for humanity! So pick up a packet on a Sunday morning, download it off of the RCC website, or register online (link can be found on the website or FB) to join us for an awesome week!
DEADLINES:
WHEN: 8/1, 6:30 - 8:30pm
WHERE: 10206 Dorsey Ct, 93312
WHAT: Dinner, swimming, and a worship night to end the summer!
WHEN: 6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/11 6:30-8:30pm
WHAT: Dinner, swimming, and Bible study on Wednesday nights throughout the summer! Different locations every week. CLICK HERE for weekly schedule.
WHEN: 6/6, 6:30 - 8:30pm
WHERE: RiverLakes (HS Room)
WHAT: Pizza, Tie-Dye Wars! To honor our incoming freshmen class, everyone is invited to Dye Wars! It’ll take place at RiverLakes. Make sure you wear a white/light colored t-shirt, and clothes that you don’t mind being stained. Bring a towel as well!
Wednesday, May 1
6:30pm | High School Room
On the last night of this school year’s D-Groups, we’ll be having a worship night in the HS Room. If you were a part of HS D-Groups this year, we’d love to see you there as we close out the year!
The seniors will be graduating from the High School Ministry, so we are going to make sure that we send them off right! Come and support them as they take a step into the next phase of life!
We are going to take the day and get away from everything and just spend sometime in God’s creation. While we hike we will have devotions and worship songs. Make sure to pack a lunch and bring water, good shoes, and a hat!
February 16 - 19, 2018
Hume Lake Christian Camp
Cost: $375 ($50 nonrefundable deposit due upon registration)
THEME:
ETERNAL LIFE NOW
We want you to know the hope that Christ gives us for eternal life and the way that hope impacts our purpose and meaning as we richly experience it in the here and now.
1 Peter 1
This November we are taking a day to RETREAT! We will be heading to Cayucos Beach to unplug from the business of everyday life and spend the day getting spiritually refreshed! Spots for the Retreat are limited, so have your student sign up quickly! Feel free to email carissas@riverlakeschurch.org for any questions or concerns!
WHEN: November 18, 2017 from 6am-8pm
WHAT: A spiritual refreshment retreat focused on spending time alone getting into God’s Word, digging into devotions, worshipping our Savior, and praying together as a body of believers!
SIGN UP DETAILS: $5 to sign up! Signed Participation Forms will be required from each student before departure! Only 40 spots are available! (Participation Forms are available in the HS room and the link is also attached to this email for at-home-printing convenience)
FOOD DETAILS: Lunch will be provided! Bring some extra money for dinner at In-N-Out Burger on the way home!
TRANSPORTATION: Drivers are NEEDED! If you have any interest in participating in our Retreat, or just spending the day in Cayucos…Please contact carissas@riverlakeschurch.org
Saturday, October 21
Time: 6:00 - 9:00pm
Cost: FREE
Join us for an epic night of Zombie Tag! Get ready for missions, screaming, running, and awesome prizes! Bring a disposable white t-shirt and a flashlight.
Our next Third Friday event has been decided...and it's going to be on a Saturday! We're going to be meeting up at the church at 9:30am on Saturday, April 22 and then driving out to Windwolves for a day of hiking, hanging out, and spending time in the word!
Make sure you bring your hiking shoes, a water bottle, and a sack lunch!
We're looking for adult drivers to help get our students there! If you're 21 or older we would love to recruit you! Please comment or email Steph at stephaniew@riverlakeschurch.org to let us know if you can drive!
February 17 - 20, 2017
Hume Lake Christian Camp
Cost: $340 ($50 nonrefundable deposit due upon registration)
In a couple sentences in Mark 12:29-30, Jesus took the entirety of the 613 Levitical laws and beautifully pared them down to these two: Love God and Love Others. That is the great commandment… plain and simple. In a world of increasing doubt and indecisiveness, what would it look like if we loved God with ALL of our hearts, souls, minds and strength? What if we loved our neighbors as much as we love ourselves? In the second half of verse 31 Jesus says “There is no other commandment greater than these” and from that sentence comes our theme title: “That’s it!” It’s as if Jesus was saying to the Scribe who approached him “focus on these, that’s it!” Our desire this winter is to learn how to love God and love others with ALL that we are… That’s it!
Sign up today! Registration deadline is January 29.
It’s official…our former 6th graders are now JH students and 8th graders are now High School students! On Sunday, June 5 make sure that all the students make their way to their new ministry rooms! JH meets downstairs in the Community Center, room 122 and HS meets upstairs in the Ed Building. Both ministries CANNOT WAIT to welcome all of the new students!
Summer is FINALLY here and we want to come together and celebrate as a RL//HS family! Come help welcome the new freshmen and revel in the fact that school’s out for summer with DYE WARS!!! Wear a white shirt (ladies please wear a 1 piece bathing suit underneath) and shorts you don’t mind getting ruined…because it’s going to get messy!
Location
3923 Santillan St., 93312
Summer is FINALLY here and we want to come together and celebrate as a RL//HS family! Come help welcome the new freshmen and revel in the fact that school’s out for summer with DYE WARS!!! Wear a white shirt (ladies please wear a 1 piece bathing suit underneath) and shorts you don’t mind getting ruined…because it’s going to get messy!
Location
High School Room
Discipleship Groups may be on break for the summer but that doesn’t mean that we aren’t going to get together! Every Wednesday of Summer (except for 7/20 because we’ll all be at summer camp) we’ll be meeting up at the homes of some of our awesome and generous volunteers and parents for swimming and hangout time, dinner and Bible study. Bring a bathing suit (ladies one piece or two piece with a dark t-shirt please) and a towel and come swim and study with us!
Dates/Locations
June 15: Hess Home (11702 Clarion River Dr, 93311) June 22: Mummert Home (9815 Chirtsey Way, 93312) June 29: Estrada Home (11605 Shanklin St., 93312) July 6: Parks Home (836 Nord Ave., 93314) July 13: Serepiglia Home (9207 Flinders St., 93307) July 27: Ezell Home (309 Fairway Dr., 93309) August 3: Harris Home (4725 Panama Ln, 93313)Wednesday, May 4
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Discipleship Groups are kicking the bucket (for summer anyways) and we want to celebrate! Come to the church for food, fun and friends and a look back at all that God did through D-Groups this past year!
Third Fridays are a great time to get to know fellow HS students and leaders and just have FUN! This time we're having a Backyard BBQ Bash! Cost is $5.00 if you want to eat.
Third Fridays are a great time to get to know fellow HS students and leaders and just have FUN! This time we're competing in a Lip Sync Battle! Sign up ahead of time if you want to compete. More details to come.
Third Friday
February 19
Time: 6:30 - 10:00pm // Location: HS Room
Third Fridays will be taking a break in December BUT will be back in action starting in January. These events are planned at the beginning of each month so make sure you’re checking in to see what fun themes and activities we come up with! These events range from the wild and crazy Zombie Tag event to the super chill and laid back bonfire and board games night. Come on out, bring a friend and get to know other students and leaders.
Coordinator(s)
Mikey Warren (661.589.9733 ext. 215 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address))
Location
HS Room
Time: 9:00 - 10:30am // Location: HS Room
There’s nothing quite like going to Grandma and Grandpa’s house for Christmas…the freshly baked cookies, classic Christmas music and more joy and cheer than you know what to do with. This year
RL//HS is channeling our grandparents’ Christmas Spirit by celebrating senior citizen style! Come to church dressed like a Christmas loving senior citizen! We’ll have snacks, games and a costume contest! The most convincing and spirited will win a prize!
Coordinator(s)
Mikey Warren
Location
HS Room
September 18
October 16
November 20
Time: 6:30 - 10:00pm // Location: HS Room
We want to hang out with you! Starting this fall, every third Friday of the month we will have a…Third Friday event! These events will range from the outrageous and crazy (like Zombie Tag) to super low key (like board games and bonfires). Themes and details for each event will be announced monthly BUT you know that EVERY third Friday there will be something going on. Third Fridays will start at 6:30pm and go until 10:00pm BUT feel free to show up anytime in between!
Coordinator(s)
Mikey Warren
Location
HS Room
Friday, August 14 // 6:30 - 9:00pm // 16347 Salmon Bay Ct., 93314
Summer, you were sweet but it’s time to say goodbye. Let’s end summer with a bang! We’re going to be hanging out, and getting our last “kicks” in before school starts! Come out and get crazy!
Every Wednesday June 10 - August 5 (except July 8 & 22)
6:00 - 9:00pm
We’ll be swimming, relaxing, playing games, and having Bible study! It’s going to be a great time! (Ladies: modest one-piece please)
Locations:
8/5: 836 Nord Ave 93314
Coordinator(s)
Mikey Warren
Location
Various Homes
Wednesday, June 3 // 6:30 - 8:30pm // RCC HS Room
FRESHMEN! We want to welcome you into the HS room by having a DYE WAR!!!! Meet us in the HS room and wear a white t-shirt and a bathing suit (ladies please wear a one piece suit under your t-shirt) and get ready for battle! It’ll be just you, your fellow incoming freshmen and the HS leaders.
Coordinator(s)
Mikey Warren
Location
RCC HS Room
We will have some dance instructors teaching some fun organized dances as well as some crazy free dance time to Disney songs! Not into dancing? That's okay! There will be plenty else to do besides dance. Semi formal attire recommended.
Saturday, June 27 Time TBA Location: 15800 Strebor Drive
Coordinator(s)
Mikey Warren
Location
15800 Strebor Drive
May 8, 2015 6:30 - 10:00pm in the high school room
Location
HS Room
Come shop and help us raise funds for our Nicaragua Mission Trip!
Saturday, May 2 @ 6:00am - Noon
12038 Rosedale Highway (Corner of Rosedale and Old Farm Rd.)
Friday, November 14 & Saturday, November 15
Grab your tool belts and hammers as a team from RCC pre-builds homes to take to Mexico on their upcoming mission trip. It’s awesome to see the body of Christ at work in our community and those around the world!
Coordinator(s)
Matt Vorhees
Saturday, November 1
Time: 7:00 - 10:00pm
Cost: FREE
Join us for an epic night of Zombie Tag! Get ready for missions, screaming, running, and awesome prizes! Bring a disposable white t-shirt and a flashlight.
Coordinator(s)
Matt Vorhees
Sunday, October 19
Teams arrive @ 3:30pm
Competition starts @ 4:00pm
Rally to follow @ 7:30pm
Teams from RiverLakes and other churches throughout Bakersfield will battle it out in a fierce night of Broom Hockey in pursuit of the Baker Cup! A youth rally will follow with an awesome message from Rich Baker. Sign up your team in the HS Room.
Broom Hockey Location: Bakersfield Ice Sports Center (1325 Q Street)
Rally Location: First Presbyterian Church
(1705 17th St.)
Saturday, December 14
10:00am - 12:00pm
Join us as we venture outside of RiverLakes Church to serve our community with Jesus Shack Street Teams by visiting impoverished neighborhoods to deliver food and the love of Jesus to those less fortunate than ourselves.
Coordinator(s)
Matt Vorhees
High School currently meets on Sunday mornings at 9:00am in the HS Room (Rm. 213 in the Ed. Building). We worship, fellowship, and engage with God’s Word in the form of a sermon. All high school students are welcome! Come worship with us! We encourage students to wear masks, socially distance and to be respectful of each other's preferences.
We film the sermons and post them to our YouTube Channel (RiverLakes Student Ministries). If you are unable to attend on Sundays, we encourage you to check those out during the week.
Real Groups will be on break through the holidays, until January 25.
Real Groups are HSM’s weekly discipleship groups. We meet on Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30pm at RCC/in the HS Room. These groups are open to any HS student! (JH Ministry–7th-8th–has midweek groups that meet as well. Different details can be found at riverlakeschurch.org or by contacting nateb@riverlakeschurch.org).
Re-Kickoff: January 25 || 6:30-8:30pm || HS Room
No Real Groups: February 15 (see “Galentine’s & Bro-bq” event below!)
Outing Night in Winter Season: February 22
December - In Christ Alone (Hope, Joy, Love, Peace)
January-February - Prove It: Evidence For Faith (Authentication and Defense of the Word of God)
February-March - Talking Faith Apologetics: The “Why” Behind the “What” of Christian Faith (Teaching/Discussion/Video hybrid Sunday services)
This list is by no means exhaustive, but is something to consider as you, HS student, begin praying about where you might get committed to serving the church body/HSM and being salt and light in your community this upcoming year!
Student Leadership (Fall 2022-Summer 2023)
Year-long commitment. Application & interview process happening over the summer.
Tech Team
Our hope is to have a training during the summer to help equip those of you interested in serving on the tech team on Sunday mornings. Get in touch with Sarah if interested.
Worship Team
Signup for ARISE!
Service Outreach
Monthly/Semi-monthly Saturday morning outreach opportunities for all in HSM to serve at (i.e., The Mission at Kern County, Morning Star Fresh Food Ministry, prayer walks, helping out a different ministry here at RCC, etc.).
In partnership with Pastor Angelo Frazier + RCC Outreach.
December 3 || Meet in the RCC North Parking Lot at 8:00am
Join us in going to Brookdale Senior Living to sing Christmas carols and bring some Christmas hope and joy to seniors! Meet at RCC by 8:00am and make sure you have a ride. We encourage all our HS families to attend, parents & kids!December 25, January 1 || Main Service
We will not be having separate HS Sunday services on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day. Attend one of the Main Services to worship with your family those days! Christmas Day will only have a 10:00am service. New Year’s Day will have both 9:00am and 10:30am services.
Open to graduating Seniors 2023, and incoming Freshmen 2023-24
June 10-15, 2023 || San Diego, CA in partnership with New Vision Church || $560/person (the cost, less the deposit, will be fully support-raised… just like the real career missionaries around the world who depend on the financial support of others!) || Application + $75 deposit required to officially register
This short-term missions opportunity is for those who are serious about their faith and living it out, being the hands and feet of Jesus, serving and loving others, and getting out of their comfort zone! If you are serious, now is the time to commit to this trip. We have been called to GO (Matt. 28:16-20), so will you go with us this summer? Applications + Deposits due JANUARY 24.
Note: We will not be planning a 2023 HSM Summer Camp due to this Mission Trip focus and opportunity.
Grab an application from the HS Room or request one from HSM Assistant Sarah Sibecas. If you have questions about this trip before applying, feel free to contact Bill Wills or Sarah Sibecas.