"The Rock" at Rockville Church of the Nazarene

"The Rock" - To change our community, by building a foundation of Faith, that leads to an eternal relationship with Christ, one child at a time.  

Going to the Rock

A saying that probably gave Rockville its name means something different to many area residents. Back in the mid to early 1800’s, people used to gather near the rock outcropping where present-day Amerbelle is situated. I’ll meet you at the Rock -- it’s where people gathered, and many think that is what gave Rockville its name.

These days "The Rock" refers to the Friday night ministry of the Rockville Church of the Nazarene (RCN). Almost 100 Rockville-area children and many of their parents are involved every week. First started almost fifteen years ago in downtown Rockville on Park Street, the former location of RCN, volunteers would conduct a Friday evening church service for area children and their families.

Upstairs, children ages 5 to 11 would sit at the edge of their seats and listen to the interactive Bible stories and sing high-energy songs of worship. They would settle in for a simple, down-to-earth sermon on topics based on the Bible lessons that would offer practical advice and wisdom for life’s daily occurrences.

A fifteen-passenger van became available to pick-up and drop-off the children in front of their houses and apartments and bring them back to the Park Street building. Other families would walk or drive there themselves. Downstairs, an adult Bible class and support group would be held.

Fast forward 15 years, and most of the program has remained intact – especially the message which is timeless.

When the Park Street building was sold, the location of "The Rock" was moved from downtown to the church’s main campus at 47 East Street to allow it to expand. This move has allowed a free meal to be served to everyone before the traditional music, activities, and lessons start. Now, three fifteen passenger vans "bus" in many of the kids to join those who are dropped off by their families.

Each week a lesson is created, based on a topic from the Bible. Weeks and sometimes months go into planning for each week’s service. The staff of the Rock prayerfully choose an important message, discuss how to present it in an understandable format and then choose the music and Memory Verses or what we call "Power Points"’ to remember from this weeks’ message. The Internet provides a wealth of great ideas, and they are often incorporated into our plans and customized for our community.

When do the lessons start?

While it’s true that the formal lessons start once the children leave the Fellowship Hall where the weekly meal is served, but as the dedicated Rock staff know -- some of the most meaningful lessons are shared during the meal time and even during the ride in -- while wholesome and caring conversation take place.

The very simple yet profound message of "The Rock" is that "God loves everyone -- all of us equally; and, because He loves us, He wants us to share that love with our neighbor."

And who is our neighbor?

That was asked of Jesus in the well-known parable of the Good Samaritan, which almost everyone knows. Every week at "The Rock" a selection from the Bible is brought to life for the children and they are taught not only the facts and details of the story, but also the implications it has on this world and especially for our youth. We learn that our neighbor is anyone we meet, and we’re instructed to show mercy and kindness to all whenever we can. Lessons from the Bible are shared in a manner that makes them understandable and relevant for today’s world in 2011. One of the biggest issues that youth suffer from today is peer-pressure and bullying. From the Bible we learn our response to everyday issues that allow them to have a better grasp on what they might be dealing with.

Once all the attendees have finished with the meal, they are led upstairs to the main hall of the church. When they enter, there is high energy music playing preparing them for the hour ahead. Once all are seated, girls on the left and boys on the right, (to help with attentiveness!), the program open up with more high-energy music and songs on the overheard screen to sing. Some songs even utilize sign language which is also an important learning moment for the children and the adults!

Then "The Rock" leader, Todd Schneider asks everyone to bow their heads, quiet their mouths, close their eyes, fold their hands, and open their hearts" as he leads them in a simple prayer to prepare everyone for the time spent together. While just a few seconds earlier, the excitement of the evening getting underway creates an extremely loud environment, once the heads are bowed, a calm falls over the group as they know we’re about to start the night’s activities.

After prayer, two children a boy and a girl are chosen, usually based of good behavior, to stand up in front of their friends and do a Countdown that even Cape Canaveral would be proud of. Once they hit one, the respective groups are encouraged to scream and yell their loudest to see who has the most energy this evening. After the boys team and the girl’s team each have a chance, they settle down for the night’s first lesson.

The teachers have prepared their lesson and they now go toward the front of the group. The puppet skit or drama is announced and all attention is focused where it should be. Each week the Bible message is acted out in one form or another to bring the lesson to life. Then the teachers explain the meaning and how it impacts their decisions.

Other special events and activities

Annually, there is a special Thanksgiving meal where not only the Rock attendees were invited, but also their families. At Christmas, presents are delivered to each Rock families by the Rock staff. From time to time, a special event off campus is planned to bring the kids out and just have "fun", including pool parties or activities at local entertainment businesses.

What motivates such dedicated volunteers?

The Bible teaches us to be Jesus, to all we come across! We try to help with their immediate needs, but more importantly, their eternal spiritual needs. If people realized that God loved them and cares for them, lives would be turned around! That's our mission... We present the Good News, the Gospel of Jesus to a world that needs it, now more than ever! Some of the staff members were "Rock" kids themselves, now desiring to serve others and share the message of Hope with the kids in our community today.

What help is needed?

Throughout "The Rock’s" 15 year history, almost all of the costs and expenses are paid by the RCN’s church membership. Thousands of hours have been dedicated to have the program run efficiently due to volunteers pitching in wherever that can. Often local businesses have contributed such as People’s Choice Pizza in Vernon, and Pizzeria DaVinci in Ellington. Anonymous donors have contributed many times in the past. Contributions will always be gladly accepted to further the ministry. Local businesses could help with donations of prizes and other incentives for the children. Seasonally, there are clothing needs such as coats, hats and gloves that are often donated for the "Rock Kids".

The facilities we use at RCN can accommodate more participants and staff, but transportation has always been an issue. Often parents assist by driving their children each way, sometimes children in the same neighborhood are able to carpool on Friday nights. This is extremely helpful, because the more parents who are able to transport their own children, leaves more available seating for others who would like to attend, but don’t have transportation. Often what happens, is "Rock Kids" as they are affectionately called, tell everyone in their housing complex or neighborhood about the great fun and the learning experiences they encounter at "The Rock". The next week when the vans show up in time, there are more who want to attend. Everyone ages 5-11 are eligible to attend, but a permission slip is required from their parents but sadly, room on the vans is scarce! One of the saddest moments is when we tell children, there is no room on the van tonight. During the following week, Rock leadership scrambles to adjust van routes and see if some parents can drive their children. Somehow, it all works out and everyone’s requests to attend, "The Rock" are miraculously met.

If there are other ministries that have access to suitable transportation and have qualified drivers to assist by driving their vans for pick-up and delivery, that would be one of the most significant ways to help out. From time to time, other groups help with set-up, food prep and clean-up duties.

We would always make good use of local restaurants donations of food on Friday nights. Other churches might want to help with various portions of the ministry. Christian staff members from other churches have been helpful throughout our history. We often have staff members who attend other churches, yet donate their time and energy to help with the Rockville-area children, through "The Rock" Ministry. Up to 25 staff members help weekly throughout the year by taking part in this vital mission for the Rockville-area. All leaders are carefully screened to insure their qualifications and dedication level.

Can my children attend?

YES! "The Rock" is run in two semesters. The next one starts on Sept. 16, 2011 and runs a full schedule including some special events until December, Fridays 6:30 - 8:00 pm.

WHAT’S NEW!

Starting Friday, 9/16/11, we have a group for the 6th Grade and up youth who "aged out" of "The Rock" but who now want to learn more responsibilities and help the adult staff members.

AND…

For further information:

Todd Schneider

860.512.0010 or 860.371.4673

Rockville Church of the Nazarene

47 East Street

Rockville, CT

860.875.4137

www.RockvilleNazarene.com

On Facebook @ The Rock Kids Church

To change our community, by building a foundation of Faith, that leads to an eternal relationship with Christ, one child at a time.