WELCOME TO “THE GOOD NEWS REPORT”!
We get it. We’ve all had enough totals, and graphics, and political posturing to last us a lifetime.
You won’t find that here. The Good News Report is for celebrations and victories during this time. Maybe your kids built an amazing Lego house. Maybe someone just did something nice for you. Maybe your neighbor finally asked about Jesus. So send photos and videos of those moments our way (email them here) or post them to social media and tag them with #rccfillyourbucket and #rccnation and @richfieldcommunity church. We’ll be updating this page every Wednesday with the last week’s worth of Good News.
Cindi Williams shares the gratitude of the YL Rotary Club for the generosity of the RCC Community. We had 70 different RCC families come and donate to those in need.
The Wright family took a Sunday night bike ride to our church campus, where they prayed for our church family. They said, the kids missed seeing the lawn filled with friends, but enjoyed rolling down the hill!
Good News Update - Last week Nanette Raya shared about receiving an encouraging card from Katy Simecka. This week, Katy shared a little bit of the behind the scenes with a few photos and an update on behalf of her team.
“We had a team that consisted of 24 people donating, making and writing cards to the First Responders which consisted of Dr.’s, Nurses, pharmacists, housekeepers, nursing assistants, psych technicians, nursing managers, clerks, secretaries, trauma techs & the elderly. We donated these cards to hospitals & meals on wheels. We as the team, were beyond blessed. It gave us joy and a purpose to encourage those in these times of fear & uncertainty.” - Katy
One of our RCC family, Carol Schreck, was honored as Brea Olinda Unified School District’s Classified Staff Member of the Year, for her tireless and joyful work in caring for the children and school at Country Hills Elementary. Way to go Carol! We join them in celebrating you for sharing and connecting with these kids and families through your joy in Jesus! (submitted by Jordan Schumacher)
Al Baker recently had his 90th birthday celebrated by friends from our RCC community. 20 cars full of smiling faces drove, honked, and cheered for Al.
Katy Simecka has been making prayer and thank you cards for first responders and hospital workers, with over 1,000 sent out and received! One of those recipients is fellow RCCer, Nanette Raya (pictured here), is a hospital chaplain. Nanette is incredibly grateful and feeling blessed by Katy’s passionate work!
One of our partners, Brent, has shared that the virus has actually increased attendance for online leadership conferences. He said that each leader influences 100 people so this event, by itself, could impact 100,000 to 300,000 believers. Please pray that this momentum and impact will continue.
Ann and Jerry Carroll checked in to let us know they appreciate all the love and care they have been shown by family and the RCC Community (here’s a picture of them with 5 generations of family, take right before “stay at home” began)
“Jerry and I are so blessed by so many prayers, food, friendship, phone calls, etc. etc. etc.during this hard time. The love you have shared with us, (and you all know who you are), is beyond wonderful. We are getting Meals On Wheels, but nothing compares to those great food items we get from our RCC and Life Group friends. Can't wait until be can hug you all. We are well cared for, by those who are Jesus with skin on! We praise the Lord for all of you!”
Our partners in Kosovo, BUM Church, have been active in helping connect with people in need. They are creating moments of sharing the love of Jesus in this predominantly Muslim country.
Peggy Lowe is really grateful for the gift from the RCC Care team (with a special thanks to Debbie Jones) and…—>
…several other ladies shared how grateful they are too! (ps. We miss you ladies and are praying for you everyday!)
Kristina Kazarian, one of our high school leaders, is really enjoying connecting with the RCC freshman girls even though they are physically apart from each other. She’s especially enjoyed her one-on-one time with shared experiences, like art projects and video games!
Connor Drake spent time this week handing out front yard graduation signs for the Esperanza High Seniors!
Holden and Hudson Phelps sharpened their bike riding skills while taking advantage of a open RCC parking lot!
Kaelyn Barbre was supposed to be at the 6th grade Science Camp trip with her classmates…But her family jumped in and gave her a fun outdoor experience in their backyard, including a scavenger hunt!
One of our ministry partners, Mark Lloyd, shared this story from Italy (via one of his Jesus Film partners in France) of coming to faith in crisis and selflessly giving of oneself.
Heather Smith, shared how proud she is of her husband, Eric, who has jumped into multi-tasking at home - teaching/listening to the kids’ homework, doing the dishes, and looking good in the process.
Morgan Lacey, the youngest of Brian and Danielle Lacey, clearly enjoyed her first birthday and the cake!
The Dunnam Family enjoyed a game of multi-generational, virtual bingo with Joel, their 8th grader, running the show.
The Mejia Family’s sidewalk art for Easter received a note from a neighbor they hadn’t met yet, who was incredibly encouraged!
Ed Shuler is brushing up on his photo taking skills by capturing the Good Friday rainbow.
The Ybarra Family got the keys to their new home last week!
Lisa Halverson has been collecting donated masks (homemade and store bought) to deliver to Placentia Linda and CHOC hospitals who are experience large shortages.
Adorable babies are still being born! Faye Elizabeth Fairchild was born on April 2nd to proud parents Eli and Viktoria. Proud grandparents Rob and Kathleen Gillon are beaming with joy!
Jeff and Joanne Spring’s garden was in full bloom so they brought flowers to their neighbors (with a comforting Bible verse attached to each).
Terry and Debbie Woznicki’s grandkids are keeping the mood light. Here they are dressed up for their first day of school at home.
Residents of HIS House in Placentia received donations from several of our RCC families. Special thanks to Sal and Kyle Adamo for delivering them!
Community Bible Study of Yorba Linda (who gather on RCC Campus on Thursdays) are excited that a switch to digital hasn’t slowed them down!
“It’s been a blessing. Praising God for the way he has provided this opportunity to keep in our study of God’s Word and care for the women and children of our class.” - Kathleen Gillon
Chris and Natalie Boblit are celebrating bringing baby Skylar home for big sister Gracie to love and teach her the ways of childhood. :)
Petra Fischer (living in Germany) shared her hope in God with her RCC Life Group while they are part of “stay at home” in Hamburg.
Christine Mejia is excited to spend time thinking deeply about God with the start her Life Group’s study of Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer.
Peggy Lowe got a chance to take a virtual reality trip to Cologne Cathedral in Germany while hanging out with her family.
#rccfillyourbucket Challenge Submissions
The Dunnam Family are kicking off the #rccfillyourbucket challenge. Find ways to bless other people or create fun family memories and share them with the RCC Family.
#rccfillyourbucket Challenge
The Dunnam Family wants to encourage all of RCC to find ways to use this extra time to encourage others and strengthen family bonds. Naturally, we agree and want to encourage all of you to take up their #rccfillyourbucket challenge. Here are just some of the ideas:
Be A Blessing:
Email letters to an assisted living or draw pictures and mail them (tape the envelope closed)
Chalk your sidewalk with verses, games, and obstacle courses for people walking by
Decorate your front yard and/or put up lights
Video connect with an older relative, someone who lives alone, or someone you haven't seen in awhile
Take this time to thank the people involved in your life... teachers, coaches, sunday school leaders. Email or Facetime them
However you do "Church" make it a memory. Be creative in how you "go to church", serve donuts, include everyone, have a small argument about being on time to make it feel authentic.
Make Family Moments:
Make one of Grandma's recipes (pass down a cooking tradition)
Interview a loved one and learn 20 things about them
Watch a movie from a different era. You have plenty of time for Gone With the Wind or a springtime tradition... The Ten Commandments with Charlton Heston. Make LOTS of popcorn!
Have an award's Ceremony where every few nights someone is in charge of giving the other family members and award (make your own or use your existing trophies)
Learn to fold Oragami
Have the kids write a skit for the family to perform for family on ZOOM or Google Hangout
Give each day a theme (for one week or every week)
Example: Blue Monday (wear blue, eat blue things)
Sporty Saturdays (wear jerseys, create a family cheer, play stuff together)
Cozy Wednesday (stay in jammies and have a fire during class time, or put a virtual one on a TV or computer)
The Dunnams have already stepped up and delivered on the challenge themselves!