Faith & Friendship
As a Christ-centered school, we place high value on the practice of faith and friendship. In our effort to foster faith in individual students, we make corporate worship a part of our weekly faith practice at RCLS. Additionally, an annual ministry theme and our Chapel Families each play a critical role in shaping a life of faith in Christ in our students.
Worship
RCLS incorporates worship into the lives of our students by gathering for a chapel service once each week. We assemble at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, which is adjacent to RCLS and is one of our association congregations. Worship is led by school classes, LCMS pastors, and other church professionals. Weekly Chapel is held Wednesday mornings and begins at 8:40 a.m. and lasts for about 30-40 minutes.
In addition, worship is encouraged by taking weekly church attendance. Parents are encouraged to worship weekly with their families. If you do not have a home congregation, we warmly welcome you to consider worshiping at one of the association congregations.
Annual Ministry Theme
Each year our chapel content and community life is guided by a theme verse. In the 2022-23 school year, during Wednesday morning chapel and in the classroom, we are exploring what Scripture says about what it means to "Grow" with our Lord.
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity." 2 Peter 3:18
Recent ministry themes:
2021-22: "Soar" Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles: they will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
2020-21: "Journey" We must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us. We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. Hebrews 12:1-2
2018-19: "Anchor" We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, sure and strong. Hebrews 6:19
2017-18: "All In" ...love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul with all your strength and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. Luke 10:27
Chapel Families
At RCLS, a sense of community extends throughout the building. This is largely due to the formation of Chapel Families each school year. A Chapel Family is made up of an 8th grader, who serves as the leader of his/her Family, and typically a student from each grade (PK-7) below. Together, Chapel Families:
- Worship in chapel
- Participate in a monthly Chapel Family event. Sometimes this means eating lunch together, while other times it may be during a service project together.
- Learn to practice grace and friendship with RCLS students they might not otherwise encounter.
We credit much of the camaraderie at RCLS to the success of our Chapel Family program. It is a remarkable opportunity for older students to learn to serve and to lead by example, and it is a unique opportunity for younger children to develop affirming relationships with older students.
The value of our Chapel Families can hardly be described; it is something to be experienced!