Rock the Block
Many children in Graham have never stepped foot in a church building.
Let me tell you a story about a little girl, we will say her name is Lisa. She is in the
second grade and had never been to church. I know this little girl personally. I
have been mentoring her at school for several months. I invited her to church. I
talked to her mom about bringing her – she agreed. Now she comes every week.
The point- I went to her. I didn’t wait for her to come to the church doors. We
have had many outreach activities here at our church, but she hadn’t come to any
of them. Ministry is about people not programs. Jim Wideman states, “People
respond better to relationship, not to positions of power.”
Every summer, an army of volunteers spend countless hours preparing and
working Vacation Bible school. We spend 1000s of dollars on decorations, crafts,
curriculum, etc. While I think that our church events are wonderful, I do believe
that we can make a bigger impact on the kingdom of God if we reach out to our
community through Backyard VBS.
Backyard VBS – a.k.a. – ROCK THE BLOCKWhat is Rock the Block?
Rock the Block is a series of backyard VBSs hosted by the Oak Street Baptist
Church faith family throughout the city of Graham. Church family members open
up their backyards to their neighborhood kids for a week of summertime fun.
Rock the Block is intended to be an overflow of the disciple-making that's
already occurring throughout the year. It's simply a tool to engage the children
and families in your neighborhood through meaningful, gospel-advancing
relationships. Our Children's Ministry team can provide your leadership team with
gospel-centered curriculum, training, and many of the materials that you'll need.
Who will attend RTB?
RTB is intended for children in your neighborhood ages K-5th grade.
Who Leads RTB?
RTB is led by a team of 4 or more adult leaders and 3-4 youth volunteers. All
leaders must go through the screening process as described in the OSBC Reduce
the Risk policy. All leaders must be members of OSBC. (see Adult/Leader job
description)
Where is RTB?
RTB takes place in Host Homes throughout Graham. A Host Home is either the
front or back yard of an OSBC member. (see Host Home Responsibilities)
When is RTB?
RTB can be held anytime during the summer but it is suggested to hold your club
during Emphasis Week. Club times will be from 6 pm to 8 pm during emphasis
week.
What is Emphasis Week?
Emphasis Week is the week where OSBC Children's Ministry Staff and RTB
volunteers will be fully dedicated to assisting you with your RTB club. During this
week, we will provide childcare and will have volunteers available to assist you
with supplies and other needs as they may arise. You are welcome to hold your
RTB during times other than Emphasis Week but there will no childcare and
limited availability of staff and volunteers due to other commitments and
vacation times.
When is Emphasis Week?
Emphasis Week will be Monday, July 9 through Friday, July 13 from 6 pm until
7:30 pm with Friday night reserved for a neighborhood block party (optional).
Will childcare be provided?
Yes, childcare will be provided during emphasis week ONLY from 5:30 pm until
8:30 pm for ages Birth through Pre-K in the Street Kidz Beginnings. You may also
choose to keep your children with you at your club so that they may participate in
RTB.
How do we RTB?
The OSBC Children's Ministry team will provide you with Gospel Centered
Curriculum, training and many of the materials that you and your leadership team
will need to Rock the Block! Watch for training dates in the church bulletin and at
www.osbcgraham.com/children
How can I help RTB?
There are two areas where individuals can help RTB. The first is the Host Home
Support Team. The HHST is responsible for coordinating and organizing supplies
for the Host Homes. The majority of the responsibilities of the HHST will be
completed by June 1.
The other area where you can serve is Host Home/Leader (see Host Home/Leader
responsibilities)