Faith in Action
Rochester Christian School is a non-denominational school rooted in the Reformed tradition. There are currently more than 47 different local Christian churches represented across our school family. At Rochester Christian School, our teachers intentionally learn about and use Faith Enhancing Practices to ensure faith integration throughout the day. We strive to integrate our faith into all areas of learning and also through:
Worship
The purpose of the Worship Team is to glorify God and help students connect with Him by facilitating musical worship experiences. We aim to develop vocal technique and singing skills, learn about the fundamentals, purpose, and joy of worship music, and promote teamwork whilst worshiping Christ through music.
The Worship Team leads our community in worship during Reflections and other special events, performs at concerts throughout the year, and participates in special service and volunteer projects. We rehearse weekly. All students in grades one through eight are invited to join the Rochester Christian School Worship Team.
Reflections
We gather corporately once a month for a time to worship God through singing, reading Scripture, and talking about how we can be a reflection of Christ. Guest speakers from the Rochester area (Pastors, Worship Directors, Family Ministry Leaders, and other special guests) strive to provide meaningful, engaging worship experiences. We invite the wider RCS community to attend Reflections and encourage parents to continue the conversations started at Reflections at home.
REFLECTION PODS: These multi-grade small groups provide a unique opportunity for students across all nine grade levels to study God’s word and/or do service projects together throughout the year. This program involves assigning students from each grade level to meet together with one teacher approximately once each month during the school year. The groups work through a common lesson and work on projects together. Our “R-Pods” foster relationships within and among students of all ages, as well as offering opportunities for faculty members to foster relationships with students from different grade levels. The older students rise to the challenge of helping the younger students in their pods, and the younger students delight in saying hello to their R-pod friends in the middle school when they see them outside or in the hallways.
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Service
All students at Rochester Christian School participate in F.I.S.H service projects. F.I.S.H. stands for Faithful In Serving Him. Throughout the year, we have classroom service opportunities for the elementary grades and Worship Team, and in Middle School we have individual projects to help develop servant-like attitudes and behaviors.
We aim to foster an environment where our students desire to serve and love one another; just as Christ has called us to do. We encourage our students to notice servant behavior in one another and to show appreciation, care, and place value in others above themselves.
Daily Faith
Daily Classroom Devotions
At Rochester Christian School, it is important that we spend each day intentionally seeking God's truth for our lives. We begin each day with devotionals and prayer. Our teachers talk openly about what it means to follow Christ in our decisions, attitudes & work ethic. This sets the tone for the day; whether in class, recess, music class, or sports, we strive to live out our faith each day.
Scripture memory
Our Scripture Memory Program spans from Kindergarten through Eighth grade, building upon verses from the previous year. By the time our students graduate, they have hidden over 150 Scripture passages in their hearts!
This year (2023-2024) we are memorizing Phil.4:6-7. The glory of this verse is found in the idea that God is there in our anxiety, and that in those times, He invites us to pray to Him, tell Him our needs, and thank Him for His presence with us. How comforting to know that we serve a God who is omniscient, and who not only knows the future, but has ordained that future for the good of those who love Him.
Prayer
Prayer is a vital part of our faith because it allows us to talk to God and build our relationship with Him. We desire to model this for our students through teacher lead prayer or encouraging students to pray. Our Teachers and Faculty pray for our students by name, further fostering an environment where each child is known and loved at school.
