ROK Ministries
Our church is blessed to be a part of the Shenandoah Valley Academy campus and we love having high school students as a major part of our church family. When former pastor Shane Anderson arrived in 2004, he led our team to create a way to demonstrate our close connection with each student in a practical way. Reach Our Kids Ministries (ROK) was born and has become the church’s single largest ministry.
Reach Our Kids Ministries
This diverse ministry is intended to let our high school students know that they are personally loved by their church family and God, and strives to help the students develop a personal relationship with Christ. Throughout the year, we communicate our love and concern for the students in several ways.
Each student is prayed for individually throughout the school year.
ROK Friends (church members) are paired with ROK Students (SVA students as well as all high school age students associated with the New Market SDA Church). The ROK Friends give their ROK Students notes of encouragement and other care package items about once a month.
Handshake and Goodie Bag Welcome Sabbath – On the first Sabbath of the school year, we welcome the students to church with a handshake and goodie bags to let them know we are so glad they are here.
Every Monday before homeleave, ROK shares cookies and hugs with the students.
Fall Meet and Greet Vespers – ROK Students will meet their ROK Friend and enjoy some pie and fellowship.
Winter International Event Vespers – Each year a different area of the world is represented and after vespers in the sanctuary everyone enjoys international foods. It is always a delicious multi-sensory experience!
Spring Hayride – A hayride and time of food and fellowship brings the ROK year to a close.
ROK Events for the 24-25 School Year:
ROK Welcome - August 24, 2024
ROK Fall Meet & Greet - October 11, 2024
ROK Winter Vespers - February 28, 2025
ROK Spring Hayride - May 9, 2025
If you are a ROK friend and plan on taking your ROK student off campus, you must complete the Sterling Volunteer training and background check. This training takes about 60 minutes.
R.O.K. Interest Survey
In choosing to become a “ROK Friend” you are committing for the entire school year to reach out to individual students regularly (monthly is suggested). You can remember them with cards and gifts, invitations to join you at Fellowship Dinner or other church events, etc. You may choose to be their “pew partner” or “cheerleader” or attend their musical performances. You may want to invite them to your home or out to eat - the choice is yours.