We're baacck! The 2009-10 School Year begins

Great excitement and anticipation filled the RJC hallways as SRC and DC leadership students returned to campus to prepare for the new school year. Much needed to be done before the rest of the student body arrived for registration weekend! After the squealing and hugging subsided the real work began. The group attended sessions to learn about leadership using the servanthood model. They then met in smaller groups to do the actual physical preparation for the weekend.

Allison Schmidt and Katie McLellan prepare posters for the weekend.

Jordan Wiens and Kim Koop work on the welcoming message on the white board.

Jon Willie and Monica Siemens prepare the schedule for the first week of school.

Hannah Jones decorates the welcome bags that were provided by the RJC auxillary for both new and returning students.

Before the larger student body arrived we paused during our busy preparations to take time to affirm the students in their roles as leaders. A commissioning service was held in the chapel on Friday.

Allan Friesen, pastor at Eigenheim Mennonite Church brought encouragement to the students.

Joanne Epp, parent to Heidi Epp, this year SRC co-president , challenged the leaders to remember that every student is someone's son or daughter, that they are someone else's most precious belonging. She reminded them that parents are entrusting them to care for their loved one.

Ryan Wood, staff member at RJC brought a request, a challenge and an encouragement to the students. He requested that the students 'don't settle', challenged them to 'bring it' by rising to the position that they have been called to fill. He then encouraged them by reminding them that they were chosen by their fellow students and teachers to fulfill this role, that their many gifts were recognized by those around them.

The commissioning service ended with the staff surrounding the students with their support and prayers.