Rogers Summit Girls Build True Community

This post was written by Rogers Ozone Director Christine Janssens.

What do the things in this list have in common?

 Beaver Lake Cleanup, Primetime, Great Pretenders, Paint Wars, Summit, Spring Break Retreat, Canned Food Drive. 

Yes, they are all CWE365 events. Yes, they are all fun. Yes, each is highly anticipated by families and students. They are the events that consistently come to mind when anyone thinks of Ozone. Highly advertised, enjoyed by all and asked about frequently. 

Personally I really enjoy the big events and the weekly meetings of Primetime, Summit, and Lifeline.  Although these are great ways for students to get involved and stay plugged in to a church community, there is a lot more that Ozone has to offer than big events and once-a-week meetings. 

Community. Fellowship. Love. Friendship.

This is what a group of Rogers High School girls experience through their involvement with Ozone.  There is a core group of really awesome high school girls that just enjoy being with each other. They serve elementary kids together at Lifeline, meet for bible study at a leader’s house and share meals together.  By God’s grace these girls have been able to develop a community beyond school, sports and our regularly scheduled Ozone events. 

The mission of CWE365 is to share the Gospel—the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ—with our students in hopes of them applying what they learn about our powerful, loving Father and then strive to be like him in every way. The group of Rogers High School ladies is one example of students who’ve found community through Ozone.  They are girls who seek to love like Jesus through service to their community and fellowship, as it says in Romans 12:9,10:

“Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”

Rogers High School Senior and Summit student Hannah spoke of her experience with the group, "Being part of this small group is such a cool blessing. It's so fun to get to share life and grow with other girls that love Jesus. God's taught me how important and how special fellowship is, and how crazy fun it is to live and learn and laugh and love with a group of God-seekers. So much encouragement, so much JOY, so much growth, and an incredible amount of contagious laughter! I wouldn't trade these friendships for anything!" Another RHS student and Summit regular, Pia, said, "I really love meeting with these girls. They are so fun, filled with joy, loving, and full of kindness. I have never had a group of girls in my life like these girls. It's really nice to have people in your life that support you and hold you accountable. They keep me on track. My life has changed a lot over the last couple years, not always in a good way, but I know that I can always turn to these Jesus-loving girls who will speak truth into me."

It’s not advertised. You don’t have to sign up for it. It doesn’t take a lot of preparation, planning or time. All you have to do is come to hang out with us once a week, love with genuine affection and delight in honoring each other. What is it? It’s a community.  It’s fellowship that welcomes and loves.