Renovation...of the Heart         Pastor Dave Conrads

It seems like renovations are all around me.  At Genesis, we are coming to the conclusion of renovating a beautiful, old farm house to serve as a center for our ministries.  At the River, we will soon enjoy a renovated auditorium and narthex to serve as places to gather for worship and fellowship.  I am excited about these renovations.  I think both facilities will serve as attractive places of ministry for our two area "Converge" churches.   But what I am struck by most is the imagery of renovations and how our congregations are built on "renovations" and are in the work of "renovation".  The renovation of the heart.  Dallas Willard wrote a book of that title in 2002...and discussed this issue of being renewed or renovated spiritually so that we might put on the character of Christ.  That is what the Holy Spirit is doing in our lives, individually and together corporately.  He is forming us and molding us more and more into the image of Christ, as we respond by faith.  And that is the point of James.   As we've been looking at his letter James describes how faith works.  That is, when we put our faith in the Living God our lives will manifest that faith in how we live...especially in our relationship to others.  We have seen that genuine faith endures trials, avoids temptations, speaks carefully, listens intently, controls anger, and practices "pure" religion by caring for those in need and avoiding the immoral behaviors prevalent in our world.  In short, genuine faith in Jesus produces a renovation of the heart by the power of the Holy Spirit for the glory of God.  And that renovated heart works.  May we not resist God's work on our hearts...and patiently await the beautiful transformation that this renovation produces. 

God's grace and peace to you all,

Dave

Renovations                                   Pastor Gail Mitchell  

Wow!.  The painters have started this week.  The upholsterer took all the pew seats to start his work.  The Carpet is scheduled for October 12.  The hanging lights have been ordered. most of them are ready to be picked up in Coralville.  So, the next two weeks will tell a really big story.  "Please Forgive our Progress!!"  We will try to keep the spaces clean, but you will encounter some messes over the next few weeks.  

Sunday at 5pm is another hymn sing.  It will be a great chance to get out, and the weather man says it won't be raining.  Claude has agreed to sing a solo this month.  See you then.

More News

New Beginnings
10:00 am Wednesdays

New Beginnings is a class taught to young expectant mothers through IC Choices Clinic at The River. They can earn things they need by going to the classes. We are currently looking for help to organize baby clothes for the Mother's Closet and also help to sit with the siblings during class. If you can help with either of these, contact  Sonia Oliphant: 319.512.6349 or: tsoliphant8676@gmail.com.

Directory Updates

We will be updating the directory soon! Please fill out your communication card on Sunday with your current information. If you won't be here, you can email your info to us. You can also request an updated picture of your family be taken or email us one. We'd like to have a picture of each attending family. If you don't update your info, we will print what we already have on file. Please help us be as current as possible!

Hymn Sing
Sunday, October 4
5:00 - 5:45 pm

We have a great time getting together with other from around the community to sing hymns and praising God. Why don't you join us this Sunday, we'll keep a seat warm for you! Claude Williams will be our special music.

Faith Works in the Grant Wood Neighborhood
9 - Noon  Saturday, October 24

Register now to join the group at www.reclaimingroots.org to help with yard and trash pickup in the Wetherby neighborhood of Grant Wood School. The River and Genesis will be working together on this project to serve food to the workers, but feel free to sign up to help with the clean up too.If you would like to help with the serving of the food, please contact Steve Good. Look at the posting under Opportunities on the Go and Share Board at The River for more info.

Community

Coping With Loss: New Beginnings

Lensing Funeral Home will be offering a series of workshops for those who have experienced the death of a friend or family member and those who wish to be supportive. All classes meet from 6:30 - 8:30 pm at 515 Kirkwood Ave in Iowa City.

October 5: Grieving - The Basics

October 12: Sharing Our Grief

October 19: Renaming and Reclaiming Hope

November 9: Coping With the Holidays

God at Work

Urbana 09
December 27-31

Intervarsty's 22nd Student Missions Conference is happening this year in St. Louis. It's our prayer that Urbana 09 will be an eye-opening, life-transforming, commitment-producing call to join God's mission. There will be speakers and students from around the world for these few days together. Check out the website for more info for yourself or a student you know. Register by October 17th for the discount. 

All these letters and more can be obtained from the Go & Share Board at The River.

Got a story of how God is working in your life? Please share it to encourage others!

God still speaks and His Word is living and active. Hebrews 4:12