Greetings Friends                   Pastor Dave Conrads

As we enter into our renewed worship space, may we enter with renewed passion to allow the Holy Spirit to renew our inner selves.  God is not so much interested with our "outsides" as he is in our "insides"...our hearts/minds.  He desires that these be transformed into more purely reflecting his bright glory to this darkened world.

In the text for this Sunday (James 3:13-18), we see that we are called to a wisdom and understanding that is from "heaven"...not the wisdom that is "earthly".  The difference in these types of wisdoms can not be hidden for they bear much fruit...righteousness from godly wisdom; wickedness from earthly wisdom.  As we hear the Word this Sunday, may we prepare by listening even now to how God may be speaking to us (both individually and corporately) on how we might act in his wisdom rather than in our own.

We may (and very well will) be surprised at the renovations he may do within us!
I look forward to worshiping our great God and King this Sunday...together!
Dave

More News

Last Chance for Pictures for Directory!

We will be printing new directories shortly! Please see Pastors Gail or Steve after the service Sunday to get your picture taken. Also, please fill out the information on the communication card attached to the program so we have your current address, email, and phone. We want to include you!

Converge Thanksgiving Service
Sunday, November 15th at 10:30 am*

We will be joining with Genesis Church as we celebrate the Thanksgiving season together through worship and baptism. Classes will be at 9:00 am on the 15th and the service will be at 10:30 am. We will also be having a baptism service if you want to participate. Let us know!

Daylight Saving Time Ends Next Sunday, November 1

Please remember to set your clocks BACK one hour Saturday night, October 31st before you go to sleep. You'll get an extra hour of sleep to boot!

Operation Christmas Child
Collection Week November 16-23rd

Operation Christmas Child will be sending over 8 million shoeboxes
around the world this year to children who need Jesus! Our goal at The River is to collect 1500 as the relay center for the greater Iowa City area.
Want to be a part? Here's how:

Fill a shoebox with items you think a boy or girl would like or need.
Please purchase quality items you would buy your own child. Go to the website www.samaritanspurse.org to find out how to pack your box and see OCC videos or pick up a brochure next week in the foyer.  If you donate for the shipping online, you will find out where your box ends up! Collection dates this year are November 16-23. Please bring your boxes during the first part of that week as we will be shipping out the 23rd early in the morning.

Leaders in several countries are saying the fields are ripe for harvest, please send us more boxes! After receiving the gospel story along with their shoeboxes, children have the opportunity to be part
of "The Greatest Journey" discipleship program where they receive a certificate and new bible when they are done. Please pray for all involved and for unreached people to hear and receive the "good news."

One more shoebox to reach one more child... for Jesus.