Converge Sunday                            Pastor Gail Mitchell

Remember, we have a joint service with Genesis on Sunday.  This service only will be at 10:30 am.  Then we will return to 9am, our regular time, next week.  Early in the service we will have 2 baptisms.  Don't be late.  

Here are several important matters, having to do with money

The treasurer reports that income has is $11,000 more than expenses at the end of October.  We are just coming into the heating and snow plowing season.  We have a general fund balance of $32, 467.18.  Praise God, and thanks to the cheerful giving of His people here at the River.  

We were able to save money by upgrading our copier.  The cost of the new machine is lower, and the cost of the maintenance contract is lower.  We would have saved about $75 per month if we leased it.  Instead we bought it outright, saving another $900 over the life of the machine.  

As our sanctuary and foyer are taking on a new shape, we are starting to use up the funds that we set aside for the project.  Unfortunately there are still several things which need to be done.  In addition to the many small details like the oak trim and finishing the lights some new cabinets in the foyer.  There is also one larger project on our priority list.  We need to put in a new sidewalk and a new handrail at the west side entrance.  This is a safety issue.  There are large breaks in the cement, with potential trip hazards.  We need to finish this project before the weather gets too cold.  We are currently getting bids and reviewing possible design changes. 

Last night the Leadership team reviewed the numbers and scheduled a special business meeting for right after church on November 22.  The motion will be to approve spending up to $10,000 from the general fund to complete the Sanctuary/Foyer update and to put in a new sidewalk and handrail.  This is an important consideration for completing this project before winter sets in.  See you there. 

Breakaway, The Crossing and New Beginnings
                                                         Pastor Steve Good

This year we only took 4 students to Breakaway in Des Moines, though it was a small group they had a big experience at the event. They got third place in the 3 on 3 basketball tournament ( did I forget to mention that they are all freshmen? ). They are already planning on improving for next year. More important than doing well in the basketball tournament, one of the students, Keivon Williams, made a decision to follow Christ! (You know, for all of the trophies they could have won, nothing could have made me happier than hearing about Keivon accepting Jesus as Lord!)

The after school program is in full swing and we are expanding the roster every week. The kids are learning about what truth is and what God has called us to do in this world He created. Thursday afternoons are filled with the sounds of laughing and screaming, I should probably apologize to Gail and the office workers for all of the racquet.

New Beginnings is our outreach to young mothers in the Iowa City Community and the surrounding area. We have partnered with the Choices Women's Clinic (Iowa City's only pro life women's clinic). New Beginnings is an outreach discipleship ministry that teaches young mothers about pre and post natal care for their children and offering encouragement through loving Christian female mentoring. This ministry happens at the church every Wednesday morning.

I ask for continued prayers for all of these ministries and also ask for you to consider and pray about how you could become more involved in these ministries as well.

More News

Thanksgiving Events

 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.

                          Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner
                          Thursday, November 26th from Noon til 5:30 pm

The River's annual Thanksgiving feast is here again! Come join us for turkey and all the trimmings on Thanksgiving Day. This is a great way to meet others in the community and be with others on this festive day. You can also volunteer to bring pies, pick up a Turkey from The River and cook it for the event, drive people, set up or clean. Let us know, we'll connect you.

Operation Christmas Child
Collection Week November 16-23rd

Collection times are listed below:

It's that time of year again to put together shoeboxes for needy children around the world!  The Spirit and Operation Christmas Child are joining together with area churches to collect gift shoeboxes to send to children in impoverished countries. 

How to Pack a Shoe Box

1. SHOE BOX

Use an empty shoe box (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required. Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift.

2. BOY OR GIRL?

Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child's age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Print out the appropriate boy/girl label by downloading the artwork. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box.

3. FILL WITH GIFTS

Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child.  Use the gift ideas provided on the bottom of this page.

4. INCLUDE YOUR DONATION

Please donate $7 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can give online by using our EZGIVE option, or you can write a check to Samaritan's Purse (note "OCC" on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. If you or your family are preparing more than one shoe box, please make one combined donation.

5. DROP OFF

Place a rubber band around each closed shoe box and drop off at The River during our collection week November 16 - 23. Come on the 19th from 6-9 am and meet Brent & Julia from the KNWS 101.9 Morning Show!

GIFT IDEAS

TOYS
small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES
pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.

HYGIENE ITEMS
toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.

OTHER
Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)

A PERSONAL NOTE
In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)

DO NOT INCLUDE:
Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol can

Cookie Exchange
9:30 am Saturday, December 12th

Bring four dozen, three to exchange and one to share the 12th as we enjoy the season and each other's company. We'll meet in the fellowship hall at The River and enjoy all the goodies!