THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTORS

Thanks!

Becky and I want to thank The River family for your gracious Christmas gift to us. Since joining The River 3 1/2 years ago, we have felt much love and acceptance and generosity and encouragement. In this new season of blended congregations (The River and Genesis), I am excited to see how these traits of The River will be experienced by Genesis Church and, reciprocally, I look forward to how Genesis Church might bless The River.  We have all certainly taken steps of faith over these last few years and I believe we will take many more together as we work with Christ to bring His Good News to our cities and to the nations. I am excited to see where Christ leads as we listen to His voice together and trust Him with our all.  May our worship together this weekend remind us of our common Christ and our common cause! 

Grace and peace,

Dave

Togetherness

We have started our shared worship with some of the Genesis congregation.  The sanctuary has a better feel, with a few more people in it.  The biggest impact so far is on our kid’s ministry.  Kids Church has had 20 or more people each of the last 2 weeks, and the nursery has been full.  Some things are taking time to get settled.  Adjustments are still being made.  If you see or know of something that needs to be addressed, or is not working quite right, please let us know.  

Last Sunday there were 153 here at the River, and 35 at the Big White House (BWH).  They no longer have the Saturday evening service at the BWH. Pastor Dave Has a 9am Service at BWH before he comes here for the 10:30 service.  They have no kids ministries at the BWH early service, so all the families with children are coming here.  

Personally, Marge and I want to thank all of you who took the time to send cards or notes.  You are a great encouragement to us. We also appreciate those who made the long drive to the funeral, and those who have contributed to the scholarship fund for our granddaughters.  It is the support of good people like you who give strength to meet this impossible grief.  Thanks.

COMMUNITY NEWS

River Membership Classes

.Have you wanted to be more involved at The River? Want to know more about us and what makes us a family? Three classes will tell you the basics about what we believe and what makes us a family. Have you started classes but need to make up one or two?Contact Steve Good about attending a class. We have a couple of classes outside of church on Sunday to get connected to! The Sunday morning classes are done.

Poetry Book Sale

Stop by the foyer this Sunday, January 22nd. Millie Buckley will be selling her new poetry book, First Be Still. It's a collection of poems she has published. It's only $12, $2 or which goes toward our food bank.

Sportsmen's Retreats
March 23-25 or March 30-31
Hidden Acres Camp

Guys, want to get away and "fine tune" your skills in various aspects of outdoor sports, including bow shooting, trap-ping, reloading, and bird dog training ?This weekend is full of many activities including outdoor shooting, indoor archery, great food, an awesome speaker, and more! There are two weekends for the Sportsman's Retreat.  Right now Greg Brenneman from Genesis is planning to go both weekends and is staying at the Inn or the Main Lodge. Rob and Danny O'rear may go the first weekend (and maybe the second) according to Sally. Following is the link to the website for the brochure.  If you get Greg your registration, he can arrange for a 1/2 price deal for guys going for the first time.

http://www.hacamps.org/sportsmens.html#

http://www.hacamps.org/documents/sportsmens.pdf

Give Greg a holler if you have any questions or if you think or someone I should pass this on to as well! Greg gebren@southslope.net  319.857.4520

Tax Statements

Year-end giving letter for The River are out. Please check your mail slot. any letter not picked up by the end of January will be mailed out. Thank you for your faithful giving to the Kingdom.

GO AND SHARE....

We receive many updates from those serving in the US and around the world. We post a brief report from each. Please pick up their entire letters in the Resource Room at The River. Lots to pray for, whew, but God is faithful! An easy but important way to serve Jesus! If you have a Go & Share story of God working or would like prayer for an opportunity, please let us know, we'd love to share it! Entire prayer letters, free resources and more opportunities are all located in the Resource Center at The River.

Opportunities

Want to get connected? Check out the Volunteer Connection Card to the left to see where you might want to serve.

Food Bank-1:00 - 3:00 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays

If you would like to donate, place your non-perishables in the container in the foyer. If you are donating cash, please mark your envelope "Food Bank." We are also in great need to more people to help out during food bank hours. Is this something you would like to help with? Our cliental list has increased during the year. Talk to Darlene Nelson if you can help.

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Emmaus Bible College
Spring Registration

This spring Emmaus if offering The Life of Abraham, a 12 week class taught by David Glock. Monday evenings from 7-9 pm at New Covenant Bible Church in CR. Call Emaus at 563-588-8000 or see the poster on the east hall board for more information and to sign up.

Casting Crowns Concert
Friday, March 23
7:00 pm at the I Wireless Center

For more info about the Come to the Well tour, see the poster in the east hall, or call 309-764-2001.

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