The River Church Community

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to write to share some exciting highlights about the beginning of this year and to let you know about some upcoming things.

- The 4^th-5^th grade community has gone so well!  The kids are relieved to be away from the “little kids” J and the leaders are relieved at how wonderful discussion has been.  It was way past time to offer this, and I am grateful that now we can.

- The kids that moved up from preschool into grade school are also doing well.  It is amazing to see how quickly the children are growing.

- The All Church Retreat really seemed to help some kids connect more with each other.  I sense more friendship and awareness of one another.

-  11 people signed up to try out serving in Kids’ Community via Get Into the Game Sunday – this is way more than I have seen before.

- New storytellers:  This is the first year that I am only on the schedule once a month and that may even change soon.  I love storytelling, but as we grow it is important for me to be available to support and train volunteers.  I have also appreciated being free to meet new families and connect with parents.  Thank the storytellers – they put in the most extra time outside of Sunday AM.  Go ahead and thank all of the volunteers while you are at it.  If you have not gotten the new list of stories check it out here:  http://www.the-river.org/kids-community/godly-play-schedule/

-  The kids are beginning to become more interested in worship and Cindy Kao and Meredith Chew have decided to lead all of the grade school kids in worship every Sunday for the first 15 minutes of service.  Thank them as well!  This is a joy of theirs, but it is also sacrificial.

Important details for you:

1)       Grade School Parents:  Please note that on 10/4, all grade school children will be dropped off at the Feast Room (room behind the connecting tables).  Please sign your child in on the appropriate sheet and always pick your child up at the room that matches the color on your number card (keep an eye out for the big nametag boards).  Thank you for flexing with yet another change. 

2)       All Parents:  Mark the evening of Sunday, October 18 on your calendar.  The Parent Vision Event is an opportunity to take the work we have begun to do on personal vision and take time to work on family mission/values.  This does NOT replace the church-wide vision seminars; it supplements it.  The Parent Seminar will run from 6-8pm, with first come, first served childcare and light refreshments available.  You can RSVP here: 

http://www.the-river.org/event/2009-10-18-parent-vision-event/

3)       All Parents:  There is another item on the fall calendar that is being postponed.  The Kids and Bible workshop will happen at another date and will be for the 4^th-5^th grade community.  Sorry for any confusion about that.

May God bless this very full but short season of receiving the gifts of parenting,

Jill