I pray God is meeting you in a deep way this Holy Week. I’d like to say a few words about what we have planned for the week as we worship together:

* Easter Sunday
I feel that the Lord is giving me a message that will be meaningful for people wherever we are on the journey. So, I encourage you to consider the people in your world who are disconnected from Jesus’ love. This is the easiest time of the year to invite a friend. Steven, Angela, Mark, and I are in an ongoing conversation about how to best roll out the red carpet for new friends.

You can help us make The River a hospitable place for newcomers this Sunday in a few ways. First, if you do not have small children or any physical limitations, please park in the 10th street garage so we can free up spots in the surface lot near the ATMs. Second, in the ballroom, please fill the front seats rather than taking a seat in the back. We will have greeters on hand to usher people, but you could help out tremendously by being willing to sit closer to the stage. And last, if you see a newcomer, please make an effort to say hello and welcome them to our community.

* Good Friday
We have created a "Stations of the Cross" experience that will help you to draw near to Jesus in the fellowship of his suffering. As we journey with him, we allow him to process the effects of the deadly sins in our lives so that we can be free to walk in newness of life.

The Stations of the Cross will be available at the Ministry Center for you to come and meditate at your convenience from 1 to 8 pm on Friday. Please plan for at least one hour to walk the stations. We encourage those who are able to come earlier in the day to make space between 6 and 8 pm for those who can only come after work hours. We will gather for a communal time of worship and reflection at 8 pm.

Note: The Stations of the Cross is a devotional tradition that began with the Franciscans and is used in churches throughout the world. Our Stations of Cross is a modified version, with 7 stations, that thoughtfully take you on a journey of remembering the final moments of Jesus’ life on earth.

* Seder
Unfortunately, we will not be doing our traditional Seder meal this year. I offer my sincere apologies. I know that this has been a wonderful family tradition for many. However, the unsettledness in our worship director role made it difficult to do the event this year. Our plan will be to resume this wonderful transition next Spring. In the meantime, we have made Seder materials available using the links below if you would like to host an event for your small group, family, and friends.

Passover Seder Hosting Information
Passover Seder Liturgy Handout

Peace,
Brad Wong, Lead Pastor

Dear River friends,

I hope 2010 has gotten off to a good start for you and yours.  In the midst of so many things to be thankful for, I am most grateful for the worship director candidates that God has brought us.  Thanks to all who came to the Q & A time last Sunday to get to know Michelle DeVeaux.  I loved the insightfulness of the questions you presented.  

It would be very helpful if you would take a few moments and give feedback on your experience of being led in worship by Michelle.  You can do so here.  Also, if you were not in service on January 3, please listen to my message on Samuel’s anointing of David; it articulates the essential posture I believe God is calling us to as we journey through this process together.  

I want you all to know how the process will unfold.  Below, I address some questions that have been directed my way.  Let’s be much in prayer through this season.

Peace,

Brad Wong,
Lead Pastor

* What will be the calendar of events going forward?
- Two more candidates who will be leading us on each of the next two Sundays.
- On the Thursday prior, various River staff members will conduct interviews.
- On Thursday or Friday, the candidate will lead a rehearsal with the worship band.
- On the Saturday prior, two Board members will conduct an interview.
- On Sunday afternoon, River participants come to a Q & A.
- The following week, River members are encouraged to give feedback on-line.
- On February 2, River leaders and intercessors will gather to hear a summary of the feedback, listen to one another, and pray together.
- The hiring manager (me, in this case) will sit with all of the information gathered and prayerfully discern whether God has led us to a place in which a decision can be made.  There is no hard deadline; but, my hope is to make a decision some time in February.  Having said that, I am committed to waiting upon the Lord.  If He says “slow”, we will not rush our decision.  If He says “no”, we will be open to pursuing other options.

* Why does the feedback form ask for my name?  
You will notice that the feedback form on-line will ask for your name and contact information.  The reason for this is that the impersonal nature of anonymous feedback can elicit unnecessarily harsh and even flippant feedback.  I do not believe this serves to build up the body of Christ.  Therefore, I am asking for your name and contact information.  That way, if further clarification is helpful, we have a way of pursuing it.  

* Who will look at the feedback?
I will be the only person who looks at the feedback in its original form.  I will prepare a summary of comments and present that summary to those who come to the prayer meeting on February 2.  That summary will contain no direct quotations or names from the feedback given on-line.

* What factors will be taken into account as a decision is made?
In order of priority, we are looking for: 1) Character – To what extent does this person have the spiritual character to represent the church and bear up under the pressures that will come with this role?  2) Chemistry -  To what extent does this person fit with the personality of our church and staff? and 3) Competence – To what extent is this person skilled in carrying out the tasks involved in the role?

I will be listening to the perspectives of the leadership community, the staff, the search team, and the broader church community.  

* Why isn’t the process slower?
A few people have asked me why we are not having a slower process.  It’s a great question.  My first response is that the process has been pretty deliberate.  Our search team began interviewing candidates in early November.  So, by the time a decision is reached, more than three months will have passed.  I can tell you that the process does not feel fast to candidates who are looking for jobs.  As importantly, the reality is that each of us only has so much time and energy to spend beyond what it typically takes to manage life.  While I understand  and appreciate peoples’ passion for participation in this process, it is important to me that we are a people who remain focused upon living out the mission that God has for each of us.  Churches tend to get bogged down into the work of running church.  All too easily, we lose sight of the lost and the poor.  My desire is that we make a wise decision while not losing focus upon ministry beyond church walls.
 
Peace,
Brad Wong, Lead Pastor

The first True North Vision Seminar takes places this Saturday, January 16th, at The Ministry Center from 9 am to 2 pm. For more information or to sign up for the seminar, click here.

If you have recently starting attending The River or are looking for ways to connect deeper into the life of our church, we invite you to a Welcome Dessert at the home of Brad Wong, our Lead Pastor. We will provide a brief history of The River, explain our values as a church, offer ways for you to get involved, and answer any questions you may have. But mostly, we just want to get to know you over some delicious desserts and drinks in a relaxing, friendly environment.

Please let us know if you can make the event so we can provide you with address and directions. Email Angela Aviles at angela@the-river.org or call 408.252.5500 x106.

Please join us for breakfast and fellowship on Saturday, Jan 23 from 9:00-11:30am at the Ministry Center (701 North First St). Our guest speaker will be Wendi Calton who brings a message of hope and deliverance to her audience. Her speaking is filled with personal stories of how Christ gave her the will to survive and the endurance to recover from a life-threatening accident. She will be speaking on the topic Healed and Set Free based on John 8:36 "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." We hope you can join us! Please RSVP on the evite or sign up to receive the evite at the Connecting Table on Jan 10 and 17. Contact Molly Meyer // mollyjmeyer@gmail.com for more information or questions.

Does your thirst for love and intimacy seem insatiable? Are you choking on the bitter taste of broken relationships or sexual struggles? Are you ready to taste the Living Water that Jesus offered the Woman at the Well so that she would “never thirst again”? Experiencing the lavish love of God for yourself is the only way to quench your deep thirst for love and intimacy.

We will journey through the book Words of Wisdom for Woman at the Well - Quenching Your Heart's Thirst for Love and Intimacy by Shannon Ethridge

The Group will run 12 weeks, Monday nights, Starting January 25th ending April 19th. We will meet at The River Ministry Center from 7-9pm.

To find out if this book discussion group is for you an in depth questioner will be available at the connecting table. For more questions contact  Shelby Tindall at missshelby54@yahoo.com

You’re invited to...The River’s 4th annual Christmas Eve Celebration!

Join us on Thursday, December 24th for an afternoon celebration designed for the whole family - young and old, marrieds and singles. We will sing carols, enjoy Christmas desserts, and participate in a hands-on activity designed to help us remember the journey to Bethlehem and the miracle of Jesus’ birth in our lives.

When:     Thursday, December 24th, 2 to 4 pm
Where:     The River Ministry Center - 701 North 1st Street, San Jose, CA 95112

Come for the whole time or just stop by and enjoy some desserts with your friends at The River.

RSVP:  You can sign-up on our website or by contacting Angela Aviles. Sign-up is not required, but greatly appreciated as we plan for food.

• Giving Catalog online – a way to bless our local and international partners.  See River Invitation card below.
• Mistletoe – support the youth. On sale by the Connecting Tables.
• Force of the Spirit book – support a friend of The River through this photography book designed to draw people closer to Scripture. Also on sale at the Connecting Table.  More information on the River Invitation cards below.

See announcements above

This holiday season you have an opportunity to give to all of our River Partners both here and abroad.  The Giving Catalog is meant to be an easy way for you to learn more about and support ministries that The River is both relationally and financially connected to.  To learn more, take a look online at:

http://www.the-river.org/compassion-ministry/christmas-catalog-2009/

This year, as per IRS guidelines, The River will be sending year-end giving statements for donors who have donated over $250 during the calendar year to The River.  If you have donated less than this amount and still would like a copy of your giving statement sent to you, please contact Dave Kwok at kwok@the-river.org or 408-252-5500 x104 and specify whether you would like the statement emailed or mailed to you.

Also, if you have recently changed addresses and want to ensure that a giving statement is sent to the correct address, please send Dave your current updated address.

Thank you for your generosity towards God's work at The River!

The Kimsey's good-bye party is this Sunday, December 13 after service!  Please RSVP to Angela Aviles // if you can attend the party so we can plan for enough food.

This year, as per IRS guidelines, The River will be sending year-end giving statements for donors who have donated over $250 during the calendar year to The River.  If you have donated less than this amount and still would like a copy of your giving statement sent to you, please contact Dave Kwok at kwok@the-river.org or 408-252-5500 x104 and specify whether you would like the statement emailed or mailed to you.

Also, if you have recently changed addresses and want to ensure that a giving statement is sent to the correct address, please send Dave your current updated address.

Thank you for your generosity towards God's work at The River!

You’re invited to...The River’s 4th annual Christmas Eve Celebration!

Join us on Thursday, December 24th for an afternoon celebration designed for the whole family - young and old, marrieds and singles. We will sing carols, enjoy Christmas desserts, and participate in a hands-on activity designed to help us remember the journey to Bethlehem and the miracle of Jesus’ birth in our lives.

When:     Thursday, December 24th, 2 to 4 pm
Where:     The River Ministry Center - 701 North 1st Street, San Jose, CA 95112

Come for the whole time or just stop by and enjoy some desserts with your friends at The River.

RSVP:  You can sign-up on our website or by contacting Angela Aviles. Sign-up is not required, but greatly appreciated as we plan for food.

• Giving Catalog online – a way to bless our local and international partners.  See River Invitation card below.
• Mistletoe – support the youth. On sale by the Connecting Tables.
• Force of the Spirit book – support a friend of The River through this photography book designed to draw people closer to Scripture. Also on sale at the Connecting Table.  More information on the River Invitation cards below.

This Christmas, give the gift of safety to yourself or another. Impact Bay Area (an organization that prevents violence and promotes healing by teaching full-force self-defense, personal safety and empowerment to women and teen girls) is coming to The River!

Two classes are available:

Saturday and Sunday, December 12th and 13th, 10 am to 3 pm – Teen “Kick Like a Girl” Self Defense Class. This course is designed specifically for teen girls ages 12-16. This ten hour self-defense course focuses on preventing stranger and dating violence, including sexual assault. Cost: $225

Saturday, December 19th, 10 am to 2:30 pm – R.A.R.E (Rape Awareness and Resistance Education) Workshop. This half-day workshop for women and girls (age 14+) focuses on sexual assault prevention. Participants will practice responding physically and verbally in a variety of stranger and acquaintance scenarios which could lead to sexual assault. Cost: $150

All classes at The River Ministry Center – 701 North First Street in San Jose.

Register online at www.ImpactBayArea.com or by calling 510-208-0474. $50 Discount for all River members! (use code: RCCdiscount)

If you have any questions about these courses, contact Mary Lucitt.

Interested in learning the worship songs we sing on Sunday on your instrument? Would you like to lead worship for your friends or small group and need some help? You are invited to dust off your instrument (or vocal chords) Friday, Dec. 11th with Janet and others from the Worship Team to cultivate your heart of worship. This is a fun, low key session for anyone who would like to develop their musical skills and lead others in worship in the future. We will be meeting at the Ministry Center, Dec. 11th from 7 - 9 pm. If you are interested, please contact Janet Yang at so that she can send you the music you will be working on.

See announcements above

See announcements above

Force of the Spirit is a unique photography book that is designed to draw people closer into Scripture through black and white imagery.
 
Award-winning photographer Kim Daus-Edwards, a minister, missionary and former business executive, has a passion to inspire people to see more of God through imagery. Kim is a friend of The River community and lives in Sausalito with her husband, two sons and daughter with special needs.
 
In order to raise funds to take care of her daughter's medical expenses, Kim is offering the Force of the Spirit at a special discounted price for the River community of $25 per book for the month of December (Normal selling price on her website $ 35 + shipping or $ 45 + shipping on amazon.com).
 
We will sell the Force of the Spirit at the discounted price of $ 25.00 per book at the River on Sunday December 6, 13 and 20, after service in the lobby.
 
Please consider this unique gift as you go through your Christmas list: it is truly a gift that keeps giving!
 
For more information:
www.forceofthespirit.com
www.daus.com
 
or contact: Jessica Smith at bonvoyagewv@gmail.com or 415-640-5722

This holiday season you have an opportunity to give to all of our River Partners both here and abroad.  The Giving Catalog is meant to be an easy way for you to learn more about and support ministries that The River is both relationally and financially connected to.  To learn more, take a look online at:

http://www.the-river.org/compassion-ministry/christmas-catalog-2009/

"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'” Matthew 25:40
 
Dear River friends,
 
Thanks to all of you who helped launch our celebration of Advent by putting together backpacks for children in Mexico.  Our efforts have served seven hundred children in a squatter settlement in Tijuana.  I hope you experienced the morning as a genuine worship encounter with Jesus, who promises to meet us as we turn towards his little ones.
 
I also wanted to let you know that we have intentionally pushed the pause button on our “Vision Lessons from the Nehemiah” series.  There was some temptation to press on in Nehemiah, working towards momentum and progress in the arena of vision.  But, it occurs to me that Advent serves to anchor our lives in God’s overarching vision for our world.  Moreover, the event of Christ’s coming has always been a source of great hope for the people of God, especially in times of great despair.  So, we recite the words of the prophet over and over again, “the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:78,79)
 
The title of our Advent series reminds us that God intends to form us as a people who carry hope into the world.  Throughout Advent, I want to encourage you to spend time listening to the Spirit about how God wants to make you a person of hope.  Are there places where you are stuck in despair?  Are ways in which God wants to expand your hope?  That’s the ongoing conversation I intend to have with my family as we gather for prayer through Advent.  I hope you’ll engage in that conversation with your family and friends, too.  As you do, may the light from on high break into your darkness.
 
Peace,
Brad Wong, Lead Pastor

Welcome to Zoe Perisseia Ta born to Angela, John and big brother Kyle on Saturday November 21st.  Congratulations Ta Family!

No announcements this week!

When: Sunday, December 13, 2009, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Where: SJSU Student Union Ballroom

Our beloved Worship Director Krista-Dawn Kimsey and her family will be leaving San Jose at the end of December. You are all invited to a party we are throwing to celebrate her and honor her years of ministry and leadership here at The River. In true Krista-Dawn fashion, the party will include fun food and drinks, games, and a time of sharing.

We plan to create a memory book with photos and words of encouragement for Krista-Dawn. If you have a photo of yourself (without or without a member of the Kimsey family) and a memory, affirmation, or blessing you would like to share, please send it to // Amy Guerrero by December at 4th. Please RSVP to // Angela Aviles if you can attend the party so we can plan for enough food. Also, if you would like to make a financial contribution towards a group gift we are planning for the family, please let Angela know. Let’s show the Kimseys how much we love, appreciate, and support them as they continue the work of God all over the world.

The River youth are selling mistletoe this Holiday season for $5 a sprig.  You can get your mistletoe at the youth table after church on December 6, 13, and 20.

All proceeds go to the general youth fund.  This helps fund events and curriculum.

For questions contact Kyle Guerrero 408.242.5500 ext 108

Interested in learning the worship songs we sing on Sunday on your instrument? Would you like to lead worship for your friends or small group and need some help? You are invited to dust off your instrument (or vocal chords) Friday, Dec. 11th with Janet and others from the Worship Team to cultivate your heart of worship. This is a fun, low key session for anyone who would like to develop their musical skills and lead others in worship in the future. We will be meeting at the Ministry Center, Dec. 11th from 7 - 9 pm. If you are interested, please contact Janet Yang at so that she can send you the music you will be working on.

Last week was full of interesting service events put on by people all throughout the church via Kindness San Jose.  If you have a story about your experience you would like to share, send it to our Pastor of Mission Mobilization, Tony Traback.

We begin a new Advent series this Sunday.  Jill Bekaert will be sharing a Godly Play story about how the prophets carried hope for Israel.  In response, we will have a chance to "Carry Hope in a Backpack" by together assembling backpacks for schoolchildren in Mexico.

When: Sunday, December 13, 2009, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Where: SJSU Student Union Ballroom

Our beloved Worship Director Krista-Dawn Kimsey and her family will be leaving San Jose at the end of December. You are all invited to a party we are throwing to celebrate her and honor her years of ministry and leadership here at The River. In true Krista-Dawn fashion, the party will include fun food and drinks, games, and a time of sharing.

We plan to create a memory book with photos and words of encouragement for Krista-Dawn. If you have a photo of yourself (without or without a member of the Kimsey family) and a memory, affirmation, or blessing you would like to share, please send it to Amy Guerrero by December at 4th.

Please RSVP to Angela Aviles if you can attend the party so we can plan for enough food. Also, if you would like to make a financial contribution towards a group gift we are planning for the family, please let Angela know. Let’s show the Kimseys how much we love, appreciate, and support them as they continue the work of God all over the world.

When: Sunday, November 29, 2009, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

If you have recently starting attending The River or are looking for ways to connect deeper into the life of our church, we invite you to a Welcome Lunch after service right here at SJSU on November 29th. We will provide a brief history of The River, explain our values as a church, offer ways for you to get involved, and answer any questions you may have. But mostly, we just want to get to know you over an informal lunch.

Please let us know if you can make the event. Email Angela Aviles or call 408.252.5500 x106.

We have published the Travel Guide, The River's list of events and opportunities, for January – April 2010.   You can find the Travel Guide online here.  Please take some time to read over them and mark your calendars appropriately.

Please see "announcements" above

Please see "announcements" above

November 19, 2009
 
“The church must regard waiting as the most creative of activities, since she apprehends fullness of being only in the coming Kingdom.” Robert Jenson
 
Dear River friends,
 
Yesterday morning, I received notice that a friend’s car was stolen.  My first instinct was to email a word of encouragement.  My second instinct, as I was driving to the office, was to pray for the recovery of the car.  I hate to admit it, but there is always a part of me that feels funny praying those sorts of prayers.  A host of rational questions arise in my heart:  Would God stop a robber?  And if he would, why wouldn’t he have done it sooner?  Nevertheless, I prayed for the recovery of the car.  And more than that, I felt stirred to pray for my own soul . . . that my natural posture of little-faith would become a Spirit-inspired posture of great-faith.

This past Sunday, we examined the prayer that transformed Nehemiah’s soul.  I’d like to follow up the message with a word of challenge to each of us to let God stretch us to be a people who embrace the greatness and faithfulness of God in every circumstance of our lives.

If you need help establishing a daily prayer routine, there are innumerable resources that are helpful.  Amongst them, I recommend:

• The Celtic Book of Prayer
  
• The Book of Common Prayer
  
• A daily Bible-reading plan
  

By the way, the stolen car was returned later that same day.  Was it due to my prayer?  These are the things we never know for certain.  But, I do know that I feel drawn to cry out for things that are bigger than me.  I hope you will, too.
 
Peace,

Brad Wong, Lead Pastor

Hello River!

An update on our efforts to address the shelter bed reduction is now posted on the River home page.  Check it out to find out more about what is going on!

Congratulations to Gil and Sue Garlitos married November 1!

We have published the Travel Guide, The River's list of events and opportunities, for January – April 2010.   You can find the Travel Guide online here.  Please take some time to read over them and mark your calendars appropriately.

Next Sunday (11/22) after service in the Music room.  Contact Tony Traback for more information.

Our beloved Worship Director Krista-Dawn Kimsey and her family will be leaving San Jose at the end of December. On Sunday, December 13 right after service in the ballroom, you are all invited to a party we are throwing to celebrate her and honor her years of ministry and leadership here at The River. In true Krista-Dawn fashion, the party will include fun food and drinks, games, and a time of sharing.

We plan to create a memory book with photos and words of encouragement for Krista-Dawn. If you have a photo of yourself (without or without a member of the Kimsey family) and a memory, affirmation, or blessing you would like to share, please send it to Amy Guerrero by December at 4th.

Please RSVP to Angela Aviles // if you can attend the party so we can plan for enough food. Also, if you would like to make a financial contribution towards a group gift we are planning for the family, please let Angela know. Let’s show the Kimseys how much we love, appreciate, and support them as they continue the work of God all over the world.

If you have recently starting attending The River or are looking for ways to connect deeper into the life of our church, we invite you to a Welcome Lunch after service right here at SJSU on November 29th. We will provide a brief history of The River, explain our values as a church, offer ways for you to get involved, and answer any questions you may have. But mostly, we just want to get to know you over an informal lunch.

Please let us know if you can make the event. Email Angela Aviles // or call 408.252.5500 x106.

The River welcomed three new members to our Governing Board:  Myrna Hill, Julie Priest, and Mike Valentine.  Click here to read more about them.

The grade school kids of The River are doing a book drive this Thanksgiving season to benefit the Pine Ridge Reservation.  They will be selling baked goods to cover the cost of shipping the books.  Cash donations also accepted.  Contact Jill Bekaert for more information.

See announcements above

See announcements above

See announcements above

Hello Everyone,

Some happy family news this week:

Rick and Nina (Choi) Greaves were married on September 6 in England. 

Loris and Brian Perronne welcomed baby Caleb on November 3rd at 6 lbs 12 oz.  Baby and mom are doing well as are big siblings Anna and Wesley.

Congratulations All!

• Projects start next Sunday (Nov.15) and for the remainder of the week.  More information on the projects can be found here.
• Sign up at the Connecting Table or talk to Tony Traback.

• Come to the next Firestarters meeting next Sunday night (Nov.15) from 7 – 8:30 pm at the Ministry Center and learn the most effective and timeless witnessing method ever!  We’ll explore this method, develop it, and practice it with the group so that we can make it part of our everyday life.  Hope to see you there!  
   
  For more details and questions, please contact Steven Hu

See above

See above

Interested in learning the worship songs we sing on Sunday on your instrument? Would you like to lead worship for your friends or small group and need some help? You are invited to dust off your instrument (or vocal chords) Saturday morning, Nov. 14th  with Janet and others from the Worship Team to cultivate your heart of worship. This is a fun, low key session for anyone who would like to develop their musical skills and lead others in worship in the future. We will be meeting at the ministry center from 10 - noon. If you are interested, please contact Janet Yang so that she can send you the music that you will be working on.

This Saturday (Nov 14) from 2-5pm, Iari Melchor will be returning again to lead another vocal workshop for us! This time his focus will be on vocal technique and learning how to harmonize. Anyone interested in developing their voice is welcome to attend.  If you ever find yourself in situations where the music is just a little too high or a little too low for you to belt it out, this seminar is for you!

Please contact Krista-Dawn Kimsey to RSVP for the workshop.

Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. (Titus 1:7,8)
 
Dear River friends,
 
This past summer, our leadership community nominated four candidates to serve on the Board that provides oversight for the church.  All four nominees were people of outstanding character and gifting.  In the midst of the discernment process, one of the nominees withdrew their name.  The other three have been welcomed into a trial period of service.   
 
We plan to commission them to their service publicly next Sunday, November 15.  But, in case you won’t be there, I wanted to take a moment to introduce you to them electronically.  Julie Priest, Myrna Hill, and Mike Valentine are veteran servant leaders in the church.  You can read more about them here.  Julie and Myrna have already joined our meetings.  Their hearts of prayer and wisdom are much appreciated.  We are deferring Mike’s participation until after our search for a new worship director has been completed (Mike’s enthusiasm and leadership skill are being put to work as he chairs our search team).
 
Our board members are entrusted with a great responsibility.  Though, their labor is largely hidden, I want you to know that the hours of their service are considerable.  Please hold them in your prayers (even as they have taken up the burden to pray for us all) . . . and when you see them, I encourage you to offer them a word of appreciation for the offering of their lives on our behalf.
 
Peace,
Brad Wong, Lead Pastor

Hello River,

Check out the Worship Director search team blog for the latest news on our search for a new worship leader.

Also, we just posted the Flow video featuring Brian Perronne speaking about the Giving Team.  This is a great way to learn more about the work of the team.  Click here and scroll down to "episode 5".

Last, please read the letter below from Mark Phifer-Houseman with a follow-up on the Vision Seminars.

-----------------------

Dear Riverites,

Last month we had over 100 members attend our first personal vision seminar. Jill Bekaert had a good turnout for her parent/family vision seminar as well.  These are signs of how much we each feel a yearning to discover God's unique calling/purpose for our lives.

Recently I had the opportunity to sit with a group of friends and take turns sharing our time-lines and where we are at in discerning life values and major calling themes from them. It was amazing how much more clarity people gained by sharing their lives and listening to the themes that others heard or saw in their stories. For example, one friend had grown up in a bi-cultural, bi-socio economic family in a wealthy area. His whole life was marked with him befriending or influencing economically rich but spiritually poor people. Seeing the uniqueness of this through our eyes, it was easier for him to affirm the hand of God preparing him for a ministry among this needy group. Soooo,

• If you went through the seminar, but don’t know what to do with the work, I encourage you to get with a couple friends and share/listen to one another. Please feel free to invite any of the staff to join you and continue the work you started last month.
• If you haven’t yet developed a tentative set of core values, I encourage you to take some time alone with God to prayerfully finish this work. This is one of the key elements in understanding how God has shaped us; our key values guide all our choices and responses in life whether we are conscious or not.
• If you are married or courting, share your “poster” and values with your significant other. See if God may be pointing to things in your partnership through the interaction of your life stories. Are there ways your differences can synergize? Are there values not expressed in your partnership that need to find expression?
• If you missed the seminar, you can complete it with our MP3 recording and the resources on our website. You may also want to get with a couple others who missed for accountability as the whole process will take between 6-8 hours of prayerful work. But, it’s God’s call in your life, so what could be more worth the time?
  
  • Writing your life story: go to http://www.the-river.org/article/vision-seminar-i-pre-work/ and spend 1-2 hours journaling the major events, people, and influences in your life with the instructions given. Even if this takes 2 weeks at 20 min. a crack, it alone is worth it to see how God has been at work throughout your life.
  • Go to http://www.the-river.org/community-life/vision-seminars/ to download the MP3 of the seminar and the additional handout.
  • Workbook: There are 3 ways to get the workbook you will need to complete the seminar work. First, I have copies of the essential pages at the connecting table. Second, borrow the booklet from someone who has gone through the seminar. Third, order your own copy from the weblink in #2 above.
  • Poster/post-its: You will need a poster and 3 colors of mini-postits if you want to have the full scale visual time-line. These will be at the connecting table. Or, you can just do it in an excel spreadsheet if you prefer a virtual/smaller version.

• Put one of the two offerings of the second vision seminar on your schedule, Sat. 1/16 or 1/30, 9-2 at the Ministry Center. You don’t have to have finished seminar #1 to attend #2, but it will be helpful foundation.

We on staff are really encouraged by the way our church has engaged so far in the exciting/scary/cynicism challenging personal vision process. Let’s lean into God in this space before the holidays for his clarity re: lives of Gospel vision.

In the adventure of following Jesus,

Mark P-H

Pastor Tony Traback shared an update from the Giving Team.  You can view the update here.

Kindness San Jose is coming November 15 - 21.  Click here to see the many ways that you can get involved this fall.

River Women - Please join us for breakfast and fellowship on Saturday, November 7 from 9am - 11:30am. Our guest speaker will be Lyn Johnson who has a heart and passion for building the Kingdom. She will be speaking on how to fulfill your Kingdom purpose. She is an engaging speaker with the gift of encouragement.

We would like to encourage you to bring a canned food item to the breakfast to donate to the homeless. Appropriate foods are non-perishable and canned with pop-top openings. Examples include Spam, soup, fruit, and sausages.

We hope you can join us! Note that there will be a suggested donation of $5 to cover the cost of the breakfast. Please RSVP on the evite or sign up to receive the evite at the Connecting Table on Oct 25 and Nov 1. Contact Molly Meyer // for more information or questions.

Come and preview the next chapter in the Kimsey’s journey with God!

You are invited to share dessert with the Kimseys and learn more about their journey with God. They are excited to share about why incarnational ministry with the poor is their next step to living out The River’s values. There will be opportunity for questions, and they will provide ways that we can stay connected with them after they leave San Jose in December.

There are 2 opportunities to join the Kimseys at the Ministry Center:

Saturday, November 7th from 7:30 - 9:00 pm
or Sunday, November 8th from 4:00 - 5:30 pm

Please RSVP to one of the dates Krista-Dawn Kimsey.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

“I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.  I will glory in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.” Psalm 34:1-3

Dear River friends,

I  wanted to take a moment to keep you up to speed on our transition in the worship ministry.  As you hopefully know, Krista-Dawn Kimsey will be moving on from her role as our Celebration Pastor in late December.  On our church calendar, you’ll see that she is hosting a dessert for those of us who want to know more about what God is calling them to next.  I hope that many of you will attend.  Of course, we are planning other opportunities to celebrate Krista-Dawn and to express our gratitude to her.  Stay tuned for more info.

As we say prepare to say good-bye to Krista-Dawn, we are also actively engaged in our search process for a new worship leader.  The resumes are beginning to roll in.  And interviews are soon to follow.  For those who would be helped by knowing how the interview process is structured and how we are evaluating candidates, we’ve posted a description here.  Let’s all be praying for ears to hear how the Spirit is leading us.

Peace,

Brad Wong, Lead Pastor

Hello River,

We've posted the latest Flow video featuring Ted and Steve's spiritual discussion group online.  You can check it out here.

Calendar Update: The Advent Retreat that was scheduled for the first weekend of December has been cancelled.  Please make a note of it!

River Women - Please join us for breakfast and fellowship on Saturday, November 7. Our guest speaker will be Lyn Johnson who has a heart and passion for building the Kingdom. She will be speaking on how to fulfill your Kingdom purpose. She is an engaging speaker with the gift of encouragement.

We would like to encourage you to bring a canned food item to the breakfast to donate to the homeless. Appropriate foods are non-perishable and canned with pop-top openings. Examples include Spam, soup, fruit, and sausages.

We hope you can join us! Note that there will be a suggested donation of $5 to cover the cost of the breakfast. Please RSVP on the evite or sign up to receive the evite at the Connecting Table on Oct 25 and Nov 1. Contact Molly Meyer for more information or questions.

• Next Sunday, November 1, DST ends.
• Remember to set your clocks BACK on Saturday night before you go to bed.

Come Preview the Next Chapter in Krista-Dawn and Joel Kimsey's Journey with God!

You are invited to share dessert with the Kimseys and learn more about their journey with God. They are excited to share about why incarnational ministry with the poor is their next step to living out The River’s values. There will be opportunity for questions, and they will provide ways that we can stay connected with them after they leave San Jose in December.

There are 2 opportunities to join the Kimseys at the Ministry Center:

Saturday, November 7th from 7:30 - 9:00 pm
or Sunday, November 8th from 4:00 - 5:30 pm

Please RSVP to one of the dates to Krista-Dawn.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

We are hosting a shower for the women of Heritage Home (a home for homeless, poor and abused women who are pregnant). We are still in need of people to participate the night of the shower and we need donations of newborn baby clothes, especially for boys.

If you are interested in helping or donating items, please contact Pat Valentine at 408.499.6099 or patriciavalentine@juno.com.

See announcements above.

At the River Church Community, we believe that Jesus wants us to be his presence in our local communities, downtown San Jose, and the world.  For this reason, we have begun a quarterly missional tradition called Kindness San Jose.  Simply, each quarter we are trying to serve our Valley together.  It is our way of making sure to honor the way Jesus lived as much as affirm the truth he declared.  Come and join us.

• Sunday, November 15th - Bring new socks to service and the youth will hand them out to the homeless!
• Tuesday, November 17th - Attend the EHC Bible study from 8-9 pm. (Limited to 5 people)
• Tuesday, November 17th - Attend intercession at the ministry center to pray for our valley from 7-8:30 pm.
• Wedesday, November 18th - Help host a dinner for the homeless at the ministry center from 6-8pm.
• Saturday, November 21st - Help to beautify The River’s community garden from 9:30-11:30 am.
• Saturday, November 21st - Host a party for homeless women at the ministry center from 9:30 – 11:00 am.

Please sign up for any of the following opportunities at the Connecting Table after service or contact Tony Traback for more information.

“Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers [and sisters], you did it to me.”  Matthew 25:40
 
Dear River friends,
 
I find myself deeply thankful and thoughtful about the work of God in our midst these days.  Many of us are diving deeper into the work of discerning why God placed us on this earth (through the personal vision process).  And as we are doing that internal work, Jesus is always presenting us with opportunities and needs outside of our inner work – right now it is apparent that God is presenting us with clear opportunities to live out our faith together by meeting a basic need for brothers and sisters who are without shelter and warmth.  It was a beautiful thing to see many of us coming to worship on Sunday with blankets and tents to share.  May God bless us all with his abundant joy as we stretch our hearts to contain his compassion.
 
After Tony’s powerful exhortation last Sunday, a  few people have asked me whether this initiative will be the defining ministry of The River.  Frankly, I don’t know that that’s the case.  My perspective is that God calls us to be faithful in the little things and then promises to reveal more when we are prepared.  I know that God longs to give us His heart for those who are poor and lost.  That He wants to free us from disordered attachments to things and pursuits that will ultimately pass away.  And that He intends for us to find a fullness of life in being His blessing to all nations.  So, let’s do what is before us with all our heart and strength and creativity.  
 
In your invitation this Sunday, there was a card that gave practical options for jumping in to serve.  In particular, please contact Tony if you are interested in helping to form an Advocacy Team.
 
Peace,
Brad Wong, Lead Pastor
 
P.S.  Last week, we began to experiment with Facebook discussions as a way of engaging in conversation around what we’re learning.  Please join in.

We are collecting blankets and tents out by the Connecting Tables.  Monetary donations and sleeping bags also accepted. Please give to Tony Traback at the tables or email him for more information.

Exploring Mission at The River is an open door to dialogue and information about River mission.  Tony Traback, Pastor of Mission Mobilization, will be available to share about what The River is currently doing in mission in the valley.  On October 25th, Tony will be sharing specifically about homelessness and the emergency bed reductions around Silicon Valley.  Exploring Mission at the River will meet at 11:45 am after church on Sunday the 27th.  Please come if you have any questions about River Mission and contact Tony if you have questions.

When: Wednesday, October 28, 2009, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

The Dock small group is hosting a fellowship night for the Young Adult community on Wednesday, 10/28, at The River Ministry Center.  We’ll have board games, rock band madness, pumpkin carving, and pizza.
 
Come hang out with us (and have a little food and fun too)!  Contact Nathan Sanchez to RSVP or for more information.

Cost:  $5/person donations for the pizza

Please join us for breakfast and fellowship on Saturday, Nov 7 from 9:00-11:30am at the Ministry Center (701 North First St). Our guest speaker will be Lyn Johnson who has a heart and passion for building the Kingdom. She will be speaking on how to fulfill your Kingdom purpose. She is an engaging speaker with the gift of encouragement. We hope you can join us! Please RSVP on the evite or sign up to receive the evite at the Connecting Table on Oct 25 and Nov 1. Contact Molly Meyer for more information or questions.

See announcements above.

This is an opportunity for you to clean out your closets and toy bins and create teachable moments to talk with your kids about generosity. The clothing swap will run all afternoon at the ministry center, from 12:30 to 5:30. See the event page for more information and contact Krista-Dawn Kimsey with any questions.

Dear River friends,
 
At the end of last week’s communication, I made use of a musical metaphor to describe our hopes for the year.  God’s redemptive work in history (the gospel story) is the melody.  Our life vision is the harmony.  And our lives are most beautiful and satisfying and meaningful when they resonate with the everlasting song of love and justice that flows from the heart of God.
 
It occurs to me that a more left-brained analogy may be helpful to some of us.  After all, I love it when people sing harmony; but, I never learned how myself.  So, maybe we could also say that grasping the gospel story more firmly and discerning our own personal life visions more clearly are like vectors that move us in towards Jesus and his merciful purposes in the world.    
 
In the interest in keeping momentum going in the personal vision process, I’d like to make a few practical suggestions:

• If you went to one of the vision seminars, set aside weekly time to revisit your timeline and core values.  Post your core values somewhere where you see them regularly.  Ask yourself: does this articulation call me to be my best self (the one that Jesus is recreating by grace and mercy)?
• Share with at least one person this week something that you learned about yourself.  For instance, my list of core values articulates a value for community.  But, I realize that I’m not satisfied with how I’m living out that value.  It’s a clarifying step to give voice to that reality.
• For those who did not go to a seminar, we’re working on how to make resources available on-line.  In the meantime, find someone who did go, take them out for coffee, and ask them how to get started in the process.

Peace,
Brad Wong, Lead Pastor
 
P.S.  We are experimenting with ways to use social media to generate conversation and learning.  So, I’d like to start a conversation on The River's facebook page.  The Luke text that we’ve been pondering on Sunday morning calls us to an integrated ministry of social engagement and evangelism.  Our deeds and lifestyle must manifest the love of God, but those deeds are not self-interpreting.  If people are to know of Jesus’ goodness, they must ultimately be told.  That’s a hard challenge for many of us.  So, I’d like to hear your perspective:  What keeps you from striking up a conversation about Jesus?  And what have you found (a perspective or a resource) that helps you get over “the hump”?  Click here to join the discussion (you must have a facebook account)!

Downloadable recordings from this past Saturday's vision seminar are posted here.

Congratulations to Dale and Linda Yee married on September 7!

Come join us for a Firestarters seminar on Gospel presentation methods!  We'll learn various ways of telling the Gospel story (words/pictures/music/drama/etc) and discuss the pros and cons of each.  We'll also work on making one of the methods our own or perfecting our own custom presentation so that we can always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope that we have (1 Pet 3:15).

For more details, contact Steven Hu

Saturday, October 24th – 9:30 to 11:30 am “Love Overcomes Fear”
More info on the event page.  Contact David Alvarez to sign-up or for more information.

The River Young Adult small groups will be hosting a BBQ on Sunday 10/18 during the River softball games held at Camden Community Park.  Everyone is invited to come and enjoy tasty food, and hang out with other River folks.  This is an opportunity to support the softball teams, and for people to hang out and enjoy the lovely fall weather together.  Cost is free.  If you are interested in coming please contact Robyn Barron, or sign up at the Connecting Table.

Collecting blankets and tents out by the Connecting Tables.  If you brought sleeping bags, we will take those too.  We will be collecting today and next Sunday.  Contact Tony Traback for more information.

Interested in learning the worship songs we sing on Sunday on your instrument? Would you like to lead worship for your friends or small group and need some help? You are invited to dust off your instrument (or vocal chords) this Friday  with Janet and others from the Worship Team to cultivate your heart of worship. This is a fun, low key session for anyone who would like to develop their musical skills and lead others in worship in the future. We will be meeting at the ministry center from 7pm - 9pm.

If you are interested, please contact Janet so that she can send you the music you will be working on.

This is an opportunity for you to clean out your closets and toy bins and create teachable moments to talk with your kids about generosity. The clothing swap will run all afternoon at the ministry center, from 12:30 to 5:30. Click here for more information or contact Krista-Dawn Kimsey.

Dear River friends,
 
A phrase from Psalm 101 has been speaking to me in recent days . . . “I will sing of lovingkindness and justice; to You, O LORD, I will sing praises.” (Ps 101:1)  As I meditated on that phrase, I sensed God asking me, “What song has been playing in your heart in this season of life?”  Is it a song of gratitude or a song of anxiety?  A song of hope or a song of despair?
 
It strengthened my heart to be reminded that God is with us as one who sings. “The LORD your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior.  He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with loud singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17, ESV)  My prayer for us all is that we have ears to hear His song of justice and steadfast love, a song that transforms our souls.
 
I wonder if the idea of song is an apt metaphor for our personal vision journey.  Does it work to suggest that the gospel story is God’s melody line?  And if so, what would it mean for our life visions to be in harmony with him?  Our vision seminars are intended to help us learn to sing our parts with confidence and with gusto.  I look forward to seeing many of you at the next two seminars - the church-wide vision seminar on October 10 and the Parent Vision Event on October 18.  In the coming weeks, small group materials on the topic of vision will be made available.  May these opportunities deepen our faith in God, our hope for the future, and our love for one another.
 
Peace,
 
Brad Wong, Lead Pastor

Hello Everyone,

Tony Traback is coordinating our response to recent news that several local emergency housing shelters would be curtailing bed space.  Close to home, EHC will be reducing by half the number of beds they offer to homeless people seeking shelter (article).  If you are interested in what is happening and how we are trying to respond, please contact Tony.

Congratulations to newly marrieds Jean and David Nguyen (Sep 5) and Matt and Estefania Miller (Oct 3)!

We've formed a search committee led by Mike Valentine to look for our next Worship Director.  Visit the committee's blog or contact Mike for more information on the team and what they are up to.

Our final run of the first vision seminar is Saturday, October 10th from 9 to 2 pm.  Visit the event page to find out more and to RSVP.

The River Young Adult small groups will be hosting a BBQ on Sunday 10/18 during the River softball games held at Camden Community Park.  Everyone is invited to come and enjoy tasty food, and hang out with other River folks.  This is an opportunity to support the softball teams, and for people to hang out and enjoy the lovely fall weather together.  For more information, visit the event page.

Due to budget cuts, several of the large homeless shelters are significantly reducing their bed spaces this winter.  In response, we are coordinating a blanket and tent drive and considering other ways to respond.  To find out more, contact Tony Traback, our pastor of Mission Mobilization.

Dear friends,

I’ve been meditating the old proverb:  “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained; but, happy is he who keeps the law.” (Proverbs 29:18)  The scripture tells us that we desperately need vision – not any vision, but God’s vision.  The Hebrew word used for vision is also translated “prophecy” (ESV) or “revelation” (NKJV).  Absent God’s vision, our energies and resources dissipate like a river with no riverbanks.  That’s why we’re offering vision seminars throughout the fall.  They are an investment in you - in your community of friends and in your family.  In my prayer time, I found it inspiring to ponder the proverb in it’s inverse form.  I think it might say something like this: “where there is clarity of vision, the people will thrive; their lives will be sharp and focused, fruitful and satisfying.” This is my prayer for my own life . . . and for us all as well.

There are two seminars remaining this fall.  The first is on Saturday, October 10; it’s a repeat of last Saturday’s seminar.  The second, specifically designed for families, is on Sunday, October 18.  As Jill announced on Sunday, these two seminars will be covering different material. I hope I’ll see many of you at one of the seminars.

Peace,
Brad Wong, Lead Pastor

P.S.  I spoke to a number of people who were convicted by this past Sunday’s message.  If you would enjoy further exploration of the story of the temptations, I’ve found In the Name of Jesus (Henri Nouwen) to be very powerful.

Hello Everyone,

We praise God for all the ways we have been experiencing His goodness this past week.

- The River women enjoyed great fellowship and great food last Sunday at the Women's BBQ at the Bauer residence. Thank you to Molly Meyer and all the ladies on the planning team for organizing this event. Click here to view some photos, courtesy of Laurie Butler.

- Earth Ethics is now underway on Wednesday nights. Tony reported that the first meeting last week was full of great discussion as people were able to share about their "green" experiences and learn from one another. The next meeting is tonight.

- Over 50 people spent their Saturday reflecting on the story God has been writing in their lives at the first Vision Seminar. If you missed it, be sure to catch the next seminar on Saturday, October 10.

- River Softball (just like the NFL) is about to enter Week 4. Everyone is welcome to come watch the games starting at 1 pm at Camden Park (near Camden and Union Ave in San Jose). Also, mark your calendars for October 18th - there will be a BBQ during the games hosted by several River small groups.

Heads up for this Sunday, October 4th -  The Rock 'n Roll half-marathon is taking place in downtown San Jose.  Downtown residents will want to check out the planned road closures.  Those of you coming from outside of downtown are unlikely to be affected.

Giving Team - we introduced the team (Warren Collier, Dave Cullom, Joyce Murata, Brian Perronne, and Tony Traback) on Sunday. Brian was featured in a Flow video too. We will post that link once it becomes available.

Parent Vision Event - Sunday, October 18th from 6 to 8 pm at The River Ministry Center. God has given some of us the special joy and challenge of raising a family.  This 2 hour event will build off of the church-wide vision seminars on 9/26 and 10/10 that are more focused on individual vision.  We will center our time around receiving a vision about how to live as families of faith and our unique roles as parents. Childcare provided (maximum of 20 children) and light refreshments will be available.  Please note the ages of your child/ren when you RSVP.

Engaging Mission at The River - This is a monthly opportunity for you to ask questions and dialogue with Tony about what The River is doing around mission. Last Sunday's meeting focused on our local partners. Just this week we learned that one of our partners, Emergency Housing Consortium, will be closing half of it's emergency shelter beds for the homeless. Click here for an article in the Mercury News about it. Tony has already begun to talk to city officials and others about the impications of this closure. If you would like to join him in figuring out some steps forward, please contact him at tony@the-river.org.

Hello All,

Our first Vision Seminar is this Saturday and the Women's Ministry BBQ is this Sunday afternoon after church.  See the announcement below for more details.

If any of you missed the ICE Sunday, all of the video testimonies are now posted on the website.  Check 'em out here!  Also check Tony's blog for a cool story.

Lastly, we wanted to let you know that a Worship Director search committee has been formed under the leadership of Mike Valentine. Earlier this month, Krista-Dawn Kimsey shared with the congregation that she has decided to step down from her position as the Celebration Pastor to pursue incarnational ministry with the poor. Please join us in prayer as we thank the Lord for Krista-Dawn and the gift she has been to our community as well as for the process that is underway to find a new Worship Director. In an effort to keep the congregation informed about the search process, we have created this blog which we will update regularly. The names of emails of the search committee members are on the blog if you have any questions.

Exploring Mission at The River is an open door to dialogue and information about River mission.  Tony Traback, Pastor of Mission Mobilization, will be available to share about what The River is currently doing in mission in the valley.  On September 27th, Tony will be sharing specifically about local River partnerships and local engagements--though other questions are also welcome.  Exploring Mission at the River will meet at 11:45 am after church on Sunday the 27th.  Please come if you have any questions about River Mission.  Contact Tony with questions.

• Next Sunday after service at Linh Bauer’s house
• Open to ALL WOMEN to kick off the new year of women’s ministries
• Contact Molly Meyer for more information

Our first Vision Seminar will be held Saturday September 26 from 9 am to 2 pm with a repeat performance on Saturday October 10.  This is a great opportunity to begin uncovering God's purposes for your life, the life of your family, and the life of your small group.  Questions, contact // Mark Phifer-Houseman.

Dear River friends,  

This past Sunday, we began a teaching series called “Stranger than Fiction.”  It’s about the mission of Jesus in the world, which is more captivating and intriguing than any action film or mystery novel could ever be.  In our worship response time, we prayed a corporate prayer of confession.  I’m pretty sure it’s the very first time we’ve ever done that at The River.  My guess is that many of us think of confession as something you do when you feel grieved.  But, the older traditions of the church show us another way – that prayers of confession, prayed as a regular spiritual practice, can create reflective space to hear the voice of the Spirit in unexpected ways.  My personal experience is that praying my confession daily, before I feel the weight of sin, is an amazing channel of grace.  I hope you’ll find it to be true for you, too.  Throughout the series, we're going to keep praying this confession.  I think it would be cool if some of us became as familiar with it as we are with our wedding vows (or some other promise that's precious to you).  Our hope is that God will meet us afresh in the place of humility and reveal Himself . . . and prepare us to be people who are able to receive His vision for our lives.

We’ve posted the confession we used on Sunday.  As an experiment, I hope you’ll try praying it daily, on your own or with friends or family. 

P.S.  If you are a sports fan, I hope you’ll read John Feinstein’s article about the basketball Hall of  Fame ceremony, contrasting Michael Jordan with David Robinson.   I found it to be thought-provoking with regard to the importance of personal vision.  Michael Jordan had a clear vision to be the best basketball player ever.  Has it served him well?  Read the article and think about what your vision is doing for you.

Hello Everyone,

There are a bunch of things happening this coming week.  On Friday, there is a welcome dessert at Brad's house for anyone new to the church or wanting to get more connected.  Sunday features a Honduras & Nicaragua ICE trip reception, the Firestarters gathering for those looking for encouragement in evangelism, and a Kids' Community training for volunteers.

Also look out for the start of the Earth Ethics seminarnext Wednesday, September 26.

David reports that the Men's DVD study on "Walking with God" is off to a good start after their first meeting this Monday.  Many men gathered and were spurred to discussion and prayer.

Krista-Dawn wanted to alert you to a couple of cool musical opportunities coming your way:

1. Choir practice Sunday after church, noon to 1:30, ministry center

Calling all singers! Anyone interested in learning the parts to a few of our worship songs is welcome to join the choir this month. The choir operates as a large body of worship leaders for the service every 2nd Sunday of the month. We rehearse on a month to month basis for each Sunday morning. So this month, our rehearsals will be on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 20th from noon - 1:30 (lunch included for you) and thursday evening Oct. 8th 7:30 - 9:00.

You must be able to attend BOTH rehearsals in order to sing on Sunday with us.

Please RSVP to KC Yatsko if you are interested in joining the fun!!

2. Worship Jam 101: Ministry Center, Friday the 18th, 7 - 9 pm

Come to the Ministry Center this Friday with your instrument to cultivate your heart of worship. This extra rehearsal is for anyone who would like to develop their musical skills and lead others in worship in the future. Please contact Janet Yang so that she can send you the music you will be working on together.

 A heads-up that the Rock 'n Roll half-marathon is coming up on October 4th.  Downtown residents will want to check out the planned road closures.  Those of you coming from outside of downtown are unlikely to be affected.

Announcements for Sunday, September 13, 2009:

Honduras/Nicaragua ICE Reception
Join us after church from 11:45 to 12:45 on Sunday, September 20th to hear about some exciting ways God worked this past summer on our Honduras and Nicaragua ICE trips.  We'll share some Central American food and drinks as we tell some stories and share some slides from our trips.  This is to thank our church family for their support and also introcduce ICE trips to those who may be thinking about taking one in the future.  Whether you are single, married or married with kids, we welcome you.  Bienvenidos a todo!

Welcome Dessert - Friday, September 18th from 7:30 to 9 pm
If you have recently starting attending The River or are looking for ways to connect deeper into the life of our church, we invite you to a Welcome Dessert at the home of our Lead Pastor, Brad Wong. We will provide a brief history of The River, explain our values as a church, offer ways for you to get involved, and answer any questions you may have. But mostly, we just want to get to know you over some delicious desserts and drinks in a relaxing, friendly environment.

Please let us know if you can make the event so we can provide you with address and directions. Email Angela Aviles or call 408.252.5500 x106.

Firestarters - Encouragement for Evangelism
Sunday, September 20th from 7 to 8:30 pm at the Ministry Center
 
We'll be spending time brainstorming and helping one another to better reach those around us for Jesus.  Please come with conversational scenarios in mind that you'd like input on.  We'll spend time with each scenario to provide suggestions and possibilities for how to introduce Jesus into the conversation.  This workshop will be totally driven by you, the participants.  If you've been wondering how you can witness to a particular person in your life, you don't want to miss this!  For more details and questions, please contact Steven Hu or find him at the Connecting Table.

Dear River friends,
 
This time of year marks the many “beginnings.”  College football’s first big weekend is in the books  . . . so we can all be praying for the Spartans.   Most schools have kicked off a new year . . . so, we can all be praying for students and parents!  And The River is also launching a new ministry year. . . . and I want to ask you to be praying for us as a church community.
 
God has placed two big hopes on our hearts for the year.  The first is to equip the members of our community to live lives of gospel vision.  The second is to strengthen small groups to become Biblically-functioning communities.
 
I like to comment on that first goal.  There are a lot of people who have vision for our lives . . . family members, marketers, and even bosses.  In the fast pace of our lives, it’s quite easy to lose sight of the vision for which God has designed us.  To do so is a loss of massive proportions.  It’s as tragic as Esau who sold his birthright for a pot of stew.  So, we’re focusing our energies this Fall upon discerning God’s vision for our lives (individuals, families, small groups, etc).  
 
You recently received an invitation to a seminar that will help you take first steps in discerning God’s vision for your life.  I urge you to make time to come.  We will also be starting a new teaching series this Sunday called “Stranger than Fiction.”   It’s a series that challenges us to embrace the gospel as the story of our lives.  Without a deep grasp of the gospel story, all our personal visions become suspect.  Throughout human history, many have held faulty versions of that story and the results have been devastating.  Large portions of the church have missed their calling during the critical moments in history because their grasp of God’s gospel story was malformed (see Nazi Germany).  So, I believe it’s healthy to kick off the year by meditating on the richness of the gospel as told by Luke.  I invite you to read and ponder the early chapters of that book as preparation.
 
God’s presence and power be upon us all.
 
Peace, 
Brad

Hello Everyone,

Small Group Leaders are gathering this Saturday for a "summit" to kick off the new ministry year.  We will be continuing to focus on what it means to be a Shepherd and how to strengthen the culture of shepherding in small groups and in the church.

If you haven't yet, I'd encourage you to sign up for the Vision Seminar.  It's a great (and rare) opportunity to think pro-actively about the kind of life we want to live into the future.  There are two dates offered, September 26 and October 10.  Check out the webpage for more information.

Check the website for a cool Riverfest reflection from Mike Valentine.

Peace,
Dave

• Go to the Travel Guide for a list of events and opportunities at The River between Sept and Dec.  We encourage you to look through it and use the opportunities to be intentional about your spiritual growth
• Some upcoming events include the first Vision Seminar, and the Men’s DVD Study and Earth Ethics seminar which are both great weekly studies if you are not currently in a small group.

• If you are new to the church or just wanting to get more connected, join Lead Pastor Brad Wong for a Welcome Dessert in his home on Friday, September 18th from 7:30 to 9 pm.  Click here to RSVP!

Go to www.the-river.org/travel-guide-2010/ to see a listing of events an opportunities this fall at The River.  Please take a look at the schedule and consider how God might want you to be involved.

Our first Vision Seminar will be held Saturday September 26 with a repeat performance on Saturday October 10.  This is a great opportunity to begin uncovering God's purposes for your life, the life of your family, and the life of your small group.  Questions, contact Mark Phifer-Houseman.

Beginning Wednesday September 23 6:30pm - 9pm and continuing for six weeks, Tony Traback will be leading a seminar on what it means to serve a Creator God in how we live our lives.  Come engage with what Scripture has to say about one of the hot topics of our day.  Questions, contact Tony Traback.

Hello Everyone,

Riverfest Weekend 2009 was great!  It felt like a luxury to be together for a weekend.  Everyone worked on a vision exercise where we thought about the kind of legacy we want to leave with our lives.  It was a helpful exercise for many and fostered good conversations throughout the weekend.  "Human foosball" and tug-o-war were also big highlights (thanks to Brett Bymaster for organizing the games).  Thank you to everyone who served and attended.  If you missed the weekend, pull someone aside who went and ask them about it!

Peace,
Dave

Dear River friends,

Is there a word that’s more overused in Christian circles than koinonia (the Greek word for “fellowship”)?  And yet, I’m convinced that koinonia is precisely what we need in these challenging days.

Think of all the people in your circle who are enduring a season of significant stress.  In our own church community, there are people who have lost their job and wonder how they will support their families.  There are people who have no health insurance (it’s not just an issue we hear about on the news).  There are many, single and married, who are intensely lonely.  And there are many who are in a spiritual desert, wondering whether God is really for them?  Somehow, life in Silicon Valley has a way of driving us into isolation.  Maybe, because of the torrid pace of our lives.  Or maybe, because we idolize competency (which keeps us from making our needs known).  The scriptures tell us that we are to call one another “brother” and “sister” . . . and to share in each others’ sufferings and joys as if they were our own.

That’s why we’re investing in time together this weekend at Mission Springs.  I thank God for all who have signed up.  And I hope that, even if you can’t come for the entire time, that you’ll make the trek over the hill to worship with us on Sunday morning.

Twice in the epistles, Paul refers to “the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.” (Philippians 2:1 and 2 Corinthians 13:14)  I love the richness of that phrase.  It tells us that the Spirit has come to dwell with each of us.  But, it is also a promise that our community and our partnership are energized by the very presence and power of the Spirit of God. And it’s why we can have courage to lean towards one another in vulnerability, in friendship, and in prayer.

I look forward to being together.

Peace,

Brad Wong,

Lead Pastor

RiverFest 2009

The all-church retreat is now only 1 day away!!!

Just a reminder that we will NOT have Sunday service at SJSU this Sunday, August 23rd. We will be concluding our retreat with a Family Service at Mission Springs in Scotts Valley. If you cannot attend the retreat, we hope you will still join us on Sunday morning. Service will be at 10:30 am. More information here.

Walking with God - Men's DVD Study

Beginning Monday, September 14th and going for 12 consecutive weeks to Monday, November 30th this group will meet to discuss the difficulties we face in learning to hear God’s Voice.  Following our discussion we will break into small groups to pray for one another. Our goal is to really understand and experience God in a much more personal way.

We will meet at The River Ministry Center, 701 N. First St., San Jose, 95112 from 7PM to 9PM. Sign up at the Connecting Table or e-mail Pastor David Alvarez, david@the-river.org, with your interest in attending.

** Please read the following letter from Mark Phifer-Houseman regarding guest speakers at The River. **

Dear River-ites,

During this season we have had the different experience, for us, of hearing from a variety of guest speakers who share a significant commonality with our theology and philosophy of ministry "DNA", but who are not exactly us. We've had Jason Jensen from InterVarsity, Michael Koh from the charismatic renewal movement in Malaysia, Kevin Blue from Servant Partners, and this last week, Ted Hahs from Harvest Evangelism. This coming week we will hear from Oscar James with Ahead ministries and his experience in war torn Liberia.

Guest speakers bring a gift of a Word from afar. They connect us to the wider work of God outside our own daily experience. They are a breath of fresh air, but they can also, like distant relatives who come as house guests, tread with heavy feet on sensitive areas, or unaware of texture, say things that seem to violate a conviction that we hold. This last week, Ted unfortunately used the phrase "just a janitor" and "just a housewife". There seemed to be an unconscious hierarchy of ministries with janitors and housewives below preachers or city mayors.

Our conviction at the River is that there is no such thing as "just a...", that each station in life, if embraced as Jesus' call, is as precious and valuable to the Body as any other. This is Paul's clear teaching in I Corinthians 12-14, where he acknowledges more public or superstructural gifts in the Body, but affirms that every member of the Body is essential. This is, in effect, what Ted got to when he affirmed that the mom on Maui found herself called to a ministry of feeding the hungry in her community. But, his presentation could have felt like he was belittling the calling of raising kids at home and "just" praying and loving one's kids and the neighbors or a community gathered around the local playground.

My strategy, when listening to any preacher, but especially a guest speaker, is to listen for God's living Word to me and to us, as a community. What is God speaking to me this day? How is this Word needed to challenge and build us up as a community? Then, I extend grace and just side-step potentially offensive or insensitive and un-nuanced statements, as I would to a house guest from another culture.  As they say at AA meetings, "take what you like and leave the rest." If any of our guest speakers do rub you the wrong way, or the right way, please be in contact with the staff. We want to continue in the journey together and we don't affirm every part of the guest speaker's message, just the core. Ted's Word on the Gospel's power for transformation was a powerful Word to us -- we should expect transformation when prayer and love come to bear in an individual's life, a community, a prison. Do you expect this power of the Kingdom in your situation? In our church? Let's pray that this would be revived and deeply rooted in our hearts, that cynicism and past disappointments would not harden our hearts to a new work God would do in our community, family, workplace, etc.

peace,

Mark

Firestarters

Come join us for the next Firestarters meeting! We’ll be having a practical hands-on workshop to develop our conversational skills for directing others toward Christ and spiritual issues.  We will observe a couple of role-play scenarios and then practice how to turn an everyday chat into a spiritual conversation.  It will be challenging, fun, and exciting.  I hope you’ll join us! Sunday, August 16th, from 7 to 8:30 pm.

All Church Retreat

Only 8 days away!!!

Just a reminder that we will NOT have Sunday service at SJSU on August 23rd. We will be having a Family Service that Sunday at the retreat center - Mission Springs in Scotts Valley. If you cannot attend the retreat, we hope you will still join us on Sunday morning. Service will be at 10:30 am. RSVP if you can plan to come and join us for lunch following the service.

Hello Everyone,

Mark Phifer-Houseman's seminar on "Prayer in the Dark Night" was well received.  If you missed it, or have questions about the Dark Night just stop him and bend his ear.

Angela Aviles and Mark Manley are back and excited from the Echo Church Media Conference.  Ask them about their experience!

Several new babies over the last few months.  Congratulations to the Fourniers, Clevelands, Penzels, and Guerreros!

• Ronan Fournier Apr 7th

• Shiloh Cleveland June 8th

• Lucy Penzel, July 1st

• Olivia Guerrero, July 7th

Till next time,
Dave

• There is a waitlist for people who need lodging, but everyone is welcome to come for the day(s). Contact Dave Kwok to add yourself to the waitlist for lodging.
• Also, please note there is No Sunday service here at SJSU on August 23. Everyone who is not attending the retreat is encouraged to come for Sunday service at Mission Springs.
• After the Sunday service, we will have lunch so please RSVP if you plan to come on Sunday and have lunch with us.

• A new season begins on September 13
• This is an annual River tradition so dust off your gear, invite your friends/co-workers, and get ready to play ball!
• More info on a playing card.
• Sign up at the Connecting Table or contact Arthur Akimoto

Dear River friends,
 
I am very excited that our first all-church retreat is already at capacity (and am fervently hoping that we can find more beds).  One of my sabbatical reflections was about how little time we have for one another . . . sometimes even within our own families.  Jean Vanier’s book, Living Gently in a Violent World, talks about how the hectic pace of our lives does violence to our souls.  Perhaps you sense that reality in your own life or in the life of someone dear to you.  Amongst all the discipleship choices that Jesus calls us to, some of the most challenging have to do with making time for one another.  
 
If you have already signed up, I’m grateful for your investment in seeing that our church fulfill it’s calling to be the living, breathing body of Christ (not just a weekly program).  I am praying that Jesus will meet us in a special way as we seek His presence and purposes.   I also ask your prayers that God would pour out His Spirit upon us and knit our hearts together in His love.
 
If you have not signed up, I want to urge you to consider adding your name to the waitlist by contacting Dave Kwok.  Our staff will be doing everything we can to create a welcoming place for you.
 
Grace and peace,
 
Brad Wong
Lead Pastor

Hello River,

Check out Mark Phifer-Houseman's seminar this Sunday on "Prayer in the Dark Night of the Soul".  Please note the time as it was incorrect in last Sunday's materials.  It will be from 7-9pm at the Ministry Center.

Those of you who are registered for the all-church retreat should pick up a copy of the pre-reading book Visioneering at the Connecting table.  We also have a few copies here at the Ministry Center.  Please read the Introduction and Chapter 1 before the retreat.  We are currently at capacity, but please contact me if you'd like to be added to the retreat waitlist.

Angela Aviles and Mark Manley are at the Echo church media conference in Dallas TX this week.  Check out their website to find out more about it.

River Softball is getting underway - see the announcements below.

Cheerio,
Dave

• A new season begins on September 13
• This is an annual River tradition so dust off your gear, invite your friends/co-workers, and get ready to play ball!
• Sign up at the Connecting Table.
• Ask Arthur Akimoto if you have any questions.

• We are AT CAPACITY.
• We are thrilled with the great response and we are trying to secure more rooms at the retreat center.
• Stop by the Connecting Table to put your name on the waitlist or email Dave Kwok

Hello River,

This week the staff took an overnight retreat at Presentation Center to work on our personal vision statements.  We've been reading through Visioneering by Andy Stanley (which is the pre-reading for the All-Church retreat) and Mark Phifer-Houseman led us in this time to look back at our lives for "destiny items" that hint at what God is doing in our lives.

The youth took advantage of the summer sun with a beach day this past Tuesday.

The India ICE team left Monday night and Nicaragua ICE is back safe and sound.  Due to the current political instability in Honduras, the August ICE trip there has been postponed.

The All-Church Retreat is currently AT CAPACITY.  Please contact me to add your name to a waitlist.

Dave

Firestarters is a gathering for people wanting to grow in their passion and skills for evangelism.  Firestarters met on Sunday night, 7/19 and the next meeting will be August 16.  Conatct Steven Hu for more information.

• Content around Visioneering, but also FUN
• Sign up at Connecting Table or online
• Sign up at Connecting Table or online - We are currently AT CAPACITY.  Contact Dave Kwok to add your name to a waitlist.
• $50 per adult + offering at the retreat
• Children and Youth Program!
• No Sunday service here at SJSU on August 23, people drive down to Mission Springs and join us for Sunday only.
• More information here

Dear River friends,

As of this week, I am back from Sabbatical.  My time of rest was an excellent gift from God.  And I re-enter the life of The River with a full and glad heart.  

I look forward to sharing some of my experiences with you in future weeks.  But, for the sake of brevity, my time was bracketed by two profound experiences of  Jesus’ love.  Immediately after Easter, I departed for China.  There, I was deeply moved by the love of Jesus for those who are without God and hope in the world.  I’ve had the opportunity to travel to numerous countries where there was great poverty.  But, this was the first time I’ve been in a land in which people have been imprisoned and beaten for their faith in Jesus.  If you’ve read about the church in China, you know that the gospel spread like wildfire during days of oppression.  One morning, I had the amazing privilege of fellowshipping and praying with brothers and sisters whose faith has been formed in the crucible of that suffering.  Their faith shines like pure gold.  And their courage in the face of persecution is sustained by a profound experience Jesus’ love.  

Toward the end of my Sabbatical, I experienced the love of God afresh in a totally different way . . . during a four-day retreat at a monastery near Big Sur.  The setting was incredibly beautiful.  But, in my first days, I was very much confronted by the ugliness of my compulsive need for activity, accomplishment, and diversion (the monks feel no need for a constant wifi connection!).  I actually made a list of outcomes that would make for a successful retreat.  I presented my list before the Jesus . . . who promptly reminded me which one of us is called Lord.  He seemed to be saying, “Will you allow me to lead you?  Will you surrender to my agenda?”  As it turns out, His agenda was not a “to-do” list or a life plan . . . but, simply to dwell in the fire of His love.  I am humbled by my little faith.  The reality is that I fear sitting with God for four days with no agenda ultimately because it is so hard for me to conceive of a God who delights to pour out His presence upon me for that length of time.  I am humbled by my little faith.  But, even more, I am grateful for the amazing grace of Jesus whose love and mercy are far greater and more tangible than I ever imagine.

May His love rest upon you in these days.

"The branch of the vine does not worry, and toil, and rush here to seek for sunshine, and there to find rain. No; it rests in union and communion with the vine; and at the right time, and in the right way, is the right fruit found on it. Let us so abide in the Lord Jesus.
"

James Hudson Taylor (1832-1905), Missionary to China

Grace and peace,
Brad

Hello River,

Brad is back!  We welcomed him with some nice fatty pastries from here.  It's good to have him back.  When you see him you can ask him about his travels to China, his class on Galatians, and his monestary retreat.

Please note that Michelle Manley's is hosting a prayer journaling workshop this Sunday BEFORE service at 8:45am at San Jose State.  Contact Michelle for more information.

Check out the website for a new Kids' Community volunteer profile featuring Chris Shahin!

And we are actively taking RSVP's for the All-Church Retreat "Riverfest Weekend 2009" coming up August 21-23 at Mission Springs Conference Center.  The RSVP deadline is August 2nd, so sign up soon to assure your spot!  Contact me for more information.

Happy mid-summer,
Dave

• Sign up for the All-Church Retreat "Riverfest Weekend 2009" happening August 21-23 at Mission Springs Conference Center.  RSVP deadline is August 2nd, so sign up now to assure your spot.  If you are planning to join us for Sunday only and would like to stay for lunch, you also need to RSVP.  Contact Dave Kwok for more information.

Hello River,

I have quite the head cold.  Thank God for Puffs Plus.

Hope you had a good 4th!  This week is Kindness Silicon Valley!  It's not too late to join up with a project.  See the list of projects here and contact Tony Traback for more information.

This Sunday, Mark Phifer-Houseman will be speaking on corporate prayer.  As part of our response time after the message, we will be giving people the opportunity to pray in groups.  It's always a bit of a risk to pray with people you may not know very well - so you can even be praying that people would have courage this Sunday to pray together.  If you have questions, contact Mark.

This Sunday there will also be a lunch seminar hosted by Krista-Dawn Kimsey on the Examen.  See the announcements below for more information or contact Krista-Dawn.

Reigstration is open for our All-Church Retreat - Riverfest Weekend 2009!

The Honduras and Peru ICE teams are back safely and the Nicaragua team is safely in country.

Peace,
Dave

Join Krista-Dawn for a short lunch seminar next Sunday July 12 around the practice of the "Examen".  The Examen is a simple reflection exercise that helps us become attuned to God's presence in our every day life.

• Content around Visioneering, but also FUN
• Sign up at the Connecting Table or online
• $50 per adult + offering taken at the retreat
• Children and Youth Program!
• No Sunday service at SJSU on August 23.  Drive to Mission Springs and join us for Sunday service there.  Sunday only attenders must still RSVP if attending lunch after service.

[While Brad is on sabbatical, Mark Phifer-Houseman, our Pastor of Leadership Development will be sharing in this space from time to time]

Dear River Friends,

The death of Michael Jackson this past Thursday highlights one of the critical problems for Christians in America. We are inundated with powerful media images, music, and stories which arrest our attention and overshadow the Scriptures, the stories of the Kingdom, and the life of faith. For example, how many of us know that July 10 is the 500th anniversary of John Calvin’s birth? (I feel like a nerd even writing this, like I should be downloading bootlegged versions of early Jackson 5 just to keep my “coolness” index balanced.) Whatever we might think of Calvin, which is probably very little, his life story and thought have had a foundational impact on how Americans, both Christian and non-believing, conceive of God, obedience, and faith.

What is the solution to this double dilemma of media inundation and our desire to be cool or relevant? Jesus prayed in John 17 that we would be in the world, not of the world. Paul urged us to not let the world squeeze us into its mold, but be transformed by renewing our minds – yielding our lives to God in worship, prayer, and service.

We need constant exposure to the powerful images, stories, and teachings of the Kingdom to renew our minds as individuals, families, and a church community. Gayll’s sermon this past week highlighted our need to build up our connection to faith heroes, normal people whom God moved to take him at his Word, who have persevered through trials, who have learned the lessons of prayer, faith, and patience to pass on to us.

There are two opportunities that are before us as a community. First, for those of us who are around this weekend, we will have one of my faith heroes coming to speak and minister to us. Michael Koh is a pastor and apostolic leader from L.A. via Malaysia. He pioneered several churches in Malaysia under its Muslim regime and tough spiritual climate before moving to Pasadena for studies at Fuller and pioneering a church planting ministry there. He will be speaking about prayer and the life of faith and then sharing more deeply with anyone who would like to come over lunch at SJSU.

Second, Gayll mentioned some books – biographies and books directly on the life of prayer for summer reading. For those who were out of town, in Kids’ Community, or didn’t take them down, here is the list again – these titles will raise your passion for God, your hope that He can work in your life, and instruct us in the ways of God, especially in prayer, faith (for a vision or large task), and patience.

• George Muller’s Spiritual Secret, Roger Steer
• The Autobiography of George Muller
• Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret. Spiritual biography of pioneer missionary in China.   
• Pastor Hsi, Mrs. Howard Taylor. Biography of an amazing Chinese scholar turned pastor and opium recovery leader.
• Death of a Guru, Rabi R. Maharaj. Autobiography of a Hindu guru who turned to Christ.
• Is that Really You, God?,  Loren Cunningham. Spiritual lessons on hearing God’s voice from the founder of YWAM
• Mountain Rain, Eileen Crossman. Story of pioneer missionary to Lisu people of China.
• Prayer, O. Hallesby. Foundational prayer classic by an early 20th century Norwegian theologian and leader.
• Too Busy Not to Pray, Bill Hybels. Great easy read on starting a prayer life by founder of Willow Creek movement.
• Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire or DVD series: When God’s People Pray, Jim Cymbala. Very helpful and faith building stories and teaching on prayer, the Spirit, and faith.
• Practicing the Presence of God. Brother Lawrence’s classic invitation to experience God in the mundane, in our work, in every moment of our lives.

Peace,
Mark

Hello Everyone,

This Monday begins Kindness Silicon Valley!  It's not too late to sign up.  See the announcement below for more information.

Our intecessory prayer meeting is meeting this Tuesday, 7/7 at 7pm at The Ministry Center.

Signups for our first all-church retreat begin this Sunday.  Find out more about it here.

Check the website for a couple new stories from Tony.  They are featured on the homepage.

Happy 4th and Canada Day!

Dave

Announcements from Sunday, June 27th:

• Week of July 6-11
• Projects all over silicon valley (click here for more information)
• Sign up with Tony by via email (tony@the-river.org)

Hello All,

This Sunday, Tony Traback will be leading a prayer hike after service.

Not too late to come to the parent prayer retreat tomorrow morning.  More info here.

The Peru team has arrived safely and the Nicaragua team leaves this Friday.  The Honduras team is OK amidst all the news there.

Jamie and Scott Wolf are moving out of the area (sniff).  To say goodbye, Jamie is putting on a farewell concert this Saturday 6/27 from 4-6pm at the ministry center.  More info here.

• Week of July 6-11.
• Projects all over silicon valley (click here for more information)
• Sign up with Tony outside at the Connecting Table

[While Brad is away on his sabbatical, Mark Phifer-Houseman, our Pastor of Leadership Development will be sharing in this space from time to time.]

If you have been with us the past two Sundays or in a small group, you know that we have turned our focus as a congregation to the topic of becoming attentive to the Holy Spirit, and especially in our lives of prayer. As we focus our Sunday experience and small groups on relating to the Holy Spirit, there are questions that naturally arise: How do we nurture a real, vitalizing, joyful relationship with the Spirit who is invisible? What are the signs that the Spirit is alive in me if I haven¹t experienced a dramatic encounter like D. L. Moody? What do I do if I am not sure I “received the Holy Spirit when I believed” like those in Acts 19:2 that Paul met in Ephesus.

These were the same issues Paul grappled with in his ministry and in his letters to his churches. Galatians 5, 1 Corinthians 12-14, and Romans 8 are key texts for us as we pursue intimacy with God, God’s power for service, and openness to his manifest presence and leadership, while strongly maintaining the gift of discernment.

An encouraging “aha” in these texts is that the Spirit is at work in us before we even became followers of Jesus. He is at work in us whenever there is any fruit, any God-ward movement, any “laying down my life” kind of love for others. I love Paul¹s language in Romans 8:15-16, “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.  And by him we cry, 'Abba,  Father.'  The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.” When we cry out to God as a humble child, “Daddy! Father!” that is the Holy Spirit in us testifying and proving that we are God¹s children.

One of the most important ways we can grow in our relationship with the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus, is to recognize that any longing for God, any worship or gratitude to God, any acts of service in Jesus' name done in humility, any longsuffering in a tough relationship, any desire for fellowship with other believers, any love for the lost, any longing for justice for others made in God's image, all these are really the work of the Holy Spirit alive in our hearts. As believers we too often take these movements in our hearts for granted, attributing them to our own growth or character.  When we do this, we actually quench the Spirit by taking Him for granted or attributing His work to ourselves. We deny His present and past relationship with us. (How can we have mature character without it being a work of the Spirit over time?)

If you are wondering how to enter into this challenging area of being attentive to the Holy Spirit, one vital, necessary step is recognizing that as a child of God the person of the Holy Spirit is living in your spirit and body (as Tony preached on 6/14) even if your faith is as small as a mustard seed. Why not in the course of each day welcome the Holy Spirit as Jesus living in you? Begin to converse with the Spirit whenever you hunger for God or become aware of your lack of hunger for God (also a gift of the Spirit), whenever you serve your neighbor, near of far.

Saints and teachers throughout the centuries have pondered whether certain methods could be employed to increase the chance that the Spirit might fall on us as at Pentecost. Because the Spirit is God and not a “force” we can manage or bottle, we cannot just put up signs and hold a “revival tonight!” meeting. But, we can develop a living relationship of praise and gratitude for the Spirit¹s work in our lives and in the lives of those close to us.  This, coupled with a yearning for more of God in our lives, is the best "landing pad" there is for the Spirit's coming.

We can also be honest about our hearts vis-à-vis the Spirit with those closest to us in marriages, small groups or friendships with requests like:

• "What evidence of the Spirit do you see in my life because I feel his absence? My soul is dry right now and I realize I am not hungering for God. Will you pray with me?”
• “I am afraid of losing control so I avoid a real, welcoming relationship with the Holy Spirit. Will you pray with me about this?”
• “I don’t know if I received the Spirit in his fullness, but I have been a Christian a long time and this is embarrassing to talk about. Can you talk with me without judging me?”
• “I am really out of touch with my body, so if the Spirit dwells there, it¹s going to be hard for me to sense Him. Can you pray that I can become more aware of my emotions and what my body is telling me so I can sense the Spirit in me and cooperate with him?”

Our prayer as a staff team, board, and intercessors is that the River would become so attentive to the Spirit, that all our ministry and service would be done in God, that it would be sensitive and responsive to what God is doing in people and situations in our community, and that the Spirit would renew our first love and joy of walking with God in a community that is steeped in the Spirit of Jesus and reaching out to a lost world.

Feel free to email me or call about anything this sermon series brings up for you or your friends ­ markph@the-river.org, 408-252-5500 X114.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God (Father), and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. ­ 2 Corinthians 13:14

Hello River,

Hope your summer is starting off well!

The Board received several nominations and applications for the vacant Board seats.  They are in the process of reviewing those applications and talking with the candidates.  If you have further questions about the process, please contact Tom Tsao.

We are doing a lot of work on MY10 goals, themes, and dates here at the Ministry Center.  Ask your favorite staff person how it's going!

The students had a great time kicking off their summer at Manresa beach last weekend.  They ate food, played in the sand, heard testmonies, and didn't sleep much.  Check out pictures at the youth blog.

Check Tony's blog for a few more cool stories about the community garden.

On a somber note, Shing Fan, father to Jennifer and Emily, passed away unexpectedly in China on June 9.  The family is holding a memorial service at 10:30am on June 20 at Oak Hill Memorial Park 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125.

Dave

Announcements from Sunday, June 14:

You are invited to join us as we expand beyond downtown and spread kindness around Silicon Valley the week of July 5 - 11. Please sign up for any of the following opportunities at the Connecting Table after service.

Sunday, 7/5 - Verbal Witness in the Park. 12 pm or after church.
We will sit at a table in the park and be available to share the gospel with those who are interested.

Tuesday, 7/7 - Fruit Harvest in Central San Jose.  8:30am - 12 pm.
We will be harvesting food that goes to low-income families, seniors, and others in need of food in the wider San Jose area. (Kid Friendly)

Wednesday, 7/8 -  Milpitas Park Service. 5pm - 6pm.
We will pick up trash and hand out water in parks along South Park Victoria Drive. (Kid Friendly)

Thursday, 7/9 -  Prayer Walk in Cupertino. 7:30pm -  9pm.
We will be walking and praying through the streets.

Friday, 7/10 -  Serving Lunch to the Hungry in Sunnyvale. 11am - 2pm.
We will be serving lunch to the homeless and the working poor. (Kids 10 and over welcome.  Child care for younger kids)

Friday, 7/10 -  Groundswell.  6pm - 8:30 pm.
We will be praying for the Kindness Engagements and also for the River to be the Presence of Jesus in the valley throughout the year.

Saturday, 7/11 - Loving Santa Clara’s Bracher School. 1pm – 4pm.
We will be hosting fun games for children in the area and painting a mural for the school. (Kid Friendly)

Saturday, 7/11  - Hosting Lunch For Recent Refugees in Valley.  3pm – 5pm.
We will be hosting a lunch for recent refugees living in Silicon Valley. (Kid Friendly)

• Save the Date for the retreat – August 21-23
• This is a Friday to Sunday (2 night retreat) – open to EVERYONE
• We will be retreating at Mission Springs Conference Center in Scotts Valley.

Hello River!

The students are kicking off the summer with a beach party and lock-in this weekend!  The men's book study on Dallas Willard's "Hearing God" wraps up this Tuesday.  A slew of ICE trips are teed up.  Honduras ICE (Part 1) leaves next week, with Peru and Nicaragua following soon after.

During the summer, we have a variety of cool Prayer Opportunities designed to expose you to a variety of ways to pray.  These opportunities are companions to our summer sermon series on prayer and the Holy Spirit.  Check 'em out

Dave

Firestarters

• The most recent Firestarters took place on Tuesday 6/9.  Click here to read more about this gathering designed to inspire and encourage evangelism. 

Kindness Silicon Valley

• Kindness Silicon Valley will be July 6-12.
• It will be a week of projects in neighborhoods all over Silicon Valley.
• More info coming next week!

All Church Retreat

• Save the Date for the retreat – August 21-23
• This is a Friday to Sunday (2 night retreat) – open to EVERYONE
• We will be retreating at Mission Springs Conference Center in Scotts Valley.

Hello River,

We are preparing for the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner this Sunday; Mark kick's off a new sermon series this week called "Accessing the 3G Network" focusing on prayer and the Holy Spirit; Honduras, Peru, and India ICE trips are ramping up.

Check the website for a couple cool stories about the Washington Community Garden from Tony

School is almost out!

Dave

Closing Announcements – May 31, 2009

Liberia ICE Reception
The Liberia ICE team shared about their experiences after service this past Sunday.  For more information about Liberia ICE, contact Tony Traback, our pastor of Mission Mobilization

Intercessory Prayer
The Intercessory Prayer Ministry is a group of individuals from our church who are committed to pray for the needs of the church, others, and the community of San Jose.  The group meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month at the River Ministry center from 7-8:30 pm and the next meeting is Tuesday, June 16th.

Hello River,

Jil, Krista-Dawn and Angela are putting the finishing touches on our family Pentecost service this Sunday.  Should be a fun celebration of the birth of the church.  The crew are also working on the start of our new sermon series the week after which will focus on prayer and the Holy Spirit.

Mark your calendars for Jamie Wolf's farewell concert on June 27th from 4-6pm at the Ministry Center..  Jamie and Scott are moving out of the area in July and to say goodbye, Jamie will be putting on a family-friendly concert of her original music.  More information here.

Check the website for the latest FLOW video featuring Amy Gibson and see Tony's blog for some reflections from Chris Hays about his Liberia ICE experience.

And don't forget about the all-church retreat coming up August 21-23 at Mission Springs.

Peace,
Dave

Come one, come all; come big, come small!

It is time to gather as one big family again.  We have been developing a tradition of having Kids’ Community and Student Ministries join the service in the ballroom quarterly.  At this service we will remember the birth of the church at Pentecost and celebrate God’s beautiful work in creating and reaching out to a diverse humanity.

If you are able or interested, please come dressed in ethnically diverse attire.  If you are a parent who would like assistance with an infant or young child during the service, contact Jill at jill@the-river.org or 252-5500, ext. 107.

• All are welcome to the reception after service next week
• Next Sunday May 31st after service in the Ohlone room
• Come see and hear the sights and sounds of Africa as the Liberia ICE team shares about their experiences in West Africa

Hello River,

Happy Wednesday.  It's Brad's birthday today!  Happy Birthday Brad.  My birthday was this week too.  I got this.  Fun stuff.

We had a great small group vision retreat this past weekend at Presentation Center.  We studied Acts 20 together and meditated on the high calling of shepherding leadership.  We also had a strong cohort of folks considering various leadership roles at the retreat.  Ask your small group leader or someone who attended more about it!

Check the website for a new Flow video featuring Amy Gibson and uniforms for South African children.  Tony has some incredible stories posted on his as well.  You'll want to read what happened to the friendship he made at the Crema coffee house and a cool story about our Community Garden in the Washington neighborhood.

If you've been volunteering at The River, you should have heard from your ministry leader about our volunteer appreciation banquet.  Please contact me if you feel like you've been left out.

Here are some upcoming dates to put on your calendar:

May 19:  Intercessory Prayer Meeting

June 27 -  Jamie Wolf farewell concert

August 21 - 23:  All Church retreat at Mission Springs Conference Center

August 23:  Sunday Celebration Service at Mission Springs Conference Center

Come one, come all; come big, come small!

It is time to gather as one big family again.  We have been developing a tradition of having Kids’ Community and Student Ministries join the service in the ballroom quarterly.  At this service we will remember the birth of the church at Pentecost and celebrate God’s beautiful work in creating and reaching out to a diverse humanity.

If you are able or interested, please come dressed in ethnically diverse attire.  If you are a parent who would like assistance with an infant or young child during the service, contact Jill at jill@the-river.org or 252-5500, ext. 107.

• The Intercessory Prayer Ministry is a group of individuals from our church who are committed to pray for the needs of the church, others, and the community of San Jose
• They meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month at the River Ministry center from 7-8:30 pm
• Next meeting is this Tuesday, May 19th

Hello River,

We're looking forward to the Small Group Vision Retreat this weekend at Presentation Center.  All of the small group leaders, coaches, and many prospective leaders will be gathering to hear from God about our small group ministry.  Please pray for us!

On Sunday, we gave all the mom's beautiful, handmade journals as gifts for Mother's Day.  These journals are made by women in Calcutta who use the profits to pay off their debts to brothels and thus gain freedom from prostitution.  To find out more about the journals and the women that they benefit, please visit lovecalcuttaarts.com .  (If you are a mom and didn't receive a journal, please email Krista-Dawn Kimsey)

No announcements were made last Sunday!

Dave

Hello River,

We've been preparing for the Small Group retreat, hashing out goals and themes for MY10, and having an all around good time here at the Ministry Center.  David reports a great start to the ladies' Every Woman's Battle book group that started on Monday.

Happy May!

Dave

Greetings River!

This is Donna Miles final week as The River's receptionist and office manager.  Thank you Donna for nine years of faithful service and hospitality offered to the church!

The River has new information for stock donations.  Please email or call Dave Kwok (408-252-5500 x104) to receive the updated information.

Brad is back from his trip to China.  He had an encouraging trip visiting Dorcas and Ned Tozun as well as other River friends.  He comes back to a seminary class and some rest and relaxation.

Tony is back from Liberia!  He, Baker and Chris had a good trip and you will be hearing more about it in the coming weeks.

Our all-church intercessory prayer meeting is coming up this Tuesday, May 5 from 7-8:30pm at the Ministry Center.

Check the website for a new story by Rick Schertle about his experience during our Loving San Jose event.

Congratulations are due to two staff who recently celebrated their staff anniversaries recently.  Michelle Manley celebrated her tenth anniversary at The River, and Mark Phifer-Houseman just passed the one-year mark.  Congratulations!

Welcome Dessert - Friday May 1, 7:30pm - 9pm

If you have recently starting attending The River or are looking for ways to connect deeper into the life of our church, we invite you to a Welcome Dessert at the home of Tom and Judy Tsao, and hosted by Pastor Mark Phifer-Houseman. We will provide a brief history of The River, explain our values as a church, offer ways for you to get involved, and answer any questions you may have. But mostly, we just want to get to know you over some delicious desserts and drinks in a relaxing, friendly environment.

Please let us know if you can make the event so we can provide you with address and directions. Email Angela Aviles at angela@the-river.org or call 408.252.5500 x106.

Firestarters - Sunday May 3, 6-7:30pm

The resurrection of Christ gives us great hope, but moving forward and planting in abandoned places is hard work.  It’s even harder when we feel that we might be the only ones doing so!  Come join us as we gather together to have our hearts stirred by God’s Word, encouraged by others’ planting stories, and changed through prayer and meditation to venture forth.  Please contact Steve Hu (stevenmhu@hotmail.com) for more details.

Self-Defense Class - Saturday May 9, 9am - 1pm

This 4-hour self-defense workshop presented by Impact Bay Area focuses on street safety & awareness, physical & verbal boundary setting and hands-on, effective self-defense techniques.  In this course, participants will practice using assertiveness and boundary-setting techniques in realistic scenarios and learn some basic physical self-defense techniques proven to work.

Course fee is $100.  To register, contact Mary Lucitt 408-761-4325/marylucitt@yahoo.com

[Our Lead Pastor Brad Wong is on sabbatical until mid-July.  In his absence, Mark Phifer-Houseman, our Pastor of Leadership Development will be sharing some thoughts in this space]

Dear River Family,

Sometimes the Holy Spirit speaks to us from very unexpected sources. Moses was taught how to delegate judicial authority by his Midianite father-in-law, a God fearer, but an outsider to Israel. (Ex. 18) As many of you know, if you were at celebration on Palm Sunday, my dad was at the service. He is a Unitarian by practice. He is also an organizational consultant, a lifelong educator, and a good judge of organizational health as a result. I was most focused on how he would respond to hearing me preach – he left the Christian ministry when I was young for his career in education and my step-mom is a Zen Budhist, so, while he respects Gayll and my life of “helping people”, he hasn’t heard me speak in 25 years of Christian ministry. So, I was pleasantly shocked when I received the following email assessing the River a couple days ago:

“As I am about to leave for my church I am thinking about my visit to yours.  I guess one phrase from the Bible describes The River for me, “Behold how they love one another.”

You are in a good, holy place.”

Wow! What a shock! I know I have opened up towards him and my step-mom over the years, but I never expected such an affirming message. He doesn’t bestow such praise lightly. Even though he’s slipped on his Bible a bit, “Behold how they love one another” is actually a quote from the early church Father Tertullian not the Bible, he was tuning in to our love for one another. This Biblical foundation for the church (see John 13-15) something that has been growing in the River the last few years, has accelerated this past year since we started the peacemaking process and as God has brought such wonderful new folks into our midst this year, I believe, as a result of many old wounds being healed and a new day of loving across differences is dawning among us.

What did he experience on Sunday morning that most of us are blind to because we’ve swum in the Christian waters so long or we are weighed down by personal burdens? He was welcomed by several folks in blue lanyards with smiles on their faces and real hospitality in their souls. He saw people of many different cultures, economic backgrounds, and ages worshiping God together in unity – a unity that secular educators dream of. He felt our unity of passion for this God/man Jesus who laid down his life for us and taught us to lay down our lives in order to bear fruit. He heard Tony’s report on how the River’s gifts are making huge differences in communities outside the U.S. He saw people caring for one another’s kids and for the youth (he pays attention to how people treat kids, he’s an educator, and he has 3 grandkids in our youth program.) He witnessed several lay people caring for our guests from the Emergency Housing Consortium. He experienced people really enjoying each other after the service and welcoming newcomers.

So, be encouraged! God is doing a wonderful thing among us. If it hasn’t yet caught you up in your corner of the world, take heart and dive in somewhere like kids’ community or Tuesday intercession. I felt such joy in his email I had to share it with you all.

Peace,
Mark P-H

Hello River,

Pretty quiet around here as many people are travelling.  Current topics of conversation around the ministry center include MY10 themes and goals, our school-year end activities, planning for the August All-Church retreat, and upcoming ICE trips.

And since I don't have much else, here's a happy youtube clip for the few people out there who haven't seen it yet.

Peace,

Dave

• For Newcomers or those who want more information about the church
• Friday, May 1st from 7:30 to 9 pm.
• At Tom and Judy Tsao’s home in Sunnyvale
• RSVP to Angela Aviles and she will email you directions.

[Brad is on sabbatical until mid-July.  In his absence, Mark Phifer-Houseman, our Pastor of Leadership Development will be sharing some thoughts in this space]

Dear River Family,

I must confess that our Holy Week celebrations filled me with many polarizing emotions as I celebrated our Passover Seder, Good Friday, and Easter services — I went from joy to fear and revulsion, from love and awe to doubt and unbelief. When Holy Week scares you, confronts you with your sin and unbelief, and fills you with joy, almost at the same moment, you know you are approaching the worship experience that God must have intended. Jesus enters Jerusalem as a King, having raised Lazarus and riding the high point of popularity on Palm Sunday, only to be crucified within a week at the hands of Imperial Rome, through the corrupt justice of the High Priest’s circle, by the betrayal of one of his closest followers, to be abandoned by all but the closest women to him, then for the Father to raise his broken and mutilated body from the dead in power to the utter disbelief of all his followers — this is the “mystery of faith” as the early Christian worshippers called it. Thanks to Angela Aviles, Brad, Jamie Wolf, Kay Maitz, Krista-Dawn, Teruo Utsumi and all the volunteers, musicians, and those who shared their story who made this journey of faith possible for us, our guests, and our seeking friends again this year.

We have served, worshiped, feasted, cleaned up the Easter baskets, and are ready to get back to “normal” life. But, the season of Christ’s resurrection appearances goes on for 40 days according to the Scriptures. And, in the earliest Christian worship calendars, the next 6 Sundays are Easter Sundays. That’s good news for me and good news for all of us. Like the first disciples, I need time to soak in what Jesus’ resurrection means. I don’t know what “normal” life looks like on this side of the Cross and the empty tomb. Who is this I am worshiping who breaks my heart, reveals to me my folly, sin, and weakness, only to return in a way I cannot understand or grasp to speak “Shalom” to me? How can there be Shalom when I see my sin, when I am angry with God and others, when Jesus isn’t with me as he was before? He comes in a resurrected physical body with nail and spear holes. He walks through walls and “beams” in and out of our lives at will. I can’t recognize him even when he’s right next to me unless he opens my eyes. This is a freaky faith we are part of. We need time to meditate on resurrection so that our definition of “normal” life can truly be Christian.  We understand birth, growth, energetic faith, action, service, and progress. Many of us also have experienced pain, skepticism, disillusionment, decay, grief, and death. But for most of us, death and resurrection are not the ways of “normal” life.

How can Jesus’ resurrection shape our souls and our expectations? How can it shape our community at the River? These are the questions we will be facing for the coming six weeks before Pentecost. We will be meditating on Jesus’ post resurrection encounters on the six Sundays between now and Pentecost. The events of Holy week had so broken the disciples faith and their categories of who Jesus was, that each of the resurrection encounters with Jesus finds the disciples broken in faith only to be confronted by Jesus in the very center of their brokenness: Thomas with his doubt, Peter with his shame, the women with their grief and feelings of abandonment, the two on the road to Emmaus with their disillusionment. Even the apostle Paul, the one who didn’t experience the grief of Good Friday, does not escape the experience of death and resurrection, but has his own experiences of death and darkness along with resurrection in his encounters with the resurrected Lord Jesus.

I would encourage you to invite seekers and Christians who have “broken faith” to our Sunday morning gatherings in this season of Easter. We will be dealing with the fundamental issues of unbelief and disappointment with God along with Jesus’ work in restoring our faith. These are messages that have a universal appeal to anyone who has experienced life on earth and who needs to see the power of resurrection.

Peace,
Mark Phifer-Houseman

Hello River,

Brad is en route to China on the first leg of his sabbatical.  He will be visiting Ned and Dorcas Tozun and their work with d.Light as well as a friend of The River who works with China Partners.

Tony, Baker, and Chris have landed in Liberia and are doing well.  He writes:  "The signs of war are less extreme than a few years ago, Baker tells me.  But the bombed out buildings are common and the bullet holes are everywhere.  The poverty is some of the worst I have seen.  Yet, in the midst of all this, the people are joyful.  Even when telling war stories of horror, they see the good hand of God...if only my faith were so strong."

Many staff are helping out with the Washington Neighborhood Bible Camp this week.  For the third year in a row, Washington Elementary school has graciously allowed us to use their cafeteria to host a Bible camp for kids during their spring break.  Angie and Brett Bymaster are spearheading the effort and all sorts of River people are volunteering in different ways.

Angela, Krista-Dawn and Mark are working on our next sermon series on "When Faith is Broken."  This is an excellent series to invite friends who are disappointed or disillusioned in their faith life.  Click here to read about the kick-off message this Sunday.

Spring break for many students this week!  Kyle and the students are making the most of it.

And our very own Josephine Chandra was featured in an NPR All Things Considered piece about creative job-hunting.  Check it out!

Dave

Closing Announcements from Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009:

• Men's book club began this past Monday.  It's not too late to join.  More information here.

• Women's Retreat THIS Friday & Saturday.  More information here.

• Our next Welcome Dessert is at the home of Tom and Judy Tsao.  For more information and to register, go here!

Dear friends and partners,

In our high-tolerance world, it can feel like death to speak of Jesus with friends and neighbors.  But, it is often the channel of our testimony and invitation that Jesus uses to bring forth new life in others.  (After all, isn’t that how most of us came to faith?)  Last Sunday, one of Mark’s challenges was to let our faith be known to neighbors.  I want to reiterate his challenge, especially with respect to Easter Sunday.  Research tells us that when people who visit church for the first time are asked why they hadn’t visited until that point, the most common response is “no one ever invited me.”  It’s also the case that people are most likely to accept an invitation on a special occasion such as Easter.  Of course, that doesn’t mean that everyone we invite will come.  But, they most certainly won’t come if we don’t invite them.  Let’s be a people who lean towards risk.

I was out for a run yesterday and came across a neighbor who was walking her dog.  It seemed very natural to say, “Hi Diane.  I don’t know what you and Al traditionally do for Easter.  But, if you don’t have any plans, we’d love to host you in our church.”  She expressed great interest.  I think there’s a good chance she’ll come.  But, even if she doesn’t, I’m confident she felt cared for.

As I expressed a few weeks ago, my Sabbatical begins immediately after Easter.  You’ll see me around, but not as often and certainly not in my teaching role.  In the three months I’m away, leadership of the church is entrusted to Mark Phifer-Houseman.  My charge to him is not merely to mind the shop or tread water (not his style anyways), but to lead the church aggressively towards the next season of what God has for us.  Our sense is that God wants to lead our church into a deeper dependence upon Him in prayer.  Having spent a good portion of the year on the horizontal task of peacemaking, we hear a call to throw ourselves into the vertical relationship with God in prayer (Of course, the horizontal and vertical are never disconnected).  So, we’ve crafted our plans to respond to that leading.  Our next Sunday morning message series will call us to enter more fully into the life of prayer.  Our small groups team has carefully prepared an excellent series of studies with the hope of deepening corporate prayer in small groups.  And there will likely be opportunities, led by our staff, to experiment with different modes of prayer.  All of this is will be done with the great hope of connecting more meaningfully with the love, power, and wisdom of the One who is redeeming our world.  I hope you’ll take advantage of every opportunity to grow in the life that Jesus is eager to lead us into.  My eager expectation is to return in July to a community marked by an atmosphere of greater joy and faith.

Grace and peace,
Brad Wong, Lead Pastor

Hello Reef!

Please mark your calendars for the All Church Retreat at Mission Springs, Friday August 21 – Sunday August 23.

Your last chance to walk the labyrinth is this week!  The labyrinth is a contemplative experience set up at The River’s ministry center designed to center you in God.  See this article for more information.  Saturday, April 11 is the final day to walk!

A 10-week men’s book club led by David is starting this Monday.  The will be studying Dallas Willard’s Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God.  See the event page for more information.

BudgetWatchers, led by yours truly, is starting this Monday as well!  Still time to squeeze yourself in at the last second.  More info here.

The youth had a great experience together at the Planet Wisdom conference.  The conference was relevant, entertaining, and bonding for everyone.  Check the student ministries blog for some cool pictures.

We had our Congregational Meeting to talk about the formalization of the Advisory Council into a Governing Board.  If you have questions about the process, please contact Tom Tsao the Board Chair Person or Mark Phifer-Houseman.

Small Group Leaders had a nice lunch together this past Sunday.  We took the time to experience one of the upcoming prayer sessions together:  “Listening to God for One Another.”  We had an excellent time of prayer ministry and everyone is excited to bring the material to the small groups.

Tony is off to Liberia this Thursday!  Please pray for Tony, Baker Cleveland, and Chris Hays as they start their trip off with a 30+ hour travel day.

This past Sunday, we provided an FAQ about the recent staff team changes.  You can download a copy here.

Check the website for:

• A new article following up on our Loving San Jose event from Sunday March 29.
• An encouraging update from Jocelyn Lai about her cousin Jodie Gee

Finally, this coming Sunday is Brad’s last Sunday before his well-deserved three-month sabbatical begins.  Please be praying for rest and refreshment for him.

Closing Announcements – April 5, 2009

Easter Week

• Seder – Thursday, April 9. Must RSVP on the web, limited to 120 ppl.
• If you need childcare for Good Friday, you must email Danielle!!! Limited space.

Women’s Retreat - See the event page for more information.

Giving Team Update - See this article for more information.

"Jodie's donor consented to the procedure two days ago!  Her transplant is scheduled toward the end of the month.  Please pray that the transplant will be successful and that her body will take it. . . right now she's fighting a lung infection."

Dear friends,

By now, you have likely received information about lay-offs affecting our staff team (link to article).  Many of you have expressed concern, love, and prayers.  And for that we are all very thankful.  It goes without saying that this is a painful time.  In the coming days and weeks, you will hear more about what these changes mean, how we will move forward, and how you can participate in the process of change.  But, for the moment, I’d like to say a word about leaning into God in the midst of tumult.

We are, in general, an activist culture.  We like to analyze and solve problems.  We feel safer when we’re in control, when we’re steering the ship.  But, the events of Holy Week (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter) call us to another posture – a posture in which we surrender to Jesus journey to the cross.  That Jesus went to the cross means that we don’t need to be in denial about our pain.  Jesus is familiar with all of our suffering; we can pour out our hearts to him.  It also means that we need not succumb to despair in our darkness.  Though our Fridays are dark and disorienting, we trust that Sunday brings the hope of new life.  So, let’s lean into Jesus in these days.  He is our strength and our hope.  

Peace,

Brad Wong,
Lead Pastor

PS.  Numerous people have asked me if the events of Holy Week will be designed with our seeking friends in mind.  So, I wanted to provide some direction.  We are designing our Easter celebration very much with the seeker in mind.  Of course, the message will be appropriate for Christ-followers, too.  But, we are trying to be very thoughtful about matters such as language, application to message, and hospitality so that newcomers hear the gospel message with as few distractions as possible.  I am praying that God give  many of us the opportunity to invite family and friends for this occasion.  Our Good Friday service is not necessarily designed with the seeker in mind.  The service will feature the sharing of numerous River members who will offer reflections on the last words of Jesus on the cross.  The sharing of stories can be very powerful for seekers; but, I am not asking any of the people sharing to craft their language with the seeker in mind. 

Hello River,

We announced several major staffing changes this week.  You can read about them here.

This Sunday we will be having a congregational meeting to dialogue about our plans to formalize a Governing Board for the church.  For more information and to RSVP, please visit the event page.  (If you are a small group leader, you've already heard this information on March 14.)

BudgetWatchers is beginning the Monday after Easter, April 13th.  We will be doing a 4-week study of Matt Bell's Money, Purpose, Joy.  This is a great chance to start (or continue) exploring ways to make our financial lives reflect our deepest values.  Checkout this page for more information or contact me at kwok@the-river.org.

David is beginning a 10 week men's book club based on Dallas Willard's Hearing God: "Because my passion is to help men bond with God’s heart I thought it time we begin to develop what it means to live in communion with God. This group is really about building our personal relationship with our Creator and through that we’ll learn how to hear the healing words we need within. The closer we walk with Him the easier it becomes to know His mind and to hear His voice."  For more information, see the event page here.

Our monthly all-church intercessory prayer time for April will be held next Tuesday, April 7 from 7pm - 8:30pm.  Contact David for more information.

Check out the website for a post about Andy Woodruff's son Luke shipping off to Iraq.

Peace,

Dave

Last Sunday was our quarterly "Loving San Jose" event!  No announcements.

Please be praying for Luke and Andy.

If you have a loved one serving overseas and would like the church to know about it for prayer, please let me know by emailing me at kwok@the-river.org.

Thanks - Dave

Hello All,

"This Week" is bare bones this week.  Back to our regularly scheduled program next week.

Dave

Announcements from Sunday, March 22nd:

Brad will begin a long-overdue three month Sabbatical beginning right after Easter and extending through mid July

Loving San Jose

• Reminder that Loving San Jose is next Sunday!
• We will meet here in the ballroom as usual and then go out to do the projects,
• We will be serving lunch (pizza) here in the ballroom after the projects so make plans to come back and have lunch together.
• Sign-ups for the various projects outside in the foyer.

• April 5 from 12 to 1:30 pm here in the ballroom after service.
• Tom Tsao will be leading the meeting as we go over the new structure and responsibilities of our Board.
• Light snacks will be served.

• Card in the River Invitation about the events we have planned for Easter
• Labyrinth – opens on Thursday, March 26th, make an appt. on our website. Photo and sample of the audio on the website as well.
• Seder – Thursday, April 9. Must RSVP  on the web, limited to 120 ppl.
• Good Friday and Easter here at SJSU
• Check the events out on the website here.

MY09 YTD Giving Through 2/22/09

Target

Actual

Difference

$757K

$738K

($20K)

Weekly Giving Since 1/25/09*

Jan 25

 $ 14K

Feb 1

  $ 23K

Feb 9

  $ 23K

Feb 15

  $ 21K

Feb 22

  $ 34K

Mar 1

$ 57K

* Weekly giving need to average roughly $28K to meet our MY09 budget goals.

For MY09, our latest year-end giving target is $1.41M.

MY09 Expense Allocation

Note:  Giving Fund is calculated as 20% of income.  Expenses exceed income, so the Giving Fund is less than 20% of expenses.

If you have any questions about The River's finances, contact our Operations Director Dave Kwok at kwok@the-river.org.

“On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.’"  John 7:37,38
 
Dear River friends,
 
I was very moved by this past Sunday’s service . . . especially by the wave of folks who came forward to receive prayer.  We are indeed a thirsty people.  Thanks be to Jesus who calls us to come and drink freely.  I impressed that Jesus makes his invitation with force – he stands and shouts.  He desires to be heard over the multitude of voices and noises in our world.  He longs for us to come.  And He’s eager to pour out living water upon our thirsty souls.  This past Sunday’s ministry time was a token of this wonderful reality.
 
In my own times of prayer, I often see an image that our souls are like Lexington reservoir.  Because of long seasons of drought, even a torrential downpour leaves the water-line low.  I believe that God wants to fill our hearts with renewed faith and hope.  Faith and hope that multiplies our joy.  Faith and hope that spills over into the abandoned places of our community, bearing the sweet fruit of new life . . . of conversion and transformation.  To that end, we’re hosting an extended time of Worship and Prayer this Sunday evening (March 22) from 6-8pm (701 N. First St.).  It will be an excellent time to soak in God’s presence and to receive the ministry of the Holy Spirit.  I hope many of you will come.
 
Peace,
Brad Wong,
Lead Pastor

Last Saturday (3/14), Mark Phifer-Houseman hosted a very thorough Peacemaking training on what it means for us to be Spiritual Health Ministers. We learned about mutual admonition, conflict coaching, and how to separate out all the components (issues, positions, and interests) in a conflict. If you are interested in getting the handouts or listening to the audio from the training, we should have those up on the Leader's section of the website very soon!

The River is in the midst of formalizing a lay-led Governing Board. Tom Tsao shared a guideline document that outlines the composition and responsibilities of the Board to the Leadership Community after the Peacemaking Training on Saturday. If you missed it, fear not, there will be a Congregational Meeting on April 5th after church with a repeat of the information shared.

Kay Maitz and Laurie Butler were hard at work last night taping down the path for our Labyrinth, opening next Thursday, March 26th. If you're not sure what a Labyrinth is, check out photos and listen to a sample of the audio narration here. Come and walk the labyrinth this Lenten season!

What's happening around the office? Brad, Krista-Dawn, and Tony are at the Unleased Forum today... David is preparing to teach at SJSU Intervarsity tonight... Tony is putting the finishing touches on his message for this Sunday... Michelle is busy following up with a surge of new people looking for small groups... Jill is (sadly) grieving the loss of her father who passed away last week... Kyle is gearing up for a friendly game of Paintball this Saturday with the youth and friends... Dave is on vacation, visiting family in Vancouver... and me (Angela), I am writing this announcement. Do you like the new headers, btw? 

• We showed Episode 3 of FLOW. FLOW is The River's way to share stories of missional engagement by our church body. This episode highlights Andy Singleterry and the Apostle's Feet Ministry. Watch the video here! Special thanks to Jason Chandra who edited the video.

• Loving San Jose - If you have not signed up for a service opportunity, you can now read all about them here. Also, please note that after the service opportunities, there will be LUNCH served in the ballroom. We will have food from Pizza-My-Heart as we listen and share stories from our morning of serving/loving San Jose.

• There will be a combination Nicaragua and Honduras ICE Info Meeting this Sunday (March 22) after church. Come and hear about our exciting partnerships with La Vida Education and Iglesia Transformacion. If you are even considering going on a trip this year, come to the meeting and learn more. For more information, contact Meredith Chew at merey5@yahoo.com about Nicaragua or Rick Schertle at schertle@yahoo.com about Honduras.

• Celebrate the events of Easter with us! Look for the playing card inside your River invitation this month for you to invite your family and friends to the Labyrinth, Passover Seder, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. The information is also available online. Please note that there is limited seating for the Passover Seder and you must RSVP online for that event.

Dear River friends,

As we journey together through the gospel of John, it is my hope that we fall in love with Jesus in a fresh way and that as we see him more clearly, we will be changed into his likeness. It is an amazing thing to me that we are to live in the likeness of the One referred to as the man of sorrows who was acquainted with our grief and suffering. And it is a sobering thing given how little I know about the sorrows of the thirsty souls who I cross paths with day in and day out.

Lent is a season of examination. It’s a time to make honest assessments. And my honest assessment is that our love for the lost has waned over the years. To the extent that this assessment is true, it is a sign of spiritual death. It means that there are significant ways in which we are disconnected from the heart of Jesus. But, Lent is also a season of great hope. We have courage to make honest confessions because God promises the power of new life in the midst of our barrenness.

In that spirit of hope, I want to call us to prayer for the renewal of our hearts for the outsider. To facilitate our prayer, I would like to invite you to a special evening of worship and prayer on Sunday, March 22, at 6pm at our ministry center. I am aware that it is short notice. Nevertheless, I hope that many of us will make the time to intercede on behalf of our community. Peace,

Brad Wong, Lead Pastor

Hello River!

Mark your calendar for the worship and prayer night on Sunday March 22 - see Brad's note above.

Mark is busy preparing our final Peacemaking Training being held this Saturday from 9am - 12pm.  This training focuses on the very important skill of mediation and conflict coaching.  It provides tools that empower you to help friends, loved ones, and co-workers work out the conflicts they have with each other in healthy ways.  RSVP here and contact Mark if you have more questions.

Krista-Dawn is excited about the tithing lab that she is kicking off this coming Sunday.  This is a great opportunity to experiment with a new practice in giving, whether you have given generously for many years or if you are just beginning a giving journey.  If you are interested or are planning to come to the first lunch, please email Krista-Dawn to RSVP.  You can read more about the tithing lab here.

The youth are excited for the Planet Wisdom conference coming up at the end of the month!  They will be travelling up to Brentwood (about an hour away) for the conference.  Check out the website or talk to Kyle to find out more about what the youth will be experiencing!

Angela and the team are preparing the Lenten Labyrinth here at The Ministry Center.  If you weren't able to be blessed by the labyrinth last year, you are in for a treat.  The labyrinth provides a guided reflection experience that you can go through at your own pace.  Stay tuned for more details.

The men had a great breakfast together last Saturday.  David spoke on the pervasive pressure of addiction and how ultimately it leaves us with the question of whether we will follow the path of destruction or the path of life.  It was a life-giving time of teaching and prayer for all the men in attendance.  You can be praying for David as he has been ill over the past few days.

• Nicaragua ICE trip information meeting on Sunday, March 22 right after church.  Find out about the awesome partnership that we have with La Vida Education an organization that is transforming the lives of children and their families in San Juan de Oriente, Nicaragua.  For more information, contact Meredith Chew.

• Peacemaking training, this Saturday March 14, 9am.  See the event page or the "happenings" above for more information.

Dear River friends,
 
It felt a little strange, but I did it.  I planted the seeds of wild flowers in an abandoned plot of ground near my neighbor’s house.  I did it as a spiritual discipline . . . a prayer that the blessing of Jesus would be made known to my neighbor.  But, as importantly, it was (and is) a prayer for my own heart . . . that God would renew in me His passion for those who live apart from the excellence of his grace. 
 
Lent is a season for examination.  It’s a season of humble acknowledgment that there are limbs that have withered and that the soil has become hard and must be plowed again.  For it is into well-prepared hearts that the power of Easter comes. 
 
My honest confession is that my love for my neighbor is lukewarm, at best.  Sometimes, I simply irritated with him.  The deep truth of Lent is that I do not have the resources to be more loving than I am.  If I am to bear sweeter fruit, it will be because God brings to death my self-centeredness . . . and raises up the image of Jesus within me.  This is the  prayer I offer each time I pass by that little plot of ground.
 
If you identify with my confession, if your heart has grown lukewarm (or even cold) for those who live their lives blind to the grace of Jesus,  I invite you to join me in humble confession that something within us has withered.  Moreover, I invite you to join me in praying that God would renew in us His heart of deep, abiding love for the lost.


Brad Wong,
Lead Pastor

______

FROM DAVE:

Hello River!

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME NEXT SUNDAY!  Remember to set your clocks forward 1 hour!

Mark is preparing for our final scheduled Peacemaking Training coming up in two weeks.  You won't want to miss this as we are delving into the delicate art of mediation.

The Men's breakfast is coming up this Saturday!  See more info below.

Kyle and the students kicked off their own Peacemaking Bible studies last week with a great discussion on the "Slippery Slope of Conflict".  They are also kicking off a yummy See's candy fundraiser - be on the lookout for chocolate bunnies!

Our Lent retreat this past weekend provided a bunch of folks some restful time to soak in the parable of the four soils.  We enjoyed great weather, spiritual direction, contemplative time, and yummy food.

Lots of new content on the website.  Check out new Kids' Community content here including new overview materials, descriptions of the Sunday morning communities, a description of Godly Play, and quotes from the kids.

Tony has put up a page describing the Quarterly Missional Tradition (Loving San Jose), and there is a new page describing our friends in the International Friendship Group.

______

ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM SUNDAY 3/1:

All Church Family Service and Loving San Jose

• On Sunday March 29, our recurring traditions of our quarterly Family Services and quarterly "Loving San Jose" engagements are coming together!  Jill Bekaert our Kids' Community Director and Tony Traback our Mission Mobilization pastor have planned many family-friendly ways to engage with our city so that we can all participate together.  Sign-ups are available after service and you can contact Jill or Tony for more information.

Peacemaking Training

• Having touched upon working through conflict and dialoguing about values differences, our March training will focus on how to serve as a mediator between two parties who are in conflict.
• Saturday, March 14th from 9 to 2 pm at Ministry Center
• RSVP here

BudgetWatchers

• Book study on Matt Bell’s book – Money, Purpose, Joy
• We will explore how our finances reflect and affect our values as well as provide some practical help on issues like budgeting, saving, and debt elimination.
• Contact Dave Kwok for more information
  

Men’s Breakfast

• Saturday, March 7th from 9:30 to 11:30 am
• David will be talking about what it means to be “Fit for the Kingdom”
• Sign up here
  

As the worship pastor, I'm in constant prayer with hope that the words we sing and pray and listen to on Sunday morning are actually forming our souls long after the band has packed up the microphones. I believe many seeds are planted by the Holy Spirit as we come together and that God's promise is true -God's word will not return empty, but will accomplish what He desires and achieve the purpose for which He sent it. But I wonder if our busy pace of life and the constant bombardment of new information into our minds might be keeping God on his toes for this task. So, I'm creating a space for us to continue to put legs on the ideas thought and convictions felt together from this last series on giving. If you were one of the folks who wrote on your card that you felt you would like to test out this idea of tithing, or if your wrestling has moved into an idea to try out, then this is the place for you!

The tithing lab is a 3 month commitment to the following things:

1. A personal decision to try some new form of giving for the next 3 months of paychecks. This could be any kind of new practice that you feel God has placed in your imagination over the past 3 weeks. We all will be trying different things as we have felt led to do. This decision should be made and implemented by the first meeting on March 15th.

2. Meeting once a month after we have paid our bills to share what our new giving practice is and how we are feeling about it. The dates for these group lunches are: 

March 15, April 19th, May 17th

Time: noon - 1:30

3. Meeting once a month with one other person in the group at a time and place that is fun and convenient for you. Either over coffee or lunch, or a walk in a park, this is a chance for you to get to know someone else at The River better as they share how their giving experiment is going, and the effects that it is having on their heart and spending habits. It's also a chance to learn how to listen to what God is doing in someone else's life through this discipline and pray for more of God's work in their life. And then someone will do that for you!

4. Periodic postings as you feel are helpful on The Reef's group "Tithing Lab". This blog will be only seen by the members of the lab. I will be posting scriptures on Money for our personal reflection times and we can generate some conversation on these passages as well as other questions that may come up as we try this experiment out. 

Again, this lab is for anyone who wrote down on their card last week that they would like to test a new practice, increase in their giving or have decided in their wrestling some kind of next step to try out. I am starting a new practice of "graduated tithe" that I will share at the first meeting. 

Please prayerfully consider if this 3 month lab would be a helpful next step in your worship life. You can email me at Krista-dawn@the-river.org to let me know that you would like to join and I will add you to the Tithing Lab group on the Reef. Our first meeting will be in 3 Sundays - in just enough time to pay those bills and write those first giving checks!

I'm really looking forward to being on this journey with you!

krista-dawn

______________________

Hello River!

Join us for our monthly all-church intercessory prayer time at The River's Ministry Center on Tuesday, March 3 from 7:00 - 8:30pm.

We had 29 people come out for the Bone Marrow drive last week!  Jocelyn is very grateful for everyone who came out.

Check out the website for a new story about the Kids' Community visit to the Homewood nursing home during the holidays!

Also, online giving is now available.  Click here to check it out.

And a reminder if you want to be kept up to date on all of The River's blogs, you can simply subscribe to this feed.

Dave

______________________

Announcements from Sunday, February 22

BudgetWatchers Informational Meeting

• For the Spring Session of BudgetWatchers, we will be studying Matt Bell's new book "Money, Purpose, Joy: The Proven Path to Uncommon Financial Success".  The book has a good mix of helping the reader reflect on financial and life values while also providing guidance on practical matters of budgeting and getting out of debt.  Join us for a brief informational meeting after church next Sunday, 3/1 where we will give an overview of the topics and present some options for meeting times.  Contact Dave Kwok kwok@the-river.org for more information
  

Juvenille Hall Info meeting

• Come explore ministry opportunities at Santa Clara County's Juvenile Hall, a neighbor to The River's Ministry Center.  An informational meeting will be held next Sunday - 3/1, after service.  Contact Tony Traback tony@the-river.org for more informaiton.

Welcome Dessert on Friday, March 6th from 7:30 - 9:00 pm.

• If you have recently starting attending The River or are looking for ways to connect deeper into the life of our church, we invite you to a Welcome Dessert at the home of  our Lead Pastor, Brad Wong. We will provide a brief history of The River, explain our values as a church, offer ways for you to get involved, and answer any questions you may have. But mostly, we just want to get to know you over some delicious desserts and drinks in a relaxing, friendly environment.
• Please let us know if you can make the event so we can provide you with address and directions. Email Angela Aviles at angela@the-river.org,  call 408.252.5500 x106, or RSVP here.
  

__________

Hello River,

The youth successfully watched over 20 children and let many happy parents enjoy a night out together.  Way to go youth!  Most of the youth have this week off for winter break so Kyle is taking advantage of the time to meet with students.

David reports of God's continuing, faithful work in the Healing Path.  Last Monday the group experienced a powerful testimony about abuse and recovery leading to deep and honest sharing in many groups.  Yesterday David shared a teaching on connecting to our hearts.  Please continue to pray for healing and protection for participants and leaders.

We hosted a full women's self-defense class here at The Ministry Center on Saturday morning.  Thanks to Mary Lucitt for pulling it all together!

And here's a picture of the newest member of the Girard family - Mikayla, born February 9th.

Dave

__________________

Closing Announcements – Feb. 15, 2009

Men’s Breakfast

• Saturday, March 7th, 9:30A.M. - 11:30A.M.
• Fit for the Kingdom: Becoming Holy Warriors:  Come join us for some fellowship around food and a teaching on how God the Father enables us to stand and fight the idol gods we face everyday here in the valley. How do we apply Christ’s victory in the face of evil? How do we prevail over difficulties? And, how do we deal honestly with areas of weakness in our lives. Our Father has made a way for us to rise up and out of natural cycles of failure and despair. He has given us His Spirit through which His inspired will becomes our own. Our speaker will be Pastor David Alvarez.
• The breakfast will be held at The River Church Offices (701 N. First St., San Jose, 95112). All are welcome to attend.
• Sign up at the Connecting Table, RSVP at the event page, or e-mail Pastor David

Bone Marrow Drive on Feb.22

• The River is hosting a bone marrow drive next week (2/22) here at SJSU to support Jodie Gee. Jodie is the cousin of a Jocelyn Lai.
• The Bone Marrow drive will be in the Music Room immediately after service until 1 pm. Getting tested is free for minorities.
• Stop by the Connecting Table to sign up or to talk to Jocelyn if you have any questions.
• There is a playing card in your River Invitation as well.

Lenten Retreat

• Friday, Feb. 27 to Saturday, Feb 28th at the Presentation Center in Los Gatos
• Sign up at the connecting table or on our website.

________________________

Hello River!

Welcome to Mikayla Julianne Girard!  Born on Monday at 3:30pm.  19", 7lbs 4oz.  Congratulations to Amy, Garrett and big sister Mia!

The students are geared up to give parents a Valentine's break this Saturday!  We have many kids signed up for babysitting and many happily anticipatory parents.

The parent retreat was a meaningful respite for many parents last Saturday.  Each childcare room in the ministry center was set up with reflection stations appropriate for parents of kids of different ages.  David and Jill had long lines outside their doors for prayer and spiritual direction.

The Giving Team recently had the privilege of giving away over $60,000 to our ministry partners and friends.  Check out The River Website for more information.  We've also posted our latest financial update.

Dave

___________

Closing Announcements – Feb. 8, 2009

Bone Marrow Drive on Feb.22

• The River is hosting a bone marrow drive in 2 weeks here at SJSU to support Jodie Gee. Jodie is the cousin of a Jocelyn Lai.
  
• The Bone Marrow drive will be in the Music Room, on Feb.22, immediately after service under 1 pm. Getting tested is free and simple.
• Stop by the Connecting Table to talk to Jocelyn if you have any questions.
• There is a playing card in your River Invitation as well.
• Also, special thanks to our very own Baker Cleveland who made the video, which is being shown in churches & community gatherings all over the country to help Jodie.

Liberia ICE Fundraising - If you would like to support the Liberia ICE team, please write a check payable to The River and enclose a note with "Liberia ICE" or the team members name.  Please do NOT write the team members name on the check itself.

Islam 101

• If you want to be better informed about world events, gain insight into what 1/5 of the world believes, and be encouraged to love Muslim people, come today after service to the Ohlone Room at noon for Islam 101
• Islaom 101 is an introduction to Islam, an overview of what Muslims believe, and how we as followers of Jesus can enter into loving and friendly dialogue with our Muslim friends, neighbors and coworkers.
• This course will last about an hour, and there will be light snacks to tide you over to lunch. 
• Julie Priest will be hosting – Julie has lived in Iraq for a year and have an interest in bridging the cultural gaps between muslims and christians.  You may remember Julie from the last Flow video we showed a few weeks ago.

Lenten Retreat

• Friday, Feb. 27 to Saturday, Feb 28th at the Presentation Center in Los Gatos
• Sign up at the connecting table or on our website.

____________

Hello River,

Krista-Dawn has returned from maternity leave!  She will be leading worship this coming Sunday.

Jill is preparing for the parent contemplative retreat.  More details in the announcements below.

Mark led several staff in a mini-planning retreat this week.  We will be taking our weekly staff dialogue times to develop these plans.

Michelle and Mark led a small group leaders' lunch last Sunday.  Michelle talked about how we are re-upping our hopes and expectations for small group ministry at The River and we spent good time providing feedback about the peacemaking small group curriculum.

Check out the River website for a cool video about a satisfied D.Light customer.

-Dave

___________________

Announcements from Sunday 2/1/09

Parent Retreat

• On Saturday, February 7th at the Ministry Center
• No need to sign-up, you can just come to the center anytime between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm
• Childcare spots are FULL
• Contact Jill at jill@the-river.org if you desire spiritual direction
  

Lenten Retreat

• Friday, Feb. 27 to Saturday, Feb 28th at the Presentation Center in Los Gatos
• Sign up at the connecting table or on our website.

Beginning today, our Lead Pastor Brad Wong will be including a note as part of the "This Week at The River" emails.  Enjoy!

_____

Dear River friends,

As we settle into our week, I want to encourage us all to continue to chew on the words of scripture that Tony taught from on Sunday from Matthew 5:21-26.  “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there at the alter and go.  First be reconciled . . .”  These words bring our highest callings in life (To love God with all our heart and to love our neighbor as ourselves) into one single focus.  We will not connect deeply with God if we allow division to persist in our relationships with one another.  And because God longs to commune with us, He is faithful to alert us when there are relationships that need our attention.  May our hearts grow in sensitivity and responsiveness to the Holy Spirit in these days.

Our intercessory prayer gathering is a great opportunity to nurture that sensitivity to the Spirit.  We meet on the first and third Tuesdays of the month.  The first Tuesday is especially marked out as a time for “laboratory” training in giving and receiving prayer.  God has been doing wonderful things during that time; I hope that many of you will come next Tuesday, February 3.

The shalom of Jesus be with you and carry you through your day.

Brad

_____

The Leadership Community had a good day together on Saturday.  We had time to review church business including ministry updates, church governance, and finances. As well as a helpful training on the skill of dialogue - entering into challenging conversations with transparency into our assumptions and background thinking.

Many of you have been following the Geoghegan family's journey as they welcomed Hannah Jane into the world.  In the course of managing Hannah Jane's treatment, Rod lost his job and is actively seeking another one.  If you would like to view his qualifications, please go to this post.

Our monthly all-church intercessory prayer-time is coming up next Tuesday, February 3 from 7-8:30pm at the Ministry Center.  Check the event page for more details.

_____

Announcements from Sunday January 25:

• Easter Choir:
  
  Do you love to worship God with your voice?
  Do you miss those childrens’, high school, and college choirs you used to be in?
  Do you always gladly join in singing “Happy Birthday”?
  Do you love those chills you get when people sing in harmony?
  Do you only sing in secret or in the shower?
  
  Then our Easter Choir is for YOU!!
  
  Join us!  No choral or music reading experience required.
  
  We’ll be rehearsing about twice a month (dates and times TBD) to prepare to sing at the Easter Sunday service with the worship team.  Come join us for some fun fellowship focused around lifting our voices together in song to God!
  
  We’ll need voices of all shapes and sizes, so e-mail Jamie Wolf at jamie.e.wolf@gmail.com if you’re even remotely interested!
  
  “I love to hear a choir. I love the humanity to see the faces of real people devoting themselves to a piece of music. I like the teamwork. It makes me feel optimistic about the human race when I see them cooperating like that.”  ~ Paul McCartney
  
  “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.”  ~ Colossians 3:16

• ICE Trip for Business People - If you have ever wondered how you can use your business and organizational skills in direct ministry, come to an information meeting hosted by Pete Snell about the REP organization that pairs American business people with businesses in the world that are trying to live out a kingdom purpose.  The meeting is 5:30pm - 9:00pm on January 27.  For details and to RSVP, go to the event page.

• Women's self-defense workshop:  On valentine's day, February 14, The River Ministry Center will be the venue for a self-defense worshop held by Bay Area Impact.  The cost is $100 (we are accepting scholarships too!).  See the event page or contact Mary Lucitt for more information.

• Successfully managed all aspects of purchasing and customer support, sales and account coordination from start to finish including management of multi-million dollar hi-tech and construction and pharmaceutical projects.
• Worked with Fortune 500 Companies and have successfully managed projects exceeding 7 million dollars.
• Materials management experience including performing, compiling and analyzing production control system, developing and negotiating contracts, supplier audits and visits as well as developing submittal and turnover packages.
• Negotiated consistent price reductions saving an average of 35% on material costs and delivery.
• Secured new suppliers and improved quality of service and turn-around time for delivery.
• Extensive knowledge of industry products used in residential and commercial construction and in pharmaceuticals as well as sheet metal, HVAC, pipes, valves, fittings and fixtures.
• Proven track record working both independently and as a team player to meet demanding deadlines.
• Excellent account representative, purchasing and project management in addition to successful interpersonal and organizational skills with strong attention to detail and a focus on enhancing customer satisfaction.

 
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
 

Restaurant Equipment Design – Oakland, CA                                                 
2004 - 2008

Purchasing and Project Manager:

• Prepared budgets and proposals for President and other Senior Executives.
• Coordinated contract and key documentation.
• Secured quotes and pricing, from initial research through completion resulting in reduction of overall cost expenditures.
• Proactively located, qualified and audited suppliers.
• Trained and managed purchasing employees.
• Managed implementation of signed proposals.
• Coordinated and completed change orders and modifications to contracts.
• Developed, interfaced and managed client accounts in an efficient and effective manner.
• Proactively managed and completed close-out packages.

 

Sunnyvale Fluid System Technologies – Sunnyvale, CA                                               
2002 - 2003

Purchasing Manager and Senior Account Representative:

• Successfully maintained current status reports on all purchase orders and orders in the pipeline.
• Proactively interfaced with purchasing, manufacturing and engineering to ensure on time delivery of products.
• Analyzed bill of materials to ensure proper billing and order fulfillment.
• Developed weekly status reports for materials and purchasing and presented in Senior Staff Meetings.
• Released work orders and control schedules against production plan schedule.
• Proactively handled inside sales and customer support for specific customers such as: Alza, Applied Komatsu, Bruckner Supply, EMC Scientific, Genus, Lumileds Lighting, and Nektar Pharmaceuticals.
• Managed and set up all aspects of consignment sales accounts for Alza, EMC Scientific, Lumileds Lighting, and Nektar Pharmaceuticals.
• Designed and implemented automated database replenishment data entry system for consignment accounts increasing efficiency by 70%.
• Supervised training of Customer Support employee including, Scala order entry and stock software and process fulfillment.
• Evaluated and designed warehouse layout to provide more efficient flow of product that lead to an increase in productivity.
• Demonstrated exceptional knowledge of high purity valves, fittings, and tubing.

 
Therma, Inc. – San Jose, CA                                                                                        
1997 - 2002

Project Representative and Construction Purchasing Manager:

• Successfully managed all aspects of purchasing from start to finish including management of multi-million dollar hi-tech and pharmaceutical projects.
• Supervised multiple concurrent site installations and progress timelines.
• Evaluated jobsites on a regular basis to inspect site and work with installers and customers to streamline the installation process.
• Managed multiple job sites as well as organization, scheduling and verification of time and materials for jobsites.
• Performed thorough inspection of job sites before construction to address any potential specialized needs and after completion to ensure proper installation.
• §         Tracked time and cost accounting/verification for multiple sites.
• Worked interactively with customers to ensure their satisfaction at each level of installation process.
• Developed and implemented custom production fulfillment program for a Fortune 500 company.
• Managed and developed interpersonal relations with subcontractors, vendors, customers and internal management.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

California State, Hayward
Bachelors Degree, 1992
 
Advanced Software Experience:  

Excel, Impact Manufacturing Systems, MAS 200, Microsoft Small Business Manager, QuickBooks, Scala, ThermaTrak & Word


-- References are available upon request --

New President, same old weekly email.

Angela is on vacation, but she wanted me to pass on information about the upcoming Lentent retreat.  The retreat is a contemplative retreat and will be held Fri-Sat 2/27-28 at Presentation Center.  For more information and to RSVP, go to the event page.

The Small Group staff and coaches had a great "summit" meeting together on Saturday.  All of us felt a new sense of inspiration and common purpose.  There are still many practical things to work out, but it was a blessing to have time set apart to share our hearts and hopes with each other.

The students had a great lock-in at the ministry center on Friday night.  Much wholesome fun was had by all including the festive "welcome-back" decoration of a home.

Check out the website for the latest FLOW video which features Julie Priest's service to a local Iraqi family.

_________________________

Announcements from Sunday, 1/18

* ICE trip for business people - If you have ever wondered how you can use your business and organizational skills in direct ministry, come to an information meeting hosted by Pete Snell about the REP organization that pairs American business people with businesses in the world that are trying to live out a kingdom purpose.  The meeting is 5:30pm - 9:00pm on January 27.  For details and to RSVP, go to the event page.

Emailing from my phone as we drive home. The tumor did not grow since November and her ventricles while still large are not as severe; praise God!  She has MRI in another 3 months to recheck.  We are SO happy; thank you for your constant prayers!!!
Xo
Shannon

1/16

We are going to Oakland Kaiser today to meet with Hannah Jane's oncologist and to get the results about the tumor and ventricle size.  Will post when we are done.

The IV attempts were tough on Wednesday they finally got one but had to give an injection before trying more to cause amnesia as she was so traumatized from the attempts. That night she vomitted but it was from the sedatation effects not increase in intracranial pressure. 

We so very much appreciate your loving prayers and send you our love and a kiss from Hannah Jane!

Love and blessings,
Shannon

As you know Rod lost his position last year the day before Hannah Jane's 1st surgery.  Since returning from Duke he has been applying to many positions without any serious replies. 

His background is in purchasing/procurement/buying & project management.  If a company is open to it, Rod is super willing to change career paths too, so whatever you think he would be a good fit with, even outside of this area, please let us know.  :)  I'll post his here when we get it back from Jennifer.  Also, we're signing up for Linkedin.com, so if you are on it and are willing to network with us, that would be a blessing too!

I know things are tight for many companies, but we believe that God has a plan for us in this area too.  Your love and support mean so much to us!

We had a LVN (licensed vocational nurse) helping us at home for a couple of weeks while Rod and I caught up on some zzzz's, rested up, while I went to hand physical therapy, we went to our christian couple's therapist once a week, grocery shopping, errands and such so that Hannah Jane could stay at home on her schedule.  The nurse was sent to us through an agency, but we would prefer to hire a nurse (LVN or RN) directly ourselves who is someone we know or knows someone we know and who is loving and compassionate, and of course, loves babies!  :)  Brain trauma experience is not required, but pediatric experience is needed in that blood pressure readings, CPR etc. is quite different for wee ones than it is for adults.

There are many things I need to get done too and since Hannah Jane was diagnosed in utero and I was put on bed rest, I never got the house all cleaned out and sorted when we made the craft/computer room into sweet Hannah Jane's room.  It would be a blessing for me to get this completed while the nurse cares for Hannah Jane.

The nursing is paid for through Early Start (San Andreas Regional Center) because of Hannah Jane's diagnoses.  The rate is in the $20's/hour for a LVN and $44/hour for a RN; I can't find the paper with the exact number right at the moment.

We are looking for someone for more hours to start with and then would taper down in a couple months.  We are flexible with days/times. 

Although a super, duper blessing would be someone who could come on Sunday too so we could attend church together, instead of taking turns while our sweet pea rests at home!  Dr. Chinn would like Hannah Jane to stay home until flu season is over approx. March 30; that's a long time that we would miss being there together.

If you are a nurse and are interested or know someone, could you let me know?  Please email me in reply here, directly at 2shannon@att.net or call me on my cell at 408-569-8788. 

Thank you SOOOO much for you amazing love and prayers! 

I'll be posting Friday again after her oncologist; hopefully with some very good news...

Until then Blessings and Love,
Shannon

1/11

Praise the Lord, thank you for all your prayers for this past week's vaccine and opthomology appointments; God was merciful and loving and saw us and her through with good news.  I had remembered that long ago a nurse warmed my shot in her hand before administering it and asked if we could do the same for Hannah Jane's if it wouldn't affect the vaccine.  I have had shots before that were cold and I thought the cold hurt a lot more than the needle poke.   I didn't know that the vaccines come right from the freezer, I thought it was just the fridge; so we're super glad to have found this out; perhaps it can help you too. 

So Rod took two, I took one and held Hannah Jane as we got the chill off.  While she cried for her vaccines, she recovered quickly as I was able to nurse her there in the waiting room right after. 

I'm sure we were quite a sight in blurry action!  :)  I held her during the shots and soothed her the best I could,  then after they were through Rod swooped her into his arms while I raced out the waiting room and got ready to nurse her.

And, that night she didn't have the constant screaming nightmares that she had the last set of vaccines.  Prayer answered; thank you!

2nd Prayer
We went to the opthomologist about her eye twitching and knew that she would have to have her eyes dialated, which stings going in and disrupts her vision for 24 hours as well as needing an exam of her eyes held open with speculums for 1-5 minutes each.  We were concerned that there was optic nerve damage from the cranial pressure prior to last surgery.  Well, God's mercy and love shone brightly yet again.  Hannah Jane is showing no signs of optic nerve edema.  Her eyes seem to be seeing normally.  While she remains having the twitching when looking to extreme right or left, there is hope that it will resolve over time the further time that passes since her 2nd surgery.  Prayers answered again.  And, even a prayer that I had not asked for was answered.  Her eyes did so well that they did not have to use the speclum that I had the nightmare about 2 weeks ago.  Thank you for your prayers so much!!!

Upcoming Prayer Request
This Wednesday Hannah Jane will get an IV and be fully sedated for her 1st MRI since October.  Please pray for an easy IV insertion.  I will do all I can i.e. nurse her and get her very hydrated to plump up her veins, your prayers would be deeply appreciated too for the IV and for the results of the MRI.

We will see her brain oncologist in Oakland on Friday for the results.  During this appointment will find out if the tumor is growing and if her lateral ventricles are still severe in size.  I'll be sure to post after we find out.

A very special thank you to each of you for your love in following our journey.  I pray that you know we pray for all of you.  I believe that God has asked us to be angel helpers to each other.  We were not meant to walk alone.

A verse that I'd like to share with you about my appreciation for each of you is:

1 John 4:12
No one has ever seen God.  But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love has been brought to full expression through us.

I pray that you know we are here for you too and are honored when you share your prayer requests too.  It is a true joy to love you!

Blessings and Joy,
Shannon

Memorial information can be found on Nathan's website at www.nathanj125.com.

Love,
Jocelyn

David gave some really helpful application points on his message about forgiveness this Sunday.  They went by pretty fast, so I've attached them to the end of this post.

The Small Group leadership (staff and coaches) are gathering for an all-day meeting on Saturday.  This is the first "summit" that we have had in a long time - please pray for us.  We will be visioning together and mapping out next steps.

Brad will be on a short retreat for Christian leaders on Friday and Saturday.

Healing Path is underway!  David reported a good first night last night.  Please pray for the fifty participants, group leaders, teachers, and David.

____________________

Announcements from Sunday 1/4/09

- Parent Morning Retreat 2/7/09

- Financial Update

____________________

Application Points from David's message this Sunday 1/4/09:

Forgiveness involves getting in touch with what needs to be forgiven. I find too often that many Christians I know minimize the sin done against them or whitewash it as “It wasn’t that bad.” I’m doubled over in pain at the sharing of the trauma and their downplaying it.

Secondly, we allow the Lord access to our hearts. Because Jesus final words in the parable are, “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

Under the power of the Holy Spirit the reality of the hurt incurred by the sin becomes present to us. We begin to feel the heart’s legitimate response to the offense. This allows us to honestly offer up our hurts to God. Our God is a God of truth and light, not of the darkness and denial.

If we rush forward to forgive without knowing our hearts, we can fail to obey Christ’s command to forgive from our hearts. Years ago when I first started the process of forgiving my father for years of abuse all I could do was grieve. I had not reached a place where I could forgive him from my heart.

Third, I confess the sin done against me and I bind that sin away from me. And I’m very specific in my confession. I physicalize the binding away of the sin by placing them into a cross. The sin is bound away from me and into the crucified Christ. He absorbs the darkness that entered into me through the other’s sin.

I then speak forgiveness towards the one who sinned against me. In this I give up my right to vindicate myself, to get even, and to stand as the others judge. I’m allowing Jesus to prevail as Lord and Judge over him or her. The apostle Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 4:14 that “Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done.” It sounds to me like Paul felt hurt yet he chooses to forgive, and let the Lord handle it.

Lastly, I ask the Lord to release and cleanse me from the bitter effects of unforgiveness that have accompanied my wounds. In my wounding I had sinned against others. My heart had harbored anger, resentment, bitterness, hatred, and even murder towards my father.

Hope you had a happy and safe holiday celebration.  Special thanks to Angela Aviles and Jill Bekaert who spearheaded the last-minute change to our Sunday service schedule due to the fire at SJSU.  We expect to be back in the ballroom this Sunday, so please plan on attending service at 10am at the ballroom.

Our first all-church intercessory prayer time of 2009 will be tomorrow (Tuesday) night at 7pm.

David is gearing up for the start of a large Healing Path cohort.  He received over 50 applications this session and is doing his best to accomodate as many people as he can.

A reminder that the River Calendar is now found only on The River website.  We are no longer updating the church-wide Google Calendar.  Please bookmark the calendar here.

Check out the website for a new story on D.light, and check out the new River Partner pages.

____________________

Announcements from Sunday 1/4/09

* Welcome Dessert - January 9

Frozen entree update.  So after eating about 10 of those Chinese frozen entrees, I've realized that they are pretty "yang" on the yin-yang scale of things.  Especially when I eat them with my Hawaiian Kettle Potato Chips, I'm pretty greased and salted out by the end of lunch.  I'm always hitting people up for some oranges to get some "yin" back into my body.  So I still endorse them, but more mildly now.  If you have no idea what I'm talking about, go here.

The River's Ministry Center will be closed for the holidays from December 25 - January 1, re-opening on Friday, January 2.

Join us for our Christmas Eve celebration today at 2pm!

Check out The River website for reflections on the Advent Retreat by K.C. Yatsko and Karen Smyrl.

Peace.

________________

Announcements from Sunday 12/21

• Christmas Eve Celebration

• Welcome Dessert January 9

______

Dear River Family,

The past 15 months have been a particularly hard time for our family; we have experienced an often painful journey, but God’s light shines through even still.  We had a miscarriage in October 2007 that was really the start of some challenging times in our life.  Two months later we became pregnant again, and of course were optimistic with a lot of worry as well.  The first trimester tested us with spotting, discomfort, progesterone injections and several trips to the E.R. At 18 weeks, during an ultrasound in which the doctors told us we were blessed to be having a girl, they also discovered what’s called a CPC, a cyst in the middle of her brain.  At that point, we decided to have an amniocentesis to find out if there were any abnormalities such as Trisomy 18.  We would not terminate the pregnancy regardless of what we found, but wanted to know how we could prepare for Hannah Jane’s birth.  Lots of prayers went up for her at our small group, Shannon’s Healing Path II g  roup and from the Maitz’s.  The results came back negative for Trisomy, so at this point we thought we were out of the woods.

However, at 31 weeks, Shannon was rushed to the hospital with severe bleeding that turned out to be a slight placenta abruption; we were very close to delivering our daughter at that point since Shannon was contracting every 1 minute.  Fortunately, the doctors were able to stop the contractions.  During an ultrasound before Shannon was released, the doctor found that Hannah Jane’s head was measuring approximately 4 weeks large.  They advised us to come in to a specialist if Shannon Jane wasn’t born early to have a more comprehensive ultrasound to determine the cause of the increased head size.  At that scan, they diagnosed our daughter with Hydrocephalus, an excessive build up of fluid in the ventricles of the brain causing pressure on her brain.  We immediately transferred Shannon’s care to Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford.  They are leaders in children’s medicine, and more specifically, Dr. Michael Edwards is a renowned pediatric neurosurgeon regarded as on  e of the best.  It was determined that the best course was to have Shannon carry the baby to 39 weeks to help develop vital organs for breathing and thicken her skin so our daughter would be better able to handle surgery.  I had been planning on taking paid family leave after the baby was born, but Shannon was now on bed rest so I took family leave early to help her through the remainder of the pregnancy.

Due in large part to the gestational diabetes, Shannon gained a lot of weight in fluid which caused her to have high blood pressure.  For this reason, the doctors decided to deliver the baby a few days earlier than expected.  On September 11, at 8:37 am, our daughter Hannah Jane was born.  After birth, she was taken for an MRI to determine the cause of the hydrocephalus.  They found a mass, later determined to be a tumor in her 3rd ventricle blocking the flow of spinal fluid.  She was also diagnosed with ventriculomegaly.  Pastor Brad came the day after her birth and blessed us as a new family.  Hannah Jane was so peaceful in his arms and we were once again blessed by his and the River’s love.  At just 8 days old, she had a full craniotomy and Dr. Edwards removed most of the tumor and put in a temporary external drain.  He could not remove all of it because it was too close to healthy brain matter.  He had hoped that this would relieve the pressure so that no shunt would be needed.  The day before Hannah’s surgery, my employer called to notify me that they were letting me go because they had to fill my position.  Since the company was less than 50 employees, I had no legal protection from this.  Hannah was on a ventilator and started having seizures, she was put on anticonvulsant meds and she spent the more weeks in the NICU and we brought her home on October 1st.  That day God sent us Pat Valentine to see us off; what a joy it was to share Hannah Jane’s homecoming with her.

We had harvested Hannah Jane’s cord blood cells so that we could travel to Duke University in North Carolina for a promising procedure where her cord blood cells would be infused into her via IV.  The procedure has helped other hydrocephalus babies with developmental issues as well as with things like sight and hearing loss.  Due to the pressure that was on Hannah Jane’s brain, she suffered brain damage as well as from the invasive path of the craniotomy to reach the tumor.  The surgery pathway leaves a permanent path through it and is at risk of hearing and sight problems as well.  After getting clearance from her doctors here and a CT scan of her ventricles to ensure we were safe to fly, we travelled to Duke and on November 18th, Hannah Jane had the procedure.  During the procedure, she vomited, had an elevated blood pressure.  The doctors at Duke assured us that she was probably reacting to the preservative, and that it would all resolve in a day or so.  The next day H  annah Jane vomited 2 more times on the way to the airport.  We called the doctors at Duke, but they continued to reassure us that she was okay and that the preservative would work its way out of her system that day.  The 1st leg of our flight home was to New Jersey, and upon arrival in the car, she vomited again.  We took her to an E.R. in New Jersey, where the first leg of the Angel Flight stopped over but after examining her and testing negative for dehydration, she was released.  We had called Hannah Jane’s doctor at Kaiser and he advised us that if Hannah Jane could keep her feedings down overnight, we should get her home to be seen by her own neurosurgeon.

So the next morning we took a flight home from New Jersey to Oakland.  About 4 hours into the 6 hour flight, Hannah Jane became more and more lethargic and her eyes began twitching more and became stuck in the left direction.  We called Kaiser from the plane to determine whether we should land immediately, but since her fontanel wasn’t bulging (a sign of ICP inter cranial pressure) breathing was stable and she hadn’t vomited, they arranged for an ambulance to be waiting for us at the jet center and took us directly to Kaiser Oakland’s E.R. where a team of doctors and nurses were waiting for her.  Jason Fung was meeting us to drive us home and he followed the ambulance (no easy feat!) brought our luggage to the hospital and offered us his tremendous support and prayers.  They immediately got her into the CT scan which showed an increase in the size of her ventricles and that the right side filled her whole side of her head.  She would need a second surgery to insert a sh  unt.  God had a plan all along because Hannah Jane’s only doctor in Oakland is her new neurosurgeon, Dr. Pang and that is where we landed.  It was a very painful day with over 25 pokes for blood draws, failed IV attempts and blow outs and such.  Pam and Benjy Guerrero came to the ICU with us and prayed over us all, sustaining us through this horrific time of Hannah Jane suffering.  The next morning on November 21st, she underwent surgery for the shunt.  We brought her home 3 days later, and she is home with us now.

I am constantly amazed at how tough our daughter is, everyday she keeps trying, she keeps smiling and she keeps bringing so much joy to our lives.  There are so many painful details I had to leave out to keep this sort of short, Shannon and I shed so many tears and even now continue to cry over what Hannah Jane has gone through.  Someone once told us that having a child is like having a huge piece of your heart walking around in the world; that is so true.  What is also true, however, is that with as many challenges as we have had the last 15 months, God has blessed us a million times more.  Our daughter is improving, Kaiser has been phenomenal to us, and you, our church family, have showered us with love, generosity and prayers.  We could not have gotten through all this alone, and that’s why we believe God gave us all of you.  Thank you so much for everything that you have given and continue to give.  We still have a long road ahead of us, but your love, support and praye  rs continue to sustain us; you truly are God’s special Angel Helpers!

Love,
Rod & Shannon Geoghegan

Found another great free game.  Travel the universe, discover alien species, save the earth.  Check it out.

Mark is helping Gayll make final preparations for the Phifer-Houseman's trip to Ethiopia.  They will be visiting family as well as scouting out potential ICE partnerships there.  They are looking for used digital cameras, laptops, mp3 players, etc. to give as gifts during their trip.  If you have something to donate, contact Mark.

Looking forward to the Christmas Holiday!

_____________________________

Announcements from Sunday, December 14

• THE RIVER CHRISTMAS CATALOG 2008
   
  This year, The River is providing the Harvest of Hope gift catalog to aid you in your Christmas Season giving.  Harvest of Hope is produced by on of The River's international partners, Partners International.  Their mission statement is "to create and grow communities of Christian witness in partnership with God's people in the least Christian regions of the world."  The River supports Partners' work in North Africa to provide families clean water and aid for disabled children.
   
  Our tradition during the Christmas season is to ask you to consider giving to Christian ministries an amount equal to that spent by your family on gifts for itself.  This is a tangible way to live out the reality that Jesus came to bring hope to all people.
   
  You can find the catalog online at www.harvestofhope.org where you can also order a physical catalog if you wish.  To give to the projects that The River has been supported, search for codes T24 "Clean Water for a Family, N. Africa" and T25 "Therapy for a Disabled Child, N. Africa."
   
  Gifts are tax deductible and will be receipted directly by Partners International.
   
  Thank you for giving!

• Financial Update for December 2008

• The River's 3rd Annual Christmas Eve Family Service will be Wednesday, December 24th from 2-4 at The River Ministry Center.

The Kimsey's had the baby!

Gabriella Luci Emma Supriya Kimsey born on December 7.  All are well.

David & Michelle Kim also had their baby girl on December 7.  And Bill and Molly Meyer welcomed a girl yesterday, December 8.  Names to come soon.

The Advent Retreat was an excellent time of preparation for everyone who attended.  Ask someone who went about their experience!

David is taking applications for January's Healing Path.  They are due this Friday, so hurry if you are interested in applying.

Check the website for a blurb on the upcoming Women's Breakfast (Jan 10) and the River Christmas Catalog.

______________________

Closing Announcements – December 7, 2008

The Healing Path

• Dates for Winter 2009 The Healing Path are Monday, January 12th – Monday, March 23rd. If you are interested in being a part of our next group, please download and complete The Healing Path Application. Please return your completed application no later than Friday, December 12, 2008.

 
Christmas Bake Sale

• Next Sunday there will be a bake sale out in the main lobby.
• All proceeds go to the Geoghegan family to cover medical expenses.
• Bake sale organized by Polly Claassen and Kristina Kanemoto. More info on a card in your River Invitation.

Christmas Eve Service

• The River’s 3rd annual Christmas Eve Celebration
• Wednesday, December 24th from 2 to 4 pm.
• We will sing carols, enjoy Christmas desserts, and participate in a hands-on activity designed to help us remember the journey to Bethlehem and the miracle of Jesus’ birth in our lives.
• You can sign-up at the Connecting Table. Sign-up is not required, but greatly appreciated as we plan for food.

 
Welcome/Connecting

• If you are new, and have questions about the church, please ask any of Connecting Hosts or staff members wearing a blue River lanyard and nametag.
• Free doughnuts, bagels, and coffee

Giving Worship Table

• Now located in the back.

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving!

For those of you who missed the first FLOW video, go to the River website to check it out.  FLOW highlights missional stories happening around the church.  The first episode focuses on our recent Kindness San Jose experience.

The Advent Retreat begins tomorrow and final preparations are being made by lots of folks.  If you are registering at the last minute, go here.

Tony is spearheading some improved recycling practices here at the Ministry Center.  The next time you are here, you will notice more recycling bins as well as some green composting bins.  When you go to dispose of waste, please check the guidelines near the bins to make sure the right stuff goes into the right place.

Krista-Dawn begins her maternity leave tomorrow.  No baby yet, but should be soon - please pray that all the transitions around the newest Kimsey would be smooth.

_______________________

Announcements from Sunday 11/30

• Come to the Advent Retreat!
  

The Prayer Room is open during the follow Ministry Center office hours:
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday - 9 am to 5 pm
Wednesday - 2 to 5 pm

To reserve a time, please contact Angela or Donna. If you would like to use the room during non Ministry Center office hours, please contact Angela or Donna with at least a week’s notice. We will make an effort to see if someone is available to open/close the Ministry Center so you can use the room.

Here's how to reach us:
Angela - 408.252.5500 x106, angela@the-river.org
Donna - 408.252.5500 x101, donna@the-river.org

Much thanks to the Yatsko family for donating the armchair and couch.

We hope you enjoy the room!

We are so blessed by you and by your prayers and love.  A special thank you to Jason Fung for following us in the ambulance from the plane yesterday and coming to the ER.  And to Pam and Benjy for being with us in ICU yesterday. Also thank you for all your emails and voicemails, to my mom for being a prayer warrior, my brother Shane who flew to Duke to meet her and to Dave Kwok for posting about Hannah Jane on The River, and to Pastor Brad for his time today and constant prayers and support! Precious Hannah Jane was poked for IVs that blew out and labs over 25 times; last IV is staying in.  Please keep praying for no infection: she'll be in ICU til Monday or Tues if all is well and she doesn't get an infection in her head or reject.  Thank you all!

Love
Shannon

Hope you are having a good Thanksgiving week!

Angela and Krista-Dawn are putting the finishing touches on the Advent Retreat.  David, Brad, Tony, and Michelle are also preparing their contributions.

Angela also recently started a new small group with her husband Steve and David and Jocelyn Auyeung.  There are several other small groups starting up as well - Janet Balisiri is leading another new group.  Contact Michelle Manley if you'd like more information.

Brad and his family are off to Washington DC to visit the Martins.

Check the website for new stories:  Tony's Travel Blog Part IV

Happy Thanksgiving!

___________

Announcements from Sunday 11/24

Advent Retreat

• The Advent Retreat is almost here! The theme of the retreat is Waiting and we will be looking at waiting through the lenses of various characters in the Bible (Simeon, Anna, Mary, Elizabeth, Jairus, Ruth, David).
• Contributing to the retreat this year will be the Pastoral staff (David, Brad, Tony, Michelle) and some lay leaders (Chris Maitz, K.C. Yatsko, Janet Yang, Jeannie Traback, Jamie Wolf, Lawrence Luk). 
• At the retreat, there will also be opportunity for people to receive one-on-one spiritual direction by Mark P-H, Michelle, and Jill. Spots are filling up fast so sign up this week!!!
• http://www.the-river.org/article/advent-retreat-2008/

Advent Family Service

• Next Sunday will be quarterly family service. There will be no Kids’ Community as the kids will be with us here in the ballroom!
• Our Kids’ Community Pastor Jill Bekaert will be leading us through a lesson on what it means to prepare ourselves for the coming of the King. This is a timely lesson given that next Sunday is also the first Sunday of Advent.
• Just as you plan to spend this Thursday celebrating Thanksgiving with your family, we hope you make plans to spend next Sunday with us as a church family.

Welcome Eduardo Lucas Jones!

• Speaking of family, we want to welcome a new addition to our River family.
• Eduardo was born in Guatemala in September 2007 and was adopted last month by Lorna Jones. 

 
Welcome/Connecting

• If you are new, and have questions about the church, please ask any of Connecting Hosts or staff members wearing a blue River lanyard and nametag.
• Free doughnuts, bagels, and coffee

Giving Worship Table

• Now located in the back.

In random news - I made the recent happy discovery of Asian frozen-dinners at Ranch 99.  Not only do they meet my $3/day budget for lunch, they satisfy my craving for rice, pickled vegetables, pork, etc.  I had the "Wei-Chuan Stewed Pork and Mushrrom Rice Bowl".  I give it a thumbs up. In other news, my daughter is very cute.

David led the last "Changes that Heal" session last night.  Many people commented on the relevance and power of the material on their lives.  David is also excited that people can take what they learned from Changes that Heal into our Peacemaking season.  David is also starting to take applications for winter session of Healing Path.

I put the finishing touches on our  Travel Guide for Ministry Year 2009.  It's available online this year.  The Travel Guide is designed to help you navigate all of the opportunities available at The River to the end of our growth in Christ.  Check it out!

Angela and Donna just completed finishing one of the rooms downstairs in the Ministry Center into a dedicated prayer room.  It is very nice.  We welcome you to stop by the Ministry Center at any time to pray!

Mark has been hard at work writing the Peacemaking bible studies for small groups.  He also will be giving the message this Sunday (and Brad will be writing the next small group Bible study).

Check out the website for Part 3 of Tony's Central American Travel Blog.

____________________

Announcements from Sunday 11/16/2008

* Travel Guide for Ministry Year 2009! (see above)

Hannah Jane had vomitting am unsure why yet.  Awaiting blood levels, but she is stable now.  She is awakening some  screaming  in discomfort from the IV and splint; please keep praying.

11/18

Infusion is complete (they said at 1pm we'd have another hour wait til 2 pm but 5 minutes later Dr Kurtzberg came in so no time then to send update; sorry.

After two IV attempts.  So hard to hold her when she is crying so much hurting but I kept praying and humming I love you, Lord the song I sang all my pregnancy to her.  Rod gave her sweeties (sugar water from doctor) while she sucked on my pinky; thank you to Polly for showing me that with Trent before Hannah Jane was born.  She is on IVs now for several hours; will update later in the evening.

She is resting in my lap as I type this into the phone. Thank you for your blessed prayers!  Our guardian angels watch over her with me as yours are for you too.

11/18

We are checking into the hospital at 10:30 am but the infusion probably won't begin until 1 pm.  I will post closer to the time it starts and am asking you to send up a prayer of peace for Hannah Jane and strength and courage for me.  A reaction similar to what happens during a blood tranfusion is possible (swelling tongue or breathing, heart rate, blood pressure issues etc.) but usually will occur in the first 10 minutes.  She'll be there until 7 pm or so if all goes well.  So blessed to have your prayers; thank you!

11/17

It's the night before Hannah Jane's infusion and she's sleeping so sweetly right now.  I've been crying today and struggling to not buckle to my fears for my precious daughter; were blessed to get a meeting with a Duke neurosurgeon, Dr Grant today.

Worries re Future
We discussed her prior MRIs and pathology report.  Concern that the ventricles are so severe still especially on right side may inhibit current and future brain growth.  Her next MRI on 12/3 will tell us if this is true and if tumor is growing. Is still possible that she has aquductal stenosis and with catch in left arm, floppy trunk (hypotonia), tongue thrusts found out today that these can point to cerebal palsy.  If MRI shows concerns, development/cognitive issues get worse  more surgery (third ventriculo.) or shunt will be needed to reduce ventricles as her csf may not be reabsorbing or they push her brain too hard to let it develop.

For God's Glory
So what can I do with these further painful thoughts and findings?  I can and am realizing that the tumor and possible more surgery and cerebal palsy and disabilities is not of God or created by Him, but because He is God, He can take this often painful journey and turn it to His glory- only He could take this pain and use it for good.  I do not believe that He has abandoned us; I know He is carrying me, Hannah Jane, Rod and that He is carrying you too.  Jesus cried out to God why have you forsaken me?  God had to do this so that He could fold us as flawed people into His arms and that is where I must believe that we live - his little ones always.  That cliff that I often feel I am crawling to and fall off of is when I wrestle with my fears and waver in surrendering and begin yet again to ask WHY my precious daughter and not me?  I must surrender yet again, trust that His staff is to guide me; not to hurt.  May I leap into this new chapter of this journey with faith and coura  ge.  Last night the Spirit of God spoke to me and said, Be still and know that I am God.  As I go to sleep and pray on this may God lift you into His comforting arms and may your hearts be filled to with His love, mercy and hope and I pray that I learn to surrender yet again  and grow in Christ's light.

11/14

Wanted to share that even on this 5 hour drive frm Virginia to Duke in the mist and rain I feel His sun on my face still!  So deeply blessed that we are taking Hannah Jane for her infusion; God is amazing in His miracles using medical procedures.  Dr Kurtzberg may be doing the earthly part; but the glory is God's, and His alone.  We got a last minute call from Corporate Angel Network to fly with Verizon Executives from Oakland to Dulles.  We rented a car for the trek to Duke and are on the road singing praise music with nursing stops.  :). We canceled  Continental to save her from exposure to germs especially since she got sick on Moday but unfortunately we couldn't get the refund but are so glad she was able to nurse easily and without excessive exposure.  Precious Hannah Jane needs to nurse now; more updates soon.

Well, the results are in - Daylight Savings Time "all the time" wins 8-0.  So write to your congressperson to have them abolish normal time.  Turns out there already is a group that wants to do this (well actually, they just don't want to change their clocks, they don't care which time we choose).

In other random news, I found this great, free, 2D platform game that is getting me dangerously close to acquiring carpal tunnel.

Kindness San Jose is underway!  Tony and company had a good experience giving away all of the jackets and blankets we collected.  Please be praying that the events this week would connect us more deeply to the needs of our community and that our partners and people in need would be blessed.  Also pray for Tony has he has just come down with an unpleasant cold.

Brad is hard at work on the fist sermon of our Peacemaking series.  We are very encouraged at what God has been doing through the trainings and small group studies.  It will be good to sit under the same word together as a whole congregation.

Check the website for some new stories.  The second installment of Tony's Travel Blog, a church financial update, and a report on the Women's breakfast back in October.

________________

Announcements from Sunday 11/9/2008

* Healing Path applications being taken for Winter session.  Go to the Healing Path website for more information

* Church Financial Update.  Read this story for more information.

* Kindness San Jose!  Read this story for more information.

Dear Angel Helpers

I am not yet able to type much from this phone for posting right now; Stacy and I had hoped to connect today so she could type, so more will come tomorrow either from me if we can get to Kinkos or from Stacy.

Hannah Jane has had lots more appointments.  We had a 3 hour appt with her OT/occupational therapist to help with her sucking and swallowing last week. Then 2 days later another one; we go back again tomorrow.  Between these OT appts we do mouth exercises with her too.  Another appt next week with her PT as well as her vaccines.  Then Thurs the 13th we leave for Duke Medical til the 21st.

I was referred to a hand specialist and hope to get my fingers working better soon.  I am also trying a new medicine and supplement for increasing milk production.  Hannah Jane has now gained back the 7 ounces she lost last week.  I still have to supplement but am glad she is gaining now.  Her red blood cell count is better, still mot normal; will test again next week. So hopeful for good results and more healing and further progress from transfusion at Duke. 

Will post more tomorrow, but wanted to at least update you on the medical progress.

We are so blessed and loved by you all and hope to see many of you this Sunday at church. 
Love and Blessings,
Hannah Jane's Mommy

Hope you are navigating our dark evenings.  I've always wished we could have Daylight Savings Time all year round.  Do you?  Take my little Doodle poll and I'll tell you the results next week: 

The Leadership Team had a very good retreat early this week.  We spent time in the Word and talked long into the night about where The River has been and where it is going.  Grab Brad, Mark, David, Michelle, Krista-Dawn, or myself if you'd like to hear more.

Angela is excited to host our first ever Hospitality Training this Saturday with Deb Buonfiglio.  Click here for more details about this event.

Tony mobilized the staff to provide lunch for the clients of the Living Center, a community center for those living with HIV/AIDS.  We had a really good time with the residents and they are looking forward to our second hosted lunch next week during Kindness San Jose.  For a full listing of Kindness San Jose events, click here.

Jill continues to provide positive reports about how the Grade-Schoolers are taking to Godly Play.  Grab Jill or KC Yatsko to get a first-hand report of the good things that are happening!

Kyle had a fun pizza game night with the Students this past weekend.  Many pizza games were played.

____________

Closing Announcements – November 2, 2008

Advent Retreat

• Friday & Saturday, December 5 and 6
• Connect to the longing God has placed in your heart for Him.
• This will be a time of preparing our hearts to enter this season of celebration.
• We’ll disciplines of Lectio Divina, contemplative prayer, intercession, silence, and spiritual direction.
• Mission Springs Conference Center in Scotts Valley.
• Sign up on our website!

GroundSwell

• Friday, November 7th at The Ministry Center from 6:15 to 9 pm
• This month we will be sharing our reflections from the movie "Call and Eesponse" and the action that we decided to do as a result.
• Please consider joining us if you are interested in discussing and praying about how The River can respond to the injustice of human trafficking in the U.S.

Geoghagens are here!

• Welcome Hannah Jane! Rod and Shannon are excited to show her off to her church family.
• You can look, but please don’t touch the baby. … we don’t want to spread germs given her recent surgery.

 
Welcome/Connecting

• If you are new, and have questions about the church, please ask any of Connecting Hosts or staff members wearing a blue River lanyard and nametag.
• Free doughnuts, bagels, and coffee

Giving Worship Table

• Now located in the back.

We had a nice vacation in sunny Cambria, California.  Here's a nice picture of Anna and I from vacation.  Kind of like a Successories image, eh?  Also DAYLIGHT SAVINGS ENDS this Sunday.  Please remember to set your clocks back one hour.

Our November All-church intercessory prayer meeting is coming up next Tuesday, November 4.  Please join us at the Ministry Center from 7-8:30pm.  Dinner is available for those who want to come early at 6:30pm.

Tony has been putting the finishing touches on Kindness San Jose.  See the announcement below for details on how you can participate.

Mark conducted the second reconciliation training this past Saturday.  We had another lively session of very practical training and practice on how to listen and speak in high-stakes conversations.

The Gee's small group helped Jill modularize the KC closet this weekend.  This should make setup and teardown significantly faster.  Poke your head in the closet to check out our snazzy new carts!  Jill also hosted a Parent Seminar last Sunday where parents learned about the "key" to their children's spiritual growth.  If you missed it, ask Jill what the secret is!

The staff leadership team (Brad, David, Krista-Dawn, Michelle, and myself) will be going on a short planning retreat next week.  Please pray that we would hear God clearly together and have wisdom as we plan.

__________________

Sunday 10/26/08 Announcements:

KINDNESS SAN JOSE

On Sundays, - October 26th, November 2nd and November 9th, The River will be collecting blankets, jackets and non-perishable food. The food will be given to The Food Basket, an organization that distributes food to people with HIV/AIDS. The blankets and jackets will be given to the homeless and people living at the Emergency Housing Consortium (EHC).  So look for the Donation bins on Sunday mornings.

We are also hosting the following Kindness Projects in November. Sign-up sheets for each of these projects are at The Connecting Table on Sundays or by contacting Tony Traback at tony@the-river.org.

November 9th -15th: Commit to intercessory prayer  for the week.

November 9th: Hand out blankets/jackets to homeless downtown. (12 noon)

November 11th: Attend EHC Bible study. (8:00-9:30 pm)

November 13th: Hosting event for SJSU (7pm) 

November 14th: Host Heritage Home shower.  (7-8:30 pm)

November 15th: Make care packages for the people receiving dental and medical care at SVCHA (Silicon Valley Christian Health Alliance) and hang out with them over lunch (11am -12:30).

November 15th: Make Delta property repairs and set-up community garden (10 – 1 pm)

Dearest Angel Helpers,

It's been another set of tough days; without God I know I would no longer be able to bear all that has happened to our precious daughter.  Even with Him in my heart, I falter as I struggle to stand up only to find that as I catch my breath, I am driven down again and again.  In my time down on my knees, I cry out to Him for mercy, not for me, but for my Hannah Jane.  Please have mercy on her; she is so sweet, so innocent, so pure – is there any way to pass this from her onto me?  How can it be that this happening?  Through it all she struggles and fights and I am ashamed that I break down so often trying to be strong.  And here she is, this beautiful miracle of God who has very special “milestones” already -- she was conceived eve of Christ’s birth and born on 9/11 – the day of such tragedy for countless people, not only our nation, but for the world.  She is so very wanted and loved, our precious miracle girl after a miscarriage two months before her conception.  Y  et, she has been a strong girl from the beginning; her life in my tummy was full of challenges all along with spotting, then later bleeding and to sustain her, I needed progesterone injections given to me by her Aunt Cindy, a choroid plexus cyst at 18 weeks, the placenta abruption with contractions coming every minute at 31 weeks, and so much more.  Still the Holy Spirit nestled her in my womb and grew her into the most beautiful girl there is and her Guardian Angel surrounded us both.  Now, outside here in this world, I must find a way to constantly surrender and trust the Holy Spirit to comfort her, to lift me up in trust to Christ and to surrender over and over and over and over again.  And just when I think I can bear no more tough times and news for Hannah Jane, Christ asks me to walk out the edge of the cliff and jump once again and trust that somehow, someway He will catch me even as I feel I am coming crashing down on the rocks below. 

Today: Brain Injury/Damage
Truly today my heart feels shattered and I am praying that He can mend me back so that I can be renewed to hope and trust more deeply each time I crawl to that cliff to go over the edge and once again fall.  The CT scan from last week showed that her ventricles are still severely enlarged.  Today we were told that her right ventricle is so enlarged that it extends almost to the outermost part of her brain and that there is brain damage.  The extent will not be known until she is 3 years old.  His physical exam shows what he calls a catch in her left arm and left side.  He said that her seizures occur with her left arm and that is indicative of the damage done on the right side of her brain as well.  The right side of the brain controls motor function, speech etc.  He has seen babies with this level of damage have various levels of disabilities from a slight speech issue to children that cannot speak and need a wheel chair for life.  He could not promise us what her outcome wo  uld be.  He has referred us to two more docs for her, a pediatric developmental doctor and another specialist in addition to the occupational therapist and physical therapist.  I asked if that fact that she moves her legs well that she would walk, but he said this is not a predictor.  I refuse to call what is happening “damage” – I must believe that even with his diagnosis of this that healing and wholeness belong to Hannah Jane.  He can do anything, He is the miracle worker and whether His plan for her is to have developmental/cognitive disabilities or not, I must trust in Him.  He formed her and planned all the days of her life; I in my humanness, struggle so hard as to WHY this happened and so much more happens day by day – I pray that He use this in a way that will glorify Him, how I do not know.  But, I pray that she be comforted in the way that only Christ as I am a very flawed human who tries to be a comfort and encourager to her as her mommy, but know that ev  en in her short life, I have already failed in countless ways.  May she forgive me my flaws and sins and be lifted up in Christ.

Last Friday: Red Blood Cell Transfusion
We found out on Friday night from a phone call from Hannah Jane's pediatrician after she had yet another blood draw that revealed a very low red blood cell, hemoglobin & hematocrit  that during Hannah Jane's surgery at Stanford she was given a transfusion of red blood cells due to blood loss.  While we had signed an authorization for a blood transfusion for her, we were never told that she had this transfusion done during surgery and that even before her discharge her numbers continued to be low and that a possibility of another transfusion would be needed for her.  Very frustrating that once again her care at Stanford was not handled well!  I had asked for a blood draw when we went to the ER two weeks ago because I was concerned that her tummy may have been upset because she was getting too much iron.  Thank God we went to the ER that night and that God put it on my heart after talking with Pat to have her level checked.  If her next blood test on Thursday is still low, she  will need another transfusion.  I am looking into donating my blood as she and I are the same type; I was unable to donate for her brain surgery because I had just had the cesarean and they don’t allow it so soon after that surgery for me.  Rod is getting typed to see if he can donate and whether there will be time to process our blood for her.  Her doc hopes that the low number is because of the blood loss in surgery and stress of surgery and hospital stay, but we will have to wait to see.  Because of this situation and because of his increased concern that she not travel unvaccinated (her vaccines are due on 11/11 – her daddy’s Birthday) we are trying to get her cord blood procedure at Duke on 11/17 instead so that she has her vaccines for 2 months.  Am so grateful for this procedure and pray that it can help Hannah Jane.  It broke my heart to see the video that Stacy Dow sent with the little girl trying to scoot along on the floor and not able to crawl, may God spar  e Hannah Jane these struggles. 

Shadows
I do trust in Him to heal either in a moment or bit by bit – I must continue to release any preconceived ideas of what that healing is, but trust in Him that He has a plan and that it will bring glory.  How I do not know, and yet, somehow I must continue to raise my face to His light as each new day dawns and look to moment by moment renew my faith in Him.  May you, too, lift your face and allow His warmth to bring light into the places of destruction in your life.  May we together discover that the darkness that surrounds us when we feel so alone be transformed into the shadow and comfort of his wings.

1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.

Blessings and Love,
Shannon

10/17

Hi Angel Helpers,

It has been a very tough road the past two days especially.  Hannah Jane has found her voice, which is a blessing.  The super hard part is that she is crying in distress a lot.  We took her to her doc on Wednesday because of it was not "average" baby fussing, she was distressed.  He thought it might be gas, so have been giving her drops.  Yesterday had a lactation visit and she was absolutely inconsolable during it and wouldn't nurse via breast or bottle for a long time.  Finally got her a bit of bottle and then she spit it up because she had cried so hard and had lots of air in her tummy.  We have another doctor's appt to get her checked out this morning.  The crying could be irritability from the phenebarb I was told, but her neurologist will have to determine that.  After weeks of no sound her intense crying while a blessing that she is now able to express herself hurts me that she is so uncomfortable.  Because I couldn't get her to nurse and didn't pump with so many docto  r's visits recently, my milk production is way down.  I have started pumping last night and didn't get much.  It also may be a supplement that I am taking for mood balancing, am checking with the pharmacist on that.  Please pray that this changes, Hannah Jane does so much better on breast milk than formula and I need to have enough for her.  My heart is in a discouraged place when I feel so helpless and my esteem dives down when I can't help her more or am too stressed out to be balanced.  Thank you so much for stopping by and allowing me to share this journey with you.  I am praying for you too - may our hearts continue to be restored and our minds renewed in Christ.

Love,
Shannon

Dave Kwok is vacationing in Cambria so this is Angela Aviles writing the weekly River staff blog post. In following with Dave's usual format, I should include some random anecdote here. Humm.... today I had a cherry lime vanilla italian soda and loved it. I was also happy to see that Torani's syrups are made with pure cane sugar and not high fructose corn syrup. No wonder they taste so good... next time you're in the office, let me make you an italian soda!

So what is the River staff up to this week? Let me look around...

Krista-Dawn is listening to classical music and working on her message for this Sunday. Yes, KDK is delivering her first sermon this week... hooray!

Tony is back from Central America and putting the final touches on the November Kindness San Jose projects. Don't forget you can start bringing blankets, jackets, and non-perishable foods THIS SUNDAY. There will be bins at church for you to drop off your stuff. Thanks in advance.

Jill is excited about some new carts that will make Kids' Community set-up and tear-down so much easier. Benjy Guerrero has been helping her. Thanks, Benjy and Jill. I love a well organized closet!

Last Saturday's Reconciliation Training proved to be very helpful, though-provoking, and life-changing. I was chatting with Mark P-H about it this morning and am so thankful that God is growing us to be a community of peacemakers. I can't wait to attend the training myself this Saturday. If you missed it too, there is another training this Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm.

We are hosting a Welcome Dessert this Friday at Michelle Manley's home from 7:30 pm to 9 pm. If you are new to the church, if you have questions about the church, or if you just want to hangout with some River staff this Friday night, come and join us. Email me at angela@the-river.org and I'll send you directions to the Manleys.

If you missed the announcement at church last Sunday, we're offering a Hospitality Training on Saturday, November 8th from 9 am to 1 pm. Read more about it here!

We're turning one of the kids room at the Ministry Center into a Prayer room. The prayer room will be open during the week for anyone who needs a quiet space to read, pray, journal, nap, *just be with God*.  The prayer room should be ready in a couple weeks... we will let you know when it's open. We're currently looking for a comfty couch for the prayer room... if you have one, let me know!

OKay, I think that is all for now. Thanks for reading!

-Angela

The students had a lock-in this past weekend.  All had fun and the Ministry Center is still intact.

Tony has spent the last week visiting our partners in Honduras (Iglesia en Transformacion) and Nicaragua (La Vida Education).  He returns tomorrow - be on the lookout for some blog posts about his travels.

Also, Tony wants to remind everyone to be collecting jackets, blankets, and non-perishable food for our "Giving Thanks by Giving Back" Kindness San Jose in November.  Collection bins will be available starting October 26.

Jill has been putting a lot of energy into the Grade School community and is also preparing for the first Parent Seminar on Sunday 10/19 "The Key to Your Child's Spiritual Formation."  She has also been working with the Sunday morning team on the family service coming up at the end of November which will focus on Advent.

Check out the website for some new items about the "temple" we build together this past Sunday as well as the upcoming Reconciliation Training.

I'm on vacation starting tomorrow - woo hoo!

__________

Announcements from this past Sunday:

Reconciliation Training

• Two dates: October 18 or 25, 9 to 2 pm at The Ministry Center. Each date has identical content.
• Training if for anyone interested in learning how to facilitate “high-stakes” conversations that bring about reconciliation.
• Please RSVP on the website so we can plan for food.
• Peacemaking book available at the Connecting Table for $
• Card inside their River Invitation

 
SJSU InterVarsity Work Days: Help us get to Fall Conference!

• Do you need work done around your home? Babysitting, gardening, cleaning, packing/unpacking, painting, car washing or anything else you need help with that doesn’t require special training.
• SJSU IV students are available! Weekends this month through the 24th. Other days may be specially arranged
• Money will be used to help students pay for a fall retreat.
• More info on a card inside your River Invitation or talk to Pri at the Connecting table.

Lunch with Krista-Dawn

• If you would like to chat with KDK about worship or anything that has come up for you during this worship series, she will be having lunch at Pizza My Heart this Sunday… and every Sunday this series.

Welcome/Connecting

• If you are new, and have questions about the church, please ask any of Connecting Hosts or staff members wearing a blue River lanyard and nametag.
• Free doughnuts, bagels, and coffee

Giving Worship Table

• Now located in the back.

Dear Angel Helpers,

We returned home and Hannah Jane is doing better.  Her increased dose on antiseziure med was started on Thursday night.  She vomited once that night although there was no sign on increased brain pressure.  Throughout the night she continued to be very sedated and we worked with her for hours to get her to eat each time and it wasn't her normal intake.  Her diaper was dry for several checks and so we were sent to ER as she hadn't wet a diaper in hours and wasn't waking to nurse via breast or bottle. 

Upon check in they decided to do a blood draw to check the phenobarbital level and to check her iron to see if the supplement was too much for her tummy.  She wet a diaper while awaiting the blood draw, yes!  :)  And, then awakened during the blood draw.  They had a team of 3 holding her arm and drawing it while I soothed her the best I could during it.  With her more awakened state, got her to nurse there and was very happy to see her beautiful eyes opened.

We were released with a follow-up today with neurology for the weekend and to follow up with her own neurologist on Monday for a visit and updated exam.  She is doing better today and I just nursed her and she's resting and not as sedated today.  It is hard to know what percentages of sedation are coming from the phenobarb or residual from surgery. It is difficult to balance and I'm thankful for God guiding the docs and getting us help she needs.

We'll let you know how things go and SO very much appreciate your prayers!  Rod and I have been going through quite a time with concern for our little girl and are so blessed that you all stop by to keep us in your prayers.  The carpal tunnel is slightly better, but I am so clumsy with my hands with numbness and pain.  The drop in progesterone, recovery etc. for me is hitting hard and I am having a tough time with that too, although after a consult was suggested some amino acids, supplements as well as dietary changes and such that are safe for breast feeding moms and are to help with bipolar, post partum depression, and adrenal exhaustion.  Also, talked with Dr. Phillips, our Christian therapist.  If you could pray for God's will in using these I would very much appreciate it.

We continue to keep you all in our hearts and prayers, know that we miss you and will do our best to keep up with returning phone calls as soon as we can.  We're not getting sleep much trying to get Hannah Jane to eat, so we are a bit behind in that and replying to the very kind cards and gifts you've sent, sorry!

We talked with Dr. Kurtzberg from Duke yesterday and we are on for the 27th of October and will return within a week of that.  I so appreciated Stacy posting the clip about the procedure at Duke using cord blood; isn't God amazing at the creative ways He can work through medicine? He is the Great Physician and I am so humbled and grateful that He is lifting us up in so many different ways.  Often, I get discouraged and feel hopeless, the enemy whispers lies in my ear, but then the Holy Spirit swoops in and gives me a lift from His mighty wings.  May He wrap his wing around you and may you feel the restoration that only He can bring.

Love,
Shannon

10/10

Greetings Loving Angel Helpers,

Hannah Jane had to go to the ER tonight. Please forgive me if I get the details wrong but I believe it's like this: Her antiseizure meds tested low yesterday, so they raised her dosage. This caused her to be less responsive than before, to not nurse, and to vomit. It's probably just a reaction to the new dose, but the doctors ordered her to come into the ER so they could make sure she's OK.

So please send a special prayer tonight, that Hannah Jane continues to be well and strong and that this is just a very minor blip that will be fixed in no time at all.

Shannon or I will update once Hannah Jane is released from the hospital. 

Best,
Stacy

Tonight is our monthly all-church Intercessory Prayer Meeting - 7pm at The River Ministry Center.

Men - a reminder that the Men's retreat is this Saturday at First Presbyterian in Mountain View.  Click here for more info.

The Women had a great kick-off gathering this past Saturday at the Bauer's home.  Over 75 women attended and packed out the Bauer's house.  It was a great time to connect, worship, and receive some relevant teaching.  For more information about future events, contact Molly Meyer at mollymeyer@gmail.com.

Tony is hard at work coordinating the November edition of Kindness San Jose.  We will have a variety of opportunities to serve with our local partners throughout the week of November 9.  Some dates are still being solidified, but you can go ahead and mark your calendar for these:

Monday, Nov 9 - Hand out blankets and jackets to the homeless

Friday Nov 14 - Shower for the women at Heritage Home

Sunday Nov 16 - Make care packages for clients at the Silicon Valley Christian Health Alliance (SVCHA) and engage in relational evangelism

Michelle returned back from sabbatical today - welcome back Michelle!

Jill had a great first "Risk Reduction" training for Kids' Community volunteers and parents this past Sunday.  They went through the revised KC handbook to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding safety procedures.

Kyle and the students are into their second week of the "Diving Deep" curriculum focusing on different spiritual disciplines.  They are also getting excited for a lock-in coming up this weekend!

I also had a good meeting with the BudgetWatchers folks.  We had a good conversation about some of the challenges in implementing a spending tracking system.

Stacy has closed the books on Ministry Year 2008!  Yay Stacy!

Check the website for new stories on Paz y Esperanza, a testimony from Ted, and Call and Response!

________________

Announcements from Sunday:

Liberia ICE Info meeting

• Come and hear how you can be part of the Liberia ICE team
• Next Sunday, October 12th here at SJSU on the Ohlone Room
• More information on a card in your River Invitation

Lunch with Krista-Dawn

• If you would like to chat with KDK about worship or anything that has come up for you during this worship series, she will be having lunch at Pizza My Heart this Sunday… and every Sunday this series.

Call and Response movie

• The River has purchased a block of tickets for opening weekend, Friday October 10 and Sunday October 12. Tickets are free for you to attend and bring friends. All proceeds from the movie go to organizations working to stop human trafficking.
• For more info, talk to Krista-Dawn at the Connecting Table and sign up to reserve your tickets.

Hello Dear Angel Helpers,

We had a good weekend together and are getting ready to head off to Oakland for Hannah Jane's neurosurgery appt at Kaiser.  We had some ups and down last night and night before with Hannah Jane vomiting, but we checked her fontanel and there was no bulging there as vomiting can indicate an increase in head pressure that we'll need to get treated right away.  She didn't have a temperature either, so we're glad for that.  She did vomit one dose of her antiseziure med, so we kept and extra eye out, but all is well.  In lots of ways, it's just like the normal family adjusting to even less sleep than before, but living with huge smiles and hearts full of joy at our new family size and the even greater joy and love we have for each other.  We are so blessed to have received and be receiving your love, prayers and support.

We have really appreciated the donations that have come into Hannah Jane's fund and are very thankful for your help and generous contributions!  We're now paying a monthly premium for COBRA and then also a deductible by next week of $3K for the year for Kaiser; we had hoped it would be October 2008 to October 2009, but it is annual and we'll need to pay them another $3K again in January.  We still have Duke for $10K and are seeing if we can pay part now and make payments for the remaining.  Your prayers for their flexibility in this would really be appreciated.

We'll be sure to update you by tomorrow with today's findings and next steps.  We are heading to Duke Medical for the procedure on the 27th and are making plans for that now.  We sure were inspired with the video clip that Stacy Dow posted for us and hope you had a chance to check it out too.  Thank you SO much Stacy!

Love,
Shannon

10/3

Hello Angel Helpers,

Looks like there's no room for a CT scan right now for pediatrics  today so we're on hold for that for now.   Hannah Jane's new neurosurgeon will be at Oakland Kaiser, but this test and her pediatrician are here at the new facility in Santa Clara. 

Kaiser's neuro team still did not have the images from MRIs done pre op nor the one done this past Tuesday or the ultrasound images.  But, with some phone calls we did get the images on CD for the new doc and Rod is driving now to pick them up at Stanford for the Monday 4:30 PM appt in Oakland neuro.  :)

So, even if we don't the CT scan this weekend the neuro people will have these other images for her first appt there.  I like how they have the written summary, but want to see the images themselves to interpret them; I feel that Hannah Jane or as Aunt Kate calls her, sweet Hannah Jane is getting good care.

We'll keep you posted on the next steps.  We are so glad to be rejuvinated again and able to be back in touch better.  For several weeks, there was either Rod or I that felt encouraged or okay and we'd take turns lifting the other one up, but Monday night was the first time we were both absolutely crushed at the same time.  Your prayers and love helped see us through and we are renewed through Christ for these next steps.

I LOVE having Hannah Jane at home with us... she is already improving her eye focus during feeding time; she is a VERY strong little girl.  Today, we'll be giving her a bath at home, yeah!  :)

Know that you all mean so much to us!!!

XO,
Shannon

10/3

Dearest Angel Helpers,

As I was posting the pictures of Hannah Jane's homecoming, I got a call from Kaiser neurosurgery in Oakland.  Based on the MRI results with edema, hemmorage etc. from Tuesday, they want a contrast CT scan (this will require a IV line to be put in and further sedation) done before Monday so that her new neurosurgeon can see her then.  They are no pediatric people who can do the CT scan outpatient here as this is quite rare for such a new baby to have it done.  So, we are awaiting to see if a special person can be resourced in to do it outpatient. 

If not, Hannah Jane will need to be checked into the hospital for the weekend for this test and follow-up observation.  We just got her home and are really praying that this can be done outpatient for her, she is settling in well at home now. 

We are SO very blessed by so many of you and your continued prayers.  May I ask you, if you have a moment to say a prayer to let her not have to be there for the weekend?  If she does need to be there, Rod and I are finding out if we can stay with her bedside around the clock.

I am so thankful for you all -- a special thank you to the Guerrero's for their continued and loving support and just wanted to send a special thank you to those of you who sent cards and notes this past week as well.  Rod and I were behind in checking mail and it was such a sweet surprise to receive encouragement and beautiful cards today from the Wong's, Jason Fung and my Aunt Linda and Uncle Rusty too.

If you have time, please stop by and check out our new pictures too -- I finally have updated ones.  :)

Love,
Shannon

10/2

Hi Everyone,

Let me start off by thanking everyone for not only your love and prayers, but for your understanding as well that we needed a few days to recover from our day on Monday.

In some ways, Monday was one of the toughest days we have had as a family since Hannah Jane’s initial diagnosis when she was still in Shannon’s tummy.  Hannah Jane’s first 8 days were a true blessing and miracle from the Lord.  She was very animated, active, looking and acting very much like a normal little girl.  Because we had expected her to continue to have a large head size upon birth, those first 8 days sort of lulled Shannon and I into wanting to deny Hannah Jane’s diagnosis at 31 weeks after Shannon’s hospitalization for placenta abruption that found Hannah Jane’s large head size and subsequent fetal MRI that showed severe sized ventricles.  That all came crashing down when we met with her neurosurgeon a few days before her surgery.  He showed us the MRI images of Hannah Jane’s brain the day of her birth that are much clearer than the fetal MRI done when Shannon was pregnant.  We were able for the first time see the severe size of her ventricles in relat  ion to her brain and the mass, later to be determined a tumor blocking 90% of the CSP flow that is so necessary to prevent infection in the brain and provides cushioning and protection.  Although it was a miracle that her head hadn’t continued to balloon and was normal sized in spite of the severity of her ventricles and this tumor, as her surgeon put it, she had a ticking time bomb inside her head that needed immediate surgery. 

As we have told some of you, with as much faith as we have in God and as much confidence as we had in her surgeon, it was devastating to hear someone talk about opening up our 8 day old daughter’s head to remove a brain tumor.  The morning of Hannah Jane’s surgery was extremely hard.  As Shannon and I walked with Hannah Jane and her nurse over to pre-op, I was crying so hard.  I had not cried that hard since my grandmother died about 2-1/2 years ago.  I kept saying to Hannah Jane how sorry I was that she had to go through this, and I told her how I would gladly change places with her to take this from her.  As you might expect, Shannon shared my tears, the mother child bond that they had already developed in just 8 days was tremendous.

After Hannah Jane’s surgery, her whole demeanor changed.  She was initially sedated from the anesthesia and on a ventilator, but then started having seizures, the doctors gave her phenabarbatol to control them.  She had a minimum of 5 “seen” seizures by doctors and nurses.  However, after her surgery Shannon and I separately saw her eyes rolling back and left arm shaking and pointed it out to her nurse and were told is was “normal” after surgery by her nurse.  We are not medical experts and believed it, only to find out later that these are the same things in addition to full body shaking that were seen 6 hours later and were indeed seizures.  Hannah Jane was in the corner of NICU and because we were not stimulate her too much, were not there when a nurse caring for the one baby next to Hannah saw Hannah seizing and told Hannah Jane’s nurse who had her in her care and one other baby, but this baby was around the corner and Hannah’s nurse could not see Hannah fro  m the other baby’s bedside.  Thank God this nurse caring for another baby saw Hannah seizing and alerted Hannah’s nurse.  This happened yet again we were told.  When Shannon found out, her mommy tiger instinct went into full force to ensure that Hannah had dosages of meds in the NICU for future seizures as Hannah had to wait 2+ hours after her seizing for her first dose from the pharmcacy that is just downstairs and there wasn’t another one for future if needed!  Further, Shannon emphasized hers and my intense feelings that it is not safe for Hannah Jane to not be able to be seen by her nurse with seizures.  When Hannah Jane seizes, her extensive monitors do not necessarily go off and because she was ventilated could make no noise, so she must be seen visually by her nurse to get help.  So, with Shannon’s mommy tiger instincts in play, they rearranged the NICU and moved Hannah Jane to the center where other nurses could also watch out for her. 

Even days after the surgery and being on the medication and off the ventilator Hannah Jane is very lethargic, sleepy and unanimated.  To this day, Hannah Jane has not cried nor really made any noise more than occasional peeps.  Although all this seemed very concerning, we were patient hoping and waiting for improvement.

After Shannon had pushed for several days to have a care conference with her entire team of doctors, that is supposed to be offered for patients with new or severe diagnosis it  did not happen until Monday and only at our insistence that it happen at all.  What was very disturbing was that of the hour or so that the conference lasted, only 10 minutes or so was spent talking about her medical care and diagnosis and the rest of the time was spent talking about which insurance plan we were going to select, Kaiser or MediCal and basically harassing us about our finances and pushing us to select immediately.  This was supposed to be about medical issues and for some reason, finance decided to come to this meeting and that is what the majority of the time ended up being about.  In fact, the previous week we were advised by the financial advisor that we had to deny COBRA immediately, which would have long term effects of future coverage for Hannah Jane with her disability.  She told
  us there would be no future issues with pre-existing conditions for Hannah Jane when I found new work, but this as we found out later from legal is not true.  They obviously did not have our interests at heart and we were lied to about coverage options as well.


To make matters worse, her neurosurgeon was not able to make this conference and instead met with us at Hannah Jane’s bedside later that evening.  While Dr. Edwards isn’t exactly what you would call warm and fuzzy, he had always been affectionate and considerate with us.  That being said, his demeanor was very different that evening at Hannah Jane’s bedside.  He met with us for approximately 30 minutes, he spent about 25 minutes lecturing us about insurance and money.  During the 5 minutes or so he did talk about her care, we tried to ask him some questions about her being so quiet, her prognosis, and what to expect.  He told us in the coldest of ways with other parents and nurses listening that Hannah Jane had severe hydrocephalous prior to surgery, which put severe pressure on her brain and what we were seeing was evidence of severe developmental delays due to that pressure.  According to HIPPA, there is to be privacy when discussing medical issues.  That aside, you w  ould hpe that the Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery prioritize Hannah Jane’s care first and not even bring up what should be handled with finance, not her neurosurgeon. 

Shannon started crying and I went into shock, then Dr. Edwards just walked away.  This absolutely devastated us.  We had never been told that there was severe pressure on her brain, nor had we been told that the things we had been seeing in Hannah Jane since her surgery was evidence of severe developmental delays due to this severe pressure.  We were told that there was some developmental issues most likely and the surgery was needed right away.  When you combine this with his coldness and his obvious focus on money, we were shaken to our very core.  It literally took us several days to catch our breath.  In fact, before the finance situation the previous week, he told us that another MRI was needed before her release to see if the pressure was still there.  Then all of a sudden, he didn’t want to do it before her release.  Shannon contacted the social worker there and again advocated for Hannah Jane letting them know that she would contact the COO at the hospital regarding
  our concerns that Hannah Jane was not getting appropriate medical treatment.  She’s not real popular at Lucile Packard anymore, but with her passion, Hannah Jane got that MRI Tuesday.  The results show edema, hemmorage and bruising in her head.  Another MRI is needed next week as well as monitoring regularly.  Stanford told us Hannah Jane could go home and we wanted to get her out of there especially now that we felt her care wasn’t being followed through on.  To allow her to be released we had to have a pediatrician appointment set up the next day, a medicine draw within the week, a MRI and neurosurgeon appt set within a week and appointments with infant development and physical therapy as well.  That was a lot to put together since late Monday night.  We got super busy on Tuesday deciding what to do with coverage and such.

I am very happy to tell you all that Hannah Jane was released from Packard Childrens Hospital yesterday, and we had our first night together at home as a family.  October 1st starts a new chapter for our family.  Our dear friend Pat Valentine not knowing that we were bringing Hannah Jane home that day had come to the hospital to pray in the waiting room of the NICU.  We hadn’t talked with anyone since that Monday night “conversation” with Dr. Edwards, but the Holy Spirit put it on her heart to come at the perfect time.  She waited while we learned about how to draw up Hannah Jane’s meds for at home and care for her incision and took pictures of us all that we are posting.  Hannah Jane is truly a miracle and so very loved by you all.  When Shannon was released and left the hospital without Hannah Jane on the 16th, she cried so hard that she wasn’t wheeled out with her precious baby to go home, and while she was so thankful that Hannah Jane was getting medical care, i  t hurt her heart to not bring her baby out in her arms of love and settle her in at home.  So, yesterday she got her dream with Hannah Jane and they wheeled Shannon out in a chair holding our precious daughter; Shannon had the biggest smile I’ve ever seen!  While we were driving home, Pat went to the grocery store and bought us the fixings for a celebratory dinner at home.  We still had the food in the fridge from before 9/9 when Shannon was hospitalized early and last night I finally cleaned that out and put the goodies from Pat in.  Pat, you and Mike have been a true blessing to us during this time.

Today Shannon and I took Hannah Jane to her first pediatrician appointment at Kaiser.  Her pediatrician is Dr. Marc Chin, and he was wonderful.  He impressed Shannon and I so much, he obviously took Hannah Jane’s condition very seriously and already has set up physical therapy, neurosurgery, and blood level appointments as well as infant development.  He walked us through every step of his examination of Hannah Jane, telling us what he was looking for and what those things meant.  He was very calming, which is exactly what we needed.

Unfortuntely, as a result of all the insurance issues at Packard, Shannon and I met with a lawyer today to discuss our options and to decide what we were going to do next.  Stanford has talked about our bill being over 1 million and we needed to find out about what consequences there will be for us.  He spent nearly 2 hours with us and we came away from that meeting confident we had the right lawyer.  It is just so discouraging that we have to think about money instead of our daughters care.  However, such is the reality of life.

I have to say that we feel very tired and in some ways beat up as a result of all this.  Personally, there have been moments when I feel I have reached the limits of what I can bear.  In spite of these feelings, somehow God gives us the strength to go on and to keep trying.  As a father, when I look into the eyes of my daughter and I get to smother her with kisses and love, it is truly all worth it and I would gladly do it all again for my daughter.  Our dear friend Kate Hinke sent us the following scripture that was so perfect:


When you pass through the waters,
       I will be with you;
       and when you pass through the rivers,
       they will not sweep over you.
       When you walk through the fire,
       you will not be burned;
       the flames will not set you ablaze.

We love you and are praying for you too, Kate!

A BIG thank you to Pastor Brad for his love and support and phone calls, the Claassens for providing a freezer and coordinating freezer meals, the Kwoks for so many phone calls from us for help, love and Heather for getting insider medical info from her sister who is a doctor, the Snells for encouragement and a carrot cake we hear was fabulous, but couldn’t make a time work – sorry that things were so up in the air for us!, Jason Fung for his amazing support and love, and SO very many others of you for emails, prayers and love.  And, for a lovely lady Sally who saw us at Walmart getting last minute supplements for Hannah Jane’s home coming – if someone has her email address, please send it to us, she was in Bill and Molly Myer’s small group, we lost the paper she wrote it on to invite her to this site.


There is so much to be revealed in the next couple of days with MRI, weeks with physical therapy, infant development and we still have the trip to Duke coming up later this month as well.  Shannon has gotten her DaTP shot to prevent pertussis for Hannah Jane and I’ll get mine tomorrow.  We’re getting flu shots as well hoping to keep Hannah Jane healthy as possible is essential since surgery especially if additional one(s) are needed.  We’re limiting visits to our home until Hannah is stronger for exposure to outside germs within the house and have been told to limit others from touching her until she’s stronger. 

But, since it’s hard to have you over for now, we will meet with neurosurgery and hope to get the okay to bring Hannah Jane to church a week from this Sunday to meet you and are asking Stacy Dow, our VERY special Angel Helper Main Coordinator to come so you can meet her too.  We have so missed being with you in person at church to worship and while we feel your love from afar and hope that you feel our daily prayers for you too, we hope to see you on the 12th!

Look at this, no updates for days, and then I unload this on you.  Thanks so much for taking the time to read this lengthy update, as well as for taking the time to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

P.S.  check the site for new pictures tonight or tomorrow.

Rod

Thanks,

Dave

Hello Everyone,

Today has been a really tough emotional day.  Although we had good news about the tumor type, we had several new setbacks with regard to Hannah Jane's diagnosis, prognosis and insurance issues. 

Shannon and I are extremely overwhelmed and worn down.  Therefore, we will not be posting updates, returning emails or phone calls until we decide what our next move is.  We so appreciate all of your prayers and help, but hope you will understand that we need to take some time to digest and sort this out.

Regards,
Rod

First some local color - Al Chiang and Jason Fung helped me build my first homemade guitar doodad.  We had a fun night of drilling, soldering, and testing.  Now I have a shiny box with a big red button on it.  Thanks guys!

Our monthly all-church intercession meeting is coming up this Tuesday, October 2 at 7pm here at The Ministry center.  Join us as we seek God together on behalf of His people.

Look out for a blog post on an important new movie just being released that focuses on the human trafficking issue in America.  It's called Call and Response and we'll be mobilizing as a church to try to help raise awareness about this issue.

Mark PH had a great experience at the Peacemaker conference in Florida.  He said it was both practically helpful to our situation and personally fulfilling.  Ask him about it when you get the chance.

Angela and Donna got some cool signs put up outside of the Ministry Center advertising our Sunday services at San Jose State.  Very snazzy.

Check out the website for a new story about our partner Paz y Esperanza.  And a reminder that for the latest and greatest from River blogs, you can use this consolidated RSS feed: http://pipes.yahoo.com/pipes/pipe.run?_id=Rm1vGh1Y3RGeQiG82h2EvQ&_render=rss

Michelle returns from her sabbatical next week!  We're looking forward to having her back.

Closing Announcements – September 28, 2008


Life Together Book study
-    Join us for our last book discussion on Bonhoeffer’s Life Together.
-    Next Sunday, October 5th here at SJSU, immediately following service. 11:30 to 1:30 pm.

Men’s Conference
-    This year’s men’s conference is titled “Men Pursuing Purity: Strength in Weakness”
-    We are hosting it with Menlo Park Pres
-    October 11 from 9 am to 3 pm
-    Pick up a card with more information at the Connecting Table

Women’s Breakfast
-    Ladies: There is a Women’s breakfast on Saturday, October 4th from 9:30 am to 11:30 am a the home of Linh Bauer
-    Sign up at the Connecting Table.

Reconciliation Training
-    Two dates: October 18 or 25, 9 to 2 pm at The Ministry Center. Each date has identical content.
-    Training if for anyone interested in learning how to facilitate “high-stakes” conversations that bring about reconciliation.
 
Welcome/Connecting
-    If you are new, and have questions about the church, please ask any of Connecting Hosts or staff members wearing a blue River lanyard and nametag.
-    Free doughnuts, bagels, and coffee

Giving Worship Table
-    Now located in the back.

The River has the opportunity to contribute to the abolition of human trafficking by helping to support Call and Response.  Not only is the movie raising awareness about the issue, but any money made by the production team is being donated directly to organizations that are fighting human trafficking.  If Call and Response can create some buzz opening weekend, it can appear in more theatres and for a longer run.

The River has bought 100 tickets for opening night Friday Oct. 10th as well as Sunday night Oct. 12th. Our hope is that you will consider attending the movie and inviting some a few friends to go with you. This is an excellent opportunity for small group leaders to get inspired for another Missional Risk, or anyone who is trying to figure out ways to have gospel conversations with their non-christian friends and co-workers. The movie (not produced by Christians) makes a compelling case about a pressing issue of justice that everyone can agree is wrong and needs to stop, and provides the added benefit of listening to some great music from folks like Switchfoot and Natasha Bedingford.

We will be showing the trailer on sunday morning, but you can also see it at here: http://www.callandresponse.com/

For more information, contact Krista-Dawn Kimsey at krista-dawn@the-river.org.

Good Morning Angel Helpers,

The findings of the pathology of the section they were able to remove from Hannah Jane's brain is a slow growing benign tumor; praise God for this finding of benign!

 We are not clear what "slow growing" means and will have an in depth meeting tomorrow instead of today to determine more info on this, but wanted to get you updated with what we do know.  Dr Edwards had to leave some of the tumor because it was too close to her healthy brain tissue. 

The tumor was in the 3rd ventricle arising from the adjacent left thalamus or hypothalamus.  There was some glial tissue and acute hemorrage: will get clarification on this and let you know as well.

Her MRI didn't end up being done yesterday, but should be today.  Also will find out how long she needs to stay on phenobarbital for seizure prevention.  Increased lifetime risk of fever induced seizures now that she's had some, will get more clarification on this too.

She will need regular MRIs and neuro visits to monitor and be sure that the tumor doesn't grow and block the ventricles again.

WE ARE REJOICING IN THIS BLESSED NEWS; plesae keep on praying for Hannah Jane to awaken more and more and feed regularly, for good outcome of MRI.  She won't be able to return home until she starts gaining weight and eating well.

We are SO thankful for each and everyone of you, your prayers and encouragement!

XO,
Hannah Jane's Mommy

9/28

Precious Hannah Jane is waking a bit now when daddy and I gently stimulated her for 2 feedings.  She still has nose tube for some, but this is blessed progress!  We hold her now and talk with her while she sleeps in our arms.  Prayers are being answered; thank you all! We miss you and feel your love; we are praying for you too may God encourage those of you we know are in difficult times: may you feel the Holy Spirit comfort you.  Rest your worries in Him, He will restore you.
Xo

Dear Loving Angel Helpers,
While Hannah Jane has awakened some now and has had a nose tube in feeding her, she was cleared to try to suck again by breast and bottle with breast milk.  She latched from her first try upon birth and up until surgery but is not sucking or coordinating her reaction to breast or bottle.  She will not be able to go home even when all the other issues are resolved if she isn't feeding, gaining weight, wetting diapers etc. 

A possibility of extended use of ng tube, nose tube for long term feeding may be needed if she won't respond.  Please pray for her to remap her brain to learn and thrive with nursing again.  It is SO hard to see her this way.  She is not focusing her eyes, or reflexes of her body as well.  It is a joy to touch her and caress her.  I am also asking for prayer because since giving birth I have had carpal tunnel and my fingers are numb and painful; this makes it hard for me to grasp and hold with precise control.  This makes it scary for me with so many tubes, IVs, surgical sites and such on Hannah Jane; I want to be careful and as controlled with my touch as I can be.

Still no results from pathology on tumor; will post asap with those results.  Another MRI or CT scan will be next Monday to check on ventricles.  Her soft spot is swollen, may be from surgery site though, await to find out.  Her incision is unbandaged now - it is 2 inches long in an L shape and the other piece of it is a bit over an additonal 2 inches.  I had hoped for minimally invasive, but am glad that Dr. Edwards was able to remove most of the tumor.

Please pray for healing for precious Hannah Jane! 

We love you all and miss you, but feel your strength and prayers every moment.

Love,
Hannah Jane's Mommy

9/24

Our precious Hannah Jane is starting to wake up; how sweet it is to see her beginning to come back to us!  On our way up to see her now.  Her pathology of tumor not yet back.  Plse keep praying; will update asap.  Also new issue with billing for surgery; must consult with legal aide; plse pray for resolution been in hours of meetings to try to resolve here, car bettery died etc.so sorry for late post.

 We keep you in our hearts and prayers.  Anticonvulsants almost at theraputic level; she may need these long term.  Still awaiting to find out seizures impact.  We miss you so much!
Xo

Brad, Angela, and Krista-Dawn continue to work hard on the worship series.  We had a rich discussion on staff this morning about values in worship.  Please pray that God would continue to create a space for our community to engage together in worship.

The Changes that Heal discussion on Monday nights continues to be a rich time of learning and sharing.  David has been very encouraged by people's participation.

Mark will be travelling to the "Power of a Peacemaking Church" conference in Orlando.  See the conference website for more information on what he will be experiencing:  http://www.peacemaker.net/site/c.aqKFLTOBIpH/b.3459341/

Kyle and the students are transitioning into a curriculum called Diving Deep that focuses on helping them explore spiritual disciplines like worship, solitude, fellowship. . . Please pray that the students would engage with these topics and find significant relevance for their lives.

Tony is continuing to have many meetings with organizers in the community and members at The River.  He is starting to sketch out ideas for our fall service engagement, mentoring some recent grads that are pursuing intentional community, and will be travelling to visit our partners in Honduras and Nicaragua in October.

Jill is working with Benji Guerrero on putting Kids' Community on wheels!  The hope is to get most of the Kids' Community stuff on rolling carts to make setup and teardown more efficient.

I (Dave) have been working on finalizing MY08 reviews and MY09 goals and budgets.

Announcements from this Sunday:

* Women's Breakfast, Saturday, October 4 at the Bauer's home.  More information available here:  http://www.the-river.org/healing--restoration/womens-ministry/

* Men's Retreat, Saturday October 11 at First Presbyterian Church in Mountain View.  More information available here:  http://www.the-river.org/healing--restoration/mens-ministry/

* Brad gave an update on Hannah Jane Geoghegan.  See The River Staff Blog for a running updates from the Geoghegans:  http://www.the-river.org/the-river-staff-blog/

A ray of sunlight shines thru.  Hannah Jane's is being fed now via nose tube and remained asleep even without sedatives and pain meds for past 2 days.  But her eyes fluttered open earlier when I was allowed to touch her lips with a couple drops of breast milk.  Neurosurgeon nurse, Rod and I are very encouraged.  They will let me try it again this evening to see if it can gently awaken her without overstimulation.  Please pray for more answered prayers.  You bless us in so many ways; God bless each of you!
XO

9/23

Hannah Jane is not yet at her theraputic level for anticonvulsant but getting closer.  No recent seizures, praise God!  Awaiting info via ulstrasound on if closed drain is working.  May not know til late today or tomorrow.  Prayers are so appreciated.  We love you and rejoice in the. Lord for hearing our cry to him.  Still not awake yet but new med can sedate some. 
Love,
Hannah Jane's Mommy

9/22

Sorry to be so long in posting again today.  Hannah Jane had 5 seen seizures and is now on an anticonvulsant to manage them.  Still not awake since 2nd one but am praying she is resting peacefully and healing during this time.  We just caressed her feet and tummy so glad to touch her.  They closed the drain from her ventriucles.  Please pray that her cerebal spinal fluid flows down without increased pressure and for no long term damage from seizures.  We await on the Lord and trust His divine hand is comforting her.  Thank you for your abuntant love and prayers, we love you all.

Hannah Jane started awakening was taken off venilator.  But she has now had a seizure.  We will meet with Dr Edwards in morn to discuss ramifications.  Please pray there are no more and no permanent damage is done.
Xo

9/21

As of yesterday at 10 am she has received no sedation, it is up to her to awaken.  She remains on the venilator being fed via IV. I pray that she is resting peacefully in the sweet comfort of Jesus and her guardian angel..  I know she hears our prayers and blessings. She is strong and so very loved by us all.  May God lift you up as you encouge us; you are dear to us!
XO

9/20 Part 3

Hannah Jane is still not awake, but we were just able to peek in at her and pray over her.

Saw a verse today while reading a book - really comforted me.  Just read your recent loving posts in well wishes.

You truly bless us with encouragement and love!

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

What a comfort there is in His arm!

XO
Hannah Jane's Mommy

9/20 Part 2

Please log onto site announcement page or in photos.  Hannah Jane had her Mri this morn and we anxiously await results on Monday.  Please keep praying.  She is still on ventilator and has not awakened yet.  Because her blood pressure increased when we saw her briefly after surgery and got her picture we must wait for her to awaken before being with her. I miss holding her, but she rests in Jesus's arms always!

Xo
Hannah Jane's Mommy

9/20

Dearest Angel Helpers,

This is such a hard time for us; we are trusting and surrendering moment by moment.  When Hannah Jane was born and I able to see and hold her after recovery, I went into a sort of denial that she had hydrocephalus.  She looked so healthy, happy and I was able to hold her and love her often.  Yes, she had cords and monitors, but from the outside all looked great, her color was very pink and she is so very sweet and looked content.  We had been told that she would be very ill upon birth, but she was a miracle to them even then.  So while she was very sick inside, God made a way that she didn't look that way and we were able to share a week of time with her that He gave us that was totally unexpected and a treasure of time we will never forget.

When Rod and I met with neuro last week and I saw the huge ventricles in her brain and the mass, I didn't want to believe it and wanted to protect her from surgery.  How could everything look so great on the outside and be a time bomb inside as her surgeon said if we don't operate immediately now?

But, we surrendered and realized that although God can heal in an instant, this mass, which we now know was not a cyst or disorganized brain matter is in fact a tumor.  Thanks be to God that they were able to remove some of it.  PLEASE pray that the tumor is benign.  We will know next week.  Had been told that it would take 72 hours, but that is from Monday because surgery was yesterday.  They had to leave some of it there to prevent taking healthy brain matter.  I cannot imagine this tumor growing and spreading in our precious, inncocent Hannah Jane's brain and body.

She is on a ventilator for an undetrmined amount of time.  She made it through the night with a wonderful huge team in the NICU watching over her.  The drain from her inner brain it being watched carefully and they prefer that we not even touch her or talk around her.  My needs and innate mother instict to stroke her and love her conflicts within me, but I trust the docs and I put Hannah Jane's needs for health, healing and rest before any of my desires.  I feel so helpless!

My heart is being torn out as is Rod's we want to touch, comfort and love our baby.  She was so very active and now she just lays there with a tube breathing for her.  We hope that she will awaken this evening.  She hasn't eaten in 30 hours and she can't even be feed by tube via her nose at this time.  Prior to surgery and prep she was eating about 70 ml every 2 hours; quite a healthy appetite!  I am to put her to breast again as soon possible because brain surgery can cause babies to lose their suck reflex, but we are not yet told when she will awaken and it is unknown when she can be touched again. 

I pray that God sustain her in her desire to nurse as breast milk is healthist for her.  I am blessed that God is sustaining me during this time with my bipolar disorder so that I don't need meds at this point and can pump to save these nutrients for her.  She is on morphine for the pain, but I know the greatest pain healer is the Holy Spirit and it is His comfort that lives on in her.

It is yet more time to surrender and trust.  Your prayers, love and emails mean everything to us and precious Hannah Jane.

As Rod and I await a blessed outcome of healing and surrender in hope, we know that her guardian angel watches over her and we pray with all our hearts and souls to be able to share a miracle of peace and healing for Hannah Jane.

Blessings and Love,
Hannah Jane's Mommy

9/19

Hannah jane is out of surgery and in recovery. The mass blocking csf is a tumor.  Could not remove all because some was too close to healthy brain matter.  Biopsy will be back later part of next week. She is on a venilator.  Had hoped for laproscopic for entry to her brain but they needed more room so piece removed from her scull is larger.  She has a tube port to drain fliud blood and to relieve pressure and swelling.  Another mri will be tomorrow with results next week. She won't wake up until tomorrow. We are praying for healing and peace for hannah jane.  Please join us in prayer.  Seeing my precious daughter this way is so hard, may God use this painful journey for her to.bring His light and into the world.

Love,
Hannah jane's mommy

http://www.make-digital.com/make/vol15/?sub_id=CHDUWSf8mKban

Rick is featured in a bio on page 10 and the article begins on page 102.

Congratulations Rick!

* Leadership Community Retreat Report

* Church History at The River

* Kindness at Backesto Park

Dave

Looking ahead, we will be continuing the theme of reconciliation through a reconciliation training session on practical skills in having "high-stakes" conversations.  Two identical sessions will be offered on Saturday October 18 and Saturday October 25 from 9-2pm.  The whole church will go through a Sunday morning series on reconciliation in November and we are also planning a small group curriculum around these same themes.

If you would like to learn more about what God is doing in our midst, contact Dave Kwok at kwok@the-river.org or any of the pastors on staff.

Congratulations!

[Post contains 5 updates]

Dearest Loving Angel Helpers,

I just got a message from Rod. He is having trouble posting at the hospital and wanted me to send an urgent udpate asking for your prayers.

Rod and Shannon were told this morning that there may be a billing issue that would delay the surgery.

Rod has Kaiser and Shannon has Medi-Care. Due to Hannah Jane's special needs, they decided not to add her to the Kaiser plan but instead to add her to her mother's coverage, so she could have the opportunity to be treated at Stanford and by Dr. Edwards. 

Now, there is a dispute about billing/coverage and if it is not resolved very soon (and with a favorable outcome), Hannah Jane's surgery may be delayed!

It's so sad to me that getting timely and excellent care for a precious innocent baby would be a matter of money. I hope and pray that these people get their act together and do what is right for Hannah Jane!

Your urgent prayers are needed today! Please pray that the financial complications are swiftly resolved in favor of giving Hannah Jane the best possible care without any delays. 

Thank you and God bless,

Stacy

_________________________________

9/16/08

Dear Loving Angel Helpers,

I’m posting this update because Shannon and Rod are so tired tonight after a long day, that they need to rest. Rod will post a more thorough update tomorrow. 

Here’s the summarized version:

Hannah Jane is doing well and Shannon and Rod are enjoying the precious time they can spend with her. 

Shannon and Rod met with the team of doctors today and they’ve decided on a treatment plan. Hannah Jane will have surgery at 11 am on Friday morning. The surgery should last approximately 8 hours. Rod will post all the details about the surgery tomorrow.

Shannon has been released from her own hospitalization and as of tonight, they are staying with Tony and Mai. 

The weariness came through in their voices as they shared the long day’s updates with me on the phone just now; it is clear they are very much in need of some sleep and restoration tonight, so they can continue to be strong and optimistic for Hannah Jane. They asked me to post this to let you know they are thinking of you all and sending their heartfelt thanks for the prayers, love, and support they continue to receive. 

Best,

Stacy

_________

9/15/08

Greetings, Loving Angel Helpers,

Dr. Edwards came by with his team and spoke with Shannon and Rod.  Tomorrow, at a time yet to be determined, they will gather all of Hannah Jane’s MRIs and other test results, and assemble a round table of all doctors involved with Hannah Jane’s care (radiologist, pediatrician, neurosurgeon, etc); as group, they will review slides of Hannah Jane’s brain, explore all treatment options, and make a decision on how to proceed as a team. Shannon and Rod will also attend that conference and be able to hear the options/risks/benefits of the different options and weigh in on what will ultimately be chosen. 

We do know for certain that Hannah Jane will have brain surgery this week (either Wednesday or Friday); we just don’t know yet what surgical option will be chosen. At present, Hannah Jane’s head is an ideal size, which is a very good thing, but that could change at any minute and the surgeons must act as soon as possible before her head size changes.

After that conference tomorrow, Shannon or Rod will update us all with the plan of action.

The doctor has extended Shannon’s hospitalization; she is experiencing carpal tunnel, edema, and nausea/vomiting. She will remain admitted until at least tomorrow. 

Pastor Brad came to the hospital on Friday September 12th to give Hannah Jane her blessing. Pastor Brad is the only person besides Shannon and Rod that has held Hannah Jane yet. As Pastor Brad held Hannah Jane and blessed her, she was extremely quiet and attentive to him. She was awake, alert, calm, and looking up at him during the blessing. Very impressive for a newborn! In fact, she held her pinky to her mouth, as if she was considering what he was saying! Coincidence? No; Shannon and Rod know that is the Holy Spirit working through Hannah Jane. Shannon and Rod think that Pastor Brad has a special gifted angel touch with Hannah Jane.

I want to send my heartfelt gratitude to everyone for all their generosity of spirit. A special thanks so far go to the Hinke family, Polly Claasen, and the Legates family for their amazingly generous donations to the PayPal account for hospital meals! I sit behind a desk all day and can easily write these updates; you may say that is generous of me, but in fact, it’s just a small piece of this puzzle. It gives me such an incredibly feeling of pride to know that I’m able to help Shannon and Rod through this amazing yet challenging time. But the fact that there are such kind-hearted and caring people on the other end of these email updates, who take the time to make a donation, or send an email, or say a prayer, is really what makes what I’m doing worth anything at all. I sincerely thank you for allowing me to be a part of such a giving community. 

Best,

Stacy

P.S. I’m posting a picture of Pastor Brad blessing Hannah Jane on the front page of the site. 

______________________

9/14/08

Dear Loving Angel Helpers for Hannah Jane,

Greetings! I hope this email finds you well.

I'm writing to give you the latest update on Shannon, Rod, and Hannah Jane. 

Hannah Jane had her second MRI (this time, a contrast MRI) to investigate more about why her ventricles are enlarged. Tomorrow, Hannah Jane's neurosurgeon will evualuate the images and make the plan; most like Hannah Jane will have brain surgery Wednesday or Friday of this week. The details will come tomorrow night after Shannon and Rod have a chance to meet with the doctor. 

Shannon will be discharged tomorrow from her own hospital stay. She is experiencing some excess swelling in her hands and feet and they are medicating her for that but don't feel that it should merrit further hospitalization. 

At that time, Shannon and Rod hope to transition to a parent's room at the hospital where they can sleep and have a "home base" as they will be spending all their waking hours at the hospital with Hannah Jane. If a parent's room is not available tomorrow for them, Tony and Mai have very generously offered them a room to sleep in and use at their home nearby in Palo Alto. 

Polly Claasen has generously offered to lend Rod and Shannon a WiFi capable laptop, which they can use to provide more medically accurate updates from the hospital.

Rod and Shannon will not be going home to Santa Clara in the evenings; it is too far away and they will want to focus their attentions on their new daughter. For this reason, coordinating meals this week (and possibly beyond) will not be necessary. 

HOWEVER, we all know how expensive eating on the go can be! If you are able to donate a gift card to a local restauarant or some funds that I can turn into a pre-paid Visa to be used at the hospital cafeteria, I know that would be very dearly appreciated by the Geoghegans right now. 

If you want to donate funds, please go to my PayPal account: http://paypal.com/stacydow. If you need help with the technical aspects of this, please let me know and I'll do what I can to help.

Shannon and Rod thank you over and over again for your continued love and prayers. They are indeed very fortunate to have such an amazing and caring community!

Best,

Stacy

______________________

9/12/08

Dear Loving Angel Helpers,

I need to make some corrections to my previous update. Please forgive my mistakes and any resulting confusion I may have created. 

Medical correction: I misstated a few things in my last post. Hannah Jane’s neurosurgeon’s name is Dr. Edwards (not Dr. Burns, as I said before!) As for the blockage, they know there is a blockage, but so far they don’t know how large it is or what is causing it. I was mistaken when I said that it was a small tissue mass (although we hope that is all it is). The doctors will continue to assess things and put their heads together. Someone will post when more information is available. 

Silly explanation: Posting updates on medical results is a bit like playing a game of “Telephone.” First, the doctors inundate Shannon and Rod with medical information. They process it all, ask as many questions as possible, explore all treatment options, and do their best to advocate for Hannah Jane. Once the doctors leave, they put their own two heads together to recap what they just learned to make sure they are of the same understanding. Then, one of them calls me and shares the information for posting. I do my best to understand it all, but by the time I post, the information has been through the ‘Stacy filter’! So, to minimize confusion, Rod and Shannon are hoping to post medical updates directly. The Hinkes have so kindly and generously offered to lend Shannon and Rod a laptop, but they aren’t sure yet whether it has WiFi capability, which would be necessary in order to post. If it turns out that it doesn’t have WiFi capability, Shannon and Rod would be ver  y appreciative if anyone else has a WiFi capable laptop they could lend for a short while. If so, please let me know. If not, we’ll continue to do our best, and I will step up my efforts to convey all the details accurately when I post to you all!

Regarding their location: Shannon and Rod are in Area F2, Room 233. I’m mainly sharing this in case you feel compelled to send them a card or something. (Special thanks to Kate Hinke for her thoughtful card and beautiful blooms!)

As I mentioned in my previous email, unplanned visits to the Geoghegan family are not recommended right now. Hannah Jane is in NICU and it’s important that she and her parents have as little contact with potential outside germs as possible. Soon enough, once things have had a chance to progress, there will be plenty of opportunities to meet Hannah Jane and celebrate with Shannon and Rod. I hope you all understand.

Also, our poor Shannon has had less than 7 hours of sleep total (combined) in the past several days! With all the medical consultations, testing, spending time bonding with her new daughter, and receiving her own post-operative medical care, she just hasn’t had any time left for sleeping! So she’s understandably exhausted and needs to force herself to take some down time to truly heal and recover and build up her strength for the next phase of challenges. For this reason, please limit phone calls to the room. If she is actually able to get some sleep, we want her to capitalize on it and sleep uninterrupted!

Shannon and Rod dearly appreciate everyone’s continued prayers. 

Best,

Stacy 

We had a great lunch with over thirty San Jose State students this past Sunday. Krista-Dawn introduced them to The River and we brainstormed outreach ideas together. It's great to have the students with us!

Brad, Krista-Dawn and Angela have been hard at work on the next teaching series which will focus on worship and how worship shapes our reality. The first message in the series is this coming Sunday and the series will run for six weeks.

Brad and Krista-Dawn are also taking short mini-retreats this week. Brad is attending a retreat hosted by Wellspring, a ministry to Christian leaders. Krista-Dawn is taking a couple of days for rest and reflection. Please pray that they would be refreshed in their time away.

David began the "Changes that Heal" book study this past Monday. Many people are eager to dig into this practically helpful book. The group is open to anyone who wants to join - meetings are Monday nights at 7pm.

Kyle started the guys and girls small groups this past Sunday. Twice a month, the youth are having lunch and meeting in small groups. Thanks to Steve Aviles, Kristy Takei, and Amy Guerrero for their service as small group leaders!

Tony and I hosted visitors from our partner Partners International last week. They oversee Partners efforts in North Africa. We and the staff had a wonderful time of getting to know them and their ministry. Dave Cullom, who is the Giving Team's liaison to Partners was also able to meet them. We hope to have a briefing page about our partnership with Partners up on the website soon and plan on providing quarterly updates.

There are several new stories on The River's website!  Check them out at www.the-river.org.

No announcements from Sunday this week.

[Post contains 2 updates]

Rod just called with an update. The doctors have found the source of Hannah Jane's fluid build-up; they have located a blockage in her brain (caused by a small mass of tissue). Sometime in this next week, Hannah Jane will have brain surgery, performed by Dr. Burns, the head of pediatric neurosurgery at LPCH.

Tentatively, a week after the surgery, the Geoghegan family will be off to Duke for the cord blood therapy.

They doctors have refrained from commenting on Hannah Jane's prognosis at this point, even though she seems to be doing remarkably well (much better than expected); they want to wait and see after she has a few more days under her belt.

That's all I have for now.Happy Friday!

Stacy

_____________________

Greetings!

Hannah Jane is doing very well on her first day! She's precious and alert and already learning to nurse!

Today, she had an ultrasound and an MRI. The medical staff members were able to confirm that the ventricles are still enlarged but could not provide any interpretation of the tests results. Tomorrow, Hannah Jane's team of doctors will evaluate the tests and confer with each other, then decide what is next on the agenda. We should be able to post that update by tomorrow evening.

Shannon and Rod will be going home on Sunday from the hospital. I know they would definitely appreciate meal help starting back up at that time. For now, we cannot plan an open house. We want to minimize Hannah Jane's exposure to people and germs (and therefore, limit her parents exposure in the early days). So, if you think you'd be up for preparing a meal that could be frozen, please coordinate with me privately, and we'll arrange things. I'm hoping that by Sunday or Monday, we can stock their freezer with enough meals to get them through the next week.

Rod and Shannon look radiant with joy on their first day of parenthood. They already show such a natural expertise at loving and caring for their new daughter. It is plain to see that today was the most amazing miraculous day of their lives. They have already proven themselves to be calm, wise, strong, and steadfast parents; Hannah Jane is a very lucky little girl.

I know that they feel the love and prayers from each and every one of you. It can be felt at all times when you're near them and it is amazing to witness. If you have not had a chance to talk to them personally yet, and if the wait seems long before you will get to meet their new daughter, please don't feel neglected. Please know that they are keeping every one of you in their thoughts but that right now is a time of great intensity for them; every single minute of their day is consumed by advocating for Hannah Jane, talking to doctors and nurses, taking care of Hannah Jane, adjusting to their new life as parents, healing from a cesarean birth, learning to nurse, and just processing all this new and amazing information.

They are operating at maximum capacity! Please know that In due time, as things settle into routine and as Hannah Jane's treatment plan is established, they will be able to reconnect with each of you personally.

In the meantime, stay tuned for pictures!!! Hopefully by tomorrow mid-day, I will be able to upload some pictures of the newly expanded Geoghegan family.

Best to all of you,

Stacy Dow

Hello everyone,

I hope this e-mail finds you all doing well.  It has been a hectic week for us, not as crazy as the week the Legates had, but still pretty hectic.  (By the way, congratulations to the Legates).  

Shannon and I have been to Stanford 5 times in the last few days because Shannon has been having contractions, some spotting, increased blood pressure and excessive build up of fluid in her feet and legs.  Last night they admitted Shannon for observation which is where she is now and will remain.  The doctors have decided there was no reason to wait any longer and will deliver Hannah Jane via ceserean birth tomorrow at 7:30am, this is the next available time in the schedule.  Praise the Lord, I can not wait to meet my daughter and hold her and kiss her.  My prayers and dreams for a wife and family have been answered by the Father.  

Although our work is just beginning in securing a normal life for our daughter, Shannon and I are continually strengthened and restored by the love of Jesus, and the prayers and love from all of you.  

Of course, as the proud father, I will be taking pictures of Hannah Jane and will send them to Stacey Dow to be posted on this website.

Thanks again for everything, and as always, keep us in your prayers.

Rod Geoghegan

I hope this email finds you all well.

I'm writing to update you on Shannon. She has been admitted to Labor & Delivery for observation and will be spending the night there.

This was precipitated by a doctor visit where she had a high blood pressure reading (not pre-eclampsia but just high enough to merrit watching it closely) and had excessive swelling (she's gained 5 lbs in one week in fluid!). 

They have taken some blood draws to assess her situation. Depending on the results of those tests, there is a slim chance that Hannah will be born tonight. If that is the case, rest assured you will be updated as soon as possible. 

More likely what will happen is that they will observe Shannon overnight and move her scheduled C-section date to sometime sooner (probably in the next week).

As for Thursday night's open house, we will have to play that by ear... If she has not delivered yet, Shannon and Rod would love your company and fellowship. If she has delivered, they'll need to focus their attentions on Mama and Baby. So, please stay tuned for an update on that.

I know I don't have to ask you to do this; I'm sure each and every one of you has already said more prayers for Shannon and Hannah than can be counted. But, since she's spending the night in the hospital tonight, I will ask anyway... Please say an extra prayer for Mama and Baby and keep them in your hearts and minds tonight. 

Best to all of you,

Stacy Dow

Hope your fall and school is off to a good start!  Here at The Ministry Center we are focused on getting ready for our Leadership Community Retreat which begins this Friday.  We are looking forward to a rich time together and have high hopes for how it will spur us on towards peacemaking and unity.  Brad and Mark are working hard to prepare their messages and Jill has been coordinating a full weekend of childcare for the children.

David is preparing to lead our first church-wide Intercessory Prayer Meeting tonight at the Ministry Center.  He also is preparing for a book study on Henry Cloud's book Changes That Heal which begins this coming Monday, September 15.

Kyle had a good meeting with parents this past Sunday.  He presented the plan, calendar, and themes for the coming year and invited parents into co-owning ministry with him.  Last week the students enjoyed a Hillsongs United concert.

I enjoyed our first BudgetWatchers meeting!  We had a great conversation and I'm looking forward to our journey of accountability and encouragement.

Donna and Angela are working on two large banners which we will post outside of our ministry center.  The banners will invite passerby to our Sunday Services at San Jose State.

Stacy is working hard to close our fiscal year.

Here are the announcements from this past Sunday:

New River website

• Check out our re-designed River website!!
  
• This new site allows us on staff to regularly post stories, news information, ministry updates and other info that we hope you will enjoy and help you feel more connected to what is going on at the church.
  
• There are also several blogs you can read on the website now as well… Tony’s Missional Stories blog, River staff blog, and a weekly Celebration blog called “Immerse Yourself” where you can find information about our Sunday service content such as message synopsis, worship responses, worship set list, etc.

Luncheon for SJSU students

• SJSU students - You are invited to celebrate a new school year with us at The River
  
• There will be a luncheon on Sunday, Sept. 14th
from Noon -1:00 pm where we will provide free food and a short opportunity for you to learn what the River is all about. We would also love to hear your ideas of what a church could do on your campus.

  
• Students: Stop by the Connecting Table TODAY for a FREE gift from The River (T-shirt and Starbucks gift cards)

Welcome/Connecting

• If you are new, and have questions about the church, please ask any of Connecting Hosts or staff members wearing a blue River lanyard and nametag.
  
• Free doughnuts, bagels, and coffee

Giving Worship Table now located in the back

Hello River Family & Friends,

It is Thursday September 4th, and it seems as though I am late posting my update – again.  It amazes me how quickly time seems to fly by.  With so many appointments, consultations, and doctor’s visits, time really seems to get away from me.  I sincerely hope that none of you are hurt by the fact that we don’t get back to you all quite as quickly as we would like to.  It is not because each of you is not in our thoughts and prayers, but rather because we are just overwhelmed at times.  I am not the greatest communicator, and our current situation has only magnified that.

We have been in the Labor & Delivery department twice in the last 5 days.  Shannon has been having contractions more frequently, but so far not regular enough to deliver early via emergency cesarean birth.  I believe most of you know that her cesarean is scheduled for Monday September 15th at 10am.  While that is only roughly 10 days away, something dramatic would have to change to keep us from waiting for that date.  We had our usual appointments this week with Hannah Jane’s medical team; I like to call them Team Geoghegan.  Shannon had a non-stress test on Tuesday; Hannah Jane was a little quieter than she usually is, but still very healthy and active. We then immediately went in to see Shannon’s OB, Dr. Druzin.  Shannon has been doing so well with her diet in an attempt to control her gestational diabetes, that Dr. Druzin reduced the amount of Glyburide she is taking.  

On Wednesday, Shannon and I were up and in to Labor & Delivery at 6 am due to some painful contractions, and while Shannon is beginning to dilate (1cm), labor is not imminent so we were released.  We then went to have an ultrasound with the Chief of Radiology, Dr. Barth.  We received some mixed news.  It appears that Hannah Jane now has some fluid in her anterior ventricles in addition to the severe build up of fluid in her lateral ventricles and slight build up in the third ventricle.  However, the good news is that Hannah Jane’s head size seems to have stabilized.  At one point, her head was measuring 4 weeks ahead of her gestational age; it is now measuring only 2 weeks ahead – which is actually within a range of normal.  This leads me to hope that there is not significant pressure being placed on her brain, but we will not know this until after she is born and the doctors have a chance to run all the tests they need to.  

We continue and ask you to also pray for the doctors treating Hannah Jane, that God work through them to help her in the best possible way.  They have an enormous responsibility in determining Hannah Jane’s course of treatment, and we all know that only the Lord can lead them to the correct path.

I would really like to take this opportunity to say how incredibly proud I am of my wife.  She continues to be strong, determined, faithful and supportive through all of this.  I have always been proud to be married to Shannon; the Lord has truly blessed me with the perfect woman for me.  I am a believer in the fact that it is easy for us to be good people when things are going our way, but the true test of a person’s character is how they respond when times get tough.  Let me say that my wife continues to excel during this time; she has truly come through for our daughter and me.  I can only hope that over the next 40 years or so I will be able to show her how much I love her.

Also, this Sunday Shannon is hoping to join me at church as long as she continues to feel well and she isn't having significant contractions.  It would be a joy for her to worship with you all again.

We'll be having our last Open House next week on Thursday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM before Hannah Jane's Big Arrival.  We would be blessed if you can stop by to share in fellowship and prayer with us.

Thanks again to you all for your continued prayers, thoughts and support.  I shutter to think what this situation would be like without our Father or you, our church family.

Rod Geoghegan

--

Visit our community site: http://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/606305/

Achieving our budget goals is a lot like trying to lose weight.  It's pretty clear what we need to do, but it's hard to actually do it.  That's where "Budget Watchers" comes in!

"Budget Watchers" is an easy, social, fun way for us to help each other meet our financial goals.  We will be gathering once a month on Sunday mornings for four months to share our goals with each other, encourage each other, and hold each other accountable.  In between meeetings, we will have some simple homework to help us stay on track.  It will be a fun way for us to help each other do something that often is not very fun!

If you are interested, come to our first meeting on Sunday, September 6 at 8:45am - 9:45am in the Pacheco room at SJSU.  Bagels will be provided, no RSVP is required.

Questions?  Dave Kwok at kwok@the-river.org/408-252-5500 x104

This fall beginning September 15 we are hosting a class based on the book Changes That Heal by Dr. Henry Cloud. It is intended for both men & women and especially for those who are married, dating or thinking about dating.

Changes That Heal focuses on four developmental task: bonding to others to form truly intimate relationships, separating from others to gain a greater sense of self, integrating good and bad, and growing emotionally and spiritually into healthy adulthood. Dr. Cloud combines his well-developed faith, and keen understanding of human nature in a four-step program of healing and growth (Please have the first two chapters read by week 1). The book can be found on Amazon or the Berean Bookstore. 

The format for the group will be to discuss the material read on a week to week basis for the first hour of the group. This first hour will be lead by a member of the Restoration team. Then, we’ll spend the second hour in small groups sharing more personal struggles and receiving prayer for identified areas of weakness. 

“I read this book years ago and it exposed how emotionally immature I was in many of my relationships/friendships. As I began to understand what it truly means to attach in healthy ways I found that my addictive patterns were starting to lessen and I was experiencing a greater sense of self. Reading the material on learning how to draw healthy boundaries in my life exposed my need to be liked, hence, my inability to say “no” to most things. Dr. Cloud showed me through his writings how my poor view of self and God disabled me to receive the love he so freely offered to me. This is probably one of the most helpful books I’ve ever read in healing the wounds of our past.” Pastor David Alvarez 

This group begins Monday, September 15th and goes for 12 consecutive weeks until Monday, December 1st – this group will meet from 7PM – 9PM at The River Ministry Center (701 N. First St., San Jose, 95112). The group will be lead by Pastor David Alvarez and the Restoration Team. 

Sign up today at the Connecting Table or e-mail Pastor David at david@the-river.org to sign up. 

We had a great morning together on Sunday serving up some "Kindness San Jose" and picnicking afterwards. River teams went all over the city to hand out drinks, greet neighbors with cookies, pray, clean up, and a host of other activities. It was very cool to arrive at the park and see everyone enjoying food and each other and sharing about their morning experiences. I hope you had a chance to take part!

I'm excited about the first installment of BudgetWatchers that starts this Sunday at 8:45am in the Pacheco Room. It's going to be a fun, social way for us to help each other reach our financial goals. Come check it out! I'm buying bagels! More info at: http://www.the-river.org/community-life/budgetwatchers/ 

Tony and Krista-Dawn have had a great response to various outreach events at San Jose State. Krista-Dawn led a group on Sunday in partnership with the Intervarsity campus ministry giving care packets out to students in the dorms. Today, Tony and Krista-Dawn gave out 200 water bottles and care packets at San Jose State's Student Group Fair. Praise God for great contacts with students this past week! Priscilla Lerza, one of the Intervarsity staff workers at San Jose state will be coming on Sunday morning September 13 to share in more detail about what God is doing on campus.

Jill is hard at work preparing for the classroom reconfiguration that starts this Sunday. Among other things, we are excited for the introduction of Godly Play in the grade school classroom!

Brad, Krista-Dawn and I have been working hard on the Leadership Retreat coming up on September 12-13. It is going to be a great kick-off to the year and into our season of peacemaking.

Kyle is kicking off the ministry year in Student Ministries with an all parent/volunteer meeting this Sunday after church.

I and Tony have been working on the Giving Team budget for Ministry Year 2009 as well as streamlining the Giving Team policies.

The new website is up! Check it out atwww.the-river.org. The home page is chock full of fresh stories and articles for you to read.

We are packing up from Westminster and returning to San Jose State this week. Angela is leading a team to move our stuff tomorrow afternoon.

That's it for this week! Dave

Stacy Dow

Hope the end of summer is treating you well.  Mixed for me.  I got pretty sick, but my daughter Anna took her first steps!  Yay Anna!

Tony and Angela are putting the finishing touches on our "Kindness San Jose" event this coming Sunday.  I think we will have a lot of cool stories to share with each other at the picnic.  If you didn't get a chance to sign up, or need more information, contact Tony.

We are also hard at work at polishing up the agenda for the Leadership Community Retreat coming up on September 12-13.  This is a significant gathering for our leadership body, and we are praying that God draws us together in unity.  We are asking all of our leaders to finish reading Bonhoeffer's "Life Together" before the retreat.  Even if you are not a leader, reading "Life Together" would be a good way for you to participate alongside the leadership body us in this season.

I am getting excited about "BudgetWatchers!"  I really think we can be siginificant helps to each other as we try to take control of our finances.  I love hearing what challenges and victories others have experienced in their financial lives.  The shipment of "Personal Finance for Dummies" that I bought for the seminar came in today.  We're rollin'!  See you on September 7 at 8:45am in the Pacheco room.

Kyle had a great meeting with his volunteer team this past Saturday.  He's gathered an awesome team of 10 volunteers to serve in Student Ministries this year.   School-year activities will kick-off with a Student Ministries Parent Meeting on September 7.

Krista-Dawn and Jamie Wolfe have the cool opportunity to attend a songwriting conference at Mount Hermon this week.  You can check it out here.

Announcements from this Past Sunday:


BudgetWatchers starts September 6

• Achieving our budget goals is a lot like trying to lose weight.  It's pretty clear what we need to do, but it's hard to actually do it.  That's where "Budget Watchers" comes in!
•  "Budget Watchers" is an easy, social, fun way for us to help each other meet our financial goals.  We will be gathering once a month on Sunday mornings for four months to share our goals with each other, encourage each other, and hold each other accountable.  In between meeetings, we will have some simple homework to help us stay on track.  It will be a fun way for us to help each other do something that often is not very fun!
•  If you are interested, come to our first meeting on Sunday, September 6 at 8:45am - 9:45am in the Pacheco room at SJSU.  Bagels will be provided, no RSVP is required.
•  Questions?  Dave Kwok at kwok@the-river.org/408-252-5500 x104

Welcome Dessert

• If you have recently starting attending The River or are looking for ways to connect deeper into the life of our church, we invite you to a Welcome Dessert hosted by our Lead Pastor, Brad Wong, at his home on August 29th.
• Brad, along with several staff members, will provide a brief history of The River, explain our values as a church, offer ways for you to get involved, and answer any questions you may have. But mostly, we just want to get to know you over some delicious desserts and drinks in a relaxing, friendly environment.
• Please let us know if you can make the event so we can provide you with address and directions. Email Angela Aviles at angela@the-river.org or call 408.252.5500 x106.

RiverFest and Kindness San Jose

• Today marks our last Sunday afternoon at Westminster!
• Join us next Sunday for an end-of-summer celebration and community outreach event!
• There will be worship, food, and opportunities for us to engage with our neighbors through kindness projects in the downtown area. The fun begins at 10 am for a shortened worship service at The River Ministry Center. Then we will disperse into ten serving teams that will engage different parts of downtown. Afterwards, we will gather at Ryland Park for a picnic lunch and to share stories about our time together loving our neighbors.
• Check out the playing card you received when you walked in for a list of all the serving projects. Please sign-up for the serving project that most interests you after service on Sundays. Sign-up sheets will be outside the Fireside Room or you may contact Tony Traback.

Our meeting this Sunday, 8/24 at 9:30am will include a discussion of chapter 2 "The Day Together" and chapter 3 "The Day Alone".  Here are some questions to ponder as you read chapter 2 and 3.

Chapter 2 -The Day with Others

Chapter 3 “The Day Alone”

Polly Claasen has organized some fun events to squeeze the last drops of enjoyment from the summer (yay Polly!).  Here's the lowdown:

Best,

Stacy Dow

Dave

Hello River People!

Hopefully many of you were able to join us for dinner yesterday!  If you didn't, you missed a great one.  Teruo Utsumi and his army of helpers (Al, Anna, Connie, Del, Gail, Grace, Karen, Kay, Kyle, Lawrence, Nina,Paul, Richard, Sindy, Steven, Tyson, Paul, Janet, Jose, Chris, Matthew, Robyn, Jesse) cooked up an awesome meal of Chicken Marsala, Polenta, Greens, Homemade Bread and a Chocolate Pudding/Vanilla Ice Cream dessert

Thanks to everyone who put on a memorable and awesome meal!  Check my blog for some interesting meal stats and recipies!

Mark and Shannon Thwaite gathered the Small Group Leaders yesterday to begin to talk about the common values that we hold in our small groups.  We had a great discussion looking at pictures of community from Acts and Ephesians and then reflecting on our personal experience of community (good and bad) in our small groups.  One goal we are working towards in these conversations is for all River small groups to articulate a common "covenant" that will state our common values and commitments.  Grab your small group leader if you'd like to find out more.

Tony is continuing to work on the Kindness San Jose projects that are happening on Sunday August 31.  He will be working hard on the logistics this week, so if you didn't have a chance to sign-up at service, please email him ASAP at tony@the-river.org.

Kyle has been making the most of the summer with the students.  Last week, the students, Kyle and Tony went out around the Ministry Center and handed out cold drinks to people in nearby offices and motorists.  This week they're off to Raging Waters!  Ministry and fun.

Brad, Krista-Dawn and Mark have been working on the next sermon series which will be on Worship.  I think it will start a good dialogue about why we worship and how we worship.

Everybody is working on goals and budgets for Ministry Year 2009 which is right around the corner.

Jill has returned from visiting family overseas - welcome back Jill!

Here are the announcements from this past Sunday:

"Life Together" Book Discussion

• We are reading "Life Together"by Dietrich Bonhoeffer to spur a conversation on how to foster a deeper level of community in our body.

• We will be gathering next Sunday morning from 9:30am - 11:30am at the Ministry Center for our 2nd installment of our book discussion.  The discussion will center on Chapters 2 and 3.

• If you are planning to attend, please RSVP to Dave Kwok at kwok@the-river.org

• See the bottom of this blog post for the discussion questions

Welcome Dessert

• If you have recently starting attending The River or are looking for ways to connect deeper into the life of our church, we invite you to a Welcome Dessert hosted by our Lead Pastor, Brad Wong, at his home on August 29th.

• Brad, along with several staff members, will provide a brief history of The River, explain our values as a church, offer ways for you to get involved, and answer any questions you may have. But mostly, we just want to get to know you over some delicious desserts and drinks in a relaxing, friendly environment.

• Please let us know if you can make the event so we can provide you with address and directions. Email Angela Aviles at angela@the-river.org or call 408.252.5500 x106.

RiverFest and Kindness San Jose

• Join us on Sunday, August 31st, for an end-of-summer celebration and community outreach event!

• There will be worship, food, and opportunities for us to engage with our neighbors through kindness projects in the downtown area. The fun begins at 10 am for a shortened worship service at The River Ministry Center. Then we will disperse into ten serving teams that will engage different parts of downtown. Afterwards, we will gather at Ryland Park for a picnic lunch and to share stories about our time together loving our neighbors.

• Check out the playing card you received when you walked in for a list of all the serving projects. Please sign-up for the serving project that most interests you after service on Sundays. Sign-up sheets will be outside the Fireside Room or you may contact Tony Traback, Pastor of Mission Mobilization at tony@the-river.org, 408-252-5500 x110.

• We would like to get a head-count of who will be participating in which project before August 31st so signing up is greatly appreciated. The leader for each of the projects may also need to contact you prior to August 31 to arrange details.

_______________

Life Together Discussion Questions

Context for understanding Life Together

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (BONHOEFFER) wrote Life Together (LT) when his own "confessing church" was suffering significant tensions.  In 1933 the German national

church had made its fateful peace with the Nazi regime, the suppression of the Old Testament (even Jesus' Jewishness) and Hitler's judgment that no Jewish convert could be a member of any congregation, thus making the church a partner in the persecution of the Jews that would eventually lead to the Holocaust.  The "confessing church" formed in 1933 as a result of the National Church's pact with the new Caesar.  Despite its agreement that the Gospel could not make peace with Hitler's agenda, the confessing church was

itself torn by tensions over the types of resistance and the degree of involvement to take in standing with the persecuted Jewish community.  It was in this context  of deep tension within his church that BONHOEFFER penetrated to the heart of what our Christian fellowship is founded upon and what the satanic schemes are, deeply embedded in our own hearts, to seduce, undermine, co-opt, and divide the church.

The Church in America does not face the same types of pressure as the German churches of the 1930's.  They faced the seduction and violent pressure of nationalism, racialism, etc.  We face the inner pressures of individualism, spiritual consumerism, etc.  But, their issues writ large and BONHOEFFER's clarion call to Biblical community can help us identify the areas for growth in our friendships, family, and community life, both at the small group level and in the River as a whole. 

Reflection Questions

Chapter 1 - Community

1.  BONHOEFFER calls us to a life of radical gratitude for any fellowship we

share with other believers.  Why is this hard for us?  How can we appreciate

what Christian fellowship truly is?  How can you foster this godly gratitude

in your family? Your small group?

2.   BONHOEFFER emphasizes that our fellowship with one another is "under the Word"

and "in Jesus Christ" (21).  Is this how you understand your fellowship with

other believers?  What do you make of his claim that we have not "direct"

relationship with another believer, that Jesus Christ always stands between

you and another believer? (32, 35)  Is his exposure of psychic vs. spiritual

community good news to you? Why is it hard for us to see our own "human

loves" in the Light of Christ for what they are, especially contrasted to

the gift of spiritual love? (34f)

3.  He contrasts our "wish dreams" for community and emotional highs with

actual community, which is a gift from God we can only receive and live in

day by day. (26f)  How does the healthy disillusionment he describes on p.

27 connect the dots in your own spiritual journey?  How about in the River's

history and your River experience?  How can we move through disillusionment

without falling into cynicism?

4.  He strongly cautions against small group communities, which, having

experienced a spiritual high, distance themselves from the larger Body of

Christ. (37)  Why do you think this is so dangerous?  How can we balance

strong small group life with strong Body life? 

Chapter 2 -The Day with Others

1.  BONHOEFFER claims "Morning does not belong to the individual, it belongs to the

church . . . " (41)  and that each AM is a remembrance of Christ's

resurrection.  How can this be applied in our contexts? (mothers, commuters,

house-mates, etc.)  How can our AM routines be redemptive vs. anxious and

consumed with work? (43)

2.  He lays a high priority on praying the Psalms, and particularly,

understanding our prayer of the Psalms as being united with Jesus' prayer of

the Psalms. (44f)  Does this have merit in terms of our prayer life as

individuals, small groups, and the River as a whole?  What would beginning

to pray the Psalms look like?

3.  What do you make of his argument for Christians to read whole chapters

of the Scriptures together, to master the Scriptures? How about his

conclusion, "But one who will not learn to handle the Bible for himself is

not an evangelical Christian"? (55)  What would need to change in our lives

and small groups for the story of redemptive history to become our

narrative, for us to see ourselves in all the ups and downs of the Jewish

people and the early churches? (53)

4.  Why does he include singing after personal prayer and the reading of the

Word? (58)  What blocks our hearts from singing freely?  What would it take

for us to sing in our small group or our family in the simple "unison" a

capella singing he recommends?  What blocks us?

5.  BONHOEFFER encourages festive communal meals vs. eating alone, hurried,

distracted.  (68) How can this become more of a reality for your

family/household/small group?  Regarding work, have you ever broken through

the "it" of your work to the "Thou" behind it?  How does work ground us in

reality? 

6.  He writes, "It is perilous for the Christian to lie down to sleep with

an unreconciled heart" (74) How can you practice forgiveness at the end of

each day with those closest to you?

I wanted to let you know of a program I'm launching on September 6 called "Budget Watchers."  Basically the hope is for this to be a Weight Watchers for our budget.  Weight Watchers is based on the idea that maintaining a healthy lifestyle requires supportive accountability.  We'd like to provide that for any of you that are wanting to work towards financial goals.

So starting on September 6, we are going to meet for just 1 hour before service, 9am - 10am, to share our financial goals and to commit to holding each other accountable.  We'll meet 3 more times, the first Sunday of October, November, and December to encourage each other.  In between meetings, there will be some low-key simple homework to help keep us all on track.

I'm convinced that our culture cultivates wacky attitudes about personal finance and that we have to actively work against them, just to do something as basic as balancing our budget.  I think Budget Watchers will be a fun way for us to begin to turn the tide.

Kwok@the-river.og, 408-252-5500 x105 if you have questions.

Cool!

Dave

Hope you are having a great week.  I got to see Joe Bonamassa at the San Jose Jazz Festival for $10.  Pretty awesome.

Krista-Dawn rejoined us on staff.  It's good to have her back.  She had a good experience in India and Thailand with our ICE teams and was appreciative of the chance to debrief her experience in the conference that the Bankok ICE team led.

We've been talking about ways to help the church engage personally with the topic of Spiritual Warfare.  The current plan is to give people a chance to submit questions about Spiritual Warfare at service on Sunday and then for me to post some answers here for everyone to read and comment on.  Don't worry, I'm not personally answering all of the questions.

Tony and Angela are hard at work preparing for RiverFest and Kindness San Jose.  Hopefully you had a chance to sign up for a project on Sunday.  If not, you can contact Tony, or sign up this coming Sunday.

Kyle had a great time with the students watching Wall-E on Monday.  Summertime gives some good times to connect.

Mark is also back after a restful week of vacation up in Oregon with his family.

Have a great week!

Dave

__________

Announcements from Sunday:

<!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Wingdings; panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:2; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 268435456 0 0 -2147483648 0;} @font-face {font-family:deciron; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:77; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:auto; mso-font-signature:50331648 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} span.CharacterStyle1 {mso-style-name:"Character Style 1"; mso-style-parent:""; mso-ansi-font-size:9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt; font-family:deciron; mso-ascii-font-family:deciron; mso-hansi-font-family:deciron; color:#FF9900;} p.Bullet, li.Bullet, div.Bullet {mso-style-name:Bullet; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list .5in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Arial; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} /* List Definitions */ @list l0 {mso-list-id:884483519; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:1591123298 -1266283288 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;} @list l0:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-style-link:Bullet; mso-level-text:&#61623;; mso-level-tab-stop:.5in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; font-family:Symbol;} ol {margin-bottom:0in;} ul {margin-bottom:0in;} -->

RiverFest and Kindness San Jose

·        Join us on Sunday, August 31st, for an end-of-summer celebration and community outreach event!

·        There will be worship, food, and opportunities for us to engage with our neighbors through kindness projects in the downtown area. The fun begins at 10 am for a shortened worship service at The River Ministry Center. Then we will disperse into ten serving teams that will engage different parts of downtown. Afterwards, we will gather at Ryland Park for a picnic lunch and to share stories about our time together loving our neighbors.

·          Check out the playing card you received when you walked in for a list of all the serving projects. Please sign-up for the serving project that most interests you after service on Sundays. Sign-up sheets will be outside the Fireside Room or you may contact Tony Traback, Pastor of Mission Mobilization at tony@the-river.org, 408-252-5500 x110.

·        We would like to get a head-count of who will be participating in which project before August 31st so signing up is greatly appreciated. The leader for each of the projects may also need to contact you prior to August 31 to arrange details.

Changes that Heal Book Study

·        David and the Restoration Team are beginning a new 12 week book study in September.

·        The book is Changes that Heal by Dr. Henry Cloud focuses on four developmental task: bonding to others to form truly intimate relationships, separating from others to gain a greater sense of self, integrating good and bad, and growing emotionally and spiritually into healthy adulthood.

·        Dr. Cloud combines his well-developed faith, and keen understanding of human nature in a four-step program of healing and growth

·        This group begins Monday, September 15th and goes for 12 consecutive weeks until Monday, December 1st – this group will meet from 7PM – 9PM at The River Ministry Center.

·        Sign up today at the Connecting Table or e-mail Pastor David at david@the-river.org to sign up.

Welcome Dessert

·        If you have recently starting attending The River or are looking for ways to connect deeper into the life of our church, we invite you to a Welcome Dessert hosted by our Lead Pastor, Brad Wong, at his home on August 29th.

·        Brad, along with several staff members, will provide a brief history of The River, explain our values as a church, offer ways for you to get involved, and answer any questions you may have. But mostly, we just want to get to know you over some delicious desserts and drinks in a relaxing, friendly environment.

·        Please let us know if you can make the event so we can provide you with address and directions. Email Angela Aviles at angela@the-river.org or call 408.252.5500 x106. 

Dinner after service in Fireside Room

·        Dinner this week is from Sonoma Chicken Coop

·        We have some tables set up outside which should help the temperature

·        I would encourage you to take this opportunity to sit with someone you don't know as well.  For those of you who have been at the church for a while, seek out an unfamiliar face and extend hospitality to them

·        Please let families with small children go through the food line first

Welcome/Connecting

·        If you are new, and have questions about the church, please ask any of Connecting Hosts or staff members wearing a blue River lanyard and nametag.

·        The Connecting Table is now located OUTSIDE. There is Pizza Bread out there for you enjoy.