The River Church Community

Parents,

Sunday:
This last Sunday we went to the Bagel Shop and hurried back to SJSU because of the cold weather.  When we got back, Yodit and Beti answered questions about their upcoming outreach to Ethiopia.  You can find out more about their trip on the Sixseeds project page or keep updated on their trip on the Sixseeds blog.  The website offers information of what they will be doing while there, how you can pray, and support them financially.  Yodit and Beti shared that they are excited about going to Ethiopia but unsure of what to expect.  We prayed for them, and please continue praying that they have a safe journey, great time with their grandma, grow in their faith, and cultural immersion goes well in Ethiopia and returning to the States.

Small Groups:
Girls: This last Sunday Kristy lead the discussion on, "What Happened When Jesus Died on the Cross and Was Resurrected?"  The girls looked at the significance of the cross and the resurrection as well as, what is sin?  Questions that were asked were:
    - Why do you think people say that Jesus' resurrection is the most important belief in Christianity?
    - What is difficult for you to understand about the way God chose to pay for humanity's sins?
    - What do Jesus' death and resurrection mean in your life?

Guys: This last Sunday Kyle lead the discussion on, "What is Salvation All About?"  The guys looked at what salvation is and God giving us the Holy Spirit to help us live as we should.  Some questions we asked were:
    - What is salvation to you?
    - What about eternal life are you most looking forward to?
    - How does salvation have an impact on our lives before we die?

Our next Small Group gathering is on January 11th.

Fundraiser:
Mistletoe:  Thank you, Jesse and Wil, for getting down the mistletoe!  Thank you, Youth, for helping wrap, clean, and hand out the mistletoe.  We raised $312 for the Student Ministry's general fund.

Our next fundraiser is going to be on February 14th.  The youth will offer babysitting at The River Ministry Center for couples that want to go on a date!!!  Please let me know if your student can or can't help.  The tentative times are 6 - 9 pm.

Christmas Party Summary:
The Christmas party was great!  Thank you to everyone that could make it.  I don't have any pictures because I forgot my camera.  We had 10 youth, 2 volunteers, and a bunch of parents.  We played Guitar Hero World Tour, did some science experiments by blowing things up (thanks Brett and Jose), and had a gift exchange.  MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Upcoming Events:
- December 21st: Youth into Church - youth are welcome to sit with your family or mine.
- December 28th: Youth into Church - I will not be there.
- December 31st: New Years Eve Party,  From 8pm to 12:30am at my house (1140 Magnolia Ave., San Jose, CA 95126).
- January 16th - 19th: Ski Trip, Our lodging is being confirmed, but I will have more information early next week.
- February 14th - Valentine's Day Babysitting Fundraiser, More information to come.

FYI, I'll be on holiday in the sunny Saint Paul, MN area from December 22 - 31.

Kyle Guerrero