The River Church Community

Dear River friends,

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