The River Church Community

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 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 for more information.

Happy mid-summer,
Dave

Announcements for Sunday July 12, 2009

• 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 for more information.