The River Church Community

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!

Announcements & Cards from Sunday October 11, 2009

Firestarters

Men’s Breakfast

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

Softball BBQ

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 , or sign up at the Connecting Table.

Donation Drive to Benefit EHC Homeless Shelter

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 for more information.

Worship 101 Jam

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 so that she can send you the music you will be working on.

Childrens' Clothing, Toy, & Book Exchange

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 .