The River Church Community

“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.

Announcements from Sunday, October 18, 2009

EHC Update and Donation Drives

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 for more information.

Exploring Mission at The River

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 if you have questions.

River Invitation Cards from Sunday, October 18, 2009

The Rock'in Dock'in Fellowship Night

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

Women's Breakfast

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 for more information or questions.

Exploring Mission at The River

See announcements above.

Kids' Clothing and Toy 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. See the event page for more information and contact with any questions.