The River Church Community

Dear River friends,
 
A phrase from Psalm 101 has been speaking to me in recent days . . . “I will sing of lovingkindness and justice; to You, O LORD, I will sing praises.” (Ps 101:1)  As I meditated on that phrase, I sensed God asking me, “What song has been playing in your heart in this season of life?”  Is it a song of gratitude or a song of anxiety?  A song of hope or a song of despair?
 
It strengthened my heart to be reminded that God is with us as one who sings. “The LORD your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior.  He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with loud singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17, ESV)  My prayer for us all is that we have ears to hear His song of justice and steadfast love, a song that transforms our souls.
 
I wonder if the idea of song is an apt metaphor for our personal vision journey.  Does it work to suggest that the gospel story is God’s melody line?  And if so, what would it mean for our life visions to be in harmony with him?  Our vision seminars are intended to help us learn to sing our parts with confidence and with gusto.  I look forward to seeing many of you at the next two seminars - the church-wide vision seminar on October 10 and the Parent Vision Event on October 18.  In the coming weeks, small group materials on the topic of vision will be made available.  May these opportunities deepen our faith in God, our hope for the future, and our love for one another.
 
Peace,
 
Brad Wong, Lead Pastor

Hello Everyone,

Tony Traback is coordinating our response to recent news that several local emergency housing shelters would be curtailing bed space.  Close to home, EHC will be reducing by half the number of beds they offer to homeless people seeking shelter (article).  If you are interested in what is happening and how we are trying to respond, please .

Congratulations to newly marrieds Jean and David Nguyen (Sep 5) and Matt and Estefania Miller (Oct 3)!

Announcements from Sunday, October 4 2009

Worship Director Search Committee

We've formed a search committee led by Mike Valentine to look for our next Worship Director.  Visit the committee's blog or contact for more information on the team and what they are up to.

Vision Seminar

Our final run of the first vision seminar is Saturday, October 10th from 9 to 2 pm.  Visit the event page to find out more and to RSVP.

Softball and 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.  For more information, visit the event page.

EHC Update and Donation Drives

Due to budget cuts, several of the large homeless shelters are significantly reducing their bed spaces this winter.  In response, we are coordinating a blanket and tent drive and considering other ways to respond.  To find out more, contact , our pastor of Mission Mobilization.