The River Church Community

"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'” Matthew 25:40
 
Dear River friends,
 
Thanks to all of you who helped launch our celebration of Advent by putting together backpacks for children in Mexico.  Our efforts have served seven hundred children in a squatter settlement in Tijuana.  I hope you experienced the morning as a genuine worship encounter with Jesus, who promises to meet us as we turn towards his little ones.
 
I also wanted to let you know that we have intentionally pushed the pause button on our “Vision Lessons from the Nehemiah” series.  There was some temptation to press on in Nehemiah, working towards momentum and progress in the arena of vision.  But, it occurs to me that Advent serves to anchor our lives in God’s overarching vision for our world.  Moreover, the event of Christ’s coming has always been a source of great hope for the people of God, especially in times of great despair.  So, we recite the words of the prophet over and over again, “the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:78,79)
 
The title of our Advent series reminds us that God intends to form us as a people who carry hope into the world.  Throughout Advent, I want to encourage you to spend time listening to the Spirit about how God wants to make you a person of hope.  Are there places where you are stuck in despair?  Are ways in which God wants to expand your hope?  That’s the ongoing conversation I intend to have with my family as we gather for prayer through Advent.  I hope you’ll engage in that conversation with your family and friends, too.  As you do, may the light from on high break into your darkness.
 
Peace,
Brad Wong, Lead Pastor

Welcome to Zoe Perisseia Ta born to Angela, John and big brother Kyle on Saturday November 21st.  Congratulations Ta Family!

Announcements from Sunday, November 29

No announcements this week!

River Invitation Cards from Sunday November 29

Kimsey Goodbye Party

Our beloved Worship Director Krista-Dawn Kimsey and her family will be leaving San Jose at the end of December. You are all invited to a party we are throwing to celebrate her and honor her years of ministry and leadership here at The River. In true Krista-Dawn fashion, the party will include fun food and drinks, games, and a time of sharing.

We plan to create a memory book with photos and words of encouragement for Krista-Dawn. If you have a photo of yourself (without or without a member of the Kimsey family) and a memory, affirmation, or blessing you would like to share, please send it to by December at 4th. Please RSVP to if you can attend the party so we can plan for enough food. Also, if you would like to make a financial contribution towards a group gift we are planning for the family, please let Angela know. Let’s show the Kimseys how much we love, appreciate, and support them as they continue the work of God all over the world.

Mistletoe Fundraiser

The River youth are selling mistletoe this Holiday season for $5 a sprig.  You can get your mistletoe at the youth table after church on December 6, 13, and 20.

All proceeds go to the general youth fund.  This helps fund events and curriculum.

For questions contact 408.242.5500 ext 108

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) Friday, Dec. 11th 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, Dec. 11th from 7 - 9 pm. If you are interested, please contact at so that she can send you the music you will be working on.