The River Church Community

Dear River friends,

As we journey together through the gospel of John, it is my hope that we fall in love with Jesus in a fresh way and that as we see him more clearly, we will be changed into his likeness. It is an amazing thing to me that we are to live in the likeness of the One referred to as the man of sorrows who was acquainted with our grief and suffering. And it is a sobering thing given how little I know about the sorrows of the thirsty souls who I cross paths with day in and day out.

Lent is a season of examination. It’s a time to make honest assessments. And my honest assessment is that our love for the lost has waned over the years. To the extent that this assessment is true, it is a sign of spiritual death. It means that there are significant ways in which we are disconnected from the heart of Jesus. But, Lent is also a season of great hope. We have courage to make honest confessions because God promises the power of new life in the midst of our barrenness.

In that spirit of hope, I want to call us to prayer for the renewal of our hearts for the outsider. To facilitate our prayer, I would like to invite you to a special evening of worship and prayer on Sunday, March 22, at 6pm at our ministry center. I am aware that it is short notice. Nevertheless, I hope that many of us will make the time to intercede on behalf of our community. Peace,

Brad Wong, Lead Pastor

Hello River!

Mark your calendar for the worship and prayer night on Sunday March 22 - see Brad's note above.

Mark is busy preparing our final Peacemaking Training being held this Saturday from 9am - 12pm.  This training focuses on the very important skill of mediation and conflict coaching.  It provides tools that empower you to help friends, loved ones, and co-workers work out the conflicts they have with each other in healthy ways.  RSVP here and contact if you have more questions.

Krista-Dawn is excited about the tithing lab that she is kicking off this coming Sunday.  This is a great opportunity to experiment with a new practice in giving, whether you have given generously for many years or if you are just beginning a giving journey.  If you are interested or are planning to come to the first lunch, please email to RSVP.  You can read more about the tithing lab here.

The youth are excited for the Planet Wisdom conference coming up at the end of the month!  They will be travelling up to Brentwood (about an hour away) for the conference.  Check out the website or talk to Kyle to find out more about what the youth will be experiencing!

Angela and the team are preparing the Lenten Labyrinth here at The Ministry Center.  If you weren't able to be blessed by the labyrinth last year, you are in for a treat.  The labyrinth provides a guided reflection experience that you can go through at your own pace.  Stay tuned for more details.

The men had a great breakfast together last Saturday.  David spoke on the pervasive pressure of addiction and how ultimately it leaves us with the question of whether we will follow the path of destruction or the path of life.  It was a life-giving time of teaching and prayer for all the men in attendance.  You can be praying for David as he has been ill over the past few days.

• Nicaragua ICE trip information meeting on Sunday, March 22 right after church.  Find out about the awesome partnership that we have with La Vida Education an organization that is transforming the lives of children and their families in San Juan de Oriente, Nicaragua.  For more information, contact .

• Peacemaking training, this Saturday March 14, 9am.  See the event page or the "happenings" above for more information.