The River Church Community

Dear River friends,

Is there a word that’s more overused in Christian circles than koinonia (the Greek word for “fellowship”)?  And yet, I’m convinced that koinonia is precisely what we need in these challenging days.

Think of all the people in your circle who are enduring a season of significant stress.  In our own church community, there are people who have lost their job and wonder how they will support their families.  There are people who have no health insurance (it’s not just an issue we hear about on the news).  There are many, single and married, who are intensely lonely.  And there are many who are in a spiritual desert, wondering whether God is really for them?  Somehow, life in Silicon Valley has a way of driving us into isolation.  Maybe, because of the torrid pace of our lives.  Or maybe, because we idolize competency (which keeps us from making our needs known).  The scriptures tell us that we are to call one another “brother” and “sister” . . . and to share in each others’ sufferings and joys as if they were our own.

That’s why we’re investing in time together this weekend at Mission Springs.  I thank God for all who have signed up.  And I hope that, even if you can’t come for the entire time, that you’ll make the trek over the hill to worship with us on Sunday morning.

Twice in the epistles, Paul refers to “the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.” (Philippians 2:1 and 2 Corinthians 13:14)  I love the richness of that phrase.  It tells us that the Spirit has come to dwell with each of us.  But, it is also a promise that our community and our partnership are energized by the very presence and power of the Spirit of God. And it’s why we can have courage to lean towards one another in vulnerability, in friendship, and in prayer.

I look forward to being together.

Peace,

Brad Wong,

Lead Pastor

RiverFest 2009

The all-church retreat is now only 1 day away!!!

Just a reminder that we will NOT have Sunday service at SJSU this Sunday, August 23rd. We will be concluding our retreat with a Family Service at Mission Springs in Scotts Valley. If you cannot attend the retreat, we hope you will still join us on Sunday morning. Service will be at 10:30 am. More information here.

Walking with God - Men's DVD Study

Beginning Monday, September 14th and going for 12 consecutive weeks to Monday, November 30th this group will meet to discuss the difficulties we face in learning to hear God’s Voice.  Following our discussion we will break into small groups to pray for one another. Our goal is to really understand and experience God in a much more personal way.

We will meet at The River Ministry Center, 701 N. First St., San Jose, 95112 from 7PM to 9PM. Sign up at the Connecting Table or e-mail Pastor David Alvarez, , with your interest in attending.