The River Church Community

Last Friday evening we had our latest Women’s Storytelling Hour on the theme of transitions. We are so grateful for this quarterly space for connection and to those who say “Yes!” to sharing. Thank you to Dorcas Cheng-Tozun, Michelle Manley, and Angela Aviles for putting together these events. Check out the-river.org/events for book groups, game nights, art experiences, and other connection opportunities happening this summer!

This morning we dug into the first part of Colossians and thought about what it means to be image bearers of God. We learned about advancements in AI and how we might respond to the growing use and applications of this technology as Christians. If you missed this morning’s teaching from Ned, catch it on our YouTube page or podcast (later this week).

This morning Nedjip Tozun brings us a message about AI and what it means for us as the image bearers of God. Online version available on our Youtube channel at 9am and podcast version later this week.

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Next Monday we start our first of 3 summer book groups. Learn more and sign up for this, or a book group later this summer, at https://www.the-river.org/events/

This Sunday afternoon, we invite you to join Jews, Christians and Muslims walking in solidarity to raise funds for the continued growth of Abrahamic Alliance International. Our walk will begin with prayers for peace in Palestine and Israel by Jewish, Christian, and Muslim leaders. Our hearts ache with families in anguish over these injustices. Walk and pray with us for peace. Sign up to join the walk, or sponsor people who are walking at https://abrahamicalliance.rallyup.com/walkathon24/Campaign/Details

This morning we kicked off our summer teaching series. We will be diving into the book of Colossians, but today Lindsey Smallwood led us in some context setting looking at a letter Paul sent at the same time, the book of Philemon. We had time to do some reading and study of the book together, and then Lindsey drew out three key lessons for us. Today we also honored our graduates with a video highlighting some of how they have been shaped by the church and we prayed for the high school seniors present at the 11am service.

This morning we kick off our summer series on the book of Colossians with a message from River Partner Lindsey Smallwood. This morning we are also celebrating our graduates!

The River - Introduction To Colossians | June 2, 2024

Do you have a graduating senior. community college student, or college student who will be home for the summer? Make sure they know about our college group that will be meeting throughout the summer starting next Wednesday! They can follow the IG account or talk to Pastors Hannah or Daniel for more information!

This morning we have a belated Pentecost message from former River Pastor and Director of Healing Path Ministries David Alvarez

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Join us for our next Women's Storytelling Hour on the theme of Transitions. Sign up at https://the-river.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2315660

Registration is open for our all-church retreat Riverfest! Learn more and sign up at https://www.the-river.org/riverfest-2024/

A recording of this morning’s conversation with Maureen Garcia from GRACE is available on our YouTube channel now

The River - Safeguarding Church Communities (Special Guest Maureen Garcia from GRACE) | May 19, 2024 This interview with Maureen and a member of our River Board was recorded during our 11 AM in-person service on May 19, 2024. To learn more about safeguarding...

In our in-person services this morning, we have a conversation with Maureen Garcia from GRACE. A recording of this conversation will be available later this week. Learn more about GRACE https://www.netgrace.org/

This morning's message is about the Sacrament of Motherhood. Praying that God meets everyone in the range of emotions today can hold.

The River - Sacrament of Motherhood | May 12, 2024

It's our Youth Takeover this Sunday in both in-person services and here online! We are so proud of the high schoolers in the Youth Discipleship Cohort

The River: Youth Takeover | May 5, 2024

This morning we celebrated the baptism of one our high school students. Michelle reminded us that baptisms are a chance for all of us to celebrate God’s invitation in our lives to declare death to the old and that we are alive in Christ. Brad also gave a sermon about the disciple Thomas. And encouraged us to nurture a heart of trust in the God who loves us, even in the midst of uncertainty.

At our in-person services this morning Pastor Brad will share a message about Doubting Thomas. There is not a new online message for today. Catch up on a recent message you may have missed! We hope you will join us in-person for our Youth Takeover next Sunday as the high schoolers from our Discipleship Cohort share about what they have learned.

Join us THIS Saturday for our next Intergenerational Game Night! We have lots of board and card games or you can bring a favorite of your own you want to play! Let us know if you're coming by registering here: https://the-river.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2225916

This morning Pastor Grace continues our Beyond series with a message about Peter and how Jesus helps him move beyond shame

The River - Eastertide: Beyond Shame | April 21, 2024

The next message in our Eastertide series, Beyond Doubt, looks at the disciple often referred to as Doubting Thomas. It is available on our YouTube stream now!

The River - Eastertide: Beyond Doubt | April 14, 2024

Today we began a new series called Beyond which will take us through Eastertide. Beyond the grave, Jesus wanted to release his disciples into a new kind of life after the resurrection. A kind of life we have access to when we live as if our lives, our beings are filled with the Holy Spirit. So many of us live out of touch with the way the Holy Spirit is moving around and through us, so today we heard some stories to help us see the different ways that might look and prayed for greater awareness. We also blessed our Worship Pastor Kevin before he begins a month-long sabbatical.

This morning Pastor Brad kicks off our Eastertide series: Beyond

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Want to connect with some River folks in a smaller setting? Join us at 9 AM on Sundays in April and May for a Manuscript Study in the Gospel of John. Learn more and sign up at https://the-river.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2105963

He is Risen! He is Risen indeed! We have Easter services this morning at 9 and 11 AM. If you are traveling or unable to join us in person, here is an online version of the Easter service to aid you in celebrating our risen Savior today!

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At today’s Good Friday service we were guided in our reflections about Jesus’ final moments through song and through stories from three figures: Peter, Simon of Cyrene, and Mary the mother of Jesus. We are glad so many of you were able to take advantage of the space created during and after the service to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice for us.

We hope you will join us for our Good Friday service tonight at 7 PM. If you are unable to join us, we also have prepared an online Good Friday service to aid in your reflections as we remember Jesus' sacrifice for us all today.

The River - Good Friday 2024 | March 29, 2024

We will have one Good Friday gathering at 7 PM

We hope you will join us on Sunday morning for our Easter Celebration at either 9 or 11 AM. Both services will be followed by a pancake brunch. Invite your friends or neighbors to join in our celebration!

The Stations of the Cross are available for you to walk and reflect on Jesus' journey to the cross. Drop in any time 6:30 - 8:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday of this week.