Making reproducing disciples of Jesus Christ

River Reach News 12/15

Dear River Reach Family,

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.” Isaiah 9:2

God placed within our souls a longing for light.  I see evidence of this longing in people working so hard pursuing oftentimes at great personal cost a goal they believe will bring joy and satisfaction.  It could be working all their lives to try to save up enough money to “retire.” It may be seen in something as simple as parents working extra hours to give their children gifts at Christmas in the hope of seeing gifts bring joy.  It may even be found in the person who “endures” the work week to live it up on Friday night or in the life long struggle of the religious person sacrificing to earn God’s favor.  All of these are signs of a soul longing for something “better.”  Sadly, disappointment inevitably follows every attempt we make to create lasting light and hope on our own.  God is the only source of true hope and light!  He would not leave His world or His people floundering forever in the darkness of their sin.  He devised a plan to offer every darkened sinner eternal and unshakeable hope and light!  He announced His plan in the dark days of 730 BC.  Hope would certainly come to them and to us in the form of baby who would be born into the darkness.  He would end the gloom, darkness, and despair and replace it with unending joy, light and gladness!

Sunday Sermon: “The Dawn of Hope” – Isaiah 9:1-7

 

Christmas worship service this Sunday!

This year we are excited to change things up a bit.  The children, choir, and selected adults have been working diligently for the last several months to put together a Christmas program to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

This Sunday 10:00am-11:30am (there will be no Sunday classes.)

This will be a wonderful time to invited friends, relatives, and neighbors to join us.  The Gospel will be presented!

 

One Morning Service on Christmas Eve at 10:30am

Christmas is a wonderful time to celebrate God’s greatest gift to us.  We want to provide opportunity to be able to celebrate together with our church family and our physical families.  In order to give you time with your families to celebrate the birth of our Savior, we will have only our morning worship service on Christmas Eve.

Discipleship Groups Sunday evening at 6:00pm

Men: Read chapter 9 in The Trellis and the Vine:  

Women: Jen will be discussing the book (None Like Him) with you.  This book has been a blessing to her.  She would like to share it with you!  No need to purchase the book.  Just come for a great time of fellowship and spiritual encouragement.

Prayer Requests:

  • Children and adults preparing to minister in the Christmas worship service
  • The Lord to bring us into contact with people that we can invite on Sunday
  • Salvation of friends and family members
  • Gospel opportunities
  • Our missionaries to be encouraged during the Christmas season
  • Our nation and leaders, peace

Upcoming Events:

  • Saturday 12/16 – 1:00pm – Christmas program practice in the auditorium
  • Sunday 12/17 – 10:00am Christmas Worship Service (No Sunday Classes)
    • 6:00pm – Discipleship groups
  • Wednesday 12/20 – 6:30pm – Prayer Meeting / Bible Study
  • Sunday 12/24 – 10:30am Worship service only

Blessed to be your Pastor!
Matthew Rowley

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