Making reproducing disciples of Jesus Christ

Serving Christ with Expectation 2/22

Dear River Reach Family,

They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”

Acts 1:12

My children and I have something fun planned for this afternoon. All day long they have been stopping by my office to ask, “When are we going?” Until 3:00pm rolls around, they need to keep doing their school work! God’s grace promises a wonderful future for us! Our hearts long for the day when Christ will usher in the next phase of His glorious kingdom bringing an end to suffering and sin. We long to be in His presence enjoying the blessings of His kingdom. Just prior to Christ’s ascension back to heaven the disciples could not contain their anticipation. They gushed, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6) They were unaware that Christ’s plan included an age of grace for all peoples of the world to receive the free gift of forgiveness and redemption through faith in Him. They were to be the ones to usher in this new age of grace. Without tamping down their kingdom expectations, Jesus called them to serve Him as witnesses to the world while they wait (Acts 1:8). He will be back shortly! (Acts 1:11) Our mission and mindset should be the same today!

Sermon: “Serving Christ with Expectation” – Acts 1:6-11

Ladies Night Out this evening @ 6:00pm

The ladies of the church will be meeting for dinner and fellowship at Ted Montana’s grill at the Town Center. I’m sure it will be a wonderful time!

Shepherding a Child’s Heart Class continues this Sunday @ 6:00pm


Details: Sunday evenings @ 6:00pm

Assignment: Read Chapter 2: “Your Child’s Development: Shaping Influences”

Class Schedule:

Session 1: Getting to the Heart of Behavior
Session 2: You’re in Charge
Session 3: Your Child’s Development: Shaping Influences (2/24)
Session 4: Your Child’s Development: Godward Orientation
Session 5: Examining Your Goals
Session 6: Discarding Unbiblical Methods
Session 7: Embracing Biblical Methods: Communication
Session 8: Embracing Biblical Methods: Appeal to Conscience, Life of Communication Session 9: Embracing Biblical Methods: Discipline Process
Session 10: Shepherding Children: Ages 0-5
Session 11: Shepherding Children: Ages 6-12
Session 12: Shepherding Children: Teens

Book: Shepherding a Child’s Heart – I have more books available for those who need them. A study guide may be downloaded here. I will also have a few printed versions available.

Praise the Lord for a great start to the parenting class last Sunday evening! I appreciate the good discussion and rejoice that God enabled a good group of you to turn out. May the Lord bless you for your desire to honor Him by learning how to shepherd the hearts of your children to love and serve Jesus Christ.

Refresh Conference Date Change to March 24-27!

We look forward to a time of annual spiritual refreshment through the ministry of Matt Herbster at the end of March. Initially we had scheduled March 31-April 4th, but we found out this week that Brother Herbster had accidentally scheduled us for March 24-27th. The good news is that our spiritual refreshment will be here one week earlier!

Upcoming Events:

  • Sunday 2/24 – 9:25am – Sunday Classes (Adult and Children’s classes)
    • 10:30am – Morning Worship: “Acts: Your Part in God’s Plan”
    • 6:00pm – Shepherding a Child’s Heart class
  • Wednesday 2/27 – 6:30pm – Prayer and Bible Study
  • Save the Date: March 24-27 – Refresh Conference with Matt Herbster

Prayer Requests:

  • Pelcs as they move onto the base this week
  • Carolyn’s vehicle situation
  • Spiritual growth for those being discipled
  • Our nation to repent and turn to God
  • Someone that the Lord can use you to lead to Christ
  • Someone that the Lord can use you to lead to follow Christ
  • Peace in our nation and around the world
  • Our missionaries as they serve the Lord around the world

Blessed to be your Pastor!
Matthew Rowley

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