Dear River Reach Family,

“The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; ²⁵ nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything.

Acts 17:24-25

Authority must come from somewhere. What gives a person the right to hold another person accountable? Why can your government, or your boss make rules that you must follow? Expand this question to God’s authority. Why does God have the right to have expectations for us and hold us accountable for how we respond to His authority? Before we will ever bow our knee before God and worship Him, we must first acknowledge His authority. Many religious people would naturally acknowledge God’s authority, but what would lead the average non-religious human being to acknowledge God’s authority? Having observed the spiritual position of his audience, Paul takes a completely different approach to sharing the Gospel to the Athenians (Acts 17:22-31) than he does when he shares the Gospel with the Jews (Acts 13:16-41). Gentiles need to see God’s authority, justice, and love before they will place their faith in Jesus Christ. This Sunday we will learn from Paul’s Gospel presentation to those who had never heard.

Sermon: “Proclaiming the God the Creator to the World” – Acts 17:22-32

Men’s Meeting / Workday tomorrow morning @ 8:30am

After a short men’s meeting, we will continue working on the second half of the garage roof. I greatly appreciate all the help from those who helped last month and will be able to help tomorrow morning!

Overnight youth activity at Anastasia State Park this Sunday-Monday

We are looking forward to having a great time at our first youth activity this Sunday evening through Monday afternoon! All children in the older Sunday classes are invited to join us. We have two campsites rented and look forward to a fun time of camping, kayaking, cooking hot dogs and smores over the fire, Bible challenge, and hanging out together!

Time Change: Spring Ahead this Sunday!

Connection Sunday Evening March 8th

This Sunday evening is a scheduled Connection Sunday Evening. This year as a church we are working to develop relationships with our unsaved friends and neighbors as well as with each other outside of regular church events. It is our desire to be on mission developing loving relationships with people to lead them to Christ and to lead them to follow Christ. May the Lord give us the heart of Jesus toward those around us! (Matthew 9:36)

The goal is to be working toward developing relationships. Your effort is not a waste if the details don’t work out each time. Relationships take time to develop. The Lord is honored through our attempts to take the next step in identifying and building redemptive relationships.

Upcoming Events:

• Saturday 3/7 – 8:30am – Men’s Meeting / Workday
• Sunday 3/8 – 9:25am – Adult and Children’s Classes for all ages
  • 10:30am – Morning Worship: Songs and Sermon (Children’s Church and nursery available)
  • Connection Sunday Evening (No Evening Service)
• Sunday 3/8-9 – Youth Overnight Camping at Anastasia State Park
• Wednesday 3/11 – 6:30pm – Prayer Meeting and Bible Study
• Sunday 3/15 – Community Christian School Senior Trip (Serving our church and presenting music)
  • Lunch Fellowship

Prayer Requests:

• A fun and safe youth activity!
• To have wisdom as a church and individuals to bring glory to our Lord in 2020
• Spiritual growth and strength for each one in our church
• 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