Dear River Reach Family,

“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. ²⁹ “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;

Acts 20:28-29

On a recent visit to a family member’s small farm in Tennessee our family was greeted in the driveway by a very large white dog. We learned that they purchased their Great Pyrenees dog a few years back when they were attempting to raise goats. For herd animals to thrive, they need plenty of nutritious grass and fresh water, but providing sustenance is not enough. A fattened sheep or goat is a prize find for a pack of wolves. Herd animals need a shepherd or dog to guard them from predators and protect them from danger. In our passage for this Sunday, Paul warns the Ephesian church leaders of their critical responsibility of guarding themselves and their flock for the certain onslaught of false teachers. Undetected and unconfronted unbiblical philosophies and ideologies can rip apart a believer or a church and render them unfruitful and unprofitable for the Lord. With a graphic image of fierce danger we are warned to be on the alert!

Sermon: “Watch Out for Wolves” – Acts 20:28-32

Loving one another in our in person gatherings during this pandemic

Last week we received great news that the Navy is now allowing service members to attend in person worship services again! With the blessing also comes an opportunity for us to show love for one another to help others be able to join us in person. The Navy is re-granting this freedom with a few restrictions. If a service member will be within 6 feet of another person, they request that both parties wear a face mask. Conversations beyond 6 feet don’t require a face mask.

Clarification on the Mayor’s Mask policy:

This past week we received clarification on the Mayor’s mask policy from the mayor via his chief of staff. If a venue is large enough to enable social distancing indoors, then face masks are not required.

Masks are required when social distancing is not possible, but the venue capacity was enough that people could keep their distance.

Chief of Staff Jordan Elsbury

Praise the Lord for spacious facilities that will easily enable us to follow these guidelines! Since our return to in-person worship, we have spaced the chairs in the auditorium to enable us to meet the 6 ft. guidelines. Our lobby and outdoor areas also provide ample space to maintain a 6 ft. separation when required. A big thank you to Douglas for providing a box of disposable masks on the credenza in the lobby if you need them. Let’s continue praying that the Lord will help us get through this virus and get back to closer fellowship in His time!

Congratulations to Brian on his retirement today!

We thank the Lord for the grace He has abundantly provided for Brian to transition today to retirement! On such a momentous occasion we we are able to rejoice together in God’s grace. Congratulations Brian and Dawn and we look forward to how the Lord will expand your ministry for Him in the days ahead!

This Week’s Schedule:

• Sunday
  • 9:25am – Adult and children’s classes (Adult class and Timothy class online as well through Sunday morning link)
  • 10:30am – Morning Worship (nursery available)
• Wednesday: 6:30pm online only

Live Streaming Links

• Live streaming to Zoom available for all services
  • Morning Worship: https://zoom.us/j/360308233
  • Wednesday Prayer and Bible Study: https://zoom.us/j/225762120
  • Backup Plan: If Zoom goes down we will move to Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/qbm-xhcd-vxf

Zelle Online Giving available

If you would like to give an offering through an electronic means, you may now give through Zelle. You will find our church listed under the email address: give@riverreachbaptist.org

If you put in the email address correctly Zelle should recognize the recipient as “River Reach Baptist Church, Inc.” If you have any questions, please contact me.

Prayer Requests:

• Melody in the ICU
• Our state and nation as we continue to battle Covid-19
• Carolyn and Mark restoring their home after a flood
• Our leaders to have wisdom
• Opportunities to share Christ in these uncertain times
• 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
• Our missionaries as they serve the Lord around the world

Blessed to be your Pastor!
Matthew Rowley