Away from home, the struggle for hope is intense for the Hebrew people.
How will our story end? Has God given up on humanity? What will God do next? This week brings home God's blessing
and provision. Do you feel away from home? Could you use a word of hope? Come and gather at the River for encouragement
and hope for your story.
Daniel and his fellow exiles faced a daunting challenge. How could they
live as holy people in the midst of an unholy culture? There must be a lesson of purpose for us in the story of Daniel. How might
we honor God with our lives and witness to a love that can bring hope to all.
I am very excited to invite Ellen Williams-Masson to preach for us this
week. Ellen will explore the archeological and cultural aspects of scripture written by the prophet Jeremiah. Ellen spent
time in the Holy Land and will give us creative insight into the meaning of life giving water that quenches our deepest thirsts.
Ellen is also beginning the process for ordination in the United Methodist Church.
In Christ,
Pastor Gary
T oday we explore the story of Israel falling to other nations. What happens
when leaders make poor decisions? Well, we have seen it over and over in the story of Israel. Today is a good day to confirm
our trust in God, and our dedication to Jesus Christ and his leadership in our lives. This could be the beginning of eternity
for many of us!
D o you have bad days? Days when it would have been much better to stay in bed.
This week is for you. We will learn about God's unfolding story through the story of Hosea. You need to know that no matter how
difficult and painful life gets, God will whisper to you, come home. God's love is always calling you to a home in God's grace.
T his week we continue the story by looking at the impact of poor leadership
and the importance of trusting God. God does keep his word, and will work to accomplish God's plan to bring people into a
relationship with him in a perfect community forever. This is a good Story of God's redeeming love.
G od came to the young King Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask for whatever
you want me to give you.” Solomon asked for something that would guide his rule and his writings. What would you have
asked for? Today we hear about the effect an "Understanding Heart" had on Solomon and discover the effect it could have on you.
W ith the beginning of a new year, wouldn't it be nice to be able to start fresh...you know...get a
restart on life. This new beginning would allow us to move past experiences that have caused us to hurt others....even hurt
ourselves. Maybe we have a broken relationship with God, and we feel so far from his loving grace. This year we begin by
looking at a story of David, recognized as one deeply loved by God, yet David messed up big several times. This is a story where
God reveals to you and me that God forgives, and offers new starts. Next week we will be back to our normal Sunday services of
8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.. Please come start the new year out right, gather at the River for encouragement great fellowship.
