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Contemplating Advent
"Advent is a time of preparation, a time to remember all the ways God has come to us and will come, a time to prepare ourselves for Christmas. It's a time of waiting and expectancy, a time of contemplation." Right. Like that's going to happen. Well, it certainly is counter cultural which means it's going to take some effort and some planning on our part. The first Sunday of Advent is November 28 so you still have time to google advent devotions and choose one that fits your life. You may also want to consider one or both of these options:
- Make Advent a meaningful time for your family by making a Jesse Tree this year. A Jesse Tree is a tree branch decorated with symbols representing the stories of people in Jesus' family tree. In Isaiah 11:1 we read, "A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots." Jesse was the father of David, Israel's greatest king. And it was from David's lineage that Jesus came. That's where the idea of using a Jesse Tree to celebrate Advent came from. Before a symbol is hung on the branch, a Bible passage or a story from a story Bible is read.
- The Shipley family is inviting the everyone to join them in weekly Advent devotionals at their house each Wednesday evening (December 1 - December 15) at 6:30 PM. Let Chris (wacoshipley@hotmail.com) know if you are planning to attend.
As you consider the challenge to be intentional about worship this Advent season, be inspired by these words taken from a devotional written by Chuck Barber a few years ago.
"In this and every season of Advent, let us wonder at a God who loves us so much that he would check his glory at Heaven's door to put on the prison jumpsuit of weak, dirty, mortal flesh, receive in himself the just punishment for our rebellion, and save us through the shedding of his own blood." |
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Changes in Children's Ministry
Beginning in January 2011, the curriculum used for K-5 Sunday School will change to the Kid Connection curriculum. We don't expect the children to notice much of a change since the format remains the same. Parents and Children's Ministry volunteers will notice a shift from a focus on a child's behavior to teaching our children to know and love God. The Kid Connection curriculum is written to teach children that God is at the heart of every story in the Bible, and that every story in the Bible is part of the big story of restoration and redemption of this fallen world through Jesus Christ. Until we find a new children's director, all of the staff are involved in children's ministry, but Dana is our point person. If you have any questions about how you can help in Riverland, please let Dana know. ( dana@rivercommunity.org or 225-931-1275) |
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Thanksgiving Feast, Sunday, November 21, 3 PM
It's that time again! One of our favorite events of the year - The Thanksgiving Feast. A day for the entire River family (along with their friends and family) to come together for a thankful celebration of God's goodness to us. And it takes all of us to pull off this joyful event!
Please bring your favorite Thanksgiving side dish and/or dessert to share. (We usually have too many desserts and have run short on side dishes before.) Please also consider helping out in one or more of the following areas:
- Frying Birds - a group of 5-7 fire up their fryers after the second service on Sunday. Dale Clary(adc@longlaw.com) is heading up this group of fry daddies. We have openings for 3-4 more on this team.
- Cutting them up - 3 people gather at a house near the church (Thanks to Justin and Donna Owens for offering their home!) to carve the fried birds. The Carving team is filled.
- Field Games
- Assist Ben and Andie Buckley (ben@rivercommunity.org) with field games for families with preschool and younger children.
- Assist Tommy Shepherd (752-1517) with the field games for the older than 5 crowd.
- Set Up
- 4-5 people to stay after the second service and set up tables and chairs in the Sanctuary.
- 2-3 people to receive and set out the side dishes, desserts, and turkey
- Clean Up - 4-5 people to stay after and reset the Sanctuary for Sunday worship services and clean the gathering area and kitchen.
Let us know you're coming and how you can help by replying to this email or signing up in the gathering area on Sunday. Contact Dana if you have any questions, dana@rivercommunity.org.
Please invite your friends and family to join us!
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River Sister's Night, November 12
The November's River Sister's night will be this Friday instead of the usual schedule of the third Friday of the month. They will meet at Albasha on Airline in Prairieville at 7pm for dinner and conversation. Email or call Georgia Small to let her know that you will make it, or just show up. As always, friends and relatives are welcome to tag along. Georgia Small 225-439-8420 or georgiasante@cox.net |
Men's Small Group Starting New Study Men, are you looking for a Bible study group? The Saturday morning group is starting a new study of Matthew's gospel on Saturday, November 13 and they would love for you to join them. They meet at the church each Saturday morning at 7 AM. Contact John Crane for more info, jcrane@sjstevedore.com or (225) 768-9576. |
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Fridays in the Park
(a note from Chris Shipley)
Hey, ladies. Summer's over, so our Thursday water park adventures have taken a hiatus, but getting together informally at a park was so much fun, we're doing it again! Each Friday (in good weather), let's meet at the new park at Hwy 42 and Hwy 73 at 9 AM. No commitment necessary...on the Fridays it fits in your life, come and let your tinies play while we talk! If you have questions, call Misty Handy at 225. 328.6223 (cell) Hope to see you Fridays at 9!
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Christmas Shoe Boxes
Bringing the Good News of God's love Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations worldwide through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God's love. Here are some ways you can make a difference in the lives of those children: Pray. Please pray that God will touch the heart of every child who receives a shoe box gift and that He will bring many children and families to faith in Christ. Pack a Gift. A shoe box filled with small toys and other gifts can open hearts to God's love. Instructional brochures are available in the gathering area at church on Sundays. All the information you need is also online at SamaritansPurse.org. Shoeboxes must be brought to the church by this Sunday, November 14.Give. Please remember to give $7 or more per box to cover shipping and other project costs. |
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The Festival for Africa
Benefiting Bethany Centre School in Uganda
Sunday, November 14, 12-4 PM
Over 30 artists will participate in a Gallery Show and Arts Market on Sunday, November 14 from 12-4 PM at VanGuard Gallery in downtown Baton Rouge. A percentage of the proceeds will directly benefit the Bethany Centre School in Uganda.
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Sermon Discussion/Application Group Each Sunday
Ronnie & Dana Sutton are hosting a sermon discussion/application group on Sundays from 4:30 to 6:00 PM. Please feel free to come when you can - you do not have to commit to every week. All are welcome. Our discussion typically focuses on the application of the sermon to our daily lives. Contact Ronnie for more info: Ron.Sutton@oxbow.com or 335-8006.
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Community
Corner |
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| Email your milestone to dana@rivercommunity.org and see it in next week's River Current. |
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EVENTS
Worship Services, Sundays, 9:00 & 10:45 AM
Sermon Discussion Group, Sunday, November 14, 4:30 PM
Wonder of it All Book Study, Wednesday, November 17, 6:30 PM
Thanksgiving Feast, Sunday, November 21, 3:00 PM
For more info on these and other events at River, click here.
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