Question: I want to go to church here! How do I jump in?
Answer: We’re glad you like us! First, we’d highly encourage you to come to church every week, or as often as you are able. Just like it’s hard to follow the plot of a movie if you’re in and out of the room a lot, it’s hard to really feel a part of a church if you’re only there sporadically. Second, get involved in one of our small groups. Connect with Pastor Steve or Joan (or any one of the leaders) and they will help you find a group that is a good fit for you. Third, people who work together get to know one another, so we encourage people to find a place to serve on Sunday mornings. There are lots of different areas to serve! Take some time to get to know us and the vision of the church!
Question: Do you have childcare?
Answer: Yes we do! Our Children’s Ministry at The River Church is Christ-centered, safe, and fun. Nursery is available during the entire service for children ages 6 -24 months. After the worship segment of our service, children in preschool through grade 6 are dismissed for Sunday school. All classes are downstairs. Ushers are in the foyer to help direct newcomers.
Question: What do you have in your church for teens?
Answer: We’re glad you asked! If you are between 12 and 18 years old and looking for a place to connect with young people who are seeking to know God, The River Youth Group is for you! Our teens meet Wednesday nights at 7:00 pm at the church. You can get connected by contacting our office or Youth Leader Jason Neymeyer.
Question: How can I get prayer for something?
Answer: We’d be happy to pray for you! During the week you may call or email the church office with your prayer request. On Sundays there is always a prayer team couple at the front of the church after the service. We also meet for prayer for the church and our nation every Monday evening at 7:00 pm. Feel free to join us!
Question: What can I do to grow closer to God?
Answer: It can be exhausting trying to live life by your own strength, trying your best to be good enough, carrying all kinds of burdens! God cares about you and wants to help you, but you need to be willing to let him run your life. He can bring good out of the worst mess! To let Jesus be the boss of your life, here are a few things you should know:
- God really loves you. He has since the day you were born. He’s on your side and is excited that you want to get to know him! He has great things for you in life!
- Your sin has separated you from God. We’ve all inherited a sin nature from birth. As hard as you have tried to be a good person and not hurt anyone, I guarantee that you have let someone down some time in your life. We have all fallen short of our own expectations for ourselves. More importantly, we have fallen WAY short of God’s standards for our lives! The Bible calls this sin, and with that comes some bad news: The Bible says that the penalty for sin is death, which is separation from God forever.
- The good news is that Jesus paid the penalty that you owed for your sin. He died for you! He did this so that you wouldn’t have to. And so that you would not be separated any longer from God, who loves you and desires a relationship with you!
- Salvation is a gift. You can’t earn it, but like any gift you do need to receive it! So take it and open it with me in prayer right now:
Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner and that my life falls far short of your standard of holiness. I am amazed that you love me, even knowing what I’m like on the inside. You Word says I deserve to die for my sin, but Jesus, you died in my place! Thank you! Thank you that you have forgiven me of all my sins. I receive your gift of forgiveness and salvation. I want you to be the boss of my life. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me to get to know you in a deeper way. I want to give my life over to your control and live in a way that’s pleasing to you. Help me do this, Jesus. I’m yours for good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.