Greetings Friends               Pastor Dave Conrads

As we enter November (or is it September? 70?!), we look forward to the American holiday known as Thanksgiving. It is a special time to remember that everything we have is a gift from God...and it is to God that we give thanks!

In the text in James that we will be exploring this Sunday (4:13 - 5:6), we are reminded that we are not to be arrogant in thinking that we control our own destiny. And we are reminded to be generous and fair...not self-indulgent.

Thanksgiving is a season that serves as a reminder that our lives are in God's hands and that a proper response to God's sovereign care is that we live lives of selflessness and thanksgiving. A life of thanksgiving helps squash the arrogance and self-indulgence that we wrestle with. Let's live that kind of life...together...for the glory of God!

God's grace and peace be with you all,

Dave

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Thanksgiving Events

Prime Timers Catered Thanksgiving Meal
Noon, Sunday, November 15th

Sign up by Sunday, November 8th for this fun event for the fifty and over crowd or anyone else who wants to come! We will enjoy a feast together in the fellowship hall. A great time and great food for only $7.50 per person. Please pay Marvin Bailey for this event.

                         Converge Thanksgiving Service
                         Sunday, November 15th at 10:30 am*

We will be joining with Genesis Church as we celebrate the Thanksgiving season together through worship and baptism. Classes will be at 9:00 am on the 15th and the service will be at 10:30 am. We will also be having a baptism service if you want to participate. Let us know!

                          Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner
                          Thursday, November 26th from Noon til 5:30 pm

The River's annual Thanksgiving feast is here again! Come join us for turkey and all the trimmings on Thanksgiving Day. This is a great way to meet others in the community and be with others on this festive day. You can also volunteer to bring pies, pick up a Turkey from The River and cook it for the event, drive people, set up or clean. Let us know, we'll connect you.

Women's Fall Birthday Party

It's time to celebrate September/October/November birthdays!  You are invited to my home Thursday evening, November 12, at 6:30 p.m. for a fun time of fellowship and getting acquainted with each other as we eat dessert together.  

Directions to the Mitchell home at 3729 Donegal Ct:  Melrose Ave to Galway Dr; Galway Dr to the end; turn left on Donegal Ct; my house is the 6^th house on the right.

Please let me know if you will be able to attend either by calling Marge at 354-8604 or responding to this e-mail.  If I've forgotten someone, please invite them to come with you. Looking forward to spending time with you!

Operation Christmas Child
Collection Week November 16-23rd

Operation Christmas Child will be sending over 8 million shoeboxes
around the world this year to children who need Jesus! Our goal at The River is to collect 1500 as the Relay Center for the greater Iowa City area.
Want to be a part? Here's how:

Fill a shoebox with items you think a boy or girl would like or need.
Please purchase quality items you would buy your own child. Go to the website www.samaritanspurse.org to find out how to pack your box and see OCC videos or pick up a brochure next week in the foyer.  If you donate for the shipping online, you will find out where your box ends up! Collection times are listed below:

Cookie Exchange
9:30 am Saturday, December 12th

Bring four dozen, three to exchange and one to share the 12th as we enjoy the season and each other's company. We'll meet in the fellowship hall at The River and enjoy all the goodies!