 Greetings Friends!
Pastor Dave Conrads
I just wanted to remind you that we are remembering the death and burial of Jesus Christ ("The Lamb of God") tonight at a special service at the Big White House (1246 12th Ave, Coralville). Since we may have some elderly people joining us, we ask that we save those parking spots next to the house (south side of lot) for them. We may also park in the lot of Hillside Christian School. The service will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Upper Room, with overflow and video feed in the Fireside Room.
Also on Sunday, we will be meeting at the River Community Church to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ ("The Resurrected Lord").
Both congregations are converging together for these services. Brunch will begin being served at 9:00 a.m., worship will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m., and an Easter Egg Hunt will be held immediately after the service in the green space east of the parking lot. (We are also still in need of nursery workers - let me know if you can help out.) I hope you can join us for these special services! To get you ready for Sunday here's a peak at a new song Cody and Joey and gang are going to lead off with: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYESNOPpXV4
God's grace and peace be with you all!
Dave
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The New Year
Pastor Gail Mitchell
At the business meeting on Sunday the new budget was approved by a vote of 33-0. This allows us to operate on the new budget until the annual meeting on April 25. We also presented the possibility of adding another part-time associate pastor to our staff. He has experience in missions and urban ministries. His gifts include evangelism and discipleship. His role here would be to help us grow. The growth that we desire is not fast, easy growth, but the solid kind that brings new believers to a strong faith in Christ. Brent is in his 30's with 3 children and a strong desire to work in a situation where pastors are allowed to develop and use their gifts in a partnership with other pastors. If we add him to our staff, we will have to amend the budget. This could be done at a later time. Please pray for God's leading, at the River, at Genesis, and in the life of this family.
I haven't seen the exact count of food bank contributions. The number is around 625 with one week to go. Bring your food donations or cash donations to church on Easter. A good day could easily meet our challenge goal of 1000 items. Darlene continues to give away food rapidly. We continue to feed 15 to 20 families each month. We have added a refrigerator to the food bank, so we will be able to buy milk and cheese, etc. We need peanut butter, canned meats, fruit, bread, etc.
The preliminary figures are in for the church budget year that ended March 31. The income almost exactly matched the budget, and expenses were about $4,000 lower. So, the check book grew a bit this year. The last 3 years have been remarkable in the life of this church. Together we have turned around the debt, and given ourselves a cushion of $20,000 +. Our challenge for the years to come is to turn that money into more changed lives. Thanks for your faithful giving, and for your prayers.
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 Annual Meeting & Potluck
10:15 am Sunday, April 25th
It's time to celebrate! Sunday the 25th, we will praise God together for what He has done at and through The River this past year. Join us for this special event. We will vote on the budget for the next fiscal year and then fellowship together with a potluck afterwards (about 11:15 or so). Bring something to share with the rest of us!
 Jessop Baby Shower
2:00 pm Sunday, April 18th
A new baby is on the way to the Jessop house to join Julie, Mark, Susan and Raymond! Come help celebrate in the fellowship hall on the 18th. Questions? Contact Emily Piette.(or Julie) for things the baby will need or how you can help make this a very special time.
 Library Resources
There are a few new things in the Resource Center at The River. You can now pick up extra programs, newsletters, prayer matters, ministry info, bibles, hymnals and much more from the area just inside the Resource entrance. More free items have been added to the collection in that same area so check them out. While you are in there, look at the books for sale and all of the ones you can check out! Read a book, discuss it with a friend, grow and learn!
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Pine Lake Update
Today officially starts the next chapter of Pine Lake Camps. Today, Ben Frank can officially be called Pine Lake Camps' Director. Today, maybe right now, Ben, Erin, Nehemiah, Adelynne and family are loading their belongings in Minnesota, to join us here on Monday. This is a big event for them. Please pray for them as they bring little ones to a new home, new responsibilities and new friends.
Summer '10 is bearing down on us. It's exciting to watch the summer staff list fill in. Reading the testimonies of these young people is very encouraging. There are some strong young leaders headed to Pine Lake to love on our kids and share the life and message of the gospel. Good days are ahead.
There's still a little room for servant hearted staffers. A couple more male counselors would strengthen the list. We particularly need a high school guy who is willing to serve with the Maintenance/Housekeeping Team. There may also be a college age Lifeguard position open. Pray for the staff as the leadership team develops and begins to wrap their hearts and minds around "Jimbo's Surfshop." A look at the book of James, Believe, Don't Doubt.
One announcement that needs to come quickly to everyone's attention:
There will be a Prayer Summit, here at Pine Lake Camps on Saturday, April 17th. Coffee, rolls, fellowship at 9:30am. Prayer at 10 am. Dedication of the summer staff at noon followed by lunch. There will be a "Kids Pray" session for the younger children. Please pass the word and join us for this very important time as we seek God's power and protection for this new chapter and the summer ahead.Please give us a call and let us know how many to expect and plan for.
Roger
Bartsch Update
Please pray for:
- Guideance as they get back into their responsibilities for administration and linguistics consulting and computer training/support and archiving in the Asian country they are in.
- Flexibility and inner peach as they live with a severe water shortage and only a few hours of electricity each day and unpredictability in the local polical situation.
Praise Him for:
- Safe travels through several countries in the last two months
- Good health
- Good friends
Martinsons Are Moving
Chip and Lisa Martinson who have been the Campus Crusade directors at the University of Iowa are moving to Miami to become the City Directors for CCC there. Pray for their house to sell in Iowa City, for them to find a new home in the Miami area, for transition of family and for a new ministry of 450,000 students in the Miami area. Martinson's can be reached through 319.621.1234 for Chip, or www.facebook.com/chipmartinson. Continue to pray for CCC at the University of Iowa for it to continue to be a healthy outreach from God's body to others.
*More information about these updates and others are available in The River office.
We welcome your letters about opportunities to serve and how you see the love of Christ being shared also, just email us.
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