Annual Meeting: Looking to the Future
Pastor Gail Mitchell
Almost 3 years ago the church went through major change and struggle. We survived as a smaller church questioning what we should do and which direction we should pursue. We came up with a new organizational structure, a new vision statement, and finally a new policy and procedure document. We decided to minister to the people of our neighborhood. Our flood relief program launched us into a much stronger food bank ministry. (Darlene says we are now serving about 25 families per month! Wow! What a lot of food!) We have been hosting Narcotics Anonymous every Friday evening, now they are asking for Tuesday evening also. Almost every week someone communicates a major life decision to one of the staff. It is amazing what God is doing here, using our facilities and our people to change the lives of those he sends to us.
I recognize that I rambled a lot in that previous paragraph. I was trying to say that we have come a long way, and we are now seeing signs of growth. So we wonder, "Where do we go from here?" At the annual meeting on Sunday we will look at our vision statement and our future. Where does our vision take us next? What should be our next steps in church growth and ministry to Iowa City? Sunday we'll hear a few testimonies, review and renew our vision, and finalize our budget.
And of course, we'll eat together. Let Lorraine know if you have special needs for cooking or keeping food warm. She will try to coordinate the use of the ovens, etc. See you then.
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 Women's Birthday Party
6:30 pm Tuesday, April 27th
Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday, dear friend, Happy Birthday to you! And many more....
Let's celebrate our birthdays together near the fountain at The River! Please join us for a fun time of fellowship and getting acquainted as we eat dessert together.
Please let me know if you can come or not. I'll be sending out a postcard to those who don't have e-mail, but if you know of someone else who has a birthday in April (or that we missed in March or February), invite them to come with you! If you need a ride, please let Marge know.
RSVP to her at 354-8604 or 321-4443.
 Annual Meeting & Potluck
Sunday,April 25th
Join us for a time of celebration for what God has done at and through The River for the past year. We will hear some praises and vote on the budget for the next year and then fellowship afterwards! We will provide the drinks and tableware. Please bring a main dish and a side dish or dessert to share. We have outlets for crock-pots and can warm things up also. Let Lorraine Bailey know if you need to use the oven to cook something for the potluck. Reports are available today for you to look at before the meeting on the 25th. There will be no adult education classes this day.
 Prime Timers
7:00 pm Friday, May 7
Come hear Kimberly Peloquin speak about her recent missions trip to Peru. We will serve dessert and coffee. It will be a very interesting evening.
Please register by emailing us or signing up at the Welcome Center at The River.
Want Ads
Patti Silvia, a River attendee is looking for a good used bike. She's also looking for house cleaning work. If you can help her, please contact The River office or Patti herself.
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Psalm 32 Group
Psalm 32 Group is an informal gathering on Wednesday nights 7pm at the Big White House for anyone who is looking for meaning and direction in life. We review a 10 minute Rob Bell Nooma Series video and discuss what is on our heart. Our purpose is to provide a safe, grace filled, confidentially secure environment. Promote openness, mutual love, respect and support. Uphold the Lord as our source for understanding, hope and healing. "On the journey together... finding rest for the soul" Ps 32: The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you."
Contact Donovan Trana at 563-299-0144 (work/personal Ph #) or email at donovantrana@gmail.com
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Weekend Opportunity
We have no Go & Share updates this week. What are your plans for the weekend? Why not serve someone you know, a friend or relative, or even someone you don't know! A neighbor or someone who looks like they need help. Keep your eyes open this weekend as you go through your days and look and pray for the opportunities that come your way, you might be surprised how God brings them into your life. Respond to that nudge and see Him work. Have a great weekend!
Reclaiming Roots
8am - Noon on Saturday, May 1
This did come in last minute to share. We have a great opportunity to help the Miller-Orchard neighborhood in Iowa City start a community garden. May 1st {reclaiming roots} will be taking a vacant lot full of trash, scrap, over-grown trees and underbrush and peel it back to help it flourish once again.
We believe a community garden is at the center of what it means to be a healthy community. Growing and sharing food, cultivating life as a community, these are practices that make a neighborhood thrive. So if you believe community is vital - you need to be there. If you believe you can restore beauty - you need to be there. If you want to be part of something larger than yourself - you need to be there! Register at www.reclaimingroots.org or contact Stan Laverman at 319.530.4076.
*More information about these and other updates is available in The River office.
We welcome your letters of how you see the love of Christ is being shared also, just email us.
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 Walk For Life
9:00 am Saturday, May 1
Choices Medical Clinic in Iowa City offers true hope by helping women turn their fear into confidence. This is done by serving them with sound medical care and the compassion of Christ. Help them provide by joining the walk! You can register on-line at www.informedchoiceia.org or at the walk, or pick up a form at The River. There are three choices of locations to walk: City Park Shelter #6, Kent Park Blue Bird Shelter, or Lake MacBride State Park Main Lodge.
 National Day of Prayer
Thursday, May 6th
Consider taking time to pray this day along with the millions of others uniting Americans from all socio-economic, political, and ethnic backgrounds in prayer for our nation. The mission is to mobilize the Christian community to intercede for America and its leadership in the seven centers of power: Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church, and Family. Check out the website http://nationaldayofprayer.org. The following are the closest local events for people to gather at, but please remember to pray regularly on your own to uphold our country:
- 3rd Ave & 5th St. SE in Cedar Rapids Iowa
12 noon - 05/06/2010 1:00 p.m.
This observance is hosted by the Linn County Association of Evangelicals. Watch for more details as the day grows closer. Contact: Brother Charles -- 319-378-0337 www.servethecity.org
06:00 am - 05:00 pm
The church will be open for those who wish to come in and pray for our nation today. Prayer guides will be available. Contact: Jan Hoffman -- (563) 263-7472
Older American's Health & Wellness Fair
9am - 4pm Friday, April 30 @ Johnson Co Fairgounds
Come to this first annual event for seniors sponsored by several agencies, organizations and businesses serving elders in Johnson County. Several screenings will be offered through the day including hearing, skin cancer, balance, diabetes, dental and blood pressure. This is a free event and park and ride is available. Call The Senior Center to reserve a ride at 319-356-5220.
Concerts
 Mark Schultz Concert
7:00 pm Friday, May 21
Grace Community Church in North Liberty
Come hear a great concert right here in the Iowa City area. Mark Schultz, a well known Christian contemporary artist will be performing. Mark won his first Dove award in 2006 and resides in North Carolina. With Mark himself being adopted, this event is a fund raiser for a new adoption ministry here. Tickets are $20 and can be obtained by calling 626-2040.
 Paul Donaldson
3:00 pm Sunday, April 25th @ Parkview Church
Come hear a lovely solo violin recital by Paul who is raising money to benefit the China Exchange Program. A free will donation will be accepted. Paul will be playing 11 pieces with a variety of composers including Bach, Bohm, Rachmaninoff and others. Several hymns will be included.
 Dedication of New Allen Organ
3:00 pm Sunday, April 25th @ St. Pats
4330 St. Patrick Drive in Iowa City
The newly built St. Pats will dedicate it's new organ with a concert recently installed by the Foster Family Music of Bettendorf. Organist Steven Steely will perform.
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