Practice Justice?

In Paul's letter to the church in Rome, he states this premise (literally in Greek): "The righteousness (justice) of God in the Gospel (good news) is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, "But the righteous from faith will live." (1:17)

Later he shares that the wrath of God is being revealed against humanity due to how we have worshipped creation rather than God, the Creator...and that the fall out from that is a perversion of all things...from sex, to money, to just about every aspect of human relationships.

And if we look around we have to agree that things are in a sad state of affairs. From war around the globe to oil spills in the gulf...there is brokeness everywhere. And that brings us back to "The righteousness (justice) of God". God so loved the cosmos (john 3:16) that through his Son, our risen Lord, Christ Jesus, God will make all things new...that is his justice. He will fix what is broken and bring his justice (righteousness) to the world.

Though the fulfillment of that is to come...we, the Church, are to be a foretaste of that great Day when all things are made new. We are to practice justice (righteousness) right here, right now. Unfortunately, the Church has too often passed judgement, rather than healing to what is broken...to make right(eous) what is wrong in the world. So how might that look on your block, your neighborhood, your city? Seriously. How might that look? Shoot me and email and let me know: Pastordave@rivercommunitychurch.org.

I look forward to worshipping with you Sunday!

Reminders

A reminder:  The first Sunday of each month we serve communion in the traditional manner.  That means this week will be traditional communion.  It also means that we will not pass the offering plates, but ask you to put your offering in one of the boxes in the back of the sanctuary.  Any loose cash in the box will be used for benevolence, helping people in our own church community with special needs they may have.  You may also designate part of your check for benevolence.  This is done by marking the amounts on your offering envelope. 

Our Leadership team is composed of elders and deacons.  The team leader must be an elder.  Here is a reminder of what the policies manual says about Elders

2.  ELDERS

• a)  Elders are to be mature men who are spiritual examples to the church body and to the surrounding community.  (See Titus 1:6-9; I Timothy 3:1-7, 5:17-19).  Our senior and associate pastors, by virtue of their call, are considered Elders.  Other Elders may be recognized by the church.  The church should recognize such men by their spiritual calling and their Christian walk. 

• b)  The word Elder means overseer.  Elders are men who oversee the spiritual and discipleship concerns of the church.  The Elders shall be part of the church Leadership Team.  They shall have additional responsibilities to oversee the various ministries of the church. 

Our pastors plus Mark Jessop and Claude Williams are elders.  We have asked Jim Broffitt if he would consider becoming an elder.  We believe that he meets the qualifications, and has the Christian walk, to be a positive example for the congregation and in the community.  He has agreed to the position.  His name will be presented to the congregation for affirmation at an appropriate time in the near future.  As always, we are open to your feedback on this position.  Please share any concerns with one of the current elders.  Thanks

Big "8-0" Birthday for Claude
2 - 5 pm Saturday, June 26th @ The River

This is it! You only turn 80 once in your life. Our own Claude Williams is turning 80 the Thursday before and so we and his family and friends are going to celebrate on Saturday! Come and wish him well. His family is having a multi-themed party for all the things Claude has been involved in during his life. Bring a card and have some dessert and tell some stories while you are here.

Hymn Sing
5-5:45 pm Sunday, June 6

Maybe you remember the traditional hymns you grew up with at church, maybe you've never even heard them! Well come gather with us and several from around the community to praise God through the hymns written by our forefathers of our faith. We'll also have a short devotional and refreshments will be served. Come and be blessed!

Centennial Celebration of the Big White House and Grand Opening
Noon - 6:00 pm July 4th

Going to the parade in Coralville this year? Good! Then come over to the Big White House afterwards. We will be celebrating all afternoon there - 1246 12th Ave. in Coralville. They will be having a dedication ceremony and a hog roast as well as lots of other fun and fellowship. Bring the whole family and stay for the day. More details to come....

Martinson Update

Chip, Lisa, Lizzie and Emma leave June 17th for their next job in Miami, Fl. Please pray for a smooth transition during the move, a new Christian community for them, preparations for a full fall of ministry, that Chip would lead and love his family well and follow Christ. They welcome visitors expecially in January from the Midwest! Read all about it, including Chip's trip to jail in their letter in the resource center. Their new address will be 9013 SW 206th St. Miami FL 33189. You can also connect with Chip on www.facebook.com/chipmartinson.

Bartsch Update

Dick and Carla Bartsch will come home soon to stay for a few months with family. They would like prayer for:

God's guidance as to where to continue serving beyond next spring.
Guidance for Dick as he works with colleagues online with study materials.
Guidance for Carla in her administrative responsibilities for curriculum for a workshop in September overseas.
Safe travel, health, and guidance for Rebekah and Justin and they travel and work this summer.

Lewis Update

Please pray for Lewis' as they come home on furlough.

Food Bank Needs This Week

Current needs are listed each week....a way for you to Go & Share the love of Christ! Lists are also available at church for you to carry in your wallet. Please place your items in the box in the foyer or if needed, in the fridge or freezer in the kitchen labeled for food bank. Cash donations are also welcome as we purchase additional items from HACAP for a reduced price. Also, please pray for those being served, that they would have relationships with Christ as savior and continue to grow!  This week we are in need of:

Mac & cheese,pastas and sauce, canned tuna and chicken, syrup, chicken noodle soup, peaches, whole kernel corn, peas, oatmeal, hamburger, hotdogs, milk bread, TP, paper towels, stewed tomatoes, turkey hams, beef stew.

In addition, the Christian Culture Center whom we work with on Wade Street is collecting used clothing in all sizes. Please put your donations in the food pantry box in the foyer.

*More information about these and other updates is available in the Resource Center. Pick up a letter and pray! See how God works! Local opportunities are listed next to the updates.
We welcome your stories of how you see the love of Christ is being shared also, just email us, we'll pass it on .