 Baptism and Freedom
That is the title of one commentary's section on Romans 6. How appropriate for us. This Sunday we will be celebrating a number of baptisms on Independence Day. How ironic...or should I say "providential"?
As Paul continues to unravel the mystery and beauty of God's righteousness (his faithfulness to his covenant and his saving justice), he demonstrates how baptism is our means of identifying ourselves with Christ in his death (and the forgiveness of our sins), and also in his resurrection (and our newness of life in him).
Like Israel led by Moses out of slavery through the waters of the Red Sea, so we enter the waters of baptism out of slavery to sin. Like Israel led by God toward the Promised Land, so we are led by the Holy Spirit of God to the New Heavens and New Earth and the life to come. In the meantime, we continually remove and renounce the shackles of sin, and willingly become servants of God and his righteousness. That is true freedom. And that's the heart of the message that we will explore Sunday. Let's celebrate this true independence together!
God's grace and peace be with you all,
Dave
Big White House Grand Opening and 100 Year Celebration
I want to personally invite all of the River family to join the Genesis Church family in celebrating the Grand Opening of the Big White House at 1246 12th Ave in Coralville. From 1-4 p.m. we will have free BBQ (with vegetarian options), live music, yard games, and house tours. At 3 p.m. there will be a formal Dedication Ceremony (including Coralville Mayor Jim Fausett) and free raffle. Then at 4 p.m. we invite you to join us for a worship service on the grounds. The entire BWH parking lot will be used for elderly and handicap parking, the rest can park at Hillside School or the field behind it.
Please pray that many of our neighbors join us and that we might have weather like we're having today...or even better!
I'd love to see hundreds of folks come through...bring a friend and come celebrate with Genesis!
Pastor Dave
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 Prime Timers Potluck/Picnic
6 - 8 pm Thursday, July 8th
Northridge Pavilion in Coralville
Come to our annual potluck at the Northridge Pavilion in Coralville. This is a really nice place to gather and we have lots of fun at this event. Sign up soon at the Welcome Center and bring that special dish you make to share with us.
 Community Hymn Sing
5:00 - 5:45 pm Sunday, July 11
We are moving the hymn sing this month due to the fourth of July being on Sunday! We encourage you to attend the festivities at the Big White House. We'll see you here on the next Sunday instead. Bring a friend and join us!
 4th of July Hours
The office will be closed Friday July 2nd for the 4th of July holiday.
 Want Ads
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The River custodian is looking for a room for a couple of nights a week in exchange for cleaning. Please contact the office if you can help her and would like cleaning done in your home.
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One of our food bank families needs furniture of all kinds for a family of six people. Please contact Teress Johnson @ 319-631-3280 or Darlene Nelson if you can help.
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Pat Silvia's neighbor and good friend is looking for a very inexpensive car. If you may have something she could use, let her know.
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Centennial Celebration of the Big White House and Grand Opening
After Parade - 4:00 pm July 4th
Going to the parade in Coralville this year? Good! Look for us in the parade. Then come over to the Big White House afterwards. We will be celebrating all afternoon there - 1246 12th Ave. in Coralville.
There will be a hog roast (with vegetarian options), lawn games, live music, and a free raffle! The dedication ceremony for the Big White House will be at 3pm with a worship service planned for 4pm. Join us, it's a great way to celebrate! Bring the whole family and stay for the day.
 Wildlife Weekends
8:30 - 11:00 am July 10th
Macbride Nature Recreation Area
7-12 year olds +/- Parents
Outdoor Fun. "Wildlife Weekends" is about spending time in the great outdoors and enjoying the wonder of creation. Expect to get a little muddy, meet friendly creatures up close, see a fascinating world right in your back yard, and have a blast without having to plug in ANYTHING. Forms are available at the Welcome Center. Contact Gareth Smith from Genesis for more information or to sign up. garethrsmith@gmail.com
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 Operation Christmas Child
I wanted to remind you all that right now would be a great time to purchase school supply items for shoe boxes at your favorite retailer. Soon, discount stores will have many items for very little cost that doesn't happen the rest of the year. Pens, pencils, paper,notebooks and all that stuff. Collection week is November 15-22. I'm very excited about this year and I hope you are also. If you are interested in volunteering this year with the collection of shoeboxes or if you need anything at all, please let me know. thanks and God Bless.
Ann Struve
Iowa City Relay Center Coordinator
319-331-2523
Bartsch Update
Carla had successful cataract surgery recently, thank you for praying. Continue to pray for no allergic reaction to the acrylic in the new lens. Both of Carla and Dick's children returned safely from Africa and China. Please pray for them to be an encouragement to their families this month, for them to catch up on work responsibilities for their colleagues in Asia, for Carla as she makes major changes in curriculum, and for their future employment after April 2011. Thank you!
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. In addition, the Christian Culture Center whom we work with on Wade Street in Towncrest is collecting used clothing in all sizes. Please put your donations in the food pantry box in the foyer or take directly there. 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:
Bread, cheese, TP, hot dogs, chicken noodle soup - Thank You
*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 .
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