September 15, 2024

 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT CLASSES HAVE STARTED!

Our new schedule of Wednesday night classes have kicked off for the fall! Sapling Elementary children’s class, Vessels Youth Group and our Adult classes all start at 6:30pm.
 

RACE SEASON WRAPS UP

For several years our church has helped with these events, and there is one final race of the season coming up, the Log Run Half Marathon September 21!
We position volunteers at each turn and intersection of the race route to guide the runners thru the course, and help out with traffic control in certain areas. The really busy intersections usually have police directing the traffic to give the racers safe right-of-way. We’re cheerleaders, encouragers, and many of the runners make it a point to thank everyone for being there.
It is also a fundraising opportunity! The church gets paid a certain amount per volunteer, so we pass that along to anyone who participates. We can’t give you the cash, but we set the funds aside in your name in the church accounts, and you can use those funds for upcoming youth and children’s events, summer camps, or pretty much any activity we do that requires you to pay a registration fee. The funds earned can also be applied to missions, building fund, donated on to RVFM, or any ministry we are affiliated with.
It’s really easy, and just requires a bit of time on a Saturday. There should be a sign-up sheet on the Info Table by the front doors, or talk to Pastor Peter to make sure you get a spot!
Contact the church office with questions.

 

UNLEASH THE FREAK! MEN’S BREAKFAST

After a 1-year hiatus, Unleash the Freak is going to restart Saturday, Sep. 21 at 8am! We look forward to seeing you for some good iron sharpening iron discussion that will benefit us all. And most importantly, Dennis has agreed to prepare breakfast, so we’re looking for some helpers. Contact the church office with any questions.

 

EMPTY NEST GROUP LUNCH

We’re holding a first-ever Empty Nesters lunch after church Sunday, Sep. 22!
We’re defining an “Empty Nester” as an individual or couple who are more or less done raising children. Adult or college age children residing with you don’t count as children still being raised.
The purpose of this group is fellowship and friendship activities. There won’t be a concerted effort to teach or preach other than by association, or individual example and interaction.
The group at this point will meet probably once a month for a relevant seasonal fun activity. Things like picnics, Valentines Day, Christmas, etc.
Hot dogs and brats will be furnished for this initial lunch, along with lemonade and water. Please bring a side-dish to share. There is a sign up at the Info Counter so we can get a head count. John and Linda H are “hosting.” Contact the church office with questions.

 

GLORY CHURCH’S AUTUMN CONFERENCE

Glory Church in Lakeland has invited us to their Autumn Conference September 21 & 22 with Hannah Brim. You can contact Glory Church directly for more details!

 

ENCOURAGING AND EQUIPPING WOMEN BINGO NIGHT

We’re mixing it up a bit this month! Come join us for this social evening of fun, food and prizes! Dinner served.
Date/TIme: Saturday, September 28 5pm-8pm
Place: The Justin’s Big White Barn
 
“Encouraging and Equipping Women” is usually a breakfast group, and an opportunity for the women of RVCC to meet together, enjoy breakfast, and connect with one another in a significant way outside of a Sunday morning. Through enriching discussion, encouragement, and personal testimony, the goal is to walk out Titus 2:3-5 with older women teaching what is good, and training younger women in a variety of roles. Our focus is encouragement for the current challenges we face, and open discussion and sharing.

Young married women, young mothers, seasoned mothers, empty nesters, and older women are all encouraged to come! We need the full spectrum, or we’ll forfeit the Titus 2 purpose. This is a “Mom’s Only” event, but nursing babies are always welcome.

This group will meet at Renae J’s home north of Stillwater. Contact the church office for address/directions, or more information.

The NEXT event will once again be a breakfast Saturday, October 26 @9:30am!

 

THE FIRST STEP

If you are relatively new to RVCC come meet Staff and Elders, hear about the vision of River Valley Christian Church, ask any questions you may have, and meet other members of the church family. The First Step will meet in room W1. A light lunch will be served, so please sign up at the Info Table outside of the sanctuary, or contact the church office if you plan to join us.

 

PUMPKINPALOOZA IS BACK!

After having to skip last year, Pumpkinpalooza will be back and better than ever this fall. Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 19 and plan to attend the big blowout of the season. We’ll share more details in the coming weeks, but we wanted everyone to know to set aside the date before you get too busy!

 

ONGOING DIAPER DONATIONS

We are always accepting diaper and wipes donations here at the church. As an organization we support them with a monthly monetary donation, but diapers are one item they always need to help support the mothers relying on Options services. Unopened packages can be dropped off with Pastor Greg. Larger size diapers are a continuing specific need for the organization, and wipes are always appreciated, too.

 

ELDERS MINISTRY

If you would like to connect with one of our Elders for any reason during the week, contact the church office and we’ll get you in touch!

 

SOCIAL CALENDAR

If you are doing something, or going somewhere, and would like to offer an open invitation for RVCC family to join you, send details to the church no later than noon Thursdays, and PG will get it listed here. It won't be "official" church functions, but a fun way to get info out to others at RVCC that there is something fun going to that they could join. So…what are YOU getting ready to do that would be fun to have others there, too? Let us know.
 
Motorcycle Rally

If you enjoyed the event at Big Guys recently, The Kingdom First Chapter of Circuit Riders Motorcycle Ministry (sister group to our own Righteous Riders Chapter) are having their big rally, Riding in the Light on Saturday. Join many of our folks, and others you may have met at Bikes, Balls, and BBQ for another great event! More information can be found if you CLICK HERE.

 
Ethical Challenges in Healthcare Conference

We had a visitor this week that was had concern about a conference in Stillwater Thursday, Oct. 3. She said, “I feel this is an opportunity for the church to show up, not to take over the conference but an opportunity to be a light in the darkness. Euthanasia and the MAiD pill will be talked about.” There are other topics concerning end-of-life issues. If you are interested, Pastor Greg has information, and can get you connected with Jessica S, who has offered to pay if you would also like to attend this conference.

 
A Million Women Rally

Magia S and Jamie F are hoping to attend the A Million Women in Washington D.C. in October. CLICK HERE for more details about the event. They have done some research on travel and accommodations. If you would like to know more, talk to them directly, or contact the church office to get connected with them!

 

TAKE US WITH YOU

Podcast listeners can listen to audio from our Sunday morning services on several platforms. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and Audible. Search for, "River Valley Christian Church Lake Elmo MN" on your preferred podcast app, then subscribe and listen anywhere, any time, however you like to listen!

We also have a RVFM Podcast gathering messages from our affiliated churches in one spot. Find it on your favorite podcast app by searching for "Light Up The Valley." If you have trouble with any of these contact Pastor Greg in the church office and he'll try to help you sort it out.

 

2024 DAILY BIBLE READING PROGRAM!

One of our top goals is always to help you keep up on (or get into) a daily Bible reading habit.

As a church body on January 1, 2024 we started another 1-year reading plan: "The One Year Bible". Each day will have sections from the Old and New Testaments, and Psalms and Proverbs. Connect with us and access the plan in the YouVersion Bible App to get notifications for the day's reading directly from the app. It's pretty easy and slick. Yes, you’ll be behind, but with some effort you can catch up. OR, jump in where we are and let’s go!

Get into the daily habit now, even if it's not this particular program! We want you to get the WORD in YOU! Contact Pastor Greg in the church office if you have questions.

 

 

Here is a summary of groups and classes we have going on currently during the week. Most of these are included on the Church Calendar.

 

MONDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

Linda B is teaching a study on the Gospel of John. The group meets Mondays at 6pm. If you have questions please contact the church office.
 

CREW YOUNG ADULT GROUP

C.R.E.W young adult nights are on first and third Mondays at the Molnar's at 6:30pm. Contact the church office or talk to Pastor Peter for more information.
 

COMMUNITY ACTION TEAM

In order to promote active Biblical citizenship RVCC is hosting a Restore Minnesota Community Action Team (CAT) to help answer questions like, “What is going on and what can we do?”. The group but typically meets 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month.

At the next meeting Monday, September 23 they’ll be watching a testimony from Robin Sertell, an abortion survivor, that was filmed at Word of Life Church in Princeton MN this summer.
Robin is a motivational speaker, author, and pro-life advocate. Before she was born, Robin was miraculously saved from three saline infusion abortion attempts. She currently serves as the Chair of Montanans for Life, a pro-life political advocacy group focusing on creating a culture of life in Montana. A gifted teacher and preacher who loves her Daddy God, she has been filmed for documentaries, webinars, and interviews internationally. Robin’s life is a true testament to the power of forgiveness, and her message is one of hope and inspiration for people of all ages and backgrounds.
 
More information on the CAT can be found if you CLICK HERE, or contact the church office with questions.
 

FREEDOM GROUP

Our Freedom Group meets on Monday evenings at 7pm. It is a Bible-based chemical dependency group coordinated by Wayne & Patrice B. Click Here, or contact the church office for more information.
 

 

WOMEN'S GROUP/CLASS

Healing Hearts meets first and third Tuesdays at 6pm at Cathy D's home office in River Falls, WI. It is a confidential group for ladies 18+ who have been betrayed in a relationship. You are welcome at any time to jump in and join. Know it’s the enemy who would want to keep you isolated. This group is here to listen, love, pray, and stand with you. If you have questions about the group please contact the church office, or Cathy directly!
 

 

WEDNESDAY MORNING PRAYER

If you've got time during the week you can always join us for prayer! We have a group that prays Wednesday mornings starting at 10am in room W2. It goes for about an hour. We also have a group that meets in W1 before service on Sunday mornings. Everyone is welcome to come in and pray!
 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT CLASSES

Our Wednesday night schedule of classes have started the season. All meet Wednesdays at 6:30pm!

VESSELS YOUTH GROUP AND SAPLINGS ELEMENTARY AGE CHILDREN’S CLASSES

We have a class for elementary age children grades 1-6, and youth group for grades 7-12! And look at the adult class offerings for this first session of the fall!
 

THE EPIC OF EDEN

Based on the book, “The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament: by Sandra L. Richter, Buddy S will teach this fascinating-sounding class. The publisher of the books describes it like this:
“Does your knowledge of the Old Testament feel like a grab bag of people, books, events and ideas? How many times have you resolved to really understand the OT? To finally make sense of it?
Perhaps you are suffering from what Sandra Richter calls the “dysfunctional closet syndrome.” If so, she has a solution. Like a home-organizing expert, Richter comes in and helps you straighten out your cluttered closet. In The Epic of Eden, Richter

• Gives you hangers for facts, a timeline to put them on, and handy containers for the clutter on the floor;
• Fills out your wardrobe of knowledge with exciting new facts and new perspectives; and
• Puts the whole thing in usable order–a history of God’s redeeming grace, a story that runs from the Eden of the Garden to the garden of the New Jerusalem.

Whether you are a frustrated do-it-yourselfer or a beginning student enrolled in a course, this book will organize your understanding of the Old Testament and renew your enthusiasm for studying the Bible as a whole.”

You are encouraged to purchase the book, and as a class read and cover a chapter each week. Contact the church office with questions.
 

FLOWING IN THE SUPERNATURAL (CONTINUED)

Picking up where we left off in the Spring, for the next few weeks Pastor Jon will again be teaching, “Flowing in the Supernatural” Wednesday nights at 6:30.

When God speaks to us we need to be able to recognize His voice and obey. When God gives us gifts we need to understand what they are and how they work. When we can do those things, we are able to flow in His timing, in the direction He wants to go, and accomplish things for His Kingdom.

If Jesus came and did all that he was going to do, gave us the Holy Spirit, and said, “Well, they’re not going to use it anyway. Never mind.” then it was a complete waste. If we’re not flowing with His Spirit then we’re just playing lip games. Matthew 15:8-9

This class is about how we can actually put this all into motion. If you didn’t attend the previous sessions you are still more than welcome to join this class. Contact the church office with questions.
 

 

MAHTOMEDI/WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SMALL GROUP

Our White Bear Lake/Mahtomedi area small group meets on Thursday evenings from 6:30-8pm. Please contact the church office to get connected for more information!
 

 

SPIRITUAL WEAPONS AND TACTICS

Mighty Warriors For Such A Time As This! We will begin to unfold our Generational lines, to be that legal representative of our bloodlines to take back what the enemy stole! This group meets at 6:30 pm on the 3rd Fridays of the month at Dennis & Cathy D's home. Contact them or the church office for directions and details.
 

 

OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE

All sorts of ministries around the church are looking for volunteers. Our Hospitality Ministry, which includes the Greeter, Usher, Info Table, and Cookie Ministries is looking to include more volunteers. If you are interested, talk to Pastor Peter, or contact the church office.

Go Joe Specialty Coffees is in need of some baristas before service. You'll get all the training you need, and can be involved and get to know people at the same time.

DURING service our Children's Ministry is looking for some volunteers, too. What an incredible opportunity to advance the Kingdom by helping bring them up in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord." Talk to Shiloh G or contact the church office about this, too! A background check is required to work with our Children's Ministry.

We talk about it in what we call the "Next Thing", but we don't really have official "membership" here at RVCC. Our view is if you're family jump in and help out around the "house!" Here's some opportunities to do just that. Most of our other ministries could use some more volunteers, too. That's the price of growing, planting churches, and wanting to do things well to represent Him with excellence. If you're interested in a particular area please contact the office and we'll get you connected with whoever is over that ministry.

Speaking of the Next Thing, we have information available on a thumb drive about the history of RVCC and how you fit into all this. It's a couple of classes we used to do in person, but getting everyone into a room together at the same time was always a scheduling issue, so we compiled it all into a simple little take-home USB drive.

It contains videos of Pastor Jon presenting the information, audio files of the classes if you prefer to just listen, and a .pdf of the booklet that contains some of that same info. If you are fairly new and would like to know more about how RVCC got started, where we are going as a church and as River Valley Fellowship of Ministries, and how you fit into that vision ask an usher, elder, any of the staff -or a random congregation member- and we'll fix you up with one of these drives. If you happen to accidently ask another newbie…keep asking and we'll set you BOTH up!

 

If you would like to donate to RVCC and it's ministries, etc. mail or drop off a check at the church office, or use online giving with your bank debit card at www.rvcc.info/donate.

 

RVCC guests who are hard of hearing can now amplify our service audio through their personal Assistive Listening Device (ALD), or tune in to 87.9FM.

 

THE FAST TALK AT THE END OF THE COMMERCIAL:

OBLIGATORY LEGAL NOTICE OF RELEASE OF RVCC, ITS SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS AND LICENSEES FROM ANY LIABILITY WHATSOEVER OF ANY NATURE! We live-stream and record our service, so your presence here constitutes your consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded, and for RVCC to use the recording without compensation in any and all media for as long as it exists. No, we’re not anticipating making a boatload of money off of an image of the back of your head, or you worshipping with your hands in the air…but we figured it would be a good idea to let you know you could end up on our livestream, social media, etc.