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Operation Christmas Child

admin — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:45:54 +0000

Hey RiverPoint! I hope you picked up your Operation Christmas Child stuff and began packing your boxes full of toys! My family and I did last Sunday and we can’t wait to drop it off this Sunday at church.

HOW IT WORKS

Use an empty shoe box (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required. Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift.

BOY OR GIRL?

Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box.

FILL WITH GIFTS

Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child. Use the gift ideas provided on the bottom of this page.

INCLUDE YOUR DONATION

Please donate $7 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can write a check to Samaritan’s Purse (note “OCC” on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. If you or your family are preparing more than one shoe box, please make one combined donation.

DROP OFF

Place a rubber band around each closed shoe box and drop off at RiverPoint Church this Sunday November 15 during our 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. services.

Sunday Rewind

admin — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:08:33 +0000

My head is swimming because I’ve got so much on my mind.
God is doing an amazing thing at RiverPoint Church!
Hope said it best today…”RPC is a hospital.”
HUGE thanks to our Leadership Community for parking off campus today!
We were able to get MORE people on our parking lot.
However, we have NO MORE CHAIRS!!!!! We had people standing up during the 11:00 service!
It’s time like never before to pray and beg God for more people to come to hear about Jesus!
It’s time like never before to pray about how we might give financially to the High Octane Challenge.
We had a TON of first time guests. I’m looking forward to connecting with ALL of them this week.
I heard from some new couples that they are getting plugged into a LIFEGroup this week!
The atmosphere today was off the charts!
If you’re a “Na Na Christian”, you don’t belong at our church.
A “Na Na Christian” is someone who doesn’t get involved, but sits back and criticizes what everyone else is doing.
I’m tired of playing games with people who just want to do what makes them happy!
I’m excited about the people that are making serious commitments for Jesus!
I hope and pray that EVERYONE at RPC gets involved with the Operation Christmas Child project.
It’s so true that PRIDE is the opposite of WORSHIP! Lord, continue to BREAK me!
I’m praying about putting together a strategic planning team! I’ve been learning a lot about this lately and I really think it’s time.
I’m praying MORE people will join a LIFEGroup this week!
I’m praying MORE people will step up to serve and lead this week!
I’m praying MORE people will step out in faith and tell someone about Jesus!
I’m praying MORE people will give to the High Octane Challenge!
God does not call us to make equal gifts, but to make equal sacrifices. The poor widow woman in the New Testament was honored not because she gave a lot of money, but because she gave all she had.
I’m praying that one day we will have a HUGE room for our students! I’m tired of sticking them in a kids room.
Our High Octane Goals are HUGE!!!!! I know they are but we serve a HUGE GOD!!!!!
We want to set aside money for a NEW building, an additional campus, our benevolence fund and the Homeless Shelter!
Pray, right now about leading, serving and giving!
It will take EVERYBODY in order to accomplish these goals. If you’re a regular at RiverPoint Church, I need you to get involved financially. We need to step things up in this area.
Hey, don’t get me wrong, I’m SO thankful for ALL that God has given us! I’m praying and believe God can do so much more with RPC!
What we are doing at RPC is making an Eternal Impact! Let’s don’t let down 1 bit!

Joy Ride!

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:53:27 +0000

DRIVE Pics

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:29:44 +0000

If you want one, just click on the pic and save it to your computer.

DRIVE: High Octane Challenge

admin — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:02:42 +0000

There’s a HUGE amount of excitement right now at RiverPoint Church! I love where God is taking us and how we are planning to get there. We are praying, planning and preparing for God to lead us every step of the way. Yesterday I was able to meet with four different people to hear their stories of life change. I was blown away at the amount of faith and obedience each person shared with me. Hearing their stories gave me a huge boost knowing that God is doing a great work at our church.

If you’re an attender at RiverPoint Church, hopefully by now you have received a letter from me in the mail. Please know that as those letters went out I have been praying that God would lead you to take this challenge and seek God to stretch your obedience and faith. I love seeing what God is doing everyday and seeing hundreds of lives being changed. How awesome would it be for our church to reach our High Octane Goals so we can accomplish even more and see more life change? Don’t miss this Sunday! Let’s celebrate Jesus and get in the car for an awesome DRIVE.

Here’s how you can pray…

High Octane Living Goals…
1) Pray for RPC & your High Octane Gift

2) Join a LIFEGroup and/or Lead a LIFEGroup

3) SERVE on a ministry team

4) Invite Someone to RPC

5) Tell someone about Jesus!

High Octane Giving Goals…$70,000.00 (GIVE ONLINE HERE)
1) $40,000 for permanent location (this is just the beginning to get us started)

2) $10,000 for Harvey County Homeless Shelter

3) $10,000 for 2010 RPC Benevolence

4) $10,000 for future church start

Why I Tithe – Pt. 3

admin — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:20:22 +0000

This is part 3 and the final post in my series of “Why I Tithe”. In case you missed Part 1 or Part 2, you might want to check them out first!
Just to be clear, I know some people get their panties all bunched up when a pastor talks, preaches, writes or even prays about tithing. Look, tithing is an act of worship that has been around for about 4000 years that traces all the way back to Abraham. I believe if you’re NOT bringing the tithe, you’re NOT trusting God with everything! Tithing is basic Christianity. It should be taught up front, but many times it’s not because many pastors are afraid. I’m guilty. When I first became a pastor I was scared to mention tithing from the pulpit. I thought people would get all mad, storm out with their checkbooks, never show up again and then our church would be doomed. I used to want to be a pastor of a church that didn’t pass the plate, but placed a box at the doorway just in case someone wanted to drop some change in and tip God. I thought that was being cool. Instead, I’ve realized that is harmful to God’s people. It’s my responsibility to teach people the entire Bible. Not just the parts that make me feel good.

The longer I tithe and the more I learn about tithing, the more I love talking about it.

Here are a few principles I’d like to share with you that I’ve picked up along the way from some great pastors and leaders about tithing…

God can do more with 90% than I can do with 100%.
God is the Blessor. He blesses me so I can be a blessing to others.
You cannot out give God!
To be blessed beyond your ability you need to give beyond your ability.
When you start tithing, your financial problems become God’s problem.
Tithing = Trusting.
Tithing makes money fun again.

My family tithes because we love God so much and believe God will show up and bless our socks off! I am a man that is truly blessed and I pray each of you will experience God’s blessing as well. We also tithe to RiverPoint Church because we are begging God to save more lives and provide for our church in major ways. During this DRIVE series, I want to challenge every attender to pray about what God might lead you to give each week as you bring your tithe and as you give sacrificially to help us reach our DRIVE challenge.
Are you ready to experience God’s blessing and take the DRIVE of a lifetime?

Sunday Rewind

admin — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:38:15 +0000

Yesterday was one of those days that we will remember for a long time. God showed up and did something amazing! I am so pumped about where we’re heading as a church. I am even more pumped of what God is doing in my life and the great leaders He is placing in my life to help during this next phase in our church!

As I look back over our 2 1/2 year history, I am amazed all that GOD has done. Really people, God has done it ALL! We have just been blessed to be a part! What we are involved in here at RiverPoint Church is not normal. We started with 3 couples in a living room and now we have the privilege of reaching over 300 people each weekend. We’re not stopping there. In order for us to continue to drive forward, our leadership team is asking everyone to put the pedal to the metal and put some high octane in what we get to do!
Here are the Drive: High Octane Objectives. Please continue to pray how you might get involved.

High Octane Living Goals…
1) Pray for RPC & your High Octane Gift

2) Join a LIFEGroup and/or Lead a LIFEGroup

3) SERVE on a ministry team

4) Invite Someone to RPC

5) Tell someone about Jesus!

High Octane Giving Goals…$70,000.00
1) $40,000 for permanent location (this is just the beginning to get us started)

2) $10,000 for Harvey County Homeless Shelter

3) $10,000 for 2010 RPC Benevolence

4) $10,000 for future church start

Here are some things that I’m excited about…

We are making decisions over the next several weeks that will affect eternity
We are praying for hundreds of people to give their live to Jesus during this series and years to come
Our Leadership Community is being equipped and empowered to lead in such a way that will allow us to reach more people
I love that our church is growing spiritually and numerically
We are challenging people to “See A Need, Meet A Need”
We are challenging people to become Leaders and Servants
We are praying for people to get connected in a LIFEGroup
We are praying for our LIFEGroups to reach out to Harvey County and SERVE
We are praying for people to give more than they ever imagined to see the vision for RiverPoint Church and a permanent location
We are praying for people who have never given or rarely give will understand the need and experience the blessing of participating sacrificially with God in His mission to change the world
Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

This Week @ RiverPoint

admin — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 03:09:12 +0000

Here are a few quick hits of what’s happening this week at RiverPoint Church!

1. DRIVE Series Begins This Sunday! | Begins November 1 at 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.
Let’s face it…Sometimes life can be exhausting-to the point where you’re running on empty. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Over this four week series we’ll discover how to get the most out of this life God gives. Come find out how you can boost your octane and live a fine-tuned life!

FYI…This is going to be the BIGGEST series we’ve ever done as a church. Come Sunday to find out what’s in store for the future of RPC!

2. FALL FESTIVAL | This Friday, October 31 from 6:00-9:00 p.m.
RiverPoint Church will be hosting Fall Festival on October 31st from 6-9pm. This is a family event with lots of fun and games. Here’s what you can look forward to – velcro wall, bounce house, rock band, pumpkin darts, cupcake walk, face & hair painting, bowling, bean bag toss, ring toss, golf, photo booth and TONS OF CANDY! Plus, a Lil’ Pumpkins Room just for toddlers.It will be a fun time for both kids and adults! Invite your friends!

3. Time Change
Don’t forget to set your clocks BACK ONE HOUR. If you don’t, I guess we will see you extra early this Sunday at RPC! Hey, it’s FALL BACK! You get an extra hour of sleep! Be at RPC this Sunday.

4. NEXT STEPS Gathering Step 2. Connecting | Sunday November 1 at 2:00 p.m.
This gathering is all about how to connect in one of our LIFEGroups!
If you didn’t sign up for this session don’t worry! We’re going to kick it back off on January 10, 2010! If you’re interested in a LIFEGroup or Serving, all you have to do is show up on Sunday and fill out a Connection Card! We’ll contact you and get you hooked up!

5. Online Giving – CLICK HERE
We often get asked, “What is the best way to stay faithful in my giving”? The answer is simple, online giving. A good majority of the people at RPC, including our staff, take advantage of online giving. In a day and time when checks have become almost obsolete and everyone is paying bills online – it’s the best way to stay faithful in your giving. Simply click the link provided above to get started. Thanks in advance for your faithfulness and generosity in supporting the vision of our church.

I hope all of you have a great week and I look forward to seeing you this Sunday!

Sunday Rewind

admin — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:10:39 +0000

Yesterday we concluded our “Once Upon A Time”. It was a great series and I’m so glad we did it.
In case you didn’t know, I believe the every word in the Bible to be true from Genesis to Maps.
Sunday was a good day but we had a lot of kids out due to sickness.
Thank you God for all the first time guests.
Our NEXTSTEPS Gathering was AWESOME! It was a great group and they were rowdy. I can’t wait until Sunday when we meet again.
If you’re interested in serving at RiverPoint Church all you have to do is shoot us an email and we will hook you up!
Last night we took over 30 students to a corn maze. Yep, it was a corn field turned into a maze. I still don’t see all the hype. They had fun though and that’s all that really matters.
This Wednesday, we’re taking a group to Judgement House. If you’re interested get on facebook and let Todd K. know.
This Sunday is going to be one of the biggest Sunday’s in our history!
We begin a new series called “Drive – High Octane Living”! I want to encourage all of our regular attenders to be there.
I love that we have so many of our people involved in the planning and creative process.
I also love that our entire church from kids to adults will be involved.
Over the next 8 weeks we’ll be making decisions that will impact eternity!
We’re praying for tons of people to give their live to Jesus during this series.
We’re praying for more people to begin serving and make a connection in a LIFEGroup.
We’re praying for people to get out there and serve our community and invite people to church to meet Jesus.
We’re praying for people to give more than they ever imagined to see the vision for our church to become reality.
I’m asking you to begin praying this week for this coming Sunday!

NEXT STEPS is this Sunday

admin — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:50:39 +0000

The New Testament makes it clear that it is God’s will for every believer to grow up and become spiritually mature. It is also clear that spiritual maturity doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey that we’ll be engaged in for the rest of our lives. These gatherings are designed to help you take the next steps in your spiritual growth. There are all kinds of habits we need to develop as we grow to spiritual maturity. We’ll focus on the habits and skills that are foundational to the life of all Christians. Will you come out of these gatherings spiritually mature? Not necessarily, but you’ll have the practical knowledge to get started on the journey, as well as an idea of what tools and resources are available to help you along the way. Our upcoming NEXT STEPS Gatherings will begin on Sunday, October 25 and run for 4 consecutive weeks. We meet in the PlanetShakers room, located on the first floor. Our upcoming

NEXT STEPS Gatherings will begin on:
Step 1. Belonging | Sunday October 25 at 12:30 p.m. (lunch & childcare will be provided) This gathering will expose you to the staff and ministry of RiverPoint Church and will help you understand our vision, strategy and structure.

Step 2. Connecting | Sunday November 1 at 2:00 p.m. (childcare will be provided) This gathering is all about how to connect in one of our LIFEGroups!

Step 3. Serving | Sunday, November 8 at 2:00 p.m. (childcare will be provided) This gathering will prepare you for serving in ministry at RiverPoint, and plug you into the team that fits your gifts and abilities

Step 4. Partnering | Sunday, November 15 at 2:00 p.m. (childcare will be provided) This gathering will give you an opportunity to ask any question you have. During this final step, this is our opportunity to hear your story and give you the opportunity to become a partner of RiverPoint Church.

These gatherings are a prerequisite for church partnership. Limited childcare by reservation is available; call the church office for details or sign up today and reserve your spot for our upcoming NEXT STEPS Gatherings.