The Lord Establishes His Steps
n the opening of service on Sundays beginning in the New Year, we will continue with Scripture Reading that focuses our attention on Christ. You will find that the verse of the week (memory verse) will come from the Scripture reading. As a church, we want to be diligent in hiding God's Word in our hearts. Reading – Jesus and the Woman of Samaria John 4:16-26 God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ). When He comes, He will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.” John 4:24-26
-THIS SUNDAY'S TEXT- The Lord Establishes His Steps
Proverbs 16:9 – The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
Throughout my life, I have made many plans of which I am thankful to Lord that they never came to be. On the other hand, the Lord has established my steps, and much has come to be, with which I must confess – did not start with me, but I am grateful to the Lord for His faithful work.
Lord willing, this Sunday, with the sovereignty of God in view, we will look at two attitudes that are not to take root in the hearts of Christ followers. These attitudes are arrogance and anxiety.
The following passages will be helpful in preparation for Sunday’s sermon:
James 4:13-17 Arrogance Matthew 6:19-34 Anxiety
The Scriptures tell us that our lives on earth are but a mist, a vapor; we appear for a little time and then vanish. James puts our lives on earth and eternity in perspective, and it is quite humbling.
It is my prayer that as followers of Christ, we live life on earth to its fullest – seeking the Lord Jesus, His kingdom, and His plan for our lives. And may we live life on earth with our faith, hope, security, and joy in Jesus Christ our Lord.
PRAYER & THANKSGIVING Pray for Stace and Shannon Cupples, Stace is our Associational Missionary.
Pray for Sandy Jaeger and her girls.
Ask God to bring the River Family to maturity in Christ and to unite us in Christ.
Pray for the elders as we seek the Lord regarding our Youth and Children's ministries.
Sunday School & Life Group Options
We have started back up our Sunday School classes. Pray and contact one of the leaders below to ask questions and sign up for a SS Class. The following are opportunities to gather and grow in fellowship & faith in Christ:
After Service
Encouragers SS Class In Main Sanctuary contact: John Hilvert 870-405-7111
Will van der Hoeven' Class Lobby Class Room and Zoom A Study of Isaiah contact: Will van der Hoeven 512-636-3821
- There will also be Sunday School for both children, and youth during the Sunday school hour. contact: Eric Smeltzer 870-421-4341
Life Groups
There are two different Life Groups that meet on Monday evenings:
contact: Russel Tucker 870-350-0809 contact: Nathan Jackson 970-301-1676
COVID Guidelines for Children's Sunday School
River Kids COVID Guidelines January 2021
These guidelines are for our current situation and are subject to change. As changes to these COVID guidelines take place, they will be communicated to the church body, children’s workers, and parents.
SAFETY PREPARATIONS:
All children’s rooms are to be cleaned and surfaces sanitized prior to our Sunday morning gathering. (Fulfilled by Deacon)
All children’s rooms are to be supplied with hand sanitizer, Lysol and wipes to be used during our Sunday morning gatherings. (Supplied by Deacon)
All children’s workers are to hand sanitize when entering classroom and wear a mask while in the classroom.
Children’s workers experiencing cold or flu like symptoms in the last 48 hours will stay home and call for a substitute.
FOR PARENTS - BEFORE ENTERING RIVER KIDS: • Make sure your child has not had a temperature of 100 or more and/or has not had any cold or flu like symptoms (including diarrhea or vomiting) in the last 48 hours. • Please take your child to the bathroom prior to dropping off. • Make sure your child washes his or her hands. • Children are to be dropped off and picked up at their classroom. To minimize congestion, please send one adult to drop off and pick up your child and please refrain from entering the classroom or congregating in the hallways. • It is highly recommended that children 10 years old & older wear a mask.
Children’s Workers
· Children’s workers experiencing cold or flu like symptoms (including diarrhea and/or vomiting) in the last 48 hours will need to stay home and call for substitute to replace them..
· All children’s workers are to hand sanitize when entering classroom and wear a mask while in the classroom.
· It is highly recommended that children 10 years old and older wear a mask.
· Greet each child with a fun, touch-less AIR HIGH-5, AIR HUG, HAPPY DANCE, etc.
· When in the classroom promote social distancing with chairs or carpet squares set apart during singing time, story time, etc.
· Maintain encouragement and affirmation through ENCOURAGING WORDS, AIR HIGH-5’s, AIR HUGS, and HAPPY DANCES.
· Have ample supplies for each child, to minimize the need to share during this time.
· When in class, children are allowed in the bathroom one at a time. Children will use hand sanitizer prior to leaving the bathroom.
· Each child must use hand sanitizer each time he or she enters the classroom.
Tim and Trinity Vangulick are currently serving as point people for our Sunday morning River Kid's Sunday School. They have been working hard at organizing, training, and providing a healthy (spiritually and physically) experience for our children to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ our Lord. If you have questions or concerns regarding River Kid's Sunday School, they will be your first contact. Tim and Trinity will also be encouraging parents, teachers, and children to follow the guidelines provided above. Please encourage them as they serve in this capacity at The River.
Tim - 870-656-1394 Trinity - 870-321-4575
While we love and continue to encourage nursery aged children to be in service with their parents, we do understand that from time to time the nursery option is helpful to both parents and children. We will begin providing nursery during the morning worship service. Heather Kaspar is the point person for the worship hour nursery. If you have questions regarding nursery or want to learn more about serving in this capacity, please contact Heather at 870-405-1551.