The River Church Community - San Jose, California http://www.the-river.org Subscribe to this Podcast now. In a nutshell, our community seeks to cultivate lives that can only be explained by the presence of Jesus and His Kingdom, especially as we reveal His love for each other, for the least of our society, and for those who are lost spiritually. Together we are regularly experiencing this restoring love of God, and our intention is not to hoard it but to share this great gift with others in San Jose, across the Silicon Valley, and even around the world. The River Church meets every Sunday at the Student Union of the San Jose State University in San Jose, California. All are welcome to attend. See our website at <a href="http://www.the-river.org">http://www.the-river.org</a> for more Information.</p> Feeder 1.5.3(378) http://reinventedsoftware.com/feeder/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss en Copyright (c) 2007 The River Church Community. San Jose, California. All Rights Reserved. angela@the-river.org (Angela Aviles) Jonathan.T.hawkins@gmail.com (Jonathan Hawkins) Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:05:45 -0700 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:05:45 -0700 http://www.jonathanthawkins.com/River_Logo_300sq144.jpg The River Church Community <br> San Jose, California http://www.the-river.org 144 144 San Jose, California. Our community seeks to cultivate lives that can only be explained by the presence of Jesus and His Kingdom, especially as we reveal His love for each other, for the least of our society, and for those who are lost spiritually. Together we are regularly experiencing this restoring love of God, and our intention is not to hoard it but to share this great gift with others in San Jose, across the Silicon Valley, and even around the world. the River - Church Community Sunday Morning Service The River is a church that is on a dynamic journey. We started in 1997 (under the leadership of Pastor Keith Zafren) in suburban Sunnyvale, CA with an initial goal to become a church that was deliberately accessible for a postmodern generation of seekers. Under the leading of the Holy Spirit, we moved our church to urban San Jose in the Spring of 2002, a socio-economically and culturally more diverse neighborhood. Today, we are a community that is discovering what it means to pursue justice, mercy, and faithfulness in how we relate to what Jesus called “the least of these.” (See Matthew 23:23, Micah 6:8, Amos 5:24). Our church family seeks to bridge the great divide between those who enjoy an abundance of resources and those who are most needy. We gather as an entire church family on Sunday mornings to receive rich teaching and deep worship that is sensitive to the needs of people coming from various places on the spiritual journey spectrum. Through the week, then, those who form the core of our community meet in smaller groups to share life together. Sharing life happens as we study Scripture, pray, pursue inner healing, build healthy relationships and families…really as we do anything that helps our lives be shaped by Jesus. Ultimately, though, we'd love to just have you come and check us out in person on a Sunday morning, through one of our social events, and/or in one of our small groups. We hope you'd find a welcoming environment and a place of your own among us. the river, san jose, clean no 0820 Treasured in One Body (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ Treasu(RED)
What does it mean to be treasured? How might we live if we grasped the extent to which God treasures us – His people and His church? In the Bible, we learn that the church is the bride of Christ, greatly esteemed and treasured by Jesus. So as His church, what does it mean for us to live out our calling as the object of God’s affection? Do we see the church as valuable? Are we willing to let God form us, challenge us, and equip us so as to bring unity in the church? Join us for this series as we dive into the book of Ephesians and explore these questions.

May 11 – Treasured by the Gracious Father
May 18 – Treasured in One Body
May 25 - God's Treasured Creation
June 1 – Treasured to Love Our Enemies
June 8 – Treasured to Unite in Peace
June 15 – Treasured as a Gift
June 22 – Treasured as a Radiant Bride
June 29 – Fighting for What is Most Treasured

]]> Sun, 18 May 2008 08:50:41 -0700 0820-treasured-in-one-body-brad-wong Brad Wong Treasu(RED) What does it mean to be treasured? How might we live if we grasped the extent to which God treasures us – His people and His church? In the Bible, we learn that the church is the bride of Christ, greatly esteemed and treasured by Jesus. So as His church, what does it mean for us to live out our calling as the object of God’s affection? Do we see the church as valuable? Are we willing to let God form us, challenge us, and equip us so as to bring unity in the church? Join us for this series as we dive into the book of Ephesians and explore these questions. May 11 – Treasured by the Gracious Father May 18 – Treasured in One Body May 25 - God's Treasured Creation June 1 – Treasured to Love Our Enemies June 8 – Treasured to Unite in Peace June 15 – Treasured as a Gift June 22 – Treasured as a Radiant Bride June 29 – Fighting for What is Most Treasured no 48:31 0817: David at Ziklag (David Avarez) http://www.the-river.org/ King David, Earthly Spirituality for Everyday Christians
Join us for this series that will look at four different stories from the life of David. Stories that reveal to us his human side as well as his spiritual side. Stories that show us a heart that was in constant pursuit of God. We'll focus on David's heart in the midst of his trials, as he pursues his passions, and what came forth from a heart dedicated to God. And as we learn from David, may we see the role of God in our own lives as well.

April 6 - David and Samuel
April 13 - David and Goliath
April 20 - David at En-Gedi
April 27 - David at Ziklag

Service time is 10 am.

]]> Sun, 27 Apr 2008 18:03:23 -0700 0817-david-at-ziklag-david-avarez David Alvarez A Man After God's Heart: King David Join us for this series that will look at four different stories from the life of David. Stories that reveal to us his human side as well as his spiritual side. Stories that show us a heart that was in constant pursuit of God. We'll focus on David's heart in the midst of his trials, as he pursues his passions, and what came forth from a heart dedicated to God. And as we learn from David, may we see the role of God in our own lives as well. April 6 - David and Samuel April 13 - David and Goliath April 20 - David at En-Gedi April 27 - David at Ziklag Service time is 10 am. no 43:43 0816: David at En-Gedi (David Alvarez) http://www.the-river.org/ King David, Earthly Spirituality for Everyday Christians
Join us for this series that will look at four different stories from the life of David. Stories that reveal to us his human side as well as his spiritual side. Stories that show us a heart that was in constant pursuit of God. We'll focus on David's heart in the midst of his trials, as he pursues his passions, and what came forth from a heart dedicated to God. And as we learn from David, may we see the role of God in our own lives as well.

April 6 - David and Samuel
April 13 - David and Goliath
April 20 - David at En-Gedi
April 27 - David at Ziklag

Service time is 10 am.

]]> Sun, 20 Apr 2008 15:48:10 -0700 0816-david-at-engedi-david-alvarez David Alvarez A Man After God's Heart: King David Join us for this series that will look at four different stories from the life of David. Stories that reveal to us his human side as well as his spiritual side. Stories that show us a heart that was in constant pursuit of God. We'll focus on David's heart in the midst of his trials, as he pursues his passions, and what came forth from a heart dedicated to God. And as we learn from David, may we see the role of God in our own lives as well. April 6 - David and Samuel April 13 - David and Goliath April 20 - David at En-Gedi April 27 - David at Ziklag Service time is 10 am. no 42:07 0815: David and Goliath (David Alvarez) http://www.the-river.org/ King David, Earthly Spirituality for Everyday Christians
Join us for this series that will look at four different stories from the life of David. Stories that reveal to us his human side as well as his spiritual side. Stories that show us a heart that was in constant pursuit of God. We'll focus on David's heart in the midst of his trials, as he pursues his passions, and what came forth from a heart dedicated to God. And as we learn from David, may we see the role of God in our own lives as well.

April 6 - David and Samuel
April 13 - David and Goliath
April 20 - David at En-Gedi
April 27 - David at Ziklag

Service time is 10 am.

]]> Wed, 16 Apr 2008 22:50:22 -0700 0815david-and-goliath-david-alvarez David Alvarez A Man After God's Heart: King David Join us for this series that will look at four different stories from the life of David. Stories that reveal to us his human side as well as his spiritual side. Stories that show us a heart that was in constant pursuit of God. We'll focus on David's heart in the midst of his trials, as he pursues his passions, and what came forth from a heart dedicated to God. And as we learn from David, may we see the role of God in our own lives as well. April 6 - David and Samuel April 13 - David and Goliath April 20 - David at En-Gedi April 27 - David at Ziklag Service time is 10 am. no 37:59 0814: David and Samuel (David Alvarez) http://www.the-river.org/ King David, Earthly Spirituality for Everyday Christians
Join us for this series that will look at four different stories from the life of David. Stories that reveal to us his human side as well as his spiritual side. Stories that show us a heart that was in constant pursuit of God. We'll focus on David's heart in the midst of his trials, as he pursues his passions, and what came forth from a heart dedicated to God. And as we learn from David, may we see the role of God in our own lives as well.

April 6 - David and Samuel
April 13 - David and Goliath
April 20 - David at En-Gedi
April 27 - David at Ziklag

Service time is 10 am.

]]> Sun, 06 Apr 2008 15:40:37 -0700 0814-david-and-samuel-david-alvarez David Alvarez A Man After God's Heart: King David Join us for this series that will look at four different stories from the life of David. Stories that reveal to us his human side as well as his spiritual side. Stories that show us a heart that was in constant pursuit of God. We'll focus on David's heart in the midst of his trials, as he pursues his passions, and what came forth from a heart dedicated to God. And as we learn from David, may we see the role of God in our own lives as well. April 6 - David and Samuel April 13 - David and Goliath April 20 - David at En-Gedi April 27 - David at Ziklag Service time is 10 am. no 45:42 0812: Living Hope Easter Sunday Celebration (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ Sun, 23 Mar 2008 21:28:36 -0700 0812-living-hope-easter-sunday-celebration-brad Brad Wong Living Hope no 0810: Invested (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ Jeremiah 360
When God gets a full, 360 degree look at our hearts, what does He see? Lent is the season of examination. We can boldly open our souls to the searching light of God’s Spirit, not only because He is merciful, but also because He has the power to make us new. Let’s welcome the Spirit of God to examine us and shape us to be more like Jeremiah, a man who both preached and embodied the shalom of God. For each of these next six weeks of Lent, we wll look at a characteristic God saw in Jeremiah and what He is looking for in us, His people.

February 10 - Persistent
February 17 - Empowered by Weakness (Guest Teacher - Loretta Ross)
February 24 - Uncompromising
March 2 - Interdependent
March 9 - Invested
March 16 - Visionary

]]> Sun, 09 Mar 2008 11:44:53 -0700 0810-invested-brad-wong Brad Wong Jeremiah 360 - Where God's world comes full circle <img src="http://www.the-river.org/images/titleslide-jeremiah360-nosub.jpg" alt="Jeremiah 360" /> When God gets a full, 360 degree look at our hearts, what does He see? Lent is the season of examination. We can boldly open our souls to the searching light of God’s Spirit, not only because He is merciful, but also because He has the power to make us new. Let’s welcome the Spirit of God to examine us and shape us to be more like Jeremiah, a man who both preached and embodied the shalom of God. For each of these next six weeks of Lent, we wll look at a characteristic God saw in Jeremiah and what He is looking for in us, His people. February 10 - Persistent February 17 - Empowered by Weakness (Guest Teacher - Loretta Ross) February 24 - Uncompromising March 2 - Interdependent March 9 - Invested March 16 - Visionary no 0809: Interdependent (David Alvarez) http://www.the-river.org/ Jeremiah 360
When God gets a full, 360 degree look at our hearts, what does He see? Lent is the season of examination. We can boldly open our souls to the searching light of God’s Spirit, not only because He is merciful, but also because He has the power to make us new. Let’s welcome the Spirit of God to examine us and shape us to be more like Jeremiah, a man who both preached and embodied the shalom of God. For each of these next six weeks of Lent, we wll look at a characteristic God saw in Jeremiah and what He is looking for in us, His people.

February 10 - Persistent
February 17 - Empowered by Weakness (Guest Teacher - Loretta Ross)
February 24 - Uncompromising
March 2 - Interdependent
March 9 - Invested
March 16 - Visionary

]]> Sun, 02 Mar 2008 11:32:59 -0800 0809-interdependent-david-alvarez David Alvarez Jeremiah 360 - Where God's world comes full circle When God gets a full, 360 degree look at our hearts, what does He see? Lent is the season of examination. We can boldly open our souls to the searching light of God’s Spirit, not only because He is merciful, but also because He has the power to make us new. Let’s welcome the Spirit of God to examine us and shape us to be more like Jeremiah, a man who both preached and embodied the shalom of God. For each of these next six weeks of Lent, we wll look at a characteristic God saw in Jeremiah and what He is looking for in us, His people. February 10 - Persistent February 17 - Empowered by Weakness (Guest Teacher - Loretta Ross) February 24 - Uncompromising March 2 - Interdependent March 9 - Invested March 16 - Visionary no 0808:Uncompromising (Jim Martin) http://www.the-river.org/ Jeremiah 360
When God gets a full, 360 degree look at our hearts, what does He see? Lent is the season of examination. We can boldly open our souls to the searching light of God’s Spirit, not only because He is merciful, but also because He has the power to make us new. Let’s welcome the Spirit of God to examine us and shape us to be more like Jeremiah, a man who both preached and embodied the shalom of God. For each of these next six weeks of Lent, we wll look at a characteristic God saw in Jeremiah and what He is looking for in us, His people.

February 10 - Persistent
February 17 - Empowered by Weakness (Guest Teacher - Loretta Ross)
February 24 - Uncompromising
March 2 - Interdependent
March 9 - Invested
March 16 - Visionary

]]> Sun, 24 Feb 2008 13:15:04 -0800 0808uncompromising-jim-martin Jim Martin Jeremiah 360 When God gets a full, 360 degree look at our hearts, what does He see? Lent is the season of examination. We can boldly open our souls to the searching light of God’s Spirit, not only because He is merciful, but also because He has the power to make us new. Let’s welcome the Spirit of God to examine us and shape us to be more like Jeremiah, a man who both preached and embodied the shalom of God. For each of these next six weeks of Lent, we wll look at a characteristic God saw in Jeremiah and what He is looking for in us, His people. February 10 - Persistent February 17 - Empowered by Weakness (Guest Teacher - Loretta Ross) February 24 - Uncompromising March 2 - Interdependent March 9 - Invested March 16 - Visionary no 0807: Empowered by Weakness (Guest: Loretta Ross) http://www.the-river.org/ Jeremiah 360
When God gets a full, 360 degree look at our hearts, what does He see? Lent is the season of examination. We can boldly open our souls to the searching light of God’s Spirit, not only because He is merciful, but also because He has the power to make us new. Let’s welcome the Spirit of God to examine us and shape us to be more like Jeremiah, a man who both preached and embodied the shalom of God. For each of these next six weeks of Lent, we wll look at a characteristic God saw in Jeremiah and what He is looking for in us, His people.

February 10 - Persistent
February 17 - Empowered by Weakness (Guest Teacher - Loretta Ross)
February 24 - Uncompromising
March 2 - Interdependent
March 9 - Invested
March 16 - Visionary

]]> Sun, 17 Feb 2008 12:16:48 -0800 0807-empowered-by-weakness-guest-loretta-ross Loretta Ross Jeremiah 360 When God gets a full, 360 degree look at our hearts, what does He see? Lent is the season of examination. We can boldly open our souls to the searching light of God’s Spirit, not only because He is merciful, but also because He has the power to make us new. Let’s welcome the Spirit of God to examine us and shape us to be more like Jeremiah, a man who both preached and embodied the shalom of God. For each of these next six weeks of Lent, we wll look at a characteristic God saw in Jeremiah and what He is looking for in us, His people. February 10 - Persistent February 17 - Empowered by Weakness (Guest Teacher - Loretta Ross) February 24 - Uncompromising March 2 - Interdependent March 9 - Invested March 16 - Visionary no 0806: Jeremiah 360 - Persistent (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ Jeremiah 360
When God gets a full, 360 degree look at our hearts, what does He see? Lent is the season of examination. We can boldly open our souls to the searching light of God’s Spirit, not only because He is merciful, but also because He has the power to make us new. Let’s welcome the Spirit of God to examine us and shape us to be more like Jeremiah, a man who both preached and embodied the shalom of God. For each of these next six weeks of Lent, we wll look at a characteristic God saw in Jeremiah and what He is looking for in us, His people.

February 10 - Persistent
February 17 - Empowered by Weakness (Guest Teacher - Loretta Ross)
February 24 - Uncompromising
March 2 - Interdependent
March 9 - Invested
March 16 - Visionary

]]> Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:52:42 -0800 0806-jeremiah-360-persistent-brad-wong Brad Wong Jeremiah 360 When God gets a full, 360 degree look at our hearts, what does He see? Lent is the season of examination. We can boldly open our souls to the searching light of God’s Spirit, not only because He is merciful, but also because He has the power to make us new. Let’s welcome the Spirit of God to examine us and shape us to be more like Jeremiah, a man who both preached and embodied the shalom of God. For each of these next six weeks of Lent, we wll look at a characteristic God saw in Jeremiah and what He is looking for in us, His people. no 31:45 0805:Extending Hospitality (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org A Peculiar People

What kind of a person are you? Does your lifestyle look any different than the person next to you? What would it look like to live so differently than our culture that the world takes notice? Join us this new year as we explore what it looks like to be the kind of people that demonstrate God's Kingdom not merely in message, but in lifestyle. Over these next five weeks, we'll examine the essential practices and convictions that form us a God's holy, different, dare we say PECULIAR people.

January 6 - Fueled in Devotion
January 13 - Sharpened by Community
January 20 - Liberated by Generosity
January 27 - Captivated in Worship
February 3 - Extending Hospitality

]]> Sun, 03 Feb 2008 12:00:00 -0800 0805extending-hospitality-brad-wong Brad Wong A Peculiar People What kind of a person are you? Does your lifestyle look any different than the person next to you? What would it look like to live so differently than our culture that the world takes notice? Join us this new year as we explore what it looks like to be the kind of people that demonstrate God's Kingdom not merely in message, but in lifestyle. Over these next five weeks, we'll examine the essential practices and convictions that form us a God's holy, different, dare we say PECULIAR people. January 6 - Fueled in Devotion January 13 - Sharpened by Community January 20 - Liberated by Generosity January 27 - Captivated in Worship February 3 - Extending Hospitality no 35:00 0804:Transformed in Worship (Krista-Dawn Kimsey) http://www.the-river.org/ A Peculiar People

What kind of a person are you? Does your lifestyle look any different than the person next to you? What would it look like to live so differently than our culture that the world takes notice? Join us this new year as we explore what it looks like to be the kind of people that demonstrate God's Kingdom not merely in message, but in lifestyle. Over these next five weeks, we'll examine the essential practices and convictions that form us a God's holy, different, dare we say PECULIAR people.

January 6 - Fueled in Devotion
January 13 - Sharpened by Community
January 20 - Liberated by Generosity
January 27 - Captivated in Worship
February 3 - Extending Hospitality

]]> Sun, 27 Jan 2008 12:00:00 -0800 0804transformed-in-worship-kristadawn-kimsey Krista-Dawn Kimsey A Peculiar People What kind of a person are you? Does your lifestyle look any different than the person next to you? What would it look like to live so differently than our culture that the world takes notice? Join us this new year as we explore what it looks like to be the kind of people that demonstrate God's Kingdom not merely in message, but in lifestyle. Over these next five weeks, we'll examine the essential practices and convictions that form us a God's holy, different, dare we say PECULIAR people. January 6 - Fueled in Devotion January 13 - Sharpened by Community January 20 - Liberated by Generosity January 27 - Captivated in Worship February 3 - Extending Hospitality no 35:00 0803 A Peculiar People : Liberated by Generosity (Guest: Tom Tsao) http://www.the-river.org/ A Peculiar People

What kind of a person are you? Does your lifestyle look any different than the person next to you? What would it look like to live so differently than our culture that the world takes notice? Join us this new year as we explore what it looks like to be the kind of people that demonstrate God's Kingdom not merely in message, but in lifestyle. Over these next five weeks, we'll examine the essential practices and convictions that form us a God's holy, different, dare we say PECULIAR people.

January 6 - Fueled in Devotion
January 13 - Sharpened by Community
January 20 - Liberated by Generosity
January 27 - Captivated in Worship
February 3 - Extending Hospitality

]]> Sun, 20 Jan 2008 12:00:00 -0800 0803-a-peculiar-people--liberated-by-generosity Guest: Tom Tsao A Peculiar People What kind of a person are you? Does your lifestyle look any different than the person next to you? What would it look like to live so differently than our culture that the world takes notice? Join us this new year as we explore what it looks like to be the kind of people that demonstrate God's Kingdom not merely in message, but in lifestyle. Over these next five weeks, we'll examine the essential practices and convictions that form us a God's holy, different, dare we say PECULIAR people. January 6 - Fueled in Devotion January 13 - Sharpened by Community January 20 - Liberated by Generosity January 27 - Captivated in Worship February 3 - Extending Hospitality no 35:55 0802 A Peculiar People : Sharpened by Community (Guest: Mark Scandrette) http://www.the-river.org/ A Peculiar People

What kind of a person are you? Does your lifestyle look any different than the person next to you? What would it look like to live so differently than our culture that the world takes notice? Join us this new year as we explore what it looks like to be the kind of people that demonstrate God's Kingdom not merely in message, but in lifestyle. Over these next five weeks, we'll examine the essential practices and convictions that form us a God's holy, different, dare we say PECULIAR people.

January 6 - Fueled in Devotion
January 13 - Sharpened by Community
January 20 - Liberated by Generosity
January 27 - Captivated in Worship
February 3 - Extending Hospitality

]]> Sun, 13 Jan 2008 15:36:45 -0800 0802-a-peculiar-people-sharpened-by-community-g Guest: Mark Scandrette A Peculiar People What kind of a person are you? Does your lifestyle look any different than the person next to you? What would it look like to live so differently than our culture that the world takes notice? Join us this new year as we explore what it looks like to be the kind of people that demonstrate God's Kingdom not merely in message, but in lifestyle. Over these next five weeks, we'll examine the essential practices and convictions that form us a God's holy, different, dare we say PECULIAR people. January 6 - Fueled in Devotion January 13 - Sharpened by Community January 20 - Liberated by Generosity January 27 - Captivated in Worship February 3 - Extending Hospitality no 50:28 0801 A Peculiar People : Fueled in Devotion (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ A Peculiar People

What kind of a person are you? Does your lifestyle look any different than the person next to you? What would it look like to live so differently than our culture that the world takes notice? Join us this new year as we explore what it looks like to be the kind of people that demonstrate God's Kingdom not merely in message, but in lifestyle. Over these next five weeks, we'll examine the essential practices and convictions that form us a God's holy, different, dare we say PECULIAR people.

January 6 - Fueled in Devotion
January 13 - Sharpened by Community
January 20 - Liberated by Generosity
January 27 - Captivated in Worship
February 3 - Extending Hospitality

]]> Sun, 06 Jan 2008 12:00:00 -0800 0801-apeculiar-people-fueled-in-devotion-bra Brad Wong A Peculiar People What kind of a person are you? Does your lifestyle look any different than the person next to you? What would it look like to live so differently than our culture that the world takes notice? Join us this new year as we explore what it looks like to be the kind of people that demonstrate God's Kingdom not merely in message, but in lifestyle. Over these next five weeks, we'll examine the essential practices and convictions that form us a God's holy, different, dare we say PECULIAR people. January 6 - Fueled in Devotion January 13 - Sharpened by Community January 20 - Liberated by Generosity January 27 - Captivated in Worship February 3 - Extending Hospitality no 43:13 0752 Promise of Shalom : The Promise of a New World (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ Promises of Shalom

Christmas is usually a consuming time – we are consumed by the chaos of the mall, the flurry of holiday activities, the expectations of others. As our debt rises and our patience shrinks, we’re ready for a different kind of December. Enter Advent – the church calendar season that is as “un-holiday” as it gets. For four weeks, we are asked to slow down instead of dashing to and fro, to wait instead of grabbing the last deal, to hope for something real and far more lasting than getting the latest gadget, to give life instead of plastic.

The conspiracy of Advent brings life, help, and security - it awakens our hearts to hope for what we are looking for this season. Join the conspiracy, follow the un-holiday way, unplug with us every Sunday and let the promises of peace capture your heart this Christmas season.

December 2 - The Promise of Help
December 9 - The Promise of Security
December 16 - The Promise of Hope
December 23 - The Promise of a New World

]]> Sun, 23 Dec 2007 12:00:00 -0800 0752-promise-of-shalom-the-promise-of-a-new-worl Brad Wong Promise of Shalom Christmas is usually a consuming time – we are consumed by the chaos of the mall, the flurry of holiday activities, the expectations of others. As our debt rises and our patience shrinks, we’re ready for a different kind of December. Enter Advent – the church calendar season that is as “un-holiday” as it gets. For four weeks, we are asked to slow down instead of dashing to and fro, to wait instead of grabbing the last deal, to hope for something real and far more lasting than getting the latest gadget, to give life instead of plastic. The conspiracy of Advent brings life, help, and security - it awakens our hearts to hope for what we are looking for this season. Join the conspiracy, follow the un-holiday way, unplug with us every Sunday and let the promises of peace capture your heart this Christmas season. December 2 - The Promise of Help December 9 - The Promise of Security December 16 - The Promise of Hope December 23 - The Promise of a New World no 33:53 0751 Promise of Shalom : The Promise of Hope (Brain Perronne) http://www.the-river.org/ Promises of Shalom

Christmas is usually a consuming time – we are consumed by the chaos of the mall, the flurry of holiday activities, the expectations of others. As our debt rises and our patience shrinks, we’re ready for a different kind of December. Enter Advent – the church calendar season that is as “un-holiday” as it gets. For four weeks, we are asked to slow down instead of dashing to and fro, to wait instead of grabbing the last deal, to hope for something real and far more lasting than getting the latest gadget, to give life instead of plastic.

The conspiracy of Advent brings life, help, and security - it awakens our hearts to hope for what we are looking for this season. Join the conspiracy, follow the un-holiday way, unplug with us every Sunday and let the promises of peace capture your heart this Christmas season.

December 2 - The Promise of Help
December 9 - The Promise of Security
December 16 - The Promise of Hope
December 23 - The Promise of a New World

]]> Sun, 16 Dec 2007 12:00:00 -0800 0751-promise-of-shalom-the-promise-of-hope-brai Brain Perronne Promise of Shalom Christmas is usually a consuming time – we are consumed by the chaos of the mall, the flurry of holiday activities, the expectations of others. As our debt rises and our patience shrinks, we’re ready for a different kind of December. Enter Advent – the church calendar season that is as “un-holiday” as it gets. For four weeks, we are asked to slow down instead of dashing to and fro, to wait instead of grabbing the last deal, to hope for something real and far more lasting than getting the latest gadget, to give life instead of plastic. The conspiracy of Advent brings life, help, and security - it awakens our hearts to hope for what we are looking for this season. Join the conspiracy, follow the un-holiday way, unplug with us every Sunday and let the promises of peace capture your heart this Christmas season. December 2 - The Promise of Help December 9 - The Promise of Security December 16 - The Promise of Hope December 23 - The Promise of a New World no 40:19 0750 Promises of Shalom : The Promise of Security (Gayll Phifer-Houseman) http://www.the-river.org/ Promises of Shalom

Christmas is usually a consuming time – we are consumed by the chaos of the mall, the flurry of holiday activities, the expectations of others. As our debt rises and our patience shrinks, we’re ready for a different kind of December. Enter Advent – the church calendar season that is as “un-holiday” as it gets. For four weeks, we are asked to slow down instead of dashing to and fro, to wait instead of grabbing the last deal, to hope for something real and far more lasting than getting the latest gadget, to give life instead of plastic.

The conspiracy of Advent brings life, help, and security - it awakens our hearts to hope for what we are looking for this season. Join the conspiracy, follow the un-holiday way, unplug with us every Sunday and let the promises of peace capture your heart this Christmas season.

December 2 - The Promise of Help
December 9 - The Promise of Security
December 16 - The Promise of Hope
December 23 - The Promise of a New World

]]> Sun, 09 Dec 2007 19:44:25 -0800 0749-promises-of-shalom-the-promise-of-security Guest: Gayll Phifer-Houseman Promises of Shalom Christmas is usually a consuming time – we are consumed by the chaos of the mall, the flurry of holiday activities, the expectations of others. As our debt rises and our patience shrinks, we’re ready for a different kind of December. Enter Advent – the church calendar season that is as “un-holiday” as it gets. For four weeks, we are asked to slow down instead of dashing to and fro, to wait instead of grabbing the last deal, to hope for something real and far more lasting than getting the latest gadget, to give life instead of plastic. The conspiracy of Advent brings life, help, and security - it awakens our hearts to hope for what we are looking for this season. Join the conspiracy, follow the un-holiday way, unplug with us every Sunday and let the promises of peace capture your heart this Christmas season. December 2 - The Promise of Help December 9 - The Promise of Security December 16 - The Promise of Hope December 23 - The Promise of a New World no 34:13 0749 Promises of Shalom : The Promise of Help (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ Promises of Shalom

Christmas is usually a consuming time – we are consumed by the chaos of the mall, the flurry of holiday activities, the expectations of others. As our debt rises and our patience shrinks, we’re ready for a different kind of December. Enter Advent – the church calendar season that is as “un-holiday” as it gets. For four weeks, we are asked to slow down instead of dashing to and fro, to wait instead of grabbing the last deal, to hope for something real and far more lasting than getting the latest gadget, to give life instead of plastic.

The conspiracy of Advent brings life, help, and security - it awakens our hearts to hope for what we are looking for this season. Join the conspiracy, follow the un-holiday way, unplug with us every Sunday and let the promises of peace capture your heart this Christmas season.

December 2 - The Promise of Help
December 9 - The Promise of Security
December 16 - The Promise of Hope
December 23 - The Promise of a New World

]]> Sun, 02 Dec 2007 22:44:36 -0800 0749-promises-of-shalom-the-promise-of-help-bra Brad Wong Promises of Shalom Christmas is usually a consuming time – we are consumed by the chaos of the mall, the flurry of holiday activities, the expectations of others. As our debt rises and our patience shrinks, we’re ready for a different kind of December. Enter Advent – the church calendar season that is as “un-holiday” as it gets. For four weeks, we are asked to slow down instead of dashing to and fro, to wait instead of grabbing the last deal, to hope for something real and far more lasting than getting the latest gadget, to give life instead of plastic. The conspiracy of Advent brings life, help, and security - it awakens our hearts to hope for what we are looking for this season. Join the conspiracy, follow the un-holiday way, unplug with us every Sunday and let the promises of peace capture your heart this Christmas season. December 2 - The Promise of Help December 9 - The Promise of Security December 16 - The Promise of Hope December 23 - The Promise of a New World no 36:46 0748 Jeremiah 360:Where God's World Comes Full Circle - An Authentic View (David Alvarez) http://www.the-river.org/ JEREMIAH 360
Join us for a 360 degree look at the events and issues that form us to be people of hope and purpose. Jeremiah the prophet will take us on a journey of seeing the world the way God sees it and how He sees our participation. We'll uncover truth, speak against lies, and learn about the perspectives and practices that make for a person of shalom, God's wholistic peace.

October 28 - The Creator's View
November 4- An Inside View
November 11- The Artist's View
November 18- The Costly View
November 25- An Authentic View

Service time is 10 am.
The River meets in the Student Union of San Jose State University.

]]> Sun, 25 Nov 2007 19:23:04 -0800 0748-jeremiah-360where-gods-world-comes-full-cir David Alvarez Jeremiah 360 : Where God's World Comes Full Circle Join us for a 360 degree look at the events and issues that form us to be people of hope and purpose. Jeremiah the prophet will take us on a journey of seeing the world the way God sees it and how He sees our participation. We'll uncover truth, speak against lies, and learn about the perspectives and practices that make for a person of shalom, God's wholistic peace. October 28 - The Creator's View November 4- An Inside View November 11- The Artist's View November 18- The Costly View November 25- An Authentic View Service time is 10 am. The River meets in the Student Union of San Jose State University. no 39:47 0747 Jeremiah 360 : The Costly View (Pete Snell/Jim Martin) http://www.the-river.org/ JEREMIAH 360
Join us for a 360 degree look at the events and issues that form us to be people of hope and purpose. Jeremiah the prophet will take us on a journey of seeing the world the way God sees it and how He sees our participation. We'll uncover truth, speak against lies, and learn about the perspectives and practices that make for a person of shalom, God's wholistic peace.

October 28 - The Creator's View
November 4- An Inside View
November 11- The Artist's View
November 18- The Costly View
November 25- An Authentic View

Service time is 10 am.
The River meets in the Student Union of San Jose State University.

]]> Sun, 18 Nov 2007 12:00:00 -0800 0747-jeremiah-360-the-costly-view-pete-snellji Pete Snell / Jim Martin Jeremiah 360 Join us for a 360 degree look at the events and issues that form us to be people of hope and purpose. Jeremiah the prophet will take us on a journey of seeing the world the way God sees it and how He sees our participation. We'll uncover truth, speak against lies, and learn about the perspectives and practices that make for a person of shalom, God's wholistic peace. no 37:12 0746 Jeremiah 360 : Where God's World Comes Full Circle - The Artist View (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ JEREMIAH 360
Join us for a 360 degree look at the events and issues that form us to be people of hope and purpose. Jeremiah the prophet will take us on a journey of seeing the world the way God sees it and how He sees our participation. We'll uncover truth, speak against lies, and learn about the perspectives and practices that make for a person of shalom, God's wholistic peace.

October 28 - The Creator's View
November 4- An Inside View
November 11- The Artist's View
November 18- The Costly View
November 25- An Authentic View

Service time is 10 am.
The River meets in the Student Union of San Jose State University.

]]> Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:26:36 -0800 0746-jeremiah-360-where-gods-world-comes-full-c Brad Wong Jeremiah 360 : Where God's World Comes Full Circle Join us for a 360 degree look at the events and issues that form us to be people of hope and purpose. Jeremiah the prophet will take us on a journey of seeing the world the way God sees it and how He sees our participation. We'll uncover truth, speak against lies, and learn about the perspectives and practices that make for a person of shalom, God's wholistic peace. October 28 - The Creator's View November 4- An Inside View November 11- The Artist's View November 18- The Costly View November 25- An Authentic View Service time is 10 am. The River meets in the Student Union of San Jose State University. no 41:49 0745 Jeremiah 360 : Where God's World Comes Full Circle - An Inside View (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ JEREMIAH 360
Join us for a 360 degree look at the events and issues that form us to be people of hope and purpose. Jeremiah the prophet will take us on a journey of seeing the world the way God sees it and how He sees our participation. We'll uncover truth, speak against lies, and learn about the perspectives and practices that make for a person of shalom, God's wholistic peace.

October 28 - The Creator's View
November 4- An Inside View
November 11- The Artist's View
November 18- The Costly View
November 25- An Authentic View

Service time is 10 am.
The River meets in the Student Union of San Jose State University.

]]> Sun, 04 Nov 2007 12:00:00 -0800 0745-jeremiah-360-where-gods-world-comes-full-c Brad Wong Jeremiah 360 : Where God's World Comes Full Circle Join us for a 360 degree look at the events and issues that form us to be people of hope and purpose. Jeremiah the prophet will take us on a journey of seeing the world the way God sees it and how He sees our participation. We'll uncover truth, speak against lies, and learn about the perspectives and practices that make for a person of shalom, God's wholistic peace. October 28 - The Creator's View November 4- An Inside View November 11- The Artist's View November 18- The Costly View November 25- An Authentic View Service time is 10 am. The River meets in the Student Union of San Jose State University. no 38:15 0744 Jeremiah 360 : Where God's World Comes Full Circle - The Creator's View (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ JEREMIAH 360
Join us for a 360 degree look at the events and issues that form us to be people of hope and purpose. Jeremiah the prophet will take us on a journey of seeing the world the way God sees it and how He sees our participation. We'll uncover truth, speak against lies, and learn about the perspectives and practices that make for a person of shalom, God's wholistic peace.

October 28 - The Creator's View
November 4- An Inside View
November 11- The Artist's View
November 18- The Costly View
November 25- An Authentic View

Service time is 10 am.
The River meets in the Student Union of San Jose State University.

]]> Sun, 28 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0700 0744-jeremiah-360-where-gods-world-comes-full-c Brad Wong JEREMIAH 360 : Where God's World Comes Full Circle Join us for a 360 degree look at the events and issues that form us to be people of hope and purpose. Jeremiah the prophet will take us on a journey of seeing the world the way God sees it and how He sees our participation. We'll uncover truth, speak against lies, and learn about the perspectives and practices that make for a person of shalom, God's wholistic peace. October 28 - The Creator's View November 4- An Inside View November 11- The Artist's View November 18- The Costly View November 25- An Authentic View Service time is 10 am. The River meets in the Student Union of San Jose State University. no 36:50 0743 Peace Like a River (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ Peace Like a River
Peace Like A River
9/23/2007 - Present
Join us as we dive into this new ministry year by looking at the core texts God has given our community and how they have shaped our identity as The River Church Community. Over the next five weeks, we will review the picture of the river from Revelation 22 and explore the Biblical value of Shalom- the belief that the gospel forms us as whole people who are sent out into wholistic mission.

]]> Sun, 21 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0700 0743-peace-like-a-river-brad-wong Brad Wong Peace Like a River Peace Like A River 9/23/2007 - Present Join us as we dive into this new ministry year by looking at the core texts God has given our community and how they have shaped our identity as The River Church Community. Over the next five weeks, we will review the picture of the river from Revelation 22 and explore the Biblical value of Shalom- the belief that the gospel forms us as whole people who are sent out into wholistic mission. no 33:17 0742 Peace Like a River : Shalom with Neighbors (Jim Martin) http://www.the-river.org/ iLove
What are the things we desire in our society? In a culture of consumption, we can easily forget that central to our destiny as people created by God is to become people who embody the love of Jesus. Join us for this new series as we look at the book of 1 John and learn what it means to weave the love of Christ into the fabric of our being.

]]> Sun, 14 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0700 0742-peace-like-a-river-shalom-with-neighbors-j Jim Martin Peace Like a River What are the things we desire in our society? In a culture of consumption, we can easily forget that central to our destiny as people created by God is to become people who embody the love of Jesus. Join us for this new series as we look at the book of 1 John and learn what it means to weave the love of Christ into the fabric of our being. no 39:00 0741 Peace Like a River : Shalom with God (David Alvarez) http://www.the-river.org/ Peace Like a River
Peace Like A River
9/23/2007 - Present
Join us as we dive into this new ministry year by looking at the core texts God has given our community and how they have shaped our identity as The River Church Community. Over the next five weeks, we will review the picture of the river from Revelation 22 and explore the Biblical value of Shalom- the belief that the gospel forms us as whole people who are sent out into wholistic mission.

]]> Sun, 07 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0700 0741-peace-like-a-river-shalom-with-god-david-a David Alvarez Peace Like A River Peace Like A River 9/23/2007 - Present Join us as we dive into this new ministry year by looking at the core texts God has given our community and how they have shaped our identity as The River Church Community. Over the next five weeks, we will review the picture of the river from Revelation 22 and explore the Biblical value of Shalom- the belief that the gospel forms us as whole people who are sent out into wholistic mission. no 39:00 0740 Peace Like a River : Far From Home (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ Peace Like a River
Peace Like A River
9/23/2007 - Present
Join us as we dive into this new ministry year by looking at the core texts God has given our community and how they have shaped our identity as The River Church Community. Over the next five weeks, we will review the picture of the river from Revelation 22 and explore the Biblical value of Shalom- the belief that the gospel forms us as whole people who are sent out into wholistic mission.

]]> Sun, 30 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0700 0740-peace-like-a-river-far-from-home-brad-wong Brad Wong Peace Like A River Peace Like A River 9/23/2007 - Present Join us as we dive into this new ministry year by looking at the core texts God has given our community and how they have shaped our identity as The River Church Community. Over the next five weeks, we will review the picture of the river from Revelation 22 and explore the Biblical value of Shalom- the belief that the gospel forms us as whole people who are sent out into wholistic mission. no 39:00 0739 Peace Like a River : What's in a Name? (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ Peace Like a River
Peace Like A River
9/23/2007 - Present
Join us as we dive into this new ministry year by looking at the core texts God has given our community and how they have shaped our identity as The River Church Community. Over the next five weeks, we will review the picture of the river from Revelation 22 and explore the Biblical value of Shalom- the belief that the gospel forms us as whole people who are sent out into wholistic mission.

]]> Sun, 23 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0700 0739-peace-like-a-river-whats-in-a-name-brad Brad Wong Peace Like A River 9/23/2007 - Present Join us as we dive into this new ministry year by looking at the core texts God has given our community and how they have shaped our identity as The River Church Community. Over the next five weeks, we will review the picture of the river from Revelation 22 and explore the Biblical value of Shalom- the belief that the gospel forms us as whole people who are sent out into wholistic mission. no 39:07 0738 Passon for the Lost (Guest: Susanta Patra) http://www.the-river.org/ Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0700 0738-passon-for-the-lost-guest-susanta-patra Susanta Patra no 41:44 0736 iLove v5.6 - Restoring The Fallen (Brad Wong) http://reservoir.the-river.org/AudioMessages.htm iLove
What are the things we desire in our society? In a culture of consumption, we can easily forget that central to our destiny as people created by God is to become people who embody the love of Jesus. Join us for this new series as we look at the book of 1 John and learn what it means to weave the love of Christ into the fabric of our being.

]]> Sun, 02 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0700 0736-ilove-v56-restoring-the-fallen-brad-wong Brad Wong iLove What are the things we desire in our society? In a culture of consumption, we can easily forget that central to our destiny as people created by God is to become people who embody the love of Jesus. Join us for this new series as we look at the book of 1 John and learn what it means to weave the love of Christ into the fabric of our being. no 35:00 0735 iLove v4.20 - Conquering The World (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ iLove
What are the things we desire in our society? In a culture of consumption, we can easily forget that central to our destiny as people created by God is to become people who embody the love of Jesus. Join us for this new series as we look at the book of 1 John and learn what it means to weave the love of Christ into the fabric of our being.

]]> Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0700 0735-ilove-v420-conquering-the-world Brad Wong iLove What are the things we desire in our society? In a culture of consumption, we can easily forget that central to our destiny as people created by God is to become people who embody the love of Jesus. Join us for this new series as we look at the book of 1 John and learn what it means to weave the love of Christ into the fabric of our being. no 35:00 0734 iLove v4.7 - Casting Out Fear (David Alvarez) http://www.the-river.org/ iLove
What are the things we desire in our society? In a culture of consumption, we can easily forget that central to our destiny as people created by God is to become people who embody the love of Jesus. Join us for this new series as we look at the book of 1 John and learn what it means to weave the love of Christ into the fabric of our being.

August 19th - v4.7 - Casting Out Fear
August 26th - v4.20 - Conquering The World
September 2nd - v5.6 - Restoring The Fallen

]]> Sun, 19 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0700 0734-ilove-v47-casting-out-fear The River - Church Community iLove What are the things we desire in our society? In a culture of consumption, we can easily forget that central to our destiny as people created by God is to become people who embody the love of Jesus. Join us for this new series as we look at the book of 1 John and learn what it means to weave the love of Christ into the fabric of our being. August 19th - v4.7 - Casting Out Fear August 26th - v4.20 - Conquering The World September 2nd - v5.6 - Restoring The Fallen no 35:00 0732 The Questions Beyond Our Fingertips (Tony Traback) http://www.the-river.org/ iLove
What are the things we desire in our society? In a culture of consumption, we can easily forget that central to our destiny as people created by God is to become people who embody the love of Jesus. Join us for this new series as we look at the book of 1 John and learn what it means to weave the love of Christ into the fabric of our being.

August 5th - Guest Teacher: Tony Traback
Message: The Questions Beyond Our Fingertips

August 12th - v3.19 - Testing The Spirits
August 19th - v4.7 - Casting Out Fear
August 26th - v4.20 - Conquering The World
September 2nd - v5.6 - Restoring The Fallen

]]> Sun, 05 Aug 2007 12:46:58 -0700 the-questions-beyond-our-fingertips Guest Teacher: Tony Traback What are the things we desire in our society? In a culture of consumption, we can easily forget that central to our destiny as people created by God is to become people who embody the love of Jesus. Join us for this new series as we look at the book of 1 John and learn what it means to weave the love of Christ into the fabric of our being. August 5th - Guest Teacher: Tony Traback Message: The Questions Beyond Our Fingertips August 12th - v3.19 - Testing The Spirits August 19th - v4.7 - Casting Out Fear August 26th - v4.20 - Conquering The World September 2nd - v5.6 - Restoring The Fallen no 36:08 0731 iLove v3.4 - From Death To Life (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ iLove
What are the things we desire in our society? In a culture of consumption, we can easily forget that central to our destiny as people created by God is to become people who embody the love of Jesus. Join us for this new series as we look at the book of 1 John and learn what it means to weave the love of Christ into the fabric of our being.

July 29 - v3.4 - From Death To Life

August 5th - Guest Teacher: Tony Traback
Message: The Questions Beyond Our Fingertips

August 12th - v3.19 - Testing The Spirits
August 19th - v4.7 - Casting Out Fear
August 26th - v4.20 - Conquering The World
September 2nd - v5.6 - Restoring The Fallen

]]> Sun, 29 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0700 ilove-v34-from-death-to-life-brad-wong The River - Church Community iLove What are the things we desire in our society? In a culture of consumption, we can easily forget that central to our destiny as people created by God is to become people who embody the love of Jesus. Join us for this new series as we look at the book of 1 John and learn what it means to weave the love of Christ into the fabric of our being. July 29 - v3.4 - From Death To Life August 5th - Guest Teacher: Tony Traback Message: The Questions Beyond Our Fingertips August 12th - v3.19 - Testing The Spirits August 19th - v4.7 - Casting Out Fear August 26th - v4.20 - Conquering The World September 2nd - v5.6 - Restoring The Fallen no 36:56 0730 iLove v2.18 - Abiding In The Truth http://www.the-river.org/ iLove
What are the things we desire in our society? In a culture of consumption, we can easily forget that central to our destiny as people created by God is to become people who embody the love of Jesus. Join us for this new series as we look at the book of 1 John and learn what it means to weave the love of Christ into the fabric of our being.

July 1 - v1.1 - Walking In Light
July 8 - v2.3 - Purifying Our Hearts
July 15 - v2.12 - Living In Freedom
July 22 - v2.18 - Abiding In The Truth

]]> Sun, 22 Jul 2007 22:51:02 -0700 0730-ilove-v218-abiding-in-the-truth David Alvarez ILife What are the things we desire in our society? In a culture of consumption, we can easily forget that central to our destiny as people created by God is to become people who embody the love of Jesus. Join us for this new series as we look at the book of 1 John and learn what it means to weave the love of Christ into the fabric of our being. July 1 - v1.1 - Walking In Light July 8 - v2.3 - Purifying Our Hearts July 15 - v2.12 - Living In Freedom July 22 - v2.18 - Abiding In The Truth no 38:50 0729 iLove v2.12 - Living In Freedom htp://www.the-river.org iLove
What are the things we desire in our society? In a culture of consumption, we can easily forget that central to our destiny as people created by God is to become people who embody the love of Jesus. Join us for this new series as we look at the book of 1 John and learn what it means to weave the love of Christ into the fabric of our being.

July 1 - v1.1 - Walking In Light
July 8 - v2.3 - Purifying Our Hearts
July 15 - v2.12 - Living In Freedom
July 22 - v2.18 - Abiding In The Truth

]]> Sun, 15 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0700 0729-ilove-v212-living-in-freedom Brad Wong iLove What are the things we desire in our society? In a culture of consumption, we can easily forget that central to our destiny as people created by God is to become people who embody the love of Jesus. Join us for this new series as we look at the book of 1 John and learn what it means to weave the love of Christ into the fabric of our being. July 1 - v1.1 - Walking In Light July 8 - v2.3 - Purifying Our Hearts July 15 - v2.12 - Living In Freedom July 22 - v2.18 - Abiding In The Truth no 43:12 0728 iLove v2.3 - Purifying Our Hearts (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ iLove
What are the things we desire in our society? In a culture of consumption, we can easily forget that central to our destiny as people created by God is to become people who embody the love of Jesus. Join us for this new series as we look at the book of 1 John and learn what it means to weave the love of Christ into the fabric of our being.

July 1 - v1.1 - Walking In Light
July 8 - v2.3 - Purifying Our Hearts
July 15 - v2.12 - Living In Freedom
July 22 - v2.18 - Abiding In The Truth

]]> Sun, 08 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0700 0728-ilove-v23-purifying-our-hearts-brad-wong Brad Wong iLove What are the things we desire in our society? In a culture of consumption, we can easily forget that central to our destiny as people created by God is to become people who embody the love of Jesus. Join us for this new series as we look at the book of 1 John and learn what it means to weave the love of Christ into the fabric of our being. July 1 - v1.1 - Walking In Light July 8 - v2.3 - Purifying Our Hearts July 15 - v2.12 - Living In Freedom July 22 - v2.18 - Abiding In The Truth no 41:46 0727 iLove v1.1 - Walking in Light (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ iLove
What are the things we desire in our society? In a culture of consumption, we can easily forget that central to our destiny as people created by God is to become people who embody the love of Jesus. Join us for this new series as we look at the book of 1 John and learn what it means to weave the love of Christ into the fabric of our being.

July 1 - v1.1 - Walking In Light
July 8 - v2.3 - Purifying Our Hearts
July 15 - v2.12 - Living In Freedom
July 22 - v2.18 - Abiding In The Truth

]]> Sun, 01 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0700 0772-ilove-v11-walking-in-light Brad Wong iLove What are the things we desire in our society? In a culture of consumption, we can easily forget that central to our destiny as people created by God is to become people who embody the love of Jesus. Join us for this new series as we look at the book of 1 John and learn what it means to weave the love of Christ into the fabric of our being. July 1 - v1.1 - Walking In Light July 8 - v2.3 - Purifying Our Hearts July 15 - v2.12 - Living In Freedom July 22 - v2.18 - Abiding In The Truth no 35:33 0723 A Family that Values Children (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ Becoming a Family

What does it look like to be the Family of God? Join us these next four weeks as we learn and explore together what it means for us to be a church family.


June 3 - A Family that values children

June 10 - A Family that celebrates together (RiverFest)

June 17 - A Family that learns from one other

June 24 - A Family that encourages one another

]]> Sun, 03 Jun 2007 12:00:00 -0700 0723-a-family-that-values-children-brad-wong Brad Wong Becoming a Family What does it look like to be the Family of God? Join us these next four weeks as we learn and explore together what it means for us to be a church family. no 29:43 0722 A Life Worth Living - God's Masterpiece (David Alverez) http://www.the-river.org/ A Life Worth Living
A Life Worth Living

What does it look like to live a life worthy of the gospel? Join us for this new series, based on the book of Ephesians, where we will explore A Life Worth Living.

]]> Sun, 27 May 2007 12:00:00 -0700 0722-alife-worth-living-gods-masterpiece-dav David Alvarez A Life Worth Living What does it look like to live a life worthy of the gospel? Join us for this new series, based on the book of Ephesians, where we will explore A Life Worth Living. no 43:09 0721 A Life Worth Living - Being a Family (Chris Maitz) http://www.the-river.org/ A Life Worth Living
A Life Worth Living

What does it look like to live a life worthy of the gospel? Join us for this new series, based on the book of Ephesians, where we will explore A Life Worth Living.

]]> Sun, 20 May 2007 10:17:03 -0700 0722-alife-worth-living-being-a-family-chris Chris Maitz A Life Worth Living What does it look like to live a life worthy of the gospel? Join us for this new series, based on the book of Ephesians, where we will explore A Life Worth Living. no 57:28 0718 A Life Worth Living - God's Masterpiece (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ A Life Worth Living
A Life Worth Living

What does it look like to live a life worthy of the gospel? Join us for this new series, based on the book of Ephesians, where we will explore A Life Worth Living.

]]> Sun, 29 Apr 2007 12:00:00 -0700 0718-alife-worth-living-gods-masterpiece-bra Brad Wong A Life Worth Living What does it look like to live a life worthy of the gospel? Join us for this new series, based on the book of Ephesians, where we will explore A Life Worth Living. no 41:21 0717 To Live By a Grand Purpose - part 2 (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ A Life Worth Living
A Life Worth Living

What does it look like to live a life worthy of the gospel? Join us for this new series, based on the book of Ephesians, where we will explore A Life Worth Living.

]]> Sun, 22 Apr 2007 12:00:00 -0700 0717-to-live-by-a-grand-purpose-part-2-brad-won Brad Wong A Life Worth Living What does it look like to live a life worthy of the gospel? Join us for this new series, based on the book of Ephesians, where we will explore A Life Worth Living. no 38:34 0716 To Live By a Grand Purpose - part 1 (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org A Life Worth Living
A Life Worth Living


What does it look like to live a life worthy of the gospel? Join us for this new series, based on the book of Ephesians, where we will explore A Life Worth Living.

]]> Sun, 15 Apr 2007 12:00:00 -0700 0716-to-live-by-a-grand-purpose-part-1-brad-won Brad Wong A Life Worth Living What does it look like to live a life worthy of the gospel? Join us for this new series, based on the book of Ephesians, where we will explore A Life Worth Living. no 34:46 0715 Easter Service (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org

Join us as we celebrate together our Savior who conquered death and is alive today, inviting us into the family of Faith. Together, we will remember the events of Easter morning, taste the goodness of God’s grace at the great banquet table and worship our Mighty Savior.]]> Sun, 08 Apr 2007 16:37:57 -0700 the-view-from-39000-feet-brian-mclaren-0714 Brad Wong Join us as we celebrate together our Savior who conquered death and is alive today, inviting us into the family of Faith. Together, we will remember the events of Easter morning, taste the goodness of God’s grace at the great banquet table and worship our Mighty Savior. no 27:36 0714 The View from 39,000 Feet (Brian McLaren) http://www.the-river.org/ Sun, 01 Apr 2007 12:00:00 -0700 0714-the-view-from-39000-feet-brian-mclaren Brian McLaren no 49:01 0713 The Prayer of Jesus for His People (Brad Wong) 0713 http://www.the-river.org The Voice of Jesus
On the journey to the cross, Jesus' closest friends abandoned Him even though He had told them about His coming suffering. They proved unable or unwilling to hear His voice. What will it mean for us to be formed as a people who are able to hear the voice of Jesus together? Join us for this series as we learn the principles and tools for discerning the voice of Jesus.

]]> Sun, 25 Mar 2007 17:45:02 -0700 the-prayer-of-jesus-for-his-people-brad-wong-071 Brad Wong The Voice of Jesus On the journey to the cross, Jesus' closest friends abandoned Him even though He had told them about His coming suffering. They proved unable or unwilling to hear His voice. What will it mean for us to be formed as a people who are able to hear the voice of Jesus together? Join us for this series as we learn the principles and tools for discerning the voice of Jesus. no 38:33 0712 The Voice of Jesus to Those Under Duress (Brad Wong) 0712 http://www.the-river.org The Voice of Jesus
On the journey to the cross, Jesus' closest friends abandoned Him even though He had told them about His coming suffering. They proved unable or unwilling to hear His voice. What will it mean for us to be formed as a people who are able to hear the voice of Jesus together? Join us for this series as we learn the principles and tools for discerning the voice of Jesus.

]]> Sun, 18 Mar 2007 12:00:00 -0700 the-voice-of-jesus-to-those-under-duress-brad-won Brad Wong The Voice of Jesus On the journey to the cross, Jesus' closest friends abandoned Him even though He had told them about His coming suffering. They proved unable or unwilling to hear His voice. What will it mean for us to be formed as a people who are able to hear the voice of Jesus together? Join us for this series as we learn the principles and tools for discerning the voice of Jesus. no 26:29 0711 The Voice of Jesus to Competent People (David Alverez) 0711 http://www.the-river.org/ The Voice of Jesus
On the journey to the cross, Jesus' closest friends abandoned Him even though He had told them about His coming suffering. They proved unable or unwilling to hear His voice. What will it mean for us to be formed as a people who are able to hear the voice of Jesus together? Join us for this series as we learn the principles and tools for discerning the voice of Jesus.

]]> Sun, 11 Mar 2007 12:00:00 -0700 the-voice-of-jesus-to-competent-people-david-alve David Alvarez The Voice of Jesus On the journey to the cross, Jesus' closest friends abandoned Him even though He had told them about His coming suffering. They proved unable or unwilling to hear His voice. What will it mean for us to be formed as a people who are able to hear the voice of Jesus together? Join us for this series as we learn the principles and tools for discerning the voice of Jesus. no 47:32 0710 The Voice of Jesus to Important People (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org

On the journey to the cross, Jesus' closest friends abandoned Him even though He had told them about His coming suffering. They proved unable or unwilling to hear His voice. What will it mean for us to be formed as a people who are able to hear the voice of Jesus together? Join us for this series as we learn the principles and tools for discerning the voice of Jesus.

]]> Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:09:35 -0800 the-voice-of-jesus-to-important-people Brad Wong The Voice of Jesus On the journey to the cross, Jesus' closest friends abandoned Him even though He had told them about His coming suffering. They proved unable or unwilling to hear His voice. What will it mean for us to be formed as a people who are able to hear the voice of Jesus together? Join us for this series as we learn the principles and tools for discerning the voice of Jesus. no 46:09 0709 Life as a Sign (Chris Maitz) http://www.the-river.org/ Signs of Life
Sick or healthy? Living or dying? What are the signs of life? That’s the question doctor’s ask when a patient’s health is compromised. It’s the question that seekers ask when it’s unclear whether or not God is present. It’s the question many of us may ask when we examine our own tired souls... what are the signs that we are alive and well? When Jesus walked the earth, he performed signs that displayed the reality that God’s presence is nearer than we know. What might it look like for us to be a community that embraces the One who breathes life into us day by day?.

]]> Sun, 25 Feb 2007 12:00:00 -0800 0709-life-as-a-sign-chris-maitz The River - Church Community Signs of Life Sick or healthy? Living or dying? What are the signs of life? That’s the question doctor’s ask when a patient’s health is compromised. It’s the question that seekers ask when it’s unclear whether or not God is present. It’s the question many of us may ask when we examine our own tired souls... what are the signs that we are alive and well? When Jesus walked the earth, he performed signs that displayed the reality that God’s presence is nearer than we know. What might it look like for us to be a community that embraces the One who breathes life into us day by day?. no 48:19 0708 The Sign of Fulfilling (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ Signs of Life
Sick or healthy? Living or dying? What are the signs of life? That’s the question doctor’s ask when a patient’s health is compromised. It’s the question that seekers ask when it’s unclear whether or not God is present. It’s the question many of us may ask when we examine our own tired souls... what are the signs that we are alive and well? When Jesus walked the earth, he performed signs that displayed the reality that God’s presence is nearer than we know. What might it look like for us to be a community that embraces the One who breathes life into us day by day?.

]]> Sun, 18 Feb 2007 23:09:37 -0800 0708-the-sign-of-fulfilling-brad-wong no 0707 The Sign of Suffering (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ Signs of Life
Sick or healthy? Living or dying? What are the signs of life? That’s the question doctor’s ask when a patient’s health is compromised. It’s the question that seekers ask when it’s unclear whether or not God is present. It’s the question many of us may ask when we examine our own tired souls... what are the signs that we are alive and well? When Jesus walked the earth, he performed signs that displayed the reality that God’s presence is nearer than we know. What might it look like for us to be a community that embraces the One who breathes life into us day by day?.

]]> Wed, 07 Feb 2007 12:00:00 -0800 0707-the-sign-of-suffering-brad-wong no 0706 The Sign of Tears (David Alvarez) http://www.the-river.org/ Signs of Life
Sick or healthy? Living or dying? What are the signs of life? That’s the question doctor’s ask when a patient’s health is compromised. It’s the question that seekers ask when it’s unclear whether or not God is present. It’s the question many of us may ask when we examine our own tired souls... what are the signs that we are alive and well? When Jesus walked the earth, he performed signs that displayed the reality that God’s presence is nearer than we know. What might it look like for us to be a community that embraces the One who breathes life into us day by day?.

]]> Sun, 04 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800 0706-the-sign-of-tears-david-alvarez David Alvarez no 40:06 0705 The Signs of Shalom (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ Signs of Life
Sick or healthy? Living or dying? What are the signs of life? That’s the question doctor’s ask when a patient’s health is compromised. It’s the question that seekers ask when it’s unclear whether or not God is present. It’s the question many of us may ask when we examine our own tired souls... what are the signs that we are alive and well? When Jesus walked the earth, he performed signs that displayed the reality that God’s presence is nearer than we know. What might it look like for us to be a community that embraces the One who breathes life into us day by day?.

]]> Sun, 28 Jan 2007 21:13:26 -0800 the-sign-of-shalom Brad Wong no 38:12 0704 The Sign of Celebration (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ Signs of Life
Sick or healthy? Living or dying? What are the signs of life? That’s the question doctor’s ask when a patient’s health is compromised. It’s the question that seekers ask when it’s unclear whether or not God is present. It’s the question many of us may ask when we examine our own tired souls... what are the signs that we are alive and well? When Jesus walked the earth, he performed signs that displayed the reality that God’s presence is nearer than we know. What might it look like for us to be a community that embraces the One who breathes life into us day by day?.

]]> Sun, 21 Jan 2007 23:00:22 -0800 the-sign-of-celebration Brad Wong no 21:39 0703 Body Language: Embodying Good News in Our Words (Nikki Toyama) http://www.the-river.org/
Having celebrated the good news of Christmas, you are invited to bring the gift of good news to the hurting world around us. Sociologists tells us that effective communication is a whole body task, matching words with appropriate expressions and gestures. Join us for this new series where we will learn what this means for us, individually and as communities, to communicate the whole gospel in our day.]]> Sun, 14 Jan 2007 12:00:00 -0800 body-language-embodying-good-news-in-our-words-0 Nikki Toyama no 52:49 0702 Body Language: Embodying Good News in Our Character (0702) http://www.the-river.org/
Having celebrated the good news of Christmas, you are invited to bring the gift of good news to the hurting world around us. Sociologists tells us that effective communication is a whole body task, matching words with appropriate expressions and gestures. Join us for this new series where we will learn what this means for us, individually and as communities, to communicate the whole gospel in our day.]]> Sun, 07 Jan 2007 23:25:10 -0800 body-language-embodying-good-news-in-our-characte Jim Martin no 38:27 0654 Body Language: Presenting good news with our whole being http://www.the-river.org/
Having celebrated the good news of Christmas, you are invited to bring the gift of good news to the hurting world around us. Sociologists tells us that effective communication is a whole body task, matching words with appropriate expressions and gestures. Join us for this new series where we will learn what this means for us, individually and as communities, to communicate the whole gospel in our day.]]> Sun, 31 Dec 2006 12:00:00 -0800 body-language-presenting-good-news-with-our-whol no 20:51 0653 Advent: Peace on Earth (Jim Martin) http://reservoir.the-river.org/AudioMessages.htm
What advice would Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Bono, the lead singer of U2, give to you this December? Join us this month as we celebrate the Season of Advent... a time to listen, examine, and find what our hearts are truly looking for.]]> Sun, 24 Dec 2006 12:00:00 -0800 advent-peace-on-earth-jim-martin Jim Martin no 56:00 0652 Advent: Don't Give Up (Jim Martin) http://www.the-river.org/
What advice would Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Bono, the lead singer of U2, give to you this December? Join us this month as we celebrate the Season of Advent... a time to listen, examine, and find what our hearts are truly looking for.]]> Sun, 17 Dec 2006 12:00:00 -0800 advent-dont-give-up-jim-martin no 35:52 0651 Advent: Where the Streets Have No Name (Gayll Phifer-Houseman) http://www.the-river.org/
What advice would Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Bono, the lead singer of U2, give to you this December? Join us this month as we celebrate the Season of Advent... a time to listen, examine, and find what our hearts are truly looking for.]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2006 12:00:00 -0800 advent-where-the-streets-have-no-name-gayll-phif no 36:31 0650 Advent: How Long to Sing This Song? (David Alverez) http://www.the-river.org/
What advice would Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Bono, the lead singer of U2, give to you this December? Join us this month as we celebrate the Season of Advent... a time to listen, examine, and find what our hearts are truly looking for.]]> Sun, 03 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800 advent-how-long-to-sing-this-song no 32:32 0647 Loving Monday.. Investing in Lasting Treasure (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/
Do you love Mondays or is it just the beginning of the countdown until the weekend comes again? In this series, we will explore the Biblical view of work, not as a necessary burden or evil, but as an opportunity to reflect the image and passion of the Creator.]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2006 15:05:25 -0800 loving-monday-investing-in-lasting-treasure-bra no 34:07 0646 Loving Monday.. Avoiding the Snares of the Workplace (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/
Do you love Mondays or is it just the beginning of the countdown until the weekend comes again? In this series, we will explore the Biblical view of work, not as a necessary burden or evil, but as an opportunity to reflect the image and passion of the Creator.]]> Sun, 12 Nov 2006 21:31:47 -0800 loving-monday-avoiding-the-snares-of-the-workpla no 37:37 0645 Loving Monday.. The Daily Grind (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/
Do you love Mondays or is it just the beginning of the countdown until the weekend comes again? In this series, we will explore the Biblical view of work, not as a necessary burden or evil, but as an opportunity to reflect the image and passion of the Creator. ]]> Sun, 05 Nov 2006 15:53:24 -0800 loving-monday-the-daily-grind-brad-wong no 41:15 0644 Loving Monday.. The Business of God, Part 2 - The Redemptive Mandate (Brad Wong w/ Jim Martin) http://reservoir.the-river.org/AudioMessages.htm
Do you love Mondays or is it just the beginning of the countdown until the weekend comes again? In this series, we will explore the Biblical view of work, not as a necessary burden or evil, but as an opportunity to reflect the image and passion of the Creator. ]]> Sun, 29 Oct 2006 14:25:02 -0800 loving-monday-the-business-of-god-part-2-the no 52:37 0643 Loving Monday.. The Business of God, Part 1 - The Creative Mandate (Brad Wong) http://reservoir.the-river.org/_vti_bin/owssvr.dll?Using=Lists%2fMessageSeries%2fDispform%2ehtm&ID=113&Source=http%3a%2f%2freservoir%2ethe%2driver%2eorg%2f%5fvti%5fbin%2fowssvr%2edll%3fUsing%3dDefault%252ehtm
Do you love Mondays or is it just the beginning of the countdown until the weekend comes again? In this series, we will explore the Biblical view of work, not as a necessary burden or evil, but as an opportunity to reflect the image and passion of the Creator. ]]> Sun, 22 Oct 2006 14:09:24 -0700 loving-monday-the-business-of-god-part-1-the no 38:38 0642 Daughters of the Father:Healing the Father-Wound in Women (Guest: Gordon Dalbey) http://www.abbafather.com/
]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2006 15:54:06 -0700 daughters-of-the-fatherhealing-the-fatherwound-i no 1:06:13 0641 Weekly Rhythms: Precription for a Healthy Life (Gayll Phifer-Houseman) http://www.the-river.org/

Sacred Rhythms: Finding a Peaceful Pace in a Hectic World
9/10/2006 -  Present

Join us for the next 3 weeks as we stop to examine how the rhythm of our life can be in synch with God's life-giving rhythms. As the onslaught of new fall opportunities entice us, Pastor Brad will be helping us discern God's invitation in Hebrews 3 & 4. God's invitation is to enter into His rest this fall and create a rhythm of life that nurtures us physically, emotionally and spiritually. 

]]> Sun, 08 Oct 2006 14:00:00 -0700 weekly-rhythms-precription-for-a-healthy-life-ga Gayll Phifer-Houseman no 48:59 0640 Sacred Rhythms: The Heart of the Matter (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/

Sacred Rhythms: Finding a Peaceful Pace in a Hectic World
9/10/2006 -  Present

Join us for the next 3 weeks as we stop to examine how the rhythm of our life can be in synch with God's life-giving rhythms. As the onslaught of new fall opportunities entice us, Pastor Brad will be helping us discern God's invitation in Hebrews 3 & 4. God's invitation is to enter into His rest this fall and create a rhythm of life that nurtures us physically, emotionally and spiritually. 

]]> Sun, 01 Oct 2006 12:00:00 -0700 sacred-rhythms-the-heart-of-the-matter-brad-wong Brad Wong no 40:06 0639 Sacred Rhythms: Physical Rhythms (Brad Wong) http://reservoir.the-river.org/AudioMessages.htm
Join us for the next three weeks as we stop to examine how the rhythm of our life can be in synch with God's life-giving rhythms. As the onslaught of new fall opportunities entice us, Pastor Brad will be helping us discern God's invitation in Hebrews 3 & 4. God's invitation is to enter into His rest this fall and create a rhythm of life that nurtures us physically, emotionally and spiritually.]]> Sun, 24 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0700 sacred-rhythms-physical-rhythms-brad-wong Brad Wong no 53:55 0638 Sacred Rhythms: Prescription for Getting Out of Bed (Brad Wong) http://reservoir.the-river.org/
Join us for the next three weeks as we stop to examine how the rhythm of our life can be in synch with God's life-giving rhythms. As the onslaught of new fall opportunities entice us, Pastor Brad will be helping us discern God's invitation in Hebrews 3 & 4. God's invitation is to enter into His rest this fall and create a rhythm of life that nurtures us physically, emotionally and spiritually.]]> Sun, 17 Sep 2006 15:56:30 -0700 daily-rhythms-prescription-for-getting-out-of-bed Brad Wong no 53:27 0637 Sacred Rhythms - Spiritual Arrhythmia (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/

Sacred Rhythms: Finding a Peaceful Pace in a Hectic World
9/10/2006 -  Present

Join us for the next 3 weeks as we stop to examine how the rhythm of our life can be in synch with God's life-giving rhythms. As the onslaught of new fall opportunities entice us, Pastor Brad will be helping us discern God's invitation in Hebrews 3 & 4. God's invitation is to enter into His rest this fall and create a rhythm of life that nurtures us physically, emotionally and spiritually. 

]]> Sun, 10 Sep 2006 20:49:11 -0700 sacred-rhythms-spiritual-arrhythmia-brad-wong Brad Wong no 27:17 0636 Love in Action (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ Sun, 03 Sep 2006 12:00:00 -0700 love-in-action-brad-wong Brad Wong no 46:22 0635 Learning to Love Well - Love and Intimacy (David Alvarez) http://www.the-river.org/ Sun, 27 Aug 2006 17:12:27 -0700 learning-to-love-well-love-and-intimacy David Alvarez no 59:21 0634 Learning to Love Well - Expressing Emotion (David Alvarez) http://www.the-river.org/ Sun, 20 Aug 2006 13:43:04 -0700 learning-to-love-well-expressing-emotion David Alvarez no 48:45 0633 Learning to Love Well - Healing the Child Within (David Alvarez) http://www.the-river.org/
1 Corinthians 13 speaks about how "Love is patient, Love is kind." However, in this famous passage about love, Paul also tells us in verse 11 how "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me." In this series, we will learn what it means to put away childish things and really LOVE WELL.]]> Sun, 13 Aug 2006 14:00:00 -0700 learning-to-love-well-healing-the-child-within David Alvarez no 41:34 0632 Learning to Love Well - Putting away Childish Things (David Alvarez) http://www.the-river.org/ Learning to Love Well : 1 Corinthians 13 speaks about how "Love is patient, Love is kind." However, in this famous passage about love, Paul also tells us in verse 11 how "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me." In this series, we will learn what it means to put away childish things and really LOVE WELL.]]> Sun, 06 Aug 2006 14:36:24 -0700 putting-away-childish-things David Alvarez no 33:17 0631 Playing with Fire - The River Ignited (Brad Wong) http://reservoir.the-river.org/ Sun, 30 Jul 2006 14:36:11 -0700 the-river-ignited Brad Wong no 50:07 0630 Playing with Fire - Ignited Lives: Phillip (Jim Martin) http://reservoir.the-river.org/ Sun, 23 Jul 2006 14:44:36 -0700 ignited-lives-phillip Jim Martin no 55:22 0629 Playing with Fire - Ignited Lives: Stephen (Brad Wong) http://reservoir.the-river.org/ Sun, 16 Jul 2006 14:44:27 -0700 ignited-lives-stephen Brad Wong no 44:00 0628 Playing with Fire - Ignited with Leadership (Brad Wong) http://reservoir.the-river.org/ Sun, 09 Jul 2006 14:44:59 -0700 ignited-with-leadership Brad Wong no 32:58 0627 Playing with Fire - Ignited with Integrity (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ Sun, 02 Jul 2006 14:45:08 -0700 ignited-with-integrity Brad Wong no 43:09 0626 Playing with Fire - Ignited with Boldness (Brad Wong) http://reservoir.the-river.org/ Sun, 25 Jun 2006 14:45:20 -0700 ignited-with-boldness Brad Wong no 48:47 0625 Playing with Fire - Ignited for Ministry (Jim Martin) http://reservoir.the-river.org/ Sun, 18 Jun 2006 14:42:02 -0700 ignited-for-ministry Jim Martin no 49:28 0624 Playing with Fire - Ignited with Conviction (Brad Wong) http://reservoir.the-river.org/ Sun, 11 Jun 2006 19:08:49 -0800 ignited-with-conviction-brad-wong Brad Wong no 37:47 0623 Resurrection Spirituality: Resurrection Power (David Alvarez) http://reservoir.the-river.org/AudioMessages.htm Sun, 04 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0700 resurrection-power-david-alvarez David Alvarez no 45:42 0622 Resurrection Spirituality: Resurrection Freedom (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ Sun, 28 May 2006 00:00:00 -0700 resurrection-spirituality-resurrection-freedom-b Brad Wong no 46:08 0621 Resurrection Spirituality: Resurrection Community (Mike Hogan) http://www.the-river.org/ Sun, 21 May 2006 18:15:51 -0700 resurrection-spirituality-resurrection-community Mike Hogan no 36:10 0620 Resurrection Spirituality: Resurrection Meals (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ Sat, 13 May 2006 00:00:00 -0700 resurrection-spirituality-resurrection-meals-bra Brad Wong no 45:26 0619 Resurrection Spirituality: Resurrection Mercy (Mike Hogan) http://www.the-river.org/ Sun, 07 May 2006 00:00:00 -0700 resurrection-spirituality-resurrection-mercy-mik Mike Hogan no 44:06 0618 Baptism (Jim Martin) http://www.the-river.org/ Sun, 30 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0700 0618-baptism-jim-martin Jim Martin no 18:24 0617 Children of the River (Jenell Ahue) http://www.the-river.org/ Sun, 23 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0700 0617-children-of-the-river-jenell-ahue Jenell Ahue no 33:20 0616 Easter (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ Sun, 16 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0700 0616-easter-brad-wong Brad Wong no 37:15 0615 Prayer-Persisting in Prayer (David Alverez) http://www.the-river.org/ Sun, 09 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0700 0615-persisting-in-prayer-david-alverez David Alvarez Prayer: A Cry for the Kingdom Prayer: A Cry for the Kingdom no 43:54 0614 Prayer-Testing Faith (David Alverez) http://www.the-river.org/ Sun, 02 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0800 0614-journey-of-faith-testing-faith-david-alver David Alvarez Prayer: A Cry for the Kingdom no 37:03 0613 Special: Christ in The Passover (David Brickner) http://www.the-river.org/ Sun, 26 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0800 0613-special-christ-in-the-passover-david-brickn David Brickner Prayer: A Cry for the Kingdom no 53:12 0612 A Call to Prayer (David Alvarez) http://www.the-river.org/ Sun, 19 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0800 0612-a-call-to-prayer-david-alvarez David Alvarez Prayer: A Cry for the Kingdom no 42:49 0611 In Praise of God's Faithfulness (Michelle Manley) http://www.the-river.org/ Sun, 12 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0800 0611-in-praise-of-gods-faithfulness-michelle-man Michelle Manley Journey of Faith Journey of Faith no 40:11 0610 Journey of Faith-Testing Faith (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ Sun, 05 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0800 0610-journey-of-faithtesting-faith-brad-wong Brad Wong Journey of Faith Journey of Faith no 48:23 0609 Becoming a Partner in God's Work (David Alvarez) http://www.the-river.org/ Sun, 26 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0800 0609-becoming-a-partner-in-gods-work-david-alvar David Alvarez Journey of Faith Journey of Faith no 42:35 0608 Cultivating a Receptive Heart (Brad Wong and Krista-Dawn Kimsey) http://www.the-river.org/ Sun, 19 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0800 0608-cultivating-a-receptive-heart-brad-wong-and Brad Wong and Krista-Dawn Kimsey Journey of Faith Journey of Faith no 48:12 0607 Journey of Faith-Responding to God's Convenant (Jim Martin) http://www.the-river.org/ Sun, 12 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0800 0607-journey-of-faithresponding-to-gods-convenan Jim Martin Journey of Faith Journey of Faith no 41:30 0606 Journey of Faith-A Promising Start (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ Sun, 05 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0800 0606-journey-of-faitha-promising-start-brad-wong Brad Wong Journey of Faith Journey of Faith no 40:22 0605 Beginnings:What are we to make of the old testament? (Keith Zafren) http://www.the-river.org/ Here's my main question this morning: WHAT Are WE TO MAKE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT?

Most evangelical Christians who have had even an introductory level exposure to orthodox Christian beliefs would affirm the doctrinal position that the entire Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, are inspired scripture. Now we don't all know exactly what that means, but most who identify themselves as evangelical Christians believe that God has inspired the scriptures.

Given that belief, may I ask you this? If someone attempted to discern your personal and heart-felt conviction about the inspiration of scripture by carefully examining your Bible-reading habits, what would they conclude about your view of the Old Testament in particular? In other words, how often do you personally, devotionally read the Old Testament other than Psalms or maybe Proverbs? Do you know its overall story line, it's main characters, and how and where they fit in the long chronology?

]]> Sun, 29 Jan 2006 12:00:00 -0800 0605-beginningswhat-are-we-to-make-of-the-old-tes Keith Zafren Beginnings Here's my main question this morning: WHAT Are WE TO MAKE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT? Most evangelical Christians who have had even an introductory level exposure to orthodox Christian beliefs would affirm the doctrinal position that the entire Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, are inspired scripture. Now we don't all know exactly what that means, but most who identify themselves as evangelical Christians believe that God has inspired the scriptures. Given that belief, may I ask you this? If someone attempted to discern your personal and heart-felt conviction about the inspiration of scripture by carefully examining your Bible-reading habits, what would they conclude about your view of the Old Testament in particular? In other words, how often do you personally, devotionally read the Old Testament other than Psalms or maybe Proverbs? Do you know its overall story line, it's main characters, and how and where they fit in the long chronology? no 57:57 0602 Beginnings: Life at the River (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ Beginnings: Life at the River
Brad Wong
1/8/06

Introduction: Is there a place where you feel most connected to God?
o Sunset [picture]
o Mountains
o Café
o Literature/bible
o Chair in corner

It's really cool when I can just sit and be in any of these places. The stresses of the world don't disappear; but, they seem take different proportion. Or sometimes, my stresses seem as big as ever . . . but, God makes himself present and whispers to my heart . . . and somehow that's enough. There's a peace that's stronger than circumstances. Somehow, the quiet space makes that kind of encounter possible. Unfortunately, getting to the beach for a sunset doesn't happen so often. Most of the time, I just settle for a good cup of Peet's coffee and a quiet moment on the sofa.

But, even my “prayer sofa” has not been a great place for reflection recently b/c it's been covered under a mountain of boxes. See, we're in the midst of moving. Some of you may think, “didn't they just move?” Well, we've moving again (this time just around the corner), but that's another story.

I've discovered that even a short move is disruptive: people are tripping over things . . . don't know where anything is (coffee) . . . the kids feel disoriented. It's disruptive to our inner world: can't relax . . . it feels hard to focus . . . confused (I thought you were going to send out that email) . . . every is just a little more irritable/snappy. It's a stressed time for family relationships. You just want to survive and get to a more settled place.

Our family's experience of moving is something of a parable of our church. Our church has been on the move . . . and we have had a lot of changes (some of them by our own choice; others not). And to say that it's been disruptive would be an understatement.

2. This morning, my plan was to lead us into the story of Adam and Eve. But, it's become clear that it might be helpful to reflect on our corporate journey. And I'd like to do that through the lens of the same story that we read last week . . . the ancient story of beginnings. Let me review.

Genesis 1:1-4
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. God saw that the light was good . . .

The image is of world that's dark and confused . . . but, the Spirit of God is present, hovering. Last week, we talked about this image of the Spirit hovering is picked up again in Deuteronomy with reference the the chaos of the people of God as they were wandering through the wilderness, confused as to why God hadn't led them to their promised land.

Deuteronomy 32:10,11
He sustained him in a desert land, in a howling wilderness water; he shielded him, cared for him, guarded him as the apple of his eye. As an eagle stirs up its nest, and hovers over its young; as it spreads its wings, takes them up, and bears them aloft on its pinions, the Lord alone guided him.

We don't have to fear chaos or live in denial . . . b/c God meets us in the deep reality of our chaos. The story of beginnings tells us that even when life is chaotic, we can be people of courage and hope . . . because our God brings order out of chaos.

bara' - always names the making of something that is unprecedented, genuinely new and fresh

When life is messy and confusing, we can bank on God to bring shape and beauty. When life is lacking, we can put the full weight of our hope in God to rain down abundance.

Last week, I spoke about these truths primarily as they relate to our individual lives. This morning, I'd like to call us to medidtate on these truths in the midst of our experience as a community. The reality is that we've experienced our fair share of chaos. It affects us all differently; but it affects us all. How do we connect with God when our world seems so disordered?

If you're still in the mode of checking things out . . . I think you can draw principles that are relevant to your own life. For sure, you'll get an insider's look at our family dynamics.

Cataloging our chaos: move to SJ (more the result of revelation than a comprehensive strategic plan); loss of pastors who were greatly loved (including founding pastor who was like a father to many); in a time when our new leadership team needing to step up and provide clear leadership, we were afflicted with serious personal difficulty (Curtis' insomnia; Jim's mom); transition in the worship team; and recently, the sudden departure of a pastor who brought much hope to us all . . . especially the families of our church.

My guess is that most of us have feelings in the midst of our chaos - longing for stability, sad; confused . . . irritable or even angry. And that's okay; it's totally understandable.

This last event (the sudden resignation of our family life pastor) has been a particular source of confusion and pain. I've been in church-type work for almost 20 years. I've been through so painful stuff; but, I'm quite sure that this is the most painful. And I know that some of you are hurting every bit as much as I am. I sure wish I could do something that would soften the pain and ease disappointment many of us feel. But, healing is a work of the Spirit of God. And ultimately, I want to call us to find our rest in Him. But before I do that, I would like to take a shot at clearing up some confusion. While pain is unpleasant, confusion is dangerous to a community. It creates an environment where the enemy divides . . . isolates . . . and stirs up fear and suspicion.

Clearing up confusion

Do we see the issues that Richard raised?
Absolutely. We know that the mission of the church needs to be more clearly articulated. We know we have work to do in integrating the families in our midst into that mission. And we know that we need to manage and develop our staff much more effectively. We've been aware of these issues for quite some time. We're deeply concerned about them. It's not that they haven't been priorities in the past; we've tried to address them. But, we're a limited organization w/particular strengths and very real weaknesses. And we hired Richard with the hope that he'd help us address those weaknesses. In fact, part of our pain (on the SLT) is that he resigned before we had a chance to dig in.

Are we still relating with Richard?
Yes. Richard and I recently spoke for 3 hours . . . and I felt was a good first step towards healing. We anticipate future conversations and have talked about the benefit of having a 3rd party mediator to help us. Forgiveness from the heart is the standard that Jesus set for his followers. And it's the standard that we're glad to embrace.

Are we actually addressing the issues that Richard raised?
- Concern for full inclusion of families in our church - Jim
o Not just an assigment, but a genuine concern for families as they pursue the kingdom of Jesus.
o Confidence that there's a broad range of ways for families to respond to Jesus. Not everyone has to “be like me.”
o Will be investing time and energy in listening to the concerns of families over the next few months.
- Staff health - Jim
o Our plans to carve out time for trust-building for the next 4 weeks.
o Consultant - we have an excellent reference for a consultant group. We're considering the possibility that such a consultant might help us address systemic issues as in our staff culture (in the overall context of aligning staffing and structures with mission).
- Hammering out of mission and strategy - Brad
o We went into the year planning on hammering out the strategic implications more clearly; but, Curtis' leave has thrown us off significantly. So, we are not currently in a rigorous strategic planning process. However, we are aware that it would be helpful to clarify the mission and give voice to our dreams.
o In the near future, we'll take a couple of Sunday mornings to talk about the mission of the church.
o But let me say this today: We believe that God called us downtown . . . that being here is good for our souls. We do not believe everyone needs to (or ought to) move downtown; there are plenty of folks in our church who live in Sunnyvale and Mountain View and the East Bay . . . and that's fine. Moving downtown is not a litmus test for faithfulness or belonging. But, we believe that coming downtown can be a powerful spiritual discipline . . . that it's a healthy spiritual discipline to place ourselves in an environment of need (on Sundays, for ministry opportunities, or by living in a downtown neighborhood). We want to make a focused investment in ministry opportunities where we can learn together what it looks like to bring the good news of Jesus, in word and action, to hurting people. And God is beginning to grow in us a heart to believe, not only for the transformation of individual lives, but the transformation of an entire community.

We believe that the good news of Jesus must always integrate the upward call to love God with the outward call to make known the love of Jesus to those outside church walls . . . especially those who are weak. We understand that there may be some things that feel threatening about coming downtown . . . but, our understanding is that life in God's kingdom is filled with risk. Jesus said that unless a grain of wheat dies and falls into the ground it bears no fruit. And we welcome anyone in our community who would consider that call. More to come later.

Transition: I hope some of this stuff is clarifying for you. I'll have Angela post my notes on the web in case you feel like it would be helpful for you to review them. But, I'm well aware that clearer plans don't heal pain and disappointment. Even good plans don't bring life-sustaining hope when we are running on fumes. Healing and renewed hope come as a work of renewal which only God can bring.

That's the beautiful point of the story of beginnings. It reminds us that our God is able. It tells us we're never alone in our chaos; even when we lose sight of God, He is present with us.

This is the story that is told and retold throughout the history of God's people. At a later point in Israel's history, they had been overpowered by enemies and dragged into captivity. Their faith and their dreams were shaken.

Isaiah 43:19b-21
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself so they might declare my praise.

Our God loves to bring order out of chaos. My call to you this morning is to seek the God in the midst of our chaos . . . to turn the energy of frustration and even anger towards heaven in prayer . . . and to welcome the water of the Spirit to nurture us to the place of fresh vision and new hope. The worship team is going to come lead us in song. After the first song, Kathryn Mar who serves on our Advisory Council is going to pray for us . . .
If you're hurting, bring your heart before God . . . to welcome the presence of God's spirit into whatever feelings this season of chaos may have raised up in you or those around you.

- For all who are thirsty
- Kathryn's prayer

After worship . . . pastoral invitation
o Tuesday evening's intercessory prayer gathering (Jim)
o 7pm at the ministry center

]]> Sun, 08 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0800 0602-beginnings-life-at-the-river-brad-wong Brad Wong Beginnings It's really cool when I can just sit and be in any of these places. The stresses of the world don't disappear; but, they seem take different proportion. Or sometimes, my stresses seem as big as ever . . . but, God makes himself present and whispers to my heart . . . and somehow that's enough. There's a peace that's stronger than circumstances. Somehow, the quiet space makes that kind of encounter possible. Unfortunately, getting to the beach for a sunset doesn't happen so often. Most of the time, I just settle for a good cup of Peet's coffee and a quiet moment on the sofa. no 45:02 0601 Beginnings (Brad Wong) http://www.the-river.org/ Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0800 0601-beginnings-brad-wong Brad Wong Beginnings Beginnings no 44:35 0551 A Peace of Christmas : Contemplating Christmas (Michelle Manley) http://www.the-river.org/ Sun, 18 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800 0551-a-peace-of-christmas-contemplating-christma Michelle Manley A Peace of Christmas no 33:25 0550 Emmanuel: God with Us (Jim Martin) http://www.the-river.org/ Sun, 11 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800 0550-emmanuel-god-with-us-jim-martin Jim Martin Emmanuel no 40:40