"State of the Union Address"

Good Morning Riverbank,

As the new year approaches I am excited about what 2011 holds for us here at Riverbank.  This week I have been seeking God and preparing to share vision and direction for this upcoming year on Sunday in my "State of the Union" address.  Like I mentioned a few weeks ago that usually means that half of the crowd claps for everything and the other half scowls at everything.  I hope you guys will be encouraged and clap.   

Remember that our gathering moves to Sunday morning this week.  Welcome and Social time will begin with coffee and refreshments at 9:30 with worship following at 10.  I really encourage you to get there at 9:30 and spend that time building relationships with each other and our guests.  

One of my passions for us is that we are always growing in our relationship with God.  Not, just staying immature babies but growing up into mature believers who help others grow.   So what does that look like?  In the following passage of scripture we see that the first thing is to know the Father and have our sins forgiven, but then we grow into young men who can overcome the power of the devil and sin in our lives, and in maturity we know Christ and have become like him.  Here's to lots of growth for all of us this upcoming year.  

I have written to you who are God’s children because you know the Father. I have written to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one.  1 Jn 2:14

Have a great week,

Pastor Brian

A Riverbank Christmas

Good Morning Riverbank,

We had a wonderful Christmas program Sunday evening.  Even if things did get a little crazy with the last minute move of the meeting place to your house since the heat wasn't working at the Legion Hall. Hearing everyone share the ways that they have experienced Immanuel, God with us, this year was awesome.  Here is just a partial list.

Lost jobs and new jobs

Moving to new community

New Home

Safety in a vehicle accident

Comfort in losing a pet

Opportunities to use talents for God

Financial provision

Encouragement from God's word

New church home at Riverbank

I was so blessed by the sincerity, hard work, and talent of our young people who shared in music.  

My message this morning is for them.  Keep seeking after God, and sharing what He is doing in your lives.  You are an encouragement and blessing to all of us. 

Remember these words of Paul to Timothy.

Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.  1 Tim. 4:12 

May the Peace of God be in your Heart this week,

Pastor Brian

Parenting Seminar - Augusta County Virginia

Just got the information on the following opportunity from Pastor Greg.  Participate in this if you can.

Please see the email below about a very encouraging, informative and life changing parenting seminar coming to C’stone Augusta on January 15. Rick Martin will be our guest presenter. I can’t think of anyone more qualified and gifted to help parents reach the heart of their children.

This seminar is not only for parents, but for anyone who works with kids and teenagers. So please spread the word. We’ll be sending you more information over the next several weeks.

Greg

Cornerstone will be hosting a Parenting Seminar in January. Please see information below.

Join us in a seminar that will guide you to reach the heart of your children! The seminar will be held at Cornerstone. It will be presented by Rick Martin. Cost is $20.00 per person. You may register online: click here OR call the Cornerstone church office at 540-324-0705. Sorry, childcare is not provided.

NOTE: This is not just for parents. This is a seminar for grandparents, tea

Your Big Dream

Good Morning Riverbank,

If you are venturing out this morning stay warm.

If you weren't able to be a part of the worship gathering on Sunday night I shared a parable by Bruce Wilkinson called The Dream Giver.  Here are a few thoughts from that message that I believe will encourage you today.  If you get a chance to pick up the book I highly recomend it.  You can get it from Amazon by clicking here. 

One morning, Ordinary woke up with these words echoing in his mind: What you are missing you already have... Could it be? Ordinary looked and looked. And then he discovered that in a small corner of his heart lay a Big Dream. The Big Dream told him that he, a Nobody, way made to be a Somebody and destined to achieve Great Things. - The Dream Giver -

• Common Misconceptions about Dreams
  • I don't have a dream
  • I have to invent a dream
  • I have a dream, but it is not that important
  • I have a dream, but it is up to God to make it happen
  • I had a dream, but it is too late

I encourage you to pray and consider these questions today.  Do any of these describe your beliefs about a Big Dream for you life? What is the Big Dream that God has place in your heart? Where are you at in your journey to see that Big Dream fullfilled?

May you see all of your Big Dream fulfilled,

Pastor Brian

Work Enthusiastically

Good Morning Riverbank,

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

I Cor. 16:58

Be encouraged!  The hard work of building the kingdom of God and transforming our community here in Nelson, Co. is worth the effort.  God's promise is than work done for the Lord is never worthless.  Even if we don't see the results He does!  He is such a wonderful God, pouring out blessing on us when we bless others.   May we work and serve Him with renewed passion and enthusiasm today.  

Be Blessed,

Pastor Brian

This Week's Prayer Focus - For God to send us those that are hurting emotionally and physically and need healing.  

Announcement - We have heard from a number of you about struggles with conflicts with the afternoon meeting time. Starting in January we will move our worship time to 10AM Sunday mornings.