Why Me?

Why me? A question I ask myself, maybe way to much. Maybe that's why I have always love the lyrics and songs of Johnny Cash: "What have I ever done, to deserve even one, of the blessings I've known." I often sit and ponder those very lyrics. It's like an ever present mp3 going through my mind. Why me Lord? Why did I get called to the greatest adventure ever known to man, vocational ministry. Why me Lord? Why did I get lucky enough to marry a beautiful supportive wife, who like a fine wine grows sweeter and better with the years. Why me Lord? Why did I seem to get a happy go lucky attitude of life that always sees things through rose colored glasses. Why me Lord? Why me? Oh yeah... because You love me!

The SHOWING WE CARE! Special Christmas Offering is a call to sacrificial giving with a goal of raising money for four specific ministry initiatives.

THE PURPOSES OF THIS OFFERING:

Community Service: To support our new ministry to our local community.

Why Community Service? This generation is turned off by churches and people who don’t live what they claim to believe. They don’t want to hear about what we believe; they want to see our beliefs in our actions. If we are going to live like Jesus we must feed the hungry, clothe the naked, heal the sick, and love the outcasts—all in the name of Christ. That means it’s not what we do in the church; it’s how we serve others outside of the church. If we truly live a missional and Spirit filled life, this generation might join us and do what we do, then one day believe what we believe.

Children’s Easter Outreach: To share God’s love to our community at Easter.

This helps pay for the Petting Zoo we have sponsored each Easter. It also partially covers crafts, activities, games, and candy for our Kidz Krew Ministry. This has been one of the great highlights of our Easter outreach and provides tremendous opportunities for our families to invite the people from their OIKOS to our church to experience a Christ honoring Easter celebration.

Youth Summer Mission Trip: To support our youth as they learn to serve Christ outside of Idaho. These funds will help us to develop a one week, cross cultural summer mission trip for our students.

Building Fund: To support our ongoing efforts to provide a physical church home.

We are looking forward to the future when we will be able to secure our own property and or facility so we are no longer mobile.  

This Special Offering will be received through December 31, 2011. Please use the special envelope in your bulletin or mark your checks or online gifts with “Showing We Care!”

The River Christmas Offering
Showing We Care!
Now through December 31, 2011

Dear River Friends and Family,

I am excited to share with you information regarding the SHOWING WE CARE! Special Christmas offering that begins now and runs through December 31st. In the past two years we have raised just over $2,500.00! This year we have four different goals.

First base Goal: $1,500.00– This is the starting point. If we raise $1,500 above our regular giving so we can develop and support our four ministry objectives that would be awesome. In baseball a base hit is awesome, but you never want to stay on first base. Can you imagine what could be done with $2,500.00? $3,000.00? How about $5,000! Will you help us to hit a HOME RUN?!

As a young missional church in the Treasure Valley, we are committed to doing everything we can to carry out the vision God has given us; “Helping people find their way to God and teaching them to become fully devoted followers of Jesus”. Our community is not irreligious, it is packed with people who believe in God but have given up on the church for one reason or another. With this in mind we are a non-traditional, modern church for people who have given up on the traditional church, but not on God.

When we began The River, we determined to give our people the best opportunities available to discover what it means to become a fully devoted follower of Jesus. With this offering you
have the opportunity to deepen your commitment to Christ, enlarge your ministry commitment and opportunities, and provide for the needs of others.

This offering is specifically designated to:

Our new Community Service Ministry to help us focus on meeting the needs of the people outside of our church, our Children's Community Easter Outreach, Youth Summer Mission Trip, and our Building Fund.

I hope you will carefully look over the information on the other side that explains this exciting opportunity for us to give sacrificially. Will you join us and begin praying now about what God
would have you give, over and above your regular giving, to our Special Christmas Offering? Allow God to stretch your faith!

Your Friend and Pastor,
Dave Griewe

The Tax Return Challenge!

Philippians 4:19 (NIV) “And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

This is God's promise to meet all your needs, Isn't that awesome? YES IT IS!

How do you claim this promise? For every promise God gives there is a premise. Last Sunday I explained the premises to the promise of God meeting all our needs. (click here to listen to last Sunday's podcast) For review sake here they are: God says if you will...
• Ask for my help
• Learn to be content with what you have
• Begin tithing
• Live with integrity in all your financial dealings
• Trust Jesus with all your heart
God says... I promise to meet ALL your needs!

For many of us the most difficult premise is to begin tithing. I really want you to experience God's blessings just like I do. Therefore, I challenge you to begin to give something, no matter what your financial standing is and watch God bless you. If you are unable to give 10% start with 3% or 5% and commit to buld up to 10% as God blesses.

Here's a challenge that will help you experience God's blessing. It's called The TAX RETURN CHALLENGE. Here's how it works: Before you figure out your taxes, before you know what you will getting back, before you make any plans with what will do with your tax return - CONSIDER GOD FIRST. Commit ahead of time to give 10% , a tithe of your tax return, to your church, before you even know how much it is. When you get your tax return; before you spend it on your bills, a new TV, a vacation or put it into savings, give 10% right off the top to God.

Then sit back and watch God bless! And as God blesses you, share your blessings with your Life Group and with me. I love to hear how God takes care of His children. I'm looking forward to hear how God is blessing you!

Remember, I love you!
Pastor Dave

Looking Back and Moving Forward at The River Church

If there is one thing that's true about church planting it that nothing stays the same for very long! Everything is always in a state of transition and you have to embrace being transition! That definitely been the case for our Ministry here at The River Church. Over the past year we have changed our location, our mission statement, our philosophy of ministry, and our strategy for reaching people for the Kingdom. Three key families came from sister churches to help us get started and they have since moved on. We started with three pastors all living on raised support and two have moved on as of the end of 2010. Our youth Ministry went through a change of leadership as we hired an intern in September who quit in October. We have since staffed the Youth Ministry with volunteers. Fortunately, and by the grace of God, we have fully embraced each and every transition!

We have seen small but steady growth every month for the past six months adding several new families and individuals who had previously been de-churched. Maybe the biggest change at The River is that we have embraced personal outreach by intentionally changing our world view to OIKOS: a paradigm through which a Christ-follower evaluates life, it’s purpose and events. The Greek word OIKOS translates to "extended family". God has given each of us our own little niche of humanity. Everyone has been given, on the average, anywhere from eight to fifteen people whom God has supernaturally and strategically placed in our relational world. God has placed these people in our OIKOS both for our benefit and for theirs; our benefit because we all need friends and their benefit so you can help them find their way to God. As we are in the process of understanding God's command to reach people for Christ, OIKOS has given us the intentional framework to reflect God's love to others. OIKOS help us see every relationship as a God given opportunity to reach others for the Kingdom of God.

We laid the OIKOS foundation of teaching in September and October and put it into action immediately. We initiated November as "Minute to Win It" month, taking about 3 minutes in our services to play a game for no other reason than pure fun! (Remember John 10:10; abundant life?) It was a huge hit! Also during November we started Friend Day, picking a specific day for everyone to bring a friend to church and our attendance that day grew by 50%! December we focused on Christmas. Our Chamber of Commerce sponsors "Eagle Country Christmas" in downtown Eagle where we had a booth giving away free hot chocolate and smore's. We had huge fire pit where people warmed themselves and "cooked" their smore's and we used that as an opportunity to invite them to our Community Christmas Eve service. Our attendance on Christmas Eve was up 20% from the previous year and we ended the year on a very positive note!

We excitedly looking forward to this what God will do at The River Church this year. Our focus through Easter is on spiritual growth and discipleship, while constantly keeping our eye on our OIKOS and who we can share our faith story with within our relational circle.

We appreciate your prayers for our continued growth; spiritually, numerically, and financially. Our biggest issue is finances. As a new church composed of previously de-churched and new believers giving is a sensitive subject. I will be teaching on giving once in January and once in February. I ask for your prayers in particular for these Sundays. We also face a new contract with the school district in March, which could see us looking for another meeting place; please pray for God's guidance and will to be done.

God bless you!
I love you!
Pastor Dave

How To Give An End Of The Year Gift To The River Church

We don't talk much about money at The River.

The River is a new church and we are supported by your gifts and donations and a few outside individuals and chuches who support our ministry and vision in church planting here in Eagle, ID.

Unfortunately as we draw near the end of 2010 we have financial needs that are going unmet. This week is the first time since we started the church that we are not be able to pay our bills and payroll on time. We would love to end the year in the black, but as of last Sunday we are behind in our budget by just over $10,000. We obviously don't owe that much as we have cut our budget to survival expenses but we do need $1,500.00 to pay our curent bills and salaries on December 15. If you would like to help us meet our needs this week there are a couple of ways you can do that.

You can use PayPal
Here are instructions on how you can make an online donation free of charge to The River using your PayPal balance or your checking account:

Step 1 Sign in to your PayPal account (if you don't already have a PayPal account you must open one).
Step 2 Select the "Send Money" tab.
Step 3 In the "To" box enter "pastordg@aol" (This is The River's registered email address).
Step 4 Enter the amount of your Donation.
Step 5 At the bottom of the box select the "personal" tab and then "gift" then select "continue".
Step 6 Verify information then select "Send Money".
Your money has been sent! The River is a 501(c)3 Religious Charitable Organization and all donations are tax deductible. Thank you for supporting the Ministry of The River!
Or for a small fee charged to The River (no cost to you) you may make a donation using your debit or credit card.

You may send a check using your online banking account
Simply make a one time payment to The River Church. Our mailing address is 2510 E. Brierfield Dr, Eagle, ID 83616.

Or you may drop off a gift at the above address
Just give us a call to make sure we are here first!

God bless you this Christmas season and thank you for your prayers and support!
Pastor Dave

Showing We Care - The River Christmas Offering, 2010

Dear River Friends and Family,

I am excited to share with you information regarding the SHOWING WE CARE! Special Christmas offering that begins now and runs through December 31st. Last year we raise $1,495.00. This year we increased our goal to $1,600.00.

As a new church in the Treasure Valley, we are committed to do everything we can to carry out the mission God has given us; “Helping people find their way to God and teaching them to become fully devoted followers of Jesus”. We are not looking for perfect people, in fact we say No Perfect People Allowed! Our community is not irreligious, it is packed with people who believe in God but have given up on the church for one reason or another. With this in mind we are a non-traditional, modern church for people who have given up on the traditional church, but not on God.

When we began The River last year, we determined to give our people the best opportunities available to discover what it means to become a fully devoted follower of Jesus. With this offering you have the opportunity to deepen your commitment to Christ, enlarge your ministry commitment and opportunities, and provide for the needs of others.

This offering is designated to: provide financial support for the hurting, hungry, and needy people in our area, our Children's Community Easter Outreach, Youth Camp Scholarship Fund, New Church Planting, and initial support for Ben and Tracy Slee - the newest Campus Crusade for Christ staff members at BSU!

I hope you will carefully look over the information about this exciting opportunity for us to give sacrificially. Will you join us and begin praying now about what God would have you give, over and above your regular giving, to our Special Christmas Offering? Allow God to stretch your faith!

Your Friend and Pastor,
Dave Griewe

The SHOWING WE CARE! Special Christmas Offering is a call to sacrificial giving with a goal of raising $1,600 for five specific ministry initiatives:

To share God’s love with our community by providing financial help to the hurting, hungry, and needy.

This year more people are suffering from unemployment and under-employment in our area than ever before. So we are partnering with the Eagle Community Food Bank to provide food, clothing, and finances to assist those families who are struggling. We will be collecting canned and non-perishable food along with good, clean, used clothing for both adults and children on December 12 and 19 at our Sunday services.

Children’s Community Easter Outreach.
Before we began The River we hosted an Easter Egg Hunt in the Lexington Hills Community. We put out over 3,000 plastic eggs filled with candy and prizes for the children. We had over 250 people attend this free event. This helped to develop a positive identity of The River and led to a successful Grand Opening Easter service. Last year we changed locations and we did not have time to plan for a successful community event. This year, with your help, we hope to develop a new Community Easter Outreach focusing on children.

To provide summer camp scholarships to help our youth go to camp.
Last summer our youth ministry took 8 students to summer camp in McCall. We provided half scholarships for almost every student making it possible for them to attend. This year our goal is to provide financial resources to send 15 students to camp.

To support New Church Planting in the Northwest and the Pacific Southwest.
Statistically the best way to reach non-churched and de-churched people is to start new churches. The River began with the financial support from individuals, churches, and organizations who are committed to new church planting. We want to be able to support and help other new church starts just as we were helped.

To provide initial financial support for Ben and Tracy Slee with Campus Crusade for Christ.
Ben and Tracy are the newest staff members serving Christ on the Boise State University Campus. Their objective is to WIN students to Christ; BUILD them up in their faith; and SEND them out to reach others for Christ. They reach students through one on one conversations, small group bible studies, and special events on the BSU campus.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why a Special Offering?
As part of God’s plan to grow the faith of the people in His church, He calls us to sacrificial giving from time to time. This Offering is an opportunity for us to grow in our faith and to prepare us for what God wants to do through our church.

What is the difference between the Regular Offering and this Special Offering?
Your regular River offering is the proportional amount (your tithe of 10%) that you give on a regular basis to our church throughout the year. This Special Christmas Offering is one of those occasions where sacrificial giving stretches you and grows your faith. The special offering should be over and above what you give regularly to The River.

How much should I Give?
Since our goal is $1,600, this Special Offering has room for everyone to be involved. Some families within our church can give a large gift. Others are only able to give a small gift. The issue is not equal giving, but equal sacrifice. The precise amount you give is between you and God. Please prayerfully consider a sacrificial gift that will stretch your faith.

When should I Give?
The best time to give will be the next two Sundays. However, you may continue to give until December 31. Please use the “Showing We Care!” offering envelopes or indicate that your gift is for the Christmas Offering. Remember, consistent gifts over time adds up – a person giving $10-$50 a week over a five-week period will give $50 to $250 to this Special Offering!

Can I Give online via bank check, debit or credit card?
You may give online at RiverChristianChurch.com. Select the “about rcc” drop-down menu and click on “support rcc”. Then select the “donate” button. That will take you to our PayPal account. To donate by check online, you must have a PayPal account, otherwise you may use your debit card or credit card. You can also use your bank online payment option to send a check directly to the church. Simply mark in the memo area that your gift is for the “Showing We Care!” offering.

Can I Give In-Kind Gifts of Stocks or Bonds?
Of course! Since The River is a 501c3 organization there can be tremendous tax benefits for you by giving in-kind gifts.

Are My Gifts Tax-Deductible?
YES! The River is recognized by the IRS as a 501c3 charitable organization. All gifts are completely tax-deductible.