WELCOME. In our culture, it is not en vogue to talk about a fight, a battle, or a struggle that we re in. But scripture talks about it a lot.

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2 WELCOME In our culture, it is not en vogue to talk about a fight, a battle, or a struggle that we re in. But scripture talks about it a lot. Jesus talks about the Kingdom of God. That was one of the things that got him into trouble. The Romans were worried that he was advocating a kingdom that would push the Romans out. In a way, he was, but he was never advocating a political kingdom, but a spiritual one. Paul talks about the spiritual battle a lot. Maybe that s because he was a part of establishing a church that spread and added to their number regularly new believers who were putting off old things and taking up the mantle of Jesus Christ. When you do that sort of work, Satan, sin, and evil don t like it very much. In fact, they will fight back hard. God s Word challenges us to see ourselves in a battle against not flesh and blood (other people), but against the powers of evil. That s important to think about. Throughout this series, we want to talk about how we re ready to get our game on when the struggle comes. How do we listen to God s voice when we re in the middle of the challenge? How do engage in the things of the Spirit when we re immersed in the things of the flesh? That s what we want to learn. FOR MORE INFO, MAPS AND DIRECTIONS, VISIT

3 Our Mission: We exist to make disciples who put God s love on display to our world. Our Vision is to see a people inspired by God s love and faithfully sharing that love with the world. Our Values: Every member of The River is daily and communally engaged in a deeper relationship with Jesus through We welcome people into our lives appreciating our differences and similarities. We will grow by following the Holy Spirit s work in and around us. We will give generously of our time, talents and finances to see God s kingdom grow. We will go where God calls us to go. We will serve intentionally using and growing the gifts God has given us.

4 One of our values is to see DISCIPLES SERVE intentionally with our God given gifts. In the past, River members have blessed student-guests with a rich hospitality, opening homes and pools, cooking meals, praying for, and doing whatever it takes so that they feel at home when we host SERVE, this summer, The River will host around 40 students/leaders for Project Redlands. They will engage in a Sports Camp at Lugonia Elementary and other service opportunities in the community. They'll also be stretched and refreshed daily by dynamic teachings and worship times (not to mention the trip to Huntington Beach). We need your help to make the week happen! SERVE volunteer/ donations sign-ups will be April 15th and 22nd after the service. Please be on the lookout for ways that you might be a part Project Redlands this year! The people of The River believe in investing in outreach activities. One of the ways that we do this is by supporting both financially and prayerfully a number of different organizations, ministries and Christian groups. There will be two offerings each Sunday. The first one is for The River Life Fund. The schedule for the second offering is as follows: April 8: Benevolence April 15: CEF April 22: Missions April 29: GEMS/Cadets May 6: Benevolence May 13: CEF May 20: Missions May 27: Project Redlands THE RIVER REUSES The earth is a gift from God the Creator. Please help us be good stewards. On your way out, please drop your weekly shell in the bins by the exits to be used again the following week.

5 UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS May 6 ALL-CHURCH LAKE PERRIS CAMPING TRIP Save the date of July 20-21, 2018 for a fun overnight camping trip at Lake Perris. Cost is $5 per person. This is a tent-only camping trip at the group site on Friday night, followed by a fun day at the lake. There are a limited number of spots; contact the church office to sign up. ALL LADIES ARE INVITED TO A BABY SHOWER for Rachael Keast and her daughter, Faye, Monday, May 7th at 7:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Rachel does not have a registry, but requests clothing 6 months and larger and size 2 diapers or larger. ALL LADIES ARE INVITED TO A BRIDAL SHOWER for Katie Elgersma on Sunday, May 27th at 2:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Katie is registered at Crate & Barrel, Target, and Macy s. SUMMER SPORTS CAMP Attention kids Kindergarten 5th grade, this summer June the Project Redlands participants will be leading Sports Camp at Lugonia Elementary from 9:00 am 12:00 pm. Kids will learn about soccer, baseball/softball, and basketball! Sign ups are available at HEY ALL MIDDLE SCHOOLERS! Join us June at Camp Dunamis! Come with us if you want to experience one of the best weeks of your life! Sign ups are online at Campdunamis.org and the cost is $215 if you sign up before May 15! Cost goes up if you sign up after so make sure you sign up ASAP! If you have any questions please contact Mario at the church office! JOIN THE HIKING MINISTRY on Saturday, May 26th for a hike at Crafton Hills Ridge Trail. Meet in the church parking lot at 8:00 am to carpool. Contact Randall Whitman at Randall@whizman.com if you have any questions or if you'd like more details to meet at the trailhead instead of the church.

6 ALL CHURCH TWILIGHT FISHING TRIP Sign up to join an evening of fishing out of Dana Wharf on Friday, August 3rd from 5:30-9:30 pm (plan on arriving 1 hour prior to boat leaving). Cost is $30 per person, with a limited amount of spots. Contact Jack Nydam at to sign up. RIVER NEWSLETTER- Every Tuesday and Friday the River Newsletter is ed out with information about events, announcements, and happenings around The River. This is a great way to be involved and learn more. To sign up visit the church website under Calendar and Information. LADIES AUXILIARY OF REDLANDS CHRISTIAN HOME will meet on Monday, May 7th at 9:30 am for their monthly meeting. All ladies are welcome to join. NEXT SUNDAY VOLUNTEERS Nursery: Tom and Rita Schneider, Troy Elgersma Cookie Time: Alice VanderKooy, Barbra Hirzel, Beatriz Szwabowski, Bonnie Kraft, Cheryl Hopkins To contact the Care Ministry Team call Walt and Joyce DeBlauw at , or to contact a pastor, call the church office at

7 Game On: How we get our Game On in the World John 15:18-27 Nobody wants you to win A. 18: Christ makes it clear about things that will happen. If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. Vs. 18 B : Christ reminds us of our relationship to the world. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Vs. 19 Engaging with former church goers is hard work. C : For the world, there s no excuse. If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilt of sin. As it is, they have seen and yet they have hated both me and my father. Vs. 24 D : Christ gives us our marching orders. When the advocate comes-the spirit of truth who goes out from the father- he will testify about me. And you also must testify. Vss. 26, 27 The witness that clinched the case for the jury.