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 April 29 PROJECT REDLANDS DONATIONS & VOLUNTEER SIGN UPS! One of our church values is Disciples Serve and as a congregation we want to live that out as best as possible. Take on the value of service and sign up to donate something or serve the students that will be participating in Project Redlands this summer! Check out the sign up sheets in the foyer for more information! PRAYER AND WORSHIP NIGHT- This coming week Christians across our nation will be gathering for the National Day of Prayer. You are invited to come together with us this evening, April 29 for a time of praise and prayer. Please join us at 6:00 in The River House as we gather together with young and old to lift our voices in song and intimate prayer. What a great time for all of us to join together, united in praise and petition to our Father! See you there! VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE FOR MAY-AUGUST has been posted on Planning Center; check it out for dates you may be scheduled. 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 and boating. There are a limited number of spots; contact the church office to reserve your spot. ALL LADIES ARE INVITED TO A BABY SHOWER for Rachael Keast and her daughter, Faye, on 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.

6 ALL CHURCH TWILIGHT FISHING TRIP Sign up to join a 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. NEXT SUNDAY VOLUNTEERS Nursery: Cheryl Hopkins, Judy Rickard, Henriette Nydam Cookie Time: Adriana Fernandez, Bev Hix, Carol Jones, Cecilia Whitman, and Chrissy Gilbert 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: Fighting the Blindness John 9 Some cool new glasses A. 1-12: The man can see but others are blind. His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, Isn t this the same man who used to sit and beg? Some claimed that he was, others said No, he only looks like him. But he himself insisted, I am the man. Vss. 8, 9 B : The investigation begins and the blindness increases. The Jews still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man s parents. Is this your son? They asked. Is this the one who you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see? Vss. 18, 19 Where is our spiritual blindness? C : The man s blindness is completely gone and the leaders can t see a thing. You don t know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the Godly man who does his will. Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing. Vss. 31, 32 D : Christ s words cut deep. Jesus said, for judgement I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind. Vs. 39 Here s what we know.