The Inside Scoop: for River Partners
(Please note: This section of the website is specifically for River Partners)Chile Relief Effort
It's heartbreaking---while we're all still reeling from the Haitian tragedy, a new disaster strikes in Chile.
Our friends at the Pathway Vineyard Church in Lewiston, Maine have long been developing relationships
in Chile and have many contacts there who are mobilizing to provide relief. Phil Strout, Senior Pastor of Pathway and Overseer of
the Eastern Region of Vineyard Churches (of which we are a part) writes this:
- "Pathway Vineyard Church is setting up a fund to help the people in
Chile at this time. If you would like to participate in that it would be
welcomed. We intend to extend a hand directly to the people in Chile that we
have relationship with as we will be able to lend a hand over the months and
years to come."
The River will be giving toward this effort from our Compassion Fund. We encourage you to consider contributing as well.
Did you miss the last River Partner's Meetings?
River Partners Meeting January 2010... Please listen here to learn about:
- the difference between Christianity & Jesus
- what the Harvard logo says about the world...
- Batman/The Road/No Country For Old Men
- why are there fewer kids in Italy?
- would you rather live in Paris or Tehran?
- Witness vs. Advocate
- Martha's story
- Numbers: present & future
- the River's path of involvement
- goals for 2010
- the 5 commitments of a River Partner
- Jane's story
- the River Partner "signing bonus" Listen NOW. (50min.) Document: River Partner Commitment 2010
Haiti Relief Effort
Like you, our hearts are heavy with concern for the people affected by the tragic devstation in Haiti. We are partnering with
Convoy of Hope to provide relief. In addition, the Vineyard movement
(of which we a part) is also mobilizing a response. You can read the letter by the National Director of the Vineyard
here. We encourage you to consider contributing towards these efforts.
Not the Religious Type
The River is part of the Vineyard Movement of Churches and was planted out the
Vineyard Christian Fellowship of Boston. In addition we are connected to the
"Not The Religious Type" Organization. Here are some resources that provide insight
into our particular approach to building a church in Manhattan:
- Video (6 min.) Author/Pastor Dave Schmelzer explains M. Scott Peck's Stage Theory
- Video (4 min.) Author/Pastor Dave Schmelzer explains "Bounded vs. Centered Sets"
- Article The River's Caroline Park, writes about her approach to Children's Ministry
- Article What is "Stage 4" Faith?
Get In The Groove! -- Reflection Guide
Check out these "Reflection Guides" that went along with our last teaching series:
Get In The Groove! - Week 7
Get In The Groove! - Week 6
Get In The Groove! - Week 5
Get In The Groove! - Week 4
Get In The Groove! - Week 3
Get In The Groove! - Week 2
Get In The Groove! - Week 1
Preview - Get In The Groove!
Our Focus for 2010: Leadership Development
Each year we carefully (and prayerfully) consider an overarching goal for the church. We feel strongly that this is the year to focus on leadership development. The lifeblood of any local church is the Leadership Community, and the River is no exception. We have a tremendously committed group of individuals who serve in a variety of ways throughout the church. (see the Leadership Community Requirements here) Our goal is to invest more time & energy into the River Leadership Community to see it grow in both numbers and impact in the coming year. This will include:
- a NEW 101 Class designed to move folks from being attenders to being River Partners
- Continued emphasis on our 201 Leadership Training Study to develop potential NEW leaders
- Re-envisioning our River 301 Leadership/Discipleship gatherings (training & retreats)
- Piloting a 401 Full-Time Ministry Leadership Internship on the staff level
The Fall 2009 Campaign
Each year we do a marketing/advertising campaign to let New Yorkers who aren't typically tuned into church know about the River. These have included posters, websites, postcards and signs on subway trains. Keep an eye out for our latest postcard: "COULD CHURCH HELP us get more out of life?" which will be mailed to 100,000+ homes in the downtown area.
Previous River Campaigns:
COULD CHURCH HELP you tune in?COULD CHURCH INSPIRE deeper relationships?
COULD CHURCH HELP you explore life?
AskSeekClick.com
Why did the River move meeting locations?
On August 2 we began meeting in a NEW SPACE for our Sunday morning services. Our new location is the New York Academy of Sciences---located on the 40th floor of 7 World Trade Center (250 Greenwich St) It provides:
better space for kidsmore seating
better AC/heating
better acoustics & sound quality
easy to find location
spectacular views
modern amenities
less expensive
