Home Safe

Paul, Olivia and myself are finally home to westfield safe and sound. We clocked over 2800 miles on our trip and made it home with out a scratch. Thank you all so much for the prayers, emails and phone calls. We truelly have the BEST friends and family EVER. We look forward to seeing you all on sunday.

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Extraordinary Women's Conf.2010

If you haven't done so already, please get your check made payable to River of Life Church to Jenn Selbach by February 7th.

We have an early early early bird special rate of $39 per ticket!!! This is unbeatable!!!

The event dates are Nov.5th-6th 2010 in Rockford, Illinois. Hotel cost is usually around $20 a person.

A few ladies have given their checks directly to Anne, PLEASE DON'T DO THAT. Jenn needs an accurate count of ladies attending.

For every 10 tickets ordered we get 1 FREE!!! There was 26 of us at the 2009 conf. Let's beat that # in 2010!!!

God Bless,
River of Life Women's Ministry Team

Sent from my U.S. Cellular BlackBerry® smartphone Read Full Post»

January CBA Worshops

Dear Pastors, Church Staff, and Church Leaders,

I hope you all had a great Christmas with your families and your churches. As we prepare for our meetings in January we want to let you know that two workshops will be available for you on January 23 and January 25.  Many of you have already been sharing with me that you are looking forward to attending the conflict workshop. I believe this workshop and the one on communication can be of great help for years to come in our CBA churches. Here is the information with links to these seminars that will be taking place:

January 23 - Transforming Conflict and Strife into Synergy,  see http://www.cbaow.net for all the details about the schedule for the day and the content of the workshop. This workshop will be at Campus Community Church and it will start at 10:00 a.m.  

January 25 - Mastering the Art of Communication  - This workshop will begin at 10:00 a.m. and it will be held at Prairie Springs Church. For content on this workshop, see http://www.nextlevelleadership.com/site/c.ktJVJ9MMIsE/b.5137963/k.364E/Mastering_the_Art_of_Communication.htm.  

Dr. Virgil Grant, church planter and pastor of 20 years, will be our facilitator for these two workshops along with Clint Calvert, our Church Health Director for the MWBC. Both of these men are gifted communicators and have a heart to see our leaders develop and grow.   

In order to best prepare for this event, we could use your help in promoting these workshops to your churches. Please share with your congregation  by bulletin, web site, newsletter, blog, Face book, or however you choose to best communicate. We would like to share with you that there will be a $15 charge to help us cover the costs of the workbooks. Our goal is to place an order by January 11 for the workbooks. Please let us know how many you will have from your respective churches. Checks can be made payable to the Central Baptist Association and be mailed or brought to the meetings. If you know you are coming as an individual, please let us know that as well.

You can e-mail Amanda Miller to confirm how many you will have coming at amanda@cbaow.net. You can also register online now at http://www.cbaow.net on the home page.

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Abraham Serves God

"Abraham Serves God"

Genesis 18

To listen to Pastor Bob's Sermon from this past Sunday

Click the link below to go to Unmerited Favor

www.PortageChurch.org/Pastor

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We need YOUR help

One of the things we do to keep our MANY River children safe and accounted for is to have their parents sign them in each week before church.  The kids get their name tags & then we know that they are expected in children's church. (if they don't show up we go looking for them).

We need YOUR help to hand out name tags once a month on Sunday mornings from 9:20-10:00.  If you can smile, say good morning and read names then YOU are qualified.  Please contact Nikki Zajicek at nikkiz@portagechurch.org or 617-9772.

Thanks
 
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Welcome Olivia Hope Zuelke!!

Today we are celebrating that God has blessed us with yet another gift from Texas!!

I would like to introduce you to...

Olivia Hope Zuelke!!!

She was born December 18th, 2009 at 3:17am. She weighed 6lbs 12oz.

Congratulations to the proud parents - Paul & Kelly Zuelke!!

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Prayers for Jamie's Mom

Please be in prayer for my mom, Jan, as yesterday her dog, Harley, died unexpectedly in her arms.  My mom is what I lovingly call the "pet whisperer" as she recently owned three dogs.  It is hard enough digesting Harley's untimely death yesterday, but this is the third of her three dogs to die in the last 2 months and my mom is really struggling today.  Her oldest dog, Tasha, was put down in November due to old age, but had lived a happy life for 15 years. Her youngest dog, Rufus, was put down 11 days ago at the age of 4 becasue he had a distended bowl from being unable to digest a rawhide bone properly and his body unable to dump waste, poisoned itself.  My mom was really struggling with the two of the dog's death, but found comfort in knowing she still had Harley to love.  Yesterday, Harley, an 8 year-old german Shepherd, walked out into the driveway, laid down, and slipped slowly into death.  He was not sick, but we believe, died of a broken heart and lonliness. My husband and I buried Harley last night and my mom was beside herself.  She is a little angry with God today.  My mom lives alone and those three dogs were her kids.  Please pray for God's comfort and peace to surround her.  I want her to be able to fully enjoy the birth of Jesus today, though her heart is numb and feels void. 
 
Thank you so much, River family.
Jamie Kinworthy

 

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Windows Live: Keep your friends up to date with what you do online. Read Full Post»

Wed night life group cancelled

Life group for tonight at Mike and Linda Vitacco's is cancelled. Read Full Post»

Please Register Children for Children's Church PRIOR to 10am

A reminder to all parents who have children participating in children’s church that we need to have parents sign children in prior to 10am each Sunday. Children cannot sign themselves in for children’s church. Ideally, we would like to have all children checked in by 9:45am. Many of our volunteers checking in children are also doing double duty by teaching a session in children’s church that same day and need to available to teach the rest of their class as children’s church begins. Please also remember we ask all food to be kept upstairs. We welcome families to take part in the snacks that are provided and we ask to have children ready to participate by 10am whenever possible. We truly enjoy teaching all the children we have been blessed with at River of Life and appreciate your help as parents so we can provide this ministry in an organized and effective manner. Our children benefit the most of all when we do! Thank you for your cooperation!

God Bless,

The Children’s Ministry Team

 

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Thank you for the gift

River family,

Alisha and I would like to say thank you for the Christmas card and gift of money. What a surprise!

We love you guys and truly appreciate it! It's our honor to serve you and minister along with you all.

Merry Christmas!!

Pastor Bob

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God Appears to Abraham

"God Appears to Abraham" Genesis 18

Pastor Bob Turner

To listen to this Sunday's Sermon,

click the link below to go to

Unmerited Favor...

www.PortageChurch.org/Pastor

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No New Years Party

There was not a response for a New Years party so we will NOT be having a New Years party this year.


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Wednesday Life Group

We are canceling life group for tonight at Mike and Linda Vitacco's, too many people not feeling well.  We will meet next Wednesday the 23rd. 

Thanks!

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Children are performing this Sunday!

Note to all parents that we will have our children give a special performance this Sunday at the end of our service! Please be sure they attend so they can participate in this fun event! They will be singing Christmas carols and some will be telling the story of Jesus' birth with scripture reading. If your child has volunteered to read scripture he or she should have a copy of the verses-please have them read it often so they are comfortable with the wording for Sunday. Feel free to have your children dress up in their holiday best and have fun with this performance! Please invite your family or friends who might enjoy watching our children perform. The children have worked very hard and we are excited to perform for our congregation.
Karrie Read Full Post»

Snow pants & boots needed

Looking for boys snow pants size 5/6 and boys boots size 13 or 1s.  If anyone has these that they are looking to get rid of please let me know.  There is a family that could use them.

Thanks
Nikki Z
NikkiZ@portagechurch.org
608-617-9772
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Thank you

Thank you to all who came caroling!  What a blessing to those who heard you and got to visit with you.  Thank you for spreading some joy during this Christmas season!   The kids had a wonderful time handing out treats and homemade Christmas cards!  Thank you to those who brought treats, prepared music, prepared & cleaned up food.  Thank you also to the children's church volunteers and kids that helped make 160 (yes, 160!) Christmas cards to share w/all the residents.  The cards were beautiful and the residents really enjoyed receiving the fancy art work. 

Merry Christmas!
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Prayer For Faith's Mom

My mom (Darlene) and dad (Dean) are in Florida right now.  Two days ago my mom had a fall which left her with severely bruised ribs.  Movement of any kind and breathing is extremely  painful for her - but she needs to breathe fully and deeply to ensure that pneumonia doesn't set in.  My heart is very heavy for her, especially since she is so far away and I can't tend to her myself.  My mom also has MS which poses it's own struggles.  Please pray for her - For rest, comfort, and healing.

 

Thanks :)  Faith 

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Prayer Request

I received a call today from a lady named "Ruth" who is asking for prayers for her depression. Please be in prayer that God helps Ruth through her difficult times.  

Thank you,

Linda Bannen-Stilwell

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The Covenant of Grace

"The Covenant of Grace - there is no salvation outside of Israel"

Genesis 17

By Pastor Bob

Click the link below to go to

Unmerited Favor

to listen to the Sermon

www.PortageChurch.org/Pastor

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Zuelke Baby has Passed

Please be in prayer for Paul & Kelly. We just back from their hotel
room with sad news. The baby passed about an hour ago.

Please pray that God might comfort them and reveal Himself and His
plan in this troubling time.

Thanks,

Pastor Bob Turner Read Full Post»

Ask The Pastor

I'm considering hosting an evening of Q&A at River.

• Question topics are open. (theological, personal, biblical, etc.)
• Questions will be selected by me ahead of time and answered as openly & thoroughly as possible.
• Names of those submitting the questions will not be disclosed publicly.

Please submit questions to: Pastor@PortageChurch.org

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Boxes

I am need of some boxes for distributing the Giving Tree gifts.  Wondering if anyone has access to some paper boxes....if so could you bring them to church on Sunday?  Please post to this blog post if you are able to get any boxes.

Thanks
Nikki Z nikkiz@portagechurch.org
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Please Join us!

Reminder of a meeting for all volunteers in the 2nd-6th grade age group this Saturday, December 12th at 10:00 am at River.  All parents, volunteers and anyone else interested are very welcome to attend.

Details.......... We are very excited to be kicking off a new children's church program in January.  Come find out what it's all about!  Volunteers in the 2nd-6th grade group will be meeting on Saturday, December 12th at 10:00AM at River to share the basic plan we've outlined.  Then we would like your input to fill in the gaps and help plan an awesome 2010 for the kids.  If you would like to check out our curriculum you can visit www.childrendesiringgod.org .   Volunteers, if you can't make it please let us know.  We welcome ALL parent input at the meeting!  Please join us to find out what your children will be learning.  Also, note that with our new program we will be adding the 6th graders in-so they will have an age appropriate program and it will be more interesting for the
 
Any questions contact Mary Hamburg at 742-8284 or Nicki Robarge at 617-4163.
 
 
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Lunch & Christmas Caroling this Sunday

Remember to bring your warm duds to bundle up for

Christmas Caroling this Sunday!

Join us for lunch after church,

and then caroling at 1:15 around town.

See you there!

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Christmas Eve Service

December 24th

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Plow Truck for sale!

We live in an area that gets plowed for us, so we no longer need this, and have no room to store it.

$2500.00

1989 GMC Sierra 4X4

color: Black

manual transmission

Western plow with Meyer's motor

*Everything in good working condition. Just had it checked out by mechanic*

Will add a picture of the truck to this posting soon.

Please contact Jordan with questions or to take a look at the truck

608-617-1157

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Weather Updates for River of Life Church

Today

River of Life Church offices are closed today due to the blizzard conditions. All meetings are canceled.

Sunday Morning Updates

In the winter time, if the weather is questionable, always check the church blog (http://PortageChurch.org/blog) before leaving to make sure Sunday services are not canceled.

We update the news stations & Life 102.5, but we have no control of how often they update their information. So please always check the church blog prior to venturing out if the weather is questionable.

Stay Safe Today

Don't drive unless you have to. If you have to drive, take extra time, and remember to always brake early and softly.

"To the praise of His glorious grace!"

Pastor Bob Turner †

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In Need of Food

There was a family put on the Giving Tree that is need of food.  This family has a mother and 8 year old daughter.  There are also other families in our community in need.  Let's have our church family come together and bless them with some food!

During the month of December we will have a basket in the front of the worship center for food donations.  During the offering the kids can put their food donation in the baskets at the front of the worship center.
 
Thank you for blessing our community! Read Full Post»

Devotionals

Anybody interested in sponsoring the devotionals please see Mike Gladem with details. You can donate by the month by the quarter or a one time donation.  And those of you who have already shown interest in sponsoring  please give your sponsorship to Anne Z or Mike Gladem We will have monthly reminders along with the announcements please look for them in the future thank you for your interest in this ministry.  God Bless   Mike Gladem

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Worship Team Report

For those of you who attended the River Annual Meeting yesterday, there was a report that was missing in your packet. Here is that report:

Worship Ministry Report 2009

As worship leader, it is my goal to facilitate and organize our praise and worship time during our Sunday morning Worship Celebration in a way that is glorifying and honoring to God. We have a gifted and growing worship team! Our new sound system has been in full swing for months now and is a beautiful addition to the ministry at River - We praise God for the provision for this addition. This year I'm happy to say that Aaron Robarge has become our team leader of the audio/visual portion of our team - He has embraced his position with passion and great committment. We continue to grow toward more live instrumental praise and worship and this year have had the ability to merge our worship team with our worship band. We are very thankful for everyones efforts on this team. We praise God that they are using the gifts and abilities which He has entrusted to them to Glorify Christ.

It is my prayer that we will honor God and His Word by always being ready to sing a new song, love Him, and worship Him with wild abandon. I believe that 2010 will hold many changes, challenges, and blessings... God has been so faithful, and I have every reason to believe that He will continue to be faithful and to lead this ministry into and through 2010.

Much Love and Peace ~

Faith Gladem

Worship Leader ~ River of Life Church

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CHURCH

"CHURCH. A Puzzle Shaped by God, Formed in Christ, Pieced Together by the Spirit."

Deuteronomy 1.9 - 18

by Pastor Bob

Click the link below

to go to Pastor Bob's personal blog

Unmerited Favor

to listen to the Sermon...

www.PortageChurch.org/Pastor

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Opportunity to make a difference

There are still 12 children left on the Giving Tree list that need gifts this Christmas.  Not sure that the sign-up list has made it all the way around each week so wanted to give you a last chance.  Please email me right away if you are able to bless a child w/a special gift.  Gifts are due back next Sunday, December 13th, place them under the Christmas tree in the front of the worship center.

Thanks!
Nikki Zajicek
NikkiZ@portagechurch.org
608-617-9772
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Reminder

Just a reminder that names for the Giving Tree are due this Sunday, December 6th.  If you know of anyone that we could bless with a gift this Christmas please write their info on the back of a yellow welcome card & put it in the offering.  (Name, address, contact number for delivery, gender, sizes & gift ideas)
 
Gifts are due back Sunday, December 13th.  Please place the gifts under the Tree in the FRONT of the worship center.
 
Any questions contact Nikki Zajicek at 617-9772 or NikkiZ@portagechurch.org.
 
Continue to keep Jesus as the center of your Christmas season.
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Sponsor a child

There is still a need for sponsors for children that attend Good News Clubs (GNC).  GNCs are Christian clubs help in the public schools-where kids are able to hear the gospel, play games & sing songs for free.  We could still use your support of $7/child to help pay for their t-shirt and 4 devotionals that we will provide for them this year. 

Checks can be written to Child Evangelism Fellowship and put in the offering.

Thank you for helping us reach the unchurched with God's word!

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Come find out what it's all about!

We are very excited to be kicking off a new children's church program in January. Come find out what it's all about! Volunteers in the 2nd-6th grade group will be meeting on Saturday, December 12th at 10:00AM at River to share the basic plan we've outlined. Then we would like your input to fill in the gaps and help plan an awesome 2010 for the kids. If you would like to check out our curriculum you can visit www.desiringgod.org . Volunteers, if you can't make it please let us know. We welcome ALL parent input at the meeting! Please join us to find out what your children will be learning. Also, note that with our new program we will be adding the 6th graders in-so they will have an age appropriate program! We are very excited about our changes and additions. Please join us at the meeting to find out more.

Any questions contact Mary Hamburg at 742-8284 or Nicki Robarge at 617-4163.

Also, watch for details of a meeting for Pre-school -1st grade volunteers & helpers. Read Full Post»

Help Needed

We are in need of some adult supervision to help with child care at the annual meeting.  We have some volunteers lined up but need adult supervision to help keep everyone on track.  Please let me know if you would be able to serve God and the church in this way.  The meeting is Sunday from approx 12:30-2:00.
 
Contact Nikki Zajicek with questions at NikkiZ@portagechurch.org or 617-9772
 
 
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Walking the Talk - A True Believer

"Walking the Talk"

Genesis 17

This is the FINAL sermon in the series

10 Signs of a True Believer

by Pastor Bob

Click the link below to go to

Pastor Bob's personal blog

Unmerited Favor

www.PortageChurch.org/Pastor

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Girls coat

There is a little girl in Portage that we got info for thru the giving tree, she still does not have a winter coat.  Wondered if anyone had a girls size 4 or 5 that they were looking to get rid of?  Didn't want her to have to wait till Christmas. 
 
Thanks
Nikki Z
608-617-9772
NikkiZ@portagechurch.org
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Giving Tree

Today we started passing around the sign-up for the giving tree.  This was an opportunity to take a name of a child that you would like to bless with a gift.  If you missed the sign-up and would like a name please contact Nikki Zajicek at 608-617-9772 or NikkiZ@portagechurch.org.  Please return all gifts to the church by December 13th.
 
 
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Christmas Decorating !!

This Thursday Night ~ December 3rd ~ 6pm ~ We Need Your Help

 

We'll be decorating our worship center for Christmas ... Manyhands make light (and fun !) work.  If you can join us please shoot us an email at mike@portagechurch.org.  Hope to see you there !!

 

Blessings ~ Mike & Faith

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Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks be to God!!

Celebrate by Giving Thanks to God!

"I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.

And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union."

~ President Abraham Lincoln, 1863

A Reminder of Coming Events

Sun. Nov. 29th - Checking the Water Membership Class

Check out the blog for more info. Click here >>>

Sat. Dec. 5th - Men's Ministry Turkey Cookout

Check out the blog for details. Click here >>>

Sun. Dec. 6th - River Annual Meeting

Check out the blog for details.Click here >>>

Fri. Dec. 11th - Holiday Living Windows Downtown

Check out the blog for more info. Click here>>>

Sun. Dec. 13th - Easter Play Informational Meeting

Check out the blog for more info. Click here>>>

Sun. Dec. 13th - Christmas Caroling

Check out the blog for details. Click here>>>

Sun. Dec. 13th - Giving Tree Names Due

Check out the blog for more info. Click here>>>

Fri. Dec. 18th - River Chicks Christmas Party

Check out the blog for details. Click here>>>

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Checking the Water Membership Class

If you have questions about River or you want to learn more about what River of Life church is all about then sign-up for checking the water (CTW).....Sunday, November 29th from 12:15-3:30. Anyone can take CTW and you need to take it before becoming a member. However, you do not need to become a member if you take the class.

Lunch will not be provided so please bring something to eat and meet in the back at 12:15.

If you are interested in attending, please fill out a yellow card

during Worship Service on Sunday.

Any questions please contact Jason Zajicek at:

617-9772 or Jason@PortageChurch.org

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River Annual Meeting

This Sunday is the last chance to RSVP for River of Life Church's Annual Meeting! The meeting is set for Sunday, December 6th. Service, lunch, and then the meeting.

RSVP

If you plan to attend, we need you to let us know how many adults and children will be attending. Please RSVP by filling out the form in your worship folder and placing it in the Yellow Card box as you leave.

GIVE AWAYS

All adult attendees will be automatically entered our free drawing for all kinds of goodies & our big give away at the end!

LUNCH PROVIDED

For those who RSVP, we will provide a free lunch downstairs directly after the service, with the meeting to follow.

CHILDCARE

Nikki Zajicek is planning for childcare workers for those who RSVP their children, to allow you to focus on the meeting.

WHO CAN ATTEND?

Members are strongly requested to attend. Regular attendees are also welcomed to attend the meeting as well. Unfortunately only current covenant signed members may vote.

NOT A MEMBER YET?

If you would like to become a member of River, or would like to attend our class to look into it, attend Checking the Water this Sunday after the service. Pack or grab some lunch and bring it to the membership class, which will begin around 12:15 PM.

QUESTIONS?

If you have additional questions, you may call the church office (608) 745-4040 or e-mail us at: Office@PortageChurch.org

I hope you can all make it!!

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