River Chicks Slumber Party

Friday April 17th 6pm through Saturday April 18th 10am Sign up sheet will be passed around church Sunday April 5th See Jenn, Trina, Donna or Deb Kluge for more details

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Prayer for the Stilwell's

My husband is undergoing a Hip Resurfacing surgery tomorrow at St. Mary's hospital. He has grueling surgery and extensive recovery process ahead of him. I ask that you please keep our family in your prayers. We greatly appreciate all of your support. 

Thank you,

Linda Bannen-Stilwell

Ministry Assistant, River of Life Church

Phone: (608) 745-4040   Fax: (302) 372-0257

102 W. Franklin St.   Portage, WI 53901

www.PortageChurch.org

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Vacation Bible School (VBS)

Mark your calendars for VBS 2009!  Your kids won't want to miss this!  Four churches in Portage team together to offer an awesome VBS each year.  August 3rd-7th at Portage United Methodist Church.  The Theme is Paul and the Underground church. 

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Prayer for the Dreifke relatives

First is my nephew, Zachary Kobayashi, age 14. Zac was hurt in a
bicycle accident over the weekend and has a skull fracture. He and
his family live in a remote area of Hawaii, away from medical help and
he was not immediately seen by a doctor. Please pray for him as the
family is making decisions on surgery, but must have the swelling go
down before surgery can be done.

Also, my daughter, Karrie's Uncle, David Schroud is in the hospital
and facing heart surgery as the angioplasty was not successful that
they tried to do today. The entire Schroud family would appreciate
any and all prayers going their way.

And right in the middle of this, my son Chris is getting married this
Saturday and we can use prayers that the family comes together to
celebrate his marriage in the midst of a lot of health trauma issues.

Thanks so much for spreading the word on these prayer requests.
Karrie, Chris and I appreciate it.
Marlene Dreifke Read Full Post»

Prayer for family of Baby Isaiah

River of Life Church family & friends,

Please mourn with Bonnie & her family as Isaiah has passed on to be with the Lord. I would encourage you to send cards, flowers, or gifts to the church. We will give them to the family. Your prayers would be greatly appreciated, as the gospel goes forth, even in the midst of tragedy... especially in the midst of tragedy.



Psalm 121:1 says:

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, he who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord is your keeper;
the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
6 The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will keep you from all evil;
he will keep your life.
8 The Lord will keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time forth and forevermore. Read Full Post»

CEF Walk-A-Thon

The Columbia County CEF (Child Evangelism Fellowship) Committee is sponsoring a Walk-A-Thon to raise money for outreach ministries to local children: after-school and backyard clubs, fair/festival ministries, etc.  This fun family event will include some exciting prizes!  Please join us on Saturday, May 2, 2009 at 9:30 am at the Portage Levee Walk across from Pizza Hut.  For more information contact Johanna at CEF:  742-8200 or jwynncef@jvlnet.com

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God is busy

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God's Busy

A United States Marine was attending some college courses between assignments. He had completed missions in Iraq and Afghanistan . One of the courses had a professor who was an avowed atheist and a member of the ACLU . One day the professor shocked the class when he came in he looked to the ceiling and flatly stated, 'God, if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform. I'll give you exactly 15 minutes.' The lecture room fell silent. You could hear a pin drop.

Ten minutes went by and the professor proclaimed, 'Here I am God. I'm still waiting.' It got down to the last couple of minutes when the Marine got out of his chair, went up to the professor, and cold-cocked him, knocking him off the platform. The professor was out cold. The Marine went back to his seat and sat there, silently. The other students were shocked, stunned, and sat there looking on in silence. The professor eventually came to, noticeably shaken, looked at the Marine and asked, 'What the heck is the matter with you? Why did you do that?' The Marine calmly replied, 'God was too busy today protecting American soldiers who are protecting your right to say stupid stuff and act like an idiot. So, He sent me.'

And all God's people said -- AMEN!

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Three Trees Children's Play Practice

There are two final dress rehearsals for the Three Trees Children's play.

Saturday March 28th at 2 PM

Sunday April 5th after church service

The performance is Wednesday April 8th at 6 PM.

Bring all of your friends and family!! 

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Checking The Water

If you have questions or want to know more about River of Life Church then sign up for Checking The Water on Sunday, May 3rd after church.  Lunch will not be provided so grab something to eat and meet in the back of the church from 12:15 till approx 3:30.  Please sign-up if you plan on attending and contact Jason Zajicek with questions at 617-9771. 

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Moving Help?

Next week, our family will be moving from Lodi to Harmony Grove. We're planning to take the first load (storage items) on Tuesday afternoon. Everything else will go on Wednesday morning. We'd welcome anyone's help who is able (I know it's tough during the work day).

Also, if anyone has any dollies that we could borrow, please let us know! Looking for appliance dollies (to move appliances and boxes) and a flat dolly (for a piano).

Call me if you want to help out (444-2591). If I don't answer, PLEASE leave a message. I can also be reached by email at cjette_esl@yahoo.com.

Thank you!
Caryn Jette

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!!!Easter Play!!! APRIL 8th @6:00pm/Rehearsals

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THE TALE OF THREE TREES---APRIL 8th @ 6:00pm
Starring The R.O.L children
REMINDER: LAST 2 REHEARSALS are MARCH 28th @ 2pm
and APRIL 5th after church-DRESS REHEARSAL!!!
We are down to the wire and need full participation on these next 2 practices so that the play will run smoothly and sooo OUR BEAUTIFUL SAVIOR can be GLORIFIED! at this important time of the year.
I'm asking kids to come at 5:15 on the 8th to go over songs and pray together.
Thanks to all the HANDS that have been patient and helping in this ministry.
Remember: We are loving our families, and community so that HE is made known.

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Our King

Our Lord

He is so great

It is time I give him my thanks

Time to appreciate

Protector of the trickery and all the evil pranks

I lift His name up so high

Our God is wonderful

Christ created for you and I

The one that's Holy, our true King

I rejoice in His name

God almighty I will sing

His love is beautiful and nothing plain

Our God is wonderful

Oh, yes he is

Our God is wonderful

Oh, yes he is

Our God is wonderful

Oh, yes he is

His Son payed for all mans' sins

Christs' blood shed for you and me

Our God is wonderful

I was blind, but Now I SEE

He taught me to open up my heart

He brought Christ down to set us free

Pierced my soul with a heavenly dart

I shall bear good fruits for Him

It's all he asks of you and I

Live life Holy, try not to sin

Live life pure and always try

I give my thanks to our Lord

He loves us so very much

I fight for him with His mighty sword

His love is splendid with just one touch

Our God is wonderful

Oh, yes he is

Our God is wonderful

Oh yes he is

Our God is wonderful

Oh yes he is

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

To OUR KING

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Pray for Oakland Officers

Pray for the families/fellow officers...of the Oakland Police officers that were killed.

Click here to read the news story

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Easter Egg Ministry needs your help!!!!!

We are looking for people to help donate candy to stuff the easter eggs for the River Hunt, but also the baskets that are made up for River Haven and the food pantry.

Your donations last year put out 137 baskets to children who need to know that they are loved by Jesus.   The eggs are also used to do an Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday morning as well.  This has been a tradition at River for a couple of years now and we would like to continue it.  But unfortunately  if we don't get any candy donations this ministry can not continue. 

And we also need help in stuffing the eggs, this will take place on Saturday April 4th at 12pm at The Turner house.  Lunch will be provided!!!  :)

So please help this ministry continue on and donate some candy, the basket for cand donations will be placed in the entry way when you walk in.

Thank you in advance for helping in this ministry.

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Alcohol and the Bible - Sermon Notes

How did you all enjoy the interactive part of our service today? I'd appreciate your comments & feedback on this.

Here are the notes for today's sermon, as promised:

Click the following link for the sermon notes:

“Don’t think you are so strong that you won’t give in to wrong.”


Even Noah fell here!

“Drinking doesn’t solve problems, it irrigates them.”

GRAPE JUICE?

John 2.10 - it wasn’t just grapejuice
Acts 2.13 - wine made people drunk


GETTING DRUNK IS SIN

Prov. 20.1 - It is not wise


Prov. 21.17 - You won’t have money


1 Sam. 1.14 - You should put it away


Is. 5.11, 22, 28.1 - You’re as good as dead


Eph. 5.18 - Don’t get drunk on wine, but in the Spirit


1 Tim. 3.3, 8; Titus 1.7 - You can’t be a leader in the church


Titus 2.3 - Godly woman doesn’t get drunk


1 Cor. 6 - Drunkards won’t inherit the kingdom of God


DRINKING IS NOT A SIN

Gen. 14.18 - The priest offered wine


Esther 5.6, 7.1-2 - Esther & the king drank


Job 1.13 - Job & his family drank


Mt. 9.17, 21.33, Jn 15 - Jesus told parables using wine


1 Tim. 5.23 - Paul told Timothy to drink wine for health reasons


Deut. 14.26 - They drank in the Presence of the Lord


Ps. 104.14-15 - God created & gave us wine


Prov. 3.10 - God’s reward is wine overflowing


Is. 25.6 - God’s banquet will have wine


Jn 2.1-11 - Jesus’ first earthly miracle was creating wine


Mt. 11.18, 26.29 Lk 7.34 - Jesus drank wine


Lk 22.14-23 - Jesus gave wine to the disciples


GUIDELINES

Luke 7.33-34 - Drinking is a personal choice if you are able to handle it

Ephesians 5.18 - Do not get drunk

Romans 14.13-23 - Don’t be a stumbling block to others with your freedom

You can also click here to listen to the sermon online.

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Please Pray for Jenns Extended Family

Please be in prayer for my extended family, my great-uncle (Clark Belle) passed away yesterday. Knowing that he was a nonbeliever, I personally am having a hard time w/ his passing. Just feel so bad... Please pray.

Thanks, Jenn

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Please Pray for my Father-in-Law

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We could really use your prayers for Franklin, my father-in-law. As many of you know he has been in hospice care at the Tomah VA for about a year now. He went there with pneumonia and wasn't expected to live beyond a month before he passed. His spirits changed and he had will to live again for quite some time. He has pneumonia again now and I just spoke with his nurse. They don't expect him to make it out of this one and he will likely die. He appears to be at peace and is ready to go. To my knowledge, he is not saved. I pray he will come to know Jesus yet and surrender his life. I pray for peace and comfort right now, and as he passes. I pray for Audrey-my mother-in-law, who has been living on her own since he went there. they will be celebrating 49 years of marriage I believe this next month. She is 81 and needing more and more help. She has significant pain in her right arm keeping her from doing much of anything which is really depressing her. She is very much a doer. She is working with a doctor but to no sustained relief at this point. I pray for comfort from her physical pain, peace in her life all the way around and for her faith to remain strong in the Lord. She does believe in God and prays with him often.
As you know my husband is not saved either. I pray for him to see God's love through this and know he is there to comfort him. I pray for his salvation and trust in God. I know he will be hurting terribly and not feel like he can open up. I pray that God will allow him to grieve and share as he needs to with us, rather than keep it bottled up inside. And I pray for our children who will be very sad to see their very much loved grandpa leave us. Jonny and Reese will be most affected I believe, please keep them all in your prayers. I love our River family very much and appreciate you all keeping us in your prayers. I will keep everyone informed as I know.
God Bless,
Karrie

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Prayer for Selbachs

Please be in prayer for us and our health. Maisyn has been sick on and off for months, she now is topped put w/ a temp of 104, and vomiting. Mykenza is ok, just a nasty cough so far, and I am coming down w/ it all again. Jarrod still has his nasty cough going on 6 weeks now, I have to say that Jarrod is SO awesome! He has been going strong at work, and then coming home helping w/ the house chores, and cutting wood, NO COMPLAINING, Thanks babe I love ya!

Please pray for my babes health, aswell as mine, its hard to be a caretaker and be sick!

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Introducing Linda

Hi everyone,

As you may remember from our last annual meeting, River of Life Church has finally decided on bringing on another staff member! This comes after growing so fast, and needing someone to assist me with office duties that arise. So after receiving about 100 responses & resumes from the ad, and doing wayyyy too many interviews, we feel we have found the right person for the job!

Meet Linda Bannen-Stilwell. Linda will be assisting me directly here and will be working Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 AM until 3 PM. She starts this morning (March 9th) so if you get a chance, make sure to call the church office sometime this week to say "hi" and meet Linda. The church office # is: (608) 745-4040.

I would like to thank you all for your prayers and encouragement through the process. We look forward to growing even more now that we have a very competent person to help me with the daily office duties at River.

I would also like to say a special thank you to Tim Worden & The Vista, for partnering with us to help make this happen!


Linda - Welcome to River of Life Church and I look forward to working with you! Read Full Post»

SBC pastor killed in church shooting

Please be in prayer for the family, the church, and the local association. These are brothers & sisters in Christ, and within our very own convention. This is very scary, and very close to home.

MARYVILLE, Ill. (BP)--A Southern Baptist pastor who previously served as the president of the Illinois Baptist State Association was killed Sunday when a gunman entered the 8:15 a.m. worship service and opened fire.

Fred Winters, pastor of First Baptist Church of Maryville, Ill., was killed when the gunman entered the church and opened fire. Winters was 45.

According to the Illinois State Police...

the gunman walked into the worship service where 150 were in attendance and spoke briefly with Winters. The gunmen then fired four shots before his .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun jammed. The gunman then stabbed himself with a knife.

Two church members were injured when they tackled the man. One remains hospitalized, while the other has been treated and released.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported the gunman is a 27-year-old man from Troy, Ill., whose motive remains unknown. His name will not be released until charges have been filed. He now is hospitalized and in police custody.

Church members said they did not recognize the gunman.

Nate Adams, Illinois Baptist State Association executive director, said, "Our hearts and prayers go out to the Fred Winters family and the church family there at First Baptist, Maryville, during this time of great grief and loss. Fred was a wonderful, gifted, leading pastor in Illinois, and a dear friend. His ministry and mentorship will be missed sorely by many.

"Our great God is not surprised by this, or anything. That He allows evil and free will to have their way in tragedies like this is a mystery in many ways. But we know we can trust Him no matter what, and draw close to Him in any circumstances. Let's draw closer to Him and to one another during this terrible tragedy, and renew our faith and obedience to His purposes for however many days we have remaining to serve Him."

The church posted a message on its website later in the day that read:

"Today, a little after our 8:15 service began, a man entered First Baptist Church and fired several gunshots at our Senior Pastor, Dr. Fred Winters. Pastor Winters was taken to the hospital but died of his wounds.

"Please pray for Dr. Winter’s family, our two brave members who were injured when they stopped the assailant, for the assailant himself and his family, and for our church members as they deal with this tragic loss.

"In this day, where uncertainty seems to abound creating an environment in which people are vulnerable in doing things they might not do otherwise, one thing is certain, we, as human beings need a foundation upon which we can live our lives. We at First Baptist Maryville, along with other Christian believers, share this conviction: that foundation is God’s Word. In the pages of the Book we call the Bible, we find the pathway for peace, hope, and a quality of living life despite what circumstances we find ourselves in."

"To those who believe in the power of prayer, we covet your prayers right now."

Winters is survived by his wife Cindy and their two daughters. He became pastor of First Baptist Church in 1987 and was a former president of the Illinois Baptist State Association. He also previously served on the Southern Baptist Committee on Committees.

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Urgent prayer for baby Isaiah

Update 3-4-09
PRAISE THE LORD, HE HAS SHOWN A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF MERCY, AND I AM SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO IN AWE AND GRATEFUL! PRAISE YOU JESUS, YOU ARE A MIGHY GOD!

Isaiah peeeeed!!!!! YAAAAAY!!!! That is a huge praise report! He is doing good as of right now, they are weaning him off of a few meds, and he is staying stable. God is good, I am humbled by this, so very humbled. Please continue to pray, your prayers are doing a mighty mighty work for little Isaiah, AND Bonnie. Please continue! I appreciate all of your emails and support, keep 'em coming!

God Bless, Jenn Read Full Post»

Easter Egg Ministry

RIVER'S 3rd ANNUAL EASTER EGG MINISTRY.
Yes, it is that time again. We are looking for donations of small candy to fill Easter eggs with. As always half of the donations go to baskets for children in our community. And the other half are used for an Easter egg hunt here at river, on Easter morning.

You can drop off your donations in the box downstairs,no later than April 1st. If you would be interested in helping with this ministry please contact Nicki R @ (608)617-4163 or NickiR@PortageChurch.org

Many hands are needed, last year we sent out 179 baskets.

Thank You all in advance for making this ministry such a successful one!

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Wounded Heart Study

If you have felt the pain of sexual abuse, God's healing is available. There is a confidential study/group forming now.

To begin the scriptural based healing process, please respond to this confidential e-mail address listed below, and the leader will contact you with further details or to answer any questions.

WoundedHeart@PortageChurch.org

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URGENT PRAYER REQUEST~ BABY ISAIAH

Please keep my family in your prayers!

Isaiah isnt well, he has pnemonia, and a yeast infection in his lungs. He wasnt supossed to make it through the night, but Gods mercy has been shown once again! Isaiah has been stable since 5am. He ISNT out of the dark, actually its a long shot, but we know our God is bigger than this. I pray His will be done, but its so hard for me to not be selfish and just plead for Him to leave Isaiah here w/ my cousin Bonnie, and family. Please pray! I beg you to please pray!

Love Jenn Selbach and Family

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River Chicks 2nd Annual Slumber Party

At River of Life Church Friday, April 17th, 6pm - Saturday, April 18th, 10am More details to come soon!

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Prayer request

This is an email form KArrie Landsverk: Please pray!
my stepdad’s father had a severe stroke today. They just found out after church. He was at Reedsburg hospital and is now being transferred to the UW hospital in Madison. We don’t know how bad it is yet but it appears quite serious. Bob and mom are with his mom-Cathy right now heading to the hospital. Mom asked that I send out a prayer request for all to pray for Bob-lots of Bob’s in our family. His name is Bob Dreifke. We just pray that God will comfort him and let his will be done. I pray that Cathy will also be comforted right now. She is very scared for him, she doesn’t want him to die alone if he might and she is very worried about finances and how to pay for all of this. Please pray to help ease her mind and help her to find peace with Jesus right now. Please pray for Bob-my stepdad as well. This is his father and he is medical power of attorney and I’m sure has a lot on his mind and could use some wisdom from God and peace in his heart that God is with them all.

Thanks, Karrie

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