Flat Panel Computer Monitor Needed

Recently he a/v crew needed an extra flat panel computer monitor. Aaron decided to try and post on the blog to see if anyone had an extra one. He thought - rather than spend the church's money, maybe someone in the church would donate one instead. Well Mike & Linda Vitacco did just that! Thanks again!!

I also gave the flat panel monitor that I had used in my office to the a/v team - as well as they needed a 2nd one. However now I find that I could use one in my office once again. It is helpful to have a 2nd monitor to accomplish some tasks for learning and preparing to teach or preach.

So I thought I would give this a shot :) Does anyone have a flat panel computer monitor that they could donate to the church so I could use it in my office? If so, please contact the church office by phone (608) 745-4040 or email: Pastor@PortageChurch.org

Thanks!!

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Baptism Sunday!

This Sunday was a big day at River of Life!

We heard the sermon -

"Enter By the Narrow Gate" based on Matthew 7.13-14

Also we were witness to testimonies of 8 individuals

who have accepted Christ as their Savior.

This is a very moving and emotional service and we invite

all to listen to the ways God works in everyone's life.

To listen to the Sermon and testimonies, click the link below

to go to Pastor Bob's Blog

Unmerited Favor

www.PortageChurch.org/Pastor

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Your helping hands are needed tonight!!!

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Are you able to lend a hand moving Nikki Burdines belongings from her storage unit to her new apt~ THIS EVENING?

Also... Nikki and her 3 boys are in need of some household items, toiletries and such, if you are interested in helping that way, gift cards are appreciated!

Can we set up a few meals for her and the boys for this week too?

All of the above can go through Faith (697-0738)

Thanks

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8 Baptized & About 10 Saved!!

Today we had a great baptism service.

We started with announcements and welcomed a new member to River - Peter Dodge.

We then experienced incredible worship as the River band led a charged up church in exalting our God.

From there we heard how God has worked through our church! testimonies from 8 people who have been saved by God's grace. What an incredible time to hear

After that we heard a special song by our worship leader Faith - "What if?". This was inspiring and cut to the heart. Great job Faith!

We then heard the sermon - "Enter By the Narrow Gate" based on Matthew 7.13-14

The sermon was not for the faint of heart and challenged Christians to walk the hard road.

It also invited unbelievers to embrace the gospel and be saved.

From there we were privileged to see about 10 people answer the altar call and make professions of faith!

With tears streaming, we saw people repent and believe onto the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation.

The altar was filled with others for prayer and repentance also.

It was after that when we got to witness the 8 baptisms. What a great celebration!! Kylar, Nicole, Cindy, Bob, Shawna & Jamie were baptized by me. Luke & Grace Gladem were baptized by their father. A memorable experience for sure!

*Click here for photos

I want to say "THANK YOU" to all of you who serve River and our Lord. Thank you to everyone who serves in little and big ways. Please know that your acts of service and prayers allow and even facilitate God's activity. Thank you for serving so others can respond to the gospel.

Soli Deo Gloria!

To God be all the glory!

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Prayer for Jenns brother

Please be in prayer for my brother, his name is Kerry. He has been serving our country for 11 yrs, he is an awesome guy, and really needs our prayers. Please pray in general for him, but one specific is, that he is stationed in North Dakota, and really needs to get out of there for personal reasons. Please pray that he get stationed elsewhere and soon. Much appreciated   In Him~ Jenn Selbach

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Urgent Prayer Request~update on Marissa

Please be in prayer for Marissa Jordan (my friends 9yr old daughter) She was being weaned off ventilation today (after having a brain anyurism and heart attack) to see of she could breath on her own and she was, but then had a stroke! The neurologist is in w/ her right now to see what to do next~ the good news is that she is still breathing on her own, but her eyes are fixated in one position and her head is leaning to one side, thats all we know for now.   PLEASE PRAY for her!!!!!  and family!!!!   Thanks Jenn Selbach

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Java for Jesus on Summer Break

We will be taking the summer off from Java for Jesus We will resume in the fall, watch the worship folder for updates

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FAMILY SUNDAY

Just a reminder that this Sunday is Family Sunday! Family Sunday means you get to spend the service with your family. There will be handouts for the kids to write on but feel free to bring additional quiet activities for them.

There will not be adult supervision downstairs or outside. For safety reasons we ask that all kids stay in the sanctuary w/their parents. We pray you enjoy this opportunity to teach the kids how you worship God in church.

Nursery will still be provided for age 2 and under. Read Full Post»

Vacation Bible School

Just a reminer that we are getting ready for another great year of Vacation Bible School. We could use volunteers in all areas as we travel thru Rome. Our need includes: supplies, workers for the market place, leaders to lead the "families" that the kids will be in, kitchen help and more. We could use your help for a day or for all 5.

Come & see the Portage United Methodist Church transformed into Rome.....
August 3rd-7th from 8:30-11:30.

We are excited to also be offering an addition this year. From 11:30-2:30 each day we will be offering; ESL (English as a second language) classes, games & other fun opportunities for kids that are interested. We could also use extra hands for this.

Most importantly the registration info will be out soon so don't forget to sign-up!

Any questions, please contact nikkiz@portagechurch.org 617-9772. Read Full Post»

Update-items needed

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Hi, this is Nikki Burdine again. Just wanted to let everyone know that I have found a place. Was able to get a 3 bedroom duplex a few blocks behind Faith and Mike for pretty reasonable. Thanks to everyone for their prayers. Boys are doing great and we are very excited to move to our new home!

There are a few things that we could use if anyone has available:

Twin Bed and mattress
2 A/C window units
Washer/Dryer

If possible I could use some help moving from my storage unit in Harmony Grove to the new place. Looking at next Sat. If you could please let me know if you would be available that would be great.

Thanks
Nikki

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Guest Preacher - DW Feaster

DW Feaster

We had a Guest Preacher this

Father's Day Sunday at River!

DW delivered the Sermon

"Honoring Fathers"

~How Fathers impact lives as a family

~Fathers have a responsibility to lead their families in faith

"Without faith, it's impossible to please God." ~Hebrews 11.6

Click the link below to go to Pastor Bob's personal blog

Unmerited Favor

to listen to DW's Sermon

www.PortageChurch.org/Pastor

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URGENT PRAYER REQUEST!!!

A friend of mines daughter Marissa Jordan (10 in august) has batttled lukemia and won, just celebrated her 1 yr anniversary, BUT... today she was med-flighted to the UW childrens hospital w/ a brain anurism and lung/heart failure!!!! she was put into a drug indused coma, and will stay in that state for 2 weeks, she survived surgery, and they removed the blood clot and anurism, PLEASE BE IN CONSTANT PRAYER FOR HER AND HER FAMILY!!!!! i will email updates

Thanks Jenn Selbach and Jordan Family

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Baptism Meeting After Service - Last Chance!

For those of you who wish to be baptized as a believer, this Sunday
after church we will have a brief meeting to plan next Sunday's
baptism service. Please wait by Pastor Bob's office directly after
the service. Thanks! Read Full Post»

Extraordinary Women's Conference

http://www.ewomen.net/conferences/rockford_09/ Conference is in Rockford,Il November 6th & 7th Tickets are $49 before August 14th, after August 14th $59 (before October 2nd)  Lodging will most likely be $15-$20 a person Contact Jenn for more info @ Jenn@PortageChurch.org

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Pray - Caryn's Family

From Caryn Jette - 

On Monday, my uncle, Tom Pettit had his leg amputated below the knee...years of circulation problems and infections. .  He is in a lot of pain.  There is obviously going to be much more involved than just recovering from the amputation...emotionally dealing with it.  

Understand also that his daughter Caitlin was in an accident one year ago...she jumped into an above ground pool and broke her neck.  She's been paralyzed from the neck down since and my uncle has helped with her care on a daily basis.  

This family needs Christ so much, and he's going to have to accept care for a time rather being the caregiver.

I received a positive report from my father.  My uncle is relieved to have this surgery over with so he can begin to move on.  Please do pray for the whole family however.  Recovery from surgery like this isn't just physical, and most of the family is in need of a relationship with Christ.  Please pray for his salvation.

Caryn Jette 
cjette_esl@yahoo.com

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Saved... for Life! (Morning Devotion)

Good morning!  

On vacation this morning I was reading from  one of my favorite devotionals.  The late great preacher Charles Spurgeon wrote devotions called "MORNING & EVENING".  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did this morning.

"And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish."  
             -- John 10:28

The Christian should never think or speak lightly of unbelief. For a child of God to mistrust his love, his truth, his faithfulness, must be greatly displeasing to him. How can we ever grieve him by doubting his upholding grace? Christian! it is contrary to every promise of God's precious Word that thou shouldst ever be forgotten or left to perish.

If it could be so, how could he be true who has said, "Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I never forget thee."  What were the value of that promise-"The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee,
neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee." Where were the truth of Christ's words-"I give unto my sheep eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand." 

Where were the doctrines of grace? They would be all disproved if one child of God should perish. Where were the veracity of God, his honour, his power, his grace, his covenant, his oath, if any of those for whom Christ has died, and who have put their trust in him, should nevertheless be cast away? 

Banish those unbelieving fears which so dishonour God. Arise, shake thyself from the dust, and put on thy beautiful garments. Remember it is sinful to doubt his Word wherein he has promised thee that thou shalt never perish. Let the eternal life within thee express itself in confident rejoicing.

"The gospel bears my spirit up:
A faithful and unchanging God
Lays the foundation for my hope,
In oaths, and promises, and blood."

Soli Deo Gloria!

Pastor Bob Turner  †

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A Tale of 2 Kings

To listen to Pastor Bob's Sermon,

"A Tale of 2 Kings"

on Genesis 14,

Click the link below to go to his

personal blog, Unmerited Favor

www.PortageChurch.org/Pastor

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Prayers needed

... My name in Nikki Burdine and I am writing this to inform my church family that I am in need of your prayers and support. I have 3 boys, Karson 5, Chayse 2 and Ryder 4 mos. I have been staying with Faith and Mike Gladem for the last week after leaving an unhealthy relationship. Last week my boys' father got arrested. He struggles w/ addictions and crossing lines of abuse. Please pray that he comes to know God and can get his addictions behind him.

Please also pray for myself and my boys. I am trying to find a place to live here in Portage so if you could please pray that we find something soon and for the adjustment for my boys moving to a new area. I am looking for at least a 2 bedroom, affordable is good! If anyone knows of anything please let me know.

Thanks so much
Nikki Burdine

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Moving Help

I (Tara) have been having complications with my pregnancy and had to decide to close my Daycare business and move recently. I have secured a storage unit at the Portage Mini Warehouse, Unit F, located just outside of Portage on the north side. I have also secured a 26ft U-haul for this Friday. It would be really great to have some helping hands! The house is mostly packed up with the exclusion of the kitchen and playroom. Otherwise it is basically grab-n-go. My family will be at my house Friday afternoon & evening to help. I have a Dr appt in Madison at St Mary's that morning and then we will be back to Portage. I have been in the hospital since Monday and should be discharged on Thursday morning.

Moving will start at 12:30 and continue till 7:00. Please contact Mike Vitacco at 617-2646 or Nikki Z at 617-9772 if you are able to pitch in for a few hours on Friday. Many hands make quick work!

I could also use some help w/cleaning & packing the last boxes if you're not up for moving furniture & boxes.

Address: 712 W. Wisconsin St Portage, Driveway is on the back of the house on the 400 block of W. Carroll St. Large, white 2-story house.

God's Blessings,
Tara, Emily and Elliot Woodruff
617-4752 Read Full Post»

Pray for Jenn & Girls - Traveling

Please keep Jenn & her girls in your prayers. They are flying out
tomorrow (Thursday) to Florida and will be gone for 10 days. Pray for
safe travel there and back. Thanks! Read Full Post»

Men At The CROSS

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Attention river men. We will attending a Men at the CROSS conference on Friday November 13th through Saturday November 14th. We have already purchased 11 tickets. The cost is $39.00 per ticket plus food and hotel, Not sure on the cost of hotel yet somewhere around $35 to $45 per person. Please let me know if you would like a ticket to this event. My hope is to sell the 1st 11, of which 2 are gone already, and purchase 10 more. This looks like an awesome event if you want more info check out menatthecross.com . We are also about to start a new study on Sunday mornings at 8am from Men at the Cross its one2Won cross training. Please if you have not attended a men's study give this one a try. We need you there. God has blessed us with learning the truth by gathering as men and studying His word . Hope to see you there. God Bless
Mike

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Pray for Chad Cummings

Please pray for Chad Cummings (a fellow CBA Pastor in La Crosse) as he has been admitted to Franciscan Skemp Hospital in Lacrosse last night for chest pains.    The doctors are running tests to find out what the problem is.   Please be in prayer the doctors will find out what is going on with his pain.  Be in prayer also for his wife, Julie, and their two daughters, Kayla and Cassie.

Pastor Bob

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Offerings During Children's Church

... Hello everyone!
As you heard last Sunday, we will be changing our children's church program to futher share the gospel, teach God's Word and commands, encourage leadership in our older children and maintain an exciting environment to learn and grow in!
As a part of this change we will now incorporate taking an offering into our children's ministry. We will hand out a letter this next Sunday explaining more about this and what we will use the funds we receive for. There are specific missions relevant to children, we have chosen to donate too that will help teach our children how we can serve God and share God's love with others beyond River of Life Church.
If you would like to have your child participate in the offering, please bring along whatever you feel is appropriate for your child to give for the offering this next Sunday. We will take an offering each Sunday throughout the summer months.

Watch for the letter that will explain this process further.
Thank you!
Karrie

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Good News Club at John Muir

We are trying to get a Good News Club started at John Muir for this fall. The children in John Muir desperately need to hear about Christ and what He did for them. My heart hurts when I think that these kids may not find Jesus.

Our next team meeting is going to be on July 13 at 6:30 pm at the CEF office. We could really use your help. We could use at least 5 new people to be on the team. Any Q's please call me (Sheila) at (608) 566-3898 or CEF at (608) 742-8200.

Please be praying for an opportunity to minister to the kids at John Muir. Also, be praying about where God is calling you.

Hope to see you at the meeting.

Sheila Bates
608-566-3898

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Prayer and Help for Tara, Emily & Baby Elliot

Tara has been having some struggles with her blood pressure during her pregnancy. She has started seeing a high risk Dr for her pregnancy issues and Her Dr is suggesting that she do less, no longer work & be on bed rest when she can be w/a 7 year old.

Tara does day care so this means she won't have income at this time so she has decided to move. Moving when you're pregnant and on bedrest is not possible w/o our church family.

Some things Tara will need help with ......

1) People to pick-up empty boxes boxes for packing
2) 2 meals each week, w/disposable containers please. They will use the leftovers for other meals. Contact Kelly to bring a meal at 697-3309 or Kelly@portagechurch.org.
3) Help with cleaning and laundry
4) Starting to pack items that can go into storage
5) Hauling items to the storage unit she is renting
6) Mowing her yard. It’s a small yard on Wisconsin St.

If we could each chip in a little we could offer Tara a lot of Love and less stress.

For now all meals and help will be at 712 W Wisconsin (beck door is on the 400 block of W Carroll).

To help you can post a comment to this blog & let us know what you can do or if you have questions.....

for meals contact Kelly Zuelke at 697-3309
for mowing, moving or packing contact Nikki Zajicek at 617-9772 nikkiz@portagechurch.org or
Mike Vitacco at 617-2646 or mikevitacco@hotmail.com Read Full Post»

River LADIES 3rd Annual Camping Trip

If you plan to attend this years camping trip, this Sunday (June 7th) is the ONLY day to get your name on the list! PLEASE be sure to sign up, you DONT want to miss this relaxing get away!

We will be leaving for camp (Hatfield, Wi) on Thursday June 25th at 5pm from the Worship Center. We will be carpooling, I believe we have 4 vehicles going up. Everyone going is required to chip in for gas. Its about a 2hr drive North. We will be returning to the Worship Center at 9pm Saturday June 27th

June 14th we will have a menu to sign up on, everybody coming is expected to sign up for 2-3 items.

June 21st we will have a reminder list for you, what you signed up to bring for meals, attire that you should bring, how much gas $, ect...

We have a travel trailer and two pop-up campers for sleeping, we may have to have 2 tents aswell, depending on attenedance.

Feel free to contact anyone on the WM Team for questions/concerns (Jenn, Trina, Donna, Deb Kluge, Jamie Kinworthy)

Thanks, The Women's Ministry Team

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Stolen and Brought Back

Pastor Bob's Sermon this past Sunday came from Genesis 14.

 "Stolen and Brought Back"

~People who live wicked lives will 

eventually be overtaken by the enemy.

~God will not be mocked. You will reap what you sow.

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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