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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Spread some Holiday Cheer

Join us on Sunday, December 13th to go caroling at 1:30.  We will have lunch at River right after the worship service then we will split into groups and go to some of the nursing homes in town-if we have enough people we could also go door to door. 
 
When we go to the nursing homes we would like to be able to share some juice and cookies with them.  Note on the sign-up if you are able to bring something to share. 
 
Be sure to bring your kids!  The kids love to sing and the residents really enjoy the kids.  The kids also worked very hard in children's church to make some cards to share with the residents.  They will be able to hand them out this day. 
 
Any questions contact Nikki Zajicek at Zajicek1@msn.com or 617-9772
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Names for giving tree

Just a reminder to turn in names ages and sizes for the giving tree. Please let us know if we could bless you, your family or someone you know with Christmas gifts this season. It would TRULY be our priveledge to serve God in this way and we pray that it will be a blessing to you.

If we can bless you or someone you know please contact Nikki Zajicek (Zajicek1@msn.com 608-617-9771) or Mike Vitacco (mikevitacco@hotmail.com ) or put your info on the back of a yellow welcome card and put it in the offering.

Please let us know gender, age, contact name & number (for gift delivery), any sizes or toy suggestions.

Names are due by December 6th but please get them in as soon as possible so we have time to get the gifts.

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A True Believer Invites Others to Follow Christ

"A True Believer Invites Others to Follow Christ"

Part 1

Genesis 17

This is the tenth sign of 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 to listen to the Sermon...

www.PortageChurch.org/Pastor

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Jason's Dad

*Update - Jason said that surgery went well and his Dad was released today. he should be out of work for about 3 months. thanks to all who are praying!

I would just like to ask for prayer for my Dad. He has been going through quite a few medical issues lately, he just had rotor cuff surgery that went well, but had been off work since this summer. This week he had to go to the emergency room in Dubuque (1.5 hours from home) for pain in his legs to the point he could no longer stand it. He will be having back surgery this Saturday and it will be a long road to recovery. But to be honest I am just as worried about his mentally as physically, because he can't stand to be still, also this means he will not be hunting this weekend, which is one thing he truly enjoys.

- Jason

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Christmas Caroling

Mark your calendars to join us for Christmas Caroling on Sunday, December 13^th.  We will be splitting into groups and visiting a few of the nursing homes in the area.  If there's time we could even go door to door.  The children have made Christmas cards in children's church to share with the residents that we visit.  Time will be announced soon.

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Living Window December 11th

Participants needed for the Living Window display downtown Portage December 11th in the Its About Faith storefront.

We will be looking for children to play  live parts in a nativity scene. A sign up list will be at church this Sunday. Any questions may be directed to Cindy Wajnert 608-332-8519 or Ruth Agnew 635- 7696

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Easter Play informational meeting

ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

YES! We have 7-8 people signed up to do the Easter Play!

We will be meeting on December 13th immediately after church in the basement.

If you did not have the chance to sign up, and still want to help, please attend this meeting.

I'll be showing how we did it last year, and want your brainstorming, feedback, make it better, changes, etc. We need your input and full participation to make it great!

My prayer is that the team will own it, the kids will have fun doing it,

and God be Glorified By It.

As Ratatouille would say---"So lets do this thing!".....

teach the Gospel, and have some fun!

DECEMBER 13TH - AFTER CHURCH

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Operation Christmas Child Party!

Thank You to all who participated, Operation Christmas Child was a big success!

It's time to recognize those hard working kids for their generosity.
ALL kids who turned in boxes, please join us after church for the party!
FOOD, CAKE, GAMES AND FUN and remember to pray for those kids receiving the boxes
every day... A giving heart is a Happy heart!!!
SEE YOU ON SUNDAY - after church in the basement!

Thanks, Mary, Sheila, Julie & Bill

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New Years Party

Last year we had a huge New Years party at River. We had great attendance, lots of fun, family games, tons of food and a family movie. We would love to offer this again - however, we don't have anyone to help plan the party this year. Wondering if you are available to plan a party for this New Years? If you came last year and would like to bring in the New Year with your River family please contact me to help plan one for this year.

Contact Nikki Zajicek w/questions 617-9772 or NikkiZ@PortageChurch.org Read Full Post»

Life Groups Video for week of Nov. 15, 2009

Here is a video for this week's Life Groups. Have a great week everyone!

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Come Thirsty - Baptism Sunday

Click the link below to watch the Baptism Service

www.PortageChurch.org/Pastor

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Lost ring

There was a rung found in the ladies room on Sunday November 8th.  If you lost a ring please call the Church and identify it.  745-4040.

Thanks,

Alisha

Alisha Turner

Alisha@PortageChurch.org

River of Life Church:  www.PortageChurch.org

Bob's Blog: www.PortageChurch.org/pastor

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URGENT Prayer Request

UPDATE: Hailey went home and is doing better, thanks for the prayers!

Also... M&M are feeling better, just a nasty cough that doesnt want to go away, continued prayer for all of the above are appreciated, thanks~ Jenn


Please be in prayer for a little girl by the name of Hailey Angell.

She was just admitted to the hospital, she is 6yrs old w/ asthma, which has weakened her immune system to fight the H1N1 virus, and has caused her to get pnemonia accompanied by severe dehydration. Plz pray for healing, and comfort for the Angell/Shraeder family

I will update as I am updated

Also... Mykenza has the same issues as this little girl does, and now has the H1N1 as well. Please pray for God to keep her body safe from pnemonia/dehydration.

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Prayers for Nikki Burdine and boys

Please be in prayer TODAY (Nov 10th) for Nikki as she is meeting w/ Jered (boys dad) and Mediation at 1pm, and on Nov.18th has a court date to discuss custody/placement. Nikki has found herself defending the situation far more than her lawyer, so is looking to switch lawyers. The whole situation has been very hard on Nikki and her boys. Ryder is 8months old and nursing and has to be away from Nikki sometimes up to 5 days. Please pray not only for the best interest of the boys, but for peace, guidance, and strength for Nikki, she has been working so hard on providing a safe haven for her children . Galatians 6:1-2 1Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. God calls us to bear one anothers burdens, please reach out to our sister and let her know we are all one in Him and we are here for her, our prayers, our encouragements, whatever she needs He will provide through us His children. Your prayers are appreciated, and if the Lord places it on your heart to help in any other way, feel free to contact me and I will help you fulfill your hearts calling. Jenn@PortageChurch.org or 617-4274 Thanks SO much and God Bless, Jenn

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Baby stuff? Anyone?

I recently found out that the teen daughter of one of my English students is pregnant. Above all, please be in prayer for this family! Praise God that they have chosen life! And pray, because they have a difficult road ahead of them!

If you are able to help by donating baby items, please let me know. She is expecting a boy, and he is due in February. One of the biggest physical needs right now is a crib. As the date draws nearer I will post a list of items that are still needed.

If you are able to help out in any way, please contact me at cjette_esl@yahoo.com.

Thank you,
Caryn Jette Read Full Post»

Men's Ministry Turkey Cookout

Attention River Men!!!!

Join us at River for grilled turkey, mashed taters,

and all the stuff that goes with it!!!

Please bring a dish to pass.

After dinner we will meet for a short brainstorming on Men's Ministry.

Then we will play cards or watch a movie.

Saturday December 5th @ 5 PM

Sign up sheet is going around during worship service

*Contact Mike Gladem with questions 608-697-3198*

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A True Believer Obeys Even When It Hurts

"A True Believer Obeys Even When It Hurts"

Genesis 17

To listen to Pastor Bob's Sermon

go to his personal blog

Unmerited Favor

www.PortageChurch.org/Pastor

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EWOMEN 2010

We have tickets reserved for next yrs EWOMEN conference the price is $39!!!!You cant beat $39 for a 1 night 1 day conference!!!

If you want a ticket please let me know and get the money to me BY JAN 31st, The conference will be at the Metro Center in Rockford,Il on Friday November 5th and Saturday November 6th 2010

If you do not jump on this offer, you can order your tickets after Jan 31st on your own for an early bird price of $59, then price goes up to $69, then up to $89~ DONT MISS THIS DEAL!!! Checks can be made out to River of Life Church but MUST be given to me, please put ewomen on the memo line

Thanks Jenn Read Full Post»

Prayer Request for Maisyn and Mykenza Selbach

Maisyn currently has a 103 temp, followed by chills, sore throat, and a nasty cough. Doesnt have an appetite, but IS drinking well. Please lift her up for a speedy recovery.

Also... Mykenza has a weakened respitory system is a high risk child for illnesses. She has already been started on her steroids to try and prevent serious illness, but that doesnt mean she wont get sick. If she gets this bug it can be very serious/threatening for her.

Please keep our beauties in your prayers

Thanks, Jarrod and Jenn Selbach Read Full Post»

Pray for Frank & Donna's Grandson

*Update - I just heard that they are taking Alex home and that he is doing much better. Thank you to all who prayed for him.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST -

Please be in prayer for Frank & Donna Von Der Sump's grandson Alex, who was rushed to the hospital with a 106 temperature.

I don't have any other details than that right now, so please be in prayer. I will update the church blog (http://PortageChurch.org/blog) with more details when I have them.

"To the praise of His glorious grace!"

Pastor Bob Turner †

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Prayer for Children's Ministry

Please join us in prayer this next Sunday, November 8^th at River of Life as we pray over our children’s ministry. We will be praying for our children, our volunteers and for God to reveal his plan and direction in this ministry. We invite and encourage all parents and other attendees of River of Life to please join us as we pray. We will meet at River of Life at 9:20 Sunday morning. If you are unable to meet at this time,  please be in prayer for our children’s ministry. We thank you so much.

 

Karrie Landsverk

Hometown Pharmacy

Director of Human Resources and Business Development

Cell Phone:     608 444-6005

Fax:                920 992-3371

www.myhometownrx.com

 

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Living Windows and Easter Play Deadlines

LAST CHANCE!!!
This Sunday I need to know if anyone is feeling led to do the "Living Windows" for the "IT's About Faith Store". If no one is interested then They will ask another church. Please let me know by Sunday! Thanx. Mary H. 742-8284

EASTER PLAY!!
DEADLINE FOR VOLUNTEERS TO SIGN UP FOR EASTER PLAY--- Nov. 8th--- If anyone else is interested in helping on the TEAM for the Easter Play this year.

**We need to get together and lay some foundational plans for this in the month of November!

**We want to start rehearsing soon after Jan 1st. We will use same play as last year and improve on it!

** We have a great start of 3 people already. However, we need total of 8 for this to run smoothly.

** VOLUNTEERS would be helping with parts, music, costumes and props etc..

***IF WE DO NOT GET ENOUGH INTERESTED PEOPLE, I'M AFRAID WE WON'T BE ABLE TO DO A PLAY THIS YEAR.

***Please contact Mary 742-8284 by Sunday Nov. 8th. Thanx & God Bless!!

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Operation Christmas Child Updates

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD--SHOEBOX GIFTS

Thank-you to all those who have been participating in the Shoebox project this year. An AMAZING 50+ boxes have been picked up!! This week (Nov. 8th) is the deadline for turning in those boxes. We will be having the children come forward with the boxes for a prayer ceremony this Sunday during the announcements.

We will be having a party for the children participating on Nov. 22, after church in the basement. Food, cake, games and fun. PARENTS--This is a great opportunity for you to have a date (just mom and dad!) for lunch or Christmas shopping for an hour.

Thank-you, Sheila, Julie, Bill, and Mary.

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Children's Church

This Sunday children's church starts after the worship music.  Parents please sign your children in at the check-in table downstairs before church.  Please have the kids come with you to check-in! They will be able to get their name tag and say their memory verse, also help remind them to bring their Bible.  These 3 things will help them earn points for prizes.  Children will come upstairs at the end of the service.  Next Sunday children's church also starts after the worship music.
 

Memory verse to be practicing for November: 

Hebrews 13:17  Obey your leaders and submit to their authority.

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A True Believer Trusts God's Word - Part 2

"A True Believer Trusts God's Word - Part 2"

Genesis 17

This is the eighth sign in the series

10 Signs of a True Believer

by Pastor Bob

To listen to the Sermon

click the link below to go to

Pastor Bob's personal blog

Unmerited Favor...

www.PortageChurch.org/Pastor

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Fwd: Prayer request

* URGENT PRAYER REQUEST - 

Please be praying for Bob & Ruth Agnew's grandson.  Here is what Ruth just sent to me:

"Our grandson Ian got into some prescription medicine while @ a family get together today. They decided it was best to med flight him to Madison to the childrens hospital just within the last hour.  Please pray for healing and protection over little Ian this evening and for his parents- Shaawn and Eric."

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