As ever-emerging spiritual creatures, we cannot contain our selves — the selves God has created us to be. Coming out as people and as a church from what we have known into a new identity is filled with anxiety and unknowing. Emerging will take effort and surrendering to “the assurance of things hoped for” even though we cannot yet see what the future holds.
Sunday, May 4, 2025
EMERGE – A Metamorphosis Moment
“Coming Out: Leaving Comfortable Places”
Behind the Curtain
There is a question that the conference and district superintendents regularly ask pastors when they are looking at the health of a church. Here is the question; ‘If your church were to close tomorrow, would the community notice’? Many churches get creative in order to answer yes. I believe we can shout YES from the rooftop. As many of you know, Kayla leads small groups for LGBTQ teens and young adults so they have a safe space to talk about life’s issues. This group is over 30 people. Recently Kayla received an invite from a commission in northwest St. Johns county to present the work and importance of these group to community leaders. We are making a difference and people are noticing. I find this very exciting for River of Life and for Kayla. If you get a chance, take a moment and thank Kayla for making our community a better place.
Blessings,
Pastor Steve
Upcoming Events
- 5/2 Teen SYNC 6-8pm
- 5/4 Sunday Bible Study after worship
- 5/4 T.L.C. Youth Group 6-:30-7:30pm
- 5/10 ROL Women’s Social at Stella’s home 2-4pm
- 5/13 Young Adult LGBTQ 4-6pm
- 5/14 Young Adult LGBTQ 11-1pm
- 5/16 Teen SYNC 6-8pm
- 5/20 Church Council Meeting at 6:30pm
Ladies Spring Social
Online Bible Study
Everyone welcome to join the online Bible Readings as we journey through the Book of Psalms. This is a 2 part series, Psalms 1-75 and then 76-150….5 chapters per week. You can join at any time and if you get behind, just skip to where we are! For those of you already in the Online studies, I will send you the next links. For anyone that wants to join, please reach out to stellakaypainter@gmail.com. March 1, 9am-1pm
Youth News
Congratulations to our graduating seniors!
Derek Rivers is 17 years old, born 09/21/2007. Graduating this year from Creekside High School with a 3.6 GPA. He also belongs to The National Society of High School Scholars, and was also a recipient of the St. Johns Count Character Award last year. Derek plans are to pursue playing Basketball in College, with a major is Sports Medicine, and a minor in Sports Management, is goal is to be a Physical Therapist while also continuing to be involved in Basketball at some level. He has had a few offers from Colleges to play Basketball, the 3 he may pursue is Barry University in Miami, the University of Fort Lauderdale, and locally Trinity Baptist College.
Chris Rhodes is graduating Biscayne High School! He is to continue working at Chik Fil A in the Avenues Mall and in the fall he’ll be going to FSCJ for HVAC tech.
Megan Hendel is graduating from FSCJ with a degree in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing. Congratulations Megan!
Zoe Yates is graduating from Creekside High School on May 16th. She was a 4-year member of the Track Team. She was also on the Cross-Country team for 2 years. She completed 4 years of the Teaching Academy at Creekside. Zoe loves working on and driving her car. To pursue this interest, Zoe plans to attend JTech to study Automotive Technology.
Opportunities to Serve
Seeking volunteers for Nursery, Preschool, Children’s Sunday School age, and Youth! Talk to Kayla and let’s get you set up!
HUGS Food Assistance for St. Johns County Youth Contact Margaret Campbell
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Max Merchant – May 4
Mark Aubel – May 6
Theoren Murphy – May 8
Gloria Woodard – May 14
Kenny Henley – May 15
Bob Ritter – May 22
Deborah and Larry DeLeury – May 10
Sweena and Jacob Mani – May 10