Weekly Update 8/28

Weekly Update 8/28

The traveler is always an outsider, visiting new places and adjusting to customs and cultures outside their own experience. Jesus warns the disciples that not everyone will welcome them on their journey. We too, will suffer rejection on our journey as Jesus’ followers. Jesus wants us to make the most of the places we are welcomed and not worry so much about the places that turn us away. It is the places of welcome where an outsider becomes an insider. Embrace them, find them and create them for others.

Sunday, September 1, 2024 “The Traveler”

From The Pastor

Amy and I have been busy preparing the charge conference forms for our upcoming meeting.  If you want to attend it is open to anyone from River of Life.  Our meeting is on September 28th at First UMC Jax at 9:15 am.  Part of this process is selecting the leadership for the next three years.  If you are interested in serving, I would love to have a conversation with you.

Other items underway are a new website.  Kayla and Abigail have been working hard on updating our website.  You will see people taking pictures on Sundays so we have current photos.  The new site should go live this week. Make sure you check it out.

Daily Bible Readings and our reading the Bible will both begin on September 1st and our weekly Bible Study begins on 9/9.  This year we are going to study the letters of Paul.  We will begin with Philippians. Bible Study will meet at 2nd Bay Brewing on Monday nights at 6:30 and on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 am at the church.  We will have the same lesson so select whichever is most convenient for you.

Church Center App

Church Center – Our new church management software is called Church Center. Please download the application on your phone.  We will be transitioning our church-wide communication to this method.

Upcoming Events

  • Bible Study lessons will begin on Monday, 9/9 at 2nd Bay Brewing at 6:30pm
  • Daily Bible Readings begin 9/1, let us know if you would like to contribute
  • T.L.C. Youth Group meets every Sunday 6:30-7:30 except for 5th Sunday
  • 6:12 Youth Group (Tuesday night group) will pause for the summer
  • 9/1  Daily Bible Studies via email begin again
  • 9/7  Pumpkin Patch Clean Up Days 8:00am-12:00pm
  • 9/8  additional Clean Up Day, if needed 11:00am-2:00pm
  • 9/9  Monday evening Bible Study at 2nd Bay Brewing at 6:30pm
  • 9/29  Church Potluck after worship
  • 9/29  Fifth Sunday Offering for Residing Hope Children’s Home

Diaper Baby Shower for Baby Walker

We are so excited for the Walker family to welcome their baby girl! Keep Jen, Ramsey, and Cam in your prayers as they prepare!

21st Annual Pumpkin Patch News



The following dates are set up for pumpkin patch grounds clean up, set up, taken down, and pumpkin delivery.  Mark your calendars.  There is also a printed hard copy sign-up to work the patch and t-shirt request in a binder at the welcome table/children check-in.  T-shirt orders need to be ordered by September 1.  
Talk with Becky if you are interested in volunteering or for more information.

9/7  Saturday, Clean Up Day  8:00am-12:00pm
9/8  Sunday, Clean Up (if needed) 11-2 
9/14  Saturday, 8-12pm  set up (pallets, lights & tents)
9/25  Wednesday, Pumpkin Delivery   4:30
10/16  Wednesday, Second Pumpkin Delivery   4:30
11/2  Saturday, Patch Take Down 8-12pm
11/3  Sunday, Patch Take Down 11-1pm

90 Day Bible Study

District Meetings – Registration


Let us know if you will be attending HERE

Youth Updates – Volunteers Needed


Isaiah House

Isaiah House is in need of gender neutral clothing sizes 7-10 (underwear, socks, shorts, shirts, pajamas, etc). Items can be dropped off here and Becky will deliver.

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


Jerry Smith – August 7
Zoe Yates – August 14
Rajeania Snider – August 15
Addyson Kane – August 17
Maureen Haugen – August 17
Larry DeLeury – August 19
Luke Wentzel – August 24
Zia Mosal – August 28



Vallis and Kenny Henley – August 12
Karen and Nathan Clem – August 12
Lori and Jeff Hendel – August 16