40 Days of Faith and More

Dear River Families,
One of the biggest seasons in the church Calendar is here! This Sunday, March 9 is the first Sunday of Lent or "40 Days of Faith," as we call it at the River. It is the time when we, as a church, press into our spiritual lives and prepare for a big celebration on “Resurrection Sunday” which falls on April 20 this year.

This year’s RiverKids theme for the season is “Exploring the Heart of Lent: Stories of Love, Loss, and Hope." One of the trickiest things about growing up is learning how to deal with all the big, messy feelings we carry around inside of us. Emotions are part of God’s design, guiding us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and each other, while teaching empathy and helping us build healthy relationships. Creating mindful moments and rituals to sit with God and reflect on our feelings can further nurture this understanding. During "40 Days of Faith," RiverKids will explore The Heart of Lent, reflecting on emotions like sadness, fear, hope, and compassion through parables and stories. We'll discuss how loss and anger can lead to humility and gratitude, and although the story of Jesus’s death can be distressing and confusing, the joy of his resurrection can bring reconciliation and renewal. 
To embrace this season together with our community, here are just a few ways to engage: 

• Come on Sundays! Consistent participation will help your children connect with the season more deeply and will allow them to participate in our Easter video presentation. So I would like to invite your kids to join us each week as we journey through Lent!
  
  
• Use the "40 Days of Faith" Guide | This year's guide includes helpful information about the upcoming "Life In All Its Fullness" sermon series and the Agape Prayer Gathering (on 3/30), as well as reflection questions and spiritual practices like The Examen and Breath Prayer.
  
  
• Make a Prayer Bracelet | As part of this River tradition, we invite River-ites to create prayer bracelets — each bead representing someone or something we are holding in prayer throughout the season. There will be tables in the Lounge area with materials. 
  
  
• Highlights of Upcoming Events include: 
  • Daylight saving starts this Sunday. Don't forget to change your clock 1 hour forward.
  • THIS SUNDAY after the service, River members are invited to a Members Meeting where we plan to discuss church updates together. 
    • Pizza lunch will be provided.
    • Childcare will be available with RSVP. 
  • Please check out our website for more information on LifeGroups and other gatherings. 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please email me or catch me on a Sunday. I would love to connect with you! I am looking forward to walking alongside your family during this meaningful time!
 
Amelia Cunard | RiverKids Director