Fall at the River: Faith, Friends & Festivities

Dear River Families,
September is a busy season with school, events, and family commitments—but it’s also a time for fresh beginnings, new rhythms, and growth for our children, families, and community— So welcome back to a new year at the River!

Last Sunday we kicked off our new RiverKids series, “Known, Loved, and Becoming,” by reading Psalm 139:13–18 and wondering together about what is true, beautiful, and mysterious in these verses:
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and put me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderful and complex!  Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed, as I was put together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They are countless! I can’t even count them;  there are more of them than the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!

Together we explored how God created us: What are the wonderful things about us? What are the complex things about you? and about me?
As this new season unfolds, we’ll continue sharing stories and activities that affirm each child’s identity in God, helping them feel rooted in belonging while growing in curiosity, joy, hope, and meaning on their journey with God. So we’d love for you to stay connected by joining us regularly and taking part in the variety events that we will be hosting this season:

• RiverKids/Youth Parents Meeting | Sunday 9/21, After the service | Join us as we share our vision and plans for RiverKids and RiverYouth this year. We’ll also talk about how parents can support their children’s spiritual growth while growing alongside them. Please RSVP using the Connection Card or email me for more information. Lunch and childcare will be provided with RSVP. 
  
  
• Sunday Funday | Sunday 9/28, After the service | Celebrate the new school year with family-friendly Bingo, prizes, and plenty of pizza!
  
  
• Fall Festival | Sunday 10/26, After the service | Our much-loved Fall Festival is back! This annual tradition is full of games, treats, laughter, and community fun. Kids are welcome to come in costumes, so bring your family and invite a friend—you won’t want to miss it!
  
  

We hope to build a community where families can grow together, share openly, and nurture one another. Thank you for all that you do to make this possible! If you have any questions or thoughts, please email me or stop by on Sunday—I’d love to connect. Looking forward to all that God has in store for our kids, our families, and our community this year.

With warmth and excitement,
Amelia Cunard (she/her) | RiverKids Director