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We hope you are taking care of yourself and that your car battery has been surviving well during this bout of frigid weather, Riverwood fam! What's the saying... "Keep your coat close and your jumper cables closer?" 🤔 Anyway, let's dive into our new weekly series, The Heart of Christ.
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Invitational
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Maybe you are like me—so busy that when someone invites you to an event, your first inclination is to decline. (Last thing you need is another event on the calendar!)
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Yet, imagine no one ever invited you to anything ever again. Can you envision how you'd feel when you hear about a group of friends going out for dinner together, yet you weren't included in the group text? Or what would happen in your heart if your parents always included your siblings, yet they never included you?
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An invitation (even when the schedule seems a bit too full) means the other person wants to spend time with you because you matter to them. Or another way to say it: an invitation is an act of love.
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The Heart of Christ is Invitational
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"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30, ESV)
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The very first thing we hear in these three verses is Jesus saying, "Come to me!" He is inviting you into His presence, into His embrace, into a relationship, because you matter to Him. Despite what your ex-partner might have said, or what the kids on the playground mocked, or what was reportedly said by the company that rejected your application, you are wanted by the God of the Universe.
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So let the Invitational Heart of Jesus compel you to come to Him through prayer, through His Word (the Bible), through worship, and through emotional/mental/spiritual surrender. Simply come to Him, for He loves you more than you will ever realize!
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Andy Squyres Concert
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You are invited to an evening of good music with Andy Squyres on Saturday, February 14 @ 6:00-8:00 pm (doors open at 5:30 pm)! Redeeming Rebels will be opening for us, so mark your calendar, even make a date of it with your special Valentine, and get your tickets right here!
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Parent/Child Dedications
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We have the privilege of having a Parent/Child Dedication during our Worship Gathering on Sunday, February 15. If you would like to publicly dedicate your child(ren) to the Lord, please feel free to send us an email!
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Volunteer Appreciation
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Everyone is welcome to join us for Volunteer Appreciation at the Crystal Ball Roller Rink in New Hampton on Sunday, February 22 @ 3:30-5:30 pm!
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Please note that outside beverages and water bottles are not allowed, but food & drinks can be purchased from the rink’s concessions.
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Just for Fun
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Planning on running a marathon in the near future? Maybe consider hiring a personal trainer...
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