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School is *almost* out and Summer vacation is just around the corner! ☀️ Whether you're ready to start packing your suitcases for a trip or filling your kids' kiddie pool in the backyard, we're glad you took the time to open this week's News & Notes. We look forward to seeing you at our Sunday morning Worship Gatherings aaand our Riverwood Summer Hangouts!
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Now, let's jump into the epic conclusion of our One Thought series in Philippians 2!
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Jesus Reigns!
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The Riverwood family has had the joy of a handful of players from the Wartburg baseball team coming on Sunday mornings for the past several weeks. But a couple weeks ago on Mother's Day, none of them were with us. That was because they were in Cedar Rapids playing for the conference championship.
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For a four-seed to win the tournament is quite the accomplishment. And it means that when the 2027 season begins, they will be the reigning conference tournament champions.
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The End of the Reign
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However, that title will only last for a season. Yes, they get to put a trophy in the trophy case and their name in the record book as the 2026 champions. But if they don't repeat a year from now, some other baseball team from the American Rivers Conference will get to take the title of "Reigning Conference Tournament Champions."
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That is how the "reign" of humans goes. Whether a sports team, a boxer, a king, or an entire empire, the reign of a human or organization eventually comes to an end.
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Except for the reign of the One.
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"...that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:10–11, ESV)
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In other words, Jesus not only won victory over sin and death, earning the honor of reigning, but He gets to reign over all creation for eternity. No other Savior will come and take the title from Him in the next season. No spiritual entity will pull off a coup to assume His throne. He won't be voted out by disgruntled citizens. Jesus is ruling and reigning from now into eternity.
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If you are a follower of Jesus, then enjoy living under His authority, for the Prince of Peace sits on the throne of heaven and the throne of your heart. Nothing in this world can separate you from Him (Romans 8:38–39). He has all authority (Matthew 28:18) and will reign forever (Luke 1:32–33). So enjoy Him now, despite whatever you might be facing, knowing you will get to enjoy Him and His reign forever.
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This concludes our One Thought from Philippians 2:3–11 series. Next week, we start our new summer blog series entitled Punch to the Face. (Yes, you read that right.) Be ready to get "punched in the face" by some of Jesus' teachings, because His "punch" just might change your life.
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No Kids Creek - May 31
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Heads-up, Parents: There will be no Kids Creek this Sunday, May 31st as it is the fifth Sunday of the month. We look forward to having your kiddos join us for worship and the message! The Nursery will be available and staffed for children ages 2 and under.
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Sign Up for Waverly VBS
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We will be partnering with other local churches on June 22-25 @ 6-8pm to offer a rainforest-themed VBS to incoming K-5th grade students. Register today!
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Summer Hangouts
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SAVE THE DATE: Our June Summer Hangout will be in the evening of Wednesday, June 10. Over the months of June, July, and August, we will be gathering at a few spots to spend time together over food and fun!
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Jake on Sabbatical
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After seven years of faithful service, we are gifting our Worship Gathering Director, Jake Epley, with a sabbatical for the months of June and July. Michelle Chavez will be serving in the role until Jake returns in August. Pray for Jake's time of rest and rejuvenation!
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