Volume 14 Issue 3                                                                                                                                            May/June 2017

A Word from the Pastor

In One Accord Acts 2 :1 TIB 2 “And in the fulfilling of the day of Pentecost, they were all with one mind (in one accord) in the same place. The disciples were in one accord because they had just spent 40 days with the resurrected Lord. They were not afraid anymore. They were not divided anymore. They were living in the presence of Jesus and experiencing His power in unbelievable ways. When a church functions in “one accord", there is power, peace, harmony, and shared purpose and vision. Just as the disciples were changed by the resurrection, so are we. We live daily in Jesus' presence, have access to His power, and have been commissioned to take His message to the world. For River Bend, being in “one accord" means moving to one worship service and one Bible Study hour. Sunday morning Bible Study will start at 9:00 a.m. with worship following at 10:30 a.m. This change will help us function as one church in "one accord". Now you will be able know people in the other service. Now everyone can see baptisms, baby dedications, and people join the church as it happens. I am looking forward to May 28 when this change takes place. I know it will help us be a church in "one accord" Pastor John

A Look at March/April 2017 Budget Goal Est. Expenditures YTD Actual Contributions YTD Weekly Offering Goal Average Weekly Contributions Beyond Measure Contributions Beyond Measure Pledges

$ 279,840 $ 209,335 $ 258,206 $ 17,490 $ 16,138 $ 1,207,449 $ 1,123,426

Worship Average Sunday School Average

199 148

Figures as of April 16, 2017

Staff Anniversaries Todd Melton  14 yrs Keno Brown  10 yrs Russ Walje  9 yrs

Thank you for your      dedication and service to

River Bend. 

Preschool and Children’s Ministry OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRESCHOOLERS AND CHILDREN AT RIVER BEND

VBS 2017 GALACTIC STARVEYORS

June 5-9 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Classes for K-8th Grade Preschool VBS classes available for children of 2017 River Bend VBS workers only! Through GALACTIC STARVEYORS, kids will discover the incredible mysteries of the final frontier—right from River Bend Baptist Church. Kids will search the skies and God’s Word to uncover God’s truth etched in His handiwork. They will discov-er that the God who created everything there is wants a rela-tionship with them. Nothing is outside God’s control or be-yond His grasp. VBS MOTTO – SEARCHING THE VISIBLE, DISCOVERING

THE INVISIBLE VBS SCRIPTURE – Colossians 1:15-16 “He is the image of the

invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For everything was created by Him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things have been created through Him and for Him.”

Go to www.RiverBendBC.org and follow the VBS link to register as a volunteer or learner.

Adults and students who have completed the 9th grade may register as volunteers.

The Preschool VBS classes are only for children of current RBBC VBS workers.

Visitors are welcome to register for classes for K-8th graders. Sign up as a volunteer by May 7 and receive a specific VBS job

and a free VBS shirt! Go to www.RiverBendBC.org and follow the VBS link to register as a volunteer or learner.

VBS training is Saturday, May 6 from 9:30 - 11:30 am at River Bend. Courtney Wilcox from Calvary Baptist in Rosenberg will lead our training. We will all be enthusiastic about GALACTIC STARVEYORS after participating in Courtney’s training. Please plan to attend and be prepared to lead in River Bend’s VBS with excellence!

First Step Preschool

May 18 - PreK Graduation and last day of preschool for 2016-2017 school year.

End of School Celebration - May 31, 5:30 - 7:00 pm

• Preschoolers through completed 5th graders • Celebration will be in the Worship Center - Age appropriate

inflatables and more • Refreshments in the front of the church • Friends are welcome and encouraged • Information about VBS will be available

SUNDAY EVENING AWANA CLUBS

Important upcoming AWANA dates: Now – Early Registration for Awana for 2017-2018 (Clubbers will

receive bonus bucks when pre-registration is made.) May 14 - Mother’s Day - No AWANA meeting. May 21 - Final AWANA store night - bring all bucks, no carryover

bucks to next year. May 24 - 6:30 - 7:30 pm - Grand Celebration Awards Ceremony -

This special ceremony is a wonderful way to learn what clubbers in our AWANA programs are learning and doing.

Children’s Music, RAs, Gas and Mission Friends

May 17 - Music and Missions Celebration and Awards Ceremony at 6:30 pm in W1.

May 21 - Children’s Choir sings and Childrens Chimes ring in morning worship services.

Baby Bottle Blessing Pregnancy Help Center of West Houston

Help the Pregnancy Help Center of West Houston by filling baby bottles with your loose change, bills, or checks payable to Pregnancy Help Center. The fund will help the Pregnancy Help Center minister to women and their extended families that are experiencing circumstances of a crisis pregnancy. Pick up empty baby bottles in the Children’s Welcome Center at River Bend on Sunday, May 14 (Mother’s Day) and return the bottles to the same location on or before June 18 (Father’s Day). River Bend has 75 bottles this year. Let’s return 100% of the bottles.

KIDS’ CAMP HIGHLAND LAKES CAMP AND CONFERENCE CENTER

June 25 - 28

Kids Camp is a 4-day, 3-night event for students who have completed the 3rd – 5th grades. Students will experience Christ-centered activities, Bible teaching, and worship. Activities offered may include wet and wild recreation, swimming pool, archery, bb guns, a BMX track, crafts, and banana boat rides, when the lake is available. HLCCC strives to provide our campers an opportunity to encounter God’s love in a real and tangible way through daily devotionals, thought provoking Bible studies and dynamic worship services. • Cost is $240/camper • A $50 deposit is due now. • Register online at RiverBendBC.org and follow the online

instructions. • Sponsors are also needed - Contact Lin Dismuke

Youth Building Grand Opening Celebration Friday, May 5 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Youth, I am excited to report Wayne Kerr will be performing at our Grand Opening, and All Around Bounce will bring in two inflata-bles that day. We will have pizza, drinks, and give-a-ways, so make a heartfelt effort to encourage your students to attend what will be a monumental event in the life of our church.

Pastor Russ

Youth Fundraiser “Spuds-To-Go”

Support our teens on Sunday, May 7, as we reintroduce our baked potato lunch-to-go fundraiser. It will take place after the 10:30 am worship service. The donations will help support our teens as they go on this year’s mission trip and to summer camp.

Graduate Recognition

Sunday, May 7, is our Graduate Recognition service. If you have a graduating senior who plans to attend our services, please let Pastor Russ or the office know.

Summer Youth Camp The youth will attend camp at Piney Woods on July 3 - 7. The second camp payment of $110 is due on Friday, June 2.

Youth Summer Schedule

Youth Fusion Bible Study times will extend to 6:30 - 8:30 pm beginning June 7.

Youth News (Grades 6 - 12)

The Chapin family would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming love, support and food given during the passing of Arnie. I love and appreciate you all. Geneva Chapin Dear Church Family, thank you so much for all the love shown to us in the loss of my brother Scott. We appreciated the notes, phone calls and meals. What a special church we have. Pastor John and Diane Crowe; John T (Papa) and Martha Crowe To all of the saints that held me up in prayer, called me, sent cards and offered their support during this difficult time. Words cannot express my deep gratitude for your love and support and all that you have taught me through this time. Though we know Heaven has welcomed a very special person, my heart still feels the sorrow. May the God of all life keep you always in the shelter of His love. This is my prayer for you. My praises go up for all of your expressions of sympathy. Elizabeth McDaniel

Prayer Request

Email prayer requests to Pray@RiverBendBC.org.

Prayer with a Purpose

The day has finally come for the youth to move into the youth building also called Ground Zero. On Sunday, May 21, Sunday School and Worship will release at 11:30 am so that we can gather in the youth building for a time to offer prayers and thanksgiving.

Bike for Mike

Join us on Saturday, May 6, as we support a local bike ride, Bike for Mike as it benefits Fulshear beautification. Our church is responsible for a rest stop from 7:30 am until 11:30 am . To sign up, go to RiverBendBC.org and select the Event Sign Up page, or use the QR Code on this page.

Creative Arts Camp

It’s back on July 24-28! River Bend will once again have its week-long day camp providing instruction in various areas of the arts. Children having completed 2nd-5th grade can participate. This summer’s musical, “Spend Awhile on the Nile,” will be A LOT of fun! Watch the church newsletter for more information.

San Antonio Youth Mission Trip Prayer Team

This summer a team of youth will work in San Antonia, June 11-17. The group will work with various ministry organizations. To be part of the prayer team, go to RiverBendBC.org and select the Event Sign Up Page, or use the QR Code on this page.

Mpact Dates

Mpact will have a Cram Session in preparation for this summer’s mission trip on Tuesday, June 6, at 12:00 - 3:00 pm. There will be a final mission trip meeting for parents and students on Sunday, June 4, in the Worship Center. The team will meet immediately after the 10:30 am service to finalize details for the upcoming trip.

Super Summer Sunday Nights

June 25 - Family Movie Night July 16 - Praise Fest July 30 - Creative Arts Camp Gallery and Musical at 6:30 pm. August 27 - Family Fun night

Women’s Ministry News

Ladies’ Tea & Fashion Show

Please mark your calendars for Saturday, May 20 and join us for a fun afternoon of tea and fashion. We are looking for volunteers to model their favorite outfit, possible Mother/Daughter teams, granny's favorite outfit, teens and their favorites, ladies of all ages. There will be games and goodies for all. Be thinking of what your fashion trend might be, sporty or casual, professional or glamorous...all are welcome! Sign up sheet and tickets are available in the foyer. We look forward to seeing what ideas you come up with.

Secret Sister Reveal Brunch

Join the ladies on Saturday, June 3, at 10:00 am ,for a brunch at Deb Baron’s home, 21414 Cold Rain Dr, Richmond. Bring a brunch item to share and a final gift for your Secret Sister. Email Deb at DBaron@RiverBendBC.org for directions and to RSVP.

River Bend News

River Bend Event Sign-Up Use a QR reader app available for your smartphone to access the church event registration page. The QR code can also be found in the Worship guide on Sundays. Try it out.

May

Hayden Castic Greg Hill Fran Brokmeyer Yuhan Xiang Yuxi Xiang Cole Story David Franklin Lazaro Sanchez Shirley Houston Bill Meerbott Jim Nattier Liliana Barbosa Will Dawson Glenda Gallaher Drew Gassen Mei-Ling Melton Elizabeth Anderson Bethel King Bob Zappa

HAPPY BIRTHDAY June

Betty Walker Sarah Brinkley Nancy Dibler Mona Follis Pam Crumbley Don Soward Glen Beal Danny Irvin Johnny Brown II Kay Clark Bob Hairston Eileen Ramsey Crystal Clair Geneva Chapin Zach Teel Howard Jones

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Calendar of Events May

FSP Mother’s Tea - W1 Saints Alive Luncheon 11:00 AM - WC FSP Mother’s Tea - W1 Youth Building Grand Opening 6:30 PM - GZ Bike For Mike 7:30 AM - Simonton VBS Training - Galactic Starveyors 9:00 AM - W1 Youth Fundraiser, Spuds-to-Go 11:45 AM - Graduate Recognition Sunday Advisory Council Meeting 12:00 PM - E3 Deacons’ Meeting 7:00 PM - E2 Family Hope Food Fair 9:00 AM - WC Mother’s Day - Baby Bottle Blessing Begins No Evening Activities Last Wednesday night for regular activities Music & Missions Recognition Service - 6:30 W1 FSPGraduation Ladies Tea & Fashion Show 2:00 PM - WC Prayer with a Purpose 11:30 AM - Youth Building (GZ) Quarterly Business Meeting 11:45 AM - WC AWANA Council 3:55 PM - W1 Adult Sunday School Teachers’ Meeting 5:00 PM - E2 Last Wednesday night for regular activities AWANA Grand Celebration 6:30 PM - WC New Sunday Morning Schedule Begins Church Offices closed for Memorial Day Children’s End of School Year Bash 5:30 PM - WC

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June

Secret Sister Reveal Brunch 10:00 AM - Deb Baron’s Home Lord’s Supper 10:30 AM - WC Mpact Mission Trip Meeting 11:45 AM - WC Vacation Bible School Mpact Cram Session 12:00 PM - WC Final Youth Camp Payment Due Family Hope Food Fair 9:00 AM - WC Mpact Mission Trip Deacons’ Meeting 7:00 PM - E2 Father’s Day - Baby Bottle Blessing Ends No Evening Activities Family Movie Night - WC Kids Camp at Highland Lakes

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25-28

June (cont.)

Jared Osburn Kayla Roberts Beadie Means Marion Revett Robert Means II Maya Chidi Elizabeth McDaniel Evangeline Walters

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27 28 30

 May (cont.) Libby Bissett Billy Conner Clint France Andrew Beal Effie Stevens Kyle Dawson Aedan Tomelden Joni Berry Kelsey Gassen John C Crowe Carly Crowe James Moore Jr April McSwain Peggy Robinson Caemen Mayfield Mark Mayfield Mark Speas

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Regular Schedule

SUNDAY 9:00 AM Sunday School Worship Service Kids Alive (Children’s Worship) - W1 Preschool Church (Older Preschoolers) 10:30 AM Sunday School (Children and Adults) Worship Service 4:00 PM Children’s Chimes - W1 Trek (grades 6-8) - E1 Journey (grades 9-12) - E2 4:55 PM AWANA (3 years-grade 5) 5:00 PM Core (youth cell group) - host homes 6:30 PM Mpact - E8 (youth choir and puppets)

TUESDAY 9:00 AM First Steps Preschool (15 months-PK) Amazing Grace Quilters (2nd & 4th weeks)

WEDNESDAY

6:30 AM Early Morning Prayer 6:00 PM Praise Band Rehearsal - WC Youth Praise Band - E8 6:30 PM Mid-Week Prayer Meeting - E3 Children’s Music (grades 1-5) - W1 Fusion (Youth Worship) - E8 7:00 PM River Bend Choir - Worship Center Adult Bible Study - E2 7:15 PM RAs (grades 1 - 5) - W4 GAs (grades 1 - 5) - W3 8:15 PM Praise Team Practice - WC

THURSDAY

9:00 AM First Steps Preschool (15 months - PK) 9:30 AM Ladies’ Bible Study - Precepts - E3 7:00 PM Men’s Bible Study (1st & 3rd weeks) - E2

Regular Weekly Schedule - May

SUNDAY 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Bible 10:30 AM Worship Service Kids Alive (Children’s Worship) - W1 Preschool Church (Older Preschoolers)

TUESDAY 9:00 AM Amazing Grace Quilters (2nd & 4th weeks)

WEDNESDAY

6:30 AM Glory Morning Prayer 6:00 PM Praise Band Rehearsal - WC Youth Praise Band - E8 6:30 PM Mid-Week Prayer Meeting - E3 Fusion (Youth Worship) - E8 7:00 PM Adult Bible Study - E2 Praise Team Practice - WC

THURSDAY

7:00 PM Men’s Bible Study (1st & 3rd weeks) - E2

Regular Summer Weekly Schedule

Happenings Around River Bend

• Peru Mission Trip • Just Ride for a Just Cause • Trek & Journey visit Sweet Tooth in Fulshear • Good Friday Service • Easter Sunrise Service • Easter Egg Hunt

P.O. Box 945 27600 FM 1093 Fulshear, TX  77441 Phone: 281-346-2279 Fax:  281-533-9790 E-mail:  Office@RiverBendBC.org Web:  RiverBendBC.org Office hours:  Monday - Thursday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Ministry Staff Lin Dismuke, Preschool & Children’s Ministry Director MLDismuke@RiverBendBC.org

Tricia Irwin, Admin. Assistant - Finance TIrwin@RiverBendBC.org

Debbie McCaghren, Extended Session Coordinator DMcCaghren@RiverBendBC.org

Todd Melton, Minister of Education & Worship TMelton@RiverBendBC.org

Kathy Roseborough, Administrative Staff KRoseborough@RiverBendBC.org

Russell Walje, Minister of Youth RWalje@RiverBendBC.org

John Crowe, Pastor JCrowe@RiverBendBC.org

Deb Baron, Administrative Staff DBaron@RiverBendBC.org

Gail Blair, Treasurer GBlair@RiverBendBC.org