00 68 0 12
We Exist for Others
to Know
Jesus
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Phone 309.676.7700 Emergencies 1.888.448.0234 Fax 309.676.7986 admin@riversidepeoria.com Church Offices & Mailing Address 714 Hamilton Blvd. • Suite 200 • Peoria, IL 61603 Church Address 207 NE Monroe St. • Corner of Hamilton & Monroe RBG 0 83 155
www.RiversidePeoria.com
Come to Riverside New Week as Our New Sermon Series Starts
Volunteer Opportunities Get involved at Riverside Community Church and use your talents to glorify God. We have volunteer positions available for many areas and skill levels! This is just a partial list of the many areas volunteers support all we do at Riverside & Dream Center Peoria.
Copy to come from JOHN who will give us some mazingly motivating verbage. This will bring so many eople that we will be forced to add a third service and tear down the AMVETS for additional parking. It will be great.
Important Dates @ RCC & DCP Monday, April 5
Saturday, April 10
5:45PM
7:00 AM 8:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM
Celebrate Recovery
Tuesday, April 6 7:00 AM Prayer & Worship 6:00 PM Elder’s Prayer
Wednesday, April 7 5:30 PM Wednesday night meal 6:45 PM Youth United Service 6:45 PM Wednesday Night Service 6:45 PM Teaching Classes
Thursday, April 8 6:00 PM
Financial Peace University
Food 4 All Distribution Men’s Breakfast Adopt A Block Metro Kidz What’s Next ?
Sunday, April 11 - Baptism Sunday 8:15 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 11:00 AM 11:00 AM 6:00 PM
Pre-Service Prayer in Prayer Room Worship Service Reaction Kids Worship Service Deaf Interpretation Reaction Kids Transit - Young Adult Service
Adopt-A-Block - Dream Center Peoria Gathering Grounds Coffee Shop HOPE Store - Dream Center Peoria Hospitality Team IT Team Kitchen (Post-Hospital Care) Lighting Men’s Ministry Metro Kidz - Dream Center Peoria Multimedia Nursery Office Support Preschool Reaction Kids Security Team Members Sound The Source Bookstore Ushers Welcome Center Women’s Ministry
Interested?
Contact the church office and we will connect you with the right people! 309.676.7700 admin@riversidepeoria.com
Riverside’s Location & Parking
Welcome to Experience Easter with Riverside Community Church
There are many convenient places to park around Riverside Community Church!
John King
Parking
Hamilton Blvd.
Dream Center Peoria Riverside Church Offices
Lead Pastor
Parking
We are so thrilled that you have chosen to be with us today. We know you will not be disappointed as we celebrate together one of the most important dates on our church’s calendar.
Central Illinois Agency on Aging
Riverside Community Church
Visitor & Special Needs Reserved Parking
Dental Arts Laboratories
Parking
AMVETS
Parking
Evenings & Weekends Only
No Parking
Public Library
Parking
Evenings & Weekends Only
First United Methodist Church
Dental Arts Laboratories
Mytee
No Parking
Perry St.
ay
id n
In
I-74
Parking
This, together with the exciting atmosphere of crowds who really know how to celebrate, you are in for an exciting morning! Don’t forget Riverside meets every Sunday morning in our location at the corner of Monroe and Hamilton. You have a choice of two services at 9:00 or 11:00AM.
Ci er nt Ce ty
Law Offices
Deck
l Ho
Parking
Sunday Mornings Only
Parking
Fayette St.
Federal Building
Hamilton Blvd.
Monroe St.
In a world that has suffered it’s fair share of tragedy these past twelve months, and in the midst of some of the hardest times that have hit this nation, today you will see that there is hope in the midst of crisis. You will hear from people who have proven that the message of Easter is very personal to them. The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is far more than an historic event that is celebrated once a year. Many have proven that the resurrected Jesus is a very close and personal friend and that He can change your life forever.
We know you could have chosen from many other churches this Easter, but you chose to be with us. We count that an honor and say thank you!
Madison Ave.
One of the best places to park on Sunday mornings is the free parking lot on the corner of Madison and Hamilton.
Blessings-
Dream Center Peoria
Dream Center Peoria is a faith-based non-profit organization founded by Riverside Community Church. United with area churches, other non-profit organizations, government, businesses, and individuals who dream big, we share a vision to meet the needs of the Peoria area, reaching people with Christ’s love. The Dream Center provides programs and services that empower the dream of a better life for people in our community and beyond. Dream Center Peoria can do nothing without volunteers. We are currently looking for dedicated volunteers to help lead and serve in the HOPE Store, Adopt - A - Block, Metro Kidz and the Teen REACH after school program.
Riverside Community Church is excited to announce the release of our first live worship album!
orship Live W ch from y Chur munit m o C ide Rivers
This recording is overflowing with spiritfilled music captured from our special worship service in September 2009, including original songs by worship leaders Austin Luhring, Julie Pflederer and Justin Pflederer.
Available today in the foyer at the Information Desk. Also available in the Source Bookstore at Riverside and Hoerr’s Berean Bookstore.
Volunteers are needed in the HOPE Store every Thursday from 9:00AM-1:00PM. Metro Kidz needs faithful volunteers to help out on Saturdays from 10:30AM – Noon at Taft Homes. Teen REACH is our after school homework and mentoring program. If you are interested in these or any of the ministries of Dream Center Peoria, we ask that you come in and fill out an application so we can get to know you better. If you would like to learn more about how you can get involved, call or email Dream Center Peoria for more information at 309.676.3000 or dcpinfo@dreamcenterpeoria.org. You can also find more information by visiting www.dreamcenterpeoria.org.
Andy King Executive Director - Dream Center Peoria andy.king@dreamcenterpeoria.org 309.676.3000
Community Groups
Teaching Classes Wednesday Nights
We believe that spiritual growth happens best in a small-group setting where there is opportunity for fellowship, study and accountability. Every member of Riverside is strongly encouraged to become a part of a group. Groups vary in style and personality, providing opportunity for everyone to participate. We have groups that meet in several communities surrounding Riverside on a variety of days.
Teaching Classes offer a variety of subjects and learning experiences from accredited courses to chats that will meet the needs of all attendees whether a non-Christian, new believer or seasoned Christian.
Please take a few minutes to look through our group listings online at www.RiversidePeoria.com.
1Month2Live: What if you only had one month to live. What changes would you make in your life? This study will encourage you to face your own mortality and live life with authenticity, honesty and integrity.
Brimfield Dunlap Glasford Metamora Morton/Groveland Pekin Peoria Toulon Washington
Special Interests Collaborative Creativity Dance Team Happy Campers Riverside Riders - Motorcycles Singles Young Womens Bible Study
Harry Ellison
Church Administrator 309.676.7700 x234 harry.ellison@riversidepeoria.com
B1-Believing discusses the elements of a strong spiritual life. From this class we recommend B2-Belonging or B3-Becoming.
Starbucks Theology Are you an agnostic? What of the claims of Christ? This class has a variety of subjects that are great debate points. Laugh Your Way to a better Marriage: Need help with enriching or even saving your marriage? This class with it’s unique blend of humor and tell-it-likeit-is honesty helps couples get along and have fun doing it. The Kingdom of God will remove the debris of misunderstanding and allow the listener to discover for themselves the real meaning behind this 1st Century message of Christ and how it applies to 21st Century living. For more information, please visit our website.
Chris Spicer
Teaching Pastor
Reaction Kids Birth – 5th Grade Childhood is a time of many physical transformations and changes. During these crucial years we desire to see kids spiritually transformed! Sunday Morning Services 9:00 AM 11:00 AM Wednesday Evening Service 6:45 PM Reaction is the children’s ministry at Riverside Community Church and provides age-appropriate services for kids from birth through fifth grade. Every Sunday morning and Wednesday night, Reaction has kid-targeted praise & worship along with creative Bible teaching using drama, object lessons and multi-media. At Reaction we desire to see kids spiritually transformed and changed through the development of a life-long personal relationship with Jesus!
Aubrey Eubank
Children’s Pastor 309.676.7700 x237 aubrey.eubank@riversidepeoria.com
Transit Young Adults Transit is a transitional ministry of Riverside Community Church for anyone 18-30 something. High school graduates, college students, young marrieds, young families, and those starting out their careers are invited to attend. Wherever you find yourself as a young adult, Transit will help to equip you as you transition from youth to adulthood.
www.transitpeoria.com
Transit meets weekly on Sunday evenings at 6:00PM, in the youth center at Dream Center Peoria. Come check it out, and let your young adult friends and relatives know this church is for young adults. Childcare is provided.
A4 Peoria A4 Peoria is a 10-month discipleship and evangelism training program providing an opportunity to take a year out and invest it into the kingdom of God. For young adults aged www.a4peoria.com between 18 and 30, A4 Peoria is a chance to learn about and experience hands-on ministry. The 10-month fulltime program consists of 3 months of residential training, a 2-week overseas mission trip, and 6 months of traveling and working with churches across the United States. As part of an A4 Peoria team you will also get to work extensively with many of the ministries here at Riverside Community Church and Dream Center Peoria. This tuition-based program requires an application process and 10-month commitment from September to July.
Dave Jane
Executive Pastor - Student Ministries 309.676.7700 x302 dave.jane@riversidepeoria.com
Our Core Beliefs We Believe that people are eternally lost and need to find way back to God through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
We Believe that our mandate as a Church is to create an environment in which people are continually challenged to journey toward a Christ-centered life through living biblical truth.
We Believe in Holy Spirit filled Worship that facilitates the presence and power of God in our corporate gatherings.
We Believe that every Christian should serve the poor and the broken.
We Believe that we should train people to be so Christ centered that they will serve Jesus within our church, or wherever in the world God leads them.
United Youth 6th – 12th Grade At Youth United, students come together as one body and one voice seeking the face of God. Inyour-face, high-energy, fresh, original, passionate and relevant in its approach, Youth United longs to bring teenagers closer than they have ever been before to the presence of God. We believe that God is raising up a generation to live out His kingdom here on this earth. Our heart is to lead and guide this generation to the plans God has for their lives. Our hope is that no matter who you are or where you’re from, when you are at Youth United, you feel at home. Come check us out and decide for yourself; we would love to see you. Wednesday Nights - United Varsity and JV students (6th-12th grade) meet at 6:45PM in the Dream Center Peoria building for a time of extended worship and a captivating message, all in a laid-back fellowship environment. Sunday Mornings - United JV students (6th-8th grade) meet 9:00AM and 11:00AM (during regular church services) in L012 at Riverside for messages and worship geared to capture young people. United Varsity students (9th - 12th) meet at 9:00AM in A210 for small group discussion after worship in the main service.
Corey Blair
Sr High Youth Pastor 309.676.7700 x303 corey.blair@riversidepeoria.com
Joe Greenwald
Jr High Youth Pastor 309.676.7700 x305 joe.greenwald@riversidepeoria.com
At Riverside Community Church, resurrection isn’t just for Easter: it happens every day. by Phil Luciano
We are broken people helping broken people. Just as Christ rose from the dead, we can lift one another above the overwhelming challenges that threaten to bury us. We stand on The Word and rise above.
pastor vacancy. Two nights in a row, the pastor had awoken with King’s name on his mind.
We can remake ourselves every day. We remake Riverside all the time.
Still, John felt heavenly wheels in motion. He and Letty visited the church, and soon he was uprooting his family to this strange land of America.
Riverside started at a stoplight. Just as the Lord wants to reshape all of us throughout our lives, the story of Riverside always has been steeped in revision - even from its beginnings in England. There, Pastor John King had long been shepherding a thriving church. Paused at a traffic signal one day in 1993, King said to God, “Thank you for giving me this church.” King got an immediate message back. “You’re welcome. Well done. And now I’m taking it away.” As King prayed, the divine direction became clear: his work at that church was complete. Obediently, King drove to the church and submitted his resignation. Then he went home to tell his wife, Letty, and they awaited his next calling. The wait wasn’t long. Days later, he got a call from an American pastor who had visited King’s church years before. That pastor had been temporarily leading Faith Christian Center in Washington, Illinois where there was a senior
“I didn’t even know where Illinois was, let alone Washington,” says Pastor King.
Things would get stranger. Over the next seven years, Faith Christian Center exploded with growth. Yet, in 2000, King again felt a call to move, but not as far. Faith Christian Center would plant a new church, in Peoria. At first, the idea was to set up shop in northwest Peoria, following the growth there. But when King saw a for-sale sign on the old Shrine Mosque in downtown Peoria, he envisioned an inner-city church. The challenge: would Riverside simply be a suburban church meeting downtown, or an urban church meeting urban needs? Riverside chose the latter. That meant not just delivering sermons on Sunday, but meeting the daily physical needs of the poor and broken. No one listens to the gospel on an empty stomach. So Riverside sought to provide food, clothes and other necessities.
Riverside’s Pastoral Team
How to do that? More change. In 2001, King visited an Arizona conference run by patrons of a mega-church who also operated the Los Angeles Dream Center. The combination church and outreach had revamped one of that city’s worst areas by helping broken people rebuild their lives physically, emotionally, academically, professionally and spiritually. “I felt in my heart that Dream Center Peoria needed to happen,” King says. Riverside began adopting some of the programs. But the Dream Center needed its own place so that other churches and agencies could come aboard and change Peoria. The former YMCA building was available, but for a daunting $1.8 million. That would change, too. After negotiation and prayer, the price miraculously plummeted to just a sixth of that cost. Through another miracle, millions of dollars in private contributions have allowed the Dream Center to
continue to reinvent itself and add programs. Children and adults have been rejuvenated at the Dream Center, with a great many gratefully returning to give back to newcomers seeking a similar turnaround.
Those transformations continue every day at Riverside. We gladly reshape ourselves to fit God’s plan. What is His plan for you? Trust and ask Him, and let the joyous change begin! So if you’re looking for a place that is alive and active and making a difference in the city of Peoria, then Riverside Community Church is for you.” “I thank God that He placed John King and Riverside Community Church in Peoria. The hard work and dedication Riverside provides is a stabilizing force in the core of our great City. The foundation of Riverside is the foundation of our City and it is rock solid.” Jim Ardis Mayor of Peoria