table of contents 3 From Small Beginnings just a penny 4 Austin, Riverbend, & The Future what is coming up that impacts the world around 6 A Parent’s Job Is Never Done helping parents help their children Around the Bend is published by Riverbend Church Editors: Daniel Ramirez, Linda Smith, & Norm Schoenfeld 512-327-3540 Contributors: Norm Schoenfeld, Daniel Ramirez, Linda Smith, Kip Nanninga, Jason Shuck, CJ Thomas, Todd Mears, & Others. Printed in Austin, Texas Riverbend Church 4214 N. Capital of Texas Hwy Austin, Texas 78746 512.327.3540
For details about Riverbend, visit www.riverbend.com Editor’s note: As an attempt to embrace the diversity that is both Riverbend Church and the City Of Austin, Around The Bend looks to feature and promote the spectrum of culture and interest. Here you wil read a variety of articles, some may speak to you, and some may not. We ask that you read and enjoy; and if you have suggestions or feedback, contact the church directly.
10 Bridging The Gap
bringing the warring cultures of adolescence together
16 Blessing In Disguise
how a simple injury saved a life
19 Music Reviews
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strong showings from two great artists
21 Fine Dining Finds
Rob Balon discovers exquisite food worth the price
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by Norm Schoenfeld
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“How can we stop the oil gusher?” may be the question of the summer for most Americans. Yet for many evangelical pastors and leaders, the leaking well is nothing compared to the threat posed by an ongoing gusher of a different sort: Young people pouring out of their churches, never to return. Recent statistics have shown an increasing exodus of young people from churches, especially after they leave home and live on their own. In a 2007 study, Lifeway Research determined that 70% of young Protestant adults between 18-22 stop attending church regularly. Wall Street Journal, September 7, 2010 The problem is not a new issue; it’s been evolving for the past 30-40 years. Whole new generations are growing up in “unchurched” homes, where the children have never even set foot in a church. They haven’t been exposed to the message of the gospel. There has been no teaching of the 10 commandments. There’s no one teaching the kids how to love others unconditionally as Jesus loves us. Instead children are being taught to climb the corporate ladder when they become adults, to value material things above all – “he who dies with the most toys wins.” They grow up in an environment that teaches them “it is all about me”. In the National Study of Youth and Religion on “emerging adults” (defined as adults 18-29 years old), we find some interesting information about this group as follows: • Emerging adults share no qualms about materialism and long to someday live the American dream with a large salary and large home. • Few emerging adults are involved in community organizations or other social change-oriented groups or movements. • Most emerging adults fall into their parents’ religious patterns one way or another. • Emerging adults devoted to religion are significantly more likely to give money, volunteer for community service, decline alcohol and drugs, and abstain from pornography and premarital sex. • Emerging adults tend to live for jobs, money, fun, and friends, believing that liberal values trump biblical doctrine. continued on page 24
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by Todd Mears
Sunday @ 1:15… …and the question is “Where do you guys want to eat?” After a few minutes of silence I ask again,“Hey, what are y’all hungry for?” Thinking now that my kids are either asleep or completely ignoring me, I stop what I am doing and turn around. That’s when I see both my children, complete with headphones in their ears, shaking their groove thing, and doing their best American Idol impressions. As I look closer, I realize that they are both listening to music, playing a game, and simultaneously texting multiple friends. Talk about multitasking! What I have come to realize while being in children’s ministry over the years is that we have to “turn it up a notch” in what we’re doing, so we can connect at all with children, be it in ministry or otherwise. The days of being able to do a simple craft in a cookie-cutter environment are long over. A cursory look at what our kids are surrounded by daily exposes the competition that is faced.
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8 Parent’s Job (continued from page 7) iPhones, Xbox, 60-inch flat screen TVs (dad had to bring that up), YouTube, and a host of many other things pull at their attention on a moment-by-moment basis. Ministry in
the modern day has to face this fight and win to even gain a moment of a child’s attention. Many people think of children’s ministry as something that is developed to simply babysit or entertain children. For more than a few, the ministry is there so the “big people” can conveniently enjoy their
service. If we look at the children’s ministry as a venue to entertain kids, we will contribute to raising a generation of “church potatoes.” As they get older they will begin to show up on Sundays solely to see what the Pastor can say to motivate or excite them to return the following week.
MAKING MINISTRY RELEVANT
The children’s ministry doesn’t need to be treated as a necessary, yet unspectacular addition to the weekly routine. We recognize that the future of the church depends on what is being accomplished in the children’s ministry every Sunday and beyond. It is crucial that we deliver a top-notch, high-energy program in an engaging environment that draws kids in and connects them to the ministry. With the continued on page 23
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In order for one to understand what we do as the Student Ministry at Riverbend, one HAS TO CONSIDer a series of EXTREMELY IMPORTANT questions.
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by Kip Nanninga, Jason Shuck, & CJ Thomas Where does ministry begin? Where does it end? Can it be crammed into a 9 to 5 work day, or crammed into any time at all, being turned on and off only during office or programming hours? Is it confined to a certain location or is it in constant motion? Is it taking on new forms with each new day, adapting to the lives of every person involved? These questions are a simple prelude to all that one deals with. Many other questions emerge when it comes to all that needs to be considered as we attempt to make the Student Ministry at Riverbend the best that it can be. continued on page 12
12 Bridging The Gap (continued from page 11) These are also just a few of the questions for you to consider as you try to gain an understanding as to what we do and how we’re seeking to answer those questions for the students of Austin. At Riverbend, we are in the process of changing the paradigm of what it means to be a minister to students and how we accomplish effective student ministry. We are a ministry consisting of Student Ministry Pastor, Kip Nanninga, High School Director, CJ Thomas, Middle School Director, Jason Shuck, Administrative/Director Intern, Kassie Gassaway, and a team of twenty incredible volunteers dedicated to reaching the students of Austin, Texas right where they are. It is not our philosophy to wait for a student to come to a certain point or realization as to where they are spiritually, nor do we have vigorous requirements that they must meet before we will minister to them. We are charged with the command of Jesus Christ to go out and make disciples. We believe that we are to meet them where they are spiritually and show them the love that Christ has shown us in so many ways. In the past, the Student Ministry at Riverbend had no permanent place to meet during programming hours, nor a place the students and the ministers could call their own. It was entirely up to whoever the “youth person” was, at any given time, to be creative and use the facilities that were available in order to accomplish what would appear to be good ministry, but in reality, be heavy on work and inefficient in execution. With that said, we have
to be very intentional in what we do and how we go about doing it. We have battling forces that must stay in balance if we are to do ministry and do it well. Ministry is no longer a simple program that only engages a few nor does it happen only on Sunday mornings. It can no longer be a scheduled weekly time for an hour or so with the hopes that God would do something amazing to change the lives of the people involved. How do we go about meeting students where they are and showing them the love that Christ has to offer them? That’s where being in the community becomes critical. It is a non-negotiable for us to be spiritual leaders in the lives of our students, their parents, and the community leaders. What this looks like to us is getting outside the campus of Riverbend and onto the campus of the schools represented in our ministry. It also looks like becoming a voice in the homes of the families of our students, and being involved in community activities. We attend sporting events to watch and support our students as they develop a “team” mentality. We go to theatre productions in support of the arts. We spend time with students, whether it is going to a movie or having ice cream in order to build strong relationships. We get involved in our community and encourage our students to do the same. The truth is that ministry happens off campus just as much as it does on. This is not a new philosophy to ministry, nor is it one we have created, but it is one that we have adapted to our student ministry and stand by. But, just as many ministries in the new
millennium are faced with obstacles and difficulties, we face challenges of many kinds. One challenge is that students frequently have “school friends” and then they have their “church friends.” The separation between the two is rigid and significant. One of the goals of our Student Ministry is to create an environment where “school friends” and “church friends” are one community. When we go out in the teenage world as a team and engage in their lives outside of Sunday mornings, we are able to meet their “school friends” and perhaps influence their lives as well. Ideally, we work to have them as an active part of our ministry. Having a student center will create an environment where students will want to invite all their friends to come to Riverbend Church, not only on Sunday morning, but throughout the week, when a student’s communities are most often forged. What we ultimately try to bring about as a ministry is, first and foremost, the love of Christ and seeing Him glorified. Additionally, we want to create a safe place where students can come and escape the pressures of High School and Middle School life. What we have learned in our experiences here is that students just wanted to know that they are deeply cared for by those involved in their lives. This is what we intend to show them from the moment they walk in through the door to the moment they leave. Riverbend is a typical community. We strive to stand out boldly, always keeping God at the forefront of our actions. We, as the Student Ministry of Riverbend, are intentional in doing the same.
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Embedded Systems Design Hardware • Software • Firmware
by Linda Smith It all started with the pinky finger on my right hand. On June 14, 2009, my husband and I were babysitting our three grandsons at their home on Lake Travis. I was attempting to hold my two dogs back from jumping in the lake on top of my grandsons when my pinky finger got caught between the slits in the boat dock. When I pulled it away, there was a burning sensation and my finger was bent at the first joint and I could no longer straighten it out. Figuring that I had broken it, my husband constructed a primitive splint that would tide me over until I could see my primary care doctor. The next morning, I showed up unannounced in my doctor’s office and told them I had broken my finger. I was sent for X-rays only to discover that I had actually pulled the tendons away from the bone. My doctor sent me off to a plastic surgeon’s office, one who had saved the doctor’s own finger when she severely cut it doing yard work. My finger was splinted for the
next three months and we hoped that somehow the tendon would reattach itself. Sadly, that didn’t happen. We scheduled surgery on my finger for the Friday before Thanksgiving. The week before the surgery I was scheduled for a pre-surgery checkup, and for the week or so prior to that, I was plagued by sinus or allergy problems. I had a swollen gland on the left side of my neck that warranted a closer look. During the examination the plastic surgeon asked me how long the lump in my neck had persisted. I said only a few weeks and I thought it was related to my sinus/allergy issues. She said I needed to have it checked out immediately. Off I went to see my pri-
mary care doctor again, who sent me to an ENT. He ran a couple of tests in his office, couldn’t see anything and sent me to have a sonogram. I had my finger surgery the next week and during the next couple of weeks I had a CT scan and a needle-guided aspiration on my neck. Nothing showed up as being suspicious. The doctor said that although the tests were inconclusive, the lump should not be there and he was going to remove it. We scheduled the surgery for January 8. I received a call from my ENT late the following Tuesday afternoon. He was calling to tell me that the biopsy had come back and showed that I had two
kinds of Lymphoma. He gave me the name of an oncologist and told me to call their office first thing the next morning; he would give the oncologist a call that evening and tell her to expect my call. You could have knocked me over with a feather. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would have cancer. My husband, Monte, had just driven in from work and was outside chatting with the neighbor as I was hanging up the phone. When he walked in the front door and saw my face, he knew the news was bad. I couldn’t even say the word “cancer”; I just blurted out that I had lymphoma and that I had to see an oncologist. continued on page 25
Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs God Willin’ And The Creek Don’t Rise RCA/RED 2010
If there is a voice to heartache and soul, it surely must be that of Ray LaMontagne. Whether verbalizing a lament or asking questions of the world, his voice alone carries a message that can be easily understood by all. Carrying on the dragged-through-sandpaper vocal styling pioneered by Joe Cocker and Van Morrison, LaMontagne lets an expression linger in most of his songs, granting them depth whether they are groove-based or bluesy ballads. With his latest release, “God Willin’ And The Creek Don’t Rise,” LaMontagne favors the latter. His voice isn’t the only characteristic that makes this album a perfect fit for a rainy day, as his lyrics are often thoughtful and of equal depth. Indulging the memories of a lost love and a tough adolescence through the lens of a Southern Folk lens, he moodily strolls his way through such suddenly familiar tracks as “Beg, Steal, Or Borrow” and “For The Summer.” Full of slide guitar and signature elements of a big south sound, these tracks bring the small town immediately to mind, as well as old photographs and nostalgia. Listening further, one discovers profound thoughts, as on the track “Old Before Your Time,” which is the letter many people’s mature selves likely wish they could send to their younger souls. “Ain’t it about time you realize, it’s not worth keeping score,” Ray croons, trying to teach a lesson that all have found difficult to learn. Even with all of the melancholy, this album is more evidence that LaMontagne has solidified his position as the ambassador of mood. If the clouds come and bring the rain, one could do no better than hoping “God Willin’ And The Creek Don’t Rise” as the soundtrack.
by Daniel Ramirez
Lissie Catching A Tiger Fat Possum 2010
Critics refer to it as “lightning in a bottle.” It’s a rare thing to discover a talent on the rise that is destined for stardom, with a broad appeal and a respectability that is difficult to find amid modern music’s present offerings. That being said, when researching unclassifiable artist Lissie, one need only find the moment in “Everywhere I Go,” when she unleashes the full power of her voice to understand that this is precisely that elusive lightning many in the industry are hoping to catch. A girl from the Midwest, Lissie discovered her talent as an outlet for her own struggles and expressions, and “Catching A Tiger” reflects the entire scope of that experience, from raw moments that drive “In Sleep” to the happiness that predominates “Cuckoo,” which is easily an anthem for adolescent friendship, finally landing on a worshipful gospel-influenced ballad in “Oh Mississippi.” The latter tune is a sweeping dedication to the river that provided inspiration to blues singers and rock artists who no doubt influenced Lissie’s unique sound; and Lissie delivers it with passion familiar to many Austinites in the form of Patty Griffin. However, it is there that comparisons to Austin’s favored daughter end, as Lissie also proves on the album that she’s capable of producing a radio-friendly hit that captures the road trip in lyric and feel. In “Little Lovin’,” she takes a melodic trip across the United States that would be at home in most daily commutes, complete with a heavy stomp that comes straight out of the aforementioned Mississippi Delta. But far from a single sound, she delves into harder rock in “Loosen The Knot” and extracts some electronica for “Worried About.” With a debut like this, one can only hope that she continues doing what she was so obviously meant to do.
When I first happened by Perla’s on South Congress, I thought it was another Mexican restaurant until I realized that perlas in Spanish means oysters. I then noted that curmudgeonly old John Mariani of Esquire had named Perla’s one of the best new restaurants in the U.S. Mariani and I do not always agree but after my first visit I knew he was on to something. Chef Larry McGuire had struck gold with Lambert’s BBQ a few years back and after a few meals at Perla’s, I can enthusiastically state that he’s done it again.
PERLA’s
1400 S Congress Ave Austin, TX 78704 (512) 291-7300
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by Rob Balon
If you had to pick out a spot for a classic Texas steakhouse, I don’t think you could choose a better one than Steiner Ranch Steakhouse did. Set high atop Lake Travis in a beautiful threestory building, this is the crowning glory of the Steiner Ranch development. And the quality of the food matches the splendid view. Chef Venables has given us a quality assortment of very tasty appetizers and soups. You continued on page 22
STEINER RANCH STEAKHOUSE 5424 Steiner Ranch Blvd Austin, TX 78732 (512) 381-0800
22 Perla’s (continued from page 21) Perla’s simply reverberates with good tastes: it is a locally-owned seafood joint worth reckoning with. I first tasted the New Orleans BBQ Shrimp with grilled ciabatta bread. Aside from the godfather of all BBQ Shrimp places: Pascale’s Manale in New Orleans, I liked Perla’s version almost as much, and that’s saying something. The roux was robust and aromatic and that’s where it all begins with this classic dish. The Salt and Pepper Calamari exceeded all the requisites for this dish. The squid was tender and the diversity of flavors was exceptional. I could have easily downed another order, likewise for the Soft Shell Crab BLT. I grew up in soft shell crab country and Perla’s serves up the real deal. The lightly breaded crabs were perfectly cooked, and when that happens, as crab lovers know, there is a veritable first-bite explosion of flavors and juices. The lemon mayo was beautiful and I loved the idea of adding bacon and lettuce. If you’re going to have a New England-styled seafood restaurant, a Lobster Roll is mandatory. And does Perla’s deliver. This is a Maine dish and the best I’ve ever had was at a lobster pound in Lincolnville. But Perla’s was right there. A good lobster roll is about as close to culinary bliss as we mortals ever get. Also try the Crispy Gulf Snapper with a lively lemon spinach and a spicy sofrito which is a mix of onions, garlic, peppers, tomatoes and cilantro, On the flavor front, snap is the appropriate word because it jumps out with all burners on the first bite. Yum. The Sea Scallops a la Plancha were another delight. The name comes from the metal plate on which the scallops are grilled. This is a lovely dish that
gets more interesting and tastier with each bite. And being a native New Englander, I am drawn to the tender Grilled Swordfish like a moth to the flame. One thing for sure is that Larry McGuire knows how to coax the maximum flavors out of the simplest preparations and the Swordfish is a great example. No wonder Tony Bourdain, star of television’s No Reservations, got so excited about this place. It is the epitome of quality and consistency and those win every time.
Steiner Ranch Steakhouse (continued from page 21) have to start with the Toronadas, a dish that features a variety of marinated elk, beef or salmon on top of Asiago crostinis. The accompanying pico and the zesty sauce make this a must try. I’d opt for the elk! And then you must have the Creole Cake: the cake is actually made out of shrimp, crab, scallops and crawfish artfullty bound together with Panko breadcrumbs, onions, and celery and served with a Louisiana-style mustard cream sauce. Uncle Thibodeau would personally recommend this one. The She Crab Soup has been an instant classic since the day it was unveiled at Steiner Ranch. This is a low-country recipe made of cream, lump crab meat, celery and potatoes. It brought the house down at the Busby Foundation dinner last year. I’m surprised Rick Perry or some other politico hasn’t personally taken credit for this dish: it’s that good. The Southwest Chop Salad is another dish that simply, like so many here, jumps out at you. To me, the best parts
are the ancho Caesar dressing, the tenderloin tips, and the roasted corn and black bean relish. As the conniving game host on Slum Dog Millionaire might have said, “What a salad!” The steaks at Steiner Ranch are just as advertised: robust cuts of prime beef dripping with flavor. Take for example Kelly’s Cut Porterhouse, a 24-oz. work of bovine perfection. Hard to finish, but harder still to leave any left. It has that much flavor. The Cowboy Style Rib Eye is tender and nicely marbled and is one of those sizzling beauties you can smell on its way to the table. It is a mountain of good taste. And also try the Tenderloin Medallions. Wrapped in bacon and topped with an ancho pepper demi-glaze and drizzled Gorgonzola, the flavor here comes at you in waves. All of these cry out for the great red Cabs which Steiner Ranch has in abundance in their ample wine cellar. If steak is not your forte, Steiner Ranch has an ample array of chops and seafood that will appeal to your palate. The Cedar Plank Salmon is uber fresh and full of Omega 3 benefits. And it tastes indescribably good. The Gulf Coast shrimp (Texas side) are wonderful grilled, butterflied, or coated with breadcrumbs and deep fried. Anyway you slice this dish, it just resonates with good taste. Equally tempting is the Double Bone Pork Chop. This is served grilled with a lovely duo of mushrooms and herbs. You want searing flavors? The line begins here. It’s been a long time since the Lakeway area had a steakhouse of this quality. And I for one think it’s an answered prayer.
Rob Balon is a local restaurant reviewer whose reviews can be found online at diningoutwithrobbalon.com.
24 Austin, Riverbend, & The Future (continued from page 5) • 85% of emerging adults who have committed their lives to God did so before they turned 14.
where to put their trust, as well as in whom to do so. They need to learn to deal with the hardships of life from the very beginning, as they learn to worship a grace-filled God.
One only has to travel north or south of 2222 to any of the local high schools to see the types of cars the kids drive, the clothes worn, or the computers and phones owned, to get an understanding of the things they value most.
Currently, about 80% of our members live within a 15-mile radius of Riverbend. Within that 15-mile radius, 57.6% of the people are 44 years or younger in age, while only 30.4% of Riverbend members are in that same age range. Clearly, there is a need to develop more effective ways to reach young families if we are to impact the next generation for the Kingdom of God.
How many of us don’t know of families with teens struggling with relationship issues, emotional issues, or addiction issues? If you thought it was tough to grow up when you were a kid – it certainly seems easy compared to today. And this divide of understanding is threatening to rip families apart. So can this trend change? . . . Is there hope? These are the unsettling issues that our communities must wrestle with as they look to the future of the Austin community and the families that call it home. It’s been said the hope of the world lies in the local church. At Riverbend we believe this wholeheartedly, committing ourselves to raising-up a next generation of authentic Christfollowers. Along with other churches, we plan to make this happen. For years, adults at Riverbend have been taught that “you can begin again” and that Riverbend is the church of second chances. This certainly rings true today, and filters into every message and action. At the same time we need to also be a church that has set a priority on raising and encouraging a generation of young people who are learning
Recently Riverbend has embarked on a three-year campaign called Building A Blessing. The campaign is all about finding creative ways to connect with the next generation and their parents. It involves building a brand new student and children’s center, designed to be used up to seven days a week by children & students. These plans enable us to expand the enrollment of our Christian Preschool to reach more young children. It gives us expanded and attractive facilities to expand our outreach for big events. It will enable us to create a “hub” for teenagers in this area of Austin – a place for them to hang out after school with their friends and our young leaders. This ambitious endeavor is, at its core, a place for future generations to play their music, use the sport court, create new friendships, and process the things of life that they face with each other and their mentors. It offers acceptance and freedom of expression within clear guidelines and virtues, and always with the guidance
and fellowship that have become a hallmark of Riverbend ministries. This works in conjunction with some strategic hires in our student and children’s ministry over the past year, along with some new leadership development. It works with retooled programs designed to be more outreach-oriented – finding ways to continue to connect with the unchurched kids of Austin, and introducing them to and encouraging them to live a Christ-led life. Additionally, it involves continually refining our programs for the parents of those kids. Over the past year the Family Venture group formed, which together with the Couples with Kids group gives parents two different community group options to consider as they look to develop relationships with other parents of kids, and grow spiritually together. The combination of intentionally investing in today’s parents of kids and teens, investing in the kids themselves with great leaders, mentors, and attractional facilities to use, all works together to have a chance to influence the next generation for Christ. As Riverbend reaches thousands of adults across Austin who have found themselves to be bruised, battered, broken or bored, and shown them a second chance of living life with Christ, so too do we want to reach thousands of children and students across Austin, enabling them to know that through Christ they can do anything, and to learn to understand the grace that God extends and learn to lead a life of extending that same grace to others.
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Blessing In Disguise (continued from page 17) That was one of the worst nights of my life. We both cried most of the night and tried to sleep but in vain. It’s amazing how God gives you strength to get through those times and somehow makes you stronger. When I woke up the next morning, I felt at peace and was ready to tackle anything. I called the oncologist’s office bright and early and, amazingly, they had an opening that very afternoon. While I waited, I decided that I should get my life in order (in four hours) so I decided to organize my underwear and sock drawer. My mother always told me not to go anywhere in tattered underwear so for some strange reason this was a must-do…..and a much-needed distraction. I also wrote out a living will, something I had been avoiding. Monte came home for lunch and took me to the appointment. I was very nervous and had no idea what to expect. I knew a lot of people with cancer but had never asked them what it was like to undergo treatment. We met with the doctor; she explained to us about lymphoma and the types that I had then said I needed to have a PET scan so that she could determine what stage the cancer was in and where it was located. I would also need to have a bone marrow biopsy. So within the next week or so, I had these two procedures done and when the results were complete, I met with her once again. She said my lymphoma was in stage two, was located in my neck, had not spread to any other part of my body and that I would undergo six chemo treatments, one every three weeks. She explained what the treatments
would be like, about the side effects, and that I would definitely lose my hair. When I finished chemo, I would go through radiation treatment. She felt very optimistic about my prognosis and, at the end of our session, she gave me a big hug, which she did
each time I met with her. We talked some about faith in God and I could tell she was a great believer in Him. Monte and I left her office confident in her capability and at peace. One of the first things I did was let all continued on page 26
26 Blessing In Disguise (continued from page 25) of my co-workers, as well as my close friends, know my diagnosis and what I was facing. I wanted to be completely open about everything because I didn’t want people to feel uncomfortable or feel like they had to walk on eggshells around me. I wanted them to know that they could ask me anything and that I would be honest with them as to what it was like, how I was feeling, etc. I also wanted them to know that we were going to deal with this with a sense of humor because I knew that a positive attitude and laughter were some of the best medicines I could receive. Lucky for me, I work on the staff at Riverbend so I knew I could count on their prayers and support! I quickly discovered that I could play that “chemo card” when there were things I just didn’t want to do. It worked great on telemarketers! So my chemo began in mid-February with a doctor/lab visit on Wednesday, a six to seven-hour infusion on Thursday, and a shot on Friday. I asked Monte to shave my head at the end of treatment two because I didn’t want to wake up one morning with it on my pillow or have it fall out in the shower. This was one thing I could control myself! My daughter and I had already gone wig shopping before the treatments started and I had also purchased some cool head scarves so I was set. Losing my hair was no big deal to me. Lose my hair or lose my life; it was a no brainer! I was able to get through the almost six months of chemo with very few side effects, the worst being just bone tired. Not much nausea, no vomiting; all in all not horrible. My last chemo was the end of June and I began 17 days of radiation the beginning of July and ending at the end of that month. Once again I was blessed to have an
awesome radiation oncologist who believed in big hugs and had a wonderful positive attitude. At the end of both treatments, they celebrated with me by throwing confetti and presenting me with a certificate or plaque of completion. Hey, I just graduated from chemo and radiation class! My last PET scan showed that I had no active cancer cells in my body. I will check in with my oncologist about every three months and also continue to have PET scans periodically to make sure that the cancer does not rear its ugly head again. My hair has started to grow back and my strength is returning. So, you see, if I had not injured my finger, I might never had gone to the doctor to have the lump in my neck checked out. Both my oncologists agree that the plastic surgeon and ENT, through their thoroughness and persistence, saved my life, but in truth it was God’s grace in action. Well, I guess you’re wondering how my story fits in with our Building a Blessing campaign. I have been a member of Riverbend for a little over 20 years. The first time I walked into a Sunday service I felt at home. I have heard so many people say that and I can always relate because that is exactly how I felt. I’m so proud to say that Riverbend is my church; the campus setting is beautiful. Our church facilities are in use every day by not only Riverbend-sponsored studies but by the Austin community in the form of recovery groups, health fairs, dance recitals, weddings, funerals, music events, and this is just scratching the surface. Imagine how much more we could offer the community if we had more facility space to offer. The children and students are our legacy. A church that doesn’t grow with young families is a church that eventually dies. I hope that we can offer our children and young people the best facility that they deserve. I’m behind
the Building a Blessing campaign 100% and am so excited! I count my blessings each day and have made a pledge to pay it forward by ministering to those I hear of that have just been diagnosed with cancer or are already undergoing treatment. This old hymn popped into my head as I was writing this. Here it is: When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done. Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your blessings, see what God has done. Count your blessings, name them one by one. And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done. Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly, And you will keep singing as the days go by. I also feel extremely blessed to be on staff here and work with such talented and loving people. For the last six months, they have encouraged me, prayed for me, gave me great hugs, laughed with me and, at times, cried with me. I will forever be in their debt. Yes, indeed, I AM BLESSED and still counting.
27 Parent’s Job (continued from page 5) addition of the new children’s facilities next year we plan to accomplish exactly that. Our goal is to give the children in Austin and the surrounding area a place to call their own. A place they can seek knowledge, guidance, and refuge. So, what makes a successful children’s ministry? In a word, the answer is relationships. If we ever hope to be successful in life, work, or family, we have to put a tremendous focus on relationship-building. Relationships are the reason we go back to the same coffee shop every morning, even though there may be another one that isn’t so far out of the way. Similarly, our goal is to get to know the children in a small group format and make each child feel as if they really are special and a part of something greater than themselves. It creates a safe place where children feel accepted, and will go out of their way to remain a part of. But we also recognize that children’s ministry begins at home. And so our inclusion of the home must be part of our answer. Parents are the single biggest influence on a child’s spiritual journey.
“It is the responsibility of the parents to continuously impart the Scripture to their children that they may know God and serve Him in worship and ministry.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). We believe that every parent wants to see their child grow spiritually, but often isn’t sure how to go about it. We don’t know how to answer the hard questions so we just don’t go there.
THE BIG QUESTIONS
Have you ever had one of your kids look up at you with those big tearfilled eyes and ask, “Why did my goldfish die?” With confidence, you may respond, “well he’s in heaven now sweetie, with Jesus!” Meanwhile, you may also be praying that the conversation goes no further, lest you find your child curious as to “why did Jesus need my fish? Tell Him to find another one.” Believe me we’ve all been there. The Riverbend children’s ministry staff partners with parents to see that their child grows spiritually and becomes a strong Christian leader among their peers. We want to give every parent the tools to effectively lead their child. One thing parents are forced to realize is that our children will absorb what they see in us. They will become a direct reflection of a parent’s own feelings, actions and beliefs. Through parent focus groups, parents can see what they may need as a parent and be equipped with everything to be the spiritual leader God has called them to be. Being a parent of two kids, I know that it’s not so easy to sit down in the middle of a crazy day and do a bible study. But, what is possible is taking time out to be encouraged, as well as taking an extra minute to have a little more challeng-
ing conversation with your children, maybe coming back from church or on the way to soccer practice. Parents need to be encouraged that they are not alone in raising children, and Riverbend seeks to do exactly that. By no means do we have all the answers, but we have more than an idea of how to find them.
CREATING A COMMUNITY
Community takes people. It requires people like you and me, who are committed to something bigger than ourselves. Working toward welcoming every single person, as well as ministering and being ministered to. The commitment is saying that I will be part of a community because I am needed and I have needs. This is what we want our children to reflect in their lives and in the lives of future generations. We believe that God wants us to be a community of believers that are here to be blessed and to bless each other. A place where we live by faith, are known by love and are a voice of hope. Thus, we want you and your children to see Riverbend as not only your church home but also your connection to family and friends.