Hey fam,

Hey fam,

This morning Governor Whitmer issued a Stay Home Stay Safe order that goes into effect at midnight. For a lot of us, this introduces more uncertainty and anxiety to an already shaky season. Social distancing, working from home, instant home-schooling, and just attempting to maintain some sense of rhythm and normalcy have seemingly overtaken our lives.

As Pastor James reminded us this week, we can endure the anxiety and weariness of life with Jesus as our focus and our foundation. Our very real uncertainties and questions don’t go away, but our security in Christ gives us hope to endure. Down through history, church communities have faced hardships and seasons of unpredictability, but have remained steadfast in their faith in Christ. As a church family, we can find comfort knowing that we stand in a long line of Christ-followers running to Him when life grows shaky.

[quote]Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. – Colossians 2:6-7[/quote]

We will not stop gathering as a church family, but that gathering is going to look different in the coming weeks. Our weekend services will change from the format we’ve used these past two weeks, but we will continue to meet online, each Sunday morning at 10:00am. You can join the Riv family at rivchurch.com/stream for these Sunday morning gatherings.

These last two weeks have been a whirlwind for us all, but we have a foundation in Christ that is unshakeable, and in Him we will endure. Continue to read the Word. Seek out digital opportunities to connect with your family, your friends, and your Life Group. Remember the truths of who you are in Christ. We will stay home and stay safe, but we will not stop living in community. Turn to God with your fears and anxieties; He is in control and He is our source of hope.

Let’s pray for our churches, our community, our healthcare services, and our world as we continue walking forward in God’s strength.

– Riv