Riverbend Community Blog
Advent Reflection: The Need for a Savior
As we enter into the season of Advent, a time to slow and reflect on the coming of Jesus, the Son of God, into the world, we first spend some time reflecting on why we need a Savior.
What is Lament?
There is a lot in this world that is “not as it should be”. Sickness, death, injustice, sin, delays and more that leave us feeling heavy-hearted, weary, sorrowful, or even angry. If you’ve never heard of lament before, we hope this practice may be one that resonates with you.
Prayers for Women on Mother’s Day
We know Mother’s Day may arrive with a mix of feelings for many. We’ve created a collection of prayers written by our women for women. These are the words of women who are not strangers to the experiences they pray about. While many of the prayers are for mothers, there are others that are not. It is our hope that you will find encouragement in these prayers, and these could be words you share with other women who may need to hear them as well. Please know we hold space for you here— whatever Mother’s Day brings— and we have a God who sees you and cares.
Why Should We Pray?
Today is National Day of Prayer. Join us as we look at just some of the reasons why we go to the Father in prayer.
The Seven Sayings of Jesus on the Cross
The Cross marks the turning point of Jesus's earthly mission. In these hours of tension and physical anguish on a Friday, where do Jesus's thoughts turn to and what words did He speak to His Father and to His followers? This Good Friday, join us for a time of worship and reflection as we explore the seven sayings of Jesus on the Cross."
Advent 2024: Christ
Throughout this Advent season, we’ve been reminded of the ways God has revealed Himself to His people prior to Jesus coming. He walked with Adam and Eve in the garden, spoke to Moses through a burning bush, led His people with a cloud and a pillar of fire, and for hundreds of years only a high priest could intercede for sins in the Holy of Holies. The prophets kept speaking of a coming Messiah, but for 400 years, God was silent.
But everything was about to change…
Advent 2024: The Tabernacle
As a noun, tabernacle is defined as “a fixed or moveable habitation, typically of light construction.” (Oxford English Dictionary)
For the nomadic Israelites, this type of moveable structure for God’s dwelling place on Earth made perfect sense. They had left the slavery of Egypt and been led into the wilderness, still very much uncertain of what was next before entering the Promised Land. It’s at this point– this in between– that Moses climbs Mount Sinai to meet with the Lord. And it is here that Moses receives not only the Ten Commandments, but also very detailed instructions to build the tabernacle, a place the Lord could draw near to his chosen people.
Maybe, like me, you get to the details of the tabernacle’s construction and you begin to skim, but pause here.