Upcoming Events & Calendar
Here are a few upcoming things at the River.
Installation Service
We can’t wait for you to join us this Sunday, September 13th at 10:00am for a special installation service for Pastor ‘Tisha! We are so happy for what God is doing in the lives of our pastors as they switch roles and continue as co-leaders. We are so grateful that we will be joined by our Associate Supervisor, Pastor Beth Hackbarth and Area Pastor Herman Scales for this momentous occasion! Can’t wait to praise the Lord together, pray over our pastors and hear direction for where He is leading us in this next season!
Communion Meal
On Sunday, Sept. 27th at 10am we invite you to join us for our Communion Meal. Please bring a friend and your favorite brunch item to share. This will be a special time for us to grow in relationship and get to "Know Your Place" in community. Kids will join us in service and we will partake of communion together.
Women's Retreat
Ladies, please mark your calendars for a special River Church Family Ladies' Retreat happening on November 6 and 7. This will be a sacred time for us to gather with one another and seek the Lord together. The retreat will be local to Kansas City with an overnight stay option. The cost is only $85 per person and includes an overnight stay at Three Trails Camp & Retreat Center in Independence and all meals throughout the time together. Register by October 23rd. Come and discover what it looks like to live Poured Out for Jesus!
Three Trails Camp and Retreat Center
16200 US-40
Independence, MO 64136
Retreat Dates: 11/6-11/7
Registration fee: $85
Registration deadline is 10/23/26.
Register Here
Check-in at Three Trails will be from 4-6 with dinner served at 6:00 and the first session at 7:00. on 11/6.3 twin beds per room
What to bring:
-bedding for a twin sized bed
-hand towel
-shower towel
-personal items
-snacks to share on Friday night
Women's Advance
What if the very thing you’re holding onto is the place your miracle begins?
In a moment of desperation, one woman reached—not for recognition, not for attention—but simply for the hem of His garment… and everything changed. (Matthew 9:20–22). This year, we invite you to the Women of Influence Advance 2026: The Hem—a sacred space for women who may feel weary, stretched thin, or like they’re barely holding on. If you’re hanging on by a thread, make sure it’s the hem of His garment. Come encounter the power, presence, and healing of Jesus in a deeper way. Together, we’ll press through the noise, the crowd, and the weight we’ve been carrying to reach for Him again—with faith that He still sees, still responds, and still restores. Whether you come full of faith or just holding on to a thread, you belong here. It only takes one touch.
Dates: September 25-27th Where: Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch 2 South 4th Street St. Louis, MO 63102 Register and find out more details HERE:
https://loftgathering.org/women
Kids Class
We are so excited about the upcoming Classes on Wednesday Nights starting Sept. 2, 6:30-8pm. We have a great 10 weeks planned. We are going to explore the 10 Commandments. We will be using The Bible Project Lessons, tailoring them to be age appropriate. We will watch the videos, use art as a response, practice taking notes and reading Scripture. Your child is encouraged to bring their physical Bible.
Candy Collection
It's time once again to begin collecting candy for Trunk-or-Treat! Please consider bringing a donation of individually wrapped candy to the church. Trunk-or-Treat is an opportunity to show our community the love of Jesus by welcoming families, friends and neighbors to our facility, praying for them, and being available to serve them. More details on signing up for a trunk or other ways to serve are coming soon. In the meantime, bring that candy! Our event will take place on a Saturday night so we are anticipating a big turnout and have a candy goal of 35,000 pieces!
Men's Breakfast
Men its time again to start meeting. The second Saturday of the month 9am, starting Sept. 12. Bring your Bible, a friend and a snack to share. If you have any questions email.
Rooted Class
We are so excited for the Rooted experience! Starting Sept. 9 through Nov. 18, 630-8pm. If you have been wondering where you fit in community or you have been struggling to find your purpose, or if you just want to strengthen your relationship with Jesus, then Rooted is for you!
ROOTED provides the opportunity to connect with God, the church community and your purpose in unexpected, life-changing ways. This 10-week series is one of the most restorative experiences we have at River Church Family, and consists of a personal commitment to daily study and prayer, a weekly small-group gathering, and additional prayer and service opportunities. Whether you have been following Jesus for years, or you are new to the faith, this is the perfect place to jump in! This also creates a wonderful opportunity for you to invite a friend to journey with you and learn more about a life of faith.
If you are interested, please complete the registration form here.
Classes & Groups
We value opportunities to communicate and connect in smaller groups with Unexpected Authenticity. One way we can keep participating in transparent relationships is through classes and Life Groups. We invite you to pray about which one of the following opportunities might be right for you.
Ruthenberg Life Group - 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 6:30pm
Sunday Morning Class - Sundays @ 9am in Redwood Room
Siems Life Group - Mondays @ 6:00pm - @ Siems Home
Kids Discipleship - Wednesdays 6:30pm - @ River Church
Youth Group - Wednesdays 6:30pm - @ River Church
Ministry Mondays - Mondays @ 6-8pm - @RCF - Join us for nights of ministry and activation in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Come receive prayer, discover your spiritual gifts, and get equipped in a safe, faith-filled environment. This is a space to grow, connect, and walk alongside other believers as we learn to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit together.
You can go to www.rivercentral.org/groups/ or check out the Welcome Wall on Sunday for more details!
Giving
You can give by going online to rivercentral.org/giving/ and choosing to make a "one time" or a "recurring gift." Recurring gifts made from your checking account are the easiest and most cost-effective way to continue to support the mission of River Church Family and partner with us in seeing our mission of restoring our broken lives, reviving our communities and releasing hope to our world through the love of Jesus keep being accomplished.
You can also text the words "rivercentral" to 77977 to give on your mobile device. Checks can also be mailed to the church at PO Box 9333, Raytown, MO 64133.
River Financial Update:
8/31/26 - 9/7/26:
WTD: $7,859 / $6,437 122%
MTD: $5,178 / $25,750 20%
YTD: $184,765 / $231,750 80%
Sunday Morning Guided Prayer
Join us for a time of guided prayer for one another from 9:30-9:50am Sunday mornings in the Sanctuary. During this timeframe you are welcome to gather with us at the front for guided prayer, pray quietly on your own throughout the sanctuary, or enjoy refreshments and conversation in the lobby. Thank you for partnering with us in prayer.
Prayer Requests
If you have a prayer request that you would like to share so that our staff, prayer team and others can be praying for you, click here. You can also use this link as a reminder to pray for one another throughout the week!
Connect with Foursquare and the Central District
If you are in to listening to Podcasts, check out the Same Jesus Podcast a Foursquare Podcast. Also if you would like to hear updates from the Central District sign up for their emails here. Check out the Central District Website.
Upcoming events.
River Church Family has events for all members of your family. Check out the calendar for our latest events with more added every week.
Trunk or Treat
Join us for a night of FUN. Free to the community, activities, candy and more. Gates open at 6:30pm we will continue until 8pm (while supplies last).
Voice of God Bible Study
Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer
A decade ago, Priscilla Shirer authored Discerning the Voice of God, and since then God has continued to grow, teach, and challenge her in her walk with Him. This revised and expanded edition reflects that growth through new stories, illustrations, exercises, and teaching videos.
Through 7 sessions, discover the root to clear and daily communication with God—humble obedience. Learn how surrender unlocks His many blessings intended for us, centers us in His will, and helps us discern His voice in everyday life."
Workbooks $17
Childcare is available
7 session DVD study
Thursdays, 9:30 - 11:00
October 6 - November 17
Sign Up in the Lobby at church or contact Kathy.
Contact Kathy Pickett, 816-304-0201, kathy.pickett8@gmail.com
Vertical Marriage Class
Wait, don't skip this blurb... Hear me out for a second. Ok a few minutes. So about 4 years ago the Lord started me on a healing journey for my husband, jk just making sure you are still reading. A healing journey for me... then in return my marriage turned a corner, a good corner. Still reading? Good. So here is the deal no matter where you are at in the marriage journey there are ALWAYS opportunity for growth. So signing up for a marriage class doesn't mean your marriage is terrible, it just means you want to learn more about having a better marriage. I promise no matter where you find your marriage this class will speak to you where you are. I hope you will join me this October as we grow closer to our spouses, the way the Lord intended us to. The curriculum I will be using is called "Vertical Marriage" by Dave & Ann Wilson.
Class 7 weeks, starting Oct.5th, Wed. nights, Childcare available, 6:30pm, workbooks $10 per couple.
Sign Up in the Lobby at church or contact Amy.
If you have any questions, contact Pastor Amy ~ amy@rivercentral.org or call the church office. 816-356-7400
"Trust is Sweet" VBS
Join us Kids for this years VBS at the River Pool. June 14-16, from 6-8pm. Kindergarten-5th Grade, Free, Swimming, Music, Fun, Games, Sweet Things, Lessons and more! No registration is necessary, we just ask that an adult checks the children in & out at the Check In/Out table. Questions? riverkids@rivercenrtal.org or call 816-356-7400.
River Pool address 7130 Ralston, Raytown MO 64133.
Kids Conference -"Level Up" Overflow
Parents mark your calendars for this years Overflow Kids Conference! March 5th, all kids K-5th grade are invited. We will have games, bounce house, snacks, candy, crafts, music, lessons and tons of fun! Questions? riverkids@rivercentral.org. 9am-noon.
Register Here.
Team Appreciation Night -Dinghies
Celebrating You - Team Appreciation Night - The Dinghies
You give when it hurts, you partner with others, and YOU SHOW UP! Now we are rolling out the Blue Carpet for you! If you have volunteered at RCF this year in any capacity, we want you to join us for light refreshments and a fun-filled time to honor and celebrate YOU! Feb. 25th at 7PM Questions? ’Tisha at tisha@rivercentral.org.
Registration is necessary, click HERE.
Men’s Breakfast
Men of the River its time for Mens Breakfast. 9am every 2nd Saturday of the month. Bring a friend! We will have time of fellowship, grub and a leader will share about God’s Word.
Bible Class
Join Beth and Melissa Moore in Now That Faith Has Come for a six-week deep dive into Paul’s captivating letter to the Galatians. Come to know the letter’s original recipients. Study its original context and embrace its timeless relevance. Discover—or perhaps rediscover—what makes the gospel of Jesus Christ revolutionary to those who choose to believe. Find out how everything has changed, now that faith has come. The apostle Paul didn’t plan to go to Galatia. God used a physical ailment to direct him there, carrying the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. The relationship Paul would build with the Galatian converts—and his determination for the truth of the gospel to be preserved among them—led to one of the most passionate letters in the New Testament. Paul would not sit quietly by and let those who’d been liberated by Christ’s glorious gospel submit again to a yoke of slavery. He’d send a letter with the volume turned up, calling believers to stand firm in the truth, stay bold in love, and walk by the Spirit. He’d remind them what it looked like to live for God’s approval rather than human approval. The eternal words God entrusted to Paul for the churches of Galatia are as needed today as they were when the ink was still wet on the ancient pages.
Parenting Class
Do you ever feel ill equipped to talk about the cultural issues of our day? Designed to help you lead your children and teens in a confident and responsible way, this 6-session handbook will equip you to address topics children of all ages face, including:
Gender issues
Suicide, depression, and anxiety
Pornography
Addiction and coping mechanisms
Same-sex marriage
Singleness, dating, marriage, and divorce
Technology
Give your kids a biblical worldview that will produce the next generation of culture shapers—not simply the next generation shaped by their culture.
Bible Class
Every book of the Bible tells us what is true about God. In Genesis we see Him as Creator and Covenant Maker. In Exodus we see Him as our strong Deliverer who sets us free from sin and death. In this 10-session study of Exodus 19–40, journey through the story of how God shepherds His newly-liberated children into an understanding of what their freedom means: lives consecrated for service to God and to one another. Revisit familiar scenes of the giving of the Ten Commandments, the idolatrous worship of a golden calf, and of the intricate details of the tabernacle. And with fresh perspective, ask what these stories teach God's children today about how to live as those set free. In every page of the Bible, learn to see Christ through the stories of His people. And discover how the God who created you and made a covenant with you will deliver you from death to life, for His name and renown.