Two Rivers Church

Author: Pastor

Baby shower for Mary

The Confirmation Class is inviting you to a special party on January 3, at 10:45. This is Epiphany Sunday, the day that the wise ones brought presents for the baby Jesus. As the class service project, we are throwing a Baby Shower for Mary in Epworth Hall. All are invited to come and enjoy cake, and punch and play some baby shower games. Guests should bring gifts for a newborn baby or mother. Consider basics needs like plain onesies, one-piece sleepers, formula, socks, pacifiers, blankets, hooded towels, or wash cloths. Please do not wrap any of the gifts. They will be brought to Winnie’s Place, a shelter for women and families.

December 23, 2015
New interfaith study

Starting in January, Pastor Robb will begin a new book study. Meeting on Mondays at noon and Thursdays at 6:05, the groups will cover the same material over a 5-week period. The main source for discussion will be Brian McLaren’s book Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road?: Christian Identity in a Multi-Faith World.

The Booklist review says, “McLaren uses the metaphor of great religious leaders crossing the road to converse about key matters of faith. Yet he seems to make the strongest case for fostering tolerance of other religions, while implementing Christian doctrine and maintaining Christian identity.”

The groups will begin in the first week of January. Books may be purchased through the office for $12. While purchasing and reading the book will be helpful for the discussions, it is not necessary.

December 23, 2015
Breaking the Silence

Starting on January 17, Two Rivers United Methodist Church will begin a very important sermon series. This three part series will take a look at how churches can be a source of healing for mental health, suicide, and domestic violence.

All too often, churches have remained silent on topics such as these. It is beyond time that the Church stop pretending that these issues do not effect those that gather on Sunday mornings. Pastor Robb will take a hard look at how the Church has been a part of the problem historically, but also how the Church can be a part of the healing process. He has spent a lot of time in interviews with experts, counselors, and real people in our congregation who have struggles with these issues.

December 23, 2015
Candles, Carols, and Communion

The Christmas Eve service at Two Rivers United Methodist Church in Rock Island, will be at 6:30 p.m. The gathering will include traditional carols, an invitation to ALL to come to the Lord’s Table, and the sharing of Christ’s light. The service, as always, will close with the beautiful rendition of Silent Night sung with the raising of the candles in the dark night. The light of Christ chases away the darkness.

Here is a reflection about Christmas Eve, written by Pastor Robb. “To those who only come on Christmas Eve, ‘Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here.’”

December 8, 2015
Blue Christmas

The Blue Christmas service will be at 4:00 p.m. on December 22. This service is designed for those who are grieving. Grief takes many forms, and can be caused by many things. Grief can make it difficult to sing “Joy to the World,” for grief can drain the joy from our hearts.

The Blue Christmas service is a chance to name the grief, not to dwell in it. It is a chance for those who are hurting to know that they are not alone. Christmas is a time for joy, but the only path to true joy lies through authentically naming the fear, worry, and doubt that clouds our vision of Christ.

This service will include music, silence, a brief ritual, and Communion. It will end at sunset of the longest night of the year. Read a reflection written by our Pastor Robb on his blog.

Two Rivers Church is at 1820 5th Avenue in Rock Island. For more information, call the church office at 309-788-9384

December 8, 2015
Two Rivers TV

Two Rivers Church now has a Youtube Channel. Each week, a video of the previous Sunday’s sermon will be posted. The video will include the reading of the Scritpure and sermon. It will sometimes include prayers. Due to licensing and copy-write laws, music will seldom be included in the videos.

November 17, 2015