An artistic display of Riverbend Academy's theme passage—2 Timothy 3:16-17—will greet students when they begin classes tomorrow. It was hand-painted by Jessee Bustinza (left), an Academy parent. She is pictured with Academy teacher Robyn Knight. The painting is now wall-mounted just inside the Education Wing (near the Youth Center). Jessee offered during the summer to paint a rendering of the verse and provided it with these words:

From Jessee Bustinza

"This painting reflects two stories woven together: the enduring truth of Scripture and God's faithfulness to our family. After years of serving as medical missionaries in Mexico, my husband and I began praying for a Christ-centered school where our three daughters could flourish. God answered those prayers beyond anything we could have imagined through Riverbend Academy.

"Today our daughters are thriving spiritually, socially and academically, thanks to incredible teachers, staff and community that surround them. Riverbend has become a tangible expression of God's love and faithful provision in our lives. It has been an incredible privilege to create this rendering. My prayer is that its message will continue to inspire, encourage and shape the hearts of Riverbend students for generations to come."

'3rd Sunday' Fun

• Updates on church ministries
• Equipping Riverbenders for better service in God's church
• Sharing Christian fellowship in meal that follows at 6 p.m.
• Call the church office (386-672-1821) if you need childcare
• Please register your planned attendance by clicking here

Riverbend's Sunday (10:30 a.m.) and Wednesday (6:15 p.m.) worship services are live-streamed through the church website (click here) and YouTube (click here).

Young Adults

'Fall Kickoff'

Some 30 Riverbenders in the Young Adults group enjoyed what was billed as the Fall Kickoff during a special Worship Night event last night at the Underwood home.

The gathering contained lots of variety and included a game that was being played when these photos were taken.

While the Jake Michels family was in Oklahoma recently, during their trip from Riverbend toward final missionary training in Idaho, they experienced some vehicle issues.

Former Riverbenders Troy & Shelby Dittman came to the rescue, helping the Michels find a place—the Burgett Ranch—to park their motor home (which they lived in during repairs). The Dittmans spent some time with the Michels, (first photo) with Troy introducing them to Fancy, a horse on the Burgett Ranch, and taking them for a visit to Leonardo's Children's Museum in Enid where Shelby and little Adina (second photo) had some special fun.

The Michels are headed after Christmas from Idaho to France for language training and then to the mission field in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Africa.

Troy, who served more than two decades as the Tech Director at Riverbend, is currently the Production/Audio-Visual Director at Emmanuel Enid, a Southern Baptist congregation. Jake was a regular volunteer in the Riverbend tech ministry with Troy, and Shelby worked with Jennifer at Riverbend Academy. The Michels' son Judah was one of Shelby's students.

So, it all turned out to be a happy Riverbend reunion—in Oklahoma.

Sunday, August 30

• After Morning Worship
• Fellowship Hall

A time to acknowledge and honor the incredible workers in our Kids Ministry.

Prospective childcare workers are welcome and encouraged to participate.

Please sign up by clicking here.

Joseph Giaquinto & Lyla Yarina's wedding website: theknot.com ...

Click here for the gift registry.

To get on the meal train for Lyla's shower on September 5, click here.

Work Day on August 22 Cancelled —

• May be rescheduled on another date

Sarah's Circle —

• Meets Tuesday, August 18, at 5:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.

Avanté Thursday Morning Worship —

• Ministry Leader Milt Mosher is encouraging more Riverbenders to get involved: Thursdays, 10 a.m., Avanté Skilled Nursing Center in Ormond Beach. Contact Milt for more info (click here or call 315-247-0346).

Cheap Used Vehicle Needed —

• Riverbender Jocelyn Johnsen is looking for a used, well-running car for a low price. Please contact her at 386-235-8037.

Mark Your Calendar —

• Harvest Fest, resembling an old-time fall festival, is scheduled at Riverbend on Sunday, October 18, at 4-7 p.m. Details to be announced.

Sundays

9:00 a.m. — Bible Fellowship Groups

10:30 a.m. — Morning Worship

Wednesdays

6:15 p.m. — Mid-Week Worship



Other Regular Weekly Activities

Sundays

Praise Team warm-up, Stage, 8 am

Men's Prayer Time, Fellowship Hall, 8:30 am

Nursery (age 4-under), Children's Wing, 8:45 am

Mondays 

Men's Basketball, Worship Center, 6:30 pm

Wednesdays

Scripture Memory Team (Middle & High School Girls), Room 706B, 5 pm

Student Bible Study, Youth Center, 5:30 pm

Nursery opens (birth to pre-K), Children's Wing, 6 pm

Summer Kids Club, Children's Wing, 6:15 pm

Praise Team Rehearsal, Stage, 7:30 pm

Thursdays

Morning Worship at Avanté Skilled Nursing Center, 10 am

AUGUST

OFFICE

Regular church office hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

PHONES

Church Office: (386) 672-1821

Riverbend Academy (PreK-12): (386) 615-0986