November 3, 2025

THIS SUNDAY — Nov. 9

From John & Cindy Carswell

Riverbend Hospitality Directors

Fall fellowship is almost here, and we are looking forward to enjoying the day together as a Riverbend family. We are grateful for the many volunteers who have already signed up. We still have a few needs, especially for setup on both Saturday and Sunday morning, and for cleanup after the event. We also still have needs for bake sale items and chili.

If you’ve not yet considered how you can volunteer, this is great time to step forward as we serve one another. Use one of the links or QR codes below to sign up, or contact Cindy Carswell at 386-453-0971.

A great day to wear jeans or other modest casual attire—for BFG,

Morning Worship & Fall Fellowship

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

TURKEYS —

No longer needed ... David Boulos, son of late Riverbender Samir Boulos, is donating up to 100 turkeys as a memorial to his dad

ITEMS NEEDED —

(All non-perishables): cranberry sauce, stove top stuffing, canned green beans, canned corn, gravy, cornbread mix, canned sweet potatoes/yams, dessert

WHERE TO BRING —

Bring non-perishable items to the Bible Hall near the Main Lobby during Nov. 2-16

WHO NEEDS A BASKET? —

If you know someone who needs a basket (church member or not), call the church office (386-672-1821) with their name, address & phone

GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN —

If you have been affected by the government shutdown (or know someone who has), please add name(s) to the basket list by calling the church office (386-672-1821)

BASKET DELIVERY —

If you want to help (Nov. 17-21) or have questions, call Ministry Leader Marie Ashby (386-931-0847)

Preaching the Word

To hear a Riverbend sermon, click on the title

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).

Riverbend Turns 69

Tomorrow: Nov. 4

Riverbend Community Church was originally founded as a mission of First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach on November 4, 1956.

It started at an old two-story house at 73 West Granada Avenue. Sixteen people were present for that first meeting.

Historical Milestones

Nov 4, 1956 — First meeting of church plant that would eventually become First Baptist, then Riverbend.

Nov 3, 1957 — Opened new 100-seat sanctuary at Ridgewood & Tomoka Avenue.

Oct 5, 1958 — Constituted as a Southern Baptist church, with 120 members.

Feb 11, 1968 — Dedicated new 500-seat sanctuary at cost of $180,000.

Jun 1987 — Purchased 11 acres on State Road 40 for possible relocation.

Nov 1992 — Purchased 20 more acres adjacent to State Road 40 property and voted to relocate.

Nov 12, 1995 — Construction began on new $3 million facility on new property.

Feb 23, 1997 — First service in new 46,000 square-foot facility at 2080 West Granada.

Jan 1, 1998 — Newly approved name, Riverbend Community Church, became official.

Jul 1998 — Riverbend became tactical headquarters for first responders during '98 Florida firestorms.

Aug 21, 2000 — Riverbend Academy began with 24 students (16 kindergarten, 8 first grade).

Jan 2, 2002 — Purchased 51 acres, enlarging campus to 112.5 contiguos acres.

Aug 7, 2018 — Christ Theological Seminary began with 13 students (ended in 2023).

Nov 2018 — Riverbend votes to become a church led by a plurality of Elders.

May 2023 — New education wing completed for $1.8 million.

The Riverbend Campus

Seven contiguous land purchases over 15 years (1987-2002), costing about $1.8 million, constitute the current 112.5-acre Riverbend campus (48.5 acres in Ormond Beach, 65 acres in Daytona Beach).

The show includes songs and skits, including our youngest actors presenting “The Three Little Elephants,” about 3 sibling elephants that are terrified by a little mouse. The 3rd-5th graders will bring “Alice in Wonderland" – Seussical Style, and the upper school will present “Too Many Daughters,” a Jane Austen spoof. Sure to be a great time!

Menu for November 5

Shepherd's pie
Soup
Bread
Dessert
Drinks

Costs: Adults, $10 ... ages 4-12, $7 ... family max, $30 ... under 4 & 90+, free

NOTE: You may order a week ahead (at the register) $10 chef or chicken dinner salad

You Can Help Provide Meal Support

The Karrs

Please show your support for Nathaniel & Liz Karr & Family after the recent birth of their third son, Chaplain James Karr. Bless them with a gift card or meal drop-off.

Pictured with Nathaniel (Director of Riverbend's Student Ministry) and Liz are Judson, Judah & Chaplain.

MealTrain details are available by clicking here.

The Careys

Riverbender Abby Hunter has created a MealTrain for Kannon & Abby Carey.Abby Carey has been put on bedrest for the remainder of her pregnancy, due to complications, and is scheduled for a C-section in late November.

With 3 littles (ages 4 & under) and strict restrictions, they could use help with meals up until and even after birth. To get on the MealTrain, click here.

JOY BFG —

Senior ladies Bible Fellowship Group lunch on Tuesday, Nov. 11: Fellowship Hall at 11:30 a.m.

POSITION OPEN —

Personal Lines Account Manager needed for busy full-lines insurance agency ... fast-growing independent agency seeks energetic individual to join our team ...

Duties include:

Servicing new & existing customers by providing product & policy information, resolving policy issues, taking payments, claims, etc.
Recording & updating account information in policy management system.
Helping develop new business, using referrals, leads, networking & cross-sale opportunities.

Skills & Qualifications: Customer service, product knowledge, attention to detail, problem solving, market knowledge, documentation skills, phone & computer skills, resolving conflict, analyzing information & multi-tasking ... 220 or 440 license preferred ... Pay range: $18-$23 per hour

Contact: Agency Owner Michael Mergener | First Florida Insurance | 1339 W. Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach FL 32174 ... Phone 386.672.2666, Fax 386.672.2616 ... website (click here).

FREE —

3-cushion couch ... Must be able to pick up in Palm Coast ... Contact Kim Cox: 386-341-6882

FLORIDA WORSHIP CHOIR & ORCHESTRA —

Next Southern Gospel worship event happens this Friday, Nov. 7, at the First Baptist Church in Mount Dora (1000 East 1st Avenue). Three Riverbend members—Mary Meridith, Larry & Marguerite Hunsinger—are part of this group. No admission is charged, but love offerings for FWCO are accepted