Our church has been truly blessed by the abundant provision and guidance of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Over the past six months, we have witnessed God's hand moving in powerful ways to grow and strengthen our community of believers.

One of the most remarkable things we've seen is an increase in visitors to River of Life. We are encouraged to see new faces and longtime members deepening their involvement. It's a testament to the magnetic pull of the Holy Spirit, drawing people to this place of worship, fellowship, and spiritual nourishment.

But it's not just about the numbers. We've also witnessed a profound transformation in the hearts and lives of our congregation. Through preaching God's Word, heartfelt worship, and Bible Study, people are encountering the life-changing power of the gospel. We've seen God bring about peace in difficult situations; God provided work to those in need, and filled hearts with the joy of the Lord. It's beautiful to behold as our church becomes a beacon of hope in our community.

Another area where God has been incredibly faithful is in providing for our practical needs. Just recently, we were able to complete the completion of our Fellowship Hall, upgrading our facilities to accommodate our future congregation growth. We are believing in faith that many people will experience the life-changing power of God's Word in our facilities. This was made possible through the faithful and generous giving of our members, as well as some unexpected financial blessings. It's a tangible reminder that when we are obedient to God's call, He will supply all that we need to fulfill His purposes.

As we look to the future, we are filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and anticipation. We know that the God who has been so faithful in the past will continue to guide and provide for us in the days to come. Our church is poised for even greater things, and we can't wait to see how the Lord will use us to bring glory to His name.

Our family community movie night is open to the public. We hope your family will enjoy a time watching a movie together and enjoying some light snacks.

The Star

Movie Rating: PG

A small but brave donkey named Bo yearns for a life beyond his daily grind at the village mill. One day, he finds the courage to break free, embarking on the adventure of his dreams. On his journey, he teams up with Ruth, a lovable sheep who has lost her flock, and Dave, a dove who has lofty aspirations. Along with three camels and some eccentric stable animals, Bo and his new friends follow the Star and become accidental heroes in the greatest story ever told -- the first Christmas.

Join us for a fun and meaningful series this December! Every Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., we’ll be diving into our "Ugly Christmas Sweater" sermon series!

Have you ever attended an Ugly Christmas sweater party? It’s all about those hilarious and hideous fashion moments! But let’s flip the script—what if, beneath the ugly sweaters, we’re hiding ugly thoughts and motives? This series is all about reflecting on how our inner selves can impact our words and actions. 

We’ll explore how to embrace love, kindness, and goodwill towards one another this holiday season. Each sermon is customizable, complete with powerful multimedia to enhance our experience together!

**Sunday, December 15th, and 22nd**  
**Time:** 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  

Don’t miss out on the chance to spread joy and learn what truly matters this Christmas!

We'll also be having an Ugly Christmas Sweater prize each Sunday. 

#UglyChristmasSweater #SermonSeries #HolidayLove #SpreadKindness #PeaceAndGoodwill #CommunityJoy #Christmas2024 #JoinUs

It's the most wonderful time of the year in South Hill, Virginia, an River of Life was thrilled to be a part of the town's cherished Christmas parade. This annual event is a beloved tradition that brings the entire community together to celebrate the magic of the holiday season, and the team at River of Life was honored to play a role in making the day extra special.

As the church's float made its way down the parade route, the smiling faces of the congregation members waving to the crowd were a sight to behold. It was about sharing the joy and love of the season with their neighbors.

"Being a part of this parade is something we looked forward to," said Pastor Justin Hardcastle. "It's an opportunity for us to connect with the community in a really special way and spread the message of hope, peace, and goodwill that Christmas represents." 

As the float passed by, children's eyes lit up with delight, and adults couldn't help but smile and wave back. It was a tangible reminder that the church is here to serve and support the people of South Hill, not just during the holidays but all year round.

When the parade came to an end, the members of River of Life felt they had not only participated in a beloved community tradition but also had the opportunity to share the love of Christ in a way that was both joyful and meaningful. As they packed up the float and headed back to the church, they knew that next year, they would be back, ready to spread even more Christmas cheer.

Thank you all so much for celebrating Kylee's 1st birthday with us! We had a wonderful time "1der the Sea" with our little mermaid. Kylee was surrounded by so much love and generosity from family and friends. We are truly grateful for all the thoughtful gifts and well wishes that made her special day even more magical. Kylee is one very lucky little girl to have such a caring community. Thank you again for helping make her 1st birthday celebration so memorable!

As a church, we had the joy of blessing the teachers at First Christian School with school supplies for Christmas. Their gratitude and excitement were overwhelming! It’s such a privilege to support these incredible educators who make a difference every day. 

A huge T H A N K  Y O U to everyone who donated items – your generosity made this possible and truly made a difference. ♥

River of Life is a vibrant community of believers dedicated to sharing the life-altering message of Jesus Christ. At the heart of this ministry is a team committed to cultivating a welcoming environment where people can find community and the revitalizing hope of the gospel.

Through community initiatives, this team reaches out to those in need, offering practical support, spiritual guidance, and the transformative love of Christ. The River of Life ministry serves as a beacon in the community.

The team's steadfast dedication to serving others with compassion reflects the life-changing power of Christ. By supporting this ministry, you can be part of this vital work. Your contribution can help expand their reach, strengthen programs, and transform lives. Click below to make a donation and join our transformative mission.