Hey Rocky River Church! Over the last year we have seen some INCREDIBLE things happening in our church. God is at work for sure! We are truly living out our mission statement which is, "To give people the best opportunity possible to become fully committed, growing followers of Jesus Christ."

During December 2012 and January 2013 we are receiving a special offering that we are simply calling "Christmas Offering @ Rocky River Church." Clever name, I know. :) The ultimate goal of this offering is to help us do an even better job as we reach out to the folks in our community and around the world.

Our offering goal is $28,500. As of right now we are nearly half way to reaching our giving goal. Just as a reminder, here are some of the things our sacrificial gifts will fund:

1. Benevolence during the Christmas season. FYI, this year we were able to help more families in our church and community than at any other time in the history of our church. I'm very proud of this! Way to go God! Way to go Rocky River Church! Just so you know, we always put people before property. Our benevolence needs are always handled first.

2. Investing in the spiritual growth and development of our children and students at Rocky River Church. There are some important equipment updates that need to be made in our ministry environments for these age groups. Some of those needs include new toys, storage cabinets, and media equipment needs.

3. A portion of these offerings will go to improve our multimedia in the worship center. Those needs include things like lighting, the construction of a sound booth and sound insulation. UPDATE: One of the big items on our multimedia list has been secured. If you were here for our Christmas Eve services you saw the TV monitors on either side of the stage. THEY LOOK INCREDIBLE! They allow us to maximize our worship space. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

4. A Church Sign. This is the biggest item on our list. We want to install a lighted sign at the entrance of our driveway along Pitt School Road. This will be a 24/7/365 reminder that our church is here. We want something people will get the attention of our community.

Again, the special offering will be received through January 31, 2013. To make a donation that can be deducted from your 2012 taxes, be sure to give your gift before December 31, 2012. You can mail a check to Rocky River Church, PO Box 68, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Or, you can give right now with your credit/debit card online by clicking here http://www.rockyriverchurch.com/give. (It is SAFE and SECURE).

Thank you so much for your generosity! As we work and give together I believe we will see God do things we could not even imagine.

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measure to you." Luke 6:38

God bless you! Happy New Year!
Jimmy

Jimmy Britt, Lead Pastor
www.RockyRiverChurch.com

From Pastor Jimmy – 
Happy New Year! I am so excited about the New Year and what God has in store for each of us in 2013. Are you? Sure you are! The real question is, “Are you PREPARED to receive all that God has for your life?” Are you prepared to GROW?

Wrap Up 2012 And Ramp Up To 2013

One of my favorite weeks of the whole year is the one between Christmas and New Year’s Day. A lot of people think of this week as just the “space between” one holiday and the next. But for several years now I have used it as a week to look back over the past year and look forward to the next. I use it to evaluate my life by looking back at what I’ve accomplished (and where I have fallen short too) and then I set goals and challenges for the upcoming year. This blog post is about giving you a list of questions that I am using this year to help me “wrap up” 2012 and “ramp up” to 2013. I hope they are helpful in your life too.

I think of my life in seven categories: Emotional, Spiritual, Marital, Physical, Financial, Intellectual, and my Calling. Then I ask reflective and measurable questions. Here are some of the more important questions I’m asking myself and some explanation for how to think them through. I hope you will find them a help to your life.

**Emotional**

1. Is there anyone’s forgiveness I need to seek? If you’ve hurt someone this year you need to go to that persona and say, “I’m sorry.” I would say this doesn’t just apply to 2012. Maybe you’ve hurt someone in the distant past and you’re still carrying around the guilt of that, if at all possible, go to that person and make it right. Don’t carry that burden into yet another year.

2. Is there anyone I need to forgive? Keep a couple things in mind here. First, it may be impossible or even dangerous to go to someone and give forgiveness. For example, maybe you were in an abusive marriage and you need to forgive that person (for your sake if not for theirs), it may not be physically safe to go to them. But at least in your heart, decide to let go of that hurt. And second, giving someone forgiveness is not just for that person, it is mostly for you. YOU need to forgive that person (a father, mother, brother, sister, friend, etc.) for your own good. You know what I’ve realized over the years? Most of the time we carry hurt that someone has caused us and they don’t even know it. So by carrying that unforgiveness in your heart you are only hurting yourself. Decide this year to let go of the bitterness and hurt.

3. Where’s the clutter in my life? Literally, is there a closet or a garage or a room in my home that needs to be cleaned out? Cluttered space makes for cluttered emotions. What do I need to give away or throw out? Don’t underestimate the power of getting rid of the clutter in your life.

**Spiritual**

1. Am I closer to God today than I was on January 1, 2012 Spend some time reflecting on this one. This is very important. Have you grown closer to God this year?
2. What’s my spiritual growth plan for 2013? In other words, what are you going to do to grow closer to God in the next year? “Hoping” to grow closer to him won’t get it done. You need a plan.

Let me give you a few things to consider as next steps:

-Read through the Bible. Reading the Bible every day is essential to growing your relationship with Christ. You Version of the Bible has GREAT Bible reading plans. Here’s a link: http://www.youversion.com/reading-plans/all. Bible Gateway also has some great Bible reading plans and they are FREE. Here’s the link http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/readingplans/


-Begin and end each day with prayer. 


-Begin moving around the bases on our Grow Track at Rocky River Church (Church 101, Essentials 201, Discovery 301, and Missions 401).
-Honor God with your body.


-Schedule Sabbath days (one day of rest each week). Most people are stressed to the MAX in life because they won’t (not can’t) follow God’s model of working six days and resting one day.

**Marital**

1. Would your spouse (and you need to bring him or her in on this one) rate your marriage a 10? Let him or her answer honestly without you interrupting.
2. Now, what would it take to make your marriage a 10 in 2013?
3. Have you scheduled your date nights in January? In 2013 you and your spouse should have a minimum of 40 date nights. And be intentional enough to put them on the calendar. Your spouse should be important enough to get him or her on your calendar.

**Physical**

1. How much do I weigh? You’d be surprised to know how many people don’t know how much they weigh.

2. When was the last time you had a complete physical? Do you know what your cholesterol numbers are? Do you know what your blood sugar level is? Can you schedule a complete physical before March 31? Do it for yourself and the people who love and depend on you.

3. What are my physical goals for this year? For example, I have a goal of running a 5K (a goal I have had for the last two years but have not gotten it done yet!). I’m working on moving from walking a couple miles a day to jogging. Also, I have a goal of strength training for at least 30 minutes, three times per week. The point is, set some goals. If you have nothing to shoot for you’ll hit it (nothing) every time.

**Financial**

1. Are your finances in order? How much do I owe, own, earn and spend? If you don’t know the answer to that question then your finances are NOT in order. Let me recommend the book “Total Money Makeover” by Dave Ramsey. Also, read anything by David Bach. Specifically I would recommend “Smart Couples Finish Rich” (this book is not what you might think) and “Debt Free For Life.” ALSO, read “I Was Broke, Now I’m Not” by Joseph Sangle. You can also find some great resources on his website at http://www.josephsangl.com/.

If you are close enough to drive to Rocky River Church, we have a Dave Ramsey “Total Money Makeover” group kicking off in the next few weeks. If you’re interested, send an email to Donnie@RockyRiverChurch.com.

2. Do you have debt beyond your mortgage?
Challenges: (1) Get out of debt. Dave Ramsey and David Bach can help you with a strategy for this. (2) Give a sacrificial gift to the LORD through your local church. (3) Start tithing to your local church. Begin tithing regularly in 2013. You will never get your financial life in order until you put God first in your finances. Stewardship is discipleship. You can’t be a fully committed, growing follower of Jesus Christ if you are not giving.

**Intellectual**

1. What are my reading goals for 2013? And don’t be afraid to push yourself on this. For example, for the last several years I have had a goal to read a book a week. But this year I have set a goal to read 75 books. This is important for everyone but especially leaders. If you’re not reading, you’re not leading - PERIOD. And just in case you’re wondering, my Bible reading goal is to read it through at least every 90 days.

Just as a quick note, if you’re not a reader already just start somewhere. Don’t look at my reading goals and try to match it – necessarily. What if you just read twelve books in 2013? That would be twelve more books than most other people will read.

One more thing about what I read. I use to read “anything” that looked interesting. Not anymore. Instead of reading “anything” I’m only reading books recommended to me by a few people. One of those people is Nelson Searcy, my best practices coach. He reads EVERYTHING – literally – I don’t know anyone who reads more than him. So, I ask him what he recommends and that gives me all the reading material I can handle. I feel like I’m reading the best of what he’s reading.

Note to Pastors: Pastor, your best preaching will come out of the "overflow" of your own quiet time, reading the Bible and Bible study. Don't neglect this. Don't just read the Bible looking for a sermon. Let the sermons of the Bible find you.

One more note to pastors. If you don't have a coach, YOU NEED ONE! Let me introduce you to mine, Nelson Searcy. Click here to start growing RIGHT NOW! http://www.churchleaderinsights.com/index.php/coaching/senior-pastors

**Calling**

You might think of this in terms of your profession. I’m a pastor so my profession - or calling - is to be a pastor.

1. Is there anything I did in 2012 that I shouldn’t be involved in during the next calendar year? Most of us only think about a “to-do” list. This year you should consider a “stop doing” list. The more my church grows the less I do – in terms of the number of hats I wear.

Most pastors should be doing less, not more. Of course, some pastors are just lazy. There’s no excuse for being lazy.

2. What do I do best? Successful people focus on their strengths. Do more of what you do best in 2013!

3. Who will I invest in next year? Who needs me to come along side of him or her? Who can I mentor?

For example, I have a goal to invest more time in our church leaders, pastors and business leaders in our church. I also plan to invest a lot of time into the professional outlook of my kids. Who will you invest in?

4. What am I pretending not to know? What am I putting off that I know needs to be done - and done RIGHT NOW? You should think this one through.

Anyway, I know this is a long post but I hope it has been helpful. If so, pass it along to friends and family. God bless you in 2013! My prayer is that your life would be all that God has planned it to be. But that won’t just happen; you have to do the hard work too.

Jimmy

Hey Rocky River Church! I just wanted to thank you all for your generosity in giving to our Christmas Offering 2012. We have received about 25% of our target goal of $28,500. WAY TO GO! We have already begun to put this money into ministry. During the Christmas season we have been able to help every family who has requested help. We have also been able to purchase and install our TV monitors in the worship which allow us to maximize our seating capacity. Anyway, I just wanted to encourage you to continue giving to this worthy cause. You have my word as your pastor that we will be good stewards of every penny given to us. AND, we will use it to make a difference in the lives of others.

You can give right now, safely and securely by clicking here. http://www.rockyriverchurch.com/give. You can also mail a check to Rocky River Church, PO Box 68, Harrisburg, NC 28075. And of course, you can always give at any of our Sunday morning services or at our Christmas Eve services. All gifts postmarked by December 31 are tax deductible for this calendar year.

Thank you in advance for your generosity. Together, through our giving, we are truly making a difference in our community and the world.

Merry Christmas!
Jimmy

Jimmy Britt, Lead Pastor
www.RockyRiverChurch.com

Hey! I just wanted to invite you to our Christmas services coming up this weekend and through Christmas. Here's the info:

Sunday, December 23 - 9:00 am and 10:30 am - Two identical services featuring many of your favorite Christmas carols and communion. I will bring a special message called "Christmas Joy." With all the hurt and pain in the world many feel like there's no way to have "joy." I will show you three reasons why you can have Christmas joy no matter what the circumstances are in your life and the world.

Christmas Eve Services. Our Christmas Eve services are meaningful and fun. By that I mean that we do the things that add meaning and value in your life, but we have a good time too. Our live music will be INCREDIBLE. I will be bringing a short, encouraging message from Luke 2. We offer three identical Christmas Eve services. The dates and times are: December 23rd at 6:30pm and December 24th at 4:30pm and 6:30pm.

Click here for more of what to expect at our church. http://rockyriverchurch.com/message-series/christmas-at-rocky-river

Don't miss these opportunities to find the true meaning of the Holidays and a Christmas joy. God bless you!

Jimmy

Jimmy Britt, Lead Pastor
www.RockyRiverChurch.com

A lot of folks are thinking right now about how to help others through the generosity of giving their financial resources. I want to say simply that if you want your charitable giving to make a difference in someone's life, in our local community and all across our land, then consider giving a financial gift to Rocky River Church. Our church believes in good stewardship and we don't waste money. In addition to serving the people in Cabarrus County and throughout the Charlotte Metro area, we support our own missionaries in places like Lesotho, Africa and Paraguay, South America.

Bottom line: If you want to make your tax deductible, charitable donation count, give to Rocky River Church. You can give safely and securely online right now at http://www.rockyriverchurch.com/give. You can also mail a check. Just send it to Rocky River Church, PO Box 68, Harrisburg, NC 28075.

Thank you for your generosity. I promise you as the Lead Pastor at Rocky River Church that we will make your giving count in the lives of people who need your touch.

God bless you and Merry Christmas!
Jimmy

Jimmy Britt, Lead Pastor
www.RockyRiverChurch.com

P.S. Be sure to check out one of our three identical Christmas Eve services, Click here for dates and times! http://www.rockyriverchurch.com/home

I want my family - Karen, Annie and James - to know how grateful I am to them for the freedom and encouragement ya'll give me to follow God's calling in my life. Life and ministry would not be the same without each of you. I love and treasure you with all my heart. Thank you for "putting up" with dad. :)

Also, I want to give some major props to our band, our volunteers and the leadership in our church. WOW! We have some AWESOME PEOPLE! Truly this is not a "one man show." My heart is just so full for them today that I wanted to express this publicly.

Let me also thank our faithful members and regular attenders at Rocky River Church. You guys are SO giving and caring. I am amazed constantly at how you express your faith through your generosity. I love you guys!

God bless!
Jimmy

As you know by now, at least 27 people were killed this morning at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. At least 18 of the dead are children. This is a tremendous, senseless tragedy. In fact, words can't describe the horror of this event.

Many are asking right now why things like this happen. My answer is that we live a world where people have freewill to make our own choices. Some choose good and others choose evil. When people choose to be evil and live outside of the will of God they often make decisions that defy explanation or rationale.

We don't always understand why things happen the way they do. We don't always understand the hurt and the pain of events like this. But what we can be sure of is that God us with us and He wants to comfort those who are hurting.

The Bible says in Psalm 46:1, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

Please join me and Karen as we pray for all those involved in today's shooting. Thank you and God bless you. And may God bless all those hurting in Connecticut.

Jimmy

Here is a great article answering the question, "When was Jesus born?" It is a short read and well worth your time. Enjoy!

http://www.rwaynestacy.com/2012/11/when-was-jesus-born.html

Hey Rocky River Church. I want to invite you to watch a short video (less than 15 minutes) about the Messianic titles for Jesus. Currently we are in a series through the Gospel of Matthew and we have talked some about the titles for Jesus. I thought you might enjoy learning more about this subject from a New Testament professor.

The lecturer in this video is Dr. R. Wayne Stacy. He was the Dean of the Divinity School and Gardner-Webb University when I was there working on my Master of Divinity degree. He is a brilliant professor (I have no reason to lie since he is no longer grading my assignments). Dr. Stacy is currently a professor of New Testament Studies at Liberty University.

Get a pen and paper and learn some graduate level things about Jesus, the Messiah.

Enjoy!

Hey Rocky River Church!

Merry Christmas! I am excited to share with you information about our special Christmas Offering that begins Sunday, December 2, 2012 and continues through January 31, 2013. Our giving goal this year is $28,500!

I am really excited about all that God is doing in our church. Over the past 13 years we have seen hundreds of children, students and adults begin to follow Christ as their Lord and Savior. Every week we see people taking important NEXT STEPS in their faith. This year alone we have seen more than 50 people take the step of baptism! Over the years we have done our very best to serve our community, the nation and even the world through local ministry projects, disaster relief and missions.

While God has done so much in and through our church we believe there is still much more to do. There are still people in our community who are spiritually lost, lonely, discouraged, and disconnected from church. With this special offering we have the opportunity to deepen our impact in our area, enlarge our capacity for ministry to our regular attenders and engage those in our community who do not have a church home.

This special offering is a financial gift beyond our regular tithes and offerings. Our tithes and offerings go to fund the ministries and missions we already have in our church, as well as our day-to-day functions. The Christmas Offering should be an offering above and beyond what you regularly give.

You may be interested in what this money will be used for. Well, that’s the exciting part! We will be using this money to make some important upgrades in our children’s classrooms, Middle School and High School environments, and our sanctuary (including sound proofing), audiovisual equipment for the band and a sound booth. The biggest item to be purchased is a permanent, lighted sign out by our driveway on Pitts School Road.

I would simply ask that you pray and ask what He would have you give, over and above your regular giving, to this special offering. Allow God to stretch your faith. Thank you so much!

Your friend and Pastor,
Jimmy Britt

P.S. Below is an overview of the special offering and the answers to some of the common questions you might have. However, if you have any additional questions please do not hesitate to contact me or any of the Rocky River Church staff by phone (704-795-7625) or email me, Pastor@RockyRiverChurch.com.