A Note from Pastor Roger

Good afternoon, Church Family!

Part three of our series "Lift: 7 Principles to Drive Change" is this Sunday as we move further into the book of 1 Timothy.

If you are unable to join us in person, you’re welcome to be with us online during one of our livestreamed services through our CityRise app, on our livestreams page, or at youtube.com/cityriseorg.

For the last few years, we have used the month of August as an opportunity to host speakers, conferences, and events designed around Christian apologetics. If you've never heard of that term before, "apologetics" is the science or artform of defending something using discourse. Christian apologetics is very popular today, covering a wide range of theological topics and is wide-reaching across the globe and the digital world.

This year, we have two special weekends for you to plan for!

• Sunday, August 20: Sight advance movie screening

Sight stars Greg Kinnear and Terry Chen and is based on the true story of Dr. Ming Wang and his struggle to develop technology to restore sight to millions. The movie opens in theaters this October, but see it early next month!

• Sunday, August 27 & Monday, August 28: Guest Speaker, Abdu Murray

Abdu Murray of Embrace the Truth will host a two-night apologetics event. On Sunday, August 27, he will spend the evening in teaching evangelical training. Then, on Monday night, August 28, we will hold a Q&A open forum called "Skeptics Night." Either night is open to anyone!

Our students have been making a global impact this past week in Belize. (In fact, students are there again on a second mission trip right now!) A team of thirty-five traveled there to provide VBS to over 100 kids each day! They went to a remote village, held a "backyard Bible club," led worship, shared testimonies, played volleyball and soccer with the village, and left a lasting impression on those children and their families.

According to Student Pastor Tim Yeager, "It was a beautiful week of serving, and the team of CityRise Students did an amazing job bringing the gospel, energy, joy, and worship . . . so proud of our teenagers!"

Check out some photos below.

It is a joy to be a part of this church family, to be a part of a church that is generously giving the gospel of Jesus Christ here and abroad.

I return from sabbatical next week. If you wouldn't mind, please keep me in your prayers as I continue to study and spend this special time with the Lord.

Have a great weekend, Church Family!

Stay Expectant,
Pastor Roger