A few years ago, I was hired by the Goshen Cancer Center to write a song in celebration of their cancer survivors.  This song would be performed at their yearly celebrations, held at the Goshen College Sauder auditorium.  I would also take musicians & vocalists from our music ministry and play at this event (we’ve done it three or four times).  The song “I Will Celebrate” is sung by (and written for) River Oaks vocalist Laura Darnell.  (more…)

This Sunday, River Oaks welcomed guest speaker Chad Meister.  Chad is the author of the best selling book “God Is Great, God Is Good”.  He is also a professor at Bethel College.  His message “The Heaven’s Declare the Glory of the Lord” gave us a glimpse of God’s work throughout the universe, and how we can declare his glory to those around us.  (more…)

This was the first time that River Oaks ever offered an Ash Wednesday service.  About 300 people from our body took part in every aspect of this moving  service. When given the opportunity to kneel and pray, (more…)

“All creatures of our God and King, lift up your voice and witht us sing.”  These are the lyrics that began our worship time on this Valentine’s Day Sunday.  I’ve always loved the thought of all creation singing praises, so I’ve always loved this hymn.  We continued this theme with the song “Sing Alleluia” (I like the version from the album City on a Hill: Sing Alleluia, sung by Jennifer Knapp and Mac Powell).  Next was (more…)

Psalm 30:12 “…that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.”

Our first worship song this week will be Chris Tomlin’s “Sing, Sing, Sing” (which will be a new song for us). We will NOT BE SILENT, vocally or instrumentally!  This song needs to kick! As the song says:  “We will shout Your praise, lift high the name of Jesus”. (more…)