Riverside Church, Birmingham, Uk

TEACHING SERIES: Preparing the Way TITLE: Easter: The King Who Reigns BY: Judy Moore DATE: Sunday 20 April 2025 Bible Passage: Matthew 28:1-15 It’s Easter Sunday! Jesus has risen, just as he said he would. What great news we have to share now! Jesus is alive and reigns as King over all of creation. This is the King that we have been preparing the way for—one who was able to defeat death once and for all and prepare a way for us to come into relationship with God the Father. Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will feel at home among us and that you will find our weekly services, events and groups welcoming and relevant to your life. Whoever you are, what

TEACHING SERIES: Preparing the Way TITLE: Welcome the King BY: Sarah Thompson DATE: Sunday 13 April 2025 Bible Passage: Matthew 21:1-11 Jesus is the King of kings, and yet the image we have of him riding into the city on a donkey doesn’t feel very valiant. Matthew records Jesus stating that the kingdom of heaven is near, and every kingdom needs a King. But what kind of King is Jesus really? Are we prepared to lay down our cloaks and cry out “Hosanna, save us”? Or subtly, has the notion that we are the king of our own lives crept in? Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will feel at home among us and that you will find our weekly services, events and groups

TEACHING SERIES: Preparing the Way TITLE: What is the Cost? BY: Tim Chilvers DATE: Sunday 6 April 2025 Bible Passage: Matthew 8:18-22 Following Jesus is the best choice anyone will ever make, but it does come at a cost. Jesus models a life of sacrifice and service where he puts others first. What if we are faced with choices where we need to decide whether we have the stuff we’ve been dreaming of, or we lay it down to follow the servant, King Jesus? Perhaps we will discover there is a greater treasure than what we previously had our hearts set on. Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will feel at home among us and that you will find our weekly services, eve

TEACHING SERIES: Preparing the Way TITLE: What I’m Weary BY: Mel Lynch DATE: Sunday 30 March 2025 Bible Passage: Matthew 11:25-30 There is an expectation that we always have more to do, that resting is lazy, and that taking time out can be seen as failure. What if the Kingdom of God offers an alternative lifestyle to the constant capitalist wheel that never sleeps? God himself was the author of resting in the creation narrative. Is chilling on the sofa with endless streaming options enough? Or is there something more fulfilling out there for when we are feeling weary and just exhausted? Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will feel at home among us and tha

TEACHING SERIES: Preparing the Way TITLE: Who Is Greatest? BY: Nathanal Ballow DATE: Sunday 23 March 2025 Bible Passage: Matthew 19: 13-15 All of us will have tried to aim high and achieve greatness at some point in life—it’s conditioned into us from a young age. The teaching of Jesus often goes against the ways of the world—the last shall be first and the poor and meek are blessed. The status quo is flipped upside down by Jesus throughout his years in ministry. And children, who were seen as nuisances at the time, are elevated as the “greatest” perhaps without even trying. So instead of aiming for the crown, should we aim to bow down? Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love

TEACHING SERIES: Preparing the Way TITLE: When We Get Tempted BY: Sarah Auger DATE: Sunday 16 March 2025 Bible Passage: Matthew 4: 1-11 The Bible says that we won’t be tempted beyond what we can bear, but that doesn’t mean we get to go through life without any temptation. Jesus himself was tempted physically and emotionally in the wilderness with desire, power and control. He uses his knowledge of scripture to counter the words of the devil. When we are distracted with other gods, kings and powers of the world, what can we learn from Jesus in how he fights temptation? Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will feel at home among us and that you will find our

TEACHING SERIES: Preparing the Way TITLE: Interior Life BY: Judy Moore DATE: Sunday 9 March 2025 Bible Passage: Matthew 6:1-18 How much of our lives are for show? It’s not uncommon in church to feel the need to present as ‘good’ or ‘righteous’. And yet, how often to we fall short of the expectations we put on ourselves? What if Jesus isn’t as interested in what we are showing externally, but instead wants full commitment from our inner lives? Fasting is a useful personal discipline of abstinence which can help us grow closer to King Jesus - do we need to make sure we are doing it for the right reasons? Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will feel at home

TEACHING SERIES: Preparing the Way TITLE: Where the Fruit? BY: Tim Chilvers DATE: Sunday 2 March 2025 Bible Passage: Matthew 3:1-12 In a world where world leaders, on public stages, are seeking to build their own kingdoms—where do you go and what kingdom do you want to be part of? John the Baptist knew a different King and a different kingdom were coming. He prepares the way for that new King by giving one simple, and often misunderstood, direction: repent. Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will feel at home among us and that you will find our weekly services, events and groups welcoming and relevant to your life. Whoever you are, whatever you believe,

TEACHING SERIES: Not me, but you TITLE: Ruth Chapter 3 BY: Tim Chilvers DATE: Sunday 16 February 2025 Bible Passage: Ruth 4:1-22 Sometimes the greatest acts of love can be seen in the midst of the greatest challenges and suffering. Through these acts of love, we can realise that even in the darkest times, God is still very much present.. Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will feel at home among us and that you will find our weekly services, events and groups welcoming and relevant to your life. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, you're so welcome in this community. To find out more about Riverside Church please visit our website: https://riverside-c

TEACHING SERIES: Not me, but you TITLE: Ruth Chapter 3 BY: Judy Moore DATE: Sunday 16 February 2025 Bible Passage: Ruth 3: 1-18 When we try to go it alone, our plans can often falter and fail or not live up to our expectations. As we follow God’s plan, we can find a fulfilment and outcomes way beyond our own expectations. We can trust God for our future. Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will feel at home among us and that you will find our weekly services, events and groups welcoming and relevant to your life. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, you're so welcome in this community. To find out more about Riverside Church please visit our website: ht

TEACHING SERIES: Not me, but you TITLE: Ruth Chapter 2 BY: Sarah Auger DATE: Sunday 9 February 2025 Bible Passage: Ruth 2:1-23 When we come into God’s kingdom, we realise there are no outsiders. See how Ruth brings redemption to those who had been left out of God’s family. Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will feel at home among us and that you will find our weekly services, events and groups welcoming and relevant to your life. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, you're so welcome in this community. To find out more about Riverside Church please visit our website: https://riverside-church.org.uk/ Useful Links: ONLINE (YouTube) - https://www.youtu

TEACHING SERIES: Not me, but you TITLE: Ruth Chapter 1 BY: Naomi Woodruff DATE: Sunday 2 February 2025 Bible Passage: Ruth 1:6-22. Ruth put her focus on God, and in doing so found the strength to support Naomi in her greatest time of need. How can we point others to Jesus through the love and support we give to them, even if it comes at a cost to us? Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will feel at home among us and that you will find our weekly services, events and groups welcoming and relevant to your life. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, you're so welcome in this community. To find out more about Riverside Church please visit our website: https:

TEACHING SERIES: Not me, but you TITLE: Overview of Ruth BY: Nathanael Ballew DATE: Sunday 26 January 2025 Bible Passage: Matthew Chapter 1 Verse 1-6 and Ruth Chapter 1 Verse 1-5 In today’s western world we are so often told to focus on meeting our own needs and our own self care. However, Ruth is a book that turns this narrative on its head. It's a story about someone who changed the lives of others for the better because they put God, not themselves, at the centre of their story. Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will feel at home among us and that you will find our weekly services, events and groups welcoming and relevant to your life. Whoever you a

TEACHING SERIES: Foundations TITLE: Worship BY: Ben Pearson DATE: Sunday 19 January 2025 Bible Passage: Psalm 63 The world often has us looking inward, focusing on our own desires and struggles. But what if we turned our gaze outward and upward, discovering a greater purpose? What if our true fulfillment is found not in ourselves, but in worshipping a God who is unchanging, unfailing, and perfect in love? Worship is more than just a response—it’s a foundational aspect of our faith, shaping our relationship with God. When we sing in church, are we reminded of this incredible God—and the privilege we have to give Him our praise? Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We ho

TEACHING SERIES: Foundations TITLE: Prayer BY: Tim Chlivers DATE: Sunday 12 January 2025 Bible Passage: Psalm 86:1-13 Why is it that when most people experience a moment of crisis, we tend to cry out for something greater than ourselves? Is prayer only something for the hard times? What if instead, we view prayer as our foundation for a relationship with God—a two-way conversation, where we get to express our awe, give thanks, say sorry for our mistakes and ask for help in the big and little things of life. Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will feel at home among us and that you will find our weekly services, events and groups welcoming and relevant to

TEACHING SERIES: Foundations TITLE: The Bible BY: Tim Chlivers DATE: Sunday 5 January 2025 Where do you turn when you’re seeking answers—especially when you want to uncover the truth? What shapes your understanding of yourself, the world around you, and God? The Bible is more than just a source of information; it’s a foundational guide filled with wisdom to help you navigate life and make sense of it all. Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will feel at home among us and that you will find our weekly services, events and groups welcoming and relevant to your life. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, you're so welcome in this community. To find out more

TEACHING SERIES: Can I Get a Witness? TITLE: It’s the truth BY : Sarah Auger DATE: Sunday 8 December 2024 Bible Passage: John 21:20-25 In court cases, there are usually three types of witnesses: expert witnesses, character witnesses, and eye-witnesses. If you are an expert or character witness, you are usually being asked to comment on the basis of previous experiences, information and expertise. An eye-witness is very different—you are being asked to comment on what you actually saw and experienced in the current case. The same is true of encounters with Jesus. We all have opinions. But how often do we actually listen to the eye-witnesses? Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazi

TEACHING SERIES: Can I Get a Witness? TITLE: I don’t believe you BY: Nathanael Ballew DATE: Sunday 1 December 2024 In psychology, there is a well-known concept called ‘confirmation bias’. It is our tendency to interpret information in line with the beliefs and values that we already have. For example, imagine a scientist doing an experiment in which they get some new data. If that new data backs up their hypothesis, then they readily accept that data. However, if the data appears to contradict their working hypothesis, they presume that the data is somehow flawed and so they need to repeat the test. It is so easy for us to have confirmation bias in so many areas of life—politics, sport, friendships, even our view of God. But what if Jesus challenges our pre-existing beliefs? What then? Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Rive

TEACHING SERIES: Can I Get a Witness? TITLE He told me everything BY Judy Moore DATE: Sunday 24 November 2024 Bible Passages: John 4:1-26, 39-42 Have you ever been nervous to share something personal with your friends or family? Perhaps there are some secrets you hold that you feel too much shame around—but by withholding those secrets, it means no one could ever truly know the whole of you. When one woman encountered Jesus, he knew her secrets. But instead of shaming her, he showed her honour, love and respect and she couldn’t help but tell everyone about him. Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will feel at home among us and that you will find our weekly

TEACHING SERIES: Can I Get a Witness? TITLE I’m Not It BY Sarah Auger DATE: Sunday 17 November 2024 Bible Passages: John 1:19-37 Have you ever pretended to be something, or someone, you are not? Perhaps you tried to convince a new boss that you knew what you were doing, when you didn’t have a clue. Or maybe, you hoped no-one would notice that you weren’t as impressive as they thought you were. Or maybe you actually believed you were more competent at something, and then discovered you actually had no idea. When it comes to Jesus, history is full of people who have tried to draw attention to themselves, rather than to Jesus. John the Baptist shows a different way—he knew there was something so incredible in Jesus, that meant he could never accept the focus being on him. Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church