Riverside Church, Birmingham, Uk

TEACHING SERIES: Open Handed SERMON TITLE: What Is Mine Is Yours BY: Tim Chilvers DATE: Sunday 4 February 2024 BIBLE PASSAGES: 1 Chronicles – Chapter 29, verses 10-18 Psalm 24 – verse 1 Matthew – Chapter 26, verses 6-13 EXCERPT: Have you ever been trusted to look after something that wasn’t yours? How did you act? If you ask any best-man at a wedding, one of the most nerve-wracking jobs is to look after the wedding rings! They’re not yours, you’ve got one job – to look after them for the purpose of the owner. You get it wrong, everything goes pear-shaped! But, get it right and joy abounds… That’s what it means to be a steward. When it comes to being generous, it starts with recognising that we are stewards. Everything we have comes from God, and is to be used for God. Recognising this is an immensely freeing thing – as it sets us free to not worry about whether we have enough, and how we should use what God has given us. Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still

TEACHING SERIES: Open Handed SERMON TITLE: Never Enough? BY: Judy Moore DATE: Sunday 28 January 2024 BIBLE PASSAGES: Mathew – Chapter 10, verses 8 2 Corinthians – Chapter 9, verses 8-10 1 Timothy – Chapter 6, verses 6-11 EXCERPT: How much is enough? In some recent research in the US, people were asked ‘How much does your annual salary need to be for you to feel happy/less stressed?’ The results were fascinating! What was remarkable was that – regardless of how much people actually earned – everyone said that they needed about 30-50% more to feel happy. (See here for details) It seems that we all think we haven’t got quite enough! What about you? As we begin this series on generosity, perhaps we need to change our focus. What if being content with what we have is actually the start of being generous. It’s only when we recognise that everything we have comes from God and recognise that he generously provides for all of our needs that we are able to be content. And it is this contentment that enables us to be

TEACHING SERIES: Changing The Conversation SERMON TITLE: Changing The Conversation About Other People BY: Tim Chilvers DATE: Sunday 21 January 2024 BIBLE PASSAGES: Romans– Chapter 12, verses 14-21 EXCERPT: We live in a tribal world, when it is easy to live in our echo chambers. We dismiss people who don’t agree with us, and only need to embrace those who do. And, in our connected world, we find a steady stream of people who agree with us! But, what if the good news of Jesus makes us see people differently? What if we bless those who are against us, and do good to our enemies? What if we try and live honourably and at peace with everyone? That would change the world! ‘The world is to look at the people of God and exclaim “So that is the gospel? I see it now!”’ (Darrel Guder) ‘An inflated estimation of human nature capsizes love for one’s neighbour’ (David Zahl) 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

TEACHING SERIES: Changing The Conversation SERMON TITLE: Changing The Conversation About The Church BY: Tim Chilvers DATE: Sunday 14 January 2024 BIBLE PASSAGES: Romans– Chapter 12, verses 4-13 EXCERPT: Recently, a local man turned up to one of our Sunday morning gatherings because he had been told ‘Go to Riverside, they’ll help you.’ What does it mean to be a church that changes the conversation? Perhaps it means being so transformed ourselves, that we relentlessly work to transform the lives of others. That’s the kind of community that changes everything – were people’s needs are generously met, as they are pointed to the generosity of God. ‘The Church has an unconditional obligation to the victims of any ordering of society, even if they do not belong to the Christian community.’ (Dietrich Bonhoeffer) “What I miss about church is being forced to be in community with people that aren’t the same as me.’ (Win Butler, Arcade Fire) Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person

TEACHING SERIES: Changing The Conversation SERMON TITLE: Changing The Conversation About Ourselves BY: Tim Chilvers DATE: Sunday 7 January 2024 BIBLE PASSAGES: Romans– Chapter 12, verses 1-5 EXCERPT: ‘The primary exacerbator of burnout isn’t really email, or Instagram, or a constant stream of news alerts. It’s the continuous failure to reach the impossible expectations we’ve set for ourselves.” (Anne Helen Petersen) Change starts with us. How we see ourselves is an important foundation in changing the conversation. If we think too highly of ourselves, we put ourselves on a pedestal over others which leads to hearts that are full of judgement. If we think too poorly of ourselves, we set others on a pedestal and will lead to a heavy burden that we can’t carry. The good news of Jesus shatters both of these views. Only when we are able to see ourselves ‘rightly’ does it lead to change in how we treat God, ourselves and others in a way that is truly life-giving. Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when

TEACHING SERIES: What We Waiting For? SERMON TITLE: Waiting With Your Running Shoes On BY: Judy Moore DATE: Sunday 8 December 2023 BIBLE PASSAGES: Mathew– Chapter 3, verses 1-12 Luke – Chapter 2, verses 22-32 EXCERPT: Have you ever had the situation where you’re working on a computer and you get the ‘spinning ball of doom’, where your computer just seems to freeze. And, you’re not sure what is happening, or what to do? Should I reboot, or wait, or what?! Life can sometimes feel like that. That you’re in limbo. How do you live when that’s the case? It is reported that the last words of David Cassidy – the seventies Hollywood icon – were, ‘So much wasted time.’ After looking back on his life, he realised the opportunities he missed. Advent is a time of waiting – waiting for Christmas. And yet, many of us finding waiting really difficult, its feels too passive. What if waiting doesn’t just mean sitting around doing nothing, but rather is an attitude of heart that propels us into action? What if we can learn

TEACHING SERIES: What We Waiting For? SERMON TITLE: Waiting With Your Party Clothes On BY: Nathanael Ballew DATE: Sunday 3 December 2023 BIBLE PASSAGES: Mathew – Chapter 25, verses 1-13 EXCERPT: Have you ever been on a rollercoaster? Near the beginning there’s often a steep, slow climb to the top of a hill. As you travel up, expectation grows! And then, as you reach the top, the fun begins as momentum carries you down the hill at speed! Waiting can sometimes feel like that – like a long, action-less climb before the excitement of what lies ahead. Or, if you like, it’s like get dressed for a party when the party is still hours away. How do we wait well, in preparation for what’s ahead, without getting too discouraged in the wait? If we want to appreciate Advent fully, we need to re-learn how to wait, to rediscover the art of savouring the future, of staying in the present and of finding meaning in the act of waiting. (Paula Gooder) Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person

TEACHING SERIES: What We Waiting For? SERMON TITLE: Waiting In The Dark BY: Sarah Auger DATE: Sunday 26 November 2023 BIBLE PASSAGES: Malachi – Chapter 4, verses 2-6 EXCERPT: Have you ever seen a dog tied up outside a shop, waiting for its owner. Occasionally the dog really starts whining, with a despair that wonders ‘is my owner coming back?’ And then, when the owner reappears, the joy for the dog is palpable! There can be moments in our lives when we feel like that – in the middle of despair and we aren’t sure how it’s going to turn out. When life feels pretty dark, waiting can feel almost unbearable. What might it look like to wait, when the world around seems pretty dark? ‘…waiting isn’t just something we do; it’s a place we live – usually against our will. It’s a stage of life, a journey we take, a crucible for the heart.’ (Elizabeth Laing Thompson) 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 t

TEACHING SERIES: Story SERMON TITLE: The Story Begins BY: Judy Moore DATE: Sunday 19 November 2023 BIBLE PASSAGES: Mark – Chapter 16, verses 1-8 & verses 9-20. EXCERPT: Glen Scrivener writes, ‘The resurrection of Jesus is undeniably a miracle. But it’s not a miracle that adds to the absurdity of your world. The resurrection explains what would otherwise be even more absurd.’ The resurrection of Jesus changes everything. We are all given the chance to overcome the greatest enemy of all, and come into a relationship with him now and forever. This world is not the end, death is no longer to be feared. 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 amo

TEACHING SERIES: Story SERMON TITLE: The End Of The Story BY: Nathanael Ballew DATE: Sunday 12 November 2023 ‘BIBLE PASSAGES: Mark – Chapter 14, verses 12-26 & Chapter 15, verses 33-41. EXCERPT: Why is it that we so often associate rescue with the symbol of a cross? Hospitals, pharmacies, aid agencies, lucky necklaces – all characterised by a cross symbol. The cross is the greatest moment in history, where Jesus died. Join us to explore the importance of the cross and why Christians celebrate communion as a result. In his sacrificial death, Jesus was the greatest act of God’s love, power and justice. The ultimate proof of his love for 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 amazin

TEACHING SERIES: Story SERMON TITLE: A Story Of Sacrifice BY: Tim Chilvers DATE: Sunday 5 November 2023 BIBLE PASSAGES: Mark – Chapter 11, verses 1-24 EXCERPT: Everyone loves a story that involves a dramatic sacrifice. Yet, it’s not quite as entertaining when we are the ones who might need to make the sacrifices! Jesus calls people to give him every part of our lives, not Sundays or simply giving the impression that we’re doing ok. What does this look like for us? How do we be resilient followers of Jesus at every stage 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 wel

TEACHING SERIES: Story SERMON TITLE: A Generational Story BY: Sarah Auger DATE: Sunday 29 October 2023 BIBLE PASSAGES: Mark – Chapter 10, verses 13-16 EXCERPT: Jean Twenge, says the following, ‘The breakneck speed of cultural change means that growing up today is a completely different experience from growing up in the 1950s or the 1980s—or even the 2000s.’ One of the striking things about Jesus was the way he treated all generations – his kingdom is an intergenerational kingdom, where young and old learn from – and lead – one another. What would it look like for us to truly understand and live this out today? 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 fee

TEACHING SERIES: Story SERMON TITLE: An Awesome Story BY: Tim Chilvers DATE: Sunday 22 October 2023 BIBLE PASSAGES: Mark – Chapter 9, verses 2 to 13 EXCERPT: Have you ever had a ‘wow’ moment? When something truly awe-inspiring almost takes your breath away? Mark’s account of Jesus reveals that through Jesus we can come into the presence of God without fear or shame. Wow! Jesus is all we need to focus on and worship is a wonderful way of coming into the presence of Jesus away from the distractions of the world around 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 a

TEACHING SERIES: Story SERMON TITLE: A Story A New Identity BY: Judy Moore DATE: Sunday 15 October 2023 BIBLE PASSAGES: Mark – Chapter 8, verses 31 to 38 EXCERPT: When you meet someone for the first time, how do you describe yourself? What defines you? By going to the cross Jesus lost his identity, so we can have a new identity. When we understand how much Jesus loves us by being willing to die for us, we can find new freedom- our old approach to identity (money, power, relationships, achievements etc) is gone as we find a new identity as a child of God. 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 serv

TEACHING SERIES: Story SERMON TITLE: A Story That Equips BY: Nathanael Ballew DATE: Sunday 8 October 2023 ‘BIBLE PASSAGES: Mark – Chapter 6, verses 7 to 13 & verses 30 to 42. EXCERPT: There is a brilliant YouTube video of a little girl trying to hula-hoop. She thinks she’s doing well, but in reality her Dad is stood behind her, holding the hoop! Jesus doesn’t just call us to follow him, he calls us to step out in faith as partners in his mission. We are given his authority to do his work on earth. And as we do so, we discover him right there with us equipping us to join in what he is doing. 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

TEACHING SERIES: Story SERMON TITLE: A Story You Can Trust BY: Judy Moore DATE: Sunday 1 October 2023 BIBLE PASSAGES: Mark – Chapter 5, verses 21-43 EXCERPT: In October last year, a survey was conducted by Ipsos about the levels of trust in the UK. The results were sobering – only 12% of British citizens say that they trust politicians. This is the lowest percentage it has ever been. And, compared to other countries, Britain is now ranked 17th (out of 19 countries in the survey) in terms of how little we trust our government. At such a time of low trust, the accounts of Jesus come like a breath of fresh air. Jesus is trustworthy, even when things don’t happen as we expect. If we trust in Jesus he may ask for more than we had originally planned to give, but he can give to us infinitely more than we dared ask or imagine. 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 follower

TEACHING SERIES: Story SERMON TITLE: A Story That Break The Rules BY: Sarah Auger DATE: Sunday 24 September 2023 BIBLE PASSAGES: Mark – Chapter 2, verses 18 to Chater 3, verse 6. Mark – Chapter 7 (all). EXCERPT: Most classic stories have a good and a bad main character. But what if the line between good and bad isn’t as clear cut as you realise. Jesus showed a new way to know God that was not based on doing good things or following a set of rules, but was instead about relationship and loving God with your whole heart. 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 a

TEACHING SERIES: Story SERMON TITLE: A Story Of Second Chances BY: Judy Moore DATE: Sunday 17 September 2023 BIBLE PASSAGES: Mark – Chapter 2, verses 1-17 EXCERPT: Have you ever been in a situation when you really messed something up? Said something you regretted; did something that you wish you could undo? In those kind of situations, most of us would do anything to have a second chance. What if life is like that? Jesus came to bring us something we might not even realise we need, forgiveness, a second chance. A way back to a relationship with the God who made us and loves 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 w

TEACHING SERIES: Story SERMON TITLE: A Story Of Relationship BY: Tim Chilvers DATE: Sunday 10 September 2023 BIBLE PASSAGES: Mark – Chapter 1, verses 9-28 EXCERPT: Relationships are so important, aren’t they? Friendships; colleagues; communities; families; partners. They give such joy and such pain. But why? Maybe it’s because at the heart of the story of our lives is a relationship that most of us don’t think about – God’s relationship. Why is the relationship between Father, Son and Holy Spirit so important? Why is it such a key part of the story of Jesus, and of our lives? We’ll discover the authority that relationship gives Jesus, as we discover he wasn’t just another good teacher. And this, changes everything. 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 an

TEACHING SERIES: Story SERMON TITLE: An Epic Story BY: Tim Chilvers DATE: Sunday 3 September 2023 BIBLE PASSAGES: Mark – Chapter 1, verses 1-8 EXCERPT: K. Chesterton once said , ‘I had always felt life first as a story: and if there is a story, there is a storyteller.’ In this introduction to the series, we are introduced to the ultimate story of history – the story with Jesus at its heart. Jesus was the rescuer promised for thousands of years, as described in the Old Testament. It is a story of God’s great rescue plan. It began in Gen 3:15, and continues to this day, as we discover our part in the greatest story ever. 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