Happening @ Riverside

January 2026 Newsletter

Worship

Sermon Series

Pastor Otto’s current sermon series is “The Pursuit of Holiness.” The series is as follows:

January 4th

“Who You Really Are as a Christian”(Romans 6:12-14)

January 11th

“Complete Commitment” (Romans 12:1-2)

January 18th

“Living the Risen Life” (Colossians 3:1-5) Followed by the continuation of our 1Corinthians series as follows:

January 25th

“Love Trumps Everything” (13:1-7)

February 1st

“Love Endures” (13:8-13)

February 8th

“What About Speaking in Tongues?” (14:1-25)

February 15th

“Orderly Worship” (14:26-40)

February 22nd

“Is the Resurrection for Real?” (15:1-11)

Spanish Worship

Our Spanish Worship Service,
led by Pastor Guillermo Lozano,
meets on Sundays at 11:00 a.m.
in the Chapel. Their Connect
Groups gather at 9:30 a.m. in
the East Wing.

Lord’s Supper

Sunday, January 11th, we will joyfully
celebrate the Lord’s Supper during the
English Worship Service. The Lord’s Supper,
a sacred and unifying ritual, will be
celebrated at the end of the service.
Also, it’s important to remember that when
we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, we also
collect for our Pastor’s Discretionary Fund
(PDF). This fund is a vital part of our
community, supporting those who need a
little help.

Training, Ministry, and Missions

Children in Action and Riverside Students

Our Children in Action and Riverside Students resume their ministries on Friday, January 9th, with a Movie Night.

Widow and Widower Support Group

Join our Widow and Widower Support Group, a caring community for those navigating the journey of loss.

We meet on the fourth Saturday of each month from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. in the Volunteer Room, where you can find understanding and companionship.

You don’t have to face this alone— come and connect with others who share your experience.

Don’t miss this opportunity to find comfort and connection.

For more details or to ask any questions, please get in touch with Joseph Goelz at jody@riversideonline.org.

Riverside Christian School

Do you know of a family looking for a Christian preschool? Our Riverside Christian School (RCS) is an APPLE Gold Seal Accredited Preschool (DCF License: C11MD0316), a mark of our commitment to excellence, that caters to students (infants through PK4) on a full or half-day basis.

Registration for the 2026-27 school year opens on Thursday, January 29th, with an Open House that promises to be an exciting and informative event for you and your child.

For your convenience, additional Riverside Baptist Church Volume 3, Issue 1 January 2026 Happening @ Riverside information is just a phone call away at (305) 279-3637 or you can pick up a brochure in the Foyer.

Christmas Cards

Do Christmas cards you received from family and friends. We can help! Our women’s ministry will be leading this initiative. We invite you to participate by cutting off the picture, bringing it to church, and placing it in the basket in the Foyer. The cards you donate will be transformed into new cards, bringing joy and warmth to the residents of Assisted Living Facilities next year.

Weekly Happenings

Connect Groups

Our Connect Groups meet on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. We offer classes for all ages, from infants to adults. If you are not currently part of a Connect Group, we encourage you to join one.

Our Coed Exercise and Fellowship Class

Our Coed Exercise and Fellowship Class meets on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Warehouse and on Fridays via Zoom at 10:00 a.m. It is an exercise program developed specifically for mature participants. It is designed to be socially stimulating while focusing on areas of recognized importance for mature participants.

Heart and Hands

Heart and Hands, our Tuesday gathering, is more than just a project. It’s an opportunity for people of all ages to come together and make a real difference. By assisting with projects that advance God’s Kingdom, we’re reaching out with heart and hands to meet the needs of others near and far. Your participation is not just appreciated; it’s vital to our mission. Join us on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m.

Men’s Ministry

The Men’s Ministry, a Tuesday night tradition in the Fellowship Hall at 7:00 p.m., is more than just a gathering. It’s a platform for engaging discussions on topics that matter to us today. From faith to family, we cover it all. For more information, contact Lannes Whitelock at 305-519-3060.

Church Prayer Meeting

Our weekly Church Prayer Meeting is on Wednesday nights at 7:00 p.m. and is a time when we come together corporately for prayer. We meet via Zoom. Call the church office for the meeting ID to join us.

College Group

Join our College Group at FIU in the Green Library on the first floor at 11040 SW 14th Street, 33174. Connect with fellow students as we study the Bible together, discovering how to apply biblical truths to enhance our everyday lives on campus. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow in faith and friendship! For additional information, reach out to Pastor Nicholas Noyola.

Women’s Bible Study

Our Women’s Bible Study is for women of all ages. It meets off-premises on Friday mornings from 10:00 a.m. until noon. The group studies various books of the Bible and has group discussions. Betty Rodriguez leads the study. Contact the church office for the location or additional information.

Children in Action

Our Children in Action meets on Friday nights at 7:00 p.m. in The Dock (Room 215) for children aged 5 to 5th grade. Trace it back to just the facts! The evidence is clear. The proof is all right here! Join us as we discover and explore Jesus working in our world.

Face-to-Face Bible Study

*Face-to-Face Bible Study takes place on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 8:00p.m. in Room 204. This Bible study is open to all women and girls, regardless of age, as they come together to explore the Word of God. Sherri Beall leads the group.

Boys Discipleship Class

The *Boys Discipleship Class, designed for boys in 6th through 12th grade, takes place on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. For questions or additional information, contact Nicholas Noyola.

Miscellaneous Information

Happy New Year!

As we close out 2025 and celebrate a New Year, please note that the church office will be closed on Thursday, January 1st and 2nd, will reopen on Monday, January 5th. This closure is important for our administrative preparations for the New Year. We wish you all a Happy and Blessed New Year.

Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

On Monday, January 19th, the nation will observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Public schools, including Riverside Christian School, will be closed. However, the church office will remain open, and our regularly scheduled activities will proceed as planned.

Family Movie Night

Celebrate the New Year with us! Riverside students and Children in Action are excited to invite you to a Family Movie Night on Friday, January 9th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Courtyard.

Don’t forget to bring a blanket or chair for a cozy experience. Get ready for an enjoyable evening.

Quarterly Business Meeting

Following our worship service, we will have our Quarterly Business Meeting on Sunday, January 25th. Your presence and participation are highly valued, so we encourage all members to attend.

Special Called Business Meeting

On Sunday, January 11th, we will have a Special Called Business Meeting to vote on our 2026 Budget. We value your input and encourage all members to attend. Your presence is vital to us.

The Proposed Budget is available in the Foyer before the meeting for your review.