Do Not Fear (Advent 2023): God Asks of Joseph (Week 3 Joy, Matthew 1:18-25)

River Corner Church

On Sunday, December 17, Pastor Jeff McLain continued our Advent series, Do Not Fear. This sermon focused on the story of Joseph in Matthew 1:18-25. In Matthew 1:18-25, God asks Joseph to step out in faith, despite the discouraging and unknowable future that lay ahead. Joseph's story, emphasizes the importance of holding onto joy found in God's Spirit, knowing that God is doing something in our lives, and trusting in God's plan during challenging moments where weariness, discouragement, and apathy can settle in.
Do Not Fear Sermon Series
Our Do Not Fear Sermon Series on Sunday mornings at River Corner Church, is a spiritual pilgrimage behind all that is merry and bright, and into the very real story of Advent. This series explores the four places the main characters of the Advent story are gripped by fear and are told, "do not fear." This annual spiritual pilgrimage involves immersing oneself in the profound narrative of Jesus' birth—a story of transformation that calls those in the story (and us) to step out in faith, even when we are already discouraged, to experience eternal hope, peace, joy, and love.
Who we are together.
River Corner Church is a growing church community of everyday people who gather to worship God, follow Jesus, and journey through life together.
What we practice together.
Our small church community is uniquely caring, simple, laid-back, and intergenerational. As a church, we want to be a welcoming, safe, and healing community for those who are seeking, hurting, or need a place to belong. Our practices are contemplative (reflective) charismatic (Spirit-driven), conversational, and informative. The times we share together are intentional and intimate, and a mix between modern and traditional. We want to be a place in which love and honor are lived out, where humility is central, and where hospitality is woven into the threads of our community. There is room at the table.
When we gather together.
River Corner Church gathers weekly on Sunday mornings at 10:00 AM to worship and experience God, study the scriptures, journey through life together, and partner with the Holy Spirit. We meet in a simple worship meeting house at 524 River Corner Road in Conestoga, Pennsylvania. You are welcome as you are, just be yourself. There are other times that we hold small groups, events, and more.
Our Pastoral Leader.
Jeff McLain has served as our pastoral leader since April 2022. He is currently a doctoral student at Fuller Seminary, where he also has earned two master's degrees - one in Theology and Ministry and another in Leadership. Jeff also holds a Graduate Certificate in Non-profit Management from City Vision University. In addition to serving River Corner Church, Jeff serves full-time as the Director of Pastoral Ministries at Water Street Mission. In addition to over 13 years of pastoral ministry, Jeff has enjoyed event promotion, leadership coaching, blogging, and podcasting. For over 17 years, Jeff has been happily married to Katie. Jeff, Katie, and their three wander-filled daughters are avid fans of road trips, baseball, boardwalks, beaches, and books.
Learn more about us at rivercornerchurch.com.

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