Updates
Community Family, January 8, 2026
From Pastor Fritz:
Fred and Phyllis Burgess’ car is beyond repair. They need a car/rides, especially to get to doctor appointments. They have a little towards purchasing a car. Can you help? Let Pastor Fritz know: 937-245-4007 or frmerkes@gmail.com
"Christian To The Core" A Bible Study
– 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Evenings in January (Church Library) - Pray Faithfully 2026
Sunday 1/11
– WHICH JESUS?
Matthew 16:13-28. “But what about you?” He (Jesus) asked. “Who do you say I am?” v. 15 NIV
*Pastor Report: Recovery
Sunday 1/18
– TUNE OUT THE “MY WAY.” MATTHEW 17:1-27
While he (Peter) was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” v. 5 NIV
* Prayer Report: Groups & Studies
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COMING UP:
The Grace Course *Starting February 4, 2026, at 6:00 pm.
This is an 8-session course created by Freedom in Christ Ministries and facilitated by Shelley James and Claire Merkes.
A Google Form to register will be available soon. Registration is necessary for Shelley to know how many books to order. The fee is $20.00, which covers the cost of the book. Contact Shelley with questions: 937-286-2265 or Savedbyhisgrace22223@gmail.com
Your WELCOME CLASS 8 Sessions + 1 Special Starting in February
A class for potential new members to understand and get more involved with the Lord, life, and mission of Community Church.
Membership is a way of publicly stating your commitment to the Lord, mission, and team of Community Methodist Church Riverside.
See the New Year Newsletter for more details about what will be covered.
︎ Six Mondays: 6-8 p.m. 2/2, 2/16, 2/23, and 3/2, 3/16, 3/23
︎ Two Sundays: 1-3 p.m. 2/8 and 3/8
︎ Special Session: (late March, on a Saturday or Sunday TBD)
MEN’S EMMAUS RETREAT January 22-25
Women’s EMMAUS RETREAT February 19-22
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ONGOING
Whiz Kids TUESDAYS @ 2:45 pm. We still need a weekly driver to pick up kids from Virginia Stevenson. Contact Claire: 937-245-3199
Unplugged Tuesdays at 3:45 pm Adult Team: Bill Barrett, Lead. Anna Boggs, Brenda Dayton, Cortni Boyd, and the new member, Taunya Jacobs
Thursday Morning Bible Study 10:00 am On January 8, 202,6 the group started studying the Book of Jude. Please know everyone is welcome to come whenever you can. 10:00 am every Thursday.
SPARK at Spinning Hills Middle School, Thursdays 1:40-3:10pm. All with the cooperation of the Mad River School District! THE SPARK at Spinning Hills Middle School
*15 middle school kids ︎
TROTWOOD OUTREACH third Saturdays at 9:30 am. The next one is next Saturday, January 17. Contact Charlotte if you have any questions or want to join: charlotte.hickey@hotmail.com 937-287-1872
HOPE RESTORED 6:30 pm every other Sunday:
Next Session: January 18
Charlotte is leading, and individuals are sharing their talents and gifts.
CELEBRATE RECOVERY: A place and people to overcome your hurts, habits, and hang-ups.
Every Thursday. 6:00 pm Free Supper. 6:45 Celebration. 8:00 Groups.
KINGDOM MAN – Saturdays at 10:00 am at Community. Welcome men of all ages
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Happy New Year! 2026!
My prayer is that your holidays were full of joy, the Lord, family, warmth, and good health. That is my prayer for you in 2026 and always. As you probably know, many in our family are either in the hospital or recovering from surgeries, and times in the hospital, while others are grieving losses of 2025 or just needing encouragement. Prayers are appreciated as well as phone calls, texts, cards, and notes. I hope you received and were able to read the recent New Year Newsletter that I sent out last Thursday. If you need another copy, just let me know. We have so much to look forward to and be grateful for here at Community! Let’s keep connected!
Be blessed,
Ellen