The Latest from Riverbend

January 20, 2020

Pastor Roy Hargrave

Now in Heaven

Dr. Roy Hargrave, 65, senior pastor at Riverbend for 25 years (1989-2014), died this morning after a six-year affliction with Alzheimer's disease.

His funeral will be in the Riverbend Worship Center this Saturday morning (Jan. 25) at 10:30, with a viewing scheduled this Friday at 5-7 p.m. in the Worship Center.

Pastor Roy, who had been in the pastoral ministry for more than 40 years, was a strict expositor of Scripture who frequently said he wanted to be known as a Bible-ist.

His own purpose, he said: "To clearly and faithfully declare the truth of God by rightly dividing the Word and courageously proclaiming its content to exalt Christ through my life and my words."

Pastor Roy came to Ormond First Baptist (now Riverbend) in 1989. The church completed in 1997 his vision of relocating from a five-acre downtown site to the current property. The name change occurred in 1998, as he stated, "so we can reach more people with the Gospel."

Pastor Roy was born in Kennett, Mo., in 1954 and grew up in nearby Rector, Ark. He was nine when he was saved by the grace of God in a country Methodist church in his hometown.

Throughout his childhood and teenage years, he was very active in sports, particularly baseball and basketball. He was an Arkansas All-Star basketball and baseball player at Rector High School.

After his senior year at Rector, he attended Southern Baptist College (now Williams College in Walnut Ridge, Ark.). He transferred to Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo., and received his bachelor's degree. He received a Master's in Theological Studies from Mid-America Baptist Seminary in Memphis, Tenn., in 1987. He did graduate work at New Orleans Baptist Seminary and then received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Southeastern Baptist Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C., in 2002.

Licensed into the ministry in 1974 and ordained in 1975, Dr. Roy pastored five churches prior to Riverbend: Tipperary Baptist Church in Knobel, Ark. (1974-75); First Baptist in Holcomb, Mo. (1977-78); Alexander Baptist in Paragould, Ark. (1979-82); Philadelphia Baptist in Jonesboro, Ark. (1982-88); Trinity Baptist in Memphis (1988-89).

Pastor Roy is survived by his wife Marki, four children (Nathan, Rachel Mergener, Jordan, R.A.) and nine grandchildren.

SURVEY: You can help choose the topics

March 1 - April 5 ... Sundays at 9 a.m. for Six Weeks

Please rank your interest in the following seminar choices. Rank up to three in your order of preference (1, 2, 3). Please complete the survey and return it to the church as soon as possible (deadline: Jan. 27). Merely e-mail a note (click here), indicating the numbers of the topics below (example: 6, 4, 12). The top 9 choices will be offered.

1 — How to Study God's Word: Maximizing Devotions

Put a reading plan to work ... how to read & understand Scripture in context

2 — Managing God's Resources

In-depth look at Biblical stewardship ... proper use of money, time & talents

3 — Finding & Doing God's Will

Discerning Scripture ... following the leadership of the Holy Spirit

4 — Contentment in Life's Seasons

Finding joy wherever life takes us ... being satisfied with God's providence

5 — Evangelism: Two Ways to Live

Unpacking, understanding & articulating the Gospel ... embedding the Gospel within your being

6 — Purity in a Porn-saturated World

For parents who want to protect & teach their children

7 — Marriage: Moment by Moment

God's perfect design for husbands & wives ... staying true in a twisted culture

8 — Christians in the Workplace

Maintaining your faith on the job ... keeping the door open for witnessing opportunities

9 — Don't Waste Your Suffering

Using trials & tribulations for God's glory ... how to respond when ridiculed for following Christ

10 — Living for Christ in Our 60s, 70s, 80s & Beyond

Finishing well—persevering late in life in ways that honor & glorify Christ

11 — Jewish Culture in New Testament Times

Understanding Scripture through a Jewish lens

12 — Cults & False Religions

Evaluating erroneous beliefs & exposing their Biblical violations

13 — Following Christ in Voting & Political Involvement

Staying faithful to the Lord in this election year ... thinking, speaking & acting politically

14 — Parenting: Moment by Moment

Nurturing your children in a Christ-centered way ... being Biblically consistent

15 — Introduction to Biblical Counseling

How to provide loving guidance from the Scriptures

SCHEDULE

Jan. 30 — Jerry Schaeffer: The Impeccable Word (Psalm 19)
Feb. 6 — Brian Giaquinto: "Well Done!" (Matthew 25:14-30)
Feb. 13 — Rick Cobb: The God We Worship (Isaiah 57:15)
Feb. 20 — John Griffin: Servant Leadership (John 13)
Feb. 27 — Bobby Caliendo: Hold Fast (Hebrews 10:23-25)
Mar. 5 — Jason Karr: God's Powerful Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Mar. 12 — Brian Shealy: What a Shepherd Wants (Hebrews 13)
Mar. 19 — Scott Menez: Make Me a Useful Vessel for the Master (2 Timothy 1:14-21)

Pastor Scott Menez

Preaching the Word

To hear the latest sermons from the Riverbend pulpit, click the title:

SUNDAY, January 19

A Parable of Prophecy and Truth

Mark 12:1-12

WEDNESDAY, January 15

God's Steadfast Grace

Exodus 6

Elder Candidates Recommended to Church

The Elders of Riverbend are unanimously recommending for church affirmation two new prospective Elders, with whom they have been working for several months. The first step for the congregation is to be present in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, March 1, at 6 p.m. to learn what these men believe and practice and to see them defend Scripture.

After the discussion, the church will provide a 30-day period for members to talk with them personally and express back to the current Elders (in writing) their support of the candidates.

If the candidates are affirmed, a date will be set for their ordination (laying on of hands), after which they will begin to function as Elders with the eight current Elders.

Guest Speaker: Patti Parks

Missionary to Ireland

Tuesday, Jan. 21 ... 5:30 p.m.

Giovanni Home (234 Riverside Drive, Ormond)

Food: Covered Dish

RSVP: Carole Edwards, 453-5990 or click here

Please wear green & white

in honor of Patti's ministry

'Legacy Dinner & Gala'

This annual Riverbend Academy fund-raiser, including live and silent auctions, is planned Saturday, March 7, at Oceanside Country Club (75 North Halifax Drive, Ormond). It begins at 6 p.m.

Tickets ($50 each) are on sale now. They may be purchased—cash, check or credit card—at the school office or via email (click here). Sponsorships also available until Jan. 30 at the same email.

Proceeds this year will go toward the capital campaign for new building construction.

More info: Alesha Richmond, Director of Marketing & Development: 386-547-6706 or click here .

From Bobby Caliendo

Pastor of Outreach & Evangelism

Enhance your understanding of Biblical truth and how to apply it to your life. We search the Scriptures to better understand and explain the triune God, salvation, Biblical apologetics and how to share your faith.

Everyone is welcome—from the theological expert to the novice. This is a great opportunity to start the discipleship process at Riverbend. Come with a friend. A new 12-week session starts this Sunday, Jan. 26, at 9:15 a.m. in Room 186. But since it is a revolving class, you may start at any time.

You May Audit the Next Course

at Christ Theological Seminary

Pneumatology & Angelology

Summary: The person & work of the Holy Spirit ... the nature and ministry of angels, Satan & demons ... also an introductory examination & critique of the charismatic movement.

Tuesdays & Thursdays, Feb. 11 - Mar. 5

(4 weeks, 8 sessions ... 6-9:45 pm ... Room 185)

Professor: Tom Sheahan ... Audit Fee: $50 ... To register (deadline, Feb. 9): call 386-271-8766

Youth Winter Retreat

All who have registered for the Winter Retreat should get a packing list from Youth Director

Aaron Johnsen.

Plan to meet at the church at 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31 (eat dinner beforehand, or eat on the patio before departure). Return to the church will be about 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb 2.

For more info about this 3-day event (Jan. 31-Feb. 2) at Lake Aurora Christian Camp (near Lake Wales), contact Aaron: click here or call 386-672-1821

January 22

Hamburgers with fixins' OR veggie burger (limited number)
Hot dogs
French fries
Coleslaw
Salad
Carrot cake

COST: Under 4 & over 90, FREE ... ages 4-12, $4 ... others, $5 ... family max, $20

NOTE: $5 gift cards available at the register

Your Elders are attending a Pastors Conference this Thursday-Saturday (Jan. 23-25) in Jacksonville. Their wives and some other Riverbend ladies are attending a corresponding women's conference there.

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Vacation Bible School is planned at Riverbend during July 13-18. Mark your calendar ... Details are forthcoming.

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Alpha Women's Center (Palm Coast) invites Riverbenders to Alpha's Medical Clinic Prayer & Dedication on Wednesday, Jan. 22. It begins at 9 a.m. at 4751 East Moody Blvd (#6B) in Bunnell.

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Bill & Carol Wilder are stepping away from the Bible studies they have been teaching at the Stewart Marchman Center on Tuesdays, 2:30-4:30 p.m. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Bill (click here ) or call 440-666-7089.

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Joy BFG luncheon is Tuesday, Jan. 21, in Fellowship Hall. It begins at 11:30 a.m.

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Hands of Grace luncheon is Tuesday, Jan. 28: 11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.

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Offering envelopes that have not been picked up are now available at the Welcome Center.