I knew a long time ago that connecting in my community would always be an important value in my life. Living in authentic community is a core value I cherish and move towards. So when I moved to Bastrop in 2023, I was immediately searching for that significant faith community that I could begin to get established in. By my 3^rd visit, I had met a few people and learned more about River Valley Church. I was eager to get involved! I knew this was where I wanted to be planted-the Biblical teaching was sound and I could see the potential for relationships.

I have been taught all my life to see and grow relationships wherever I was. The Staff here at River Valley were very helpful in shining the light down a pathway to show me opportunities to serve. We shared a similar vision for connecting and serving. In my serving as a greeter, I began to see some of the same people and recognize them week after week. I then learned their names and began having conversations with them. So friendships began. I am a newlywed and as my husband moved here from Michigan, he very quickly began serving with me. People were very open to his friendly nature, even if he couldn’t remember their names. We found it only took a little bit of extra time on Sunday mornings to serve as greeters and the rewards FAR outweighed the costs. RV has so many amazing people with servant hearts to minister to others each Sunday. In a culture that is quick to cancel others, we can be a beacon of unexpected kindness and compassion (Matt. 7:12)

We joined a community group and took a deeper dive into relationships, as we’d share our thoughts weekly with this amazing group of fellow sojourners who pray for us and encourage us, as we discuss the sermon weekly.  

We still serve on most Sunday mornings, in one way or another….some days our roles are to just be the donut eaters!! We have now also stepped into leading a group of discipleship weekly. Getting involved with yet more folks and enjoying rich, deep fellowship and discussion.

Cody has been teaching on the Armor of God. I often need authentic community to ask me those hard questions about my armor and the flaming arrows of our enemy-temptation, accusation, and deception. Living in community readily provides just this sort of relationship. Your new best friend is just waiting to meet you!!! And it all started with asking “HOW CAN WE SERVE HERE at River Valley?” Won’t you join us! Your next adventure awaits!!!