High Flyers by Frank Castle
![]() Of all the high flyers at the Cal Baptist vs Southern Arkansas basketball game, none soared higher than RCA’s own Ciera Wilson.
As a member of the CBU cheer team, “CiCi” was the top of the pyramid. With tremendous courage and a bright smile she inspired the crowd. Out of all the ambitions to travel the world, or to be on tv that filled the court, I bet CiCi has outdone them all. She has been a lifelong gymnast and was a member of the USA Jr Olympic team. She was also featured on the Ellen De Generous show. She is such an incredible talent and such an incredible spirit.
Cici is one of the humblest and most genuine people you will ever meet. Her faithfulness to RCA cannot be overstated, and her consistent outpouring into our youth is remarkable. Her, Nathan, Bethany and Elias have done an absolutely masterful job mentoring and leading our youth.
It was encouraging seeing her in her element. The Cal Baptist Lancers needed her inspiration as they rallied to tie the game and win in overtime. It was the momentum of the crowd that took them over the top.
We had such a wonderful time cheering her and the team on, we want to go back. Thursday, January 2nd and Thursday February 6th RCA plans to go catch some CBU home games. You’re all invited.
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Great Things on the Way
![]() Dec 1 – Church Potluck – bring a dish to share!
Dec 8 – Ladies’ Craft to Your Heart’s Content
![]() Dec 20 – White Elephant Christmas Party Potluck
Dec 24 – Christmas Eve Service
Jan 2 – CBU Lancers Basketball Game
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Daltron the Bard by Rev. Drew Brattrud
At the biggest church in Riverside, under the lights, with all eyes upon him, stood one man, his guitar and a mic.
“It was absolutely moving,” commented one man.
“That was the voice of a professional,” added another as he whipped the tears from his cheek. “No, that was the voice of an angel,” argued another.
Dalton Baird had just played, and led, several worship songs at his Grandpa Gary’s memorial service. It was a powerful tribute.
The singer, songwriter, worship leader has come a long way in a short time. Less than two years ago, he and Rev. Drew led a Saturday night worship service. Yes, you read that correctly, Rev. Drew. Loud, but always out of tune. Well-intentioned, but not well sounding Rev. Drew.
At the time Dalton had not played and sang, but it was almost time for service. Rev. Drew said; “if it’s not you, it’s you and me.” They practiced for about 15 minutes and then it was time for service. That opening song sounded so, so, so bad to every human ear in the room as well as those within earshot. But then something magical happened: No. Something of God happened. With a new boldness and a strong voice, Dalton elevated his singing beyond Rev. Drew. By the time they reached the second song, the tone-deaf pastor turned off his mic. Dalton has never looked back, and has been improving ever since. We are so thankful him and for his wonderful gifts. We are so blessed to have him up on stage every weekend.
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Appcast by C. S. Anderson
The Riverside Christian Assembly app is loaded with good stuff. My favorites are the Appcasts, by yours truly and Pastor Drew.
The four topics we have developed are: “Christian Answers to Darwin's Deceptions”, “What Every Christian Should Know about Christianity”, “Apologetics”, and our latest series is titled “What Every Christian Should Know about World Religions, Major Cults, Ideologies, AND… ISMS.” The emphasis you see here is kind of a running joke between me and Pastor Drew that will become apparent as you give us a listen.
If you haven’t checked out the RCA App yet, I encourage you to download it from your phone’s app store. In there, you will find all kinds of sermons, an audio bible, the church’s calendar of events, prayer requests and much more.
So, check out the app and give yourself a little "food for the mind." Your faith will be strengthened as well.
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Dodgeball is Back by Paul Yetti
“Zizzz” was the sound of a playground ball whizzing by someone’s head. “Nice throw!”
“Good one!”
“Aww, did it really hit me??”
These chaotic sounds, and more filled the RCA parking lot last Wednesday night.Jerry from Los Gators was the MVP of the day. He led his team to 4 straight wins while amassing the most catches.
Before the title match, he was the winner of the “Last Man Standing” event. With over a dozen hits, Jr led the day in throwing outs and took the coveted “Head Hunter” award with 3 noggins rocked.
The light rain and puddles only added to the fun. The teams will reconvene next Wednesday at 5:30pm and you are invited!
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Meet Jr. Raynard by Jesus Fontez
Like my brother, I found RCA through the Garcia family! They came to my house and invited us to come with them. They said church had food, and they had games we could play. I kept going because of the food and that’s when I heard about Youth Camp. When I went to camp I didn’t really take it seriously for the first couple of days. Then I told myself I would try to take it seriously to see what would happen. It was at that time that I felt something. So I went to the altar. Then the people next to me started praying and camp I didn’t really take it seriously for the first couple of days. Then I told myself I would try to take it seriously to see what would happen. It was at that time that I felt something. So I went to the altar. Then the people next to me started praying and I started
praying with them. I then started to feel this wave of emotion that made me eat up inside to the point that I started crying. After that, I started to pay attention to the messages and listened to the youth leader.
I like RCA because of the people. They are nice, generous, athletic and fun to be around.
“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12. That is my favorite and one to live by.
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