River City Vineyard - Teachings

Invited into Relationship with the Trinity- Steve Smith

Becoming Pure in Heart comes through relationship with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Our Values: "God blesses the pure in heart" : Scott Tjernagel

We are identifying the values of our community. We have found them in the Beatitudes. 

"God blesses the merciful"- Scott Tjernagel

All of us are in need of mercy. May we who follow Christ Jesus learn to receive mercy and to give mercy away with no strings attached.

We Deeply Desire to Live Upright Lives-Scott Tjernagel

Lessons from History- Scott Tjernagel

We find ourselves disoriented by political and ecclesiastical crisis over the past ten to twenty years. Gratefully, we can begin to reorient ourselves from lessons learned in the past by those in the Fourth Century who faced similar circumstances.

Values at the Center-Meekness- Scott Tjernagel

Meekness is strength in facing the difficulties of this present age. 

Center Set Ministry and the Values at the Middle-Scott Tjernagel

A special conversation with Bert and Evelyn Waggoner concerning the a center set approach to ministry, values, and much more.

Death is Defeated- Easter 2024- Scott Tjernagel

Does death have a sting?

Palm Sunday: Our Humble King- Molly Smith

Palm Sunday is the beginning of Passion Week.  What a great opportunity to focus on the humility and self-sacrificing love of Jesus which triumphs over all principalities, powers, and empires.

Our Values at the Middle: Mourning Human Suffering- Scott Tjernagel

We live in the Between Times. We still experience the suffering of this present age, "an aeon of suffering," and at the same time "taste the powers of the age to come." We refuse to ignore the reality of human suffering or dismiss that suffering by heartless theologies. We are "those who mourn."

Our Values at the Middle: Humility- Scott Tjernagel

We practice a center-set approach to ministry. We are discerning the values toward which our community is drawn in this season. 

The Journey Toward a Prophetic Witness- Scott Tjernagel

Are we lawyers or prophets? Will we retreat into religious legalism or serve as the prophetic conscience of our culture? Which way does Jesus lead us?

The Journey of Lent- Otto Gallaher

What is the meaning of Lent? What are we to do?

The Authority of the Values at the Center- Scott Tjernagel

In a center set approach to ministry, the authority is found in the values at the center toward which all in the community are encouraged to move toward. Along with prioritizing relationship over rules, the values at the center hold things together in a center-set community.

Union with the Divine

How do we live in the moment united with God?

To Change Our World-Otto Gallaher

Merry Christmas. Our world is in desperate need of change. What can we who follow Jesus do to help?

Blessed are the Peacemakers- Scott Tjernagel

Part of the salt and the light we are to share with the world is Peacemaking. In light of the outbreak of hostility in the Middle East, we want to encourage others to come along with our community in the pursuit of reconciliation and a just peace between Palestine and Israel.

"Freedom or Love" Jersak, Chapter 3- Scott Tjernagel

Our Journey through A More Christlike God by Bradley Jersak

"UnChristlike Images of God" Jersak, Chapter 2- Scott Tjernagel

Journey through A More Christlike God by Bradley Jersak

“What is God Like?” Jersak, Chapter 1- Scott Tjernagel

Our community has been on an adventure of reading A More Christlike God  by Bradley Jersak. We have been covering one chapter a week. Each week’s conversation is directed by one of our teaching leaders followed by comments and questions by our in-person and on-line community. Our purpose for this journey with Bradley has been to make sure we are telling the best story of the Good News of Jesus. We have noticed that too often we leave the basic story line of the Bible and begin to add partic...

Learning to Love without Passing Judgement-Steve Smith

Love God. Love others in the same ways you love yourself. Even love your enemies. Since God is love. Love is the main word and action of the faith of those who follow Jesus. Better to spend time loving rather than judging!

Caring for the Vulnerable-Dianne Garcia

As a community we have an opportunity to serve an asylum seeker. The truth is we have the heart to help, but we do not know how to do this. Pastor Dianne is further ahead of us on this journey and has wonderful encouragement for us and for anyone else who has the heart for a compassionate response to those seeking asylum.

Self-denial for the Sake of the Gospel- Scott Tjernagel

Self-denial in the Gospel is not meant to be an end in itself.  What does self-denial for the sake of following Jesus look like?

A Community Rhythm of Prayer- Scott Tjernagel

We are preparing for Lent. This morning we are suggesting a Community Rhythm of Prayer for the Lenten Season. All are welcome to join in prayer with us. Let us know if you do by writing [email protected].

Epiphany of Emmanuel- Steve Smith

Epiphany of Peace & Justice-Marianne Smith

Epiphany Sunday- Scott Tjernagel

Advent Peace- Otto Gallaher

How do we live the peace of Christ internally and externally? Here are a few ideas.

Advent Hope- Scott Tjernagel

Without darkness we cannot recognize light. In a similar way we cannot know  hope without experiencing hopelessness. We will step into the pit of despair this morning so that we may experience the hope of Messiah

A Rule Of Life- Scott Tjernagel

Serving the Poor- Scott Tjernagel

We want to continue the ministry of Jesus by serving the poor. We, also, have a wonderful heritage in the Vineyard of service to the poor. As we move toward owning a home close to a neighborhood of obvious need, let’s ask the Holy Spirit to empower us for service to others.

Jesus is Lord-Steve Smith

What do we mean when we say, “Jesus is Lord”? What does Jesus have in mind when we use the title, “Lord”? Enjoy the listen.

Life Out of the Tomb- Scott, Steve, Otto

After a season of discernment, we have a future idea of moving closer to our neighbors and serving with the love and care of Jesus. 

What Does Jesus' Death Reveal About His Life?- Scott Tjernagel

A dead person raised from death to life is spectacular. Nothing compares to the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. However, there is so much happening in the cross and the resurrection worthy of taking note. Give a listen. Hope you are encouraged. 

The Courageous Entry- Scott Tjernagel

May I have permission to rename the Triumphal Entry? This Palm Sunday I suggest the Courageous Entry. I think I have good reason to do that. Please listen and share what you think. 

Reorientation to Truth- Otto Gallaher

When disoriented remember who God has shown himself to be, and move forward trusting in him. 

Reorientation to Good News-Scott Tjernagel

Jesus brought Good News to our world. We must never allow this Good News to be coopted for any purpose other than the purpose of his kingdom.

Reorientation to God's Love-Steve Smith

God is love. His message is love. His method is love. He sent Jesus because he loves all of humanity. He saves us and forgives us because he loves us. May we respond to him in love.

A Change of Direction- Scott Tjernagel

Is it time for our community to move from disorientation toward reorientation?

Expectation for 2022- Scott Tjernagel

Our Epiphany Sunday with a look toward 2022.

A Christmas Confession- Scott Tjernagel

The season  of Advent helped me change my perspective. It is Christmas. What an incredible day to remember what God has done for all human beings.

Messiah Brings Love- Steve Smith

Messiah brings love to our world.

Messiah Brings Joy-Scott Tjernagel

Joy comes from the process of facing trials with patience. We have certainly had a couple of years of trials. May our patience increase so that we may rejoice. 

Messiah Brings Peace-Scott Tjernagel

Messiah brings peace not just to the individual, but to our world.

Messiah Brings Hope- Nathanael Smith

First Sunday of Advent

Care for the Powerless- Scott Tjernagel

When the kingdoms of this world seem to thwart the arrival of the Kingdom of God, what did Jesus do? What can we do? It is really hard to live in the “not yet” of the Kingdom of God.

Prayer & Peace- Steve Smith

How do we pray? Here is a suggestion.

The Way On-Vineyard USA- Scott Tjernagel

This is our way on for the coming season. 

The Credibility of the Gospels- Otto Gallaher

How credible are the gospels of the New Testament? Important question to answer for anyone wanting to follow Jesus.

Reliability of the Gospels- Otto Gallh

How reliable are the gospels? Can we trust their witness?  Check it out.