Bulletin, St. Paul - 7/19/26
Sunday Bulletin

Greg Rhodes • Lead Pastor, Head Elder (STP)
July 17, 2026

4 Minute Read

A next-gen Hmong church experiencing God together

SERVICE ORDER

OPENING: Candle Lighting / Opening Prayer (at tables)

WORSHIP: Kid’s Sing-Along Video: J-E-S-U-S!

DISMISSAL: Kids are dismissed. Youth stay in service.

MINI-SERMON: Tips for Understanding the Book of Revelation

  1. It’s centered around Jesus Christ.
  2. It uses lots of symbols and images.
  3. It uses numbers symbolically.
  4. It draws heavily on the Old Testament.
  5. Therefore, read it with humility.

TABLE DISCUSSION

Opener: What's something that completely confused you the first time you saw it, but made perfect sense once someone explained it?

1. Read Revelation 1:9–20 (The Vision of Jesus)

  • What stands out to you about John's description of Jesus?
  • Which images do you think are symbolic? What do they communicate about Jesus?
  • Why do you think Revelation begins with this vision of Jesus instead of the more famous visions later in the book?

2. Read Revelation 21:1–7, 22:1-5 (New Heaven & Earth)

  • What part of this vision gives you the most hope? Why
  • Which images do you think are symbolic, and what bigger reality do they point to?
  • If this is the future God is moving toward, how should it shape the way Christians live today?

3. Try It Yourself: As a table, create your own Jesus metaphor—a modern symbol that communicates who Jesus is today. Then complete the sentence: Jesus is like ________ because ________. Like last week, it can deep, spiritual, or light-hearted. Bonus points if you can make it poetic or fantastical like those in Revelation.

LIVE INTERPRETATION: Walk through Revelation 13 with Pastor Greg, using our 5 principles to understand the passage.

OFFERING: Scan the QR code in front of you to give online.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Summer’s a great time for your next step.

  • Last week to register for the Summer Retreat!
  • The winner of the Hmong Bricks prize package is…

BENEDICTION: Receive this blessing from God today.

LINGER LONGER AFTER SERVICE

Prayer is available after service in the corner Prayer Room.

Stick Around an Extra 10 Minutes – Learn something new about someone with one of these questions.

  • What was a regular summer activity for you growing up?
  • What is your ultimate go-to summer drink on a hot day?
  • What is a local, hidden-gem spot in the Twin Cities you think everyone should visit?

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NO SERVICE ON AUGUST 9
Because many of us will be at the Summer Retreat, there will be no service at church on Sunday, August 9. Enjoy the morning off, joining family at another church, or visiting a church you’ve always wanted to experience.

NEW AUGUST SERIES – AT THE MOVIES 🍿🎥
Starting August 2. It’s back, and now with real butter! Join us as we explore biblical themes this summer’s biggest movies.

  • 8/2 Disclosure Day 👽 📅
  • 8/9 Retreat 🌲 ⛺️ / No Service 🚫 ⛪️
  • 8/16 Toy Story 5 🧸 💭
  • 8/23 The Odessey 🚣 🐉
  • 8/30 The Sheep Detectives 🐑 🔍

(Is this just Pastor Greg’s excuse to make the church pay for
his movie tickets? Maybe, but we draw the line at buying him commemorative popcorn buckets!)

SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE IS COMING NEXT MONTH
Let’s get ready to bless the students at nearby Eastern Heights Elementary School. So, start looking for great deals on pencils, markers, notebooks, and more.

BOOK FAIR FUNDRAISER CONTINUES ONLINE
Through July 31. There's still time to support RiverLife! Scan the QR code to shop online, and 20% of every purchase goes back to the church.

MEMBERSHIP CLASS TODAY AT BP CAMPUS
Today, July 19, 1-3pm, BP Campus. Connect with other RiverLifers, participate in God’s mission in the church, and vote in family meetings. Scan the QR code for membership info.

BIG 3 BOOKMARKS ARE AVAILABLE
Read the Bible with RiverLife. Let it shape how you understand God, yourself, and the world. Jump in any time. Grab a one on your table.

FREE NEW TESTAMENT BIBLE
As we journey through the New Testament together, you'll find complimentary New Testaments on each table. Use one during the service, and if you'd like one for home, it's yours. Go ahead. We’ve got more arriving this week.

ONE-TIME HELP NEEDED

Occasionally we need an extra hand around the church. Talk to Pastor Greg if you have some time to help.

Yardwaste Dropoff – We have several bags of yard waste from the recent Work Day that need to be taken to the recycling site. Anytime this week.

Weeding – The plants around our church sign are thriving, but so are the weeds. Take an afternoon (when it’s cooler with better air quality) and help clean up the planter.

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Up Next
From this Collection: St. Paul Weekly Bulletins
July 19, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
Bulletin, St. Paul - 7/19/26
A next-gen Hmong church experiencing God together SERVICE ORDER OPENING: Candle Lighting / Opening Prayer (at tables) TABLE GAME: Cup-Tac-Toe (flip cups & mark the board) DISMISSAL: Kids are dismissed. Youth stay in service. TABLE DISCUSSION: How to Read the Bible for Yourself Opener: What's something you've become much better at noticing over the years? 1. Pick a passage. Read it aloud twice. Two different readers. Mark 2:1–12 – Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man Acts 16:11–15 – Lydia’s Conversion Philippians 2:1–11 – Imitating Christ’s Humility 2. Observation: What does it SAY? Who? What? Where? When? What words or ideas are repeated? Are there any contrasts or comparisons? 3. Interpretation: What does it MEAN? What is the main point? What did the original audience need to hear? What does this teach us about God, Jesus, or people? 4. Application: What should I DO? Is there an example to follow or avoid? Is there a command to obey or a promise to trust? What is one specific way I can live differently this week? OFFERING: Rather than approaching giving legalistically or haphazardly, here is a more biblical criteria: Is your financial giving regular, generous, and according to your ability? Regular = consistent, intentional, planned. Generous = an amount that matters to you, costs you something, and engages your heart. According to your ability = in proportion to what God has given you. ANNOUNCEMENTS BENEDICTION: Receive this blessing from God today. LINGER LONGER AFTER SERVICE Prayer is available after service in the corner Prayer Room. Challenge Someone to Cup Games in the Sanctuary Stack Attack: Build the tallest tower in 3 minutes. Speed Stacking: Race to build and collapse a 5-4-3-2-1 pyramid. Pass the Tower: Each person adds a cup to a tower using only one hand. Go until it falls. Previous player wins. Cup Memory: Hide small objects under cups, mix them around, and have players identify where each object is. ANNOUNCEMENTS NEW AUGUST SERIES – AT THE MOVIES 🍿🎥 Starting Next Week. It’s back, and now with real butter! Join us as we explore biblical themes this summer’s biggest movies. 8/2 Disclosure Day 👽 📅 8/9 Retreat 🌲 ⛺️ / No Service 🚫 ⛪️ 8/16 Toy Story 5 🧸 💭 8/23 The Odessey 🚣 🐉 8/30 The Sheep Detectives 🐑 🔍 (Our legal department asked us to mention that no movie studios were harmed in the making of this sermon series.) SUMMER RETREAT UPDATES Registration is now closed. Thanks to everyone who signed up. If you registered, we need you to sign a physical waiver. See Pastor Tommy by the camping display in the lobby. No service Aug 9. Many of us will be gone that Sunday. SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE IS COMING NEXT MONTH Let’s get ready to bless the students at nearby Eastern Heights Elementary School. So, start looking for great deals on pencils, markers, notebooks, and more. VOLUNTEER CUSTODIAN NEEDED A clean, welcoming church doesn’t happen by accident. It’s one of the quiet ways we care for every person who walks through our doors. We’re looking for 1–2 volunteers who can serve about 3 hours once or twice a month. Days and times are flexible, and responsibilities include cleaning, vacuuming, and restocking supplies. Interested? Talk to Pastor Greg (763-300-8739) or any RiverLife leader. Starting Aug 10. BIG 3 BOOKMARKS ARE AVAILABLE Read the Bible with RiverLife. Let it shape how you understand God, yourself, and the world. Jump in any time. Grab a one on your table. FREE NEW TESTAMENT BIBLE As we journey through the New Testament together, you'll find complimentary New Testaments on each table. Use one during the service, and if you'd like one for home, it's yours. Go ahead. We’ve got more arriving this week. ONE-TIME HELP NEEDED Occasionally we need an extra hand around the church. Talk to Pastor Greg if you have some time to help. Yardwaste Dropoff – We have several bags of yard waste from the recent Work Day that need to be taken to the recycling site. Anytime this week. Weeding – The plants around our church sign are thriving, but so are the weeds. Help beautify our property with a little TLC and a green thumb.

Greg Rhodes

Lead Pastor, Head Elder (STP)

Currently Reading
July 17, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
Bulletin, St. Paul - 7/19/26
A next-gen Hmong church experiencing God together SERVICE ORDER OPENING: Candle Lighting / Opening Prayer (at tables) WORSHIP: Kid’s Sing-Along Video: J-E-S-U-S! DISMISSAL: Kids are dismissed. Youth stay in service. MINI-SERMON: Tips for Understanding the Book of Revelation It’s centered around Jesus Christ. It uses lots of symbols and images. It uses numbers symbolically. It draws heavily on the Old Testament. Therefore, read it with humility. TABLE DISCUSSION Opener: What's something that completely confused you the first time you saw it, but made perfect sense once someone explained it? 1. Read Revelation 1:9–20 (The Vision of Jesus) What stands out to you about John's description of Jesus? Which images do you think are symbolic? What do they communicate about Jesus? Why do you think Revelation begins with this vision of Jesus instead of the more famous visions later in the book? 2. Read Revelation 21:1–7, 22:1-5 (New Heaven & Earth) What part of this vision gives you the most hope? Why Which images do you think are symbolic, and what bigger reality do they point to? If this is the future God is moving toward, how should it shape the way Christians live today? 3. Try It Yourself: As a table, create your own Jesus metaphor—a modern symbol that communicates who Jesus is today. Then complete the sentence: Jesus is like ________ because ________. Like last week, it can deep, spiritual, or light-hearted. Bonus points if you can make it poetic or fantastical like those in Revelation. LIVE INTERPRETATION: Walk through Revelation 13 with Pastor Greg, using our 5 principles to understand the passage. OFFERING: Scan the QR code in front of you to give online. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Summer’s a great time for your next step. Last week to register for the Summer Retreat! The winner of the Hmong Bricks prize package is… BENEDICTION: Receive this blessing from God today. LINGER LONGER AFTER SERVICE Prayer is available after service in the corner Prayer Room. Stick Around an Extra 10 Minutes – Learn something new about someone with one of these questions. What was a regular summer activity for you growing up? What is your ultimate go-to summer drink on a hot day? What is a local, hidden-gem spot in the Twin Cities you think everyone should visit? ANNOUNCEMENTS NO SERVICE ON AUGUST 9 Because many of us will be at the Summer Retreat, there will be no service at church on Sunday, August 9. Enjoy the morning off, joining family at another church, or visiting a church you’ve always wanted to experience. NEW AUGUST SERIES – AT THE MOVIES 🍿🎥 Starting August 2. It’s back, and now with real butter! Join us as we explore biblical themes this summer’s biggest movies. 8/2 Disclosure Day 👽 📅 8/9 Retreat 🌲 ⛺️ / No Service 🚫 ⛪️ 8/16 Toy Story 5 🧸 💭 8/23 The Odessey 🚣 🐉 8/30 The Sheep Detectives 🐑 🔍 (Is this just Pastor Greg’s excuse to make the church pay for his movie tickets? Maybe, but we draw the line at buying him commemorative popcorn buckets!) SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE IS COMING NEXT MONTH Let’s get ready to bless the students at nearby Eastern Heights Elementary School. So, start looking for great deals on pencils, markers, notebooks, and more. BOOK FAIR FUNDRAISER CONTINUES ONLINE Through July 31. There's still time to support RiverLife! Scan the QR code to shop online, and 20% of every purchase goes back to the church. MEMBERSHIP CLASS TODAY AT BP CAMPUS Today, July 19, 1-3pm, BP Campus. Connect with other RiverLifers, participate in God’s mission in the church, and vote in family meetings. Scan the QR code for membership info. BIG 3 BOOKMARKS ARE AVAILABLE Read the Bible with RiverLife. Let it shape how you understand God, yourself, and the world. Jump in any time. Grab a one on your table. FREE NEW TESTAMENT BIBLE As we journey through the New Testament together, you'll find complimentary New Testaments on each table. Use one during the service, and if you'd like one for home, it's yours. Go ahead. We’ve got more arriving this week. ONE-TIME HELP NEEDED Occasionally we need an extra hand around the church. Talk to Pastor Greg if you have some time to help. Yardwaste Dropoff – We have several bags of yard waste from the recent Work Day that need to be taken to the recycling site. Anytime this week. Weeding – The plants around our church sign are thriving, but so are the weeds. Take an afternoon (when it’s cooler with better air quality) and help clean up the planter.

Greg Rhodes

Lead Pastor, Head Elder (STP)

July 10, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
Bulletin, St. Paul - 7/12/26
A next-gen Hmong church experiencing God together SERVICE ORDER OPENING: Candle Lighting / Opening Prayer (at tables) WORSHIP: Kid’s Sing-Along Video DISMISSAL: Kids are dismissed. Youth stay in service. SERIES SUMMARY: How to Read the New Testament Read the whole New Testament as one story. Read the Gospels as an invitation to follow Jesus. Read Acts as the Spirit empowering the church. Read Paul's letters as conversations with churches. Read the Pastoral Epistles as letters to God's household. Read Hebrews as encouragement to persevere in Jesus. VIDEO: Book of Hebrews (Bible Project) DISCUSSION: The main theme of Hebrews is Jesus is Better. The book lists describes that he’s better than: angels, Moses, Joshua, priests, sacrifices, the old covenant, and more. Opener: What's something you thought was great until you experienced something even better? Option 1: Read Hebrews 4:14-16 (shorter passage) How is Jesus a better High Priest than any human priest? Why do you think the author tells us to "approach God's throne with confidence"? Option 2: Read Hebrews 1:1 – 2:4 (longer passage) In what ways is Jesus better than the angels? Because Jesus is so great, what warning or encouragement does the author give? Try It Yourself: As a table, create your own "Jesus is better" comparison in the spirit of Hebrews. It can be deep, spiritual, or light-hearted. Think of something in life that is genuinely good. Name three ways Jesus is even better. Finish with an encouragement, invitation, or warning based. SCRIPTURE READING: Hebrews 11 & 12:1-3 Hebrews 11 is known as the “Hall of Faith.” It tells stories of men and women who lived by faith, trusting God in extraordinary ways. Hebrews 12:1-3 is considered the climax of the whole book. MISSIONS MOMENT: Meet Jeremy & Ruth Weber, partners with Envision Twin Cities (and Rick & Kirsten Wallace). Learn about their ministry and you can love your neighbors. Yes, Jeremy looks like someone told ChatGPT: "Generate Jack Black as Santa Claus." OFFERING: Scan the QR code in front of you to give online. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Summer’s a great time for your next step. Register for the Summer Retreat! New 18+ Tabletop Games Group today 2-5pm at church New Guy’s Cooking Group next Sat 6-8pm at church BENEDICTION: Be blessed from God today. LINGER LONGER AFTER SERVICE Prayer is available after service in the corner Prayer Room. Popsicles! Beat the summer heat with a popsicle in the lobby. ANNOUNCEMENTS 18+ TABLETOP GAMING GROUP TODAY, July 21, 2-5pm, at church. Come back to church for an afternoon of advanced strategy games, friendly competition, and great conversation. GUY’S COOKING GROUP Next Saturday, July 18, 6-8pm, at church. Learn to make (or just eat) Pastor Greg’s famous papaya salad. Enjoy an evening with the guys crushing it in the kitchen. Contact: Pastor/Chef Greg (763-300-8739) MEMBERSHIP CLASS NEXT WEEK Next Sunday, July 19, 1-3pm, BP Campus. Connect with other RiverLifers, participate in God’s mission in the church, and vote in family meetings. Scan the QR code for membership info. BOOK FAIR FUNDRAISER CONTINUES ONLINE Through July 31. There's still time to support RiverLife! Scan the QR code to shop online, and 20% of every purchase goes back to the church. FREE NEW TESTAMENT BIBLE As we journey through the New Testament together, you'll find complimentary New Testaments on each table. Use one during the service, and if you'd like one for home, it's yours. Go ahead. We’ve got more arriving this week. BIG 3 BOOKMARKS ARE AVAILABLE Read the Bible with RiverLife. Let it shape how you understand God, yourself, and the world. Jump in any time. Grab a one on your table. INVITE SOMEONE TO CHURCH WITH YOU In a world of screens and algorithms, people are longing for real, in-person experiences. Grab a “Sit with Me” card in the lobby and invite a family member or friend to experience what this summer at RiverLife is all about—life together. CHECK OUT THE “WAYS WE GROW” FLYER Are you looking for ways to grow in your faith or get more involved in the church? Learn about “The Big 3,” Life Group bible studies, and the bi-weekly Prayer Group. CHRISTIAN BOOK DRIVE FOR OVERSEAS SCHOOL Through July 31. Asia Bible Seminary in Thailand wants to add 16,000 books to its library. Zer & Elle Khang (BP campus) are partnering with Pang Foua’s missionary brother Stuvy to collect new or used books on the following topics. Donate at the Connection Center in the lobby.

Greg Rhodes

Lead Pastor, Head Elder (STP)