Sermons from the River City Community Church Chicago located in West Humboldt Park

Jazzy Johnson is a community educator, womanist play facilitator, and organizer specializing in curating and facilitating transformative liturgical and religious education experiences of learning at the intersections of Christian faith, identity, justice, and repair. She graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Sociology Minor and Emory University Candler School of Theology with her Master of Divinity degree, certificate in Religious Education and concentration in Justice, Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation. Jazzy facilitates and researches B/bibliodrama, a text-based method of play-filled critical interpretation and embodied, collective storytelling. Jazzy is currently a Ph.D. student at Emory University in the Graduate Division of Religion. Her research interests live within the interconnections between pedagogy, performance, play(ing), protest and poetics in Liturgical theology, Religious Education, and pastoral care.

We are sooooo excited ti be blessed for 22 years serving our church community! We moved into our church home 3709 W Grand Ave 60651 on this date September 14th. 11 years ago!

Dr. Valerie Ranee Landfair is the Founder and Executive Director of Firstfruit Ministry, Inc. of Evanston, Illinois. She has 17 years of management experience from a Fortune 500 company (Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management, Illinois State University, 1986).In 2009, Valerie completed her Masters of Divinity at North Park Theological Seminary. Her Ph.D. in Theology at Regent University in Virginia was completed in December 2017.She has taught at McCormick theological Seminary, North Park Theological Seminary, North Park University, Trinity Christian College, and Saint Xavier University teaching: Leadership and Church Growth, Leadership in Urban Ministry, Religion, Forming Disciples: Lament, Repentance, and Hope in Congregations, and Introduction to Bible.

Brandi Sanders serves as the Global Personnel Specialist for the Evangelical Covenant Church, supporting missionaries around the world. A lifelong worship leader and singer, she currently leads worship at LaSalle Street Church in Chicago while also serving alongside her husband, Pastor X, at New Community Covenant Church. They have 3 daughters who keep life entertaining and a little crazy. With a heart for ministry and a deep love for the local and global church, Brandi seeks to encourage others to grow in faith and live out God’s call in their lives.

Speaker | Valeri Chow Tao | "Serving with Jesus"Valeri is a 3rd generation Chinese American, born in Washington DC. She has called Chicago home for almost 20 years and has lived and worked on every side of the city. Valeri is committed to bear witness to the good news that God has and is making all things new. In addition to her pastoral work, she works in operations at a national nonprofit. Valeri and Mark have two children, who continue to humble and teach them how to be fully alive.

Speaker | Pastor Mark Tao | Series Forward | "God the Provider"

Speaker | Kevin Swanson | New Community Covenant ChurchHe currently serves as the Associate Pastor of Congregational Care. Kevin has served in pastoral ministry for 13 years following 28 years of ministry in foreign missions. He and his wife Linda have been married for 47 years. Kevin’s twin focuses at New Community are strengthening marriages and equipping the church for financial stewardship.

Tiana Coleman is the Associate Pastor at Missio Dei in Uptown, Chicago. She is a recent graduate of North Park Theological Seminary, graduating with a degree in Restorative Justice Ministries. Tiana and her husband Dave are parents to two wonderful teenagers. Baking is her love language. Tiana is also deeply committed to justice, reconciliation, and the flourishing of all human beings.

Forward series | Home is where God isWe had a great opportunity to hear from our RCity CDC family about how they are experiencing God in West Humboldt Park. Executive Director, Charnesha Collier and RCity staff, Lance Harris and Kayla Ingram will be with us for a special panel conversation. We will have a chance to hear more about the history of RCity and opportunities for continued engagement and partnership.

New series Forward | Genesis 3:8-9

Romans | Romanos 10: 1

Grounded Series Conclusion | "Diamonds are forever"

Sharing Jesus in a world online

Dean and Vice President of Church Relations | North Park Theological SeminaryPhilippians 1:27–2:11

Luke | Lucas 1: 26-38

Genesis 37-50 (the life of JosephKerwin A. Rodriguez was born in New York City to Dominican immigrants. He is passionate about preaching and teaching others to preach. He has taught preaching, spiritual formation, and leadership courses in academic and non-academic settings for almost fifteen years. Kerwin received his Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and is a PhD in Preaching Candidate at Baylor University’s Truett Seminary with a focus on the Latino/a homiletical tradition. His dissertation considers how the preacher as storyteller can reframe the collective identity of Dominican people after the Trujillo Dictatorship. Prior to joining the TEDS faculty, Kerwin served as Assistant Professor of Preaching and Church Ministries at the Moody Bible Institute. He and his wife, Meredith live in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood with their three sons, Ezra Joél, Elías Rowe, and Esaí Kerwi

Text: Jonah 4: 6-11

Title: "Where the Water is Sweeter"Text: Jeremiah 29: 4-14

We kicked off a new series Grounded with Pastor Emanuel Padilla beginning part one."Recovering devastated hope" - Psalm 119:33-40 Rev Ricky is president of World Outspoken, a ministry preparing the mestizo church for cultural change. He is committed to serving bi-cultural Christians facing questions of identity, culture, and theology. He also serves at The Brook, a church on the northwest side of Chicago, along with his wife Kelly.

Rev Richard Wilson of New Community Covenant Church Bronzeville speaks to us form John 20::19-31

Reflections by High school crew, Olivia Taylor | Zay Pitchford | Moderatior, High school Coordinator Jennifer Glasse | Homily message by Pastor Mark

Pastor Kevin Swanson | New Community Covenant ChurchHe currently serves as the Associate Pastor of Congregational Care. Kevin has served in pastoral ministry for 13 years following 28 years of ministry in foreign missions. He and his wife Linda have been married for 47 years. Kevin’s twin focuses at New Community are strengthening marriages and equipping the church for financial stewardship.

Pastor Richard Wilson is a husband, father, writer, and ministry leader in Chicago. He writes devotionals and essays for his local church, New Community Covenant, exploring topics such as faith, hope, and grief. Richard holds a Master’s of Arts in Ministry Leadership from Moody Theological Seminary.Richard Wilson is a husband, father, writer, and ministry leader in Chicago. He writes devotionals and essays for his local church, New Community Covenant, exploring topics such as faith, hope, and grief. Richard holds a Master’s of Arts in Ministry Leadership from Moody Theological Seminary.

Michael Miller, affectionately known as Pastor Mike, leads at Next Ministries church with a dynamic vision, blending time-honored faith with cutting-edge digital ministry. With 30 years of experience serving in diverse church settings, including the Church of God (Anderson, IN), the Evangelical Covenant Church, and the Presbyterian Church, Pastor Mike brings a rich understanding of faith and community to his leadership. He and his wife, Jalaimya, have been married for 29 years, and their shared life experiences inform his compassionate approach to ministry.

Andrew serves as Pastoral Resident at New Community Covenant Church (Bronzeville) in Chicago, IL. In his ministry role, he leads the Young Adults Ministry, serves with the Youth Group, and occasionally preaches and teaches. He is in his final year of a Master of Divinity at North Park Theological Seminary. Andrew lives with his wife, Favor, in the Albany Park neighborhood.

Matthew 4:1-11

last sermon of our 6 part series, “Bearing Witness: Testifying to life in a new year!1 Corinthians 12:12-20,24b-26

“Bearing Witness: Testifying to life in a new year!”Sermon title is “The Man without Fear?’ John 21: 15 -19

We are grateful to jump back into our series with Rev Mark Tao and Rev Val Tao, “Bearing Witness: Testifying To Life In A New Year!” The sermon title is “Won’t you be my neighbor?’ Luke 10: 25-37.

Pastor Dennis is active in leadership, programming, and in prayer and worship ministries. He is an advocate for racial righteousness and has led numerous anti-racism training and initiatives. He is passionate about helping people of all ages who have experienced trauma and oppression to recognize and reach their potential in Christ. He currently serves as LCHC’s Behavioral Health Director. His professional career has represented a balance of research, programming, and direct services. His research experience came from investigating military family and team dynamics for the U.S. Army Research Institute. Program management experience came from developing and evaluating mental health services for ethnic minorities for the American Psychological Association. Direct services experience came as a therapist to homeless men and to incarcerated youth.

Scripture Readings:Psalms 137 Psalms 30 Psalms 88

Title: "Keep Calm and Carry On"Text: Matthew 6: 25-34Theme: Calm, Non-AnxiousSummary: We bear witness to God's faithfulness by being calm/ non-anxious. By limiting our worry, getting back to the value of things, and leaning into God's care we make present God's goodness in an often anxious world.

Series: "Bearing Witness: Testifying to Life in a New Year"Title: "Oh the Places You'll Go!"Text: Ecclesiastes 4:4-12Summary: We are invited to bear witness by nurturing our connections to one another. In a world of often profound disconnection we can embrace the possibilities of love that come in connection and give our flowers to those who have loved on us.

We kick off a new six part series titled, Bearing Witness:Testifying to life in a new year.! This series will be led by & Rev Val Tao & Rev Mark Tao! Throughout the six weeks of this series, we would hear highlights of six different aspects of witness that help us to testify the life of God that is available to us so we can live with purpose and joy. Bearing witness is about a kind of revelation in community which helps us to (in the words of M Shawn Copeland), "make present what has been absent". In this new year, what are some commitments we want to make present- to give proactive attention so that God can be given the glory in and through us, and so that we can participate in that divine life."Witnesses to the Reign of God: Now and To Come", Acts 1:1-11

Interim Teaching Pastor Benjamin Crook

Interim Teaching Pastor Benjamin Crook

Krista Dutt spends her working hours with churches and non-profits working to build peacemaking skills and practice through her work at Mennonite Central Committee and First Church of the Brethren. She also is a chaplain at Illinois Masonic Hospital. She has a couple of ministry degrees from great educational places, trained with some incredible conflict transformation experts, wrote a book and several curriculums, but is on such a steep learning curve to understand and practice abolitionist and restorative justice principles and ideals she feels like she is just beginning her education. Krista has been a member of River City for about 10 years, lives in West Humboldt Park with her husband, Jim, and son, Ben.

We are continuing our series titled, 3 Pillars! River City's starting point, we sought to name the passions and aspirations that flow from the presence of God and His transformational love and power, which became the values of River City. This led us to the three pillars, that guide our steps at River City: Worship, Reconciliation, and Neighborhood Development. Our speaker for the Neighborhood Development Pillar, is a long time friend. brother, mentor and pastor, Dr. Wayne "Coach" Gordon . Wayne Gordon is a graduate of Wheaton College and Northern Baptist Theological Seminary. He received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary.In 1975 Wayne moved to North Lawndale located on Chicago’s Westside. At that time, North Lawndale was the 15th poorest neighborhood in the U.S. He was a teacher and coach at Farragut High School, also located in North Lawndale. Wayne and his wife Anne have raised their three adult children: Angela, a graduate of Taylor University, Married to Nate George, lives in Chicago and is a school teacher; Andrew a graduate of Baylor University and a trader with the Chicago Board of Trade, married to Stacy, and Austin graduate of Azusa Pacific University, living and working in New York City. Wayne and Anne, along with some local high school students, founded the Lawndale Community Church. Today, LCC has over 1000 worshiping families and Wayne continues as Pastor Emeritus.

Sermon: Part 1 "Worship Pillar" by Rev Von Matthews is a retired Senior Vice President and Global Head of Fraud Risk for The Northern Trust Company and was appointed as a member and Vice-Chairman of the Cook County Board of Ethics for 2 terms. He has also served on the boards of TLN, Breakthrough Urban Ministries, and Sheltered 91. He received his B.S. in Law Enforcement Administration from Western Illinois University, and his MBA from St. Xavier University. He was ordained into ministry in 1995, and attended Trinity Evangelical Divinity School with a focus in the Urban Ministries program. Von Is currently a member and Community Care Elder at Faith Church in Munster Indiana. He is a part of the teaching team at Faith, and a facilitator for the “Men of Faith” bible study group. He also is actively involved in music ministry at the church, as well as with his praise and worship team ministry, “Proclaim.” Rev Von has been married to his wife Vilma for 41 years and they have 4 children and 10 grandchildren.

Interim Teaching Pastor Benjamin Crook

Interim Teahing Pastor | Benjamin Crook | October 20, 2024

Reverend Jyrekis B. Collins is a proud graduate from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, having earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion. Rev. Collins has an earned Master of Divinity Degree from the prestigiousYale University Divinity School in New Haven, Connecticut. At Yale, he served as the Yale Black Seminarians Historian, Vice-President and President- helping the organization to flourish in a pandemic. At Yale, Rev. Collins worked as a religious consultant, helping The Community Baptist Church of New Haven, re-imagine church post-pandemic. Rev. Collins was reared, licensed and ordained in the Gospel Ministry at The Miracle House Church International, located in Bogart. Rev Collins currently serves as a consultant for churches and academic institutions, he’s a professor at Yale divinity school and he is most importantly, a child of God. He will be preaching from Ezekiel 37:1-12

Interim Teaching Pastor Benjamin Crook

Youth Sunday Benjamin Crook featuring: Olivia Taylor & Xazavier Pitchford

Interim Teaching Pastor

Pastor Jonathan Hancock who currently serves at First Presbyterian Church of Glen Ellyn, IL will be bringing the message . Pastor Hancock loves seeing people flourish in the gifts God has given them, using those gifts to serve and engage with others. Prior to joining the First Presbyterian team in 2014, Pastor Hancock has been an Associate Pastor and Executive Director of the LaSalle Senior Center, both at LaSalle Street Church in Chicago and most recently was the Executive Director of Emmaus Ministries, a long-time mission partner of First Presbyterian Church. He and his wife Beverly live in Chicago and have two daughters, Abigail, Elizabeth, son in law Marty and grandson Franklin.

EditPastor Mark TaoSpeaker Mark Tao | RC3 Celebrating 21 years of Ministry| September 8, 2024

Speaker Benjamin Crook | series Both/And | September 1, 2024

Speaker Meztli Doles | series Both/And | August 25, 2024

Interim Teaching Pastor Benjamin Crook