Posts by Mark Lautenschlager (Page 11)

Hey Church! During last Sunday’s sermon, we thought about the nature of the “look” that Jesus gave Peter in the moment of his denials. We wondered, when Jesus sees you in your hour of failure and need, what His countenance communicates about His heart toward you. Despite what the Accuser might tempt you to believe, God is not some sort of cosmic taxman,…

Hey Church! In our study of Peter’s infamous denials this week, I could not decide how to characterize this most fervent disciple whose boldness often got him in trouble and yet was loved by Jesus and always restored to Him after every fall.  Peter is one of the inner-circle three (with James and John) who were beloved by Jesus and fiercely loyal to His mission. On…

Hey Church! We have a new song to sing this weekend! It’s called “Amen (Simple Gospel)” by Kari Jobe and I think you’re going to love it! In order to get the most out of it, I thought a short study of the word “amen” would be helpful.  The meaning of the Hebrew word, אָמֵן֙ (Pronounced ah-mayn), carries a sense of truth, certainty, and…

Hey Church! When you enter the worship center this weekend, things will look quite different than they did just last Sunday. Through the generosity of one of the families in our church, we have been able to install new projection and lighting systems, which we hope will further enhance our ability to communicate the gospel with beauty and clarity. Please watch this short…

This week’s Friday Prepare for Worship thoughts are written by Mark Lautenschlager, Director of Communications and one of Rio’s elders. If you’re anything like me…then you’re old and well, I’m sorry. We understand how each other’s joints feel, am I right? But in addition to that, we are used to church music that was written for another time and a different audience.…