Welcome To Rice Christian Fellowship Church
Find hope, purpose, and community at Rice Christian Fellowship Church. Transforming lives through FAITH.
Affiliate of EFCA
WELCOME!
Join us for Sunday Service
We welcome you to our Sunday service, where we come together to worship
FELLOWSHIP TIME: 10am enjoy a cup of coffee and visit with others
MORNING WORSHIP: 10:30am
CHILDRENS CHURCH: Please feel free to utilize our childrens church
"Our Freedom in Christ"
By: Dave Johnson, Head Elder
VIDEO SERMON BELOW
DATE: Sunday October 12th,2025
VERSE(s)OF THE WEEK:
Galatians 5:1
5 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Plan your visit
We would love to have you join us for a Sunday service or one of our events. Do check below to plan your visit and learn more about what to expect when you come to Rice Christian Fellowship Church. Our staff is dedicated to serving our congregation and community.
Devotional
Live in Freedom
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Galatians 5:1
In Texas, where I grew up, there were festive parades and picnics in Black communities every June 19. It wasn’t until I was a teenager that I learned the heartbreaking significance of Juneteenth (a word combining “June” and “nineteenth”) celebrations. Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas learned that President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation giving them their freedom—two-and-a-half years earlier. Enslaved people in Texas kept living in slavery because they didn’t know they’d been freed.
It’s possible to be free and yet live as slaves. In Galatians, Paul wrote about another kind of slavery: living life under the crushing demands of religious rules. In this pivotal verse, Paul encouraged his readers that “it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1). Believers in Jesus had been set free from external regulations, including what to eat and who to befriend. Many, however, still lived as if they were enslaved.
Unfortunately, we can do the same thing today. But the reality is that Jesus set us free from living in fear of man-made religious standards the moment we trusted in Him. Freedom has been proclaimed. Let’s live it out in His power.
The book of Galatians addresses one of the toughest issues the early communities of believers in Jesus faced: how to understand and relate to the requirements of Mosaic law, especially for gentile believers. Should gentile believers be required to be circumcised and to follow other aspects of Mosaic law? Some were teaching this very thing. Paul’s encounter with the risen Jesus, however, convinced him that the law should be interpreted differently—as leading to and finding fulfillment in Christ (Galatians 2:19–21). To require believers to follow the law when Christ had already made them right with God and won their freedom (5:1, 4–6) would be “a different gospel . . . no gospel at all”
Reflect & Pray
How have you been trapped by religious rules? How have you experienced freedom in Christ?
Jesus, thank You for setting me free from the burden of oppressive rules.
Learn more about finding your God-given calling.
Courtesy of: Our Daily Bread Ministries
TO SEE MORE LIKE THIS VISIT: www.odbm.org
Let's Pray,
Dear Heavenly Father, grant us the wisdom to trust you with our lives, and to expect nothing less than your love and kindness towards we your children. Lord we ask that you strengthen our hearts in the Christian Hope, the Christian Hope and Freedom that only comes in and through Jesus Christ!
Amen!
Elders
MEET OUR STAFF; Our staff is dedicated to serving our congregation and community.
Darren Edwards
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Dave Johnson
David Nielsen
Deacons
MEET OUR STAFF; Our staff is dedicated to serving our congregation and community.
Scott Stickney
Garry Brown
Joe Vodnick
September Johnson
Robin Ludeman
Love you Daddy ❤️🩹
Pastor Darren Lee Edwards
May 12, 1962 – August 26, 2025
With deep sorrow but steadfast hope in Christ, we announce that Pastor Darren Lee Edwards, 63, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on August 26, 2025, in Rice, Washington.
Though we grieve, we do so with the promise of Scripture: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” (John 11:25)
P.O. Box 607 Chewelah, WA 99109
https://www.gofundme.com/f/sgmsw-support-crystal-after-darrens-passing
Venmo: @atashacolvin
The Church, the Bride of Christ, and the Biblical Marriage, is the Gospel in Reality
Darren Edwards
Statement of Faith
WE BELIEVE:
1. WE BELIEVE The scripture of the Holy Bible, both old and new testaments, to be the inspired Word of GOD, without error in the original autographs, the complete revelation of his will for the salvation of all persons and the Divine and final authority for Christian faith and life.
2. We BELIEVE In one GOD of all things seen and unseen, Divine originator of all principalities, powers and authorities, infinitely perfect and eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3. WE BELIEVE That Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, Fully God and Fully Man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life and was crucified to death on a Roman Cross as a sacrifice for the sins of all mankind, fulfilling the prophecies concerning the messiah in the scriptures. Further, He rose from the dead, ascended into heaven where at the right hand of God He is now our High Priest and Advocate.
4. WE BELIEVE That the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and during this age, to convict man, regenerate the living sinner, and indwell, instruct and empower the believer for Godly living and service, guiding all believers to walk in Truth, Love, and Obedience.
5. WE BELIEVE That man was created in the image of God but fell into sin and is therefore separated from God and lost, and only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be restored.
6. WE BELIEVE That the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His Resurrection provide the ONLY grounds for salvation and justification for all who believe, and only those who receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Sovereign Lord are born of the Holy Spirit, thus becoming children of God, which is a permanent condition.
7. WE BELIEVE That water baptism and the Lord's Supper (Communion) are sacraments to be observed and commemorated collectively be the church during the present age of grace. They are not, however, to be regarded as a means of salvation.
8. WE BELIEVE That the true church is composed of all persons who through saving faith in Jesus Christ have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the Body of Christ, His bride preserved for Him at his second coming, which is His Church of which He is the Head.
9. WE BELIEVE That only those who are members of that true church are eligible for membership in this local church body.
10. WE BELIEVE That Jesus Christ is the Lord and Head of this church body and every local church has the responsibility and right, under Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit, to make decisions governing it's own affairs without interference.
11. WE BELIEVE In the imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. This hope has a vital bearing on every aspect of the lives of each believer that should bear fruit worthy of their calling, abilities, and spiritual gifts.
12. WE BELIEVE In the bodily resurrection of believers from the grave, of the believer's everlasting and permanent joy in the presence of God; of the unbeliever's
How do we actually live like God is Enough??
1. Start with DAILY SURRENDER!!
2. Employ morning gratitude listing specific ways God has been sufficient
3. Do "REGULAR CONTENTMENT CHECKS" throughout the day
4. Intentional "DOWNSIZING" of life's excesses
5. Dwelling Daily into scripture
6. Journal God's sufficiency EXAMPLE: 1. PROTECTION 2. PROVISION
7. Apply sufficiency in real life challenges by acknowledging the struggle
8. Lean into other Christians ... 2 Corinthians 12:9
Authored by: C. Edwards
Baptism-dead to sin - ALIVE to CHRIST
Baptism-dead to sin - ALIVE to CHRIST
Baptism-dead to sin - ALIVE to CHRIST
Baptism is an important step of obedience and public declaration of faith.
Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.
Find Hope and Healing
Baptism-dead to sin - ALIVE to CHRIST
Baptism-dead to sin - ALIVE to CHRIST
Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted
And binds up their wounds.
Jeremiah 17:14
Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed;
Save me and I will be saved,
For You are my praise.
He sent out his word and healed them,
and delivered them from their destruction.
Missionary Work in Kenya and Romania
Our Missions in Romania
Summer Macsim
Donations can be through: http:/rememberromania.org
Missionary to Romania since 2005.
We started Light & Hope as we saw the need to help the poor with not just a “hand-out” but rather a “hand-up”. Many Romanians continue to live in poverty and we believe that education and the love of Christ can bring CHANGE in a post-communist country.
We offer food, clothing, shoes and school supplies to children living in poverty, along with equipping them for school and helping them with needs to stay in school. This is one of the keys to stopping the cycle of poverty generated by illiterate parents. We are located in Hunedoara, Romania, one of the poorest cities in Romania.
From this outreach work it has opened the door for bible studies, salvation, baptisms, and so much more. It is our mission to not forget the poor of Romania.
PROVERBS by SCOTT STICKNEY
Proverbs of Solomon
No Proverbs this week
Week of October th, 2025
LADIES BIBLE STUDY by SEPTEMBER JOHNSON
The Book of Acts
Ladies Bible Study Thursdays @11am
WHAT DOES THE BOOK OF ACTS CHPTR. 1 MEAN?
The book of the Acts of the Apostles is the second letter Luke wrote to his friend Theophilus (Acts 1:1). This work continues with the same purpose stated in Luke 1:1–4:
Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.
The Gospel of Luke recounts the birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Acts continues the story as Jesus ascends to heaven, the Holy Spirit descends onto His followers, and those followers spread the message of Jesus' saving sacrifice. Acts 1 is a kind of segue between the two accounts.
Luke starts by quickly reminding Theophilus of the contents of his previous letter. After the resurrection, Jesus spent forty days proving He was alive and giving the disciples last-minute instructions about the kingdom of God. Luke's account is by no means comprehensive; a unique story can be found in John 21, for example. As Jesus prepares to leave, He instructs His disciples to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:1–5).
Luke then gives a slightly expanded version of the ascension, which he had recorded in Luke 24:50–53. Jesus leads the disciples to Bethany (Luke 24:50) where the disciples prove their continued inability to understand the purpose of the kingdom of God and ask if now Jesus will restore Israel's independence from Roman rule (Acts 1:6). Jesus tells them, again (Mark 13:32), they are not meant to know when God will fulfill that promise (Acts 1:7). Acts 1:8 is a synopsis of the entire book of Acts; after the Holy Spirit comes, Jesus-followers will spread His message of salvation to "Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Jesus then rises to heaven in a cloud. Two angels appear and tell the disciples that Jesus will return in the same manner (Acts 1:6–11).
The disciples return from Bethany to Jerusalem and meet about 110 other Jesus-followers to pray in an upper room. Included are the women who stayed with Jesus through the crucifixion and burial (Matthew 27:56; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:10), Jesus' brothers, and Mary. Peter, ever willing to be the spokesman, gives the tragic account of Judas and recites passages from Psalms to show that they need to choose a replacement. The requirements he gives are that the man must have been with them at least since Jesus' baptism, that the man must have accompanied them in their travels, and he must have seen Jesus after the resurrection. Two men meet the requirements, Joseph Barsabbas and Matthias. The group prays that God will look into the men's hearts and reveal which He has already chosen. The lot falls on Matthias, and the Twelve are twelve again (Acts 1:12–26).
The casting of the lots is the last act of a fully Jewish group. In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit comes and the church is formed. Throughout the book of Acts, the church becomes progressively less Jewish and is filled with more Gentiles. These devout Jews abandon the expectation of becoming an independent Jewish nation and obey Jesus' instruction to be His witnesses to Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and the furthest parts of the earth. In doing so, they learn the kingdom of God is bigger and wilder and more glorious than they could have imagined.
Join Our Ladies Bible Study Group
Our Ladies Bible study group is a great way to deepen your understanding of scripture and connect with others in our community. We (LADIES) meet every Thursday @ 11am and we welcome ALL LADIES who are interested in learning and growing in their faith.
News & Events
🎄 CHRISTMAS PORGRAM 2025 SIGN UP 🎄
Christmas is coming where we once again Celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior, and all that was accomplished on that Blessed Day
Theme: Redeeming Love
Galatians 4:4-7
4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
Definition of Redeem:
The essential meaning is achieving the transfer of ownership from one to another through payment or by something of equivalent value.
If you are interested in participating in the Christmas Choir or in some other way, please call Tina Esvelt
OR SIGN UP AT BACK TABLE IN FOYER
Calendar Fall to Winter Events
*WEEKLY HAPPENINGS 2025*
*Sunday Bible Study @ 9am All Welcome
*Sunday Worship @ 10:30 .. Children’s Sunday School
*COMMUNION Second Sunday
*Crafts @ 10 am Every 1st Sat. Of Month & 3rd Wed of month
*Thursday Women’s Bible study 11am, Praise Practice 1:00pm
*Last Sunday of month POTLUCK
Online Tithes/Offering
The ministries of RCF are financed by those who give their tithes to the Lord as taught by the Bible (Malachi 3:10, Hebrews 7:5) As we honor God with our tithes and offerings, we are personally blessed by God (Proverbs 3:9-10) Tithe and offering box located in back of church or donate online.
Galatians 5:1
5 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.