Resee Jones -Ladies Ministry Team Leader, Troy Jones – Worship Pastor, Jim Duran – Lead Pastor, Don Knisley – Associate Pastor, Margaret Rosenberger (86 years old) – Associate Pastor, James Gonzales – Associate Pastor, Terry Long – Associate Pastor and Doug Long -Associate Pastor receiving their recognition from Duran. Photo by Richard Lieberman
On Feb. 6 The River Community Church (TRC)held their Annual All Church Meeting at the TRC Conference Center the church’s annual meeting. Lead Pastor Jim Duran was the MC for the evening event.
The evening highlighted the churches’ special partnership with the Downtown Ventura Partners and Kevin Clerici, who spoke at the event. Pastor Jim welcomed City Council Member Cheryl Heitmann and Publisher Sheldon Brown to the event.
Pastor Duran stated “I am so blessed to work alongside a group of people that have a heart to serve our community. I am thrilled The River Community Church has a great relationship with The Downtown Ventura Partners as well as with the City of Ventura. We celebrate our collaborations and the amazing things God accomplished through our ministry this past year. The River Community Church provides the people of Ventura a safe space to be accepted and loved without judgment while helping them transform through housing opportunities and relational commitments.”
City Council Member Cheryl Heitmann shared her feelings about what the church is doing and the relationship with the city. “I want to thank the River Church for all you are doing for our community. From stepping up after the Thomas fire to give a helping hand to many residents who lost their homes to managing The City Center which is the best example I know of a program that truly gives people a second chance. Working with families to help guide them to make better decisions and develop the skills needed to make a better life for their children is a true gift to our city. And your commitment this past year to the Downtown Ventura Partners to provide volunteers for their events was so appreciated. These events can’t happen without a strong volunteer core. So I want you to know that all you do to make Ventura a better place for all of us is truly appreciated by the City Council and the residents of Ventura.”
The River Community’s Outstanding Service Awards Plaques were presented to Tim Higgins” Downtown Ventura Park Safety Ambassador” and J. Vasquez “Downtown Ventura Team Lead”. The plaques read “Thank you for serving the community and caring for others. Your partnership is invaluable and our city is a better place because of you.”
TRC Team Captains and Pastors were recognized as well as the outgoing council. A facilities improvement plan, the financial report and a Transitional Housing update were among the topics presented.
