River Oaks Community Church – The Church Journey

by D.C Martin · Published November 26, 2020 · Updated November 26, 2020

River Oaks Community Church – The Church Journey

November 26, 2020 – http://mynetzone.com/

I had the privilege to visit River Oaks Community Church. This church is one that was planted by Fellowship Church in Knoxville. It began two weeks after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on this nation. As people began praying about locating a church here, they met in a park. The name of the church came out of favorite scriptures, including Psalm 1, Ezekiel 47, Isaiah 61, Luke 4 and Revelation 22. [1]

After those initial meetings to form a church, River Oaks began gathering at Alcoa High School. On occasion, they also held services at Maryville College. But, in 2006 the congregation began renting the building once occupied by East Maryville Baptist. A few years later, River Oaks was able to purchase the building. East Maryville built a larger church next door. [1]

One of their goals has been to become good stewards of their building. Just days after they signed the mortgage, an opportunity arrived. “The Blount Home Education Association began meeting there. They meet here multiple times each week. They believe growth has happened at River Oaks, because worshippers see it as a place of authenticity. This is a church where people struggling with life issues are embraced and invited in. Looking back the way church is done has certainly changed. Not every song comes out of the hymnal. Small groups are held in homes instead of at the church building. And a denominational tag has become less important. [1]

MY JOURNEY:

It was a warm sunny day as I drove to the River Oaks location. The church is located next to East Maryville Baptist Church the congregation was founded in 1917. A cemetery separates the two churches. River Oaks moved into their current building when East Maryville Baptist Church left the building after building a larger one next door. After taking pictures I finished my time in prayer and reflection giving thanks to the many blessing I have received over the years.

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FINAL THOUGHTS:

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week a national holiday in the United States. Thanksgiving is rooted in the history of the Pilgrims, who were Christian (Separatist) that came to New World to start a new life able to worship freely and in peace. The holiday is generally no longer considered a Christian holiday or a religious holiday. but simply as an occasion to gather with family, eat food, watch football and parades, and be thankful for the blessings of life.

While there is no doubt that this great country’s historical success and prosperity are credited to our Founding Fathers, they recognized that God sustains and gives life to every being, the rights upon which NO government can impinge upon. As we celebrate let’s not forget the history and the religious significance of this American holiday. Thanksgiving is a day when we thank God for all we have and what He continues to do for us.

FELLOWSHIP:

With the National emergency for the COVID-19 virus many churches have a reduced schedule. At the time of my visit the church was closed, so I spent time outside the church in meditation and prayer.

DETAILS:

Church Website: http://therocc.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiverOaksCommunityChurch/?ref=page_internal

Date Visited: 2020 November 4th.

Location: 1220 Brown School Road, Maryville

If you would like to learn more about this church, upcoming events, or listen to a sermon I encourage you to visit the church website listed above.

May our Lord continue to bless this church in Jesus name.

“We read, “O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His loving kindness is everlasting. ” – (Psalm 136:1)

Please Pray for all our churches as they continue to face challenges in the year 2020.

May this find you well and happy, God Bless