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River Together Talks

This page provides access to audio files of talks recorded at River's cross-congregation meetings such as the regular River Together gatherings. 

SUBJECT SPEAKER DATE
Let's Run The Race Together
At the meeting formally marking the day when River Church became four River Churches, Steve asserts that now is not the time for settling down, but rather there is plenty more to come, so let's run together.

The link above is to Steve's talk alone (19 mins, MP3 audio). A larger MP3 file which contains the commissioning activities and prayers too can be accessed here. Or watch the video of the whole meeting: 
Steve Clifford
Steve Clifford
16Jan22
It's Time To Shine!
Guest Speaker Ness Wilson, Leader of Pioneer UK, encourages us to be bold in seeking to impact our communities more deeply by reaching out in three ways: relationally, practically and spiritually.
 
Ness Wilson
Ness Wilson
18Apr21
Outworking of River's Vision in 2021
Ceri outlines some Central Team initiatives for River for the coming year, including in particular investment into "online church" through employing Adam Chisnall to grow the effectiveness of all the River Churches in this key area. Includes worship, an interview with Adam and Colin leading his (Adam's) commissioning.
 
Ceri Davies
Ceri D
10Jan21
An Interview with Lindz West
Keith Grafham interviews his mate Lindz -  LZ7 founder and ex-River member - about his team's exceptional online ministry to the nation's young people - see www.light.uk.com
Sorry, your browser is unable to play this type of file. You can still download it
Lindz West
Lindz W
18Oct20
Somebody Please Hear Our Voice
Billy speaks about the need for the church to respond to the issues raised by the 'Black Lives Matter' debate. Before you listen to the talk please watch this YouTube video.
Billy Kennedy
billy2020
12Jul20
Stepping Out Of The Shadows     Slides
How well we live through these strange lock-down days will very much depend on which story we're living in. Jesus prepared his disciples to live well under the shadow of the cross, and Colin explains that we can also experience hope, joy and peace despite the painful challenges we face.
Colin Barnes
Colin 168
19Apr20
Simple Prayer     Slides
This was an extra special event just before the start of our 21 days of prayer and fasting, where Pete Greig (of 24/7 Prayer and author of “How To Pray”) spoke to us and we heard his incredible heart for prayer and connecting with God! If you haven't heard him speak, don't miss this. Pete makes you laugh, cry and makes you just want to be with the Lord like never before.
Pete Greig
Pete Greig
14Jan20
Living Without Hurry     Slides
Ceri brings a new year / new decade challenge to us all. Are we simply too busy to follow Jesus as we really want to? Let's be courageous to change our habits, to slow down and live with less hurry.

Ceri's family news regarding the River Slough congregation can be found here for those with website login.
Ceri DaviesCeri 2019 12Jan20
Rejuvenation     Slides
Following on from his word about "Renovation" last year, Stephen brings this new thought for the River family . As we look to bring the life of Jesus and His kingdom wherever we are, let's allow Him to rejuvenate us - in our heart-health, our thinking, and our actions: our WHY (heart), HOW (head) and WHAT (hands).
Stephen KlemichStephen Klemich 20Oct19
God is Bigger...     Slides
Duane White - long time friend of River from Texas - brings a prophetic word for all the River churches at this special mid-week meeting held in Marlow during August 19.
Duane White
duane white
15Aug19
This is Us     Slides
Ceri Davies asks: who are we as the River Church family and what are we called to? Why are we here and how are we going to outwork that purpose in our localities in this season? She introduces the refreshed expression of the River vision (see slides) and explains how it will bring much life to us, to our churches and to our communities.
Ceri Davies
Ceri Davies
07Jul19
Pioneering in Mission and Discipleship     Slides
Ness Wilson explains Pioneer's four core characteristics - we are Relational, Missional, Charismatic and Kingdom-orientated. She challenges us all to continue to be pioneers in the way we reach out and in pursuing life-long discipleship.
Ness Wilson
Ness Wilson
28Apr19
Being a People of Courage     Slides
Ceri asks who are we, or rather - who are we going to choose to be in 2019? Will we paddle, wade or be ready to get out of our depth in the river? Will we be courageous in pursuing radical passion, in always being ready to show and tell others about God, and are we truly committed to the local church we have chosen to be a part of?
 
Members only - Farewell to Andrew and Mavis
Ceri Davies
Ceri Davies
13Jan19
A Message of 'R's     Slides
Stephen brings a 'Now' Word for River, as we start a new season under Ceri's leadership, about Renovation, Restoration and Rejuvenation.
Stephen Klemich
Klem
18Nov18
New Season Sunday 
 
Excited for the future!  Colin Barnes briefly reviews his time leading River and looks forward to what God will do next, thanking some of those who have been most significant in supporting him during the 8 years.

Same God, same Promises, same Anointing  Billy Kennedy speaks briefly about landmark occasions and then leads a time of commissioning of Ceri and her new team (Ian Linton, Simon Tempest, Andy Read, Colin Barnes). Ceri then thanks Colin for his leadership and presents a gift from the whole church,

History Makers and Hero Makers     Slides     Ceri Davies calls us to recommit ourselves to live for God as River enters this new season; He hasn't finished with us yet - there is so much more to move into.

Praying for the Leaders  Simon Tempest leads us in praying for the leaders of all four River Churches.
Colin Barnes
Colin - Pyrenees
Billy Kennedy
Bill Kennedy
Ceri Davies
Ceri Davies
Simon Tempest
Simon Tempest
23Sep18
God Is Kinder Than We Think     Slides     Colin talks about the incredible kindness of God - He is far kinder than we think! Let a fresh revelation of this aspect of His character refresh you today, and be brave to step out in taking it to others. Colin Barnes
Colin
08Jul18
Resilient Faith in an Uncertain World  These are uncertain times, and as a Christian community we're having to learn to live in a society which is sometimes hostile. Steve asserts however that whilst we might see occasional opposition there is also incredible opportunity for the gospel to have greater impact.

Link to video about The Evangelical Alliance (opens in new window)
Steve Clifford
Steve
22Apr18
The Grace     Slides     In a fitting message for the start of a new year Colin unwraps 2 Corinthians 13:14, commonly known as 'The Grace'
 
Colin Barnes
Colin
14Jan18
The Discipline of Community  Billy (leader of Pioneer) reminds us that it's vital for the mission of the church and for our individual growth that we thrive in community. This can be difficult to achieve in a 'Minster' / resource church like River which is dispersed and so diverse, for various reasons. We cannot accurately represent God to the World without living in community. Billy Kennedy
Bill
12Nov17
God's Heart & Call for River     Slides     Colin speaks from Ephesians 1, reminding us that we have every blessing in Christ and about the six key actions we have been called to do as a result.

Link to the new 'River Streams' teaching and discipleship programme.
Colin Barnes
Colin
16Jul17
Do it now! (because sometimes 'later' becomes 'never')     ### WEBSITE LOGIN required ###     Paul (Senior Leader of New Generation Church in Sidcup) enourages us to listen for God's whisper and to act on it, and recounts the amazing story of how Sidcup's Hope Community School came to be set up. Paul Weston
Paul
23Apr17
Never give up! The past is your history, the future's your destiny     Photos on Facebook     LZ7's Lindz West recounts some of the amazing ways that God has touched the lives of young people without hope, and about their upcoming UK tour called Illuminate.
 
Here is a taster of LZ7's music: 
Lindz West
Lindz
15Jan17
Singing the Lord's song in a strange land
How do we serve God faithfully when the environment and the circumstances aren't in our favour? For a start, we need to get on the pitch!
Billy Kennedy
Bill
20Nov16
The talk given at the September River Together was not recorded due to the sensitive nature of some of the content.    
Building Bridges     Slides
Speaking from the story of the woman at the well, James asserts that a harvest is near ('the one will bring the many'), and encourages us to build bridges to our local communities and to other groups, to act in wisdom and to reach out to all generations.
James Treasure
James
15May16
Wherever the river flows ... it will bring life     Slides
Colin introduces River's new logo and explains what it tries to communicate: that we are flowing, moving, lively bunch of people who aim to bring life in the name of Jesus wherever we go.
Colin Barnes
Colin
20Mar16
Prophesies
Dr. Sharon Stone blessed the four congregations at River Together with her prophetic words. Sharon is based in Windsor and is part of Christian International Europe: a group of ministers/ministries dedicated to helping the Body of Christ fulfil its God-given destiny and transform our world. She is known for her accurate prophetic gifting, and the first thing others say about her is that she sees the best and brings out greatness in others. She didn't disappoint!
Sharon Stone
Sharon
17Jan16
Prayer that shakes the room
Brian is National Director of 24-7 Prayer in Great Britain. In this talk he encourages us to lean in to God, be persistent in our praying and always to listen out for God's prompting.
  
Jill's testimony
Jill tells us about what happened the other week in Slough city centre after she asked God to arrange a 'divine appointment'. 
Brian Heasley
Brian
15Nov15
You are the light     Slides
Colin encourages us to spread the good news at every opportunity because, after all, we are the light of the world (says Jesus in Matthew 5:14). As we've been blessed, in turn let's bless others. It's time to shine!
Colin Barnes
Colin
13Sep15
Heavens Signs and Missions Gateways
Julian Richards visits from the Cornerstone Church in Swansea. He tells us how Jesus told us to spread the word of God to all people, and therefore apostles spread the good news about Jesus to all.
Julian Richards
Julian
12Jul15
Journey of the Heart     Slides
Andy speaks about the journey of discipleship, and introduces 'HeartLife' as a potentially extremely valuable tool for anyone wishing to assess their progress.
Andy Read
Andy
10May15
Sent
Steve Clifford talks about being sent - how we are sent and called by Jesus to follow him and to spread his teaching around the world. We just need to be open the Holy Spirit to guide us.
Steve Clifford
Steve
22Mar15
Becoming Good News     Slides
Colin explains how we can be good news in 2015 through reading the word (Look on the face of Christ), through who we are (Love everyone we meet) and through what we do (Live like heaven is near).
Colin Barnes
Colin
 
Pushing through into healing
Ceri considers the ups and downs of praying for healing, recounting some of her own journey on the subject. She encourages us to be bold and not to give up praying for those who need a healing touch from God.
Ceri Davies
Ceri
16Nov14
The Spirit of Adoption
Colin explains what it means to be adopted into the family of God, and the hope that this brings.
Colin Barnes
Colin
14Sep14
Link to RiverFest:14 audio, video and photos - the River network weekend away with guest speakers Dary Northrop and Carl WIlls, and the theme 'Face to Face'. Dary 04Jul14
My Mission Journey    
Slides     Photos     'Father of Lights' video     'No Child Taken' video

Dave introduces the morning's theme speaking first to Richard Emmett about Malawi and then to Alison Hopkinson about Tearfund and her upcoming trip to Cambodia    
Listen
 
Next Dave chats to Nigel & Karen about the journey that led them to Berlin, and then to Dave & Charlotte via Skype about their move overseas     
Listen
 
Dave then talks to Terry Murphy about his links with Sierra Leone and finally Andy Read sums up the morning and urges us all to take a new step today on our own mission journey     
Listen
With host Dave Vann 
Dave
18May14
The Power of Story     Slides     'We are One in Christ' poem     Photos
Colin explains the 'Power of Story' and points out that our story is in fact very similar in key respects to that of Jesus!
Colin Barnes
Colin
09Mar14
GOLD values    
Listen     Slides     Photos
Dave brings fresh perspectives on our GOLD values - Goodness, Openness, Love and Dynamic power.
(links to the video clips are given in the slides).
Dave Jones
Dave
12Jan14
Working with the Spirit    
Listen     Slides     Photos
God is looking for people to work through to bring in the harvest. Colin talks about the relevance of this to the current restructuring of River Church as it becomes the River Network.

Rachel Odeniyi / Nepal Trip Report    
Listen     Slides

Wayne Dixon / Christian Connections in Schools    
Listen     Slides
Colin Barnes
Colin
17Nov13
On earth as it is in heaven    
Listen     Slides
Colin unpacks the meaning of this short phrase from the Lord's prayer and challenges us to say 'send me'.
 
Colin Barnes
Colin
15Sep13
LZ7 Update    
Listen     Photos
Lindz reports on what LZ7 have been up to recently, with moving accounts of lives being turned round, 100's of schools visited, 1000's of young people saying yes to Jesus; and invites us to share in the next phase of their work.

Video: River does 'The Strobot'
Lindz West
Lindz
14Jul13
The Cost of the Calling    
Listen     Slides     Photos
Vicky talks about the joy and pain of "taking up our cross" and following Jesus in relation to each of us fulfilling what he has called us to.
 
Also: -
  • Commissioning the Moodys to lead the Slough congregation     Listen     Photo
  • Vicky's change of central team role     Listen
Vicky Earll
Vicky
19May13
Missions Sunday - Being A Kingdom Investor    
Listen
Duane talks passionately about giving to the Kingdom and in particular to mission.
 
Prophetic words for Riverchurch and for individuals    
Listen

   Missions team 2013        "Meet our missionaries" video
   Mission trip opportunities 2013 
 
Duane White
Duane
10Mar13
Vision 2013 - You are the light of the world    
Listen     Slides     Photos
Colin shares his vision for River in 2013 and reminds us that (Jesus said) we are the light of the world. What will this mean for us individually and corporately in 2013?
Colin Barnes
Colin
13Jan13
God at work     
Listen     Slides     Photos
Colin explains how God often works in our lives - in response to our faith and actions, not just in answer to prayers. He then challenges us to let God "show Himself strong" through us in various ways,
 
Ian Linton is to join the Central team     Listen 
Congregation testimonies     Listen
Snippet from the worship time     Listen
A Word about God's love     Listen
 
Colin Barnes
Colin
11Nov12
One    
Listen     Slides     Photos
Andy speaks with passion about one of the exciting things that God is doing in the UK church - making us One.
 
Andy Read
Andy
16Sep12
Tearfund in action     
Listen
Pastor Cuthbert (Malawi) video     Moses (Uganda) video     Cambodia video
Virgina (who works for Tearfund) shares stories from round the world which demonstrate how that organisation works effectively with local churches to transform lives.
Virginia Luckett
13May12
Essence - the manifesto of Jesus    
Listen     Slides
Roger talks about the essence of Jesus' message to the world and unpacks what it means to be a "Kingdom smoothie".
Roger Ellis
Roger
11Mar12
Live Like Heaven is Near    
Listen
Vicky gives an passionate talk about what it means to "live like heaven is near" (the third aim of the River community). Share your stories  by emailing them to livelikeheavenisnear@riverchurch.org.uk

Testimonies from the congregations    
Listen

Praying for Ceri Francis in her new role overseeing worship across River    
Listen
Vicky Earll
Vicky
15Jan12
The Aims of Community    
Listen     Slides
Colin describes the three things that need to happen if we are to see River's vision fulfilled. Are you a 'thin place'?

Testimonies from the congregations 
Listen

Honouring & praying for Christen and Judith as they take their next step    
Listen

Christen
Colin BarnesColin

Photos from the whole morning
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27Nov11 
Keep fresh and avoid well-meaning brothers in law    
Listen

In more of a chat than a "Word", Georgian brings insight and wisdom with humour.

Georgian Banov
Georgian
04Sep11
The Heart of Mission    
Listen     Slides (Bono: clip1 clip2)     Photos
Andy speaks about what is at the heart of mission, and encourages us to get more involved in praying, giving and going.  

PrayingAsha in Delhi    
Listen     Link to video clip

Daughters of Cambodia    
Listen     Link to clip

Glowing Life home in Thailand    
Listen

Larchfield Festival '11 report    
Listen

BIG Year Nepal Mission trip report    
Listen
Andy Read
Andy
10Jul11
Hidden Manna and a New name    
Listen
Christen explores the dynamic of private prayer that releases the transitions of life.
Christen Forster
Christen
08May11
Unity and Intimacy    
Listen
Colin speaks about the importance of unity with each other and intimacy with God.
Colin Barnes
Colin
13Mar11
Go out with boldness to bring in the harvest    
Listen     Slides     Photos
The Kennedys encourage River to get out there - we're already prepared and equipped to succeed.

(Billy and Caroline head up the Pioneer network, of which River is a part)

Billy & Caroline Kennedy
Billy
16Jan11
The start of a new move of God?    
Listen
Christen is looking forward to 2011 - listen to hear why.
Christen Forster
Christen
05Dec10
The Wedding Invitation    
Listen     Slides
Colin takes as his text Matthew 22:1-14, speaking about weddings, and in particular the ultimate wedding of Jesus and His church.

Worship time video

Colin Barnes
Colin
26Sep10
Transition of Central Team Leadership   Recorded at the 2nd 'River Together' meeting

Commissioning Christen    
Listen     Slides

Colin describes Christen's new role, and then River's central team, together with Billy & Caroline Kennedy, and Stephen & Mara Klemich, commission Christen.

Commissioning Colin and Vicky    
Listen

Christen speaks into the handover of the leadership of River's central team to Colin and Vicky. Billy & Caroline Kennedy and the rest of the team then bring prayers of commissioning. After this Colin talks about the emphases God is calling him to bring, and then Billy rounds off the meeting.

To see some photos from this meeting click on the picture below (pop up window will open).

Slideshow
The KlemichsKlemichs

The KennedysKennedys

Al BullenAl

and Andy Read & Linda Southwood

27Jun10
The Church I Live For    
Listen     Accompanying slides
Andy explores what Jesus said about the church, by looking at Matthew 16 and 18. Recorded at the first "River Together" meeting.
Andy Read
Andy
28Mar10
Personal Transformation    
Listen
Christen shares from his personal journey in seeking genuine inner change that is not just behaviour management, but a healing at the deepest level of bad motives and inclinations. He examines the relationship between the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit and our requirement to co-operate in the change.
Christen Forster
Christen
15Nov09
Addicted to mission    
Listen
Duane admits that he has a problem - he's addicted to mission! A passionate and inspiring talk.
Duane White
111
21Jun09
Roy Fields 'We Are The Generation' UK Tour (Maidenhead leg)

Main talk part 1:     Listen

Main talk part 2:     Listen

Worship parts 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10

Roy Fields
Roy
14Sep08
River Quarterly "Big Gathering"

Religion vs the Spirit:
Listen
Christen comments on the negative press given to the Lakeland Outpouring by some Christians and outlines the history of how the Holy Spirit has moved over the centuries, also often provoking opposition from the current religious authorities.
Christen Forster Christen 14Sep08

Click for: archive of talks from even earlier meetings!