A word from Pastor Chad:
“For The City” has been an anthem for Richwoods that has motivated us to engage our city and surrounding communities in creative ways. The next step of that work is to expand our church’s impact by bringing a new local church to the East Bluff community located in Peoria! We believe that God has miraculous things planned for the families of East Bluff and that this new church will be a beacon of hope within our city!
He alone is your God, the only one who is worthy of your praise, the one who has done these mighty miracles that you have seen with your own eyes. — Deuteronomy 10:21
Upcoming Events::
Our Ultimate Why
Why plant and start a new church? (This isn’t a new campus, but rather its own autonomous church.)
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- Matthew 28:18-20—all authority has been given to Jesus, and He has sent us—as we grow, we reproduce
- Luke 4:18—Jesus was anointed to proclaim good news and declare freedom—we are sent where the people are who need good news and freedom—we aren’t trying to increase our name/reputation, but we’re on a rescue mission to make Jesus known in East Bluff
Our Ultimate How
Colossians 4:2-6
- Devoted to prayer (vs. 2)
- Alert in mind and heart for this community (vs. 2b)
- Seek God-given opportunities to share the mystery of Christ (vs. 3a)
- Remember our “why” (Vs. 3b)
- Speak as plainly, graciously, and attractively as possible (vs. 4, 6)
- Live wisely and never waste a moment (vs. 5)
Our Ultimate What
*Richwoods East Bluff will have the same heart as Knoxville, but different methods.
*This new gathering will look and feel different from Knoxville—ministry will happen street by street, house by house, one family at a time.
Our Ultimate When
As the Lord leads, opens, and makes clear, we’ll move. There are plans being made, but there are still many uncertainties. We want our when to be his when. We want something that will last, not something that will just get up and running ASAP.
Prov. 16:9, Psalm 37:23, Jeremiah 10:23—We are waiting on the Lord and we don’t know how or when He’ll do it, but we’re going to “weaponize the waiting” and practice patience with intention.
FAQs:
When will we launch the new church?
We are prayerful about each aspect of this new church, and that includes when it will officially open. Our hope right now is that the official launch date happens in 2026.
Who will pastor the new church?
Where will be the new church be located?
We are currently in discussions with the Catholic Diocese of Peoria with regard to some property they have available within East Bluff. Once we know for certain that property has been agreed upon, we will make a public announcement!
Do we plan on doing things in the EB community in the coming months?
Yes! After our first informational meeting on March 2, we will begin to plan community engagement opportunities in East Bluff. Our hope is that regular touchpoints with the residents of the community will make them aware that God is doing a new work among them. We also hope to use these events to network, find people who want to join in what God is doing, and find ways we can serve East Bluff families.
Prayer Needs:
If you want to join us in prayer, then the following list can be a guide for you. Please check back as we will update this prayer list as new requests and needs arise.
- – Wisdom as we take next steps toward planting this new local church.
- – Open doors for community engagement and networking.
- – God’s provision of property, leadership, and finances for a successful launch.
- – Holy Spirit to move in the hearts of families in East Bluff.
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– 75 people to join the Core Launch Team