Riverside's annual theme is chosen by the senior pastor every year as he seeks to guide the Body of Christ into the future God has ordained for them. This year He chose as the theme: "Thy Kingdom Come - Here Am I Send Me" (Luke 11:2; Isaiah 6:8). Praying for God's Kingdom to come to earth and His reign to be established in the hearts and lives of all people everywhere is not only one of Riverside's purposes it is a Gospel mandate. Jesus taught us to pray for God's Kingdom to come. Believers around the world gather to pray for God's will to be done and His rule to be established in their cities and countries. However, this prayer, this desire, this passion, will always remain incomplete unless each one of us decides to get involved. If you want change be the change.

We have no right to pray for the advent of the Kingdom unless we are willing, ready and available to become a part of those who are ushering in the Kingdom. We must take personal responsibility for the Great Commission as God's chosen labourers on this earth. On the 7th of January the church was told that the pastor was tired and cannot do the work alone; especially when the staff team was greatly reduced in 2011 following Riverside's loss of three key leaders. It was refreshing to see at least a dozen people step up to lead different projects and ministries.

Even more exciting was the fact that many volunteered to get involved. Momentum is gathering, excitement is in the air. The challenge before us is clear: you want God's Kingdom to come? Get involved in the mission, vision and work of your local church. It is also important to notice that the theme has two distinct parts. The implication is that we need to be a pure and holy people for God's Kingdom to come. Our first message series for 2012 titled "Be transformed not conformed - who do you see in the mirror?" will be a clarion call for sanctification. God will only send and use each one of us when our lives are pleasing in His sight. Catch this vision, get on board and join us as we establish the Kingdom of God in the hearts and lives of people.