High School
The Cove is RiverLakes' high school ministry committed to reaching every student in Bakersfield with the gospel, transforming high school students in to mature followers of Jesus and bringing students into a place of giving their lives away for Christ's sake.
Leader(s)
Matt Vorhees
Meeting Day/Time
Sunday @ 9:00 am
Location
Education Building, Room 213
UPCOMING SERIES - God's Plan for Great Sex
Starting Sunday, February 5. Sex. God wants us to experience great sex - once we've made the marriage commitment. This three-week series explores the foundation for the intimate relationship between…Read More >
Leader(s): Matt Vorhees
Meets: Sunday at 9:00 am in The Cove
Hume Lake Winter Camp 2012
Hume Lake's winter camp is dangerous, it's jaw-dropping and most importantly... it's life-changing. All that to say, don't bring your grandparents: There isn't enough medication in the world. Winter provides…Read More >
Leader(s): Matt Vorhees
Meets: Various at February 17-20 Cost $215
Worship and Tech
Worship
The heart of the worship ministry desires for God's people to express the truth of His character, His worth and His present work in our lives. We know that each day of our life is an offering to God. However, our times of weekly gathering are special moments which the people in the worship ministry dedicate their energies to create and lead so that the congregation might focus its full attention on our Lord and Savior.
Technical
Our primary purpose is to support the presentation of the gospel at RiverLakes by providing sound, lighting and visual presentation of the highest quality possible at all church worship services.
For more information email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Leader(s)
Les Poehner (Tech) & Ray Medina (Music)
Meeting Day/Time
Various
Support Groups
RiverLakes Community Church offers many classes and conferences that provide focused teaching, training and support for individuals, couples and families. Various support groups are also available for those in similar life circumstances. Call the Church to see if there is one right for you or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Leader(s)
Brent Van Elswyk
Meeting Day/Time
Sunday @ Various
Women of Hope - Cancer
Women with Cancer Meeting: Women of HOPE provides a time of fellowship, prayer and support with women who want to be informed and desire to talk about dealing with a…Read More >
Leader(s): Carolyn
Meets: Thursday at 6:30 pm (First Thursday of month only) in Community Center Board Room
DivorceCare for Women - Divorce
Weekly Divorce Seminars: DivorceCare For Women is a special weekly seminar and support group for women who are separated or divorced. If you or someone you know is going through…Read More >
Leader(s): Sharon Coleman
Meets: Sunday at February 12 - May 20, 2012 from 3:45 - 5:45 pm in West Portable
Passionate Hearts - Sexually Abused
Women Suffering From Past Sexual Abuse: Passionate Hearts is a Christ-centered, curriculum-based, highly confidential support group for adult women recovering from childhood sexual abuse. If you have experienced sexual abuse…Read More >
Leader(s): Wendy
Meets: Various at Confidential in Confidential
Courageous Hearts - Women with Eating Disorders
Women with Eating Disorders: Courageous Hearts is a Christ-centered, curriculum-based, highly confidential support gorup for adult women struggling with anorexia, bulimia or compulsive overeating, as well as those with disordered…Read More >
Leader(s): Counseling and Support
Meets: Various at Confidential in Confidential
Recovery Support Group - Addictive/Compulsive/Dysfunctional Behavior
12-Step Group: The AdamsHouse is held Tuesday evenings on the RiverLakes Church Campus from 7:00 - 8:30pm. If you or a loved one struggle with addictive, compulsive or dysfunctional behavior,…Read More >
Leader(s): Recovery Leaders
Meets: Tuesday at 7:00 - 8:30 PM in RiverLakes Community Church
GriefShare - Grief
Grief Recovery: GriefShare is a support group for men and women grieving the death of someone close to them. It's a place to be around people who understand what you…Read More >
Leader(s): Milt Cole / Terri Campbell
Meets: Sunday at 3:00PM - 4:30 PM March - May in East Portable
Sexual Addiction Exposed: For Men Only
Sexual Addiction Exposed: For Men Only meets every Tuesday night from 7:00 - 9:00pm. Expose the darkness, pursue healing and embrace grace. Develop tools to prevent lapse and relapse. Pure…Read More >
Leader(s): Trained Facilitators
Meets: Tuesday at 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Betrayal and Beyond
Betrayal and Beyond for wives of sexual addicts meets on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 - 9:00pm. Join others in similar circumstances to address issues of sexual bondage that erode soul,…Read More >
Leader(s): Trained Facilitators
Meets: Tuesday at 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Counseling
RiverLakes Community Church offers many classes and conferences that provide focused teaching, training and support for individuals, couples and families. Various support groups are also available for those in similar life circumstances. Call the church office to see if there is one right for you or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Leader(s)
Brent Van Elswyk
Meeting Day/Time
Various @ Various
People Encouraging People
People Encouraging People (PEP) is a pastoral counseling ministry to hurting people, encouraging them with the hope of Christ, that they can be reconciled to God and reconciled in other…Read More >
Leader(s): Debbie Allen
Meets: Various
Premarital Counseling
Getting Ready for Marriage will help couples construct a solid foundation upon which to build an enriching, fulfilling and growing marriage. Plan now to prepare for your marriage, not just…Read More >
Leader(s): Brent Van Elswyk
Meets: Various at by arrangement
Single Adults
Purpose: Develop a safe environment for single adults to study God's Word, fellowship, worship and service together.
Mission: Glorifying God by declaring the Gospel, maturing believers, and giving our lives away for Jesus Christ's sake.
Leader(s)
Ken Alvis | .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Meeting Day/Time
Various
Location
Various
Weekly Meetings
Our single adults meet weekly. There are three groups to choose from depending on your stage of life. The group specifics are: 20's/early 30's - Meet on Wednesday nights. Contact…Read More >
Leader(s): Various
Meets: Various
Married
RiverLakes is deeply committed to helping marriages and families grow spiritually together. We offer a wide variety of opportunities to help you grow in your marriage and family life such as Marriage Builder small groups, an annual couples retreat, an annual parenting class, seminars, etc.
For more information call Brent at 589-9733 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Leader(s)
Brent Van Elswyk
Meeting Day/Time
Sunday @ Various times
Dedicate Your Baby: Parent Dedication
Parent Dedication is a formal commitment of parents with their child(ren) on January 15, 2012 at the service of your choice. This is a public statement telling others of your…Read More >
Leader(s): Brent Van Elswyk
Meets: Sunday in service of your choice
Gracia – Ministerio Hispano
Gracia – Ministerio Hispano (Grace - Hispanic Ministry)
Un nuevo ministerio de nuestra iglesia. Este minsterio fue creado para glorificar a Cristo con nuestras vidas, apprender de la palabra de Dios y declarar el evangelio de Cristo a la comunidad de Bakersfield, el condado de Kern y el mundo en general.
El Ministerio en Español Anuncia
Servicios de Adoración
domingo 10:45 en la manana
Para más información: (661) 589-9734
Meeting Day/Time
Sunday @ 10:45am
Location
Community Center Auditorium
All-Church
All-church is merely a listing of our all-church events. For information email us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Meeting Day/Time
Sunday
Senior Adults
The PrimeTime Class is a gathering of vibrant senior adults, ages 65 and above,
who meet every Sunday for a time of fellowship, laughter and serious
Bible teaching. For a full resolution map click HERE.
For more information email us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
For full resolution map click here
Leader(s)
Milt Cole
Meeting Day/Time
Sunday @ 9:15 AM
Location
Rehearsal Room
Cheerleaders
The Cheerleaders hold upbeat monthly gatherings the third Saturday of each month including trips, dinners, special events and projects to encourage and build friendships for widows and mature single women.…Read More >
Leader(s): Jean
Meets: Saturday at 12:00 pm in West Portable
College
So you've graduated High School. Now what? Statistics say that you will leave the church and abandon your faith. Are you just another statistic?
Revive is the ministry for college-age young adults (age 17-24) at RiverLakes Community Church.
We believe you are more than a statistic; you are a child of God.
For more info check out the links below or contact us through the "contact details" tool on the right side of the page.
Leader(s)
Rob Ryerson
Meeting Day/Time
Sunday @ 7:00PM
Location
East Portable
Winter Retreat
Revive Students don't miss out! We're heading to San Diego for a winter retreat! We'll spend our morning and evenings worshiping God through song, prayer and His word. But there…Read More >
Leader(s): Rob Ryerson
Meets: Various at January 3, 2012 @ 8am through January 5 in San Diego KOA Campgrounds
Guardrails
Grow Groups are a vehicle for discipleship. Students gather in grow groups with their friends to live life together, experience the gospel, wrestle with the truths of the Bible, love…Read More >
Leader(s): Rob Ryerson
Meets: Thursday at 7:00pm in East Portable
Worship
Join us Sunday nights for a time of worship through prayer, song and God's word. November 13th we will start a new series "Joy." We'll be studying the book of…Read More >
Leader(s): Rob Ryerson
Meets: Various at 7:00 - 8:30pm in East Portable
Jr. High
The Wave Ministry is a place where Jr. High students can come, have fun and get to know Jesus. Our vision is to train students to live for Christ. Whether it is the first time they have heard His name or they have followed Jesus their whole lives; we will meet them where they're at. If you want more information or you're interested in partnering with us, please fill out the contact details on the right side of this webpage.
Contact Rob Ryerson or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Attention Parents please note the DOWNLOADS in the column to the right.
Leader(s)
Rob Ryerson
Meeting Day/Time
Sunday @ 9:00 AM
Location
The Wave Community Center - Rm 122
Grow Groups
Grow Groups are the primary vehicle for discipleship in Junior High ministry. Students gather in grow groups with their friends to live life together, experience the gospel, wrestle with the…Read More >
Leader(s): Rob Ryerson
Meets: Wednesday at 6:30pm in The Wave
Sunday Mornings
Junior High students meet on Sunday mornings in the Wave room at 9am to worship through song, prayer and God's word! We use a curriculum created by the team at…Read More >
Leader(s): Rob Ryerson
Meets: Sunday at 9:00 am in The Wave - Community Center, Room 122
S.U.R.F.
S.U.R.F. (Serving Under Radical Faith) is our student leadership ministry for Junior High students. Students will meet in grow groups on Wednesday nights, serve on Sunday mornings at the Junior…Read More >
Leader(s): Rob Ryerson
Meets: Various
Explosion Nights
Explosion Nights happen once a month on a Wednesday night. It's a great opportunity for grow groups to have some fun with their leaders and for students to connect with…Read More >
Leader(s): Rob Ryerson
Meets: Wednesday at 6:30 - 8:00pm in The Wave Community Center Rm. 122
Hume Lake Winter Camp 2012
Hume Lake's winter camp is dangerous, it's jaw-dropping and most importantly... it's life-changing. All that to say, don't bring your grandparents: There isn't enough medication in the world.] Winter provides…Read More >
Leader(s): Rob Ryerson
Meets: Various at February 10-13 Cost $215
Super Awesome Sundays
God's word calls us to fellowship with one another and Special Sundays are designed to create an atmosphere that allows students to do exactly that... FELLOWSHIP! After worshiping together and…Read More >
Leader(s): Rob Ryerson
Meets: Various at The Wave
5th & 6th Grade
Pier 56 is an awesome ministry to 5th and 6th graders. Preteens get together every Sunday morning to worship, fellowship together and get to know God. We also have special events and camps for students to be involved in throughout the year. Our goal is to lead preteen students in becoming committed followers of Christ and to live out their faith in every area of their life!
Attention Parents please note the Downloads in the column to the right.
Leader(s)
Maria Serapiglia
Meeting Day/Time
Sunday @ 9:00 AM
Location
The Pier (North Portable)
Hartland’s Junior Winter Camp
Hartland's Junior Winter Camp offers awesome team recreation, competitive sports tournaments, great worship music, and challenging messages. It's all designed to build a strong faith in Christ and deepen your…Read More >
Leader(s): Lisa Taylor
Meets: Various at February 3-5, 2012 | Cost: $155 in Hartland Christian Camp
S.E.A.L.
S.E.A.L. stands for "Serving Everyone Always in Love" and is a team of students who desire further involvement and training in spiritual growth through service.
Leader(s): Lisa Taylor
Meets: Sunday at 9:00 AM in North Portable
Sunday Mornings at the Pier
The Pier is a time of fun, worship, music and teaching designed specifically for the world of 5th and 6th grade students. Come connect, be who you are, and find…Read More >
Leader(s): Lisa Taylor
Meets: Sunday at 9:00 AM in North Portable
Children
The children's ministries program at RiverLakes is committed to making an eternal impression on every child. Working together with the family, we desire to see children come to trust Jesus as their Lord and Savior. We seek to provide assistance to parents - supporting and encouraging them in their responsibilities as parents. We seek to provide a staff that are good models, consistent and God honoring.
To see our latest happenings in Children's Ministry please click on the Kids Korner August 2011 Newsletter located on the righthand side of this webpage under Downloads.
Questions? Email Maria at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Leader(s)
Maria Serapiglia
Meeting Day/Time
Sunday @ Various
Location
Education Building
Preschool Sunday School
Increased interaction with God's Word, Jesus, and God's people, seeking to develop in each child a healthy, positive attitude toward God and church.
Leader(s): Shannon Lasater
Meets: Sunday
AWANA
The AWANA Club is a Bible-centered children's/youth ministry for 3yr-olds through 6th grade. The evening consists of games, devotional time, scripture memorization and handbook work. Jr. High & High School…Read More >
Leader(s): Stephanie Shelton | 588.8842
Meets: Sunday
Kingdom Kids - Special Needs Class
We desire to spiritually enrich the lives of children with special needs and to provide for their families to help them grow spiritually. Students will experience the joy of knowing…Read More >
Leader(s): Maria Serapiglia
Meets: Sunday at 9:00 AM
Elementary Sunday School
We present sound, systematic teaching of the Word of God where each child may receive Christ as their personal Lord and Savior and where they may grow in their knowledge…Read More >
Leader(s): Shanon Gray | Lisa Taylor
Meets: Sunday
Nursery
Our goal is to provide a comfortable, clean and nurturing environment that is both God-honoring and worry-free for parents and children.
Leader(s): Lisa Laurente
Meets: Sunday
Women’s Ministries
You are invited on a journey to discover the truth about who you are and the One who created you.
The goal of Women's Ministry is to provide unique pathways for women where they can come to know the fullness and grace of Jesus Christ, find a place for spiritual growth, and discover opportunities to serve and give their lives away. Discover the joy of connecting with other women and being developed to reach your fullest potential in Christ. Opportunities to get involved are as diverse as your passions, gifts, abilities, and your availability. Join us for the adventure and joy of following Christ at any of our women's ministries.
"For a copy of our current Women's Newsletter, Connections click "HERE"
Leader(s)
Terri Downs
Meeting Day/Time
Various
RiverLakes Women - Morning Bible Study
Come and be encouraged to grow in your relationship with Christ through the daily study of God's Word. We desire to come alongside women and help them grow in Christ…Read More >
Leader(s): Janelli (589.6143)
Meets: Thursday at 9:15 - 11:45am in RiverLakes Community Church, Community Center Auditorium
RiverLakes Women - Evening Bible Study
Come and be encouraged to grow in your relationship with Christ through the daily study of God's Word. We desire to come alongside women and help them grow in Christ…Read More >
Leader(s): Sue (393.2277)
Meets: Tuesday at 6:30 - 8:30pm in RiverLakes Community Church, Education Building
Prayer Quilt Ministry
Prayer quilts are sewn by a team of women committed to sharing the burden of others through prayer and the giving of quilts. The quilts are completed with knots tied…Read More >
Leader(s): Jeanne
Meets: Monday at 8am in Education Building Room 202/204
Mommy & Me
Mommy & Me is a playgroup for moms with children ages zero to five years old. New friendships are formed as these ladies join in conversation and playtime with other…Read More >
Leader(s): Stacy Paglia
Meets: Various in Education Building
Betrayal and Beyond
Betrayal and Beyond for wives of sexual addicts meets on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 - 9:00pm. Join others in similar circumstances to address issues of sexual bondage that erode soul,…Read More >
Leader(s): Trained Facilitators
Meets: Tuesday at 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Cheerleaders
The Cheerleaders hold upbeat monthly gatherings the third Saturday of each month including trips, dinners, special events and projects to encourage and build friendships for widows and mature single women. …Read More >
Leader(s): Jean
Meets: Saturday at 12:00 pm in West Portable
Women of Hope - Cancer
Women with Cancer Meeting: Women of HOPE provides a time of fellowship, prayer and support with women who want to be informed and desire to talk about dealing with a…Read More >
Leader(s): Carolyn
Meets: Thursday at 6:30 pm (First Thursday of month) in Community Center Board Room
Passionate Hearts - Sexually Abused
Women Suffering From Past Sexual Abuse: Passionate Hearts is a Christ-centered, curriculum-based, highly confidential support group for adult women recovering from childhood sexual abuse. If you have experienced sexual abuse…Read More >
Leader(s): Wendy
Meets: Various at Confidential in Confidential
DivorceCare for Women - Divorce
Weekly Divorce Seminars: DivorceCare For Women is a special weekly seminar and support group for women who are separated or divorced. If you or someone you know is going through…Read More >
Leader(s): Sharon Coleman
Meets: Sunday at February 12 - May 20, 2012 from 3:45-5:35 pm in West Portable
Men’s Ministries
Men’s Ministries are a vital part of RiverLakes Community Church. Our goal is to assist each man in becoming the person God designed him to be. There are opportunities for men to study the Bible together, pray for one another and develop relationships.
Questions? E-mail us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Leader(s)
David Buck
Meeting Day/Time
Sunday
Men’s Tactical Training
When was the last time you were told to sweat at what you do? Well, Kent Hughes's book on the spiritual disciplines is just that - a call to holy…Read More >
Leader(s): David Buck
Meets: Friday at 6:00am - 7:00am in Room 120 Cost $15 for materials
Men’s Spiritual Boot Camp
"There's a reason soldiers are sent to Bootcamp before they're placed on the front lines of war. Training in the basics helps keep them alive in battle, builds stamina to…Read More >
Leader(s): David Buck
Meets: Tuesday at 6:30pm - 7:45pm in Community Center - Room 120
Father and Son - Dinner and Movie Night
Mark your calendars now for March 16. We will be showing the movie Courageous. More details to come!
Leader(s): David Buck
Meets: Friday at TBA in TBA
Friday Morning Bible Study
We meet each week to fellowship and study the Scriptures while seeking to understand God's Word and its role in the challenges of faith, family, career and ethics.
Leader(s): Brent Van Elswyk
Meets: Friday at 6:30 - 7:30 AM in Hodels Restaurant - Olive Drive
Service Times & Directions
Weekly Services
Sunday Mornings: 9:00 am & 10:45 am
Sunday Evenings: 6:00 pm
* Welcome Center is open after each service and is
Located in the Worship Center adjacent to the main courtyard.
Daily Activities
More Events: Please check our This Week or the Calendar page for more information.
First Time Visitors
Check out I'm New to RiverLakes today!
RiverLakes Church Ministries
4301 Calloway DriveBakersfield, CA 93312
P: (661) 589-9733
F: (661) 589-4449