Jonah: An Unhappy Ending to the Story (Jonah 4:1-11)

River Corner Church

The book of Jonah teaches about the relentless pursuit of humanity, the restorative power of repentance, the sovereignty over all creation, and God’s ability to work through us despite self-sabotage and our weaknesses to accomplish purposes and reveal truth and love to others.
On Sunday, May 26, at River Corner Church, Pastor Jeff McLain looked at Jonah 4:1-11, in his message "An Unhappy Ending to the Story," which looks at how the narrative of Jonah ends with a confession of God's character and a challenge from God to see how God is at work in our lives, even in the seasons where life is not going the way we would like. Jonah's resentment towards God's mercy on Nineveh mirrors our own reluctance to accept God's grace in ways we don't anticipate. The sermon encourages examining our hearts for hidden biases, training our eyes to recognize God's character and compassion in all situations, trusting in God's sovereignty, and remembering that our struggles and growth enable us to lead others more effectively.
Who we are together.
River Corner Church is a growing church community of everyday people who gather to worship God, follow Jesus, and journey through life together.
What we practice together.
Our small church community is uniquely caring, simple, laid-back, and intergenerational. As a church, we want to be a welcoming, safe, and healing community for those who are seeking, hurting, or need a place to belong. Our practices are contemplative (reflective) charismatic (Spirit-driven), conversational, and informative. The times we share together are intentional and intimate, and a mix between modern and traditional. We want to be a place in which love and honor are lived out, where humility is central, and where hospitality is woven into the threads of our community. There is room at the table.
When we gather together.
River Corner Church gathers weekly on Sunday mornings at 10:00 AM to worship and experience God, study the scriptures, journey through life together, and partner with the Holy Spirit. We meet in a simple worship meeting house at 524 River Corner Road in Conestoga, Pennsylvania. You are welcome as you are, just be yourself. There are other times that we hold small groups, events, and more.
Our Pastoral Leader.
As the pastor of River Corner Church, Jeff McLain leads our church community and helps others to think differently about Jesus, life, and everything in-between. Jeff also serves as the Director of Pastoral Ministries at Water Street Mission, where he works with those facing homelessness and poverty. Jeff, Katie, and their three wander-filled daughters look to lead quiet lives. Committed to lifelong learning, Jeff is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry at Kairos University and completing a Master of Business Administration with a focus on Executive Leadership at City Vision University. These academic pursuits complement the two masters he completed earlier at Fuller Seminary. Jeff has a passion for baseball, boardwalks, beaches, bays, and books, but above all, his greatest joy lies in spending time with his family and guiding our church community on our journey of faith together.
Learn more about us at rivercornerchurch.com.

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