COMING 2027
Where everyone is welcome, nobody is perfect, and real change is possible
River City Church is launching in early 2027 in Keokuk, Iowa, led by Pastors Chris and Abby Sanchez! Inspired by the life-giving culture of our planting church, The Bridge Church in Ottumwa, we are building a church where everyone is welcome, nobody is perfect, and real change is possible.
Keokuk is home, and we believe God is doing something special here! Because our city sits at a major crossroads in this region, we have a unique opportunity to reach people across the Tri-State area of Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri. We believe this is no accident.
Our heart is to serve families, reach the next generation, and bring hope to people who feel overlooked, stuck, or disconnected. That is why we are building intentional outreach, a safe and thriving kids ministry, and small groups where real friendships can grow.
We also believe church should feel alive, hopeful, and relevant, with powerful worship and Bible-based messages that connect to everyday life! From the moment you walk in, we want you to feel seen, valued, and truly glad you came. Right now, we are preparing with faith and focus so we can launch strong and serve our city and region in a way that makes a lasting difference.
HOW YOU CAN HELP US LAUNCH
Pray with us as we prepare to launch River City Church! We are asking God to go before us, open the right doors, and draw the right people at the right time. Pray for unity, wisdom, and protection over our team and families, and that every detail would be led by the Holy Spirit. Most of all, pray that our city and the Tri-State region would encounter Jesus in a real way, and that lives would be changed for generations.
Join the Launch Team and help build River City Church from the ground up. This is a committed group shaping the culture through prayer, serving, and creating spaces where people can encounter Jesus. From kids and worship to hospitality, groups, outreach, and production, every role matters!
As we prepare to launch River City Church in 2027, we invite you to prayerfully partner with us financially. Your generosity helps build a healthy, life-giving church in Keokuk and the Tri-State region. The Bridge Church has set up a secure giving portal, and 100 percent of designated gifts go directly to River City Church and are fully tax deductible. Thank you for investing in changed lives and lasting kingdom impact!
The Bridge Church is the sending and planting church behind River City Church. The Bridge Church exists to make Jesus known to those who feel far from Him, empower believers to live out their God-given purpose, build authentic community, and impact the next generation.
What began as a bold step of faith in Ottumwa has grown into a thriving, multi-campus church serving Ottumwa, Centerville, Fairfield, and Oskaloosa, Iowa and now planting River City Church in Keokuk, Iowa! Over the years, God has used The Bridge to see many lives changed, addictions broken, marriages restored, families strengthened, and countless people take their next step with Jesus. Under the leadership of Pastor Marty Schmidt and his wife Jenny Schmidt, whose passion for their family, the local church, and reaching the lost is unmistakable, the vision has remained clear: build a church where anyone can encounter Jesus and grow in their faith.
Now that same heart and momentum is coming to Keokuk, Iowa through the leadership of Pastor Chris & Abby Sanchez . This is more than a church launch. It is a faith-filled step toward seeing the Love of Jesus impact Southeast Iowa, Illinois and Missouri! With strong leadership, trusted covering, and a deep love for this community, we believe God is preparing to do something powerful in Keokuk. What He has already done across Iowa, He is ready to do here, and we invite you to be part of what God is building from the ground up.
ABOUT OUR SENDING CHURCH
COFFEE WITH THE PASTOR
We’d love to buy your coffee at Java River, hear your story, and share the vision for River City Church. It’s a relaxed conversation where you can learn more about what God is building and how you could be part of the launch team.