November - December 2012 REMINDER

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1 Rick Warren in our 40 Days in the Word study points out what is called a hina clause in the Greek. Hina = so that. When you see so that what follows is the purpose of what comes before. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 God gives us all Scripture so that we, as God s servants, have everything we need to prepare us to do every good work. Lovett Weems in Bearing Fruit: Ministry with Real Results, one of the books we are reading as part of our Fruitful Congregation Journey writes: One of the myths of American industry is that Henry Ford invented the assembly line, which then permitted him to build a car that could be sold for $500, an amount that large numbers of working people could afford. The reality is just the reverse. Ford determined that $500 was the most that large numbers of people could pay for a car, and inventing the assembly line was the only way he could devise to accomplish that task. He determined that the task was not just to build a car but to build a car in such a way so that it could be sold for $500; only then did he unlock the manufacturing plan required to accomplish such a goal. So it is with ministries. Weems helps us focus on the outcomes we expect and encourages us to dig down into why we do what we do by completing the so that for each ministry and activity. He writes, We have found that two words consistently help us stay focused on the mission of anything we do, no matter how small or large: so that. Indeed, we believe these may be the two most powerful words you will learn from this book. Paul and Timothy pray for God s holy people in Colossae and write in Colossians 1:9b-13, We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. May that be our prayer for Riverside. Shalom in Christ, John A. Young Riverside United Methodist Church Page 1

2 November Harry Shelby 3 rd Vangie Wilkinson 6 th Ron Brown 6 th Dick Garringer 21 st Missi Young 22 nd John McKillip 23rd Julia Pittenger 28 th Hester Mitchell 29 th Dale DeHaven 30th BIRTHDAYS Anniversaries November December Sandy Hunter 1st Nancy Campbell 4th Sarah Turner 5th Virginia Sharp 7th Jack Richardson 9th Kay Rankin 18th Bill Terhune 21st Sara Mitchell 27th Steve Dettman 29th Jeanette Perkey 30th David & Kimberly Brown 20th December Ron & Pat Brown 3rd Bill & Nellie Campbell 4th Tony & Amanda Collins 6th Dale & Debra DeHaven 20th Jack & Jeanne Richardson 20th Mark & Amy Clevenger 31st HOSTS & MINGLERS OUTSIDE DOOR INSIDE DOOR LOBBY MINGLER SANCTUARY MINGLER Nov 4 Bob & Earlene Harvey Pat Brown Marge Salisbury Karen Blank Nov 11 Susan Reno & Sandy Hunter Nellie Campbell Bill Campbell Hester Mitchell Nov 18 Jack Stanton & Wilma Grile Virginia Sharp Cindy Miller Lynn Wright Nov 25 Mark & Amy Clevenger Ann Beuoy Pat Ashcraft Dorothy Bowman Dec 2 Jerry & Ann Golden Sandy Hunter Betty Lacey Mary Schumacher Dec 9 Fred & Bob Wallace Sandy Jordan Sara Mitchell Patrick Richmond Dec 16 Jack Richardson & Pat Ashcraft Bill Campbell Nellie Campbell Janet Schamp Dec 23 Joe & Judy VanWinkle Marlene Boyer Patrick Richmond Sandy Abbott Dec 24 Ron Brown & Larry Campbell Nancy Campbell Karen Blank Judy Turner Dec 30 John and Sara McKillip Marge Salisbury Betty Lacey Dorothy Bowman Having greeters each Sunday is an important ministry at Riverside. If you are unable to serve when scheduled please ask someone to fill in for you. Riverside United Methodist Church Page 2

3 Habitat for Humanity Sixteen Riversiders worked in Mt. Clemens, Michigan during the last week of September. Accommodations were in the American Lutheran Church and showering was at the YMCA! Campers attended church at the American Lutheran Church Squirmer s service with the children doing a large portion of the service, followed by fellowship with the church members. Following church they visited a railroad museum, ate a late lunch and returned to the church. In the evening the workers attended a moving performance by Frank Runyeon of Afraid, a one-man play based on the gospel of Mark. On Monday the work began on 3 different houses. The women did much of the taping, painting in all 3 houses, and cleaning. In addition to helping with painting, the men made repairs and finished the siding on one of the houses. The work campers became acquainted with several of the home owners as they worked along with them. The cooks prepared excellent food and every one gained a few pounds. The work crew fit in some sightseeing, including a visit to Lake St. Clair and a stop at Cold Stone Creamery for some ice cream. The weather was great with no rain, and the temperature did not get above the mid 70 s. Mt. Clemens was pleased with the work completed and the campers were ready to start thinking about next year Charge Conference On Monday, November 19 at 6:30 p.m. we will host Charge Conference for the North Muncie Cluster of United Methodist Churches. The charge conference is the connecting link between the local church and the general Church. The primary responsibilities of the charge conference in the annual meeting shall be to review and evaluate the total mission and ministry of the church, receive reports, and adopt objectives and goals recommended by the church council that are in keeping with the objectives of The United Methodist Church. Our Church Council represents us at Charge Conference. However, anyone is welcome to attend. The Muncie North Cluster consists of the following churches: Center Chapel, College Avenue, Gethsemane, High Street, Riverside, Selma Christ, Selma United, and Union Chapel. However, Union Chapel is having a separate charge conference this year. Riverside United Methodist Church Page 3

4 Give thanks with a grateful heart for John & Sarah McKillip for helping sign up people for the Energy Assessment Project. The Story Tellers during the Extravagant Generosity pledge drive. The sharing of your stories was very meaningful. Everyone who donated coats, hats and gloves for the Coats Against the Cold project. Over 650 adults, children and infants were given a warm coat. Sandy Hunter and Fred Wallace for canvassing the neighborhoods surrounding Riverside church and hanging door hangers, inviting residents to come to worship with us. Amy Clevenger for keeping our Guest Bags stocked with goodies for our visitors. Everyone who worked on the church grounds on the 6 th of October. Everyone who donated candy and/or donated toward the purchase of hot dogs, beverages, etc. for our annual Trunk-n-Treat festivities. Thanks to Bob & Earlene Harvey for organizing this very popular event again this year. Giving Statements via We will soon have the capability of sending your giving statements via . Year-end giving statements will be sent as a hardcopy. If you would like to receive your quarterly statements via , please include your address on the front of the Sunday Connection Card or the church office at riversideumc1@sbcglobal.net Riverside Photo Directory Online Are you aware that you can access the Riverside Photo Directory online? Simply log onto the Riverside website and click on On-Line Photo Directory from the menu. The photo album site is password protected. The password is available by calling the church office Riverside United Methodist Church Page 4

5 Missions Report Fantastic news The Dig Deep - Prime the Pump Well Project continues to be primed by your generous donations. Riverside Church has raised $8, to build a well in Sierra Leone, West Africa. Members of the Mission committee presented a certificate to Bishop John Yambasu from Sierra Leone on October 28 at the Operation Classroom reception at First UMC in New Castle. Thank you to everyone who supported the well project to provide clean and safe water for the people of Sierra Leone. Pastor John A. Young, Mary Schumacher, Bishop John Yambasu of Sierra Leone, and Karen Blank. Riverside United Methodist Church Page 5

6 Missions Report - continued On November 4 we will begin our annual collection of single sheets, towels and washcloths, pillows and pillowcases for the YWCA. This year there is a great need for pillows and pillowcases. Watch for the November sales and help support this YWCA project. On Sunday, November 11, we will be taking a special collection for $5 gift cards for Veterans. The money collected will be used to purchase five-dollar meal cards to various fast food restaurants that will be distributed to veterans through Indiana s three VA Hospitals as well as the Muncie/Anderson VA Clinic. Pastor Randy Davis of the Redkey UMC is promoting this project among the churches in the East District. This is a wonderful opportunity to honor these true American heroes. FALL FELLOWSHIP CARRY-IN and CONCERT! Mark your calendar for November 18. Everyone is invited to a carry-in after worship on Sunday, November 18. Following the worship Colin Hart and Emily Kathman, our Ball State University friends, will entertain us with a musical concert. A thank offering will be taken to help support Covenant Partners with their outreach ministry into our community. Please join us for a great time of fellowship. Covenant Partners A GIGANTIC THANK YOU!! From Susan Reno It is a great joy to share God s love and grace with a community of people who are in great need. For the past five years that I ve been affiliated with the Covenant Partners Ministry, I have been inspired by the willingness and steadfastness of our congregation in this mission. Thank you to all who have taken part in the Community Day activities. Every month we supply 80 bags of personal supplies. Every month Wilma Grile and Linda Keyton transport them. Every month five of our members help with the distribution, and Mary Schumaker takes blood pressures. My heartfelt thanks goes to Sandy Abbott, Pat Ashcraft, Mary Ann Beouy, Kay Farling, Wilma Grile, Joyce Kendall, Julia Pittenger, and Marge Salisbury and of course, Margaret Ann DeBoy. Others this year have provided clothing, coats, painting, landscaping, meals, stamps, special monetary gifts, moving help, kitchen supplies, and much more. What most impresses me is the mutual love and respect given by both congregations. The work is not always easy, but I never leave there with an empty heart. I feel the peace and joy that only the Holy Spirit provides. On November l8, Covenant Partners will be serving a Thanksgiving meal. Pastor Linda McBride has told me that she will need six turkeys (l2-15 lbs.), pumpkin pies and topping, vegetables for trays with dip, lemonade and iced tea. She would like to have the turkeys by November 12. Any group or individual who could supply one or more of these items would be greatly appreciated. A monetary gift would also help them buy needed items. On Christmas Day Covenant Partners will be open from 10:30 am until 5:00 pm to the surrounding community and church members. Linda is collecting hats, gloves, and scarves for the men, women, and children. She has also asked our churches for donations for the meal, which includes eight hams (5-10 lbs.) to be donated by December 21, home-made cookies and cakes, hot chocolate, tea, and coffee. If you are willing to donate something for either of these dates, please call Linda McBride at Covenant Partners. The number is She or a worker will take the information during the week from Tuesday through Friday afternoons from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Covenant Partners exists only from the generosity of the churches in our district. Its ministry has grown larger every year and is far reaching in sharing Christ s message in all its varied programs. If you would be interested in helping out, please call me at Your help is needed. Riverside United Methodist Church Page 6

7 Notes from Our Church Family My family cannot thank you enough for all of your prayers, hugs, and support during Dick s illness and passing to a better place. Riverside is indeed the Friendly Church Among the Evergreens as it was once called when there were evergreen trees along Wheeling. As Marvin Grooms used to say better felt than telt. We have indeed felt your love and support. In His love and fellowship, The Family of Dick Myers "Our family is truly lifted up by the love we feel from Riverside as we grieve the passing of Bill and continue to celebrate his life. Thank you for the many cards, calls, visits, and food that you took the time to share with us. We are so blessed to be a part of the Riverside church family." Julia, Andy and Debby Pittenger Thanks to the Builders Class for their generous $500 donation to our Dig Deep Prime the Pump project to dig a well in Sierra Leone, West Africa. The Mission Committee Thank you for the gift and the support throughout my college. I have had a lot of fun at Riverside UMC. Bryan Boggs I want to thank everyone for their cards and prayers when I had my gallbladder surgery in June. I really appreciated it. Linda Keyton We wanted to thank you for your continued prayers and financial support. Together we are making a difference in the lives of people in Africa. We pray that God will continue to bless you as you are a blessing to others. Yours in Christ, Ken and Deb Vance United Methodist Women Annual Joint Meeting The annual joint meeting of the UMW will be on Thursday, November 15 at 2:00 pm in the sanctuary. Mr. Dennis Trammell, Executive Director of the Roy C. Buley Community Center, will be the guest speaker. Following the program, dessert will be served in Fellowship Hall. Everyone is invited to attend this meeting. The Mittens and More Tree Our UMW will again sponsor the decorating of a Christmas tree with hats, gloves, scarves and mittens which will be donated to children who attend programs at the Buley Center. Please help us decorate by bringing your contributions and placing them on the tree. Little heads and hands need to be kept warm during cold winters, and you can help. Thank you for your help with this special seasonal project. Red-Kettle Bell Ringers Riverside will again be ringing bells for the Salvation Army on Dec. 5 and 21, for 2 hour shifts, from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. A schedule will be available for you to sign up for specific times on those two dates. We will be ringing bells in front of Sears, MCL Cafeteria and J. C. Penney. Riverside United Methodist Church Page 7

8 Christmas is a time for memories.. We remember a childhood Christmas, a special Christmas, our children s first Christmas. We remember last Christmas and we remember the First Christmas. Join us this year as we celebrate these memories. Join us on December 9 th at 6:30 in the RUMC sanctuary to enjoy the music and memories. A second performance will be December 16 th at 6:30 at Gethsemane UMC. We hope to see you there. Bring Joy to the World The Heifer Project Once again it is time to bring Joy to the World by participating in Riverside s Heifer Project. Have you ever thought about giving a cow, a sheep, a goat, or a llama to someone on your Christmas list? I am sure it would be the most unique gift they would receive. As you are making out your Christmas list, remember to include the Heifer Project. Heifer International works with families all around the world to end hunger and poverty while caring for the earth. The idea behind Heifer is that it s better to teach a man to fish so he can feed himself than to give him a fish that will feed him just once. One animal could eventually benefit and entire community. Each family who receives an animal agrees to give one of its offspring to another family in need. By giving families a hand-up, we can help them become self-reliant and independent. During the Advent Season, the Mission Committee will be ready to help you with your Christmas shopping by offering animals from the Joy to the World Collection." This collection consists of two sheep, four goats, one heifer, and two llamas. You may purchase an animal or a share of an animal in honor of a family member, grandchild, friend or co-worker. This is the perfect way to teach children about giving and sharing during the holidays. Christmas shopping just became very easy visit the Heifer display at Riverside beginning in December. Llama Goat Sheep Heifer $ or $20.00/share $ or $10.00/share $ or $10.00/share $ or $50.00/share Your gift will provide food for the hungry, income for families in poverty, and hope to families in despair. Riverside United Methodist Church Page 8

9 Bishop Coyner s Christmas Offering Bishop Coyner has requested a special offering for children at this time of year, just as was done in Last year, the Bishop s Christmas Offering giving was distributed as follows: For children s ministries within Indiana, within the United States and worldwide missions: $27,460 to Indiana children s ministries, $27,460 to UMC Advance Specials for children s ministries within the United States, $27,460 went to United Methodist Church Advance Specials for children beyond the United States. You may contribute to this offering at any time by indicating Bishop s Christmas Offering on your gift. The Christmas Eve Service offering will go to this ministry with children in honor of the Christ Child whose birth we celebrate. Weather Related Church Closing Information The Trustees wish to advise you that if the city declares a snow or other emergency and requests that travel be restricted to essential or emergency travel only, Sunday services will be cancelled. This would also pertain to any meetings scheduled during the week. We, however, encourage you to use good judgment when the streets and roads are hazardous to travel on when a State of Emergency has not been declared. If a meeting is cancelled, please contact Tom Schamp (765) He will contact WLBC 104.1, WTHR Ch 13 and Fox59 Ch 11. An will be sent to those who have given their address to the church. If possible, an announcement will also be placed on the church s answering machine. If in doubt, please call the church or Pastor Young at or his cell at Committee chairs may also consider establishing a telephone chain call procedure for their committee. If a snow or other emergency prohibiting travel is not declared we will have church for those who can make it safely to Riverside. If you do not feel safe traveling to church, please stay home. If you have a responsibility at church for the Sunday in question, please stay home, but notify the church of your decision to do so. That will keep us from worrying about you being stuck in the snow and allow us to recruit a replacement among those who are able to travel. You don t have to be in church to worship God. Jesus in John 4 tells the Samaritan woman that location doesn t matter. We are to worship the Father in spirit and truth (John 4:23). However, Luke tells us that on the Sabbath day [Jesus] went into the synagogue, as was his custom (Luke 4:16). And Hebrews 10:25 admonishes us Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Riverside United Methodist Church Page 9

10 Emergency Preparedness Info. The site below contains a good emergency preparedness plan and check-off form for individuals and families. Visit -- News and Notices Click on the "6 Month... link How to Help a Grieving Loved One During the Holidays Twelve Practical Tips for Saying, Doing the Right Things From the National Hospice Foundation and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization While many people look forward to yearly holiday traditions, gatherings with family and friends and the general good feelings associated with the season, some people dread the holidays. For those who have lost a loved one during the past year, the holidays may emphasize their grief. The holidays, especially the first ones after losing a loved one, are especially difficult for people who are grieving. Often, friends and family members of those affected by a loss are unsure how to act or what to say to support their grieving loved one during the holidays. Here are some suggestions: 1. Be supportive of the way the person chooses to handle the holidays. Some may wish to follow traditions; others may choose to change their rituals. Remember, there is no right way or wrong way to handle the holidays. 2. Offer to help the person with baking and/or cleaning. Both tasks can be overwhelming for one trying to deal with raw emotions. 3. Offer to help him or her decorate for the holidays. 4. Offer to help with holiday shopping or give your loved one catalogs or on-line shopping sites that may be helpful. 5. Invite the person to attend a religious service with you and your family. 6. Invite your loved one to your home for the holidays. 7. Help your loved one prepare and mail holiday cards. 8. Ask the person if he or she is interested in volunteering with you during the holiday season. Doing something for someone else, such as helping at soup kitchens or working with children, may help your loved one feel better about the holidays. 9. Donate a gift or money in memory of the person s loved one. Remind the person that his or her special person is not forgotten. 10. Never tell someone that he or she should be over it. Instead, give the person hope that, eventually, he or she will enjoy the holidays again. 11. If he or she wants to talk about the deceased loved one or feelings associated with the loss, LISTEN. Active listening from friends is an important step to helping him or her heal. Don t worry about being conversational. just listen. 12. Remind the person you are thinking of him or her and the loved one who died. Cards, phone calls and visits are great ways to stay in touch. Riverside United Methodist Church Page 10