Rev. Michael Hafele Pastor Heather Landers Office Manager Judy Bartine Acting Music Director Pervin Muradov Organist Chuck Torgler Sexton Cecilia Quist Nursery Jeff Janowich Audio Doug Kasimier Treasurer June 2017 Down by the Riverside It is exciting that "summer" is here! Ok, perhaps the shift isn't dramatic as in the North but here in the Church we are moving to one "unified" (it feels a little awkward writing that for some reason) worship service at 10:00AM. The worship services each month (June, July, and August) will have respective themes with the ultimate focus on Jesus Christ; as it should be. I have heard that there have been concerns in the past regarding summer worship, particularly in the area of music in worship. I understand it can be a big change for many here at the Church; the flow of worship is not necessarily what one is used to, the music selections are different, blending of musical styles in one worship of Jesus Christ can be unsettling even for the most patient of worshippers. A quick and pithy pastoral response could be, "Well, it is all for the worship of Jesus Christ." That is true, yet there has to be more. Sometimes being unsettled in worship is precisely how God illustrates that He isn't always comfortable and safe. I'm reminded of CS Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia where Mr. Beaver speaks of Aslan (image of Christ in the story), "Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good." Yes, worshipping Jesus Christ is affirming as well as it is awe inspiring; comfortable and uncomfortable at the same time. Worship pours out our love unto the Lord and reassures us of the love we mutually share in the bond of that worship. In Matthew 22, Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was. His response, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and your soul and your mind." In the reflection of that love, the entire community of faith gathers in mutual love for Jesus Christ. Some come bearing our concerns and trepidations of the travails of life, others come with the fullness of joy and affirmations. Some with a penchant for "traditional" forms of worship while others gather in a more "modern" form. All come in the love of Jesus Christ, all come in the hope of the resurrection, all gather for the presence of the Holy Spirit giving witness to the glory of God. At this point, this is where the second section of Jesus' response meets us so profoundly. A man much wiser than I said regarding the multiple musical styles of worship in a "blended" format, "To receive a style of music much different than what you are accustomed to, even one that is outright difficult to accept for oneself in worship, gives witness to a community of faith who embraces that call to 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" I thought that a profound sentiment to welcome a form of worship that I would not readily embrace would serve as a means of loving one's neighbor. It is a healthy witness to esteem others in love that though I may not find affinity in the style myself, I can walk alongside sisters and brothers in Christ as they walk alongside my affinities in worship. I look, with eager expectation, to worship Jesus Christ alongside each of you this summer. Grace and peace in Christ, Pastor Mike
Pentecost Sunday (June 4) is the birthday of the church where we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit. It is also a time to celebrate youth as 60% of this offering goes to the national church to support ministries that encourage, develop and support youth and young adults and address the needs of at-risk children. Forty percent of Riverside s offering will be used to aid a local program that supports programs for young people in the Space Coast. This year, we will send our portion of the Pentecost offering to The Haven for Children in Melbourne. It will be a blessing to them as they care for children who have been removed from their families due to abuse, neglect or abandonment. The Haven provides a safe place for these children (residential care), as well as therapeutic care, in one of three homes in Brevard County. Building a life of faith begins when you are young. Help encourage youth and young adults by participating in this offering. The children of the One Room School House are going on Summer Break. Their class will not meet during the months of June, July, and August. Classes will resume in the fall. Miss Vicki and her group of volunteers will enjoy a break and be ready and refreshed to teach and enjoy the children in September. When classes resume, the children will explore Growing in the Grace and Gratitude of God through the stories of Ruth, Samuel, David, and Jonah. They will walk alongside these Old Testament heroes as they fight giants, struggle with the implications of power, claim God as their own and extend hospitality to friends and strangers alike. Your children will be inspired to stand courageously for God and in solidarity with others. Happy Father s Day to All!!! Summer Break in the Kid s Corner One Room School House
JUNE WORSHIP CALENDAR 6/4 Pentecost Sunday First Food Sunday 9 AM Sunday School 10 AM Communion Service 6/11 9 AM Contemporary Service 10 AM Sunday School 3 PM Pastor Installation 6/18 Fathers's Day 9 AM Sunday School 10 AM Communion Service 6/25 9 AM Sunday School 10 AM Worship Service June Birthdays 3rd: Bob Baughman Cathy Seeger 4th: Mary Baldwin Louise Segura 5th: Sandy Bean Carl Plaugher 7th: Barbara Deal 11th: Bonnie Leies Janet Moulton 13th: Judy Howard Sara Welden 14th: Judy George John Tumelson 15th: Jacob Buckley-Rivera 16th: Annie England 20th: Betty Meadows 23rd: Bob Brown 24th: Susan Bilder 25th: Bob Kellar 28th: Roger Goodman Fern Wolle 30th: Joyce Coon If your birthday is not on this list and you would like it to be, please call the church office at 783-6085.
June News from the Riverside Presbyterian Women In May ten ladies representing Riverside and the Stitchin Sisters delivered 90 quilts to the Ingathering of Quilts of Love to St. David s by the Sea Episcopal Church. The recipient organizations included the Salvation Army Domestic Violence, Serene Harbor, Genesis House, Family Promise, Devereux and the Hacienda Girls Ranch. All enjoyed the delicious repast served by the Ladies of St. David s. The Presbyterian Women s Council will meet in late July in the home of Gail Marshall to plan next year s activities and organize information for the 2017-2018 church year book. The Hannah Ruth and Rebekah Circles will go on summer break beginning in June to resume next September. Ladies, if you have not ordered or need to pay for your 2017-2018 study book, please contact Kathy Coon by the end of June. Our circle Bible study for 2017-2018 is entitled Cloud of WItnesses, The Community of Christ in Hebrews by Melissa Bane Sevier. The Presbyterian-wide Bible study will be held Saturday, August 12, 2017 at the Maitland Presbyterian Church. Check-in begins at 9:30 AM with the study beginning at 10 AM in the sanctuary. Cost is $15 due by July 28th. Late registration is $20 after the 28th. Ticket includes a catered breakfast, catered lunch and support supplies. For registration forms please contact Gail Marshall or download form at http://www.pwcfp.com/. Gail Marshall, Publicity This Month in Riverside History June 1956 The first regular worship service was conducted by Rev. Pfeiffer on June 3, 1956 The first Communion Service was conducted on June 8, 1956. The first Women s Circle meeting was held on June 18, 1956. For more Riverside History, visit www.riversidepres.org/church-history/
We are excited to announce a new partnership and a wonderful opportunity for Family Promise. Help Us Move In (HUMI) is a unique foundation that is located in the Pacific Northwest. Its mission is simple: to ensure children are homeless no more. In the past 16 years, it has helped more than 700 families and 1,600 children become substantially housed. Its model is straightforward: small amounts of funding can prevent eviction or allow families who are homeless to gain housing more quickly. It has applied its program in six communities, working with a lead agency in each to create partnerships that not only identify how to utilize funds effectively, but also maximize the initial gift fourfold, so the impact can be far vaster. HUMI s principles align wonderfully with Family Promise s; we both believe that a combination of case management, opportunity and community can help empower homeless families toward self-sufficiency. In fact, in two of the six communities, a Family Promise Affiliate is the lead agency, and both HUMI and Family Promise have seen the success, and potential, of this partnership. We are excited to announce that HUMI has decided to apply its program nationally working exclusively through Family Promise and will be awarding a total of $80,000 a year, for two years, to Family Promise Affiliates.This will consist of eight $10,000 grants this year and next year to eight Affiliates (two per region) to pilot the program in their communities. After the pilot, the goal is to expand the program further, engaging more Family Promise Affiliates and agencies in communities without Family Promise, in part from the best practices identified in this national pilot. The program involves a double challenge match from the community and the goal is for this to be a viable and sustaining source of support to families experiencing and at risk of homelessness. This program offers many opportunities Supplements existing rehousing/prevention programs Can be offered to families who may not qualify for existing programs Creates community engagement on the issue of family homelessness, housing availability, and barriers to housing Builds relationships with landlords; acts as a tool to expand the number of landlords that will rent to families at risk Expands an Affiliate s programming base Most importantly, puts children and families into homes Thank you for your dedication to changing the future for children and families. Claas Ehlers, President
FAMILY PROMISE WEEK June 18 through 24 Our next Family Promise week begins June 18 and Riverside needs your help! Volunteering during the week for 3 to 4 hours can make a huge difference. Ask our captains Jack Sprunger, Judy George, Pam Weiger and Linda Boehmer how this little time can be a major effort toward our success. We are starting one Service at 10:00 AM thru Rally Sunday which is September 10, 2016. Two services will resume September 17. As the Worship Commission continues to pursue hiring an organist/pianist we will have music from the Praise Band and guest musicians. Remember we are here to worship Christ and that can be done in a variety of ways. Let us all open our hearts and minds to the many wondrous blessings we at Riverside have enjoyed for so many years. The Worship Commission is looking forward to seeing everyone at 10:00 AM and in Fellowship afterwards.
June 2017 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 7p Choir Practice 9:30a Senior Fit 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Communion Sun. 7p NA Meeting Pentecost 9a Sunday School 10a Worship 9:30a Senior Fit 9:30a Worship 6:30p Fellowship 7p Education 7:30a Men s Bib. 7p Choir Practice 9:30a Senior Fit 9:30a Care & Sup. 10a Prayer Circle 7p Women s Bib. 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 9a Sunday 7p NA Meeting School 10a Worship 9:30a Senior Fit 7p Deacons 7:30a Men s Bib. 7p Choir Practice 9:30a Senior Fit 10a Prayer Circle 7p Women s Bib. RPC Kids Music Camp 9 AM to 12 PM 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 9a Sunday 7p NA Meeting School 10a Worship 9:30a Senior Fit 7p Session 7:30a Men s Bib. 7p Choir Practice 9:30a Senior Fit 10a Prayer Circle 7p Women s Bib. Family Promise Families 25 26 27 28 29 30 9a Sunday 7p NA Meeting 9:30a Senior Fit School 10a Worship 7:30a Men s Bib. 7p Choir Practice 9:30a Senior 10a Prayer Circle 7p Women s Bib.