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THE VIEWPOINT The Monthly Newsletter of Riverside Community Church

United  Church  of  Christ  March 2015

 

                                                               

During this holy season of Lent, you are invited to bring your prayers and place them on the cross in the sanctuary. They may be written (slips of paper are in each pew) or in the form of a photo, newspaper clipping, or an image that captures the essence of your prayer.

Reflections

Finders keepers…losers weepers! Do you remember saying these words as a child? I used to shout them at my brother with great glee when I found something valuable that he had misplaced. My understanding was clear—if I find something, it is mine to keep. If I lose something, all I have is tears. Right? “Wrong!” Jesus says to his confused disciples. Losing is good, not bad. “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me…for those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.” (Mark 8:31-38). In the strange and surprising world of Jesus, it sounds like losers will be keepers, and those who aren’t willing to lose something, will be the weepers. But how can this be? I’ve been perplexed and troubled by this teaching for many years. What does it mean to deny oneself? Why would a God who creates us, loves us, and dwells in our midst want us to leave ourselves behind? And why would we choose to lose our lives? In the midst of my confusion, I remembered the ice cube experiment that I have shared during Children’s Time. Each child receives an ice cube. Then, as I talk about the ways of Jesus, each child has a choice—either hold the cube tightly or place it in a bowl where it joins together with the cubes of others to create life-giving water. Perhaps Jesus isn’t calling us to become doormats, or to treat ourselves as insignificant and unimportant after all. Perhaps, instead, he is calling us to “deny” the self-identities that cause us to live small, fearful and isolated lives and inviting us to place our lives into the risky, life giving waters of connection--to God, neighbor and creation. “It’s not that nothing is lost,” a wise friend reminds me, “it’s that something more is gained.” In giving our small selves away, we are offered abundant life. In denying fear-filled lives of self-absorption, we receive our true identity as beloved children of God—intimately connected to all that God loves. Losers Keepers….? Indeed! Blessings of Lent, Pastor Vicky

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RIVERSIDE BULLETIN BOARD

Worship time 10:30 am. First Sunday of the month is Communion Sunday. Children grades K-5th are invited to Sunday School in the Fireside Room after the Children’s Time. Younger children may remain in worship or in the nursery with Mirian Castillo and Araseli Oseguera.

Chancel Choir Rehearsals are Sunday mornings at 9:15 am and Wednesday evenings at 7 pm. Diana Beterbide, Accompanist & Choir Director Gospel Choir sings during worship the third Sunday of the month. Rehearsal at 9:15 am on singing Sundays. Choir Director Tim Mayer, Accompanist Paul Thompson Children’s Choir sings during worship on the 4th Sunday of each month and rehearses after Sunday School every Sunday. Jo Herring and Pam Riedl, Co-Directors Kitchen Is Closed! The kitchen remodel is well underway. Please note: The upstairs bathroom will be closed for the next few weeks AND the inside lift is out of order so there is, unfortunately, not any accessible way to the downstairs bathroom for those who are unable to use the steps. Stay informed about the project by checking out the bulletin board in the Pioneer Room. Pockets of Plenty offering will be March 15. Proceeds to help support special United Church of Christ special mission offering “One Great Hour of Sharing”, which provides support for health, education, refugee, agricultural and emergency relief in 138 countries by working with local, national, and global partners. Down Manor Bible Study on Tuesdays at 10:30 am. Everyone welcome! Job Announcement Riverside is seeking a part-time Music Director to guide, expand and strengthen its music ministry. The position requires a person with creativity, a diversity of musical interests and experience in choral direction. The Director will work an average of 10 hours/week, with compensation of $200-$250/week depending on experience. To apply, please send a resume & letter of interest to: Search Committee, Riverside Church, P.O. Box 656, Hood River, OR 97031 or rcc@gorge.net.

Remember: Daylight Savings Time Begins March 8

Darlene Kemper March 2 Jacquelyn Light March 3 Corinda Elliott March 11 Gail Lyon March 12 Patrick Humann March 14 Samantha Kaiser March 15 Jim Purdon March 18 Audrey Mallon March 19 Bill Sheppard March 30

Have we missed your birthday? Please let the church office know

at rcc@gorge.net.

It is a blessing to have others praying for us. It is also a blessing when we pray for others. Let us bring our prayers to God. ….for Sandy Spellecy, Helmut and Pam Riedl, and all those facing health challenges, …for Judy Nelson and Rich Utroske, recovering from surgery…for those suffering from mental illness…for the sound of young voices…seeing someone in a new light…rain….

God In Your Grace, Hear Our Prayers

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Riverside Community Church Council Meeting Highlights

Feb 15, 2015 Complete minutes available in the church office

Present: Gean Rains, Steve Nybroten, Michelle Redmond, Lorre Chester-Rea, Elaine Thompson, Sue Hukari, Judie Holt-Mohar, Jo Herring, Matt Rankin, Sandy Spellecy, Molly Fauth, Alison Betzing, Joan Ewing

Kitchen Remodel-Gean Rains All of equipment has been purchased, cupboards have been emptied and removed. Feb. 23rd the wall between kitchen and bathroom will be demolished. Kitchen hoped to be completed in 6 weeks.

Spring Fling-Steve Nybroten May 16th at Spring House Cellar. Saturday Night Fever Theme, Matt Rankin- MC, Kim Vogel –Auctioneer, Sue Hukari-Auction Items. Possibility of kids at Riverside (babysitting night format).

Safe Conduct Procedures-Elaine Thompson The policy was adopted last year by council. Elaine Thompson presented procedures for use of the Safe Church Policy. Every parent of nursery and preschool child will be given copy of policy. Parents will need to read and sign copy of acknowledgement. Background checks on all people who are in contact with children and updated every 3-5 yrs. Elaine will check to see if copy of existing background check will suffice for church records. Lorre will email copy of suggested Safe Procedures so council can review. Leadership Retreat - Gean Rains Saturday, April 18th – Leadership Retreat at Trout Lake Abby. Details will be shared at a later date.

Credit Card/Website - Matt Rankin Website needs to be a more useful tool, more interactive, more descriptive, and allow for people to donate money to church. Costs for upgrading website will be outlined. Final summary will be presented at next meeting.

CN Board – Gean Rains Moved and approved that David Skakel join the Christian Nurture Board.

Evaluation of Pastor – Michelle Redmond Report of 360 review, see report on file in office. Vicky made suggestions about future reviews that would give her more details about all the layers of her service to church. Michelle presented diversity of responses to council. Michelle felt that the review provided a format for a very productive, positive discussion on input from church members.

Council Meeting Structure – Gean Rains Input for ideas from council about format of council meetings. The structure of board will remain the same. If something is going to be voted on council members will be notified before meeting. Boards will be spotlighted, written reports from board will be tried.

Treasurer’s Report - Sue Hukari More pledges have arrived and we have met our goal of $135,000. The $3,000 short fall for the budget has been put in the Fundraising line item so that the budget appears balanced. Pastor – report on file at office. Worship and Music, Adult Education, and Kitchen Ministry are reported.

Diaconate - Alison Betzing Three new members Nancy Palvlenko, Bill and Jackie Light were welcomed. Mission – Sandy Spellecy and Joan Ewing New volunteers from Riverside to help at Food Bank needed. Building will be hopefully opened mid March. Helping Hands will be special offering for month of February. Bricks For Fish - $60.00 per brick. Child Sponsorship – will occur in April 2015. Warming Shelter – going well but can’t fill shifts, especially 10:00-5:00 shift. Transportation to new location working well. 22 days are left in the season. Music – Lorene Murray No response to job posting yet.

Building & Grounds – Steve Nybroten Discussion at board about moss removal, removal of debris on west side of church, painting in Ruth Wells Room, lift repair. Hope is that lift will be repaired because of loss of upstairs bathroom. Current budget will not support all of these items, they will be done as dollars are available. Chair replacement will come from another source. Lights on outside of church will be addressed after kitchen is done.

Council Meeting Times – Gean Rains Council will meet every Third Tuesday at 5:30 in Ruth Wells Room beginning in March.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, March 17th @ 5:30 pm.

Respectfully Submitted Judith Holt-Mohar

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MARCH 2015

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 2nd Sunday in Lent

Chancel choir 9:15 am Communion Inquirer’s Gathering

2 3 Down Manor Bible Study 10:30 am

4 Choir 7 pm

5 Lenten Women 5:30 pm

6 Middlers @ Nichols Boat Basin 4:30 pm

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8 3rd Sunday in Lent Rhythm & Spirit 9 am Chancel Choir 9:15 am Inquirer’s Gathering Teens 5:30 pm

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10 Down Manor Bible Study 10:30 am

11 Choir 7 pm

12 Lenten Women 5:30 pm

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Friendship Guild 1 pm @ Jo Herring’s

14 BOWL FOR KIDS’ SAKE @ Orchard Lanes

15 4th Sunday in Lent Rhythm & Spirit 9 am Gospel Choir 9:15 am POP Offering Inquirer’s Gathering

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17 Down Manor Bible Study 10:30 am Council Meeting 5:30 pm

18 Choir 7 pm

19 Cheers 10 am Lenten Women 5:30 pm

20 Babysitting Night 6-10 pm

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22 5th Sunday in Lent Rhythm & Spirit 9 am Chancel choir 9:15 am Guest Preacher Royal Ewing Inquirer’s Gathering

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24 Down Manor Bible Study 10:30 am

25 Choir 7 pm

26 Lenten Women 5:30 pm

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29 Palm Sunday Rhythm & Spirit 9 am

Chancel choir 9:15 am

HOLY WEEK

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BEGINS...

31 Down Manor Bible Study 10:30 am

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Dear Riversiders, The council is ready to approve our safe conduct procedures for the protection of children, youth and vulnerable adults. The policy has been in place for over a year, and we have been working hard with the help of Michele Beaman, Susan Witt, Kim Vogel and Pastor Vicky to complete procedures we feel protect our church and yet give us freedom to enjoy our activities. It is a fine balance. Everyone in the church will be receiving a copy of the policy and procedures via email. This is considered by the courts to be just as valid as receiving documents via snail mail or in person. I encourage you, especially parents and guardians, to print the document and get familiar with it. The biggest changes? Parents/guardians must sign children out of their activities and then be responsible for knowing where they are and what they are doing in the building. And anyone working with children, youth and vulnerable adults must have a current background check conducted by RCC. Even if you have a background check somewhere else, Riverside needs to do its own. It is the “standard” and if something bad happens, courts will throw our case out if we have not done what is considered a standard safe practice. Riverside has never had any incidents of abuse reported, and we want to keep it that way.

Thank you and be checking your inbox late this month. Sincerely, Elaine Thompson Director of Christian Nurture

CHRISTIAN NURTURE DATES TO REMEMBER!

 Friday, March 6th: 4:30-6:30PM Middlers: Meet at Nichols boat basin Sunday, March 8th: 5:30-7:30PM Teen night at RCC Saturday, March 14th: 10AM Bowling for Big Brothers/Big Sisters Friday, March 20th: 6-10PM Teen Babysitting night at RCC Saturday, March 21st: 2-4PM Camp Adams retirement party for Charlie Hill    

Hey Kids! Tell your parents about

Babysitting Night At Riverside

March 20 6-10 pm For Ages birth through Middlers.

Play fun, interactive games like Hide and Go Seek and Night at The Museum. Snacks! Watch a movie!

Sign up in the Pioneer Room or contact Elaine Thompson.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * Bowling For Kids’ Sake

Riverside is participating in the 2015 Bowl For Kid's Sake again this year on March 14. Pastor Vicky and 9 kids will be bowling for fun and raising money for the Big Brothers / Big Sisters. If you would like to support this event, please bring your contribution to the collection station in the Pioneer Room. Questions? Call Matt Rankin at 541-400-0648.

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FRIENDSHIP GUILD meets March 13 at 1 pm for

a dessert meeting at the home of Jo Herring,

1654 4th St. in Hood River.

All Riverside Women Are Welcome and Invited!

Save the Date! If you haven’t already!

Spring Fling 2015

Saturday Night Fever Disco Ball

May 16th 6 -10 p.m. Springhouse Cellar

Watch for details in the next

Viewpoint

If you have items/ideas for the Silent or Live

Auctions, please contact Sue Hukari

at 541-386-1516.

"Sharing Rhythm & Spirit"

Returns to Riverside

   Beginning  March  8th,  Vic  Pavlenko  will  return  to  Riverside  with  a  Spirit-­‐filled  series  on  Sunday  mornings.    "Sharing  Rhythm  and  Spirit"  is  an  opportunity  to  learn  how  to  play  a  drum  (West  African  &  Native  American)  and  share,  in  Vic's  words,  some  "basic  rhythms  of  Life  and  Spirit."    No  drumming  experience  is  necessary  and  drums  will  be  provided.    (Though  if  you  have  access  to  a  djembe  or  Ashiko  drum,  you  are  encouraged  to  bring  it  so  that  more  people  can  participate.)    The  series  will  take  place  during  Christian  Nurture  Hour  (9:00-­‐10:10)  starting  March  8.      If  you  would  like  to  join  in  this  exploration  of  Spirit  and  rhythm,  please  contact  the  church  office  (rcc@gorge.net)  as  space  is limited. Questions? Talk with Vic Pavlenko (541-386-2115) or Pastor Vicky.

LENTEN SERIES FOR WOMEN Thursdays in March we invite you to break away and join with like-minded women to renew your sense of spirit and community. There will be time for a few refreshments, getting to know one another and Lectio Divina, Latin for “Holy Reading”. First gathering is Thursday, March 5th from 5:30-6:30PM at Elaine Johnson’s home: 1201 Cascade Avenue. Please contact Pastor Vicky or Elaine Thompson, if you would like to participate.

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The Scott and Elaine Johnson Kitchen @ Riverside And so it begins. After months of planning, the transformation of our Riverside kitchen is underway.

In the last couple of weeks, teams of Riverside volunteers have emptied and removed the cabinets and fixtures from the kitchen and now the construction crew is on site. We anticipate 4 – 6 weeks of work.

When completed, the kitchen will have a commercial grade cook line, a walk-in cooler, a food preparation sink, hand and mop sinks, an ice machine, and new flooring and countertops. And while all that is exciting, it is the food-based ministries and outreach programs that this kitchen will support that is the most exciting. Pastor Vicky has started working with a team to plan and bring these programs to the community.

As you know, the kitchen remodel project has been made possible by a loving and generous gift from Scott and Elaine Johnson. This gift covers most, but not all the project costs. People have been asking how they can help. Below is a list of the equipment that will be purchased for the kitchen. You are invited to contribute money for the purchase of a particular piece of equipment, team up with others to purchase the item, or make a general contribution to the project. Contribution forms are available in the Pioneer Room. Your name will be attached to the item you purchase. Checks should be made out to Riverside and designated to Kitchen Remodel and sent to the church office or put in the offering plate.

I thank all of you who have been volunteering time on this project. And to Leonard Wood, Rodger Schock, Elaine Johnson, Joan Ewing, Perry Platt, and Kathy Watson, who have met week after week since August to plan, design and make it all happen, you have my deepest affection and gratitude. With Gratitude, Gean Rains, Moderator Equipment List and Cost Cook Line Hood $6,987 Range with ovens $4,502 Fryer $1,250 Gas Grill $595 Walk-In Cooler $5

Solar Report FEBRUARY 2015

FEBRUARY Total 412 kWh As of 2/26/15 Previous Month Total 193 kWh Y-T-D 605 kWh

Carbon Offset for this month:

the equivalent of 7 trees.

FISH food Bank in Hood River is selling Commemorative Bricks to decorate the entry sidewalk to the new FISH Warehouse and Distribution Center. The bricks will be similar to those that decorate the Hood River Library grounds. The cost is $60 per brick and the money raised will go toward improving the landscape around the new FISH building. Riverside members can purchase bricks individually or purchase a brick to represent Riverside Community Church. The bricks will be installed in the Spring. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this wonderful new building and to help beautify the landscape of the new FISH building. Thank you so much for your support. Please contact the church office for forms regarding purchase of these Commemorative Bricks.

February 2015 Special Offering Total

Pockets of Plenty $690.75 Helping Hands Against Violence

Thank you for your Generosity!

Refrigeration Unit $1650 Ice Machine $1,200 Food Preparation Sink $295 Mop Sink $524

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Gorge Ecumenical Ministries Roundtable On March 5, the focus of the 11:00 a.m. GEM gathering will be a roundtable discussion on Creation Justice. It promises to be an engaging, provocative and enlightening event. All people of faith are invited and encouraged to participate. Please note that this gathering will take place at Hood River Valley Christian Church. Mid-Columbia Unitarian Universalist Fellowship calls their first settled minister. Come celebrate and attend Rev. Judy Zimmerman’s installation on Saturday, March 7th from 3-5 pm at the Rockford Grange, 4250 Barrett Dr., Hood River. Light refreshments and a champagne toast after the ceremony. Child Trafficking in The Gorge? Tuesday, March 10th 5-7 pm at Solstice Wood Fire Cafe & Bar 501 Portway Avenue in Hood River for the first Hood River Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Community Awareness event. Over the past months a group of dedicated professionals have worked to from the Hood River CSEC task force. This event is an opportunity for people who care about the welfare of teens to learn about the complex crime of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children.

Share The Warmth An evening of food, fun and friendship in support of community outreach programs March 13, 6-8 pm at St. Marks, 400 11th St in Hood River. $10/person OR $5/person with a canned food item for FISH Food Bank. An opportunity to shop in the “Shelter Store” for gloves, socks, sleeping bags, granola bars, microwavable soups and coffee. Silent and Live auction! Tasty hors d’oeuvers from Ahi’s Cartering!

Riverside Community Church United Church of Christ Hood River, OR 97031 Pastor Vicky A. Stifter

The Viewpoint is published monthly by Riverside Community Church,

317 State St., P.O. Box 656, Hood River, OR 97031, 541-386-1412. Email address: rcc@gorge.net.

Visit our website at: www.riversideucc.com Also visit: ucc.org and cpc.org

For more information on The United Church of Christ

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