Riverside United Methodist Church · P. O. Box 128 · Park Rapids, MN · 56470

The Pastor Shares

Spring brings a mix of emotions from frustration with the mud in our driveway to joy as the snow melts

away to embarrassment as the thaw reveals what I left laying out in the yard all winter. Spring is a

season of hope with the warm, sunny days, and despair when we get a spring blizzard.

New life is messy! This is true whether we’re talking about spring or the new beginnings we experience

in our own lives. Some of the hardest work we will ever do as humans is the work of grief. When we lose

a loved one, our work of grieving is carving out a new life without that person’s physical presence. That

is painful, difficult and messy!

The disciples were a mess after Jesus’ death. They were scared and hiding from the Romans, they were

confused about what to do next, they were grieving. It isn’t until the powerful arrival of the Holy Spirit

on Pentecost that they leave their hiding place and go out into the world to share the good news that

Jesus Christ lives!

New life is messy and that’s okay! It is out of the mess of spring that we have the beauty of summer.

It is out of the mess of grief and loss that we discover new life and meaning.

The gift of new life is ours because Jesus is risen and death is conquered!

May you be blessed with the precious gift of new life!

In Christ’s love - Pastor Lori

In This Issue • Confirmation/Graduate Sunday 2 Health & Wholeness 3 Camp Information 5

• Worship News 2 United Methodist Women 4 VBS 6

• Pictorial Directory Update 3 Rummage Sale 4 Itasca Park Ministry 7

May 2019 · Vol. 19, Issue 4

Riverside United Methodist Church Where the Spirit runs deep...

- 2 -

Celebrating Our Graduates

On Sunday, May 19th we will celebrate our graduating high school seniors with a time of

recognition at both worship services. We are so proud of their achievements and we wish

them God’s blessings!

Abby Eystad Chloe Johnson Coral Johnson Abbey Kimball

Paige Leeseberg Makenzie Mitchell Meagan Powers Casey Witkin

Confirmation Sunday

On Sunday, May 19th at the 8:30AM worship service, we will be confirming seven young

people and welcoming those who choose to become members. Being confirmed this year

are:

Sarah Boettcher Brandon Canfield Madison Jensen Maria Wagner

Tori Weaver Michael White Emily Worner

Come and help us celebrate the faith of these young people!

WORHIP NEWS ONE SERVICE ONLY MAY 12TH, 9:30AM

Second Service Update The pastors met with the 10:30AM worshipers after church on Sunday, April 7th to discuss the path forward

after the Praise Band decided to disband. The pastors shared their commitment to offering a second worship

service at Riverside, we will not be changing any worship times and we would like to offer a different musical

style than what is offered during the 8:30AM traditional service. We will be trying different options for music

and giving worshipers a chance to share their feedback on the music with us. This later worship service

meets the needs of many people for many different reasons, so please keep this service and those who

worship at 10:30AM in your prayers as we move forward!

Riverside “No Cancellation” Policy Update

Sunday morning is a special time for Riverside members as we gather as a church family and worship

God. Sometimes weather conditions can make that a real challenge. It says in Matthew, “for where two or

three are gathered in my name, there am I also.” Sometimes it’s hard to get even two or three together. We

certainly don’t want people to take unsafe risks and feel like they have to travel in dangerous conditions.

Where does our ‘no cancellation’ policy stand? What if staff, choirs or worshipers can’t get to church? Web

sites, texts, emails and public notices could all be used to notify us if there would be a cancellation; but there

will always be people who don’t get the word and will venture out.

At the March meeting of the Church Council, the cancellation policy was discussed. Is it sometimes unwise to

have people venture out? Do we want pastors and others feeling like they have to get there? How do we

balance safety, common sense and the opportunity to gather and worship?

It was decided we should keep the ‘no cancellation‘ policy. Our pastors will develop a snow emergency

folder with materials to allow whomever gathers an opportunity for fellowship and worship in their absence.

An appropriate location for the folder will be chosen and publicized, offering a personal worship opportunity

for any who gather.

- 3 -

A New Pictorial Directory

We are working with Max Bailey Photography of Park Rapids to create a new pictorial directory of our

friends and members. Photos will be taken in May and June on the following dates and times:

Thursday - Saturday, May 9-11

Thursday - Saturday, May 30-June 1

Thursday - Saturday, June 13-15.

Photos on all Thursdays and Fridays are taken from 3-8PM and on all Saturdays

from 10AM-3PM. Appointments for pictures will be made online via smartphone.

We know not everyone has a smartphone, so there will be volunteers from church who will help those who

do not have one. You will have an opportunity to purchase copies of your photos but do not have to make

a purchase to receive a directory! Watch for more information in a letter you will be receiving soon!

From the Health and Wholeness Ministry Team…

Take It to THE BOX! Disposing of Outdated Prescription & OTC Medications

Almost everyone has outdated prescription and over-the-counter

medications in their home. According to the Minnesota

Pollution Control Agency, medicines in home cabinets are the

second highest cause of accidental poisoning in children and adults.

In addition to making sure your medications are stored properly, dispose of any outdated medications

appropriately. What is the correct way to dispose of medications?

DON’T flush medications down the toilet or drain;

DON’T put them in the trash.

DO take them to a local collection site - Medication collection boxes are located at law enforcement

facilities and pharmacies across Minnesota, including the lobby of the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office

located at 301 Court Avenue in Park Rapids. Leave the label with medication name on the bottle (your

name may be removed, but it is not necessary). No glass or sharp objects.

More information is available at the Health & Wholeness display in the fellowship hall and at:

www.pca.state.mn.us/living-green/manaaging-unwanted-medications

www.takebackyourmeds.org/what-you-can-do/medicine-disposal-myths-and-facts

AED Training a Success! Thank you to everyone that attended the AED/CPR training held on April 7th at Riverside, and a special

thanks to Jason “Bucky” Johnson for instructing those present in a way that was informative and not intimi-

dating, teaching those in attendance that anyone can help in an emergency - even children participated in

the training!

- 4 -

Become Part of UMW

All women are invited to become part of the United

Methodist Women. Join a Circle (meet the third

Wednesday of each month), focus group, or be part

of activities of the United Methodist Women as a

whole. Men are also invited to special study

programs. Call the church office (732-5205) for

more information.

Active Circle Groups:

Current Issues, Friendship Circle, Charity Circle

For more information on the United Methodist Women visit: www.unitedmethodistwomen.org

3-4 Rummage Sale!

6 Executive Board, 9AM

12 UMW Sunday - Celebrating 150 years!

15 Circles Meet

Spring Rummage Sale May 3rd, 8:30AM-5PM; May 4th, 8:30AM-NOON

Everyone looks forward to the spring rummage sale! Lots of great items for sale including

clothing, collectibles, books, household items, furniture...you never know what you’ll find!

If you’d like to help, contact Jan Herbert or call the office (218-732-5205). Help is needed

unpacking donations, sorting, helping with the days of the sale, and clean-up. Accepting

donations through 2PM on Thursday, May 3rd. All proceeds benefit UMW mission projects!

We will be observing UMW Sunday on May 12th with a special service to

honor and celebrate the 150th anniversary of United Methodist Women!

There will be just one worship service that morning at 9:30AM -

mark your calendars now so you’re not too early - or too late!

Book Review By: Gail Gruis

Wishing on a Star and The Sunshine on My Face, by Lydia Burdick

These two books are read aloud books for memory challenged adults. The illustrations are

done very well. In the back of the book are sample conversation prompts and songs for

each page. These 2 books will be in the church library by May. Sorry you have to wait!

Mission Witness

“Being a deaconess and Church and Community Worker missionary is an exciting journey of meeting people

throughout the United States. God leads me to bring the community and church to serve in ministries of

love, justice and service.” - Katie Peterson, Order of Deaconess and Home Missioner/Church and Community

Worker, New Castle, PA

Celebrating 150 Years! United Methodist Women’s Sunday

Great Adventures Await at Camp!

The Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church offers great

camping opportunities for all ages. The 2019 brochures listing upcoming camps

are available at the information kiosk outside the office and online at

www.campminnesota.org. Pick up a brochure and find your summer adventure!

Camperships are available - talk to Pastor Chip for more information.

- 5 -

L.Y.F.E. Camp - Live Your Faith Everyday!

June 23-29, Northern Pines Camp, Park Rapids

This camp, open to grades 7 through 10, will help you grow in your faith

and relationship with Jesus Christ, and invites you to share that love with

your friends. It is a week of fun and growth though fellowship, games,

study, campfires, songs and fun. Questions? Talk to Pastor Chip or Pastor Lori Nielsen.

Northern Pines Camp Work Day

Saturday, May 18th

Help get Northern Pines ready for summer campers. A work day is scheduled

May 18th from 9AM to 5PM, but come when you can and leave when you must!

Noon lunch is provided, but let us know you will be there so we can plan the

appropriate number of meals.

Help with outdoor yard work, opening cabins, cleaning, painting, and other projects to get the camp ready.

Whatever your skill level, we can use your help! Call the camp office at 218-732-4713, or email the camp at

npdirector@campminnesota.org to register. Thank you!

Canadian Fishing Camp With Pastor Chip

If you enjoy fishing and the beauty of the outdoors, join Pastor Chip for

this great Canadian fishing adventure (23rd year!) August 5th -11th in

Lac Seul, Ontario. Information and registration is available at:

- www.campminnesota.org.

- Register for: Canadian Fishing Camp II - Lac Seul, Ontario.

Talk to Pastor Chip if you’d like more information.

Monthly Book Club and Bible Study Groups

The Riverside Readers The Riverside Readers will meet on Monday, May 20th at

2PM in the lounge at church to discuss the book, Nothing Daunted: The Unex-

pected Education of Two Society Girls in the West, by Dorothy Wickenden. We will

have copies of this book from the library - check the church office for a copy if

you’re interested in joining us!

Thursday Bible Study, 8:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Study meets year-round. New members always welcome.

- 6 -

Vacation Bible School - Coming in June!

If you’ve started planning summer activities, don’t forget to include Vacation Bible School!

Dates are June 10th thru 13th, and will be held at Northern Pines Camp in Park Rapids. The

kids always have a great adventure under the pines. They’ll grow in their relationship with

God and each other, do cool crafts, learn new songs, and enjoy time with their friends!

Calvary Lutheran Church will be part of the fun, so watch for sign-up information!

Echoes of Easter

The Resurrection wasn’t a “one-off”; it was a spark that lit a flame that continues burning even today,

especially where people minister in the Risen One’s name. One such outreach, Camp Noah, serves children

traumatized by disaster. Nationwide, volunteers offer week-long experiences of kindness, love, listening

and safety to kids who’ve recently survived a tornado, flood, hurricane, wildfire or shooting. Kids often

open up for the first time to share their “storm stories” and begin a journey of healing.

Leaders at Camp Noah attest to God’s power to bring joy out of sorrow, trust out of fear and life out of

death. A boy who initially was aloof dances with another camper at the closing worship; kids who arrived

with uncertain expressions leave with smiles and regained confidence. Mental health counselors are part

of camp teams, and referrals are made to continue care afterward.

Resurrection often happens in steps, not overnight. But wherever “ordinary” daily ministry takes place in

Christ’s name, extraordinary echoes of the first Easter are evident.

- Heidi Mann (Reprinted from NewsletterNewsletter.com)

United Methodist Women’s Sunday

May 12th - 9:30AM

ONE SERVICE ONLY

- 7 -

In Our Prayers

Pray for those who are ill or recovering: Don & Janis Eckhoff, Gannon Wilkins

Prayers for those who are grieving: The family of Dorothy Lawrence. Dorothy passed away February 15th. The family of Ruby Becker. Ruby passed away April 9th. The family of Harriet Green. Harriet passed away April 9th. The family of Dave Southward. Dave passed away April 16th. Prayers for our church & its ministries including: Missions in Laos and safe travels for

missionaries; McCurdy School in New Mexico; Ministries at Red Bird Mission; Rev. Earl & June Harrison and the ministries in Jamaica; United Methodist Committee on Relief.

The Intercessory Prayer Team and Prayer Chains are available to help support you.

Call the church office (732-5205) for more information, or if you are in need of pastoral support.

Itasca Park Ministry

Memorial Day Sunday thru Labor Day Sunday

Be a part of Itasca Park Ministries this Summer! Services are

held each Sunday, Memorial Sunday through Labor Day

Sunday, at 10:30 a.m. at the “Cathedral in the Pines.” Everyone

is welcome to enjoy an outdoor worship service in the beauty

of Itasca State Park. Each week a guest speaker gives the

message. If you’d like to help with this great ministry, there are needs for weekly hosts, worship leaders

and musicians. For more information, contact Michelle Piepkorn or Nikki Gack, or stop by the church office.

CONTACT US:

Riverside UMC P. O. Box 128

1005 Park Avenue N.

Park Rapids, MN 56470

(218) 732-5205

e-mail: rumc@unitelc.com

Visit us on the web at

www.riversideumcchurch.com

WEEKLY SCHEDULE Office Hours

Mon. -Thurs: 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Building Open: 8:00 AM

Sunday Worship

8:30 AM Traditional Service

9:30 AM Education

10:30 AM Contemporary Service

Fellowship follows each worship service

Minnesota Annual Conference:

www.minnesotaumc.org

United Methodist Websites:

www.rethinkchurch.org

www.umc.org

www.unitedmethodistwomen.org

Nonprofit Org. U. S. Postage

PAID Park Rapids, MN

Permit #5

Riverside United Methodist Church

P. O. Box 128

1005 Park Avenue North

Park Rapids, MN 56470

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Enjoy The Messenger - your way!

The Messenger, is available in a format that fits your lifestyle. Receive it

on your e-mail, regular mail delivery ,or at www.riversideumcchurch.com.

Articles must be submitted by the 15th day of each month. Space is lim-

ited - we reserve the right to review for content and appropriateness.

“Casting the net of Christ’s love to all through Faith, Action and Compassion.”

OFFICE HOURS Monday thru Thursday, 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM

Building Open: 8:00 AM

May 1 May Day!

3 & 4 Rummage Sale

12 UMW Sunday/Mother’s Day ONE SERVICE ONLY 9:30am

19 Confirmation / Graduate Recognition

26 First Sunday Itasca Park Worship, 10:30AM

27 Memorial Day - Building Closed