FROM THE INTERIM PASTOR Merry Christmas! It’s June and it’s scorching hot outside. But it’s not too early to be thinking and planning for Advent and Christmas. Especially here at Riverside where we welcome and worship with so many winter residents and seasonal resort-goers. So even as we are enjoying summertime on the beach, we are also looking ahead to the next church year. Getting a head start on the holidays is just one of the things your church staff and leaders are doing this summer. The calendar is filling up— including plans for a month-long celebration of the 60th anniversary of the church to be kicked off with a special worship service and congregational celebration on Sunday, October 2. Plans are also underway for an expanded fall stewardship campaign. As the PNC searches for the pastor God will call to serve Riverside, the congregation will also be called to commit to the future financial support of the new pastor. In the meantime, we all need to remain committed to honoring our 2016 pledges to see us through this budget year. God has been faithful to Riverside over the past 60 years; and He will be faithful to provide all that He is calling us to be and do in the future. With gratitude to all who are stepping up to be a part of that future, Pastor Melanie 3400 N. Atlantic Avenue Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 (321) 783-6085 [email protected]www.riversidepres.org Rev. Melanie Ruta Interim Pastor Darrien “Chili” Thorstad Music Director Jennifer Thorstad Church Coordinator Chuck Torgler Custodian Cecilia Quist Nursery Jeff Janowich Audio Doug Kasimier Treasurer June 2016 Monthly Newsletter
Transcript
FROM THE INTERIM PASTOR
Merry Christmas! It’s June and it’s scorching hot outside. But it’s not too early to be thinking and planning for Advent and Christmas. Especially here at Riverside where we welcome and worship with so many winter residents and seasonal resort-goers. So even as we are enjoying summertime on the beach, we are also looking ahead to the next church year. Getting a head start on the holidays is just one of the things your church staff and leaders are doing this summer. The calendar is filling up—including plans for a month-long celebration of the 60th anniversary of the church to be kicked off with a special worship service and congregational celebration on Sunday, October 2. Plans are also underway for an expanded fall stewardship campaign. As the PNC searches for the pastor God will call to serve Riverside, the congregation will also be called to commit to the future financial support of the new pastor. In the meantime, we all need to remain committed to honoring our 2016 pledges to see us through this budget year. God has been faithful to Riverside over the past 60 years; and He will be faithful to provide all that He is calling us to be and do in the future. With gratitude to all who are stepping up to be a part of that future,
Summer Fellowship: On the second, third and fourth Sundays join us from 10-11 in Fellowship Hall for light
refreshments, coffee and conversation. Fellowship after the 11:00 service will resume in the fall.
June 2016 Worship Calendar
6/12: Music Camp Celebration
9 Worship w/ the band
10 Fellowship/ Sunday School
11 Worship w/ the choir
6/19: Father’s Day
9 Worship w/ the band
10 Fellowship/ Sunday School
11 Worship w/ the choir
6/26: 9 Worship w/ the band
10 Fellowship/ Sunday School
11 Worship w/ the choir
3:30 Patriotic Concert
June 2016 / page 3
Bob Baughman 6/3
Cathy Seeger 6/3
Mary Baldwin 6/4
Louise Segura 6/4
Sandy Bean 6/5
Carl Plaugher 6/5
Barbara Deal 6/7
Bonnie Leies 6/11
Janet Moulton 6/11
Judy Howard 6/13
Suzanne Rios 6/13
Sara Welden 6/13
Judy George 6/14
John Tumelson 6/14
Jacob Buckley-Rivera 6/15
Annie England 6/16
Betty Meadows 6/20
Bob Brown 6/23
Susan Bilder 6/24
Bob Kellar 6/25
Roger Goodman 6/28
Fern Wolle 6/28
Joyce Coon 6/30
June 2016 Birthdays
Fun after worship!
All are invited! Free!
Activities including a water slide for the kids
& bingo for the adults.
Thanks to the Fellowship Commission for hosting
Senior Fitness & Fall Prevention Tuesdays & Thursdays
9-10 am Fellowship Hall
A challenging chair based group fitness program which helps the older adult in balance, eye-hand coordination, memory, strength and flexibility.
Improves balance, memory, strength and coordination for the older adult. Suitable for any ability level. Each individual works at their own level in a class setting. All the participants has to do is show up and have fun! A $3 suggested dollar donation is recommended per class.
June 2016 / page 4
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN NEWS Begun in 1922, the Birthday Offering of Presbyterian Women celebrates Presbyterian women’s history of mission giving. Over $400 was collected within our circles’ April meetings. The 2016 four recipients are located in Kansas, California, Florida and the South Sudan. These mission outreach projects include helping troubled teens, providing housing for the aged, stopping the flow of children into the school-to-prison pipeline, and building a girl’s primary school. The Gifts of Women Sunday was May 1st at the 11 AM service. The PW served as greeter, ushers, communion servers and lay leader. Continuing in the outreach mode, the PW ladies served in the nursery for the 2nd service in May. Also, PW donations supported confirmation and graduation gifts as well as camp scholarships to Cedarkirk. The Stitching Sisters participated in the May 17th 10AM Ingathering at St. David’s by the Sea in Cocoa Beach. They donated 63 quilts and 7 afghans. The Presbyterian Women in Central Florida Presbytery 2016 Bible Study, “Who is Jesus?” will be held Saturday, August 20, 2016 at the Maitland Presbyterian Church, 341 North Orlando Avenue, Maitland, Florida 32751, 407-644-3455. There will be a continental breakfast at check in. Lunch will be between the morning and afternoon sessions. Cost is $10 due August 6th. Late registration will be $15 after the 6th. Registration forms will be available with circle leaders and Gail Marshall. Look ahead and save the date of The 10th Triennial Gathering of Presbyterian Women in the Synod of South Atlantic on October 21-23, 2016 at Epworth by the Sea on St. Simons Island, Georgia. The theme is “Looking at Jesus through a Different Lens.” The Year End Luncheon and planning meeting at the home of Gail Marshall will be rescheduled to later in the month of June. The restructuring of Riverside’s Presbyterian Women’s Coordinating Team (PWCT) to the Presbyterian Women’s Council (PWC) and the 2016-2017 plans/activities will be on the agenda. All interested parties will be invited to attend at the rescheduled time. Dates to Remember:
August 20 9:30 AM PWCFP
2016 Bible Study “Who is Jesus?” Maitland. Florida
October 21-23
10th Triennial Gathering of Presbyterian Women Epworth by the Sea,
St. Simons Island, Georgia
-Gail Marshall, Publicity
June 2016 / page 5
Summer Studies: Riverside’s Adult Sunday School
The Education Commission is introducing the summer adult Sunday school program beginning in June starting
with a new video series (copyright date 2015) from Ray Vander Laan. This DVD is entitled Israel’s Mission
containing 5 lessons on “Becoming a Kingdom of Priests in a Prodigal World.” God gave an assignment to his
people thousands of years ago: Bring “lost sheep” back into the love and safety of His kingdom. It’s still our
task today. In this video series we will glimpse the urgency and rewards of welcoming the strangers and
prodigals the Lord longs to embrace.
The five sessions are entitled “Israel at Sinai: The First Great Commission;” “Jesus Renews His Mission:
Seeking the Lost;” “The Lost Son: In a Far Country;” and “The Seeking Father: The Lost Son Returns.” These
episodes are filmed in the Middle East and illuminate the historical, geographical and cultural context of the
scriptures.
In July a six session video series by C. K. Robertson (copyright date 2015) will begin. The title, Hazardous Saints,
Christians Risking All, Changing Everything will introduce Barnabas, Francis of Assisi, Thomas Cranmer,
Sojourner Truth, Dorothy Day and Oscar Romero. These individuals made the powerful uncomfortable while
bringing significant lasting change to the lives of those around them and to generations of believers who
followed. Hazardous Saints will challenge us to consider how we too can reflect the love of Christ in creative
and intentional ways.
Both series have been checked out from our Orlando Central Florida Presbytery Resource Center. Jak Burton’s
Knox Parlor Sunday morning class on Revelation will continue this summer and will set their own schedule.
For the two video series, our summer adult Sunday school teacher/facilitators will serve on a rotational basis
starting the 2nd Sunday, June 12, between the 9 AM and 11 AM services in the Pfeiffer Room. No video series
Sunday school will be scheduled on the 1st Sunday of each month for the one worship service at 10 AM.
Video Series Adult Sunday school schedule:
June 12, 19, 26
July 10, 17, 24, 31
August 14, 21, 28
September 11
September 18 and 25 - Curriculum Fair introducing fall classes beginning in October
ADULT MINISTRIES AT RIVERSIDE: www.riversidepres.org/adult-ministries Adult Ministry meets Tuesday, June 7 at 7pm in Knox Parlor. This is a group with a lot of great ideas! Thanks to these folks, we again had a successful Older Adult Celebration Sunday, game days and nights, exercise classes twice a week, nutrition & cooking class, caregiver education and a trip to the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary! Come be a part of the excitement –we are open to all who are interested.
June 2016 / page 6
OLDER ADULTS CELEBRATION
Sunday, June 22nd
June 2016 / page 7
JUNE IN THE ONE ROOM SCHOOLHOUSE
The One Room School House for Riverside’s Kids has their Sunday school class from
10:10 to 10:50 AM in the time frame between the first and second services. Come and
find us in the children’s corner of Fellowship Hall.
On June 12th, the One Room School House will resume their Awesome Adventures
summer studies about Paul and his journeys on his second missionary journey. In
Acts 18 we will learn that Paul spent 18 months in Corinth where he established a
house church. He joined Priscilla and Aquilla in their tent making shop to earn an
income during that time. The next Sunday, we will learn about Paul performing a miracle in Acts 20 on his
third missionary journey. A young boy fell from a third story window to his death. Paul gathered him in his
arms and the boy lived.
Our last story in June comes from Acts 27. Paul is on a ship in a violent storm and all feared they would lose
their lives. Paul assured the sailors that they would lose the ship but there would be no loss of life. He
continued to always find strength and hope in God and shared this hope with others.
In July, we are looking forward to the children sharing their Sunday school time with Judy Bartine with
stories and music about Noah.
Miss Vicki and Miss Gail happily welcome all students, new and old. Please remember, One Room School
House class begins at 10:10 to 10:50 AM in Fellowship Hall between the two worship services.
Happy Father’s Day!!!
EFSC LAB SCHOOL NEWS
Riverside proudly celebrates its 49th year partnering with Eastern Florida State
College’s Lab School, a "hands-on" educational program for families. In this unique
program families play and learn together, building strong family foundations and
lifelong friendships while adults discover the skills to be the best parent they
can be for their children, their community and themselves.
Messy Camp will be held from 9:30-12 on June 14-16 and 28-30 for 3-5 year olds. For more information, call
321-433-7668.
We are excited about new changes for the Lab School and their upcoming extensive renovations planned
for their classrooms in Calvin Hall. Their program is expanding and they will conduct several work days with
participating families to paint, reorganize, redesign and modernize the classrooms. This investment of time
and funds reiterates and strengthens our partnership.
We pray for the families as they enjoy summer and will soon embark on both new and continued education
here at Lab School!
June 2016 / page 8
Family Promise Hosting at Riverside: Our next visit is scheduled for June 19-June
26. Please step up and assist this worthwhile program. Our sign up board in Fellow-
ship Hall is ready to receive your position.
This effort is lead by six captains: Meals, Jack Sprunger, 783-6414; hosting & chaperoning, Pam Weiger , 784-
6285; setup, Linda and Flip Boehmer, 799-1283; inventory, Carl Plaugher, 784-6285; laundry, Judy George,
783-5624; communications, Ruth George, 737-1335. At least call one captain to discuss how easy these tasks
are and the little time and skills required. This is one of many outreach projects the church offers to the
world community. It's about caring and love.
God will be pleased, too, by your participation. "Many hands make tasks easier."
RIVERSIDE CAUSES
Riverside is blessed to be a blessing to others through our mission giving. With funds available from our congregational budget (“Riverside Causes” line item) and part of the income from two endowments designated specifically for missions, we support many charitable activities locally, nationally and internationally.
Just to focus on local missions in this article, from January thru May of this year we have given financial support to: Glory Mansions for serving victims of domestic violence; Crosswinds Youth Services for the transitional living program for homeless young adults; St. Vincent de Paul Society at Church of Our Savior in Cocoa Beach, and Central Brevard Sharing Center, for varied services to homeless and needy people; Second Harvest Food Bank in Brevard for food that goes to many local charities; Housing for Homeless (formerly Coalition for the Hungry & Homeless); Kairos Prison Ministries for Christian weekend retreats for prisoners; Salvation Army Spousal Abuse program; and the Children's Hunger Project.
The bulletin board in Fellowship Hall shows you the broad reach of our giving – check it out for more information on some of these organizations.
– Submitted by Linda Gibson on behalf of the Outreach, Missions, and Evangelism Commission (OMEC).
Mission News
CAPE VIEW ELEMENTARY PARTNERSHIP
Riverside congregants are a generous and committed flock, and exceeded our expectations with their
overwhelming support of the Cape View Elementary food drive. Weekly (and sometimes several times in a
week!) we delivered non-perishable goods to Cape View Elementary School, providing
weekend meals to children in need. Several individual donors, women’s groups and even
community organizations lovingly purchased and delivered these foods to the church. Thank
you to George & Kathie Spaeth for being our “delivery team” to the school each time. Stay
tuned for updates on this important partnership as we wrap up the Summer.
Thank you to all who support this important mission!
Summary of Session Actions:
Stated Meeting, May 17, 2016
Received the report of the PNC which is writing the church’s Ministry Information Form. When
completed and approved, the MIF will be posted on-line for review by pastors seeking new calls.
Received an overview of the financial structure and use of funds and allocations at Riverside, including
operating budget, capital repair and replacement funds, endowment funds and other restricted
funds.
Approved the recommendation from Finance for the proposed salary range for the new pastor.
Received the report of the Treasurer that “faith income” needed to finish the year with a balanced
budget is lagging. Although loose collections are up, pledged income is still down—the total being
10% less than the total for 2015.
Approved the continuation of the service of communion to homebound members on a rotating basis.
Appointed elders to receive new members on Sunday, June 5.
Approved OMEC’s recommendation for the transfer of funds from the Bookbinder Endowment to the
Children’s Hunger Project.
Received the report of the Deacons and Care & Support Commission regarding on-going care
concerns.
Received the report of the Education Commission regarding summer Sunday school programming and
scheduling the Fall Curriculum Fair.
Approved the request of the Worship Commission to affirm the use of the hymnals at the 11 service
through the summer months.
Affirmed the Fellowship Commission’s support of the “First Sundays” services with the picnic on
June 5.
Approved the rental agreement with the Lab School for 2016-2017.
Received the report of the Ambassadors noting their support of outreach activities such as the new
directory and discipleship through financial stewardship classes.
Received the report of the programs of the Adult Ministries Commission and look forward with joy to
