THE VIEWPOINTThe Monthly Newsletter of Riverside Community Church

The United Church of ChristApril 2014

Reflections

I was changed last week by the image of a small leaf. It is an image that is embedded in a rust colored rock about 18 miles west of Fossil, Oregon in the “Clarno” unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. The leaf fell from a tree about 40 million years ago. It drifted through the sky and came to rest in a slightly upturned position. Then, before it had a chance to decompose it was covered by volcanic lava—its image forever preserved amidst the rocky hills and sagebrush of Eastern Oregon.

We are in an awful mess. The precious and fragile systems that make our life on Earth possible are quickly eroding. We have walked with too heavy a foot on our dear planet and, like many of you, I am fearful of what lies ahead.

Yet, as I peered down with my daughters at that curved leaf on a partly cloudy afternoon in the year 2014, I was overwhelmed with awe and wonder. My spirit was lifted, my heart swelled and I was filled with sweet whispers of hope.

Easter is coming. The snap pea seeds that we planted last week are poking their heads out of the soil. God is still at work in our world. And when we finish our journey through Lent later this month and peek inside the tomb of fear and death, it will be empty. Once again, the One who lovingly fashioned that ancient leaf and the One who gifts us with snap peas and wide-eyed children will invite us to join in the tenacious, on-going co-creation of life.

That tiny leaf print reminds me that in spite of our broken ways and the fear that I feel inside, God’s ways are bigger and more mysterious than I could ever imagine. God’s powers of life and love will indeed have the final word…now and forever.

Blessings of Lent,

Pastor Vicky

1

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 Ann Zuehlke and Mirian Castillo. Chancel Choir Rehearsals are Sunday mornings at 9:15 am and Wednesday evenings at 7 pm. Perry Cole, Choir Director & Diana Beterbide, Accompanist

Gospel Choir sings during worship the third Sunday of the month. Rehearsal at 9:00 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, Choir Directors

Pockets of Plenty April 13. Proceeds to benefit the Columbia Gorge Ecology Program.

Local Missions offering will be April 20.

Down Manor Bible Study on Mondays from 10 – 11 am. Everyone welcome!

FISH Food Bank Riverside’s next service week is May 5th, 7th, and 9th.Volunteers please call:  Judith Poage @ 541-990-2209.

The Mission Board invites you to a informative and energizing discussion with Brett VandenHeuvel, Executive Director of Columbia Riverkeeper, after worship on April 27. A light lunch provided by the Mission Board.

Support for Requa Family If you are interested in providing a meal or other forms of support for Brett, Shaun, Austin and Amy has they face the challenge of Brett’s diagnosis of cancer, please contact Diana Beterbide for more information at dianabeterbide@gmail.com or 541-386-7872.

Meeting Highlights

Riverside Community ChurchCouncil Meeting Highlights

Lizz O'BannonLarry JonesJoan EwingAllison ThompsonCaitlyn FickRoyal EwingSamuel FauthTerry MallonRodger SchockKeeley HardingKathy McClure

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

…for the Requa Family, as Brett continues treatment for cancer…Hazel Bowe… Sue Hukari…and for all those in need of healing…blessings for this past season's warming shelter guests & volunteers…for all struggling with mental illness…for Rick Hulett and all who will miss him…

God In Your Grace,Hear Our Prayers

2

Riverside Community ChurchCouncil Meeting Highlights

March 18, 2014Complete copy of minutes available in the church office

NEW BUSINESS

Financial Secretaries At least two more members who count and deposit money on Sunday mornings are needed. Tim Foley, Judy Schock, Lizz O’Bannon, Gean Rains, Susan Baldwin are currently serving. Michelle Redmond was nominated and approved. Jerry Mohar will be asked to serve.

Credit Card Authorization Vicky, Elaine, and Lorre have cards. Custodian Perry has asked for a card so he can make purchases without contacting Church staff. Motion to authorize Perry to have card. Motion passed.

Personnel Policy Vicky presented beginning of draft of personal policy re: cover paid holidays, sick leave and vacation leave. Pastor Vicky, Gean Rains, and Scott Johnson drafted proposal. Proposal to be retroactive from Jan.1st. Currently no sick leave, no paid holidays, and limited vacation time. No anticipated impact on budget. Staff will work less but salary/benefit will still total what is in current budget. Rich will be asked to attach a dollar amount to proposal. Vicky will make adjustments to policy, Rich will be asked to look at proposal, and proposal will be emailed to council. Voted on at next council meeting.

Endowment Committee Gary Rains has been nominated and approved to sit on committee. Jerry Mohar’s nomination was voted and approved.

New RCC Directory Do pics over 3 to 4 Sundays and then create directory. Request to update directory will be put in newsletter.

Proposed Covenant of Ministry Rev. John Boostra presented Proposed Covenant of Ministry to council. Five fold covenant between: Rev. John Boonstra, GEM, Mt. Adams Ministerial Assoc, RCC, and Central Pacific Conf of UCC. Asked council to sign covenant that would support Rev. Boonstra’s ministry of environmental justice, giving visibility, and opportunities to preach, teach, administer sacraments, and share in wider life of church. Purpose would be to formalize the mission of the work of environmental stewardship and justice within RCC and support Rev Boonstra in this sacred work. No money is involved in this covenant. GEM and Mt Adams Ministerial Association have already signed covenant. Motion: Moved and approved that council sign covenant with Rev.John Boonstra for Environmental Justice with the stipulation that Rev. Boonstra hold a quarterly meeting with the council and also open to the congregation to update council on actions and positions within his ministry.

OLD BUSINESS

Sabbatical Calendar Vicky presented Sabbatical Worship calendar from end of May through return August 24th. Combination of guest preachers, special music, VBS, and Teens.

Spring Fling Contact Scott Johnson or Steve Nybroten if you can help.

2014 Budget Budget had extra cash flow. $939.00 above and beyond. Budget committee allocated $400.00 to youth group trip. Rich made recommendation for $200.00 to child care due to numbers increasing. Remainder into Bldg maintenance especially since floor went over budget.

Front Porch Ministry Team set meeting April 6th after church to brainstorm/have conversation about what we learned. Where might we take the concept of front porch ministry. Bring ideas of what that could look like. Mary Margaret brought article in Wall Street Journal of partnership between local doctors and chefs.

Pastor Vicky’s Report Worship Services for lent being planned. Taize service on Tuesday being added. Greatest Prayer continues until April 13th. (no gathering 3/30), Down Manor Study “The Gift of Years” continues. Kim Vogel just completed “Painting the Stars.” Working with GEM on 3/20 marriage equity plan, developing Sabbatical plans, and safe church procedures. Vacation March 26-30. Guest Preacher Karl Vercouteren on 3/30.

Treasurer’s Report Operating account $13,000. This includes the $20,000 Moe Fund distribution for 2014.

Revenue:YTD Budget: $54,120.00 YTD Actual: $49,676.35

Expenses:YTD Budget: $29,971.00 YTD Actual: $30,876.00

Next Meeting: April 15th @ 5:30 pm

Minutes Submitted ByJudie Holt-Mohar, Council Secretary

3

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY1 2

Choir 7 pm

3 4Teen Babysitting Night6 – 10 pm

5

6 Christian Nurture Hour 9 amChancel Choir 9:15 amCommunionChildren’s Choir Rehearsal After SSFront Portch Follow-Up Mtg

7Down ManorBible Study 10 am

8

Taize 7 pm

9

Choir 7 pm

10 11Friendship Guild 1 pmPioneer Room

12

Middlers’ Babysitting @ Bethel UCC 10 am

13 Palm SundayChristian Nurture Hour 9 amChancel Choir 9:15 amChildren’s Choir During WorshipPockets of Plenty Offering

14Down ManorBible Study 10 am

15Council Mtg 5:30 pm

Taize 7 pm

16

Choir 7 pm

17Maundy ThursdayService At Bethel UCC 5:30 pm

18

Middlers @ Bethel

Good Friday Service7 pm

19

20 EasterTeen Brunch 9 – 10:30 amGospel Choir 9 amFlowering of the CrossLocal Missions OfferingEaster Egg Hunt

21Down ManorBible Study 10 am

22Cheers 10 am

23

Choir 7 pm

24 25 26

27Chancel Choir 9:15 amChildren’s ChoirDiaconate MtgMission Board Presentation

28Down ManorBible Study 10 am

29 30

Choir 7 pm

4

CHRISTIAN NURTURE DATES TO REMEMBER!

Youth/Teen Dates

to remember for April! Friday, April 4th 6-10PM: Teen Babysitting Night

Teen group: Date/time to be announced

Saturday, April 12th: 10AM-2PM Middlers babysitting at Bethel UCC

Sunday, April 13th: Bibles presented to 3rd/4th graders during worship

Friday, April 18th: “Random Friday Night” Middlers group at Bethel UCC

April 20th 9-10:30AM Easter Brunch: Join the teens for French toast, bacon and beverages before the service. Easter Egg Hunt after worship.

Be green this Easter: Bring your plastic eggs to church! We re-use them every year for our Easter egg hunt. Small bags of candy are also appreciated. Love, the Easter Bunny

FRIENDSHIP GUILDAll Riverside Women

Are Welcome!

The Friendship Guild meeting is right around the corner! It’s “Springtime” and a lot of

activities are coming our way. We will meet at the church on Friday, April 11 at 1 pm for

dessert. We will make plans on how we are going to help with the Spring Fling Beach Party

and the teens Bake Sale fundraiser.

Looking forward to seeing each of you!

Front Porch Ministry at Riverside: What’s Next?

During the month of February, Riverside explored the possibility of purchasing & operating “Cutie Pie” consignment store as a Front Porch ministry. Although the store was sold before we had an opportunity to finalize our process, the experience sparked an abundance of creative conversation about the concept of Front Porch ministry. Please join us on April 6 after worship, as moderator Gean Rains leads us in an energetic discussion about what we learned and where we are called to go from here. We will gather in the Ruth Wells room. All are welcome & encouraged to participate!

Easter Lilies in honor of loved ones are for sale.

$20 payable to Riverside Church Youth Group.

Proceeds from this fundraiser will help send

our youth to the UCC Western Regional

Youth Event, June 29th-July 3rd

in Seattle!

A copy of the current directory is in the Pioneer Room – please add your updated contact information. Photographer David Warnock will be available after church starting April 6 to add/update photos for the directory.

Let’s Stay In Touch!

March 2014Special Offering Totals

Pockets of Plenty $ 540United Church of Christ Mission Offering One Great Hour of Sharing

FISH $ 489

Thank you

for your Generosity!

It’s Time to Take The Plunge and

Register For Summer Camp!

Register now atCampadams.org

5

As we journey through the holy season of Lent, all are invited to gather on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. April 8 and 15 for a restful and reflective “Taize” service.

Taizé, while often thought of as a modern form of Christian worship, is first and foremost a community in southeast France. Begun shortly after WWII by now-deceased Frère Roger, Taizé quickly grew to encompass brothers dedicated to charity, mission work, and simple, self-sustained living. Today, many visit the community for retreats and spiritual rejuvenation. 

The 45-minute Lenten services, led by Rev. John Boonstra, features traditional Taizé music, as well as silence, readings, and contemplative prayer. Those who would like to come early are invited to arrive at 6:45 to dwell in the candlelit sanctuary.

All are welcome for this Tuesday evening time of peace, quiet, prayer, soulful singing and healing.

April 13 Palm SundayWorship at 10:30 amPalm Procession

April 17 Maundy Thursday5:30 Worship Service Bethel Congregational in White Salmon. A simple supper of soup and bread recalling Jesus' farewell meal with his disciples. Worship around tables with Communion and Foot Washing.

April 18 Good Friday7 pm Worship Service Childcare available

April 27 Easter Sunday

Brunch 9 am

Worship at 10:30 am

Flowering of the Cross

Easter Egg HuntAfter Worship

6

Community Events of Interest

Lions Follies presents “Mayhem at the Madison” April 4, 5, 6, & 10, 11, 12 at the Hood River Middle School Auditorium. Curtain at 7:30 pm, with a 2 pm matinee Sunday, April 6. Tickets $8 presale or $9 at the door. Proceeds for The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation.

Horizon Christian School Enrolling now for 2014 -2015. Open HouseSaturday, April 12 9 am – 3 pm 700 Pacific Ave. in Hood River. For more information call 541-387-3200 or visit www.horizonchristianschool.org.

“Words That Burn” A Dramatization of WWII experiences of William Stafford, Lawson Inada, and Guy Gabaldon in Their Own Words at the Hood River County Library Sunday, April 13 at 2 pm. Actors will perform abridged readings followed by a moderated discussion.

State of The Site Department of Energy has rescheduled the Hanford State of the Site meeting for Thursday April 17th at the Best Western.  Open house starts at 6pm, a Columbia Riverkeeper sponsored press event starts at 6:30 and the Department of Energy presentation starts at 7 pm.  

Hood River Vigil on April 22nd Our community will come together the night before a federal judge hears the final arguments for bringing the freedom to marry to Oregon.  Join us at Overlook Memorial Park, 2nd and State Streets, from 5:30 to 6:30 PM to show your support for the freedom to marry.  RSVP if you can so that we have an idea how many people to expect.RSVP link for a Hood River event at Overlook Memorial Park at 5:30 on

April 22nd is here: http://events.oregonunitedformarriage.org/ngpvanforms/4276

Riverside Community ChurchUnited Church of ChristHood River, OR 97031Pastor Vicky A. Stifter

The Viewpointis published monthly by Riverside Community Church,

317 State St., P.O. Box 656, Hood River, OR 97031, 541-386-1412.Editor: Lorre Chester-Rea - email address: rcc@gorge.net. Editor reserves

the right to edit for space and content. All errors, typos and omissions are sincerely regretted.

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

For more information on

As we journey through the holy season of Lent, all are invited to gather on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. April 8 and 15 for a restful and reflective “Taize” service.

Taizé, while often thought of as a modern form of Christian worship, is first and foremost a community in southeast France. Begun shortly after WWII by now-deceased Frère Roger, Taizé quickly grew to encompass brothers dedicated to charity, mission work, and simple, self-sustained living. Today, many visit the community for retreats and spiritual rejuvenation. 

The 45-minute Lenten services, led by Rev. John Boonstra, features traditional Taizé music, as well as silence, readings, and contemplative prayer. Those who would like to come early are invited to arrive at 6:45 to dwell in the candlelit sanctuary.

All are welcome for this Tuesday evening time of peace, quiet, prayer, soulful singing and healing.

April 13 Palm SundayWorship at 10:30 amPalm Procession

April 17 Maundy Thursday5:30 Worship Service Bethel Congregational in White Salmon. A simple supper of soup and bread recalling Jesus' farewell meal with his disciples. Worship around tables with Communion and Foot Washing.

April 18 Good Friday7 pm Worship Service Childcare available

April 27 Easter Sunday

Brunch 9 am

Worship at 10:30 am

Flowering of the Cross

Easter Egg HuntAfter Worship

7

The United Church of Christ

8