Reflections From The Pastor

One of the most beloved and familiar images for God in the Bible is that of a shepherd. THE VIEWPOINT It is an image that we reflect upon each year at this time as the post-Easter lectionary THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY CHURCH readings point us towards our shepherd-like God. (This year’s readings: Psalm 23 & John 10:11-18.)

United Church of Christ But what do we really know about shepherd and sheep? Have you ever cared for sheep? May 2012 I haven’t. In fact, as an urban dweller for much of my life I have rarely even been near one. So, I have been doing some research. And what I have found makes me stand in awe and wonder that anyone would ever want to be a shepherd, let alone God. I also squirm with discomfort at the thought that I might be viewed as a sheep.

For sheep, I have learned, are high maintenance creatures. They require constant attention and meticulous care. They are prone to get lost or stuck in brambles and they are fearful and Spring Fling timid—even the sudden appearance of a small dog can cause them to run. They are also impatient—if a flock is being led to clean, cool water they are prone to stop and drink from muddy pools along the way—unable to wait or envision something better. And, perhaps worst DinnerIt’s back andto the 50s andAuction 60s! of all, they are creatures of habit. If not guided to fresh pasture, a flock will graze and graze From the Big Bopper to the Beatles. in the same location until it becomes barren and lifeless.

From hula-hoops to the Mustang. Does any of this sound familiar to you? Remind you of any human “sheep” that you have Get out those old poodle skirts, oxfords, and tie died clothes. known? Any flocks? Perhaps a sheep or flock that does something over and over again even when it is harmful and destructive? Perhaps a sheep or flock that is afraid to try Where: Riverside Church something new? Or overwhelmed by fear? When: Saturday, May 12th 6:00 p.m. Social Hour It is in this context that Jesus boldly and publicly proclaims, “I am the good shepherd.” 7:00 p.m. Dinner So good that he is willing to stand up for his sheep no matter the cost.

Appetizers and Silent Auction And as a high-maintenance, prone to getting lost, impatient creature I wonder: what did I do to Lasagna, Salad, Bread, and Wine deserve such a shepherd? What did we do to come under the attentive, tenacious gaze of this Individual Men’s SPECIAL DESSERT Auction kind of God? My questions turn to proclamations of celebration and gratitude when I remember, once again, that the answer is “nothing.” I have done nothing to earn my place in Free Nursery Care this flock. The “doing” is all God’s. Tickets: Adults - $10.00 Children (6 - 15) - $5.00 Sisters and brothers, I pray that we, as beloved sheep, might listen closely for the voice of 5 and Under - Free the good, good shepherd. Let us leave our muddy puddles and overgrazed fields behind and travel with joy to God’s lush and life giving places. Please bring family, friends, and guests! Blessings, Pastor Vicky

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RIVERSIDE BULLETIN BOARD

Have a peak at these great Worship time 10:30 am. First Sunday of the month is Communion Sunday. Children grades K-5th are invited downstairs for Sunday School. Grades 6-12th are invited to meet with their SILENT AUCTION ITEMS for teen leader. Younger children may remain in worship or in the nursery with Ann Zuehlke the Spring Fling! and Tessa Mendez. Ocean getaway at Lincoln City

Chancel Choir performs every Sunday through May except for the third Sunday. Rehearsals are Sunday mornings at 9:15 am and Wednesday evenings at 7 pm. Dinner at the Hood River Inn Perry Cole, Choir Director Diana Beterbide, Accompanist Ruby Betzing May 2 Dell Charity May 3 Beautiful Quilts Gospel Choir rehearses at 9:00 am in the Fireside Room and performs during worship on the Kory Harding May 5 third of Sunday of each month through May. Maryhill Winery -Tour and tasting Evelyn Charity, Choir Director Tim Mayer, Accompanist Racheal Mallon May 5 Keith Harding May 6 for 8 people.

Christian Nurture Hour Beginning May 6, we will explore the engaging, enlightening and Judie Mohar May 6 House sitting deeply moving documentary film: “I AM.” We will view and discuss segments of the film on Charley Boonstra May 10 May 6, 13 and 20 from 9:00-10:10 in the Ruth Wells room. The coffee will be brewing and rich Helmut Riedl May 15 Yard work inquiry and fellowship await. You won’t want to miss this one! Questions? Talk with Pastor Joe Betzing May 20 Vicky. Doug Busby May 21 Tennis lessons

Friendship Guild will meet at noon on Friday, May 11 for a potluck luncheon at the home of Jim Wade May 23 Pet sitting Lizz O’Bannon (3391 Neal Creek Road, just north of the Chestnut Farm. The sign above the Madison Hanna May 24 driveway says: Grace's Acres. Lizz’s house is at the back of the property.) Judith Poage May 28 Learn bread baking techniques

Pockets of Plenty offering is May 13. Proceeds will benefit UCC special mission “Strengthen Elaine Thompson May 30 The Church”. John Vogel May 30 Fresh Salmon Dinner and huckleberry pie for 6 people FISH/Local Missions offering is May 20.

Council meets Tuesday, May 22 at 6 pm. Have we missed your birthday?

Please let the church office know More items are coming in, so Down Manor Bible Study Mondays, 10 – 11 am. All are welcome. at [email protected]. be sure to check out the

Pastoral Visits If you become aware of anyone in our church community who is in need of a Silent Auction May 12th at pastoral visit for any reason, please let Pastor Vicky or Lorre in the office know about the need. the Spring Fling!

2 Dear Riversiders,

What an Easter we had! I want to sincerely thank all of you who came to the annual Easter Brunch Teen Fundraiser. Between selling lilies and French toast, the teens raised over $500 towards future Mission Projects.

For many years, the members of the I am also grateful to Ann Harris for having lunch with me recently and Riverside “Cheers” ministry team have passing on her knowledge of how valuable teen service work is towards offered support to those in the college admissions. You know, Ann works at CGCC in the counseling and It is a blessing to have others congregation who are ill, injured or in guidance department and has a daughter in college. She also used to be the midst of a major life transition. praying for us. It is also a the youth leader at Riverside and went on several mission trips. We are They have cheerfully and faithfully brainstorming towards ways to consistently provide some spring/summer bles sing when we pray for provided meals, cards, calls and visits service opportunities for our youth. I’m excited to roll out some ideas others. Let us bring our prayers to people in need. to God. and plans, with Pastor Vicky adding that social justice be an important To make their work even more consideration in these projects.

Prayers of healing for Royal Ewing, effective, the Cheers team has Judith Poage, Georgiana King, developed a congregational care list. Speaking of plans, our new “green” Renew VBS is right around the Hazel Bowe, Jeff DeBonis, Larry Each member of Cheers has a list of corner. We have a fantastic “Green Team” of teachers shaping up: Jones and all those in need of fifteen members of the Riverside Sandy Spellecy, Nell Able, Shaun Requa, Gretchen Newcomb, Kathryn healing… “family” on her/his list. Cheers McElwee, Molly Schwarz, Laura Nelson as well as some folks from Valley members will seek to meet each person Christian Church. There’s still time to get involved! And at the very least, Prayers for those seeking on the list and strive to be aware of bring some of your used, recycled materials for our set designs. There is employment.... special needs or concerns that might a list of VBS supply needs in the Pioneer room. arise in their lives. Prayers for those struggling with May is also National Walk/Bike to school month – please consider addictions... If you would like to be involved in the walking/biking or carpooling to church! work of Cheers, or have any questions, Prayers for those in situations of please contact Pastor Vicky or any of Elaine the following Cheers members: domestic violence...

Joan Ewing, Mariloy Fowler, Allan

Henderson, Marge Jacobson, Gail God in your grace, Lyon, Margaret Marshall, Lorene Murray, Carole Murphy, Laura Nelson. Hear our prayers Dear Riversiders,

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2012 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

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Candidates’ Forum Mission Board 1 pm 6:30 pm

Choir 7:00 pm

Choir 9:15 am 7 8 9 10 11 12 6 Christian Nurture Down Manor Hour 9 – 10:10 am 10 am Friendship Guild

Potluck Lunch @ Noon Spring Fling Communion At Lizz O’Bannon’s Dinner & Auction 50s & 60s Theme

Dedication of Legacy Gifts Choir 7:00 pm 6 pm

13 Choir 9:15 am 14 15 16 17 18 19 Christian Nurture Down Manor Hour 9 – 10:10 am 10 am CPC Annual CPC Spring Assembly Good Neighbor Saturday Women’s Mtg 11:30 am May 18 & 19 @ Hillsdale Pockets of Plenty Offering @ Waverly UCC UCC Choir 7:00 pm

20 Gospel Choir 9 am 21 22 23 24 25 26 Christian Nurture Down Manor Hour 9 – 10:10 am 10 am Council 6 pm FISH/Local Missions Offering Choir 7:00 pm Music Appreciation Sunday

27 Choir 9:15 am 28 29 30 31 Pentecost Sunday Memorial Day Susan Princehouse No Down Manor OZ Event Quilt Gift Bible Study 5:30 pm

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Spring Fling Men's March 2012 Christian Nurture Hour in May: “I AM” DESSERT Special Offering Totals

Pockets of Plenty $248.11 The following CHEFS have signed Proceeds to Vacation Bible School contracts to provide exceptional desserts for May 12, 2012 FISH/Local Missions $216.75

Beginning May 6, we will explore the engaging, enlightening Chef Tim Foley Thank you for your and deeply moving documentary film: “I AM.” Chef Scott Johnson Chef Allan Henderson Generosity ! Chef Brett Requa The new and widely acclaimed film (described in detail below) Chef Greg Herman has been hailed as a “spark of light” and a “work of love.” Chef Rodger Schock We will view and discuss segments of the film on May 6, 13 Chef Bob Olson and 20 from 9:00-10:10 in the Ruth Wells room. The coffee will Chef Paul Thompson be brewing and rich inquiry and fellowship await. You wonʼt

Chef John Vogel want to miss this one! Questions? Talk with Pastor Vicky.

P.S. A few surprise chefs will also About the Film: participate..... Choir Librarian Needed

I AM is an utterly engaging and entertaining non-fiction film that

Choir Director Perry Cole is poses two practical and provocative questions: whatʼs wrong looking for someone to help with our world, and what can we do to make it better? The with organizing sheet music for filmmaker behind the inquiry is Tom Shadyac, one of the Chancel Choir. Hollywoodʼs leading comedy practitioners and the creative

force behind such blockbusters as “Ace Ventura,” “Liar Liar,” This summer would be a great “The Nutty Professor,” and “Bruce Almighty.” However, in I time to get started! AM, Shadyac steps in front of the camera to recount what

Someone who is not currently a happened to him after a cycling accident left him incapacitated, member of the choir and who possibly for good. Though he ultimately recovered, he emerged has some clerical and computer with a new sense of purpose, determined to share his own abilities would be very helpful. awakening to his prior life of excess and greed, and to

investigate how he as an individual, and we as a race, could Please contact Perry or the improve the way we live and walk in the world. church office if you are

interested.

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th Riverside Church Council Meeting Highlights April 24 2012 Faith In Action Complete Council Minutes Available in The Church Office Good Neighbor Saturday Pastor’s Report: Vicky is in the process of planning/preparing for summer worship, May 19 which includes setting a time for the worship. Looking at time options and a small 9 am - Noon st service setting were discussed. Thursday May 31 author Nathan Castle tentatively scheduled to speak on his book “And Toto Too, Wizard of Oz as a Spiritual Ready to do some yard work for Adventure”. Summer Worship: Same Time, area seniors and those with Fresh Format disabilities? Sign up in the Pioneer Treasurer’s Report: Moe Fund is doing very well, $46,950 increase year to date. Room or church office. Talk to Parsonage Fund is up $6,423 for the year to date. Income is up and expenses are down Can you imagine: hot sunny days; bare Rodger Schock if you have for the year. We have had increase in building use and pledges are up. feet, swimming out of doors; questions.

picnicking in the shade; the juice of Christian Nurture: Planning stages for VBS. Volunteers are needed. Please contact watermelon dripping down your Elaine if you would like to help. chin? These are just a few of the visions that tempt and delight us as we Spring Fundraiser: We are on track. Selling Tickets and plan to put event on Evite by near the beloved months of summer. Friday April 27th.

At Riverside, we will celebrate the th With Good Neighbor Saturday just Centennial Report: 100 years of Music scheduled for Saturday April 28 at 7:00 p.m. summer months with worship on th th around the corner, Faith In Action On May 6 there will be a 50/60s theme special service. May 27 Susan Princehouse Sundays at the current time would like to set a friendly will be presenting the church with a quilt. The labyrinth committee is in the planning (10:30). However, the services will be competition between area faith stages. For the Weatherization and Solar projects we have raised $22,000 of the $50,000 shorter, simpler and more casual. They communities. we will need. will have a fresh, summer-like feel—

with fewer words and a wide variety of In memory of David Duncombe and Building & Grounds Committee: Planning to meet after the spring fundraiser. music. In addition, we will continue his Golden Sneakers Award at the with our tradition of having one or two annual fall Crop Walk, the Golden Open Council Position: Mariloy Fowler is interested in becoming a council member. services out of doors. Rake Award has been created. Motion to accept Mariloy as a council member for 2012 passed unanimously. Whoever gets the most people If you would like to share the gift of together from their church for Good Spring Stewardship: Discussed possible ways to discuss stewardship and the process music at a summer worship, (piano, Neighbor Saturday May 19th wins of giving. Discussed increasing membership as an important aspect of stewardship. guitar, ukulele, or…??) please contact the Golden Rake Award: "Rake For Pastor Vicky. th th Others As You Want Others To Spring Assembly Delegates: May 18 -19 in Hillsdale (Portland) Oregon. Global Rake For You" . Mission Theme. Together, we will share and celebrate

God’s blessed gifts of summer!

NEXT COUNCIL MEETING MAY 22 AT 6 PM

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The And Toto, Too! Legacy The Wizard of Oz as a Spiritual Project From Laura Adventure At 8:00 on Friday April 13, the Celilo Salmon Feast began. “The In this book, Nathan Castle shows the committee said 8 o’clock, not 8ish” the announcer’s voice rang through the wealth of spiritual wisdom that we can As we celebrate the 100th long house. The drumming came to a halt, and dancers in various states of find in this beloved story. And he is dress gathered at the southeast entrance. coming to Hood River to share it with us! anniversary of our church I sat in the bleachers with four other members from Riverside and

home, and give thanks to God Bethel. They were a few adults and youth, out at Celilo Village to continue Riverside will be sponsoring a public for the faithful generations Riverside’s partnership, and Bethel’s commitment to youth learning about reading and workshop on Thursday May that have gone before and other religious traditions. Riverside has fostered a connection to the Village 31, at RCC. Nathan will do a free public those yet to come, we invite over the years through the Celilo Village Education Project. The Mission reading at 5:30, and begin a workshop Board sponsored a fundraiser and talk by the Education Project teacher, that uses the book, movie clips and you to participate in the Riverside Community Church Caitey Anderson, last fall. The children and youth have enjoyed having discussion starting at 6:30. Light penpals in the Village, and will join them for a pizza party in June! refreshments will be served at both “Legacy Project.” Before the grand entrance could begin, the announcer asked for our events. willingness to take part in a giveaway, a ritual of gifting to others, that would With your financial support, free the announcer to for his important work over the course of the Feast. If you are interested in joining us, early we will move forward with the Beginning with key elders who were in attendance, the announcer gave away registration is $10 (checks to RCC) and a number of wool blankets. $12 at the door. Copies of the book are congregational vision adopted in November 2011 to equip The Feast continued with the Grand Entrance, a dance involving all available for $15 at the church (checks to of the dancers from toddlers to seasoned adults. Coming from as far away as “Good Dog Outreach”). and maintain this historic Bellevue, a number of communities were present at this Feast, as Celilo building for the next 100 Village has always been a regional meeting place during the Salmon Feast. Kim Vogel read the book in a weekend. years of vital and vibrant We were only able to stay for a few hours, and see the giveaway, “I found the book enlightening, easy to ministry. Grand Entrance, and a few exhibition dances from the younger children. But read and relevant. Like Dorothy, we are I would encourage everyone to consider attending the next Salmon Feast, in all on a journey through life,” she shared Please return your October. recently. contributions soon, as we will Registration, additional information and dedicate and bless them books are available in the church office. during worship on May 6. If you have questions, please contact Laura Nelson, [email protected].

7 Riverside Community Church Community Events of Interest United Church of Christ P.O. Box 656 Hood River, OR 97031 Pastor Vicky A. Stifter

Candidates’ Forum Meet the candidates for Sheriff and District Attorney in a forum sponsored by Gorge Ecumenical Ministries on Wednesday, May 2, 6:30 pm, at RCC.

Providence Hospice of The Gorge Spring Volunteer Training Training to be held in The Dalles starting May 4. For registration and information contact volunteer coordinator Christine Jones at 541-387-1152.

Gorge Community Drug Take Back Saturday May 5 10 am – 2 pm at the Hood River County Courthouse. Turn in your expired prescriptions and over the counter medicines.

“Connect the Dots” Gorge Residents Join Global Day of Action on Climate Change On May 5 Gorge area residents are invited to join with communities around the world to “connect the dots” between climate change and extreme weather conditions. Events will take place in Bingen, Washington at 9:00 a.m. (meet at Park 'n Ride lot on Hwy. 14, just west of HR bridge) and in Hood River, Oregon at 10:00 a.m. (meet at Park 'n Ride lot across from China Gorge, Hwy. 35 & E. State St.). The local events, held near train tracks, will demonstrate the link between proposed shipments of coal through the Gorge and climate change. Those of all ages are welcome. For more information: www.climatedots.org The Viewpoint is published monthly by Riverside Community Church, “Seven Strategies: Coping with the Recent Loss of a Loved One” presented by 4th and State Streets, Hood River, OR 97031, P.O. Box 656, 541-386-1412. Providence Home Services at Down Manor Monday May 7 from 2 – 3 pm. Call 541- Editor: Lorre Chester-Rea - email address: [email protected]. Editor reserves the right to edit for space and content. All errors, typos and omissions 387-6449 to register. are sincerely regretted. © 2012 Riverside Community Church Visit our website at: www.riversideucc.com Annual Plant Sale: Saturday May 12 9:30 am – Noon Asbury United Methodist, Also visit: ucc.org and cpc.org 616 State, and Sunday May 13th – 9:30 am Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1140 for more information on Tucker Rd. the United Church of Christ

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