May 2012 Viewpoint
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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 1 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 Beautiful Quilts Dell Charity May 3 Gospel Choir rehearses at 9:00 am in the Fireside Room and performs during worship on the third of Sunday of each month through May. Kory Harding May 5 Racheal Mallon May 5 Maryhill Winery -Tour and tasting Evelyn Charity, Choir Director Tim Mayer, Accompanist for 8 people. Keith Harding May 6 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 congregation who are ill, injured or in It is a blessing to have others 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. and plans, with Pastor Vicky adding that social justice be an important to God. consideration in these projects. To make their work even more 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. May is also National Walk/Bike to school month – please consider Prayers for those struggling with 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, 3 2012 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 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 10 am Hour 9 – 10:10 am Friendship Guild Spring Fling Communion Potluck Lunch @ Noon 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 OZ Event Susan Princehouse No Down Manor Quilt Gift Bible Study 5:30 pm 4 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.