The WitnessRiver RoadPresbyterian Church

8960 River Road,Richmond, Virginia 23229

804-740-7083www.rrpcusa.orgaskus@rrpcusa.org April 15, 2015

*The Bible Boys 1.0

A Conversation with *Carroll Londoner,Dan Roberts, and

Dick Sommers

What does our faith say about hatred and cultural

differences?

April 22, 2015

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.in the Sanctuary

Let the Little Children Come…to RRPCWe are delighted to announce the creation of a Child Care Ministry at RRPC.  God has called RRPC to establish an infant child care program as an outreach program to working families in the western Henrico region of Greater Richmond. The Session approved the establishment of this program earlier this month.How did this come about? As a result of the closing of the child care program at Collegiate School at the end of the 2014-15 school year, RRPC was approached by Collegiate about our interest in establishing an infant child care program. The Session approved the creation of a Child Care Task Force (including Jenn Cornell, chair; Jennifer Britt, Lisa Manchester, John Gary Maynard, Dana Moore, Betsy Riopelle, and Leigh Anne Ring) that started its work in January. The Task Force sought to answer several questions:

1. Is God calling our congregation to undertake this mission?2. Should we wait for a new Head of Staff?3. Can RRPC support this mission as an ongoing concern?4. Can RRPC fund the start-up costs (including purchase of equipment and

necessary building upgrades to meet county requirements)?It has been a part of the long-standing vision of the Christian Education Ministry to establish some type of weekday children’s education program, following the departure of Canterbury Community Nursery School in 2011.  The 2008 Self-Study also pointed to the opportunity for RRPC to minister to children and families in our community, utilizing the incredible facilities we have in the Monroe Wells Education building. The Task Force determined that there was an immediate opportunity to fill a gap left by the pending closing of Collegiate School’s Cougar Care (infant and child care) program.  This opportunity, coupled with significant demand for infant care that was identified through a survey and word of mouth amongst teaching professionals in our community was too great to not move forward in evaluating the feasibility of creating a 10-month, weekday infant care program (for children ages 6 weeks to 2 years old). After consulting with the Pastor Nominating Committee, all were confident that any pastor that we called would be in support of such a mission and that RRPC should not hesitate to act upon any opportunity that the Session deemed viable.The Task Force devoted many hours to researching and compiling financial details involved in creating and maintaining a self-sustaining infant care program at RRPC. Key input was received from the Property, Stewardship and Finance, and Personnel Ministries, as well as from Susan Hockman, Manager of Operations at RRPC. Through consultations with Henrico county officials (building inspector and Fire Marshall), it was determined that an upgrade to our fire prevention system will be needed in the Monroe Wells Building (e.g., a sprinkler system) in order to operate a full-day infant care program. Collegiate School has generously offered to donate all of its child care equipment (furniture, toys, supplies, etc.) to RRPC to assist with our start-up – another great example of the partnership between our two communities, linked both geographically and philosophically.Please stay tuned for more information regarding how you can support RRPC’s efforts to launch a loving, nurturing, Christian-based infant care program in August 2015. To find out more details, feel free to contact Jenn Cornell at jenncornell@verizon.net or Leigh Anne Ring.

FOX-OULD SCHOLARSHIPThe Fox-Ould scholarship will be awarded based on the applicant’s dem-onstration of Christian commitment and academic record and is available to anyone furthering formal education beyond high school. Applications are available from the church office or online at www.rrpcusa.org. Applica-tions should be returned to the Church office by May 1.

Music in a Sacred Space: Dinner and a Concert ♫

Enjoy a musical evening on Wednesday, April 29, for a special Wednesday Night Supper at 6:00 p.m. followed by a Con-cert by our Chancel Choir at 6:45 p.m. featuring choir favorites. Come; bring the whole family and some friends. If you need to leave early, enjoy as much as you can and leave when you need to.

Pathways(Kindergarten-5th Grade)

See you in Sunday School!

April 12 and 19Jesus Washes Disciples’ Feet

Cooking - Cookies - Jennifer GwynDrama - Storybook - Janet Hostenske

April 26 and May 3Calling of the Disciples

Games - Concentration- teacher neededMusic - Symphony - Janet Hostenske

Extended SessionThis year the Extended Ses-sion time will do a survey of the Bible using the Spark Story Bible. This engaging

Bible for children will be used alo ng with a simple craft and/or some coloring pages and worksheets.

Upcoming Stories:April 19 - Doubting Thomas

John 20:19-31April 26 - The Great Commission

Matthew 28:16-20Extended Session is geared for K-2nd graders and led by Caroline Ring and Kyle Riopelle.

Adult Sunday SchoolGod in Action - Kemp Hall

This class explores how the Bible is relevant in all aspects of our lives, using a rotation style of teachers. Upcoming topics:April 19 - Jim Ring continues the Bible study of Ephesians.April 26 - Jim Wright continues the Bible study of the Gospel of John.

Faith and Family - Room 104 in Monroe WellsFocusing on family and parenting, this class examines a variety of family issues which challenge Christian parents. Come for the coffee; stay for the conversa-tion! Upcoming Topics:April 19 - Gospel of Mark April 26 - Animate Video

Martin B. Williams - Room 01The class studies the Bible using The Present Word, a PC(USA) curriculum based on the Uniform Lesson Series. Upcoming topics:April 19 - Believe God’s Love, 1 John 4:13-5:5, Pat Ellison, teacherApril 26 - Watch Out for Deceivers!, 2 John 1-13, Bill Osborne, teacher

Other Adult Opportunities

Christian Education @ RRPC

Women’s Bible StudyLed by Carol McGeeApril 22 and April 29

10:30 a.m. in the ParlorThe Daniel Plan

Thursday Afternoon Bible StudyLed by Rev. LoAnn FairmanEvery Thursday 1:30 p.m.

in Saunders HallThe Gospel of Mark

Dear RRPC family:

As hard as it is to believe, my year as Minister of Congregational Care is swiftly coming to a close. In May, I will be headed to North Carolina to serve as a chaplain intern at the Durham VA Medical Center. After this summer internship, I will complete a one year residency after which I will be eligible to be licensed and hired as a chaplain. Since my Air Force days as a medic, hospital chaplaincy within the VA has been the focus of my academic and ministry pursuits.

Serving in pastoral care at RRPC has proven to be a wonderful and God ordained segue to this next step in my journey. You have generously supported me with your friendship and prayers and have gifted me with the privilege of walking beside you during times of joy and sorrow. The moments we have shared are sacred ground, and I am grateful to God for bringing us together, even for such a short time.

My prayers are that you continue to love the Lord our God with all of your hearts and to love each other deeply. May God continue to use the people of RRPC to be a "light on a hill, which cannot be hidden."

With great appreciation,

Rev. Tamara Witte

The Future of The WitnessSeveral months ago, the Growth and Outreach Ministry began to look at alternatives to the current procedure of printing and mailing the RRPC newsletter, The Witness. The newsletter has been printed and mailed twice a month for over fifteen years. Gradually over the past few years, more and more members have opted to receive the newsletter electronically rather than through the mail. Printing and postage costs have risen, and this year, the Richmond Post Office has limited its acceptance hours for bulk mailings to two mornings a week, which makes timely delivery of a paper newsletter very difficult. Over the last several years, we have developed a number of additional and often more timely means of communication such as an interactive website, weekly Latest News emails, Facebook, Twitter, flash emails, exterior banners, etc. These tools for communicating with members, visitors, and the community have been well received.

Considering the various factors noted above, the Growth and Outreach Ministry reported to the Session in March that begin-ning June 1, The Witness will be published once a month at the beginning of the month. Further updates and reminders will be made via our other means of communication. Additionally, the newsletter will continue to be delivered each month electronically via email and on our website as a viewable and downloadable pdf file. The quality of the electronic newsletter is far superior including higher resolution, full color photos. If anyone desires a hard copy, it can be printed in the home. Paper copies will be mailed first class only to households that do not have internet access. There will also be paper copies available on the pick-up tables at the church. Thank you for your support as we seek to be good and efficient stewards of church resources.

On Tuesday, March 10, we welcomed several new campers into our camp scholarship program at Reid ES. The camp registration event was held in the all-purpose room, where parents completed registra-tion forms, children completed health exams, and everyone had pizza. A big Thank You to Dr. Peter Stefanik, Dr. Cliff Hendrix, and Morrgan Brannan for helping with this event.

RRPC Transportation Request

Twenty-two students, who have met the criteria of good grades and citizenship, will participate this summer in a one- or two-week camp at Camp Hanover. This has been made possible by your generous giving in 2014. Of the 22 students, 10 are new to the program, and 12 are returning to Camp Hanover for a second, third or fourth time. The parents have been wonderful to work with and are terribly supportive of their children.

Our church community now has the opportunity to help with this program in several ways, one of which is transportation. Our 22 campers will be attending camp across several weeks during the summer (June 21-27, July 12-25, and July 26-August 1). We need drivers and adult passengers to take them to camp on Sunday and pick them up again the following Saturday. We’d prefer to have the same volunteers both days (it’s a blast to hear about their week), but if you can only do one way that’s fine. Please sign up through www.SignUpGenius.com (use Karen Welch’s email address to access the signup: k.welch4@verizon.net. Please email/call Karen with questions at the email above or 303-0087.

International Mission:A Personal PerspectiveIn a letter to our congregation sent a few months ago, João Mudo, one of the Deacons of 2nd IP in Hortolândia wrote that, “The Church of Christ must establish presence on the every-day lives of that population, support-ing their basic demands, and to build long-term relationships based on the Gospel way and rule of faith and practice.”  As part of the team that will travel to Brazil this summer to partner with our sister congregation in mission, I am moved by their de-sire to continue developing those long-term, Gospel-focused relation-ships, particularly as it relates to 2nd

IP’s outreach in a local slum.  Those of us traveling from Richmond to Brazil constitute just one part of that mission team. The members of 2nd IP with whom we will be working as well as the congregation of RRPC are the two other groups who will form that team. Thus, as the summer approaches, I look forward not only to the valuable work we will be doing at our sister church to directly im-pact the lives of many children with whom we will interact during the course of EBF (VBS), but also to “bring” the partnership back with to RRPC and to share the meaningful and valuable support from their con-gregation to ours.   -Adam Cohn

Small Group FellowshipEnd of Year Cocktail Party

(for everyone who has participated in the 2015 small group fellowship dinner groups)

When: Friday, May 1 at 6:30 p.m.Where: Home of Eric and Nancy Sundin

10003 Ravenstone CourtHenrico, 23238

(Fox Chapel near Gaskins and River)Please bring an appetizer or dessert along with a bottle of wine.

(Soft drinks will be provided.)

Please RSVP with confirmation or regrets to nsundin518@gmail.com or 426-8092 no later than April 24.

PW Spring ProgramProgram, Installation of Officers, and Luncheon

Tuesday, May 5, 2015, 10:00 a.m.

“Spring into Style”with Joanna Avant, Personal Stylist/Wardrobe Consultant

Luncheon $7Warm Chicken Salad

CroissantFruit

Strawberry Cake

RSVP by May 3.Checks should be made payable to RRPC-PW

with “May Luncheon” in memo line

The Program and Installation of Officers will take place in the Sanctuary, and the Luncheon will be served in Saunders Hall.

Men of the ChurchSpring Golf Outing at the Providence Golf Club

Captain’s Choice TournamentMay 26, 2015 - 1:00 p.m. Shotgun Start - $55.25

Bring your son and/or friends for an enjoyable day! The price includes range balls, golf, prizes, and a country fried chicken and barbeque dinner afterwards. Please contact either Bill Osborne at bosbo1@aol.com or 784-0124 or Carroll Londoner at clondner@verizon.net or 740-0731. For directions to the Providence Golf Club, call the club at 276-1865.

INTOTHE

CHURCHTRIUMPHANT

Jane Harding SlaterMarch 26, 2015

Alonzo Peele Sykes, Jr.March 28, 2015

Betty Fleenor JamesApril 1, 2015

The Eternal God is your dwelling place and under-neath are the everlasting arms. -Deuteronomy 33:27

The Session of River Road Presbyterian Church cordially invites anyone who be-lieves in Jesus Christ to become a member of the Church. New members are re-ceived typically on the third Sunday of the month. If you are looking for a church home, please contact Susan Hockman at 740-7083 a week prior to the third Sun-day to obtain information about the church and joining our church family.

Join Our Church Family!

Joys and ConcernsDeacons have been assigned on a rotating basis to contact people on our weekly Joys and Concerns list. These individuals are willing to provide assistance in circum-stances where other help might not be available. Please call Susan Hockman in the church office or one of the team mem-bers if you have a joy or concern to share.

through April 30: Jeff Glotzl

The Fellowship & Hospitality MinistryInvites You to Join Us for Brunch

Following the 10:00 a.m. Worship Service

Sunday, May 17Confirmation Sunday

Grits bar, ham rolls, and beverages will be provided.Please bring a side to share such as an egg dish, bacon, sausage,

fruit, vegetable, or salad. (No bread items please.)Feel free to bring your dish to the kitchen off of Saunders Hall any

time Sunday morning. The Fellowship and Hospitality Ministry will be glad to keep your dish warm if needed.

RRPCCalendar

April 15-30, 2015

PRAYERS DAY AND NIGHTPetitioners, RRPC members, or non-mem-bers may make prayer requests through voice mail by simply calling the church office at 740-7083, ext. 352.

RIVER ROAD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH8960 River RoadRichmond, VA 23229

April 15, 2015

NON PROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE

PAIDRICHMOND VAPERMIT #657

Address Service Requested

Church OfficersClerk of Session: Linda Thomas

Treasurer: Linwood CobbAssistant Treasurer: Cheryl Duff

Assistant Treasurer: Sharon Wade

Session Class of 2015Julie Blauvelt Pratt Cherry Linwood CobbChristi Hatcher Dana Moore Scott Thornhill

Session Class of 2016Lee Branch Tom Hutchison Lunda KiesBill Osborne Kristen Raper Bob Spicknall

Session Class of 2017Rebecca Felton Ellen Guinther David MacMillanDan Murray Betsy Riopelle Andrew Sanders

Deacons Class of 2015Elaine Clemons Jeff Glotzl Janet Hostenske Doug Pugh

Deacons Class of 2016Lisa Brand Nancy Gleason Sally Maynard David Tillar

Deacons Class of 2017Mark Ames Jennifer Hanes Bruce Maynard Ann Spiers

River Road Presbyterian ChurchDefining Vision: Reach, Nurture, Send, and Serve

Vision—River Road Presbyterian Church is to be a vibrant congregation spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ. As a Christ-Centered Church, firmly grounded in the basic tenets of the Apostles’ Creed, we will foster and encourage the spiritual growth of all in their faith journeys.Mission—To introduce Jesus Christ to those who do not know Him; To deepen the faith of those who know Jesus Christ; and To demonstrate His way of love in service to the world.

CHURCH STAFFTemporary Co-Head of Staff.....................Rev. LoAnn Fairman (ext. 304)Temporary Co-Head of Staff...................Dr. Carroll Londoner (ext. 301)Director of Christian Education.......................Leigh Anne Ring (ext. 306)Director of Music/Organist .......................Lawrence W. Heath (ext. 311)Assistant Director of Music/Organist............................Marianne P. CreanCongregational Care......................................Rev. Tamara Witte (ext. 307)Manager, Operations and Communications Susan G. Hockman (ext. 300)Sexton...........................................................Larry E. Coleman (ext. 308)Administrative Assistant........................................Joan Donnelly (ext. 302)High School Youth Intern...........................................Morrgan E. BrannanMiddle School Youth Intern..........................................T. Owen Bagley III

Telephone: 740-7083 Fax: 741-7787 E-Mail: askus@rrpcusa.orgWebsite: www.rrpcusa.org Prayer Chain: 740-7083 ext. 352

Pastor Emeritus: Dr. Richard L. Sommers

DEACON’S CORNERAny member of RRPC unable to attend church who would like communion at home, please contact the church office at 740-7083, Elaine Clemons at 741-4086, or Ann Spiers at 360-4486 to make arrangements. If you have a need for meals delivered to you, please contact Susan Hockman in the church office.

ll

Upcoming Newsletter DeadlinesApril 22 for May 1 issueMay 5 for May 15 issueMay 18 for June 1 issue

LectionarySunday, April 19

Third Sunday of EasterActs 3:12-19; Psalm 4

1 John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36b-48

Sunday, April 26Fourth Sunday of EasterActs 4:5-12; Psalm 23

1 John 3:16-24; John 10:11-18