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THE VIEWPOINT THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY CHURCH

United Church of Christ September 2011

Sunday, September 11

After worship in the Pioneer Room

Come and find out about all

the events, classes, & committees of Riverside!

Reflections

My spirit is nurtured by water, and it is the water that I have been near that creates for me a trail of summer memories: the pond at the Able’s where we splashed and swam and celebrated outdoor worship; Diamond Lake in Minnesota where I caught a Walleye with my dad; Trout Lake and Souixon Creeks in Washington, where the sound of rushing water lulled us to sleep in our tents; the Deschutes River where I tried my hand at fly fishing.

Have you been blessed by water this summer? Have you received the gift of babbling water as it spills over rocks? Have you jumped into a body of cool water on a hot day? Have you floated or sailed or surfed amidst the waves?

As we near the end of these summer days, I share with you a poem by William Stafford. It is a poem that speaks to me of the goodness and abundance of our gracious God:

I like to live in the sound of water in the feel of the mountain air. A sharp reminder hits me: this world still is alive; it stretches out there shivering toward its own creation, and I’m part of it. Even my breathing enters into this elaborate give-and-take, this bowing to sun and moon, day or night, winter, summer, storm, still - this tranquil chaos that seems to be going somewhere. This wilderness with a great peacefulness in it. This motionless turmoil, this everything dance.

Sisters and brothers, wherever you find yourself these days, whether on dry land or amidst moving waters, I pray that you might know and celebrate your place in this precious world, in God’s “everything dance.” Blessings of Late Summer, Pastor Vicky

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RIVERSIDE BULLETIN BOARD

Worship time returns to 10:30 am on September 11.

First Sunday of the month is Communion Sunday. Children grades K-5th are invited downstairs for Seasons of the Spirit, our UCC based children’s education. Grades 6-12th are invited to meet with their teen leader. Younger children may remain in worship or in the nursery with Ann Zuehlke.

Chancel Choir starting September 11 performs every Sunday. Rehearsals are Sunday mornings at 9:15 am and Wednesday evenings at 7 pm. Perry Cole, Choir Director Diana Beterbide, Accompanist Gospel Choir starting September 18 rehearses at 9:00 am and performs the third Sunday of the month. Evelyn Charity, Choir Director Tim Mayer, Accompanist

Pockets of Plenty offering on September 11. Proceeds to benefit the United Church of Christ efforts to help hunger relief efforts in Somalia. FISH Food Bank offering is September 18. Council meets September 20 at 6 pm in the Ruth Wells Room. Down Manor Bible Study from 10 to 11 am every Monday. All are welcome! Pastoral Visits If you become aware of anyone in our church community who is in need of a pastoral visit for any reason, please let Pastor Vicky or Lorre in the office know about the need.

Save The Date Camp Adams Retreat November 4-6. More information coming soon!

It is a blessing to have others praying for us. It is also a blessing when we pray for others. Let us bring our prayers to God.

….for the family and friends of Don Betz, for Phyllis Nafsinger and all those who grieve…strength and healing for Liz Paulson, facing chemotherapy for cancer…for Dorothy Culbertson, recovering from a fall…for kids and teachers returning to school amid the challenge of diminishing resources…those caring for elderly parents…for Ingrid Flander’s husband George recovering at home from a head injury…for Royal and Joan Ewing for the recent loss of their sister-in-law…for Mariloy Fowler, whose sister recently passed away…

God in your grace, Hear our prayers

Mid Columbia

CROP WALK Celebrating 23 years!

Saturday, September 24, 10:00am CROP Walk starts

and ends at HRVCC

Join CROP WALK and help fight hunger and poverty-- locally and globally (25% of total donations goes to FISH & KSDC food banks in Hood River & White Salmon.)

· Collect pledges from your friends and family.

· Choose 5k, 10k or the Golden Mile routes.

· Families, kids, teens, seniors—CROP Walk is a fun event, serving a good cause, for all ages.

Walker packets and information in the

Pioneer Room.

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Welcome Laura!

As September begins, we are eager to welcome

seminary intern Laura Nelson to Riverside!

Laura comes to us from California, where she is a United Church of Christ student at San Francisco Theological Seminary. She will split her yearlong internship between Riverside and Bethel UCC, working approximately 14 hours per week in each community of faith. Laura will be involved in all areas of Riverside’s ministry, including pastoral care, worship, Christian nurture, and mission. Laura brings a deep faith, leadership skills and a passion for ministry to her internship role. She also comes to town as a newlywed, as she and her husband Jeremiah were married earlier this summer. (Congratulations and welcome Jeremiah!) Laura’s first Sunday at Riverside will be September 18th and we encourage you to come by and welcome her into our midst.

August 2011 Special Offering Totals Pockets of Plenty $276 CROP Walk FISH $286 Thank you for your generosity!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY THIS MONTH TO:

Nancy Johanson Paul September 1 Hazel Bowe September 3 Scott Johnson September 5 Bill A. Murray September 8 Everley Boonstra September 11 Andy Betzing September 15 Mia Able September 18 Evan McClure September 18 Georgiana King September 19 Jackie Wade September 22 Gylan Lane September 23 Margaret Marshall September 26 Debbi Trumbull September 28 Debra Clair September 29 David McClure September 29 Evelyn Charity September 30

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

at rcc@gorge.net .

Fund Raiser for Hood River Warming Shelter Donate Cans & Bottles

at Rosauer’s Saturday, September 3

Take redeemable cans and bottles to donate to the Leos Club monthly can/bottle drive in Rosauer’s parking lot on September 3 to benefit the Hood River Warming Shelter.

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9/11 Tenth Year Observance: Wisdom From our Faith Traditions

Gorge Ecumenical Ministries (GEM) invites people of faith from throughout the Columbia Gorge to join together on September 11, 2011 for a time of remembrance, reflection and healing. The event, Wisdom From our Faith Traditions, will begin at 5 p.m. on September 11 at Wilson Park (211 May St.) in Hood River with a shared potluck meal. The interfaith observance will include poems, prayers, blessings and music. We will gather to remember the events of September 11, 2001 and to reflect upon the wisdom of our faith traditions as we seek healing and peace in our world. As you are able, please bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket, place setting and food to share. As part of the 9/11 observance, people from throughout the community are also invited to pray, meditate and fast for peace and healing during the first ten days of September. Area faith communities will rotate, with each church taking responsibility for a 24-hour period. Riverside members are invited to participate on September 7. Sign up sheets will be available after worship. Please consider signing up for an hour of prayer and/or a time of fasting. Please talk with Joan Ewing for more information

Christian Nurture Hour is Back! Beginning September 18, Christian Nurture Hour will return on Sunday mornings from 9:00-10:10. The first series of the new season is “Saving Jesus” a thoughtful and highly acclaimed exploration of a credible Jesus for the third millennium. (By the makers of Living the Questions.) Topics include: “Who was Jesus?” “The World into which Jesus was Born” “Jesus’ Ministry of Compassion” “Why Jesus is Worth Saving” and much, much more. Please join us on Sunday mornings this fall for a meaningful time of reflection, exploration and spiritual nurture. The coffee will be brewing and good fellowship awaits! If you have questions or would like to know more, please contact Pastor Vicky.

Walk, Bike or Carpool to Worship on September 25 Riverside will join with people of faith in every corner of the planet on September 24 and 25 to bring attention to the realities of climate change and the urgent need for cleaner modes of transportation and sources of energy. The events will take place as part of “Moving Planet,” an international day of action sponsored by the nonprofit organization 350.org. (Take a look at the 350.org website for additional information.)

Here in Oregon, we will join with dozens of congregations throughout the state whose members will commit to take alternative forms of transportation to worship on September 25. Will you join us? Prizes, refreshments and fun activities will take place following worship on September 25 as we celebrate and care for the wonders of God’s creation.

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Riverside Community Church Council Meeting Highlights

August 16th, 2011 Complete copy of the minutes is available in the church office

Pastor’s Report: Worship time will return to 10:30 a.m. on September 11th. Worship at the Ables on July 24th went well and special thanks to the Ables for their hospitality. Work continues on the website and hopefully it will be live by early September. Laura Nelson our new intern will arrive in early September. A shepherding committee of 3-5 people will help Laura during her internship. Christian Nurture hour will resume on September 18th from 9:00 a.m-10:00 a.m. on Sundays. Several 4-week series are in the works focusing on different topics. An interfaith potluck with GEM is planned for 9/11 at Wilson Park. Treasurer’s Report: Checking account doing well. We have only had to take $12,000 from the Moe account so far this year. Revenue is up and pledge contributions are about $500 below for the month. Building Use revenue is up 30%. We did need to replace the office computer. Diaconate: There will be a meeting in September to discuss and plan diaconate duties. Mission: Special Offerings: POP for June Strengthen the Church $369, July Peace Village $116 FISH: June $850 July $321. POP: August: Crop Walk, September: Somalia October: Camp Adams Scholarships. November: UCC Neighbors in Need. Rally Day: September 11th 2011 Mission board will host a table with info. September 25th : Heidi Venture will present info on Next Door’s Foster Parent Program and Moving Planet “Take Alternative Transportation to Worship Weekend”. Next Meeting: October 13th 1:30 p.m. Christian Nurture: Rally Day September 11th. Second Sundays Youth group is going well. A safe church committee is still meeting and working on creating policies and procedures for RCC. OWL is starting in September for 7-9 grades. Park was completed in July. Hike/Geocache had 11 participants. Personnel: Committee currently working on evaluations.

Music: Perry Cole is recovering from surgery and on 8/31 choir will have practice and will perform on September 11th. Gospel Choir every 3rd Sunday. Choir members are needed! Endowment: Committee wants to be more active. Scott and Gail are getting info on planned giving. Switch from UBS to Merrill Lynch has been positive. Old Business: Building Use/weddings:Gorge Music Festival went well. Short list of regular users of the building include: AA, Habitat for Humanity, Music Class, GEM, Piano Music Festival, Hospice grief group. Wedding planned for November 5th. Centennial Project: Meeting on August 18th and getting ready for Rally Day. Membership Review: Approved letter for associate members was mailed on July 14th. Of the 39 letters there were two responses. Motion for Vicky to put members, who have not responded to letter, to be placed on the associate category. Motion passed. Solar Project: Scott Sorenson working on this project New Business: Formation of Building Committee: Design a five-year plan for maintenance needs at RCC. Possibly have planned workdays for those that can volunteer to do tasks. Sanctuary Seating: Motion to remove a pew to exchange for four chairs in the sanctuary. Motion passed Rally Day: September 11th 2011 Minutes respectfully submitted by Shaun Requa NEXT MEETING DATE OCTOBER 18 T 6 PM.

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Native American Spirituality & Art

UCC Women’s Retreat October 7 - 9, 2011

Camp Adams, Molalla, Oregon Sponsored by the Central Pacific Conference Women’s Board

Resource Leaders: Rev. Denise Andersen of Clackamas UCC, and her daughter Caitey Andersen, founder of the Celilo Indian Education Program at Celilo Village. Brochures available in the Pioneer Room. Cost is $105. Registrations due by October 1. Scholarships available via the Rev. Anne Smith Loan/Grant Fund. If you have any questions, please see Lorre in the church office.

SAVE THE DATE!

Central Pacific Conference United Church of Christ Fall Gathering Oct.14 & 15, 2011 1st Congregational, Portland More information coming soon!

CHRISTIAN NURTURE DATES TO REMEMBER

Saturday, September 3: Turn in your bottles at Rosauers parking lot to benefit the warming shelter. Sunday, September 11: 2nd Sunday night at Bethel. Meet at RCC at 5:15 to carpool. We will complete our Response series, share a meal and play games. All middlers/high schoolers welcome. Monday September 12: 5:15 Safe Church committee meeting, Sunday, September 18: Gospel choir meets at 9:00 AM to sing at church for the 10:30 service. Tuesday, Sept 20 7-8:30PM OWL mandatory parent orientation. Parents of 7-9th graders please go to www.hrcommunityed.org and search for Classes, then enter Our Whole Lives to register and find out more information Saturday, September 24: Crop Walk Sunday, September 25: Walk/bike/carpool to church. All Middlers/High schoolers invited to join our teen team during worship at a waterfront picnic to plan events for the year Wednesday, September 28: 7-8:30 OWL begins Friday, September 30 - Sunday, October 2nd: OWL Retreat weekend at Riverside

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September 2011 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY PLEASE NOTE: WORSHIP TIME RETURNS TO 10:30 AM SEPTEMBER 11

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Bottle Drive @ Rosauers

4 Communion Guest Preacher Rev. Royal Ewing

5 Labor Day No Down Manor Bible Study

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7 Cheers 10 am Choir 7 pm

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Don Betz Memorial Service 2 pm

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11 Chancel Choir Returns Pockets of Plenty “Rally Day” Teen 2nd Sunday Night @ Bethel

12 Down Manor Bible Study 10 am

Safe Church Committee 5:15

13 OWL Parent Orientation 7 pm

14 Choir 7 pm

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18 Christian Nurture 9-10 am Gospel Choir FISH Offering Diaconate Meeting

19 Down Manor Bible Study 10 am

20 Council 6 pm OWL Parent Orientation 7 pm

21 Choir 7 pm

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24 CROP Walk 10 am @ Valley Christian

25 Christian Nurture 9-10 am Alt. Transportation Day Teen Picnic @ Waterfront Foster Family Presentation

26 Down Manor Bible Study 10 am

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28 OWL 7 pm Choir 7 pm

29 30 OWL Retreat Weekend

LLOOKING AH

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No experience necessary! Rehearsals on Wednesdays at 7 pm starting September 7 and on Sunday mornings at 9:15 starting September 11.

Riverside Community Church United Church of Christ P.O. Box 656 Hood River, OR 97031

The Viewpoint is published monthly by Riverside Community Church,

4th and State Streets, Hood River, OR 97031, P.O. Box 656, 541-386-1412. Editor: Lorre Chester-Rea

E-mail address: rcc@gorge.net Website: riversideucc.com

For more information on

The United Church of Christ Visit these websites:

Central Pacific Conference – cpcucc.org Official Website of the UCC – ucc.org

Sign up with a friend to host

coffee, tea, juice and light refreshments after worship on Sundays. Sign up in the Pioneer Room or contact

Marilyn Murray at 541-806-0867 if you are available.

Thank You!