JANUARY 2017Where is the Wonder?

When was the last time you were utterly captivated and fi lled with stunning wonder? You know, that moment when all you can do is just experience something greater than self, where we are so moved and yet we dare not move or even speak to break the moment. It is more than just being enthralled, it is where you have experienced something sublime. I remember a time when I had the privilege of hearing a gospel concert performed by local sisters in Christ who gathered as a gospel music version of Presbyterian Women. At fi rst glance, these sisters in Christ would not be identifi ed as being extraordinary singers. They struggled to walk up steps, their age matched some of the most expensive wines; it was easy to expect wonderful sisters in Christ who loved the Lord but would resonate more with making a joyful noise than anything. Then...they began to sing. When I tell you that their sound was so perfect and it fi lled the space so much, that it stopped me dead in my tracks. Not only was it the perfection of the sound but it was the utter joy of the Lord pouring out of them and fl ooding the space as if the Lord Himself was announcing His presence in the sanctuary. It was an overwhelming moment that not only captivated but moved the heart.

3400 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach, FL 32931Find Us on Facebook! - RiversidePres.org

321.783.6085

Rev. Michael HafelePastor

Cheryl KayeInterim Music Director

Heather LandersO� ice Manager

Chuck TorglerCustodian

Cecilla QuestNursery

Je� JanowichAudio

Doug KasimierTreasurer

JANUARY 2017Down by the Riverside

Table of ContentsPage 2 - Birthdays & Worship Calendar

Page 3 - Kid’s Corner & Adult Bible StudyPage 4 - Music Happenings & Senior Fitness

Page 5 - Presbyterian Women &Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Page 6 - BIRP, Game Day/Night & Thank YouPage 7 - Summary of Session Action

Page 8 - Viera Wetlands, Blood Donation, Int’l Food Potluck & FlowersPage 9 - Calendar

We are moving from the Christmastide to the Epiphany of the Lord. The moment when the astrologers fi rst announced their arrival at the place that they would expect a king to be born, the palace of King Herod. The account welcomes us in to see that their expectations are misunderstood and are brought into the sublime humility of an average couple with an unassuming child. It is there where there is that moment of wonder: the wonder of a child in lowly state heralded by the heavens that give witness to His glory and the wisdom of pagan travelers from afar who followed that herald to pay Him the honor rightfully deserved. Much is unexpected but precisely wondrous.

Where is the wonder? In the moments beyond expectation. The moments when our prejudices and penchant to plan out the course of life are placed aside for the Savior to meet us in unexpected, unplanned, uncalendared, and unbridled wonder. And we marvel, we are stunned, and we rejoice!

Happy New Year Beloved in Christ! -- Pastor Mike

1/1 10 Combined Communion Service

1/8 9 Worship w/ the Band 10 Sunday School 11 Worship w/ Choir

1/15 9 Worship w/ the Band 10 Annual Meeting 11 Worship w/ Choir

1/22 9 Worship w/ the Band 10 Sunday School 11 Worship w/ Choir

1/29 9 Worship w/ the Band 10 Sunday School 11 Worship w/ Choir

January 2017Worship Calendar

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS1/5: Janet Clark, Art Hitch, Kay Hughes, Fred Robinson1/7: Ruth Ella George, Bob Lehman1/8: Cheryl King, Wauneta Lehman, Howard Mansfi eld1/10: Penny Bernard1/11: Carolyn Bonnett1/20: Evelyn Whitehurst1/21: Lee Bean1/23: Kerri Bower, Lili Kepuska1/25: Beverly Ashby1/26: Dorothy Myers, Crissie Sibel1/29: Denton Clark

If your birthday is not on this list, please call the church o� ice 783-6085.

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The Brevard Homeless Coalition is working together to benefi t the homelessand those in danger of homelessness.

Riverside will collect new adult size socks, and new men’s white undershirts onSunday, January 8, 2017.

Your contributions will be given out to the homeless during thehomeless census count in January.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!Sock Sunday - January 8, 2017

The Brevard Homeless Coalition is working together to benefi t the homelessThe Brevard Homeless Coalition is working together to benefi t the homeless

Sock Sunday - January 8, 2017Sock Sunday - January 8, 2017

The Children’s Church classes from the 9 AM worship service and the One Room School House classes are located in the Pfei� er Room adjacent to Fellowship Hall. Miss Vicki and Miss Gail happily welcome all students, new and old.In January the One Room School House will continue in our study of “Grace and Gratitude” in the book of Mathew. To protect the young Jesus, God warns Joseph to take his family to safety in Egypt and then return home after the death of King Herod. The scriptures let us witness the baptism of Jesus by John. From Jesus, the children will learn through worshiping God and treating people with

generosity and respect, they too can be part of the salt and light the world needs. We will listen and study the words as Jesus teaches us to pray and live out our prayers in the assurance of God’s grace.The children happily built a Christmas wreath shaped from their handprints to welcome and wish Merry Christmas to Pastor Mike. They also participated in getting the candles ready for the Christmas Eve service.New Volunteer teachers are needed to assist Vicki Geiler in the One Room School House. Gail Marshall is retiring and will be out of town for a period of time to welcome a new grandchild. Holly Martin will be assisting Vicki on the fi rst Sunday of the month and Stephanie White will assist on the second Sunday. Other volunteers are needed on a rotational basis for the other Sundays of each month. Please let Gail know if you are able to help our young children in this endeavor.

January in the Kid’s CornerOne Room School House

Adult Bible Study at RiversideSunday Morning

(Between Worship Services 10:10 - 10:45 a.m.)Kerygma Discovering the Bible, A New Generation - Knox Hall (Galilee) Led by Penny Bernard.

Thoughtful Christian Café - Fellowship Hall. Led by George Spaeth. Tuning into God’s Message - Knox Parlor. Led by Jak Burton.

Weekly Mon. 1:00 p.m.: Gospel of Mark, The Jesus We’re Aching For - Knox Parlor. Led by Sherrell Fischer.

Wed. 7:30 a.m.: Men’s Bible Study - Knox Parlor. Led by Joe Marshall. Wed. 7:00 p.m.: Women’s Bible Study - Knox Parlor. Group discussion.

MonthlyPresbyterian Women’s Bible Study: Who is Jesus? What a Diff erence a Lens Makes - Knox Parlor

Hannah Ruth Circle - 3rd Tuesday @ 1:00 p.m.Deborah Circle - 3rd Wednesday @ 7:00 p.m.

Rebekah Circle - 3rd Thursday @ 9:30 a.m.

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Dr. Vernon Boushell Concert SeriesHoly Week Concert

April 9, 2017 3:30 PM Riverside Chamber Orchestra & Soloists

Patriotic ConcertJune 25, 2017 3:30 PM

Space Coast Symphony Winds & Choir

Snow Bird ConcertJanuary 8, 2017 3:30 PM & 7:00 PM

Big Band Greatest Hits - Swingtime Band

Valentine ConcertFebruary 12, 2017 3:30 PM & 7:00 PM

The Ditchfi eld Family Singers

Oratorio ConcertMarch 12, 2017 3:30 PM

Riverside Chamber Orchestra& Riverside Chorale

FREE TICKETS REQUIREDBox O� ice Call: 321.525.7825

SENIOR FITNESS CLASSES

Tuesdays at 9:30 AMFellowship Hall

Starting January 3, 2017, this hour-long class taught by certifi ed senior fi tness instructor

personal trainer Polly Helm increasesstamnia, strength, energy, and balance.

Please bring your own hand weights and water. Bands and chairs will be provided.

Cost is $3.00 donation per class.

RIVERSIDE MUSICAlong with New Year’s resolutions should come a desire for God’s guidance in 2017. This could be a time to serve Him anew in the coming months: singing in the Riverside Choir. We promise an opportunity to sing inspiring music, camaraderie with a friendly, welcoming small group... and a front-row seat! Choir starts on Thursday, Jan. 5 from7:00-8:15 in the Chapel. Even if you’re here only seasonally, we’d love for you to be involved and fi nd purpose here at Riverside. Questions contact Cheryl Kaye:(989) 657-3616.

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JANUARY NEWS FROMRiverside Presbyterian Women

The Presbyterian Women’s 2016-2017 Bible study is entitled Who isJesus? What a di� erence a Lens Makes. All circles will resume inJanuary. All women are invited. Come and join in the fellowship and discussions.Saturday, December 3rd at 2:00 PM approximately 60 ladies joinedtogether to enjoy fellowship and festivities with each other in ourannual Christmas Tea in Fellowship Hall which included a Charlie BrownChristmas interlude. Also a musical round of Christmas carols

and seasonal songs under the direction of Cheryl Kaye was enjoyed by all. A collection of 39 Christmas fi lled stockings were returned to be taken to the Salvation Army. On December 6th the following ladies participated in manning the Salvation Army Angel Tree atMerritt Square Mall: Kathy Coon, Tammy Ivan, Mary Mullin, Joyce Klahr, Bea Lewis, Terry Monteith, ShirleyGerhardt, Joyce Ringerwole, Laurie Casto and Judy George.Upcoming events will include an o� ering on Blanket Sunday on January 22nd. Soup & Napkin Sunday will be held on February 26th in Fellowship Hall. Donations will be accepted to further the missionoutreach activities of Riverside’s Stitchin’ Sisters. Good soup cooks will be coming from our PW circles.The Presbyterian Women’s Council (PWC) met on Sunday, December 11th to provide missionfunding for the following organizations: Salvation Army, Domestic Violence, Seafarer’s Ministry, The Duvall House, Columbian Theological Seminary, Second Harvest Food Bank, Angel Flight Southeast, St. VincentDePaul, Brevard Sharing Center, Thornwell Home for Children, Presbyterian Church USA Missions andPresbyterian Women (Stitch’in Sisters donation). PWC will next meet on January 22 at 10:15 AM inFellowship Hall.Beginning January 4, Stitchin’ Sisters will meet at 9:30 AM on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesdays in Calvin Hall. Call Kathy Coon for information. (321) 480-5573

-- Gail Marshall, Publicity

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Meetings Resume January 10, 2017 at 9:30 AM - Knox Parlor

Riverside Presbyterian Church is partnering with Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Brevard. Monthlysupport group meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 9:30 a.m.

GRG of Brevard provides resources, legal help, counseling and agency support to grandparents who are the primary caregivers/guardians of their grandchildren. Over the past two decades, GRG of Brevard has provided services for over 1900 families. Currently, there are over 8,500 children living in relative care families in Brevard

County. GRG of Brevard provides cost-free, community-based programs and services that include: Weekly therapeutic support groups; Crisis counseling for relative caregivers; Workshops and educationalprograms; Advocacy on behalf of caregiver families; Community outreach and education; Recreationalactivities and respite; Emergency resource referrals for food, clothing, and infant supplies. Many of your

neighbors or friends may be in need this support and will be well served by this new Cocoa Beach group.

For more information call the church o� ice at 321-783-6085.Please keep the families, children and organization in your prayers.

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Madagascar: It’s Not Just Lemurs!BIRP Mission Week February 11

The 36th annual Presbyterian Church (USA) Mission Conference in Brevard and IndianRiver counties provides participating congregations, as well as the larger community, withopportunities to hear and participate in what the Lord is doing around the world. Mission personneltravel to speak with us, and we become partners in their work for Christ. This year’s conference, “It’s Not Just Lemurs!” will be our introduction to the culture, strengths and needs of the 4th largest island in the world. BIRP has selected the Nation of Madagascar to be the mission focus for the next three years.

There is an opening celebration potluck dinner on Saturday, February 11th at 6:00 PM at Pineda Presbyterian Church in Melbourne. All BIRP churches are invited and our keynote speakers will be present, so you can met speakers before you hear them at your church or be introduced to someone you may not otherwise hear from.

BIRP keynote speakers will include Jan Heckler, PCUSA missionary to Madagascar and Rev. Mamisoa Rakotomalala, FKJM pastor in Madagascar. Other speakers for the week will include: Rev. Bill andNancy Warlick, Outreach Foundation; Rev. Mike Andrews; Barbara Sayles, Madagascar MissionNetwork; Jill Bolander-Cohen, The Lifeboat Project and Carol Hafer. These speakers have knowledge andexperience with the issues Madagascar faces, and many of them have visited the nation in person. All will be able to help our congregations understand the amazing qualities and deepest needs of our new mission partner!

Madagascar: It’s Not Just Lemurs!Madagascar: It’s Not Just Lemurs!

The 36th annual Presbyterian Church (USA) Mission Conference in Brevard and Indian

TAKE NOTE!

2017 B.I.R.P

Conference

February 11-19

be able to help our congregations understand the amazing qualities and deepest needs of our new mission

Thank you ALLfor your helpwith theAnnualCookie Sunday!

Game Day and Night are BACK!KNOX PARLOR

6 to 9 PM - Second MondaysSupper at 6, bring a dish to share

Games at 7

1 to 3 PM - Second WednesdaysBring a snack to share

Bring your favorite games to share.

1 to 3 PM - Second Wednesdays1 to 3 PM - Second Wednesdays

Bring your favorite games to share.Bring your favorite games to share.

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2017 FlowersThe 2017 Sanctuary

Flower Calendar is up and has many openings!

Please consider sponsoring an arrangement for $35 and

either you enjoy them,or designate them for

delivery by the Deacons. Sign up is in the Narthex

hallway.

DONATE BLOODJANUARY 15beginning8:30 AM

Join us for this guided tour of a wildlife habitat (i.e. wading birds, gators). Tentative date is Saturday, February 4, 2017 (watch for future confi rmation of the date in the church bulletin). Meet no later than 8:15 AM at Riverside church’s front parking lot to board for a 30 minute bus ride to the wetlands.

There will be stops along the 2-hour wetland tour for getting on/o� the bus for photos & closer observation (bring your binoculars!). The tour will be followed by lunch at a local restaurant (dutch treat).

Viera We� ands Tour

Register with the church o� ice at 321-783-6085 or call Ernestine Kessel at 321-427-0607 for further info.Cost is by freewill donation for bus gasoline and gratuity.

International Food PotluckMark January 21, 5 p.m.

on your calendar and get out yourfavorite potluck recipe -

if the recipe is from another country,pat yourself on the back!After a delicious meal,

Bob and Paula Yost will be sharing about their mission trip last summer to Ecuador. We will also be learning more about the Sunday school that Riverside

supports in Indonesia near theMalaysian border.

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