Riverside United Methodist Church · P. O. Box 128 · Park Rapids, MN · 56470

The Pastor Shares

The Department of Natural Resources and Lake Associations will soon start placing navigational buoys

on the lakes and rivers. Navigational buoys are intended to guide boaters to safe passage or help around

shallow areas or alert boaters to other hazards. They can also provide information about where you are

on the water. Buoys are a little like disciples of Jesus.

Buoys weather the storms of life, sometimes sustain damage, but always stand up in visible ways to

guide people. They stay in place under the heat of the scorching sun. They are buffeted by wind and

waves daily but they only move slightly. They never move very far because they are solidly anchored.

Who are the people that have been solidly anchored in their faith in Christ that have guided you to safe

passage through life? Are you anchored by your faith so that you can weather the storms? Are you or

can you be a buoy that stands up and enables people to find themselves and be guided “home” safely?

We need buoys in our lives. We also need to be buoys for a world of people who drift about searching

for something to anchor their lives, struggling to find or maintain their bearings, trying to connect with

the one who holds all things in place. Who needs you? Can you guide them in making connections with

Christ or the church?

In Christ’s love - Pastor Chip

April 2019 · Vol. 19, Issue 3

Riverside United Methodist Church Where the Spirit runs deep...

In This Issue • Worship in April /Holy Week 2 United Methodist Women 4 Fishing Expo 5

• Follow-Up “Way Forward” 3 Spring Rummage Sale 4 Education News 6

• Health & Wholeness 4 Camp Information 5 Green Team 7

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April Sermon Series

We’re continuing our sermon series on the Beatitudes based on the book, Heaven on Earth: Realizing the Good Life Now, by Chris Seidman and Joshua Graves. Don’t worry if you’ve missed a week or two - join us for worship when you can!

Sunday, April 7 “Hearts Wide Open”

Sunday, April 14 Palm/Passion Sunday “True Grit”

Sunday, April 21 Easter Worship Services

Sunday, April 28 “Make Something Happen”

Holy Week Worship Schedule

Sunday, April 14: Palm Sunday Worship Services 8:30AM & 10:30AM Celebrating Jesus’ entry into the city of Jerusalem as people shouted, “Hosanna!”

Easter Egg Hunt at 9:45AM - ages 11 and younger

Thursday, April 18: Maundy Thursday

Join us for a special Communion service at 7PM as we remember the last Passover meal Jesus shared

with his disciples before his death.

Friday, April 19: Good Friday

5PM Soup Supper

6PM Good Friday service at Riverside with Calvary Lutheran Church,

Hubbard United Methodist and Trinity Episcopal Church.

Sunday, April 18: Easter Worship Services 8:30AM & 10:30AM Alleluia! Celebrate Christ risen Easter morning.

WORSHIP IN APRIL

Second Service Congregational Meeting

If you attend the second worship service at 10:30AM, please plan to come and stay after worship for a

congregational meeting on Sunday, April 7th. After serving faithfully for many years, the Praise Team

has prayerfully decided to disband. Their last Sunday leading worship will be April 28th. We will have a

discussion on your ideas and thoughts about new directions for this worship service moving forward.

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Follow-Up Conversation on a Way Forward

As many of you know, the Special Session of the General Conference met in February to make a decision around the issue of human sexuality. The General Conference passed the Traditional Plan, maintaining the language around human sexuality in the UMC Book of Discipline, and strengthening discipline for those clergy and Bishops who do not uphold the Book of Discipline. We want to share what we’ve learned about this legislation, and also what might lie ahead for the United Methodist Church. You are invited and urged to attend one of the “Follow-Up Conversation” meetings!

These are the options:

• Tuesday, April 2nd, 2:00PM Wednesday, April 3rd, 10:30AM

• Thursday, April 4th, 6:30PM Monday, April 8th, 6:30PM

We hope one of these four times will work for you to join us and learn about this important issue in our church!

Minnesota Annual Conference Meeting

“Dare to Reach - Love Boldly!” June 18-20 in St. Cloud, MN

Information will be available in the May issue of The Messenger.

A New Pictorial Directory

We will be taking photos this spring for a new church pictorial directory with Max Bailey Photography.

Photos will be taken on Thursdays and Fridays from 3PM-8PM, and Saturdays from 10AM-3PM. The

dates for photos are:

Thursday - Saturday, May 9-11

Thursday - Saturday, May 30-June 1

Thursday - Saturday, June 13-15.

Watch for more information in the May issue of The Messenger.

From the Health and Wholeness Ministry Team…

AED Training Available Sunday, April 7th, 9:30AM

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are now available in many public locations,

including Riverside (located outside the office). According to the American Heart

Association and the website aedstoday.com, Sudden Cardiac Arrest kills nearly

300,000 persons annually. Sudden Cardiac Arrest can be caused by many factors

including arrhythmias, electrocution, choking and trauma. Would you know what to do?

Join us Sunday, April 7th at 9:30AM in the Lounge for demonstrations, and a Question & Answer session

on AEDs. Become familiar with the AED and how to use it. It is designed for anyone to use, and you may

be the only instant help available to save a life!

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Become Part of UMW

All women are invited to become part of the United

Methodist Women. Join a Circle (meet the third

Wednesday of each month), focus group, or be part

of activities of the United Methodist Women as a

whole. Men are also invited to special study

programs. Call the church office (732-5205) for

more information.

Active Circle Groups:

Current Issues, Friendship Circle, Charity Circle

For more information on the United Methodist Women visit: www.unitedmethodistwomen.org

Mission Witness

“One does not have to look far to witness individuals in our local community and around the world who

are responding to God's love. During the chaos of wars, natural disaster, politics and personal struggles

people are bringing the message of God's hope, courage and joy.”

- Evelyn Erbele, Global Missionary from Oregon serving in Ketchikan, Alaska

1 Executive Board, 9AM

17 Circles meet - Call to prayer & Self Denial

24 Serve MYF (Friendship Issues)

27 North Star District Spring Gathering

North Star District Spring Gathering

The North Star District United Methodist Women's Spring Gathering will be April

27, 2019, at Grey Eagle UMC starting at 9:00AM. All women are invited to a day

of learning, growing and worship. Keynote speaker is Jayne Koskiniemi from

Sebeka, and District Superintendent Mark Miller will be in attendance to serve communion.

Registration information will be available in the North Star District UMW newsletter “The Comment.”

Spring Rummage Sale May 3rd, 8:30AM-5PM; May 4th, 8:30AM-NOON

Everyone looks forward to the spring rummage sale! Lots of great items for sale including

clothing, collectibles, books, household items, furniture...you never know what you’ll find!

Accepting your donations beginning Monday, April 29th after 8:30AM through Thursday,

May 2nd at 2PM. Not everything is a suitable rummage sale item. Please discard broken,

dirty and torn items - donate those items that will bring JOY to others, and thank you for

your continued support of this ministry. All proceeds benefit UMW mission projects!

Great Adventures Await at Camp!

The Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church offers great

camping opportunities for all ages. The 2019 brochures listing upcoming camps

are available at the information kiosk outside the office and online at

www.campminnesota.org. Pick up a brochure and find your summer adventure!

Camperships are available - talk to Pastor Chip for more information.

Fishing Camps With Pastor Chip - Space is Limited!

Just a reminder: If you have not registered but are looking forward to the

fishing camp(s), make sure you get your registration in! Camps are almost full!

May 13-16 Lake of the Woods Fishing Camp (12th Year)

August 5-11 Canadian Fishing Camp II - Lac Seul, Ontario (23rd Year)

Information and registration available at: www.campminnesota.org.

Fishing Expo Help Wanted

We are expecting a full house for this community event. We will need people to assist with hospitality, food

service (nothing difficult), and clean up. There will be a sign up in the church office as well as in the lobby on

Sunday Mornings. This should be a fun event and an opportunity to meet some awesome fisherman!

Park Rapids Lakes Area Fishing Expo - Free Admission!

Riverside United Methodist Church Friday, April 12, 2019 - 6PM-9PM

If you enjoy fishing, join us at this educational and fun event! Meet regional

guides including Jason Durham, Bryan “Bro” Brosdahl, Dick Beardsley, Gary

Korsgaden, Jason Freed and more! Learn new techniques and get answers to

your most perplexing fishing questions! Learn about the latest equipment

and how to protect our fishing resources. Featured guest speaker is Chip Leer, a 2019 Freshwater Fishing

Hall of Fame inductee. He is the stage and TV host for the Cabela’s National Walleye Tour, a fishing guide,

outdoors communicator, product promoter and developer.

The Expo Team includes representatives from the MN Department of Natural Resources, Hubbard County

Coalition of Lakes Associations (HC COLA), Riverside United Methodist Church, and Hubbard County

Environmental Services.

Guest Speaker Chip Leer

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Monthly Book Club and Bible Study Groups

The Riverside Readers The Riverside Readers will meet on Monday, April 15th

at 2PM to discuss the book, Letter from Home, by Carolyn Hart. This book is

available from the library and readers can pick up a copy in the church office!

Thursday Bible Study, 8:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Study meets year-round.

New members always welcome.

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Confirmation Sunday

May 19th we will celebrate Confirmation during the 8:30AM worship service. Everyone is invited to be in attendance, lift up in prayer, and celebrate the commitment of these young people as they continue their journey of faith.

Educational Scholarships Available

Each year the Trust Fund makes monies available to Riverside students for educational grants.

Administered by the Education Committee, these scholarships are available to students graduating from

High School and pursuing higher education at a university or technical college, or students currently

enrolled in a university or technical college. Applications and requirements are available in the office.

All applications must be returned to the Education Committee by April 30, 2019.

Easter Egg Hunt Palm Sunday, April 14th, 9:45AM

Don’t miss the annual Easter Egg Hunt on Palm Sunday! Children ages 11 and younger are invited to be

a part of this fun tradition. Meet in the choir room at 9:30AM for gathering bags and instruction; then

find the eggs, and collect a treat! Outdoors if the weather permits.

Vacation Bible School News

Watch for information on VBS in upcoming bulletins and newsletters. Vacation

Bible School will be held in June with dates to be announced. It’s going to be

SO MUCH FUN!

“Easter is more than a day, an event, a remembrance. It is a way of life.” - Michael Marsh

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In Our Prayers

Pray for those who are ill or recovering: Don & Janis Eckhoff, Gannon Wilkins

Prayers for those who are grieving: The family of Glenn Sande. Glenn passed away February 3rd. The family of Ronald Waterman. Ronnie passed away March 9th. The family of Paul Meartz. Paul passed away March 15th. Prayers for our church & its ministries including: Missions in Laos and safe travels for

missionaries; McCurdy School in New Mexico; Ministries at Red Bird Mission; Rev. Earl & June Harrison and the ministries in Jamaica; United Methodist Committee on Relief.

Prayers for First Responders: Prayers for SHIELD 616 recipient Officer Adam Williams, and local law enforcement officers and First Responders.

The Intercessory Prayer Team and Prayer Chains are available to help support you. Call the church office (732-5205) for more information, or if you are in need of pastoral support.

Green Team - Sharing Nature With a Child

“You won’t save what you don’t love.” - Joel Sartore, National Geographic wildlife photographer

Tip of the Month:

“We have such a brief opportunity to pass on to our children our love for this Earth, and to tell our stories.

These are the moments when the world is made whole. In my children's memories, the adventures we've

had together in nature will always exist.” – Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our

Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder

What the Bible says:

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the

earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you.” Job 12:7-8

Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the other trees. When they sprout leaves, you

see for yourselves and know that summer is now near. So also you, when you see these things happening,

know that the kingdom of God is near.” Luke 21:29-31.

What the United Methodist Church says:

We affirm the natural world as God’s handiwork and dedicate ourselves to its preser-

vation, enhancement, and faithful use by humankind - from the UMC Social Creed

“This beautiful natural world is a loving gift from God, the Creator of all things seen and

unseen. God has entrusted its care to all of us… “ - From the Pastoral Letter of the Council

of Bishops’ message, “God’s Renewed Creation: Call to Hope.”

Sign Up For E-Statements!

Receive your quarterly statements from Riverside UMC through your email!

If you have not signed up to receive your statement electronically but would like

to, call the office at 218-732-5205, or email: rumc@unitelc.com.

CONTACT US:

Riverside UMC P. O. Box 128

1005 Park Avenue N.

Park Rapids, MN 56470

(218) 732-5205

e-mail: rumc@unitelc.com

Visit us on the web at

www.riversideumcchurch.com

WEEKLY SCHEDULE Office Hours

Mon. -Thurs: 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Building Open: 8:00 AM

Sunday Worship

8:30 AM Traditional Service

9:30 AM Education

10:30 AM Contemporary Service

Fellowship follows each worship service

Minnesota Annual Conference:

www.minnesotaumc.org

United Methodist Websites:

www.rethinkchurch.org

www.umc.org

www.unitedmethodistwomen.org

Nonprofit Org. U. S. Postage

PAID Park Rapids, MN

Permit #5

Riverside United Methodist Church

P. O. Box 128

1005 Park Avenue North

Park Rapids, MN 56470

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Enjoy The Messenger - your way!

Riverside’s newsletter, The Messenger, is available in a format that fits your

lifestyle. You may receive it on your e-mail, regular mail delivery or on our

website at www.riversideumcchurch.com. Articles must be submitted for

publication by the 15th day of each month. Space is limited, and we

reserve the right to review for content and appropriateness.

“Casting the net of Christ’s love to all through Faith, Action and Compassion.”

Easter Sunday, April 21st

OFFICE HOURS

Monday thru Thursday, 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM

Building Open: 8:00 AM

April Schedule 12 Fishing Expo 14 Palm Sunday / Easter Egg Hunt 18 Maundy Thursday - Service at 7PM 19 Good Friday Service - 5PM Meal, 6PM Service 21 Easter Sunday 22 BUILDING CLOSED