Rally Around

Riverside2013-2014

A Guide for Experiencing

Riverside’s Mission

Searching Thoughtfully, Serving Passionately, Living Joyfully, Following Christ

PastorThe Rev. Dr. W. Stephen Goyer(904) 355-4585 x19steve.goyer@rpcjax.org

Associate Pastor of Youth & FamiliesThe Rev. Bill Hoff(904) 355-4585 x11bill.hoff@rpcjax.org

Pastor of Visitation The Rev. Dr. Dwight S. Bayley(904) 355-4585 x31dwight.bayley@rpcjax.org

Director of Youth MinistryBreanna Sooter (904) 355-4585 x27breanna.sooter@rpcjax.org

Music DirectorDr. Lois Gurney(904) 355-4585 x20lois.gurney@rpcjax.org

Director of Education Emily Heeg(904) 355-4585 x15emily.heeg@rpcjax.org

Director of Community Life & Community Outreach Jan Cox(904) 355-4585 x25jan.cox@rpcjax.org

Business AdministratorJack Higsonjack.higson@rpcjax.org355-4585 x14

Director of CommunicationsCliff Thomascliff.thomas@rpcjax.org355-4585 x36

CustodianOgnjen Adamovic

Senior Administrative AssistantJennie Bibbj.bibb@rpcjax.org355-4585 x16

Administrative AssistantGenia Bryantgenia.bryant@rpcjax.org355-4585 x10

AccountantCheryle Busackcheryle.busack@rpcjax.org355-4585 x17

SextonMichael Lane

Pastor’s Administrative AssistantLetha Mannletha.mann@rpcjax.org355-4585 x22

Mary O’BrienNursery Mananger

Kitchen Ministries CoordinatorMersida Porcic

Bittinger Kitchen x21Kissling Kitchen x30Copy Room x26Stained Glass x13Nursery x29Volunteer x12

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Welcome To Riverside Presbyterian Church

Searching Thoughtfully, Serving Passionately, Living Joyfully, Following Christ

A Guide for Experiencing Riverside’s Mission

Table of Contents:

Sunday Mornings 5

Other Special Programming for Children and their Families 12

Wednesday Night Fellowship 17

Weekday Opportunities and Retreats 22

Other Events 25

Community Life 26

Community Outreach 30

College Ministry 35

Music Ministry 35

Sunday Morning 9:30 a.m.

Adult, Youth, Children,Infant and Preschool

Searching Thoughtfully, Serving Passionately, Living Joyfully, Following Christ

Sunday Worship Times8:30 a.m. - Worship and Holy Communion

9:30 a.m. - Sunday School

11:00 a.m. - Worship

The first Sunday of each month we celebrate Holy Communion during the 11:00 a.m. service.

Herb Underwood ClassEducation Building: Thompson ParlorTeachers: Joe Meux, Bill Scheu and Floyd Hooker The Herb Underwood class, a friendly, welcoming fellowship, is an adult Bible study which meets weekly throughout the year and follows the International Sunday School Lessons. George Simons ClassEducation Building: Rooms 310-311Teacher: Kathie Briggs “George Simons Bible Class” was “The Men’s” Bible Class established in 1923. They use the Present Word curriculum for our weekly study. The morning format includes hymn singing, prayer, fellowship, Scripture reading, and small group discussion.

The Bridge ClassEducation Building: LibraryTeacher: Shared LeadershipJoin this group of younger and middle-aged adults for a vibrant class focusing on discussion and fellowship, as well as book studies and Bible studies.

The Ed Pratt-Dannals Bible StudyWilliams Building: Library (2nd floor)Teacher: Ed Pratt-DannalsThis popular Bible study includes reading and discussion of various books of the Bible. The fall focus will be the parables of Jesus. Psalms will be studied in the spring.

Holy Grounds Bittinger HallIf you just need a place to have some great coffee and join others in casual conversation and fellowship, please join us in Bittinger during the Sunday School hour.

Adult Ongoing Classes

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Adult ElectivesSeptember 15 - October 13 (5 weeks)Williams Building: Room 206Young Family ClassParents of infants, toddlers and preschool age children, as well as anyone preparing for children, are invited to come and explore issues that affect young families. We will spend time getting to know each other and talking about a variety of topics such as creating spiritually and financially healthy households, parenting and discipline techniques, and more. We will discuss other topics based on feedback from class participants.

September 15 - October 13 (5 weeks)Education Building: Room 302-303Personality and SpiritualityTeacher: The Rev. Dr. John RagsdaleHow does our personality affect the way we experience God’s presence and express our faith? Rev. John Ragsdale will help class participants learn more about their own personalities and explore answers to these questions.

MeditationEducation Building: Room 312Facilitator: Nancy SplaneBoth experienced meditators and beginners are welcome. Come weekly or drop in – as in the meditation itself, nothing is expected or required. If you’re new, we’ll provide an introduction.

Adult Ongoing Classes Continued

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October 20 - November 24 (6 weeks)Education Building: Room 302-303Bible 101 Teacher: Malinda HarrisMalinda Harris served as an interim Christian Education Director at Riverside for two years, 2010 – 2012. She had previously spent 20 years as a middle school teacher and 20 years in Christian education in the Episcopal Church. She has served as a workshop presenter and conference coordinator at Kanuga and many other conference sites over the years. Malinda, a widow, has two grown children and four grandchildren.

How much do you know about the Bible? It is the foundational text for our faith. Even if we attend church every week, or take a good Bible study course, we still just receive portions of the stories and the timeline of scripture. Join this class to get a “survey course” in both the Old and New Testaments. Discover how the stories fit together into a pattern that increases our understanding of the scope of God’s actions over the centuries. Enter into the discovery – this class will be interactive!

October 20 - November 24 (6 weeks)Williams Building: Room 206Living the QuestionsTeacher: Jamie HoenerLiving the Questions is an alternative to studies that attempt to give participants all the answers and instead strives to create an environment where participants can interact with one another in exploring what’s next for Christianity. Featuring many acclaimed scholars, theologians and other experts, the 20-minute video segments include conversations with leading voices of faith, digital stories illustrating aspects of an evolving faith, and concrete spiritual practices and disciplines.

October 27 (1 week)Haiti PartnershipFind out about Haiti and the partnership Riverside has with Fonkoze and learn about the February 2014 trip to Haiti.

Adult Electives Continued

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December 1 – December 22 (4 weeks)Education Building: Rooms 302 - 303Advent SeriesJoin us for a class focused on the Advent season. Look for more details in future publications.

January 6 – February 2 (5 weeks)Education Building: Rooms 302 - 303One True VineTeacher: Charles CooperEach Sunday we will explore a particular aspect of our faith as expressed in popular song by various artists. The music will be drawn from several genres including Rock, Gospel and Bluegrass. Artists will include Mavis Staples, Wilco, Alabama Shakes, Doc Watson, Bob Dylan and many others.

Sundays February 9, 16 and 13/ Wednesdays February 12 and 19 (5 Sessions)Education Building: Room 302-303Converging Conversations with the CosmosTeacher: The Rev. Paul SeltzerPaul Seltzer grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland. He earned academic degrees from the University of Maryland, Gettysburg Theological Seminary, and Drew University. He served as a Lutheran pastor for twenty-one years, and later worked with the Hospice of Central New York for several years. With his wife, Susan, they operated a catering business in Syracuse, New York, and then came to Florida to run the food service at Marywood Retreat Center in Switzerland, Florida. He also served as the Acting Director of Marywood. After retirement from owning the Enchanted Kitchen deli-bakery in Mandarin, they joined Riverside Church and were active in several of its many social outreach initiatives. Paul also led several adult education courses during their loving and stimulating interactions with the Riverside family. In 1999 they moved to Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, where they have been operating the Edgewater Bed and Breakfast.

Science and religion have been on opposite sides of the “what life is about” questions for centuries. This seems to be changing. On both sides, in diverse disciplines, and in accelerated fashion, discoveries and insights

Adult Electives Continued

are evolving us toward common understandings and experience. In our time together we will take samplings of what is emerging, and consider the practical implications for our personal lives and institutional traditions.

March 2-April 27 (9 weeks)Williams Building: Room 206Reclaiming the Bible for a Non-Religious WorldTeacher: Carl ZacheisJoin us for an examination of John Shelby Spong’s book, “Re-Claiming the Bible for a Non-Religious World.”

March 2 - March 30 (5 weeks)Education Building: Room 302-303Living Out Our FaithHow do we live our lives, both as a community and as individuals, in response to God’s love? This class will be an opportunity for us to explore how we live out our faith through our day-to-day lives and through different programs and missions of the church. Individual church members will share parts of their faith stories and we will also learn about varying church programs through which members live out their faith.

April 6 - April 27 (4 weeks)Education Building: Room 302-303Developing Spirituality through the Generations:A Daily Opportunity and CallingTeacher: The Rev. Dr. Lou Lothman Louis R. Lothman has served as Director of Pastoral Counseling Services since 1996. He is a Presbyterian minister. He received his B.A. from Duke University and his M. Div. degree from Columbia Theological Seminary. He served in parishes and calls in Panama City, Florida and Atlanta. In 1986, he accepted a call to move to Jacksonville and join Pastoral Counseling Services. Since then he has provided, and continues to provide spiritually sensitive counseling services. In 1989, he completed his Th.D. in Pastoral Counseling at Columbia Theological Seminary, with his dissertation in the area of family systems theory, mourning and loss, and healthy personal and family functioning.

Adult Electives Continued

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Adult Electives Continued

Healthy spirituality fosters healthy adaptation in life and healthy adaptation fosters healthy spirituality as well. Come join us in this class for an exploration of how dynamic patterns in living within persons and in interpersonal relations between parents, children, generations and people in communities foster or inhibit healthy adaptation and healthy spirituality. Gain insight into how generational patterns may dim healthy growth and mute the glorious possibilities of God present in every moment. Learn what you can do, with God’s help, to flourish and live more fully as a child of God day by day and help others, including your dearest loved ones, along the way to do the same.

May: To Be Determined

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YouthRiverside’s ministry with youth (middle and high school) is part of a continuum of nurture from birth into adulthood. It includes exciting programs like BLAST (a transitional experience for fifth graders) and moves through Confirmation, middle and high school encounter groups and youth group. Our goal is to surround our youth with a caring community of mature Christians who engage in authentic relationships and challenge our youth to embrace a journey of growth. Parents are helped to fulfill their role in this process.

6th - 7th Grade“re:form” Education Building: Room 304Teachers: Stacey and Chris Johnson re:form is an animated DVD-based Sunday School curriculum. Through video, it asks questions like “Why are there so many versions of the Bible?” to “Why do we say we believe in the holy catholic church if we’re not Catholic?” to “What if my friends aren’t Christian?” Through fun and silly re:form characters, youth are challenged with questions and after the video, an open discussion is encouraged. There are “anti-workbooks” that include some great games and questions. Come have some anti-work fun with us!

8th Grade, Confirmation“Park St. Underground” (Sanctuary Basement)(Class schedule will be given to 8th grade parents for special events/dates)Teachers: Breanna Sooter and TeamThroughout this school year we will look at God’s relevance to our lives by identifying the core values and beliefs that we hold. Youth will be challenged to consider the meaning of baptism and Christian lifestyle. Through group discussion as well as group retreats, service projects and time with mentors, this class will prepare those choosing to be Confirmed as members of the church in May 2014.

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9th through 12th Grade729 Post St (Youth Building)Teachers: Mark Rosenberg and Lynne MatsonThis class has been built so that high school youth have a place to discuss and grapple with serious questions and everyday issues. The curriculum allows for flexibility and honest dialogue as the youth encounter scripture and apply it to their lives.

Youth Sunday Evening

“4:59 at 729” is Back!Youth Building4:59 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.We will be meeting at 4:59 p.m. every Sunday at 729 Post St. (Youth Building) Middle School and High School will meet together for music and games before the Middle School head to Park St. Underground (Sanctuary Basement) for Middle School Youth. High School youth will remain in 729 Post St. We will come back together for a light dinner and recreation outside at 6:30 p.m. Pickup from 6:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Rice Sports Zone. If raining, pickup at 729 Post St.

Youth Continued

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Children

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4th - 5th GradesEducation Building: Room 306Teachers: Kristin Swiercek, Margot Althuis, Marc & Jane Courtney Davis, Jimmy & Susannah DohertyThis is an exciting new class for our 4th and 5th graders. Because this is an age of exploring and thinking more deeply, these young people will continue to learn the Bible, and actively participate in outreach and worship opportunities. The class will be interactive and relational, preparing them to be a community as they approach the teen years. A variety of curriculum materials will be used.

Studio 45

These elementary classes meet on the third floor in the Education Building. The curriculum is “Walk with Me” and covers both Old and New Testament stories. The stories are experiential, age appropriate and combined with the expertise of an outstanding teaching staff. This curriculum comes alive for the children.

Kindergarten through 5th grade

KindergartenEducation Building, Room 301Teachers:George and Judy Gabel, Pat Setzer, Beth Touchton

1st GradeEducation Building, Room 305Teachers:Bookie Ziegler, Nancy Warner, Paul Heeg

2nd – 3rd GradesEducation Building, Room 307Teachers:Dick Schwalbe, Ryan & Karen Prince,Emily Speckman

Godly Play 9:30for 3 & 4 Year-olds

Williams Building: Room 103Teachers: Merle Lear, Sarah Trauger, Jason & Kinga Evert, Sarah & Thomas Cotchaleovitch Godly Play is a Montessori-based program especially designed for young children. In Godly Play, manipulatives (wooden pieces representing places and characters in the Bible stories) are used as the story is being told. This method uses sight, hearing and touch to help children learn. Godly Play is an approach that allows children to experience God, as well as learn about God.

NurseryWilliams Building: Rooms 104 - 105The Riverside Presbyterian Church nursery staff is well trained and takes great care to provide love, safety and formation activities in the nursery. For detailed information about the nursery, please request a nursery packet outlining our policies and procedures. The nursery is available during Sunday morning worship services and Sunday School, as well as many other weekly meetings, classes and services.

Williams Building: Room 102Each week during the 11:00 worship service we offer this program for children ages 2 - Kindergarten from 10:30 a.m. through the conclusion of worship. Children meet on the first floor of the Williams Building. They have an opportunity to play, have a snack and learn. Parents of 4-year-olds and kindergarten are encouraged to bring their children to worship through the “Faith-Sharing with the Children” when a volunteer will take them to the extended session. We thank all parents and volunteers who help make this program a possibility.

Extended

Infant and Preschool

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Sunday, September 15 - October 27This program is specifically for first graders. After Faith-Sharing in worship, the first graders will go with teachers Beth Touchton and Laura Crooks to learn about all aspects of worship. They will study the Lord’s Prayer, the Apostles’ Creed and the Doxology. They will also learn how to read a hymn and follow along in the bulletin. At the conclusion of their class, 1st graders will be presented Bibles.

Wonders of Worship

Other Special Programming for Children and their Families

Riverside Play Group is a time of fellowship and fun for children ages birth to 5 years old and their families. Riverside Play Group is a fantastic way to meet other parents while your children make new friends. Siblings are welcome. The group meets about four times each year.

Riverside Play Group

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BLASTBLAST is a youth program designed to help 5th graders transition into youth group. BLAST meets on the 3rd Sunday of each month, January through May, immediately following the 11 a.m. worship service for a variety of activities such as photo scavenger hunts, service projects, pool parties and more.

Wednesday Night Fellowship

Searching Thoughtfully, Serving Passionately, Living Joyfully, Following Christ

Wednesday nights at Riverside are a time of food, fellowship and learning for the whole congregation. Children, youth and adults are offered opportunities to form community and learn together.

Begins on Wednesday, September 11, at 5:45 p.m.

Adult Academic ElectivesBeginning at 6:30 p.m. starting on Wednesday September 11

September 11 - October 23Education Building: Thompson ParlorChurch Growth Is Not the PointTeacher: The Rev. Dr. Steve GoyerIn 1975 Robert Hudnut, a Presbyterian minister as well as mayor of his town, wrote a book called “Church Growth is Not the Point.” It has now come of age, which is typical in church evolution. The jacket says, “Written for all who are concerned about the drop in church membership,” Church Growth Is Not The Point proclaims the present hour as a grace-filled, spirit-charged opportunity to “turn the world upside down” for Jesus Christ. Rev. Goyer will use this book as well as others for some historical and theological discussion of the role of the church past, present and future.

September 11 - October 23Education Building: Room 312Parenting ClassJoin this group to discuss varying parenting ideas and issues. We will bring in special guests. Nancy Splane will demonstrate Christian meditation for children and explain the benefits. Heather Gardner will discuss how to help your children develop good money practices. We will also discuss more parenting topics based on the feedback and ideas from participants.

November 6 and 13To Be Determined

January 8 -February 5Education Building: Thompson ParlorTeacher: The Rev. Dr. Tim Simpson We welcome back Rev. Tim Simpson who will lead us in another fascinating study. Look for more details in future publications.

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Wednesdays February 12 and 19/ Sundays February 9, 16 and 23 Education Building: Thompson ParlorConverging Conversations with the CosmosTeacher: Rev. Paul SeltzerPaul Seltzer grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland. He earned academic degrees from the University of Maryland, Gettysburg Theological Seminary, and Drew University. He served as a Lutheran pastor for twenty-one years, and later worked with the Hospice of Central New York for several years. With his wife, Susan, they operated a catering business in Syracuse, New York, and then came to Florida to run the food service at Marywood Retreat Center in Switzerland, Florida. He also served as the Acting Director of Marywood. After retirement from owning the Enchanted Kitchen deli-bakery in Mandarin, they joined Riverside Church and were active in several of its many social outreach initiatives. Paul also led several adult education courses during their loving and stimulating interactions with the Riverside family. In 1999 they moved to Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, where they have been operating the Edgewater Bed and Breakfast.

Science and religion have been on opposite sides of the “what life is about” questions for centuries. This seems to be changing. On both sides, in diverse disciplines, and in accelerated fashion, discoveries and insights are evolving us toward common understandings and experience. In our time together we will take samplings of what is emerging, and consider the practical implications for our personal lives and institutional traditions.

MarchTo Be Determined

Adult Electives Continued

Adult Hobby Electives

September 11 - October 23Education Building Room: 302 - 303Gentle YogaTeacher: Carol ProctorA very gentle yoga class, consisting of yoga postures, breath work and meditation. You will need a yoga mat and towel (optional). Please bring a nonperishable item for the food bank.

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January 8 - February 5Education Building: Bittinger HallEat, Pray, LoveTeacher: Joe EberlyThe kitchen table is the place where the family gathers to enjoy the gifts of great food, hospitality and a spiritual connection with God and one another. You are invited to gather in the Bittinger kitchen each day of class to create some unique and delectable food and then, as God’s family, gather around the table to eat and laugh and pray together. More than a cooking class, this will be a place to “get a taste of the kingdom” in multiple ways. Class Limited to 15. Materials Fee: $10 (This class will run 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.)

Hobby Electives Continued

Youth

The youth gather with the rest of the church for a mid-week meal in Kissling at 5:45 p.m. Afterward we head to the Rice Sports Zone outside to play and catch up before heading to our respective Encounter Groups at 6:30 p.m. Encounter Groups are designed so that both youth and leaders can talk about how to deal with real issues that we encounter on a day-to-day basis and to encourage one another in Christian lifestyle.

Leadership: Marshall Faircloth, Matthew Garman, Breanna Sooter5:45 p.m. Dinner in Kissling Hall 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.Games at Rice Sports Zone

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.Middle School Encounter Group - Park St. Underground (Sanctuary Basement)High School Encounter Group - 729 Post St. (Youth Building)

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September 11 Goofy GamesSeptember 18 Goofy GamesSeptember 25 Goofy GamesOctober 2 Art/Blessed are the PeacemakersOctober 9 Art/Blessed are the PeacemakersOctober 16 Art/Blessed are the PeacemakersOctober 23 Art/Blessed are the PeacemakersOctober 30 Carnival of Fun: Shiver on the RiverNovember 6 Movie NightNovember 13 Doing Dishes/Pottery StudioNovember 20 Thanksgiving Community MealNovember 27 No Wednesday NightDecember 4 Advent FestivalDecember 11 Caroling at Presbyterian HouseDecember 18 No Wednesday NightDecember 25 No Wednesday NightJanuary 1 No Wednesday NightJanuary 8 Wednesday Night programming resumesFebruary Programming to be Determined March 5 Ash Wednesday Service March 12 Lenten Festival

ChildrenK-5th GradeDinner 5:45 p.m.Children’s Choir 6:20-6:50 p.m.Hands on Faith Experience 6:50-7:30 p.m.

Infants and Toddlers: Nursery available for all Wednesday programmingPreschoolers: Minis class for all preschoolers after dinner

Weekday OpportunitiesAnd

Other Special Christian Education Events

Searching Thoughtfully, Serving Passionately, Living Joyfully, Following Christ

September 10–November 5, 5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m.Tuesday Evening Bible StudyEducation Building: Room 302-303Teachers: Bill Hoff, David and Janie JonesThe Gospel of John is the focus of the concluding lessons in the JESUS IN THE GOSPELS series. This study looks at the way John presents events and teachings of Jesus and how John differs from the other Gospels. Participants will have weekly reading assignments in the Gospel of John with supporting passages from parts of the New and Old Testaments. Through videos, class discussions and reflections, John’s picture of Jesus emerges as participants explore answers to the question “Who is Jesus?”This study stands alone. Previous participation in this class is not necessary.

Beginning September 11Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study The Gospel of JohnEducation Building: LibraryTeacher: Rev. Dr. Steve GoyerWhat sets the gospel of John apart from the three other gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke)? Why is John’s gospel considered the most poetic and mystical of the four? What can John’s gospel reveal about who Jesus was and who we are called to be? If you are interested in these questions and many more, come join the Wednesday Women’s Bible Study in the church library from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 most every week from September through May for an in-depth study of this fascinating gospel according to John.

Wednesday Evening Women’s Small GroupEducation Building: Thompson Parlor Beginning September 11, 4:30 p.m.This group of women meets every Wednesday night in the Thompson Parlor at 4:30 p.m. for a time of sharing and study.

Weekday Opportunities

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Facilitator: Nancy SplaneSunday 9:30 a.m. and Monday 8:30 a.m.Education Building: Meditation Room (312) (Also: St. Vincent’s Spirituality Center - Wednesday noon)

Both experienced meditators and beginners are welcome. Come weekly or drop in – as in the meditation itself, nothing is expected or required. If you’re new, we’ll provide an introduction.

Our time together includes music, readings and silence. You may think you can’t do this – we all thought that at first and discovered that although it isn’t always easy to keep at it, you don’t have to be a monk to meditate. Go to wccm.org, The World Community for Christian Meditation, to learn more about this ancient Christian practice or call Nancy at 502-2633.

Meditation

Weekday Opportunities Continued

Presbyterian WomenAs a member of Riverside, women are members of Presbyterian Women. Welcome!We are a church-wide organization committed to nurturing our faith through prayer, service and Bible Study. Circle meetings are held monthly and childcare is provided for daytime meetings. Our Bible Study will be on the Epistles. In addition to Circle meeting, there are four gatherings where applicable topics by outside speakers are discussed and a simple luncheon follows. Presbyterian Women afford women members the opportunity to get to know women in small groups, making that time a personable chance to feel connected. Contact Pat Mason if you have any questions.

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Day long Women’s RetreatSaturday, November 2Mark your calendar and look for more information in future publications.

Church-wide Retreat Saturday April 5 - Sunday April 6With the fast pace of our lives, the one thing that suffers most is our relationships. This weekend is designed to enable us to breathe deep of God’s creation and re-connect with church, family, God and self. There are great activities for all ages in a relaxed and comfortable setting at Camp Montgomery.

Guest Theologian-John Dominic CrossanFriday January 31 - Saturday February 1

In partnership with St. John’s Cathedral, Riverside Presbyterian Church is bringing guest theologian John Dominic Crossan to Jacksonville.

John Dominic Crossan, Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies, DePaul University, Chicago, has written 27 books on Earliest Christianity with special focus on the theology of both the historical Jesus and the historical Paul. He has lectured widely both here and abroad and appeared frequently on network and cable television

Mark your calendar for this special event.

Special Christian Education Events

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Community Life

Searching Thoughtfully, Serving Passionately, Living Joyfully, Following Christ

The Community Life Committee helps church members to build relationships, facilitate fellowship and enhance spiritual growth among individuals and groups within the church. The committee also serves to help the church interact in a positive way within the local community. Members of this committee serve by planning, promoting, recruiting and serving at a number of fellowship events, educational enrichment opportunities, day trips and special events. Contact Jan Cox, Director of Community Life at jan.cox@rpcjax.org, 904-355-4585 x 25 for more information.

Current ministries of the committee include, but are not limited to:

• Lunch and Learn - monthly trips to various venues where all church members are invited to engage in an educational or cultural event, fellowship and break bread together. This fall, outings include:

• A Tour of the Jacksonville Arboretum on Friday September 27 • Camp Montgomery on Thursday October 24, for the Senior Adult

Ministry Conference (SAM) • The Big Cat Sanctuary (Catty Shack) on Friday November 22 • Alhambra Dinner Theater to see Christmas Carole Musical on

Saturday December 14

• Making Florida Memories is a new Fall trip for older adults to the Tampa area; this year held the 2nd week of October. The trip is especially designed to be easily accessible to everyone while enjoying the beautiful nature, sights, learning, worshiping and fellowshipping together on this Florida 500th Birthday.

• Riversiders is for all members. It is a potluck dinner held at a church member’s house and occurs every 3-4 months. This fall, all are invited to the home of Percy and Betty Rosenbloom on Sunday September 22. A Christmas gathering is scheduled for Sunday, December 8, at the Gabels’ home. Childcare is provided at the church with a reservation.

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Mark your Calendars now for these special All-Church Sunday Meals, food and fellowship events held for the whole church: Breadbasket donations defray the costs of meals.

• Rally Day Breakfast-September 8 • Peacemaking Mission Fair BBQ Lunch-October 6 • Alternative Gift Fair & Lunch-November 17• Christmas Concert & Dinner-December 1 • Palm Sunday Luncheon-April 13, 2014 • Patriotic Dinner-June 29, 2014 • End of Summer Ice Cream Social

Other special meals and events include The Shiver at the River Carnival of Fun annual event on Wednesday evening, October 30, for the church and community. A free carnival with games, food, fun and more! On Wednesday evening November 20, Thanksgiving Dinner with the Riverside Presbyterian Apartments and a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on March 4, 2014.

• For the Young Adults at Riverside Presbyterian; The Bridge is a potluck dinner group that meets in members’ homes. Bring a dish and join the fun. Childcare is provided at the church with reservations. Great Dates are marriage enrichment mini-workshops and then free childcare in the nursery for you and your spouse to have a date and reconnect. Pinch of Salt young adult dinners out are held several times during the year.

• For the sports minded, Riverside Presbyterian supports a Youth Basketball League for church and community. Participate as a player, coach or referee. Registration runs September 15 – October 15; practices begin November 7 and the Season opens on Saturday December 7. Last year, nearly 550 boys and girls from age 6 to 16 from 45 schools in the Jacksonville area participated in the league. The League has steadily grown each year of its existence, as games are now held at gymnasiums located throughout Jacksonville. All of the coaches, referees and administrators are volunteers. Check out the league website at www.rpcbasketball.com.

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• Three weeks of free baseball camp is held every summer. Children from the church and community are invited to come join in the fun while learning baseball skills, teamwork, free food and devotions. Next year’s camp will be held Mondays-Thursdays, June 23–July 10.

• Did you know that Riverside has a complete Stained Glass Studio? Classes for beginners to those experienced with Glass are held on Monday evenings, as well as Wednesday mornings. A Quilting group also meets weekly at the church on Friday mornings.

• Blood Drives are held on a quarterly basis, the first this school year being on Rally Day September 8. Appointments can be made on-line by going to www.igiveblood.com and entering the code 1285 for drives being held at Riverside Presbyterian, or call Jan Cox at 355-4585 x25.

• Super State Park Adventures

The Spanish explorer and adventurer Ponce de Leon arrived in Florida 500 years ago, in 1513. In recognition of this event, Riverside will begin day explorations of the Florida State Parks on the last Saturday of each month (when possible). If you would like to become one of the Super State Park Adventurers, or if you have suggestions for sites to visit, please contact Jan Cox, 355-4585 x25; jan.cox@rpcjax.org. These trips will be for all adults, and might involve hiking, canoing, tubing, bicycling and always exploring. A minimum of 6 and a maximum of 14 will be needed for each trip. Cost will vary depending on location and attraction costs.

Other special activities include; Suns baseball trips, Spring Training outings, Hiking trips and other fellowship opportunities! Do you have an event you’d like to suggest? Give us a call!

Would you like to be a part of planning Community Life activities? Meetings are held monthly on the First Tuesday of each month, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Come Join Us!

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Community Outreach

Searching Thoughtfully, Serving Passionately, Living Joyfully, Following Christ

The goal of the Community Mission & Outreach Committee of Riverside Presbyterian Church is to provide volunteers and financial aid to ministries, missions and organizations in our surrounding community; and to support those ministries and programs we feel provide the best and largest impact for the areas in which they serve. If you would like more information about supporting one of these missions; either through time or talents; please contact Jan Cox, director of Community Life and Community Outreach at 904-355-4585 x25, or jan.cox@rpcjax.org. The missions & ministries we currently support are;

Angelwood – The mission of Angelwood is to improve the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities and their families. Volunteers help maintain their group homes or support their summer day camp. Contact: Diane Tuttle, 904-708-0844

Caring Tree – For over 15 years, Riverside has worked with neighborhood schools and organizations to find families in need. People from the church and Day School anonymously help these families celebrate Christmas by providing gifts and food. Volunteers are needed to help organize, purchase, sort and deliver the gifts during November and December each year. Caring Tree Sunday will be December 8 this year.Contact: Jo Pratt-Dannals, 904-356-9224

Children’s Enrichment Workshop (CEW) – CEW is a coalition of Riverside schools, churches and businesses working together to provide positive enrichment activities for school students. Currently, besides attending CEW meetings, Riverside provides three field days in the spring, one per school for West, Central and Fishweir Elementary schools, as well as providing supplies for these schools’ offices.Contact: Merle Lear, 904-387-6245

Downtown Ecumenical Services Council (DESC) – DESC is headquartered in the basement of First Presbyterian Church downtown. It is supported by Riverside and several other churches who have come together to provide emergency services for people living on the financial edge. Help includes referrals to appropriate agencies, groceries, clothing and one-time assistance with rent, utility or mortgage payments. Volunteers are needed to answer the phone and to help with clothing distribution.Contact: Mary Spuhler, 904-358-795531

Habijax (Habitat for Humanity) – is Jacksonville’s Habitat for Humanity affiliate program. Riverside has been involved in building and remodeling Habijax homes since the program began in Jacksonville in the late 1980s.The houses are newly constructed or renovated. Volunteers are needed at many times of the year for all aspects of building and renovating, preparing lunches or doing landscape and yard work.Contact: Joe Eberly, 904-465-4078

I.M. Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless – provides shelter, meals and health care to adults and children. Adults are also given job counseling. Riverside is one of many organizations that prepares and serves a dinner meal once each month at the Center for over 400 people. Volunteers are needed to help cook and serve on the second Thursday of the month.Contact: Blanche Coffman, 904-389-1204

Meals on Wheels – has served meals to shut-ins in the Riverside, Avondale and Murray Hill areas for over 30 years. The program operates out of a room in the Church Education building.Contact: Rev. Earle Sickels, 904-388-8187

Metro-Kids Konnection – provides an after-school program for children who live in the Cleveland Arms Projects in north Jacksonville. This group participates in one week of RBI each summer. Riverside also gives financial support to this program.Contact: Jan Cox, 904-355-4585

PALS (Positive Adult Leaders for Students) – is a program which provides at-risk children with one-on-one mentors at West and Central Riverside Elementary schools. Each mentor and child spends 30 minutes to an hour a week, during the school day, playing games, reading books, or focusing on academic, behavioral or social skills. There are always more students who need PALS than can be provided.Contact: Jamie Hoener, 904-728-4476

Pastoral Counseling Services - Balancing Life, Love, and Peace. Helping people do this is the aim of Pastoral Counseling Services

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Presbyterian Social Ministries (PSM) – is a ministry that brings volunteer groups to Jacksonville for mission work. The ministry also partners with DESC to provide clothing for people in need. Riverside supports this ministry through space-sharing to sleep students and food preparation. PSM also rents office space from the church. PSM assists groups and congregation members with finding needed volunteer activities.Contact: Dave Tuttle, 904-563-3358

Project Leads – is a joint project between the Church and the Day School designed to teach 5th and 6th graders about being leaders in service to the community.Contact: Palmer Bell, 904-353-5511

Reviving Baseball to the Inner-City (RBI) – Community Life and Community Missions Committees work together to provide three weeks of summer camp experience for neighborhood and church children. Baseball, devotionals and lunch provide fun and recreation and time for children to get to know one another. Buses are provided for transportation of low-income participants. Contact: Jan Cox, 904-355-4585

Riverside Tradition House – founded in 1971, provides temporary residence to recovering alcoholic men. Residents are required to attend two Alcoholics Anonymous meetings a week. Professional counseling and rehabilitation are offered. Church members serve on the Board of Directors and help with a variety of volunteer efforts.Contact: Cliff Huber, 904-772-1564

Riverside Presbyterian Apartments and House – were built by the church in the 1960s with low interest government financing to provide residential facilities for older adults. They are now owned and managed by Presbyterian Retirement Communities. Presbyterian Women provide monthly socials and the Church staff conducts weekly worship/devotional services. Residents are also provided transportation to worship and outings.Contact: Jan Cox, 904-355-4585

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Riverside Presbyterian Day School (RPDS)– was founded in 1948 so a Christian education could be included in a child’s academic education. Over 500 students are currently enrolled in the programs beginning with 3-year-old Pre-School up through 6th grade. Contact: Palmer Bell, 904-353-5511

Salvation Army Cold Night Shelter – is a winter-time ministry that brings homeless people off the streets of downtown Jacksonville and offers a mat, blankets and a warm place to sleep on nights when the outside temperatures are predicted to fall below 40 degrees.Contact: Warren Jolley, 904-571-6746

Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive – is an activity in November and December to raise money for Salvation Army programs. Riverside supplies bell ringers to help.Contact: Arden Brugger, 904-356-8400

Sanctuary on 8th Street – provides an after-school program to assist 50-60 elementary school children with activities. Examples of activities include helping with homework, drama, art and field trips. Since 1992, Riverside has contributed volunteers as well as financial support for the social, physical and educational enrichment of disadvantaged youth in the Springfield neighborhood just north of downtown. Contact: Vickie Watkins, 904-356-3588

Trinity Food Pantry – offers food to hungry families in the Riverside area. The program is operated out of the Trinity Lutheran Church.Contact: Jan Cox, 904-355-4585

Would you like to be a part of planning Community Outreach activities? Meetings are held monthly on the Second Wednesday of each month, 4:30–5:30 p.m. Come Join Us.

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College MinistryRiverside has a large number of college-aged young people, and we want to stay connected to them whether they are away or in town. The Montreat College Conference January 2 - 5, 2014 and periodic local gatherings complement our secret PAL ministry.

“Secret Pals” are an adult link for these young people. Although Secret Pals are anonymous, they represent Riverside Presbyterian Church to their student and say by means of a letter or card, “We love you...we have you in or prayers.” A Secret Pal signs up for one college student, and stays in touch by mail about once a month during the course of the school year. There is a brunch in May so that the Secret Pals and college students can meet. If interested, please call Norma Lockwood, 388-3917, or Jean Grant-Dooley, 859-0359.

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We truly enjoy expressing our love for God through the music we sing in worship and throughout the week. Riverside has several adult choirs and a hand-bell choir that continues our church’s tradition of offering high quality music for worship and special concerts. The choirs and instrumentalists of Riverside and from the local community perform at special concerts called “Wednesday Happenings” and “Community Concerts” enriching our lives in so many ways throughout the year.

Various Choirs at RiversideChancel Choir: Sings every Sunday and is largely classicalCelebration Choir: Sings more contemporary music once a monthHand-bell Choir: Performs at worship services once a monthChildren’s Choir: Open to elementary age children and sings approximately five times a year.Special EventsCommunity Concerts: are performed throughout the year on Sunday afternoons featuring various artists from around the world.Wednesday Happenings: are also performed throughout the year on Wednesday mornings followed by lunch.

Music Ministry

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