down by the riverside -...

Riverside Presbyterian

Church 3400 North Atlantic Avenue

Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 Telephone (321) 783-6085

Fax (321) 784-5433

[email protected] www.riversidepres.org

The Rev. Dr. Daniel D. Robinson

Pastor

Robert Early Parish Associate

Glenn Arnold, Jr.

Organist and Choir Director

Jennifer Thorstad Church Secretary

April 2014

Down by the Riverside

Church Calendar 2

Church Events/ News 3-6

Birthdays 4

One Room Schoolhouse

6

New Members 7

Family Promise 8-9

Presbyterian Women 10

Session Synopsis 11

Inside this issue:

From Across the Pastor’s Desk... One of the favorite exercises of a number of people – including us good Christian people – is to offer criticism of others. A man approached his pastor following a morning worship service and said, “Everyone has a gift to share. Mine seems to be the gift of criticism. What should I do with my talent?”

The pastor thought for a moment and said, “Do you remember the story Jesus told about the three men that were given the talents?”

“Yes,” replied the man.

“Then you might recall that the man with only one talent went and buried his – I suggest you go and do likewise!”

To put our criticism of others in proper perspective, consider this:

George McGovern suffered a resounding defeat for the Presidency in 1972 because he was criticized for being “non-political.”

Charlie Chaplin was rejected by Hollywood circles for years because his jerky style of pantomime was considered by his critics to be “nonsense.”

Pablo Picasso wasn’t taken seriously as an artist at first because critics said his strange art was “non-conforming,” hence he was a “non-conformist.”

Mohandas Gandhi was dismissed by the power brokers in and out of govern-ment, as he was criticized for being too “non-violent.”

Thomas Edison is considered to be the greatest inventor in history by many people, yet he was dismissed from his first two jobs – criticized for being a dreamer and “non-productive.”

Albert Einstein flunked out of a Swiss school whose administrator considered him to be “non-intelligent.”

Jesus, who associated with the outcasts, sinners and other marginal people of society was crucified by his critics for being “non-religious,” “non-moral,” “non- law-abiding,” and consequently “non-essential.”

Ironic, isn’t it, how these names are forever fixed in the memory bank of histo-ry, while their critics are the “non-remembered!” Didn’t Jesus say something about taking the log out of our own eye before trying to take the speck out or another person’s eye? That advice still serves as a universal warning to all us would-be critics.

-Dan

APRIL 2014 DOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE PAGE 2

DOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE APRIL 2014

Riverside Presbyterian Holy Week Schedule:

Maundy Thursday: 7:00pm, Chapel

Good Friday: 12:00pm, Cocoa Beach Community Church.

Easter Sunday: Sonrise Service– 6:30am, Fischer Park, Cocoa Beach

Contemporary Service - 9am, Sanctuary

Traditional Service - 11am, Sanctuary

APRIL TECHNOLOGY CLASSES

IPAD Instruction: Wed’s, April 9th & April 30th 3-4:30pm with Bob Howard (Capernaum in Calvin Hall)

Internet 101: Wed, April 9th

1:00-2:00pm with Chili Thorstad (Knox Parlor)

Dropbox Basics: Wed, April 30th 1:00-2:00pm with Chili Thorstad (Knox Parlor)

I was so blessed during my time in the hospital and recovery to have prayers and cards from my many Riverside friends and appreciate them all very much. I am truly blessed to have so much support. Thank you all, - Barbara Holden

Words can't even begin to express my appreciation for the cards, calls and prayers that we received during and following Brian's six month fight with mesothelioma lung cancer. You were wonderful, especially those of you who paid tribute to him by attending his memorial service and those who prepared the reception following the service. Thank you all so much. - Marilyn Grigsby

MEMBERS’ CORNER

Thank you to Pastor Dan and everyone for their prayers, phone calls and cards during Bill’s stay in the hospital. Bill is doing tests as an outpatient to determine the correct meds and treatment to correct the heart rhythm. - Bill and Ann Stone

DBR Articles- The Deadline for May is early this month—Monday, April 14th. Please include your name on all articles, and email your info to: [email protected]. Thanks!!

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

Sunday, April 6th

11am in the Sanctuary

For the purpose of hearing a report from the Nominating Committee to elect an additional Deacon to the class of 2016. The meeting will begin at the start of the Traditional Service and will be brief. Please plan on joining us, thank you.

PRAYER CHAIN:

If you are seeking a mission to serve the church, the Long Term Prayer Chain would welcome your help. Members pray privately in their own homes at times that fit their personal schedule. The needs are many and your help would be welcome.

For more information, contact Helen Carter 452-0295, or Linda Gibson 783-3506


April Birthdays!

April 1: Claire Burton, Jenny Walker, Roxann Stout, Reba Trout April 3: Bonny Cromarty, Jean Smith, Aidan Zapata, Lori Smith, Nancy Tibbits April 5: Holly Howe Parker April 7: Pat Smith, Joyce Millar April 10: Mike Reed April 14: Dorsey Dean, Virginia Rivera

April 17: Ryan Boehmer, Harry Peterson April 20: Joan Newman April 23: Linda Spellman April 24: Lisa Martin April 25: Tom White April 26: Linda Gibson, Becky Reed April 27: Laurie Casto, Darlene Pals, Paula Yost, Daniel Capuano

In Memoriam

We extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers to the families of the following Riverside members who recently passed on:

Robert Brian Grigsby on March 7th, 2014

John Cmejla on March 14, 2014

Mary Kramer on March 20, 2014

FLOWER VASES NEEDED for our flower delivery to homebound, hospitalized, or otherwise ill members. We prefer bud, small, and medium sized vases that can easily house a nice arrangement. The too-wide, too-short or oversized vases make arranging and delivery difficult, so the smaller/medium sized the better. Thank you all so much for helping us out with this very important ministry!

BLOOD DRIVE: The blood center has requested that as many as possible go

online and schedule an appointment time. This, they say, is how they decide on how many technicians they send out and which bus they’ll use. The more donors we have, the more staff they need. We did an outstanding job & collected the most units in many years—last time was 28 units! Don’t forget to keep your iron levels high, not just for donations but to do your body good all the time! The website to register is: www.fbcdonor.org and use Account #M10B. Our next collection will be Sunday, May 4th!

Worship Commission: “Exciting News: CWS has outgrown the Chapel”

Beginning Easter Sunday, both services will be held in the Sanctuary. Times remain the same with CWS at 9:00 am and TWS at 11:00 am. We now have the video system up and running! It will be exciting to begin using it.

This has been a long process and many prayers lifted up to make this work for everyone. The Worship Commission would like to thank Pastor Dan, Glenn Arnold, Bob Howard, CWS band and the Session for all of their help and support.

We look forward to a “Summer Worship” schedule beginning in June. Members from both services will worship together at 10:00 am in the Sanctuary. We will also be renewing our friendships during a shared fellowship time at 11:00 am. Pastor Dan and our music team; Glenn, the choir and the CWS band, are dedicated to creating a Christ-centered worship experience for all.


Sunday School for All Ages at 10:15am Children up to 8 years: Children will be called out of the Contemporary service.

1st thru 6th grades: Meet in Fellowship Hall for “Messengers of God”.

Youth 7th grade up: Meet in the Pfeiffer Rm in Fellowship & study the Creation

Adult Sunday School

The Thoughtful Christian Cafe- “The Ten Commandments”, facilitated by Dave Bartine- grab a cup of coffee and meet us in Fellowship Hall.

The Story of Jesus- Greatest Story Ever told- Mason Gibson, storyteller. Capernaum/Calvin Hall

Westminster Confession- (10:10am) Jak Burton leads this class in Knox Parlor.

The Spirituality of Dietrich Bonhoeffer – (9:45am) Penny & Kay study in Galilee.

BIBLE STUDY

Wednesday morning Men’s Bible Study: 7:30 a.m. Knox Parlor

Wednesday evening Women’s Bible Study: 7:00 p.m. Knox Parlor - (Not during Lenten Series)

Friday evening Bible Study: 7:00 p.m. @ the home of the Brown Family

8th Annual SPRING PRAISE FEST: Once again, the Spring Praise Fest was a resounding success, due to the tireless efforts of all of the volunteers, most of whom come from Riverside. Special recognition is warranted for Ron & Cathy Seeger, Judy George, and Darlene Pals who worked the event all day, and was instrumental in the planning and preparation in the months preceding.

The Spring Praise Fest continues to grow as more and more people learn about it each year. Riverside, as the host, can be proud of the mark the Spring Praise Fest

makes on Brevard County. We are truly an example of a church working to unify the Christian faith. For this, the Spring Praise Fest greatly thanks you! By the way, we collected over 300 pairs of shoes for House of Hope!! Until next year... - Mike Reed

Easter Egg Hunt: Kids, gather your Easter baskets and get ready for the annual Easter egg hunt at Riverside Presbyterian Church on Easter Sunday, April 20th. We will meet in Fellowship Hall at 10:15 AM for a short devotional. Once again, Joyce Coon will have her beautiful ceramic Easter eggs to commemorate this year’s egg hunt. Children, toddlers through elementary school age, are welcome to participate. All children, grandchil-dren, nieces and nephews are invited. Grab those baskets & let’s go hunt some EGGS !!!

PHOTOGRAPHERS NEEDED! Do you have a camera on your phone? When you attend church events, do you bring your disposable or digital camera? We need pictures of Riverside events: Bible studies, PW Circles, Sunday School, Fellowship, etc for our wonderful Historical Scrapbook team and for the church website. We

particularly need photos of summer events, since many of our regular picture takers are Winter Res-idents. Email your pictures to [email protected], or you can turn them in on a CD to the of-fice, and thank you!


HAPPY EASTER from the ONE ROOM SCHOOLHOUSE: The ”We Believe” spring curriculum in

April continues with “Telling the Passion Story.” We follow Jesus in his triumphant entry into

Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, his arrest, trial, and crucifixion on the cross. Then the amazing news of

the resurrection will be shared. Jesus rises from the dead and commissions his disciples to

be messengers of the good news. The good news will continue with the story of Ruth and Naomi.

In our mission outreach, we will finish packaging small laundry soap packets for St. Vincent de Paul

Society to be delivered to Our Savior’s Catholic Church. These packets will help serve the

homeless and others in need. The children continue to make placemats for the prison ministry. We

are thankful for all who made placemats at the Spring Praise Fest to help us in this mission

endeavor.

The children are looking for other opportunities in which to extend their mission outreach within the

church, local community, etc. If you have an idea or project you feel is within our capability to

handle, please contact us. -Vicki Geiler and Gail Marshall

RIVERSIDE MEMORIAL GARDEN: SPRING is finally here! How grateful we are...and to show our happiness we are looking forward to Easter! For those of you who haven't visited the Memorial Garden recently, please come by. Kathy Coon has made the paraments for the cross and new spring (purple & white) flowers have been planted. These are our liturgical colors for Easter.

As we work in the Garden, we are always blessed by the church members and visitors who comment on the beauty of the garden. Your garden crew is always grateful for the bounty of God's creation and the ability to work with His nature. Again, a HUGE thank you to Val for installing the watering system! Blessings from the Garden Crew: Geri Bloomquist, Nita Olton, Jim Hubener, Richard Carter & Penny Bernard

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING: Since 1949, Presbyterians have joined

with millions of other Christians through One Great Hour of Sharing to share God’s love with our neighbors-in-need around the world. Your generous gifts to this Special Offering help provide relief those affected by natural disasters, provide food to the hungry, and assist in helping to empower the poor and oppressed.

Please generously support this important ministry and prayerfully consider your gift

which will be received at both services on Sunday, April 13th.

RIVERSIDE ART GALLERY: You may have noticed the art displays on the east interior walls of Fellowship Hall. If you haven’t, please take a look at your leisure. This area has been set aside for to display art created by our members and artists of the local area. We have featured sea shell art by Laurie Casto, paintings by Kay Halpern, and other local artists’ work. The current displays are oil paintings done by Joe Marshall. Before we lost Joe Morgan, he managed the gallery wall and, from his many contacts, was able to keep the wall covered with art most of the time. Now we are always searching for those who would like to display their art for our members and visitors. If you know of an artist we can feature on the Gallery wall, please have them contact Joe Marshall at 453-2890 or [email protected]. The gallery is not to be used as a place to sell art. If someone sees something they would possibly like to purchase, they should contact the displaying artist directly. No prices will be posted.


NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Harry and Betty Peterson, winter residents of Cocoa Beach recently

became affiliate members at Riverside. Hailing from the great state

of Montana, they have experienced living full time in a 5th wheel trav-

el trailer and have toured all 50 states. Harry is a retired industrial

engineer who worked as a civilian for the Naval Sea System

Command in Washington, D.C. Betty is a retired Professor Emeritus

of Nursing who worked and taught for 37 years in that field.

The Petersons are members of the First Presbyterian Church in Great

Falls, MT where Betty says they were “hatched, matched and will be dispatched”. Both of them lead

the senior high youth fellowship program for nine years in Fairfax, VA. George has served as a

Presbyterian Elder and Betty as Deacon.

The Petersons have 3 children (one in Merritt Island) and 8 grandchildren. Harry is a golfer and

fisherman. Betty’s interests include family and sports activities of their grandchildren. Both Pe-

tersons are very interested in travel...they have organized foreign travel (without their trailer) for their

trailer club and toured Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, China, Australia, New Zealand, and the Carib-

bean. The Petersons say they “were drawn to Riverside by the music program (choir and organ),

and the friendly folks”. They enjoy the fellowship hour after the traditional service and are involved

in Bible study and the Lenten Series. Riverside is blessed to have the Petersons join our church

family...welcome Harry and Betty!

David, Judy and Mark McCrery from Abingdon, Illinois

became Affiliate members at Riverside in March. The McCrer-

ys recently purchased a home in Merritt Island after wintering

in Florida the past four years.

When “at their other home”, they are active members in the

Heritage Presbyterian Church in Monmouth, Illinois. David is

still working as a farmer raising corn and soy beans on 3,000

acres of farmland spread throughout the vicinity. He is in partnership with their son, Robert as they

operate a Berwick Grain Elevator business.

Judy was once engaged in the office component of the business but has since retired. The McCrer-

ys have two other sons; one who is a train engineer for BNSF and Mark who resides in a group

home in Illinois and attends a sheltered workshop. On weekends and summers, Mark spends time

with his parents pursuing his interest in swimming, boating, riding the tractor and picking corn. Da-

vid and Judy have 4 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. At one time in their lives, they were

avid boaters on the Mississippi. Now they enjoy boating closer to home, gardening and swim-

ming in their pool. The McCrery’s attend Riverside’s traditional service. They particularly enjoy the

organ music, Dan’s sermons and the friendship shared around the cookie table during fellowship

time. We are pleased to welcome David, Judy and Mark into the Riverside church family. We are

glad you are here!


FAMILY PROMISE UPDATES—Next Riverside hosting week is May 18th!

Circumstances over these past three months for Family Promise of Brevard have resembled a "yo-yo" mode with the good and bad. They have graduated two families from the program now in their own apartments and with income. Also, they have increased their numbers from two people to three families, a total of eight.

And the Holy Spirit declared an extra dividend -

FP of Brevard Executive Director Tara Paglianni began a recent update as :

"On our first night in our new apartment, my kids were sitting around the dinner table, as I was finish-ing up dinner. My Daughter looked up at me and said, " Well you did it daddy! You told us you would get us off of the streets and into a new home! And we had our doubts. But you actually did it! We will never doubt you again!" I looked down at the smiling faces of my three beautiful kids. I began to cry because I had become a HERO to my kids again. And it was because of the wonderful people and programs that Family Promise has to offer!" -David Hill

David and his family graduated 2/21. He is a veteran. Wipe the tears and get involved!

The discouraging news over these months is there have been some families who have determined the program is not for them and/or FP has recognized signs leading to discussion and dismissal. Our prayers should be for candidates to be discovered (the homeless), for those in the program and those continuing to struggle away from the program; not to forget gratitude for the Holy Spirit so alive throughout this ministry.

Currently, our 9th and 10th families have formally entered. Two more families- in addition to Pam and Willie - now total 3 families, or 8 people. Katie and baby voluntarily left to be together with Ken-ny as a family unit. Susan and two children were in just a week receiving simultaneous help from the VA to ensure they had transitional housing as quickly as possible. Tara expects more of this teamwork from the VA.

F P has finished a successful first quarter bringing Riverside closer to the commencement of its 2014 FP hosting periods. Our schedule is weeks May 18, June 8, August 10 and Dec 21. We have been through our startup learning curve last December having designated and furnished comfortable sleeping quarters each with lavatory. Our food for our original family of three seemed to work well with prepared meals brought in and served. The kitchen was not used, though available. This number now eight might present a different challenge; whatever works.

This national program has a proven 90%+ graduation average rate every ninety days. It's evident in Brevard because Riverside and twelve other neighboring churches support FP one week, four times a year. Our program is looking for one captain in charge of assigning at least one host and a female and male chaperone. Our other captains - Judy George, laundry; Chili Thorstad, setup and teardown; Fellowship Committee, food and Carl Plaugher, inventory and maintenance - also solicit your assistance. Not to understate the task of providing shelter and food, it's easy to appreciate the need for many hands seven days a week. A staffing chart is in Fellowship Hall. Please consider volunteering. Or, call the church - 783-6085. Your early intentions will make matters easier.

Together In Christ's work we march forward.

-Dick Gerhardt


For those who missed their March DBR, the Presbyterian Women of Riverside awarded the 2013

Honorarium to Darlene Pals. For many years, Darlene provided excellent stewardship of the PW

funds as treasurer. We still retain her services as assistant treasurer, and she continues to serve

Riverside in numerous other volunteer capacities. Congratulations to Darlene for this well-deserved

honor.

Our thanks to Barbara Sprunger and her crew for providing the supper meal for the 2nd

Wednesday evening of Riverside’s Lenten series. A delicious soup, salad and dessert dinner was

enjoyed by all. Thanks also to Jack Sprunger for being helpful wherever we needed him.

Again, please save the date of Saturday, April 12, 8:45 AM for the White Breakfast/Communion

Service in the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall. We will meet in silence in the Sanctuary at 8:45 AM.

After the service, we will proceed to Fellowship Hall and remain in silence until after the blessing.

All women, members and visitors are encouraged and welcomed to attend. All are invited to bring

guests with them. Please join with us in this meaningful communion service and breakfast

fellowship. Tickets for the breakfast will be sold in Fellowship Hall at a cost of $5.00 on March 30th

and on April 6th after both services. Also tickets will be available in the office.

The next meeting of Church Women United will be May 2nd at the Indian River City United

Methodist Church, 1355 Cheney Highway (St. Road 50) in Titusville. This is their annual covered

dish luncheon. Our members are encouraged to attend. Car pools could be arranged.

Our Gifts of Women Sunday and Installation of Officers will be held on May 18th. We will celebrate

the experiences of women who build communities of hope and love benefiting all in the church of

Jesus Christ. The women will be participating in the worship service.

Dates to Remember:

March 30 – White Breakfast/Communion ticket sales Fellowship Hall

April 6 – White Breakfast/Communion ticket sales Fellowship Hall

April 10 – PWCT 9:30 AM Calvin Hall

April 12 – White Breakfast/Communion 8:45 AM Sanctuary

April 20 – Easter Sunday

May 2 – Church Women United in Titusville

May 18 – Gifts of Women Sunday/Installation of Officers

-Gail Marshall, Publicity

News from Presbyterian Women

www.facebook.com/riversidepresbyteriancocoabeach


Session Synopsis….

The Session of Riverside Presbyterian Church met on Tuesday, March 18th to discuss the following matters of church business, taking action where indicated.

The meeting was opened with a prayer and devotional by Elder J. B. Olds.

The minutes of the stated meeting of February 18th were reviewed and approved. A correction was made to the January 20th meeting, and was likewise approved.

The Session welcomed Dave, Mark and Judy McCrery as Affiliate Members. They are members at the Heritage Presbyterian Church of Monmouth, Illinois.

The Session voted to remove the name Robert Brian Grigsby from the Active Roll by death on March 7th, and the name of John Howard Cmejla from the Inactive Roll by death on March 14th.

Rev. Dan Robinson reported on the March 1st meeting of Central Florida Presbytery.

Chili Thorstad presented a brief report from the Congregational Growth Committee. A more detailed report will follow in preparation for later action by the Session.

The Session called a Congregational Meeting for Sunday, April 6th at 11:00 in the Sanctuary for the purpose of hearing a report from the Nominating Committee to elect an additional Deacon to the class of 2016.

Upon recommendation of OMEC the Session voted to send $1000 from the Bookbinder Trust to Kairos Prison Ministry to fund a Kairos weekend for prisoners.

The Property Commission reported that most of the work on the retention pond has been completed. The sod and plantings are all that remain to complete the work. Also the video system has been installed in the sanctuary. Usage will begin in coming weeks.

The Stewardship and Finance Commission presented the monthly balance sheet. It was noted that expenditures exceeded receipts by $5000, but a number of the expenditures occur in the first quar-ter only. Also pledges and loose offerings are down from last year.

Care and Support and Fellowship Commissions presented reports requiring no action.

The Education Commission reported that the Lenten Series is going well as is the Thoughtful Chris-tian Café. The Nursery may be moved to another location, and tentative plans are being made for Vacation Bible School to be held in July this year.

Worship and Sacrament Commission presented two recommendations, both adopted by the Session: First, beginning on Easter Sunday, April 20th and continuing through May, the Contemporary Service will be held in the Sanctuary at the 9:00 hour. Secondly, that through the months of June, July and August there will be one service of worship in the Sanctuary to be held at 10:00 with fellowship to follow.

Kay Callaghan presented a report from the Presbyterian Women.

The Session voted to elect the following as officers of the corporation for the coming year: President – Rich Bernard, Vice President – Linda Boehmer, Secretary – Debbie Burleigh, Treasurer – Mark Gordon.

down by the riverside -...

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