Excerpts from the December 2021 UMC Compass Newsletter
Riverview United Methodist Church
4012 W. Court St. Pasco, WA 99301
Mailing address: P.O. Box 2306 Pasco, WA 99302
Phone: 509-547-5981; Office Email: riverviewumcpasco@gmail.com
Fom the Pastor’s Desk!
Advent is Here! This means that Christmas is right around the corner.
Advent is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the coming of Christ: as a baby in the nativity (past), into our lives every day through the power of the Holy Spirit (present), and in the Second Coming (future). Advent is a translation of the Latin word adventus which is used to translate the Greek word parousia that is commonly understood to refer to the second coming of Christ. That is why the liturgical readings for Advent often focus on the prophetic passages and John the Baptist who is ‘preparing the way for the coming of the Messiah.’
We will be preparing his way in worship as we light the Advent candles and hear the scripture readings. The sermons will focus on how God comes into our lives in the blessed hope and presence of Jesus.
This year we will join with Walla Walla Pioneer for their Longest Night Service the evening of December 21st. It will be online so keep a lookout for the links which will be in future eNews!
The Christmas Eve Service will be in the sanctuary and feature a candle lighting with special music. Hopefully we will have live music but that’s dependent on what happens with Covid over the coming weeks!
Please read the rest of the newsletter to see other opportunities for you to participate in ministry this Advent!
As always, please contact me if you have any questions, concerns or ....?
In Christ this Advent!
Pastor Derek
509-380-2263 revderekriverumc@gmail.com
“'Tis the season to share. To love. To give ourselves to something bigger than any of us. 'Tis the season to turn our heads, tune our hearts and worship a savior whose birth turned this world upside-down.”
The Advent Conspiracy http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
Leadership Board Report
The Leadership board has been meeting in-person for several months. In the past year, we have been able to complete our new vision. The Community Engagement ministry team has been working on having Christmas families this year. The Nurture & Fellowship ministry team has started the Friendship Flower ministry where there will be flowers delivered to various members of the church, as well as eventually moving out into the community. We started the school teachers’ support of teachers and administrators in our congregation getting them supplies that they need or request.
The new year will bring changes to the board. There will only be six members instead of nine, on the board, with the lay member and lay leader as well. A big thank you to Bette Ward, Lee Rogers, Kathy Pfister and John Lucas for their service these past three years. Your ideas and support have been greatly appreciated. The board will continue in the new year with Roger Ovink, Judy Pettigrew, Evelyn Walkley, Gaylene Powers, Kaylie McGuckin, and Julie Estes as our newest member.
Our stewardship campaign will soon be underway to help us get our budget in place for 2022.
Anyone wishing to make suggestions or comments to the board, don’t hesitate to contact any of the board members. Our next meeting is January 12th at 6:30PM.
Judy Pettigrew, Leadership Board Chairperson
Winter Warm-Up Project
The Knitting Fellowship is sponsoring a substitute for the Hat Tree and Knitting Boutique sales that we used annually to distribute our knitted items and to raise money for RUMC’s charities and general funds. The Knitting Group does not keep the money for the group or for themselves. As a way to continue our charitable work during COVID-19 times, we are having a Winter Warm-Up.
Here’s how it works:
For an extra $10 donation, or more, beyond your regular offering to RUMC, the Knitting Group will donate one warm item such as a hat, scarf, mitts, etc. to a group in our community that will distribute it, such as My Friends’ Place, Grace Clinic Charities, or the Veterans Coalition. We are limited to what we can do this year so one warm-up donation per family, please. Please note with your donation the amount that it is for the Winter Warm-Up project
The Knitting Fellowship members will take care of the rest. (We do not want yarn donations at this time.). This project will last through December. Thank you very much for your participation in this project!
The Knitting Fellowship
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer’s Report For the last couple of months RUMC’s expenses have been higher than giving. This last month, our expenses were: $9000 and our giving received was $8700. Our monthly expenses include salaries, utilities and insurance. Please prayerfully consider supporting RUMC with a financial gift. Thank you to all who support our church!
Need a Ride? Are you wanting to attend Sunday worship services, Wednesday Bible study, and/or other events at RUMC but don’t have transportation? Volunteers from the congregation have offered to help give rides! Call the office at 509-547-5981 or Janiece at 509-492-0231 and we will help connect you!
Church Office Closure
The church office will be closed December 27th—January1st. We will be back to our normal hours Sunday, January 2nd. The church email will be checked intermittently during this time. Phone messages will be answered when we return. You can reach Janiece at 509-492-0231 for urgent issues.
Feeling Ill? This is a reminder to please stay home if you are feeling under the weather. While we enjoy seeing your smiling face, we want you to take the time to recover and help stop the spread of seasonal illnesses and COVID. Any of the following symptoms in the preceding 24 hours warrant not attending activities at RUMC: sever cough or throat pain, oral temperature over 100 F, chills. vomiting, and/or diarrhea. If you are feeling ill and need supplies brought to you, please contact the office and we will do our best to help get supplies to you via a porch delivery.
No Cost At-Home Covid Tests The Benton Franklin Health District has received grant money to purchase and distribute at home COVID-19 test kits. If you are interested in receiving a kit at no cost, visit https://sayyescovidhometest.org. If you do not have internet or are not able to access the site, please contact the church office and we will help you sign up. Each kit contains 8 tests.
Pound the Pastor What exactly is Pound the Pastor? Pound the Pastor is a fun way for the congregation to gift the Pastor and family. As the name suggests, pounds of something can be given (chocolate, coffee, etc.) but other items are greatly appreciated too. Let’s give Pastor Derek and family a good pounding! Pounding gifts can be dropped off at the church on Sundays or in the office with Janiece on Mondays and Wednesdays 9am-noon. If those times do not work, contact Janiece at 509-492-0231.
Mid-Week Coffee Hour! Please join us 10:00 AM on Wednesday, December 8th in the Fellowship Hall for some fun and fellowship time in the Fellowship hall. Coffee and treats will be provided!
In-Person Bible Study Living the Word Bible Study Restart
We are meeting in person again to study the bible! We now meet on Wednesdays at 1:00 PM in the Double Classroom. Please RSVP to Pastor Derek at revderekriverumc@gmail.com or call the office at 547-5981 if you would like to attend. Space is limited and masks are required!
Flower Ministry This new ministry has been busy! Members have spread cheer by giving/delivering flowers, planted bulbs at RUMC, collected vases, and gathered gardening tips! Anyone with an interest in flowers, gardening, flower arranging and/or spreading cheer are invited to join. Contact Bette Ward or the church office fore more information.
Chaplaincy Health Care Corner
Have you wondered how you could volunteer at Chaplaincy Health Care? The organization has a variety of ways you can spend your time. Some involve direct contact with patients and families, while others focus on supporting staff. You can choose the area of support that fits best with your talents and schedule. For more information on any of these activities/opportunities, contact Chaplaincy Health Care at 509-783-7416.
Here are several ways you can help:
• Visit with patients in the Hospice House and the In-Home Hospice program.
• Provide emotional and spiritual care for patients.
• Provide support for patients who are military veterans via our We Honor Veterans program.
• Assist with administrative tasks such as faxing, filing, and mailing newsletters.
• Sew gowns, quilts, or other items.
• Play music or sing with patients.
• Assist with gardening, light housekeeping, maintenance, or special projects
• Help to facilitate grief processing for children in our Cork’s Place program.
• Support bereaved families after the loss of a loved one.
Advent is Here! This means that Christmas is right around the corner.
Advent is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the coming of Christ: as a baby in the nativity (past), into our lives every day through the power of the Holy Spirit (present), and in the Second Coming (future). Advent is a translation of the Latin word adventus which is used to translate the Greek word parousia that is commonly understood to refer to the second coming of Christ. That is why the liturgical readings for Advent often focus on the prophetic passages and John the Baptist who is ‘preparing the way for the coming of the Messiah.’
We will be preparing his way in worship as we light the Advent candles and hear the scripture readings. The sermons will focus on how God comes into our lives in the blessed hope and presence of Jesus.
This year we will join with Walla Walla Pioneer for their Longest Night Service the evening of December 21st. It will be online so keep a lookout for the links which will be in future eNews!
The Christmas Eve Service will be in the sanctuary and feature a candle lighting with special music. Hopefully we will have live music but that’s dependent on what happens with Covid over the coming weeks!
Please read the rest of the newsletter to see other opportunities for you to participate in ministry this Advent!
As always, please contact me if you have any questions, concerns or ....?
In Christ this Advent!
Pastor Derek
509-380-2263 revderekriverumc@gmail.com
“'Tis the season to share. To love. To give ourselves to something bigger than any of us. 'Tis the season to turn our heads, tune our hearts and worship a savior whose birth turned this world upside-down.”
The Advent Conspiracy http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
Leadership Board Report
The Leadership board has been meeting in-person for several months. In the past year, we have been able to complete our new vision. The Community Engagement ministry team has been working on having Christmas families this year. The Nurture & Fellowship ministry team has started the Friendship Flower ministry where there will be flowers delivered to various members of the church, as well as eventually moving out into the community. We started the school teachers’ support of teachers and administrators in our congregation getting them supplies that they need or request.
The new year will bring changes to the board. There will only be six members instead of nine, on the board, with the lay member and lay leader as well. A big thank you to Bette Ward, Lee Rogers, Kathy Pfister and John Lucas for their service these past three years. Your ideas and support have been greatly appreciated. The board will continue in the new year with Roger Ovink, Judy Pettigrew, Evelyn Walkley, Gaylene Powers, Kaylie McGuckin, and Julie Estes as our newest member.
Our stewardship campaign will soon be underway to help us get our budget in place for 2022.
Anyone wishing to make suggestions or comments to the board, don’t hesitate to contact any of the board members. Our next meeting is January 12th at 6:30PM.
Judy Pettigrew, Leadership Board Chairperson
Winter Warm-Up Project
The Knitting Fellowship is sponsoring a substitute for the Hat Tree and Knitting Boutique sales that we used annually to distribute our knitted items and to raise money for RUMC’s charities and general funds. The Knitting Group does not keep the money for the group or for themselves. As a way to continue our charitable work during COVID-19 times, we are having a Winter Warm-Up.
Here’s how it works:
For an extra $10 donation, or more, beyond your regular offering to RUMC, the Knitting Group will donate one warm item such as a hat, scarf, mitts, etc. to a group in our community that will distribute it, such as My Friends’ Place, Grace Clinic Charities, or the Veterans Coalition. We are limited to what we can do this year so one warm-up donation per family, please. Please note with your donation the amount that it is for the Winter Warm-Up project
The Knitting Fellowship members will take care of the rest. (We do not want yarn donations at this time.). This project will last through December. Thank you very much for your participation in this project!
The Knitting Fellowship
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer’s Report For the last couple of months RUMC’s expenses have been higher than giving. This last month, our expenses were: $9000 and our giving received was $8700. Our monthly expenses include salaries, utilities and insurance. Please prayerfully consider supporting RUMC with a financial gift. Thank you to all who support our church!
Need a Ride? Are you wanting to attend Sunday worship services, Wednesday Bible study, and/or other events at RUMC but don’t have transportation? Volunteers from the congregation have offered to help give rides! Call the office at 509-547-5981 or Janiece at 509-492-0231 and we will help connect you!
Church Office Closure
The church office will be closed December 27th—January1st. We will be back to our normal hours Sunday, January 2nd. The church email will be checked intermittently during this time. Phone messages will be answered when we return. You can reach Janiece at 509-492-0231 for urgent issues.
Feeling Ill? This is a reminder to please stay home if you are feeling under the weather. While we enjoy seeing your smiling face, we want you to take the time to recover and help stop the spread of seasonal illnesses and COVID. Any of the following symptoms in the preceding 24 hours warrant not attending activities at RUMC: sever cough or throat pain, oral temperature over 100 F, chills. vomiting, and/or diarrhea. If you are feeling ill and need supplies brought to you, please contact the office and we will do our best to help get supplies to you via a porch delivery.
No Cost At-Home Covid Tests The Benton Franklin Health District has received grant money to purchase and distribute at home COVID-19 test kits. If you are interested in receiving a kit at no cost, visit https://sayyescovidhometest.org. If you do not have internet or are not able to access the site, please contact the church office and we will help you sign up. Each kit contains 8 tests.
Pound the Pastor What exactly is Pound the Pastor? Pound the Pastor is a fun way for the congregation to gift the Pastor and family. As the name suggests, pounds of something can be given (chocolate, coffee, etc.) but other items are greatly appreciated too. Let’s give Pastor Derek and family a good pounding! Pounding gifts can be dropped off at the church on Sundays or in the office with Janiece on Mondays and Wednesdays 9am-noon. If those times do not work, contact Janiece at 509-492-0231.
Mid-Week Coffee Hour! Please join us 10:00 AM on Wednesday, December 8th in the Fellowship Hall for some fun and fellowship time in the Fellowship hall. Coffee and treats will be provided!
In-Person Bible Study Living the Word Bible Study Restart
We are meeting in person again to study the bible! We now meet on Wednesdays at 1:00 PM in the Double Classroom. Please RSVP to Pastor Derek at revderekriverumc@gmail.com or call the office at 547-5981 if you would like to attend. Space is limited and masks are required!
Flower Ministry This new ministry has been busy! Members have spread cheer by giving/delivering flowers, planted bulbs at RUMC, collected vases, and gathered gardening tips! Anyone with an interest in flowers, gardening, flower arranging and/or spreading cheer are invited to join. Contact Bette Ward or the church office fore more information.
Chaplaincy Health Care Corner
Have you wondered how you could volunteer at Chaplaincy Health Care? The organization has a variety of ways you can spend your time. Some involve direct contact with patients and families, while others focus on supporting staff. You can choose the area of support that fits best with your talents and schedule. For more information on any of these activities/opportunities, contact Chaplaincy Health Care at 509-783-7416.
Here are several ways you can help:
• Visit with patients in the Hospice House and the In-Home Hospice program.
• Provide emotional and spiritual care for patients.
• Provide support for patients who are military veterans via our We Honor Veterans program.
• Assist with administrative tasks such as faxing, filing, and mailing newsletters.
• Sew gowns, quilts, or other items.
• Play music or sing with patients.
• Assist with gardening, light housekeeping, maintenance, or special projects
• Help to facilitate grief processing for children in our Cork’s Place program.
• Support bereaved families after the loss of a loved one.
