Community

This congregation is deeply connected to the life of the broader Riverside community – through relationships with both religious and secular groups. A sample of related groups follows.

Riverside/North Riverside Covenant of Churches
The Riverside/North Riverside Covenant of Churches was established over 25 years ago to foster dialogue and cooperation between the various churches in our neighboring communities. Currently the group is very active, coordinating a number of wonderful ministries, including:
* A monthly service of “Prayers for Peace.” Held on the first Wednesday of the month, at noon, in Guthrie Park (or, in inclement weather, in the sanctuary of the Riverside Presbyterian Church). Leadership of the service rotates among Covenant clergy members and is coordinated by Marjorie Lewe.
* A week-long Vacation Bible School for children ages 3-12. Our 2009 theme is “Marketplace 29AD,” a focus that helps kids enter into the world as Jesus might have known it, with traditional crafts, foods, and music. This year’s VBS will be held at Ascension Lutheran Church, from July 19th – July 23rd.
* Ecumenical Worship on Special Days. 2008-9 saw our third annual Advent “Longest Night” Service on December 21st, and our first Good Friday noon service, which featured beautiful music and Covenant clergy sharing meditations on the “Seven Last Words of Christ.”
* Coordination of service events such as the CROP Walk for Hunger (sponsored nationally by Church World Service) and an annual Blood Drive.

Singing Winds School
The Riverside United Methodist Church is proud to welcome the Singing Winds Waldorf School to our building. John Wesley believed in the critical importance of education in raising children and founded many schools during the course of his ministry. Sharing our space with Singing Winds enables us to participate in this wonderful legacy of the Methodist tradition.

Jitterbugs Musikgarten
Riverside UMC supports music, art, and the love of learning. Check out the Musikgarten class that is held at the church.

Riverside/North Riverside Covenant of Churches	The Riverside/North Riverside Covenant of Churches was established over 25 years ago to foster dialogue and cooperation between the various churches in our neighboring communities. Currently the group is very active, coordinating a number of wonderful ministries, including: * A monthly service of “Prayers for Peace.” Held on the first Wednesday of the month, at noon, in Guthrie Park (or, in inclement weather, in the sanctuary of the Riverside Presbyterian Church). Leadership of the service rotates among Covenant clergy members and is coordinated by Marjorie Lewe. * A week-long Vacation Bible School for children ages 3-12. Our 2009 theme is “Marketplace 29AD,” a focus that helps kids enter into the world as Jesus might have known it, with traditional crafts, foods, and music. This year’s VBS will be held at Ascension Lutheran Church, from July 19th – July 23rd. * Ecumenical Worship on Special Days. 2008-9 saw our third annual Advent “Longest Night” Service on December 21st, and our first Good Friday noon service, which featured beautiful music and Covenant clergy sharing meditations on the “Seven Last Words of Christ.” * Coordination of service events such as the CROP Walk for Hunger (sponsored nationally by Church World Service) and an annual Blood Drive.
Singing Winds School	The Riverside United Methodist Church is proud to welcome the Singing Winds Waldorf School to our building. John Wesley believed in the critical importance of education in raising children and founded many schools during the course of his ministry. Sharing our space with Singing Winds enables us to participate in this wonderful legacy of the Methodist tradition.
Jitterbugs Musikgarten	Riverside UMC supports music, art, and the love of learning. Check out the Musikgarten class that is held at the church.