Ministries
Music
We have a vibrant music program at Riverside UMC. It is our goal to involve every musician in our worship services. Unlike many churches, we do not have separate traditional and contemporary services. Each week the music is different than the week before, but each week the early and late service are the same! Want to know what you’ll hear this week? Come worship with us to find out!
RIVERSIDE is a contemporary praise band. Our usual make-up is acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, drum set, and voices. Occasionally we switch hats and re-image ourselves as a bluegrass band with banjo, mandolin, dulcimer, washboard, etc. RIVERSIDE is led by Dan Simmons, and usually leads worship twice each month.
Living Water is an “old school” praise band. Our usual make-up is three or more acoustic guitars, bass guitar, flute, trumpet, piano, and voices. Living Water plays a combination of older praise music (from the 70′s, 80′s, and 90′s), as well as energetic versions of hymns. Living Water is led by Dan Simmons, and usually leads worship twice each month.
RiverBrass is a brass ensemble (currently a quartet, but there’s always room for more). The current make-up is two trumpets and two trombones. RiverBrass is led by Dan Simmons, and usually plays at worship services once each month.
The Children’s Choir is for elementary aged children. The group practices every other Wednesday (when school is in session). The children’s choir is led by Lisa Creef, and usually sings in church once each month.
All musicians are encouraged to share special music. Simply contact the music director, Dan Simmons, and let him know that you are interested.
Clown Ministry
The Joyful Jollies, our Christian Clown Troupe, was organized early in 2000. Their theme verse is “And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord; it shall rejoice in His salvation.” (Psalms 35:9) The clowns share God’s gifts of love and laughter through silent performances based on Biblical truths. We currently have twelve clowns in the troupe: Amazing Grace, Bea Attitude, Glory Hallelujah, Hope, Hosanna Anna, Luv-a-Belle, Nauti Noah, Patches, Promise, Radiant Rainbow, Sonshine…and one clown who is so new she doesn’t even have a name yet!
The Jollies have appeared in Christmas Parades and have won several trophies in the church and school division. We have also visited special classes and nursing homes, and have shown up at several different churches and church camps. We have a growing repertoire of skits we can perform to share God’s Word with our audiences. We even present clown-led, silent Holy Communion when our pastor can accompany us.
The Joyful Jollies wish you LOVE and LAUGHTER!
Youth Ministries
Sunday School - Kindergarten (Pre K-2nd grade), Children of God (grades 3-5), Junior/Senior High (grades 6-12)
Youth Programs -
Riverside Currents (grades 6 -12)- The Currents meet the 2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays each month at 3:00pm. They participate in and support various missions within the Church and will be reaching out to the community as well. Each year they provide Christmas card delivery services to the congregation of Riverside. The monies raised help with their expenses to attend the annual beach retreat for the High School students, as well as a retreat for the Middle School Students. Various other fundraisers are held such as the Bake Off – Bake Sale or Wednesday night dinner throughout the year to support missions such as Methodist Home for Children. If you have a mission in mind where The Currents may help or a special program you wish to share with the youth, please let us know.
The Current
Vacation Bible School -
Last summer children visited the Shake it Up Cafe’ where kids carry out God’s recipe. Kids explored a different Biblical festival and discovered the principles for living according to God’s plan.
Seasonal activities may include an Easter Egg Hunt, the Blessing of the Backpacks, Trunk-or-Treat and more.
Outreach Ministries
Video Ministry
The video ministry includes a group of volunteers who record special events at the church. Some events that have been recorded are: special music, church training sessions, and children’s plays. The video ministry allows church members to view performances that they may have missed. This ministry is open to video tape any special event at the church, as long as a member of the group is notified before the event. – Shannon B.
Hungry Souls Ministry
Riverside United Methodist Church is a part of a group of churches that provides meals to the hungry in our area. Riverside has five teams that take turns feeding the hungry on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month at 5:00pm. Each team is responsible for preparing a meal, transporting it to the old Elizabeth City Middle School building, blessing the meal, and serving it. Typically we provide meals to around 40 people. Hungry Souls always welcomes new participants.
Join this ministry by contacting Jane Wysor
Food Bank of the Albemarle
RUMC is a collection site for the local food bank. We also have several church members who volunteer their time in this ministry.
ZOE
Fundraiser for Various Missions
Smoky Mountain Sourwood Honey is for sale. Contact Ivan Walker or stop by the church.
Local Mission Project
RUMC will be collecting new or gently used coats, sweaters, shoes for needy children in the community. Collection boxes are in the hallway. This mission was inspired by a young girl’s act of Christian kindness. A few years ago, a girl in our congregation, asked her friends to bring coats for the needy to her birthday party instead of gifts.
Kids that Care is a group for young kids ages 3-10 to get involved with the community & to learn about serving the community. Kids that Care has visited the Carolina House Senior Living Home & collected donations for the SPCA. Search for the group on Facebook & ask to join to learn about upcoming events.
RUMC Website through WordPress
This site is updated and managed on an ongoing basis by RUMC members. For suggestions (re: links and material, etc) direct your comments to Andrea Herring at andrea.herring@gmail.com
