Riviera UMC E-Letter October 22, 2026
The Pumpkin Patch is our annual fundraiser supporting the ministries of Riviera UMC. We still have several volunteer spots open through the end of the month and would love to have your help! Sign up to cover a shift at the patch and help make this fundraiser a success. Thank you for supporting Riviera and the ministries that make a difference in our community! Training is provided:
Scan the QR code to sign up! SIGN UP HERE!
Hello Riviera Friends and Family!
I wonder if your week has been like mine, busy and moving so fast that it's hard to keep up! That's been the case for me; I spent a few hours in the car yesterday running kids all over the county, meeting with colleagues, and checking on the pumpkins every now and then. This week, we went to a theatre show to support some of our kids' friends at John Hopkins, and tonight we have a band and orchestra concert at Gibbs. We're getting into that time of year again, with several shows and events. I encourage you to attend to support our local arts community. Last night's show at John Hopkins Middle School, "She Kills Monsters," was a phenomenal show and runs through tonight and tomorrow night. The Director, Mr. Walker, has partnered with us here at Riviera and opened his coaching studio here. This show is another example of his ability to draw the absolute best out of his students!
I like to share with you, via this letter, what's going on in my life, the community, and our church each week. It's a fun way for me to connect with you between Sundays and events, and often is a peek behind the curtain of our work together. As I reflected on my work this week, I wanted to say thank you to our leadership at Riviera UMC. Our management team includes Nicole Vinson (Chairperson), Ann Orchard (Lay Leader), Reggie Shouse, Ed Elliott, Bryant Duncan, Michelle Diaz, Sean Roney, Mark Miklos, Joe Chavez, and Cyndi Chavez (RDS Director). This team has been incredibly supportive of how I engage in ministry. That doesn't look like a pastor who comes to the office at a regular set of hours. My schedule is often set by my family's schedule, the community, and the weekly needs of worship and events around our church.
Being able to shape my ministry work around my family time, while getting out into the community to meet new people, develop partnerships, and, most importantly, share the love of God, is one of my biggest blessings. Our leaders share that work with me, and they are a light in our community. For that, I thank God for our leaders. I thank God for our volunteers. And I thank God for Cara (our Office Manager), who has to deal with my wacky schedule!
We have a few more days at the pumpkin patch, Trunk or Treat this weekend, and of course worship on Sunday morning! It's busy, and it's good work, work we do together! This week we'll look at the conclusion of Job's story in chapter 42 (Job 42:10-17) to consider how regular engagement with our faith can carry us through to the other side of tragedies and dark times in our lives.
I look forward to seeing you both in person and online this week!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Augie"
See You Sunday!
Join us this Sunday at 10:00 AM in the Sanctuary for inspiring worship, meaningful fellowship, and a time to connect with God and one another. We look forward to welcoming you!
💙 Why not invite a friend, neighbor, or family member to join you? Church is always better together!
📱 Can't join us in person? Worship with us online through Facebook Live by clicking HERE or on YouTube by clicking HERE!
Children's Church (Except 1st Sundays):
Children's Church: Children are invited to join our amazing volunteers for a fun, engaging Children’s Church experience designed just for them. We can’t wait to welcome them! On the first Sunday of the month, the children are invited to remain in worship for communion.
Charge Conference Thursday, October 29 at 6:30 pm.
We will have a joint Charge Conference at Seminole UMC, located at 5400 Seminole Blvd, Seminole.
Trunk or Treat: October 25, from 4:00-6:00 pm.
CLICK HERE to sign up to decorate a trunk. We also need candy donations.
*NEW* Church Book Study:
The 8 Virtues of Rapidly Growing Churches. Join us in the Fellowship Hall at 11:30 AM on Sunday, November 1, as we begin our new book study! Our first two meetings will be November 1 and 15, and beginning in December, we’ll meet on the third Sunday of each month. Everyone is welcome to join us as we learn and grow together!
Community Meal
Sunday, November 15, 12:00 PM
Join us for a Community Meal! Click here to sign up so we know how many people to prepare for. Would you like to help by donating food or paper products? Click here to let us know what you’d like to contribute. All donations are greatly appreciated!
Christmas Pageant
Would you like to participate in this year’s Christmas Pageant on December 20 at 10:00 AM? We’d love to have you be part of the fun! CLICK HERE to register!
Senior Fitness is at Riviera UMC!
Foresight Fitness classes are designed for all fitness levels.
Monday–Friday | 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Self-pay and Medicare Part C accepted.
For information or registration, call 1-888-258-2801.
Congregational Care & Prayer Request
We are here to support, encourage, and pray for you. Please let us know what type of congregational care or prayer request you have, and we will be in contact with you as soon as possible.
Wesley Food Pantry
Wesley Food Pantry currently needs canned stews, canned meats, canned vegetables, canned fruit, pasta and pasta sauce, and rice. Thank you for your generosity in helping provide food for those in need in our community.
Get Involved
We live out our vision statement by connecting, growing, and serving. Through missions, service, giving, small groups, and more, you (and we) connect with the teachings of Christ. So that we may be a more welcoming, loving, and connected community that loves God and loves our neighbor. Click here to get more information about how to get involved!
Interested in sponsoring a meal for Sunday Youth Group?
Youth Group meets on Sundays from 5:30–7:30 PM, and we typically need enough food for 15–20 students and leaders. You can sponsor a meal by preparing food yourself or by ordering, picking up, and delivering a meal to the church. Examples include pizza, hamburgers and hot dogs, mac and cheese, chicken tenders with a side dish, Chipotle platters, or taco platters.
Click here to sign up and for more details.
Online Giving & Tithe
If you'd like to support Riviera UMC's mission and ministry, please click the button below. Thank you for your faithful giving, which will help build God's Kingdom in our community and beyond!
175 62nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL, USA 727-527-6466
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