Riviera UMC E-Letter October 8, 2026
Pumpkin Patch is open! The Pumpkin Patch is our annual fundraiser supporting the ministries of Riviera UMC. You can support this work by covering shifts at the patch during October. Training is provided:
Scan the QR code to sign up! SIGN UP HERE!
Hello Riviera Friends and Family!
More than 10 years ago, when Mary and I began volunteering at our local church, we ran into a problem. One evening, while we were preparing dinner and settling the kids in for the night, we looked at each other and said, "I have to get ready to go to a meeting." We realized then that we'd both signed up for a church function that evening and hadn't talked about it. Now we were both supposed to be at church, and neither of us had a plan for what to do with just two kids when Ellie and Augustus were about 3 and 6 years old. This problem led to a new family rule: "First one to get their event on the family calendar wins!"
While that policy was funny, it was also true: we needed to work together and communicate our schedule and what was happening. Today, with four kids active in different organizations and both of us working in churches with evening meetings and other events, our family calendar is busy. Now, on Sunday evenings after youth, Mary and I have dinner together and review the week and what needs to be done. We've gotten pretty good at scheduling our time, including time just for the two of us. Thankfully, years ago in a marriage class, someone told us to never stop dating each other. Because of that advice, and because we acknowledge how busy our lives are, we schedule our dates too.
I was thinking about this today as I was reviewing our church calendar with Cara, our office manager. You'll see a lot of things coming up over the next couple of weeks. Outreach events include Trunk or Treat, a Community Meal in November, and a Movie Night in December. With a church-wide book study and Christmas pageant sign-ups, we are a busy place. We're sharing this information early this year so you can see the opportunities, choose what fits your family's schedule, and plan for a great holiday season.
I pray your family is taking time to gather together and join us in community at church. As always, church is better with you, and feel free to share these events with your social and social media circles. This week, we'll look at Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:33-37 and how it has shaped our understanding of the Bible.
I look forward to seeing you in person or online!
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.
High School Coffee Chat: Sunday, October 11, 4:00 pm at The Blend
Youth Group: Sunday, October 11, from 5:30-7:30 pm.
Riviera Day School Spirit Night @ Culver's
Join us at Culver’s on 4th St N this Wednesday, October 14, from 4:00-8:00 PM.
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.
Connect & Grow
We believe an important step in growing as a follower of Christ is participating in a small group. In these groups, we pray for one another, share life together, and grow in our understanding of God through Bible study.
We invite you to connect with one of our small groups! Visit our Small Groups page to explore the many opportunities available and find a group that's right for you.
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.
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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