Riviera UMC E-Letter September 24, 2026
Pumpkin Patch opens next week! 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!
I want to thank Terry, our Worship Director, and Pastor Nathan from Oakhurst UMC for leading an amazing worship service last week. I am grateful for them and the volunteers who provide a meaningful worship service every week! I had a wonderful time in Kentucky and got to see some amazing historic places along the bourbon trail. Over three days, we covered 100s of miles of KY countryside with rolling hills and beautiful landscapes. The only problem was that my friend Matt and I brought some Florida weather with us, and most days were in the mid-90s. As soon as we left, the average temperature fell into the mid-70s.
When I got home Monday morning, it was right back to the weekly schedule with the kids, work, and friends. By Tuesday afternoon, we were running full speed in our busy schedule, and it was nice to be home. The thing that wasn't so nice was when Augustus, our oldest, came home from marching band practice and shared some frustrations about practice and events that had taken place. Very quickly, I got riled up and ready to blast off emails to teachers and administrators asking for answers and more information about how they planned to resolve some conflicts that had occurred. Thankfully, a practice I learned years ago was to not send the email and go to bed.
The next morning, after I calmed down a bit, I began drafting an email. As I worked on that draft, the Holy Spirit nudged me with a question: How am I serving them? Whenever I'm upset at a situation or people, I often get this question. It reverses the demands I have for action and response and puts the work of service back on me. How am I serving those with whom I have disagreements? How am I serving when I feel changes need to be made? I have often told staff and volunteers alike, don't bring me problems; bring me solutions. It was time to take my own advice.
I offered to cook a meal. I hope they'll take me up on the offer, but more importantly, it changed the entire tone of my communication. I want to be clear: this isn't a celebration of my work, but a reminder of God's nudging on our hearts to respond not with anger, but with love that serves. My inclination is not to serve, but to demand action on the part of others. God doesn't demand from us; God shows us, through Christ, that a life of service invites change. This is a better model for our students, our leaders, and our communities. I pray to keep being reminded of that.
We gather again this week for worship as we look at how we prepare the soil of our hearts and what it means to see growth in Luke 8:4-8. I hope to see you on Sunday in person or online. Also, bring a friend! Church is better with you and them!
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.
Water Fun Day Foam Party!
📅 September 27th | ⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM
Join us for a fun-filled afternoon for the whole family! Enjoy a Foam Party and live music from a DJ, along with snow cones, reusable water balloons, a sprinkler, and kiddie pools. Pizza will be available for purchase.
Don’t miss this exciting afternoon of food, friends, music, and water fun!
Florida Man Ministries Summit - October 16-17 - St. Lukes UMC Orlando: Men’s Ministry leaders and attendees will gather in October for a Men’s Ministry Summit to encourage, equip and energize men for ministry in their local congregation. If you’d like to join Pastor Augie at the Summit for either day of the Summit, just send an email to pastoraugie@rivieraumc.org.
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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