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| Dr. Jim Ball, Executive Director, CreationCare |
One of the crucial pieces of ministry at Riverside and how
we work in the world to help redeem and heal it is our concept of "partner ministries." We are not a huge church with
unlimited resources. We do not necessarily adhere to a programmatic principle, thinking that a buffet of programs is
the only way to be the church. Instead, we have invited people and programs to take up residence in our church and help us
extend mercy to the world. And we covenant with others beyond these four walls to help us provide the mercy and healing of
God So, if having pastoral care and therapy available is important to you; if connecting the ethic of Christian stewardship
to ecological issues makes sense to you; if providing a space for groups that provide healing and nurture for survivors of
incest or alcoholism is important; if providing a preschool experience for children in challenging socio-economic contexts
and helping them to be readers by the time they enter First Grade is a good idea; then you will embrace our partnership concept.
For Riverside is making not only good use of its space but extending the sanctuary of God's mercy and care to the world at
large through these important partner ministries.
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Dr. Jim Ball
Evangelical Environmental Network |
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Apple Early Literacy Preschool |
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Howard University School of Divinity Interns |
Providing field educational opportunities for Pastor's students at Howard School of Divinity |
Angel Tree Christmas
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| Thank you for my Christmas gift! |
For the fifth year, we came together to provide
Christmas gifts through Prison Fellowship's Angel Tree Project. Well over thirty children who had a parent in prison
(usually the father) were provided at least two gifts a piece. We had a reception and party for them where we shared the Christmas
story, sang carols, ate food and handed out gifts. This is one wonderful way we reach into our community.
| Twins enjoy a moment at the Christmas party. |
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| One of our angel families. |
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Other special projects have included providing school supplies
for a hundred childen last Fall through the fine efforts of our women's In Session ministry, led by Rev. Wanda Henry.
Rev. Linda DeLaine and Minister Robin Williams provide youth ministry on our Friday Film Night, every other week and reach
approximately twenty children. Our church hosted last summer a summer camp for urban youth through a partnership with
City Gate Ministries, reaching about 45 youth. We have collected backpacks with supplies for Foster Children, created
innovative events like "Hip Hop the Cross" and taken our church children to the circus. We continue to dream and experiment
with ways to provide ministry. Your dreams and your hands joined with ours can make a difference.
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