Senior Minister Search Committee Update | August, 2021

Dear Riverside Church Family,

Although the summer is flying by, our SMSC listening tour is continuing on track! We’ve been encouraged and uplifted by the overwhelmingly constructive responses we’re receiving, and we truly appreciate each person who has spent time with us in these sessions. In addition to hearing from representatives of every Riverside ministry, we are also meeting with Riverside’s staff and clergy, as well as soliciting feedback from our local community and national stakeholders.

This summer, SMSC members attended the national biennial conventions of both the American Baptist Churches (ABC/USA) and the United Church of Christ (UCC), and were inspired by all of the good work being done around the world by Riverside’s affiliate denominations.

We hosted our first in-person congregational gathering on July 24th in Sakura Park!! All of the SMSC members were there, and God blessed us with picture perfect weather and a great Riverside community turnout.

It was so wonderful to have the opportunity to engage face-to-face with all of those who came, and we’re planning to host future get-togethers like this where we can openly and personally fellowship with you.

By the end of August, we will have completed more than 30 listening tour sessions! In September, we will be meeting with each of Riverside’s Commissions and Committees, and with the Church Council. We hope to see you at one or both of our remaining open sessions, which are scheduled to take place on September 26th and October 10th from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Click here for further details.

Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support!

Grace and Peace,

The Senior Minister Search Committee

Alexa, Andrea, Annie, Beth, David, Emily, Hylda, Karissa, Lee, Lisa, and Mark