Council, Boards & Committees
Council Executives
2021
Moderator Yvonne Arbogast
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as the Moderator for Riverside this year. For those who do not know me, here is my journey to this area and Riverside.
I am a lifelong Oregonian, born in Roseburg. My family moved to The Dalles when I was 12 and I have lived on and off in the Gorge ever since. Currently I live in Hood River with my husband, Tim and two teenage children, Alex and Eleanor.
I grew up in a Roman Catholic household, but I’ve spent most of my adult life exploring different spiritual paths. Riverside was intriguing to me because of its leadership on climate and social justice issues. The congregation didn’t just talk about things, they actually worked to make change. Four years ago, when my daughter was invited to go to Camp Adams, I took the opportunity to invite myself along. After that weekend I was hooked, grateful to have found a spiritual home where my passion for social justice and my belief in a radically inclusive God were both welcome.
Spending the last year as the moderator-elect to learn about the church was an interesting experience. Zoom worship, no choir, no hugs or Camp Adams: how do you learn to help lead when nothing is the same? Amidst the turmoil and insecurity that inevitably accompany times of transition, I am reminded that some things do not change at Riverside. At our core, we are still about embodying God’s love, hope and good news in a world that needs them more than ever. This is something we know how to do.
As we move into an uncharted future, we bring with us a rich tradition, deep wisdom and profound stories that have the power to shape and reshape us. We will go forward carrying with us the best of what we have been and marrying it to the best of what we will be. These are rich, exciting, anxious, Spirit-filled times. With courage, humility, and hope we will follow the Spirit down old and new paths wherever it may lead.
– Yvonne Arbogast
Moderator Elect Carolyn Welty-Fick
Secretary Alison Betzing
Treasurer Charlie Warren
BOARDS
DIACONATE
Karen Roof
Eileen Utroske
Sandy Spellecy
Donna McCoy
Elaine Johnson
Ann Becker
COUNCIL
Doug Roof
Karen Jones
Keith Harding
Roberta Cook
Donna McCoy
Dave Roth
CHRISTIAN NURTURE
Eric Bingener
Liz Barteld
Camilia Richardson
James Holloway
Pam Riedl
Katie Cook
JUSTICE & WITNESS
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John Boonstra
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- Heather Nielsen
- Ann Harris
- Judy Schock
- Michelina Roth
- Jenny Hackett
- Susan Gabay
MUSIC & ARTS
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Karen Harding
Ann Diem
David Skakel
- Beth Hartwell
- Lorene Murray
- Melissa Tokstad
- Barb Dworschak
FINANCE & DEVELOPMENT
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- Bill Light
Michael McElwee
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David Roth
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Betty Shalhope
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Gean Rains
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Stu Watson
COMMITTEES
PASTORAL RELATIONS
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Tim Foley
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Evelyn Charity
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Michael McElwee
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COMMUNICATIONS
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Kathy Watson
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Yvonne Arbogast
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Gean Rains
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Molly Fauth
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Stu Watson
BUILDING & MAINTENANCE
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Joe Smith
- Leonard Wood
- Lorre Chester-Rea
- Joan Ewing
- Michael McElwee
- Paul Thompson
FINANCIAL SECRETARIES
Judy Schock
Joyce Jennings
Tim Foley
Kim Vogel
Molly Fauth
If you want to reach any of these fine people, you can get contact information in the church directory, available here on the web site with a password, or by calling the church office at 541-386-1412.
KITCHEN TEAM
- Kathy Watson
- Pastor Vicky
- James Holloway
- Beth Hartwell
- Mary Ellen Holmes
- Joe Smith
- Ann Lemeka
- Lorre Chester-Rea