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