Happening @ Riverside

August 2026 Newsletter

Worship

Sermon Series

Our English Worship Service, led by Pastor Otto,
takes place on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. in the Worship
Center and is also streamed on YouTube.

Pastor Otto will be concluding his sermon series on
Heroes of Faith: A Study of Hebrews 11.” His series
then turns to “In Search of Wisdom.“

The series is as follows:

  • August 2nd: “Moses: Fearless Faith”
  • August 9th: “The Israelites and Rehab: Deciding by Faith”
  • August 16th: “Faith’s Triumphs and Trials”
  • August 23rd: “Where Wisdom Begins” (Proverbs 1:1-7)
  • August 30th: “Pursuing Wisdom” (Proverbs 2:1-22)
Spanish Worship

Our Spanish Worship Service, led by Dr. Guillermo Lozano, meets on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel. Their Connect Groups gather at 9:30
a.m. in the East Wing (Rooms 207/216).

Lord's Supper

Sunday, August 2nd, we will joyfully celebrate the
Lord’s Supper during the English Worship Service.

The Lord’s Supper, a time of spiritual connection and reflection, will be observed at the end of the service.

For those joining us from home, please have unsalted crackers and juice ready, so you can feel truly included and connected in this meaningful
observance.

We also kindly ask you to remember that during the Lord’s Supper, we collect for the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund (PDF).

Your giving helps support members of our community in need, reinforcing our shared care and compassion.

Training, Ministry, and Missions

Florida and Beyond Summer Mission Offering

Our Florida and Beyond Summer Mission Offering aims to support Florida’s orphaned
and disadvantaged children, provide food for the hungry across the globe, and assist our state mission efforts. Our goal is to raise $2,000, which will be distributed as follows:

• 25% of the total amount will go to the Florida Baptist Children’s Home
• 25% will be allocated to Florida Baptist Global Hunger Relief
• 50% will be directed to the Maguire State Offering

The offering will be collected throughout August, and your timely contributions are
essential to our mission. Thank you for your support!

Widow and Widower Support Group

Join our Widow and Widower Support Group, a caring community for those navigating the journey of loss. We meet on the fourth Saturday of each month from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. in the
Volunteer Room, where you can find understanding and companionship. You don’t
have to face this alone—come and connect with others who share your experience. For more details or to ask any questions, please contact
Joseph Goelz at jody@riversideonline.org.

Promotion Sunday and Teacher Recognition

Sunday, August 9th, is Promotion Sunday and
Teacher Recognition. On Sunday, August 16th, our students will embark on a new chapter as they report to their new Connect Groups. This transition is a significant step in their spiritual journey, and we bid them a fond farewell as they move forward.

Our graduating kindergarteners and fifth
graders, new first graders, and sixth graders will receive a Bible during the Worship Service on August 9th, at 11:00 a.m. If you are a graduating kindergartener or fifth grader and would like to participate in this event, please contact Kara Cordoba by Thursday, August 6th, so we can adequately prepare and ensure your
inclusion.

In addition, we will take a moment to honor our dedicated teachers and pray for them as they prepare for a new and exciting school year. Let’s come together to support and celebrate our students and educators!

Children in Action Christmas in August Lemonade Stand

We warmly invite you to participate in our Children in Action event on Sunday, August 30th, right after our worship service in the gazebo. Come by, enjoy a refreshing drink, and discover how you can make a meaningful impact by supporting our Children in Action in their Operation Christmas Child mission
project. Your involvement can truly make a difference!

Discover Riverside

Don’t miss this exciting chance to join Pastor Otto on Sunday, August 16th, for the Discover
Riverside Class, happening right after the Worship Service in the Volunteer Room. This
engaging one-time class will provide you with valuable insights on how to connect with God and become part of His family. Whether you joined our church after April 2000 or are contemplating membership at Riverside, we warmly invite you to attend this essential class. To ensure we can accommodate everyone,
please sign up in the Foyer if you plan to join us!

Weekly Happenings

Connect Groups

Our Connect Groups meet on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. We offer classes for all ages, from infants to adults. If you are not currently part of a Connect Group, we encourage you to join one.

Our Coed Exercise and Fellowship Class

Our Coed Exercise and Fellowship Class meets on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Warehouse and on Fridays via Zoom at 10:00 a.m. It is an exercise program developed specifically for mature participants. It is designed to be socially stimulating while focusing on areas of recognized importance for mature participants.

Heart and Hands

Heart and Hands, our Tuesday gathering, is more than just a project. It’s an opportunity for people of all ages to come together and make a real difference. By assisting with projects that advance God’s Kingdom, we’re reaching out with heart and hands to meet the needs of others near and far. Your participation is not just appreciated; it’s vital to our mission. Join us on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m.

Men’s Ministry

The Men’s Ministry, a Tuesday night tradition in the Fellowship Hall at 7:00 p.m., is more than just a gathering. It’s a platform for engaging discussions on topics that matter to us today. From faith to family, we cover it all. For more information, contact Lannes Whitelock at 305-519-3060.

Church Prayer Meeting

Our weekly Church Prayer Meeting is on Wednesday nights at 7:00 p.m. and is a time when we come together corporately for prayer. We meet via Zoom. Call the church office for the meeting ID to join us.

College Group

Join our College Group at FIU in the Green Library on the first floor at 11040 SW 14th Street, 33174. Connect with fellow students as we study the Bible together, discovering how to apply biblical truths to enhance our everyday lives on campus. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow in faith and friendship! For additional information, reach out to Pastor Nicholas Noyola.

Women’s Bible Study

Our Women’s Bible Study is for women of all ages. It meets off-premises on Friday mornings from 10:00 a.m. until noon. The group studies various books of the Bible and has group discussions. Betty Rodriguez leads the study. Contact the church office for the location or additional information.

Children in Action

Our Children in Action meets on Friday nights at 7:00 p.m. in The Dock (Room 215) for children aged 5 to 5th grade. Trace it back to just the facts! The evidence is clear. The proof is all right here! Join us as we discover and explore Jesus working in our world.

Face-to-Face Bible Study

*Face-to-Face Bible Study takes place on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 8:00p.m. in Room 204. This Bible study is open to all women and girls, regardless of age, as they come together to explore the Word of God. Sherri Beall leads the group.

Boys Discipleship Class

The *Boys Discipleship Class, designed for boys in 6th through 12th grade, takes place on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. For questions or additional information, contact Nicholas Noyola.

Miscellaneous Information

Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday started on Monday, July 20th, and will
continue until Sunday, August 20th. This is an excellent opportunity for consumers to
stock up on qualifying back-to-school supplies while taking advantage of tax

Public Schools and Riverside Christian School

Public schools and Riverside Christian School are excited to welcome students back as classes resume on Thursday, August 13th.

Let’s keep our children safe by strictly observing the school speed limit zones—your
cooperation makes a difference!

Back-to-School Campfire

Join us for our Back-to-School Campfire on Friday, August 7th, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at
the fire pit in the back parking lot. All children and their families are invited to attend. You might want to bring a blanket or chair to sit on. Since this involves fire, parents must stay with their children.

We’d love to know who’s coming, so please let Ms. Kara know if you’ll be there!

Spanish Women’s Meeting

We warmly invite all Spanish-speaking women to join our Women’s Meeting on Saturday, August 15th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00p.m. at The Warehouse. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect, share, and empower one another. Don’t miss out!

Riverside Christian School

Are you seeking a nurturing and faith-centered environment for your child? Look no further than Riverside Christian School(RCS)!

With our esteemed APPLE Gold Seal Accreditation (DCF License: C11MD0316), we
guarantee your child will  receive an exceptional education from infancy through pre-kindergarten (PK4).

Our adaptable full-day and half-day programs cater to your family’s needs, making it easier than ever to embark on
your child’s educational journey.

Enroll now and provide your child with the loving foundation they deserve for a bright
future!

Contact Lieska de Jesus, Director, or Maria Avila, Assistant Director, at (305) 279-3637 for additional information or to schedule a
tour.