About Riverside
Our Story
For over 100 years it's been about God and His faithfulness. Beginning in about 1911 in some very rough conditions, some very brave and dedicated people formed this church in the middle of undeveloped land. Here we are today with a very diverse body of believers. Our backgrounds differ in many ways, but our purposes remain focused on the power of God, the redeeming work of His Son Jesus, and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We believe the Old and New Testaments to be the inspired Word of God and that God has called us to share the Gospel (Good News) message.
Our affiliation is with CMC (Conservative Mennonite Conference).
For a detailed Statement of Theology - click here.
For a detailed Statement of Practice - click here.
Our Vision
Vision: "Know Christ and make Him Known"
God's Purposes for Riverside
> Experience God's Presence
> Bring the Good News of Jesus to our world
> Care for the needs of others
> Equip Believers
> Love Each Other
For over 100 years it's been about God and His faithfulness. Beginning in about 1911 in some very rough conditions, some very brave and dedicated people formed this church in the middle of undeveloped land. Here we are today with a very diverse body of believers. Our backgrounds differ in many ways, but our purposes remain focused on the power of God, the redeeming work of His Son Jesus, and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We believe the Old and New Testaments to be the inspired Word of God and that God has called us to share the Gospel (Good News) message.
Our affiliation is with CMC (Conservative Mennonite Conference).
For a detailed Statement of Theology - click here.
For a detailed Statement of Practice - click here.
Our Vision
Vision: "Know Christ and make Him Known"
God's Purposes for Riverside
> Experience God's Presence
> Bring the Good News of Jesus to our world
> Care for the needs of others
> Equip Believers
> Love Each Other
Meet the Pastors
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Ron Swartz, our lead pastor, has been with us since the summer of 2006, when the family moved here from the Upper Peninsula. He and Lucretia have been married for 30+ years and are well able to understand the blessings and challenges that come with marriage and family. They love their five adult children and nine grandchildren.
Even more importantly, Pastor Ron loves the Lord. He walks with God, listens to the Holy Spirit, and follows Christ. He speaks truth to us, validated by the Scriptures. An excellent storyteller, his sermons are full of real life experiences. He is a man of thought and of prayer. He also enjoys this good earth, a keeper of bees in the UP and now a U-Pick berry farmer. |
James Schlagel has served as our associate pastor since 1993. James grew up in this area, part of a farm family, and he and his wife Lesa have continued that farming tradition. A man of energy and purpose, he also is a full time supervisor at a local factory. James and Lesa have four children and one little grandson.
James enjoys joking, often says, "You know, the book of James is the best book in the Bible." His heart, though, is for people, those who do not know Jesus Christ and the way of salvation. He witnesses to that faith in his messages at Riverside, his daily work-life at the shop, and as he 'rubs elbows' with others. Like Pastor Ron, James also enjoys this good earth in which he farms some acreage and has livestock. |
About the Church Name "Riverside"
In the days when the church was being formed, there was a river that ran about 1/4 mile away. (you can see it on Google Maps) This was the East branch of the Au Gres River. Since then, there have been some drain projects that have redirected the waters to different branches (Whitney drain project) to better manage waters in this area. This leaves the East Branch of the Au Gres pretty dry these days! .
In the days when the church was being formed, there was a river that ran about 1/4 mile away. (you can see it on Google Maps) This was the East branch of the Au Gres River. Since then, there have been some drain projects that have redirected the waters to different branches (Whitney drain project) to better manage waters in this area. This leaves the East Branch of the Au Gres pretty dry these days! .
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Sunday School (small groups), is an important part of the transforming work of God in us through His Word.
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For more information on the various ministries of Riverside, click here. We have active Children, Jr. Youth and Senior High Youth programs plus much more. Browse through the ministry tab to view some of these ministries.
Worship Includes acappella songs as well as many of the current worship songs that we know and love today. We have tried to maintain a balance of old and new worship songs.
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Riverside has been blessed with great Bible based teaching from Senior Pastor Ron Swartz (right) and Associate Pastor James Schlagel.
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