“His [Pastor Roger’s] leadership style involves empowering and equipping people within the congregation to engage in the ministry that fills their hearts.”
PASTOR ROGER GRAFENSTEIN:
My first Sunday at Riverside UMC was June 27, 2021. My wife Chele and I moved to the Park Rapids area from Moorhead, MN where I served at Grace UMC for 11 years, following 11 years at Hope UMC in Faribault, MN. I’ve been a full-time Pastor for 32 years—started so young and was blessed by so many gracious people.
Chele and I enjoy birding, fishing, and backroad drives in nature. We’re blessed with two grown children and their companions. We delight in our two grandchildren—a boy almost two who is going on 12 and a girl almost six going on 16. They amaze us every time we see them. (I know, first time you’ve ever heard a grandparent say that). Honestly, having grandchildren opened my eyes to a new way of being and seeing others. I seek to be more open and generous in creating space for all people to be themselves. I see people shine more brightly in their uniqueness and the gifts they have to offer the world.
Everyone is someone’s grandchild–and God’s child. It reminds me of a greeting: “the Christ in me, greets the Christ in you.” In this 2021 world of too much brokenness and division a question I repeatedly ask, “how are we encouraging one another to nurture and share the image of God we were created in?” I believe, living and loving like Jesus means putting on the humility of Christ and highlighting every bit of good we see in this world and one another. I love to share and hear about God-moments.
Feel free to ask me any day, “where have you seen God at work lately”? Better yet, feel free to share where God’s light has recently shined in your life.
Kathy Weiss | Treasurer
treasurer@riversideumchurch.com
218-732-5205 Ext. 6
KATHY WEISS:
Kathy grew up in Minnesota. She and her husband Ronald Weiss have owned and operated a logging business for 30+ years. Kathy has been an active member in the community and the church. She volunteered as the growing in faith network coordinator and as a church school teacher. For several years, she volunteered as an advocate for Support Within Reach. She is currently the sexton for the Arago-Clover Evergreen Cemetery.
Kathy and her husband Ron have 6 children and many grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities, crafting, canning, and spending time with her family and friends.
Kimberly Sansone | Administrative Asst.
contact@riversideumchurch.com
218-732-5205 Ext. 1
KIMBERLY SANSONE:
Kimberly works to keep everything organized, if you have a question, she’ll know when it is happening or who to contact to get it done. Kimberly is responsible for the scheduling of events as well as works on communications around the bulletin and weekly order of service.
Kimberly has a strong administrative background with experience as a Legal Assistant for a Patent Law Group, managing Professional Theatre organizations and Box Offices. Kimberly’s degree is in Music Education and Spanish Linguistics. She brings a variety of competencies to the role.
Ginny Christianson | Facilities
contact@riversideumchurch.com
218-732-5205
GINNY CHRISTIANSON:
Ginny works to keep everything in working order, clean, and ready-to-go, Ginny is responsible for the ongoing cleaning, & repair/maintenance scheduling, & management of all of Riverside’s building.
Contact our office if you have a question about the facilities management.
WANT TO CONNECT WITH SOMEONE AT RIVERSIDE?
RIVERSIDE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, PARK RAPIDS
1005 PARK AVE N | PARK RAPIDS, MN 55647
PHONE: 218.732.5205
EMAIL: info@riversideumchurch.com