MARY SCHAWACKER (Admin Support)

Name: Mary Schawacker (mary@riversidestl.org)
 

Role at Riverside:  I provide administrative support for the church.

Family:  I have been married for thirty two years to my husband, Rick, and we have two great boys, Michael, aka Schwack, and Keith.  Two and a half ago Keith married Amy George and I got a great daughter-in-law. I’ve lived in an all male household (even all three of our dogs) for a long time, and it is fantastic to now have somebody to go shopping with and who offers to help cook and clean the house when I’m having a party! 

Education: Bachelor of Arts from Cornell College and a Masters of Education from the University of Missouri, Columbia.

Dream for Riverside: That everyone who walks through the doors of Riverside will  bring their brokenness and needs and feel safe and “at home” in a place where they feel the overwhelming love and grace as they hear and experience the gospel.

Favorite Quotes: “I will not live with purpose and joy unless I love; I will not be able to love unless I forgive; and I will not forgive unless my hatred is continually melted by the searing truth and grace of the gospel.”  - Dan Allender, Bold Love

“How dare we reject a person whom God had accepted?  Indeed, the best way to determine what our attitude to other people should be is to determine what God’s attitude to them is…It is safe to treat others as we would like them to treat us, but it is safer still to treat them as God does.”
- John Stott, Commentary on Romans.

Favorite Big Screen Moment: The lynch mob scene at the jail in To Kill A Mockingbird when Scout, with all the innocence of a child, says “hey” and starts talking to all the angry men one at a time on a personal level and asking them how their families are doing and slowly the mentality at the whole scene changes and they all go home.   

Favorite Music: Worship music, Johnny Cash, and Jimmy Bufffet.

Heroes and Mentors: My parents who gave me the best possible childhood and whose compassion, giving and selflessness have been an inspiration to me and also, my wonderful husband, Rick, who has always let me follow my heart. 

What I am learning these days: That my plans for my life and God’s plans for my life are not always the same, but He knows what I need and His plans are SO much better.  I pray for the faith to accept the changes He asks of me without questioning them and fighting against them.

A few of My Favorite Things: My family, my friends, Riverside Church, making jewelry and little children.