The Riverside Church | Life of the Community | December
Everything happening at Riverside between Advent, Christmas, and New Year's Eve
Click here to view the Riverside calendar and download the latest Life of the Community newsletter. |
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Life of the Community | December 2018
Whoever you are:
You are safe here.
You are loved here.
You are invited into full
participation in our life together.
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STOP BY THE GRATEFUL GIFT MARKET
Sundays in December | after worship | South Hall Lobby
Wander through the Grateful Gift Market during the season of Advent to learn more about Riverside’s incredible ministries and buy one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts for your family and friends that support the ministries you treasure most. Click here to find out more and order online.
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LISTEN TO BE STILL AND GO
December 2 - 24 | online
Listen to the latest season of Be Still and Go: Meditations for the Movement to hear daily Advent devotionals from Riverside clergy and friends.
Click here to listen online or search for Be Still and Go wherever you listen to podcasts.
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VISIT THE RIVERSIDE ONLINE STORE
Show your support for Riverside with the latest items available now in our new online store. All proceeds help support the mission and ministry of the church, from the Riverside Freedom School to our weekly Barber Training Program to our soul-stirring worship services and our world-change justice ministries.
Click here to find out more. Use the code GRANDOPENING at checkout to receive 20% off your entire order.
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JOIN US FOR THE CANDLELIGHT CAROL FESTIVAL
Sunday, December 16 | 4:00 pm | Nave
Get your tickets now and join us for this essential New York City Christmas tradition. The service of music and light combines carillon, organ, harp, and Riverside’s choirs, culminating in a ritual sharing of candlelight that illuminates the Nave.
Click here to find out more and purchase tickets.
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CELEBRATE ADVENT & CHRISTMAS AT RIVERSIDE
From Sunday morning to Wednesday night, from a podcast to a print devotional, from artwork and concerts and pageants and more, join us this season as we celebrate Advent and Christmas at Riverside.
Click here to see the complete schedule and a video from the Riverside Worship Commission. Come and worship!
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WORSHIP AT THE RIVERSIDE CHURCH |
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Worship of God is at the center of our life at The Riverside Church and our services reflect the diversity of who we are as the body of Christ. All are welcome as we seek to create beloved community, nourish faith, and transform our world.
Rev. Ellen Robison | Minister of Worship & the Arts |
erobison@trcnyc.org |
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MORNING LIGHT
Sundays | 8:30 am | Christ Chapel
An intimate early Sunday morning service incorporating meditation, scripture reading, and weekly communion.
December 2: Minister Derrick Jordan
December 9: Rev. Kevin VanHook
December 16: Minister Charlene Wingate
December 23: Morning Light is on hiatus
December 30: Minister Christian Peele
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SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP
Sundays | 10:45 am | Nave
During the season of Advent we are exploring the Magnificat and discovering what it means to sing Mary's song. Come and worship!
December 2: Rev. Dr. Amy Butler
December 9: Children's Christmas Pageant
December 16:
Rev. Dr. Amy Butler
December 23:
Rev. Dr. Amy Butler
December 30: Rev. Keat, Rev. Johnson, Rev. VanHook
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SPACE FOR GRACE
Wednesdays | 7:00 pm | Assembly Hall
During the season of Advent at Space for Grace we will explore the words of the prophets in a series called A Shoot, A Shout, A Shepherd.
December 6: Rev. Jim Keat
December 13: Minister Derick Jordan
December 20: Minister Christian Peele
December 27: Space for Grace is on hiatus |
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CHRISTMAS EVE
Monday, December 24 | Nave
Service for Children & Families | 4:00 pm
Join us for an intergenerational Christmas Eve worship service that will inspire all ages.
Service of Lessons & Carols | 8:00 pm
The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.
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WATCHNIGHT SERVICE
Monday, December 31 | 11:00 pm | Nave
Join us for a special Watchnight service on New Year's Eve with Rev. Michael Livingston preaching. Worship begins at 11:00 pm and the prelude begins at 10:00 pm. |
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THE MAGNIFICAT PROJECT
Sunday, December 2 - Thursday, January 3
Visit the Cloister Lounge to see artistic and literary interpretations of Mary, the mother of Jesus and one of the oldest Christian hymns, the Magnificat (Mary’s Song).
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Live Justice Now is an ongoing initiative of Riverside's Mission & Social Justice ministries as we take action in response to the great need for truth, justice, and compassion in our world.
Rev. Kevin VanHook | Minister of Justice, Advocacy & Change |
kvanhook@trcnyc.org
Jade DeSaussure | Associate Director of Justice, Advocacy & Change |
jdesaussure@trcnyc.org
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ALLIES/ADVOCATES FOR BAIL REFORM
Tuesday, December 4 | 6:00 pm
Join us for a post-midterm panel discussion for allies and advocates in bail reform in NYC moderated by Nicole Triplett.
Click here for more information and to RSVP.
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JUSTICE LONG OVERDUE
Thursday, December 6 | 6:00 pm | Assembly Hall
The Riverside Prison Ministry is partnering with Releasing Aging People in Prison (RAPP) for an event that discusses the lessons learned from the successful release of people serving life in prison in Maryland and New York.
Click here or contact Rev. Kevin VanHook for more information.
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SOJOURNERS MINISTRY
Saturday, December 8 & 22 | 7:45 am
Join the Riverside Sojourners ministry as they visit Elizabeth Detention Center. The group will leave from Riverside at 7:45 am. Contact Frances Connell at
frances.connell@gmail.com for more information.
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THE SUSTAINABLE CHURCH
Sunday, December 9 | 1:00 pm | 9T
Join Beloved Earth Community for the first gathering in a series on “Living the Change” and learn more about the new composting program and sustainability practice at Riverside, divesting from fossil fuels, and more. Refreshments will be provided. This event is sponsored by MSJ and the Education Commission.
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HEALING THROUGH PAIN
Saturday, December 15 | 6:00 pm | South Hall
Join us for an annual event with Silent Cry for an evening of entertainment, motivational talks, access to trauma resources, and a ritual ceremony to symbolize healing pain. Contact Rev. VanHook for more information.
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MARANATHA CHRISTMAS PARTY
Saturday, December 15 | 6:00 pm | 9T
Join Maranatha for a potluck dinner, carol sing-a-long, and dancing. All are welcome!
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EDUCATION & FAITH FORMATION |
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The Riverside Church exists to nourish and grow the faith of everyone who comes to us seeking to know God. The programs of our Faith Formation ministry will help you explore your faith, ask challenging questions about life, and grow closer to God and one another.
Rev. Bruce Lamb | Minister of Faith Formation |
blamb@trcnyc.org
Amanda Meisenheimer | Associate Minister of Children/Families |
mmeisenheimer@trcnyc.org
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LEAD A RIVERSIDE SMALL GROUP
Are you interested in leading a small group at Riverside? They are a crucial part of Riverside’s efforts to form people into followers of Jesus Christ that transform and heal the world. Our small group participants study the Bible, explore deep theological questions, and wrestle with contemporary issues through a lens of faith. These groups only take place through the dedication of leaders who step forward and offer their time to facilitate these experiences.
Click here for more information and to suggest a small group idea.
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VOLUNTEER WITH CHLIDREN & YOUTH
Are you interested in serving in a worship-leading capactiy with children? Are you a musician, storyteller, or artist? Contact Amanda Meisenheimer to find out how you can be a part of Riverside Kids Worship.
Do you have a passion for working with students in grades 7-12? Help teach a lesson every Sunday (or more) at "Let's Talk," our Sunday morning Riverside youth group. Contact Rev. Bruce Lamb for mroe information. |
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RIVERSIDE FAMILY WORSHIP
Sunday, December 2 | 10:45 am | Christ Chapel
Families are invited to an intentional intergenerational gathering that includes a liturgy of worship and communion. This gathering is designed with all ages in mind. All are welcome!
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YOUNG ADULT CHRISTMAS PARTY
Friday, December 7 | 7:00 pm | Assembly Hall
Riverside young adults are invited for an evening of dinner, dancing, and an ugly Christmas sweater contest. Contact Rev. Bruce Lamb for more information and to RSVP.
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RIVERSIDE YOUTH ADVENT PARTY
Sunday, December 9 | 12:30 pm | 311 MLK
RIverside youth in grades 7-12 are invited to join one another for an Advent devotional, Christmas cookie and ornament decorating, lunch, and more. Contact Rev. Bruce Lamb for more information and to RSVP.
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FINALS WEEK: PRAYER & PIZZA
Wed, December 12 | 6:30 pm | Assembly Hall
College students are invited to take a break and refuel at Space for Grace with prayer and pizza.
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YOUNG ADULT HOLIDAY BRUNCH
Sunday, December 16 | 12:30 pm | 411 MLK
Young adults are invited to a Christmas brunch before the Candlelight Carol Festival. Enjoy eggs and bacon, decorate Christmas cookies, listen to Christmas music, and connect with one another. Contact Rev. Bruce Lamb for more information and to RSVP.
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We believe that the community of God is open to all, including our youngest ones. Our vision is to create a worshipful environment that meets the needs of all ages through music, story, art, and play. Contact Amanda Meisenheimer, Associate Minister of Children & Families at
mmeisenheimer@trcnyc.org for more information about our weekly Sunday morning programming for kids at Riverside.
Youth at The Riverside Church are invited to talk about faith and justice and then go out into the world to put their faith in action. Every Sunday morning at 9:30 am youth meet in room 323 MLK for "Let's Talk" with Rev. Bruce Lamb. And every month youth gather for a "Let's go" program or event where they embody these conversations in their life and the world around them. Contact Rev. Bruce Lamb at
blamb@trcnyc.org for more information about youth at Riverside.
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We all encounter God in different ways. In an increasingly digital world, that includes videos, podcasts, and online media. Engage the Riverside community wherever you are through our original digital content.
Click here for sermon recordings, podcasts, and other digital discipleship resources. FoBe sure to follow The Riverside Church on
Twitter,
Instagram,
Facebook, and
YouTube.
Rev. Rachel Johnson | Executive Minister of Communications |
rjohnson@trcnyc.org
Rev. Jim Keat | Associate Minister of Digital Strategy & Online Engagement |
jkeat@trcnyc.org
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BE STILL AND GO (ADVENT 2018)
Sunday, December 2 - Tuesday, December 24
Riverside's daily podcast deovtional, Be Still and Go: Meditations for the Movement, returns for Advent.
Click here to listen to an episode introducing the season and stay tuned for Pastor Amy on Sunday, December 2. Guests for this season include Riverside clergy, Fr. Richard Rohr, Carol Howard Merritt, Brian McLaren, Cameron Trimble, and more. |
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STEWARDSHIP & DEVELOPMENT |
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Christian stewardship is not just about how we use our money, it’s about how we live our lives in communion with God and each other. Using learning tools like worship, education, and dialogue, Stewardship and Development supports and shapes people of faith as they strive to show generosity in every aspect of their lives and better understand the connection between faith and giving.
Minister Christian Peele | Executive Minister of Institutional Advancement |
cpeele@trcnyc.org
Farley Lord | Associate Minister of Stewardship & Development |
flord@trcnyc.org
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GRATEFUL GIFT MARKET
Sundays in December | 12:30 pm
Wander through the Grateful Gift Market during the season of Advent to learn more about Riverside’s incredible ministries and buy one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts for your family and friends that support the ministries you treasure most. Don’t miss this wonder-full chance to join your Riverside family and do all of your Christmas shopping in a new way.
Click here to find out more and order online.
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GRATEFUL GATHERING
Sunday, December 2 | 12:30 pm | South Hall
Join us for the next Grateful Gathering to receive information about the Grateful Campaign (Our Annual Giving Campaign) and to learn of opportunities for service, formation, and engagement around stewardship. This a fun, family-friendly event and we look forward to having everyone come join us.
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PARTY WITH A PURPOSE
Friday, December 16 | 6:00 pm | Assembly Hall
Join us for a fun evening for a good cause as we collect toys for Children’s Aid Society of New York and the many children they assist. Admission is one unwrapped non-violent toy or $5 per adult, $3 for children 6 and under, or $20 for a family of 5 or more. Contact Yas Hickson at
yhickson@trcnyc.org for more information and to RSVP. |
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For over 85 years the music program has drawn people from around the world to The Riverside Church. From our five choirs, to our carillon and four organs, to our renowned musicians, guests are certain to hear music that enlivens and nourishes the soul.
Christopher Johnson | Director of Music & Organist |
cjohnson@trcnyc.org
Christopher Creaghan | Associate Organist |
ccreaghan@trcnyc.org
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HANDEL's MESSIAH
Sunday, December 2 | 3:30 p.m. | Christ Chapel
Experience Messiah performed in the beuaitufl Nave at The Riverside Church. Join us as we raise our voices in song and celebration for the Hallelujah chorus, on of our most famous musical celebrations of love and gratitude.
Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
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SAVE THE DATE: CANDLELIGHT CAROL FESTIVAL
Sunday, December 16 | 4:00 pm | Nave
This long standing Candlelight Carol Festival at The Riverside Church has become an essential part of Christmas in New York City. This service of music and light combines carillon, organ, harp, and all of the choirs of The Riverside Church and culminates in a ritual sharing of candlelight illuminating the Nave. Musical prelude begins at 3:00 pm.
Click here for more information and purchase tickets.
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A NIGHT OF INSPIRATION AT CARNEGIE HALL
Saturday, December 15 | 8:00 pm | Stern Auditorium
It’s always a thrilling experience to hear acclaimed composer, music director, and producer Ray Chew—along with his co-producer, Vivian Scott Chew—lead uplifting music from diverse traditions. Great soloists, an outstanding instrumental ensemble, and some unforgettable surprises await when the music moves you and your spirit rises.
Click here for more information.
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Parish Care offers pastoral support to the congregation and community, including our social services programs, Tower League programs and events, weddings, funerals, and more.
Rev. Debra Northern | Minister of Parish Care |
dnorthern@trcnyc.org
Rev. Lynn Casteel Harper | Associate Minister of Older Adults |
lharper@trcnyc.org |
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RIVERSIDE CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE
Donate non-violent, unwrapped gifts for boys and girls of all ages for distribution to the Children’s Aid Society and the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility. Large donation boxes are decorated in gift wrap and are located in South Hall, Assembly Hall, the Narthex, and at the security desk. All gifts must be received by Sunday, December 16 and will be delivered on Tuesday, December 18.
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MEMORY CAFÉ
Monday, December 3 | 2:00 pm | 10T
Join us for a social, supportive gathering for persons with dementia and their care partners. Contact Rev. Lynn Casteel Harper for more information and to register.
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RIVERSIDE TOWER LEAGUE:
MEDICARE EDUCATION
Thursday, December 6 | 2:00 pm | 9T
The Medicare Rights Center will review the basics of Medicare coverage, explain what beneficiaries need to do during the current Medicare open enrollment period and how to access federal and state benefit programs.
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RIVERSIDE TOWER LEAGUE:
CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON
Thursday, December 13 | 2:00 pm | 9T | $20
Tower League will celebrate the season with food, fellowship, and caroling. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the Riverside toy drive. Contact Rev. Lynn Casteel Harper for more information, to register, or for financial assistance.
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ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TEA
Sunday, December 16 | 1:00 pm | 9T
Join the Riverside Business and Professional Women’s Club for their annual Christmas tea for a celebration of the holiday season. Refreshments will be provided.
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