Sunday Worship
Join us for Sunday Worship at 10:00 AM on Facebook or YouTube.
Most Sundays, we offer two morning worship opportunities. Both celebrate God's story and our place in that story through liturgy, music, and sermon. Communion is celebrated at River Road Presbyterian Church several times during the year. The invitation to the Lord's Supper is extended to all who have been baptized. Regardless of church affiliation, you are invited to share the Lord's table.
Informal Worship
An Informal Worship service is held at 9:00 a.m. in Saunders Hall (our large fellowship hall). The RiverSound worship team leads the congregation in music at this service. Song lyrics and scripture readings are displayed on video screens, and other forms of media messages are used to enhance the worship experience and illustrate the sermon. Coffee and refreshments encourage conversation and fellowship before and following worship.
Traditional Worship
Our Traditional Worship service at 11:00 a.m. is held in the Sanctuary. Music includes the Chancel Choir and is supported by our Kenneth Jones pipe organ. Piano, handbells, and various guest musicians further enhance our worship together. A message for children is provided at this service, after which children in kindergarten through second grade are welcome to either go to Extended Session to participate in activities related to a Bible story or remain in the worship service.
Children in Worship
As Jesus welcomed little children, we encourage you to bring your children to worship. Nursery is provided by our trained childcare staff during each worship service for our babies and preschoolers. Children are encouraged to attend Informal Worship at 9:00 a.m. At our Traditional Worship at 11:00 a.m., there is a Time with the Children at the Chancel with a special message from our Director of Christian Education or other adult leader. During the school year, Extended Session is offered during the Traditional Worship for children in Kindergarten through second grade featuring Bible stories led by our youth volunteers. Both the Nursery and Extended Session are located in our Monroe Wells Educational Building.
Special Services
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve worship is held at 4:30 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. Both services include scripture, candlelight, and carols. The earlier service is especially designed for families with young children, and the later service begins with an extended musical prelude featuring our music ensembles.
Holy Week
Palm Sunday services at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. feature the waving of palms as we begin Holy Week. A Maundy Thursday Tenebrae service is held at 7:30 p.m. This is a solemn service with Communion. Our Easter Sunday celebration includes The Commonwealth Brass at both Informal Worship at 9:00 a.m. and Traditional Worship at 11:00 a.m.
Baptisms
Baptism is the sign and seal of God's grace and covenant in Christ. As The Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) explains, baptism signifies the faithfulness of God, the washing away of sin, rebirth, putting on the fresh garment of Christ, and adoption into the covenant family of the church. The baptism of children witnesses to the truth that God's love claims people before they are able to respond in faith. The congregation, on behalf of the whole church, assumes responsibility for nurturing the baptized children in the Christian life, and it is for this reason that the congregation makes such a promise during the service. For more information about baptism at River Road, contact the church office at 804-740-7083.
Weddings
Planning a wedding is an exciting and important time in the life of a couple. If you would like to have your wedding performed at River Road Presbyterian Church, please contact the church office at 804-740-7083 as soon as possible and speak with our Director of Operations. All ceremony requests are contingent on the church and pastor being available and must be approved by our Worship and Music Ministry.
Memorial Services
At River Road, we celebrate a Witness to the Resurrection and a Celebration of the life of a departed member. If you have lost a loved one, please contact the church office as soon as possible at 804-740-7083. Our pastors and Deacons are ready to provide comfort and reassurance during a difficult time. You will meet with a Pastor, the Director of Music, and the Director of Operations to go over plans for a funeral or memorial service. We have Memorial Reception Teams in place to provide a time of fellowship and comfort for the family and friends following the service. If you are interested in having remains placed in our Columbarium or if you would like to reserve a niche there on a pre-need basis, please contact our Director of Operations at 804-740-7083.