Sunday Morning Worship
Fourth Sunday in Lent
March 15, 2026
11:00 AM
Preacher: Rev. Adriene Thorne
Worship with us this Advent & Christmas season! Join us for Sunday Morning Worship each week at 11AM, and for other special services throughout. Most of our worship services are available anywhere in the world via livestream. No matter who you are or where you are from, you are welcome at Riverside and we hope you will join us.
Sunday, November 30 at 11:00 AM
Nave & Online
Wednesday, December 10 at 7:00 PM
9T & Online
Sunday, December 7 at 11:00 AM
Nave & Online
Sunday, December 7 at 2:00 PM
Christ Chapel
The Service of Hope and Consolation is not available via livestream. For more information about how to attend this service onsite, click here.
Sunday, December 14 at 11:00 AM
Nave & Online
Sunday, December 21 at 11:00 AM
Nave & Online
Wednesday, December 24 at 4:00 PM
Nave & Online
Wednesday, December 24 at 7:00 PM
Nave & Online
Sunday, December 28 at 11:00 AM
Nave & Online
Wednesday, December 31 at 11:00 PM
Nave & Online
Throughout the holiday season, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Riverside! From fun family activities to community celebrations, all are welcome and invited to experience the hope, peace, joy, and love of the season.
Join us for AdventFest on Sunday, November 30, and make your own Advent wreath! We will supply pine branches, candles, and all the materials—you just need to supply the creativity. There will also be activities for kids and holiday snacks. Even if you don’t think of yourself as “crafty,” this will be a fun event with something for everyone!
To prepare for Holiday Caroling (with a Twist for Justice) together, we’ll host a rehearsal, a political education session on Chevron, and an art build on Saturday, December 6, from 1–4 PM in MLK 411. This gathering will give us time to ground ourselves in community, deepen our understanding of Chevron’s impact, and create beautiful, bold visuals for the action.
While you don’t need to attend this in-person session to participate on December 13, it’s important to practice the songs and be familiar with the route. All details will be shared with participants. We may also hold a virtual preparation session on Tuesday 12/09 or Thursday 12/11—please indicate your interest in the form.
This preparation event will serve as a rehearsal for Holiday Caroling (with a Twist for Justice) taking place on December 13 at 1 PM.
Join us for The Nutcracker, a beloved holiday classic presented by Mooney/Cooley Dance and The Riverside Church! After receiving the gift of a beloved nutcracker from her Uncle Drosselmeyer, the magic of this timeless ballet begins! Dolls come to life, battles ensue, and Clara travels through the Land of the Snowflakes to meet the Sugarplum Fairy and her guests in the Land of the Sweets. Featuring local young dancers alongside a cast of seasoned professionals, this family-friendly ballet is sure to get you in the holiday spirit!
Join us in spreading the warmth and glow of the holiday season at The Riverside Church! We’re seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help assemble nearly 2,000 candles for our annual Candlelight Carol Festival on Saturday, December 13, from 12-2PM in South Hall Lobby. Your time and effort will contribute to making our annual Candlelight Carol Festival a truly memorable experience for all. Please RSVP below to be a light in our community!
Join an afternoon of caroling and demonstration (at the same time!). Christians for a Free Palestine invites you to participate in a national Advent action in support of boycotting Chevron for its contributions to occupation, genocide, and environmental destruction.
Join the Business and Professional Women’s Group as we celebrate the joy of the Christmas season! On Sunday, December 14, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, gather with us in the 9T for an afternoon filled with festive cheer, holiday treats, and seasonal activities. Come experience the warmth of community as we embrace the magic of the season. All donations are gratefully accepted and will help spread holiday joy. Don’t miss this special celebration!
This longstanding tradition has become an essential part of Christmas in New York City. This service of music and light combines carillon, organ, harp, and all the choirs of The Riverside Church, culminating in a ritual sharing of candlelight illuminating the nave. The Candlelight Carol Festival will take place in person at The Riverside Church in the City of New York and is also viewable anywhere in the world via livestream. Musical prelude begins at 3:00 PM.
After the Candlelight Festival, join us for a festive buffet dinner with live jazz in Assembly Hall, where proceeds from the dinner will support Riverside’s social services.
Celebrate the magic of the season at the Maranatha Annual Christmas Celebration! Enjoy a festive evening with a delicious holiday dinner. Maranatha, The Riverside Church’s ministry serving the LGBTQ community, invites you to share in joy and giving this season. All are welcome!
Additional Giving Opportunities allow you to extend your impact in meaningful ways. You can add an optional contribution to support Maranatha Scholarships when purchasing your ticket. The Giving Machine, located near the security desk, lets you sponsor gifts that support Riverside Social Services, GreenFaith’s climate justice initiatives, and Make the Road’s programs for New New Yorkers. You can also bring a new, unwrapped toy for The Riverside Church’s Toy Drive, which supports families who visit our Food Pantry.
Experience the beauty of Christmas as our Church School presents the story of Jesus’ birth through music, movement, and joy. Join us for this special celebration of light, love, and hope.
Experience a free afternoon of music and holiday magic at Riverside, perfect for children and families! Enjoy inspiring performances by emerging young musicians, unique compositions, and festive activities in a concert designed to ignite a love of music in New York’s young people. This special event features live classical, jazz, and contemporary music, along with short demonstrations of the instruments and styles you’ll experience.
This enchanting afternoon combines live music, captivating artwork, and narration to bring the beloved Nutcracker story to life. Perfect for children up to middle school, this experience promises to bring holiday joy to all.
Gather with us in Room 9T on Sunday, December 21, beginning with a cozy pre-event reception with cookies and hot chocolate from 1:00 to 1:30 pm, followed by the performance at 1:30 pm. Start the season with an afternoon of warmth, wonder, and festive cheer!
There are many ways to let your light shine by contributing to Riverside’s programs and ministries this holiday season. Whether through volunteering your time, making a tribute gift, or supporting a specific initiative, your generosity will have a lasting impact on our community and the lives we touch.