Frequently Asked Questions
Worship & Attendance
At what time do Sunday services take place?
Join us for worship on-site in the Nave (sanctuary) or online every Sunday at 11:00 AM ET. A special carillon and organ music prelude begins at 10:30 AM.
Communion is offered on the first Sunday of the month. The service typically lasts 75–90 minutes and always concludes by 12:30 PM.
Do I have to be Christian to attend?
No. All are welcome.
Whoever you are: you are safe here, loved here, and invited into full participation in our life together. We welcome, affirm, and celebrate all God’s children, including the LGBTQIA+ community.
We are an interdenominational, interracial, international, open, welcoming, and affirming church and congregation.
Is there a childcare program during service?
Yes. The nursery is open every Sunday (excluding Easter, Christmas, and summer) from 10:30 AM–12:30 PM and is staffed by trained nursery workers.
For directions, please ask an usher or security guard.
Do I need to wear anything specific to Sunday service?
Not at all. You are welcome to dress comfortably and in a way that makes you feel at ease, whether casual or dressed up.
Location, Parking & Transit
What is your location?
Main Entrance (closest to the Nave/sanctuary)
490 Riverside Drive
New York, NY 10027
Open Sundays and during major events
Accessible Entrance & Preferred Delivery Address
91 Claremont Avenue
New York, NY 10027
What are the closest subway and bus stops?
Subway
Take the 1 Train to 116th Street. Walk north on Broadway to 120th Street, turn left onto Claremont Avenue, then right. The Claremont Avenue entrance will be on your left.
Bus
Take the M104, M4, or M5 to 120th or 122nd Street.
Is there parking available?
Yes. The Claremont Avenue Garage (operated by iPark) is accessed from 120th Street between Riverside Drive and Claremont Avenue.
Garage Hours
Daily, 6:00 AM–12:00 Midnight
Sunday Rate
$5
How to receive the Sunday $5 rate:
- Park your vehicle in the garage.
- Bring your church bulletin and parking ticket to the Security Desk.
- Receive a $5 parking coupon.
- Present your ticket and parking coupon to the attendant in the garage when paying and retrieving your vehicle.
- Must be out before 6:00PM.
Worship & Sacraments
I want to get married at the church. Who do I contact?
Contact pastoralevents@trcnyc.org
Visit our Weddings at Riverside page for more information.
I want to be baptized or have my child baptized. What is the process?
The Riverside Church practices both infant baptism (by sprinkling) and believer’s baptism (by sprinkling or immersion). Infant dedications are also offered for parents who wish their children to choose baptism later as believers.
Requirements
• Must be a member of the church
• Must attend a Baptism/Dedication Workshop beforehand
Contact pastoralevents@trcnyc.org
Visit our Baptism Information page for more details.
I want to have a funeral or memorial at the church. What is the process?
The Riverside Church holds funeral and memorial services for members, immediate family, and friends of our faith community. The church also assists with the purchase of niches in Riverside’s Columbarium and inurnment ceremonies.
Contact pastoralevents@trcnyc.org
What are the steps to becoming a member?
Membership classes are offered throughout the year, both in person and virtually. You will learn about Riverside’s mission, history, ministries, and what it means to be part of a congregation-led church.
After the class, you are invited to join on Joining Sunday and publicly profess your faith in Jesus Christ.
Contact mcpl@trcnyc.org and visit our Membership page.
Visiting & Tours
When can I visit the church to tour the sanctuary or the tower?
The Nave (Main Sanctuary)
• Open every Sunday during worship
• 10:30 AM–12:30 PM
• Free to visit before or after service
Guided Tower Tours
• Wednesday–Saturday: 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM
• Sunday: 1:30 PM (includes a live bell concert)
Welcome Center & Gift Shop
• Wednesday–Saturday: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
• Sunday: 10:00 AM–2:30 PM
• Closed on major holidays
Tickets are available through Tower Tours.
Prayer & Pastoral Care
I would like to be added to the prayer list. Who do I contact?
Call the Parish Care Office:
• 212.870.6741
• 212.870.6753
Or submit a request online. Please include:
• Specific prayer information
• Your name
• Your phone number
• Whether the person is a Riverside member
What is the best way to connect with someone for pastoral needs?
General Inquiries
• 212.870.6700
Pastoral Care During Office Hours
• Parish Care Office: 212.870.6963
Clergy on Call (Emergencies Only)
• 212.870.6712
For illness, death, accidents, hospitalization, or urgent prayer needs.
Please note: Clergy on Call is reserved for Riverside members experiencing a life crisis. Financial assistance and other social service calls will not receive a response.
Church Information & Administration
Which denomination do you belong to?
Denominational Affiliations
• American Baptist Churches USA
• United Church of Christ
Interdenominational Affiliations
• Council of Churches of the City of New York
• National Council of Churches
How do I update my contact information?
Complete the Welcome Form and select “Update My Contact Info,” or email communications@trcnyc.org.
Social Services & Community Support
What are the Food Pantry hours?
Food distribution is available:
Tuesday–Friday
9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Please arrive by 12:30 PM.
Service is first-come, first served, with a daily limit of 125 guests. Early arrival is strongly encouraged.
Contact services@trcnyc.org
Do you accept donations?
Yes.
Food Donations
Non-perishable food items are accepted whenever the church building is open.
Most-needed items include:
• Peanut butter
• Canned tuna
• Cereal
• Pasta
• Rice
• Soups
• Beans
Please note: Glass bottles are not accepted.
Financial Donations
Online giving is available to help provide nourishing meals for our community.
What are your Clothing Distribution hours?
Free casual clothing and professional attire are available to guests registered with our Food Pantry.
| Day | Hours | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday & Wednesday | 9:00 AM–11:30 AM | Walk-ins, first come first served. First 35 guests served. |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM–11:00 AM | Professional attire only. Referral and appointment required. |
Clothing distribution ends at 12:00 PM each day.
Giving
How can I give to the church?
Online
• Secure giving platform
• Credit/debit cards
• ACH/direct debit
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay
By Text
Text TRCNYCGIVE to 1.833.833.4035
By Mail
Communications & Development Department
The Riverside Church
490 Riverside Drive
New York, NY 10027
Still Have Questions?
For additional information, visit our Welcome to Riverside page.
If you need an immediate response not covered here, please email communications@trcnyc.org.