2023 Advent Theme

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. – James 1:27

We are on the Advent journey to Bethlehem tasked with living a religion that is true. Required to tend to the distressed. Invited to live, not with the values of this world, but with the values of God embodied in baby Jesus – hope, peace, joy, and love. 

In community, through worship, over four weeks, we will have the wonderful opportunity to wrestle, reflect, and recommit to following Jesus again. We look forward to welcoming Jesus with you. 

Questions to ponder this Advent:

  • Advent I: What wall will I commit to break down this Advent and what wound will I bind up?
  • Advent II: Where can I participate in setting myself or others free? 
  • Advent III: How will I commit to restoring joy this season? 
  • Advent IV: In what concrete ways would I like to be better at loving, as this old year becomes a new year?

Worship Schedule

DECEMBER 3, 2023
The First Sunday of Advent: Hope

Sunday Worship Service | 11:00 AM | Nave & Online
Rev. Adriene Thorne, preaching

AdventFest | 12:30 PM

DECEMBER 10, 2023
The Second Sunday of Advent: Peace

Sunday Worship Service (Christmas Pageant) | 11:00 AM | Nave & Online
Rev. Adriene Thorne, preaching

Service of Hope and Consolation | 2:00 PM | Christ Chapel

DECEMBER 17, 2023
The Third Sunday of Advent:  Joy

Sunday Worship Service | 11:00 AM | Nave & Online
Rev. Adriene Thorne, preaching

Candlelight Carol Festival | 4:00 PM | Nave & Online

DECEMBER 24, 2023
The Fourth Sunday of Advent: Love

Sunday Worship Service | 11:00 AM | Nave & Online
Rev. Adriene Thorne, preaching

Christmas Eve Service for Children & Families | 4:00 PM | Nave & Online

Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols | 7:00 PM | Nave & Online

DECEMBER 31, 2023

Sunday Worship Service | 11:00 AM | Nave & Online
Rev. Adriene Thorne, preaching

Watch Night Worship | 11:00 PM | Nave & Online
10:00 PM Carillon | 10:30 PM Organ
Rev. Dr. Lisa M. Weaver, preaching

JANUARY 7, 2024

Epiphany Sunday | 11:00 AM | Nave & Online
Rev. Adriene Thorne, preaching

AdventFest

Start the Advent season with some holiday spirit! The Education Ministry invites you to join us in South Hall immediately following the service on Sunday, December 3rd for advent wreath making, cookie decorating, holiday crafts for children, and joyful fellowship. The event is open to everyone!

2023 AdventFest

Candlelight Carol Festival

Join us on Sunday, December 17 at 4:00 PM ET for this longstanding Riverside tradition that 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, culminating in a ritual sharing of candlelight illuminating the Nave. Doors open at 2:30 PM and a musical prelude begins at 3:00 PM.

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