Beyond Sunday Experience: Worship Focus

Join us on four First Mondays for an intimate, behind-the-scenes journey through the life of The Riverside Church. Each evening features guided experiences, historical exhibits, interactive moments, and a light reception. Space is limited so RSVP required. Hosted by Member Services and Stewardship & Development. (These events were formerly known as Grateful Gatherings and Member Mixers.)

Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Reception to follow)

Location: The Riverside Church (specific meeting points listed per date)

Experiences are subject to change. 

Please RSVP to one or all four experiences here!

October 5, 2026 – Focus: Worship

Meeting Location: Nave (Main Sanctuary)

What to Expect:

🎭 Guided Tour with Raymond Rodriguez — Our resident tour guide will lead you through the choir loft, where you’ll discover the statues and hidden under-seat sculptures, then on to the labyrinth and Christ Chapel. These are the behind-the-scenes details most people never get to see up close.

🎹 Up-Close with the Aeolian-Skinner Organ — Our Artist in Residence, Stephen Tharp, will personally introduce you to our legendary Aeolian-Skinner organ, sharing its history and playing a few melodies just for you.

📜 Archives Exhibit: Treasures from Our Worship History — Our Archives team will present a special display of artifacts and documents from our rich worship heritage, offering a glimpse into the people, places, and traditions that have shaped us.

Meet & Mingle — Members of the Worship Commission and Rev. Thorne will be in attendance, and we hope you’ll take the opportunity to connect with someone new over light refreshments at the recept

November 2, 2026 – Focus: Mission & Social Justice (MSJ)

Meeting Location: South Hall Lobby

Tour the Food Pantry, Clothing Closet, Meditation Chapel, and Riverside Theater. Learn about Riverside’s historic commitment to activism, from the Civil Rights era to today. There may be an opportunity to volunteer for the Food Pantry or organize the Clothing Closet.

Experiences are subject to change. 

February 1, 2027 – Focus: Membership, Care, & Parish Life (MCPL)

Meeting Location: 9T Library

Visit the Columbarium, Assembly Hall, the 9T Library, and the Senior Minister’s office. Explore archives on pastoral care and community building and write care cards for members.

Experiences are subject to change. 

May 3, 2027 – Focus: Education & Faith Formation

Meeting Location: MLK Education Entrance

Tour the MLK Education spaces, Chapel of the Cross, and enjoy the view from the MLK Rooftop. See archival photos of Riverside’s Sunday School legacy.

Experiences are subject to change. 

Please RSVP Required – Spaces limited to 50 per event.

Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact Talia Johnson, Manager of Member Services tjohnson2@trcnyc.org or the Communications & Development Office at communications@trcnyc.org.