Sunday Morning Worship: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday Worship Highlights:

• Guest Preacher: Rev. Rashad Raymond Moore, PhD, Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Crown Heights in Brooklyn, NY
  • Dr. Rashad Raymond Moore, PhD is a pastor, philosopher, and preacher dedicated to unveiling and repositioning the role of tradition and ritual in historically Black institutions through prophetic disruption.
• Organ Prelude: “Ascend the Mountain,” composed by James Lee and based on the last sermon of Dr. King, played by organist Paul Byssainthe, Jr.
• Anthems:
  • Choral setting of “MLK” by U2, arranged by Bob Chilcott sung by The Inspirational Choir
  • Choral setting of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by contemporary composer Zanaida Robles, sung by The Riverside Choir, featuring soprano Brittany Renee (The Metropolitan Opera)
  • Choral setting of “If I Can Help Somebody,” a text Dr. King quoted in his infamous Drum Major Instinct speech, composed by the late Dr. Nathan Carter, sung by The Riverside Choir, featuring soprano Kendra Berentsen

After worship, a soul food lunch will be available for purchase in South Hall. In the afternoon, join us for MLK NOW 2026: A Prophetic Witness for Our Time, a special event honoring Dr. King’s radical vision for justice, dignity, and beloved community.

Whoever you are: You are safe here. You are loved here. You are invited into full participation in our life together. We welcome, affirm, and celebrate all God’s children, LGBTQIA+.

Worship of God is at the center of our life at The Riverside Church and our services reflect the diversity of who we are as the body of Christ. All are welcome as we seek to create a beloved community, nourish faith, and transform our world. We are an interdenominational, interracial, international, open, welcoming, and affirming church and congregation.

SERVICE: Join us for worship on-site in the Nave (sanctuary) or online every Sunday morning at 11:00 AM ET. Special music prelude begins at 10:30AM. Communion occurs on first Sundays. Service runs about an hour and 15-30 minutes but it is over by 12:30PM at the latest.

ENTRANCES: There are two entrances to the church. You can enter the church at 490 Riverside Drive. (Only open on Sundays) Wheelchair accessibility is available at 91 Claremont Avenue. Ask the security desk for directions to our Nave (sanctuary).

ATTIRE: You can dress comfortably and in a manner that makes you feel at ease. Whether it’s casual attire or dressed-up, we’re happy to welcome you just as you are.

NURSERY: Babies and toddlers are not too young to start learning about God’s love for them. The nursery is open every Sunday excluding Easter, Christmas and summer from 10:30AM-12:30PM and is staffed by trained nursery workers. For location, please see an usher or security guard.

CHILDREN & YOUTH: The Education Ministry at the Riverside Church provides a robust year of programming for our children and youth. There is church school available on most Sundays, September – June for pre-schoolers to 12th grade.  To be added to our education newsletter to find out what’s happening on a particular Sunday, email us at education@trcnyc.org.

PARKING: If you worship with us on Sunday or special worship services, there is parking available on the street and in the garage under the church. Parking in the garage is $5 only on Sundays. (Normally $35 on other days) If you park in our garage, bring your church bulletin and parking ticket to the Security Desk to get your $5 parking coupon. You will bring your bulletin, ticket and coupon to the attendant on the upper level to receive the discounted rate, pay, and pick up your car.

Watch / Listen to Worship Services Bulletins

Individuals without internet access can call 844.223.6490 to listen to worship.