Riverside Children & Families Ministry is a vibrant and inclusive community where children and families grow together in love, faith, and fellowship. We cherish every child as a valued member of our church family and are dedicated to nurturing their spiritual journey in a fun, engaging, and safe environment.

Our program offers a wide range of age-appropriate activities, including interactive Bible lessons, creative arts and crafts, music, and games. We emphasize core values like compassion, kindness, and justice, encouraging children to live out their faith in meaningful ways. Our passionate and trained educators are committed to creating a supportive and welcoming atmosphere where all children can flourish.

Join us at Riverside, where we lay a strong foundation of faith, foster lasting friendships, and inspire a lifelong love for God and our neighbors.

Click Here to Download CYF Calendar 2024-2025

Families worship together in the Nave on Communion Sundays (first Sunday of each month)

• For infants, the nursery opens at 10:30am. Please check with security for the location of the nursery

• Our preschool and kindergarten members meet for Cherub choir (10:00am) in MLK 717 and worship in the nave (11:00am). Then we, together with 1st and 2nd graders, come back to MLK 717 for Sunday School class (11:30am). The 7th floor requires a security code that you can request from the security desk or our Welcome Desk on the 3rd floor of the MLK building.

• Our 1st through 6th graders begin their day in the Chapel of the Cross on MLK 3 for Rising Voices choir at 10:00am. Then we worship in the nave (11:00)am and 3rd to 6th graders head to MLK 311 for Sunday School class (11:30am).

• Our 7th through 12th graders begin their day in the Chapel of the Cross on MLK 3 for Youth choir at 10:00am. Then we head to the nave for worship (11:00am) and come back to the Youth Room (MLK 313) for games, Bible conversation, snacks, and fellowship (11:30am).

• Parents/parent guardians meet at 10:00am for ParentConnect in MLK 318 and Online.

After worship:

• Our Kindergarten-6th graders meet for Harmony in Motion (1:00pm) where we unleash creativity and learn to play the piano and ukuleles. At Riverside we practice Sabbath on the first Sunday of each month and there will be no Harmony in Motion on the first Sunday.

Please contact Min. Heelee Velez (HVelez@trcnyc.org) for infants through 6th grade, and Rev. Jabe Ziino (JZiino@trcnyc.org) for 7th through 12th grade if you have any questions.

You may also reach out to Rev. Dr. Leah Fowler, Minister for Intergenerational Christian Education, at (LFowler@trcnyc.org), or call the Education and Faith Formation Ministry Office at 212-870-6810.

Grace Space Nursery: Introducing Grace Space: A New Nursery Program for families with young children 0-3 years. Grace Space is an enriching, faith-centered nursery program designed to nurture young children’s spiritual development through Montessori-based presentations and activities. Held every Sunday from 10:30am to 12:30pm, Grace Space offers a welcoming environment where toddlers can explore foundational elements of faith, from Jesus’ infancy narratives and parables to the vibrant celebrations of the church year. Rooted in the Center for Children and Theology in Washington DC, and supported by the Lily Endowment, Grace Space fosters community by bringing together grandparents, godparents, caregivers, and extended family, all invested in each child’s growth. Through shared experiences, children and their families will from enduring bonds in faith and friendship.

Preschool and Kindergarten: Led by our devoted Church School teachers, Riverside Preschool and Kindergarten program offers young children a joyful and engaging environment where they can explore their faith and creativity. Children will have the opportunity to sing in the choir, play bells, act out Bible stories, and build lasting friendships. Our diverse activities are designed to nurture our children’s spiritual growth and foster a love for learning and community.