Overview
2 Corinthians 13.13:
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.
At First Congregational Church Riverside, we celebrate our diversity. Sunday mornings find a wide variety of people from all walks of life and all economical and sociological statuses. Together, we form a family.
Like all families, we have a wide variety of interests. Because of this, small groups of people gather together to pursue unique and common interests. That is what these Affinity Groups are about. And if you have an interest you would like to explore within the community of the church, let us know.
All are welcome here.
Bible Study (Adult Ed)
By wisdom a house is built, and by
understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are
filled with all precious and pleasant riches
-- Proverbs 24:3-4
Bible Study meets Tuesday mornings at 9:30. (Call the church to confirm the schedule.)
Classes reflect our church's progressive theology. Classes are
lively and differences of opinion are valued. Periodically,
evening classes are conducted.
Alphabet Soup
The first Sunday of each month the Mission Board sponsors a discussion/support group for members of the LGBTQQII community and their allies. The group features guest speakers from the congregation or the community who share their stories. Other times, the group talks about matters of interest to the community as they arise.
Arts Walk
On the first Thursday of every month, artists and their friends participate in the Downtown Arts Walk by opening the church for artists to display their art and for tours of the church. The Fine Arts Committee coordinates and anyone is welcome to participate in planning, working the event or conducting tours of the church.
Bible Study (Adult Ed)
By wisdom a house is built, and by
understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are
filled with all precious and pleasant riches
-- Proverbs 24:3-4
Bible Study meets Tuesday mornings at 9:30. (Call the church to confirm the schedule.)
Classes reflect our church's progressive theology. Classes are
lively and differences of opinion are valued. Periodically,
evening classes are conducted.
Brewdings
Meeting on the second Wednesdays of the month at a local pub (call the church for details), Brewdings is a discussion group that focuses on Christian ethics and politics.
Choir
Every Thursday evening anyone interested in singing in the choir can attend rehearsals in the church choir room at 7pm. While regular participation is preferred, even the occasional singer is welcome to participate and sing with the Pilgrim Choir on Sunday morning.
Crafters
On the first Sunday of each month, folks into creating arts and crafts meet after church in our Parish House to work on projects and share their latest creations in a relaxed atmosphere.
Dickens Festival
The church participates in Riverside's annual Dickens Festival generally held in February and often on the streets outside the church. Our contribution to the Royal Victorian Music Hall and Queen's Tea. Volunteers work all year to plan and participate in one of our church's bigger fundraisers.
Lets Go to the Movies
Let's Go to the Movies is a group for movie fans and friends who on the first Saturday of the month for a late afternoon movie followed by dinner at a nearby restaurant. Details about the time, which movie and theater, are sent out to everyone several days in advance; subscribe to the Outlook Online and watch your email inbox.
Mt Rubidoux Hikers
Monday mornings a group gathers at the corner of Cedar St. and Mission Inn Ave. to hike Mt. Rubidoux (about 4 miles round trip). The Rubidoux Walkers welcome dogs and leave at 8AM October-May and at 7:30AM June-September.
Recovery Group
Not Meeting At This Time.
Recovery is a self-help mental health group that meets every Monday at 5:30 in the Parish House Conference Room. It uses tools from cognitive therapy to help people cope with things like anxiety, sadness, low self-esteem, and other everyday problems.
Senior Luncheon
The Senior Luncheon is for our 65+ (and anyone else who is available during the day on a weekday.) It meets on the second Friday of the month at noon from September through June in the Madonna Room. Lunch is followed by a speaker or program. The cost is just $5 and people are asked to make a reservation through the church office.
Youth Fellowship
Youth grades 6-12 gather throughout the year for fellowship, community service, and special events. For more information and for schedules, check out our Facebook page.
Young Adults
Our young adults (ages 22-32) get together for potlucks, pool parties, dinner discussions, and more! To be on the mailing list for this group, please contact Rev. Hannah Cranbury at hanbur@msn.com.