Pilgrimage

During the fall of 2022, River Road Church celebrated the life and ministry of our church. So many people have taught, studied, worshiped, served, and given through our church during our 75-year history. All that we do is built on this strong foundation laid by everyday pilgrims, for whom we give thanks. It is our watch now. Putting focus on our own development and ministry participation will now allow us to open ourselves to how God can and will work in our lives and through us for the world. To do this, we are going to dig into what it means to be everyday pilgrims, seeking after Christ in all parts of life. This can involve specific travels or events, or it can focus on our day by day process of following Christ.

For many religious traditions, the experience of pilgrimage holds great significance. Pilgrimage involves not only a physical journey to a destination, but also a spiritual journey within oneself. As Christians, we engage in an ongoing journey of faith development that calls us toward becoming more Christlike every day. We each embark on our own Christian pilgrimage, but we do not walk alone. We follow in the footsteps of the saints who have gone before us, are kept company by the pilgrims who travel with us, even as we pave the way for those who come behind us.

Scroll down to learn more about our worship and formation opportunities.

Upcoming Opportunities:

Hike at Cold Harbor Battlefield — November 28, 2023

Hike at Cold Harbor Battlefield — November 28, 2023

Hike at Cold Harbor Battlefield Tuesday, November 28, 2023 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. The group will leave RRCB at 10:00 a.m., hike from 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m., followed by boxed lunch that is provided, return to RRCB after 1:30 p.m. Click the link below to sign up with your...

read more
Taizé Service — May 21, 2023

Taizé Service — May 21, 2023

Pilgrimage at RRCB Taizé Service Sunday, May 21, 2023 6:15 p.m., Sanctuary Chancel Music and liturgy guide us through this meditative worship. If you have attended and enjoyed the special experience of this style of worship, please invite someone to join you.

read more
Thoughtful Faith Community

Thoughtful Faith Community on Wednesdays

  • January 11, 2023: Everyday Pilgrimage led by Rev. Dr. Mike Clingenpeel
  • January 18, 2023: Experiences on the Way led by Bryn Bagby-Taylor
  • January 25, February 1, 8, 2023: Baptist Pilgrimage: How do we live from our heritage? led by Rev. Dr. Bert Browning and Rev. Dr. Bill Tuck
  • February 15, 2023: Virginia Baptist Pilgrim Waymakers led by Rev. Dr. Nathan Taylor
  • March 1 & 29, 2023: Table Dialogue—An Opportunity to Listen, Share, & Learn
  • March 8, 2023: Serving is Part of our Journey Episode 1: Missions with FeedMore/Meals on Wheels, Rise Against Hunger, and CrossOver Healthcare Ministry
  • March 15, 2023: Serving is Part of our Journey Episode 2: Missions with Disaster Response
  • March 22, 2023:Serving is Part of our Journey Episode 3: Missions with Prison Ministry Alongside Ministry Partners
  • April 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10, 2023: Our Journey With the Bible led by Rev. Dr. Ron Crawford
  • May 17, 2023: A Pilgrimage Celebration and Music by the River Road Camerata
Programs

March 5, 2023: Pursuing Personal Pilgrimage, Lunch in the Assembly Room

Taizé Worship Services in the Sanctuary Chancel

March 5, 2023
April 2, 2023
May 21, 2023

Retreats

February 17-19, 2023: Women’s Retreat at Eagle Eyrie
March 11, 2023: Everyday Pilgrim: Intentional Focus Day Retreat
May 4-7, 2023: Hiking Pilgrimage in Virginia’s Mountains
September 29-October 1, 2023: Exploring our Journeys with God: A Pilgrimage Weekend—Men’s Retreat at Camp Alkulana

Hikes

Spring Hikes—enjoy the exercise, the time, and conversations with others from River Road, while being outside enjoying God’s creation. It’s pretty great. If you haven’t been on a hike with us and have been hoping to do so, try to attend at least one walk with us.

  • March 19, 2023: Pocahontas State Park
  • May 23, 2023: Bear Creek Lake State Park in Cumberland [RESCHEDULED]
  • TBA: Voorhees Nature Preserve Trail, Colonial Beach, VA

Resources for Pilgrimage Growth & Practice

Printable Reading List

Suggested Lenten Devotional – Henri Nouwen’s Show Me The Way

  • Readings for each day of Lent. You can order previously loved copies online from a great number of retailers or purchase new from your preferred book seller. If you need assistance getting a copy, please call Rev. Anna Miller in the church office

Online Resources:

Pilgrim Stories that Shape Us:

Thoughtful Faith Community:

March 10, 2024 — Thoughtful Faith Community

March 10, 2024 — Thoughtful Faith Community

Thoughtful Faith CommunitySunday, March 10, 20244:00-7:00 p.m. This week Rev. Dr. David Breckenridge, Minister of Pastoral Care, highlights current Mental Health concerns. Supper reservations for March 10, 2024, are required by Thursday, March 7, at 4PM. Childcare is...

read more
March 3, 2024 — Thoughtful Faith Community

March 3, 2024 — Thoughtful Faith Community

Thoughtful Faith CommunitySunday, March 3, 20244:00-7:00 p.m. This week Rev. Dr. David Breckenridge, Minister of Pastoral Care, highlights current Mental Health concerns.  Supper reservations for March 3, 2024, are required by Thursday, February 29, at 4PM. Childcare...

read more
February 18, 2024 — Thoughtful Faith Community

February 18, 2024 — Thoughtful Faith Community

Thoughtful Faith CommunitySunday, February 18, 20244:00-7:00 p.m. This week we welcome Rabbi Sherry Grinsteiner. She will discuss Jewish practices of reflection and introspection that resemble the Christian season of Lent. Youth Group will not meet this week after...

read more