Adults

Discovery Class (Age: 30s and 40s) is an interactive, lively discussion group about faith and life in the “real world.” The class is a mixture of self-taught and guest teachers, topics range from Bible studies to current events. Social events and mission projects are held regularly (both family and adult only). Class begins at 10:00 a.m. and meets in room 145 near Chapel Hall.

About the Discovery Class:

We’re a group of 30- to 40-somethings.We are a mixture of married couples, singles, parents of young children, and non-parents. While some of the people in the class grew up in the church, a lot did not but have found the center of their church home to be the Discovery Class. In short, it’s a great place to be, and to make lifelong friends who will support your spiritual and mission-focused growth, and just generally help you have more fun in this life.

A sampling of the activities we have throughout the year:

Missions:

• CARITAS – we choose a night to bring a serve dinner to the guests who stay at our church twice a year (homeless shelter program)
• Rise Against Hunger – packaging meals for distribution through the Rise Against Hunger network
• Preparing a box of food for Thanksgiving for a family in need
• Collecting school supplies for a child in need
• Other one-time missions projects that our class members are interested in and we do as a group

Social:

• Super Bowl party at a class member’s house
• Ladies’ Night Out (or In)
• Easter Brunch (at church)
• Summer cookouts at class member’s house
• Pumpkin carving party
• Friendsgiving
• And probably the class favorite – annual progressive dinner & White Elephant gift exchange in December
• Other social events as planned – we try to do something at least once a month, and we try to do a combination of family-friend and adults-only events

Pastoral Care/Social Support:

We also make a point to serve and care for each other, celebrating joyous events, and supporting each other in difficult times. For example, we always bring meals to parents of new babies, take meals to a class member who has surgery, throw baby showers/bridal showers, and otherwise care for our friends as appropriate when difficult situations arise, either on a individual, small group or large group basis.

Friendship Class is composed of a group of caring, diverse, multi-talented individuals who support each other and extend their concern of support to mission activities sponsored by the church such as CARITAS, the Christmas Stores, and Camp Alkulana, among others. Outside the church members also participate with Meals-on-Wheels through FeedMore. Various class members provide the teaching leadership and the class frequently uses the Formations literature, but also includes book reviews and topics of interest determined by class members. This class was formed over 55 years ago and continues to welcome new members. The class meets in room 228 off the Upper Commons.

Life Class is a fellowship which seeks to discover Bible truths to help with practical matters in daily living. The class explores a variety of literature resources, book studies, video series and small group discussion material, all of which are biblically focused. The class regularly makes use of the “Nurturing Faith” series from Baptists Today which chooses texts from the Revised Common Lectionary for each Sunday. The class meets in room 230 off the Upper Commons.

Robert Smart Class is named in memory of longtime River Road Church Sunday School Director Robert Smart, this class consists of adults ages 35-55. Most participants are married and have children but there are some singles in the group. The class is taught by Ed Pruden who bases his lessons on the lectionary readings for that week or on other topical subjects and books. Members of the Smart class plan several social events throughout the year and participate in class and church sponsored missions activities. This class meets in the Adult Assembly Room, off the Lower Commons, at 9:50 am for fellowship, and the lesson begins at 10 am.

Fourth Thursdays
7:30 p.m., room 102

Book Lovers is designed for women of all ages who enjoy reading and discussing books. The group chooses monthly selections, ranging from best-sellers to the classics, and a member volunteers to research the author and to moderate the discussion. They meet on the fourth Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. from September through May in room 102 off of the Lower Commons. Visitors are always welcome to attend.

First Tuesday
s
7:30 p.m., room 102

Evening Bridge is for singles or couples who enjoy playing party bridge for fun. They meet on the first Tuesday of the month in room 102 off of the Lower Commons at 7:30 p.m. Contact George or Kitty Davis (804-285-9782) for more information.

50+ Single Again, Just Single, and Caregivers
Second Fridays
12:00 p.m., Offsite

FLO is a widows and single women’s support group that meets monthly for lunch and other outings. For more information or to plan a FLO outing, please contact Jean Ellis (804-272-7672).

Weekly, Wednesdays
8:00 a.m., Reception Room

The Huddle is a men’s group that meets on Wednesday mornings to minister to one another, learn together through book study, and hold one another accountable for their faith journeys. This small group caps at about eight men, but the church is open to hosting a second group, should there be enough interest.

Third Tuesday
s
7:00 p.m., Off Site

River Road Church WMU is a group of women who support missions and emphasize fellowship. The group is responsible for monthly assignments from the RBA to support the programs at the Baptist Centers, Camp Alkulana, the BCMs at VCU and UR, and other missions organizations.