Advent & Christmas at River Road
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Sunday Services
All Sunday worship services are held in the Sanctuary and broadcast live on River Road Church’s YouTube Channel.
The First Sunday of Advent
Service of Worship & Holy Communion
Sunday, December 3, 2023
9:45 a.m., Sunday School
11:00 a.m., Sanctuary and rrcb.org/live
Sermon by Rev. Dr. Daniel Glaze
Worship Bulletin
The Second Sunday of Advent
Service of Worship
Sunday, December 10, 2023
9:45 a.m., Sunday School
11:00 a.m., Sanctuary and rrcb.org/live
Sermon by Rev. Dr. Daniel Glaze
Worship Bulletin
The Third Sunday of Advent
Service of Worship
Sunday, December 17, 2023
9:45 a.m., Sunday School
11:00 a.m., Sanctuary and rrcb.org/live
Sermon by Rev. Dr. Daniel Glaze
Worship Bulletin
The Fourth Sunday of Advent
Service of Worship
Sunday, December 24, 2023
9:45 a.m., Sunday School*
11:00 a.m., Sanctuary and rrcb.org/live
Sermon by Rev. Dr. Daniel Glaze
Worship Bulletin
The First Sunday After Christmas
Service of Worship
Sunday, December 31, 2023
9:45 a.m., Sunday School*
11:00 a.m., Sanctuary and rrcb.org/live
Sermon by Rev. Dr. David Breckenridge
Epiphany Sunday/Baptism of the Lord Sunday
Service of Worship & Holy Communion
Sunday, January 7, 2024
9:45 a.m., Sunday School
11:00 a.m., Sanctuary and rrcb.org/live
Sermon by Rev. Dr. Daniel Glaze
*Life Class meeting on December 24 and 31; Robert Smart Class meeting on December 31
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve…what a special time in the life of our church. Please join us on this holiest of nights, as we offer our worship to the Christ Child, whose birth we celebrate.
Nativity Service of Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 24, 2023
4:00 p.m., Sanctuary
Worship Bulletin
Join us for our annual Nativity Service of Lessons and Carols. This service tells the Christmas story through lessons and song, and is led by our children, youth, and young adults. Children of all ages are invited to attend this service to hear the Christmas Story.
We will collect non-perishable goods for Welborne UMC Community Food Pantry—these will be brought forward during the service. Please do not wrap gifts. Newly purchased items preferred; we kindly ask that you check the expiration dates as expired items will not be donated.
Suggested items (no bulk items):
- Soup: Hearty, tomato, chicken noodle
- Boxed pasta and spaghetti
- Canned Pasta (like spaghettios or chef boyardee)
- Shelf Stable Milk/Evaporated milk
- Canned chicken and tuna
- Mashed potatoes
- Fruit and applesauce cups
- Snacks like granola bars, Lance/Nabisco cracker packs, fruit snacks, saltines
Service of Candlelight & Holy Communion
Sunday, December 24, 2023
9:00 p.m., Sanctuary
Worship Bulletin
Join us for our traditional Christmas Eve Service of Candlelight and Holy Communion. This service will be broadcast live on our YouTube Channel and at rrcb.org/live. Prelude music begins at 8:30 p.m.
Thoughtful Faith Community
Sundays, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
December 3, 2023
Supper, Fellowship Hall
Supper reservations for December 3, 2023, will open on Sunday, November 26 at 9AM, and are required by Thursday, November 30 at 4PM.
Youth Group, Youth Area
Children’s Rec & Missions, CA #122
Rev. Dr. William Bradley Roberts presenting “Glimpses into Handel’s Messiah,” Fellowship Hall
Enjoy special insights, from a knowledgeable presenter, that will contribute to a more thoughtful experience in the musical presentation that follows.
Full Schedule:
4:00-4:35 p.m: River Road Camerata
4:35-5:15 p.m.: Youth Choir (6th-12th grades)
4:45-5:15 p.m.: Jubilate Choir (2nd-5th grades) and Carol Choir (age 4-1st grade)
4:45-5:30 p.m.: Community Meal
5:00-6:00 p.m.: Chancel Ringers Rehearsal
5:45-7:00 p.m.: Youth Group and Children’s Rec & Missions
6:00-7:00 p.m.: Program
December 10, 2023
Supper, Fellowship Hall
Supper reservations for December 10, 2023, will open on Sunday, December 3 at 9AM, and are required by Thursday, December 7 at 4PM.
Youth Group, Youth Area
Children’s Rec & Missions, CA #122
Compassion in Community, Fellowship Hall
Beginning in table conversation about our concerns as we approach the holiday season, we will consider what may stand in the way of joy this year. We will acknowledge our concerns before God, moving into the chancel area for our Starlight service, during which we will, together, hold our lives and needs before the Lord.
Full Schedule:
4:00-4:35 p.m: River Road Camerata
4:35-5:15 p.m.: Youth Choir (6th-12th grades)
4:45-5:15 p.m.: Jubilate Choir (2nd-5th grades) and Carol Choir (age 4-1st grade)
5:00-6:00 p.m.: Community Meal and Chancel Ringers Rehearsal
5:45-7:00 p.m.: Youth Group and Children’s Rec & Missions
6:00-7:00 p.m.: Program
December 17, 2023
Supper, Fellowship Hall
Supper reservations for December 17, 2023, will open on Sunday, December 10 at 9AM, and are required by Thursday, December 14 at 4PM.
Youth Christmas Party, Youth Area
Adults and Children Fireside Caroling & Hot Chocolate in the Courtyard
Full Schedule:
4:00-4:35 p.m: River Road Camerata
4:35-5:15 p.m.: Youth Choir (6th-12th grades)
4:45-5:15 p.m.: Jubilate Choir (2nd-5th grades) and Carol Choir (age 4-1st grade)
5:00-6:00 p.m.: Community Meal and Chancel Ringers Rehearsal
5:15-7:00 p.m.: Youth Group
6:00-7:00 p.m.: Program
E. Carl Freeman Concert Series at River Road Church
Annual Advent/Christmas Concert
River Road Chancel Choir with Orchestra
Handel’s Messiah Part I
December 3, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.
Sold Out
When You Wish Upon a Star
A King’s Singers Christmas Concert
December 16, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are required and sold via Virginia Fine Arts Festival. Tickets are $55 per person, however, e-Spire subscribers can purchase tickets at a discounted price via promo code in our weekly email newsletter.
Tickets On Sale
Community & Outreach
River Road Preschool’s Four-Year-Old and Junior Kindergarten classes are exploring Christmas customs with a trip around the world! With the wreath and its history as a foundation for their display, please stop by the exhibit cabinet in the Lower Commons to see their artistic designs and the traditions they represent.
First Sunday Food Share
December 3, 2023
Drop off in the Green Grocery Cart located in the Lower Commons
Suggested Shopping List:
Paper Bags
Cans of Vegetables (peas, green beans, corn)
Cans of Fruit
Cans of Soup
Cans of Meat: small cans of tuna, chicken
Cans of Pork and Beans or other Beans
Canned Entrées (example: Spaghettios and ravioli)
Boxed Macaroni and Cheese
Packages of Powdered Milk
Boxes of Cereal
Boxes of Instant Oatmeal (individual packs)
Rice
Dry Pasta
Peanut butter
Tomato Sauce
Box of Sugar
Children’s Christmas Movie, Games, & More
December 8, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
Parents, are you looking for night out to shop, go to dinner, or just rest and enjoy a quiet evening alone? Sign up now for your child to come to church for a movie, variety of Christmas activities, and dinner. The cost per child is $10. This will help cover cost of dinner and supplies. Space is limited and reservations are required.
Friendship Class Christmas Party
December 9, 2023 at 11:30 a.m.
Robert Smart Class Christmas Party
December 9, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
Home of the Grays
River Road Cinema Buffs
December 13, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.
Christmas Movie & Discussion
Young Adult Christmas Theology on Tap
December 14, 2023, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Home of the Whittys
Young Adult Christmas Party
December 21, 2023, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Home of the Rooneys
