Missions
– (Acts 1:8)
Mission Statement
The Board of Missions of River Road Church, Baptist seeks to inspire and promote outward expressions of faith through service by the church, its organizations, and individual members. It develops and implements programs and projects of gifts, service, and Christian outreach in cooperation with mission fellowships in the church, and in local, state, national, and world affiliations, including community service organizations.
Community service opportunities for individuals and groups, along with direct financial support of associations, organizations, education, and advocacy resources are integral parts of River Road Church’s missions efforts. We partner with a wide range of religious and secular organizations to provide a broad spectrum of outreach and services to local, national, and international communities.
Called Out to Serve
As Christ leads us, we go. In his name, we open wide our doors, our hands, and our hearts – bringing our talents and time, our gifts and prayers, to all these ministries of love, and more.
Ways to Get Involved
CBF Global Missions Offering
Our Church partners with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) for its global missions giving.
CBF Field personnel (missionaries) work in ministries from intentional communities with hospitality houses in rural Virginia to helping refugees cope with change and struggle in Uganda. Your gifts to the mission work at RRCB go to support these missionaries as they go about their work. Separately, as a congregation or individually, each person engaging with missionaries can give to support any one ministry or field personnel affiliated with CBF.
CBF seeks transformational development through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and the seeking of beloved community, bearing witness to the work and life of Jesus Christ. The Fellowship supports long-term field personnel serving in 30 countries, 50 Student.Go interns and hundreds of short-term mission teams annually. Click here for more information about what CBF is doing.
Catch the Spirit Mission Project Grant Proposal
Do you have a mission project you’d like the congregation to engage in?
You’re invited to bring your creativity to River Road Church, and help the BOM and congregation Catch the Spirit of your passion.
If there is a mission project or program in which you wish River Road Church would be involved and are willing to take the lead in make this effort happen, please fill out the application.
WMU Connectors
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 mission organizations.
WMU Connectors usually meets monthly on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in a member’s home. Come join us! Visitors and guests are always welcome to attend. For more information please call Wyatt Heisler at 804-741-9320 or check the church calendar.
Hands & Hearts: Nickelsville Mission Trip
The Hands and Hearts Mission Trip serves those in need in the area of Nickelsville, VA, and the projects are determined by the skills and passions of those who sign up. It may range from home repairs and light construction, to assisted living home visitation and food pantry assistance.
If you have any questions, please contact Laura Lee Chandler.
Next trip: April 26-May 1, 2020
CARITAS
Mission Statement: “CARITAS helps our most vulnerable neighbors break the cycles of addiction and homelessness to reclaim their dignity.”
CARITAS, the largest homeless services provider in Central Virginia, transforms lives and restores dignity through its four programs: the Shelter program, The Furniture Bank, CARITAS Works, and The Healing Place. CARITAS has evolved to its current form by filling the gaps in the homeless services system, achieving long-lasting results. Their goal is to prevent people from backsliding and returning to the shelter system because they lack the fundamental skills and resources they need to remain independent.
Our church partners with this organization in many ways, but especially twice a year (October and February) when for one week we host CARITAS guests in our fellowship hall, serving them meals and getting to know them. This hospitality ministry involves children, youth, and adults, allowing us to get to know our neighbors struggling with homelessness.
CrossOver Healthcare Ministry
Founded in 1983, CrossOver Ministry is Virginia’s largest free clinic, providing high quality healthcare services to more than 6,000 uninsured individuals each year at its two locations in Richmond.
River Road Church partners with this organization by providing volunteer medical and nonmedical personnel, sponsoring a circulo de costura (sewing circle) through our Catch the Spirit grants, and donating funds and items for families.
Short-Term Mission Work & Long-Term Partnerships
Bland County – repairing homes and providing care in southwest Virginia for a week each year.
Baptist Centers of Richmond – supporting food pantries and clothes closets with ongoing collections, as well as the Oregon Hill Baptist Center, where we prepare and serve meals to the homeless.
Camp Alkulana – repairing and reading camp facilities for Richmond inner-city youth.
Ghana Mission Trip – Forming a new partnership with churches in Ghana beginning Fall 2017.
Meals on Wheels – delivering meals to homes for FeedMore.
MICAH Initiative/ Oak Grove Elementary School – tutoring and nurturing children through the MICAH initiative.
Panama Medical/Dental Mission Trip – providing a week of clinics in remote communities in Panama in partnership with the Fundación Cristina Medico Social.
Prison Ministries – visiting and encouraging the incarcerated, recently released, and their families.
Renew Crew/Toolbox Ministry – building access ramps and repairing homes in local neighborhoods.
Rise Against Hunger – preparing pre-packaged meals for use overseas.
Missions News
Richmond Baptist Centers' Christmas Stores
Bring donations for the RBA Christmas Stores by December 1.
Thanksgiving Offering
Deadline: November 24 Our Thanksgiving offerings received during the season on Sundays, mailed in, or electronically sent will benefit the needy poor of our immediate community at The Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry held twice a month at Second Baptist Church.
Prison Ministry – Cards & Writing Supplies
Deadline: Sunday, November 17 Contribute cards, stationary, and writing supplies for Fluvanna Women’s Correctional Center. Please help women in prison stay in touch with their families. The cards may be for Christmas or other occasions. Please leave your donations on...
CROP Walk
Sunday, November 3 at St. John’s UCC – join or donate to the RRCB team!
Thanksgiving Baskets
Bring food for Oregon Hill Baptist Center by November 17.
WMU November Meeting
Connectors Tuesday, November 12 7:00 p.m., Home of Wyatt Heisler Rev. Blake Traynham, Baptist Campus Minister at the University of Richmond, will be the speaker. For more information, please contact Wyatt Heisler (804-741-9320). The RBA WMU Mission Involvement...
ESL Teachers Information Meeting
Sunday, October 20 12:30 p.m., Room #228 (in Upper Commons) We are desperately in need of teachers for the English as a Second Language program at Second Baptist that serves 75-100 new-to-America students every Monday night. Two of our regular teachers cannot continue...
ESL Snacks
Mondays @ Second Baptist Twice a month RRCB is responsible for providing snacks at the ESL classes on Mondays. Below you can find the requirements for each week. Finger Food for approximately 75-100 people. Fruits, small sandwiches, meat and cheese trays w/crackers,...
WMU October Meeting
Connectors Tuesday, October 8 7:00 p.m., Home of Diane Shoemake Rev. Michael Kellett will be the speaker. For more information, please contact Wyatt Heisler (804-741-9320) or Diane Shoemake (804-270-2190). Visitors and guests are always welcome. The RBA WMU Mission...
Camp Alkulana Golf Tournament
Friday, October 4 Take our best swing at making a child's summer wonderful. Camp Alkulana seeks to reveal God's love to children and youth of Central Virginia so that they might realize the intrinsic value in themselves and others. Golf Fees: Individuals - $80...
Food Share for RBA Centers
Every Sunday can be Food Share Sunday We have been asked to provide 15 bags of food for the South Richmond Center by September 25. Bring non-perishable food to be distributed to those in need through our Baptist Centers Directors. Look for the Green Grocery Carts in...
Micah Tutoring
Assist Children at Broad Rock Elementary School Our Micah sponsored School has opportunities for volunteers to: Read in a classroom Tutor one-on-one as guided by a classroom teacher Assist in after school program. Contact RRCB representative, Susan Ryan (804-282-6321)...