Pilgrimage
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:
Pursuing Personal Pilgrimage — March 5, 2023
Pilgrimage at RRCB Pursuing Personal Pilgrimage Discussion Group Sunday, March 5, 2023 12:30 p.m., Assembly Room We will discuss ways we each pursue growth in our spiritual understanding and relationship with the Divine. A list of helpful, potential resources will be...
Pilgrimage: A Women’s Retreat — February 17-19, 2023
Pilgrimage at RRCB Pilgrimage A Women’s Retreat February 17-19, 2023 Eagle Eyrie, Lynchburg, VA All adult women are invited to join us for a weekend in the mountains at Eagle Eyrie Conference Center. Our time will be spent in conversation, study, fellowship, and 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:
- The Daily Office
- for noon and nighttime prayer / worship: select Noon USA or Latenight USA
- Book of Common Prayer
- Oremus Bible Browser, scripture reading online
- You may select your preferred reading version of scripture texts near the top of this page, including NRSV
Pilgrim Stories that Shape Us:
Thoughtful Faith Community:
December 17, 2023 — Thoughtful Faith Community
Thoughtful Faith CommunitySunday, December 17, 20234:00-7:00 p.m. It is the last TFC of the season, but don't worry, we'll be back on January 7, 2024. This week, children and adults will enjoy hot cocoa and sing carols around the fireplace in the courtyard, while the...
December 10, 2023 — Thoughtful Faith Community
Thoughtful Faith CommunitySunday, December 10, 20234:00-7:00 p.m. There are only two weeks left of TFC this fall! We are fully immersed in the Advent season, and this week, the program, "Compassion in Community," will start in the Fellowship Hall and transition to the...
December 3, 2023 — Thoughtful Faith Community
Thoughtful Faith CommunitySunday, December 3, 20234:00-7:00 p.m. This is an exciting TFC week! Our Annual River Road Chancel Choir Advent/Christmas Concert will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Prior to the concert, we will have our regular TFC supper and...