We are an intergenerational community and believe we all benefit from learning and growing together. We strive to create a Sunday morning experience that allows teens to enter into the radical love of God, grow in a vibrant faith and participate in a whole community of believers. Practically, this might look like:
PULL UP A CHAIR
At the River you'll find a casual environment where we sit at tables to encourage conversation and connection. Show up, talk to people, worship with us, tell us about yourself!
During services there is often time for conversation and reflection about the sermon. We welcome teens to share their thoughts, questions, stories and ideas.
Interactive services
On the first Sunday of every month we host a special interactive service where all ages learn together in more active and creative ways. These services often include hands-on experiences and have been described as fun, lively and filled with practical teaching to grow in our faith.
Food
We serve refreshments and bagels before every service and also host a potluck lunch after each of our Interactive services. Teens should also check out the teen-only cooler for special beverages.
Teen cart
We have a teen cart with resources for teens to participate in worship. This includes journals available for you to use for writing your own sermon notes, recording prayers or jotting down moments where God provided blessings in your week. Yes, you can even just doodle while you listen :). You can also grab a clipboard if you prefer. Additionally there is a comment box available for youth to share prayer requests, questions, thoughts or ideas.
VOLUNTEER
Youth are invited to participate in the life of the church. There are lots of areas to get involved: hospitality, greeting, social justice projects, children’s ministry, worship ministry and music, special event planning and more!
Special events
Throughout the year there are often a variety special events to participate in. This may include guest speakers, God in the Movies sermon series, summer BBQ’s, short themed Bible studies and social events.
We understand that teens and their families have busy personal lives with school, friends and extra curricular commitments. For this reason we are not a program-heavy church. We want church to be a space where you can encounter Jesus, experience God’s love through a safe community and be inspired to live out your faith in the spaces God sends you throughout the week.