Education
At River Road Church, we believe the grace of God is making of us a fellowship to embody and express the Spirit of Christ. God calls us disciples, learners, to engage in the continuing education process of (1) discovering, remembering, and reaffirming our identity as the people of God, and (2) equipping ourselves to be that people in an ever-changing world. It is through education that we are invited to enter the transforming power and deepening faith of our lives as our stories and visions encounter the Story and Vision of God's Kingdom.
Sundays
- 9:45 Sunday School
River Road offers a range of Sunday School classes for all ages (nursey through senior adult) to meet the varying needs of its members. Classes for children and students are age based, while classes for adults are focused more along common interests and life stages.
- 6:00 Sunday Evening Programs
Adult Bible Study—Beginning in September of each year and lasting until May, a year-long course of study is offered for interested adults. Led by Dr. Robert Dibble and others, and meeting in Chapel Hall, participants build a community where serious intent, personal preparation, and active involvement provide the basis for significant learning.
The Way of the Child: Helping Children Experience God focuses on the spiritual formation of children. This resource recognizes that children have an innate spirituality, an acceptance of mystery, an amazing capacity for awe, a vital imagination, and an ability to be open to and receive God’s love. The Way of the Child leads children into a deeper relationship with God, instills in children spiritual practices to form lifelong habits, encourages children to respond to God, and provides an experience vital to community.
Discovery Class—A Discovery Class is offered periodically for older elementary-aged children who are interested in exploring what it means to be a Christian and a member of the church. This class meets for two sessions and is taught by the Minister to Children.
Wednesdays
- 5:15 Fellowship Dinner
- 6:30 Wednesday Evening Choices
Vespers is an evening worship service in the Chapel with thematic emphases on the spiritual practices of the Christian life, such as: hospitality, prayer, meditation, simplicity and confession. In describing Christian practices, theologian and educator, Craig Dykstra says they “are not activities we do to make something spiritual happen in our lives. Nor are they duties we undertake to be obedient to God. Rather, they are patterns of communal action that create openings in our lives where the grace, mercy and presence of God may be made known to us.” These Christian practices have the potential to shape, individually and communally, the people who participate in them.
Adult Bible Study—Each semester, a bible study is offered on Wednesday evenings led by church members and area scholars. Studies last from four to eight weeks.
Adult Electives provide for consideration and discussion of a broad spectrum of topics relevant to the life of Christian Faith. Since the goal is to provide over time a balanced program, subjects during each year include biblical and theological studies, inquiries into social concerns and contemporary issues, and opportunities for personal and relational growth. Some programs are taught by church members, while others are taught by resource persons from the larger community.
Youth Small Groups—On Wednesday nights students are divided into two topical, small group studies which both meet in the youth area. Small groups provide a more intimate forum for students to discuss Scripture, current events, and what is going on in their lives. This is the perfect place for students hoping to cultivate meaningful relationships with their peers and to deepen their faith.
Note: Programming is available for the whole family on Wednesday evenings as children are involved in specialized educational opportunities in the areas of music and missions. Children's choirs meet at 6:00 p.m. followed by Mission Kids at 6:45 p.m.
Other
- Adult Orientation
- Lectures, Forums, Retreats
- Joyful Hearts Women's Bible Study