Advent & Christmas at River Road
Advent & Christmas
This time during the church year, leading up to Christmas, is the season of Advent.
It is four weeks long and provides an opportunity across the weeks to reflect on the themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, represented each week in worship with the lighting of a candle. On Christmas Eve, we then light the Christ candle, remembering the moment that God came among, when Jesus was born.
Throughout this season we wait with expectancy the coming of the Christ child and celebrate that God is ever coming among us as we live for God. We also hope in the fulfillment of God’s salvation when all is redeemed and set right through Christ.
Please join us as we more through this season towards Christmas.
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 1, 2024
9:45 a.m., Sunday School
11:00 a.m., Sanctuary and rrcb.org/live
Sermon by Rev. Dr. Daniel Glaze: A Word of Hope
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Music by the River Road Chancel Choir
The Second Sunday of Advent
Service of Worship
Sunday, December 8, 2024
9:45 a.m., Sunday School
11:00 a.m., Sanctuary and rrcb.org/live
Sermon by Rev. Dr. Daniel Glaze: A Word of Peace
Luke 3:1-6
Music by the River Road Chancel Choir & Youth Choir
The Third Sunday of Advent
Service of Worship
Sunday, December 15, 2024
9:45 a.m., Sunday School
11:00 a.m., Sanctuary and rrcb.org/live
Sermon by Rev. Dr. Daniel Glaze: A Word of Joy
Zephaniah 3:14-20; Philippians 4:4-7
Music by the River Road Chancel Choir
The Fourth Sunday of Advent
Service of Worship
Sunday, December 22, 2024
9:45 a.m., Sunday School
11:00 a.m., Sanctuary and rrcb.org/live
Sermon by Rev. Dr. Daniel Glaze: A Word of Love
Luke 1:39-55
Music by the River Road Chancel Choir
The First Sunday After Christmas
Service of Worship
Sunday, December 29, 2024
11:00 a.m., Sanctuary and rrcb.org/live
Sermon by TBA
Scripture lessons TBA
Music by the River Road Chancel Choir
No Sunday School
Epiphany Sunday/Baptism of the Lord Sunday
Service of Worship & Holy Communion
Sunday, January 5, 2025
9:45 a.m., Sunday School
11:00 a.m., Sanctuary and rrcb.org/live
Sermon by Rev. Dr. Daniel Glaze
Scripture lessons TBA
Music by the River Road Chancel Choir
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
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
4:00 p.m., Sanctuary
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 a monetary offering for Welborne UMC Community Food Pantry. Special offering envelopes will be provided at the service. During the service, children and families will have the opportunity to bring the offering envelopes to the altar.
If you prefer to bring non-perishable goods, there will be boxes in the Narthex (foyer at the back of the Sanctuary). Please do not wrap these items. Newly purchased items preferred; we kindly ask that you check the expiration dates as expired items will not be donated. Check the Welborne Community Food Pantry Facebook page for their most-needed items.
Service of Candlelight & Holy Communion
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
9:00 p.m., Sanctuary
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/watch-online. Prelude music begins at 8:30 p.m.
E. Carl Freeman Concert Series
At River Road Church
Join us for our Annual Advent/Christmas concert and A King’s Singers Christmas Concert.
Tickets are on sale now.
Service of Lessons & Carols
River Road Chancel Choir and Camerata
for Advent & Christmas
December 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
Service of Lessons & Carols
River Road Chancel Choir and Camerata
for Advent & Christmas
December 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
Free Tickets
This event is likely to sell out
Vienna Boys Choir
hosted by Virginia Arts Festival
December 12, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are required and sold via Virginia Fine Arts Festival. Tickets are $45-60 per person.
Thoughtful Faith Community
Sundays at RRCB
On Sundays, our congregation comes together for Thoughtful Faith Community. We share a time of fellowship and prayer, and participate in a variety of activities for all ages. TFC is a wonderful opportunity for not only spiritual growth, but also for getting to know one another and developing friendship.
All are welcome!
Advent-ure Lunch
December 1, 2024
12:15-1:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall
A creative lunch for everyone. If you wish to make an Advent wreath for your home or just watch others do this, you are welcome to enjoy the fellowship over the table together. Sign up to be present for lunch (no charge), indicating your interest in wreath making so supplies can be provided to you. Instruction and assistance will be available.
Menu: Sliders (choice of ham, turkey, with or without cheese, and PBJ); grapes; carrots; potato chips; and a cookie
Starlight Service
December 15, 2024
6:00-7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary Chancel
A seasonal service acknowledging our grief, sadness, and weights of life that can feel overwhelming in the midst of celebrations. Reflect, pray, sing, and worship. Offer yourself and receive God’s mercies for today and this holiday season.
No meal before the service
Epiphany Lunch & Carol Sing
January 5, 2025
12:15-1:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall
Menu: TBD
Community & Outreach
From food collections to Christmas parties and Advent or Christmas Small Group Gatherings
All are welcome. Contact the church office for details.
First Sunday Food Share
December 1, 2024
Drop off in the Green Grocery Cart located in the Lower Commons
Outside Christmas Decorating
December 5, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
The Comma Club: Ovation Choir Concert
December 5, 2024 at 3:00 p.m.
at Huguenot Road Baptist Church
Chancel Choir Christmas Party
December 6, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
Home of Jerry and Nancy Carr
Children's Pizza, Pajamas, Popcorn, & Holiday Fun
December 7, 2024, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Cost: $10 per child
Friendship Class Christmas Luncheon
December 14, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.
Youth Christmas Party
December 15, 2024, 5:15-8:00 p.m.
Dinner, Around Town Photo Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt, & White Elephant Gift Exchange (spend no more than $10)
WMU Connectors Christmas Party
December 17, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
River Road Preschool Christmas Chapel
December 18, 2024 at 9:15 a.m.
River Road Cinema Buffs Christmas Movie
December 19, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
Young Adult Christmas Party
December 19, 2024, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Home of Ella Ryan and Jack Ryan
Christmas Eve Nativity Service of Lessons and Carols Rehearsal
December 22, 2024, 12:00-2:00 p.m.