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 move 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
Sunday, November 30, 2025
9:45 a.m., Sunday School
11:00 a.m., Sanctuary and rrcb.org/live
Sermon by Rev. Dr. Daniel Glaze: While We Wait…HOPE
Isaiah 2:1-5, Matthew 24:36–44
Music by the River Road Chancel Choir
The Second Sunday of Advent
Service of Worship & Holy Communion
Sunday, December 7, 2025
9:45 a.m., Sunday School
11:00 a.m., Sanctuary and rrcb.org/live
Sermon by Rev. Dr. Daniel Glaze: While We Wait…PEACE
Isaiah 11:1-10, Matthew 3:1–12
Music by the River Road Chancel Choir
The Third Sunday of Advent
Service of Worship
Sunday, December 14, 2025
9:45 a.m., Sunday School
11:00 a.m., Sanctuary and rrcb.org/live
Sermon by Rev. Dr. Daniel Glaze: While We Wait…JOY
Isaiah 35:1–10, Matthew 11:2–11, Luke 1:46b-55
Music by the River Road Chancel Choir
The Fourth Sunday of Advent
Service of Worship
Sunday, December 21, 2025
9:45 a.m., Sunday School
11:00 a.m., Sanctuary and rrcb.org/live
Sermon by Rev. Dr. Daniel Glaze: While We Wait…LOVE
Isaiah 7:10-16, Matthew 1:18-25
Music by the River Road Chancel Choir
The First Sunday After Christmas
Service of Worship with Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 28, 2025
11:00 a.m., Sanctuary and rrcb.org/live
In lieu of this week's Sunday School lesson, the church will provide a brief devotional, sent to you by email (or mail for those who need this format), so you can use it on the morning of December 28, or at anytime that weekend. Share it together as a family or enjoy it on your own.
Epiphany Sunday
Service of Worship & Holy Communion
Sunday, January 4, 2026
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
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
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, please bring a jar or can of spaghetti sauce (no glass). For those who are unable to come forward during the service, there will be collection plates and boxes in the Narthex (foyer at the back of the Sanctuary) following the service.
Service of Candlelight & Holy Communion
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
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 Christmas concert by VOCES8.
Tickets are on sale now.
Handel's Messiah
River Road Chancel Choir with Orchestra
for Advent & Christmas
December 7, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Service of Lessons & Carols
River Road Chancel Choir with Orchestra
for Advent & Christmas
December 7, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Free Tickets
This event is likely sold out
VOCES8
hosted by Virginia Arts Festival
December 18, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are required and sold via Virginia Fine Arts Festival. Tickets are $55 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
November 30, 2025
12:15-1:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall
Join us for lunch as we celebrate the beginning of the season of Advent. We will enjoy a simple meal of sliders and salad. There is no cost for the meal, but donations will be accepted. Following the meal you and your family may choose to participate in a variety of activities that will be provided from coloring a large banner to making an Advent wreath. We hope these activities will help you prepare for the season as we await the coming of the Christ child.
Starlight Service
December 14, 2025
4:00-5:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary Chancel
Our Starlight Service provides a seasonal worship opportunity for anyone wishing to acknowledge the weight of grief, sadness, worry, or concern in an intentional time with God and community. It can be overwhelming if you are under a heavy weight when others around you are joyful and celebrating. In our Sanctuary Chancel you will find a comfortable place to bring your reflections and prayers as we sing, light candles to acknowledge our concern or grief, receive the Lord’s Supper, and worship together. Come and remember God’s mercies for today and this holiday season.
Epiphany Lunch
January 4, 2026
12:15-1:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall
We will enjoy fellowship and receive “star words” for the 2026 year.
Menu: Pizza, Fresh Veggies, Cookies, and Drinks
$5 suggested donation
Community & Outreach
From food collections to Christmas parties and Advent or Christmas Small Group Gatherings
All are welcome. Contact the church office for details.
Church Hill Christian Joy
Drop off dates are November 16-26 (Sundays, 9AM-1PM or 4PM-7PM, or during the week, 9AM-5PM during office hours).
The donation drop off location is in YA #175 in the Youth Area. YA #175 is accessible from the hallway adjacent to the Fellowship Hall elevator and Ridge Road entrance.
First Sunday Food Share
December 7, 2025
Drop off in the Green Grocery Cart located in the Lower Commons
Inside Christmas Decorating
November 24, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
Outside Christmas Decorating
December 4, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
Friendship Class Christmas Luncheon
December 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.
Children's Pizza, Pajamas, Popcorn, & Holiday Fun
December 13, 2025, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Cost: $10 per child
Evening for children of all ages! Dinner will be provided (chicken nuggets, apple slices, chips and a treat). We will enjoy an evening of games, crafts, and more. The cost per child is $10. Babies are welcome as childcare will be provided in the nursery for children under 3.
Youth Christmas Party
December 14, 2025, 12:15-2:00 p.m.
Sign Up Coming Soon
Dinner, Around Town Photo Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt, & White Elephant Gift Exchange (spend no more than $10)
WMU Connectors Christmas Brunch
December 16, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.
River Road Preschool Christmas Chapel
December 17, 2025 at 9:15 a.m.
Christmas Eve Nativity Service of Lessons and Carols Rehearsal
December 21, 2025, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Young Adult Christmas Party
December 21, 2025, 6:00 p.m.
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