Worship

 

 

 

 

 

 

Worship is held at ten each Sunday morning and is central to the life of Riverton Church.  Every week you will find "something old and something new" in worship as we seek to balance the need for holding on to our tradition while still being relevant to twenty-first century life.

 

Communion is celebrated during the first Sunday of each month as part of an intergenerational worship service.  Our church embraces the visual and other art forms, and beautiful and creative displays often adorn our sanctuary. Feel free to contact us or just drop by on Sunday.

 

Special Worship Services

Riverton observes some special worship services throughout the year. A brief explanation of some of our special services will help new members and friends understand the service.

 

Star Gifts Sunday/Epiphany Sunday

On the first Sunday of each new year, worshippers receive a Star Gift--paper stars with a "gift" inscribed. These "gifts," chosen at random from a basket, consist of words such as love, prayer, thoughtfulness, etc. The stars are not magic--members are encouraged to take the gifts home, put the star in a spot where they will see them often and to meditate upon the meaning of the gift. A gift can be a quality that you posess in abundance, something you will receive, or something that will grow in meaning to you as the year unfolds. This simple custom is among the most popular at Riverton Church and many members supply "gifts" to friends, family and co-workers. You can find a template for creating the star gifts here.

 

Maundy Thursday Love Feast

Worshippers gather for a simple combined worship service and meal of soup, bread, cheese and fruit. Scriptures are read, hymns are sung, and we break bread together as the early Christians did. At the end of the meal, the sacrament of communion is observed and the Christ candle is snuffed out to symbolize the events of Good Friday.

 

Worship by the Farmington River

We worship "camp style" accompanied by guitar one Sunday each summer in a park overlooking a gorgeous view of the Farmington River.

 

Blessing of the Animals/St. Francis Day

On the first Sunday in October, our worship space fills with furry, finned and feathered friends to celebrate nature and the animal kingdom. Following the services we welcome animals and their people from around the area and the animals are blessed outdoors (on the porch if the weather is fowl, er, foul) and snacks are served. Interesting animal guests who have attended over the years include a horse, goats, a long-necked wild goose and a fiddler crab.

 

Mexican Style All Saints Day / Dia de los Muertos

A sacred and profound Mexican custom comes to life in New England each Fall as worshippers bring photos of loved ones who have passed away to display on a Mexican-style altar.

 

Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols

All are welcome to bask in the glow of our beautifully decorated sanctuary as we welcome the Christ child with traditional carols and Bible passages read by church members.