WORSHIP AT RIVERMONT

The life of our congregation is centered in the worship of God. We believe that corporate worship should be God-centered and God-glorifying, in spirit and in truth, exalting the name of Jesus Christ as Lord of all. At the heart of worship is the preaching of the Word, the declaration of the whole counsel of God illumined by the gospel of the cross and resurrection. We presently have two morning worship services on the Lord’s Day (8:30 and 11:00 a.m.). These services are essentially "the same" service, characterized by the reverence, order, and liturgical flow of classical Reformed worship, and by fervent congregational singing, passionate preaching, and joyful fellowship. The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is administered on the first Sunday of the month at both morning services.  

Though our morning worship services would be called "formal," or "traditional," we do blend elements of contemporary worship into them, singing historic hymns, and also contemporary songs. Both the hymns and the "praise songs" convey a sense of the holiness, majesty, and glory of God. This "blended-worship," then, has the feel of a seamless garment rather than a patch-work quilt.

We also have an evening service each Sunday which is much more "informal" but nonetheless just as substantial as the morning service. (The evening service is not intended to be an alternative to or substitute for morning worship, but rather another occasion for the corporate worship of God on the Lord’s Day). This service often involves praise ensembles or soloists leading the congregation in more contemporary choruses or old-time gospel hymns. Following the sermon, there is a time for members of the congregation to share prayer requests and to offer these requests in spontaneous prayer; and, every "fifth Sunday evening," the pastors and elders lead the congregation in prayers for healing, with the laying-on of hands and anointing of oil for those who request it. This healing-prayer service is conducted in simplicity and humility, acknowledging the sovereignty of God in all things.