Living for Jesus. Loving the Valley.
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Connect with followers of Jesus
Commit to living for Jesus
Catalyze Christ’s mission in the Lehigh Valley & Beyond!
What’s Going on at Riverbend
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. We are so grateful for our pastors, Joe Velarde and Chris Dean! We are blessed by their hearts for the Lord and for people. Pastor Joe and Pastor Chris both make a meaningful impact on their families and friends, in our church family, and within the community.
We appreciate them year round, but the elders and the pastoral care team invite you to take the opportunity to be intentional this month in reaching out to Pastor Joe, Pastor Chris, and their wives, Amy Velarde and Sam Dean with a note, text, call, or by sharing in person how grateful you are for them!
For those interested in giving a love offering to the pastors, any gifts can be given directly to the pastors. (Please note, any gifts would not be tax deductible.)
Tuesday, October 6th: Delivery and bag packing at 9:30am
Wednesday, October 14th: Distribution at 11:00-12:30pm (volunteers arrive at 10:00am)
Saturday, October 24th: Volunteer Bag Packing at 10am
Wednesday, October 18th: Distribution at 11:00am-12:30pm (Volunteers arrive at 10:00am)
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Tabitha at tabitha@riverbendonline.org or text 484-312-5831
Join us for a fun filled afternoon of fellowship, games and prizes at our Bingo and Basket Raffle Fundraiser on October 17th! Your support will enable Riverbend Community Church to host our 11th annual Lehigh Valley Night To Shine, a truly unforgettable prom experience for our guests with special needs and their families. We are so grateful for your support! Please visit our website or reach out to Laura Coates at laura@riverbendonline.org for more details.
We are so excited to celebrate with you as we end our Foundations for the Valley Campaign! 3 Years ago our church launched this campaign as we looked for a new home and this Sunday we are going to celebrate all God has provided Riverbend since we launched the campaign. Come expecting to eat cake, praise the Lord, fellowship with one another, remember the journey, learn the total money we raised, and pray about the future of Riverbend Community Church!
Beginning Sunday, October 25 at 10:15 AM, Rick Sergi will be leading the first part of our new “New Life” discipleship group. This first five-session series, Foundations of Faith, is designed to help newer believers—and anyone who wants a stronger foundation—grow in their understanding of God, their identity in Christ, and what it means to follow Jesus in everyday life.
The group will meet every other Sunday between gatherings in the Connect Room downstairs, in the hallway by the gym, on:
October 25 • November 8 • November 22 • December 6 • December 20
Topics will include Who is God?, Who Are We?, Why Jesus?, What Does It Mean to Be Born Again?, and What’s So Special About the Bible?
This is the first part of a three-part New Life pathway designed to help you build a strong foundation, gain confidence in your faith, and continue learning how to walk with Jesus.
We’d love to have you join us!
Riverbend 101 is an in-depth look into Riverbend’s beliefs, culture, and ultimate heartbeat.
This 60+ minute class is designed for those who are in step with Riverbend’s vision and are ready to take the next step toward church membership.
In this class, we’ll explore what it means to be a committed part of the Riverbend community — not just as an attendee, but as a vital member of the body of Christ. We’ll unpack how membership provides clarity, accountability, belonging, and a shared call to live out the gospel together.
You’ll learn how Riverbend views biblical community, spiritual growth, leadership, and the mission we’re called to as a church family.
Lunch is provided. Child care is provided upon request. Please register HERE.
Women of Riverbend, we’re excited to introduce Sister Up—a mentoring opportunity to grow together in Christ. In groups of three, women will explore their identity in Jesus, build meaningful relationships, and encourage one another in faith. Scan the QR code to sign up and be part of this next step in discipleship.
Tuesday, November 3rd: Delivery and bag packing at 9:30am
Wednesday, November 11th: Distribution at 11:00-12:30pm (volunteers arrive at 10:00am)
Saturday, November 21st: Volunteer Bag Packing at 10am
Monday, November 23rd: Distribution at 11:00am-12:30pm (Volunteers arrive at 10:00am)
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Tabitha at tabitha@riverbendonline.org or text 484-312-5831
The women's walk and talk happens on the first Saturday of the month. Women of all ages and abilities gather at 8:50 a.m. in the church parking lot. Participants will depart the lot for an hour-long walk in the city at 9 a.m.. The walk will conclude back at the parking lot at 10 a.m. While exercise is one of the benefits of the walk, it is not the primary goal. The primary goal is to have conversation and to connect with one another. Getting steps in and gaining an awareness of the community around our church are additional benefits.
We will be having baptisms on Sunday, November 8th and 15th during our Gatherings. If you are ready to be baptized, you can fill out an application HERE. If you have questions or would like to talk to a Pastor, please email Chris at chris@riverbendonline.org.
Mission Partner Sunday
On Sunday, November 8th, we’ll hear from missionaries and ministries that Riverbend supports. Through interviews during the message, we’ll hear their stories and celebrate how God is working through these partnerships. Join us as we look beyond our own church and see how we’re helping share the hope of Jesus.
Life and faith are better when we walk together. Riverbend’s Young Adults Ministry is a place to build friendships, ask honest questions, and grow in following Jesus. Whether you’re already connected or coming for the first time, there’s room for you. Reach out to Riverbend for gathering details—and invite a friend!
November Dates: Nov 3 and Nov 17
The women's walk and talk happens on the first Saturday of the month. Women of all ages and abilities gather at 8:50 a.m. in the church parking lot. Participants will depart the lot for an hour-long walk in the city at 9 a.m.. The walk will conclude back at the parking lot at 10 a.m. While exercise is one of the benefits of the walk, it is not the primary goal. The primary goal is to have conversation and to connect with one another. Getting steps in and gaining an awareness of the community around our church are additional benefits.
Join us in-person Sundays at 9 AM & 11 AM
Join us online LIVE at 11 AM on Youtube
Parking is available in the lot across Center Street from the church building. Additional parking is available On-street and at the Walnut St and North St parking garages (all are FREE on Sundays - time limits do not apply)
Announcements
Check out the latest events, happenings, and service opportunities at Riverbend Community Church.