What are people saying about Riverside? Read for yourself...
We gave it a shot and kept coming back...
My husband and I were introduced to Riverside when we signed up for a marriage seminar that had been advertised in The Cache. I had not attended church since I was a teenager and I found many of them to be judgmental and not very friendly to newcomers. The seminar and the people were such fun and Pastor Ed and his wife Judy made us feel so welcome, we decided to "test drive" the Sunday service. That Sunday we felt like we'd finally come home. Riverside's philosphy that acceptance and love are the most important things a follower of Jesus can practice made such sense and was what we'd been searching for all along. As a bonus, we've made many close friends which further enriches our lives. If you're looking for a church that's relevant, accepting, and friendly, I highly recommend you give Riverside a try!
The video clips keep our kids attention...
We moved to Alaska (courtesy of the USAF) in October of 2009 and bought a house in Eagle river. We wanted a church home near our house and Riverside was right down the road. Its the first church we tried out and though we'd never been to a service quite like the one Riverside puts on, our kids (14 &16) couldn't stop talking about the clips (if you don't know you need to check it out). When the next Sunday rolled around, they actually asked if we could go back to Riverside! Riverside is our church home now and the staff has become an integral part of our family. We love the relaxed, fun atmosphere and the "everybody's welcome, nobody's perfect, and anything is possible" attitude has really rubbed off on all of us. God has a plan for us and that plan included Riverside Community Church.
Not trying to be the biggest, hippest, loudest...
I really enjoy the sermons and even after a lifetime in church always take away something to think about. I love the music too. I had your church picked out to visit from the website before we even moved here...but admittedly somewhat out of curiosity due to the humor of people either loving it or running from the building as you somewhat said somewhere on the website. I walked in the first Sunday we were here and have looked forward to each Sunday (or Sat.) since. I personally like that it is not stressful and it just feels like the church is not trying too hard to be...whatever...biggest, hippest, loudest music, most right....you seem to just be trying to be the church God wants you to be and it seems like it feels like home to a wide range of people. Thanks for all you do, you make it look easy and casual, but I know it is not and that you put a lot of time, effort, prayer, and love into all you do. By the way, I also love that the kids are in church and do the little songs.
Acceptance, acceptance, acceptance...
As a family we were drawn to Riverside by what we read on the website. The mission of the church is straight forward & simple. When we walked through the doors that very first time, we immediately felt a simplicity and honesty at Riverside that is refreshing and welcoming. The message at Riverside is that you are accepted just the way you are and welcomed to be a part of the family. There are opportunities to grow and learn together through worship, service and a varitey of fun activities for children, teens and adults. Pastor Ed shares the message of God's love in inspiring and innovative ways, teaching us how to use the Bible in a way that provides guidance on how to live our lives in today's world. Those who are a part of the church leadership demonstrate the ultimate example of servanthood, pitching in to do whatever it takes to bring the message of love and acceptance alive for all. Thank you Riverside!!
I was skeptical at first...
I began attending Riveside when my daughter asked me to come to a Mother's Day Sunday service. She had tried out many churches in the Eagle River area and wanted me to come check out Riverside with an open mind and heart.
I will admit that I was one of those somewhat skeptical people who wasn't sure if jeans, video clips & a pew-less environment was right for me. And what was the deal with no choir wearing their fresh pressed robes and singing canned music?
I left church that Sunday wondering what direction the Riverside was going?!?! But I found myself thinking about Riverside throughout the week and decided to give it another try. That was over a year ago and I've been thinking about what keeps bringing me back to Riverside.
Thank you Pastor Jeff for the amazing voice you share with us each week. I'm convinced that the joy I get from contemporary Christian music is a large part of my decision to stay at Riverside.
Thank you Pastor Ed for your series sermons that seem to relate to my own personal experiences every week. I never find my mind wandering while you are speaking (how do you do that?!?!?).
And finally, thanks to your families for all they do for our community through this church.
A 3 year olds perspective:
I like Riverside a lot! My favorite parts are running in to church to say hi to Pastor Ed & watching Pastor Jeff play the guitar and keyboard.
A happy mom:
My kids LOVE Riverside! As a matter of fact once when she was acting up I told her, "if you don't shape up you don't get to go to Riverside on Sunday!" The amazing thing is... it worked! I wish I had loved church this much when I was a kid.