The River is an inclusive church and fully affirms LGBTQ+ individuals and relationships. We believe that people of all sexual orientations, as well as gender identities and expressions, are fully loved by God and should be supported at every level by their Christian siblings.
Practically speaking, this means that, at the River, there are no restrictions placed on LGBTQ+ individuals when it comes to church participation, membership, volunteering, leading, getting married, being baptized, etc.
We also have programming specifically aimed at supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community:
For more information about any of our programming, please reach out through the Connection Card or email ([email protected]).
Practically speaking, this means that, at the River, there are no restrictions placed on LGBTQ+ individuals when it comes to church participation, membership, volunteering, leading, getting married, being baptized, etc.
We also have programming specifically aimed at supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community:
- Once a month, we host a social gathering called LGBTQ & Friends Fellowship. It's an evening of food, fellowship, and fun (board games, Nintendo Switch, karaoke, etc.) that usually takes place on the 4th/5th Wednesday from 7:00-9:00pm. Allies are welcome!
- Our Queer LifeGroup currently meets two Monday evenings a month. This group provides a dedicated space for LGBTQ+ folks to come together and discuss topics at the intersection of faith and gender/sexuality/queerness, as well as to support each other in the often challenging journey to navigate that intersection.
- During Pride Month we typically celebrate in a number of ways including hosting a Pride Panel, sending a group to the Pride March, and more!
- For our trans and gender-expansive members, our pastoral staff is honored to co-create and preside over renaming, reaffirmation of baptism, and/or marriage vow renewal ceremonies.
For more information about any of our programming, please reach out through the Connection Card or email ([email protected]).
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faith misunderstood: when the bible makes you meanWe fully affirm and include the LGBTQ+ community as members, teachers, and leaders in our church, not in spite of the Bible but because of it. To learn a bit about how we approach the Bible and why we believe clarity is kind, we invite you to take a look at this sermon video.
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Following Jesus Out of Our DenominationWhen the denomination we were part of began exerting pressure on member churches to limit the involvement of LGBTQ+ individuals, we made the decision to disaffiliate. Learn more in this 5-minute video.
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