Who We Are

Born on the American frontier in the days following American independence, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) celebrates freedom and diversity as central hallmarks of a community of faith.  Riverside Avenue Christian Church has lived out this witness in the Riverside-Avondale community since 1921. 

Across the years, Riverside has been involved in the total work and witness of the Christian Church at home and around the world.  Through ministry and programs such as sponsoring missionaries overseas and playing an instrumental role in creating a Camp and Conference Center in Silver Springs for Florida Disciples, we have been active participants in God’s ministry around the world.  Through ministry and programs such as Live Nativity, School Staff Appreciation Luncheons, and after school classes for children to the development of a community children’s Arts Center, we have been active participants in God’s ministry here in the Riverside-Avondale community.   

Like most Christians, we affirm that Jesus is the son of the Living God, whose grace provides forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God and with one another.  We also affirm that all people are God’s children and strive to live this in all our actions.  Beyond the foundation of Jesus as son of God, we believe in the individual freedom of Christians to follow their consciences guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit, study, prayer, and the community of faith.  This belief helps create a broad spectrum of faith-understanding in our church, and we seek to honor our differences faithfully by striving to learn from one another’s faith convictions. 

Disciples’ congregations celebrate the Lord's Supper every Sunday. The table is open. That means that everyone is invited to respond to Jesus’ invitation to draw closer to him around the communion table. For Disciples, the open table is a powerful symbol of our deep commitment to Christian unity. The open table honors diversity even as it celebrates unity in Christ. 

The belief that God calls both ministers and lay persons to lead in ministry is central to the way we live out our faith – both in our daily living and in our community.  We seek to encourage all participants in the life of our congregation to be active in every aspect of ministry, from worship leadership to community outreach. 

 

So what is the meaning behind the Chalice?

As a symbol for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), this red chalice is usually found on our congregations’ websites and church signs.  The chalice symbolizes the central place of communion in worship for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The X-shaped cross of the disciple Andrew is a reminder of the ministry of each person and the importance of evangelism. 

 

Where can I learn more?

If you would like to learn more about what Disciples believe: check out Discover the Disciples and our denomination’s website; or join us for worship, study or fellowship and experience for yourself a community living out unity within diversity here in the heart of Riverside-Avondale.