| Wherever you are on life's journey, you are welcome here! |
| Riviera United Church of Christ |
| 451 Riviera Drive NE ● Palm Bay, Florida 32905 ● 321-723-3963 |
| © Riviera United Church of Christ |
The Ministries of Riviera UCC are always emerging or changing to meet the needs of the community and the
congregation. Some of those ministries and services are listed below.
Worship Ministry
Two Sunday morning worship experiences are offered each week along with special seasonal services.
The Sunday Services include a 9:00 AM Traditional Worship Celebration with a chancel choir, traditional music and an
uplifting Spirit. At 11:00 AM, we hold a Contemporary Praise Service with a praise band, contemporary music, a
children's message and a fast-paced informal, yet uplifting, style.
Jail Ministry
“The least of these” include those who are incarcerated in our local jail. Riviera UCC provides spiritual support and
encouragement in a transformational ministry to locally incarcerated people. Currently this ministry is conducted by our
pastor with plans to expand it to a lay ministry.
National and Overseas Ministry
Through contributions to Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM) of the United Church of Christ, Riviera UCC supports
medical missions, schools, disaster relief, justice ministries, feeding programs, equal rights efforts, self-help programs,
leadership training centers and dozens of other compassionate ministries in the United States and abroad.
Music and Drama Ministry
An integral part of the life and ministry of Riviera United Church of Christ is its drama and music. Volunteers for our
youth and adult choirs are always welcome. Original drama productions are presented,often as a part of worship. A
“Drumming Circle” has been introduced for persons of all ages and meets in our drumming circle (outside) as weather
permits. Soloists, instrumentalists and band members are welcome to audition and offer their talents in a variety of ways
for worship services and dramas. We also have a family theatre troupe that produces full-length plays for the community
with the intent of connecting youth and community with the performing arts.
Adult Education Ministry
Wednesday Bible studies and Sunday seminars are ongoing parts of the spiritual development of adults at Riviera UCC.
Wednesday Bible studies are held at noon and 6:00 PM. Adult seminars are held on Sunday mornings after the
traditional worship service. Held during the church school hour and weekdays, these courses are designed to stimulate,
challenge and support persons in the community and church in their spiritual pilgrimage. These course options are
generally convened by pastors or skilled lay persons and are advertised well in advance of the events. The Shepherd
Center, an ecumenical program, is hosted at Riviera UCC every-other year, bringing educational events to seniors in
both church and community.
Children and Youth Nurturing Ministry
Children and youth are very important at Riviera UCC, and so several ministries are available for young people in the
community and the church. Church School for all ages is available each Sunday morning at 11:10 AM.
A fantastic and growing youth group meets regularly for study, fellowship activities, service projects, and fun stuff under
the direction of gifted and caring adult leaders. A summer Community Vacation Bible School is conducted for children.
Youth, children and adults are also involved in the Music and Drama Ministries which conduct special productions
several times a year. An infant and toddler nursery is provided during both worship services.
Fellowship and Support Groups
Fellowship groups and support groups, both community based and church sponsored, are available or are emerging.
These include Women’s Fellowship, Men’s Fellowship, Second Sunday Sociables, and The Riviera Mustard Seeds -
informal gatherings by the church women. We also have informal gatherings at the church throughout the year.
Justice Ministry
The issues of social justice have been a part of Riviera UCC’s ministries and concerns for decades. Our Social Justice
Committee holds open discussions of often controversial subjects that face each of us in our faith development and
response. Consciousness-raising and action on issues as our faith dictates is often a painful process. The church
approaches this task with compassion and openness to all views.
Compassion Ministry
Providing aid, comfort, coordination and care to those suffering the loss of loved ones, in ill health, rehabilitation, home
bound or hospitalized, our Compassion Team is open to volunteers that wish to assist others in times of
extremity and transition.
Homeless Ministry
Care for the homeless is a priority at Riviera UCC. The congregation supports Habitat for Humanity and Daily Bread with
time, labor and funds. The church has fair trade coffee sales (non-profit) and, most recently, a work trip to Biloxi, MS to
assist in the relief effort of our Back Bay Mission to provide homes for the victims of hurricane Katrina. A food pantry and
Shepherd’s Fund is available to support the homeless and hungry in our community who seek out the church for various
kinds of help.
Mental Health Ministry
A professional, Nationally Certified Mental Health Counselor is on the Riviera UCC Staff and available to anyone in the
community or church. Carol Wright sees clients by appointment one day a week. Her small fee goes into a fund to
provide extended services to clients who need community referral.
Matthew 25 Garden
“Matthew 25 Ministries” (M25M) is the new name chosen for RUCC’s acts to help the community; beginning with our
M25M garden, which is amazing. If you haven’t seen it yet, check it out! We are growing food to care for Christ in others.
Counseling Ministry
A professional, Nationally Certified Mental Health Counselor is and available at Riviera UCC to anyone in the community
or church. Carol Wright sees clients by appointment one day a week. Her small fee goes into a fund to provide extended
services to clients who need community referral.
congregation. Some of those ministries and services are listed below.
Worship Ministry
Two Sunday morning worship experiences are offered each week along with special seasonal services.
The Sunday Services include a 9:00 AM Traditional Worship Celebration with a chancel choir, traditional music and an
uplifting Spirit. At 11:00 AM, we hold a Contemporary Praise Service with a praise band, contemporary music, a
children's message and a fast-paced informal, yet uplifting, style.
Jail Ministry
“The least of these” include those who are incarcerated in our local jail. Riviera UCC provides spiritual support and
encouragement in a transformational ministry to locally incarcerated people. Currently this ministry is conducted by our
pastor with plans to expand it to a lay ministry.
National and Overseas Ministry
Through contributions to Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM) of the United Church of Christ, Riviera UCC supports
medical missions, schools, disaster relief, justice ministries, feeding programs, equal rights efforts, self-help programs,
leadership training centers and dozens of other compassionate ministries in the United States and abroad.
Music and Drama Ministry
An integral part of the life and ministry of Riviera United Church of Christ is its drama and music. Volunteers for our
youth and adult choirs are always welcome. Original drama productions are presented,often as a part of worship. A
“Drumming Circle” has been introduced for persons of all ages and meets in our drumming circle (outside) as weather
permits. Soloists, instrumentalists and band members are welcome to audition and offer their talents in a variety of ways
for worship services and dramas. We also have a family theatre troupe that produces full-length plays for the community
with the intent of connecting youth and community with the performing arts.
Adult Education Ministry
Wednesday Bible studies and Sunday seminars are ongoing parts of the spiritual development of adults at Riviera UCC.
Wednesday Bible studies are held at noon and 6:00 PM. Adult seminars are held on Sunday mornings after the
traditional worship service. Held during the church school hour and weekdays, these courses are designed to stimulate,
challenge and support persons in the community and church in their spiritual pilgrimage. These course options are
generally convened by pastors or skilled lay persons and are advertised well in advance of the events. The Shepherd
Center, an ecumenical program, is hosted at Riviera UCC every-other year, bringing educational events to seniors in
both church and community.
Children and Youth Nurturing Ministry
Children and youth are very important at Riviera UCC, and so several ministries are available for young people in the
community and the church. Church School for all ages is available each Sunday morning at 11:10 AM.
A fantastic and growing youth group meets regularly for study, fellowship activities, service projects, and fun stuff under
the direction of gifted and caring adult leaders. A summer Community Vacation Bible School is conducted for children.
Youth, children and adults are also involved in the Music and Drama Ministries which conduct special productions
several times a year. An infant and toddler nursery is provided during both worship services.
Fellowship and Support Groups
Fellowship groups and support groups, both community based and church sponsored, are available or are emerging.
These include Women’s Fellowship, Men’s Fellowship, Second Sunday Sociables, and The Riviera Mustard Seeds -
informal gatherings by the church women. We also have informal gatherings at the church throughout the year.
Justice Ministry
The issues of social justice have been a part of Riviera UCC’s ministries and concerns for decades. Our Social Justice
Committee holds open discussions of often controversial subjects that face each of us in our faith development and
response. Consciousness-raising and action on issues as our faith dictates is often a painful process. The church
approaches this task with compassion and openness to all views.
Compassion Ministry
Providing aid, comfort, coordination and care to those suffering the loss of loved ones, in ill health, rehabilitation, home
bound or hospitalized, our Compassion Team is open to volunteers that wish to assist others in times of
extremity and transition.
Homeless Ministry
Care for the homeless is a priority at Riviera UCC. The congregation supports Habitat for Humanity and Daily Bread with
time, labor and funds. The church has fair trade coffee sales (non-profit) and, most recently, a work trip to Biloxi, MS to
assist in the relief effort of our Back Bay Mission to provide homes for the victims of hurricane Katrina. A food pantry and
Shepherd’s Fund is available to support the homeless and hungry in our community who seek out the church for various
kinds of help.
Mental Health Ministry
A professional, Nationally Certified Mental Health Counselor is on the Riviera UCC Staff and available to anyone in the
community or church. Carol Wright sees clients by appointment one day a week. Her small fee goes into a fund to
provide extended services to clients who need community referral.
Matthew 25 Garden
“Matthew 25 Ministries” (M25M) is the new name chosen for RUCC’s acts to help the community; beginning with our
M25M garden, which is amazing. If you haven’t seen it yet, check it out! We are growing food to care for Christ in others.
Counseling Ministry
A professional, Nationally Certified Mental Health Counselor is and available at Riviera UCC to anyone in the community
or church. Carol Wright sees clients by appointment one day a week. Her small fee goes into a fund to provide extended
services to clients who need community referral.
| Missions and Ministries |
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