| Who We Are |
| 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 |
Celebrating 120 Years of Serving God and Community!
Riviera United Church of Christ is a Gospel-centered community of faith gathered in a new (2003) multi-purpose building on
a beautiful, wooded campus in Palm Bay, Florida. A proud member of the progressive Protestant denomination known as
the United Church of Christ, we are a very diverse congregation, welcoming all kinds of people from every imaginable
background: red and yellow, black and white; the young, middle-aged, and gettin’ on up there, gay, bisexual, transgendered,
or straight; Democrats and Republicans, Libertarians, Green Party, and Independents. It would be easy if we could claim
one label, but that is not what we are about. We come together as God’s people in a Gospel-loving Christian community.
One mark of welcome in our church is our communion table. It is radically open, as we believe Jesus meant it to be. One
doesn’t have to be baptized, adult, Christian, or have met any other requirement to come to God's table.
Another mark of welcome is our openness and respect as we discuss scripture and explore faith together. Questions are not
viewed as signs of heresy; nor are answers easily handed out. This is a head and heart church, a thinking and feeling
church, a learning and experiencing church.
Our Sacraments
Communion is shared every first Sunday of the month in both services of worship. All are welcome, even those who are
visiting with us. No credentials necessary! The bread and cup symbolize for us the continuing presence of Christ - God
incarnate in the world. This meal reminds us to share the love of Christ and his compassion and peace-filled ways with one
another and the world.
Baptism
Baptism is usually practiced by sprinkling, though immersion is also possible upon request. Baptism is a sign and symbol of
what God has already started in each of us, God’s claim on us as children of the Holy One. It is also a sign of our
commitment to the gathered community and to the mission and ministry of Christ’s church. Baptism is a powerful and joyful
celebration of the journey of faith.
Our History
Although Riviera United Church of Christ is now located in Palm Bay, we actually began as a church in our sister city,
Melbourne, Florida. In 1889, a dozen pioneers to the area incorporated a church under the name First Congregational
Church of Melbourne. The congregation met in the home of Edward Branch and later shared space in the Methodist
Episcopal church. In 1893, the first building was completed at the corner of US1 and Strawbridge (State Road 192). Over
the next century, the church went through good times and bad. By 2000, we had outgrown the old building and the small lot
in downtown Melbourne. The beloved historic site was sold to another young church. Our congregation, under the name
United Church of Christ, Congregational, moved to a temporary site, a former furniture warehouse on Palm Bay Road. We
spent the next three years planning and constructing our present facility. We took the name Riviera United Church of Christ
and made the big move. Our first Sunday service was held on March 2, 2003.
In 2006, Rev. Scott Elliott was called to serve our church as our first-ever assistant pastor. In 2008, he was officially installed
as the sole pastor of the church.
Ministry and Mission
Since 1997, we have offered two services of worship. The traditional service has all the elements one might have grown up
with — hymns, liturgy and responses. The contemporary service is very informal with a band and upbeat praise music, and
has been called, "The Flock that Rocks."
Between the worship services, we enjoy coffee and refreshments together. At 10:10 AM, the adults are usually engaged in a
provocative book study with open and respectful discussion. Children's Sunday School is held during the contemporary
service directly after our collective gathering for announcements and the much beloved "Storytime."
Whether in worship, at Sunday School, or any other part of our church life, please know that wherever you are on life’s
journey, you are welcome here!
The National United Church of Christ: http://ucc.org/choose.html
The Florida Conference of the UCC: http://www.uccfla.org/
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