Celebrating over 135 Years of Serving God and Community!
Riviera UCC can trace our history to over 135 years of service to God and neighbor, and we are still going strong with our adaptation of The New Beginnings Program as we strive to become a mission-driven church. Our doors are always open, and we are always welcoming everyone who comes to us.
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. 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 was 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. In 2013, Rev. Elliott was called to pastor a church in Ohio, and the Rev. Tim Woodard became RUCC’s stated supply minister. After that, Pastor Tim Woodard became our part-time pastor.
In 2023, during a Search and Call process, one of the considerations was forming a union with a like-minded church. After much discussion and discernment, we met with Reverend Day Broers, who was then the Senior Minister at First Christian Church of Melbourne. Rev. Day was very well received, and after some inter-church meetings and discussions, on Valentine’s Day of 2024, we took another leap of faith and officially began worshipping together with FCC Melbourne at 2010 South Babcock St, marking Riviera’s return to our roots in downtown Melbourne!
We are now in prayerful discernment with FCC Melbourne as we chart a shared covenant and forge a united future as Disciples United in Christ.
Ministry and Mission
Starting in 1997, we offered two worship services, traditional and contemporary. Seeking to gather all of God’s beloved who call Riviera home, we transitioned to a blended service that combines traditional and contemporary music. This service incorporates familiar hymns, liturgy, and responses from a traditional service, with the laid-back style and musical elements of a contemporary service.
This tradition continues in our shared worship with FCC Melbourne. Both congregations are Open and Affirming, meaning we made a commitment as a congregation to offer a radical welcome to everyone who enters our doors. No matter where you are in your life or faith journey, you will find a loving community ready to welcome you with the same radical love that Jesus freely shares with us all.
Come as you are, whether in a suit and tie or shorts and a t-shirt; you will be welcomed all the same. Our worship service tends towards traditional liturgies and responses, as well as hymns, with contemporary offerings from the choir. We can’t wait to welcome YOU on Sunday at 10:00 am, 2010 South Babcock St., Melbourne.
Whether in worship 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
The Florida Conference of the UCC