WELCOME TO RPC

Founded in 1863, Riverdale Presbyterian Church today reflects the vitality and diversity of the great city in which we live. Our congregation is committed to helping one another grow as disciples of Jesus Christ, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide us as we serve the world God loves.

RPC is known throughout the city for its warm welcome to all, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, economic or family status, All who come seeking an open and inclusive spiritual home where people genuinely care for one another and mission changes lives are invited to join us on the journey with God.

Sunday worship is at 10:30 am.
During the months of July and August worship begins at 10:00 am.

May 20, 2012

Confirmation Sunday at RPC

Friends,
 
I was in Nashville last weekend where the sound of fiddles and banjoes fills the air downtown and recording studios line the streets, but there's more going on in this town than country music. Do you know that Nashville boasts an exact-scale replica of Athen's Parthenon? It was built for Tennessee's Centenial Exposition in 1897. Inside is a 42 foot high golden statue of Athena, goddess of wisdom. Unlike the original Parthenon, that you can see on the craggy heights of the Acropolis in the photo, Nashville's Parthenon stands intact in a city park. But Nashville's replica is a lot closer to what Saint Paul saw on his trip to Athens around AD 60. As Paul walked around looking at the sights of that great city, he marvelled at a shrine inscribed to an "unknown god". Paul took that inscription as a starting point for a sermon to the Athenians, which he delivered in the Areopagus, the open-air spot where philosophers argued. You can see still see it today, in the foreground of the photo, a rocky outcropping below the hill of the Acropolis.

The story of Paul's sermon is told in Acts 17, and it's a wonderful text for this Sunday. Our eight young people being confirmed know a lot about idols. They are choosing to follow instead what one of them describes as "one God and only one God", and another as "Creator of the universe, my savior, my friend". All eight of their Statements of Faith will be available for you to read on Sunday. During worship, each confirmand will say yes to the promises made on their behalf when they were baptized. Hymns this Sunday include "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" and "There's a Sweet, Sweet Spirit in this Place". "Thy Word" is the Youth Choir anthem, and the Chancel Choir will sing "Everlasting Arms". After worship, the deacons will host a festive fellowship hour to greet these eight new members of the church. Be sure to offer your blessings on this important day on their journey with God.
 
Faithfully,
Nadine

 

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