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Sundays at 9:00 & 11:00 am

Plan your visit

Your first Sunday, sorted.

Walking into a new church can feel like a lot. Here’s exactly what happens, where to park, what we do with your kids and who will say hello. Tell us you’re coming and we’ll take care of the rest.

Tell us you’re coming Read the FAQ
Sundays
9:00 & 11:00 am
Length
75 minutes
Dress code
Whatever
Illustration: the Riverbend welcome tent with coffee, name tags and a sign that says Welcome Welcome!

What to expect

Seventy-five minutes, start to finish

Every Sunday follows the same simple shape, so after one visit you’ll know your way around.

  1. Before · 20 min

    Arrive and say hi

    Look for the striped welcome tent by the main doors. Grab a coffee, a name tag if you like, and a host will show you around.

  2. First · 25 min

    Sing and pray

    A band leads five or six songs, old and new. Lyrics are on the screens. Sing, listen or just sit: all three are normal here.

  3. Then · 35 min

    A practical message

    One of our pastors teaches from the Bible, with the passage on screen. Most series work through a book a few chapters at a time.

  4. After · as long as you like

    Stay for coffee

    The River Room stays open after both gatherings. On the third Sunday, our pastors host a free lunch for newcomers.

Service times

Pick the one that suits your morning

Both gatherings are the same, with kids’ programs at each. Times are Central Time. This Sunday is Sunday.

  • 9:00 am

    Sunday Gathering

    • Kids: birth to 5th grade
    • Streamed live online
    • Quieter, more seats free

  • 11:00 am

    Sunday Gathering

    • Kids: birth to 5th grade
    • ASL interpretation
    • Streamed live online

  • Wednesdays, 6:30 pmYouth Night for grades 6–12, in the Loft. Dinner included.

Riverbend Kids

Kids’ check-in in four easy steps

Every volunteer is background-checked and trained, there are always two adults in a room, and only the person holding the matching tag can collect a child.

  • Nursery

    Under 2 · Room 101

  • Preschool

    Ages 2–5 · Room 104

  • Elementary

    K–5th grade · Rooms 106–108

  • Youth

    6th grade up · in the service

  1. 1

    Head to the kids’ desk

    It’s inside the east entrance, next to the family parking spaces. Look for the blue awning.

  2. 2

    Register once

    A volunteer adds your family on a tablet in about two minutes, including any allergies. Next time it takes ten seconds.

  3. 3

    Get matching tags

    Your child wears a name tag; you keep a pickup tag with the same security code. We’ll walk you to the room.

  4. 4

    Pick up after

    Show your tag at the classroom door. If your child needs you during the service, your code appears on the screens.

Accessibility

Everyone should be able to get in, hear and take part

If something here doesn’t work for you, tell us in the plan-a-visit form or call (785) 555-0142 and we’ll sort it before you arrive.

Map of Riverbend Church and parking The church sits on the north side of Riverside Avenue between North 4th and North 6th Street, with the river behind it. The north lot is between the church and the river walk. Overflow parking is across Riverside Avenue at Riverside Elementary. The main entrance faces Riverside Avenue and the kids’ entrance is on the east side. Kansas River RIVERSIDE AVERIVERSIDE AVEN 4TH STN 6TH ST P Riverbend ELEMENTARY P Kids’ entrance Main entrance
North lot (120 spaces) Overflow at Riverside Elementary Accessible spaces & kids’ entrance

Parking & directions

Free parking, a short walk to the door

  • North lot: enter from North 4th Street. Families with young kids can use the reserved row by the east entrance.
  • Overflow: Riverside Elementary lets us use its lot on Sundays. Cross at the light; a volunteer is there from 8:40.
  • Bikes and buses: racks by the main doors, and Route 6 stops on Riverside Avenue.
Riverbend Church
418 Riverside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66044

Questions

Things people ask before their first visit

Something else? Ask us anything; a real person replies.

What should I wear?
Whatever you’re comfortable in. On a typical Sunday you’ll see jeans, scrubs after a night shift, a few suits and a lot of KU sweatshirts.
Will I be asked to stand up or introduce myself?
No. We will never single out a guest. If you’d like to say hello, stop by the welcome tent or fill in the plan-a-visit form.
Do I have to give money?
Not at all. Giving is for people who call Riverbend home, and there’s no offering plate passed around. If you do want to give, you can do it online or at the giving station.
Can my kids stay with me in the service?
Of course. Kids are welcome in the auditorium at any age, and there are activity packs at the welcome tent. The kids’ program is there if you want it.
What denomination are you?
We’re an independent, non-denominational church. Our beliefs are on the about page, and our pastors are happy to talk them through over coffee.
Is there somewhere to nurse or change a baby?
Yes: the Nursery Lounge next to Room 101 has comfortable chairs, a changing table and the service on a screen. Changing tables are in every restroom too.
Can I watch online first?
Yes. Both gatherings are streamed live, and past messages are on the sermons page.

Plan your visit

Tell us you’re coming and we’ll save you a seat

Takes a minute. We’ll email you a reminder, get your kids’ check-in ready and have a host meet you.

Which gathering?

We’ll never share your details.