Get ready for one of the most fun nights of the Christmas season: our Great Christmas Light Race is back for its third year! Gather your team, pile into the car, and race across town as you hunt for the brightest, wildest, and most festive Christmas displays.

To make room for all the festivities, our schedule for the night will look a little different:

5:00 - 6:00 PM Meal
6:00 - 6:15 PM Instructions in the sanctuary
6:15 - 7:45 PM Light Race
7:45 - 8:00 PM Hot cocoa & cookies
8:00 - 8:30 PM Christmas songs, message from Pastor Matt & winners announced

Be sure to download the ActionBound App ahead of time - your team will need it for the race! And don’t forget to register your team in the fellowship area today. (Each team must have an adult driver.)

Invite your friends, load up the car, and kick off the Christmas season with a night of fun, adventure, and lights you won’t forget!

Worship as a family today during services at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM services! There will not be kids programming or staffed nursery this week.

Black Friday is one of the biggest movie days of the year and it’s the perfect opportunity to welcome our community through our doors in a way that feels familiar, comfortable, and fun. We’re opening our doors wide and showing Christmas movies all afternoon to bless our neighbors and give families a meaningful break from the rush of the season.

This event is totally free, and seat reservations help us ensure there’s room for everyone. We’ll have popcorn, candy, and drinks available for freewill donation, making it easy to invite friends, coworkers, neighbors, and anyone who might not usually come to church.

Our movie lineup includes Journey to Bethlehem, The Grinch (2018), It’s a Wonderful Life, and The Star - a mix of faith-forward stories and seasonal favorites that offer something for every age and background! Whether someone comes for a movie, a moment of rest, or simply to experience friendly hospitality, it’s a chance for them to encounter the love and warmth of Christ in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

SHOWTIMES

Journey to Bethlehem: 12 PM | 3 PM | 6 PM

The Grinch: 12 PM | 2:30 PM | 5 PM

The Star: 12:30 PM | 3 PM | 5:30 PM

It’s A Wonderful Life: 2 PM | 5 PM

SAVE YOUR SEATS HERE: https://riverstone.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3281815

Pinochle & Card Games Night will be held on Thursday, November 20 at 6:00 PM in The Gathering Place. Please bring a snack, appetizer, or dessert to share and RSVP to Shirley Hanson at (701) 391-4786 by Tuesday, November 18 if you plan to attend.

Kids & Adults

5:30 PM - Meal

6:30 PM - Worship at The Rock

7:30 PM - Kids & Adults Small Groups

Students

5:30 PM - Meal

6:30 PM - Games

7:00 PM - Worship & Message

7:45 PM - Connection Time

Join us for an unforgettable evening of praise, prayer, and presence as we gather to lift up the name of Jesus together. Let’s fill the room with worship, connect as a community, and encounter God in a powerful way. Come expectant. Come hungry. Come ready to worship.

Interested in learning more about this year’s Youth Mission Trip to Peru? Join us in the Overflow immediately following second service on Sunday, November 16 for more information!

Join the Women’s Ministry for a Ladies’ Night Out at Board & Brush on Thursday, November 13, from 6:30 - 8:00 PM, located at 4700 Ottawa St, Suite E, Bismarck, ND 58503. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or someone who’s never picked up a paintbrush, this event is all about having fun, trying something new, and enjoying great company.

It’s a wonderful chance to meet new friends, catch up with familiar faces, and take a little time for yourself in the middle of a busy season. There is a $20 registration fee - if you need help with the fee, please contact the main office. Register online using the QR code and enter the event code “RIVER1113”. Space is limited, so don’t wait too long to reserve your spot!

https://boardandbrush.com/bismarck/events/private-make-and-take-workshop-11-13-2025-630pm-8pm/

5:30 PM - Meal

6:30 PM - Worship at The Rock - Everyone

7:30 PM - Kids, Students, & Adults Small Groups

Silver Stones Senior Adult Ministry will meet on Sunday, November 9. This will be a wonderful opportunity to connect with friends, enjoy the season together, and hear from our inspiring guest speaker, Kim Wood from 701 Closet. Kim will share about her ministry and the meaningful work being done through 701 Closet to support our community.

A catered dinner will be provided, with a cost of $10–$15 per person. To help us prepare and make sure there’s plenty for everyone, please RSVP to Susie Heid at (701) 202-1633 by Sunday, November 2. We encourage you to invite a friend or two to join you for this evening of faith, friendship, and fellowship.

Kids & Adults

5:30 PM - Meal

6:30 PM - Worship at The Rock

7:30 PM - Kids & Adults Small Groups

Students

5:30 PM - Meal

6:30 PM - Games

7:00 PM - Worship & Message

7:45 PM - Connection Time

Missed the First Meeting?

If you weren’t able to attend the first informational meeting for the February 2026 Adult Mission Trip, we’d love for you to join Tessa Symington and Angie Misek for another opportunity to learn more! This will be a great time to ask questions and turn in your registration paperwork.

The trip is scheduled for February 21–28, 2026, with an estimated cost of $1,300 plus airfare. A $300 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot. The registration deadline is November 16.

Pinochle & Card Games Night will be held on Thursday, August 28 at 6:00 PM in The Gathering Place. Please bring a snack, appetizer, or dessert to share and RSVP to Shirley Hanson at (701) 391-4786 by Tuesday, October 28 if you plan to attend.

Mark your calendars and get ready for an incredible night of Bold Worship at The Rock on Wednesday, October 29! We’re bringing the whole church family together for an evening packed with fun, laughter, worship, and community. We’ll kick things off at 5:30 PM with a delicious Macaroni & Cheese Bar, because everything is better with comfort food and good friends. Then at 6:30 PM, we’ll gather in the sanctuary for a powerful time of worship and a message that will inspire and encourage you.

But the night doesn’t stop there! After the service, stick around for our costume contest and show off your church-appropriate costumes. Whether you go for funny, creative, or group-themed, you might just walk away with one of our prizes. Don’t forget - a costume change might come in handy, because after that, we’ll roll into an evening of pumpkin carving! Bring your own pumpkin (and carving tools if you’ve got them) and get ready to put your creativity to the test.

We’ll be awarding prizes in multiple categories - kids, family, middle school, and high school - for the best pumpkin carvings. Plus, we’ll have fun awards for costumes too. Some possible categories include:

• Most Creative Costume

• Best Group/Family Costume

• Funniest Costume

• Best DIY Costume

• Spookiest Costume (church-appropriate!)

• Cutest Costume (especially for the little ones)

This is a night for the whole family, so don’t miss it! Come hungry, come ready to worship, and come ready to celebrate fall together.

All young adults ages 18–35 are invited to join us for an afternoon of fellowship and fun. We’ll meet in The Gathering Place to enjoy games, conversation, and community. Please bring a snack to share!

This month’s movie night feature is "Woodlawn". In 1973, newly desegregated Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, Alabama, had its first black football players - like Tony Nathan, a gifted running back. Viewers are introduced to Tony, Coach Tandy Gerelds, and Hank Erwin, a sports chaplain affiliated with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes who wants to work with the team to inspire them to "come to Jesus." Hank shows up and asks Coach Gerelds for time to speak to the team; Gerelds gives him five minutes, and when he returns to the gym an hour later, Hank is still there and has miraculously converted nearly the entire team to evangelical Christianity. Newly rededicated to their faith, the team transforms into a true brotherhood, putting their friendships - and their football - above racial differences. Inspired by his team, Gerelds also professes his faith, and the team, still guided by Hank, works together to play for the glory of God. Rated PG, we encourage parents to check reviews on Common Sense Media or reach out to our Family Ministry Director for more details.

Our Movie Nights are always free but advance seat reservations are required. Due to the popularity of these events, we require each attendee to have a seat reserved in their own name. If you need help completing this form, please contact our office. Popcorn, candy, and drinks are available and a freewill donation box is located nearby if you'd like to help us cover the cost of those items. Be sure to reserve your seats in advance, and take advantage of this unique opportunity to introduce someone new to Riverstone!

Reserve Your Seats Here: https://riverstone.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3117260

Kids & Adults

5:30 PM - Meal

6:30 PM - Worship at The Rock

7:30 PM - Kids & Adults Small Groups

Students

5:30 PM - Meal

6:30 PM - Games

7:00 PM - Worship & Message

7:45 PM - Connection Time

Sertoma Park Shelter 11 - Kids & Families are invited to join us for Healing Motions, an exercise class designed to help you feel confident, strong, and comfortable in your own skin. This is a fun, safe environment where every body is welcome, and every journey is celebrated.

At Riverstone, we believe church isn’t just something you attend, but rather, it’s something you live in community. As a church figuring out how to live with purpose, grow together, and make a positive impact in our community, we recognize that Life Groups are one of our primary pathways for that to happen.

On Sunday, October 19 at 5:00 PM, we’ll be offering a special class that explores why Life Groups matter (spiritually, relationally and missionally), and then moves into the what and how of launching and leading one in your context. Whether you’re considering joining a group, leading one yourself, or simply want to understand how this fits into Riverstone’s vision, this class will help you see how Life Groups can become living expressions of our mission and calling.

Take a break from the busyness of the week and join us for an evening created just for women - a chance to unwind, laugh, and connect with others! We’ll begin the night with a short devotional to encourage your heart and remind us of the joy we share in Christ. Afterward, we’ll roll the dice for a few rounds of Bunco, a fun and easy-to-learn game that’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned players. Whether you’re feeling competitive or just there for the company, you’ll have a great time, and there will be prizes for the winners!

Please bring a snack to share, and feel free to invite a friend, neighbor, or coworker to come along. All women 18 and older (out of high school) are warmly invited. We can’t wait to see you there for a night of faith, fun, and fellowship!

Kids & Adults

5:30 PM - Meal

6:30 PM - Worship at The Rock

7:30 PM - Kids & Adults Small Groups

Students

5:30 PM - Meal

6:30 PM - Games

7:00 PM - Worship & Message

7:45 PM - Connection Time

Are you between the ages of 18 (already graduated) and 35? Are you looking for a way to grow in your faith, serve others, and experience a new culture? Join us for an informational meeting about the Young Adult Mission Trip to Chimbote, Peru, May 24–30, 2025! The meeting will take place on Sunday, October 12 at 1 PM in Overflow.

This trip is a unique opportunity to step away from your everyday routine and join a team who are passionate about living out their faith. In Chimbote, we’ll come alongside local ministries to serve, build lasting relationships, and share God’s love in practical ways. Whether this is your first mission trip or you’ve traveled before, you’ll discover that serving others not only impacts the community in Peru but also transforms your own walk with God. If you’re curious, have questions, or just want to hear more about what this trip will look like, make plans to attend the meeting on October 12 or contact Julie Dolbec at (701) 202-6027.

Kids & Adults

5:30 PM - Meal

6:30 PM - Worship at The Rock

7:30 PM - Kids & Adults Small Groups

Students

5:30 PM - Meal

6:30 PM - Games

7:00 PM - Worship & Message

7:45 PM - Connection Time

Have you ever had life-questions you didn’t feel safe asking? Wondered what faith actually means for you? Felt like something is missing in the routine, but don’t know what? Alpha is our invitation to step into honest conversations in a safe place. Beginning Monday, October 6 from 6:30-8:00 PM, we’ll meet to explore life, faith, and meaning together. Books are available for $10 each.

Why You Should Be Part of This

A place for honest questions. No judgments. No expectations. Alpha invites you to bring your doubts, your hardest questions - “What’s the purpose of life?” “Does God really care?” - and explore them in a caring environment.

Meaningful connection. We start each evening by simply being together—sharing food or snack, conversation, laughter. It’s about real people with real lives, not perfect ones. You’ll build friendships and feel less alone.

Discover or deepen faith. Whether you’ve never believed, are questioning your faith, or simply want to get back to basics, Alpha is for you. It covers core Christian beliefs in accessible ways, giving space to think, ask, and grow.

Everyone is welcome. Alpha’s strength is that it doesn’t require you to have all the answers or be “good enough.” Everyone, no matter your background, beliefs, or where you are on your faith journey, has a seat at the table.

ALPHA Youth. While adults are gathered together to explore the basics of Christianity through Alpha, we’ll also be offering ALPHA Youth in The Gathering Place. This content and discussion is geared towards students in grades 6-12. Alpha Youth is a new way for young people to explore life, faith and purpose. Made for this generation, the new series creatively unpacks the real questions young people have. The series introduces and explores the core ideas of the Christian faith, in a relevant and engaging way.

What to Expect

• Weekly meetings led by Pastor Sam & Pastor Matt: Mondays, 6:30 - 8:00 PM, starting October 6.

• $10 book per person to guide our journey together.

• Discussion hosted in small groups so you can talk, listen, share. No pressure, just a chance to think out loud.

• Friendly atmosphere of openness, respect, and care.

If you’ve ever felt alone in your faith questions, or felt disconnected from the deeper meaning life offers, this is for you. If you think you don’t need something like this, maybe Alpha will surprise you, by helping to deepen your faith, enrich your relationships, and give you tools to live more grounded, hopeful, connected.

We believe Alpha won’t just change lives, it will change our church as we journey together. Will you be with us?

Register Here: https://riverstone.churchcenter.com/unproxy/registrations/events/3165017

Join us for a special showing of Show Me the Father: a powerful documentary from the creators of War Room that will challenge and inspire how you view both earthly and heavenly fatherhood.

After the film, we’ll gather for a guided community discussion on one of the most pressing issues of our time: fatherlessness. Together, we’ll explore how fatherlessness affects families, schools, and neighborhoods right here in our community, and practical ways we can step up -as fathers, mothers, mentors, and community members - to fill the gap and strengthen the next generation.

Come ready to share, listen, and be part of shaping solutions that bring encouragement, restoration, and hope.

Kids & Adults

5:30 PM - Meal

6:30 PM - Worship at The Rock

7:30 PM - Kids & Adults Small Groups

Students

5:30 PM - Meal

6:30 PM - Games

7:00 PM - Worship & Message

7:45 PM - Connection Time

This fall, we’re bringing back Movie Nights on the fourth Friday of each month at 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Since our church building was once a neighborhood movie theater, these events are a natural way to welcome the community into a familiar space and give people a chance to experience church in a relaxed, approachable setting. It’s a simple way to share the hope of Christ, through stories that spark conversation and connections with friends, family, and neighbors.

This month’s feature is “How to Train Your Dragon”, the story of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, the unlikely son of a Viking chief who chooses a different path when he befriends a Night Fury dragon. Their friendship challenges the assumptions of his village and opens the door to change, a theme that reminds us how courage and compassion can transform lives. The film is rated PG, and we encourage parents to check reviews on Common Sense Media or contact our Family Ministry Director with questions.

Movie Nights are free, but because they’re popular, each person needs to reserve their own seat in advance. Popcorn, candy, and drinks are available, with a donation box nearby for those who’d like to help cover costs. Be sure to reserve your seats, and consider inviting someone new - Movie Night is one of the easiest ways to help a friend experience Riverstone for the first time!

Reserve Your Seats Here: https://registrations.planningcenteronline.com/signups/3117054