Who We Are, What We Believe

Riverside Community Church is a vibrant, Spirit-filled congregation in the heart of Hood River. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus, we seek to love our neighbors, pursue justice, and embody the extravagant grace of God.

For over a century, we have shared God’s love in the Columbia River Gorge, growing as a community that is spiritually alive, intellectually curious, and open to fresh movements of the Spirit. Believing that God is still speaking, we strive to listen and respond—acting with humility, advocating for justice, and welcoming all.

Our Commitments

 

• Open & Affirming – We celebrate and affirm LGBTQ+ individuals in every aspect of church life.
• Immigrant Welcoming – We stand in faith with immigrants, both documented and undocumented.
• Environmental Stewardship – We actively work to care for creation through sustainable practices.

 

Our Historic Home

Our church building reflects our deep roots in Hood River’s history. The sanctuary, built in 1912, stands as a testament to faith across generations, while the 1956 addition provides space for ministry, fellowship, and community events. Overlooking the river, our gathering spaces serve as places of worship, dialogue, and service to our neighbors.

 

Justice & Reconciliation

Riverside has long been known for its dedication to social justice, education, and amplifying voices that have been historically silenced. We acknowledge, however, that our history includes moments of silence when we should have spoken out. On the 80th anniversary of the “Train of Tears,” we formally apologized for our inaction during the forced removal of Japanese Americans from Hood River during World War II. We have committed ourselves to truth-telling, reconciliation, and ensuring that the lessons of history shape a more just future.