
Exploring Covenant Partnership: Spring 2025
Are you ready to explore a deeper commitment to this part of the Body of Christ? Join us for the Exploring Covenant Partnership class this spring!
Are you ready to explore a deeper commitment to this part of the Body of Christ? Join us for the Exploring Covenant Partnership class this spring!
Join us in the Sanctuary at 7:00 p.m. for an opportunity to observe our collective identity around the communion table. We will be remembering Jesus sharing the Last Supper with his disciples and his mandate to love and serve one another, knowing that he would be betrayed and ultimately killed. Come and share in the gifts of God for the people of God.
Join us at noon in the Fellowship Hall for this simple midday service of silence, prayer, and Scripture reading, meditating on the suffering and death of Jesus using an installation of artist Scott Erickson's “Seven Last Sayings of Jesus on the Cross.” Come for the service and linger afterward to contemplate Christ's crucifixion.
All of our faith and all of our hope rests on this: the Resurrection. Join us in the celebration on Easter Sunday, for the Lamb has conquered death, triumphed over evil, and reigns in victory! This is the good news and we are invited in to this joy together.
While the preaching and beloved Easter songs will be consistent across all services and locations, the nature of the two spaces lend themselves to different instrumentation and styles. The Sanctuary will feature our organ, choir, and the opportunity sing the Hallelujah Chorus, and the Fellowship Hall will feature a more modern musical arrangement and casual atmosphere.
We will not have any Sunday school classes (for children or adults) on Easter Sunday. However, childcare will still be available for kindergarten and younger during each service in their usual rooms used during services.
We know how hard it is to get time on your own or with your spouse, so we want to help! Join us for a monthly date night where you can invest in your relationship or just take a much-needed night to yourself.
Come by Third at 6:00 p.m. to drop off your kids, receive words of encouragement about parenting and your relationship, and then go on a date, have dinner with another couple, or do whatever you need to do to take care of yourself. Come back by 9:00 p.m. to gather your kids.
We hope this is a restorative time for parents! REGISTRATION FOR APRIL CLOSES APRIL 20, 2025.
Note: due to space and childcare constraints, this event is for our Third Church families. Childcare is provided by our wonderful nursery workers.
Upcoming Parents’ Night Out: Friday, May 9
Bid on some baked goods, and support our mission trip this summer with our students!
Then please join our second annual Mass Choir to lead our church in a song of praise on Sunday , May 18. We will be singing a beloved Brooklyn Tabernacle piece, "He's Been Faithful" with fabulous guest soloist--and former Third pastoral resident-- Erin Rose.
All ages are welcome as long as you can read words! (If you don't read music, it's okay! We'll help you!)
If you've ever wanted to be a part of singing with a big group in church, this is your moment!
Rehearsals: Thursday, May 15, 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Saturday, May 17, 9:00-10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary
We are overwhelmed by all the excitement for Bible School this summer! At this point, we have reached capacity on both our main registration and waitlist. If that changes, we will update this page. For questions, please reach out to Blair Bigelow.
This summer, we’re learning all about PRAYER through the story of Daniel and how God points us to Jesus in the Old Testament. Join us for a fun and creative week!
When: Monday, June 9 - Thursday, June 12, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; Final performance Friday, June 13 from 9 am to 11:00 am (parents strongly encouraged to stay on Friday!)
Where: Third Church, 600 Forest Avenue
Who: 3 year olds to rising 5th graders
Registration: Opens March 1, 2025 and closes when all spots are filled. Wait list available.
Volunteers: We love volunteers and are looking for rising 6th graders up to adults to help in a variety of ways: craft preparation, teaching, group leaders, nursery helpers, recreation, music & movement, hospitality, registration, set up and clean up.
Please take a few minutes to fill out this FORM for yourself or your youth helper. There is one required training session all volunteers will need to attend. Background checks and references will be requested if you or your youth helper have not already done so. For onsite VBS volunteers, childcare for 2 and under is available during the week.
IMPORTANT: If your child requires assistance during classroom instruction at their school, parents will need to provide assistance for their child during camp.
If you have any questions, please contact Blair Bigelow.
Get excited for a week of growing closer to Jesus and great adventures and experiences—all in RVA. Ropes course, laser tag, SkyZone, and more. We’ll end each adventure back at the church.
Monday, July 14 - Thursday, July 17
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Time flexible based on activity!)
Questions? Contact Andrea Woie
Join our all church retreat this fall at Shrine Mont! Registration opens April 30
Join Miriam Bott, Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Gottman Therapist, for a marriage talk, “Connection and Conflict: Keys to a Healthy Marriage” where we will be unpacking the Gottman Method’s research on connection and conflict in relationship.
Sunday, April 13, 7:00–8:30 pm
600 Forest Ave, Room 204
Sunday, April 13, at 8:15, 9:30, and 11:00 in the Sanctuary
Together, we'll wave palms in the opening of our service and responsively read through the entire Passion of Jesus from his entry into Jerusalem to his grave. This special service is a new way we're approaching Palm Sunday, and will help set the tone for us to enter into Holy Week as a community.
We specifically need help with the following:
Brush Clearing - Clear overgrowth around fellowship hall parking lot using weed-eaters, machetes, hand saws
Power washing - pressure cleaning of playground equipment and drop inlet using power washer and wire brushes
Carpentry – install latch on dumpster enclosure using drills and sockets
Sheet rock repair – patch and paint one section of damaged wall
Haul away Debris – Gather and discard various debris (signs, plastic)
Questions? Contact Robert Bass
5th and 6th grade students are invited to the annual Club 56 Retreat. We will gather for games, food, fellowship, and a great guest speaker. Our students will also experience quiet time in God's word. Friends who are in the 5th & 6th grade are welcome to join us!
Murray Withrow, covenant partner and mission partner with Servant Partners, is organizing this opportunity for the men of Third (and all guys 13+ with a guardian) to come to this unique discipleship-focused retreat. Join Murray, along with some of his students from the East End, for this great weekend in the outdoors, as we encourage men and older boys in their spiritual formation, and find ways to bridge the gap between boyhood and manhood.
When: March 21-23 (Friday 6pm to Sunday 10am)
Where: 2136 Horseshoe Trail, Alton, VA 24520 (Horseshoe Farm). 40 beds are available on site (in barns and train cars), and tent camping is available to anyone who wants it
Who: Boys and Men 13+ (Third Church and Servant Partners). Any minors must be accompanied by a guardian.
Why: To encourage men and older boys in their spiritual formation, and to find ways to bridge the gap between boyhood and manhood
Cost: No Fees! (thanks to the generosity of Harman and Beth Saunders)
Questions? Contact Murray.
Young at Heart is a co-ed group for those who have reached retirement age or better, the "chronologically superior." We will meet the third Thursday of each month for fun and fellowship.
Bring your lunch and join us beginning Thursday, March 20, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
If you're new to Third, come to this gathering to meet a few people, learn about Third's vision, what we believe and how to get involved.
It’s true. You can sing, color, pray, write, meditate, walk, and more. Come discover this ancient practice with us during the Lenten Season. On Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, Third Church will host an event to open our hearts to the Lord and let him heal our brokenness.
In this season of Lent, join us for a time of worship, biblical reflection, and practicing lament as we join Jesus in the wilderness. Let us pour out our hearts, exposing to our Father who loves us, our broken places, constant temptations, and need for control in an out-of-control world. God calls us to lament for the unseen places in our hearts, the people in our lives, and the atrocities in the world. He wants to bring us to a place of trust, wholeness, and peace.
*Event is best suited for adults and students 13 years old and up.
Saturday, March 15, 10:00 a.m. - Noon
Fellowship Hall, 600 Forest Avenue
RSVP HERE
We know how hard it is to get time on your own or with your spouse, so we want to help! Join us for a monthly date night where you can invest in your relationship or just take a much-needed night to yourself.
Come by Third at 6:00 p.m. to drop off your kids, receive words of encouragement about parenting and your relationship, and then go on a date, have dinner with another couple, or do whatever you need to do to take care of yourself. Come back by 9:00 p.m. to gather your kids.
We hope this is a restorative time for parents!
Note: due to space and childcare constraints, this event is for our Third Church families. Childcare is provided by our wonderful nursery workers. REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 10th.
Upcoming Parents’ Night Out: Fridays, April 25, May 16 (new registrations will be required)
Saturday, March 8
9 - 10:30 am.
Fellowship Hall, 600 Forest Ave
This meeting is open to all women. We want to especially encourage women who feel on the margins to join us— single moms, single women, those managing crises or working through a divorce or separation. For anyone who wants to come and pray in community: come and be encouraged.
Childcare available for all kids under 11 with a registration.
Join us for this opportunity to come before God, pray and confess, acknowledge both our frailty and mortality, and meet God’s loving kindness there.
Drop by our Sanctuary anytime between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m on Ash Wednesday for a quiet time of reflection and prayer, as well as the imposition of ashes.
Please share with friends, family and neighbors who may be looking for an alternative to the service at 7:00 p.m.
With Author, Pastor, and Friend of Third, Nicole Unice
Come get away for a day with friends and hear from Nicole Unice. From her latest book, Not What I Signed Up For, Nicole will share from the biblical story of Joseph, along with personal reflections from difficult times in her life to help us make sense of the unexpected plot shifts in your own stories. Come grow in your understanding of God’s faithfulness.
Saturday, March 1
Third Church, 600 Forest
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
With Author, Speaker, and Covenant Partner Justin Earley
Join the men of Third for a weekend to be challenged and encouraged to engage more deeply in community to know one another and to know God more. We'll eat together, worship together, and hear from our very own Justin Earley about the importance of community and deepening relationships, based on his book Made for People.
We'll gather Friday night at 6 for BBQ from Deep Run Roadhouse, hear Justin's message and have small group time from about 7–9. On Saturday, we’ll have light breakfast offerings and coffee starting at 8:30 and then from 9–12 Justin will share twice with small group discussion after each message.
Friday, Feb. 21, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 22, 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
Third Church, 600 Forest
Young at Heart is a co-ed group for those who have reached retirement age or better, the "chronologically superior." We will meet the third Thursday of each month for fun and fellowship.
Bring your lunch and join us beginning Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
We are returning to Camp Willow Springs the weekend of February 14-16 for our annual winter retreat. Only $170 for a weekend of fellowship, fun, food, and surprises! Friends are welcome to join us!
Leaving: Friday, February 14 Meet at Third at 5 PM, buses will leave at 6 PM
Returning: Sunday, February 16. Will leave Camp at 1 PM, back to Third around 3 PM
We never want money to be a reason a student doesn't go - so we always tell families to talk to us. We have scholarships available and/or can set up payment plans. Contact Andrea if you have questions or would like a scholarship.
Stephen Jenkins is the Founder and CEO of Gracist clothing brand.
Hosted by Needle's Eye and Make Studio RVA, this cohort gathers creatives from Third and across Richmond to connect and discuss the intersection of faith and the arts.
Join us on February 10th as we hear from Stephen Jenkins, Founder & CEO of Gracist - a clothing brand that collaborates with communities in Niger, Africa, to create one-of-a-kind statement pieces which support a beautiful community that empowers the collaborators to support their families while maintaining their dignity and showcase their creative genius. Stephen will talk about the origins of Gracist Clothing Brand, guide us through a creative exercise, and share some of his own story.
Boxed dinner and refreshments will be provided for those who register. Third Church will cover the registration cost if you enter the promo code THIRDCHURCH.
This gathering will be hosted by our mission partner Needle’s Eye at Make Creative Studio at St. Giles Presbyterian Church on Monday, November 18 from 6:00–7:30 p.m. Contact Chris Porter with questions.
Talking to our kids about sex, birth, body safety, pornography, and other related topics can feel very overwhelming and awkward at times, but we all know how important it is. They'll learn about these things at some point (sooner than we think), and as their parents, we want to be the first place they hear about it.
During the workshop, we'll watch and discuss short videos from the Birds & the Bees curriculum which gives very practical steps on how to begin and continue this conversation with our kids throughout their childhood. We'll also have the opportunity to learn from each other if anyone would like to share experiences (or funny anecdotes) they've had while talking with their kids about sex. The curriculum is geared toward young children through preteens, but the information can easily be scaled to use for teens as well.
Childcare available with registration
Questions: Contact Blair Bigelow: blairb@thirdrva.org
Young at Heart is a co-ed group for those who have reached retirement age or better, the "chronologically superior." We will meet the third Thursday of each month for fun and fellowship.
Bring your lunch and join us beginning Thursday, January, 16, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Serve our neighbors in a simple and tangible way: homework tutoring!
Did you know that fully a third of the Bible is poetry? Widely considered the oldest form of literature in the world--as well as the most powerful, poetry creates a sacred space for emotions, a humble space for deep truth, and a creative space for exploration. Just as ethyl alcohol becomes potent, volatile and intoxicating when it is distilled, so too does literature in the concentrated form of good poetry.
Would you like to join us as we study the form, function, beauty and power of poetry? You are welcome! Beginning with biblical poetry and sampling the creative work of many writers, we will explore how poetry is a means of bearing witness in our world; how it can be an expression of faith, joy, lamentation, hope and love... Plus, we will consider poetry as a means of learning and discipleship and ponder how poems help us refigure and enlarge our imaginations.
This class will loosely refer to Abram Van Engen's insightful book Word Made Fresh and Malcolm Guite’s Faith, Hope and Poetry. The class will also touch on some basics of how to read poems, analyze some particular poems, and discuss how we can grow in faith, love, grace and hope by way of poetry.
Richard Haney, Mark Davis, and Val Kling will lead this six-week elective class that meets on Wednesday evenings, January 15 - February 19, 6:30 pm—8:00 pm at Third Church. To create opportunity for meaningful interaction, we will cap this class at 25.
December 20-21, 2024
8:00 p.m. – 8:00 a.m.
$25
Questions? Contact Andrea Woie or Marcellus Wright
Start the new year off right by improving your connection with your spouse with a study based on Dr. John Gottman’s book, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. This workshop, led by Gottman Institute-trained facilitators, Clint and Sally Ann Smith, will teach research-backed strategies that will strengthen and uplift your relationship–whether you are newly engaged or married for decades. Because of the interactive nature of this class, participants are encouraged to attend as a couple.
Sunday Mornings, 9:30 - 10:35
Room 204
Led by Clint and Sally Ann Smith
No RSVP needed!
Join us for this special Advent service of worshiping and reading scripture together. It is a great opportunity to begin the Advent season reflecting on scripture and praying for God's coming son.
Saturday, December 7
9 - 10:30 am.
Fellowship Hall, 600 Forest Ave
This meeting is open to all women. We want to especially encourage women who feel on the margins to join us— single moms, single women, those managing crises or working through a divorce or separation. For anyone who wants to come and pray in community: come and be encouraged.
Childcare available for all kids under 11 with a registration.
Join us for this beloved gathering with women of Third as we share a meal, worship together, and usher in the Advent season.
For this special evening, we’ll share a meal, worship together, and enter the Advent season with a special message from Third Covenant Partner and faith blogger Karen Hayes. Please join us and invite a friend!
Tuesday, December 3
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Fellowship Hall
Please bring a dish to share. You can sign up using our SignUpGenius for the potluckl!
Questions? Contact Becky Bowers, beckyb@thirdrva.org.
You will find suggestions for Stocking Stuffer items below and here. Please bring unwrapped gifts to the Women’s Christmas Dinner.
Non skid slipper socks
Small Devotionals
Pocket 2025 calendars
Small notepads
Post it notes
Women’s handkercheifs
Scarves or gloves
Small coin purses
Large print playing cards
Card games (Old Maid, Uno, etc)
Dollar Store yo-yos, dominos, checkers, etc.'
Dollar Store individual craft kits
Costume Jewelry
Lens cleaner wipes (individually packaged)
Liquid hand soap/antibacterial soap
Small plug in motion sensor night lights
Please NO product samples, safety pins, glass, or USED items. Travel size products will be accepted, but NO hotel size products will be accepted.
Join us as we kick off the Advent season! We will meet in the Fellowship Hall during the Sunday school hour for a time of worship, a message, and time for a craft!
We're forming a children's choir for 2nd-4th Graders to sing in worship on November 24!
Is your child ready to take communion? Come to this class with one of our Pastors to discuss the meaning of communion and how to know when your child is ready!