top of page

BLOG

  • Pastor Ben
  • Sep 8

Learning from the Way of Jesus

A new series at Riverfront Family Church — starting in October

What does it look like to follow Jesus in a season of rising fear, polarization, and Christian nationalism? This October, Riverfront Family Church is launching Resist. Learning from the Way of Jesus—a journey through Luke–Acts that invites us to practice courageous, nonviolent love in public.

Why “Resist”?

In Scripture, resistance isn’t rage; it’s faithful love that refuses to dehumanize. Jesus announces good news to the poor, release for captives, sight for the blind, and a year of Jubilee (Luke 4). The first Christians turn the world “upside down” with mercy, truth, and table fellowship (Acts). We’ll ask: What does that look like here and now?

What to expect (Sundays in October)

  • Clear, hope-filled teaching from Luke–Acts (9th-grade reading level; accessible to friends of all faiths or none).

  • Real stories of resistance—Sojourner Truth and Ida B. Wells, Fannie Lou Hamer and Bayard Rustin, Dolores Huerta and César Chávez, Bryan Stevenson and more.

  • Practice the Way each week—simple actions you can try at home, at work, and in the neighborhood.

Home Gatherings, Small Groups & Book Clubs

Alongside Sundays, there will be material for use within our Home Gatherings, for small groups, and for book clubs.

The heartbeat: Hospitality · Peace · Healing

  • Hospitality: Belonging at the table—stories, meals, and welcome across difference.

  • Peace: Nonviolent action, truth-telling, and public good news.

  • Healing: Prayer, healthy boundaries, and care that restores.

A taste of the series

  • Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1): Singing hope before the evidence.

  • Nazareth Manifesto (Luke 4): Good news that touches budgets, laws, and lives.

  • Good Samaritan (Luke 10): Neighbor love that crosses lines.

  • Mars Hill (Acts 17): Reasoning with calm courage in a noisy world.

  • Ephesus (Acts 19): When good news “upsets” unjust economics—without dehumanizing anyone.

Who is this for?

Skeptics, seekers, long-time believers, the curious and the cautious. If you’ve been hurt by church, if you’re longing for a faith that heals and does good, or if you want practical ways to love your neighbors in hard times—this is for you.

How to jump in

  • Join us Sunday, October 5th  (series launches).

  • Start a Group or Book Club email ben@riverfront.church

  • Invite a friend who’s looking for hope with a backbone.

Series tagline: Resist is not against people; it’s against the powers that harm people—and it looks like Jesus.

Questions or want to RSVP? Reply to this post and we’ll get you the details for dates, group options, and the weekly “Practice the Way” guide.

 
 
 
  • Admin
  • Sep 13, 2022

At Riverfront Family Church, we have a variety of small groups, including book clubs, bible studies, prayer groups, activity groups, discussion groups and spiritual formation groups. We believe that the power of GROUPS is COMMUNITY. Groups are a catalyst for spiritual friendships and spiritual friendships are a catalyst for spiritual growth.


This Fall, we have 8 small groups that you can connect with. Check them out here.

 
 
 
Contact

Mailing Address:

RIVERFRONT FAMILY CHURCH

c/o Immanuel Congregational Church

10 Woodland Street

Hartford CT 06105

Email: office@riverfront.church

  • YouTube
  • Black Facebook Icon
  • Black Instagram Icon

We can't wait to hear from you!

bottom of page