join us for

riverfest 2024

Beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains

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Time with whole church community

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Jesus

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Riverfest

Let’s retreat to the serene Santa Cruz mountains with our River church family for Riverfest! Our biennial all-church retreat Riverfest is a welcome 3-day break from life in Silicon Valley. It’s an event you do not want to miss!

Inspiration

Riverfest is a time to be encouraged in our faith journey. There will be times of teaching and worship as well as opportunities for personal time of reflection and prayer. We are returning to Mount Hermon Conference Center, where there are lots of trails and benches where you can meet with God in nature as well as a quiet prayer chapel that is available throughout the weekend.

Connection

Riverfest is also a time for intentionally connecting with one another across different groups and life stages. With our whole church family gathered together, there are opportunities to meet people you have not had a chance to connect with yet on a Sunday morning and to deepen your existing relationships. If you do not normally spend time with families with kids or youth, there is the chance to do that in some of our larger gatherings, as well as over meals and during free time activities.

Details

Friday - Sunday, September 6- 8, 2024
Mount Hermon in Felton, CA

Riverfest begins with dinner on Friday and ends with lunch on Sunday. There will be some gathering times with teaching and worship. There is also space for free time on Saturday afternoon and in the evenings to hike, swim, play some ball, hang out with old or new friends, or just take a nap.

Learn more about this year’s housing options and find answers to some other frequently asked questions below.

Space is limited, so be sure to register sooner than later.

Lodging Options

All rooms come with linens (sheets and towels) and you make your own bed upon arrival.

Economy

$225

Adult

$180

Youth (13-17)

$160

Child (4-12)

Private bathroom

Small hotel-style rooms

Limited floor space and furnishings

Max 4 people per room

Learn More

Standard

$255

Adult

$200

Youth (13-17)

$180

Child (4-12)

Private bathroom

Small hotel-style rooms or cabins

Limited floor space or older bldg

Upgraded furnishings and decor

Max 8 people per room/cabin

Learn More

Deluxe

$335

Adult

$225

Youth (13-17)

$190

Child (4-12)

Private bathroom(s)

Hotel-style rooms or spacious cabin

Larger, more spacious rooms

Upgraded furnishings and decor

Lodge rooms (max 5 per room)

Cabins (max 8 people)

Learn More

Registration Deadline: August 11th

Riverfest Registration is on Planning Center

Please familiarize yourself with the different housing options before beginning the registration process.

Registration is best completed on a computer or tablet since there are many questions you will need to answer for each person you are registering.

If you are registering high schoolers or other adults, it would be helpful to know their preference for a "family job" before registering, but these can be edited later. Family jobs vary in their time commitment and some involve missing large group teaching or seminar sessions. We appreciate everyone's help in making Riverfest a success and love hearing stories every year about how new connections are made through these serving roles at Riverfest.

If you have questions or run into issues during the registration process, please contact Deborah.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will we have Mount Hermon to ourselves?

Since Mount Hermon is so large, we have not yet reached a size where we have exclusive use of the grounds. We do have primary use of all the lodging and meeting rooms in the central part of the campus.

How does Riverfest accommodate families with small children?

We strive to make Riverfest an enjoyable experience for our entire church community. Childcare will be offered during the main morning sessions at a well-equipped childcare center with volunteers from our church. Mount Hermon has pack and plays available if you would like one but not need to bring yours.

What should people with mobility issues know about Riverfest?

Mount Hermon's grounds are hilly, especially to and from the childcare center and the amphitheater. For this year’s Riverfest, we will have housing available that is directly across the road from the main meeting area. You can note any accommodations needed in the registration form.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

There is a place to note this in your registration as well as a form to communicate directly with the Mount Hermon Food Services team.

What are "family jobs"?

As a church family, we experience belonging to one another when we serve one another. Practically speaking, we need everyone to help in at least one way to make Riverfest the best possible for everyone. This is a great way to serve in an area you have been wondering about or are unable to serve on a regular Sunday morning.

During the registration process, all adults and high schoolers will be asked to select their top three choices for a “family job.” Options include kids ministry, youth ministry, helping before Riverfest, set up, tear down, registration, hospitality, production, prayer, transportation, leading a free time activity, and more.

What if we can't make the whole weekend?

We hope people will be able to step away from the busyness of Silicon Valley life for the weekend together, but know this is not always possible. On the registration page are options to sign up for Day Use or to join us only on Sunday.

I have a question not answered here. Who do I ask?

Please contact Riverfest Coordinator Deborah Woo-Miller at deborah@the-river.org if you have logistical questions about Riverfest 2024 not answered here or on the registration page.

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