The River

A little history: In the spring of 2000, when Bristol Christian Fellowship had been worshipping together for about 2 1/2  years, we were meeting in the Mt Abe cafeteria. This was working well for worship services, but didn't allow for the flexibility needed to host various types of ministries.

One of the Elders of the church, Greg Orvis, was led by God to consider the then vacant Twin Bridges Market as a possible location out of which to minister. God also confirmed through others, and so the Orvises took the step of faith to purchase the building.

Through prayer and discussion, the fellowship agreed to use the building for ministry. The name, "The River", was suggested because of the building's closeness to the New Haven River, and because of the symbolism of rivers in the scriptures.

"They drink their fill of the abundance of Thy house and Thou dost give them to drink of the river of Thy delights"  Psalm 36:8

"He who believes in Me , as the Scriptures said, "from  his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water"  John 7:38

"There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God. Thy holy dwelling places of the most high"  Psalm 46:4

"I will open rivers on the bare heights and springs in the midst of the valleys, I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land a fountain of water"  Isaiah 41:8

                                                                                                          Opportunities for Ministry

There are many opportunities for our fellowship to minister out of The River. Some of these are listed on the right, but in all cases, we will only move into an area at the Lord's leading, that He may go before us and that the results might be His.

                                                                                                                            Young Life

Young Life is an international organization committed to bringing the truth about Christ to junior high and high school young people. Several churches and individuals in the five-town area have joined together to sponsor a Young Life group in our community. The fellowship has offered the use of our meeting room at The River for Bible studies and club meetings, if it will meet their needs. 

* ( See links above for more information on Young Life)

                                                                                                                           Coffee House

Music touches our hearts and unites our souls. The monthly coffee house offers people a place to come, sit and talk, and enjoy good music. Musicians from throughout the community are featured, representing a variety of musical styles and backgrounds including folk, country, blues, classical, Christian and others. The coffee house is the fellowship's gift to the community, and a chance for people to get to know us and learn about the ministry of The River in a relaxed environment.

                                                                                                              Men's and Women's Groups

There are needs and concerns that are unique to men and women, that can best be met by meeting with other men and women in a comfortable and safe environment. We hope to provide such opportunities at the River with breakfasts, prayer times, Bible studies, and other meetings.

                                                                                                                                 Prayer

There are times in all of our lives when we just need someone who is willing to listen to our concerns and struggles, and to join with us in bringing these issues before God in prayer. We are always willing to pray for the needs of the people of the communitty, whether one-on-one, during our worship time, or through our prayer chain.

                                                                                                                                 Others?

We are open to whatever else the Lord desires for this building, now and in the future.

For questions regarding Bristol Christian Fellowship contact:

Greg Orvis   1-802- 453-4573,  Rob Carter   1-802-453-2660,  or Rodger Hamilton   1-802-453-2614

For questions regarding The River contact:

Nancy Orvis   1-802-453-4573          or        Rodger Hamilton    1-802-453-2614