River Corner Church—Simple, Uncomplicated, Jesus.

We humans have a way of making things more complicated than they need to be. At River Corner Church, we realize that. We overthink relationships. We pack our schedules. We even complicate rest, something that’s meant to be anything but complicated. And I think sometimes, without meaning to, we make church more complicated, too.

Programs and plans have their place, and I’ve been helped by many of them over the years. But somewhere along the way, it’s easy to lose sight of what church is really meant to be. Since April 1, 2022, our family has been part of River Corner Church, a small, simple community of Jesus followers, and it has helped us slow down, breathe deeper, and remember what matters most.

Simple doesn’t always mean easy. There are still things to figure out and plenty of life to walk through even as a small church community. But being part of a church that’s not flashy or performance-driven has been a gift in this season. We aren’t focused on complicating things, even when there is pressure to do just that. We just want to follow Jesus together, worship God, and share life in community.

If you’ve been looking for a church near Lancaster, PA that feels more like home and less like a production, I’d love to invite you to visit River Corner Church. We’re located out in the quiet countryside, near the village of Conestoga—just south of Millersville and not far from Willow Street. No, it’s not near anything. However, that’s one of its strengths. It feels like we are going away from the complicated for the uncomplicated. So, I don’t know if you’ve been in church your whole life or are stepping back in after a long time, but there’s room for you here.

We want more simple people looking for an authentic and uncomplicated community to come together.

Who We Are at River Corner Church

River Corner Church is made up of everyday people—families with kids, single folks, students, retirees, people who’ve followed Jesus for years, and others who are still exploring. We gather each Sunday morning at 10:00 AM to worship, pray, study the Bible, and just be with each other. My husband Jeff McLain is the pastor here, and I serve on the Ministry Team. I help with Sunday gatherings, care for people, and try to be someone others can talk to and pray with. It’s a simple role, but it means a lot to me (you can learn more about me here).

What We Value

There are four simple things we really care about:

• We gather to worship and experience God.
• We study the Bible to learn how to live and love like Jesus.
• We walk through life together.
• We listen to the Holy Spirit and want to bring healing and peace to the places we live, work, and play.

These are the things that shape our church life—and our everyday lives, too. What we are together, we are individually. Who we are together is reflected by who we are individually.

What We Practice at River Corner Church

We’re a small church, and that’s something we’ve come to love. It gives us space to actually know each other. Our community is made up of people from different backgrounds and life stages, and our time together is simple, meaningful, and honest. It’s a mix of old and new, honestly, both modern and traditional (a tension that is too hard to walk for many). But more than anything, it’s about being real.

We want to be a place that’s safe and healing. A place where people who are hurting, tired, or unsure of what they believe can feel welcomed and loved. Around here, we really try to live out love, humility, and hospitality. And when we say there’s room at the table for you—we truly mean it.

What We Believe

Our church keeps faith pretty simple. We believe in God’s love and purpose, we follow Jesus, and we trust the Holy Spirit to guide us. The Bible is important to us—not just to study but to live. We believe God is still in the business of healing and restoration, and we want our church to be a place of encouragement and discipleship. You can read our full Statement of Faith here, if you’re curious.

A Different Kind of Church

If bigger, or busier churches have left you feeling worn out, or if you just want something more personal and genuine, River Corner Church might be the different kind of church you’ve been hoping for. Being out in the rural part of Lancaster County gives our gatherings a retreat-like feel—a place to breathe, reflect, and connect with God and others in a quieter, slower way.

We don’t have everything figured out. But we’re doing our best to live simply, love deeply, and follow Jesus together. If that sounds like something your heart’s been craving, I hope you’ll come visit.

Come as you are. There’s a seat at the table for you.

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