First Church of the Brethren
The Gathering Place
In Riverside
The Gathering Place in Riverside offers affordable rental space, indoors and outdoors, for family gatherings, weddings, funerals, meetings, therapist sessions, commercial kitchen space, and more.
Contact the church office for more information.
316-263-0274 or Firstcobwichita@gmail.com
Fellowship Hall
Attached to both the kitchen and the serving room, the space can hold up to 135 guests. The walls are lined with gallery hardware that can be used to affix art, photos, and other displays. The space has a baby grand piano, sound equipment, an 46-inch TV that can accommodate zoom meetings or project movies and presentations, a ceiling-mounted projector and screen, as well as a stage at one end of the room. Tables (both long and round) and chairs are available for use in this space. Restrooms are adjacent to this space. This space can be accessed by stairs or a small elevator and has been used for receptions, community meals, parties, trainings, yoga sessions, worship services, summer lunch programs, fundraisers, craft fairs, and many other events.
Kitchen
This spacious hand-crafted kitchen provides an industrial stove-top, griddle, a double oven, a convection oven, food warmer, freezer, ice maker, and industrial dish washer. A microwave, coffee maker, toaster oven, and refrigerator space are also available. Multiple counter spaces provide work stations for 10-15 people, especially considering additional counters and tables provided in the serving room, which is attached to the kitchen. Carts are available to move and serve food, collect dishes, etc.
Parlor
This room provides a living-room type feel (with couches and chairs) for smaller group gatherings (5-15 people). A crib and some toys are provided in the space as well. The door to this room does not have a window. Located on the second floor of the building, it is accessible by a short set of stairs or a small elevator. The Parlor has been used for meetings, meditation and discussion groups, and as the bride’s room at a wedding, among other things.
Nursery
This fully equipped nursery has everything you need to care for and entertain babies and small children. This space is filled with toys and includes two rocking chairs, a changing table and a crib. There is a table and chairs sized for small visitors and has a restroom facility for toddlers. The carpeted space has two doors entering the space, both of which have windows.
Parking Lot
Whether you are interested in having a garage sale, concert, farmer’s market or craft fair, this space is ideal for drawing a crowd. Restrooms can be found just inside the church doors. There is no charge to use the parking lot when one of the interior spaces is being rented.
Sanctuary
This space is the heart of the church, featuring large stained glass windows and wooden (padded) pews. Seating 150-175, this space can be expanded by adding chairs in the foyer. The sound system allows for instruments to plug in and items on the chancel area can be arranged to suit the occasion. A grand piano and an organ are in this space. Bathrooms are in the foyer, just outside of the sanctuary. The sanctuary is located on the second floor of the church building and is accessible by a short set of stairs or a small elevator. This space has been used for weddings, funerals, recitals, music concerts, community meetings and more. The sanctuary is also available to share with another worshipping community.
Conference Room
This 1st-level space has a small kitchenette (sink, coffee maker), a large conference table with another smaller conference table pushed up against it, chairs for ~20, a large dry-erase board, a small piano, and a TV set-up that can accommodate zoom meetings, projections, and video presentations.
Courtyard
This quaint, outdoor space, which can easily accommodate up to 100 guests, is shielded from the wind and, at times, from direct sunlight. The wrought iron gate at the front of the courtyard sets the space apart and the trellis lights add a simple decoration. Tables and chairs can be set up as needed to host guests. With the church kitchen nearby, catering food and drinks to the courtyard can be done with ease. This space has hosted celebrations for birthdays, anniversaries, neighborhood gatherings, graduations, and more.
"Edwina's Room"
Named for a long time pastor and community leader, Edwina Pote, This half-carpeted space can support floor play for children as well as art projects. In addition to two recliners, the space has a piano, a table with chairs, a sink, a doll house and other toys/games. The door to this room has a large window in it. Holding 10-15 people, this space has also been used for private therapy and more informal group conversational meetings.
Music Practice Room
This 1st-level, carpeted space has an electronic and moveable piano. It has 15+ chairs that can be arranged as needed or stacked and moved out of the way. The door has a large window in it. This room has hosted choir rehearsals, private music lessons, and ensemble practices.