Ivanhoe Reformed Church

Ann Bilbrew’s journey to Ivanhoe Reformed Church began unexpectedly. It wasn’t Riverdale’s bustling streets or grand architecture that drew her in. It was a quiet Sunday, filling the pulpit at the small, aging Ivanhoe Reformed Church. The community surrounding Ivanhoe Reformed Church had transformed. The average income was low. Many households were led by single parents or grandparents. Businesses had dwindled. The weight of these struggles pressed heavily on the community. Bilbrew initially envisioned herself at Living Springs Community Church in Glenwood. However, her experience at Ivanhoe Reformed Church ignited a different vision. She saw a need, a yearning for connection and support within the Riverdale community. Bilbrew shared her vision with her mentor, Pastor Dave Izenbart. She described her desire to walk the streets, connect with people, and offer a beacon of hope. Bilbrew accompanied Ivanhoe Reformed Church through its closure. Then, she began to bring her vision for Riverdale to life. For three years, Bilbrew, her family, and her mother immersed themselves in Riverdale. They discovered a community wary of the word “church,” associating it with Sunday confinement. They chose to call their initiative the “Riverdale Ministry Center,” emphasizing an open-door policy of service and connection. In November 2014, the Riverdale Ministry Center held its first service in the former Ivanhoe Reformed Church building. Starting with 35 attendees, the center grew organically, even without advertising. The Riverdale Ministry Center demonstrated its commitment to the community through various initiatives. They partnered with Washington School, offering support to students and families. They provided coats, spiritual guidance, and food baskets. They accompanied young people to court and helped them with college applications. The center also offered classes for senior citizens, workshops on adoption and parenting, and spiritual formation training for volunteers. Despite limited resources, the Riverdale Ministry Center prioritized making disciples and nurturing its volunteers. Bilbrew’s leadership, nurtured by mentors at Living Springs, emphasized authenticity and community engagement. The center eventually moved into a new space, expanding its capacity to serve Riverdale. The legacy of Ivanhoe Reformed Church, though transformed, continues to resonate through the Riverdale Ministry Center. It stands as a testament to the power of vision, community engagement, and a commitment to serving those in need.