what's in a name

The Rivendell, in Rivendell Christian's name, came from what we believe to be God instilling the following statements into our hearts, so that we would be able to create a type of community that God wants us, as Christians, to have. We believe this name embodies the spirit of Christian community.

"Rivendell in J.R.R. Tolkien's writings is the home of the elves. It is a place of refuge from the troubles of the world; a place for seeking counsel and guidance as to how to fulfill one's calling, living in (yet not of) the dark evil world outside. It is a place of bountiful hospitality: filled with abundant food, music, warm companionship, and learning. Tolkien captured the essence of our prayers for our home."

The above description was borrowed from Rivendell Study Center (not affiliated with any of the groups within the Rivendell Christian Communities Family)

"Frodo was now safe in the Last Homely House east of the Sea. That House was, as Bilbo had long ago reported, a perfect house, whether you liked food or sleep or story telling or singing, or just sitting and thinking best, or a pleasant mixture of them all. Merely to be there was a cure for weariness, fear, sadness."

"For a while the hobbits continued to talk and think of the past journey and of the perils that lay ahead; but such was the virtue of the land of Rivendell that soon all fear or ill, was not forgotten, but ceased to have any power over the present. Health and hope grew strong in them and they were content with each good day as it came, taking pleasure in every meal, and in every word and song."

From "The Fellowship Of The Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien