Meet the RISE staff…
AMANDA MILLER GARBER
Lead / Founding Pastor
What do you actually do with RISE?
I am the “Chief Instigator” of RISE’s bold, inclusive, and creative witness (which also regularly challenges and inspires me). I seek to discern and cultivate the God-given hope and possibility within people and our community. I do all the typical clergy things - worship, teaching, sacraments, etc - all the while dreaming and scheming about ways we can mend God’s creation together.
What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy hiking, visiting National Parks, and playing in the dirt and trying to grow beautiful things. I also love sitting around a campfire and staring at the stars. I used to run long distances (and am trying to find the motivation to start doing that again).
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Toasted Almond Coconut Sorbetto at Bella Gelato (a wonderful place in Downtown Harrisonburg)
Who is your favorite superhero?
Probably Captain Marvel … she’s so cool. I also am fascinated by Doctor Strange and the ways he can manipulate time. As someone who is “time challenged,” I often wish I could do that …
Learn even more about Amanda or email her at riseharrisonburg@gmail.com
ALEXIS OWENS
Minister of Organizations and Operations (MOO)
What do you actually do with RISE?
Boiled down, I am the wizard from the Wizard of OZ. I am behind the scenes keeping all of the gears rotating and wrangling all of the RISE lions and tigers and bears!
What do you like to do for fun?
I love to read, listen to music, and hang out with other incredible beings!
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
I have worked at Klines since 2013 and the Dairy Bar will forever hold my heart! A favorite flavor you ask? Impossible! But a few of my favorites would have to be Salted Caramel Crunch, Peanut Butter Cookies and Cream, Pumpkin, and Peppermint.
Who is your favorite superhero?
Deadpool. 'Nuff said.
Email Alexis at
riseharrisonburg@gmail.com
CHRIS ZEPP
Minister of Communications, Care, etc.
What do you actually do with RISE?
I manage the regular communications of the community through text, e-mail, social media, newsletter, and the website. I also coordinate the sharing and addressing of care needs and prayer requests within the RISE community. And I'll do pretty much anything else that needs to be done - as long as I am asked nicely :-)
What do you like to do for fun?
In my limited free time, I enjoy music, humor, spectator sports, board and card games, puzzles, reading, movies and TV, and (usually!) being a karate and band dad.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Smiley's Dirty Brownie
Who is your favorite superhero?
Captain Hindsight :-)
Learn even more about Chris or email him at
communications@riseharrisonburg.com
MAGGIE MCCLARY
Music and Arts Coordinator
What do you actually do with RISE?
I am the Music and Arts Coordinator (MAC for short). My role is to engage the RISE community with music and other art forms to encourage connection to our faith and God. I lead music during our worship services and I hope that I can take it a step further than just Sunday mornings in some creative ways...TBD.
What do you like to do for fun?
I love playing music, cooking/baking, being outside, and spending time with my family.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
I promise I am not as boring as this answer may let on, but my favorite ice cream flavor is soft-serve vanilla.
Who is your favorite superhero?
Captain America
Learn even more about Maggie or email her at
maggie.garber@emu.edu