February 1, 2026
“Christians were never meant to be normal.
We’ve always been holy troublemakers,
we’ve always been creators of uncertainty,
agents of dimension that’s incompatible with the status quo;
we do not accept the world as it is,
but we insist on the world becoming the way that God wants it to be.
And the Kingdom of God is different from the patterns of this world.”
~Jacques Ellul
The Meaning of the City (1970)
“Christianity stands or falls with its revolutionary protest against violence, arbitrariness and pride of power and with its plea for the weak. Christians are doing too little to make these points clear rather than too much. Christendom adjusts itself far too easily to the worship of power. Christians should give more offense, shock the world far more, than they are doing now.”
~Deitrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945)
German pastor, theologian, author, and anti-Nazi dissident
WORDS OF GREETING AND GATHERING
Pastor Alexis Ward Owens
WELCOMING STATEMENT
RISE believes that God has open arms, and so should we. Our Creator wants us to love, accept and affirm every human being, including persons of every age, race, ethnic background, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, family or socioeconomic status, educational background, religion or creed, and physical or mental ability. We celebrate our diversity and recognize the sacred worth and dignity of all. Everyone is invited and encouraged to join us as we seek to follow Jesus with mutual respect, understanding, and love.
*Read more about “Why Pronouns Matter” HERE.
OPENING Psalm
Psalm 15 (The Message)
1 God, who gets invited
to dinner at your place?
How do we get on your guest list?2 “Walk straight,
act right,
tell the truth.3-4 “Don’t hurt your friend,
don’t blame your neighbor;
despise the despicable.5 “Keep your word even when it costs you,
make an honest living,
never take a bribe.“You’ll never get
blacklisted
if you live like this
Opening SongS
Songs Will Happen!
“What Does The Lord Require of Thee?”
~Michael Stern
What does the Lord require of thee
but justice and tenderness and humility.
Do justly, love tenderly,
walk humbly before your God.
Come to God’s presence with praise and thanksgiving.
What does the Lord require of thee
but justice and tenderness and humility.
Do justly, love tenderly,
walk humbly before your God.
Justice will flow like an unfailing river.
What does the Lord require of thee
but justice and tenderness and humility.
Do justly, love tenderly,
walk humbly before your God.
God’s steadfast love lasts forever and ever.
What does the Lord require of thee
but justice and tenderness and humility.
Do justly, love tenderly,
walk humbly before your God.
“Blessed Are…”
~Brent Holl
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
If you’re happy and you know it sing a song.
If you’re happy and you know it sing along!
If you’re happy and you know it,
Then your face will surely show it,
If you’re happy and you know it sing a song.
Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
If you’re happy and you know it sing a song.
If you’re happy and you know it sing along!
If you’re happy and you know it,
Then your face will surely show it,
If you’re happy and you know it sing a song.
Scripture Readings
Micah 6:1-8 (CEB)
1 Hear what the Lord is saying:
Arise, lay out the lawsuit before the mountains;
let the hills hear your voice!
2 Hear, mountains, the lawsuit of the Lord!
Hear, eternal foundations of the earth!
The Lord has a lawsuit against his people;
with Israel he will argue.
3 “My people, what did I ever do to you?
How have I wearied you? Answer me!
4 I brought you up out of the land of Egypt;
I redeemed you from the house of slavery.
I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam before you.
5 My people, remember what Moab’s King Balak had planned,
and how Balaam, Beor’s son, answered him!
Remember everything from Shittim to Gilgal,
that you might learn to recognize the righteous acts of the Lord!”6 With what should I approach the Lord
and bow down before God on high?
Should I come before him with entirely burned offerings,
with year-old calves?
7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
with many torrents of oil?
Should I give my oldest child for my crime;
the fruit of my body for the sin of my spirit?
8 He has told you, human one, what is good and
what the Lord requires from you:
to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God.
Matthew 5:1-12 (The Message)
1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:
3 “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
4 “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
5 “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.
6 “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.
7 “You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.
8 “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
9 “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
10 “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.
11-12 “Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.
THEOLOGICAL Reflection
Chris Zepp
“What’s Required in the Crazy”
Check out the articles referred to in these reflections:
The Golden Age of Protest Is Now (The MIT Press Reader, 2025)
We are living through a golden age of protest (The Guardian, 2018)
What Was the Most Influential Act of Protest in History? (The Atlantic, 2018)
Jesus Was a Protester (Sojourners, 2016)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
How do you feel about protest? Have you been involved in protest - whether in individual or collective action? Do you agree that Jesus-inspired protest is at the heart of what God requires of us?
Does our faith make a difference in our social ethics? Is our protest substantially different from the social protest of our neighbors of different faiths or no faith?
“Protest is fine, but alternatives are better.” (Jim Wallis). What is our alternative to the crazy? What is our vision for something better? And how are we working to live into that vision?
Songs
“Crazy World”
~Jeff Daniels
I’ve seen a young girl smiling,
It’s something he just said,
I watched him fall into her pretty green eyes,
His cheeks turned valentine red.
I’ve seen an old man walking,
With his wife by his side,
I watched him reach down, take her hand,
Damned if I didn’t cry.
This crazy world’s gone crazy
Who am I to judge?
Nice to know in a world full of hate
There’s someone out there still making love.
I’ve seen a dog’s tail wagging,
I’ve seen a grandchild run,
I’ve sung along to a day-breaking dawn,
In a hundred thousand setting suns.
I’ve seen a door held open,
I’ve seen strangers shaking hands,
I’ve seen a kiss from that old flame she missed,
Last a little longer than planned.
This crazy world’s gone crazy
Who am I to judge?
Nice to know in a world full of hate
There’s someone out there still making love.
I’ve seen a prayer get answered,
I’ve seen a bride in June,
I’m proud to say I’ve seen the Milky Way
Winking at the man in the Moon.
I’ve seen a dozen roses,
I’ve seen a heart on her sleeve,
I’ve seen enough to know what I know
And know what I still believe.
This crazy world’s gone crazy
Who am I to judge?
Nice to know in a world full of hate
There’s someone out there
There’s someone out there
There’s someone out there…
“Hold On”
~Heidi Ann Wilson
Hold on, hold on.
My dear ones here comes the dawn.
Prayer*
~Adapted from a prayer shared by Jonathan Timothy Stoner
*When cued, sing refrain of “Hold On”
Offering and NOMOFOMO
One of our core values is, "God gives to us, so we give back." We're called to give as a joy-filled response to what we've been given. Your financial gifts make a tremendous difference in the lives of God's beloved in Harrisonburg and beyond. Whether it's helping to make sure children in our community have enough to eat, helping to respond to the mental health crisis in our community, or providing much needed backing for the operating costs of our spaces and staff — your gift is a part of God's dream and we are grateful for everyone who partners with us on this journey!
RESCHEDULED FOR TODAY!
VOICE All Call info session
Sunday, February 1, 5:30-7:30 pm
Vision of Hope United Methodist Church
Like to sing? Want to add some music to your life? Join VOICE for our next All Call information session! This is an informal, commitment-free way to learn more about VOICE, the upcoming season, membership expectations, and do some casual singing (and have a few snacks!) No audition or experience required; must be 13 or older to join. Summer concert dates are June 27 and 28, 2026. (Beth and Taylin Sellers and Sue Nelson are already members of the ensemble!)
WTF?
(Maybe happening this week?)
Thursdays at exactly dinner-ish! (6pm EST)
Downstairs at John Wesley UMC
(If we can get in the lot…)
This Week’s (Maybe) Menu (2/5):
Brothy Miso Chicken and Rice
Join us for a midweek check in to fuel your body, mind and soul.
RISE will provide the meal and a topic for conversation. All you have to do it show up!
If you are interested and/or able to help (cooking and prep, giving rides to students, setting up and greeting, washing dishes, etc) please let Alexis know!
BIG GAME Invitation
FOR NEXT SUNDAY!
Need a place to watch the “Big Game” with some cool friends? Or just want something to do that Sunday evening? Join us!
February 8
Home of the Zepps
Kick-off is at 6:30, come anytime after 6
Bring game food & snacks to share as you wish!
Drinks provided (seltzers, sodas, coffee/tea, etc)
Contact Chris or DM us if you need the address
Book Club / Study
Do you like to read? Enjoy diving deeper and talking about what you read with others? You’re not alone! We’ve got some interest in another book study (perhaps even an ongoing book club) and are looking to make a start of something in the New Year. So…
If you are interested in book studies/discussions, please click the button below and fill out the short form.
We will be in touch with those who respond to try to find the best day, time, and place for meeting. (We will likely start in late January or early February)
We’ve already got a first book chosen by request: The Four Loves, by CS Lewis. It’s a fairly short, classic read exploring various ways that we understand love and how they draw us closer to God.
Closing Song
“You’ve got a Place”
~Traditional Spiritual
You’ve got a place at the welcome table
You’ve got a place at the welcome table
some of these days. Hallelujah!
You’ve got a place at the welcome table
You’ve got a place at the welcome table
some of these days.
We’re goin’ to feast on milk and honey…
We’ll give thanks at the welcome table…
We’ll come home to the welcome table…
I’m goin’ down to the river of Jordan…
I’m goin’ to sit down with my Jesus…
I’m goin’ to sing in the heavenly choir…
I’m gonna eat at the welcome table…
Parting Blessing
~Pastor Renée Notkin
“I am daily inspired by how Jesus continually turns the world upside down in regards to power, might, world success and achievement. Jesus’ subversive challenges to the human-crafted structures that oppress and bind is what keeps me following Jesus and holding on to hope that there is a third way — the Jesus way that brings healing to individuals, communities and nations.”
Friends, may we always strive for this Jesus way, even as we make good and holy trouble.
Remember that you are a gift, so go now and be a gift in this crazy world!
Remember friends — you are a gift!
Now go and be a gift!
If you would like to connect more deeply with RISE, you can start by submitting this short form to Get Connected!
You might also consider:
Sign up for texting services:
Text “RISE” to 833-803-0868 to join the primary list and receive weekly community updates and alerts
Text “RISEcares” to receive prayer requests, care needs, and community concerns and celebrations
Requests for care and/or prayer can be sent via e-mail to cares@riseharrisonburg.org, texted to 833-803-0868, or submitted online via our RISE Cares form.