February 8, 2026
“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”
~C.S. Lewis
From a letter to Mary Willis Shelburne (1963)
WORDS OF GREETING AND GATHERING
Chris Zepp
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 27:1,4-9 (CEB)
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Should I fear anyone?
The Lord is a fortress protecting my life.
Should I be frightened of anything?4 I have asked one thing from the Lord—
it’s all I seek:
to live in the Lord’s house all the days of my life,
seeing the Lord’s beauty
and constantly adoring his temple.
5 Because he will shelter me in his own dwelling
during troubling times;
he will hide me in a secret place in his own tent;
he will set me up high, safe on a rock.6 Now my head is higher than the enemies surrounding me,
and I will offer sacrifices in God’s tent—
sacrifices with shouts of joy!
I will sing and praise the Lord.
7 Lord, listen to my voice when I cry out—
have mercy on me and answer me!
8 Come, my heart says, seek God’s face.[a]
Lord, I do seek your face!
9 Please don’t hide it from me!
Don’t push your servant aside angrily—
you have been my help!
God who saves me,
don’t neglect me!
Don’t leave me all alone!
Opening SongS
Songs Will Happen!
“AWAKE MY SOUL”
~Mumford & Sons
How fickle my heart and how woozy my eyes
I struggle to find any truth in your lies
And now my heart stumbles on things I don't know
My weakness I feel I must finally show
Lend me your hand and we'll conquer them all
But lend me your heart and I'll just let you fall
Lend me your eyes I can change what you see
But your soul you must keep, totally free
Har har, har har, har har, har har
Awake my soul
Awake my soul
How fickle my heart and how woozy my eyes
I struggle to find any truth in your lies
And now my heart stumbles on things I don't know
My weakness I feel I must finally show
Har har, har har, har har, har har
In these bodies we will live, in these bodies we will die
And where you invest your love, you invest your life
In these bodies we will live, in these bodies we will die
And where you invest your love, you invest your life
Awake my soul
Awake my soul
Awake my soul
For you were made to meet your maker
Awake my soul
Awake my soul
Awake my soul
For you were made to meet your maker
You were made to meet your maker
“Two Fishermen”
~Suzanne Toolan
Two fishermen, who lived along the Sea of Galilee,
stood by the shore to cast their nets into the ageless sea.
Now Jesus watched them from afar, then called them each by name.
It changed their lives, these simple men; they’d never be the same.
“Leave all things you have and come and follow me,
and come and follow me.”
And as he walked along the shore ‘twas James and John he’d find,
and these two sons of Zebedee would leave their boats behind.
Their work and all they held so dear they left beside their nets.
Their names they’d heard as Jesus called; they came without regret.
“Leave all things you have and come and follow me,
and come and follow me.”
O Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John beloved one,
you heard Christ’s call to speak good news revealed to God’s own Son.
Susanna, Mary, Magdalene who traveled with your Lord,
you ministered to him with joy for he is God adored.
“Leave all things you have and come and follow me,
and come and follow me.”
And you, good Christians, one and all who’d follow Jesus’ way,
come leave behind what keeps you bound to trappings of our day,
and listen as he calls your name to come and follow near;
for still he speaks in varied ways to those his call will hear.
“Leave all things you have and come and follow me,
and come and follow me.”
Scripture Readings
Isaiah 9:2-4 (CEB)
2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.
On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned.
3 You have made the nation great;
you have increased its joy.
They rejoiced before you as with joy at the harvest,
as those who divide plunder rejoice.
4 As on the day of Midian, you’ve shattered the yoke that burdened them,
the staff on their shoulders,
and the rod of their oppressor.
Matthew 4:12-23 (CEB)
12 Now when Jesus heard that John was arrested, he went to Galilee. 13 He left Nazareth and settled in Capernaum, which lies alongside the sea in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali. 14 This fulfilled what Isaiah the prophet said:
15 Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,
alongside the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles,
16 the people who lived in the dark have seen a great light,
and a light has come upon those who lived in the region and in shadow of death.17 From that time Jesus began to announce, “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!”
18 As Jesus walked alongside the Galilee Sea, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, throwing fishing nets into the sea, because they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” he said, “and I’ll show you how to fish for people.” 20 Right away, they left their nets and followed him. 21 Continuing on, he saw another set of brothers, James the son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with Zebedee their father repairing their nets. Jesus called them and 22 immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
23 Jesus traveled throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues. He announced the good news of the kingdom and healed every disease and sickness among the people.
THEOLOGICAL Reflection
Pastor Alexis Ward Owens
“Dangerously Hopeful”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Share a story from a time when you had to move. What were the cultural differences you had to acclimate to? What did you learn about society? How did it shape you as an individual?
God calls us in a multitude of ways, where do you feel like God’s call on your life is leading you right now? Are you leaning in, listening, and following that call, no questions asked?
In a world full of so much hate, in an environment fraught with racism, classism, and just general antagonism! What are some tangible steps we could take to change our hearts and lives? How do we hold onto that tenuous thread of hope and continue to take the best next step forward?
Song
“Lord, Listen to your Children Praying”
~Ken Medema
Lord, listen to your children praying
Lord, send your Spirit in this place
Lord, listen to your children praying
Send us love, send us pow’r, send us grace…
Something's gonna happen like the world has never known,
when the people of the Lord get down to pray;
A door's gonna swing open, and the walls come a-tumbling down,
when the people of the Lord get down to pray.
When the people of the Lord, oh the people of the Lord,
When the people of the Lord get down to pray;
A door's gonna swing open, and the walls come a-tumbling down,
when the people of the Lord get down to pray.
Lord, listen to your children praying
Lord, send your Spirit in this place
Lord, listen to your children praying
Send us love, send us pow’r, send us grace…
He's gonna take over, He's gonna take control,
when the people of the Lord get down to pray;
He's gonna move the mountain, He's gonna make the waters roll,
when the people of the Lord get down to pray.
You're gonna know it when the Lord stretches out His hand,
when the people of the Lord get down to pray;
There's gonna be a brand new song of vict'ry in this land,
when the people of the Lord get down to pray.
Lord, listen to your children praying
Lord, send your Spirit in this place
Lord, listen to your children praying
Send us love, send us pow’r, send us grace…
Prayer
~Benjamin Cremer, adapted
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!
BIG GAME Invitation
TONIGHT!
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
WTF Cancelled
This Week
Since our parking lot is still is such bad shape, we have decided to go ahead and cancel WTF this week (2/12) in the hopes of not repeating a scene like this one again.
We are hoping (with some favorable weather) to return to our regular space and schedule during Lent on 2/19.
Closing Song
“Standing in Oppressions Way”
~Michael Stern
When some folks read the Bible, they think of God up in the sky,
and the only end to suffering is some great by and by.
But the way I read the Bible, I see it in a different way,
what a friend we have in Jesus, standing in oppression’s way.
And I want to know where, if-a not here, oh when, if-a not now,
and who if-a not you and me standing in oppression’s way.
(Repeat)
When Jesus started preaching, He said to let the captives free,
and he fed the poor and hungry before He died for you and me.
We must know and show compassion, now as much as yesterday,
and be a friend like Jesus standing in oppression’s way.
And I want to know where, if-a not here, oh when, if-a not now,
and who if-a not you and me standing in oppression’s way.
(Repeat)
Now if someone sins against you, and you want to just retaliate,
you know Jesus said be different, return love instead of hate.
And if anyone is outcast for their color, faith, or if they’re gay,
we can be a friend like Jesus, standing in oppression’s way.
And I want to know where, if-a not here, oh when, if-a not now,
and who if-a not you and me standing in oppression’s way.
(Repeat)
Some say when you find Jesus, you must accept Him in a certain way,
and if you don’t say the right words, you’ll have hell to pay,
I don’t know that Jesus, there’s another one in whom I pray,
He’s the one I feel beside me, standing in oppression’s way.
And I want to know where, if-a not here, oh when, if-a not now,
and who if-a not you and me standing in oppression’s way.
(Repeat)
Parting Blessing
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.
On those living in a dark land, light has dawned.
So may the light of Christ dispel our fears
and give us dangerous hope.
And may that light bless us with joy,
and empower us to serve faithfully
as we’re standing in oppression’s way!
Remember friends — you are a gift!
Now go and be a gift!
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