April 19, 2026
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!
CURRENT MATERIAL NEEDS:
Disinfectant Wipes
Hand Soap
(see a list of ongoing material needs on our giving page)
WTF?
Thursdays at exactly dinner-ish! (6pm EST)
Downstairs at John Wesley UMC
This Week’s Menu (4/23):
Burger Bowls
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!
BOOK STUDY GROUP
Monday Evenings, 7:30 pm
Home of the Harbicks
Next Meeting: April 27
Discussing Chapters 3-6
Do you like to read? Enjoy diving deeper and talking about what you read with others? We’ve got a group for you!
We are reading The Bible Says So: What We Get Right (and Wrong) About Scripture’s Most Controversial Issues by Dan McClellan (2025). “In The Bible Says So, Dan McClellan leverages his popular "data over dogma" approach, and his years of experience in the academy and on social media, to lay out in clear and accessible ways what the data indicate the Bible does and doesn't say about issues ranging from homosexuality, abortion, and slavery to monotheism, inspiration, and even God's wife.”
If you’re interested in this group, but haven’t yet signed up previously, please do so (even if you can’t make this particular study)! Just click the button below to get added to the list, through which we will communicate schedule changes, new books to read, and anything else book study related! DM us or contact Chris if you need more info or the Harbicks’ address.
Bingo NIGHT
to Support our
Love Packs Ministry
Wednesday, April 22, 6:30 pm
Interstate Bowl North
Support our Love Packs Ministry - a weekend food bag program for school-age children & families - while having fun, enjoying good company, and maybe winning some cool prizes! Just $20 a ticket! Reserve yours now by clicking the link below!
Celebration of Life Gathering for Merritt Lincoln
Saturday, April 25, 11 am - 1 pm
Lake Pavilion, Harrisonburg Purcell Park
Many of those who have been connected with RISE over the years will remember Merritt Lincoln, who had been active in our faith community for many years before moving out of the area to be with family. A celebration of life gathering will take place on Saturday, April 25th, at 11 a.m. in Harrisonburg Purcell Park at the shelter by the pond for all who wish to mourn and connect in Merritt’s memory. You can see Merritt’s Obituary HERE.
Group Options Survey
As we look ahead to the next several months entering the summer, we are considering our options for group activities and offerings at RISE. We would love your input during our planning! Please take a few moments to complete our short "Group Options Survey" at the link below to let us know what you are looking for!
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.