June 22, 2025
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 Songs
Songs Will Happen!
“Time After Time”
~Rob Hyman / Cyndi Lauper
Lying in my bed
I hear the clock tick and think of you
Caught up in circles
Confusion is nothing new
Flashback, warm nights
Almost left behind
Suitcase of memories
Time after
Sometimes, you picture me
I'm walking too far ahead
You're calling to me
I can't hear what you've said
Then you say, "Go slow"
I fall behind
The second hand unwinds
If you're lost, you can look, and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall, I will catch you, I'll be waiting
Time after time
After my picture fades
And darkness has turned to gray
Watching through windows
You're wondering if I'm okay
Secrets stolen from deep inside
And the drum beats out of time
If you're lost, you can look, and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall, I will catch you, I'll be waiting
Time after time
(Repeat)
“Hold US Together”
~Matt Maher & Steve Wilson
It don’t have a job
It don’t pay your bills
Won't buy you a home in Beverly Hills.
Won't fix your life
in five easy steps.
Ain't the law of the land
or the government.
But it's all you need...
And love will hold us together
make us a shelter to weather the storm.
And I'll be my brother's keeper
so the whole world will know that we're not alone.
It's waiting for you
Knockin' at your door
in the moment of truth
when your heart hits the floor
and your on your knees...
And love will hold us together
make us a shelter to weather the storm.
And I'll be my brother's keeper
so the whole world will know that we're not alone.
This is the first day of the rest of your life
This is the first day of the rest of your life
‘Cause even in the dark you can still see the light
It's gonna be alright,
It's gonna be alright.
(Repeat)
And love will hold us together
make us a shelter to weather the storm.
And I'll be my brother's keeper
so the whole world will know that we're not alone.
Scripture Readings
Isaiah 65:1-9 (CEB)
I was ready to respond to those who didn’t ask.
I was ready to be found by those who didn’t look for me.
I said, “I’m here! I’m here!” to a nation
that didn’t call on my name.
2 I extended my hands all day
to a rebellious people
walking in a way that isn’t good,
following their own plans;
3 people who provoke me to my face continually,
sacrificing in gardens and burning incense on bricks,
4 who sit in tombs
and spend the night among rocks;[a]
who eat swine’s flesh
with broth of unclean meat in their bowls;
5 who say, “Keep to yourself!
Keep away from me! I’m too holy for you.”
These people ignite my anger
like a fire that burns all day.
6 Look, this stands written before me.
I won’t be silent, but I will repay;
I will repay in full measure
7 your sins and the sins of your ancestors as well,
says the Lord.
Since they burned incense on the mountains,
and mocked me in the hills,
I will count out to them
full payment for their actions.8 The Lord proclaims:
As new wine is found in the grape cluster,
and someone says, “Don’t destroy it, for there is a blessing in it,”
so I will do for the sake of my servants
and not destroy everything:
9 I will bring out offspring from Jacob,
and from Judah, heirs to my mountains.
My chosen ones will take possession;
my servants will dwell there.
Galatians 3:23-29 (CEB)
23 Before faith came, we were guarded under the Law, locked up until faith that was coming would be revealed, 24 so that the Law became our custodian until Christ so that we might be made righteous by faith.
25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian.
26 You are all God’s children through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither slave nor free; nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 Now if you belong to Christ, then indeed you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to the promise.
THEOLOGICAL Reflection
Alexis Ward Owens
“Take off your headphones and smile!”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Can you think of a time when you had an encounter with someone you disagreed with (whether it was over politics, parenting styles, how to accomplish a group project, the best way to accomplish a goal, etc.)? Were you able to pull yourself out of a place of judgment to have a good conversation with that person? If so, how did you accomplish it? If not, what could you have done differently in hindsight?
How do you engage with strangers? Are you open to the possibility of encountering new people or do you close yourself off? Why?
Do you think “the church” (meta church) does a good job of being welcoming and open minded to a variety of ways of different viewpoints? Does RISE? In what ways could we, as a community, be better at this?
Song
“Amazing Grace”
~John Newton
Amazing grace (how sweet the sound)
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come:
'twas grace hath brought us safe thus far,
and grace will lead us home.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun.
Amazing grace (how sweet the sound)
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.
Prayer
~Rev. Lizzie McManus-Dail, “God Didn’t Make us to Hate us”
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!
THE Sitting
6-8 pm Wednesday Nights
Pale Fire Brewing
(Outside Lower Level, weather permitting)
**NOTE NEW LOCATION**
It’s back! Some people have “standing” office hours, but we do things just a little bit differently here at RISE, so we have “sitting” hours during the summer season! Join Alexis and/or Chris on Wednesday nights throughout the summer - whether you have some burning theological questions or you just want to hang out with friends, we’ll be there and happy to chat!
Plus, enjoy the music of Harrisonburg’s Summer Music Series happening right next door at Turner Pavilion. Check out the concert schedule HERE.
Movie Night
Friday, June 27
6-9(ish) pm
Zepp Home (NOTE CHANGE!!)
Bring a friend and BYOB, and join us for a movie night at Chris' house! Movie is TBD - we will decide once we see who comes and what the interests are (but Chris does own all the Monty Python movies and the full Flying Circus collection...just saying!). Popcorn and other miscellaneous snacks and beverages will be available (whatever is in the house) but feel free to bring anything you like for movie watching as well. (Please note that cats will be present, and let Chris know in advance if you will need ramps or other accessibility accommodations.
DM us for address, directions, or more info.
MIKE STERN IN CONCERT
Sunday, July 13
1:30 pm
Bridgewater Church of the Brethren
Mike Stern, the artist behind many of the songs in our current SWH repertoire, will be leading us in reflection and song during our Sunday morning worship on July 6. If you love what you hear, you’ll have another chance to catch him in concert the week following, when he and his ensemble of musical friends will present a full concert at the Bridgewater Church of the Brethren. The concert is free and open to the public - donations will be accepted and appreciated.
Closing Song
“They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love”
~Peter Scholtes
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord;
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord;
And we pray that all unity will one day be restored.
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love.
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand;
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand;
And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land.
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love.
We Will work with each other, we will work side by side;
We will work with each other, we will work side by side;
And we'll guard each one's dignity and save each one's pride.
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love.
All praise to the Father, from whom all things come;
And all praise to Christ Jesus, His only Son.
And all praise to the Spirit who makes us one
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love.
Parting Blessing
~Homiletics, adapted
Life giving God, as we go out into the world, help guide our hearts to openness.
We seek to be menders of creation and that takes mercy, vulnerability, willingness and hope.
We ask that you pour out these gifts on us as we seek to live and love more freely.
Remember friends — you are a gift!
Now go and be a gift!
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