July 6, 2025
With guest musician and speaker, Mike Stern
Mike is a singer/songwriter and resource leader from Seattle who studied theology and early childhood education before embarking on a long career as a Family Nurse Practitioner and research clinician. He incorporates a deep appreciation of scripture, faith, and action into his songs and creative presentations. He welcomes all of you to come to his (after worship) concert next Sunday, July 13th, at 1:30 pm at the Bridgewater Church of the Brethren, where he will be joined by some remarkable musical friends from across the country.
Learn more about Mike & his music at www.mikesongs.net
Brunch!
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
Mike Stern
CALL TO WORSHIP
~From Isaiah 61
We are to be called trees of integrity
Planted by God, and to glorify God
For as the earth makes fresh things grow
As a garden makes seeds spring up
So will God make both integrity and praise
Spring up in the sight of all nations.
Choral Reading
~Martin Niemoller, 1946
They came first for the communists …
… and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a communist.
Then they came for the Jews …
… and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for the trade unionists …
… and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Catholics …
…and I didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me …
…and by that time no one was left to speak up.
Scripture Readings
Psalm 72:3-8,17 (The Jerusalem Bible, adapted)
3 May the mountains bring prosperity to the people,
the hills the fruit of righteousness.
4 May God defend the afflicted among the people
and save the children of the needy;
may God crush the oppressor.
5 May God endure as long as the sun,
as long as the moon, through all generations.
6 May God be like rain falling on a mown field,
like showers watering the earth.
7 In God’s days may the righteous flourish
and prosperity abound till the moon is no more.
8 May God rule from sea to sea
and from the River to the ends of the earth.17 May God’s name endure forever;
may it continue as long as the sun.
Matthew 25:32-45 (NIV Inclusive, adapted)
32 All the nations will be gathered before the Child of God, who will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, 33 putting sheep on the right and goats on the left.
34 “Then the Child of God will say to those on the right, ‘Come, you who are blessed; take your inheritance, the kin-dom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The Child of God will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
41 “Then saying to those on the left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
44 “They also will answer, ‘When did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
45 “The Child of God will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
Songs
Mike Stern
THEOLOGICAL Reflection
Mike Stern
“Speaking Out & Standing Up”
Songs
Mike Stern
Prayer
~Homiletics, 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!
Scripture DEep DivE
BEGINS TODAY!
4 pm Sunday Afternoons in July
Join Sandra and others for a deeper dive and discussion on the scriptures and reflection questions from our Sunday morning services. Creative options to help guide us in our reflections will also be offered for anyone who thinks “artistically”. The group will meet at Sandra’s home on Sunday afternoons at 4:00 for the month of July (July 6-27). (DM us for address). Feel free to bring snacks, and do note that Sandra has an indoor cat and the location is not fully accessible but probably navigable with a ramp.
Please sign up using the link below by July 1 if you are interested in participating!
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. (No concert this week)
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 next week, 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.
Campfire Party
Friday, July 18
6 pm
Garcia’s Home
Bring a friend, some things to roast, and join us for a night of fun hanging around a campfire in Allison and Miguel’s backyard!
DM us or contact Chris Zepp (worship@riseharrisonburg.com) for address, directions, or more info.
Closing Song & Parting Blessing
“Blessed Be God’s Name”
~by Mike Stern (based on Psalm 72 & 73)
Remember friends — you are a gift!
Now go and be a gift!
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