November 2, 2025

“O Fortune, like the moon you are changeable, ever waxing and waning; 
hateful life first oppresses and then soothes as fancy takes it;
poverty and power - it melts them like ice.

Fate – monstrous and empty, you whirling wheel, you are malevolent,
well-being is vain and always fades to nothing,
shadowed and veiled you plague me too;
now through the game I bring my bare back to your villainy.

~“O Fortuna” from Carmina Burana, by Carl Orff
(English translation from Wikipedia)

Brunch Time!

WORDS OF GREETING AND GATHERING

Alexis 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 32:1-7 (The Message)

1 Count yourself lucky, how happy you must be—
you get a fresh start,
your slate’s wiped clean.

2 Count yourself lucky—
God holds nothing against you
and you’re holding nothing back from him.

3 When I kept it all inside,
my bones turned to powder,
my words became daylong groans.

4 The pressure never let up;
all the juices of my life dried up.

5 Then I let it all out;
I said, “I’ll come clean about my failures to God.”

Suddenly the pressure was gone—
my guilt dissolved,
my sin disappeared.

6 These things add up. Every one of us needs to pray;
when all hell breaks loose and the dam bursts
we’ll be on high ground, untouched.

7 God’s my island hideaway,
keeps danger far from the shore,
throws garlands of hosannas around my neck.

Opening SongS

Songs Will Happen!

“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.

Refrain: (for RISE)
Let us RISE up singing a new song
Let us RISE up singing all day long
Let your voices blend together
As we sing out loud and long
Let us RISE up singing a new 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.

Let us RISE up singing a new song
Let us RISE up singing all day long
Let your voices blend together
As we sing out loud and long
Let us RISE up singing a new song
(Repeat)

“RIPPLE”

        ~Lyrics by Robert Hunter / Music by Jerry Garcia

If my words did glow, with the gold of sunshine
And my tunes were played, on the harp unstrung
Would you hear my voice, come through the music?
Would you hold it near, as if it were your own?

It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken
Perhaps, they’re better left unsung
I don't know, don't really care
Let there be songs, to fill the air

Ripple in still water,
When there is no pebble tossed,
Nor wind to blow

Reach out your hand if your cup be empty
If your cup is full, may it be again.
Let it be known there is a fountain
That was not made by the hands of man

There is a road, no simple highway
Between the dawn, and the dark of night
And if you go, no one may follow
That path is for your steps alone

Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow

You, who choose to lead, must follow
But if you fall, you fall alone
If you should stand then who's to guide you?
If I knew the way I would take you home

La dee da da da…

___________________________________

The lyrics to “Ripple” were written by Robert Hunter, with music composed by Jerry Garcia. This was the songwriting duo that produced many of the Grateful Dead’s best songs, including most of the material on their two most beloved albums, American Beauty and Workingman’s Dead, and other favorites like “Sugaree”.

“Ripple” is about making peace with life, and finding a path that suits you by learning from the other lost people around you, and of course embracing the power of joy through music. It’s about remembering that we’re all in this together, but also that your life is your own to lead.

“Ripple”, however, certainly does dip its toes in the waters of religion. Especially with the line, “Let it be known there is a fountain / That was not made by the hands of men,” which Hunter told Rolling Stone in 2015 was his favorite lyric that he had ever written. It suggests rather directly that there is some greater being that created this mystical fountain, which one might assume is the Fountain of Youth.

As noted in the old school annotated Grateful Dead lyrics site at the University of Santa Cruz, Hunter’s lyrics also contain what could be interpreted as references to several other works of mythology and literature. Noted references include the ancient Indian mystic Kabir, the Hebrew Psalm 23, Walt Whitman and Yeat’s poetry, and more. In this way Hunter places “Ripple” in context with all of these things that weigh and interpret the meaning of life, and gives his own interpretation, but moreso invites listeners to ponder it for themselves:

There is a road, no simple highway
Between the dawn and the dark of night
And if you go, no one may follow
That path is for your steps alone

(Liner Notes extracted from https://extrachill.com/grateful-dead-ripple-meaning)

Scripture ReadingS

Luke 19:1-10 (The Message)

1-4 Then Jesus entered and walked through Jericho. There was a man there, his name Zacchaeus, the head tax man and quite rich. He wanted desperately to see Jesus, but the crowd was in his way—he was a short man and couldn’t see over the crowd. So he ran on ahead and climbed up in a sycamore tree so he could see Jesus when he came by.

5-7 When Jesus got to the tree, he looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down. Today is my day to be a guest in your home.” Zacchaeus scrambled out of the tree, hardly believing his good luck, delighted to take Jesus home with him. Everyone who saw the incident was indignant and grumped, “What business does he have getting cozy with this crook?”

8 Zacchaeus just stood there, a little stunned. He stammered apologetically, “Master, I give away half my income to the poor—and if I’m caught cheating, I pay four times the damages.”

9-10 Jesus said, “Today is salvation day in this home! Here he is: Zacchaeus, son of Abraham! For the Son of Man came to find and restore the lost.”

Habakkuk 1:1-5 (The Message)

(The problem as God gave Habakkuk to see it)

1-5 [Habakkuk says]
God, how long do I have to cry out for help
before you listen?
How many times do I have to yell, “Help! Murder! Police!”
before you come to the rescue?
Why do you force me to look at evil,
stare trouble in the face day after day?
Anarchy and violence break out,
quarrels and fights all over the place.
Law and order fall to pieces.
Justice is a joke.
The wicked have the righteous hamstrung
and stand justice on its head.
God Says, “Look!”
“Look around at the godless nations.
Look long and hard. Brace yourself for a shock.
Something’s about to take place
and you’re going to find it hard to believe…

Habakkuk 2:1-4 (NRSV)

(God’s Reply to the Prophet’s Complaint)

1 [Habakkuk says]
I will stand at my watchpost,
and station myself on the rampart;
I will keep watch to see what he will say to me,
and what he will answer concerning my complaint.
2 Then the Lord answered me and said:
Write the vision;
make it plain on tablets,
so that a runner may read it.
3 For there is still a vision for the appointed time;
it speaks of the end, and does not lie.
If it seems to tarry, wait for it;
it will surely come, it will not delay.
4 Look at the proud!
Their spirit is not right in them,
but the righteous live by their faith.

SCRIPTURE RESPONSE Song

“I shall not be moved”

~Traditional Freedom Song

Refrain:
I shall not be, I shall not be moved
I shall not be, I shall not be moved
Just like the tree that's planted by the waters
I shall not be moved

Glory hallelujah, I shall not be moved
Anchored in Jehovah, I shall not be moved
Just like the tree that's planted by the waters
I shall not be moved

In His love abiding, I shall not be moved
And in Him confiding, I shall not be moved
Just like the tree that's planted by the water
I shall not be moved

I shall not be, I shall not be moved
I shall not be, I shall not be moved
Just like the tree that's planted by the waters
I shall not be moved

I’ve got the fire and the Holy Ghost, I shall not be moved
I got the fire and the Holy Ghost, I shall not be moved
Just like a tree that’s planted by the water
I shall not be moved

Though the tempest rages, I shall not be moved
On the rock of ages, I shall not be moved
Just like the tree that's planted by the water
I shall not be moved

I shall not be, I shall not be moved
I shall not be, I shall not be moved
Just like the tree that's planted by the waters
I shall not be moved

THEOLOGICAL Reflection

Chris Zepp

“Wait for it…”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Speaking of the 13th century poem that is the libretto for Karl Orff’s O Fortuna, Scott Horton wrote in Harper's that the text of the poem highlights how few people, at the time it was written, "felt any control over their own destiny." Can you relate to that feeling? How do the anxieties and overwhelmed feelings of today compare to those of the 13th century? What does our faith have to say when we are wrestling with such deeply human and long-felt issues?

2. "Who could have guessed it was a blessing in disguise when the old man on the frontier lost his mare?" Have you had personal experience with this kind of event - one that at first seemed very bad, but looking back, was a “blessing in disguise”? What can remembering such experiences do for our faith?

3. How can we better position ourselves to keep watch and “wait for it?” What are our sycamore trees or watchposts on the ramparts from which we can hope to see the “fortuitous events” of our time?

Song

“How Can I Keep From Singing”

~Pete Seeger* (see note below)

My life fows on in endless song, above earth’s lamentation.
I hear the sweet, though far off hymn that hails a new creation.

Through all the tumult and the strife, I hear its music ringing.
It sounds an echo in my soul. How can I keep from singing?

While though the tempest loudly roars, I hear the truth it liveth.
And though the darkness round me close, songs in the night it giveth.

No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that rock I’m clinging.
Since love is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?

When tyrants tremble in their fear and hear their death knell ringing,
When friends rejoice both far and near, how can I keep from singing?

In prison cell and dungeon vile our thoughts to them are winging.
When friends by shame are undefled, how can I keep from singing?

No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that rock I’m clinging.
Since love is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?

I lift my eyes, the clouds grow thin, I see the blue above it.
And day by day this pathway clears, since first I learned to love it.

The peace from love makes fresh my heart, a song of hope is ringing.
All things are mine, since truth I’ve found. How can I keep from singing?

_______________________________________

*The original hymn text may well be a Quaker hymn written in the 1850’s by Ann Warner who lived on an island in the Hudson River. Her text refers to Quakers who were jailed for their beliefs. Pete Seeger brought the song to life in 1957 by publishing it in Sing Out Magazine. He learned the third verse (When tyrants...) from Doris Plenn, who wrote it during the McCarthy era in tribute to those, like Pete Seeger, who refused to take loyalty oaths and were often punished.

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!

WTF?

Wednesday’s at exactly dinner-ish! (6pm EST)
Downstairs at John Wesley UMC 

This Week’s Menu (11/5):
Indian Curry

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) let us know using the link below!

GIVING Opportunity with
the JMU Holiday HELPERS

We are excited to be partnering with JMU Holiday Helpers club this year to give some love to our community and neighbors this holiday season!

There are several ways that you can support this endeavor:

1. Make a special financial gift to support the overall effort. Just use the “Give Now” link above and mark it for “Holiday Helpers.” (You can also give a check or cash to Alexis or Chris.) All donations so designated will be used to support the Holiday Helpers.

2. “Adopt” one of the five children RISE has agreed to supply with gifts. (We have specific lists of needs for each child). Contact Alexis if you are interested in this.

3. Donate items from the wishlist/donation guide below. We will be collecting these items through the month of November.

RISE FriendsGiving

Friday, November 28, 1 pm
Sellers Home

Beth Sellers and family are inviting anyone from the RISE Community who would like to join in a special “Friendsgiving” to join them in their home for a feast on Friday, November 28. Beth is happy to cook for everyone, and no one needs to bring anything other than themselves and an appetite, though you would be most welcome to bring something to share if you desire. Everyone is invited, but RSVPs are required. If you interested in joining the Friendsgiving, please RSVP with the link below no later than November 16.

Closing Song

“Receive Love. Give Love. Repeat.” (RLGLR)

~Brent Holl and Chris Zepp

Receive love. Give love.
Let's keep the cycle going.
Receive love. Give love.
Repeat. And love again!
(REPEAT)

Love comes from the heart of God
and flows to all the earth
Each of us gets a piece of it
a gift that's ours from birth!

Receive love. Give love.
Let's keep the cycle going.
Receive love. Give love.
Repeat. And love again!
(REPEAT)

Love is meant to be given away
once love you have received
Love that's shared is thrice the gift
God, self, and neighbor pleased!

Receive love. Give love.
Let's keep the cycle going.
Receive love. Give love.
Repeat. And love again!
(REPEAT)

We come together to celebrate
and share the gift of Love
Love is a wonderful gift to share,
enduring for ever more.

Love is patient, Love is Kind,
Love never ends
Faith and Love and Hope abide,
The greatest of these is Love!

Receive love. Give love.
Let's keep the cycle going.
Receive love. Give love.
Repeat. And love again!
(REPEAT)

Parting Blessing

~Homiletics, adapted

Go forth with God’s blessing:

Speak the truth,
Show the faith,
Share the love.

Friends, remember that you are a gift.
Now go and be a gift.

Receive love. Give love. Repeat…

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.