~Banksy
November 9, 2025
“I know that my Redeemer liveth,
and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.
And though worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.
For now is Christ risen from the dead, the first fruits of them that sleep.
~George Frideric Handel,
“I know that my Redeemer liveth” from Messiah
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 AFFIRMATION
~Homiletics, adapted
Though mountains may shake, we stand on holy ground.
Though the earth moves under our feet, Christ is our solid rock.
Though walls may crack, the love of God is our refuge.
Though structures may come tumbling down, God will ever be our stronghold.
Though fear may seek to set up camp, God remains our strength and guide.
Opening SongS
Songs Will Happen!
“Indescribable”
~Chris Tomlin
From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom.
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
(Repeat)
“ONE & ALL”
~Michael Stern
You may have been all the right places,
You may have known all the right faces,
You may have lots of people comin’ when you call.
You may have lots of insurance,
You may have weapons of deterrence,
But then it’s not gonna’ help you here at all.
The hungry will eat and the children will play,
and the haughty will go empty away.
The victims will stand and the mighty will fall,
and the kin’dom will be shared by one and all.
You may have learned all the right phrases.
You may receive the loudest praises.
You may have thought that you were never goin’ to fall.
You may have made lots of money.
But then it won’t help you any
because money doesn’t matter here at all.
The hungry will eat and the children will play,
and the haughty will go empty away.
The victims will stand and the mighty will fall,
and the kin’dom will be shared by one and all.
You may have heard this simple story
about a diff’rent kind of glory.
Those who have ears won’t you listen to the call
to be the salt, to be the leaven,
to be on earth as in heaven,
a little seed finally growin’ so very tall.
The hungry will eat and the children will play,
and the haughty will go empty away.
The victims will stand and the mighty will fall,
and the kin’dom will be shared by one and all.
Scripture ReadingS
Psalm 17:1-9 (CEB)
1 Listen to what’s right, Lord;
pay attention to my cry!
Listen closely to my prayer;
it’s spoken by lips that don’t lie!
2 My justice comes from you;
let your eyes see what is right!
3 You have examined my heart,
testing me at night.
You’ve looked me over closely,
but haven’t found anything wrong.
My mouth doesn’t sin.
4 But these other people’s deeds?
I have avoided such violent ways
by the command from your lips.
5 My steps are set firmly on your paths;
my feet haven’t slipped.
6 I cry out to you because you answer me.
So tilt your ears toward me now—
listen to what I’m saying!
7 Manifest your faithful love in amazing ways
because you are the one
who saves those who take refuge in you,
saving them from their attackers
by your strong hand.
8 Watch me with the very pupil of your eye!
Hide me in the protection of your wings,
9 away from the wicked
who are out to get me,
away from my deadly enemies
who are all around me!
Job 19:23-27a (KJV)
23 Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!
24 That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!
25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:
27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another
THEOLOGICAL Reflection
Alexis Ward Owens
“There’s still hope…even when there’s worms.”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Where do you look to find hope in the midst of immense suffering? Do you turn to God? Friends? Family? Do you turn in on yourself? Escape to nature?
Job, it seems, actually takes issue with much of the advice his friends are giving him, but finds comfort in what today we might call journaling. What are some things you do to stay grounded through seasons of trials and hardship? Or even through seasons like the holidays where you are “supposed” to feel joyful, but maybe don’t for one reason or another?
How can we (individually and as a community) share this HOPE and be a light for a world very much in the midst of suffering?
Song
“Move in our midst”
~Text by Kenneth Morse / Tune by Brent Holl
Move in our midst, thou Spirit of God.
Go with us down from thy holy hill.
Walk with us through the storm and the calm.
Spirit of God, go thou with us still.
Touch thou our hands to lead us aright.
Guide us forever, show us thy way.
Transform our darkness into thy light.
Spirit of God, lead thou us today.
Communion
~Pastor Alexis
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!
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:
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.
“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.
Donate items from the wishlist/donation guide below. We will be collecting these items through the month of November.
WTF?
Wednesday’s at exactly dinner-ish! (6pm EST)
Downstairs at John Wesley UMC
This Week’s Menu (11/12):
Grilled Chicken, Cheesy Potatoes, and Green Beans
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!
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
“MAY YOUR HOPE ARISE”
~Michael Stern
May you be healthy, may you be strong
May you laugh and dance and sing your song
May you drink pure water, may you breathe clean air
May your hope arise from despair
May you seek the truth in the face of lies
May you find a love that never dies
May you have vision and stand your ground
May you hold these precious things you’ve found
May you have children under feet
And may they never lack good things to eat
May you all have shelter overhead
May you taste love’s wine and daily bread
May you count your blessings one by one
May your days be full till your days are done
And may you lay to rest that foolish pride
May you let the Spirit be your guide
May you be healthy, may you be strong
May you laugh and dance and sing your song
May you drink pure water, may you breathe clean air
May your hope arise from despair
Parting Blessing
~Homiletics, adapted
And now, we leave with a soft wind blowing at our backs.
It is a nudging breeze that pushes us toward a world inclined to despair. It moves us toward engagement and compassion, and scatters us like leaves, blowing and swirling.
But each of us, though only a small scrap of paper in the wind, has a message of hope written front and back.
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.