Your source of information for all things RISE!
January 2026
Worship with RISE in the New Year
Join us for worship in the New Year
as we reflect together on faith and life
“In a World Gone Crazy”
January 11 - February 15
Unless otherwise noted,
worship begins at exactly 10ish am
John Wesley UMC Fellowship Hall (Downstairs)
445 Sterling St, Hburg
FIRST SUNDAY
Brunch Church
February 1, 2026
Same bat time.
Same bat channel.
Just more food:-)
Bring some of your favorite brunch food to share if you are able!
WTF? in the New Year
NOW on a new Night!
Thursdays at exactly dinner-ish! (6pm EST)
Downstairs at John Wesley UMC
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!
Fun RISE Stuff in the New Year
Book Club / Study
Do you like to read? Enjoy diving deeper and talking about what you read with others? You’re not alone! We’ve got some interest in another book study (perhaps even an ongoing book club) and are looking to make a start of something in the New Year. So…
If you are interested in book studies/discussions, please click the button below and fill out the short form.
We will be in touch with those who respond to try to find the best day, time, and place for meeting. (We will likely start in late January or early February)
We’ve already got a first book chosen by request: The Four Loves, by CS Lewis. It’s a fairly short, classic read exploring various ways that we understand love and how they draw us closer to God.
BIG GAME Invitation
Need a place to watch the “Big Game” with some cool friends? Or just want something to do that Sunday evening? Join us!
February 8
Home of the Zepps
Kick-off is at 6:30, come anytime after 6
Bring game food & snacks to share as you wish!
Drinks provided (seltzers, sodas, coffee/tea, etc)
Contact Chris or DM us if you need the address
Community Events and Opportunities
VOICE All Call info session
Sunday, January 25, 5:30-7:30 pm
Vision of Hope United Methodist Church
Like to sing? Want to add some music to your life? Join VOICE for our next All Call information session! This is an informal, commitment-free way to learn more about VOICE, the upcoming season, membership expectations, and do some casual singing (and have a few snacks!) No audition or experience required; must be 13 or older to join. Summer concert dates are June 27 and 28, 2026. (Beth and Taylin Sellers and Sue Nelson are already members of the ensemble!)
DONATIONS NEEDED FOR
IFA CoMMUNITY UNITY EVENT
Sunday, January 18
As winter approaches, our unhoused neighbors in the area face harsh conditions. Your generosity can make a difference in someone’s comfort, safety, and dignity this season.
The Interfaith Association of Harrisonburg-Rockingham is hosting a Community Unity Event in the New Year with the goal of creating a meaningful, coordinated service project that combines practical needs with community outreach.
We will be collecting donations over the next several weeks to support the effort. Check out the flyer for a full list of items being collected. They are especially seeking unisex warm socks, winter hats, gloves, and hand/feet warmers.
All items collected will be distributed at the IFA Community Unity Event Meal being hosted at Muhlenberg Lutheran Church on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
MLK DAY OF SERVICE
FOOD DRIVE, DISTRIBUTION, And Ceremony
The Arc of Harrisonburg & Rockingham is gearing up for an MLK food drive on January 19 and we are collecting non-perishable food items to contribute to their efforts. Information about what is needed can be found in the flyer - donations can be dropped off as indicated or brought to our worship collection box no later than January 18.
Additionally, all are invited to attend the MLK Ceremony taking place the following day, January 20th as we come together to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and reflect on the importance of service and community!
RISE Merch Shop
The RISE Merch Shop is open for business and make wonderful Christmas gifts! Order all of your favorite RISE gear shipped directly to your home. Profits from each sale go directly back to RISE operations.
RISE NEEDS YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Your generosity makes everything we do possible!!
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!
Make a one-time donation or set up recurring gifts today!
At RISE,
we care about what’s going on in your life!
When life is good, we want to celebrate together. And when it isn’t - well, we want to be there for you then too. So keep us posted on what it is going on in your life. And when you have need for care or prayer, be sure to let us know how we can lift you up.
Requests for care and/or prayer can always be sent via e-mail to cares@riseharrisonburg.org, texted to 833-803-0868, or submitted online via our RISE Cares form.
To receive updates on (non-confidential) care needs, prayer requests, and community concerns and celebrations, text “RISEcares” to 833-803-0868 or e-mail cares@riseharrisonburg.com.
If you are fairly new to the community and would like to connect more deeply with RISE, you can begin by completing this short form to let us know about you, your interest, and your gifts:
You might also consider signing up for texting services:
(We promise not to spam or share your number!)
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
And of course, please continue to check social media (Facebook & Instagram) and our website for all the updates and current information!