January 29, 2023

Words of Welcome

Pastor Amanda Miller Garber

Nomofomo

  • New Worship Schedule. We are trying out a new rhythm for our worship gatherings in this New Year. On the first Sunday of each month, we will be meeting for brunch upstairs in Suite 203. So NEXT SUNDAY (2/5) we’ll be upstairs for brunch! On the other Sundays we will be meeting at Pale Fire.

  • Ask Us Anything - Next Wednesday, February 8, 7 - 8:30 pm - Taylor Down Under on the JMU Campus
    Back by popular demand! Do you have questions about life, faith and the meaning of it all? If so, you’re not alone! Many of us wrestle with big questions and long for a chance to ask them in a welcoming, shame-free space.

    Ask Us Anything will offer safe space to ask questions and hear from three area clergypersons from various traditions. While they will not claim to have “answers,” these clergy will do their best to offer thoughtful and authentic responses to your questions. Panel participants will include: Georgia Metz (she/her), Pastor of Shalom Mennonite Congregation; Alex Zuber (he/him), Associate Pastor of Muhlenberg Lutheran Church; and our very own Amanda Miller Garber (she/her), Pastor of RISE United Methodist Faith Community.

    Anyone and everyone of all ages are welcome! A virtual option will be offered, but we encourage you to come and join us in person if possible. Contact us at riseharrisonburg@gmail.com or DM us on Facebook or Instagram with any questions. We hope to see you there!

  • 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.

  • Connect:

    • If you would like to connect more deeply with RISE, you can start by submitting this short form to Get Connected!

    • 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

    • Please continue to check social media/the website for all updates and information!

Welcoming Statement

Katrina Weiland

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, 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.

SONG

Brent Holl

“The Offering Song”

  1. We give thee thanks,
    We give thee thanks,
    We give thee thanks for all we have!

  2. Praise and Thanksgiving
    Praise God above!

  3. Sharing, counting our blessings,
    Caring one for another
    All we have we give to you.

THEOLOGICAL EXPLORATION

Amanda Miller Garber
Andy Harbick

SHARE YOUR Thoughts and QUESTIONS OR TEXT THEM TO 833-803-0868!

  • When you hear the word “stewardship,” what initially comes to mind? What images, memories or associations? How about the word “giving?”

  • Folks REALLY don’t like to talk about money and possessions,  especially if they feel like God is listening or involved. Why is this so taboo? Why does the idea of stewardship or giving make so many people so uncomfortable?

  • How has shame, secrecy and/or anger become associated with the idea of stewardship/giving?


Matthew 6:19-21

19 “Stop collecting treasures for your own benefit on earth, where moth and rust eat them and where thieves break in and steal them. 20 Instead, collect treasures for yourselves in heaven, where moth and rust don’t eat them and where thieves don’t break in and steal them. 21 Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

  • What initially jumps out at you here?

  • What are these “treasures” he speaks of? What are we supposed to learn from this? What’s his point?

  • Jesus tends to be up in our business and bank account. Why? Why does he care? (What are his financial ethics?)

  • How can we reclaim the idea of stewardship/giving?


SHARE YOUR QUESTIONS OR TEXT THEM TO 833-803-0868

COMMUNION

SONG

Brent Holl

“Count Well the Cost”

~Michael Stern

Count well the cost of building something right from the start
A bridge, home, or family, a work of art
There may be trials that seem to tear all your work apart
Count well the cost of patience, of heart
Count when you’re making a start

Count well the cost of following the one crucified
The river Jordan is deep and wide
And it’s not easy crossing to the other side
To love and to serve, to swallow your pride
Count well before you decide

Count well the cost of waging peace for often we fail.
In some situations may end up in jail.
To find a joy born of suffering, a freedom born of pain
count well the cost then wage peace again.
Wage peace all over again.

Count well the cost of following the one who would forgive
seven times seventy, so shall we live.
To find a joy born of suffering, a freedom born of pain,
count well the cost then forgive again.
Forgive again and again.

Count well the cost of building something right from the start
A bridge, home, or family, a work of art
There may be trials that seem to tear all your work apart
Count well the cost of patience, of heart
Count when you’re making a start

Count when you’re making a start
Count and then follow your heart

FINAL BLESSING

“Blessed for the Journey”

~Seth Hendricks

Chris Zepp

Turn, from the things that dull and blind.
Where moth and rust consume, and thieves run wild in your mind. 
When the trappings of your own life, have firmly taken hold. 
Well you can wander in the desert, but the blessing's for the one who comes back home.

So hear the call, that stirs you restless in the night.
Let it awake and move you onward, and in the morning light a new name may arise. 
Though you wrestled with the struggle, do not fear.
For there may come a time amidst all of the suffering a new light will appear. 

Now claim the call upon your life and be set free.
Free to heal and serve and wonder, into the person that you were meant to be.       
And though this body may be broken, we can still be made one.
For we are here to be a light in this world, we shine on, thy kingdom come. 

May we walk with each other as we travel down this road.
Joining hands as we cross to the unknown, wherever we may go. 
For we were blessed, we were blessed for the journey from the start. 

Joy when the sorrow aches
when you feel alone,
and you see no escape.

Hope when the darkness falls,
when your way is lost,
and your strength is gone.

Don't let your life be small,
and let this grace carry you on.
To live, to love, and to belong …