May 26, 2024
WORDS OF GREETING AND GATHERING
Sheridan Horne
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 Music
Brent Holl
“Sweet, Sweet Spirit”
~Dorothy Akers
There's a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place,
And I know that it's the Spirit of the Lord;
There are sweet expressions on each face,
And I know they feel the presence of the Lord.
Sweet Holy Spirit, Sweet heavenly Dove,
Stay right here with us, filling us with Your love.
And for these blessings we lift our hearts in praise;
Without a doubt we'll know that we have been revived,
When we shall leave this place.
There are blessings you cannot receive
Till you know Him in His fullness and believe;
You're the one to profit when you say,
"I am going to walk with Jesus all the way."
Sweet Holy Spirit, Sweet heavenly Dove,
Stay right here with us, filling us with Your love.
And for these blessings we lift our hearts in praise;
Without a doubt we'll know that we have been revived,
When we shall leave this place.
If you say He saved you from your sin,
Now you're weak, you're bound and cannot enter in,
You can make it right if you will yield,
You'll enjoy the Holy Spirit that we feel.
Sweet Holy Spirit, Sweet heavenly Dove,
Stay right here with us, filling us with Your love.
And for these blessings we lift our hearts in praise;
Without a doubt we'll know that we have been revived,
When we shall leave this place.
“Providence”
~Michael Stern
I met a sailor, she spoke of the sea
It’s vast ever changing diversity
She smiled at differences, wondering why
They number as many as stars in the sky
I have a brother different from me
We grew up together in one family
Now one loves a woman and one loves a man
Brothers are brothers, it’s part of God’s plan
Some say it’s providence, some say it’s grace
How we’ve come together in this time and place
A great cloud of witnesses can tear down a wall
Affirming and welcoming each one and all
Poets, biologists, painters agree
This world is teeming with diversity
The rainbow of color and contrast we see
Is here for a reason and sets spirits free
I met a sailor, she spoke of the sea
It’s vast ever changing diversity
She smiled at differences, wondering why
They number as many as stars in the sky
SCRIPTURE READING
Isaiah 6:1-8 (CEB)
1 In the year of King Uzziah’s death, I saw the Lord sitting on a high and exalted throne, the edges of his robe filling the temple. 2 Winged creatures were stationed around him. Each had six wings: with two they veiled their faces, with two their feet, and with two they flew about. 3 They shouted to each other, saying:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of heavenly forces!
All the earth is filled with God’s glory!”4 The doorframe shook at the sound of their shouting, and the house was filled with smoke.
5 I said, “Mourn for me; I’m ruined! I’m a man with unclean lips, and I live among a people with unclean lips. Yet I’ve seen the king, the Lord of heavenly forces!”
6 Then one of the winged creatures flew to me, holding a glowing coal that he had taken from the altar with tongs. 7 He touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips. Your guilt has departed, and your sin is removed.”
8 Then I heard the Lord’s voice saying, “Whom should I send, and who will go for us?”
I said, “I’m here; send me.”
THEOLOGICAL Reflection
Sheridan Horne
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Why did Isaiah say “No” to God when he first felt the call? Have there been times in your life where you felt you were not ready for a calling?
Why do you think Isaiah changed his mind?
Would you be intimidated if you were in Isaiah’s place? Do you think God would call you in this way?
What constitutes a calling?
Prayer
SONG
“Dance”
~Michael Stern
Dance as if no one was watching
Sing as if no one could hear
Love as if your heart had not been broken
Walk throughout the woodland alters
Gaze as if seeing for the first time
Love as if your heart had not been broken
Laugh as if you were a child
Live as if your dreams had come true
Love as if your heart had not been broken
Dance as if no one was watching
Gaze as if seeing for the first time
Love as if your heart had not been broken
Sing as if no one could hear you
Live as if your dreams had come true.
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!
closing SONG
“In Christ there is no East or West”
~Joel and Melissa Littlepage
In Christ there is no East or West,
in him no North or South,
but one great fellowship of love
throughout the whole wide earth.
In Him shall true hearts ev'ry-where
their high communion find.
His service is the golden cord
close binding humankind.
Join hands then children of the faith!
What e’re your race may be.
Whoever serves God as His child
is surely kin to me!
In Christ, we all are called to share
the good news as we live.
We go wherever we are called
the love of God to give.
In Christ we all are welcome here, His
gracious love to share,
We have a place here with our friends,
Who come from everywhere
In Christ, we're baptized in God's love
His Spirit makes us new!
With water and with word made fresh
God's gift to me and you!
Parting BLESSING
Go with peace,
listen for the call,
love one another
and be of service to yourself and others.
Amen.
Enjoy your Memorial day weekend.
REMEMBER - YOU ARE A GIFT!
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