June 16, 2024
WORDS OF GREETING AND GATHERING
Chris Zepp
WELCOMING STATEMENT
Amy Lugo
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 Song
“Be Thou My Vision”
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best thought, by day or by night
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light
Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true word
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord
Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son
Thou in me dwelling and I with Thee one
Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise
Thou mine inheritance, now and always
Thou and Thou only first in my heart
High King of heaven, my treasure Thou art
High King of heaven, my victory won
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's sun
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall
Still be my vision, O ruler of all
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall
Still be my vision, O ruler of all
THEOLOGICAL Reflection
“God the Father”
Alexis Owens
SCRIPTURE READINGs
Psalm 103:8-13 (CEB)
8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful,
very patient, and full of faithful love.
9 God won’t always play the judge;
he won’t be angry forever.
10 He doesn’t deal with us according to our sin
or repay us according to our wrongdoing,
11 because as high as heaven is above the earth,
that’s how large God’s faithful love is for those who honor him.
12 As far as east is from west—
that’s how far God has removed our sin from us.
13 Like a parent feels compassion for their children—
that’s how the Lord feels compassion for those who honor him.
14 Because God knows how we’re made,
God remembers we’re just dust.
Proverbs 22:17-27 (CEB)
“Thirty sayings of the wise”
17 Turn your ear and hear the words of the wise;
focus your mind on my knowledge.18 It will be pleasant if you keep the words in you,
if you have them ready on your lips.19 So that your trust will be in the Lord,
I’m teaching you today—yes, you.20 Haven’t I written for you thirty[a] sayings
full of advice and knowledge?21 Their purpose is to teach you true, reliable words,
so you can report back reliably to those who sent you.22 Don’t steal from the poor, because they are poor.
Don’t oppress the needy in the gate.23 The Lord will take up their case
and press the life out of those who oppress them.[b]24 Don’t befriend people controlled by anger;
don’t associate with hot-tempered people;25 otherwise, you will learn their ways
and become trapped.26 Don’t shake hands to guarantee a loan.
27 If you can’t repay,
why should they be able to take your bed from you?”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Where do you think the line is between nature and nurture? How much control do we actually have over who we become as individuals in a society that likes to place us into perfectly square boxes?
When you picture your creator what do you envision? Man? Woman? Friend? Tree? River? Does your image ever change? If yes, Why?
Share a favorite story about your Dad or a father figure in your life!
Prayer TIME
Alexis
SONG: “This Is My Father’s World”
This is my Father's world,
And to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings
The music of the spheres.
This is my Father's world:
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas--
His hand the wonders wrought.
This is my Father's world:
The birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
Declare their Maker's praise.
This is my Father's world:
He shines in all that's fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass,
He speaks to me everywhere.
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!
Our first summer game night is one week away!
Next Sunday, June 23 Following worship at Westover
Ok, it’s actually a game DAY, but you get the idea.
Bring your friends and your favorite games (and maybe some extra snacks and/or drinks) to worship next week and stick around afterwards for some good fun!
Can’t join us for worship but still want to join for some games - no problem! Come for what you can!
Your source of information for all things RISE! Check out the latest edition if you haven’t already! Its packed with info on all our events this summer, staffing updates, etc.
closing SONG
“A mighty fortress is our God”
A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he, amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
does seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide,
our striving would be losing,
were not the right Man on our side,
the Man of God's own choosing.
You ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth his name,
from age to age the same;
and he must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God has willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo! his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.
That Word above all earthly powers
no thanks to them abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours
through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also;
the body they may kill:
God's truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever!
Parting BLESSING
Write it on your heart
that every day is the best day in the year.
He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day
who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety.
Finish every day and be done with it.
You have done what you could.
Some blunders and absurdities, no doubt crept in.
Forget them as soon as you can, tomorrow is a new day;
begin it well and serenely, with too high a spirit
to be cumbered with your old nonsense.
This new day is too dear,
with its hopes and invitations,
to waste a moment on the yesterdays.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
REMEMBER - YOU ARE A GIFT!
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