June 25, 2023
WORDS OF GREETING AND NOMOFOMO
Chris Zepp
We’ll be gathering for worship on Sunday mornings at 10ish here in the Arboretum all summer long, with a weekly variety of spiritual practices and experiences to connect us with God, one another, and the natural world! We will begin each week on the terrace by the Welcome and Education Center (on the hill) - Bring lawn chairs, blankets, etc as you desire. For more information about the Arboretum, visit www.jmu.edu/arboretum/index.shtml
(In the event of rain, watch our socials for Saturday updates.)If you would like to connect more deeply with RISE, you can start by submitting this short form to Get Connected!
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Text “RISE” to 833-803-0868 to join the primary list and receive weekly community updates and alerts
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Please continue to check social media/the website for all updates and information!
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.
Check out the latest edition of the RISE Report - Your bimonthly(ish) source of information for all things RISE!
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.
SONG
“New earth, heavens new”
New earth, heavens new,
Spirit of God moving;
new seed, creatures new,
Spirit of life moving;
new man, woman new,
image of God moving.
REFRAIN:
Sing a new song to the One who has said,
“Behold, I make all things new.”
New love, mercies new,
Spirit of God moving;
new strength, hopefulness new,
Spirit of life moving;
new hearts, spirits new,
image of God moving.
[REFRAIN]
New minds, wisdom new,
Spirit of God moving;
new law, covenant new,
Spirit of life moving;
new name, nature new,
image of God moving.
[REFRAIN]
New earth, heavens new,
Spirit of God moving;
new birth, creatures new,
Spirit of life moving;
new growth, people new,
image of God moving.
[REFRAIN]
Spiritual Practice and THEOLOGICAL EXPLORATION
Sing a New Psalm
Read Psalm 23 below (or another Psalm of your choice)
Using it as a sort of “template,” compose a new Psalm using a metaphor that resonates with your life and experience, your hopes and dreams, or your heartache and tragedy. Be as creative and/or playful as you want, and as honest and/or serious as you can!
If you are the kind of person that likes examples, here is one that comes from the Youth Specialties archives:
"The Lord is My Ski Boat”
The Lord is my ski boat,
That is just what I have always wanted.
He makes me ski on blue water;
He leads me along quiet seas.
He gives me back my zeal for life,
He guides me behind the wake
For my well-being’s sake.
Even though I come to choppy waters,
I show no fear, for someone is watching.
Your life jacket and boots, they comfort me.
You let me jump the wake before my critics and I do not fall.
My skills are mounting.
Certainly exciting and successful times will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the Skiers Hall of Fame forever.
Psalm 23 (CEB)
1 The Lord is my shepherd.
I lack nothing.
2 He lets me rest in grassy meadows;
he leads me to restful waters;
3 he keeps me alive.
He guides me in proper paths
for the sake of his good name.4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no danger because you are with me.
Your rod and your staff—
they protect me.5 You set a table for me
right in front of my enemies.
You bathe my head in oil;
my cup is so full it spills over!
6 Yes, goodness and faithful love
will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will live in the Lord’s house
as long as I live.
Some other Psalms that could provide a good starting template/metaphor:
Psalm 3 (Shield)
Psalm 15 (who can abide in God’s tent?)
Psalm 18 (rock, fortress, deliverer)
Psalm 27 (light and slavation)
Psalm 46 (refuge and strength)
Psalm 84 (lovely dwelling place)
Psalm 87 (city of Zion)
Psalm 121 (help comes from the Lord)
Psalm 133 (when kindred live together in unity)
Psalm 149 (sing a new song)
SONG
“Go Now in peace”
Go now in peace, go now in peace
May the love of God surround you
everywhere, everywhere
you may go…
FINAL BLESSING
~Earle Fike, Jr.
Go now:
Go in safety,
for you cannot go where God is not.
Go in love,
for love alone endures.
Go with purpose,
and God will honor your dedication.
Go in peace, for it is the gift of God to those
whose hearts and minds are in Christ Jesus.
(Go now in peace, go now in peace
May the love of God surround you
everywhere, everywhere
you may go…)
Amen.