July 16, 2023
WORDS OF GREETING AND NOMOFOMO
Amanda Miller Garber
Coming soon:
The 2nd Annual Hungry Games! Don't you just love an evening spent with good people, good food, and good games? We do too! That's why "The Hungry Games" will be back again this summer! There will be food, there will be fun, and you won’t want to miss them! The first one will happen on Friday, July 28, 6 pm (location TBD)!
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES - Wednesdays 6-8 pm at Turner Pavilion
Conveniently playing right across the street from our Homebase, the 2023 Levitt AMP Harrisonburg Music Series features an exciting line-up for the upcoming season. Join with RISE friends on Wednesday evenings and get in on the fun, especially on 8/16 and 9/13! More info on the full line-up can be found here: https://downtownharrisonburg.org/levitt-amp-harrisonburg/
We’ll be gathering for worship on Sunday mornings at 10ish 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 and text line for updates - any day-of weather related calls will be made by 9 am)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!
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.
Spiritual Practice and THEOLOGICAL EXPLORATION
Learning to walk with our ancestors
Share about one of your wise and loving ancestors who has had a significant influence on your life. Perhaps you knew them personally, or perhaps you’ve heard their story and it has inspired you. How has their story shaped you, and how do you experience their influence or even feel their presence?
PROCESS:
*For a PDF version of an introduction to the process:
What happens when we don’t know and remember the stories of our ancestors? How does a lack of connection to our ancestors affect us as individuals, a community and a culture?
What about this practice captures your imagination? Does anything strike you as unusual or uncomfortable?
How might this practice change your daily life, especially if it was practiced regularly?
SONG
“Amazing Grace”
Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come
This grace that brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home.
When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright, shining as the sun
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we first begun.
Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind but now I see.
FINAL BLESSING
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
Amen.