October 20, 2024
Words of greeting and Gathering
Alexis Ward Owens
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 Prayer
~Saint Dimitri of Rostov, adapted
Come, our Light, and illumine our darkness.
Come, our Life, and revive us from death.
Come, our Physician, and heal our wounds.
Come, Flame of Divine Love, and burn up the thorns of our sins, kindling our hearts with the flame of your love.
Come, our King, sit upon the throne of our hearts and reign there.
For you alone are our Lord.
Opening Music
Brent Holl
“He came down so we can make joyful noise!”
~Adapted by Brent Holl
Some joyful noise:
1. (Soda) POP! (Soda) cracker
2. Fellowship, Fellowship, RISE! Praise God!
3. Fellowship, Fellowship, RISE!
He came down that we may have Love (3x)
Hallelujah forever more! (Why did he come?)
He came down that we may have peace (3x)
Hallelujah forever more! (Why did he come?)
He came down that we may have joy (3x)
Hallelujah forever more!
(Sing it all again!)
“ONE & ALL”
~Michael Stern
You may have been all the right places,
You may have known all the right faces,
You may have lots of people comin’ when you call.
You may have lots of insurance,
You may have weapons of deterrence,
But then it’s not gonna’ help you here at all.
The hungry will eat and the children will play,
and the haughty will go empty away.
The victims will stand and the mighty will fall,
and the kin’dom will be shared by one and all.
You may have learned all the right phrases.
You may receive the loudest praises.
You may have thought that you were never goin’ to fall.
You may have made lots of money.
But then it won’t help you any
because money doesn’t matter here at all.
The hungry will eat and the children will play,
and the haughty will go empty away.
The victims will stand and the mighty will fall,
and the kin’dom will be shared by one and all.
You may have heard this simple story
about a diff’rent kind of glory.
Those who have ears won’t you listen to the call
to be the salt, to be the leaven,
to be on earth as in heaven,
a little seed finally growin’ so very tall.
The hungry will eat and the children will play,
and the haughty will go empty away.
The victims will stand and the mighty will fall,
and the kin’dom will be shared by one and all.
SCRIPTURE READINGs
Deuteronomy 15:7-11 (CEB)
7 Now if there are some poor persons among you, say one of your fellow Israelites in one of your cities in the land that the Lord your God is giving you, don’t be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward your poor fellow Israelites. 8 To the contrary! Open your hand wide to them. You must generously lend them whatever they need. 9 But watch yourself! Make sure no wicked thought crosses your mind, such as, The seventh year is coming—the year of debt cancellation—so that you resent your poor fellow Israelites and don’t give them anything. If you do that, they will cry out to the Lord against you, and you will be guilty of sin. 10 No, give generously to needy persons. Don’t resent giving to them because it is this very thing that will lead to the Lord your God’s blessing you in all you do and work at. 11 Poor persons will never disappear from the earth. That’s why I’m giving you this command: you must open your hand generously to your fellow Israelites, to the needy among you, and to the poor who live with you in your land.
Amos 5:6-7,10-15 (CEB)
6 Seek the Lord and live,
or else God might rush like a fire against the house of Joseph.
The fire will burn up Bethel, with no one to put it out.
7 Doom to you who turn justice into poison,
and throw righteousness to the ground!10 They hate the one who judges at the city gate,
and they reject the one who speaks the truth.
11 Truly, because you crush the weak,
and because you tax their grain,
you have built houses of carved stone,
but you won’t live in them;
you have planted pleasant vineyards,
but you won’t drink their wine.
12 I know how many are your crimes,
and how numerous are your sins—
afflicting the righteous,
taking money on the side,
turning away the poor who seek help.
13 Therefore, the one who is wise will keep silent in that time;
it is an evil time.14 Seek good and not evil,
that you may live;
and so the Lord, the God of heavenly forces,
will be with you just as you have said.
15 Hate evil, love good,
and establish justice at the city gate.
Perhaps the Lord God of heavenly forces
will be gracious to what is left of Joseph.
Proverbs 31:8-9 (CEB)
8 Speak out on behalf of the voiceless,
and for the rights of all who are vulnerable.
9 Speak out in order to judge with righteousness
and to defend the needy and the poor.
Mark 10:17-31 (CEB)
17 As Jesus continued down the road, a man ran up, knelt before him, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to obtain eternal life?”
18 Jesus replied, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except the one God. 19 You know the commandments: Don’t commit murder. Don’t commit adultery. Don’t steal. Don’t give false testimony. Don’t cheat. Honor your father and mother.”
20 “Teacher,” he responded, “I’ve kept all of these things since I was a boy.”
21 Jesus looked at him carefully and loved him. He said, “You are lacking one thing. Go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor. Then you will have treasure in heaven. And come, follow me.” 22 But the man was dismayed at this statement and went away saddened, because he had many possessions.
23 Looking around, Jesus said to his disciples, “It will be very hard for the wealthy to enter God’s kingdom!” 24 His words startled the disciples, so Jesus told them again, “Children, it’s difficult to enter God’s kingdom! 25 It’s easier for a camel to squeeze through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom.”
26 They were shocked even more and said to each other, “Then who can be saved?”
27 Jesus looked at them carefully and said, “It’s impossible with human beings, but not with God. All things are possible for God.”
28 Peter said to him, “Look, we’ve left everything and followed you.”
29 Jesus said, “I assure you that anyone who has left house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, or farms because of me and because of the good news 30 will receive one hundred times as much now in this life—houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and farms (with harassment)—and in the coming age, eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last. And many who are last will be first.”
James 2:1-17 (CEB)
1 My brothers and sisters, when you show favoritism you deny the faithfulness of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has been resurrected in glory. 2 Imagine two people coming into your meeting. One has a gold ring and fine clothes, while the other is poor, dressed in filthy rags. 3 Then suppose that you were to take special notice of the one wearing fine clothes, saying, “Here’s an excellent place. Sit here.” But to the poor person you say, “Stand over there”; or, “Here, sit at my feet.” 4 Wouldn’t you have shown favoritism among yourselves and become evil-minded judges?
5 My dear brothers and sisters, listen! Hasn’t God chosen those who are poor by worldly standards to be rich in terms of faith? Hasn’t God chosen the poor as heirs of the kingdom he has promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor. Don’t the wealthy make life difficult for you? Aren’t they the ones who drag you into court? 7 Aren’t they the ones who insult the good name spoken over you at your baptism?
8 You do well when you really fulfill the royal law found in scripture, Love your neighbor as yourself. 9 But when you show favoritism, you are committing a sin, and by that same law you are exposed as a lawbreaker. 10 Anyone who tries to keep all of the Law but fails at one point is guilty of failing to keep all of it. 11 The one who said, Don’t commit adultery, also said, Don’t commit murder. So if you don’t commit adultery but do commit murder, you are a lawbreaker. 12 In every way, then, speak and act as people who will be judged by the law of freedom. 13 There will be no mercy in judgment for anyone who hasn’t shown mercy. Mercy overrules judgment.
14 My brothers and sisters, what good is it if people say they have faith but do nothing to show it? Claiming to have faith can’t save anyone, can it? 15 Imagine a brother or sister who is naked and never has enough food to eat. 16 What if one of you said, “Go in peace! Stay warm! Have a nice meal!”? What good is it if you don’t actually give them what their body needs? 17 In the same way, faith is dead when it doesn’t result in faithful activity.
THEOLOGICAL Reflection
Chris Zepp
“More, the Poor, and Enough”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Take a longer look at the scriptures that were chosen today. What do they have to teach us as we consider political issues related to economics, poverty, etc? What is their good news? What are their challenges?
Where do you see yourself on the economic spectrum? Do you consider yourself rich? Poor? Middle class? How does this economic identity influence your political perspectives and activities?
What is our primary calling as people of faith as it relates to our personal/family economics? As it relates to social/public economics? How do we balance these?
Prayer Litany in Two Voices
~Amanda and Chris Zepp
1: Our culture tells us that we must keep up with the Jones – with new cars, immaculate lawns, first rate fashion, the latest technology, etc, etc.
2: Jesus says, “Be on your guard against covetousness; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” (Luke 12:15)
1: Our culture tells us that God helps those who help themselves.
2: Jesus says: “As you do to one of the least of these…you do to me.” (Matthew 25:40)
1: Our culture tells us we need to invest well and save for the future, that we might send our kids to a good college, maintain our lifestyle in retirement, and lay a strong foundation for future generations.
2: Jesus says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
1: Our culture tells us that God has blessed our people and our land with prosperity.
2: Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor, the hungry, and those who mourn.” (Luke 6:20-21)
1: Our culture tells us that the 1% have it made.
2: Jesus says, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:25)
1: Our culture tells us that we can’t get anywhere without money.
2: Jesus says, “None of you can become my disciple if you do not give up your possessions.” (Luke 14:33)
1: Our culture tells us that money is what “makes the world go ‘round.”
2: Jesus says, “No one can serve two masters…you cannot serve God and wealth.” (Matthew 6:24)
1: Our culture tells us, “You are what you buy.”
2: Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:13-14)
1: Our culture tells us that life is a struggle to survive, and that we can never have enough.
2: Jesus says, “Do not worry about what you will eat or wear, but strive first for the kingdom of God and God’s righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:31-33)
1: God, we see the hurts, the poverty, the injustice and the violence that mars your world, and we know that your heart is broken.
2: We know the calling to care, respond, and give to meet the needs and ease the suffering of people you love so much.
1: So grant us the grace to see your vision of blessing for all your children
2: And give us the faith to make your vision real in the world.
1: We pray in Jesus name…
2: Amen.
Song
“Blessed Are… (If You’re Happy)”
~Brent Holl
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
If you’re happy and you know it sing a song.
If you’re happy and you know it sing along!
If you’re happy and you know it,
Then your face will surely show it,
If you’re happy and you know it sing a song.
Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
If you’re happy and you know it sing a song.
If you’re happy and you know it sing along!
If you’re happy and you know it,
Then your face will surely show it,
If you’re happy and you know it sing a song.
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!
Movie and Discussion
THIS AFTERNOON!
3-6 pm
Zepp Home
"Bad Faith" is a feature-length documentary that explores the dangerous rise of Christian Nationalism in the United States. Part archival chronicle, part exposé, the film reveals the secretive political machinery that has relentlessly sought to weaken and destroy American democracy in order to promote an authoritarian vision.
Together we’ll watch the movie, then take some time to process and discuss the ideas it raises. Bring a snack & drink or just yourself and join us! DM us or contact Chris Zepp (worship@riseharrisonburg.com) for address, directions, or more info.
Craft ‘n’ Chat
6-8 pm Tuesday Evenings
James Madison University
Gabbin Hall, Room 0204
Join RISE on campus for evenings of crafting together and conversation about life and maintaining balance in a chaotic world. Feel free to bring any projects you’re already working on, but craft supplies will also be provided!
Contact Alexis or Sheridan for more info and/or directions.
The Sitting
(With an Issue)
6-8 pm Wednesday Nights
Brothers Craft Brewing
October 2 - November 6
It’s been great joining many of you over the past few months at The Sitting for open-ended conversation and company. But we’ve decided to get a bit more intentional about bringing some timely and topical conversation to our Sittings. For the next six weeks, we will take the opportunity on Wednesday nights to continue the conversations we will begin at worship on Sunday mornings by taking an even deeper dive into the issues that concern ourselves, our country, and our world during this election season. How do we live as people of faith in these trying times? And how do we think about the issue and concerns that divide us and our neighbors? Let’s talk about it and try to figure it out together!
During this election season, it is hard to find a safe place to talk about the prevalent issues in our country. We hope RISE can provide a safe place for judgment-free and pressure-free discussion about issues that affect us all. ❤️ Please come with an open heart and open mind!
Meet & Feed
Friday, October 25
10:45 pm+
James Madison University
(Start at Canterbury House Parking Lot
622 S. Main Street, Harrisonburg)
“Hallow-Homecoming” is one of the bigest weekends of the year at JMU! So many evening festivities will be happening and we want to be present to remind students to stay safe and remember that they are loved by passing out free food from some friendly RISE folks.
Here’s how you can help:
1) Help us meet and greet and pass out food on the night of the event (costumes are very much encouraged!)
2) Donate food! (Hot dogs, individually wrapped chips and crackers, etc.) Carbs are especially appreciated!
3) Make a special financial donation to hep fund the cost of the event - click the “Give now” link above or at the bottom of this page and label your gift “Meet & Feed.”
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
“The COmmon Good”
~Chris Zepp
In this world where strife and hatred cause division with our friends
It is hard to find a vision that unites instead of rends
Politicians stoke division, talking heads just make it worse
So-called leaders chase poll numbers, taking care of their own purse
But the church should be much different — for each other we should live
Looking not to our own interests, but instead to what we give
Can we take our love and caring into public, witness bear?
The Golden Rule we preach on Sunday, our world needs us all to share
The pursuit of earthly treasure drives us all to some degree
Yet the quest for wealth and riches will not lead us to be free
Jesus calls us to be giving, generous with all we own
Open handed with our bounty - needy cared for, justice sown
We are called to love our neighbors even when we disagree
Work for justice, and for mercy — turn the “me” into a “we”
Then together we shall flourish, treating each as if our own
The common good shall be our calling — faith-filled values be made known
Parting Blessing
~Walter Brueggemann
In the face of consumer values,
the church pauses
and names
and kneels in gratitude,
and arises with the power to be different.
May it be so!
REMEMBER - YOU ARE A GIFT!
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