Your source of information for all things RISE!

October 2024


Upcoming Worship Series

Sunday mornings at exactly 10ish am

*Hillandale Park, Shelter #2
801 Hillandale Avenue
Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Join us on Sunday mornings for worship as we explore contemporary cultural issues and how our faith shapes our values in relation to these issues in the realm of our politics, voting, etc.

September 29
Politics & The Common Good
Philippians 2:1-4; Romans 12:1-5; 14:19; Matthew 7:12

October 6
Othering (Immigration, Race, Gender, Sexuality, etc.)
Leviticus 19:33-34; Isaiah 56:1-8; Hebrews 13:1-3

October 13
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Psalm 139:1-16; Exodus 21:22-25

October 20
Poverty & Economics
Proverbs 31:8-9; Amos 5:6-7, 10-15; Deuteronomy 15:7-11

October 27
Environment
Genesis 1:25-28; Psalm 24:1-2; Leviticus 25:23-24

November 3
Isolation or Global Involvement?
Mark 12:28-34; 1 John 3:16-18

November 10
What’s Next?
Romans 13:1-7; Psalm 146


*We know that many of you have been eagerly awaiting news about our worship meeting space with Autumn upon us and the weather starting to get colder. Please be assured that we are working diligently on securing a new meeting place and should be able to make an announcement soon!


Brushstrokes and Blooms

On the rainy afternoon of September 17th, RISE Intern Sheridan and Pastor Alexis spent an INCREDIBLE afternoon on Festival Lawn at JMU connecting with students and getting crafty! They hosted the first ever RISE “Brushstrokes and Blooms” event, where students were invited to grab a paper bag, a paintbrush, some paint colors, and a small potted plant to take back to their dorms to decorate and enjoy on a rainy day. They connected with 150 new students and spread some love and good vibes on a rainy Tuesday. So many students mentioned the fact that this small act of kindness brightened their entire day. Be on the lookout for more campus pop ups throughout the year!


Upcoming Events

 

Crafts ‘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!

DM us or contact Sheridan or Alexis (riseharrisonburg@gmail.com) 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!

 

Movie and Discussion

Sunday, October 20
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.

 

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 to RISE” link in the header or the bottom of this page and label your gift “Meet & Feed.”

 

GaME Night

Friday, November 15
6 pm

Zepp Home

Bring a friend, your favorite game(s), and any food/sharing snacks as you wish and join us for a night of fun! Sodas, seltzers, and coffee/tea/hot chocolate will be provided, but you are welcome to bring something of your choosing as well.

DM us or contact Chris Zepp (worship@riseharrisonburg.com) for address, directions, or more info.


RISE Group Options Survey

We are still actively considering & planning for group options for the next several months at RISE and are seeking community input so that we can try to offer programming that best meets your needs & desires at the most accessible time(s). Please take a few moments to complete our short "Group Options Survey" at the link below to let us know what you are looking for!


RISE Merch Shop is LIVE!!!

The HIGHLY REQUESTED RISE Merch Shop is now open and ready for business! Order all of your favorite RISE gear shipped directly to your home! RISE items make great gifts for friends family and yourself. Profits from each sale go directly back to RISE operations.


We Have a New Mailing Address!

We no longer have office space at the Ice House and will now be receiving all mail at the address listed below. If you are currently giving via mailed checks please begin using our new address ASAP!

281 N. Mason St.
Box 110
Harrisonburg VA 22803


RISE NEEDS YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Your generosity makes everything we do possible!!

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!

Make a one-time donation or set up recurring gifts today!


At RISE,
we care about what’s going on in your life!

When life is good, we want to celebrate together. And when it isn’t - well, we want to be there for you then too. So keep us posted on what it is going on in your life. And when you have need for care or prayer, be sure to let us know how we can lift you up.

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.

To receive updates on (non-confidential) care needs, prayer requests, and community concerns and celebrations, text “RISEcares” to 833-803-0868 or e-mail cares@riseharrisonburg.com.


If you are fairly new to the community and would like to connect more deeply with RISE, you can begin by completing this short form to let us know about you, your interest, and your gifts:

Get Connected!

You might also consider signing up for texting services:
(We promise not to spam or share your number!)

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

And of course, please continue to check social media (Facebook & Instagram) and our website for all the updates and current information!