connect with upRising

check out all the opportunities we have for you to connect with our community!

We know that growing families are busy! So we’ve scheduled our ongoing family activities for the first week of the month. Now you can plan ahead to join in on all the fun!

children’s message

On the first Sundays, children are invited to participate in a brief, interactive lesson, delivered by Amanda Alvarado, our Program Coordinator, during the worship service.

 

family fun friday

On the first Fridays, families are invited to join us at Way South Food Park, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, for food and fun.

 

THRIVE youth connection

On the first and third Sundays, middle-school and high-school students are invited to join us at the Chrysalis Center, from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, for food, games, and discussion.

If you’re at least 60 years old and looking to add some fun to your weekdays, Golden Generation is the group for you! Golden Generation meets on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:30 am for games, puzzles, age-appropriate exercise, crafts, presentations, birthday celebrations, and plenty of discussion about a wide array of topics. The group also shares a meal at each session.

Kids On The Rise is a community of leaders, volunteers, and children working together to: develop sound FAITH, build supportive and affirming COMMUNITY, promote a sense of true PURPOSE, and create a lasting and positive IMPACT in our world. We are committed to building a safe space of diversity, inclusion, and affirmation for all.

But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people who are like these children.” – Matthew 19:14 (ICB)

We’re always glad to have you and your children worship with us, and we want you to be glad you’re here as well. We know that children aren’t designed for sitting quietly for long periods of time, so please don’t worry when they get a little restless. We believe that God put the wiggle in kids! And we don’t want you to feel the need to suppress it in church. An activity space with pillows, quiet toys, and art supplies is located on the left side of the sanctuary. You may accompany your children to this space at any point during service. If you’re concerned those around you might be distracted by noise, feel free to step into the cry room/nursery to soothe your child. Or, if you prefer, they are welcome to hang out in our supervised play space. Please remember that the way we welcome children in church directly affects their church experience and perception of God and the Christian community. We want them and you to know that they are always welcome at upRising!

If you have any questions or concerns about Kids On The Rise, please email our Program Coordinator at: [email protected]

books with friends

This virtual book group is unlike your typical “book club” in that this group leisurely reads the book together and then discusses passages and ideas that arise out of the reading. As a result of this format, the group has no predetermined timeline for finishing a book; they read a particular book until the group decides to move on to another book. The group is open to anyone who enjoys books that explore spirituality, religion, emotional health, and recovery. To join this group, which meets on Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. via Zoom, email [email protected]. The Zoom link to the meeting is sent out to participants one hour before each meeting.
 

braving the bible

Many of us have been “taught” what the Bible says. Often those things are hurtful and at odds with the God of love we have come to know. Braving the Bible is an opportunity to come together and explore what the Bible actually says, viewed through the lens of who we understand God to be. It is a safe space to discuss and to question – with no “right answers” required. Previous studies have included the books of Ruth and James, Hebrews 11 – “the faith chapter,” and the parables of Jesus.

Braving the Bible is open to everyone, with an intentional focus on those in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Facilitated by Megan Engel, Abby Simpson, and Jan Manning, Braving the Bible meets on the same Sundays as other SALT groups, at 11:30 am in Classroom 3.

 

chat 7.5

Games, prayer, meaningful discussions, and a safe place to share joys and sorrows are all part of the virtual Chat 7.5 group, which meets via Zoom on Monday evenings at 7:30. The group began during the pandemic in 2020, found the shared time each week to be so uplifting, that it has continued. The group is open to anyone who is looking for connection. Email [email protected] to be added to the group and receive the Zoom link one hour before each meeting.
 

sunday morning bible study

A desire to grow in God’s word is the only requirement to be a part of this study and prayer group, which meets at 8:45 a.m. on Sundays. The group uses a conversational format and no previous biblical knowledge is necessary; everyone is free to share their thoughts about the topics and passages being studied. The class meets in-person and also is available via Zoom to those who cannot attend in person. To be included virtually, email [email protected]. The Zoom link will be emailed one hour before the group begins.
 
 

weekly prayer group

This virtual group allows you to enter the week with strength that is nourished by praying with others. Meeting via Zoom at noon each week, the group prays for guidance, for those in need, and for healing in our world, and gives thanks to God for blessings. To join this group, call 512-291-8601 or send an email to [email protected]. The Zoom link is emailed to participants one hour before each meeting.

THRIVE Youth Connection is a community of middle-school and high-school students, leaders, and volunteers working together to: develop sound FAITH, build a supportive and affirming COMMUNITY, promote a sense of true PURPOSE, and create a lasting and positive IMPACT in our world. We are committed to creating a safe space of diversity, inclusion, and affirmation for all participants.

THRIVE meets on the first and third Sundays every month at the Chrysalis Center from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm. Students are invited to join us, and bring friends for food, games, and discussion. Check our socials for updated information on weekly activities!

FACEBOOK   //  INSTAGRAM

If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at: [email protected]

thrive leaders

amanda alvarado

program coordinator

kasie rizan

leader

carissa rizan

leader

kaye young

volunteer

al reid

volunteer

All adult leaders and volunteers have been cleared through a criminal background check.

altar care

creating a beautiful and welcoming sacred space in our sanctuary throughout the year

audio/video

creating an accessible and worshipful atmosphere running slides, video, sound, and lights for services and events

driveway greeters

greeting members and guests as they arrive on campus

groundskeeping

providing ongoing maintenance and beautification of our campus

hospitality

facilitating congregational meals and refreshments

PRIDE

assisting with the planning and participation of our congregation in the Austin PRIDE parade, festival, and events each August

project brown bag

bagging and delivering shelf-stable groceries to food-insecure families in South Austin

red carpet

ensuring everyone who walks through our doors feels welcome and affirmed

If you are interested in joining one of our teams, please email us at: [email protected]

If you’re at least 60 years old and looking to add some fun to your weekdays, Golden Generation is the group for you! Golden Generation meets on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:30 am for games, puzzles, age-appropriate exercise, crafts, presentations, birthday celebrations, and plenty of discussion about a wide array of topics. The group also shares a meal at each session.