CONNECT WITH US
As churches get bigger, they must “get smaller” if they hope to thrive. In other words, people need opportunities outside of large worship services to meet new people, develop friendships, and grow in faith. Our response to that need is our Growth Groups. Growth Groups are groups of 10-15 people who get together each week in a convenient Austin location.
Growth Groups happen twice each year. During the Spring session, each Group has its own topic ranging from tennis to piano to a study on forgiveness and just about everything in between. During the Fall session, all Growth Groups participate in a church-wide study. Those have included a book study of Adam Hamilton’s Enough, a book on stewardship and generosity, and a discussion of the 8 Points of Progressive Christianity.
Our Deacons surround our congregation with prayer, care, and encouragement.
Our Deacon ministry is a “connecting” ministry. At upRising, part of our mission is “Connecting you to God, each other, and the community,” and our Deacons are the foundation of that connection. Each person who is part of our upRising community is connected with one of our Deacons. (If you haven’t been contacted by a Deacon but would like to be, please call or text the Deacon Line at 512-291-8819.) Though all the Deacons keep the church lifted in prayer and are available to offer care and encouragement, every person has an assigned Deacon who will stay connected with you even if you don’t “need” anything in particular from them. If you have situations arise in which you’d like specific support from your Deacon, don’t hesitate to reach out. Deacons want to offer you support in tough times and celebrate with you when good things happen.
In addition to our Deacons, our Sr. Pastor is always available to you when you are struggling with your faith, experiencing challenging life events, or just want to talk to your Pastor. You can reach Rev. Karen by calling the church office at 512-291-8601 or sending an email to office@uprisingaustin.org.
You can reach our Deacons anytime by calling the Deacon Care Line at 512-291-8819. Someone will return your call as soon as possible.
All are welcome to join our different ministries and participate in our various programs. For more information contact our Program Director, Amanda Alvarado, at amanda.alvarado@mccaustin.com.
ONGOING
SEASONAL
On the third Sunday of each month—September through May—two groups meet for food and fellowship at local restaurants.
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The Family Lunch Bunch visits restaurants that also have playgrounds—spaces where adults and children alike can comfortably socialize.
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Community Connection gathers at a different restaurant each month to meet new people and connect with old friends.
If you are visiting us or if lunch out doesn’t fit into your budget, we would love for you to be our guest for lunch. Just let one of our hosts know that you’d like to be our guest.
Seasonal Meetups are opportunities throughout the year to gather at the church or to get out in the city for some fun with friends. We have game nights and potlucks. During the summer, meetups have included fishing at Moby Dick’s Private Pond, taking in a show at Zilker Hillside Theater, and cheering on the Round Rock Express. During Advent, we meet weekly for activities such as cookie decorating, ornament making, and Christmas caroling.
If members are to grow in their faith, they need to have established an emotional bond with their congregation. And for that bond to have optimum strength, it must go beyond just the worship experience. ~Albert Winesman