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 second and fourth 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 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)
At upRising, we believe children are full participants in the life of the church. During our regular worship service, kids gather in the classrooms for Children’s Church — a special time of learning, worship, and community designed just for them. Each week we sing songs, hear a Bible story, share communion, take an offering, and pray together. Through these practices, children experience the rhythms of worship in a way that is engaging and meaningful for them. Whether they are lifting their voices in song, reflecting on God’s love, or sharing in the sacred meal, our children are growing in faith and learning what it means to be the church. All are welcome!
We’re always glad to have you and your children worship with us in service, and we want you to be glad you’re here as well. If your children aren’t ready for Children’s Church, there’s a space for them in the Worship Service. 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. 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]
We are always looking for additional talent to join our amazing teams. If you are interested in the music or a/v ministries on Saturday or Sunday, please email us at [email protected] and we’ll connect you with the appropriate people!
leaders
what is the spirit of service?
The Spirit of Service program aims to create a sustainable support system for students, families, and individuals in need — fostering a stronger, healthier community. The program consists of three teams. The Food Insecurity Team maintains our food pantry and delivers food packages to families of Williams Elementary when school is out and children aren’t receiving free breakfast or lunch. The Well-Being Team is dedicated to supporting families by collecting funds to use for rent and utility assistance. They also focus on helping our neighbors experiencing homelessness. The Community Drive Team organizes and executes various community drives throughout the year, such as school supplies at the beginning of the school year and gift cards at Christmastime.
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. This group meets on the same Sundays as other SALT groups, at 11:30 am in Classroom 3, led by Jan Manning and Emily Sandvig Rios.
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
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 second and fourth Wednesday evenings for game night. Students are invited to join us, and bring friends for food and games. Additionally, THRIVE meets periodically for outings and community activities. Check News and Notes or our socials for updated information on weekly activities!
If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at: [email protected]
thrive leaders
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
red carpet
ensuring everyone who walks through our doors feels welcome and affirmed
spirit of service
three teams working together to address food insecurity, homelessness, rent and utility assistance, and to organize community drives
If you are interested in joining one of our teams, please email us at: [email protected]