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 Ms. Amanda, during the worship service.
family fun friday
On the first Fridays, families are invited to join us at Thicket Food Park, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, for food and fun.
thrive youth connection
On the first Saturdays, middle-school and high-school students are invited to join us at the Chrysalis Center, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, for food, games, and community discussion.
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: Amanda.Alvarado@uprisingaustin.org
leaders
deacons
Deacons surround our congregation with prayer, care, and encouragement.
Deacons are the foundation of prayerful support and community connection. Each person who is part of the upRising community is connected with one of our Deacons. 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.
If you haven’t been assigned a Deacon but would like to be, please call or text the office at 512-291-8601.
In addition to the Deacons, our Sr. Pastor is always available to you when you are struggling with your faith, experiencing challenging life events, or just want to chat. You can reach Rev. Karen by calling the church office at 512-291-8601 or sending an email to office@uprisingaustin.org.
books with friends
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
SALT groups
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 first Saturday every month in the Chrysalis Center from 6:00-8:00 pm. Students are invited to join us, and bring friends for: food, games, and community discussion.
All adult leaders and volunteers have been cleared through a criminal background check.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at: thrive@uprisingaustin.org
leaders and volunteers
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
prayer
meeting weekly to pray together for the needs of our community
worship services
pastors and lay leaders work together to lead the congregation in community prayer, sermons, communion, and offertory
If you are interested in joining one of our teams, please email us at: office@uprisingaustin.org