About Us

Our Vision
“Welcoming all to be a community for good in God’s world.”

Our Mission
“Mountain Rise United Church of Christ strives to be an open and affirming gathering of Christ’s followers welcoming all to the journey of faith with creative worship, caring community, learning, and service to God, one another, and the world.”

Mountain Rise is an open and affirming community of faith where you can nurture your spirit or raise your family — where you belong and can help change the world for good! We invite you to join us!

Mountain Rise welcomes everyone to join us in fellowship, worship and service. Our church is fully accessible and has an accessible outdoor worship space. Mountain Rise has been designated by the national United Church of Christ as an Open and Affirming Church, welcoming all people regardless of race, nationality, physical ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.

At Mountain Rise we value community and caring relationships. We are distinctly Christian in our perspective but welcome a diversity of beliefs and perspectives. We approach the Bible as a sacred text that can reveal new truths every time we read it, but recognize that the Spirit also speaks to us through other sources and other faiths. We humbly acknowledge that God is still speaking in our evolving world through many voices and events.

Two people with hard hats are working on a construction project, standing on a wooden platform next to a residential house.

Three people converse near a "Greeter Table" inside the United Church of Christ. Decorative banner and flowers are visible.

A group of people serves themselves food from a buffet table indoors, engaging in conversation and enjoying a communal meal.

Justice, peace, compassion and caring service are key themes that we advocate and act upon in our church through our teaching, preaching, and ministries in the community. Mountain Rise has been designated by our national denomination as a Global Mission Church. We have a mission relationship with a church in Honduras and have supported refugee families from Laos, Sudan and Ukraine over the years.

Community and close relationships arise from and energize all the activities of Mountain Rise UCC. Worship and music, spirituality groups, classes for children and for adults, dinner groups, service projects, picnics and game nights all bring joy and fulfillment to members and friends.

Parking?

When entering the church driveway from Mountain Rise Street there are two parking areas – the upper lot (follow the driveway up the hill) and the lower lot (continue straight to the backside of the church building). Handicap parking is available in both lots.

Where do I enter the church?

The main entrance to the church building is accessible from the upper parking lot. Once you come through the entryway the sanctuary will be on your right. You can also enter the church from the lower parking lot. The main floor is accessible via a staircase or elevator. Once on the main floor, continue to the sanctuary which will be to your left. Be sure to stop at the welcome table!

What is the worship service like?

We welcome you to join us in creative worship. Our worship service typically includes readings, music, a special message for the children and a sermon. With the help of talented pianists our choir leads hymns and sings anthems to enhance worship. On the second Sunday of each month, worship music has a jazz feeling when the House Band plays. Communion occurs once a month.

How should I dress?

We encourage people to dress comfortably. Some people may dress up, but casual clothes are fine. Everyone is welcome.

Are there children’s classes or a nursery?

Mountain Rise offers programming for children and youth every Sunday after the Children’s Offering and Message. Classes are led by a team of caring adults who follow the A Joyful Path curriculum. A nursery is currently not available, but please do not worry if your child makes a little noise during worship. “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise.” ~ Psalm 8

What are church hours during the week?

The church office is staffed on Tuesdays 10:00am-3:00pm and Thursdays 12:30-3:00pm. If you need to contact staff or access the building at an alternative time, email office@mtriseucc.org or call the church office: 585-223-2433. Please don’t hesitate to leave a telephone message.

Mountain Rise is a part of the national United Church of Christ, a liberal protestant denomination formed by the merger of several Protestant denominations in 1957. In the UCC each church is autonomous but holds in highest regard guidance from the General Synod. Mountain Rise is a member of the New York UCC Conference and of the UCC Genesee Valley Association.