1972-1973 – The Reverend Karl Johnson is called to be the third minister of Mountain Rise. For the first time in several years the year ends with a surplus in the budget.

1973-1974 – Reverend Johnson begins studies for a Doctor of Ministry degree in theology and psychology. Reverend Johnson and his wife, Marie, teach various classes in the church and in the community, including “Marriage Enrichment” workshops, “Parent Effectiveness” courses, and Transactional Analysis classes.

1974-1975 – Increased pledging families and increased pledges result in a 38% increase in giving which helps support the long-range plan for paying the mortgage. Several fund-raising events occur, such as a new edition of the Mountain Rise cookbook, a craft sale and a serendipity sale. The money is used to help fund soundproofing for the Christian Education areas.

1975-1976 – As a result of increased attendance at Sunday worship, Mountain Rise goes to two worship services. Reverend Johnson successfully defends his thesis for the Doctor of Ministries program.

1976-1977 – Mountain Rise initiates a Youth Club enrolling 46 young people. A special task force is formed to review space limitations and recommend solutions. A plan is approved to expand church facilities, including a new sanctuary and a kitchen, and a building committee is formed. Valvano and Associates are selected as architects.

1977-1978 – The congregation agrees to sell the parsonage to Reverend Johnson. The final design of the new addition is approved and a groundbreaking ceremony is held.

1978-1979 – Most successful stewardship campaign in fifteen years results in 125 pledges for a total of about $50,000. Greg Osterberg, who served previously as a student minister from Colgate Rochester Divinity School, has his ordination ceremony at Mountain Rise.

1979-1980 – The new sanctuary enables returning to one Sunday service. A Refugee Friendship Committee is formed and decides to sponsor the Rasichanh family from Laos. Eight members of the family arrive. Over several years the Refugee Friendship Project expands to include an additional 26 Lao refugees, all related to the original Rasichanh family.

1980-1981 – Floor sealing, paneling, and painting of the new basement area is done using member volunteers and the Boy Scout Troop that Mountain Rise sponsors.

1981-1982 – First annual Walk for Hunger (CROP) is held along a stretch of the Erie Canal.

1982-1983 – Mountain Rise 20th anniversary is celebrated with a special worship service with a speaker from the National Synod. The first Youth Minister, Nancy Reynolds, is hired. KIN (Kommunication Information Network) is organized to facilitate closer ties between members of the congregation. Two Laotian families host a dinner of appreciation honoring Mountain Rise members.

1983-1984 – Several women from Mountain Rise participate in the Women’s Peace Encampment at the Seneca Army Base. Reverend Karl Johnson starts a sabbatical at the Jung Institute in Zurich, Switzerland. An adult education program on Sunday mornings is established. A new youth Christian Education program is outlined and staffed with emphasis on Sunday morning and weekday afternoon programs to teach values, the church story, and to help kids get to know each other better. The church Constitution and Bylaws are revised and reorganized to better reflect the way Mountain Rise is run and to allow more effective ministry.

1984-1985 – The Mountain Rise Youth Club is launched with classes for 3rd-4th grade, 5th-6th grade, and Jr. High students. Centerquest is the curriculum being used. Projects of the Social Ministry Commitment unit include: The Salem Soup Kitchen, Basement Clothing Center, Christmas Food Baskets, and establishing ties with people in Nicaragua through Chris Hammer who is building a medical clinic there.

1985-1986 – A bond drive to fund capital improvements for our property is approved. Projects to be completed include paving the parking lot, replacing the roof, purchasing computer equipment, new lighting in the sanctuary, and better identification of Mountain Rise as a church. A new banner for the fellowship room was completed after members and friends submitted personally designed squares.

1986-1987 – This is the 25th anniversary year for Mountain Rise UCC. Two of our previous ministers, Rev. Charles Higgins and Rev. J. Harrison Petter, return to preach during the year. The Stewardship drive is very successful, surpassing $100,000 for the first time. With great regret the Council accepts the resignation of the Reverend Doctor Karl Johnson after 14 years at Mountain Rise. The Fellowship Room is named the Karl Johnson room in his honor. Social Ministry continues support of the medical center in Esteli, Nicaragua, through the Easter offering, and also supports Dimitri House and the Perinton Food Shelf. Church School starts the year with a full day teachers workshop followed by bi-monthly teacher breakfasts to provide a forum for teachers to plan together.

1987-1988 – The Interim Minister Committee secures a part-time interim minister, Dr. Grace Crowley.

1988-1989 – The Reverend Richard Weir becomes our fourth Mountain Rise minister. Reverend Weir introduces a new Advent tradition – “searching for the Christmas treasure” (Baby Jesus) which continues today at Powers Farm Market.

1989-1990 – Reverend Weir starts a tradition of outdoor summer services which are held on the west side of the church. This led to the 1996 construction of the outdoor worship area we have today. Mountain Rise entered a partnership with inner city School #2 by providing volunteers, supplies and money for field trips. The church also hosted the annual meeting of the Genesee Valley Association of the UCC. Earth Day was celebrated with the planting of a white pine (an Iroquois peace symbol) with Peter Jemison, a Seneca Indian, sharing in the dedication ceremony.

1990-1991 – The concept of a one-Sunday-a-month special music program (Joyful Noise) is initiated, which continues as House Band (Jazz) Sunday today. The Advent House hospice is opened with the support of Mountain Rise and individual members. The church building survives The Great Ice Storm of March 1991. A celebration is held marking the purchase of a new Young Chang piano which is creatively financed through the sale of individual piano keys to church members. Connie Dilger retired from her position as Administrative Assistant after serving Mountain Rise for almost 30 years.

Reverend Weir and Jim Starks travel to El Salvador for ten days to establish a relationship with rural health organization ASAPROSAR.

1991-1992 – Congregation Etz Chaim uses Mountain Rise space for their high holy day services and in September of 1992 begins renting space at Mountain Rise. Mountain Rise member Sandra Lemke enters into an in-care relationship with the church as she begins the process of ordination into the ministry.

1992-1993 – A six-week workshop on the church and homosexuality is held. The Inclusivity Group sponsors the purchase of “Inclusive Language Hymnals.”

1993-1994 – Suzanne Gangemi is hired as Director of Youth Ministry. A popular adult education series, “Creating a Just Society”, with speakers including Sandra Lemke, Rochester Mayor William Johnson, and a representative from Action for a Better Community, provides opportunity for thoughtful discussions. Mountain Rise member Dick Nettle is accepted into the Lay Ministry program.  Suzanne Gangemi starts the Peacekeepers program.  It is a program for preschool children from urban and suburban communities that teaches the concepts of peace and conflict resolution through play and stories. A key feature of the Peacemakers program is daily “cultural visitors”  from many ethnic cultures, the animal kingdom, or the visually impaired.

1994-1995 – Discussions begin regarding the proposition of becoming an open and affirming church.

1995-1996 – At the annual financial meeting the congregation accepts a resolution to become an “open and affirming church which welcomes all people regardless of their race, sex, nationality, physical ability, or sexual orientation.” Alex Rogers, a University of Rochester medical student, is sponsored by Mountain Rise to go to El Salvador and work with ASAPROSAR for 6 weeks during the Summer. The Worship Committee selects The New Century Hymnal as our new inclusive hymnal. The new outdoor worship area east of the upper parking lot is completed under the leadership of Mal Budd.

1996-1997 – Mountain Rise celebrates “The Year of the Family,” highlighted by parenting programs led by Adele Faber. A service and reception for Sandra Lemke celebrates her investiture into ordained ministry. The Memorial Walk is established, and a committee is formed to oversee the management and funding for the walk.

1997-1998 – The Council votes to expand the role of part-time youth minister into a full-time position. Reverend Weir begins a sabbatical to study the subject of generational values. The Reverends James Lahman and Glenda Prins preach during April, May and June. The Refugee Committee agrees to sponsor another refugee family and in May the Koang family arrived from Sudan. Medical student Bob Thompson is sponsored by Mountain Rise to assist ASAPROSAR in El Salvador.

1998-1999 – The Church Council sponsors the commissioning of Mountain Rise member Shirley DeMartinis as a UCC Church Educator. Junior and Senior high participants travel to Santa Ana, El Salvador, for a summer work camp for ASAPROSAR.

1999-2000 – The Church Council recommends Mountain Rise member, Kay Merrifield, for in-care status as the first step leading to ordination. The Church Council established a committee to review and develop policies, programs, and procedures related to child safety.

2000-2001 – Work in the health clinic in El Salvador by medical students Kate Zopf and Lena Mayes continues the Mountain Rise support of ASAPROSAR. Deborah Roof received the Council’s unanimous approval recommending her to in-care status leading to her ordination. Mountain Rise engages the NY Western Regional Minister, David Felton, to assist in assessing the Church Council processes and the health of the congregation.

2001-2002 – Mountain Rise responds to the September 11th terrorist attack by hosting an all faiths service on September 13th and an adult education series on Islam. Reverend Richard Weir resigns effective December 31, 2001. A Visioning Committee is established with the goal of examining the church’s future. A Pastoral Search Committee is formed. Rev. John Paust is hired as a temporary interim minister until Rev. Lynn Carmen Bodden can become the interim minister.

2002-2003 – Lynn Carmen Bodden becomes the full-time interim minister. The Visioning Committee provides statistics regarding congregational demographics:  80% of members are over the age of 45 with 2/3 of the 80% being over 55 and 1/3 over 65; 42% are retired and 33% work full-time; 1/3 of families have children at home. Several “Cottage Meetings” are held to allow members of the congregation the opportunity to review the report of the Visioning Committee and provide feedback.

2003-2004 – The stewardship campaign is very successful, and approximately $186,000 is pledged. A successful fund-raising auction is held to help pay for the roof resurfacing and to restore Social Ministry funds.

Revised Constitution and Bylaws are approved, resulting in a smaller Council which will operate more efficiently and emphasize long term planning. As the contract with Reverend Lynn C. Bodden nears its end, the search committee has not been able to reach consensus on a viable candidate for minister.

2004-2005 – Dr. Greg Osterberg, former student minister of Mountain Rise, accepts the Church’s call and officially becomes the fifth minister of Mountain Rise starting in September. Deborah Roof is hired to fill in as interim minister during the summer months. Kay Merrifield is ordained as a Minister and Teacher.

At the annual financial meeting a list of capital improvements that will be required over the next ten years is presented.

2005-2006 – The Facilities Upgrade Committee meets biweekly with Sean Moran of Hanlon Associates to develop a Master Plan for renovating the church building. One purpose for the renovation is to establish compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is then presented to the congregation, which approves a one million dollar upgrade.

The Council votes to change Suzanne Gangemi’s title to Director of Family Life Ministry due to her involvement and commitment to family life. It is announced that Suzanne Gangemi will be part of a mission trip to South Africa sponsored by the NY Conference Commission on the Global Church.

2006-2007 – $457,000 is raised by December 2006 and a $550,000 loan is applied for and approved. Construction begins. The church renovation requires the temporary closure of the sanctuary. Sunday services are held at the Perinton Recreation Center. Church activities continue. Koinonia Connection is conducted with secret acts of kindness shared by members. A one-day adult retreat is held at the Gell Center’s Gleason Lodge in the Bristol Hills. The theme is “Exploring Creative Prayer.”

2007-2008 – Church renovation is completed, but with several tasks to be done by volunteers. Church services begin October 28 with a Jazz Sunday. A kitchen task team designs kitchen layout and moves supplies. Dick Steinheider receives a plaque expressing the appreciation of the church for his leadership during the renovation.

2008-2009 – An Interior Design Team develops standards for interior decor. Volunteers prepare the lower level classrooms. Jazz Concert is held in April to raise funds for Social Ministry and Church. Worship exchange with Etz Chaim. Family Retreat is held at the Sunshine Camp. Newspaper publicizes Mountain Rise bake sale on election day. $3500 is raised.

Nine members join a project to repair damage from Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Mountain Rise celebrates five years and 20 hosting events with RAIHN. Earth Day is observed at Mountain Rise.

2009-2010 – Elaine Richane retires and Barbara Jackson is hired as Administrative Assistant.The Pro (Problem Removal Outreach) team is started to help aid people with home repair problems.

2010-2011 – The church bylaws are revised. A two year effort is started to increase the participation of church members in church activities and to build up church leadership. A Mission Faire is held to encourage members to participate in ministries and teams of their choice in the church. Peacemakers celebrates its 20th anniversary.

This is the first full year with the designation of being a UCC Global Mission Church. The church supports the Inanda School for Girls in South Africa and starts developing a relationship with a church in Honduras, Amor Fe y Vida. A new cookbook is published. The Komma Kids Sunday school program starts using the SPARK Rotation Curriculum.

2011-2012 – The 50th year celebration of the founding of Mountain Rise is held. Three service mission trips are conducted in Pittsburgh and Honduras.

The children and youth lead worship with two plays – A New View of an Olde Story and The Sounds of Time. Youth also participated in an event held In Rochester, “The Face of Christ in the City at Night,” in which they learned of the many jobs people do in the city to provide safety and comfort to residents.

2012-2013 – Jeanne Grace is honored for 40 years of leadership as the choir director. The 50th anniversary worship service is held in November 2012 with a visit from our founding minister, the Rev. Charles Higgins. The church begins a practice of an annual Time and Talent Pledge program for all members. A service team travels to Binghamton to help after a flood.

A group of Mountain Risers travel to Honduras to connect with Amor Fe y Vida church and provide them with Christian Education supplies and college scholarships. Mountain Rise is registered as a Stand Against Racism congregation. A new AV station is installed in the sanctuary and AV informational displays are put up at the lower and upper entrances.

2013-2014 – Members of Mountain Rise join other Perinton churches in building a Habitat for Humanity home. A symposium is presented by Pachamama Alliance at Mountain Rise. A family retreat is held at the Watkins’ cabin.

The video recording system is upgraded with a new laptop, camera, and six new speakers.

2015-2016 – Focus Groups are organized and the results of these groups are collected and analyzed as a way to map the future direction of Mountain Rise. A Web Team led by Mike Riley begins the work of creating a new website with the primary mission of attracting newcomers.

2017-2018 – A new church website goes live as well as an online church directory. A new outdoor worship area deck is completed. A successful Bossa Nova Night fundraiser is held. Suzanne Gangemi announces plans to retire. Peacemakers teacher April Schaefer Ayers along with Roxanne Willard continues the Peacemaker program started by Suzanne.

TThree teams are created with the goal of hiring an interim replacement: A five-year visioning team, a search planning team, and a Search team. Ann-Marie Miller joins the church in October 2017 as an interim Children and Youth Ministry Coordinator. Throughout the fall and early winter, the Search Planning Team works to determine the skills needed for the new staff person and prepares the Church Profile. The Team also invites the congregation to provide input via several meetings and questionnaires. With the completion of the Search Planning Team’s work, the Search Team conducts interviews and hires the Rev. Valerie Austin as the Associate Minister. With security becoming an important issue, silent doorbells are installed. Mountain Rise is the recipient of a very generous gift of a set of bell choir bells and a bell choir is formed.

2019-2020 – Rev. Valerie Austin is welcomed on board as Mountain Rise’s first Associate Minister. Greg Osterberg requests a long overdue sabbatical. With the help of the Bylaws Review Team, Mountain Rise starts a thorough review of the bylaws which includes also looking at the structure of our church. In March of 2020, the arrival of the Coronavirus, (Covid-19 Pandemic) turns the world and the church upside down. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, worship on March 15, 2020 is canceled and on Sunday, March 22 the church holds its first ‘virtual’ worship via FaceBook Live. On March 29 the first ‘virtual’ coffee hour is held via Zoom. The Mountain Rise weekly announcement during this difficult time reads: Mountain Rise Church building: Closed for now but…

Mountain Rise Church community: Alive and Active! “Social distancing”, “quarantined”, “flatten the curve”, “stay-at-home orders”, “curbside pickup”, “essential business”, “opening up the economy”, “testing”, “contact tracing”— these are a few of the phrases which become commonplace in the new world. Virtual reality becomes a reality. Mountain Rise pivots to live-streaming worship on Facebook and meetings via Zoom. Donations can now be accepted online. The Green CATs (Climate Action Team) begins meeting to address issues of climate change at the church and in the community.

2021-2022 – The COVID-19 Pandemic continues to dominate the thinking of the Church Council. Additional Council meetings are necessary to keep current with the developments related to the pandemic and the official responses to it. Council relies heavily on the guidance provided by the New York Conference of the UCC, a testimony to the importance of our covenantal connection with the Conference and our continuing support for it. Scott Fitzgerald offers much of his time and expertise to make the church’s virtual presence for worship through the FaceBook livestream function a success. Worship for both masked and unmasked attendees resumes on Sunday, May 23, 2021, but virtual worship continues. Regathering becomes easier as more folks are fully vaccinated. The Rev. Valerie K. Austin submits her resignation as Associate Pastor. The Bylaw Review Committee publishes proposals for new Bylaws in March. The Afghan Team continues the Mountain Rise tradition of support for refugees by assisting in the resettlement of an Afghan family.

2022-2023 – Covid monitoring is ongoing. Council launches its first year under the new bylaws. Greg announces that after serving nearly 18 years at Mountain Rise, he will be retiring at the end of June 2022. An all-church hybrid online brainstorming event is held and transition (pre-Interim) planning begins. A Covenant between MRUCC and Bridge Pastor Karl Bawel is signed on September 2, 2022. The Rev. Ryan Henderson is invited to attend Council’s October meeting and provide an overview of the Intentional Interim Pastor Search and Call process. By November’s Council meeting a 3-person search committee has been formed. In February, the NY UCC Conferences posts the Intentional Interim Pastor opening. Additionally, it is determined that a Children & Youth Ministry Coordinator would be a critical addition to our staff. With approval of the congregation on December 5, 2021, a search committee for the position of Children & Youth Ministry Coordinator begins work. The council approves three policies: a revision of the Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Policy, a Fundraiser Policy, and the policy for amending the Bylaws. A total of $27,325 is allocated for six grants which represent both Governance and Ministry areas of Mountain Rise Church. Entering into 2023, Mountain Rise faces uncertainty coming from a variety of areas including but not limited to the possible re-emergence of high Covid numbers, our disproportionate age demographics, and the absence of a settled pastor. At the October Council meeting, Council approves the Intentional Interim Pastor Ad Hoc Committee’s recommended candidate, Rev. Dr. Kelly Sprinkle, to begin his ministry with MRUCC on January 17, 2023 for a period of 18-24 months. A Covenant between Pastor Kelly and Mountain Rise is signed. Council approves the use of $28,792 from the annual distribution from the Endowment Fund for possible grant recipients. Steve Grace, Chair of the Children and Youth Ministry Coordinator Search Committee, presents the committee’s recommended candidate, Elisabeth Hammer, for Council’s consideration. Elisabeth Hammer is approved for the part-time Children and Youth Ministry Coordinator position. A Transition Team is approved.

2024 – In late August, Mountain Rise is blessed with a visit from the Rev. Dorhauer, the ninth General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ. Pastor Kelly and the Mountain Rise Transition Team create a two-day event in which Rev. Dorhauer shares his presentation “Exploring Vitality in a Postmodern World and a Pandemic Informed Church” and is a guest preacher for Sunday worship service. Council approves the creation of an ad hoc team to research and make recommendations to Council regarding safety and security at Mountain Rise. A restructuring plan is proposed for the Caring Connections Committee. $31,591.30 is made available for 2024 grant applications. Seven Endowment Fund grant applications were received by Council in March. Council approves a 2024 Children’s Ministry Coordinator Covenant that is signed by Elisabeth Hammer in March.