The Rise Up Village Bakery is a training and mentoring program, helping to teach job and life skills, for people who have been involved in the judicial system.

The bakery operates on Mondays/Tuesdays at New Covenant United Church of Christ (202 E. Third St., Williamsport) and bakes breads, rolls, cookies and muffins.

Baked goods can be ordered via email (riseupvillagebakery@gmail.com) or Facebook messenger no later than Sunday afternoon. They are available for sale and pick-up, at the church (utilizing the Academy Street entrance) Tuesday afternoons or until they sell out. Check their Facebook page for weekly menus and pick-up instructions.

The program is staffed by volunteers and always looking for more. It is funded by the sale of the baked goods and by contributions. Each week a portion of the baked goods are donated to local non-profits and other social service agencies.

Bakery Program Managers Marty and Wendy McCormick said, “Our goal is to restore those who’ve been involved in the judicial system, to help reconnect them into the community by training them with bakery skills, mentoring them and assisting them with attaining employment.” Pastor Tammey Aichner, Executive Director of United Churches added, “When Marty first approached me with his vision, I was so excited about the possibilities!  Through the efforts of many people, the vision has been made a reality.  Lives will be touched and changed, both volunteers and trainees.  United Churches of Lycoming County is blessed to bring Rise Up Village Bakery under its ministry umbrella.  And, I have the added blessing of being on the chocolate chip cookie tasting team!”

Since 1946, United Churches of Lycoming County has promoted ecumenical and interfaith partnerships in service to the County. In addition to their office and the bakery, the United Churches Food Pantry is also located at New Covenant UCC.