Views from The Ridge 4.30.25
Sunset Ridge is a church that desires to follow Jesus, reach people, and radiate God’s love and hope to all.
Worship
Sunday, May 4th,
9 AM, Chapel, Acapella
11 AM, Sanctuary, Instrumental
“Rest Is Resistance”
Main Passage: Exodus 20:8–11; Deuteronomy 5:12–15
Sabbath is God’s gift and protest against a culture of overwork.
Watch previous sermons here.
Discipleship
Sundays, 10:15 AM, Bible Class & Discipleship for All Ages
Studying Exodus 20:8–11; Deuteronomy 5:12–15
Fellowship Hall
Adult Bible Class: Open to all
BEMA Podcast Discussion group
Chapel Classroom, Women’s Discipleship Group
Room 218, Youth Group, 7th-12th grade
Roots: Children’s Discipleship through Godly Play
Bible Story Focus this Week: Luke 24:13-35
Key Verse: Luke 24:33-35
Room 102, PreK - Kindergarten
Room 122, 1st - 2nd Grade
Room 203, 3rd - 6th Grade
Tuesdays
Scott Heare’s Office
Limited spaces, contact Scott to join a group
7 AM Men’s Discipleship Group
8:30 AM Men’s Discipleship Group
Wednesdays
Chapel Classroom
Contact Den to join this group
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM High School (9th-12th Grade) Fellowship & Discipleship Group
Connections
Last week, our campus became a gathering place for this month’s Good Acres Roundtable.
We welcomed special guests from the City of San Antonio’s Office of Sustainability and shared meaningful conversations with congregations across the city about building Climate Ready Neighborhoods. The event was filled with inspiration and connection, a reminder that caring for creation is a shared and sacred calling.
Our own Taylor Bates offered a beautiful Earth Day meditation in the labyrinth, grounding the group in presence and rest.
A Look at May
May 2nd, Office Closed
May 10th, Second Saturday
May 11th, Mother’s Day
May 18th, Church Anniversary
May 26th, Office Closed
Sundays, Worship at 9 AM & 11 AM
Tuesdays, Men’s Discipleship, 7 AM & 8:30 AM
Wednesdays, High School Fellowship & Discipleship Group, 6:30-7:30PM
Beyond Sunday
The Unforced Rhythm
Jess Lowry, Executive Director, Sunset Ridge Church, Sunset Ridge Collective
In Eugene Peterson’s writing of Matthew 11:28-30 the line “learn the unforced rhythm of grace”.
It connotes a smooth movement, a Divine dance of sorts; it’s so clear that to sit with it in reflection I can see Jesus moving along on his journey of miraculous presence and love.
Unforced rhythm of grace.
Have you heard the term non-Newtonian fluid? By definition this is a fluid that doesn’t follow Newton’s law of viscosity but instead responds to the pressure or stress put on it.
Oobleck is such a fluid. A simple mixture of cornstarch and water makes the most fascinating oozy liquid. When you hold it in your open hands it runs right through your fingers. In the bowl if you use those same fingers and apply force it becomes a solid.
Pushing and pressure make oobleck hard.
I can’t help but notice this pattern in my life. A forced rhythm of pushing and pressure leaves me drained, short-fused, anxious, restless. I look like a hamster on a wheel to nowhere.
As I began my 15 minutes of stillness practice this week I was amazed by what I noticed.
Initially I had to force myself to set a timer and sit down. When I did my brain was running off with my to-do list. I breathed, looked up at the trees, put my hand on my heart and things started to slow. Images of people I love came to mind and I held gratitude for each of them. A quiet peace settled over me and was followed by the presence of Love.
If you want to spend a few extra minutes this week watching another person’s journey to walking this rhythm of grace, as Taylor mentioned Sunday the film Godspeed is a beautiful way to spend your time.
Jesus invites us to learn from him, walk with him, work with him, to learn and live this unforced rhythm of grace. How blessed are we?
Love-Jess
Grace & Gratitude
Prayers of the People
Theresa Whigham’s brother, Juan Corona, Jr., is hospitalized undergoing testing and treatment for scleroderma.
We express sympathy to the family of long-time member Joe Harber, who passed away last week. Services were held April 29th.
