Views from The Ridge 6.4.2025
Sunset Ridge is a church that desires to follow Jesus, reach people, and radiate God’s love and hope to all.
Worship
Sunday, June 1st
9 AM, Chapel, Acapella
11 AM, Sanctuary, Instrumental
“The Rest That Rebuilds”
Main Passage: Isaiah 58:6–12
Watch previous sermons here.
Discipleship
Sundays, 10:15 AM, Bible Class & Discipleship for All Ages
Studying Isaiah 58:6–12
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: Acts 2:1-13
Key Verse: Acts 2:17
Room 102, PreK - Kindergarten
Room 122, 1st - 2nd Grade
Room 203, 3rd - 6th Grade
Tuesdays, 7 AM & 8:30 AM, Men’s Discipleship
Scott Heare’s Office, Limited spaces; Contact Scott to join a group.
Wednesdays, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM, High School Tableship & Study Group
Upstairs Teens’ Room 218, Contact Den to join this group, open to 9th-12th Grade
Connections
In partnership with Grace Northridge Anglican Church, there are a limited number of spots for Vacation Bible School June 17th - June 20th. Please contact Den for more information and volunteer opportunities, or visit the registration page.
Coming Up…
Please note, that during the summer, Sunset Ridge Farmers Market hours have changed to 8 AM - noon.
Every Saturday, Sunset Ridge Farmers Market, Charis Park
Every Sunday, Worship at 9 AM and 11 AM
Beyond Sunday
God’s Abode
Den Slater, Pastor of Belonging, Sunset Ridge Church
This past week Scott directed our gaze toward abiding/dwelling in Jesus (John 15:1-11), and Scott shared that we should consider the meaning of those words. Eugene Peterson paraphrased Christ’s words this way: “Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you.” Life in Jesus invites us to see the world differently—to discover places where God abides.
I once spent a reflective week at an abbey in Minnesota that houses the St. John’s Bible. This Bible is a magnificent piece of art curated by a wonderful museum director, and he has designed a lovely room of female images from biblical stories. Two of my favorite women (Ruth and Esther) were displayed in glorious colors and gold leaf. I had recently lectured on both women, and the thought crossed my mind that God arranged the exhibit just for me. God is often extravagant in decorating our worldly home. God abides in beauty.
We also made a trip to the pottery shop. I instantly liked the potter, Richard, and was excited to purchase something to remind me of him and his apprentices. Two “perfectly imperfect” blue cups beckoned my gaze. With the heart of a story teller, Richard said, “They’re blessing cups. Templar Knights could not have held cups shaped like these—their armor was too clunky. The Japanese Samurai couldn’t have held them either. Warriors need cups with wide bases that can be grabbed by violent, armored men.” Richard wanted to make cups that can only be held with bare hands. God abides in stories.
Down the road, I found the convent, which was filled with nuns and songs. Their beautiful, high-pitched voices drifted along the curved, marble architecture. These women reminded me of Ruth and Esther, women of perseverance, loyalty, and love. God abides in women.
One night after dinner, Brother Cyril found me dropping off my dishes. He gave me kudos for putting my tray into the slot correctly, as if I were a child in need of reassurance. We spent an hour chatting and when we finished, he put his hand on my head and gave me a long blessing. I felt like a child. God abides in children…even the adult ones.
God abides in people. God dwells in a home made of beautiful people filled with stories. I invite you to take a minute to reflect on your time, your space, and your community. Where have you found God abiding?
Grace & Gratitude
We are excited to welcome Cadence Corbin as Children’s Ministry Coordinator and Iris Nikotich as a family ministry intern for the summer.
Prayers of the People
Carol Gerhardt is under the care of hospice.
