Views from The Ridge 12.20.22
Sunset Ridge is a church that desires to follow Jesus, reach people, and radiate God’s love and hope to all.
This week…
Tuesday, December 20, 3-5pm: Youth group Christmas Party & Gingerbread House Competition in the Fellowship Hall
Saturday, December 24, 4-5pm: Christmas Eve Service in the Sanctuary (No worship services on Christmas Day)
Upcoming…
Sunday, January 1: No Life Groups, Children’s classes or Charis Worship Service
10:30am— Worship in the Sanctuary
“A Message to Draw a Crowd”
Riley Stirman
As Chelsea and I came to learn more about Sunset Ridge Church of Christ in our interview process, we kept coming across people who would try to give us a sense of the church's history. Over and over again, we kept hearing that Sunset Ridge once drew enormous crowds back in its heyday due to the influence of the brilliant and talented preacher, Roy Osborne.
His secret? According to just about everyone we heard from, he was unique in one special way.
"He preached grace."
I understand that there is a complicated history in our faith tradition with the relationship between grace and holiness. Part of why people tell us this is because it was unusual for a Church of Christ in Texas at this time. But it also speaks to a deep truth about humanity.
When we hear the message of God's love - really hear it - we are irresistibly drawn to it.
Grace is foreign. It's scary. It doesn't make sense, especially to us who live in the midst of a competitive, merit-based, "earn-your-spot" cultural mentality. We feel the need to fight for our place, whether that be in our workplace, in a sports team, in a social group, or in a family.
As always, God works in a way that looks entirely alien to our eyes.
In light of the dramatic conclusion of the World Cup, and the coming playoff football games, this quote seemed appropriate:
"Grace means that in the middle of our struggle the referee blows the whistle and announces the end of the game. We are declared winners and sent to the showers. It's over for all huffing, puffing piety to earn God's favor; it's finished for all sweat-soaked straining to secure self-worth; it's the end of all competitive scrambling to get ahead of others in the game. Grace means that God is on our side and thus we are victors regardless of how well we have played the game. We might as well head for the showers and the champagne celebration." (Donald McCullough, Waking from the American Dream)
The fight is won for us. The game is called on account of grace. And victory has been decided despite all our efforts to blow it.
There is a God who has seen the worst, most miserable and shameful parts of us and decided that we were worth dying for. You've got nothing to prove. You've got nothing to hide. It's over. God, in his glorious grace, loves you.
That's the simple truth of the gospel. And that's the message that will have people clamoring for more. I invite you to dwell in the reality into which you've been called. And let your life be your amen.
Daily Bible Readings
Monday: Psalm 117:1-2
Tuesday: Jeremiah 23:5
Wednesday: Isaiah 7:14
Thursday: Isaiah 9:6-7
Friday: Luke 1:30-32
Saturday: John 1:4-5
2023 Church Budget
The 2023 church budget is posted in the Fellowship Hall. Copies of the budget are available in the church office. Please contact any of our elders if you have questions. The general meeting for a vote on the budget is set for January 8th.
Contribution Update
Weekly Budget Requirement = $12,014.75
Average Weekly Contribution = $11,396.08
Shortfall to date: $31,552.17
A Letter from the Elders
The Elders need to inform you that our brother Byron will be stepping down from his position as elder. This was an incredibly difficult decision for him, and we wish to convey our deepest appreciation for his hard work and respect for his valued counsel. It is our hope that in the future he will be able to share his considerable talents with us again.
As we continue to pray for wisdom, discernment, and the guidance of the Spirit, we would ask you to join us in prayer for the future leadership of our congregation. We are pursuing a way forward in regard to sustaining our eldership for the future and will be seeking your input on these matters as well in the very near future.
We are grateful to each of you for your continued support, both physically and spiritually.
Randy Rutland, for the elders
PLEASE NOTE: There will be NO newsletter on Tuesday, December 27.
Praises & Prayers
Kenneth Emrie is now home following triple bypass surgery. Meals would be a huge help during this time of recovery. Please click on the link to access the Meal Train calendar and sign up for a slot if you are able to help. Emrie Family Meal Train
Ellen Kiser, Geraldine Kiser’s daughter, is scheduled for a biopsy on January 12th.
We would like to give thanks and praise for all the Teen and Adult helpers at Parents’ Night Out last Friday. A joyous time was had by all!
God, we gather in gratitude, thankful for the ways you seek to revive us! Let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts work together to praise you in this hour. Grant your Spirit to move our hearts and inspire each of us to share your steadfast love with all whom we encounter. Help us to join in giving only what is good, not only today, but every day. Amen
