Views from The Ridge 2.21.23
Sunset Ridge is a church that desires to follow Jesus, reach people, and radiate God’s love and hope to all.
You can learn a lot about someone from their parting words. Beginning this Sunday, our next sermon series, Cross Words, will examine Jesus's final words before his death. In our four Gospels, Jesus is quoted seven times as he hangs on the cross. In these words, we are invited to learn with greater depth who Jesus claimed he was, what he came to do, and what it is we celebrate every Easter.
This week…
Wednesday, February 22:
9:30am— Women’s Wednesday Fellowship in the Fellowship Hall (please note the new time)
7pm— Ash Wednesday Service — Join us in the Chapel for a special contemplative service with worship, liturgy, and communion. The Blessing Group and Youth Group will not meet this week, both resume next Wednesday, March 1.
Saturday, February 25: 6:30pm— Young Adult Spaghetti Dinner at the Stirmans’
Sunday, February 26:
9:15am— Roots Children’s Class and Life Groups (see hall signs for current offerings and meeting locations)
10:30am— Worship in the Sanctuary
Sermon: “Forsaken”
Text: Mark 15:25-39
4:30pm— Liturgy & Worship in the Chapel
“New Shoes, Roombas, And Other Existential Crises”
Chelsea Stirman
When we talk about new beginnings, we don’t focus much on the endings that are required to make room for them, do we? We move from one new thing to another - whether that be climbing the ladder at work, buying a new pair of running shoes, or dropping off kids at a different school. Transition, whether big or small, is inevitable, and the endless hum of our days doesn’t allow much space for reflection on the matter. But often, what is new comes in exchange for what is familiar, what is safe. Regardless of the benefits of the trade, it’s still a trade. And when we don’t take the time to acknowledge what is being lost, we’re left with a sense of uneasiness that comes with not being able to articulate our experiences.
Though it may seem silly, what was lost when you made that change? Does your job promotion mean that you no longer get to see your close group of co-workers every day? When you must discard the shoes, useless and worn out as they may be, do they take with them the memory that these were on your feet the day you met The One? Does the new school remind you that afternoons on the playground will be exchanged for school dances?
There’s a Netflix show called Tidying up with Marie Kondo based on her book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, which is centered around helping people declutter and organize their homes in a way meant to bring joy and peace in their environment. She helps her clients sort clothes, kitchen utensils, books, and everything in-between. When they come across something to let go of, she asks them to thank the item for the service it played in their lives and then release it.
Now, I don’t know how you feel about speaking to inanimate objects, but there’s something so deeply human about becoming so attached to the things that have accompanied us through our lives that we have a hard time letting go when they no longer serve us. If I can feel tenderness toward my Roomba (that we affectionately named WALL-E), of course I’m going to have a hard time letting go when change occurs!
On Sunday, we talked about how the Israelites traded the desert, the only life they had ever known, for the Promised Land when they crossed the Jordan River. Though it was trading up and following God’s divine plan, I’m sure they must have experienced the difficulty of losing what was familiar. God instructs them to take stones from the middle of the river and stack them as a memorial to remind them and generations to come of God’s faithfulness in the midst of transition. Something about naming an experience, even a challenging one, puts us at the heart of the matter and points us to God’s unchanging goodness.
This week, I invite you to do two things: first, notice what you’ve lost. Look around at what's new in your life and thank what is no more for how it supported you. Second, stack some stones. The moments where you grieve what has been lost will still come, and often when you’re not expecting them, so give yourself a visible reminder of God’s faithfulness. Give yourself a sticky note on the mirror, a bracelet, a special candle - whatever you have on hand - to serve as a rainbow in your life pointing to God’s promise and goodness. Thank what has gotten you here as you look ahead with hopefulness and gratitude for what is to come.
Daily Bible Readings
These passages supplement the upcoming Sunday sermon:
Monday: Psalm 22:1
Tuesday: Psalm 130:1-2
Wednesday: Jonah 2:2
Thursday: Psalm 22:2
Friday: Job 3:25-26
Saturday: II Samuel 16:12
Foundation Update
The Sunset Ridge Church of Christ Foundation is designed to extend the ministries of the congregation beyond its routine operations. The Foundation will accept requests for funding through Thursday, April 6, 2023. Please note that requests made to the Foundation must be specific to Missions, Education and Benevolence Ministries of the Sunset Church of Christ; no other requests will be considered.
To apply, you must pick up a 2023 Application in the church office (application forms will not be mailed, emailed, or faxed). After completing the Application, follow the submission instructions listed on the Application form. Application forms from prior years will not be accepted.
Tithe.ly - Our Online Platform for Scheduling Volunteers
Thank you to everyone who has set up their Tithe.ly accounts to volunteer in our worship service and children's ministry!!
If you still need to set up an account or sign up to volunteer, please contact chelsea@sunsetridgechurch.org.
To access the site, use the link: https://tithely-sunsetridge.elvanto.net/
Directory Updates
Tom Hon 2 Wolfeton Way, 78218
Shirley Sanders c/o Aging Gracefully, 6202 Hollyhock Road, 78240 (same phone)
Need an updated copy of the church directory? Send a request to: hello@sunsetridgechurch.org
Youth News
Register Now for Trek & MPulse
Register now for Trek in New Mexico (June 4-10). Trek is open to incoming freshmen through graduated seniors in our community. Sign up using this link: https://go.theflybook.com/manage/JT5PWZ#/full/home Pin: 2607
Register now for MPulse Camp at Abilene Christian University (July 9-14). MPulse is open to incoming 7th through 9th graders. Sign up using this link: https://www.acucamps.com/register
Please contact chelsea@sunsetridgechurch.org with any questions.
Prayers & Praises
Rebecca Bava, former member Grant Seale’s daughter, suffered a broken kneecap in a fall.
We wished our beloved sister Patty Everett a Happy 90th Birthday last Sunday morning!
Geraldine Kiser’s daughter, Ellen Kiser, received very good test results. They are praising God for the news of no cancer!
Lori Prescott’s sister, Dorothy, is suffering form ALS.
Former member Mike Randolph has been diagnosed with bladder cancer and is scheduled for a biopsy on February 23.
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
