Views from The Ridge 2.28.23
Sunset Ridge is a church that desires to follow Jesus, reach people, and radiate God’s love and hope to all.
This week…
Tuesday, February 28, 6:30-7:45pm: Life Group - John & Linda Tuller (facilitators), meets in the Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, March 1: Youth Group hosted by the Stirmans (232 Harmon Dr.)
Sunday, March 5:
9:15am— Roots Children’s Gathering and Life Groups (see hall signs for current offerings and meeting locations)
10:30am— Worship in the Sanctuary
Sermon: “Thirst”
Text: John 19:28-29
4:30pm— Supper Church
Upcoming…
Wednesday, March 8: Youth Group Service Project - Snack Pak 4Kids delivery at Camelot Elementary
Thursday, March 9:
1pm— Prayer & Care Ministry Team Meeting in the Fellowship Hall
5:30-6:30pm— Children’s Family Dinner in the Fellowship Hall
Saturday, March 11, 10am: Second Saturday Storytime on the Lawn
“Mortality, the Image of God, and Frozen Yogurt”
Riley Stirman
There are certain aspects of our life that are just so human. Whether we're personifying and bonding with an inanimate object, feeling awkward about messing up a handshake, or discovering that different parts of our bodies are in pain from one day to the next, reminders of our humanity are all around.
A non-human character on the TV comedy, The Good Place, finds himself absolutely delighted by - of all things - frozen yogurt. "There's something so human about taking something great and ruining it a little so you can have more of it." Truly an astute observation.
In Genesis 1, we're told that what sets humans apart from the rest of creation is that people were made in God's own image. But we're not told exactly what that means. Theologians recognized that the image of God must be something present in humans that is absent from other animals, so they turned to fields like biology and zoology to ask what really makes us so different from all the rest of creation.
As you can imagine, answers vary. Some will tell you that it's our capacity for creativity and art. Others says it's our ability to form complex communication through speech. Interestingly, we currently don't know of any other animal that blushes the way that humans do.
And still others have theorized that one part of what makes people so special is that they, more than any other species, will spend time reflecting on death. Though some intelligent animals may show an awareness of imminent death or may even grieve when another creature dies, we can't prove that they are aware of or that they dwell on their mortality.
Now, I don't know if this is what constitutes the image of God, but it's interesting to think about, isn't it? What if there's something . . . godly about recognizing the brevity of the life that's given to us? What if the things that make us most distinctly human are the very things that reflect the image of God to the world?
That's the power of the cross at work in our life. Jesus was God-who-became-human, and in doing so, he brought God's holiness into every nook and cranny of human existence. Even death. Even grief. Even mortality.
In my sermon, I used a phrase that I hope will guide us through the next several weeks as we prepare for Lent: "Jesus did too." As we navigate our lives and often feel aggressively human, it might be helpful for us to remember that Jesus did too. Even if we grieve the loss, misery, and death that is seemingly all around us in the world. Jesus did too. And he did this to remind us that there is no facet of our lives that the loving embrace of God cannot reach.
Go be the most human version of yourself that you can this week. Because of Jesus, it might actually look a lot more like the image of God than you realize.
Daily Bible Readings
These passages supplement the upcoming Sunday sermon:
Monday: Psalm 69:21
Tuesday: Luke 2:40
Wednesday: Matthew 4:2
Thursday: I John 4:2
Friday: Hebrews 2:11
Saturday: Romans 8:3
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.
Volunteering
Thank you to each person who has been serving in our Sunday morning worship and hospitality! If you would like to access the platform we use, you can follow this link. If you have not been scheduled or would like to find new areas to serve, please fill out our covenant survey here. We are so grateful for this community and the ways we are able to serve each other!
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.
Note Received
Dear Sunset Ridge family, I am living day-to-day at my retirement home. I am having to deal with some medical issues that have not been fully determined. Normally, visits would be welcome; however, at this time it is best that these be put on the back burner. My prayers are with all there and the good work you continue to be involved in. Blessings to all. In His love, Ken Westmoreland
Prayers & Praises
We Extend Sympathy To: The Garatoni Family on the death of Terri’s mother, Carol Hess, this past weekend. Arrangements are pending.
Our Young Adult Spaghetti Dinner was a joyful evening and we want to thank Chelsea & Riley Stirman for hosting. Monthly Young Adult gatherings are in the works for 2023. All “Young Adults” (that’s college age thru individuals or couples with young children) are welcome and encouraged to join in the fun! The next Y.A. gathering is scheduled for Saturday, March 25.
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
