Views from The Ridge 08.28.2024
Sunset Ridge is a church that desires to follow Jesus, reach people, and radiate God’s love and hope to all.
This Week
Sunday, September 1
9am Worship in the Sanctuary (Scott Heare preaching: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23)
10:15am Classes for all ages
Adult class group discussions
Youth Group
Roots & Roots 456 (PreK-3rd grade in Roots Room; Grades 4-6 in Rm 104)
11am Worship in the Chapel (Scott Heare preaching: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23)
Monday, September 2 Campus closed
Wednesday, September 4, 12-1PM Monthly Men’s Assembly in the Fellowship Hall
Upcoming
Saturday, September 14 Second Saturday
Thursday, September 26 De Colores Opening Reception
Around Our Community
If you were on campus this past week you may have noticed the exterior hallways to the chapel were brighter than usual–the three sets of exterior stained glass windows were lovingly removed and stored for us by the experts at Stanton Studios. Due to heat and age, the windows were bowing at the bottom edges and needed to be removed and repaired to preserve them.
Offense and Pride
Mae Czarnecki, Communications Coordinator, Sunset Ridge Collective
As our newly-designated pastor, Scott Heare, wrapped up John 6 this past Sunday, we were faced with one of my favorite facets of Jesus, The Challenger. We are all made in the image of God and I think He put a little extra dash of “pushing it” in my recipe. Immediately, I smiled at the familiarity of confidently saying “Does the truth I’ve just shared offend you?” and was quickly convicted of all the times I have been fast to *be* offended.
When my neighbor leaves the little ambiguous strip of grass between our two yards unmowed when he’s done his yard work (even though I always make sure to go over it when I’m doing my side.)
When a stranger doesn’t hold the elevator for me even though I’m clearly walk-jogging to join them and am probably running late.
When my boss replies to my thoughtfully humorous text with a “sounds good” instead of a delightful emoji, or better yet, gif.
I am offended.
I, along with many in service, sat and recounted many of the ways in my life, and even over the past few days, I had jumped at the opportunity to take offense at someone’s behavior or words. As I collected these memories, a common thread occurred in the more serious offenses - my pride had been poked.
There are a list of behaviors, qualities, and values I hold on to with white-knuckled fists, and often, when I’m asked to loosen that grip, I feel misunderstood. I wonder if the disciples felt this way. Did they think they’d been raised in a community that fully understood what it meant to be God’s people while Jesus stood there challenging that definition? He was breaking down the framework they built of worship, neighboring and identity to reestablish himself as the foundation. But could the pride they had in who they were and what they were currently doing spur them to offense and keep them from this new frame?
A few weeks ago I wrote about Open Hands. When considering how I might become less offendable, I think I have expanded that concept through the conversations and situations that may typically lead to offense. Can I unclutch my pearls and take a breath before I become reactive? My recipe for being challenging is like my grandmother’s buttermilk pie - best enjoyed on a specific occasion. I am much more often on the receiving end of being challenged than I’m called to be a challenger. I’m taking this moment in time to recognize when my pride has been provoked, holding its hand through misunderstanding, and breathing out the offense that wants me to participate. My security in Christ does not change even when I allow my understanding of Him, who He is, and who I am in Him to grow like a breath.
Prayers & Praises
Shirley Hightower is home following hip replacement surgery.
Meta Mancinelli remains hospitalized following knee replacement surgery.
Preston Weatherred, Melissa Branch’s father, is awaiting test results after sustaining a broken neck in a car accident.
