Views from The Ridge 09.13.23
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 17
9:15am Life Groups, children’s Roots gathering, teen gathering (see website for more info)
10:30am Worship (Trust - Psalm 91)
Sabbath Sunday No afternoon worship
Upcoming…
Wednesday, September 20, 6:30pm Sunset Worship
Saturday, September 23, 10am La Luz Opening Reception
Sunday, Sept 24th, 4:30pm Chapel Worship
Keeping Your Head Above Water
Riley Stirman
When I was younger, I took a couple lifeguard training courses. I never worked as a lifeguard, but when your mom teaches swim lessons for kids, and you already swim pretty well, there's only so much you can do to keep busy.
I think about those courses often. One of the things we spent a lot of time covering was how to scan a busy pool for signs of trouble. There's always a lot going on, always a lot to focus on, and if you're not constantly bouncing your eyes around, you're prone to miss something important. And something I learned that I've never forgotten is that our idea of what someone looks like when they're drowning is usually wrong.
In movies or television, when someone is portrayed as struggling not to drown, they tend to make a pretty big commotion. They flail their arms, sending big waves out from where they are, they shout and scream, until someone invariably comes to pull them out of harm's way. But real drowning is much scarier. In reality, drowning is often quiet, self-contained, and inconspicuous. When, for example, a child ventures out too deep and realizes that they can't touch the bottom, their entire focus becomes trying to get their mouth above the waterline. All flailing is below the surface, and they often won't be able to make a sound or cry for help.
This is a pretty decent image of what life feels like when it's overwhelming, isn't it? It feels like the water keeps rising. It takes all your focus and energy to just take your next breath. And most people will have no idea that you're in any trouble at all. Sometimes needing help is a big flailing commotion. But often it's so much quieter than that, maybe not even noticeable at all.
I use this metaphor because I want to say two things. First, if this feels relatable, if life feels overwhelming, if you feel like you are just barely scraping by, I can promise you one thing: he sees you. I believe that we worship a God who is a friend to the oppressed, who is near to the broken-hearted, who brings comfort and hope. Even if no one seems to see you in your suffering, there is one who does. And he loves you more than you could possibly comprehend. You are loved. You are chosen. And help is close at hand.
Second, I hope that we can develop eyes to look carefully for signs of drowning. I hope that we can pay attention closely, take the time to really see our people, and look past our traditional conceptions of what it looks like when someone really needs help. Maybe we could be that church where people who ask "How are you doing?" expect an honest answer and provide an honest answer in return. Maybe we can be known for how well we take care of each other. Maybe we could be a church full of lifeguards.
Help is closer than you think. And maybe we're the help people need. Let's look carefully.
Around the Community
We had several sweet families join us for Second Saturday this past weekend! It is so special to get to know some of the kids and caregivers in our community. Each month, we enjoy a story, crafts for both kids and adults, and lots of games and activities on our front lawn, and we can’t wait for next month!
Agape Ministry Request
The Agape Ministry is celebrating 25 years serving our community through a food and clothing bank. Many of our members have volunteered there through the years, and Agape is also supported by the Sunset Ridge Foundation. Through the month of October, we are holding a non-perishable food drive. Canned goods, cereal, and peanut butter are especially appreciated. There will be receptacles (boxes or barrels) for your donations in the Fellowship Hall and foyer.
As part of the 25th anniversary celebration, we will be holding a silent auction at a luncheon to be held in November. We are seeking donations of items to be auctioned off, and would welcome your contributions. These should be new or like-new items. (Costume jewelry is an example of a “like-new” item that can be donated.) We will give you a tax receipt for these items. If you wish to contribute items to the silent auction, you may give them to Glennie Scalercio or Joann Thompson. Please do not leave silent auction donations in the Fellowship Hall or foyer, but arrange to give them directly to Glennie or Joann - you may also contact them with any questions.
From Our Leaders
An update from our Development Committee:
Our Capital Campaign Committee is meeting every other week to align on strategy, identify prospect lists, and finalize naming opportunities. This team is hard at work to raise the funds to bring our big vision to life!
The Capital Campaign Committee consists of:
Scott Adams
Taylor Bates
Katie Best-Richmond
Warren and Melissa Branch
Jay and Suzan Browning
Pat and Kelley Frost
Melanie Fry
Dick Ihfe
Nathan Lowry
Jess Lowry
Praises & Prayers
Bob Doty, Julie Mankins’ father, is scheduled for a heart valve procedure on September 19th.
We express sympathy to the family of former member Tom Sisson, who passed away on September 12th in Richmond, Virginia.
