Views from The Ridge 1.7.26
Sunset Ridge is a church that desires to follow Jesus, reach people, and radiate God’s love and hope to all.
Worship
Sunday
9 AM, Chapel, Acapella
11 AM, Sanctuary, Instrumental
New Sermon Series: Home
January 11 – February 15
“Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home.” — Matsuo Basho
This new series invites us to reflect on home not as a destination, but as the place where we are formed and sent. We’ll explore how the Kingdom of Heaven shapes us in the rhythms of everyday life, and how the mission of the Church carries us outward in love and purpose.
The first half of the series focuses on formation in the Kingdom of Heaven, followed by a turn toward being sent into the world.
This Sunday’s Scripture: John 4:5-26
Discipleship
Sundays through January 11th, 10:15 AM, Adult & Youth Formation Class, Fellowship Hall, We invite you to join us for this Teen & Adult gathering.
Roots: Children’s Discipleship through Godly Play
Bible Story Focus this Week: Jesus Calls the Disciples
Key Verse: Hebrews 11:1
Room 102, PreK - Kindergarten
Room 122, 1st - 2nd Grade
Room 209, 3rd - 4th Grade
Community Connections
First Thrift Pop-Up of the New Year
One Another Coffee is hosting its first thrift pop-up of the year on Saturday, January 31, from 9 AM–1 PM, during the farmers market’s Secondhand Saturday–themed market at Charis Park. Stop by the One Another Coffee truck to thrift curated secondhand finds, enjoy great coffee, and support a good cause — all proceeds from the coffee truck’s thrift pop-up will benefit Nuevos Vecinos.
Upcoming Community Events
Saturday, January 10, 9 AM - 1 PM, Second Saturday Family Day, Charis Park
Monday, January 19th, Church office closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Wednesday, January 21st, 6 - 8:00 PM, Discipleship groups begin for the New Year
Saturday, January 31, 9AM - 1 PM, Thrift Pop-Up @ One Another Coffee
Saturday, January 31, 9 AM - 1 PM, Secondhand Saturday @ Sunset Ridge Farmers Market, Charis Park
Every Saturday, 9 AM - 1 PM Sunset Ridge Farmers Market, Charis Park
Beyond Sunday
My New Year’s Resolution Journey
Dick Ifhe, Trustee, Sunset Ridge Church
Every year when January rolls around, many of us start thinking about New Year’s resolutions. And I’ll be honest with you — I’m right there with everyone else. In fact, I made the same resolution in 2024 and 2025: “This is the year I get back to the gym and lose 50 pounds.” My yearly journey started anew.
Well, I started strong. Really strong. By the end of March, I had lost 22 pounds. I was feeling good — lighter on my feet, proud of myself, and convinced I had finally cracked the code. Discipline. Routine. Determination. I thought I had it all figured out.
Then came that infamous 90-day wall. You know the one. Suddenly the gym didn’t see me as often. A few “quick snacks” snuck into my day — the kind that definitely weren’t part of the plan. And before I knew it, my resolution fizzled out. Just like nearly 90% of resolutions in our society, mine didn’t make it past spring. Apparently, 90 days is where good intentions go to take a nap.
By the end of summer, I was back over 300 pounds — frustrated, disappointed, and joking that I might need a mirror on the floor just to see my toes again. But I share this with you not to get sympathy. I share it because it taught me something important: I was trying to do it all on my own. I thought if I just “tried harder,” I’d succeed. I bought into the Nike slogan — “Just Do It.”
But real, lasting change — whether it’s about health, relationships, work, family, or loving our neighbor — doesn’t come from sheer willpower. It comes from trusting the process, leaning on God, and allowing the Holy Spirit to strengthen us, just as Jesus promised in John 14:15–17. It also comes from community, encouragement, and accountability — things I had conveniently forgotten I needed.
So this year, my resolution looks different. I’m not chasing a number on the scale. I’m focusing on loving God more intentionally and loving my neighbors with the same care and compassion. And I know I can’t do that alone. I need prayer. I need support. I need people walking with me — and maybe laughing with me when I stumble.
Along the way, I’ve learned that having a simple plan makes a world of difference. Here are a few things that have helped me stay committed — and might help you too:
Pick one small daily action that supports your resolution — something you can actually measure.
Give yourself a clear timeframe. For example: “I’ll do this every day before noon for 120 days.” Make it doable.
Remember: your resolution doesn’t have to change the world. It just needs to honor God and bless someone else.
Pray daily for strength. Make your resolution the one thing you will do that day, no matter what.
Look for ways to share your commitment with others — even small acts can ripple outward.
At night, reflect on your day and ask Christ to strengthen you again tomorrow.
And find a partner — someone you can check in with weekly. A short call or quick meeting can become a sacred rhythm that keeps you grounded.
What I’ve discovered is that the physical actions of keeping a resolution — the showing up, the small steps, the daily choices — begin to shape your spiritual life too. They open the door to deeper love, greater kindness, and a more generous heart.
So Beloved, “May the love of God, the peace of Christ and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit strengthen you in keeping your commitment to your New Year’s Resolutions, whatever flavor they may be.”
Your friend in Christ,
Dick Ihfe, DMin
