Goodness Weekly 12.09.2024

“It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.”
– David Steindl-Rast

What’s Good

Thanks to your donations and gifts, over 40 volunteers were able to come together Friday evening to serve 107 Camelot Elementary students and their families. School staff and cheerful volunteers served a meal, decorated cookies, and played games with the students while the adults went upstairs to purchase and wrap Christmas presents in our toy shop. This event is a true joy for our community, and we want to thank every single person who was involved for giving us another year of hosting.

*Glena & Scott preparing our space upstairs Thursday night along with lots of volunteers before our stations came together.*

Overwhelming Overconsumption

Taylor Bates, Deputy Director, Sunset Ridge Collective

In our community, we’ve been having meaningful conversations about how to resist the pull of materialism during this holiday season. Many of us in the church have been reading Advent Conspiracy, a book that challenges us to reconsider how we approach Christmas and its cultural trappings.

Personally, I’ve been feeling the weight of consumer culture’s relentless messaging. Hyper-targeted advertising and tantalizing deals seem to know exactly how to draw me in. As someone who strives for sustainability, I’m not immune—many ads even appeal to my eco-conscious values, tempting me with “green” products.

Recently, I watched the Netflix documentary Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy and was shocked by the statistics on consumer waste. Did you know that a majority of products purchased on Black Friday end up in landfills?

I also learned that in fiscal year 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture allocated approximately $166.4 billion to food and nutrition assistance programs aimed at reducing hunger. In comparison, U.S. holiday retail sales during the Christmas season are projected to reach between $979.5 billion and $989 billion in 2024.

Our pastor, Scott Heare, reminded us on Sunday that these conversations aren’t about guilt or shame. No single person can dismantle the cultural systems that drive consumerism. Instead, we’re called to thoughtful, hopeful action.

Yesterday, I shared my own frustrations with a group of women in our church, and their insights gave me some much-needed perspective. Here are three shifts I’m working on that might resonate with you too:

Make Instead of Buy

Instead of purchasing a gift, take the time to make something personal and meaningful. Consumable gifts, like homemade treats, candles, or soaps, are not only thoughtful but also sustainable. One family I know makes homemade vanilla in decorated jars—simple and also makes your house smell good!

Meditate on Gratitude

While making or choosing a gift, use the time to reflect on what you love and appreciate about the recipient. This practice transforms the act of giving into something deeply connected and stress-reducing.

Focus on the Positive

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the overconsumption of the season, but dwelling on the negative can leave us feeling more burdened than inspired. By shifting focus to the things we love about this season—like community, generosity, and joy—we can embody the light and optimism that inspire real change. After all, a hopeful attitude is far more contagious than a critical one.

So here’s my challenge for you this week: Explore these ideas yourself. Read Advent Conspiracy. Watch Buy Now. Try making a gift or practicing gratitude. Let’s shift our focus this season, not out of guilt, but out of a desire to bring light into the world.

This Week

Second Saturday - December 14th

8am OAC
9am Donation Based Yoga with NYX Wellness
Sunset Ridge Farmers Market
10:15 Storytime

Coming Up…

Sunset Ridge Farmers Market - Every Saturday, 9-1
Christmas Eve Worship - December 24th
Betty’s Co, Women’s Mobile Health Clinic - Dec 26th,- Jan 2nd
Offices Closed Dec 25th-Jan 1st

Event Rentals - Charis Park areas, indoor rooms and event spaces are available for rent for 2025. Please email rentals@sunset-ridge.org for more information.

Community Partners: Please follow our Community Partners for updated schedules and events. One Another Coffee, NYX Wellness, Scott’s Pizza, Mission Compost, Good Acres, Betty’s Co, Community First Food Pantry, Sunset Ridge Farmers Market, Sprouts School.