Goodness Weekly 4.22.24
“Nature leaves its treasures
scattered in plain view
It takes a careful observer to see what is everywhere”-Kat Lehmann Small Stones from the River
What’s Good
This weekend, our community got to celebrate the union of two of its devoted members. Noëlle, Sunset Ridge Collective’s Coordinator, and Scott from Scott’s Pizza, were married in our historic chapel. Family and friends were overjoyed to celebrate the couple on this rainy day as we take pride in all the unique ways we continue to grow together.
Thank you, Darkroom Foto for sending us a preview
This Week
As Scott and Noëlle are away on honeymoon, Scott’s Pizza will be closed. Normal business hours will resume May 9th.
Lunchtime Yoga Flow with NYX Wellness, Mon-Fri at 12pm, upstairs in Room 200
Sign up for your class here:
For weekly hours of One Another Coffee, Scott’s Pizza, and NYX Yoga, please feel free to check our calendar and follow us on Instagram for any updates.
Interested in more of what’s happening at Sunset Ridge Church? Please consider subscribing to Views from the Ridge.
A Message from Jess
Message from Jess Lowry Executive Director, Sunset Ridge Collective
“Wow, look how deep that hole is–that tree isn’t going anywhere!”
“Oh, it’s going to be able to grow, even through the rock?”
“Can you hear the sound of the leaves in the wind? It sounds a little like a song.”
“Look how tall and strong it stands.”
I heard these and so many more exclamations from those of us lucky enough to be present for the planting of the magnificent Red Oak Tree planted in memory of our beloved friend, Janet Ihfe.
As the tree went into the ground we named specific qualities of Janet’s that we hoped to imbue into the tree and its presence at the entrance of Charis Park. Watching the tree carefully carried, unwrapped, planted, and turned into position was a deeply moving experience perhaps largely because of the memories of the person the tree represents.
I’ve wondered since–what other sacred moments await any given day? As I sit on our purple picnic table in front of our Chapel I see a garden of butterflies, I’m covered in the refuge of an oak tree’s canopy, and I’m lulled into a peaceful countenance by the beauty of the birdsong.
As I’ve continued my healing journey I keep a journal of things that make me feel better, and things that make me feel worse. It’s no surprise that time in nature is the most consistent marker for a day that I feel well, for when the trembling decreases, for when my spirit is lifted. It’s no surprise that the days when I spend the majority of my time in front of my computer or with my phone in hand I feel a spike of anxiety.
We know these things by now, don’t we?
That creation isn’t here for us to ravage and destroy but to hold tenderly with great awe, reverence and wonder. We know that when we practice this posture we are changed from the inside out, we become more grounded, rooted, centered, peaceful, and more present.
As Richard Rohr recently wrote, “When we take this stance, we notice in the momentum of the day’s demands, we’re skimming over the depth of our own life, suffering from depth deprivation.”
May we begin anew this Earth Day–to be people who notice, who listen, who walk into the earth with wonder and curiosity as welcomed guests. May we carry within us the peace of the gliding butterfly when she stops her hurried fluttering and lets the wind carry her. May we carry within us the deep rooted wisdom of the Red Oak tree and offer ourselves as sanctuary to someone who needs a little respite from their weary day. And may we remember that we are all connected–belonging to one another and our earth.
Take a deep breath of gratitude today and look around.
Love, Jess
Inhale:
Still my hurried pace even for just this moment
Exhale:
Help me to notice the beauty that surrounds me now
