Goodness Weekly 1.06.2025

“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”
– Ursula K. Le Guin

What’s Good

Happy New Year! As we step into a season of renewal, we’re excited to share opportunities to grow, connect, and continue to co-create a flourishing community. Next Thursday, January 16th, from 11 AM to 1 PM in Room 200, we’re offering free professional headshots—an opportunity to refresh your professional presence or celebrate a new chapter in your journey.

In the coming weeks, we’ll hear from some of our Community Partners in the main message of Goodness Weekly. Sarah of Talking Tree Farms is the Manager of Sunset Ridge Farmers Market. She’ll introduce us to regenerative farming, an approach that restores ecosystems and serves as the heart of our market’s mission We’re also excited to hear from Leslie at Betty’s Co, a mobile women’s health clinic, which visits our campus monthly to offer accessible care for women in our community.

Happy New Year

Taylor Bates, Deputy Director, Sunset Ridge Collective

Last week, Jess and I went to Enchanted Rock for some New Year reflection time, a ritual that’s starting to take root for us. This year, though, we took an alternative path, and it got me thinking about how this time of year often feels like a whirlwind of optimization, life hacks, new goals, and higher aspirations.

When we arrived, the parking lot was nearly full—plenty of visitors were taking advantage of the sunny winter day. The main path leading up the rock was bustling with hikers. When Jess asked which trail we should take, we opted for the Echo Canyon trail, which veers off to the left of Enchanted Rock.

Along the way, we found some big boulders to perch on for a while, then wandered further to discover a small lake on the backside of the rock. Sitting by the water’s edge, we were treated to a breathtaking view: the pink granite of Enchanted Rock rising behind the shimmering water as the sun began its descent. On the way back, we took the long route around and stumbled upon a scenic overlook just as the sun was setting, casting the landscape in dreamy shades of pink, orange, blue, and purple—the magic of golden hour.

We didn’t summit Enchanted Rock that day, but instead, we found something arguably more beautiful and surprising by exploring its perimeter.

It made me wonder: What if we approached this new year the same way? Instead of rushing to “summit” 2025 in January—trying to become the most optimized version of ourselves right out of the gate—what if we chose the meandering, scenic route instead? What if we started a slower, longer journey, one that takes us around the perimeter of our aspirations?

Perhaps this approach would open us up to unexpected joys and realizations. Perhaps it would be a more sustainable way to move through the year, giving us space to experience its fullness rather than

racing to the top.

This Week…

Second Saturday: January 11th

8am One Another Coffee featuring Plantaqueria Vegan Tacos
9am in Charis Park
- Donation Based Yoga with NYX Wellness (location may be in Fellowship Hall depending on weather)
- Sunset Ridge Farmer’s Market
- Nature/Nurture with Artist Karla Kopalli
10:15am Storytime with Miss Anastasia
11am Pedal Pals Demo

Coming Up…

Sunset Ridge Farmers Market - Every Saturday, 9 AM - 1 PM
Jan 16th - Free Headshots for Entrepreneurs 11am-1pm
Jan 23rd: Dream Week: Neighboring Our Way to Flourishing 6-8pm

Event Rentals - Charis Park, interior event space, etc available for 2025 email rentals@sunset-ridge.org

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