Goodness Weekly 12.1.25
“We do not become wise by remembering what we already know; we become wise by allowing ourselves to be led.”
— Clarissa Pinkola Estés
There’s still time to join Friends of Charis Park as a Founding Friend — but today is the final day. Sign up at the Pollinator level or above to receive one of our limited-edition Founding Friend hats as a thank-you for supporting the life of Charis Park. Hats can be picked up in the church office during office hours.
You can become a Friend of Charis Park member anytime, but Founding Friend status (and the hat!) is only available through today.
The Gift of Choosing the Quieter Trail
Jess Lowry, Executive Director, Sunset Ridge Collective
For years, I made the steady climb up the Summit Trail at Enchanted Rock. It was always the same rhythm: a straightforward hike with the big payoff waiting at the top—a sweeping view that stretches for miles. Beautiful, yes, but predictable in its own way.
Then one year, my friend Kori flew in from New York, and we set out to visit Enchanted Rock, one of my favorite places. An unexpected rainstorm hit, and before we knew it, we were nearly sliding down the rock face into a valley. And in that almost comical scramble, we stumbled onto something I had never seen before, a hidden trail waiting in the valley, one with tall grasses, boulders, and a beautiful canopy of trees. This was a kind of accidental wonder, discovered by happenstance and maybe a bit of human error.
There’s a magical mystery tucked in the valley now that keeps calling me back—the turning leaves, the winding path, the echoes of my Pennsylvania childhood hidden in its quiet corners.
During our family’s annual Thanksgiving visit this year, I felt it again. As I stepped into the canyon, something in me recognized the shift: I’m no longer chasing mountaintop moments. I’m longing for the slow grounding of the valley—the gentleness, the hidden beauty, the steadying presence found only on the less popular trail.
Standing there, I realized how much my soul has been asking for a different rhythm. The world pulls us outward and upward, but the valley draws me inward and downward—toward what steadies me and slows me, where presence becomes possible again, and where love has space to take root.
Because in a world full of noise and chaos, my heart longs for what is real, grounding, and peace-giving.
As you enter this season, I invite you to join me in pausing to ask the question: What brings your heart back to solid ground—into presence, steadiness, and love—and how might you make space for that in the weeks ahead? May your answer guide your steps toward more love and more peace than ever before.
And may the road always lead you a little closer to Home.
Love,
Jess
Coming Up…
Daily, NYX Yoga & Fitness
Daily, One Another Coffee
Wednesdays, Dec. 10th - 17th, 11 AM - 1:30 PM, Open Studio Painting
Wednesday, Mission Compost Pick Up
Saturdays, Sunset Ridge Farmers Market, 9 AM - 1 PM, Charis Park
Every Sunday, Worship at 9 AM and 11 AM, Sunset Ridge Church
Monday, December 1st, Last day to sign up as a Founding Friend for Friends of Charis Park
Friday, December 12th & 19th, 5 - 9 PM, The Holiday Night Market at Charis Park
Sunday, December 21st, 5:30 PM, Longest Night Service, Sunset Ridge Church | A quiet, reflective service for anyone carrying grief or heaviness during the holiday season.
Wednesday, December 24th, 5:00 PM, Christmas Eve Service, Sunset Ridge Church
Wednesday, December 24th - Friday, January 2nd, Offices closed for Christmas & New Year’s
Event Rentals - Interested in hosting your event at Charis Park or in our facilities? Please email rentals@sunset-ridge.org
Community Partners: For updated schedules and events please follow One Another Coffee, Sunset Ridge Farmers Market, NYX Wellness, Scott’s Pizza, Mission Compost, Sprouts School, Good Acres, and Community First Food Pantry.
Inhale: Here is the path I choose,
Exhale: Let love guide each step.
