Goodness Weekly 8.14.23

“There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called Yesterday and the other is called Tomorrow. Today is the right day to Love, Believe, Do and mostly Live.”
-Dalai Lama XIV

What’s Good:

Day School

We are thrilled to announce that we are partnering with Sprouting Curiosity Collective to open a new nature-based preschool on our campus. Sprouts School will be a small neighborhood based school with a learning through play philosophy. We will maintain low student to teacher ratios within our classes and students will spend 50% of their day outside, weather and air quality permitting.

The primary school will serve children ages 3 to 6 from 9:00am - 2:00pm with extended care available. We will offer 2 day, 3 day and 5 day a week options. In addition to the primary school, there will be an early learners school for children ages birth through 2.

If you are interested please complete this interest form to select your ideal weekly schedule. This will get you priority access for enrollment when it opens. If you are filling it out for multiple children please submit separate forms for each child. Contact taylor@sunset-ridge.org for questions and more information.

A Back to School Blessing

A Message from Jess

Only two weeks ago today I stood with my hands on the center trunk of the majestic Banyan tree in historic Lahaina, Maui.

In my life I’ve had the opportunity to do this twice, and this time the awe of the tree was no smaller than the first. I’ve never seen anything like it–its branches spreading more than half an acre. The sun sprinkled through its canopy and I stood, stunned in the magical wonder of this 150 year old tree. I soaked in its beauty and magnitude, thinking of the hands that lovingly cared for it and the deep roots of the Hawaiian people.

The Banyan tree in Lahaina reminded me, once again, that there is wonder in the world that we have barely glimpsed. I found some strange comfort in its strength—I felt more steady in its midst.

And now, only two weeks later, at least 93 people have lost their lives in the Maui wildfire and this tree is a scorched remnant of what it was–its future remains unknown at this point.

And I don’t know about you, but I feel a bit unsteady. Uneasy.

It’s hard to look forward to things because plans have been canceled again, because I spent a week in bed with Covid again, because the world is on fire and so many people have died. I long for a steady normal, but we haven’t really known that for a long time, have we?

This longing, this looking forward to, this unsure of…what lies ahead reminds me that it is only the very present moment that is sure. I read once that God is only able to bless in the present moment, which is only experienced on Earth right here and now.

Here and now.

This is what we have–the breath in our lungs and the world beneath our own two feet.

Let’s steady ourselves here.

Stand for light and love in a world that’s hurting.

Soak up every bit of goodness and beauty we can.

And we can and should lament what is lost, what isn’t right, what hurts, what might have been. And then we can and must be present and grateful for what is.

May you walk through this week eyes wide open, steadying yourself with what is right in front of you and have a heart open to the goodness that is yours to share in the world.

You are never alone.

Love, Jess

If you are looking for ways to help the people of Maui here is a good resource.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, Aug 15th, 7 AM Taco Tuesday at One Another Coffee featuring Mission Bell and Primero Tacos (No storytime)

Wednesday, Aug 16th 7-8:30 PM Youth Group at Sunset Ridge Church
Sunday, August 20th 10-11:30 AM No Chapel Worship
Wednesday, Aug 23rd
5:45-6:15 PM Story Share with Riley Stirman
6:30-7:30 PM Sunset Worship Series

Sunday, August 27th 6-8 PM
10:30 AM Worship in the Sanctuary
4:30-6 PM Chapel Worship
6:30-8:30 PM Young Adult Dinner

Collective Calendar