THEME:
Taking time to remember our victories is a way to honor God, and strengthen our faith as we look forward to what’s ahead. So today, let’s also celebrate all the remarkable things God has done here at Ridgewood Church, and let’s renew our commitment to trust him with our future.
KEY SCRIPTURE:
Acts 2:42-47
Acts 2:42-47
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Acts 2:47b
And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
In 2024, God used Ridgewood to impact hundreds, if not thousands, of souls for eternity
God’s amazing work at Ridgewood in 2024
- More than 75 individuals made the decision to follow Jesus, including 56 children who gave their lives to Christ during VBS.
- Our LifeSupport podcast was watched by 195,000 inmates in state prisons around the country, with 1,500 committing their lives to Christ.
- Over $110,000 has been given to plant churches in Togo, Africa, and we are approaching 300 total churches.
- 130 women attended our Christmas Tea.
- Sunday morning attendance has increased compared to last year.
- Our ministry to students has continued to grow.
- We added Root 56, a new ministry for 5th and 6th graders.
- Vacation Bible School served 276 children and included 122 leaders.
- Playground playdates and summer camps served over 300 children in our community.
- Wednesday family dinners were served to 2,426 people.
- Our preschool, now in its third year, has grown from 24 to 36 children.
- There are 60 children attending Awana each week.
- We’ve served breakfasts to teachers and staff members at both Deephaven and Groveland Elementary Schools.
- We support the Good News Club at Groveland Elementary School.
- Operation Christmas Child was a huge success, with 180 boxes collected.
- Our community care fund has served many people in our neighborhood by providing assistance for rent, food, gas, and other needs.
- Many organizations have used our facilities, including Family Friends, local schools, scouts, and other community groups.
Staying vigilant regarding our spiritual health will help Ridgewood to thrive
Acts 2:42
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Acts 2:45
And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
Acts 2:46b
They received their food with glad and generous hearts.
Francis Chan
“The church should be a community of believers where we know each other deeply, pray for each other fervently, and hold each other accountable. Small groups are the means by which this can happen.”
You and I are responsible for Ridgewood’s health and effectiveness
You are responsible to believe, and teach others, proper doctrine
Romans 16:17
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.
You are responsible for taking part in church sacraments
You are responsible to live in community
Acts 2:44
And all who believed were together and had all things in common.
Acts 2:45
And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
You are responsible to spread joy
Acts 2:46b-47a
…they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God
You are responsible to attend church as much as possible
Acts 2:46a
And day by day, attending the temple together…
Acts 2:47b
…having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.