THEME:
On this last day of 2023, I want to tell you how excited I am about the future of Ridgewood Church. Despite all of the economic and cultural factors working against us, God is doing amazing things. The Lord is working in your life too. I want to show you why you can have a heart of gratitude for the past and hope for the future!
KEY SCRIPTURE:
Philippians 1:3-6
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Reasons to be Thankful in 2023
Many souls were saved.
We ministered to 600 children last summer.
Our pre-school has grown each of its first two years.
Our new AWANA program began with 51 students and has grown to 68.
Kyle Monroe became our new Pastor for Student Ministries.
Ridgewood’s student ministry averages more than 40 students on Wednesdays.
Women’s Bible Studies continued to grow.
We started 6 new training groups.
We support our own Horazdovsky family, who are on the mission field for the first time.
11 people were baptized.
15 new members joined our church.
We added 64 new givers.
Our prayer warriors continued to be faithful.
Schools and civic organizations often used our building.
Our LifeSupport Podcast continued to be heard on KTIS and 19 other radio stations.
We enjoyed a sweet sense of unity.
And much more!
Philippians 1:3-5
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
The sign of a healthy church, or individual, is that the gospel is front and center
Current Challenges for Ridgewood Church
We face financial challenges, based on the economy and general chaos in the world.
We must deal with a “post-covid” world that consists of fewer congregants.
Moving to one service has been positive in some ways, but attendance has leveled out.
Our children’s ministry is being negatively affected by our one-service format.
We need to find ways to include more young adults as part of our fellowship.
We haven’t finished our building remodel, i.e., the Gathering Place, sanctuary and gym.
Prayer is the vital ingredient that powers a healthy church and heart
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Ephesians 6:18
…praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints…
Praying the A.C.T.S. Formula
Adoration
Confession
Thanksgiving
Supplication
Philippians 1:6
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
A faithful God is our individual and corporate hope for the future
Reasons to be Hopeful About Ridgewood’s Future
We can embark on a church planting project in Togo, Africa.
We can become the west-metro campus of City Cops Church.
Local church planting can be part of our DNA.
We can to continue to expand our Ridgewood Preschool.
Summer kids camps can be expanded.
We will continue to invest in adult ministries, such as small groups and Bible studies.
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) will continue to be a high priority.
We will maintain our focus on salvations and baptisms.
Our staff will endeavor to deepen your faith and help you navigate a difficult culture.
We will not stop until every person in our sphere of influence has heard the gospel.
And more!
God’s work in your life is something to be profoundly thankful for
Reasons for Gratitude in Your Own Life
You are a child of God.
Romans 8:16
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God…
God will never forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:8
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.
Your purpose is clear.
1 Corinthians 10:31
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Your future is secure.