The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths. Psalm 24:1-2 Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.” Mark 12:41-44 Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets. Yet they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they will be more severely punished. Mark 12:38-40 The Bible consistently points to a few groups of people who are special to God - simply because of the fact that they are vulnerable. WIDOWS, ORPHANS, MIGRANTS & THE POOR Jesus talks about her giving - but I believe Jesus is pointing to something far more important than her giving. The amount you give to God is meaningless. What God looks for is for you to give an amount that is meaningful to you. Her complete trust in God He said, Look at the birds…they don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns…and yet God takes care of them. Matthew 6:26 This woman’s incredible faith - and complete trust in God - even in the most difficult of times - is the way God wants us to live. The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it. WEST RIDGE PROGRAM Christmas Eve Services Celebrate the meaning of Christmas on Sunday,December 24th at 9:00 am,10:30 am,and 12:00 pm in our auditorium or online. Project: Share Generously | West Ridge Cares believes that God uses our resources to change lives. When we grow to care about the things God cares about, we use whatever He’s given us to accomplish his purpose for our world. Check out all they ways to care here. TOY SALE | FOOD FOR LOCAL FAMILIES | BLESSING TREE Breakfast with Santa | Santa’s Sleigh is stopping by West Ridge on Saturday, December 16th from 8:30 am – 10:30 am. Families can stop by and take a picture with Santa before his sleigh leaves. You can also take some time to write the “Big Guy” a letter, play a fun Christmas game, and eat a delicious breakfast in the Cafe. RSVP HERE Navigating the Holidays | Losing someone you love can also make the holiday season painful. Find healing and support and learn how to survive the upcoming season. Join us for this special session of Grief Support on Tuesday, November 21st from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at West Ridge. CLICK HEREto Register. Well-Watered Women's Retreat | As women, we need opportunities to hit “pause” on our daily rhythms and gather together to be encouraged, equipped, and strengthened in our faith. Join us for our retreat this March 15 – 17th. Early Bird registration is open now. Tuesday Night Tune-up | Are Sunday services enough for you? Might a deeper and relational mid-week “tune-up” experience be that one thing you find lacking as you go through the sometimes muddy waters of this thing we call life? We meet weekly at 7:00 pm at West Ridge. REGISTER HERE Faith and Fellowship - The Women of West Ridge ministry exists to provide women the opportunity to intentionally grow in their faith. Come be intentional: Show up twice a month and build connections with other women. Have a safe place to share, to pray, to learn, and to encourage one another.We will meet on the second and fourth Mondays of every month at 7:00 pm in the Cafe starting Monday, September 11th. REGISTER HERE WR Cares Meals team - Does one meal make a difference in someone's life? If you have walked through a hard season, you know some of the most basic things can make you feel loved and seen. If you are interested in serving in this way click here and choose WR Cares. Interested in taking your next step in Journey - Register here - we would love to help. DISCOVER YOUR INNER BARISTA TODAY! The Café is looking for a few friendly faces. No coffee drinking experience is necessary! This is a great opportunity for families looking to volunteer together (8th grade and up). Also, for High School students this barista opportunity looks great on a college application and the West Ridge Cafe can also provide you with volunteer credit. Details here The Center for the Arts | (CFA) offers lessons to all ages and skill levels by mature, experienced and highly skilled musicians who are currently involved in the music at West Ridge and active as performers. For more information about Private Lessons click here. West Ridge Connection Card | Do you have a prayer request, recently moved, changed numbers or your e-mail address? Let us know below. Or if you would like more information about West Ridge, please click here. Give Online | Giving at West Ridge is out of gratitude to God, not out of obligation. Give via the app by clicking the GIVE icon below.