Thursday, March 31, 2011

Hail Mary: Everybody Prays Sometime


Everybody prays some time. Even people who don’t consider themselves to be religious typically hit a bump or turn at some point in life that invites a “Hail Mary” prayer. So what are we praying for or what are we waiting for? Is there a secret to this thing called prayer? Is this ancient discipline still practical for today? This will be our topic of discussion for the next two weeks at Ridge Church. Join us at either 9:30 or 11:00.

Join the "Hail Mary" Facebook event HERE!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Becoming Mrs White in your circle of influence

Last but not least...check out this video of Paige Burchard going public with her faith. In her story she references "Mrs White", her kindergarten teacher that walked with her as she placed her faith in Jesus as her Savior. I've never met Mrs White but I hope that every person in our church becomes like Mrs White within their circle of influence. I know this much...it doesn't happen on accident. People who have that kind of impact and influence are always doing it very purposefully and very prayerfully. Very proud of Paige. Awesome girl...very grounded in who she is in Christ. She's a great example to the younger generation of girls!


Paige Burchard from Ridge Church on Vimeo.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Ridge Church: Recent sets & Activities

Very busy and exciting season at Ridge Church. We are in the home stretch of an amazing series called "Time of your Life". You can listen to previous sermons HERE. Along with our time theme we decided to introduce "Minute to Win it" as a part of our service activities. It's been really entertaining. Below are a few stage shots from the series, minute to win it, and our first ever "Uptown Night of Worship!!" Night of Worship was a great night worshiping a Big God with great people in the heart of a city we love deeply. It was the first night Uptown Charlotte for Ridge Church but it won't be the last!

Omnisolv Uptown Charlotte (final band sound check)

Night of Worship: A few moments of vision for OUR city!

"Time of Your Life" Stage set
Minute to Win It: Game Host-Ed Williams

Minute to Win it "Winner" Mark Dodson (useless skills:-)

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

My life, career, marriage was fine AND THEN...

I've heard countless stories from people through the years. Being in ministry I feel like I've heard every imaginable scenario. One of the undeniably common themes is that every story has "AND THEN" moments. Some are major others are minor but they are very real. My life was good AND THEN...MY career was launching AND THEN...My marriage was great AND THEN...My health was fine AND THEN...My relationship with my son was great AND THEN...Everything was going great at school AND THEN... What happens after "AND THEN" is absolutely pivotal. For men, women, and teenagers alike when you allow your "AND THEN" moment to lean you into God and his people (Christ Followers) rather than away, you have the potential to find meaning and hope in something that seemed meaningless and hopeless. I couldn't help but notice "AND THEN" in Hunter's story. I'm so proud of him for what he did next. Listen for yourself:

Hunter Henry from Ridge Church on Vimeo.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

When pain pushes you where will you go?

Unfortunately none of us, even children and teenagers, are immune to significant hurt and pain in our lives. The real question is "When pain pushes you, where will you go?" Madison's story is full of pain and peace...all in the same story! I'm grateful for her courage to publicly share her pain, her journey, and the peace she found in Christ and his followers as they rallied around her. Pain pushes us all at some point in our life. I believe ultimate peace in the midst of that pain is only available in Jesus:

Madison Skala from Ridge Church on Vimeo.