Embracing New Beginnings at The Ridge Church

Scripture Reading: "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)

Hello Church Family,

As I step into my new role as your pastor, I'm filled with excitement and gratitude. Change can be challenging, but it's also a chance for growth and new opportunities. The words from Isaiah remind us that God is always at work, bringing new things into our lives, even in the most unexpected ways.

I want to take a moment to honor Pastor Jimmy Mcllrath. His dedication, love, and leadership have profoundly impacted this church. We're all building on the strong foundation he laid, and for that, we are incredibly grateful. I personally want to say thank you for being my pastor for a few years and even officiating my marriage back in 2016. Thank you, Pastor Jimmy, for your years of faithful service. I am forever grateful for your love of this church and especially your love of Jesus.

As we move forward together, let's embrace this new season with open hearts and minds, ready to experience the fresh and exciting things God has planned for us. Whether in our worship, fellowship, or outreach, there are countless ways we can grow and serve together.

Reflect and Rejoice: Take a moment to reflect on the past blessings and challenges we’ve faced as a church. Rejoice in the faithfulness of God that has seen us through and be hopeful for the journey ahead. Each member's unique gifts and stories contribute to the vibrant tapestry of our church community. Let’s celebrate these contributions and look forward to how God will use them in new and powerful ways.

Step Out in Faith: Just as God promises to make a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, we are called to step out in faith. This might mean trying new ministries, reaching out to those in need, or deepening our personal walk with Christ. Let’s encourage one another to take these steps, knowing that God is with us, guiding and supporting us.

Stay Connected: In the coming weeks, I’m looking forward to getting to know each of you better. Your stories, gifts, and passion for this community are what make The Ridge Church special. Let’s lean into this new chapter with faith and anticipation, trusting that God is leading us every step of the way. Stay connected with each other through our various church activities and journey groups, as these connections will strengthen our bond and our collective mission.

Live by faith, be known by love and serve as a voice of hope for others.

Andy Ginn

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for new beginnings and the opportunities they bring. Guide us as we step into this new chapter at The Ridge Church.

Help us to see and embrace the new things You are doing among us. May we grow in faith, unity, and love, always ready to serve and glorify You. Bless Pastor Jimmy for his faithful service, and continue to work through him in his future endeavors.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Read Reverend Andy Ginn's Bio here.

(Andy's bio can also be found at the bottom of this newsletter).

Read Jimmy's letter of support for Andy here.

Next Dinner: October 30th

We'll meet for dinner on Wednesday evening, October 30th, at 6:30pm at Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant.

Brunch and Brushes

Join us on Saturday, November 9, at 10am for our first Brunch and Brushes! We will paint a beautiful fall masterpiece with our own

Jade Tamaski!

Cost is $30 and the registration link is below.

Sign up here before it’s full!!

Jade is a talented artist and member of the Ridge!

See more of her work here.

To contribute to Samaritan's Purse, click here.

To contribute to The Global Methodist Church Disaster Relief Fund, click here.

To contribute to the UMCOR Disaster Response, click here.

Did you know that you can earmark your state tax dollars for

The Methodist Home?

Rev. Lynn Meadows-White was our guest preacher two Sundays ago and she shared with us the unique potential the Foster Child Organization Credit offers to support students at the Methodist Home. If you have to pay state income taxes, why not earmark them for The Methodist Home? Thanks to the Foster Child Organization Credit, your tax dollars can now bring new hope for older youth in foster care who are served by The Methodist Home. As a taxpayer of the state of Georgia, you can redirect your state income taxes to The Methodist Home and help youth transitioning out of the foster care system toward adulthood and independence. When you participate, you receive a 100% tax credit on your state income tax bill for your donation --- which means that this way of contributing to The Methodist Home is ultimately not costing you any additional money (beyond what you would already have to pay in state income taxes).

For more information about how to apply, click HERE..

Questions? Contact Rev. Lynn Meadows-White at 706-464-6231 or

lynn.meadowswhite@themethodisthome.org.

We'd love to have you join one of our amazing Sunday Monthly Ministry Teams. We ask our volunteers to "work one, worship one" so no one misses out on the worship experience.

For more information on teams and to register: Click here. 

Important Info

We have a few spaces open for Fall Youth Retreat!

Follow the link below for more info and to sign up.

Students are invited to dress up for our Halloween Party costume contest this Sunday! We'll have dinner, the costume contest, and a UTV Nerf course (like the Men In Black ride at Universal or Justice League at Six Flags), along with a campfire, roasted marshmallows & hot chocolate.

5:30-8:30pm at Nathan and Autumn's house

821 Plantation Creek Rd., Fortson, GA 31808

RYM Fall Schedule

FYR - pronounced "fire" (Fall Youth Retreat) November 1-3 at Camp Timberlake in Forsyth, GA. Click HERE for details and to register! Scholarships are available.

SAVE THE DATES

Fall '24

Backpacking Trip - November 23-25

Christmas Party - December 15

2025

Ski Retreat - February 14-17

Souled Out - June 2-6

Sunday Nights

October 27 – 5:30-8:30pm Halloween Party @ Nathan & Autumn's

November 3 – FYR (no meeting)

November 10 – 5:30-7:30pm @ The RYM

November 17 – 5:30-7:30pm @ The RYM

November 24 – Backpacking & Thanksgiving Break (no meeting)

December 1 – 5:30-7:30pm @ The RYM

December 8 – 5:30-7:30pm @ The RYM

December 15 – 5:30-8:30pm Christmas Party @ The RYM

Middle School Small Group

11:20am-12:00noon during the 11:00 service only.

Questions? - Contact Nathan at 706-464-7548 or nathan@theridgecolumbus.com.

Parent and Student GroupMe

We have a student and a parent GroupMe account to help keep everyone up to date on what's going on in student ministry. GroupMe is a group texting app that's a great forum for staying connected and asking questions. If you or your student would like to be added, just text or email Nathan at 706-464-7548 and nathan@theridgecolumbus.com.

College Ministry

Summit College Ministry connects and supports our college-age young adults by providing a bridge between their involvement in on-campus ministries and The Ridge. With that in mind, studies and activities are scheduled during school breaks.

High school graduates ages 18 through 25 are invited to Summit events. Sam Lord is our college ministry coordinator under the direction of Nathan and Autumn Carr.

Questions: Contact Sam Lord at sam@theridgecolumbus.com, 706-617-4051.

Message Series Archive

YouTube channel: Click Here

The Ridge Church is delighted to welcome William Andrew (Andy) Ginn as our new Senior Pastor. Andy brings over seven years of pastoral experience and a deep commitment to the Wesleyan tradition, making him an exceptional addition to our church community.

Born and raised here in Columbus, Andy has always felt a strong calling to serve others through ministry. His journey of faith and leadership has been marked by a dedication to spiritual growth, community building, and compassionate outreach. Andy's pastoral career has been characterized by his ability to connect with congregants of all ages, fostering a sense of belonging and spiritual nourishment.

Andy holds a profound respect for the teachings of John Wesley, which has shaped his approach to ministry. He is passionate about preaching the Word of God, teaching biblical truths, and leading meaningful worship experiences. His warm and approachable demeanor, combined with his commitment to living out his faith, inspires those around him to deepen their own spiritual journeys.

Outside of his pastoral duties, Andy enjoys spending time with his family, playing music on either his guitar or drums, and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs. His wife, Leslie, and children, Coleman and Charlotte, are equally excited to be part of The Ridge Church family, and they look forward to building lasting relationships within the congregation.

We are blessed that Reverend Andy Ginn is in the appointive process to become our Senior Pastor and eagerly anticipate the ways in which his leadership, vision, and passion for Christ will help guide The Ridge Church into a new season of growth and service.

Please join us in welcoming Andy and his family to our community!

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