Membership. If you are a Christian, we cannot tell you that you need to join Pleasant Ridge, but we can tell you that you need to join and immerse yourself in the life of a church family that faithfully teaches the Scriptures and cares for her members. ​ If you are not convinced, here is a list of reasons to join a church . Membership Class. The Pleasant Ridge Membership Class is your opportunity to become acquainted with our church – specifically, our mission, philosophy, and vision for ministry. This class is required for membership at Pleasant Ridge. if you have questions about membership, what to expect for a Membership Class or to register for an upcoming class, Email Kyle . ​ 2024 Membership Classes: Sunday, February 11th Sunday, April 14th Sunday, November 10th ​ Click here to view the Pleasant Ridge Membership Orientation booklet.

Open Positions. Children's Minister Full Time Preschool Teacher Part Time

Ridge: Small Groups. Gathering: Most of our small groups meet on Sunday mornings between 9:00-10:15a. If you would like to participate in a small group, see one of our greeters to help you find a small group. ​ Connect: Small Groups are the best way to get connected. We have several opportunities for you and your family to connect through small groups. During Small Groups, you will get to know people, invest in one another's lives, find encouragement, and study the Bible. Purpose: The purpose of Small Groups is to provide a place to discuss the Scripture’s impact and relevance to our lives. We believe that every Christian possesses valuable insights that can edify the group. Curriculum The Book of Luke — Sundays The Gospel of Luke depicts Jesus as one who reaches out to the marginalized and oppressed, emphasizing his ministry to the poor, the sick, and the outcasts of society. Luke highlights Jesus' teachings on love, forgiveness, and the Kingdom of God, often through parables that illustrate these concepts. The narrative follows Jesus' journey from his birth in Bethlehem to his death and resurrection in Jerusalem, spotlighting his identity as the Son of God and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Throughout the gospel, Luke brings to attention the universality of Jesus' message, welcoming all people, regardless of social status or background, into God's kingdom. Study Series — S pring Luke 12:13-34, April 7th Luke 12:35-48, April 14th Luke 12:49-59, April 21st Luke 13:1-17, April 28th ​ Study Series — Summ er Luke 13:18-35, May 5th Luke 14:1-11, May 12th Luke 14:12-24, May 19th Luke 14:25-35, May 26th Luke 15:1-10, June 2nd Luke 15:11-32, June 9th Luke 16:1-18, June 16th Luke 16:19-31, June 23rd Luke 17:1-10, June 30th Luke 17:11-37, July 7th Luke 18:1-8, July 14th Luke 18:9-17, July 21st Luke 18:18-30, July 28th Study Series — Fall Luke 18:31-43, August 4th Luke 19:1-27, August 11 Luke 19:28-48 August 18th Luke 20:1-18, August 25th Luke 20:19-47, September 1st Luke 21:1-9, September 8th Luke 21:10-28, September 15th Luke 21:29-38, September 22nd Luke 22:1-23, September 29th Study Series — Winter Luke 22:24-38, October 6th Luke 22:39-53, October 13th Luke 22:54-71, October 20th Luke 23:1-25, 27th Luke 23:26-56, November 3rd Luke 24:1-12, November 10th Luke 24:13-35, November 17th Luke 24:36-53, November 24th Small Groups Our Sunday corporate gathering holds significant importance, yet part of our commitment that helps us follow Jesus and make disciples is found in the regular meeting of small groups. We encourage both our members and regular attendees to actively engage and participate in these groups to confess sin, celebrate joys, mourn together, and foster a culture of prayer and biblical understanding. Our groups are centered on biblical truth, fostering intentional community, evangelistic fervor, and growth. For information on which group would be good for you, please visit here . Ridge Kids Preschool - 5th Grade Ridge Students Ages: 12-18 Poole Group Co-Ed McLellan Group Men's Group Davidson Group Women Group Kirby Group Co-Ed Roose Group Co-Ed Stringfellow Group Women's Group Amerson/Hayes Group Co-Ed

We encounter David, the author of Psalm 119, not merely as a historical figure, but as a seasoned mentor whose life experiences offer invaluable lessons. David’s reflections come from his later years, providing us with the insights he’s gained through a life lived in relationship with God’s Word. He speaks with the authority of someone who has navigated life’s complexities and has come to rely deeply on the guidance found in Scripture.   For students, it can be challenging to appreciate the wisdom of those who have walked the path before us. We may often think that we need to learn through our own experiences rather than hear the advice of those who came before us. However, David's writing offers a compelling argument for why we should listen and learn from those who have gone before us. Psalm 119:25-32 focuses on how God's Word provides refuge in times of suffering. Life’s difficulties can sometimes feel like a whirlwind, leaving us disoriented and searching for stability. David, in this passage, expresses how God's Word became a refuge during his own times of weakness and grief. Here’s how David’s experiences can guide us in finding refuge through Scripture. 1. God’s Word Gives Life in Weakness “ My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word! When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes! Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works .” (Psalm 119:25-27)   David begins by describing his state of despair: "My soul clings to the dust" (v. 25). The New English Translation (NET) clarifies this as David being overwhelmed to the point of near death. It translates this verse as “ I collapse in the dirt .” This vivid imagery suggests a profound low point, where David feels as though he is on the brink of collapse. In his weakness, David turns to God's Word to be revived. He cries out for God to "give me life" through His Word and to help him understand His statutes.   When we face our own moments of weakness, whether due to personal failures, health issues, or other struggles, we might feel similarly crushed. David’s response teaches us that God’s Word can lift us from the depths of despair. Just as David sought revival through the Scriptures, we too can find life and hope when we turn to God’s promises and guidance.   2. God’s Word Gives Strength in Grief “ My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word! Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law !” (Psalm 119:28, 29)   David speaks of his soul melting away from sorrow. This Hebrew word is only used four total times in the Old Testament (Psalm 119:28, Proverbs 10:1, 14:13, 17:21). Proverbs 14:13 gives us a special look at how this word was used. “ Even in laughter the heart may ache and the end of joy may be grief .” He’s at the end of his joy, a state that’s deeply familiar to many who have experienced profound grief. David asks God to "sustain" him through His Word, seeking strength amidst his suffering.   Grief can leave us feeling isolated and without strength. David’s plea for sustenance through Scripture highlights how God’s Word can offer comfort and support. By aligning ourselves with the truth of the Bible, we find the strength to endure even the most painful of circumstances.   3. God’s Word Leads to Hope “ I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me. I cling to your testimonies, O LORD; let me not be put to shame! I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart !” (Psalm 119:30-32)   In the final verses, David describes his commitment to God’s Word as a path the leads to hope. He has chosen the way of faithfulness, clings to the Lord’s testimonies, and runs in the way of His commandments. This progression shows how David’s reliance on Scripture transformed his suffering into a source of hope and joy. For David, God’s Word was not just a refuge in times of trouble but a beacon guiding him toward a hopeful future. It provided clarity, direction, and a foundation of hope that sustained him through the worst of his trials.   Conclusion David’s experiences with God’s Word as a refuge are not confined to ancient times; they speak directly to us today. Each of us faces our own challenges—whether personal, societal, or spiritual. David’s experiences remind us that God's Word is not just ancient text but a living source of refuge and strength. By following his example, we can find comfort in times of weakness and grief. The Bible offers a roadmap to hope and healing, guiding us toward a life enriched by God’s promises.

Obscurity is probably not the word that comes to your mind when you think of the nation of Israel. However, Israel’s history reveals the intricacies and complexities of how God birthed a nation from obscurity. To be obscure means to be undiscovered, unknown, or unseen. Consider some of the main characters in Israel’s history. Noah is known for building an ark that housed his family and two animals of every kind. The first scriptural mention of Noah is in Gen. 5:29, where we find him listed in a long genealogy. While his story was miraculous, his beginning was obscure. Another character is Abram, who is later called Abraham. Abram was listed at the end of another long genealogy as one of the three sons of Terah (Gen. 11:27). However, in Genesis twelve, God calls Abram to a new land with the promise that he would make of Abram a great nation (Gen. 12:2). The book of 1 Samuel details much of the history of the established nation of Israel. When you think of kings, you think of kingdoms, palaces, and royal life, but 1 Samuel also begins in obscurity. Rather than beginning in a palace, 1 Samuel begins in the troubled household of Elkanah, who has two wives—Peninnah and Hannah. Like much of Israel’s history, we see that God works in the lives of obscure people. Have you ever felt that you live in obscurity—undiscovered, unknown, or unseen? Hannah’s story and her tears offer four important reminders for you . 1. The Effects of Brokenness First, we see that there is a reality for broken people (1 Sam. 1:1-14). The reality is we live in a broken world filled with broken people. This reality results in broken people continuing to break things and hurt one another. This is clearly illustrated in the text as Hannah experiences the painful jabs from her rival—Peninnah. The first 14 verses paint a despairing picture of Hannah’s reality. She was barren (v. 2), the Lord closed her womb (v. 5), Peninnah provoked her (v. 6), she was depressed (v. 7), her husband was out of touch with her feelings (v. 8), and the priest treated her like a worthless drunk woman (v. 13). The broken world was breaking Hannah down at every turn. Many can sympathize with Hannah and relate to her pain. Life has thrown you many pains and hardships and left you feeling broken, depressed, and alone. We must answer an important question: “ Where will you go when you reach your breaking point ?” 2. The Place for the Broken The second reminder in the Scripture is that there is a place for broken people (10,15-16). Verse three explains that Hannah would go up to Shiloh yearly to worship. Despite her feelings, she went to worship at Shiloh. Though she was barren, she went to worship at Shiloh. Though her rival mocked her, she went to worship at Shiloh. With tear-filled eyes, she went to worship at Shiloh. Hannah went to Shiloh to worship, but she teaches us how to respond when our circumstances are troubling us. When life breaks us down low, we must lift our prayers high and remember that God hears our prayers. The presence of God is accessible through prayer. As the psalmist writes, “ God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble ” (Ps. 46:1). Later in Israel’s history, King Hezekiah received the troubling news that he must get his house in order because death is near (2 Kings 20). Upon hearing the news, Scripture says Hezekiah prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly (2 Kings 20:2-3). We must seek the presence of God in prayer. What impact does retreating to the presence of God have on us? Like Hannah, like Hezekiah, we must expect that God will meet us there and that He can minister to us amid our brokenness. Following Hezekiah’s prayers, the word of the Lord came back to the king, “ Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you ” (2 Kings 20:5). Similarly, Hannah received a blessing from the priest, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him” (1 Sam. 1:17).   3. The Faith of the Broken The third reminder is that there is rest for broken people (18-20). We now notice a change in the story. Hannah came to Shiloh with tears, but she left with trust. She was feeling despair, but now she is emanating faith in God. Trusting God allows us to face troubling days. Her circumstances have not changed when she leaves Shiloh, but her resolve has. She knew she would leave Shiloh with Elkanah and her rival, Peninnah. She knew hard days were ahead, but she walked by faith in God. When we retreat into the presence of God through prayer, we can stand with confidence in the face of uncertainty and trouble. Have you experienced the peace of trusting God? 4. The Savior of the Broken The final reminder in the text reveals that there is a savior for broken people (2:1-10). Following the miraculous display of God’s mercy, which blessed Hannah with a son, we see that her worship continues. Hannah rejoices in God’s salvation (1 Sam. 2:1) and God’s sovereign rule (1 Sam. 2:2-10). Worship is the proper response for all God has done for broken people. Verse 10 concludes Hannah’s worship, and she acknowledges God’s king and anointed. The interesting point of this verse is that Israel does not yet have a king. Hannah also refers to the king as God’s anointed one (v. 10). While the immediate story anticipates the beginning of Israel’s kingly line, Hannah’s Prayer causes us to look to another king born in obscurity, Jesus, the son of Mary. Though He is the king of the world, He was not born in a palace but in a stable (Luke 2:7). Though He is the Savior of the world, He was despised and rejected (John 1:11). The only begotten Son of God was born into obscurity to redeem sinners from their sins. Conclusion Though Hannah lived in obscurity—the barren second wife of Elkanah the Ephrathite—God knew her, He heard her prayers, and He sustained her through her brokenness. Have you experienced the ministry of God to your brokenness? Hannah’s Tears reminds us that no one lives in such obscurity that God cannot hear their prayers and sustain them through life’s storms; therefore, cry out to God .

Our journey through Psalm 119 brings us to the Gimel section (ג)—Psalm 119:17-24, where David offers a heartfelt and personal prayer to the Lord. Charles Spurgeon describes this moment beautifully. “David pleads as a servant and a pilgrim who increasingly finds himself to be a stranger in an enemy’s country. He appeals to God alone, and his prayer is especially direct and personal. He speaks with the Lord like a man speaks with his friend.” [1]   As we hike into this passage, we see David’s earnest appeal for obedience to God’s Word as a source of life . In David’s prayer of appeal, he helps guide us to four clear truths to understand and practice obedience. 1. Obedience Requires Help “ Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law .” (Psalm 119:17, 18) David begins his prayer with a plea for assistance in obeying God’s Word. He asks the Lord for favor and insight into His Word. In different translations, we see David’s request for kindness and the opening of his eyes to understand Scripture.   In the English Standard Version (ESV), David’s words are translated as “ deal bountifully with your servant .” The Christian Standard Bible (CSB) uses, “Open the gates of righteousness for me.” But, New English Translation (NET) helps a bit more saying, “ Be kind to your servant .” David is asking the Lord for mercy and grace so that he may live and keep the Lord’s Word.   David’s request highlights a profound truth about obedience: it is a task that requires God’s help. Just as David needed grace to live according to God’s Word, so do we. We need God’s grace and mercy to guide us in our life. Our obedience depends not solely on our efforts but on the Lord’s support and guidance.   2. Obedience Requires Longevity “ I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me! My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times .” (Psalm 119:19, 20)   David acknowledges that obedience is a lifelong journey. He describes himself as a sojourner on earth, emphasizing that his true home is elsewhere (v. 19). This perspective is not just about physical travel but a spiritual journey, as David awaits the fulfillment of God’s promises.   For David, and for us, obedience is a continuous endeavor. It involves a lifelong commitment, with each day requiring active participation in the observance and obedience of God’s Word (John 14:25, 26). Just as David longed for the Lord’s commandments, we too are called to maintain a consistent and enduring relationship with God’s instructions throughout our lives.   3. Obedience Requires Restriction “ You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, who wander from your commandments. Take away from me scorn and contempt, for I have kept your testimonies .” (Psalm 119:21, 22)   David also speaks about the necessity of restriction in obedience. He describes how the Lord’s attitude towards disobedience includes rebuke and correction. This aspect of obedience involves adhering to boundaries set by God, which may sometimes feel restrictive but are ultimately for our good and this can be challenging. It involves restraining our desires or preferences. Just as societal rules like speed limits are designed to ensure safety, God’s commands are meant to guide us toward a life that honors Him and benefits us. Understanding and accepting these restrictions as expressions of God’s care helps us navigate the difficulties of obedience.   4. Obedience Requires Trust  “ Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes. Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors .” (Psalm 119:23, 24)   Lastly, David’s prayer illustrates that obedience requires trust, especially in times of persecution and opposition. Despite facing schemes against him, David remains faithful to God’s Word, demonstrating his trust in the Lord’s guidance.   Trusting in God’s Word means believing that His commands, even when difficult to understand or follow, are ultimately for our good. We might not always see the immediate benefits of our obedience, but trusting in God’s wisdom and His plans for our lives helps us remain steadfast.   Conclusion Obedience to God’s Word connects us to life. While our obedience does not save us from our sins, it leads us to Christ, who is our ultimate Savior. Throughout Scripture, we see a consistent theme: God calls His people to repentance and obedience, which leads us to grace and redemption through Jesus. This is where our obedience leads us.   Obedience is a road that guides us to the cross, where Christ’s obedience to the Father pays the price for our disobedience. By embracing obedience to the Lord, we open ourselves to a deeper relationship with Christ and experience the life He offers.   May our obedience reflect our trust in God’s Word and His promises. As we follow His Word, let us remember that it is not about our efforts alone but about drawing closer to the Lord who brings true life through Christ. Obedience leads us to Christ, and in Him, we find a life worth living. [1]  Charles Spurgeon, The Golden Alphabet  Charles Spurgeon, The Golden Alphabet  (Abbotsford, WI: Aneko Press, 2018), 27. Additional Resources Psalms 119 Spurgeon, Charles. The Golden Alphabet . Abbotsford, WI: Aneko Press, 2018. Akin, Daniel. Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Psalm 119 . Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary. Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group, 2017. Hamilton Jr., James M. Psalms, Volume 2: Psalms 73-150 . Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2022.