Our Plans

Our Annual Plan

Our plans are derived from an extensive, churchwide, strategic planning process that led to the development of the Cedar Ridge Strategic Plan (also available as a Word document). This year’s plan (also available as a Word document) covers the period September 2022 – August 2023. Our goal is two-fold: to regroup and strengthen our sense of community and belonging, and to reignite our individual and collective passion to follow Jesus. We will aim to achieve this goal by (i) engaging our community in a discernment process about how to move towards achievement of the goal; (ii) developing increasingly meaningful and relevant Sunday morning services for all age groups; (iii) creating more opportunities for personal interconnection, particularly on Sundays; and (iv) strengthening knowledge, passion and commitment around justice issues.

As we look ahead to another year together as a church family, it seems we are finally beginning to emerge from the pandemic that has gripped the planet for nearly three years. There is good reason for hope, and fresh opportunity to live out our vision. But we are all still living with the scars and weariness of a very difficult season. We, like everyone else, have been battered by the pandemic—a tiny virus has wrought havoc on us physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and even spiritually. It has kept some of us distant from one another; it has interrupted our capacity to live out our vision in the usual ways, and in many respects it has challenged our faith. Along with current realties of war, violence, injustice, political polarization, and the devastating effects of climate change, the world can seem like a very dark place. We’re all affected differently as individuals, but collectively we’re asking: Will justice ever prevail? Can our world be healed? Is reconciliation possible? If God exists, does God care?

Jesus comes saying a resounding and courageous, “Yes”! That’s why, as his followers, we have a vision of hope and transformation. But Jesus does not tell us everything is going to be OK; he doesn’t deny the pain and suffering, or just say, “Look on the bright side!” Rather, he looks all the trauma squarely in the face and walks right into it all—with love. He calls to us, “Come with me and learn from me,” and assures us, “I am with you!” so that together we can build the Kingdom of God—a “Beautiful City” out of the ruins and rubble, a “Beloved Community” out of the hatred and despair.

So, this year we are planning to work hard to draw close together as a community—to take time to listen to one another, to find out where we are struggling and what our most pressing needs are right now. From the oldest to the youngest we want to help reignite our passion to follow Jesus, to nurture meaning, purpose, and authentic hope for living in this beautiful but fractured world. Together we intend to strengthen our commitment to social justice, not just “out there” but within our own church family as we seek to become a more equitable, inclusive, just, and generous community. And as we draw close to God and to one another, our prayer is that faith will rise, hope will be rekindled and, above all, love will win the day.

Download the Current Plan

Our Strategic Plan

In 2016 and 2017, Cedar Ridge Pastoral Team and Board worked through a strategic planning process in collaboration with other teams and leaders across our church. As part of this process, 10 papers were developed to identify the challenges in our main areas of ministry. The papers can be accessed through the links below:

Download the Full Strategic Plan