How To Deal with How You Feel

Speaker: Pastor Cole Maxwell

We kicked off our new series, “How to Deal with How I Feel.”


We talked about something we all experience — emotions. They’re a powerful part of being human. They can be beautiful indicators of what’s happening in our hearts… but sometimes terrible dictators when they take control.

Just like the dashboard lights on your car, your emotions are signals — not steering wheels. They’re meant to alert you, not drive you.

Our culture tells us, “Follow your heart” and “Do what feels right.” But Scripture reminds us that what feels right isn’t always what is right. Proverbs says, “There is a way that seems right to a person, but in the end it leads to death.”

We learned that your emotions are real, but they’re not always right — and that’s okay. God isn’t asking you to ignore them. He’s inviting you to bring them to Him. Healing often happens not in hiding, but through process, people, and God’s presence.

As we begin this journey, here are three challenges to take with you this week:

  1. Slow Down and Notice the Lights – Take time each day to ask, “What’s flashing on my dashboard?”

  2. Talk to Someone — Don’t Walk Alone – Let trusted people in on what’s really going on.

  3. Let Scripture Speak Louder Than Your Feelings – Remind yourself of what’s true when emotions get loud.

Your emotions are real—but they’re not the boss.


This week, let’s invite God to do what only He can do: turn what we feel into something He can heal.

South Creek
Bless: Share Your Story
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Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

We wrapped up our Bless series with a powerful reminder: your story matters.

What if the best argument for the Gospel isn’t data—but devoted people?
What if the thing that helps someone find Jesus isn’t Scripture first—but your story?

Jesus told His followers, “You will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8).
Witnessing isn’t about pointing out how wrong others are—it’s showing how right Jesus has made you.

Every believer has a story to tell. The man freed from demons in Luke 8 wanted to follow Jesus, but instead Jesus said, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” And he did—his life became the sermon.

You don’t have to know every verse to make an impact. You just have to share what God has done in you. Because the life of a changed person can help change the lives of many people.

Here are five ways to know when and how to share your story with someone else:

  1. Pay Attention for the Invitation – Notice when someone opens a door through their story or struggle.

  2. Paint a Picture with Your Problem or Pain – Be real about where you’ve been.

  3. Point to How God Showed Up – Share how His presence or power made the difference.

  4. Propose How God Can Show Up for Them – Offer hope, not pressure.

  5. Practice the Way of Jesus – Live in a way that makes people curious about Him.

As we close the Bless series, remember, God’s story continues through you. Who might He be inviting you to share it with this week?

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Bless: Serve with Love
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Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

In our Bless series, we focused on what it means to Serve with Care — because serving isn’t just a part of the Christian life, it is the Christian life.

Jesus said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” (Matthew 20:28) True greatness in God’s kingdom looks like compassion, humility, and Christlikeness. Serving isn’t about comfort; it’s about caring for others the way Jesus cares for us.

In Matthew 25, Jesus reminds us that when we serve others, we are really serving Him. Meeting a need can often open the door for someone to meet Jesus and a grateful heart is often an open heart. Serving helps us back up our beliefs and makes our faith visible.

When we choose to serve, we’re allowing God to set us apart — that’s what sanctification means. A sanctified people can help save people. As we become more like Jesus, our actions point others toward Him.

As Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Let’s keep being a church known not just for what we believe, but for how we love and serve — with care, compassion, and the heart of Christ.

South Creek
Bless: Eat with Intention
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Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

Love isn’t just a feeling—it’s a call to action. Jesus didn’t transform the world with power or position but through relationships, often beginning at a table.

Scripture reminds us:

  • “Always be eager to practice hospitality.” (Romans 12)

  • “Above all, love each other deeply… Offer hospitality without grumbling.” (1 Peter 4)

The table is more than a place to eat—it’s a place of transformation. When Jesus sat with Matthew the tax collector, or invited Himself into Zacchaeus’ home, lives were changed. Others may have judged the optics, but Jesus wasn’t concerned with appearances. He chose to love people where they were, and in doing so He opened the door for healing and salvation.

Hospitality does the same for us. Sharing a meal, a coffee, or even a simple walk has the power to break down walls and open hearts. When we open our lives to others, people often let down their guard and experience God’s love in fresh ways.

This week, who could you share your table with? A neighbor, a co-worker, a friend you’ve lost touch with? Love becomes real when it’s practiced.

Let’s not just look good for others—let’s truly love others, the way Jesus did.

-Pastor Aaron Perry

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Bless: Listening with Care
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Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

We continued our bless series by looking at how we listen with love. Everybody wants somebody to notice them and care about them.

Dallas Willard once said, “The first act of love is always the giving of attention.” Attention builds connection. And connection begins when we slow down enough to truly listen.

James 1:19 reminds us:
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

Dave Ferguson put it this way: “When the people in our lives feel unheard and unknown, it ultimately leaves them feeling unloved.”

Jesus showed us this in His ministry. When a blind man cried out to Him in Luke 18, Jesus didn’t ignore him. He stopped. He noticed. He listened. And then He loved—restoring the man’s sight. Over and over again—whether with the woman at the well in John 4 or the woman who touched His robe in Luke 8—Jesus paid attention to people others overlooked.

Here’s a simple way we can love others well: ask questions that show you care.

  • History: “Tell me your story. Where did you grow up?”

  • Heart: “What’s your favorite team, restaurant, or vacation spot?”

  • Habits: “What do you enjoy doing in your free time?”

  • Hurts: “How are you really doing with what you’re going through?”

Do you listen to understand—or just to respond? It’s hard to love people you never listen to, and it’s hard to love from a distance.

Whenever someone opens up to you, it’s an opportunity from God to love them. Most people don’t need correction when they share; they need care.

Loved people. Listen to people.

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Blessed to be a Blessing
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Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

We just launched a new series called Bless. It’s all about how Jesus has called us to live as people who don’t just talk about the Gospel—but embody it.

From the very beginning, God’s plan was that His people would be a blessing to the world. He said to Abram:

“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing… and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
(Genesis 12:2–3, NIV)

And the apostle Paul reminds us in Galatians that this promise extends to us:
“All who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith.” (Galatians 3:9, NLT)

In other words: Loved people, love people. Blessed people, bless people.
We are blessed to be a blessing.

The Best Way to Bless

The best way you can bless another person is to share the Good News of Jesus—through your words, your actions, your attitude, and your example.

Jesus gave His followers this commission:

“Go and make disciples of all the nations… And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19–20)

And He promised His Spirit to empower us:

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

Did you know?

96% of practicing Christians say that being a witness for Jesus is part of their faith.

79% of unchurched people say they don’t mind talking about faith if it’s something their friend really values.

The harvest is ready. People are more open than we sometimes think—they just need us to show up with love and authenticity.

What if sharing the Gospel looked a lot like being a friend?

Here’s the framework we’ll be practicing together during this series:

  • Begin with Prayer

  • Listen with Love

  • Eat with Intention

  • Serve with Care

  • Share Your Story

These rhythms are simple, but they’re powerful. They help us reframe everyday interactions as opportunities to love, serve, and share Jesus.

What if we saw obstacles as opportunities to bless? What if we stepped out in faith, trusting that small acts of obedience could lead to big outpourings of transformation?

If we want to see God move in our community, it begins with us going out and blessing others.

Because our actions have eternal consequences—not just for us, but for the people God has placed in our path.

Let’s be a church that lives this out.
Let’s be blessed to be a blessing.

South Creek
Schooled by Wisdom: 5 C's
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Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

W e wrapped up our teaching series, “Schooled By Wisdom: Lessons from Proverbs.” Over the past several weeks, we’ve been on a journey through God’s Word, discovering that wisdom isn’t just about knowing the right things — it’s about living them in the everyday moments of our lives.

Here are just a few of the key takeaways we’ve learned together:

  • Our words carry power. They can bring life or death. When we slow down, listen, and speak with grace, we reflect the heart of God.

  • Contentment brings peace. True satisfaction isn’t found in chasing more — it’s found in trusting God as our provider.

  • Community sharpens us. Healthy, godly relationships help us grow, hold us accountable, and remind us we’re not alone.

  • Work is worship. Whatever we do, when we do it for the Lord, it carries purpose and eternal value.

  • Control is surrender. Life is never truly “in control” until we hand the reins over to God, trusting Him to guide our steps.

Proverbs reminds us that even the smallest decisions can have a big impact — for good or bad. Every step we take in wisdom shapes us into the people God is calling us to be.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
-Proverbs 4:23 

May we walk in wisdom this week!

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I Pity the Fool
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Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

We continued our series called “Schooled by Wisdom”. Proverbs tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction”(Proverbs 1:7).

This week we explored what a fool is, a fool isn’t just someone who makes mistakes — a fool is someone who chooses to live in opposition to God’s ways. And while nobody wants to be a fool, our culture often celebrates foolishness.

Fools talk more than they listen.
Fools fear people more than they fear God.
Fools blame God for their problems.
Fools are driven by their desires and repeat their mistakes.
Fools even bring others into their foolishness.

But here’s the good news: Jesus turns fools into family.

At one time, we were all foolish, living for ourselves and enslaved by sin. But through His mercy, Jesus saved us — not because of anything we’ve done, but because of His grace (Titus 3:3-7). He gives us a new identity and a new foundation to build our lives on.

The world may look at the message of the cross and call it foolishness, but to those of us who believe, it is the power and wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:18, 25).

If you want to build a life that lasts, take Jesus at His Word:

“Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” – Matthew 7:24

Foolishness will never lead to freedom. But wisdom — the kind that comes from God — will.


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The Fear of the Lord
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Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

We launched our new sermon series Schooled by Wisdom, a journey through the book of Proverbs. At the heart of Proverbs is a simple but life-changing truth: wisdom is not just knowing what’s right—it’s choosing to live it out.

Wisdom is the understanding and application of God’s will and ways. It shapes how we think, speak, relate, and love so that we can experience the good life God desires for us.

One of the central questions we asked was: What are you afraid of?

Proverbs 1:7 reminds us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

But what does it mean to “fear the Lord”?

  • It’s not about being terrified of God.

  • It’s about living in right relationship with Him—holding a reverent awe that leads to humble submission.

  • As John Bunyan once wrote, “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, and they that lack the beginning have neither middle nor end.”

Throughout Scripture, we see that the fear of the Lord brings blessing, life, security, and peace (Proverbs 14:26–27, 19:23). In contrast, the fear of man leads only to burden and traps (Proverbs 29:25).

Here are some key takeaways from this week’s message:

  • The fear of the Lord isn’t about punishment—it’s about faithfulness and freedom.

  • To fear God is to hate evil, pride, and arrogance (Proverbs 8:13).

  • True wisdom produces peace, even when life feels chaotic.

  • Proper perspective—seeing life through God’s wisdom—leads to perfect peace.

As we continue through Proverbs, we’re reminded that God is generous with His wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault” (James 1:5).

Or as Saint Francis de Sales beautifully put it:
“We must fear God out of love, not love Him out of fear.”

This series will help us grow in wisdom—not just to know the right things, but to walk in them daily.

South Creek
Creation Culture & Circumstances
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Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

We wrapped up our teaching series called "Learning to Listen" in which we are exploring how to hear the voice of God and what He sounds like. We typically struggle to hear God for reasons like, our life is too noisy, our schedules are too busy, we aren’t paying attention, and we don’t know what His voice sounds like. Over the last couple weeks, we have been exploring different ways God speaks to us, this week we looked at how God can speak through anything, but we focused on three key places he sends us message the most frequently...creation, culture, and circumstances. Below are so key take aways.

-God does not live and speak in only the places you think He should.

-If we only look and listen for God in certain places, then we will certainly miss Him in many places.

-Nature invites us to be still and Know God.

-Things don’t have to be made for His glory to point to His glory.

-Instead of asking why is this happening, try asking, what is God trying to teach me in the midst of this?

So, remember as you are desiring to hear from God, to keep these three things on your radar! First, always be looking and listening for Him no matter where you are. Secondly, develop healthy habits that help you know and hear from God regularly. Finally, learn and remember what the voice of love sounds like. Continue to draw near to Him and let Him whisper to you. 

South Creek
Community Clarifies

Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

We continued our teaching series called "Learning to Listen" in which we are exploring how to hear the voice of God and what He sounds like. We typically struggle to hear God for reasons like, our life is too noisy, our schedules are too busy, we aren’t paying attention, and we don’t know what His voice sounds like. Over the last couple weeks, we have been exploring different ways God speaks to us; this week we looked at how God speaks to us through other people. Having a Godly community of people who speak into our lives is so important, most of our worst decisions were made by not listening to wise counsel or not seeking it. Most sin and shame start in seclusion. We are at our best and most whole in community. Below are some key take aways from the message.

-Not every message proclaimed to be from God is from God. We must make sure it aligns with scripture, is in step with the Spirit, and is sensed by Godly community.
-God tends to send four different times of messages to us through people: Cheering (Encouraging), Convicting, Clarifying, and calling.
-Encouragement from others is like an encounter with the divine
-Conviction that leads to Christ-centric correction brings freedom not burden.
-Community has the ability to help clarify what God is saying to us.
-Invitation and affirmation are often the entrance into God’s will.

So, as you seek to listen to know if God is speaking to you through someone else or if God is speaking to you to say to someone else! Remember these three things! First be open to God Speaking, we have to listen. Secondly, live In Community That Cares enough to say what needs to be heard to grow. And finally, walk out the wisdom you learn, the bible tells us to not be mere hearings of the word but also doers.

South Creek
Scripture Speaks

Speaker: Pastor Jerry Ausbrook

We continued our teaching series Learning to Listen where we are exploring how to hear the voice of God and what He sounds like. We learned how our lives should be built on the foundation of God's word. His Word guides and transforms us. It shows our true intentions and who we are or aren't. We are all called by good works and saved by grace. Here are some key takeaways from the message.

- God's Word is our source of truth.
- God's Word is powerful. It has the ability to expose and judge thoughts and intentions.
- We can trust God's Word. It is inspired by God, breathed to us for our growth and development.
- God's Word is the source of light that is of eternal value. His Word will show us our course in life.

South Creek
Hunger and Hearing

Speaker: Pastor Cole Maxwell

We continued our new teaching series called "Learning to Listen" where we are exploring how to hear the voice of God and what He sounds like. We talked about Samuel and how he positioned himself to hear from God even before he recognized His voice because he had a deep hunger for God's presence. We learned how prayer isn't a performance or a formula; it's a practicing presence. Prayer can become something that we do on autopilot, praying the same words on repeat without much thought. Continuing to do the same things and hoping for different results. But in order to have that deeper connection with God, we need to be spiritually hungry to be close to Him. We are seeking spiritual fulfillment from worldly things that will never satisfy, we need something deeper. Below are a few key takeaways.

-No amount of studying or learning about prayer will make you into a person of prayer until you choose to find and walk through the front door.
-Hunger for God is the only thing that allows us to hear his voice.
-Hunger for God trumps perfection every time.

South Creek
Learning to Listen

Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

We started a new teaching series called "Learning To Listen" in which we are exploring how to hear the voice of God and what He sounds like. We typically struggle to hear God for reasons like, our life is too noisy, our schedules are too busy, we aren’t paying attention, and we don’t know what His voice sounds like. For many people sadly believe that God’s voice brings shame, condemnation, and fear. But the truth is, the voice of God is patient, kind, humble, others centric, and gracious. The voice of God is powerfully, purposefully, and piercing. The voice of God brings life. We will continue to explore how God will speak to us (if we listen) through prayer, scripture, people, and circumstance/surroundings. Below are a few take aways from the message.

-God speaks to us not so much to give information but to create intimacy.

-If you don’t turn down the noise of this world, you will never truly know God.

-Communication is all about connection.

Remember that God likes to speak in a whisper so we will get close to Him. So continue to look for God, lean-in to listen, and live it out with love.

 

South Creek
12 Stones

Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

We wrapped up our teaching series called "Campfire Stories" in which we are exploring stories in the Old Testament and what we as followers of Jesus can learn from both the people involved and God. We can learn from any story and anyone. We can learn something from everyone, how to be like them or how to be different from them. And every story points to Jesus and the need for Jesus. We explored the story from Joshua chapter 4 when God stopped the water of the Jordan river so His people could pass into the promised land and how he commanded them to make plans to remember. Below are some key take aways from the message.

-Forgetfulness will inevitably lead to unfaithfulness.
-We shouldn’t look to the past to live in it but rather to learn from it.
-The unimaginable is possible when we trust God.
-God will always make a way.
-The best way to remember your rescue is by living a life of righteousness (right relationship with God).

We hope that you take some time to remember God, His goodness, and the moments when He showed up for you!

South Creek
Elijah and Firing the False

Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

We are continuing our summer teaching series called "Campfire Stories" in which we are exploring stories in the Old Testament and what we as followers of Jesus can learn from both the people involved and God. We can learn from any story and anyone. We can learn something from everyone, how to be like them or how to be different from them. And every story points to Jesus and the need for Jesus. We explored the 1 King 18, where the prophet Elijah has an epic showdown with some false prophets of a false god. Below are some key take aways from the message.

-Empty promises will produce empty people.
-Nothing is impossible for God.
-No other God’s can stand a chance against our God.
-The allure of an idol will never be satisfying like our savior Jesus.
-False God’s only give empty promises, but the true God fulfilled the greatest promise through an empty tomb.

We hope that you reject the things that distract and divert from focus on Jesus and that you cling to Him and Him alone!

South Creek
The Story of Samson

Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

We are in our new summer teaching series called "Campfire Stories" in which we are exploring stories in the Old Testament and what we as followers of Jesus can learn from both the people involved and God. We can learn from any story and anyone. We can learn something from everyone, how to be like them or how to be different from them. And every story points to Jesus and the need for Jesus. We explored the life of Samson and how even though he was called to be set up part (holy) he was led by desires which lead to chaos in his life. Below are some key take aways from the message.

-God’s anointing was always about purpose not perfection.
-Disordered desires are a dangerous driver because many desires tend to direct us to destruction more often than deliverance.
-Sometimes losing everything is the only way to see everything.
-God’s purposes can be accomplished through people regardless of their flaws, failures, and unfaithfulness.
-Strengths not surrendered to The Spirit will sabotage you, not save you.
-Redemption is possible for anyone.

We hope you lean into the Spirit of God who will help order your desires to lead to Christ, rather than chaos!

South Creek
Wrestling with God

Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

We continued our new summer teaching series called "Campfire Stories" in which we are exploring stories in the Old Testament and what we as followers of Jesus can learn from both the people involved and God. We can learn from any story and anyone. We can learn something from everyone, how to be like them or how to be different from them. And every story points to Jesus and the need for Jesus. We explored the life of Jacob and how through his wrestling with God learned about humility and intimacy with God. Below are some key take aways from the message.

-Desires will promise us deliverance but often lead us toward destruction.
-Blessing is not a thing we earn, it is something we embrace.
-Grace is something we can only encounter when we get close to God.
-If we miss Jesus, we miss everything.

Going forward, make time to seek intimacy with Jesus. Remember, faithfulness >fame. Abiding > Accomplishments. Surrender > Success. 

South Creek
The God Who Sees Me

Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

We kicked off our new summer teaching series called "Campfire Stories" in which we are exploring stories in the Old Testament and what we as followers of Jesus can learn from both the people involved and God. We can learn from any story and anyone. We can learn something from everyone, how to be like them or how to be different from them. And every story points to Jesus and the need for Jesus. We explored how The Bible does not hide "hero's" horrible moments by looking at the story in Genesis 16 in which Abraham and his wife Sarah try to take a short-cut to get to a promise made and how it left a woman named Hagar in a bad place but how God showed up to meet her. Below are some key take aways from the message.

-Short-cuts often sidetrack us.
-You don’t sin in isolation.
-God sees you, no matter who you are, what you have done, or what has been done to you….and He still loves you.
-Trust in God’s Timing.
-No matter what has happened to you, God will rescue you.
-Even when all hope is lost, Jesus will be there.

We hope and pray you trust in God and His process. Know is He has made a promise, He will come through, just hold on and wait!

South Creek
Abiding in Jesus

Speaker: Pastor Jerry Ausbrook

We had the joy of hearing from Pastor Jerry Ausbrook as we opened God's Word to unpack what it means and what it looks like to Abide in Jesus. Below are some key take aways from the message.

-Abiding in Christ (the True Vine) brings us a new life that cannot be generated or produced on our own. It’s a continuation of the resurrection power within us.
-This is the source that reaches the hearts of those around us and eventually will bring them to new life in Christ.
-Gratitude helps us stay connected to Christ; prayer keeps us connected to the life-giving source in Christ Jesus. It gives us what we don’t have on our own.
-Some of the healthiest plants that are bearing fruit had seeds that germinated in dark places.

We hope and pray you continue to connect to the True Vine and that you will grow to look more like Him!

South Creek