Church Family,

I hope you stayed safe and warm during yesterday’s winter weather. Since we were not able to gather in person, we recorded a short devotional that you can watch through the link below. It introduces our Advent series, Waiting Witnesses, and sets the foundation for the weeks ahead.

This series invites us to wait with holy expectation to see God move, and to live as witnesses to the wonder of Jesus as we share the Good News.

Below are the key take aways from Week 1’s Message about Zechariah 

-God’s silence is never God’s absence.

 There are seasons when we hear nothing and feel nothing. It can create fear, confusion, and doubt. Scripture shows that silence often means God is preparing something deeper than we     can see.

-Name your night.
   Honesty is the first step toward hope. When you name the darkness you are facing, you give God room to meet you in it.

-Stay faithful in the shadows.
   Faithfulness grows strongest when life feels unclear. You keep showing up. You keep praying. You keep trusting that God is still working.

-Make room for the unexpected.
    God often moves in ways we do not predict. Peace grows when we hold our plans loosely and make space for God’s better story.

- Just because you cannot see the dawn does not mean the light is not rising.
    God often works before we notice. The first signs of light are small, but they announce that hope is already on its way.

As we move toward Christmas, may these truths guide us, steady us, and help us look for the light that is already breaking in.

Church Family,

I hope you stayed safe and warm during yesterday’s winter weather. Since we were not able to gather in person, we recorded a short devotional that you can watch through the link below. It introduces our Advent series, Waiting Witnesses, and sets the foundation for the weeks ahead.

This series invites us to wait with holy expectation to see God move, and to live as witnesses to the wonder of Jesus as we share the Good News.

Below are the key take aways from Week 1’s Message about Zechariah 

-God’s silence is never God’s absence.

 There are seasons when we hear nothing and feel nothing. It can create fear, confusion, and doubt. Scripture shows that silence often means God is preparing something deeper than we     can see.

-Name your night.
   Honesty is the first step toward hope. When you name the darkness you are facing, you give God room to meet you in it.

-Stay faithful in the shadows.
   Faithfulness grows strongest when life feels unclear. You keep showing up. You keep praying. You keep trusting that God is still working.

-Make room for the unexpected.
    God often moves in ways we do not predict. Peace grows when we hold our plans loosely and make space for God’s better story.

- Just because you cannot see the dawn does not mean the light is not rising.
    God often works before we notice. The first signs of light are small, but they announce that hope is already on its way.

As we move toward Christmas, may these truths guide us, steady us, and help us look for the light that is already breaking in.

This Sunday we wrapped up our How to Deal with How You Feel series with a message on two emotions that quietly shape much of our spiritual life: surprise and anticipation. This final week reminded us that emotions are great indicators but terrible dictators, and that God invites us to surrender what we feel instead of suppressing it.

Surprise is the brain’s rapid attention switch. It disrupts our plans and forces us to respond. Some surprises feel like warning lights; others feel like gifts. All of them become invitations to trust God in ways we did not plan. Scripture shows again and again how God works through holy interruptions, unexpected moments, and divine detours.

Anticipation prepares our hearts for what has not yet happened. It can move us toward hope, faith, and readiness, or drift toward worry and anxiety when we try to control outcomes. Anticipation becomes healthy when it leads us to abide, not strive. Anticipation has the opportunity to turn into anxiety or abiding.

This week we considered these truths:

• A life without surprise leaves little room for faith to grow.

• Anticipation is not passive waiting; it is active pursuit of the Lord’s plans.

• Genuine faith makes room to anticipate God moving and to be surprised by His grace.

• When surprise hits, surrender the moment. When anticipation stirs anxiety, surrender the outcome.

We also practiced a simple way to navigate any emotion:

Pause.
Process.
Proceed.

As we finish this series, my hope is that you feel more equipped to recognize what you feel, surrender it to God, and walk with Him in both the unexpected moments and the waiting seasons.

Smell is the fastest route to emotion and memory.
It’s the only sense that connects directly to the brain’s emotional center — meaning a single scent can trigger trust, comfort, or warning before we even think.

That’s why the smell of rain, a favorite meal, or even a church sanctuary can make us feel at home. Smells—like emotions—teach us when to trust and when to turn away.

This week in our How to Deal With How You Feel series, we explored trust and disgust — two emotions that shape how we draw close to what is good and turn from what is harmful.

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” — Romans 12:9

Trust builds connection, intimacy, and hope.
Disgust protects boundaries and convictions.
Both are gifts from God — when guided by His Spirit.

We learned:

• Disgust helps you reject what harms you.

• Trust helps you receive what heals you.

• Mature faith knows when to turn away — and when to draw near.

This week, try to:

• Learn it: Know what to trust and what to reject through Scripture.

• Live it: Trust the Savior, reject the sin.

• Give it: Show and tell others the Way.

As Ephesians 5:2 reminds us, “Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering.”

So, here’s the question: Do you smell like your Savior?

Some emotions are like bombs. We think if we bury them, we’ll be safe — but eventually, they explode.

This week in our How to Deal With How You Feel series, we’re talking about fear and anger — two powerful emotions that often hide beneath the surface.

Fear asks, “Am I safe?” and anger often answers from a place of pain. Both can either push us away from God or toward Him.

“Do not fear, for I am with you.” — Isaiah 41:10
“In your anger, do not sin.” — Ephesians 4:26

Following Jesus does not eliminate our fears — but it does free us from them.
Following Jesus does not rid us of anger — but it redirects and redeems it.

Fear hides.
Anger hurts.
But Jesus heals.

This week, take a moment to:

• Name it — Bring what you’ve buried into the light.

• Reframe it — See it through the lens of grace.

• Tame it — Surrender it to God’s authority.

• Reclaim it — Let God use it for good.

• Share it — Your story might set someone else free.

Because when we allow Jesus into the places we’ve buried our emotions, He doesn’t just defuse the bomb — He brings peace.

This past Sunday was one of the most powerful and hope-filled days of the year—Recovery Sunday. Every year Chuck McCoskey our Recovery Ministry Director and this crew lead our service in a powerful way, sharing stories of vulnerability and victory. 

This year we had the privilege of hearing from Tim, Shelby, and Jesse, three incredible individuals who shared their stories of recovery and how God has used our recovery ministry to bring healing, freedom, and new beginnings in their lives. Their honesty and courage reminded us that no one is too far gone and that God is always writing a story of redemption.

We are so incredibly inspired and grateful for this important ministry in our church and our community. If you missed it or want to be inspired again you can catch their stories and the full service below. 

If you want to know more about our recovery ministry you can click here for more info.

Speaker: Recovery Speakers

This past Sunday 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.

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.

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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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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.

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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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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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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.

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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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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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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.

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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. 

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.

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.

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.