In our culture, Christmas promises a lot of things… things like peace, hope, joy, and happy memories. But it often seems like those promises go unfulfilled. Maybe those things aren’t found in what Christmas promises, but in what Christmas proves about our true worth.

Episode Breakdown:
00:57 Santa Hat Shennanigans
02:00 Part 1: What’s a soul worth?
04:30 Why OHN is so awesome.
08:13 What’s God’s image mean?
12:00 How do we know what we’re worth?
13:45 The early church knew it…
15:50 This week’s challenge
18:50 A little OHN on violin
20:25 Ace & Moni close us out and stay mostly on task.
24:30 Qs, Bloopers and Outtakes

​​🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe 🙂 https://bit.ly/yourcrosscreek

💬 Let us know you’re here! Comment, or https://bit.ly/wlcmccc

SHOW NOTES:
▶ Notes & Questions: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2021-12-05_cg.pdf
▶ Transcript: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2021-12-05.pdf

▶ Upcoming #SalemOregon Gatherings
Christmas Together Gathering! December 19, 2021, 4:30pm https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/xmas

▶ #forSalem DECEMBER Opportunity: Christmas FOR Everyone!
Gifts for Church @ The Park, Simonka Place, CASA, neighbors, friends and strangers. Pick one or do a mix! Find out more at: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/xmas/#xmas

▶ Suggested Bible Readings:
1 John 4:7-12, Romans 5:6-8

▶ Music we listened to making this episode:
Autumn Burns Red- Oh Holy Night: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxDzqmmRGLU
Josh Garrels- Gloria: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q73–8dbP_0
Garbage- A Stroke of Luck: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScNTxkT8e0k

▶ Subscribe to the Podcast & listen on the go:
https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/messages/#podcast

▶ Donate to Crosscreek & keep a good thing goin’: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate

Discussion Questions:

1. What’s a favorite holiday tradition of yours (song, poem, movie, food, etc.)? What is it about that tradition that is meaningful for you?
2. Jon’s main point was that Christmas proves our immeasurable worth to God. Why do you think it is difficult for us to accept, remember, and/or enjoy our and others’ true worth to God?
3. Read 1 John 4:7-12. What are some ways you could remind others of their worth this season?
4. How can your group pray with you this week?

Christmas reminds us that life can be more. There are more than the usual routines we find ourselves mindlessly repeating. In fact, Christmas actually points the way to experiencing the life we long for… the life Jesus offers to everyone.

Episode Breakdown:
01:12 We welcome your Questions
03:40 That LaCroix life
05:07 Something’s missing
08:20 The real life we want
14:20 Are you mad at yourself?
15:25 Possible relief
19:05 Dangerous idea here…
23:00 Recap & for you for later
26:20 Questions and the bonuses

​​🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe 🙂 https://bit.ly/yourcrosscreek

💬 Let us know you’re here! https://bit.ly/wlcmccc

SHOW NOTES:
▶ Notes & Questions: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2021-12-12_cg.pdf
▶ Transcript: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2021-12-12.pdf

▶ Ask your “So, what about…?” Questions! info@yourcrosscreek.com
https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/ask or watch last year’s series here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3wRLN-XrhoEFqmjUhGbwTkWpQiGu8TB4

▶ Upcoming #SalemOregon Gatherings
Christmas Together Gathering! December 19, 2021, 4:30pm https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/xmas

▶ #forSalem DECEMBER Opportunity: Christmas FOR Everyone!
Gifts for Church @ The Park, Simonka Place, CASA, neighbors, friends and strangers. Pick one or do a mix! Find out more at: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/xmas/#xmas

▶ Suggested Bible Readings:
Romans 7:19-25, Colossians 1:15-22, John 10:10-18

▶ Music we listened to making this episode:
Foo Fighters- Walk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PkcfQtibmU
Josh Garrels- O Holy Night: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05o0BUnc1kg
2Cellos- Game of Thrones: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcFpvolRN3w

▶ Subscribe to the Podcast & listen on the go:
https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/messages/#podcast

▶ Donate to Crosscreek & keep a good thing goin’: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate

Discussion Questions
1. How have you experienced flavors of God this week?
2. Sticking with the La Croix/Flavor theme from this message… how would you describe your current life and even relationship with Jesus?
3. Read John 10:10-18. What’s something that stands out to you about your relationship to Jesus?
4. How can your group pray with you through this week of excitement, exhaustion, and/or anticipation of Christmas?

Money can’t buy happiness, right? Funny thing is, most of us think we might be the exception and try anyway. Only to just become more stressed, anxious, and exhausted. But money actually can make us happy, if we understand true ownership.

Episode Breakdown:
01:45 Monica hates the title, so what is UP?
03:02 Are we sure money can’t buy happiness?
05:20 Allowing money to make us happy, a Jesus story
08:35 The key to fighting greed
11:52 What we’re really afraid of
14:22 What we all want, and it seems dumb
17:30 The first step…
18:35 A practice
20:41 Crosscreek things 4 u

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe 🙂 https://bit.ly/yourcrosscreek

💬 Let us know you’re here! Comment, or https://bit.ly/wlcmccc

SHOW NOTES:
▶ Notes & Questions: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2021-10-31_cg.pdf
▶ Transcript: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2021-10-31.pdf
▶ Alliance Resources: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/alliances
▶ Giving Resources: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate

▶ Upcoming #SalemOregon On-Site Gatherings
November 14th, 4:30pm — https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/gathering/ for more info.

▶ #forSalem NOVEMBER Opportunity: Giving Tree
Take a tag at our in-person gathering and buy a Christmas present for a CASA kid
Can’t come in person? Connect with CASA and see how you can help. They do take online donations and have an amazon wishlist! https://www.casamarionor.org/donate

▶ Suggested Bible Readings:
Matthew 6:19-34, Matthew 25:14-30

▶ Music we listened to making this episode:
Open the Door: Ludwig Goransson- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftNnSM_VnTM
Fox on the Run: Sweet- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRv7EjjwYBI
Barrett Strong: Money- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5KU34DrrPI

▶ Subscribe to the Podcast & listen on the go:
https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/messages/#podcast

▶ Donate to Crosscreek & keep a good thing goin’: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate

Discussion Questions:

1. Is talking about money a comfortable or an awkward experience for you? Why do you think that is?
2. Read Jesus’ story again (Luke 15:16-21). What thoughts, feelings, and/or reactions did you have to this account?
3. In what way(s) could giving up ownership of what you own change your view on money and even your life?
4. Who and what can your group join you in praying for this week?

Money can either bring happiness or stress and anxiety… but it has nothing to do with the amount we have. The key is in how we view it and use it.

Episode Breakdown:
01:13 Well, that’s a deep subject
03:00 How much would be enough?
04:42 Warning!!!
06:40 Lookin’ for loopholes
08:42 It’s not YOU
12:12 A generous history
14:52 The BIG Question…
16:18 2 options
18:38 A Free challenge
21:45 Be a square
24:20 Qs & If we had a live-audience…

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe 🙂 https://bit.ly/yourcrosscreek

💬 Let us know you’re here! Comment, or https://bit.ly/wlcmccc

SHOW NOTES:
▶ Notes & Questions: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2021-11-07_cg.pdf
▶ Transcript: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2021-11-07.pdf
▶ Giving Resources: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate

▶ Upcoming #SalemOregon On-Site Gatherings
November 14th, 4:30pm … https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/gathering/ for more info.

▶ #forSalem NOVEMBER Opportunity: Giving Tree
Take a tag at our in-person gathering and buy a Christmas present for a CASA kid
Can’t come in person? Connect with CASA and see how you can help. They do take online donations and have an amazon wishlist! https://www.casamarionor.org/donate

▶ Suggested Bible Readings:
Philippians 4:10-20
1 Timothy 6:6-10
James 1:17

▶ Additional Resources:
Generous People Live Happier https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/07/170711112441.htm
A neural link between generosity and … https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms15964
How Rich am I? https://howrichami.givingwhatwecan.org/how-rich-am-i?income=50000&countryCode=USA&household%5Badults%5D=1&household%5Bchildren%5D=0

▶ Music we listened to making this episode:
Sad But True- Mexican Institute of Sound (feat. La Perla & Gera MX): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXXeK1QSMjY

Making a Fire- Foo Fighters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ9YKVJjU1M

Peace Piece- Bill Evans: https://youtu.be/y8flNWRBDh4

▶ Subscribe to the Podcast & listen on the go:
https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/messages/#podcast

▶ Donate to Crosscreek & keep a good thing goin’: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate

Christianity is often presented as what you need to do in order to make God happy. But the life Jesus offers is about WHO you can be, not what you have to DO. How does that work? Can you really experience this new life? You can.

Episode Breakdown:
00:04 It’s us!
00:30 It’s not what you should DO
10:30 How do we experience new life?
17:35 A few examples
21:00 Imagine with us…
23:40 Move on in confidence
24:50 Stay Breezy, Salem + oopsies
25:50 Qs + MORE Outtakes

? Don’t forget to subscribe ? https://bit.ly/yourcrosscreek

? Let us know you’re here! Comment, or https://bit.ly/wlcmccc

SHOW NOTES:
▶ Transcript: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2021-09-19.pdf
▶ Notes & Questions: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2021-09-19_cg.pdf

▶ Suggested Bible Readings:
Philippians 3:3-9
Ephesians 2:1-10

▶ Upcoming #SalemOregon Gatherings
September 26th, 4:30pm — https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/party/

▶ September #forSalem Opportunity: FOR Simonka
– Buy the following items and bring them to our in-person gathering. Or, deliver them to Simonka Place personally ?
BIGGEST NEEDS this month: Copy Paper, Flip Flops, Pork / Beef Roasts (frozen), Laundry Soap.
Find out more: https://ugmsalem.org/our-impact/womens-ministry/

▶ Music we listened to while making this episode:
Lauren Daigle- Rescue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYR0xP1j4PY
Weezer- Buddy Holly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kemivUKb4f4
The XX- Intro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veHqJSC-9Lo

▶ Subscribe to the Podcast & listen on the go: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/messages/#podcast

▶ Donate to Crosscreek & keep a good thing goin’: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate

▶ Discussion Questions:

1. How have you seen God working in your life and world this past week?
2. Read Philippians 3:3-9. What list could you make for ways you’ve tried or seen others try to be a “good Christian?” What result(s) have you seen from these efforts?
3. What would it look/feel like for you to “trust your position rather than your condition?”
4. How can your group pray for you this week?

Every part of our life gives us something to fear. This is a dangerous world and there always seems to be something new to be afraid of. We can try to ignore, numb, or control our fear but that only makes things worse. There is a better way. A way that allows us to experience peace and confidence no matter what is coming at us.

Episode Breakdown:
00:45 Quick-fast hello
01:45 Where we go wrong
08:05 The better way to deal with fear
18:45 4 Smaller Steps of Trust
28:10 5ish News-y things
31:15 Qs and Cutz

? Don’t forget to subscribe 🙂 https://bit.ly/yourcrosscreek

? Let us know you’re here! Comment, or https://bit.ly/wlcmccc

SHOW NOTES:
▶ Notes & Questions: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2021-09-26_cg.pdf
▶ Transcript: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2021-09-26.pdf
▶ Alliance Resources: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/alliances

▶ Upcoming #SalemOregon On-Site Gatherings
September 26, 4:30pm at our new location! https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/gathering/ for more info. Every 2nd and 4th Sunday in Salem, Oregon.

▶ #forSalem Opportunity: SEPTEMBER FOR SIMONKA
Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/p/CT8lJU6hteW/
Bring your items to our on-site gathering or donate directly to UGM Salem.

▶ Suggested Bible Readings:
John 10:27-29
Romans 8

▶ Music we listened to making this episode:
Diet Cig- The Unforgiven: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsNatjL0_uY
Green Day- She: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnF0pkWD2Tc
Josh Garrels- Fear Thou Not: https://youtu.be/BvIGgVjDJJE

▶ Subscribe to the Podcast & listen on the go:
https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/messages/#podcast

▶ Donate to Crosscreek & keep a good thing goin’: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate

▶ Discussion Questions:

1. What’s God doing in your life & world?
2. What’s your reaction to this message that you can “confidently trust Jesus”? Why do you think that is?
3. Read 1 Peter 5:6-7. When do you find it most difficult to trust that God cares for you? What would choosing to confidently trust in those times look like for you?
4. How could this week’s message be applied to some of the fears you are currently wrestling with? How can your group pray for you in this?

One of the first words that usually comes to mind when we hear “Christianity” or “church” is boredom. That’s understandable, but it wasn’t always this way. What happened? Can you really experience the excitement and adventure the first Jesus Followers experienced? You can.

Episode Breakdown:
00:45 We greet thee
02:12 Question: Why does it seem so boring?
04:15 It’s not a new problem…
08:20 What good is just knowing?
11:30 Wasting our time…
13:30 The actual point
16:15 So let’s get started…
18:53 Adventure time
20:50 Interpretive Dances & Invitations
24:20 Jon’s warm up BTS and a throwback

? Don’t forget to subscribe 🙂 https://bit.ly/yourcrosscreek

? Let us know you’re here! Comment, or https://bit.ly/wlcmccc

SHOW NOTES:
▶ Notes & Questions: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2021-10-10_cg.pdf
▶ Transcript: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2021-10-10.pdf
▶ Alliance Resources: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/alliances

▶ Upcoming #SalemOregon On-Site Gatherings
October 10 & 24th, 4:30pm at our new location! https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/gathering/ for more info.

▶ #forSalem October Opportunity: BOO YOUR NEIGHBOR
Buy or make treats for a neighbor.
Secretly leave the treats & the “We’ve Been Boo’d!” sign on their doorstep.
Download the PDF: https://yourcrosscreek.com/boo
We will have BOO Oreos for you to give to your neighbors at our October 10th gathering!

▶ Suggested Bible Readings:
Matthew 5-7
Ephesians 4:11-16
James 2:14-26

▶ Music we listened to making this episode:
Beethoven- Symphony No. 9 in D minor: Ode to Joy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlSR8Wlmpac
Foo Fighters- This is a Call https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imxAeQZjBeI
Phil Wickham- Your Love Awakens Me https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQyXsJMkUPg

▶ Subscribe to the Podcast & listen on the go:
https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/messages/#podcast

▶ Donate to Crosscreek & keep a good thing goin’: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate

Discussion Questions:
1. How is God working in your life & world this week?
2. What stood out to, bothered, inspired, or irritated you in this week’s message?
3. What experiences/feelings have you had with church before? How do you think Crosscreek’s version of Independently Growing compares to those experiences/feelings?
4. Look at Jesus’ description of life in the Kingdom of God in Matthew 5-7. In which area(s) do you feel you could use some more “Independent Growth.” What are some steps you can take to grow in this area and how can your group support/pray for you in this?

What if life is meant for more than working for more money in order to accumulate more stuff? Maybe life becomes more when we give more of it away.

Episode Breakdown:
00:56 On behalf of…
02:03 You are smart
05:25 Is the American Dream our only option?
07:40 The real meaning of life…
13:40 What real love looks like
16:52 Which life do you pick?
18:42 If you’re ready, a challenge
24:12 What’s next for you, for us
29:02 Qs and Cutz

? Don’t forget to subscribe ? https://bit.ly/yourcrosscreek

? Let us know you’re here! Comment, or https://bit.ly/wlcmccc

SHOW NOTES:
▶ Notes & Questions: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2021-10-17_cg.pdf
▶ Transcript: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2021-10-17.pdf
▶ Alliance Resources: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/alliances
▶ Giving Resources: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate

▶ Upcoming #SalemOregon On-Site Gatherings
October  24th, 4:30pm at our new location! https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/gathering/ for more info.

▶ #forSalem October Opportunity: BOO YOUR NEIGHBOR
Buy or make treats for a neighbor.
Secretly leave the treats & the “We’ve Been Boo’d!” sign on their doorstep.
Download the PDF: https://yourcrosscreek.com/boo
We will have BOO Oreos for you to give to your neighbors at our October 24th gathering!

▶ Suggested Bible Readings:
1 Timothy 6:17-19
Ephesians 2:1-10
James 2:14-26
Matt 6:19-34

▶ Music we listened to making this episode:
Stone Temple Pilots- Vasoline: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ht672-wYelc
Bruno Mars- Money Make Her Smile: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_czUZiTbwy0
Jon Foreman- Your Love if Strong: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCDO_FcF5JA

▶ Subscribe to the Podcast & listen on the go:
https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/messages/#podcast

▶ Donate to Crosscreek & keep a good thing goin’: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate

Discussion Questions

1. How have you seen God working in your life and world this week?
2.  What thoughts/feelings come up for you when you hear, “Our life isn’t meant to be spent on ourselves but to be purposely invested for others”? 
3. Read Mathew 6:19-21 and 1 Timothy 6:17-19. Why do you think generosity is such an important aspect of following Jesus?
4. Jon encouraged us to evaluate our resources and advised us to “evaluate, adjust, invest, and trust” this week. What is something you want to do in response to this and how can your group pray for you in that response?