March-April 2020
Quarantined Together

April-May 2020
Where Do We Go From Here?

June 2020
A Better Way

June-July 2020
Jesus vs. Religion

August 2020
Into the Unknown

June 2020
A Better Way

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Pre-COVID19 Messages Archive –>

INTO THE UNKNOWN

It’s never been more obvious that our future is and always has been unknown. What will school, work, family, our country look like in the fast approaching future? These questions often create fear and anxiety because we have no idea. But what if we could walk into the hazy future with confidence and peace? What if we knew we were ready and prepared for whatever comes next? Let’s walk through the stories of a few people who were willing to take those first shaky steps to bravely go into the unknown.

SHOW NOTES
The future always has been and always will be unknown. Often this fact creates fear and anxiety. But what if we could walk into the unknown with confidence and peace? The way forward is not as complicated as we might think.

Episode Breakdown:
0:00 Field of Terror
1:00 Welcome & Giveaway
3:00 Into The Unknown: “The First Step,” with Jon
32:45 Lauren’s Story
37:30 Pray it Forward

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast or the YouTube channel 🙂 https://bit.ly/yourcrosscreek

Let us know you’re here! || Discussion Questions || Read Transcript

For Kids: Crosscreek Website

#SalemOregon #local Giveaways: Ibendoo Ramen  ||  Enter to win: Padington’s Pizza  (follow our Social Media channels for deets) 

Ask a Question

▶ Suggested Bible Readings:
Read/memorize Psalm 56:3-4 || Download Phone Wallpaper here
Mark 4:35-41

▶ Additional Resources / Books on this topic:
Knowing God – J.I. Packer https://www.amazon.com/Knowing-God-J-I-Packer/dp/083081650X

▶ Music we listened to making this episode:
Into the Unknown- Panic at the Disco: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jp-CVYGEsjg
Power of the Gospel- Ben Harper: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOE41qxBJ_E
Won’t Stop Now- Elevation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjoA6n5GfXs

▶ Donate to Crosscreek & keep a good thing goin’

SHOW NOTES
When we face an unknown future it often feels like we are on our own. This feeling of isolation often brings fear and uncertainty. But when we realize we are not alone and that we are truly known, we can venture into the unknown future with confidence.

Episode Breakdown:
0:00 Oceans, with Luke & Gillian
5:30 Bienvenidos Amigos, with Aaron & Monica
8:30 “The Path of Confidence,” with Jon
34:30 Announcements & Adios

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast or YouTube channel 🙂 https://bit.ly/yourcrosscreek

Let us know you’re here! || Discussion Questions || Read Transcript || Ask a Question

For Kids: Crosscreek Website

#SalemOregon #local Giveaways: Padington’s Pizza  ||  Enter to win: Love, Love Teriyaki  (follow our Social Media channels for deets)

▶ Pray it Forward- August #forSalem Opportunity

▶ Suggested Bible Readings:
Luke 12:6-7; Read Luke 12:22-34 once a day for a week

▶ Additional Resources / Books on this topic:
The Horse and His Boy, C.S. Lewis

▶ Music we listened to making this episode:
Cake, Mahna, Mahna
Crowder: Wildfire
The Cranberries: Zombie

▶ Donate to Crosscreek & keep a good thing goin’ 🙂

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

  1. What is something about our unknown future that seems to keep causing you worry, stress, and/or uncertainty?
  2. Get a jump start on this week’s reading challenge and read Luke 12:22-34. What here most cultivates peace for you?
  3. What would be different for you if you KNEW, in every moment,  that God saw you, heard you, and knew you? How can your group pray for you in this?
SHOW NOTES
Although it may not feel like it, we DO have a few options as we face an unknown, hazy future. And if you think about it, there are really 3 basic choices when it comes to any kind of problem or adversity. Which will you choose?

Episode Breakdown:
0:00 Jon & Liz say welcome to you
3:00 “Trust & Act,” with Aaron
26:00 Jon shaves with an ax

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast or YouTube channel 🙂 https://bit.ly/yourcrosscreek

Let us know you’re here! || Discussion Questions || Read Transcript || Ask a Question

For Kids: Crosscreek Website

#SalemOregon #local Giveaways: Love, Love Teriyaki  ||  Enter to win: Oregon Axe Company: https://youtu.be/yL58JlPnzNA   (follow our Social Media channels for deets)

▶ Pray it Forward- August #forSalem Opportunity

▶ Suggested Bible Readings:
Philippians 2:3-8 every day; Hebrews 11 for the “hall of faith.”

▶ Additional Resources / Books on this topic:
The Next Right Thing, Emily P. Freeman

▶ Music we listened to making this episode:
birds singing outside
Never Lost, Elevation Worship ft. Tauryn Wells
Nothing Bad Ever Happens to Me, Oingo Boingo

▶ Donate to Crosscreek & keep a good thing goin’ 🙂

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

  1. When faced with an unknown situation how do you USUALLY tend to react: fight it, do nothing, lovingly act? Why? How do you know what approach to take to a situation and when?
  2. Read Phil 2:3-8. What here do you think most relates to “trusting God and lovingly acting”?
  3. What questions/issues/responses do you have to this week’s message? How can your group pray for you?
SHOW NOTES
With the fog of the hazy unknown all around us it is often difficult to know what to do. But when we have a clear purpose, a purpose bigger than us, the unknown becomes an adventure we take one step at a time.

Episode Breakdown:
0:00 Welcome to 24, with Aaron & Monica
2:30 “You’re Invited,” with Jon
30:50 Next week!!!

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast or the YouTube channel 🙂 https://bit.ly/yourcrosscreek

Let us know you’re here! || Discussion Questions || Read Transcript || Ask a Question

For Kids: Crosscreek Website

#SalemOregon #local Giveaways: Oregon Axe Company ||  Enter to win: Tsunami Taproom (follow our Social Media channels for deets)

▶ Suggested Bible Readings:
Philippians 2:1-11

▶ Additional Resources / Books on this topic:
The Ministry of Ordinary Places: Waking Up to God’s Goodness Around You, Shannan Martin
Simple Church, Rainer & Geiger

▶ Music we listened to making this episode: 
SWITCHFOOT- Native Tongue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3k6BLu_q4k
Tauryn Wells- Known: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xckDgX8xNfg
Dean Martin- Ain’t That a Kick in the Head: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7jgZTDLeIs

▶ Donate to Crosscreek & keep a good thing goin’ 🙂

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

  1. Share an analogy of what the unknown is like for you right now.
  2. Read Luke 9:23-24. What do you think Jesus is saying here? How could you apply this to what you are experiencing right now?
  3. What would it look like for you to be a “blessing person” this week? How can your group pray for you in this?
What usually turns people away from Christianity is not Jesus, but religion. “Jesus is cool but I can’t handle those holier than thou judgemental hypocrites, the expectations, the group-think, and all the rules.”

But the same things people reject about church… Jesus also rejected. Many of the things we think and feel about “church” were never part of following Jesus in the first place. Is following Jesus just another religion or is it something better? Is there something more? What’s the difference?

Show Notes
— NEW SERIES — What often keeps us from understanding the real Jesus is all the religion that’s been wrapped around his movement. As we peel back the layers and take a closer look, we see that the same things we reject about religion Jesus also rejected. In this episode we discover that following Jesus doesn’t mean we have to change everything about ourselves and conform to religious expectations. Following Jesus means transforming into even more of who we were created to be.

Episode Breakdown:
0:00 Let’s take a drive…
3:30 “Jesus v. Religion: Conform” with Jon
24:00 Parking lot announcements

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast or the YouTube channel 🙂 https://bit.ly/yourcrosscreek

💬 Let us know you’re here, and get a welcome e-gift card! https://bit.ly/wlcmccc

RELATED RESOURCES

Let us know you’re here! || Join a Connect Group || Read Transcript

For Kids: Crosscreek Website

Giveaways: Honey & Pine Coffee Co. ||  Enter to win: Salem Ale Works (follow our Social Media channels for deets)

Ask a Question

▶ Music we listened to making this episode:
Bobby Darin- Beyond the Sea
Bethel Music- Raise a Hallelujah
Jimmy Eat World- My Best Theory

▶ Book recommendation: Ragamuffin Gospel, Brennan Manning

▶ Bible Readings:
John 21
Listen to Luke’s Gospel on Spotify

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

Show Notes
Why are Christians so judgmental? If Jesus himself said, “Do not judge,” then why are the people who claim to know him the best often the best at judging others? The answer and the solution might surprise you.

Episode Breakdown:
0:00 Welcome
2:45 Jon
28:45 Announcements & Chip Thief

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast or the YouTube channel 🙂 https://bit.ly/yourcrosscreek

💬 Let us know you’re here, and get a welcome e-gift card! https://bit.ly/wlcmccc

RELATED RESOURCES

Let us know you’re here! || Join a Connect Group || Read Transcript || Ask a Question

For Kids: Crosscreek Website

Giveaways: Salem Ale Works  || Enter to win: Agape Custom Shop (follow our Social Media channels for deets)

▶ Music we listened to making this episode:
The Vines- Get Free
Hillsong Young & Free, Best Friends
Franz Liszt- Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2

▶ Book recommendation: Ragamuffin Gospel, Brennan Manning

▶ Video recommendation: The Chosen (a highly recommended and non-cheesy Jesus series)

▶ Bible Readings:
Ephesians 2:1-10
Psalm 103

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

Show Notes
Religion and rules. They usually go hand-in-hand and are used for the powerful few to control those ‘below’ them. Jesus created a new way… a better way. A way that prioritizes people over rules. A way that has provided freedom for millions of people.

Episode Breakdown:
0:00 Rules-shmules
1:00 Welcome & Giveaway
4:00 A walk with Mr. Silva
9:30 “People vs. Rules,” Jon
25:30 Announcements

🔔 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/2020-07-12_cg.pdf

▶ Transcript: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2020-07-12.pdf

▶ Suggested Bible Readings:
Romans 8:1-4: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208:1-4&version=NLT

▶ Additional Resources / Books on this topic:
Ragamuffin Gospel, Brennan Manning: https://www.powells.com/book/-9781576737163
The Chosen (a highly recommended and non-cheesy Jesus series): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBXOFnNTULFaAnj24PAeblg

▶ #SalemOregon #local Giveaways (Happening on Social Media later this week)
– Enter to win this week on Social Media: King’s Kitchen in Fork Forty Food Hall https://www.facebook.com/Kings.Kitchen.Food.Cart
– This week’s winner: Agape Custom Shop https://www.agapecustomshop.com/

▶ Music we listened to making this episode:
My Shot- Lin-Manuel Miranda: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ic7NqP_YGlg
Highs & Lows- Hillsong Young & Free: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ESO6SHEwGk
All My Life- Foo Fighters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQ04WbgI9rg

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

Show Notes
Religion makes us feel we are always one opinion, mistake, or sin away from being rejected. This makes us either hide who we really are, work really hard to stay in line, or simply walk away from the whole idea. Jesus gave us a better way. A way free of rejection and full of healing.

Episode Breakdown:
0:00 Welcome & giveaway winner!
2:00 “Forgiveness vs. Rejection,” with Jon
24:30 Don’t Give Up On Me, with the band (Andy Grammer cover)
28:00 Bye bye

🔔 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/2020-07-19_cg.pdf

▶ Transcript: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2020-07-19.pdf

▶ Suggested Bible Readings:
Matthew 18:21-35
Luke 15 Challenge – read once a day for a week and look for God’s heart for you.

▶ Additional Resources / Books on this topic:
Ragamuffin Gospel, Brennan Manning: https://www.powells.com/book/-9781576737163
The Chosen (a highly recommended and non-cheesy Jesus series): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBXOFnNTULFaAnj24PAeblg

▶ #SalemOregon #local Giveaways (Happening on Social Media later this week)
– Enter to win this week on Social Media: Azul’s Taco House https://www.facebook.com/azulstacohouse/
– This week’s winner: Meghan! @misswhimsy_ ! King’s Kitchen in Fork Forty Food Hall https://www.facebook.com/Kings.Kitchen.Food.Cart

▶ Music we listened to making this episode:
How Far I’ll Go- Auli’i Cravalho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i66p0_wZ9F0
Wait for It – Leslie Odom Jr (Hamilton Soundtrack) https://youtu.be/ulsLI029rH0
Selah- Kanye West: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CNPg2IQoC0

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

Show Notes
If we’re honest the religion most of us have experienced is often empty and lifeless. That’s why Jesus not only rejected religion but brought something completely different and so much better. Following Jesus isn’t about religious routines and rituals… it’s about experiencing a true and meaningful life now and forever.

Episode Breakdown:
0:00 Welcome & Giveaway, with Monica & Aaron
2:45 Full vs. Empty, with Jon
27:00 Reminders & Questions

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast or the YouTube channel 🙂 https://bit.ly/yourcrosscreek

Let us know you’re here! || Discussion Questions || Read Transcript

For Kids: Crosscreek Website

#SalemOregon #local Giveaways: Azul’s Taco House  ||  Enter to win: Brotherhood Coffee (follow our Social Media channels for deets)

Ask a Question

▶ Suggested Bible Readings:
Matthew 5:17-20
Hebrews 8

▶ Additional Resources / Books on this topic:
Ragamuffin Gospel, Brennan Manning
The Chosen (a highly recommended and non-cheesy Jesus series)

▶ Music we listened to making this episode:
Lindsey Stirling: The Arena
Cory Asbury: Reckless Love
Sponge: Plowed

▶ Donate to Crosscreek & keep a good thing goin’

BONUS: You Are What You Eat…

“A Better Way” Series

Politics and the Kingdom

Our society is so polarized it’s turning into chaos. As Jesus-Followers we can choose to be part of the solution or add to the problem. Paul gives us a road map to not just get through times like this but actually/actively make things better. Christians role during a time like this is to show there is another way. A better way. The way of God’s Kingdom of love

Show Notes
As we walk through this time of polarized chaos does it, again, have to be one side against another? There is a better way. We can be part of the problem or we can be the solution. Let’s walk a new path together.

Episode Breakdown:
0:00 Wade in the Water
1:30 Welcome
5:30 “Step One: A Better Way to Think” with Jon
33:00 Giveaway & Announcements

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast or the YouTube channel 🙂 https://bit.ly/yourcrosscreek

💬 Let us know you’re here, and get a welcome e-gift card! https://bit.ly/wlcmccc

RELATED RESOURCES

  • Music we enjoyed this week:
  • Book Recommendation:
  • Other Resources:
  • Donate to Crosscreek & keep a good thing goin’

Find out more about Crosscreek Community Church, Salem, Oregon.

This episode was recorded on June 3 & 4, 2020.

Show Notes
Episode Breakdown:
0:00 Welcome
2:00 ‘Ask Ace’ Game
8:00 A Better Way to Love, Jon Silva
34:00 Giveaway & Announcements

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast or the YouTube channel 🙂 https://bit.ly/yourcrosscreek

💬 Let us know you’re here, and get a welcome e-gift card! https://bit.ly/wlcmccc

RELATED RESOURCES

Let us know you’re here! || Join a Connect Group || Read Transcript

For Kids: Crosscreek Website

Giveaways: Uncle Troy’s BBQ ||  Enter to win: Truffle Shuffle Salem

▶ Music we listened to making this episode:
Nada Surf: Popular  ||  Andy Grammer: Don’t Give Up On Me  ||  House Sessions 6

▶ Book recommendations: Four Loves, C.S. Lewis

▶ Other Resources:
Word Study: Agape (“Love”), The Bible Project ||  Romans 12 link to read ||  Fun Questions to Practice Listening (some used for Ask Ace segment)

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

This episode was recorded on June 10 & 11, 2020. Part 2 of our “A Better Way” series.

Show Notes
Often winning means someone else loses. We win arguments and lose friendships. It puts us all in a constant spiral of anger and revenge. Following Jesus offers another way. There’s a better way to win.

Episode Breakdown:
0:00 Welcome
4:30 “A Better Way to Win,” Jon
28:30 Giveaway & Announcements

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast or the YouTube channel 🙂 https://bit.ly/yourcrosscreek

💬 Let us know you’re here, and get a welcome e-gift card! https://bit.ly/wlcmccc

RELATED RESOURCES

Let us know you’re here! || Join a Connect Group || Read Transcript

For Kids: Crosscreek Website

Giveaways: Truffle Shuffle Salem ||  Enter to win: Honey & Pine Coffee Co.

Ask a Question
See Previous Qs Answered (Series)

▶ I Choose Love Social Media / Phone:

▶ Music we listened to making this episode:
Yellowcard- Way Away
See a Victory- Elevation Worship
Tori Amos- Smells Like Teen Spirit

▶ Book recommendations: Four Loves, C.S. Lewis

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

This episode was recorded on June 17 & 18, 2020. Part 3 of our “A Better Way” series.

“Where do we go from here?” Series

A REACTION TO COVID-19

What do we want things to be like when we come out of this? We want things to be better. In light of the freedom Jesus brings what can we be after this? (April, May & June 2020)

 

SHOW NOTES
What do we want things to be like when we come out of this? So much has changed these last few weeks. In some instances they have changed forever. But what if, instead of seeing this as the end of something, we see this time as a chance to create something better? 

In this series, Where do we go from here?, we will be exploring this idea and the areas we can start changing for the better right now.  

In part 1, we talk about the big picture of our relationship with God, why the old way of religion sucks, and how Jesus’ new way makes things so much better.

RELATED RESOURCES

 

Find out more about Crosscreek Community Church, Salem, Oregon.
This episode was recorded on April 16 & 17, 2020.

Show Notes
Life is complicated… even before all of this. Now even little things like getting groceries is a major task. It won’t ALWAYS be like this. So we’re asking: where do we go from here? What do we want life to be like after this? We are probably all realizing our answer might be… SIMPLER! A calendar that’s open, an unfettered relationship with God and better relationships with others. It’s really *why* Jesus came. In fact, rules were never God’s intention. And in this episode, we look closely at the one, simple rule Jesus has for us. And we ask ourselves, “What does love look like?”

“Where do we go from here?” (Part 2)

This episode was recorded on April 23 & 24th, 2020.

Show Notes
What if there was one principle that could help us improve our closest relationships during this quarantine? There is! And It’s something all of us can start practicing now to create the relationships we long for now and for years to come.  

This episode was recorded on April 29 & 30th, 2020.

 

 

Show Notes
Family dynamics are difficult to navigate, especially during a pandemic. Is there a way to come out of this stronger and happier as a family? We think so.

Episode Breakdown:
0:00 Welcome (Special Hosts: Andrew & Jonny)
2:30 Advice from the Pros: “Kid Chats”
8:00 Jon – “Family Drama”
33:00 Giveaway winner & announcements

RELATED RESOURCES

“Where do we go from here?” Family Drama, Part 4 was recorded on May 6 & 7, 2020.

Show Notes
So many things have had to be postponed and cancelled during this weird time. We’ve been forced to slow down and though there is disappointment for the good times we’ve missed there’s also a sense of freedom looking at our decluttered calendars. When we come out of this… how can we keep this peaceful pace and still do everything that we need to do?

“Where do we go from here?” Overactive Calendars, Part 5

Episode Breakdown:
0:00 Welcome
2:30 Then & Now
8:00 Jon – “Overactive Calendars”
33:00 Giveaway winner & announcements

RELATED RESOURCES

Find out more about Crosscreek Community Church, Salem, Oregon.
This episode was recorded on May 13 & 14, 2020.

SHOW NOTES
Money. If we only had a little more we’d have a much better life, right? Maybe not. Maybe it’s how we view our money is what makes life better. Let’s talk about how we can find security and peace in a time when everything (especially our financial future) seems uncertain and chaotic.

SHOW NOTES:

Show Notes
Jesus created the Church to reflect his love to the world. But, often, this is not what the Church or Christians are known for. How can we use this time to re-focus on the purpose of the Church?

Episode Breakdown:
0:00 Found / Tonight cover by Ryan & Allie
3:00 Welcome
5:00 Getting to Know Your Socially Distant Neighbor
13:30 “Why Church?” w/ Jon
35:00 Giveaway & Announcements

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast or the YouTube channel 🙂 https://bit.ly/yourcrosscreek

💬 Let us know you’re here, and get a welcome e-gift card! https://bit.ly/wlcmccc

RELATED RESOURCES

Find out more about Crosscreek Community Church, Salem, Oregon.
This episode was recorded on May 27 & 28, 2020.

TOGETHER #FORSALEM

How can we be Together when we’re quarantined and isolated? What can we do to be FOR our neighbor when we can’t be near? How do we love best in an unprecedented time like this? (March & April, 2020)

SHOW NOTES
In this first episode of Together #forSalem, Jon and Aaron talk about how weird things are right now and how we can still be neighbors who are FOR each other, even in this new (but temporary) normal. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway (details in episode)!

SHOW NOTES

Recorded on March 19, 2020.

 

SHOW NOTES
This pandemic and having to stay at home as much as possible can be a real test of our relationships. But what if we saw this time as a chance to improve our relationships and not just struggle through them? In this week’s episode, Jon talks about the root of conflict in relationships and the solution… it’s something that may surprise you. Afterward, Jon and Liz discuss some key elements in working through conflict in relationships.

SHOW NOTES

 

Recorded on March 25 & 26, 2020.

 

SHOW NOTES
Let’s be frank: We never know what the next news report will say, and right now that feels scarier than usual. Many of us are sheltering in place, some working from home, some of us essential and still reporting. This week we explore the two responses: panic or denial… and introduce a possible third way to respond. And, we hope to provide some practical tips for what to do when we feel afraid.

SHOW NOTES

 

Recorded on April 1 & 2, 2020.

SHOW NOTES
Money. If we only had a little more we’d have a much better life, right? Maybe not. Maybe it’s how we view our money is what makes life better. Let’s talk about how we can find security and peace in a time when everything (especially our financial future) seems uncertain and chaotic.

SHOW NOTES:

Recorded on April 8 & 9, 2020 for Easter Weekend.

 

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