eNewsletter

Welcome to the neighborhood!  Have you ever experienced someone new moving into the neighborhood?  You wonder what their name is, or what they are like.  You try to figure out why they are here and, possibly, how they may impact the neighborhood. John 1:14 reminds us that Jesus became a man and "moved into the neighborhood."  In the first few weeks of the new year, we hope to meet—and get to know— the Neighbor, whose name is Jesus.  There is great confusion about him today; even among Christians.  Let's try to clear some of that up by getting better acquainted with the Neighbor: Jesus.

Road Signs: Student Ministries You can’t get to Louisville by driving north, and you can’t get to the top of the mountain if you are walking down it. In the Road Signs series, we will examine the book of Proverbs. We will look for wisdom to help each of us navigate the choices life brings because our choices determine the direction of our lives. And it’s our direction, not our intention, that ultimately determines our destination. Where are you heading? Week One (Jan. 4th) Our direction always determines our destination. While we all know this basic rule for navigating the roads we drive, we sometimes forget how the same rule is true in our lives. You can’t lose weight by shoving down Big Macs and watching five hours of TV. You can’t have deep relationships by ignoring the living, breathing people around you. You can’t grow closer to God by shutting Him out of your everyday life or failing to make the effort to know more about Him. So what is the destination you desire for your life? Are you even on the right path to get there?

Center for Christian Excellence Wednesdays, January 7 - March 25 (unless otherwise noted) The Bible consistently communicates the importance of pursuing excellence. Peter challenges his readers to work toward moral excellence (2 Peter 1:5). Paul instructs his readers to pursue an excellent thought life (Philippians 4:8) as well as excellence in knowledge and discernment (Philippians 1:9-10). At The Creek, we are committed to being a place of learning where fully devoted followers of Jesus are also becoming fully equipped to live a life that glorifies God, reflects Jesus Christ, and models excellence in knowledge, attitudes, priorities, behaviors, and relationships.  Center for Christian Excellence (CCE) encompasses the educational opportunities at The Creek that are specifically designed to help believers go to the “next level” related to biblical knowledge, critical thinking, ministry preparation, and effective leadership. Take advantage of these resources and become more effective in your ministry for Jesus here at The Creek, in your home, in your community, and around the world. The Wednesday evening CCE courses are designed for anyone who wishes to become more knowledgeable about God’s Word and the ways we should apply the Bible in everyday life.  The goal of CCE classes is to help believers develop a strong biblical worldview and to encourage and empower them to impact their world for Christ.  These courses are free of charge and open to anyone. Financial Peace University “If you will live like no one else, later you can live like no one else!”- Dave Ramsey Need a bailout? What would your life look like if you had NO DEBT and were really IN CONTROL of your money? Most people struggle to make ends meet. They have too much month left at the end of the money. If you have made mistakes and feel like your money vanishes each month, you are not alone. In fact, 70% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck—regardless of income. Financial Peace University is a 13-week curriculum in which Dave Ramsey breaks through the common financial jargon and explains how money really works in a simple, easy-to-understand style. Its purpose is to teach biblical financial principles, so you and your family can break through the financial bondage that our culture promotes and bail yourselves out-- experience true financial freedom. You will meet with your class for two hours each week to view the video lesson and participate in discussion and accountability groups that will change your whole attitude about money! You will actually have fun as you learn about how to get out of debt, stay out of debt, save for the future, and ultimately unleash the power of generous giving. The cost of the curriculum kit is $105, which will serve an individual or couple. Please contact Stan Bryan at 317-862-6430 x113 or stanbryan@thecreek.org to determine if FPU is right for you, or register online at www.thecreek.org/financialpeaceuniversity. You can also invite others at www.thecreek.org/ecard. Learn more about Financial Peace University at www.daveramsey.com. Taught By: Stan Bryan Atrium B January 7 – April 1 6:30p.m.-8:30p.m.   First Place 4 Health First Place 4 Health is a Christ-centered weight loss and healthy living program that focuses on the four essentials of health and well-being: the mind, emotions, body and spirit! Facilitated by: Kristy Davis North Wing - South Classroom 6:30p.m.-7:30p.m. Foundation Survey The Foundation Survey is a six-week interactive experience designed for individuals who want to make spiritual growth a high priority. The Survey has two primary objectives. The first goal is to provide you guidance and encouragement related to spiritual disciplines. Over the course of the Survey experience, you will introduce five spiritual disciplines into your normal routine. The second goal for the Survey experience is to lead you through the process of developing a Personal Life & Growth Plan. The Personal Life & Growth Plan will outline your priorities, goals, and core values. Once completed, it will serve as a planning guide and assessment tool as you continue to pursue spiritual growth throughout the next year. Taught By: Jeffrey Derico Upper Room January 7 – February 11 or February 18 – March 25 (2 identical, 6 week sessions) 6:30p.m.-7:30p.m. Worldview 202: Real Rock This course is the sequel to Worldview 101, and will equip Christians to develop a biblical worldview by better knowing the Word of God. Jesus urges us to build our lives upon the rock (i.e., His teachings) so that we can weather the storms of life. When finished with the course, we should have a deeper understanding and appreciation for Scripture, the real rock that becomes the strong, sure foundation of our lives. Taught by: Dr. Gary Johnson Chapel 6:30p.m.-7:30p.m. God’s Own Heart- Why David? From sheep pens near Bethlehem to the king’s throne of Israel, David’s journey was not by chance, it was by God. This class will explore the insight of the scriptures related to David’s anointing in 1 Samuel 16 and look at his time as a servant to his soon to be nemesis, King Saul. We will discuss how God prepared this unlikely young man (in man’s view) to be the King of His chosen people. Should be a quick and interesting two weeks. Taught By: David Wright Holy Grounds January 7 – January 14 6:30p.m.-7:30p.m. Restoring Margin to Overloaded Lives As we enter 2009 the boundaries between work and family are disappearing. Everyone is mobile and every moment of the day is scheduled with daycare, school, after school activities and ten to twelve-hour work days. The Bible is very clear about how busyness and a frantic pace affect your life. Join us as we look at ten topics from scripture which show us how to respond to our fast-paced culture. Taught by: Shan Caldwell & Seth Bryant North Wing - Center Classroom 6:30p.m.-7:30p.m. Please visit TheCreek.org/CenterForChristianExcellence for a complete listing of course offerings.

Foundation Event: Silence & Solitude Facilitated by Mark Miller Saturday, January 17, 2009 8:30a.m. - 12:00p.m. in Atrium B For many people in our fast-paced and media-rich culture, the idea of sitting quietly for an extended period of time translates into being unproductive. However, the benefits we can gain from taking time to intentionally spend time in silence with only God as our companion is well worth the investment of our time. Join us as we learn the benefits of, and methods by which we can achieve, a fulfilling time of silence and solitude.   After an initial period of instruction regarding the practices, an extended period of silence and solitude will be practiced by all. The morning will conclude with a breaking of the silence in a shared worship and an opportunity to debrief our individual experiences. Please RSVP no later than January 14, 2009 to Kimberly Watts at 317.862.6430. Light refreshments will be provided.

Small Group Leaders Needed! God is doing incredible things here at The Creek as more and more people are coming to a saving knowledge of Christ and making this place their church home. One of our most important goals in response to this growth is to help individuals and families find meaningful connection with other believers in a network of support, encouragement, and care. The primary goal is to create an environment where people can gather together for some combination of eating, praying, serving, and studying. If you have a love for people and are spiritually gifted as a leader, teacher, or shepherd, you likely have the perfect personality to facilitate a small group. We invite you to learn more about becoming a small group leader by contacting Matt Dingman.

ACCESS MINISTRY BREAKAWAY EVENT Access (the Disability Ministry of The Creek) will be planning its next Breakaway event for adults with special needs (16 years of age and older) on Saturday, January 10, from 6:00p.m. to 9:30p.m. at the church.  We will be having a game and craft night with video gaming systems set up, basketball, crafts, pizza and snacks.  This is a great night of fun and connection with these young adults.  In addition to inviting all of those adults with special needs, we are also in need of volunteers to hang out and socialize, as well as play games and help with crafts. If you are interested in participating in this event, or volunteering to help out, please email Angie Masengale or call 317.435.7516 by Wednesday, January 7.

SAM Ministry Euchre Party Join the Senior Adult Ministry on Friday, January 16, at 7:00p.m. in the Family Life Center for a Euchre Party. This event is open to anyone 18 years and older. Please bring a 2-liter bottle of soda or a snack (or both) for the pitch-in goodie table.

Important Middle School Life Group Announcement Life Groups will resume on January 11.

Crochet Ministry will resume on 1/5/2009

Instrumental Musicians Wanted! Worship and Creative Arts will be hosting auditions for our Praise Band Ministry in January 2009.  If you are interested in serving at The Creek with your gifts of instrumental music, please contact Andy Schroeder or call the office at 317.862.6430 and set up an appointment. After contacting Andy, you will be given an audition packet to prepare for the audition in January.

2009 Offering Envelopes Envelope sets will be available for pick up through January 18 on the ramp near the Media Ministry kiosk.  Assigned offering envelopes are extremely helpful in recording your contributions.  Using them saves hours of work for our volunteers and increases accuracy when it comes to your record of contributions.  If you already use them – thank you.   You will automatically receive a set for 2009.  If you have not been assigned offering envelopes and would like to use them for next year, please contact Pam Wire or sign up at the Welcome Centers.

Weather Alert In the event of winter storms, tune to Channel 13 (WTHR) or log on to www.wthr.com to find out if The Creek has canceled any scheduled programming or events. You can also call 317.862.KNOW for up to date information.

Christmas decorations will be taken down on January 4 at 1:00p.m. and volunteers are needed. If you can help, please call Darlene Tinsley at 317.862.2026 or the church office at 317.862.6430.

Friends, Today is New Year’s Eve.  Do you have a resolution in place for 2009?  I do—but it’s more like a list, a very long list.  In just a few more hours, the new year rolls in and with it, we have the proverbial “clean slate” to begin life anew—at least in our thinking.  So, our American culture continues the rich tradition of setting resolutions for the new year.  Typical resolutions range from the ever-popular losing weight to the ever-difficult resolution to quit smoking.  More people are resolving to get out of debt, and this just might be the year.  Still others are working on repairing broken relationships.  Yet, I wonder if any of you would want to join me in this resolution—“to grow up in the faith, and not merely grow old in the faith.” Regretfully, many of us are numbered among the tens of millions of Americans who claim to be Christians, yet we live anything but Christian lives.  All too often we settle for Christianity-Lite, a sick form of fake-faith.  We go through religious motions—like attending church on Sunday, putting Christian bumper stickers on the car, giving a token dollar or two in the offering, and singing songs of how we love Jesus, yet we despise one another.  People around us can spot our gross immaturity in the Christian faith.  With every passing year, we merely grow old in the faith, and fail to grow up in the faith.  So, maybe 2009 is the year to make—and follow through with—a resolution that has the potential of changing our individual lives, as well as the corner of the world where we live.  How can we do this?  My friend and colleague, Dr. Jim Estep, professor of Christian Education at Lincoln Christian Seminary, recently wrote an article that appeared in a Christian magazine, and something Jim wrote helps us understand what we need to do to mature as Christians. “…We cannot decide WWJD? (What Would Jesus Do?) until we know WDJD? (What Did Jesus Do?).  How Christian can I be if I do not comprehend the meaning of Christ in Scripture?  I cannot know God until I first know about God!  I don’t want to be sacrilegious, but here’s an example:  Could I say this to my wife?  ‘I want to love you, but not really know anything about you.  I want a genuine relationship with you, but I don’t want that to be based on knowing anything about you.’  Could I really say that I know my wife if I didn’t know her name, birthday, our anniversary, her family background, likes and dislikes—all the elements that in part make her who she is?” Dr. Jim gets right to the point, and the point is this—we’ve got to know the Word.  We must kiss biblical illiteracy good-bye and welcome a hunger and thirst for the Bread of Life as never seen before in our lives.  If we are to live like Jesus, we first must know how Jesus lived.  We need to know the Word.  Be it resolved:  In 2009, I will grow up in the faith and not merely grow one year older in the faith. Resolve to read the Bible every day.  Whether we read through the entire Bible, or the New Testament, or study in-depth a portion of the Bible—just read it every day.  Let’s think about what we read.  Let’s apply what we read to our lives.  This year, I am using the Daily Walk again (www.walkthru.org), as it has enriched my life biblically for years.  Remember, Worldview 202 begins on Wednesday, January 7—and it is a class I teach on how to read, study and apply the Bible to life.  For information on the class, CLICK HERE, and to pre-register for the class CLICK HERE. Resolve to have someone teach us the Bible.  We have a host of great Bible studies here.  Whether on Sunday mornings or throughout the week, there are a number of classes that will help us learn the Word.  One popular class for the last 15 or so years has been Mark Miller’s.  If enough people show up in his class (Sunday morning 9:30a.m. Atrium B), maybe he will be challenged to teach for two hours on Sunday morning! For a listing of our Bible classes CLICK HERE. Resolve to study the Bible with others.   It’s easy to go through religious motions alone.  But, it’s enjoyable to experience spiritual community with one another.   Are you connected here at The Creek?  Just coming—doing the church thing on Sunday morning—and then leaving as quickly as when you came?  What’s up with that?  I can’t tell you the number of people whom I have met who tell me they’ve been coming to The Creek for years and they have yet to get connected.  We’ve been made in the image of God, and God exists in a relationship of Father, Son and Spirit.  We need to be in community with one another—He expects it of us.  If you CLICK HERE, someone from our Connections Ministry team will personally contact you to help connect you in one of our small groups.  Some years ago, I remember reading in US News and World Report that 55% of Americans keep their resolutions for…one month.  One of every two of us who resolve to grow up in the faith and not merely grow old—will give up on pursuing this initiative come February.   Join me in this pursuit… Be it resolved:  In 2009, I will grow up in the faith and not merely grow one year older.

God is at work in this place We want you to be able to celebrate with us the baptisms of four people this past weekend in services at The Creek. Those baptized were: Anya, Jackie, Olivia and Rebecca. Please pray that God will work both in and through these lives.