“Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 3:18
A Point of Emphasis for 2022
In 2022 the elders focused extensively on developing young disciples in the church. We spent considerable time in our January retreat clarifying our priorities for youth ministry: equipping young disciples, evangelistic outreach, and providing fellowship opportunities. There are many voices vying for the attention of our youth, and we believed it was time to pursue plans to bring on a full-time staff member to focus on discipling young believers and equipping them with God’s truth to grow in their faith and lead others into a devoted relationship with Jesus Christ. We were thankful for the doors God repeatedly opened throughout this year. (See outcome below)
Teaching and Discipleship
In 2022 we finished our study of Matthew on Sunday mornings and began a study of the book of Ephesians after several Old-Testament character studies throughout the summer which focused on faith on display despite difficult circumstances. Wednesday night small group Bible studies were in Romans, Acts, and the gospel of John.
During the summer months Doug Elrick led a study aimed at helping us focus individually on the people around us (series by Kyle Idleman.)
Pastor Steve continues to mentor a group of young men called the Timothy Team, building leaders of future generations.
We were greatly blessed to be joined in ministry by Jesse and Mackenzie South and their two daughters, Emalyn and Eliza! The elders and the search committee (Mike Johnson, Bob Short, Ryan Carter, Ronda Gentosi, and Karen Clarkson) were very heartened at God’s leading in bringing Creekside and Jesse into contact with each other, and at the harmony of ministry philosophy between us. We look forward to our partnership in the gospel!
Baptism & Membership
We were able to hold a couple of “Get to Know Us” classes this year, and have been seeking to get better acquainted with a number of new folks who have been visiting us in search of a place for Christian fellowship.
We were encouraged to be able to hold a baptism in July. Three individuals expressed their desire for baptism, and followed that by identifying themselves as disciples of Jesus Christ in public baptism.
Cross-Cultural Missions
We were also encouraged by a visit from Pablo and Bethany Calderon and family, who are ministering in a variety of ways in Romania. In October a team of eleven individuals went on a short-term mission trip to Haiti, where they served in the gospel and ministered to many practical needs.
Local Outreach
We were once again able to host our Easter Egg Hunt this year. A strong turnout enjoyed fellowship, heard the gospel of Jesus’ resurrection, and hunted plastic eggs. As in previous years, we held a picnic on July 4th and watched fireworks, with a number of individuals from the community joining our celebration.
We also collected and shared healthy snacks for our local emergency workers, collected back-to-school supplies for those in need, and gathered items for the food pantry and homeless community in Des Moines.
Elder Functions
Be assured that you are being prayed for by your elder team, and we desire to see each individual “strengthened with all power according to the riches of God’s glory to walk according to the calling to which we have been called.” (Ephesians 3:16, 4:1)
If you would like the elders to pray with you regarding a particular need, please reach out and let one of us know, and we will arrange for two or more elders to pray with you. “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.” (James 5:13-15)
May God’s blessings be yours in 2023!
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For a hard copy of our full annual report (22 pages), see Tom Baird. A PDF version will also be available on the Member Area of our web site.