James wrote, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance” (James 1:2-3).
Two thousand and twenty-five was a year of trials and triumphs here at Creekside. We have seen the Lord’s faithfulness through His mercies that are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Honestly, it’s been challenging to “consider it all joy” amidst the numerous struggles we’ve encountered as a congregation in 2025. By God’s grace we have pressed ahead and sought to be joyful in the face of the painful.
In this past year our church family has dealt with a number of medical challenges, pregnancy complications, job changes/loss, parenting heartaches, property damage, some leaving us to serve the Lord elsewhere, and the devastating deaths of some of our church family.
I’ve seen these challenges knit our church family together as we have stepped up to pray for, physically assist, financially support, and personally encourage one another. We are learning “endurance” together as the Lord seeks to “perfect and complete” us (James 1:4). These headaches, heartaches, and hardships haven’t been easy but in them we have known the Lord’s mercy and faithfulness. Thanks to the elders, pastor Jesse, our pastoral care team, and numerous individuals who have made contacts, written notes, made phone calls, watched little ones, visited, transported and provided meals to the hurting, lonely, and distressed.
As a “people purified for Himself…zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14) may we continue to respond with care, concern, and compassion towards each other in 2026.
With our many trials came many triumphs in 2025 as well.
Our Sunday morning studies through 2 Samuel and in John’s Gospel have been challenging us and encouraging. We learned from the Lord’s Anointed, David, whose example pointed us to His Greater Son our Lord Jesus. John shows us that through His witness and works, Jesus is God’s Son our Savior and that only through faith in Him can we live forever.
God graciously provided for us a new administrative assistant in Nichole Bryan. She has been serving us well. We are grateful for Mackenzie South’s efforts in this capacity and appreciate the smooth transition to Nichole who also works with enthusiasm and efficiency.
We’ve welcomed several new members and regular attenders to our Creekside family in 2025. My prayer is that we will be intentional in making them feel part of our family and that each of us will seek out opportunities to connect with others we may not know.
Marla and I want to thank the Creekside elders and church family for providing a Sabbatical this past summer This time afforded us a chance for spiritual reflection, reading, prayer, refocusing on life and ministry, as well as time to spend with each other and our family. Thank you so very much for this refreshing and spiritually renewing opportunity.
What a blessing to see God work to raise up two different short-term mission teams organized by and comprised of so many from our Creekside family. Thanks so much to Norb, Karen Metzler, J.R. and Debbie Kepple, Mark Kline, and Pastor Jessie for organizing, training, and leading these teams. As we commit to “leading people everywhere to a devoted relationship with Jesus Christ” these short term teams serve to reach the lost, encourage faithful servants where we go, and mature each and every team member who participates. These ministries are a team effort and we can all have a meaningful part by going, giving, and praying. Plans are underway for both of these ministry opportunities again in 2026. What a privilege to “tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples” (Psalm 96:3).
Another highlight for 2025 has been youth ministry under Pastor Jesse South’s leadership. What a blessing to see these young people being accurately taught God’s word, mentored by other maturing believers, developing spiritual relationships with each other, and partnering in service and outreach. Jesse’s leadership and relational discipling practices provide our youth with tremendous opportunities for being and making disciples.
The last triumph of 2025 I’ll mention is the high quality and spiritually meaningful Christmas program outreach and Christmas Eve service at Creekside. Both services provided us opportunities to tactfully and truthfully present the Gospel of Christ during this special season. Thanks to each and every one who planned, prepared for, participated in, and prayed. We pray that the seeds sown will sprout, grow, and bear spiritual fruit.
As we look to 2026, we plan to prioritize faithful exposition of God’s word, promote personal outreach, and practice being and making fully devoted disciples of the Lord.
I am so grateful to serve alongside of you all in the Lord’s service.
“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for his mercy continues forever” Psalm 106:1.
In His grip,
Steve Smith