TCC Blog

Pretty Bold for a Fisherman + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 13:22:45 GMT

This Sunday in Walking with the Spirit , we’ll step into one of the most exciting moments in the story of the early church: Peter’s first sermon on Pentecost — the day everything changed. In a single message from a very unlikely source, thousands respond to Jesus and choose to get baptized.

Fittingly, we’ll also be celebrating baptisms in both services this weekend. Come prepared to worship loud and celebrate big as our new brothers and sisters in Christ go public with their faith. It’s going to be a powerful Sunday.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you then,

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The Day the Church Was Born + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:30:41 GMT

This weekend in our Walking with the Spirit series, we’re stepping into one of the most significant moments in the story of God’s people: the day the Holy Spirit came and the church was born.

It’s an incredible moment in history, one which has forever changed our world. And, as we will see, that moment has a very clear message: God doesn’t just work around His people — He chooses to work within them, empowering ordinary men and women to bear witness to Jesus in a way they never could on their own.

And that’s where it gets personal: when the Holy Spirit moves, things change. That change can be beautiful, disruptive, and even a little uncomfortable, but it’s also exactly how God grows His church and reaches people who are far from Him. Come ready to lean in, worship, and ask God to do what only He can do in us and through us.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday,

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New Series Starts this Weekend + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:42:44 GMT

What an incredible Easter weekend we just shared. I’m so grateful for all God did in our midst and for the new faith decisions that were made. Please keep praying for those who made a decision to follow Jesus, asking the Holy Spirit to help their fledgling faith take deep root and grow into a lifelong walk with Jesus.

This weekend we’re starting a brand-new series through the book of Acts called Walking with the Spirit . Acts is the origin story of the Church and it’s a reminder that what Jesus began then is still what He’s doing now: reaching out to His prodigal image bearers through ordinary people, led and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

We’ll kick things off by looking at the often-overlooked space between promise and fulfillment — the place where God does some of His deepest work in us. If you’re in a season of waiting, longing, or wondering what’s next, this Sunday is for you.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday,

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Easter Weekend: Come Celebrate the Resurrection of Our King + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 13:37:30 GMT

Easter weekend is finally here, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you.

Today is Good Friday and, as I’ve said before, it’s the single most meaningful day of the year for me. If Easter is the celebration of the hope we have in Christ, then Good Friday is when the greatest act of love in history was carried out. So, while we look forward to Easter, we begin here.

Today, there are two opportunities to gather and remember:

• Community Good Friday Service at 1st Baptist Church of Grass Valley — 12:00pm

• Twin Cities Good Friday Service at TCC — 6:00pm

I plan to be at both, and I hope you can join us for at least one.

Then tomorrow we’ll host our annual Pancake Breakfast & Easter Egg Hunt . This is one of our largest community outreaches as we welcome families from across our county who wouldn’t normally step onto our campus. Even if you don’t have kids, come help us love our neighbors well.

Finally, on Sunday we’ll celebrate with three Easter services at 8:30, 10:00, and 11:30am . I can’t wait to celebrate the day our hope was resurrected.

And don’t come alone. There are people in your sphere of influence who don’t have a church community — and many will come if they’re simply invited. Take that step and bring someone with you.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you soon,

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Taking a Closer Look + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 14:03:44 GMT

This Sunday we begin our journey to Easter with Palm Sunday and it’s going to be an adventure. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the streets were packed with people carrying huge expectations about what He was coming to do and how He would do it. They were ready for a revolution… but they had the wrong enemy in mind.

Palm Sunday has a way of confronting our assumptions, clarifying what kind of King Jesus is, and inviting us to follow Him on His terms, not ours. Come ready to lean in, reflect, and prepare your heart for Easter.

And don’t miss the beginning of the service. Our Children’s Ministry has a special surprise for us, and you’ll want to be there for it.

Also, you have the ability to help change the eternal trajectory of someone’s life. Surveys consistently show that a high percentage of non-churchgoing adults say they would attend an Easter service if invited by someone they know. That means your personal invite to a friend, coworker, or neighbor is far more impactful than any post or mailer we could produce. So please prayerfully consider who you will invite to join you this Easter. I’m looking forward to celebrating the resurrection of our King.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Don’t Try Harder + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 14:15:22 GMT

This weekend, we’re wrapping up our How We Change series, and we’re ending with a simple but freeing truth: real change doesn’t come through more willpower, but through steady surrender and training with Jesus. In a world that craves instant results, spiritual growth is often slower than we want, but as we walk with Him over time, the Holy Spirit does the deep work of shaping us into people who live and love more like Christ. This weekend, we’ll look at how lasting change really happens — and how to keep saying yes to Jesus one step at a time.

Also, don’t forget: this Saturday is our Man Time Breakfast , and it’s not too late to sign up. It’ll be a great morning to connect, eat well, and be encouraged together. More info and sign up here . Hope to see you this weekend.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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How Service Helps Us Grow + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 13:11:13 GMT

This week we’ll continue our series on how we change by exploring something simple, but deeply transformative: service. It’s easy to think of serving as addressing needs or helping out, but serving doesn’t just bless others, it forms us. It reshapes our hearts, reorders our priorities, and trains us in the way of Jesus. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your growth, weary in your faith, or hungry for something more grounded than good intentions, this weekend will point us toward a path Jesus Himself walked.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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The Blessing of Suffering + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 14:07:43 GMT

Life doesn’t always go the way we hoped it would, does it? Disappointment, loss, conflict, unanswered prayers — suffering is a very real part of the human experience. But as painful as it is, our suffering isn’t necessarily meaningless, nor is it beyond God’s ability to use for good.

This weekend, our founding pastor, Ron Thompson, will explore how God meets us in hardship and how the Holy Spirit can use even our trials to strengthen and shape us to become more like Jesus. I look forward to learning alongside you.

Please remember that this Sunday is Daylight Savings time and we will be springing forward an hour. We’ll see you bright and early and we will have coffee ready.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Made One, Made New + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 14:50:19 GMT

I’m still overwhelmed by last week’s baptism service, where 40 of our brothers and sisters in Christ went public with their faith. It was a powerful reminder of the transformative work God is doing in our church community.

Speaking of community, this Sunday, Pastor Mark will be sharing about the transforming power of doing life in community. More often than not, the deepest change happens through relationship. God works in and through His people to heal, strengthen, and grow one another into the likeness of Jesus. This weekend will remind us why God intends for us to do life together in Christ.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Spirit of the Loving God + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 14:43:15 GMT

This weekend we’re continuing to explore the role that the Holy Spirit plays in real, lasting transformation. We’ll talk about the core changes that God does within us, both in the moment of our surrender as well as the fruit of our continued surrender to His love. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to actually live in step with the Spirit day-to-day, not just on Sundays, this is a weekend to be here.

We’ll also be celebrating baptisms in both services! Baptism weekends are, without a doubt, my favorite weekend and you won’t want to miss it. If you’ve been considering baptism, it’s not too late to participate. We have one more baptism class today (Friday) at noon at the church. Even if you can’t make that class, you can still get baptized. Just show up 30 minutes before either service and meet near the baptismal. I can’t wait to celebrate with you.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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The Spirit of Change + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:16:11 GMT

This weekend we’ll continue our How We Change series by exploring the person and power of the Holy Spirit — because if lasting change is possible, it won’t come from willpower alone. It will require God’s presence and power at work within us.

This is such a broad (and often misunderstood) topic that I’m inviting my friend Dan Prout of Sierra Ministries to join me for a live conversation. Here are a few questions we’ll explore together:

What does it actually mean to be “born of the Spirit” — not just improved, but remade from the inside out?
What is an appropriate way for believers to think of and relate to the Holy Spirit?
What does our “part” look like — how do we cooperate with the Spirit without slipping into either striving or passivity?
And what can we do when we feel dry, stuck, or unchanged?

If you’ve ever felt unsure, curious, skeptical, or hungry for more — this weekend is for you.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Are You Born Again? + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:11:32 GMT

In our current series, How We Change , we are learning how to take hold of the life that is really life. We’ve already explored the power of our thoughts and our practices, but many of us have felt the same discouraging pattern: we can hold it together for a while… and then something gives, willpower fades, and we find ourselves right back in the places we hoped we’d leave behind. So, this week we’re naming the tension we all feel: what if the change we long for requires more than willpower, insight, or better habits?

According to Jesus, if we want to experience true and lasting change, we need to be “Born Again.” That is a loaded term in our culture, carrying decades of assumptions and conflicting ideas of what Jesus meant. So, this weekend, we will go back to the original conversation and seek to understand what Jesus meant when He said we need to be born again. If you’ve ever tried to “fix yourself” only to end up back at square one, then this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Change Is Worked for, Not Wished For + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:17:06 GMT

The first step to true and lasting change is to change our minds, but it’s definitely not the only step. There’s a huge difference between thinking a new way and actually living a new way. That’s why information alone doesn’t transform us and why willpower alone tends to be insufficient to the task.

If you’ve ever felt discouraged by the gap between what you believe and how you live, this week will put language to that struggle and point toward a pathway forward. We will also equip you with a tangible tool to help you take an honest look at how you’re currently being formed.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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How We Change Our Minds + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 14:21:54 GMT

Last weekend we talked about a simple but important truth: you are being formed. Not just by big moments, but by the steady rhythms of everyday life – what you give your attention to, the voices you trust, and the patterns you repeat. So, the question isn’t whether you’re being shaped, but what’s doing the shaping and where it’s leading you.

As we discussed last week, we don’t want to live a life shaped by the pressures of the world, but by the transforming work of the Spirit from the inside out as He helps us renew our minds. Which raises an important follow-up question: how does that happen? How do we renew our minds so that we can know and live out God’s will for our lives? That will be the focus of this weekend’s conversation.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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You Are Being Formed – The Question is By What? + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 14:38:11 GMT

This weekend we’ll continue our How We Change series with a simple but important truth: you are being formed. Not just by the big moments, but by the steady rhythms of everyday life — what you give your attention to, the voices you trust, and the patterns you repeat. The question isn’t whether you’re being shaped, but what’s doing the shaping and where is it leading you?

But there’s another way: a life shaped not by the steady pressures of the world, but by the transforming work of Spirit from the inside out. If you’ve been longing for real and lasting change, come join the conversation this weekend.

Also, we’d love for you to join one of our Bible reading plans so we can read Scripture together as a community. You can choose a plan that takes you through the entire Bible, or a plan focused on the New Testament. Click here to join the plan of your choice.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

Can’t wait to celebrate with you!

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Remembering God’s Faithfulness to Us This Year + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 13:46:01 GMT

As we come to the final Sunday of the year, we’ll pause to do something sacred: remember .

Together, we’ll look back and reflect on the many ways God has been faithful to us, celebrating the stories, milestones, and blessings He has poured out on our church family over this past year. It’s a moment to give thanks and to recognize that every good gift truly comes from Him.

We’ll also gather around the Lord’s Table and celebrate communion, our tangible reminder that while we are grateful for what God has done, the best is still ahead. Because of Jesus, we don’t just look back with gratitude, we look forward with hope. We have eternity with Him to look forward to.

Year-End Gift

As we close the year, we’re also inviting those who feel led to give one final financial gift to help us finish the year strong. Every gift — large or small — helps us care well for our church family, support our ministry partners, and honor the staff who serve so faithfully. Your generosity enables us to continue being a church marked by gratitude, faithfulness, and generosity. Click here to learn more about our Year-End Gift or to give now.

I am incredibly grateful for all God has done in and through Twin Cities Church this year, and I can’t wait to see what He has in store for us in the New Year. See you Sunday.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

Can’t wait to celebrate with you!

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Unwrapping Advent + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 15:11:34 GMT

This Sunday, we come to the final week of our Reclaiming Christmas series, and we’re turning our attention to a tradition many celebrate… and many others don’t understand: Advent.

For some, Advent is a sacred rhythm — way to slow down, prepare their hearts, and anticipate the celebration of Jesus’ birth as well as look forward to His second coming. For others, it’s simply a countdown marked by tiny doors holding a daily dose of Christmas chocolate. And for some, it doesn’t factor into Christmas at all.

But where did Advent come from? What does it actually mean? And how might reclaiming this ancient practice reshape the way we experience Christmas today?

Join us as we unwrap the history, purpose, and surprising depth of Advent and discover how it can draw us closer to the hope, peace, joy, and love we celebrate in Jesus.

Also don’t forget that Christmas Eve is only a few days away!

We will gather for three candlelight services on Tuesday, December 24, at 2, 4, and 6pm. Invite your friends, your neighbors, and anyone who needs the light of Christ this season.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

Can’t wait to celebrate with you!

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Who Got Their Claus in Christmas? + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:07:09 GMT

Why do we give presents at Christmas? Why does Santa show up in living rooms, movies, and mall photos every December? And how did a generous bishop from the 4th century become the jolly icon of Christmas consumerism?

This Sunday, we’re digging into the surprising story behind one of Christmas’ most beloved (and debated!) traditions. We’ll trace the journey from the first Christmas gifts in Scripture… to Saint Nicholas and his secret acts of mercy… to Santa Claus and the swirl of expectations that often define our holiday season today.

But more importantly, we’ll explore what all of this means for Followers of Jesus now.

How do we practice generosity without fueling entitlement?
How do we parent wisely in a culture of over-the-top gift-giving?
And what do we do with Santa — embrace him, rethink him, or retire him?

It’s going to be an eye-opening, thought-provoking and, possibly tradition-reshaping conversation that you won’t want to miss.

A quick pastoral note: because we’ll be taking an honest look at Santa’s history and role in our celebrations, if you’re a parent of young children and haven’t yet had “the Santa talk,” you may want to prayerfully consider whether to have them with you in the service or check them into Children’s Ministry and choose what to share afterward.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday,

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Oh Christmas Tree + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 14:34:10 GMT

Ever wonder why we bring a tree into our living rooms every December? Is it just nostalgia or something deeper? This weekend, we will look at the ancient roots of our evergreen tradition. Join us as we discover why our Christmas trees might preach a better sermon than we realize.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

I can’t wait to celebrate with you!

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Why Follow Jesus? + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 14:38:09 GMT

This Sunday, we are concluding our Walking With Jesus series. We will consider those moments when even Jesus’ closest followers had to wrestle with their expectations of who they thought He would be and decide whether they would keep following Him when the path became costly, confusing, or different than what they hoped for. Spiritual maturity means learning to trust and follow Jesus not just in the moments when He feels close or when He meets our needs, but also in the seasons when emotions fade, answers aren’t clear, and obedience requires surrender.

We will also celebrate baptisms at the end of each service! Baptism is a powerful, public declaration of a person’s decision to follow Jesus wherever He leads, so come ready to celebrate with our brothers and sisters who are going public with their faith. And if you’ve sensed that God may be inviting you to take this step, we’ll make space for you to respond as well.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

I can’t wait to celebrate with you!

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Walking WITH Jesus, not just doing things FOR Him + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:12:24 GMT

We live in a world that celebrates busyness disguised as faithfulness. But in Luke 10:38–42, Jesus gently reminds us that what He desires most isn’t our activity for Him, but our presence with Him.

This Sunday, as we continue our Walking With Jesus series, Pastor Ron will help us unpack the story of Mary and Martha — two sisters who loved Jesus deeply but expressed it in very different ways. Through their story, we’ll discover how easy it is to get caught up doing things for Jesus while missing the invitation to be with Him. We will learn what Jesus really wants us to do (hint: it’s not more) as we grow in our intimacy with Him.

Interested in getting baptised?

We’ll be hosting a baptism class during the 9:00am service this Sunday, and another class on Tuesday at noon for those ready to take this step of faith and publicly declare their trust in Jesus.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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This Weekend at TCC — Count the Cost + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 14:50:42 GMT

As we near the end of our Walking With Jesus series, we’re stepping into one of the most challenging and sobering teachings Jesus ever gave: His call to count the cost of following Him.

Many of us first come to Jesus hoping He’ll fix what’s broken in our lives — and He often does. But Jesus also invites us into something deeper: a life of surrender, transformation, and daily choosing Him over our comfort, desires, and autonomy. As we’ll see this weekend, discipleship is costly, but what we gain in Christ is far more valuable than anything we lay down.

If you’ve ever found yourself asking:

Why does following Jesus sometimes feel so hard?
What is He actually calling me to surrender?
Is following Him really worth the cost?

…this message is for you.

Join us this Sunday as we explore what it truly means to take Jesus at His word and follow Him with our whole lives. You won’t want to miss it.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Dying to Live + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 14:31:22 GMT

In Luke 9, Jesus calls His followers to “deny themselves and take up their cross daily.” In a world that celebrates comfort and success, that’s a shocking invitation. Yet as we’ll see, it’s only by dying to ourselves that we discover what it truly means to live.

This Sunday, as we continue our Walking With Jesus series, we’ll explore what it means to lay down our own desires and trust that God’s way is better — even when it costs us something. Because on the other side of surrender is life, freedom, and joy in Him. This Sunday also marks the end of daylight saving time, which means you get an extra hour of sleep, so I look forward to seeing you well rested and ready to learn. ��

And don’t forget — tonight is our Fall Family Festival from 5–8pm ! This completely free, family-friendly event is a chance to shine the light of Jesus’ love into a night that’s often marked by darkness. Bring your family, invite your friends and join us as we love on our neighbors. I hope to see you there.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Walking With Jesus: Spiritual Authority + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 13:48:53 GMT

This weekend, we’re continuing our Walking With Jesus series by exploring a topic that’s both fascinating and often misunderstood — spiritual authority.

Throughout Luke’s Gospel, Jesus teaches and heals with astonishing authority. But what’s even more surprising is that He extends that same authority to His followers. What does that mean for us today? How do we understand and engage with the authority God has given His people?

To help us navigate this conversation, I’ll be joined by my friend Dan Prout, founder of Sierra Ministries International . Together, we’ll look at what Scripture teaches about spiritual authority and how to walk in it with humility, faith, and confidence in Jesus.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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The Spiritual Battle for Our Mind + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 13:18:25 GMT

Last week, we saw how Jesus meets us with both grace and truth — grace that meets us where we are, and truth that calls us into something more. But that journey of transformation doesn’t happen automatically. There’s a battle taking place for what we believe about God, about others, and especially about ourselves.

This Sunday, we’ll continue Walking With Jesus as we look at how He leads us out of the false identities and broken narratives that have shaped us, and into the freedom of knowing who we truly are in Him. I hope you will join us as we learn how to let go of the lies that hold us back and live in the truth that sets us free.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Grace and Truth + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 13:59:46 GMT

It’s easy to compare ourselves to others and feel like we’re doing “pretty good.” Maybe not perfect — but at least better than t hem . But when we start measuring our worth that way, we miss the heart of God entirely.

This Sunday, as we continue our Walking With Jesus series, we’ll look at a powerful moment in Luke’s Gospel that shows us how Jesus meets people with both grace and truth — and what that means for us today. Whether we’re weighed down by guilt or quietly confident in our own goodness, Jesus’ invitation is the same: come close and let His love change you.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Loving Generously + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:48:13 GMT

Jesus didn’t wait for people to come to Him — He intentionally moved toward outsiders, those the religious establishment considered untouchable, and reminded them that not only did God see them but loved them dearly. This Sunday, we’ll explore what it means to follow His example and love generously, extending God’s heart to those around us.

Speaking of loving generously, Fall Family Festival is less than 4 weeks away! While it may seem counterintuitive for a church to have an event on Halloween, it’s our way of following Jesus’ example and radiating the light of God’s love into an otherwise dark night. Come help us share God’s love with our community. Bring a bag of individually wrapped candy with you to church on Sunday and then sign up to serve our neighbors at Fall Family Festival.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Appetite for Distraction + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 14:14:20 GMT

We live in a world that buzzes with notifications and incessant noise. Our phones, our schedules, and even our own thoughts pull us in a thousand directions at once. It’s no wonder why so many of us feel restless, scattered, and spiritually dry.

What if the greatest threat to our faith isn’t doubt, but distraction? What if our souls are starving for the very thing our fast-paced culture naturally distracts us from?

This Sunday, as we continue our Walking With Jesus series, we’ll look at how Jesus navigated the constant pressures and demands for His attention without becoming overwhelmed — and how one of His most important practices could be the antidote our anxious, distracted souls desperately need.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Follow Me + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 12:46:27 GMT

When Jesus says, “Follow Me,” it isn’t just an invitation to believe something new; it’s an invitation to walk with Him, to learn from Him, and to be shaped by His presence.

Following Jesus always comes at a cost. But so does refusing to follow Him. This Sunday, in our Walking With Jesus series, we’ll consider what’s really at stake when we choose how to respond to His invitation to discipleship.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Secure in the Spirit + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 13:36:54 GMT

Last week, we saw how Jesus’ ministry began with the Father’s blessing and identity spoken over Him . But what came next? Rejection, criticism, and pressure to compromise or conform at every turn.

How did Jesus stand strong when others doubted, opposed, or even tried to silence Him ? He was secure in His Father’s love and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

This Sunday, we’ll look at what it means to live with that same Spirit-filled confidence, rooted in God’s voice and empowered by His presence, not the world’s opinions.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Let’s Take a Walk With Jesus + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 13:59:59 GMT

This Sunday we’re kicking off a new series, Walking With Jesus . Together, we’ll journey through Luke’s Gospel and learn how Jesus stayed rooted in the Father’s love, stood firm against pressure, and never lost sight of what mattered most.

Our journey will begin where His public ministry began, grounded in identity, love, and blessing from the Father. That secure foundation shaped everything Jesus did, and it’s the same foundation we desperately need today.

I hope you’ll join us as we take the first step in Walking With Jesus .

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Don’t Just Go to Church — Be the Church + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 14:02:45 GMT

It’s so easy to think of church as a place we go for 70 minutes on Sunday. But Jesus had something far bigger in mind. The church isn’t a building or a service; it’s people. WE are the church. We comprise this brand-new movement that Jesus came to start and it’s a movement that moves beyond a building and permeates every area in our community. When you step into your school, workplace, neighborhood, or family, you bring the presence of Jesus with you.

This Sunday we’ll wrap up our Brand: New series by exploring what it means to live as the church everywhere we go and how each of us has a unique role to play in God’s mission.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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The Way Up is Down + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 13:22:56 GMT

Have you ever noticed how the world works? The ones on top call the shots, set the rules, and expect others to fall in line. And deep down, we tend to think that’s how change happens, by overpowering those who oppose us.

Jesus had a different idea. He looked His disciples in the eye and said, “Not so with you.” True leadership isn’t about getting your way; it’s about giving yourself away. This Sunday, we’ll explore what it means to lead, serve, and live in a way that flips the world’s expectations upside down.

Take the Next Step:

If you’re ready to go deeper in your relationship with Jesus and connect more with our church community, join us after 2nd service for Growth Path classes. This is your chance to learn, grow, and discover how you can make a difference where you are. Click here to learn more.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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What Does Love Require of Me? + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 12:21:29 GMT

This week we continue our Brand: New series with a question that can reshape every relationship, every decision, and every interaction you have: What does love require of me?

Jesus replaced rule-keeping religion with something far simpler, yet far more demanding. He taught that our devotion to God is best demonstrated by the way we treat the people around us, especially those who are hardest to love. Join us Sunday as we explore how to live out this radical, world-changing way of love.

Then, join us Sunday afternoon from 4:00-7:30 for our annual Picnic at the Park & Baptisms at Pioneer Park in Nevada City. Our cooking team will be grilling chicken and hot dogs for everyone. We just ask that you bring either an app, salad, or dessert to share. Then at 7:00 we’ll head over to the Pioneer Park pool to cheer on those taking the next step in their faith journey through baptism. You can find out more details about the picnic and baptisms here .

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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What’s Love Got to Do With It? + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 13:22:40 GMT

This weekend, we continue our series Brand: Ne w with a look at how Jesus launched a movement unlike anything the world had seen before. The night before His crucifixion, Jesus gave a defining command:

"Love one another... By this, everyone will know that you are My disciples." John 13:34–35

This wasn’t just another rule — it was the foundation of a brand-new way of living. Early believers embraced this wholeheartedly, building a community marked by generosity, grace, and sacrificial love that even the unbelieving world couldn’t ignore.

But over time, the Church drifted back toward an old, rule-based, temple-model mindset — sacred places, sacred people, sacred texts in the hands of a select few. Power replaced love, belief trumped behavior, and this simple command of Jesus got buried under layers of religion.

This Sunday, we’ll explore how we can reject the temple model in our own lives and return to the movement Jesus intended, one where relationship replaces religion, love outweighs law, and people matter more than places.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Brand: New – Why the Old Way No Longer Works + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 13:08:29 GMT

This weekend, we’re continuing our Brand: New series by looking at why the “Temple Model” of religion, with all its rules, rituals, and spiritual scorecards, is incompatible with the brand-new covenant of grace Jesus came to give us.

Paul says it best in Galatians 5: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. ” But for many of us, letting go of old ways of earning God’s love feels almost impossible. We like the idea of grace… but we still want to “pay what we can.”

This Sunday, we’ll see why Jesus’ new covenant isn’t just an upgrade to the old system. It’s a completely different way of life. Bring a friend and join us as we discover how freeing and powerful this brand-new movement really is.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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The Benefit of Doubt and a Chance to Make a Difference + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 13:55:12 GMT

This Sunday, we wrap up our Beyond Doubt series, not because the questions have run out, but because they never will. Doubt isn’t a detour from faith; it’s part of the path. So we’ll end where we began: exploring how our honest questions can actually lead to deeper trust in God. We’ll look at one of the psalms of lament and discover how engaging our doubts can strengthen a resilient, grounded faith.

Also, don’t forget that our Hope for Nevada County Backpack Giveaway is just one week away! We’re excited to bless local families with the tools their kids need to start school strong, but we’re still in need of several key supplies:

• 1" binders

• 70-page spiral notebooks

• Pencils (both regular and mechanical)

• Colored pencils

• Glue sticks

• Scissors

• Highlighters

Please choose one or more items, purchase multiples of them and bring them with you to church on Sunday or have them shipped directly to the church. Click here to find out more about the event.

Thank you for being a church that shows up for our community in real, practical ways.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Living on a Prayer + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 13:53:13 GMT

Prayer. It’s something many of us struggle with and long to understand better. What is it really for? Does it actually change anything? And how do we pray when we’re not sure what to say?

This Sunday, as part of our Beyond Doubt series, I’ll be joined by Pastor Dan Prout, who heads the California Prayer Coalition. Dan has spent decades leading prayer efforts in our region and across the state, and I can’t think of a better guide to help us wrestle with some of our biggest questions about prayer, including, “Does prayer change God’s mind?” and “If God already knows what’s going to happen, why should we pray at all?”

I hope you’ll join us for this honest, encouraging, and practical conversation. And if it leaves you wanting more, Dan will also be leading this week’s Grow University session to help you take the next step in your prayer life. Click here for details on that midweek conversation.

Finally, we are two weeks away from Hope for Nevada County, our countywide back-to-school effort to help struggling families prepare for the start of the school year. We have all the backpacks, but what we really need are back-to-school supplies to fill those backpacks: pencils, mechanical pencils, glue sticks, binder paper, pens, 2-pocket folders, 1" binders, 70-page spiral notebooks, colored markers or pencils, scissors, dry erase markers, and highlighters. You can purchase multiples of one of these items and drop them off at church by Sunday, July 20 or just have them shipped directly to the church. Click here to find out more about the event.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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At the End of All Things: A Conversation about End Times and What Follows + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 13:44:35 GMT

Last Sunday, we had a candid and meaningful conversation about death and the afterlife. I’m so grateful for the wisdom Gregory Ingram shared with us — and for the space we had to grapple with honest questions about such a tender topic. I know for many, that conversation stirred up even more questions, which is why I’m excited that Gregory will be continuing the conversation in July as part of Grow University . Click here for details.

This weekend, we’ll explore a couple of important topics we didn’t have time to fully address. With so much happening in the world — especially in the Middle East — it’s natural to ask, “Is this it? Are we living in the End Times?” We’ll also wrestle with another big question: "If Heaven is real, what about Hell? Why would a loving God send anyone there?" Pastor John will guide us through these difficult, but important questions as we continue our Beyond Doubt series. You won’t want to miss it.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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A Big Week at TCC — and a Big Topic This Sunday + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 12:07:51 GMT

What a week it’s been! Our campus has been filled with laughter, learning, and life-changing moments as over 270 kids enjoyed an amazing week at Vacation Bible School. Meanwhile, more than 50 students have been away at youth camp, growing in faith and friendship. A huge thank you to every parent, volunteer, and leader who made these incredible experiences possible!

Speaking of investing in the next generation, with all the Father’s Day excitement, we almost forgot to mention that last week marked 20 years since we moved into our current building! This milestone comes at a perfect time — together, we just crossed the $100,000 mark toward our Investing in the Future campaign. I know I haven’t talked much about it (I really don’t like talking about money), but we’re trusting God to help us raise a total of $600,000 to repair our roof, façade, and HVAC so our building remains a safe, welcoming place for decades to come — and to help build a church for a growing community in Uganda. To learn more or join in, click here .

This Sunday, we’ll tackle one of life’s biggest questions: What really happens when we die?

Do we go straight to Heaven , or do our souls wait until Jesus returns? What will eternity actually be like? Will it be an endless worship service in the clouds — and will we know our loved ones when we get there? To help us explore these questions, I’ll be joined by Gregory Ingram, director of Anew Day and a former hospice chaplain with nearly 20 years of experience walking alongside people in their final days. You won’t want to miss this meaningful conversation.

I’m so grateful to be on this adventure of following Jesus together.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Is God Really a Good Father? + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 12:49:59 GMT

This Sunday is Father’s Day, and we know it can stir up all kinds of emotions. For some, it’s a day of gratitude and great memories. For others, it’s more complicated.

That’s why we’re asking a big question this weekend: Is God really a good Father? Because let’s be honest, some of what we read in the Old Testament can make God seem angry, distant, or even harsh. But what if those difficult passages are meant to be read through the lens of Jesus, the Son who came not to protect us from the Father, but to show us who He truly is?

We’ll explore some of those tough questions honestly and discover a clearer picture of God’s heart. Plus, we’ll celebrate Communion together as a tangible reminder that in Christ, we are fully loved and fully welcomed home.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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The Problem of Suffering + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 13:34:14 GMT

The single most asked question we got was some form of the following:

If God is good, why does He let us suffer?

Maybe you’ve asked it in a hospital room, or in the middle of a sleepless night. Maybe you’re asking it right now. If so, you’re not alone. It’s one of the deepest and most difficult questions of faith, and we’re facing it head on this weekend as we continue our Beyond Doubt series.

We’ll explore what the Bible says about suffering and how viewing it through the lens of Jesus can shift our perspective. It won’t erase the pain, but it may help us see that God has not abandoned us in it. In fact, He may be closer than we ever imagined.

If your heart is heavy or your hope feels thin, come. Let’s seek God’s presence and peace — together.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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The Bible’s Rosetta Stone – A Conversation You Won’t Want to Miss + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 30 May 2025 12:51:04 GMT

This Sunday, we’re continuing our Beyond Doubt series with a conversation I’ve been really looking forward to.

I’ll be sitting down with Dr. David Timms, Dean of New Testament and Leadership at Jessup University to talk about how we make sense of the Bible as a whole. More specifically, we will discuss the lens which he suggests best brings the whole of Scripture into focus and reveals the heart of God most clearly.

It’ll be an honest, thoughtful conversation about questions many of us have had — especially when different parts of the Bible seem to paint very different pictures of God. David has a gift for making deep theology accessible, and I think you’ll find his insights both challenging and encouraging (his accent is pretty awesome, as well).

If you’ve ever struggled with how to read Scripture or wondered how it all fits together, this one’s for you.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

Can’t wait to share it with you,

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Twisted Scripture: How to Read the Bible Responsibly + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 23 May 2025 12:32:53 GMT

This Sunday, we’re continuing our Beyond Doubt series with a crucial follow-up to last week’s message on trusting the Bible. Now that we’ve established what the Bible is, we’re turning our attention to how we read it — because let’s face it, the Bible has been used to justify both beautiful and terrible things. So how do we make sure we’re interpreting it responsibly?

We’ll talk about why context matters, how our personal lens can unintentionally distort God’s Word, and why a single verse — ripped out of its context — can be twisted to say almost anything. You’ll learn a practical, easy-to-remember approach to reading the Bible faithfully and responsibly — not just devotionally.

If you’ve ever struggled with conflicting interpretations or felt unsure about how to make sense of the Bible, this message is for you.

Together, we will discover how to let God’s word shape us — without being reshaped by us.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday,

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Can I Really Trust the Bible? + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 16 May 2025 14:07:15 GMT

This Sunday, we continue our Beyond Doubt series by asking one of the most foundational questions of all: Can I trust the Bible?

For many of us, the Bible has shaped what we believe about God, ourselves, and the world. But have you ever wondered how this ancient library of books came to be? How the early church decided what made the cut? And whether what we read today matches what was originally written?

We'll explore how the Bible was formed, and evidence for why it's still trustworthy and relevant today. If you've ever struggled with doubts or wrestled with tough questions about the Bible, this message is for you. You just might come away with a renewed sense of confidence in the truth you hold in your hands.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday,

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Donuts, Doubt & Dedications – Celebrate Mother’s Day at Twin Cities

Fri, 09 May 2025 13:13:40 GMT

Last Sunday, we got to celebrate as 31 of our brothers and sisters in Christ went public with their faith through baptism. What a powerful moment for our church family! And we’re not slowing down. This weekend, we’re pulling out all the stops to make Mother’s Day meaningful and memorable.

First, there will be donuts. Because what’s a celebration without some guilt-free carbs?

Sweeter still, we’ll hear from Kim Thompson, the founding mother of Twin Cities Church. Kim will be sharing a timely message about doubt and identity — how easy it is to forget who we are when life gets loud. If you’ve ever wrestled with your worth, your calling, or your place in God’s story, this message is for you.

Then we’ll close the service with Family Dedications — a beautiful moment where we not only dedicate children to the Lord, but also commission parents for the sacred journey of raising them in faith.

Whether you come with your mom, your kids, or just a heart ready to celebrate, you’ll be surrounded by family. We can’t wait to celebrate with you this weekend.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday,

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Is It Okay to Deconstruct Your Faith? + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 12:04:24 GMT

Last weekend, we kicked off our Beyond Doubt series by voicing something many of us feel, but rarely say out loud: we have questions that can feel at odds with our faith. But as we’re exploring in this series, doubt isn’t the enemy of belief — it can actually be the doorway to a stronger, more resilient faith.

This Sunday, we’re taking on a topic that’s increasingly common, yet often misunderstood: deconstruction .

What do you do when the version of Christianity you inherited begins to crack under the weight of hard questions, disappointment, or pain? Is it possible to examine and pull apart your faith without walking away from it completely? We believe it is.

This weekend’s message is for anyone who’s ever wrestled with their spiritual worldview — or walked alongside someone who is. We’ll talk about what it means to ask honest questions, seek real truth, and reconstruct a faith that’s stronger on the other side.

Join us this Sunday as we move beyond doubt — together.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

With hope,

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Easter Weekend at Twin Cities – You’re Invited! + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 13:09:54 GMT

Easter is almost here — and we’ve got a full weekend planned to connect and celebrate as a church family! Here’s everything coming up:

Good Friday Community Service – 12pm @ TCC

Join us Friday at Noon at Twin Cities Church as we gather with churches from across Nevada County to remember the triumph of the cross. It will be a wonderful time of worship, unity, and gratitude for the grace Jesus purchased for us.

Egg Hunt & Pancake Breakfast – Saturday at 9am

Bring the whole family out for a fun morning filled with pancakes, eggs (the plastic kind), and connection with our local community. It’s a great way to build memories and share the joy of Easter with our neighbors.

Easter Sunday – He Is Risen!

Celebrate the resurrection with us on Sunday at one of our three Easter services: 8:15, 9:45, & 11:30am . This is the perfect opportunity to invite a friend, neighbor, or coworker to come experience hope and new life in Jesus.

The 8:15am service is typically the lightest attended, so if you’re flexible, join us early and help make space for guests later in the morning.

We can’t wait to see you this weekend!

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

With anticipation,

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Great Expectations + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 12:36:01 GMT

This weekend, we’ll prepare our hearts for Easter by reflecting on Palm Sunday. As Jesus entered Jerusalem, crowds lined the road shouting, “Hosanna!” — a cry of praise and hope. They had big expectations for what He had come to do. But just days later, their cries would turn to “Crucify Him!”

We’ll explore how quickly expectations can turn to disappointment — and how dangerous it can be when we carry those same kinds of expectations into our relationship with God.

Join us as we walk with Jesus into Holy Week and open our hearts to the kind of King He really is — not always the one we expect, but always the one we need.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday,

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Welcome to the Resistance + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 14:07:30 GMT

This weekend, we wrap up our study through Ephesians with a powerful call to stand firm in our God-given identity.

Throughout this letter, Paul has reminded us that we are not meant to be shaped by the world around us. Just as the Ephesian believers faced immense pressure to conform — socially, politically, ethically, and spiritually — we, too, are constantly tempted to fit into the mold of our culture. But Paul’s message is clear:

Don’t give in.

Don’t be shaped by the world.

Stand firm IN CHRIST.

Join us this Sunday as we embrace our role in God’s quiet, subversive revolution.

We’re also in a special season of investing in the future — both here at Twin Cities and in Uganda. This is a unique opportunity to strengthen our church home while helping build a new church for our partners in Uganda. Click here to learn how you can help make a lasting impact.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday!

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Power Play + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 13:02:35 GMT

Last weekend, it was such a joy watching Ron and Kim unpack Paul’s exhortations to husbands and wives. But marriage is only one of the relationships that Paul addresses in Ephesians. He also speaks about the dynamics between parents and children as well as the first century version of employers and employees.

However, rather than just providing some tips on how to be a better parent, employer, or spouse , we are going to dig beneath the surface to the underlying power dynamics that often make relationships so contentious. And we will discover that what Paul is offering us is far more than some tips for a better marriage. He’s actually offering a radically different vision for how to approach every relationship.

I can’t wait to explore this incredibly rich and relevant topic with you this Sunday.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday!

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The Spirit of Marriage + An Exciting Opportunity! + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 13:20:35 GMT

This Sunday is going to be an exciting one. Our founding couple, Ron and Kim Thompson, will be unpacking Paul’s words about how to honor Christ and support one another in marriage. Whether you’re married, single, or somewhere in between, this message will be deeply relevant and will help us grapple with what it means to live as Children of God within relationship with other imperfect image bearers. You won’t want to miss it!

Investing in Our Future

We’re in an exciting season of growth — both here at Twin Cities and in Uganda. As I shared last weekend, our church home needs a few critical updates, and we also have the opportunity to help build a new home for a sister church in Uganda. We’d love for you to be part of this lasting impact. Click here to learn how you can invest in the future.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

In His grip,

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Appetite for Destruction + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 14:02:28 GMT

Have you ever felt the pull of old habits, the struggle between who you were and who God is calling you to be? As we continue our study through Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he will challenge us to leave behind our former way of life and embrace our true identity in Christ.

This weekend, we will explore the destructive nature of sin – the way it deadens our sensitivity and hinders us from ever finding true satisfaction. Thankfully, there’s hope! True transformation and freedom are possible if we will allow the Holy Spirit to help us clean house. Our lives depend on it.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

In His grip,

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Gifted and Equipped — What’s Your Role? + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 14:07:55 GMT

As we step into the second half of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, the focus shifts from who we are in Christ to how we are called to live in light of that truth.

This Sunday, we’ll explore what it means to be gifted and equipped by the Holy Spirit — not just for our own benefit, but for the strengthening of the Church. Each of us has been entrusted with spiritual gifts, uniquely intended to build up the body of Christ. But if we don’t recognize or use them, we miss out on the part God has called us to play in being the body of Christ.

What are spiritual gifts really for? How do we discover them? And what does it look like when we fully embrace them as a church? Join us as we dig into Ephesians 4 and uncover how we can step into the fullness of God’s calling.

Also, a quick reminder — Grow University begins next week! If you're looking for a way to get more connected and discover how God has uniquely shaped you, this is your next step. Click here to learn more or to sign up.

Looking forward to diving into this together!

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

In His grip,

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Embodying the Fullness of God + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:06:52 GMT

As we reach the midpoint of our journey through Ephesians, we come to a pivotal transition. Paul has reminded us that we are deeply rooted in God’s love — but what does that mean for how we live ?

This Sunday, we’ll explore what it truly means to embody the fullness of God — not just as individuals, but as a church. We are called to be more than attendees; we are the dwelling place of His Spirit, sent to reflect His heart in the world.

This conversation will challenge the way we define success as a church. If we truly are the body of Christ, how do we measure whether we’re living out that calling? Hint: it’s not about counting attendance or the quality of our programs.

Below, you’ll find resources to help you prepare your heart and mind for this weekend.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

In His grip,

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Resting in the Father’s Love + An Opportunity to Serve

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 14:39:42 GMT

Over the last couple of weekends, we have been exploring the good news that, in Christ, God has broken down every dividing wall to create one united family. Though we may come from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, God weaves us together into a beautiful mosaic — His Church.

Yet, many of us struggle to believe that we truly belong. We carry doubts about our worthiness, shaped by our past, our insecurities, and even our earthly relationships. This week, we’ll explore Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21, where he prays that we might not only know, but rest in the overwhelming love of our Heavenly Father.

By the way, you don’t have to go halfway around the world to make a difference. Next Thursday, a group from TCC will be heading down to Convoy of Hope’s facility in Sacramento to help pack up a shipment of supplies to help those impacted by the fires in SoCal. If you’re interested in participating, please contact Kathy Arnoldi for more details.

We look forward to seeing you this Sunday!

Below, you’ll find resources to help you prepare your heart and mind for this weekend.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

In His grip of grace,

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Embracing Grace + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 14:48:33 GMT

As we continue our study of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, we will continue to unpack the transformative power of grace, both on our identities and our community. Pastor Mark will help us see that the amazing grace of God doesn’t just save us, but shapes every aspect of our lives. We will also celebrate communion together as a church family.

Below, you’ll find resources to help you prepare your heart and mind for this weekend.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

In His grace,

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The Great Leveling + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 14:10:20 GMT

Last week, we explored how God’s amazing grace transforms our relationship with Him. This week, we’ll see how it also changes the way we relate to one another. As we dive into the second half of Ephesians 2, we’ll discover that God’s grace is the great equalizer that levels the playing field for all of us, no matter our background.

In addition, we’ll be celebrating baptisms in both services this Sunday. If you're ready to make a public declaration of your faith, come prepared to be baptized — just arrive 30 minutes before service to get a t-shirt and a brief orientation. Whether you're being baptized or coming to celebrate the public declarations of your new brothers and sisters in Christ, it’s going to be an exciting and powerful Sunday that you won’t want to miss!

Below, you’ll find resources to help you prepare your heart and mind for this weekend.

I look forward to worshipping with you!

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

In His grace,

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What’s So Amazing About Grace? + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 13:54:32 GMT

Join us this weekend as we dive into one of the most profound truths in Scripture: the amazing grace of God. Grace isn’t something we earn — it’s a gift that transforms and sustains us every day. I’m excited to explore this life-changing truth together and celebrate the hope we have in Him.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your faith through baptism, we’d love to walk with you! Join us for a brief informational class this Sunday at 9:00am to prepare for baptisms happening next weekend. Can’t make it Sunday? A second class will be held Wednesday, January 29, at noon here at TCC.

Below, you’ll find resources to help you prepare your heart and mind for this weekend.

I look forward to worshipping with you!

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

In His grace,

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My God Is Bigger Than Yours + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 13:21:53 GMT

In a culture as spiritually diverse as ancient Ephesus, people sought control over their fears and futures by trying to invoke the power of a host of so-called gods. Today, we may not wear amulets or worship in temples, but we still cling to things we hope will save us — whether it’s money, success, or social approval.

This Sunday, we will continue our study of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians and discover why our God is bigger than anything else we turn to for security or control.

Below are some additional resources to help you get ready for the weekend. I look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday!

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

With gratitude,

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Secure in the Father’s Love + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 14:48:59 GMT

Last Sunday, we began our journey through Ephesians, discovering our true identity in Christ. This week, we’ll continue exploring what it means to belong to God’s family, fully loved and secure in Him.

Yet for many of us, fully resting in this truth doesn’t come easily. Doubts, insecurities, and past hurts can hold us back from embracing the peace and joy of knowing we are His. And yet, as we will discover this Sunday, our standing with God has more to do with Him than with us.

Below are some additional resources to help you get ready for the weekend. I look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday!

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

With gratitude,

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Who Are You In Christ? + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 13:56:11 GMT

Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, I want to invite you on a journey of discovering your true identity In Christ .

This Sunday, we’ll kick off a foundational new message series walking through Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Together, we’ll explore what it means to live In Christ , finding our identity, purpose, and blessings through Him.

Ephesians reminds us that our worth isn’t found in what we do or what’s been done to us, but in who we are as redeemed, chosen, and beloved people of God. It’s an invitation to step off the hamster wheel of performance and rest in the grace and love found only in Him.

As we journey through this series, I also want to encourage you to dive into Scripture this year. I’ll be reading through the Bible again using the Bible Project’s reading plan, and I’d love for you to join me. Click here to access the plan and start this life-changing journey today.

Below are some additional resources to help you get ready for the weekend. I look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday!

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

With gratitude,

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Let’s Celebrate God’s Faithfulness + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 14:51:37 GMT

What a joy it was to celebrate Christmas Eve with so many of you this week! From the glow of candlelight to the sound of our church family worshipping the Prince of Peace, it was a beautiful reminder of the hope and peace we have in Jesus.

Christmas might be over, but the celebration isn’t. This Sunday, we’ll continue the celebration with our annual Remember and Celebrate service. Together, we’ll look back on the past year and reflect on God’s incredible faithfulness in our lives and in our church. It’s a time to give thanks, share stories of His goodness, and renew our hope for the year ahead.

We’ll also celebrate communion together, remembering the gift of grace that binds us together as a family of faith.

With the start of a New Year just a few days away, I also want to invite you on a journey through God’s word. Once again, I plan to read through the Bible using the Bible Project’s Bible reading plan. Would you like to join me? If so, click here .

Let’s close out the year with gratitude and joy as we worship the One who has been faithful through every season. I hope to see you this Sunday!

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

With gratitude,

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The Cost of Peace + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 14:06:11 GMT

This weekend, we’ll explore a powerful truth: peace is never free. As we continue our series Peace Within the Chaos , we’ll uncover the profound cost of the peace we have in Christ.

Though we celebrate Jesus’ birth at Christmas, its true significance lies in what His life would accomplish: the defeat of sin and death through His ultimate sacrifice. Jesus’ death and resurrection offer us lasting peace and hope. Join us as we reflect on this incredible truth.

And don’t forget — our Christmas Eve services are just a few days away! We’d love to celebrate this season with you and your loved ones at one of our three services:

Tuesday, December 24 at 2, 4, and 6pm

This is a perfect time to invite someone to experience the joy and peace of Christmas. Who might you ask to join you this year?

I can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday and on Christmas Eve as we celebrate the Prince of Peace together.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

With peace in Christ,

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The Promise of Peace + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 14:37:40 GMT

This Sunday, we’re continuing our series, Peace Within the Chaos , by diving into the promises of peace found throughout the Old Testament. These promises, fulfilled in Jesus, offer us a profound sense of assurance amidst life’s turbulence. If the past weeks have focused on the chaos, this week, we’re turning to the hope and peace God offers. Come discover how these ancient promises anchor our hearts in the midst of the turmoil we face today.

As we approach the end of the year, we’re also reflecting on the blessing of being part of this church family. It’s a season of giving, and we invite you to give a o ne- time gift ov er and above your regular offering. This gift would be used for three key areas:

Caring for those within our church who are facing difficult times, extending God’s love and provision to those in need.
Blessing our local and global ministry partners who are working tirelessly to serve and uplift our community and beyond.
Meeting our church’s ministry needs , enabling us to continue being a light for Christ in Nevada County.

Would you prayerfully consider a gift? Your generosity helps us extend God’s love and peace to others. Click here to give.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

With peace in Christ,

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Equipped to Stand Your Ground + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 14:22:22 GMT

Last weekend, we explored how Jesus’ birth was nothing short of an invasion into enemy-occupied territory — God’s mission to reclaim what the enemy thought was his. But just as any invasion provokes a counterattack, we shouldn’t be surprised when the enemy strikes back, sowing chaos and conflict into our lives.

This Sunday, we’ll uncover how God equips us to stand firm against these attacks with the spiritual armor He provides. Discover how to find peace and strength in the midst of the battle.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

I look forward to worshipping with you soon,

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Beyond Thankful + A Not-So-Silent Night

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 15:06:05 GMT

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am so thankful to be on this journey of following Jesus with you, and it was such a joy to get to learn from Pastor Ron last week. We sure have a lot to be grateful for.

As we now turn our attention toward Christmas, I long for this season to be peaceful and joy-filled, but it rarely is. More often than not, the Christmas season is chaotic, full of friction and frustrations that distract us from the true focus of Christmas.

But perhaps that’s not so different from the first Christmas. Mary and Joseph likely hoped for an uneventful birth, but what they experienced was far from ordinary. From a spiritual perspective, Jesus’ arrival was a bold invasion into enemy-occupied territory, and the enemy was not about to surrender without a fight.

This weekend, we’ll take a fresh look at the nativity story and uncover the deeper spiritual significance of Jesus’ birth. As we’ll see, the first Christmas was far from a “silent night.”

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

I look forward to worshipping with you soon,

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Growing in Gratitude + Holiday Serve Opportunities

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 14:16:29 GMT

Thanksgiving is just a couple of days away, and we truly have so much to be thankful for. This Sunday, I’m especially grateful that Pastor Ron will be back with us, teaching how we can grow in gratitude as we head into this holiday season.

We also have two meaningful opportunities to serve and bless others in our community this Thanksgiving:

Drive-Thru Food Drive for Hurting Families
Help ensure no one in our community goes to bed hungry this Thanksgiving. We’re collecting shelf-stable food items for the Interfaith Food Ministry in Nevada County from 8-10:30am this morning at Twin Cities.
Holiday Food Baskets for 75 Families
Sunday we announced that we were doing both food baskets and Christmas stockings for a number of families and organizations in our community. I’m excited to say that you really responded, claiming every single stocking and over half of the food baskets. But we still have 75 families in our community waiting to be blessed. You can be the answer to their prayers by signing up to provide a basket here .

Let’s come together as a church family to share the hope and love of Christ this Thanksgiving. I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday!

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

I’m grateful to be on this journey with you,

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Work in Light of the Afterlife + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 14:27:51 GMT

Last Sunday, we got to celebrate as 24 people went public with their decision to follow Jesus through baptism. I am constantly in awe of the lives God is radically changing and the work He is doing in our community.

Speaking of work, over the last couple months, we’ve been exploring what the opening chapters of Genesis tell us about our purpose here on Earth. As we’ve seen, God made us in His image to partner with Him in moving the world forward, making it a more gardenlike place. And yet, does what we do here and now really matter in light of eternity? Why make the world a more gardenlike place if it’s all going to burn in the end? Why worry about Earth at all if we’re going to spend eternity in Heaven?

This weekend, we will explore the significance of our work in light of the afterlife. As we will see, many of us carry around quite a few misconceptions of the afterlife that are not reflected in Scripture. And we will find that what we do really does impact eternity.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday,

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Living as Citizens of God’s Kingdom in a Divided World + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 14:17:38 GMT

In a world that feels increasingly divided, many of us find ourselves with mixed emotions after the election. Some are hopeful, others anxious, and many unsure of what lies ahead. But no matter where we stand, it’s important to remember that God isn’t surprised by any outcome, and our unity at Twin Cities is rooted not in shared political views but in our shared identity in Jesus and our citizenship in His Kingdom.

This weekend, we’ll be exploring a powerful, often overlooked theme that runs throughout the Bible — exile. From Genesis to Revelation, God’s people have lived as exiles, navigating life in a world that doesn’t always reflect the values of our true King. As citizens of God’s Kingdom, we are also called to live as exiles, residing in a culture that doesn’t always align with our faith. In this, we find both challenge and hope as we seek the peace and spiritual well-being of our community while holding fast to our Kingdom values.

This weekend, we will also be celebrating baptisms. Baptism Sundays are my absolute favorite gatherings, because we get to join with our brothers and sisters in Christ as they go public with their faith. If you’d like to get baptized, please show up at the front of the auditorium half an hour before either of the services to get a t-shirt. Either way, this is one Sunday you won’t want to miss.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday,

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Seeking Clarity on the Election + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 13:43:26 GMT

I want to begin with a huge thank you to everyone who helped make the Fall Family Festival a success yesterday. Halloween can be a dark time, but yesterday our church family shined a bright light into the Nevada County community. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness – only light can do that.” Yesterday, we saw that light shining through each of you who volunteered.

As we turn our attention to the upcoming election, I know that many of us feel a growing sense of anxiousness over the outcome. That’s why this Sunday, we will bring those feelings and the election itself before God and invite His will to be done. We will do that in two ways. Sunday morning, I will be sharing a message to help us view the election through Christ-centered lenses. This will not be a partisan message, but rather a time to view the election through our identity as citizens of the Kingdom of God who have been placed here to image God.

Then, Sunday evening, I invite you to join me and pastors from across Nevada County as we gather to pray for the outcome of the election. This All-Church Prayer Gathering will be held at Sierra Presbyterian Church at 6:00pm Sunday. Regardless of how you’re planning to vote, I hope you’ll join us to entrust the outcome of the election to our God.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday,

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Partnerships & Power Struggles + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 13:34:36 GMT

At TCC, we’re always looking for ways to spread hope throughout our community. Today is our monthly Food Drive, where we collect food to support struggling families through our ministry partner, Interfaith Food Ministry. You can drop off any shelf-stable food items at the front of the church between 8-10:30am today.

We’re also less than a week away from our Fall Family Festival! This event is our Christ-centered alternative to Halloween, designed to shine God’s light on what is often a spiritually dark night. We still need volunteers for setup, teardown, and to help during the event. And don’t forget — bring your candy donations to church this Sunday or drop off at the church office!

This weekend, we’ll continue our journey through the opening chapters of Genesis. Last week, we explored how the Fall damaged humanity’s relationship with God. But the effects didn’t end there. This Sunday, we’ll dive into how the Fall has impacted our relationships with each other, turning partnerships into power struggles and complicating the very work we were created to do. Thankfully, sin’s consequences aren’t the end of the story. Join us as we explore how, in Christ, we can resist the fallout and restore the harmony God intended.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday,

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Choose Life... or Death + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 13:35:53 GMT

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been on a journey of discovering why God created us and how we can live our lives with purpose. So far, we’ve explored Genesis 1, where we see that God made us in His image to partner with Him in ruling over creation. He didn’t create us to be mere puppets but rather partners, inviting us to join Him in the unfolding of His world.

Last week, we also saw that while God designed us to work, He never intended for us to become slaves to our labor. He calls us to a healthy rhythm of work and rest— working alongside Him and then resting with Him.

This Sunday, we’ll move into Genesis 2, where the story zooms in on the sixth day of creation, highlighting the unique relationship God intended for us to have with Him and with one another. As we will see, God gave Adam and Eve the freedom to choose, just as He gives us today. But their decision to disobey set in motion consequences we still experience today.

The question we’ll wrestle with is this: Why would God give them a choice at all? And what does it mean for us today as we face the same invitation to trust Him or go our own way?

I look forward to unpacking this together on Sunday as we continue our exploration of what it means to live out our God-given purpose.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday,

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Hurricane Relief and the Gift of Sabbath + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 13:15:15 GMT

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been exploring how our God-given purpose shapes every aspect of our lives. Yet, in the midst of our striving to fulfill that purpose, it’s easy to overlook a key part of God’s design: Sabbath rest. This weekend, we’ll dive into why Scripture calls us to build a weekly rhythm of work and rest. As we will see, the Sabbath is more than just a day off — it’s a sacred time to pause, realign our hearts with God, and experience the fullness of life He intends for us.

As I write this, Florida is being battered by a massive hurricane, while North Carolina is still recovering from the previous one. Many have asked how we can respond beyond our prayers for those affected. For those who feel led to help, we’ve identified two trusted organizations — Convoy of Hope and Samaritan’s Purse — who are actively providing relief. Click here to support their efforts.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

In Christ,

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For the Glory of God + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 12:54:19 GMT

As people created in God’s image, we are called to join Him in His work of moving the world forward. But what does it mean to live in a way that glorifies God in our everyday lives? Whether we’re working, playing, resting, or fulfilling our vocational calling, our actions are meant to image His character and values into the world.

This Sunday, we’ll explore what it truly means to glorify God in all aspects of our lives. From our work and responsibilities to moments of rest and recreation, every part of our daily routine is an opportunity to reflect His glory. Together, we’ll learn how to live with a renewed sense of purpose, making even the ordinary moments an act of worship that honors Him.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Finding Your Voice + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 11:09:15 GMT

God created us in His image and invites us to partner with Him in shaping the world to reflect His values. We are called to be stewards and ambassadors of His kingdom. But what does that really look like in our individual lives? How do we personally join God in this divine mission?

This Sunday, we will dive deeper into how each of us is uniquely invited to participate in advancing His creation. Together, we’ll explore seven key questions designed to help us discern God’s specific calling, so we can live with greater clarity and purpose.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Our God-Given Job Description + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 13:21:24 GMT

Last Sunday, we started a new series called Life on Purpose . It’s a series about what we give our lives to and how we spend the other 6 ½ days of the week. We began with a deep dive into Genesis 1:26, a verse that reminds us of both our deep value and purpose as image bearers. God made us in His image to partner with Him in moving His world forward.

This weekend, we will build off that foundation by exploring how we tangibly do this. What does it mean to “rule over” God’s creation? And is this license to do anything we want with the world that He’s entrusted to our care? These conversations are so much more than an academic exercise; they are foundational to understanding our place in this world and how we fulfill our God-given job description.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Made for a Purpose + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 13:07:38 GMT

This Sunday, we are beginning a new series called Life on Purpose . It’s a series about what we give our lives to and how we spend the other 6 ½ days of the week. Because what we do matters, not just to our family or community, but to God. He made you for a purpose and living it out is an act of worship that glorifies God and benefits the world. This conversation is relevant no matter what stage of life you’re in, because it’s not just about what you do for a living, but how you invest your life.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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One Year Later + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 12:33:44 GMT

This Sunday, I’m thrilled to welcome Pastor Ron to the stage as we commemorate the one-year anniversary of our leadership transition. Together, we will reflect on his journey of trusting God through his retirement and celebrate all that God has accomplished in our church over the past year. I will also be sharing the vision for where we believe God is leading our community in the year ahead.

Whether you’ve been part of Twin Cities for years or are just beginning your journey with us, I invite you to join us for what promises to be a meaningful and impactful conversation.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Building Our Lives Upon the Rock + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 13:29:25 GMT

The Sermon on the Mount is so much more than a simple sermon. It’s the constitution for the Kingdom of God, laying out a value system that is in stark contrast to the ways of the world. This weekend, we come to the final section of Jesus’ most famous sermon, and in these last few verses, He invites us to consider the foundation we’ve built our lives upon.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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The Narrow Road + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 13:21:31 GMT

Last weekend’s picnic was such a joy, especially getting to celebrate with 16 of our brothers and sisters who went public with their faith through baptism.

This Sunday morning, we come to one of the most difficult, yet most important sections of the Sermon on the Mount. It’s a discussion that will invite each of us to consider the current state of our relationship with Jesus.

This Sunday is also Growth Path. If you are new to Twin Cities or you’re ready to take your next step in getting rooted here, then I encourage you to join us on Sunday at 2:00pm . To sign up for Growth Path, click here .

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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The Golden Rule + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 12:27:28 GMT

The weather is cooling off, school is back in session and that can only mean one thing: it’s time for our annual Twin Cities Church Picnic at Pioneer Park! This year, our amazing cooking team has volunteered to cook chicken and hotdogs for everyone, so all we ask is that you bring a side or a dessert. The event will kick off at Pioneer Park at 4:00pm, we will start eating at 5:00pm, and baptisms will take place in the pool at 7:00pm. If you’d like to get baptized, please email Kathy .

This Sunday morning, we will be continuing our series through the Sermon on the Mount. Pastor Mark will help us see how the way God treats us informs the way we ought to treat others.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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What, Me Worry? + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 13:29:14 GMT

I want to begin by thanking you for stepping up last weekend and supporting what God is doing in Nepal through our ministry partner, Light 2 the World. Through your generosity, we were able to raise over $26,000 to help build a permanent home for their ministry that would nearly triple the number of students they are able to disciple.

Tomorrow is the Hope for Nevada County back-to-school event from 10am-1:00pm at Nevada Union High School. This event, which was initially conceived as a way for the churches of Nevada County to band together to love our neighbors, has grown into something even better – we not only have over 15 churches participating, but dozens of businesses and non-profit organizations as well as our city, county, and first responders. I have already seen the ways God has used this to build bridges and strengthen relationships within our community and now we get to love on financially struggling families in our community. I hope to see you there. For more information or to sign up to serve, click here .

This Sunday, we are tackling the topic of worry, something that many of us are far too familiar with. As we will see, worry is a natural response to fear – it’s our way of trying to control our circumstances when we feel out of control – and Jesus has lots to say to us about how we respond to stress.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Who is Your Master? + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 13:06:31 GMT

Over the last several weeks, we’ve been looking at a few spiritual practices that are part of our Christian walk – giving, prayer, and fasting. In each of these conversations, we’ve not only explored why they matter, but also how we can avoid practicing them for the wrong reasons or with a misplaced focus.

This weekend, Jesus is going to address the single greatest rival for our worship. It’s such an important topic that He spends more time talking about it than any other subject in the gospels. Needless to say, it’s going to be incredibly relevant for each of us. I also have a special guest that will be joining me to share about an upcoming opportunity to get to be the church our county desperately needs. It’s going to be a great day.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Living in No Man's Land + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 13:11:59 GMT

Early on in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9. We’re all for peace, but how do we actually live as peacemakers in a world that is becoming increasingly polarized? How do we recognize and resist the inexorable pull to the extremes? And how did we get here in the first place?

In the midst of a contentious election year and in the wake of last week’s assassination attempt, this is a conversation we cannot wait any longer to have. I also have a special guest that will be joining me to share an opportunity to get to be the church our county desperately needs.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Not So Fast + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 13:37:50 GMT

I pray that you are staying cool. I look forward to Sunday, both because the weather reports anticipate a merciful break in the heat as well as because we get to gather together and worship God.

This weekend, we are looking at the third spiritual practice that Jesus addresses in the Sermon on the Mount – fasting. Unlike giving and prayer, which are familiar to us here in the west, fasting is a relatively lost practice for many American Christ-followers. Yet, for believers throughout the first two centuries of the church as well as around the world, fasting has played an integral role in their spiritual journeys, one which we disregard to our own deficit.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Prayers That Matter + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 13:16:34 GMT

This evening is the start of our Men’s In-Town Summer Retreat . It will be an opportunity for the guys of Twin Cities to get to know one another (and themselves) a whole lot better. Gentlemen, we have a few spots left and I hope to see you there. You can sign up for the retreat here .

This Sunday, as we continue our journey through the Sermon on the Mount, we turn our attention to the very important topic of prayer. I’m excited that Kim Thompson, who is a prayer warrior, will help us consider the place prayer plays in our relationship with God.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Check Your Motives + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 13:25:20 GMT

Last Sunday was such a wonderful family celebration as we witnessed 21 of our new brothers and sisters in Christ make public declarations through baptism. Our next baptisms will take place at our annual church picnic on Sunday, August 18 at Pioneer Park.

This Sunday, we dive back into our study through the Sermon on the Mount, and Jesus is going to begin digging underneath our actions to the motives that drive them. As we will see, it is way too easy to do the right things for the wrong reasons.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Secure in the Father's Love + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 13:13:20 GMT

Today is our final day of VBS and what a week it has been. Over the last five days, our Children’s Ministry team and over 100 volunteers have been able to share the Good News of Jesus to over 250 grade schoolers, many of whom don’t belong to any church at all. Some have even made a first-time decision to follow Jesus as their Savior and Lord.

This Sunday is Father’s Day, and we’re going to celebrate our earthly fathers and our heavenly Father as well. We will explore why some of us struggle to rest securely in the love God has lavished on us.

This is also a baptism Sunday, so we will also get to celebrate with many of our new brothers and sisters in Christ as they go public with their faith through baptism. You won’t want to miss it. If you would like to get baptized, just show up a half-hour before the service and meet us by the baptismal pool in the sanctuary for a brief orientation. I can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Love Your Enemies + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 13:31:12 GMT

Ready or not, summer has arrived, and things are heating up. Next week is VBS and if you’re looking for a way to serve this summer, there is no better way to invest your time. Plus, the church has air conditioning. Just saying.

This Sunday, we continue our study through the Sermon on the Mount and Jesus is going to continue to challenge the ways we socially interact with one another. It’s natural to love those who love you and hate those who hate you, but Jesus has some surprising counsel for how to deal with those we might consider enemies.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Above Offense + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 31 May 2024 13:11:15 GMT

As we continue our journey through the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus keeps challenging areas where it’s easy to reflect the values of this world rather than the values of the Kingdom of God. Last week, He addressed the ways we use our words, calling us to be people of our word who don’t need to resort to manipulative practices to lend weight to our words.

This week, Jesus will switch the focus to how we respond when people use words or actions in an offensive manner. Rather than retaliating in an effort to save face, Jesus will call us to lay down our right to be offended so that we can respond redemptively. In our current cultural climate, this is a message we all need to hear.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Weigh Your Words + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 24 May 2024 12:45:27 GMT

Thank you again to everyone who turned out for Serve Our Community last weekend. It was such a joy to see so many of you tangibly loving our community and being the church. Remember that today is our monthly Food Donation Friday. So, if you have shelf-stable food that you’d be willing to donate to help needy families in our community, you can drop them off at the church from 8:00-10:30am today.

This weekend, we continue our study through the Sermon on the Mount and Jesus is going to turn His attention from our relationships to our words. As we will see, there is no room for manipulative language in the Kingdom of God, and as citizens of His Kingdom, we will need to weigh our words carefully.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Jesus & Divorce + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 17 May 2024 12:15:54 GMT

Tomorrow is Serve Our Community . The weather looks to be beautiful, and we have lots of projects around our county that you can participate in. If you have not yet signed up for a project, click here to see where we need help. Then bring water and some work gloves and come prepared to be the church. If you have any questions, you can also contact Kathy Arnoldi at kathy@twincities.church.

Speaking of serving, last Sunday was such a joy, both to celebrate our moms as well as to dedicate our young families to the wonderful and weighty task of raising their children in the Lord. Even if we don’t have young children in the home, we can still play a part in shaping the next generation. There is no greater investment that we can make into the future of our church than to invest ourselves in these children’s lives. So, if you’re interested in serving, please email Pastor Bobby at bobby@twincities.church.

This weekend, we return to our study through the Sermon on the Mount and we find ourselves confronted by yet another heavy topic — divorce. And yet, as with all the other topics we’ve examined so far, what Jesus has to say isn’t intended to cast shame or condemn us. Rather, His teaching is intended to bring freedom and redeem God’s intent for marriage from the mockery it had become. Whether you’re married, single, or divorced, this message is for you and it’s my prayer that it will be life giving. As Pastor Mark told me after reading my message notes, “I’ve gone from dreading this conversation to looking forward to it.” I echo his sentiment.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Mother's Day + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 10 May 2024 11:52:25 GMT

This Sunday is Mother’s Day, so we are going to take a break from our Sermon on the Mount series to celebrate moms and dedicate our families to the incredibly important task of raising children in the Lord.

When it comes to raising children who walk with Jesus, it takes dedication. That’s why we don’t just dedicate our children to the Lord, but the entire family. After all, more is caught than taught and our kids will be shaped more by what they see than by what we say. So, if you are raising a child or grandchild and long to see them fall deeply in love with Jesus, consider dedicating your family in either the 9:00am or 11:00am service. Email Bobby if you have questions, or to let us know in which service you plan to participate.

Even if you don’t currently have children in the house, you still have a part to play in raising up the next generation, so come prepared to celebrate and to participate.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you Sunday.

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Good But Powerful + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 03 May 2024 13:23:53 GMT

Good morning. Due to the rain forecast for tomorrow, we are postponing Serve Our Community until Saturday, May 18. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you have an idea for a service project, please email Kathy .

This Sunday, we continue our journey through the Sermon on the Mount, and if you thought Jesus got personal last week, wait until this weekend. While the next few conversations are going to be uncomfortable, they are incredibly necessary, and we avoid them to our own detriment.

I do want to let you know that this weekend’s message will be dealing with some adult topics, so please use your discretion with bringing young children into the service. That said, I would strongly encourage students from Jr. High up to join us, as this conversation will speak to areas that they absolutely need to know about.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

Now go be the church.

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Fulfilling the Heart of the Law + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 12:29:19 GMT

Good morning. I hope your week is going well. I just want to remind you that our Food Drive is happening this morning from 8-10:30 and our Father/Daughter Dance and Mother/Son Nerf War is happening this evening. Additionally, this is your last weekend to sign up for the Serve Day on Saturday, May 4. Click here to sign up now.

As for Sunday, I love the ways Jesus’ words – delivered on a hillside overlooking the Sea of Galilee 2,000 years ago – speak right to the heart of our lives here and now. Last weekend, we examined the ways in which we, as citizens of the Kingdom of God, are called to live as salt and light, preserving and radiating the light of God’s love into our society.

This week, we get to the meat of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. In the passage we unpack this weekend, Jesus will redefine our understanding of what makes someone righteous and call us to extinguish the embers of anger and contempt before they burst into a bonfire of hatred. It’s going to be an important conversation that is relevant to every single one of us.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

I’m grateful to be on this journey with you.

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Choose Your Kingdom Wisely + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 12:59:51 GMT

Last Sunday was incredible. We got to watch as 49 of our new brothers and sisters in the Lord went public with their decision to follow Jesus by getting baptized. I’ve never seen anything quite like what we witnessed on Sunday, and I am still rejoicing about what God is doing in our church community. To put this in perspective, we have baptized 110 people in the last four months, which equates to about a tenth of our church. All I can say is, THANK YOU JESUS!

Last Sunday, we also kicked off our spring series, Kingdom Come , by simply reading the Sermon on the Mount. My guess is that each of us had a few “ouch” moments when Jesus’ words directly confronted areas of our lives. And yet, Jesus is not prodding at those weak spots because He wants to make us feel shameful, but because He wants us to be free. His words are lovingly confrontational, and we disregard them at our own peril.

This Sunday, we will begin our line-by-line study through the Sermon on the Mount by examining the Beatitudes and considering the sort of Kingdom Jesus came to inaugurate. It’s a conversation that is incredibly relevant to each of us, because if we choose to follow Jesus, then we’re choosing to become a citizen of the Kingdom of God, and it would be helpful for us to consider how that impacts our lives.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

I’m grateful to be on this journey with you.

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The Greatest Sermon Ever + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 12:35:07 GMT

I loved getting to celebrate Easter with you. From our first annual Good Friday service, through the Easter Egg Hunt and culminating with three Easter Sunday services, it was an incredibly powerful weekend. We even had 14 people make first-time professions of faith!

Easter may be over, but the fun is just beginning. This weekend, we are starting our new series, Kingdom Come , in which we will walk line-by-line through the Sermon on the Mount. As we will find, although Jesus delivered the most famous sermon ever preached 2,000 years ago, it is still incredibly relevant and reliable for us as we navigate life in these crazy times.

This is also a baptism Sunday, and we have a lot of new believers who are going public with their faith. Baptism Sundays have become my favorite Sundays, so it’s one day you won’t want to miss.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

I’m grateful to be on this journey with you.

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Easter + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 13:07:16 GMT

Easter weekend has arrived and I am looking forward to celebrating the greatest act of love in history with you. There are a lot of things happening this weekend.

Tonight, at 6pm, we have our first ever TCC Good Friday service. It will be an hour long and is completely family friendly. It will be a communion service and I can’t think of a better way to prepare our hearts for Easter.

Then on Saturday, we have our pancake breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt from 9-11am. We have plans to account for inclement weather, so rain or shine, the Easter Egg Hunt is on. And if you’re free and would like to volunteer, please click here .

Then on Sunday, we have three Easter services at 8:15, 9:45 and 11:30am. We anticipate that the second service will be our most heavily attended, so if you have flexibility, I would appreciate it if you attended either the first or third service.

Easter is one of those times when unchurched friends, coworkers and neighbors are willing to come to church, but they will only come if they’re invited. So prayerfully consider who you’d like to bring and invite them to come celebrate Easter with you.

I hope to see you tonight at 6pm for Good Friday.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

I’m grateful to be on this journey with you.

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The Secret to Contentment + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 11:54:29 GMT

This Sunday, we come to the end of our journey through Paul’s letter to the Philippians, a series which has spoken straight to the heart of what it means to live A Life Worthy of the Gospel . This weekend, we will address the single biggest rival to God for our worship – our money.

I know that this is a topic that can feel awkward and uncomfortable, but it’s one that Jesus talked about over and over. In fact, He spoke about money more than any other subject except for the Kingdom of God, so apparently, He felt it was important. But that isn’t because He wants our money. No, He is after something far more valuable than that.

I also want to remind you that we’re only one week away from Easter, so please don’t forget to prayerfully pass out those invitations we gave you to unchurched people within your sphere of influence. They won’t come if they’re not invited.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

I’m grateful to be on this journey with you.

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How to Stay Sane in a Crazy World + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 12:36:12 GMT

Life doesn’t always go as planned. I know I don’t need to convince you of that, but it’s important to remember that God doesn’t promise us that the paths He will lead us down will be smooth and obstacle free. That wasn’t the case for Paul, who was writing from prison, chained to a Roman guard. It wasn’t true for the Philippian believers who were enduring social pressure from both outside and within their church community. And it’s not true for us.

However, despite the challenges that we will inevitably face as we follow Jesus, Paul encourages us not to give into despair. In fact, in the passage we will unpack this weekend, Paul will explain how we can stay sane in a crazy world. It will be a conversation that holds great relevance to each of our lives.

I also want to thank those of you who have already brought candy for our Easter Egg Hunt. You’ve helped us fill 8,000 eggs, which is half of what we anticipate we’ll need, but we’ve run out of candy. So, if you are willing, please bring a bag of prewrapped candy with you this Sunday. And don’t forget to give those invitations for Easter away to unchurched people in your sphere of influence.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

I’m grateful to be on this journey with you.

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The Invitation + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 14:08:45 GMT

Last week, we were reminded that trying to climb our way into God’s good graces through our best efforts is like trying to climb a ladder to Heaven — it will never get us where we want to be and only puts us in a precarious position. Sorry if my illustration last week scared you, but hopefully you’ll remember it.

This week, as we continue our line-by-line study of the book of Philippians, we will explore in greater detail the invitation Jesus has given to each of us. That invitation is to something far greater than a religion. Plus, we will consider whether we will respond with an invitation of our own. No matter how long you’ve been walking with Jesus, this week’s message will challenge us to consider just how far we’ve invited Jesus into our lives.

Here are some additional resources to help you prepare for the weekend. I missed seeing many of your faces last week due to snow, so I hope to see you Sunday in person. Have a great weekend.

I’m grateful to be on this journey with you.

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A Broken Stairway to Heaven + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 13:09:09 GMT

Like you, we are watching the impending storm and preparing for the potential for snow. That said, unless CHP closes the streets, we will have open doors and hot coffee on Sunday. I pray that the weather won’t keep you from being able to join us in person. But if it does, I’m thankful for our streaming platform that enables you to join us from home.

This week, as we continue our line-by-line study of the book of Philippians, we will dive into chapter 3. In this section, Paul reminds us that trying to earn our righteous standing with God through good works is like climbing a broken stairway to Heaven – it can’t get us where we want to be. Plus, we will consider whether we’ve embraced a religion or a relationship. Whether in person or over the livestream, it’s going to be a great Sunday and I look forward to worshipping with you.

This is also your last weekend to sign up for Grow University, which is a great way to take your spiritual journey to the next level. Whether you want to learn how to read the Bible for all it’s worth, be more intentional about walking with Jesus, get your finances in order, learn how to manage conflict in your life, or process your grief in a safe environment, Grow University has a class for you. Space is limited, so click here to sign up before the Sunday rush.

Here are some additional resources to help you prepare for the weekend. I pray you stay warm and that I get to see you in person on Sunday.

I’m grateful to be on this journey with you.

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Shine On + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 14:06:58 GMT

I love the way God’s Word, which was written to believers living in a very different age and cultural context, can speak so powerfully into our circumstances here and now. Last weekend, we explored how the way of Jesus differs so greatly from the way of the world. While our natural tendency is to humiliate others so that we might rise above the tide of insecurity, the way of Jesus is humility. He didn’t need to resort to pushing others down in order to make Himself seem more important because He knew who He is and what He’s about. Instead, He moved toward struggling people and raised them up, and He calls us to do the same thing.

This week, we will explore how we can do this in greater detail as we finish out the rest of Philippians 2. We will also be providing some tangible ways you can let your light shine, both here and beyond the walls of TCC. I hope you’ll join us this Sunday.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

I’m grateful to be on this journey with you.

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Following Our Leader + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 14:16:21 GMT

We are two weeks into our Philippians series, A Life Worthy of the Gospel , and I hope you can see how deeply relevant this letter is to our lives here and now. As a pastor, I look forward to every message I get to deliver, but some stand above the rest. This weekend’s message is one of those that I have been waiting to share with you for months.

This weekend, we come to the beating heart of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. It is a passage that has been like a north star to me over the last several years as our culture has navigated a slew of contentious issues, from a pandemic to racial tensions and a couple of polarizing elections. If we can begin to live out the posture that Paul will lay out for us this weekend, then we will be well on our way to living lives worthy of the gospel. I hope you’ll join the conversation.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

I’m grateful to be on this journey with you.

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To Live is Christ + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 14:45:26 GMT

Last weekend was incredible!!! Baptism Sundays are hands down my very favorite Sundays. Every single one of those 37 people who chose to be baptized has a story that God has been writing long before they came to Twin Cities. While you and I may not know it, our heavenly Father does, and I know He was beaming right along with the rest of us. If you’re considering getting baptized, our next baptism service will be the weekend after Easter (April 7).

This weekend, we are continuing our journey through Paul’s letter to the Philippians. We will dig a bit deeper into why anybody would ever willingly choose to be a slave, even to God, and we will find out why Paul can joyfully say, “To live is Christ and to die is gain.” Then, we will celebrate communion together. I can’t wait!

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

I’m grateful to be on this journey with you.

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A Life Worthy of the Gospel + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 14:56:37 GMT

This weekend, we begin our new series, A Life Worthy of the Gospel , where we will walk verse by verse through Paul’s letter to the Philippians. It’s a powerful letter written to people who are living within a society full of people who have placed their hopes in everything but Jesus. And Paul not only calls us to live in such a way that our lives proclaim the gospel, but he shows us how to do so. We are in for quite a journey together.

But wait, there’s more!

God has been doing some amazing things in our church, and this Sunday we get to celebrate. Come join with dozens of our new brothers and sisters in Christ as they publicly declare their decision to follow Jesus through being baptized. And if you haven’t yet made that public declaration, then come and get baptized yourself. Either way, it’s going to be a weekend to remember!

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

I’m grateful to be on this journey with you.

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Who is My Neighbor? + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 15:06:43 GMT

Last weekend, we explored the fact that each of us has a God-given sphere of influence. Each of us has a unique network of relationships made up of people in our neighborhood, our workplace, the places we love to frequent, as well as our friends and family. This sphere of influence has the potential to be our most natural, most fruitful mission field. If you missed that conversation, I strongly encourage you to go back and listen to it, because it is a pivotal discussion not just in this series, but in the direction our church is headed.

This weekend, we conclude our series, Be the Church , by looking at the second half of the Great Commission. What does it mean to make disciples? Actually, what does it even mean to be a disciple? And how does that coincide with the spheres of influence God has placed us within? For those of you who left last Sunday feeling a little overwhelmed by the call to make disciples as we go about living our lives, this will be a helpful message to flesh out what that can look like.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

I’m grateful to be on this journey with you.

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Welcome to Your Mission Field + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 14:31:39 GMT

In our current message series, Be the Church , we are seriously considering what it means to be the church that our county desperately needs. Last week, we explored two crucial components that are necessary if we hope to truly live lives that radiate the love of Jesus:

Radiant lives flow from an abiding relationship with God.
Radiant lives require doing life with other committed Followers of Jesus.

As we rest in God and do life with others, our lives will naturally begin to better reflect God’s love. But where we let our lives shine is nearly as important as how we let our light shine. In the same way that a designer thoughtfully places lights throughout a room in order to fill that room with light, our Father has intentionally placed us within unique spheres of influence so that our lives might provide light to those places.

This weekend, we will consider the places God has sovereignly placed us and how we can more intentionally let our light shine. We will also equip you with a special tool we have designed to help you both identify and intentionally lean into your God-given sphere of influence.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

I’m grateful to be on this journey with you.

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Let Your Light Shine + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 14:52:40 GMT

Last weekend, we kicked off our new series, Be the Church , by exploring two key paradigm shifts:

God does not want to use you; He wants to know you and be known by you.
We don’t go to church. We are the church.

These perspectives are foundational to the conversation ahead, so if you haven’t heard the message yet, I encourage you to click on this link to watch it.

This weekend, we will build off these truths as we explore Jesus’ calling upon His church to let our light shine. We will grapple with the question, “How do we develop lives that radiate the love of Jesus in the first place?” It is an incredibly important discussion that will have a far-reaching impact throughout our county, so I hope you will join us.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

I’m grateful to be on this journey with you.

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Happy New Year + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 12:51:53 GMT

Happy New Year. I hope 2024 is off to a good start.

The beginning of a new year affords us an opportunity to step back and consider our lives, how we’re living and what we’re living for. This is just as true for us corporately as it is for us as individuals. That’s why I’m so excited for our upcoming message series, Be the Church , which begins this Sunday. In it, we will step back and consider the unique calling God has for us as a church community here in Nevada County. In many ways, this will be my first opportunity to share God’s vision for Twin Cities Church moving forward as well as the crucial part you play in it. To say I’m excited for Sunday would be a massive understatement.

I’m also grateful that many of you have chosen to join me in reading through the Bible this year using our reading plan, “One Story that Leads to Jesus.” Whether you’re using the printed plan that we distributed last Sunday, or the online version through the Bible app, this will be a fruitful endeavor. If you haven’t started yet, it’s not too late to join us. Click here to get the Bible app and get started. And please remember, if you miss a day you haven’t failed. Just pick up where you left off and keep investing in your spiritual growth.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

I’m grateful to be on this journey with you.

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Be the Church + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 14:00:26 GMT

As 2023 comes to a close, I am so thankful for the many ways God is moving in our church community. This Sunday, as we stand on the precipice of a new year, we are going to remember and celebrate God’s goodness to us, capped off with a time of communion. I hope you’ll join us.

Our church is growing in some incredible ways. Last month, we had 23 people make a first-time decision for Jesus and on November 26, 24 people got baptized. Our children’s ministry is also starting to bust at the seams. Those are the sort of numbers I care most about. But as a steward of our church, I also have to consider our fiscal well-being. As we stand right now, we are running about $160,000 behind our spending for the year. I am praying that we can close that gap.

If you have the ability to give a one-time gift over and above your regular tithes, I’d ask you to prayerfully consider doing so. Click here if you choose to give a Year-End Gift. Or you can use the envelope we will provide in the program on Sunday.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

I’m grateful to be on this journey with you.

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The Invitation of Christmas + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 14:57:56 GMT

This Sunday is Christmas Eve, and I cannot wait to celebrate with you at one of our four Christmas Eve services: 9 & 11am, 4 & 6pm. The services will be family-friendly and Christ-focused. It will include aspects that are familiar — like carols and candle lighting — as well as a couple of fun surprises I’m excited to share with you.

It will also be a perfect weekend to bring friends and family members who may not have a relationship with Jesus. Please prayerfully consider who you can invite to join you, since they likely won’t come if you don’t invite them.

Here is a digital version of our Christmas Eve service invite that you can share via text, email, or social media. There are also some additional resources to help you prepare for the weekend.

Only two days until Christmas Eve. I can hardly wait!

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

I’m grateful to be on this journey with you.

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Seeking the Messiah + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 12:10:41 GMT

Only two weekends until Christmas. Are you ready? And who are you inviting to join you at one of our four Christmas Eve services? Because chances are they won’t come unless you invite them.

Last Sunday, I mentioned that my mother-in-law, Carol, fell and broke her hip. Since so many have asked, I wanted to give you a brief update. Her surgery went smoothly, and she has been transferred to Spring Hill Manor Rehabilitation here in Grass Valley. I want to thank our church family for the ways you’ve shown care for her (and us). We feel very loved.

This Sunday, Pastor Mark is continuing our journey to Christmas by exploring the story of the wise men. As we will find, it’s the people who seek Jesus, not the well connected, who end up finding Him.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

I’m grateful to be on this journey with you.

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The Reluctant Christmas Participant + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 13:10:16 GMT

It’s beginning to look, and feel, a lot like Christmas. Only three weekends to go!

Last Sunday, we kicked off our December series, FOR ALL , by delving into the genealogy of Jesus. Who would have thought that a list of names could minister so powerfully to us?! Clearly, God is willing to work through unexpected people to bring about His purpose and plans. That’s good news for all of us.

This weekend, we will consider the Christmas story from Joseph’s point of view. Although he never utters a word in Scripture , when it comes to Mary’s unexpected pregnancy, his actions speak loudly. We have a lot we can learn from his example.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

I’m grateful to be on this journey with you.

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The True Christmas Tree + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 13:59:06 GMT

Last Sunday was incredible!

We started the day with 12 people planning to be baptized. By the end of the second service, we’d baptized twice that many! And each one of those 24 baptisms represents a beautiful story that God is still writing. What we witnessed Sunday is the evidence of God’s handiwork in our church community and I am so excited to see Him continue to produce lasting fruit in and through us.

This weekend, we kick off our December series, FOR ALL , which will help us prepare our hearts for Christmas. Can you believe Christmas Eve is only four weekends away?! In this series, we will delve into the timeless narrative of Christmas as told by Matthew. And what we will find is that the season’s joy isn’t just for the well-behaved or well-connected – it’s good news of great joy for all.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

I’m grateful to be on this journey with you.

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Your Faith Has Healed You + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 13:22:33 GMT

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

This year, I have a lot to be thankful for – and you’re at the top of that list. Every week, I get to see new evidence of God’s grace and love working in and through our church family. I am so grateful to be on this journey with you.

This weekend, we come to the end of our fall series, At the End of My Rope , and we’ve saved the best for last. Each weekend is special, but I suspect this is going to be the most meaningful Sunday we’ve had together so far. Not only do we have another powerful testimony we get to share with you, but there are nearly a dozen people planning to get baptized. This is one Sunday service you won’t want to miss!

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

I’m grateful to be on this journey with you.

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Year-End Gift 2023

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 19:54:27 GMT

I love what God is doing here at Twin Cities. I love that we get to pursue Jesus together and radiate the light of His love into Nevada County and beyond.

As you know, our church is committed to engaging together to lead as many people as possible into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, and that doesn’t just happen on Sundays at 9:00 & 11:00am. It happens throughout the week in each Life Group that meets in one of your homes. It happens in each conversation that you have with someone within your sphere of influence. And it happens when our church family steps up to tangibly love our neighbors, like you did at Fall Family Festival.

I want to personally thank you for your faithful generosity of your time, your energy, and your resources. You help us live out our purpose as a church community and you enable us to invest in kingdom opportunities that radiate far beyond our church property. Because of your faithful support, we were able to help hundreds of people who needed help with food, shelter, and emotional support this year. And we were able to support our ministry partners, both locally and globally, who work to care for hurting people and point them towards Jesus.

As a pastor, one of my least favorite things to do is to ask people who are already giving faithfully to consider giving more. And yet, Jesus didn’t shy away from the topic, because He understood that where our money goes, our hearts tend to follow. So, if you are already giving what you can, thank you. But if you are financially able to, I’d like to invite you to join me in giving a Year-End Gift over and above your regular tithes and offerings.

Why a Year-End Gift ?

First, because I want to ensure Twin Cities is operating within its means while still caring for the staff and facility that God has entrusted to us. Our church is currently more than $200,000 behind on our operating expenses for the year, due in part to rising costs of everything from electricity to medical coverage. Additionally, even though we have more and more people worshipping with us each Sunday, our giving has lagged behind, because the economic times are difficult and many new members take a while before they start financially giving to their church.

Another reason why I’d ask you to consider a Year-End Gift over and above your regular tithes and offerings is because it enables us to address unanticipated expenses, like the holes in the roof that

reveal themselves after each rainstorm or repairing equipment that we rely upon each week.

Finally, your generosity enables us to continue to be generous as a church family. Like any family with a

budget, we can’t give what we don’t have, but we want to be able to continue responding when there’s a financial need within our church community or a ministry opportunity beyond the walls of our church. The Year-End Gift gives us the breathing room to do this without cannibalizing resources that we need to pay our staff or keep the heaters running.

At the end of the day, we know that God is faithful. Just as He has provided for our church community for 32 years, I am confident that He will provide for us in this next season of ministry. But over those decades, He’s done so primarily by prompting members of our church to give generously and sacrificially. So, if He wants you to give, He will let you know.

To give a Year-End gift, click here >>

I’m so thankful to be on this adventure of following Jesus and reflecting His love with you. He’s a good God and a faithful shepherd.

God of the Impossible + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 13:17:35 GMT

We are halfway through our fall series, At the End of My Rope . I have heard from so many of you how these conversations are resonating with where you’re at in your life, and I’m right there with you. If you missed this past Sunday, you can watch it here . This weekend, I’m excited to have our friend Fritz Moga, Professor of Theology from Jessup University, here to continue our series.

The following week, we will wrap this series up with baptisms. If you’ve made a decision to follow Jesus and have yet to publicly declare it, then here’s your opportunity to celebrate with your church family. Pastor John will be holding a 1-hour Baptism class this Sunday during the first service. You can reserve your spot here , and then meet him at the Coffee Bar at 9:00am Sunday.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

I’m grateful to be on this journey with you.

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What is Your Name? + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 14:16:45 GMT

I love watching the way you care for one another and reflect the love of Jesus into our community. I’m so thankful to be on this adventure of following Jesus with you.

Last weekend, we kicked off our new series, At the End of My Rope . It was a powerful weekend and, if you missed that message, you can watch it here . This weekend we continue our series by looking at one of my all-time favorite stories in Scripture. You won’t want to miss it.

Additionally, this weekend is our Growth Path , and I’m excited to teach the 101 class for the first time. If you are new to Twin Cities or you’re looking for the best way to go (and grow) deeper, then please click here to sign up for one of our Growth Path classes, which are from 2:00-4:30pm this Sunday.

Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend:

I’m grateful to be on this adventure called following Jesus with you.

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Where is Your Faith? + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 13:10:13 GMT

Let me begin by saying thank you to all of you who helped with the Fall Family Festival. On Tuesday night over 2,000 of our neighbors – most of which were young families – descended on our church campus. They were met with a warm, fun, and family-friendly event that radiated the love of Jesus on an otherwise dark night. It was a beautiful expression of love for our community, and it couldn’t have happened without your help. Thank you for helping pull off this massive undertaking.

We are in the final two months of the year, and while the holidays are a favorite time for many, it can be a painful season for those who have lost loved ones. Thankfully, you don’t have to navigate the grief alone. This Sunday from 12:30-2:30pm, we have the first of two “Surviving the Holidays” GriefShare gatherings. If you or someone you know is struggling in this season, please don’t hesitate to participate. Check out our website for more info or to get registered.

This weekend, we kick off our November series, called At the End of My Rope . Through this series, we will look at four biblical stories of people who hit the end of their rope and had nowhere to turn but to Jesus. What they found, and we will discover, is that when Jesus is all we have, that’s when we realize He’s all we need. I can’t wait for Sunday, which just so happens to be when daylight saving time ends, which means you get an extra hour of sleep!

Here are some resources to get you ready for the weekend:

I’m grateful to be on this adventure called following Jesus with you.

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Does Life Have Purpose? + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 14:08:47 GMT

This weekend, we finish our Explore God series with a question just about all of us have grappled with, Does Life Have Purpose ? Did you know that there’s an entire book of the Bible dedicated to wrestling with this question? It’s going to be a great conversation.

Then, this Tuesday, we have our annual Fall Family Festival on Halloween night from 5-8pm. We anticipate thousands of our neighbors from around Nevada County, so we would love your help in providing a warm, family-friendly alternative to Halloween. You can click on the link to sign up to help – our greatest need is in the second half of the evening.

Here are some resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you this Sunday.

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What Does it Mean to Follow Jesus? + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 13:48:37 GMT

I am in love with fall in Nevada County. The trees are like nature’s fireworks. Trees show us how beautiful it can be to let things go.

Speaking of letting things go, today is our monthly Food Drive, so if you have any non-perishable items you want to let go of so that they can be used to bless families in need, please drop them off at the church between 8:30-10:00am.

This Sunday, we will continue our Explore God series by asking the question: What Does it Mean to Follow Jesus? I’m excited to have Pastor Mark tackle this topic that is pertinent to all of us. We will also celebrate communion as a church family, so come ready to celebrate together.

Here are some resources to get you ready for the weekend:

See you this Sunday.

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Who is Jesus Really? + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 13:22:29 GMT

It’s a busy time here at Twin Cities. This Saturday is our Sister’s Closet clothing exchange from 9:00am-noon. This is one of the many ways our church acts as a conduit of blessing to our community. If you would like to donate gently used clothing, shoes, or accessories, please bring them to the church today (Friday) between 9:00am to 6:00pm. And feel free to stay and help us set up for one of our largest outreaches of the year.

We are also gearing up for our Fall Family Festival, which is our largest outreach of the year. We anticipate having thousands of our neighbors join us on this fun, festive, and Christ-centered alternative to Halloween. An outreach event this big can’t happen without a lot of volunteer help, so please consider signing up to help shine light into an otherwise dark night. You can sign up to help here .

Finally, this weekend, we are continuing our Explore God series by asking the question, Who is Jesus Really? I’m excited to have a guest teacher, David Timms, head of the School of Theology at William Jessup University and a friend of our church. I can’t think of anyone better to help us grapple with this core faith question.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

See you Sunday.

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Can I Trust the Bible? + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 14:38:03 GMT

Last weekend, we began our Explore God series by asking the question, Does God Really Exist? If you missed that message, I’d strongly encourage you to go back and listen to it, since it’s such a foundational question for us to grapple with. The link to that message is here .

This weekend, we will tackle an equally important question that will have far-reaching implications for our Christan walk: Can I Trust the Bible? It’s a conversation that will be valuable for everyone, regardless of where we’re at in our faith journey. Additionally, please consider anyone in your sphere of influence who would benefit from hearing this discussion and invite them to join you at church this weekend.

And gentlemen, just a friendly reminder that tonight is our Men’s Tailgate Party. I look forward to seeing you this evening at 6:30 at Twin Cities. If you haven’t already signed up, please do so here .

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

See you Sunday.

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Does God Really Exist? + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 13:51:37 GMT

This Sunday, we kick off our fall series, Explore God .

As human beings, it’s normal to have questions about our faith. Even pastors have them. So, when spiritual questions arise, we don’t want to ignore them. Rather, we want to make space to explore our deepest questions about God. Does He even exist? Can we trust the Bible? Who is Jesus and what does it mean to follow Him? What’s my purpose in life? This series will not only give you the opportunity to dive into these questions for yourself, but equip you to engage in conversation with your friends, kids, and grandkids — anyone who has questions about God.

This Sunday, we will kick off this five-week series with a foundational question: Does God Really Exist ? It’s a weekend you won’t want to miss. And if you’ve been thinking about inviting a friend, coworker or family member who has been wrestling with their faith, this is the perfect time to invite them to join you at church.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

See you Sunday.

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U17 - Nabalongo Church

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 18:39:18 GMT

From the Team...

They have done some good work on the church, even with the rain. The prayer to have the roof on by Christmas.

Choose This Day + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 13:35:56 GMT

What a weekend! Standing with you as we exhorted one another to “be strong and courageous” and then watching you add your stone to our alter of remembrance was something I won’t soon forget. I am already looking forward to this Sunday, when we get to continue learning from Joshua’s leadership transition.

Some of you have asked about how you can get your own “anchor” shirt that Pastor Ron wore a couple weeks ago. You can order one through this link .

I am so grateful to be on this adventure with you. And while we may not know the challenges we will encounter along the way, we can take courage that we won’t face them alone. Our God is with us and we can rest in His strength. So be strong and courageous.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

See you Sunday.

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U17 - Good Morning from Uganda

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 19:11:46 GMT

Good Morning from Uganda!

After a rainy Monday morning, we toured the "Farm" - chickens, pigs, a cow & calf, and banana trees. This helps support Pastor Robert's family and the ministry. We are served a lot of fresh eggs!

The Mamas sell various items they have made, which provides direct support to them. We purchase some of their items and sell them at TCC with proceeds going back to the ministry supporting the Mamas here in Uganda. It is a great partnership that allows us to bless and provide care for these women through supporting the work of their hands.

We had a Fun-day with our kids. We went swimming, out for ice cream and then had a family dinner here at Pastor Robert's home. It was a very good time.

This Tuesday morning we will go visit two other churches that we helped build on previous trips. We will go out to Nabalongo on Wed. To see how the church building is coming along and pray for the work and the leaders. And if needed, throw some more bricks! :)

As we move into the last few days here, please continue to pray for the emotional, spiritual and physical health of the team, as well as our partners, children and ministry impact.

U17 - Community Impact

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 17:33:10 GMT

From the Team...

There was a feast after the church opening, which is one way we reach out to the community. Literally the slaughtering of the fattened calf. It is a powerful statement to the community. After a 5+ hour service and wedding, the food was very much welcomed. It was a very good day!

U17 - Checking In

Sat, 16 Sep 2023 21:32:04 GMT

From the Team...

We are back at Butooli today doing evangelism and inviting the community to the opening celebration of the new church. It was a good day once we were there. Several people indicated decisions for Jesus. The church is coming along. Will not be fully finished by tomorrow but we will still have a grand opening.

Yesterday we celebrated Pastor John' s birthday and the Mama's came out to wish him a happy birthday. These women are very special and a joy to be with!

U17 - Quick Uganda Update

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 20:11:56 GMT

From the Team...

Things are going great here in Uganda. Our wi-fi has been a bit spotty, and we are trying to use restraint with our use of it. Good old American excesses, right? Anyway, we did some hut-to-hut evangelism today at the church that we are opening on Sunday, and we had at least 20 decisions for Jesus. So exciting!

Some quick videos below... Throwing in the brick line, giving away kids clothes, then a clip with 2 of our "orphan children" (now young adults) at the new church we are opening this Sunday.

Please keep praying for the health, safety, unity of our team! We'll see you in just over a week!

U17 - Preparing to Open Butooli

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 20:00:10 GMT

From the Team...

Today we will be out at Butooli, the church we started last year. We will be doing a celebration opening (and a wedding) this Sunday. We will go out today and tomorrow and invite people to come and share the gospel.

A few photos from previous days... Eating sugar cane at one of the Mama's Heart visits, fun with the kids with the clothing hand out, and time with some of the people while at Nabalongo.

U17 - Mama's Heart

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 19:50:17 GMT

Mama's Heart

One of the ministries we partner with is Mama's Heart. This is a ministry for widows and others in difficult situations. We were able to visit and pray with several of them. What a blessing!

U17 - More Church Building!

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 19:45:19 GMT

Good morning from Uganda!

We moved a lot of bricks into position to assist the builders on the church we're currently building. Our kids joined in mixing the mortar and helping to set bricks. The foundation is set, and key parts of the walls are taking shape. We hope to see how much is complete before we leave.

We also visited two churches that we helped build. One was at Namasoga the other was at Namayemba. It was a a wonderful time encouraging the local leadership. Their hospitality and kindness is greatly appreciated.

The dress a girl and dude was a big hit the other day as well!

Be Strong and Courageous + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 13:20:27 GMT

I am so thankful for the ways God has orchestrated this pastoral transition. He’s been so gracious to my family and to our church family. Last weekend was a celebration I will cherish. If you were unable to join us, I encourage you to watch it as I shared the commitments that I am making to you as your new pastor.

This upcoming weekend will be the first time I get to share a message with you, and I simply can’t wait. It will have a couple interactive portions that I’d like you to be a part of, so if you’re physically able to, I strongly encourage you to join us in person. I suspect it will be another weekend we will all remember and cherish.

I am so thankful to be your pastor and that I get to call Twin Cities home. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for us as we follow Him.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

See you Sunday.

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U17 - Church Building!

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 12:48:46 GMT

From the Team...

We went yesterday see where the new church will be built. Below you can see the current building. They were just getting started measuring out the space for the new building. The new building will surround the existing one which will be removed once the new building is in place. We will be back out today to see how we can assist.

Working together we saw the physical and spiritual church being built today. The foundation trench was dug and materials were beginning to be placed. We began moving bricks along one side and in the back.

We did some initial evangelism. We had over a dozen people indicate accepting Jesus. It was a very good day. We will be back tomorrow to continue to build and pass out children's clothes.

God is good and we continue to look forward to seeing Him work to build His Church!

U17 - Checking In

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 20:16:27 GMT

Checking in on Sunday

After a very long travel day and short night we joined the church here for Sunday Services. We were all introduced to the church - 3 services. Two of of us shared our spiritual life story at each service.

Now a good downpour with hail!

U17 - A Message From our Friends

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 13:19:08 GMT

A message from our friends in Uganda!

U17 - What a Way to Start the Trip!

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 20:27:10 GMT

Nothing like starting the trip off with an emergency landing and the utter kindness of God at work in unexpected ways!

Our team left on Thursday morning and ended up having to make an emergency landing in Istanbul due to a sick child on the flight. The tiny passenger was only three years old and she had a trachea tube. She got food stuck in her lungs and couldn't breathe.

One of our team members - who hadn't been entirely sure she should leave her son to be on this trip with our U17 crew - was responsible for saving this little girl's life!

How's that for confirmation of being exactly where the Lord wanted her? God is already using our U17 Team and we're so grateful for the outcome of this emergency!

Extending God's Call of Leadership + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 13:27:32 GMT

Sunday will be an EPIC day for our church family. We get to participate in the commissioning and installation of Eric Wayman as our new Lead Pastor. I’m so thrilled to be able to share in this day that we’ve been praying so much about. Eric and his family have now moved all their belongings to Nevada County and are settling into the home God has blessed them to lease.

Will you pray for Sunday and our focus on Transition: New Season. Same Mission ? We are asking God to use this time in the life of our church to give us spiritual momentum as we continue to live out our mission to engage together to lead as many people as possible into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. If you missed last Sunday, let me encourage you to go online and watch or listen as Pastor Mark lays out the DNA of our church and how Twin Cities has always been about the Great Commandment and the Great Commission of Jesus. We can trust that mission to stay the same as we go forward with the goal of impacting our world for Jesus.

I’ve been able to look back through documents, pictures, and memorabilia of life over the past few weeks, and I want to let you know that I’ve had such joy in being your Lead Pastor now for nearly 32 years. What a thrill it was to look at pictures of moments we shared together of lives being impacted by the Gospel of Jesus as we did life together. I am in awe of what God has accomplished in us and through us as we’ve followed Jesus.

Thank you for the privilege you gave me of being your pastor. Thank you for the faithful service, sacrificial giving, abundant grace, passionate worship, meaningful moments, and loving support you’ve so freely displayed. I love you with all I am. You will be in my prayers as we all walk forward into the future God planned for us before the creation of the world.

Please continue to pray for Pastor Eric, Cathy, Ethan, Grayson, and Carol (Cathy’s mom) as they make Nevada County home.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Following God's Purposeful Mission + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 12:12:03 GMT

Last Sunday was one of the BEST in almost three decades for Kim and me. Words don’t seem to be able to convey the deep feelings we felt as we experienced the love, encouragement, and gratitude from so many people. Twin Cities has always been a place where we express our heart, and Sunday was no exception.

Thank you for loving us as we are with acceptance and grace. Thank you for the heartfelt words you expressed on the “Well Done” notes, on social media, and through emails. Our cup overflows with joy! If you missed Sunday, please watch the entire service soon because I hope that everyone gets to hear the words of gratitude I was able to deliver even though it was an emotional day.

Kim and I keep being asked, “What are you going to do now?” That is not an easy question to answer. First, after September 10, when we commission and install Pastor Eric as our new Lead Pastor, I will have a new title – Founding Pastor . I teasingly said on Sunday that I don’t know what that means so maybe I’ll spend my time founding things. That day will also begin a period of lengthy sabbatical away from Twin Cities.

There are three reasons for this sabbatical. First, I need time to rest. My closest friends say that I have an over-functioning sense of responsibility. Even though I am clear in my mind that this is God’s church, and I am His under-shepherd, I have felt the responsibility of Twin Cities for nearly 32 years, and I just can’t shut that off like you would a light switch. It will take time. I need to rest and heal from the journey I’ve been on the past two years ever since my cancer diagnosis on April 20, 2021. I am not the kind of guy who rests. That is my job for the foreseeable future. I also need time to spend with God as His beloved child, not as pastor. My therapists tell me I need time to grieve and move toward being the healthiest I can be. I need time to reset.

Second, Pastor Eric needs to be able to spread his wings and lead without feeling he must please the OG (Old Guy). Pastor Eric has had a period when God has been at work in his heart to prepare him for this new season. He has energy, ideas, and a vision for our future that is going to be just what Twin Cities needs for the next leg of our journey together.

Third, you need time to be with Eric and hear his heart and allow your hearts to become one with his. This is a good thing. Up until now you you’ve been attached to my heart. Now it’s time to attach your heart to Pastor Eric’s heart. Friends, you can love me and Pastor Eric. You can be loyal to both of us. It’s okay to have your affections attached to another pastor.

This weekend we continue our series called Transition: New Season. Same Mission . Pastor Mark will help us take a fresh look at our mission statement – We are engaging together to lead as many people as possible into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ .

Please pray for Pastor Eric, Cathy, Ethan, and Grayson as they move their home from Costa Mesa to Nevada County. We want them to know how much we love them – even if we’ve not met them. They are in So Cal right now to load their stuff in a U-Haul and make the trek on Sunday over the Grapevine, and up I-5 to our lovely area. Pray for them in this journey.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Celebrating God's Steadfast Goodness + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 13:33:41 GMT

Wow!!! Last Sunday was so full of joy and excitement as we introduced Eric Wayman as our next Lead Pastor. The feelings so many people shared with me are something like this: “Thank you for how you’ve handled this transition. We feel care and compassion for the sadness we are experiencing. At the same time, we feel joy and anticipation for the future.”

Friends, we are in for a ride of God’s Spirit, and I’m so glad to be part of this. When I heartily recommended Eric to you (see my letter on the website), I spoke of his heart, character, values, calling, and love for our church and community. I am so happy to say that I see even more of that now that he’s been in the office for a couple of weeks. Please pray for the Wayman family as they continue to settle into Western Nevada County as their home. When you get a chance, welcome them with a big Twin Cities smile and warmth.

Last Sunday ended with a picnic, games, and baptisms over at Pioneer Park in Nevada City. I want to express my gratitude to those who helped make all that happen. Those who set up, those who stayed and cleaned up, the bands who sang Jesus music over the park, the folks who provided the games, the tech crew who made it possible to hear the baptisms and even get a clear video recording, the people who shared food with those who didn’t bring any, the face painters, the craftspeople, and the Gospel illusionist. Thank you to everyone as we celebrated the faith step 31 people took as they went public for Jesus when they were baptized. Praise God!

This weekend we continue our series called Transition: New Season. Same Mission. This Sunday has been set aside to thank and praise God for His goodness we’ve experienced over nearly 32 years since Kim and I followed God’s call and moved to Western Nevada County to begin Twin Cities Church. I hope you will make a special effort to be at one of our gatherings as we celebrate God’s Steadfast Goodness . And we get to have DONUTS!!! See you Sunday.

You won’t want to miss a single week of this series. Our church is taking steps on our journey of faith that we’ve never taken before. Our mission statement reminds us that we’re all in this together – We are engaging together to lead as many people as possible into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ .

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Trusting God's Faithful Presence + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 11:21:17 GMT

Twin Cities is in a season of transition. Ron Thompson, our lead pastor of 32 years, is retiring and stepping out of his role. With that transition comes the opportunity for loss and grief and simultaneously brings the possibility of new beginnings and joy. We are poised for a new season as we meet and embrace Eric Wayman as our next Leader Pastor. This is an exciting time for our church, and you will want to make sure to engage as much as possible for your spiritual health and the future of our church family.

On Sunday we begin a series of weeks as we gather to celebrate what God has done in the past 32 years and anticipate the future He has in store for our church family. Kim Thompson will speak this week as we begin the series we are calling Transition – New Season. Same Mission . She is going to share a picture of what it looks like to trust in God’s faithfulness when we place our confidence and hope in His Word and embrace the love of His people.

Seriously, you won’t want to miss hearing Kim’s heart as she talks about the things that the Bible says will remain no matter what happens – Faith, Hope, and Love. God has a plan and purpose for His church and His people as we make this transition together.

Join us for Growth Path on Sunday afternoon from 2:00-5:00pm. What a great way to grow in your faith and beat the heat by hanging out with us for a couple of hours. This will be my last time to teach 101 Share Life, and I’d love to have you join me and Kim.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Standing Firm With Resistance + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 13:41:18 GMT

We will wrap up our 10-week series called Dare to Hope this Sunday. Our verse-by-verse journey through 1 Peter has been a challenging and inspiring look at how to live as Followers of Jesus when we find ourselves pushed to the margins of culture as exiles. Peter gets to the heart of the matter, not by telling us to take a stand for our rights but by taking the same approach Jesus took when He walked our planet. He served those who spoke against Him and treated them with kindness and dignity – even though He was persecuted and robbed of His dignity.

Peter wrote to people who were exiles and outcasts because of their faith in Jesus. His purpose was to embolden them to stand firm in the face of adversity and opposition and to live as people of enduring hope. Grab your Bible, join us for this series, and learn how to be a hope-filled counter-cultural.

Rather than blending in and accepting the values of the culture around us, God calls us to live differently by trusting and obeying Him. He calls us to stand against the flow of culture. When we do, we may experience ridicule, marginalization, and possibly even suffering and persecution. At the same time, we have the promise that even though things may be difficult, we can also experience joy, purpose, and hope. Just as Peter wanted to encourage his readers, I believe we can be encouraged as well, whether we are facing persecution because we follow Jesus or because we are facing times of suffering because of the brokenness of our world.

Make sure to bring your Bible with you this Sunday as we walk verse-by-verse through 1 Peter 5:1-14. The title of the message is Standing Firm With Resistance .

I love you and can’t wait to see what God does in our church and for our community this Sunday. I will talk more about our transition dates as we make this huge transition to embrace and welcome our new Lead Pastor, Eric Wayman. If you missed Sunday, here is a link to the end of our gathering, when I announced the exciting news! What a special day that was.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Persevering in Times of Suffering + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 13:52:41 GMT

We continue our challenging and inspiring Dare to Hope series this Sunday as we take a verse-by-verse journey through the New Testament book of 1 Peter. He wrote to people who were exiles and outcasts because of their faith in Jesus. His purpose was to embolden them to stand strong in the face of adversity and opposition and to live as people of enduring hope. Grab your Bible, join us for this series, and learn how to be a hope-filled counter-cultural.

Rather than blending in and accepting the values of the culture around us, God calls us to live differently by trusting and obeying Him. He calls us to stand against the flow of culture. When we do, we may experience ridicule, marginalization, and possibly even suffering and persecution. At the same time, we have the promise that even though things may be difficult, we can also experience joy, purpose, and hope. Just as Peter wanted to encourage his readers, I believe we can be encouraged as well whether we are facing persecution because we follow Jesus or because we are facing times of suffering because of the brokenness of our world.

Make sure to bring your Bible with you this Sunday as we walk verse-by-verse through 1 Peter 4:12-19. The title of the message is Persevering in Times of Suffering .

I love you and can’t wait to see what God does in our church and for our community this Sunday. We have an exciting announcement to make on Sunday about our next Lead Pastor. You won’t want to miss it.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Maximizing Your Impact + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 13:28:45 GMT

Make sure to bring your Bible with you this Sunday as we walk verse-by-verse through 1 Peter 4:1-11.

The title of the message is Maximizing Your Impact . We all want to know our lives matter and that we were a positive impact for good in our world. This section of 1 Peter will challenge us as he gives clear instructions on how to live in a way that others see Jesus through our actions, words, and attitudes.

I love you and can’t wait to see what God does in our church and for our community this Sunday.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Engaging When Life's Unfair + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 11:59:57 GMT

Make sure to bring your Bible with you this Sunday as we walk verse-by-verse through 1 Peter 3:8-22.

The title of the message is Engaging When Life Is Unfair . We can all relate to those times when life has dealt us a cruel blow – either from the treatment of others or from our circumstances. The question is how will we handle those times when we are a victim? We will learn that even though we may suffer at the hands of others or from our circumstances – victim – that we don’t have to live in “victimhood.” We can choose to engage in ways that show those around us that our true hope is in Jesus and His presence with us no matter what happens to us.

I love you and can’t wait to see what God does in our church and for our community this Sunday.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Honoring Marriage + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 12:29:31 GMT

We’re talking about Honoring Marriage this weekend. I’m excited to let you know that Kimberly Thompson, my wife of 33 years, will be sharing her experience with me as her husband. You won’t want to miss her message that is part of our summer series on how to stand firm and have hope in times of despair and hopelessness. Our Dare to Hope series will take us on a verse-by-verse journey through the New Testament book of 1 Peter. He wrote to people who were exiles and outcasts because of their faith in Jesus. His purpose was to embolden them to stand strong in the face of adversity and opposition and to live as people of enduring hope. Grab your Bible, join us for this series, and learn how to be a hope-filled counter-cultural.

Make sure to bring your Bible with you this Sunday as we walk verse-by-verse through 1 Peter 3:1-7. Every person, whether married or not, will be able to learn from these words written by the Apostle Peter. I want to encourage you to think of someone in your world who could use help with their marriage or who is carrying pain because of the way their marriage is working out or didn’t work out and invite them to join us on Sunday.

I love you and can’t wait to see what God does in our church and for our community this Sunday.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Living an Honorable Life + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 12:39:15 GMT

Independence Day has always been a special holiday for me to observe and celebrate. When I was a little guy, I remember saving up my allowance in anticipation of the day when my mom would take us to the local fireworks stand. I would spend it all and then go home and lay my arsenal out to plan the big day. And at daybreak, the blasting would begin. What freedom I felt as a little guy.

Independence Day has kept that sense of wonder and awe in my adulthood. But as I prepare to celebrate the freedoms we have in our nation, I was reminded of a verse from the Bible, John 8:36, when Jesus said, “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” As grateful as I am to live in America, with the freedoms we experience, I am even more grateful for the freedoms we have because Jesus made it possible for us to be free through the price He paid by going to the cross on our behalf.

Have you ever felt excitement in your soul over the fact that you have been set free from the greatest bondage and imprisonment a human being can experience? Jesus offers us freedom from our sin, shame, guilt, and brokenness. If we stop and reflect on that, I believe we will feel incredible awe and wonder, just like I did as a little guy when I was dreaming about those fireworks that represented a different kind of freedom.

So, this weekend, will you please ask yourself, am I as excited about the freedom I know because of Jesus as I am about the freedom I know because of the Declaration of Independence? Let God move you to awe over His great love, and then I believe that will help you keep your awe and wonder at our American Independence in proper perspective. Chew on that.

This summer at Twin Cities we’re talking about how to stand firm and have hope in times of despair and hopelessness. Our Dare to Hope series will take us on a verse-by-verse journey through the New Testament book of 1 Peter. He wrote to people who were exiles and outcasts because of their faith in Jesus. His purpose was to embolden them to stand strong in the face of adversity and opposition and to live as people of enduring hope. Grab your Bible, join us for this series, and learn how to be a hope-filled counter-cultural.

Make sure to bring your Bible with you this Sunday as we walk verse-by-verse through 1 Peter 2:11-25 under the heading of Living an Honorable Life . We’ve already learned about our identity in Jesus (if you missed any of the first three messages, please make time to listen to them). This week we get another glimpse into who God says we are and how that impacts how we live as counter-culturals. We will be challenged to honor those who are in authority over us in this world.

I love you and can’t wait to see what God does in our church and for our community this summer.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Becoming Who You Are + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 14:05:17 GMT

Summer has started off with a bang with VBS and the Father’s Day Car Show and Breakfast Burrito Fest. We had over 260 kids attend our VBS this year as they Twisted and Turned their way into learning about following the way of Jesus. At the Friday night closing program, I cried as I saw the joy and enthusiasm on the faces of the kids as they performed the songs they learned. Thank you to the over 100 volunteers who made this happen! We love you. It will only take about six months to get that song out of your head!

And then on Sunday, we had some awesome cars and various other motorized vehicles out on our patio to drool over. I’m so glad that there are women and men who have this kind of passion and the skill to make it happen. We served over 700 breakfast burritos as well! Thank you to our Cooking Team who cracked 420 eggs to make that possible. You’re the best!

Make sure to bring your Bible as we walk verse-by-verse through 1 Peter 2:1-10. The message is Becoming Who You Are . We’ve already learned about our identity in Jesus, and this week to get another glimpse into who God says we are and how that impacts how we live as counter-culturals in this world.

I love you and can’t wait to see what God does in our church and for our community this summer.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Choosing to Be Different + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 13:55:37 GMT

Father’s Day is this Sunday! We’re celebrating all the dads by hosting our annual Car Show (and other fun transportation vehicles) and serving breakfast burritos. Please invite your favorite man to join us for a fun day as we honor each of them for their role in our lives.

Make sure to bring your Bible as we walk verse by verse through 1 Peter 1:13-25. The message is Choosing to Be Different . We’re going to learn how to transform our lives and impact our world through God’s call to be set apart or different.

I love you and can’t wait to see what God does in our church and for our community this summer.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Holding on to Hope + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 12:43:52 GMT

This summer at Twin Cities we are going to talk about how to stand firm and have hope in times of despair and hopelessness. Our Dare to Hope series will take us on a verse-by-verse journey through the New Testament book of 1 Peter. He wrote to people who were exiles and outcasts because of their faith in Jesus. His purpose was to embolden them to stand strong in the face of adversity and opposition and to live as people of enduring hope. Grab your Bible, join us for this series, and learn how to be a hope-filled counter-cultural.

Counter-cultural living starts with trusting the Good News of who Jesus is and who He says we are. It’s all about identity. We talked about identity last week as we focused on Living at the Margins in the kickoff to the series. Rather than blending in and accepting the values of the culture around us, God calls us to live differently by trusting and obeying Him. He calls us to stand against the flow of culture. When we do, we will experience ridicule, marginalization, and maybe even suffering and persecution. At the same time, we have the promise that even though things may be difficult, we can also experience joy, purpose, and hope.

On Sunday, we’ll continue the series by looking at 1 Peter 1:3-12. The message is Holding on to Hope . We’re going to dig into the security we have in a world that seems to be set against the truth of the Gospel as we walk through the hope and security we have through Jesus and His resurrection.

Summer is a great time for spiritual growth and development for kids and students. Click here and look at the awesome opportunities we’re providing this summer. Our kids are being influenced by culture in more ways than ever before. Camps are a fun and exciting way we can come alongside you in training your kids up to know God and love Jesus.

VBS Day Camp begins June 13. Have you registered your kids or grandkids yet? Consider inviting your kids’ friends. Camp registration fee is reduced for those who don’t yet attend Twin Cities.

Parents, you’ll want to notice and plan for “ Move Up ” Sunday this Sunday, June 11. This is the day kids and students move up to the next grade or age level.

I love you and can’t wait to see what God does in our church and for our community this summer.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Living at the Margins + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 11:39:45 GMT

Counter-cultural living starts with trusting the Good News of who Jesus is and whom He says we are. It’s all about identity. Rather than blending in and accepting the values of the culture around us, God calls us to live differently by trusting and obeying Him. He calls us to stand against the flow of culture. When we do, we will experience ridicule, marginalization, and maybe even suffering and persecution. At the same time, we have the promise that even though things may be difficult, we can also experience joy, purpose, and hope.

On Sunday, we’ll kick off the series by looking at the first two verses as we set up the entire series. The message is Living at the Margins . We’ll see that we can still have influence even when we feel we’ve been pushed to the margins of the world.

Parents, you’ll want to notice and plan for “ Move Up ” Sunday on June 11. That’s the day kids and students move up to the next grade or age level.

I love you and can’t wait to see what God does in our church and for our community this summer.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Talking About Financial Health + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 26 May 2023 11:50:29 GMT

Let’s Talk About It has resonated so much with our church and even our community in a way that shows how much people need to hear about God’s concern for their whole being. I’ve been encouraged and challenged by the sheer volume of responses to the messages in this series, but I’ve been moved even more by the depth of the responses. I am amazed at the trust you show by revealing the hurts and hangups that have kept you captive and living in shame. Please remember that revealing your feeling is the beginning of your healing, but it’s not the end. Let’s keep these conversations going because our world is becoming even more fractured, and people are even more fragile and in need of a relationship with the God who cares.

This Sunday we wrap up the series by talking about financial health . Did you know that Jesus talked more about money than He did about Heaven or Hell? Did you know that money is seen as the key to our worship? What we do with money – spend it, save it, give it, invest it – shows where our hearts are focused. On Sunday, we’ll talk about moving from greed – the desire to have more and more – to contentment – the ability to be satisfied with what we’ve been given.

We will also have a time to remember those who have died in serving our country to preserve the freedoms we get to experience. Memorial Day is more than a day for picnics; it’s also a day to express gratitude for the men and women who gave their lives for others.

Please know that I am praying for you and your family and friends as we continue down this path to wholeness and healing.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

See ya Sunday!

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Talking About Spiritual Health + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 19 May 2023 12:43:26 GMT

Communion is an invitation to come before Jesus and do what He said – Remember Him. Remember His sacrifice for us as He gave His body and blood. Remember the moment you said “YES” to Him to receive forgiveness, cleansing, renewal, and restoration. Remember the moment you surrendered to His way and calling for your life. We’re observing all of this as we participate in Communion together. You’ll want to make sure you gather with us on Sunday.

We will also get to continue our Let’s Talk About It series this week. In this series, we’re looking to the Bible to discover God’s plan for holistic living. Last week we celebrated moms and Kim talked about family health. If you missed last Sunday, it would be in your best interest to view the message online before Sunday. This week we’ll be talking about spiritual health . God made us in such a way that we have a soul that needs nourishment, care, and attention.

Please know that I am praying for you and your family and friends as we continue down this path to wholeness and healing.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

See ya Sunday!

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Talking About Family Health + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 12 May 2023 12:54:31 GMT

Sunday will be a great day to celebrate the moms in our lives! We’ve planned a fun-filled memorable day that will include our favorite donuts (yummy) and photo stations where you can get a picture of yourself or your entire family.

We will also get to continue our Let’s Talk About It series this week. In this series, we’re looking to the Bible to discover God’s plan for holistic living. Last week we focused on relational health. If you missed last Sunday, it would be in your best interest to view the message online before Sunday. This week we’ll be talking about family health . You’ll get more out of this week’s message if you listen to it because family is all about relationships.

Please know that I am praying for you and your family and friends as we continue down this path to wholeness and possible healing.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

See ya Sunday!

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Talking About Relational Health + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 05 May 2023 13:52:18 GMT

SOS UPDATE: Due to the weather and the forecast for rain we just made the decision to move the date of SOS from this Saturday (May 6) to 2 weeks later, May 20. This gives you a chance to sign up for a spot to help us Serve Our Schools together. Click here to get more information and pick your spot to serve.

We continue our Let’s Talk About It series this week. Your response to the relevance of this series has been humbling as you’ve shared how God has spoken to you through our openness to talk about difficult subjects that the church has typically avoided. We believe Jesus meant it when He said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.”

Friends, we have an enemy who seeks to rob us of the life God created us to experience. The good news is Jesus said He came to bring life in all its fullness – just as God made it to be. The Bible offers us a holistic approach to life that speaks to every aspect of who God created us to be.

On Sunday, we’ll devote our time to talking about relational health . The Bible speaks volumes about the power of healthy relationships, and I look forward to digging into this aspect of healthy living this week.

Please know that I am praying for you and your family and friends as we continue down this path to wholeness and possible healing.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

See ya Sunday!

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Talking About Physical Health + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 12:43:46 GMT

I can’t say enough how humbling it has been to me that you have responded so positively after the first two weeks of our Let’s Talk About It series. If you’ve missed either of the past two weeks, please take a few moments and engage online. I believe you’ll be glad you did. Maybe someone in your world needs what we talked about. If so, please forward the link to them.

Your wholehearted affirmation at how we opened up about issues that so many people are struggling with right now is just amazing. You are such a caring people to want your family and friends to hear the words of hope we’ve spoken the past two weeks. One person wrote to tell me about how our openness to the brokenness of people – to be able to admit it – is what first attracted their family to our church. TCC is a place where it’s okay to be broken, but just as I shared on Sunday, “It’s not okay to hide that you’re not okay.” I pray that many people will open themselves up to the available help.

This Sunday we will be talking about physical health . Did you know how you care for yourself physically impacts your mental and emotional health? According to Psalm 139, God made us wonderfully complex, and part of the wonder of who we were made to be is that we function best when our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects are healthy. God designed us to be congruous and whole in every way.

Please know that I am praying for you and your family and friends as we continue down this path to wholeness and possible healing.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

See ya Sunday!

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Talking About Emotional Health + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 12:48:49 GMT

I am humbled by your response to the first week holistic Biblical living series called Let’s Talk About It . We dug deeply into the crucial topic of mental and emotional health – the real pandemic of our age. If you missed Sunday’s service, please, please, please watch it before this week. You will get so much more out of it if you do.

We opened the box and discussed things we’re usually not honest about. We talked about mental health myths and sources of mental health struggles. Then we laid out a plan for our church on how to respond with love and empathy to those who struggle – because we all struggle in some way.

I told you on Sunday that I would give you a short diagnostic tool to help you know your level of mental and emotional distress, but after looking at it more thoroughly, I realized that without a qualified mental health care professional, it might cause more distress than could be managed in isolation. I just didn’t get the time I needed this week to get it fine-tuned so I don’t feel comfortable sharing it. Thank you for understanding.

This Sunday, we will be talking about emotional health as we unpack the two most common struggles people say they face today. I will give some concrete steps people with mild or moderate levels of anxiety and depression can take to help regulate their emotional responses to the situations, circumstances, medical, clinical, biological, relational, and spiritual catalysts for our problems.

Please know that I am praying for you and your family and friends as we continue down this pathway to wholeness and possible healing.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

See ya Sunday!

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Talking About Mental Health + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 12:44:10 GMT

WOW!!! Let’s take a moment and celebrate all God did in our church at Easter. All of the elements, from the Good Friday service to the Egg Hunt to our Easter Gatherings, was a marvelous experience with the risen Jesus and His Church. Thank you to all who were instrumental in making all the weekend events superb. I love your heart for those who haven’t yet said, “YES” to Jesus. YAY!

We begin our new series on how to be whole in our entire being. According to the Psalmist, God made us wonderfully complex, but we’ve all suffered from the impact of sin – our sin and the sin of others – and God desires that we step forward and be transformed and healed from our brokenness. Let’s Talk About It will talk about our development and how to get unstuck when we find ourselves stuck in our progress. The Bible says that Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

On Sunday, I’ll begin our series by Talking About Mental Health . Do you know anyone who struggles with mental health issues? More than likely, you have family members or friends – or maybe it’s you – who struggles with their mental health. This message will introduce our series and show us how the church can be part of the solution and release the compassion of Jesus through our acts of kindness and empathy.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

See ya Sunday!

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HE IS RISEN! + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 11:20:48 GMT

HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED! Sunday is the day we celebrate Easter – the Super Bowl of the Christian faith. I am praying with you for the people we’re inviting to come as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. A dead man came back to life! It’s spectacular. It’s supernatural.

The Resurrection changed everything and made it possible for us to know the full life Jesus referred to in John 10:10. His purpose was to come and give US life – today – in the full. And not just for today, but for every day we live on this planet, and then for eternity with Him and all the saints in glory. Wow! There is so much hope in Easter, and I look forward to experiencing it with you.

Here are the highlights of our Holy week celebrations.

Good Friday Community Service – Friday, 12:00-1:00pm at TCC

Easter Egg Hunt – Saturday, 9:00-11:00am at TCC (rain or shine) at TCC

Easter Services – Saturday, 6:00pm and Sunday, 9:00 and 11:00am at TCC

Connecting Our Stories Art Project – Saturday, 6:00pm and Sunday, 9:00 and 11:00am at TCC

Will you pray with your church family that we will make much of Jesus as we communicate the strong hope we can have in times of fear because of the truth of the Resurrection event in history? His Resurrection is a documented fact, and we can trust God to do everything He said He would do.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

See ya Sunday!

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Resist Idleness + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 13:00:47 GMT

We will wrap up our message series – Stand Firm this Sunday! What an inspiring, challenging, and motivating series this has been! I’ve loved your response to the tone of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Thessalonica. We’ve dealt with some sobering words of truth about the second coming of Jesus and the final judgment. Paul has been helping us know how to stand firm in the face of adversity from those who oppose the Gospel message of Jesus.

This is a perfect series for the time in which we live. On Sunday we get to look at Paul’s teaching on how to Resist Idleness as they try to figure out how to live as they wait on Jesus to come again. They expected it to be immediate. The thing we know from our vantage point is that it may not be immediate, but it is imminent. We can count on Jesus to come again. This week we’ll look at how to live in a way that shows we are productive citizens of our communities as we live out our identity as citizens of Heaven.

You can attend every gathering in person, live stream online, or watch on demand. Please navigate through our website to find the schedule of messages and service. If you want to stream a service live or watch an archived message or service, you can find the links you need there. We welcome you to join us soon.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

See ya Sunday!

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Reaffirm Purpose + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 13:58:57 GMT

We get to participate in COMMUNION on Sunday. You won’t want to miss out as we celebrate what Jesus did for us when He died on the cross. He made it possible for us to be brought into relationship – to be adopted – with God by paving the way for our sins to be forgiven, our record to be canceled, and our lives to be transformed. I hope you will make Sunday a priority!

We will continue our message series – Stand Firm . This message series is taken from 2 Thessalonians and will help us know how to stand firm in the face of adversity from those who oppose the Gospel message of Jesus. This is a perfect series for the time in which we live. On Sunday we get to look at Paul’s teaching on how to Reaffirm Our Purpose in the face of persecution and adversity for believing in Jesus and following Him as His disciples. In addition, we will be inspired and challenged by Paul’s call to pray for each other and our witness for Jesus in a world that opposes Him and the Gospel message.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

See ya Sunday!

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Remain Steadfast + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 13:34:30 GMT

Wow, Sunday was such an inspiring day as we answered questions people have about the end times and Jesus’ return to Earth. I loved the phrase we used – “What you hope for is what you live for.” As one person said, “You could have heard a pin drop in the room.” The truth of the Gospel message is clear and encouraging. If you missed either or both of the last two weeks, please make it a point to watch them because they are full of sobering truths about the reality of Jesus’ return to Earth and the end of time.

This Sunday we will continue our Message Series – Stand Firm . This message series is taken from 2 Thessalonians and will help us know how to stand firm in the face of adversity from those who oppose the Gospel message of Jesus. This is a perfect series for the time in which we live. On Sunday we get to look at Paul’s teaching on how to Remain Steadfast in the face of persecution and adversity for believing in Jesus and following Him as His disciples. When we live by God’s Word, we will reflect God’s character in our world. What does that look like? In 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17, Paul shows us how we can point people to Jesus and Stand Firm for Him.

We’re having a make-up baptism this Sunday for those who couldn’t make it on our original date because of the weather. If you’ve never been baptized after your decision to receive God’s gift of salvation and cleansing from Jesus, please email Kathy and let her know you want to take this amazing step of faith.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

See ya Sunday!

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Reject Deception + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 13:56:34 GMT

We had such a great time celebrating our 31 years as a church last Sunday – even though it was a snow day. What a crazy time this has been. I remember our first anniversary so well from a picture I have that we had a bright, sunny day wearing short sleeves and eating cake on the patio. Compare that to this past Sunday with heavy snow falling. This gives me a chance to say “Thank you” to our teams of eager servants who made Sunday happen, complete with donuts and baptisms.

We are having a special baptism on March 19 for those who couldn’t make it on Sunday. So, if you’ve never been baptized after making your personal decision to follow Jesus, please take the plunge and go public with your faith. The snow kept some people from the last baptism class. If that was you, we are offering a special class this Sunday, March 12, at 9:00am. If you want to be baptized on the 19th, please email Kathy and she will contact you with details.

This Sunday we will continue our Message Series – Stand Firm . This message series is taken from 2 Thessalonians and will help us know how to stand firm in the face of adversity from those who oppose the Gospel message of Jesus. This is a perfect series for the time in which we live. Last Sunday we talked about the end of the age reckoning based on what we did with the Gospel message of Jesus. This Sunday we get to look at Paul’s teaching on the second coming of Jesus Christ and how we need to be prepared for Him to return. We will discover that there is an evil plan of deception designed to rattle us to the core about our belief that Jesus is indeed coming again. You won’t want to miss Sunday. You will leave encouraged, enlightened, and sobered about this coming reality.

Remember to “Spring Ahead” this weekend. Set your clocks forward an hour before you go to sleep on Saturday and then you can be on time for church.

Our Growth Path that was postponed because of snow will be held this Sunday from 2:00-5:00pm. I hope you’ll make it your Sunday afternoon fun!

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living life on mission with Jesus and others,

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Receive Encouragement + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 12:21:14 GMT

Wow, talk about snow! I would have never dreamed that we would have two major snowstorms in Nevada County the last two winters. Snowmageddon 2022 and Snowmess 2023 both left many of us reeling. I was without power for 72 hours in this last storm, and we received 20” of snow at my house! In my 31 years in Nevada County, I’ve never witnessed a snow event like we saw this week. I’m mostly referring to the number of days in a row where we received that much snow. And guess what? It’s supposed to snow again this weekend.

This gives me a chance to talk about our Sunday Snow Day Policy. Here it is: If we can get to church, we will have church no matter the weather. That’s it. If we can’t get there, we will alert you on Sunday morning by email or social media. Just a tidbit here – soon we will be able to deliver alerts by text since that’s the way most of us communicate in today’s world. Please make sure you make the safest decision for you as you choose what to do on a snowy day.

This Sunday we will do the following: Celebrate 31 years as a church, celebrate Jesus and His redemptive story as we watch 14 people get baptized, eat lots of donuts, and begin our new Message Series – Stand Firm . This message series will help us know how to stand firm in the face of adversity from those who stand against the Gospel message of Jesus. This is a perfect series for the time in which we live. The first message is Receive Encouragement . We will dig into 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12. When you read those verses before Sunday, you will be amazed at how much we need to comprehend and be enraptured by the truths of the justice of God. Folks, this series is one of the most sobering I remember us ever doing. I hope you will come learn as Paul talks to us about how to Stand Firm between now and the future when Jesus comes again. You won’t want to miss Sunday. If you don’t think it’s safe to drive – we are supposed to get another storm this weekend – please stay home and watch the service online.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

I want to end by thanking you for your caring, loving, graceful responses to the news that Kim and I are beginning our transition into retirement. Please go to this FAQ page , watch our video, scroll through the FAQ section and be in prayer for the next Lead Pastor God is already shaping to lead us into the future to reach the next generations with the love of Jesus.

Speaking of love, I love you so much!

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One God/Father + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 14:25:42 GMT

We take the next steps in our walk toward unity this Sunday with the final week of our ONE series! I am amazed again at the power of God’s Holy Spirit to lead us week after week to hear God’s Word and how it speaks to us in ways that leave us full of hope and joy. We’ve learned so much, and yet it’s not just about learning, it’s about becoming ONE . Our ONE series is right out of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus, where he reminds us to hold on to our identity in Jesus and the things that unite us and make us one. He wants us to walk in unity, and when we do, we become a force of harmony and a witness for Jesus to all we meet.

This Sunday, we will get to see what it means to know ONE GOD AND FATHER . Our belief about who God is and what God does is the foundation for the entire series. God is over all, in all, and through all. We can place our hope in Him as we walk in unity together. I am eager to listen as God speaks to us about the Father’s love. Friends, this can be a source of deep healing as we look to our Father God for our identity, direction, purpose, and fulfillment. I will be eagerly anticipating gathering with you this Sunday.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living life on mission with Jesus and others,

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One Baptism + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 13:14:11 GMT

We take the next steps in our walk toward unity this Sunday! Your weekly comments are evidence that this series is speaking to us in ways that leave us full of hope and thrilled about God’s Word and how it speaks to the issues we face today. We’ve learned so much, and yet it’s not just about learning, it’s about becoming ONE . Our ONE series is right out of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus where he reminds us to hold on to our identity in Jesus and the things that unite us and make us one. He wants us to walk in unity, and when we do we become a force of harmony and a witness for Jesus to all to whom we meet.

This Sunday, we will get to see what it means to have ONE BAPTISM . Baptism is a divisive issue in many homes because there are so many different views on the whole subject. The conflict usually centers on these issues – Infant vs. Adult, Sprinkling vs. Immersion, or Essential to Salvation vs. Expression of Salvation. The Bible does have a lot to say about this ordinance. An ordinance is an order by Jesus for His church to follow. Therefore, just as communion is an essential part of our walk with Jesus, baptism is just as necessary for our faith. I look forward to painting a picture of the act of baptism and its importance in our unity and your walk with Jesus.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living life on mission with Jesus and others,

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One Faith + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 13:33:44 GMT

This Sunday, we will get to see what it means to have ONE FAITH . The New Testament book of Jude says that we are to “contend for the faith.” That means standing strong, defending, and fighting for the faith that Jesus is the only way to God. That’s it. Jesus is the only way to God. I am so eager to dig into this fantastic truth with you this Sunday.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living life on mission with Jesus and others,

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One Lord + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 13:13:58 GMT

This Sunday we get to look at what it means to have ONE LORD . This is the hinge upon which our unity hangs. If we don’t know Jesus as Lord, we aren’t in His family, and if we’re not in His family, we won’t walk in unity. I am praying for you as you contemplate your weekend, that you will make it a priority to gather with God’s people as we focus on our unity.

We hosted the Nevada County Ministerial Association here this past Wednesday, and it was such a thrill to know that we are part of the larger CHURCH. One of the pastors who attended knew we were in a series on unity and commented on how this luncheon was an example of being one with the other churches and Christian non-profits from our community. You are part of that as a regular participant at Twin Cities Church. I pray you will be in church this Sunday as we focus on how to be ONE as we walk in unity.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living life on mission with Jesus and others,

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One Hope + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 14:11:02 GMT

We take the next steps in our walk toward unity this Sunday! Your comments each week are evidence that this series is speaking to us in ways that leave us surprised and excited about God’s Word and how it speaks to the issues we face in our world today. We’ve learned so much, and yet it’s not just about learning, it’s about becoming ONE .

Our ONE series is right out of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus where he reminds us to hold on to our identity in Jesus and the things that unite us and make us one. He wants us to walk in unity, and when we do we become a force of harmony and a w itness for Jesus to all to whom we meet. This Sunday we get to look at what it means to have ONE HOPE . As we learned last weekend from Fritz Moga, unity is not a self-produced reality. It’s not about willing ourselves to treat one another better. Instead, it’s a Spirit-driven purpose. God places His Spirit in all who say YES to Jesus, and one of the roles of the Holy Spirit is to transform or shape us to look like Jesus. This Sunday we will focus on the fact that we are called to walk in unity because we have ONE HOPE . Hope does more than help us live with peace and joy, it’s also a powerful testimony of the life-changing power we know that comes from trusting in God.

Communion will be part of our gathering this weekend. Please spend time with God before you come to reflect on the gift Jesus is to you. You might even ask God to show you any sin in your life so you can confess and come before Him cleansed and eager to worship Him because of the gift of Jesus who died on the cross for you.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living life on mission with Jesus and others,

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One Spirit + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 13:06:06 GMT

We take the next steps in our walk toward unity this Sunday! Last Sunday, Pastor Mark did such an excellent job of bringing us to the point of agreeing that being ONE BODY is such an important part of our calling to live lives that make much of Jesus. Our ONE series is right out of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus where he reminds us to hold on to the things that unite us and make us one. He wants us to walk in unity, and when we do we become a force of harmony and a witness for Jesus to all to whom we meet. This Sunday we get to look at what it means to have ONE SPIRIT . Remember, unity is not a self-produced reality. It’s not about willing ourselves to treat one another better. Instead, it’s a Spirit-driven purpose. God places His Spirit in all who say YES to Jesus, and one of the roles of the Holy Spirit is to transform or shape us to look like Jesus. I’m excited to focus on the fact that there is ONE SPIRIT available as we walk toward unity with one another.

We introduced our 2023 Church Prayer on January 8. Will you join us in praying for the impact of our church in this coming year? Prayer can be a unifying activity as we engage together in doing the same thing each week for an entire year. This prayer challenge can be a catalyst for unity as we come before God with the same prayers five days per week for 52 weeks. I am eager to see how God is going to use this. You can get access to the 2023 prayer here .

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living life on mission with Jesus and others,

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One Body + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 13:52:12 GMT

We take the next steps in our walk toward unity this Sunday! If you missed last Sunday as we dug into the main theme of this series – We have ONE CALLING – please make sure to watch it before Sunday so you are ready to hear clearly how God has made us to be ONE BODY . Our ONE series is right out of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus where he reminds us to hold on to the things that unite us and make us one. He wants us to walk in unity, and when we do we become a force of harmony and a witness for Jesus to all to whom we meet. Join us Sunday as we dig into the main theme of this series – we have ONE CALLING . Let’s come together, put aside our differences, as we walk together in unity and become ONE .

We introduced our 2023 Church Prayer on Sunday. Will you join us in praying for the impact of our church in this coming year? Prayer can be a unifying activity as we engage together in doing the same thing each week for an entire year. This prayer challenge can be a catalyst for unity as we come before God with the same prayers five days per week for 52 weeks. I am eager to see how God is going to use this. You can get access to the 2023 prayer here .

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living life on mission with Jesus and others,

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One Calling + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 13:47:25 GMT

We live in a time of divisiveness and disruption unlike any we’ve seen in our lifetime. It’s so easy in our social media-driven world to engage in conversations that only turn up the heat in our frustrations as we blame the other “side” for our angst and concern. The crazy thing is that division and conflict can be just as present in the church as it is outside the church. Friends, that should never be if we are going to be the answer to Jesus’ prayer when He said, “Father, I pray for those who will believe in Me… that all of them may be one.”

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living life on mission with Jesus and others,

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God With Us in Our Weariness + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 30 Dec 2022 14:17:02 GMT

We will wrap our God With Us series on Sunday with a time to get energized and spiritually ready for 2023. You may be feeling beat up after the past year or two, and the good news is that God not only has spiritual resources to supply, but He also has designed ways for us to be physically and emotionally energized as well. This will be a great time to be refreshed and positioned for renewal each day of 2023.

We will also hand out Bible Reading Plans for those who want to begin the new year by engaging with the Bible. Friends, God has so much in His Word if we just dig into it. I know for me it’s been such an anchor in my life. I look forward to how God will work in our lives as a church family.

SCAM ALERT . If you receive a text or email from Ron Thompson or Pastor Ron asking for help, please delete it. He will never ask for help in this fashion. It’s a scam. Please be careful out there folks.

I am very grateful for the teams who made our Christmas Eve gathering so meaningful. I love our church so much. Thanks to all who served and invited friends. One person wrote to me that this was the best Christmas Eve service EVER for him. I look forward to how God is going to use this to woo people to Himself. GOD came to be WITH US.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living life on mission with Jesus and others,

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God With Us in Our Hopelessness + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 13:20:34 GMT

GOD WITH US Resources and HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

We will do a deep dive into our God With Us series over the next few days as we gather to celebrate Christmas together. Our Advent emphasis on hope, peace, joy, and love culminates with Christmas Eve, the lighting of the Christ candle, and celebrating the birth of Jesus. Here’s the schedule of our gathering times so you can be prepared and informed.

CHRISTMAS EVE

Friday – December 23 – 7:00pm

Saturday – December 24 – 2:00, 4:00, 6:00pm

Choose between four identical gatherings with childcare and children’s program through 5th grade. Invite your friends to experience God With Us with you! We’ll sing, listen to amazing music, watch a beautiful dance, listen to a moving message, and light candles of remembrance together.

CHRISTMAS DAY

Sunday – December 25 – online only – 9:00am

Enjoy a memorable worship experience from your living room. Tune in via Facebook, YouTube, or our website at 9:00am or on demand any time after that. If you want, you can relive the Christmas Eve experience through the same channels.

You can give your offerings or Year-End Gifts through our online giving platform, mail them to the church, or bring them by the office. Our office hours are 9:00-5:00 Tuesday, December 27 through Thursday, December 29, and 9:00-1:00 Friday, December 30.

NEW YEAR’S DAY

Sunday – January 1 – 9:00 and 11:00am

We’ll ring in 2023 together as we wrap up our God With Us series. The focus will be to look at God With Us in Our Weariness . Let’s gather and worship, listen to great teaching from Isaiah, and pray together. All children’s programs will meet, and kids are urged to wear their pajamas and enjoy a special treat.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living life on mission with Jesus and others,

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God With Us in Our Darkness + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 13:01:26 GMT

We continue our Advent series called God With Us this SUNDAY by lighting the Candle of Love. We live in a world fraught with chaos, anxiety, depression, and loneliness – all kinds of circumstances that can lead us to fear and anxiety – and it’s comforting to know that God is with us. We are not alone. God With Us is His promise that we can always experience His presence in all of our circumstances. God doesn’t promise us that we’re not going to go through problems and darkness, but He does promise us that when we look to Him, His presence will be a light for our path. On Sunday we’ll look at Psalm 27 and be encouraged by God’s faithful presence in the life of King David. This is on e of my favorite Psalms, and I look forward to hearing it again !

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living life on mission with Jesus and others,

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God With Us in Our Sadness + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 13:09:46 GMT

We continue our Advent series called God With Us this SUNDAY by lighting the Candle of Joy. We live in a world fraught with chaos, anxiety, d epression, and loneliness, and it’s comforting to know that God is with us. We are not alone. God With Us is His promise that we can always experience God’s presence in all circumstances and situations. God doesn’t pr omise us that we’re not going to go through problems and face struggles, but He does promise us that when we look to Him, His presence will create a sense of deep joy. We’ll look at Psalm 16 and be encouraged by God’s faithful presence in the life of King David. Joy to the world, the Lord has come!

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living life on mission with Jesus and others,

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God With Us in Our Loneliness + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 13:29:58 GMT

We continue our Advent series called God With Us this SUNDAY by lighting the Candle of Peace. We live in a world fraught with chaos, anxiety, depression, and loneliness, and it’s comforting to know that God is with us. We are not alone. God With Us is His promise that we can personally always experience the presence and peace of God, in all circumstances and situations. God doesn’t promise us that we’re not going to go through difficulty, but He does promise us that He will always be with us. We’ll look at Psalm 40 and be encouraged by God’s faithful presence in the life of David.

Enjoy some Christmas fun and cheer this Sunday afternoon by making plans to attend the Children’s Christmas Musical – Raad Tidings We Bring! – performed by our children. It’s at 4:30 right here on the Twin Cities big stage. The kids have been working hard in preparation for this event. Let’s show them our gratitude and support by enjoying their performance.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living life on mission with Jesus and others,

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God With Us in Our Distress + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 13:48:53 GMT

Our 2022 Advent season begins on November 27 and runs through Christmas Day. Advent is a time-honored tradition that allows us to prepare our hearts for the celebration of the birth of Jesus on December 25. We invite you to join us for our weekend gatherings for Advent 2022 as we place our focus on the three most meaningful and impactful words that define the meaning of Christmas: God With Us . The Good News of Christmas is that through the birth of Jesus, we can receive the greatest gift ever - God IS with us! Come discover the abundant hope, peace, joy, and love of Je sus as we celebrate together.

One of the great traditions of the Christian church is the observance of Advent. The celebration of Advent is a time set aside to focus on the first coming of Jesus and the anticipation of His second coming. Each week of Advent will highlight a diff erent aspect of the season. This SUNDAY we will take a look at a powerful section from the book of Isaiah as we declare our hope in the coming Christ. We’ll light the candle of hope and sing a meaningful carol that cries out with longing that God will keep His promises for the Messiah to come into our world.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living life on mission with Jesus and others,

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Year-End Gift 2022

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 17:30:39 GMT

I want to express my gratitude for your faithful financial generosity to our church in 2022. Let’s face it, this has been a tough year for many of us considering the rate of inflation and the price increases. It’s been quite a ride, and it may not be over yet. So your giving is more important than ever as we continue moving forward to engage together and lead as many people as possible into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ . We’re all about helping people know Jesus and follow Him as His apprentices.

Friends, in this crazy time in which we live, I believe God has placed Twin Cities as His church in this place for just this moment. We’re here to shine His healing light. We’re here to spread His fragrant seasoning. We’re here to unleash His empathetic compassion. We’re here to be His voice of comforting peace. We’re here to LOVE EVERYONE ALWAYS and to be a place WHERE HOPE IS FOUND.

In 2022, we’ve been able to help hundreds of people who have needs for shelter, food, and support. We’ve engaged in even greater ways with our ministry partners who work to alleviate the suffering and struggle of so many hurting people. We’ve engaged with our community in serving in unique ways, and God keeps opening opportunities for more all the time. We were able to celebrate with our Ugandan friends the opening of two new churches. We were able to add our support to Citywalk Church in Yuba City as they continue to expand God’s Kingdom there. We were able to encourage the Tamang family and our mission work in Nepal. We supported David Carothers and Transformation Ministry in their vision to start churches and grow disciples around the world. All of this has been made possible by your commitment to consistent, faithful, and generous giving.

As we look forward to 2023, the good news is that we’re more focused and inspired than we’ve ever been in doing ministry together. The good news is that God is not finished with us yet. The good news is that He’s working in new ways through new methods and means to help us reach those who are hungry for something more because of what we’ve experienced as a culture.

Folks, I believe with all my being that our best days are still ahead. Our world needs Jesus and His love right now and is probably more open to Him than at any time we’ve been here in Western Nevada County. The people around us need Jesus, and He has placed us here at this time to represent His loving presence and express His compassionate grace. Today is our day. Will you join me in praying about how we can help even more people experience God’s love in the coming year through your generous giving to our Year-End Gift?

Our Year-End Giving is even more vital this year because as of November 15 we are behind in our operating budget offerings. This isn’t the first time we’ve faced a financial shortfall, and I’m believing that just as God’s people have done in the past, December will be a great month of financial harvest as we give joyfully and freely to God’s church.

Our Year-End Giving allows our church to extend God’s love in ways we aren’t able to through our regular operating budget. This is one way we’ve been able to keep our operating budget somewhat level in the past ten years. Our operating budget pays for ministry. The Year-End Gift provides new opportunities and makes it possible to improve our facilities or presentation elements to help us continue to meet our goal of having excellent environments and inspiring opportunities. It goes to provide the means to expand our impact through initiatives in our community or world.

Gratitude is the core value in our Year-End Giving at Twin Cities. The way it works is for each of us to go before God, ask Him to show us how He has worked in our lives, and then out of gratitude offer Him an offering of praise through giving a financial gift. Not just to give more to the church than we normally do, but to give to God through the church. It’s a subtle difference, but it’s a key difference.

Will you pray and ask God what He would have you give and then respond accordingly to His leading?

You can give online by clicking here , or you can pick up an envelope on Sunday morning or from the church office during the week.

I want you to know how grateful I am for your continued support – especially considering our economic picture – and I look forward to how God will continue to use our church to bring His Kingdom to those who feel they are most distant from Him in our community and the far reaches of our world.

Joyfully living everyday life on mission with Jesus and others another year!

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Raising Lazarus Back to Life + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 12:03:03 GMT

Welcome to Fall at TCC. We are in a message series called Seven Signs . This series will come right from the historical writings of the Apostle John as he recorded just seven of the miracles performed by Jesus when He was alive. John doesn’t use the word that would typically be translated as “miracle.” Instead, he uses the word that is translated as “sign.” He doesn’t leave us guessing as to why he chose this purpose. He believes that these miracles are signs that direct us to see Jesus as Messiah – so they portray His mission and direct us to see that God meets us in the mess of our lives. God has the power to change our mess into something lovely and beautiful.

This SUNDAY as we continue our Seven Signs series, we get to witness what many people consider to be Jesus’ most amazing of miracles when He raised Lazarus from the dead and showed that He has power over death. It’s in this miracle that we see that our creator God can override the natural order and bring life to our greatest of enemies – death. In this sign, we get to see Jesus’ compassion, empathy, purpose, and power all expressed in love toward Lazarus and his family. This is an amazing story that we will all be able to find ourselves in at some point. I’m eagerly anticipating Sunday because of this message and also because we get to celebrate Communion together. Please come with an open heart and a posture of eager expectation as we get to meet with “the Lord, Lord, the compassionate and gracious God.”

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living life on mission with Jesus and others,

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Healing a Man Born Blind + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 12:10:32 GMT

This SUNDAY as we continue our Seven Signs series, we get to witness Jesus’ compassion and care in an event called Healing a Man Born Blind . What a fascinating story as Jesus steps over cultural and religious barriers to offer empathy to a man who had been cast aside because of an infirmity for which people blamed either him or his family. Jesus comes along and liberates the man of his blindness and in the process gives him dignity and respect. It’s an amazing story that will show us Jesus’ power over darkness .

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living life on mission with Jesus and others,

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Walking on the Water + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 04 Nov 2022 11:09:55 GMT

This SUNDAY as we continue our Seven Signs series, we get to see Jesus’ power over the things we fear as He walks on the water in the middle of a storm. We all know what it’s like to be in a storm and feel like the waves and wind are going to overwhelm us. I know we all saw the images of Hurricane Ian in Florida. Here’s the deal: Even though you may feel alone in your storm and fearful of the outcome, Jesus wants to assure you that He sees you and has supernatural power. He’s for you! I hope you’ll come this week as we talk about Walking on the Water . The story is not that we will be like Peter and walk on the water, but the story is about the confidence and courage we can have in the raging storms we face.

You will want to make sure to turn your clocks back an hour for Sunday because you’ll want that extra hour of sleep, and Sunday is also DONUT day! You won’t want to miss that. See you then.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living life on mission with Jesus and others,

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Feeding the Multitude + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 14:18:22 GMT

This SUNDAY as we continue our Seven Signs series, we get to see Jesus’ power over the natural order as He receives five loaves and two fish and multiplies them to feed a multitude of people. This message will be helpful for all who find themselves with resource challenges – which would probably be many of us in this current economic downturn. Jesus is concerned with our every need which is why He instructed us to pray that our Father in Heaven would give us our daily bread. I like to be specific in this prayer by asking God to supply all I need physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, relationally, and financially. Please join us in person or online this Sunday to hear the message – Feeding the Multitude .

If you missed last Sunday, please watch or listen to the message from Pastor John about Jesus’ power over brokenness. It was a powerful lesson showing us God’s compassionate provision when we find ourselves stuck in places we would never have chosen.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living life on mission with Jesus and others,

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Healing at the Pool of Bethesda + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 13:20:53 GMT

I encourage you to join us as we look at eyewitness accounts of seven miracles performed by Jesus as recorded by the Apostle John – he calls them signs. These seven signs are reported by John to point his readers to the reality that Jesus has power over all our difficulties. His deep compassion motivates Him to act on behalf of the hurting and broken. Join us as we see the heart and power of Jesus in these seven signs.

This SUNDAY as we continue our Seven Signs series, we get to see Jesus’ compassion, mercy, and power over brokenness as He heals a man who has been stuck for a long time. In fact, he’s been stuck so long that his disability has possibly become his identity. He doesn’t know any other way of surviving. He holds on to his brokenness as a way to be known. Join us Sunday as we see how Jesus responds to this man with truth and grace. He offers the man the kind of life he really wants but can’t see how it’s possible for him to attain it. If you missed the past two weeks, please watch or listen to the message so you can get the most out of this Sunday’s message – Healing at the Pool of Bethesda .

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living life on mission with Jesus and others,

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Healing the Official's Son + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 14:07:17 GMT

This SUNDAY we get to see Jesus’ compassion and mercy as He heals a man’s son who is ill to the point of death. The man comes to Jesus because He has heard rumors of a man who can heal. Jesus lovingly looks at him and responds with a hopeful response. The man is challenged: will he believe Jesus or not? Make sure to come Sunday or tune in online as we get to hear how this story played out. I believe it will help you in your faith as you or a loved one faces sickness to trust that Jesus is in control of every outcome. If you missed last week, please watch it online before Sunday so you can be fully up to date and won’t miss a beat.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living life on mission with Jesus and others,

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Turning Water Into Wine + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 10:57:07 GMT

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”

A.W. Tozer

If you were asked to describe God, what would you say? How would you describe Him? Every one of us views God through our own personal lens based on our experience with Him or from people who claim to associate with Him. We have many different ideas of who God is that were formed by culture, media, family, religion, and personal experience.

But how do we know we have a correct view of God? If it’s really the most important thing about us, then it’s vitally essential that we have an accurate view of God. Even though we’ve not seen God, we do have clear and understandable descriptions He gave us about who He is and how we can experience Him. God has revealed Himself, and He wants to be known by you.

In the Old Testament book of Exodus, Moses asks God to reveal Himself, and God answered that request through a self-disclosure statement.

“The L ORD , the L ORD , the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in

steadfast love and faithfulness, maintaining steadfast love to thousands and forgiving

wickedness, rebellion, and sin. Yet He does not leave the guilty unpunished…

Do not worship any other god, for the L ORD whose name is Jealous,

is a jealous God.” Exodus 34:6-7a;14 NIV

I encourage you to journey with us as we gather on Sunday mornings and consider the most important thing about us – what we think about God. We will study eight of His attributes that define His never-changing, consistent, and trustworthy character. There is no greater pursuit in life than to have an accurate understanding of God and experience a life-giving relationship with Him. Our faith and hope are founded on knowing God for who He reveals Himself to be.

Welcome to Fall at TCC. We are thrilled to begin a new message series called Seven Signs . This series will come right from the historical writings of the Apostle John as he recorded just seven of the miracles performed by Jesus when He was alive. John doesn’t use the word that would typically be translated as “miracle.” Instead, he uses the word that is translated as “sign.” He doesn’t leave us guessing as to why he chose this purpose. He believes that these miracles are signs that direct us to see Jesus as Messiah – so they portray His mission, and they direct us to see that God meets us in the mess of our lives. God has the power to change our mess into something lovely and beautiful.

This SUNDAY we begin with Jesus Turning Water Into Wine , and we get to see how God’s power is available to us to transform our disappointments into joy. You may be familiar with this recounting of Jesus’ first sign/miracle, and I thought I was as well. But just as God does so many times, He surprised me as I dug deeper. Will you join us on Sunday – online or in-person as we kick off this series? You might even want to tell a friend or neighbor and give them a warm invitation to join you.

Guys, I hope you’ll check out the Men’s Dinner and buy a ticket so you can have a great burger, be with some of the TCC men, and watch as our guest speaker breaks some stuff! It’s going to be an inspiring evening. Just go to our website and register there.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

I hope you will make sure to gather with us on Sunday in person or online.

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U16 - In Dubai

Sat, 01 Oct 2022 19:45:04 GMT

From the team:

Our travel from Bugembe Uganda to Dubai was safe and smooth. A short night and then on to San Francisco. Pray for us as we re-enter and process all that we were engaged in doing. Leaving is an emotional time for us and our kids, full of joy and tears.

We accomplished all that was set before us. Every trip is different in its own right and this was again true for the U16 team. Even for us who have gone multiple times, there is a newness to the experiences. This serves to keep the connections and the work fresh.

It is amazing to see what has been accomplished over the years working with Pastor Robert and his team in Uganda and the ongoing commitments of Twin Cities Church and others who faithfully support this mission work. Together we are making a difference.

Blessings to each of you.

God Is Jealous + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 11:18:38 GMT

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”

A.W. Tozer

In the Old Testament book of Exodus, Moses asks God to reveal Himself, and God answered that request through a self-disclosure statement.

“The L ORD , the L ORD , the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in

steadfast love and faithfulness, maintaining steadfast love to thousands and forgiving

wickedness, rebellion, and sin. Yet He does not leave the guilty unpunished…

Do not worship any other god, for the L ORD whose name is Jealous,

is a jealous God.” Exodus 34:6-7a;14 NIV

This SUNDAY , we get to take an inside look at another aspect of God that many find troubling. The message is called, God Is Jealous . It’s based upon God’s words from Exodus 34:14 when He says to Moses, “Do not worship any other god, for the L ORD , whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” One reason it’s hard for us to grasp this aspe ct of God is that human jealousy is seen as a negative trait, even a sin. So, how could God be God and have this negative trait? Well, let me invite you to be at church this week or if you can’t be there to watch online. I will do my best to help us understand what the Bible says about God Is Jealous . It’s key to a flourishing life.

We also get to hang together before and after church because it’s DONUT SUNDAY. Please plan to stick around with some sweet people.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

I hope you will make sure to gather with us on Sunday in person or online.

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U16 - This Week

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 17:13:24 GMT

From the team:

We will be spending time with the kids and the Mamas the next few days (Mon-Wed). As many of our kids are working or going to school, it is important for us to spend some quality time with them as well as to have some fun. Many are coming and going. It is often these times that make lasting memories and allows us to go deeper in conversations. This morning (Mon), we had a good long walk (run, jog) - see the photos. We often pair up with one of the kids and have conversations about their life, plans, struggles, living situations, school, work, or for some, they are just waiting.

We are so proud of several that are working now and able to make a living. Others are continuing school with good prospects. The cost of living here has increased and that has made it more difficult. Coming out of COVID impacted the country with the loss of some businesses. As we have seen inflation in the US, they have also seen inflation and this has added to their struggles. One of the kids indicated how the stress of their economic life is also impacting their health.

Off to spend some time with our kids...

U16 - Uganda Today!

Sat, 24 Sep 2022 23:31:54 GMT

From the team:

We have two weddings today. One for an area pastor who was married within a tribal setting and now will be married officially in the Church. The 2nd wedding will be for a young couple in the church here in Bugembe.

Yesterday the outreach at Butuuku went well. We had several decisions for Christ. We invited many to the church dedication. It will be quite the celebration. The pastor there will also a wedding for the pastor there - Margaret, also to be married in the church.

We are having some great connection time with our kids. Tomorrow we will rent an additional bus so they can all come to Bukuutu. We ran (walked - jogged) with several this morning.

God Is Just + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:15:11 GMT

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”

A.W. Tozer

In the Old Testament book of Exodus, Moses asks God to reveal Himself, and God answered that request through a self-disclosure statement.

“The L ORD , the L ORD , the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in

steadfast love and faithfulness, maintaining steadfast love to thousands and forgiving

wickedness, rebellion, and sin. Yet He does not leave the guilty unpunished…

Do not worship any other god, for the L ORD whose name is Jealous,

is a jealous God.” Exodus 34:6-7a;14 NIV

Wow, last Sunday was so emotionally and spiritually moving as we focused on God as forgiving and celebrated Communion together. I love your heart to go deep with God in all aspects of worship. You bring a smile to my face, and I’m sure God feels the same as we offer our fragrant acts of surrender to Him.

This SUNDAY , we get to take an inside look at another aspect of God that some find troubling. The message is called God Is Just . I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I believe the reason most people struggle with the fact that God will hold us accountable for our actions while we lived on Earth is that He’s been represented as hard, angry, and unpleasable by well-meaning Christians who focus first on God as being a god of justice before they point out the truths we’ve learned from Exodus 34 – that God is Compassionate, Gracious, Patient, Abounding in Love and Faithfulness, and Forgiving. After all those softer traits, God says, “but I can’t let the guilty go unpunished. I am a just God.”

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

I hope you will make sure to gather with us on Sunday in person or online.

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U16 - Morning In Uganda

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 18:50:23 GMT

From the team:

We are preparing to go to Bukuutu today and Friday. We will be doing evangelism out in the village. We will have a church dedication there on Sunday. This is the church we worked on in Jan. 2020.

Pray for our hosts as they serve us each day - so gracious to us.

U16 - Power Was Restored!

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:40:57 GMT

From the team:

Power was restored and we have had some "good" hot weather. It has cooled some in the evening, which is good for sleeping!

U16 - Quick Check-In

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:32:56 GMT

From the team:

We are headed in for a late lunch (3:10PM), but since we have had almost no wifi the last 2 days I wanted to do a quick check in. I will run down to lunch in 2 minutes, so as not to be rude.

We have finished 3 days at the new church build at the village of Butoli, which included moving many bricks, giving out 150+ sets of clothing to village children, and even doing a few hours of evangelism (unplanned but beautiful!). Our 7 teams led 19 people to Jesus, including several Muslims and some entrenched in witchcraft… we are praising Jesus!

The weather has included some rain, but not enough to interfere too much. Thank you for the prayers, as we see and sense God everywhere. Short and sweet, but something for now. Love you and miss you all!

- Pastor John

U16 - Baptism Service

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 18:57:30 GMT

From the team:

Was a great baptismal service this Sunday afternoon!

U16 - Sunday Morning Worship

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 17:54:46 GMT

From the team:

A very enjoyable Lord's day! Three services this morning and baptisms this afternoon 25+/-.

U16 - Mama's Heart

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 17:52:01 GMT

From the team:

We visited a few of the Mamas on Sat. Always a joyful time. Next Saturday we will have two weddings - one is a daughter (Veronica) of one of the Mamas - Florence N. The groom plays bass on the Church worship team (Joseph). Veronica - not in photo as she left early for worship practice. She sings on the team. The other two girls in the photo are nieces that Florance is taking care of as well as here own as a single mom.

U16 - Update from Pastor John

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 17:27:44 GMT

From the team:

Hey TCC family!

It is Sunday night here in Uganda, and that means that you are just about through second service there at TCC. It has been a couple of amazing days here, with God providing blessings every time we turn around. Saturday was a planned “relax and connect” day, as we settled in from our long journey. We got to see a number of our El Shaddai kids, who are showing up more and more every day. But they are so grown up! Nearly 3 years apart has seen them more and kids, it was so rich!!'

Five of us got to go on Mama’s Heart visits on Saturday, which were so impactful for us and them. The nearly 3 year absence has been hard on everyone, and the reunions are so sweet. A few of the Mamas have passed away since we were last here, which is sad, but those that are still here are so grateful for our presence and support.

Sunday services were flat out raucous, with the most amazing and joyful services we have ever experienced here! I (Pastor John) spoke at all 3 services, but after the extended worship time it almost felt like no message was “needed.” The Spirit was so evident! I gave my usual “African style” message with a bit more “oomph” than back in the US, and the church responded.

Twenty-four baptisms in the afternoon in the baptismal we built a number of years ago at Pastor Robert's church, which was amazing. A highlight was Margaret (one of our children) choosing to be baptized, along with many other men and women and children.

There is so much already happening that it is overwhelming, and so hard to write in our few short minutes. We start building the new church (in the village of Butooli) on Monday, and the 15-20 children (our “young adult” orphans) that are already here to be with us are excited to go with us. Reportedly many other El Shaddai children will be joining us in the days to come, so it is a blessing for those of us that have been many times, and have deep relationships with so many of them.

It is time to get on the bus, much love to our family at TCC!

Pastor John (Msumba Yokana)

U16 - Good Morning from Uganda!

Sat, 17 Sep 2022 16:03:08 GMT

From the team:

Beautiful Morning. Our room for the next two weeks. Three out here and seven out back. Pics below. Pastor Robert's place.

Driving in yesterday we passed two accidents. One was a truck carrying boxes of spaghetti. A while some were helping the diver others were grabbing boxes of spaghetti and carrying it off. Speaking with one of our boys, it sounds like many people are struggling economically with high prices. Many shops have closed and work has been difficult for many to find.

U16 - Arrived in Dubai

Sat, 17 Sep 2022 15:57:32 GMT

From the team:

We landed safe and sound in Dubai. Saw a the Mall of Dubai. And now up and ready to continue our trip to Entebbe and then on to Bugembe. Excited to see our kids and partners.

God Is Forgiving + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 16 Sep 2022 12:00:08 GMT

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”

A.W. Tozer

In the Old Testament book of Exodus, Moses asks God to reveal Himself, and God answered that request through a self-disclosure statement.

“The L ORD , the L ORD , the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in

steadfast love and faithfulness, maintaining steadfast love to thousands and forgiving

wickedness, rebellion, and sin. Yet He does not leave the guilty unpunished…

Do not worship any other god, for the L ORD whose name is Jealous,

is a jealous God.” Exodus 34:6-7a;14 NIV

We’re eager to continue our God Is series on SUNDAY by focusing on God Is Forgiving . Do you want to experience freedom from guilt? Do you want to restore your joy and excitement for life? Are you ready to get rid of the burden of shame? If you are, you’ll want to make sure to join us in person or online this week as we look at our forgiving God. Many people view God as harsh, angry, and unpleasable. But that’s not how the Bible portrays Him. In God’s self-disclosure statement that we’ve been considering the past few weeks, we’ve been presented with a different picture of God. He’s compassionate, gracious, patient, and abounding in love and faithfulness. When God looks at you, His eyes are filled with love.

We’ll be celebrating and observing Communion this Sunday. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to be held in His mercy and grace.

In this series, we’re considering God’s description of His character and nature as described in Exodus 34:5-7. You might want to read those verses before Sunday and ask God to begin preparing you to hear from Him. He wants us to know Him, but to know God requires more than just knowledge. Knowing God involves a personal and relational experience. Truth is good, but not alone. Knowing God is about relationship, and relationship only exists within the context of ongoing intimate encounters, shared experiences, and emotional interaction. That’s what God wants, and when we engage with Him personally and relationally, we’ll find the God we’ve been looking for.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

I hope to see you Sunday because we all want to know we can stand firm on God's promises in His Word.

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God Is Faithful + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 11:18:27 GMT

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”

A.W. Tozer

In the Old Testament book of Exodus, Moses asks God to reveal Himself, and God answered that request through a self-disclosure statement.

“The L ORD , the L ORD , the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in

steadfast love and faithfulness, maintaining steadfast love to thousands and forgiving

wickedness, rebellion, and sin. Yet He does not leave the guilty unpunished…

Do not worship any other god, for the L ORD whose name is Jealous,

is a jealous God.” Exodus 34:6-7a;14 NIV

Have you loved this series on God’s character and nature? Have you been moved to experience Him more fully? God Is provides us with an opportunity and challenge to move beyond an information and knowledge-based relationship to one based upon intimacy and personal experience. We are led each week to know God and become acquainted with His character.

THIS SUNDAY , we will listen as we paint a picture of God as one who abounds or overflows with faithfulness. He is entirely trustworthy in all He says because He loves us so much. God can never love you more than He does right now; He can never love you less than He does right now. He loves you with everlasting, steadfast, loyal love. Do you know that love? Well, that love leads us to a place where we can trust Him to be faithful to us. He is faithful – even if we are not. Knowing that God will stick with us no matter what we face or do helps us live with confidence and security.

In this series, we’re looking at God’s self-disclosure of His character and nature as described in Exodus 34:5-7. You might want to read those verses before Sunday and ask God to begin preparing you to hear from Him. He wants us to know Him, but to know God requires more than just knowledge. Knowing God involves a personal and relational experience. Truth is good, but not alone. Knowing God is about relationship, and relationship only exists within the context of ongoing intimate encounters, shared experiences, and emotional interaction. That’s what God wants, and when we engage with Him personally and relationally, we’ll find the God we’ve been looking for

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

I hope to see you Sunday because we all want to know we can stand firm on God's promises in His Word.

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U16

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 20:04:03 GMT

Our 16th team to Uganda will be leaving on September 14, and returning on September 30. Please pray for safety and a fruitful mission trip! We'll provide updates here on the blog as they come to us.

God Is Loving + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 11:34:39 GMT

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”

A.W. Tozer

In the Old Testament book of Exodus, Moses asks God to reveal Himself, and God answered that request through a self-disclosure statement.

“The L ORD , the L ORD , the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in

steadfast love and faithfulness, maintaining steadfast love to thousands and forgiving

wickedness, rebellion, and sin. Yet He does not leave the guilty unpunished…

Do not worship any other god, for the L ORD whose name is Jealous,

is a jealous God.” Exodus 34:6-7a;14 NIV

We are so eager to continue our God Is series THIS SUNDAY by focusing on what may be the most illuminating character trait God uses to describe Himself. He is abounding in steadfast love. This name of God uses an ancient Hebrew word (HESED) that is rich in meaning. We might say it as loyal love, loyalty, lovingkindness, or unfailing mercy. It carries the idea of a promise-keeping loyalty motivated by deep personal affection. Knowing that God will stick with us no matter what we face or do helps us live with confidence and security.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

I hope to see you Sunday because we all want to know we are loved, and God let us know that His love for us never fails, even if we do.

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God Is Patient + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 08:53:34 GMT

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”

A.W. Tozer

In the Old Testament book of Exodus, Moses asks God to reveal Himself, and God answered that request through a self-disclosure statement.

“The L ORD , the L ORD , the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in

steadfast love and faithfulness, maintaining steadfast love to thousands and forgiving

wickedness, rebellion, and sin. Yet He does not leave the guilty unpunished…

Do not worship any other god, for the L ORD whose name is Jealous,

is a jealous God.” Exodus 34:6-7a;14 NIV

THIS SUNDAY , we get to continue our God Is series by focusing on a fascinating and meaningful description of God. He is patient and slow to anger. You may have heard it said that God is longsuffering. The original Hebrew word from which these descriptions are taken means “long of nostrils.” This is an anamorphic way to describe God, meaning “It takes a long time for Him to flare His nostrils in anger.” This is excellent news for us because we all blow it at times, and it’s good to know that God is slow to anger. He is patient with us.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

I hope to see you Sunday,

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God is Gracious + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 13:27:28 GMT

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”

A.W. Tozer

In the Old Testament book of Exodus, Moses asks God to reveal Himself, and God answered that request through a self-disclosure statement.

“The L ORD , the L ORD , the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in

steadfast love and faithfulness, maintaining steadfast love to thousands and forgiving

wickedness, rebellion, and sin. Yet He does not leave the guilty unpunished…

Do not worship any other god, for the L ORD whose name is Jealous,

is a jealous God.” Exodus 34:6-7a;14 NIV

THIS SUNDAY , we’re thrilled to continue our God Is series by focusing on God’s description of Himself. This is who God says He is. When God chose to disclose His name, He gave us words we can understand and grasp that define His character and nature. This is important stuff because as we learned last week, our view of God impacts every area of our lives.

The second word God used to describe Himself is GRACIOUS. God’s gracious character is directly tethered to His compassionate heart. If you missed last week, please watch the service because it will really help you in your understanding of what Kim Thompson will talk about on Sunday.

To know God requires more than just knowledge. Knowing God involves a personal and relational experience. Truth is good, but not alone. Knowing God is about relationship, and relationship only exists within the context of ongoing personal encounters, shared experiences, and emotional interaction. That’s what God wants, and when we engage with Him personally and relationally, we’ll find the God we’ve been looking for.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

I hope to see you Sunday,

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God is Compassionate + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 13:50:36 GMT

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”

A.W. Tozer

In the Old Testament book of Exodus, Moses asks God to reveal Himself, and God answered that request through a self-disclosure statement.

“The L ORD , the L ORD , the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in

steadfast love and faithfulness, maintaining steadfast love to thousands and forgiving

wickedness, rebellion, and sin. Yet He does not leave the guilty unpunished…

Do not worship any other god, for the L ORD whose name is Jealous,

is a jealous God.” Exodus 34:6-7a;14 NIV

THIS SUNDAY , we’re thrilled to begin our new series by talking about just who God REALLY is. He describes Himself by name and gives us pictures we can understand and grasp that define His character and nature. This is important stuff because our view of God impacts every area of our lives.

The very first word God uses to describe Himself is COMPASSIONATE. Is that how you see Him? Join us Sunday as we talk about this heart-warming attribute describing His character. We’ll see that this is who He is, and because He never changes, we can rely on Him to always be compassionate toward us.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

I hope to see you Sunday,

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Deeply Rooted in Community + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 13:36:43 GMT

We’re in our summer series called Rooted: Grow Deep, Build Up . It’s an inspirational look at the New Testament book of Colossians which was written by the Apostle Paul around 60 A.D. Paul was writing to help his readers (and that includes us) to stand firm on the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ. He wants us to get a glimpse of the glory and grandeur of Jesus. We often minimize who Jesus is in the face of all the competing messages in our culture concerning how to know God or how to have the good life.

The letter to the Colossians was written to a young church learning how to follow Jesus in a pluralistic society. These young Followers of Jesus were facing pressure from both outside and inside the church to conform their beliefs to those of their neighbors and make the Gospel message of Jesus more culturally palatable. The exact nature of the controversy in Colossae is never explicitly described, but it can be inferred from analysis of Paul’s refutation that it was religious syncretism – the attempted fusion of different (often contradictory) religious beliefs. The Colossian syncretism was diverse, blending elements of local folk belief, traditional Judaism and early Gnostic mysticism including, ceremonialism, asceticism, and angel worship among other things.

The key to this series is to realize that the life you long for is possible when you are deeply rooted in Jesus. There is a phrase that helps us understand just what Paul wants us to lean into. Here is the formula: Jesus + Nothing = Everything. The crux of that equation is the truth that Jesus is enough. You don’t need to add anything to the Gospel message of Jesus. He is enough for you and me. He is enough for the problems, difficulties, questions, doubts, dreams, sickness, and confusion we face. He’s also enough for the peace and purpose we all long to have.

Each week in this series we’re looking at the keys to being rooted in Jesus. On the night before He was crucified, He said, “Abide in Me.” Abiding in Jesus means to be connected to, to be in relationship with, to gain sustenance from, to be inspired by, and to stand strong upon. It’s a great place to be! Will you join us as we walk through this series and learn to abide in Jesus (to be rooted in Him) together?

THIS SUNDAY Fritz Moga, Professor of Youth Ministries, from William Jessup University will be our guest speaker. His theme from Colossians 4:7-18 is Deeply Rooted in Community .

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Deeply Rooted in Mission + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 10:22:01 GMT

THIS SUNDAY Kim Thompson, continues our Rooted series by taking a look at Colossians 4:2-4:6 from the perspective of how to be Deeply Rooted in Mission .

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Deeply Rooted in Love + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 12:47:11 GMT

THIS SUNDAY Pastor Ron Thompson, continues our Rooted series by taking a look at Colossians 3:18-4:1 from the perspective of how to be Deeply Rooted in Love .

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Deeply Rooted in Transformation + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 09:51:40 GMT

THIS SUNDAY Pastor Mark Hadley, continues our Rooted series by taking a look at Colossians 3:12-17 from the perspective of how to be Deeply Rooted in Transformation .

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Deeply Rooted in Focus + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 12:45:45 GMT

He wants us to get a glimpse of the glory and grandeur of Jesus. We often minimize who Jesus is in the face of all the competing messages in our culture concerning how to know God or how to have the good life.

THIS SUNDAY Pastor John Fairchild, continues our Rooted series by taking a look at Colossians 3:1-11 from the perspective of how to be Deeply Rooted in Focus .

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Deeply Rooted in Freedom + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 13:48:47 GMT

THIS SUNDAY Ryan Reed, Spiritual Formation Pastor at Lakeside Church, will be our guest speaker. His theme from Colossians 2:16-23 is Deeply Rooted in Freedom .

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Deeply Rooted in Fullness + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 13:13:43 GMT

THIS SUNDAY Ryan Reed, Spiritual Formation Pastor at Lakeside Church, will be our guest speaker. His theme from Colossians 2:8-15 is Deeply Rooted in Fullness .

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Deeply Rooted in Wisdom + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 12:50:55 GMT

THIS SUNDAY Fred Hennes, part of our church family and retired pastor from Scott’s Valley Bible Church, will be our guest speaker. His theme from Colossians 2:1-7 is Deeply Rooted in Wisdom .

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Deeply Rooted in Mystery + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 14:05:57 GMT

THIS SUNDAY David Timms, Dean and Professor - School of Theology & Leadership, from William Jessup University will be our guest speaker. His theme from Colossians 1:24-29 is Deeply Rooted in Mystery .

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Mission to Nepal - Update 4

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 15:02:46 GMT

Dear Supporters,

I am attaching many picture files here. I hope this email reaches you and you are able to view these.

We finished all the seminars on Wednesday. Picture (a4) shows the class of 2022 of my seminar in Nepal. They dressed me up with gifts of the Nepali traditional costumes of hat, Dhaka Topi, and a scarf.

Then, we took off for a whirlwind tour of interior of Nepal, westward from Kathmandu, to the town of Gorkha. We stopped at 5 churches on the way. First, we visited Junu’s home and church. She is one person I mentioned in my last email. Boy, it was a tough climb. Now I know why Junu was so fit. It was a good part of an hour climbing steep uphill on a tractor-hardened road to her home, followed by more climb to her church. I was moved just for being up there and meeting this pastor who built the church there 15 years ago with the help of Christian organization YM. Most of his church members climb an hour of the same course to come to church on Saturdays! (From the circled homes in picture (b03))

Gorkha is a historic city where Gorkha Kingdome from there unified the entire Nepal in 18th century. In picture (b04), the circle shows where the kingdom and the temple were and big business centers located today. We didn’t go up there. However, this church building in town you see in pictures (b05 and b06) looked a perfect place for future trainings in much larger scale (as long as it’s not in summer time—the whole place was steaming hot.)

The elderly couple in picture (b07) arrived in Gorkha some 70 years ago as one of the very first Christians in town, escaping from persecutions in their hometown, and now the entire town block and more are evangelized with many churches around today. The gentleman still does healing ministry and told me, in a Nepali dialect, “God must be blessing American Christians specially since many comes to teach Nepalis.”

I think I know now why the road travelling in Nepal is so slow and treacherous. First, their terrains are so steep in every direction. The pictures in (b08 to b10) are taken at about 1,300 feet above sea level with a river flowing at the bottom of valley. However, the hills on both sides are so steep that they looked like some places we see in much higher elevations in other countries. They had to build the roads carving out that steep mountain side most of the way, and they are narrow and poorly maintained and with so many curves. This is the main highway system connecting two largest cities. All the trucks, buses, motorcycles, some pedestrians just make the traffic very slow. Then, there are cliff like passes we had to climb and the traffic moves up in snail’s pace even without any hazards. Sometimes, we were stuck over 30 minutes on a spot. The traffic on the other side of canyon in picture (b11) is where we were 40 minutes ago. If you ever come to this country to travel on the road, make sure you have a good company to ride with (we did), a good safe driver (we did), and good supply of snacks with you (we didn’t). It was a tough travelling.

Well, with this, I am signing off from Nepal. After attending worship today, tomorrow I will obtain a COVID test result, hopefully negative, and then flying out in the evening. I will be home in 3 or 4 days.

Thank you so much for your prayer support—it meant a world to me personally. We all should be blessed and truly be praising God for His mighty work in this mission of His and His allowance for us to participate.

May your walk with God be filled with joy and blessing.

Jay Lee

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Deeply Rooted in Worship + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 12:41:55 GMT

THIS SUNDAY Pastor Mark Hadley, continues our Rooted series by taking a look at Colossians 1:15-23 from the perspective of how to be Deeply Rooted in Worship .

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Mission to Nepal - Update 3

Tue, 31 May 2022 23:04:21 GMT

Dear My Dear Supporters,

First, I would like to apologize to those who wrote me individually with many kind words and encouragement but I was not able to reply individually. I was planning to do so after I return home and I sincerely hope you would understand.

I am doing very well. Everything is moving along like an well-oiled machine. We finished the first seminar and we are now in full swing of studying Paul’s letter to Ephesus deeply. We will finish this a day ahead of schedule. The first movie (Ben-Hur) was shown and the Nepali subtitle I put together needs huge improvement but they still seemed to have enjoyed it a lot. (Some even asked for popcorns!)

I am physically tired but feeling great, enjoying this weather with heavy downpour once almost every day (I seldom go out), even getting used to their diet of almost exclusively on rice, potatoes and beans. They have this tiny hot chilly that I bit off tiniest bits with meal that help me a lot.

Pastor Bir gave me the honor or preaching at his church the past Saturday and that was great. (picture)

Jane is feeling better at home, also.

What a different a week makes! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR PRAYERS. THEY WORKED MIGHTILY. As you can see, I am hard pressed here to come up with urgent prayer requests new. Perhaps, now is the time for us to give a BIG praise to God together!

After finishing the seminars on this Wednesday, we are planning to travel to the country on Thursday. Few of us will go to town Gorkha about 3 hours away and stay overnight. This is very significant place in Nepali history. I am hoping to visit few churches on the way. Please pray for travel mercy on us. (I was warned multiple times that it will be hot there—please pray for a tolerable weather there, also.) I am looking forward to seeing the beautiful countryside of this country and finding out what it’s like driving average 23 MPH (my calculation) on the interstate freeway to get there. I intend to take many pictures and share them with you later.

Here is something I want to share with you today in lieu of me trying to tell you more about this nation I interviewed two people from the class about their life, church and background. I am attaching separately my writeups of those interviews including some of their pictures. Please read these if you would like to know more about the people, their world and their faith life.

The first person, Pastor Tek, served me greatly the past two weeks as one of two translators.

The second person, Ms. Junu, was happened to be sitting in the middle up-front on the first day and I had her read the Bible verses on the screen aloud for the class and ever since she became the designated reader and we all loved hearing her clear, cheery voice many times each day.

Here they are and I hope you enjoy knowing them.

Having a great fun serving Him,

Jay

PS. Even the issue of providing a writing surface for them was solved by a suggestion and contribution of one of you supporters. We supplied them a clipboard each and that is helping a lot.

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Download Interview #1 (PDF)
Pastor Tek

Download Interview #2 (PDF)

Ms. Junu

Deeply Rooted in Prayer + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 27 May 2022 13:04:19 GMT

THIS SUNDAY Pastor John Fairchild, continue our Rooted series by taking a look at Colossians 1:9-14 from the perspective of how to be Deeply Rooted in Prayer .

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Mission to Nepal - Update 2

Tue, 24 May 2022 16:18:17 GMT

Dear Prayer Supporters,

I have arrived in Kathmandu safely and started teaching my first seminars this week. We just finished the 4th session of 11-session seminar of “A Pinch of Incense”. It is a week-long effort of covering the Christian movements in the first century Asian Minor. This will lead us to studying of Ephesians next week.

There are 23 attendees in a fairly crowed room, and those 23 pairs of eyes of the eager faces interact with me in every minute of the day, warming my heart and desires to enlighten them with some new knowledge that will be an encouragement in their faith walk. Here are some thoughts of this trip so far, comparing against my past experiences at other places.

I am surprised with how internationalized this country is. Most of young people speak some English, few very good, and they seem to be very comfortable with interacting with foreigners. Practically half the store front signs on the street are in English. This fact leaves me with such an encouragement to think of the day when this land is fully evangelized in gusto with this “foreign religion” of Christianity.
The Nepali language is much harder to grasp and pronounce than I thought. My effort of attempting to analyze and to bring some clarity to their Bible text based on my understanding of the language structure will have to be abandoned. This leaves me to depend completely on the translators and the point I will be making on my English Bible text. The good news is that the translator service provided so far are excellent.
We are progressing the classes in faster pace than planned. People are very receptive, better grounded and catches on faster than I anticipated In the current pace, we will finish the whole planned program one or two days earlier than planned.
The weather is nicer than home, the food is tolerable, the environment is pretty crowded and polluted, and so on. Not much different than what’s expected of less-developed country of this size. I am attaching few pictures.

Your prayers got me this far in relative ease through many of the difficulties mentioned previously and even some unspoken. I also personally feel much more at ease now and were able to focus on the progress since this train started rolling. Please continue to pray for this project in the following areas.

I feel OK physically other than minor jetlag effect but am mindful of possibly losing voice and energy as we grind along every day. Also, this country is doing better than home but is still not completely out of COVID disruption. Please pray for the wellbeing of me and all attendees till the end.
The room is too small to have desks for each person. They are trying really hard to write down as much as they can on notebooks on their lap. This also disrupts them from focusing on what I say and show on the screen. I don’t know if there is anything can be done about this but let’s pray that God will grant them super memory and concentration so that they can absorb without having to write down so much
All these pastors came from many different parts of the country (they are from 5 different districts) and they met most of each other for the first time here. I have this wish, also I am sure it is of Pastor Bier (my partner who is organizing this) that these people will form a good, long-lasting fellowship among them while here as they are all housed in this building together for the next two weeks. Please pray for their unity and forming a good network for Kingdom work.
There is no change in my wife Jane’s shoulder condition. They will run more scans next week. Thanks for your continued prayers for her.

I wish you all joyful Memorial Day weekend.

Jay

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Mission to Nepal - Update 1

Tue, 24 May 2022 16:07:32 GMT

Dear Prayer Supporters of my mission trip,

I am here in Singapore Changi airport transiting (for 13 hours!) on my way to Kathmandu. Please allow me to tell you a story from my memory. 20 some years ago, I was alone in one of the janky “international” airports in Africa somewhere (I think it was Nairobi but not sure) waiting for many hours for my next connection to a mission trip destination, just like what I am doing now. I do remember vividly two things: the smell from the doorless bathroom next to us and the noise of jet engine coming from tarmac through a broken windowpane. While waiting, I struck up a conversation with an elderly missionary I just met. He was from U.K., doing exactly the same thing as I was. We both were pretty tired and could use some encouragement. I remember the moment when he put his arm over my shoulder saying, “This (mission work) is a young man’s game.” I felt weird hearing that because I was in my 50’s then already. Today, I don’t even have anyone to converse (no smell or noise either, thank God) but am feeling the same sentiment as the old missionary did then: this is definitely a young man’s game!

I have to admit that as I am heading to the site, I am filled with anxiety and worries. First, I really wish all the people who are invited will show up on time. I know there could be many ways the Satan can work to prevent them from coming. Would they all be there? Second, after so much time and effort of preparing for these seminars, there still are number of items that must work perfectly to make it worthwhile for the participants coming. These days, almost everything I prepared are in this tiny computer. I have 1700 slides to show using this computer and the on-site projector. The audio system must work for all multi-media contents. Would the electricity be there reliably for them to work? I would like to ask you today to pray with me for these things so that I can have peace and confidence that what God intended for them to hear will be heard properly.

I would also like to ask for your prayers for my wife Jane at home. She developed severe shoulder pain mysteriously last week and was seeing a specialist today. It seems that our enemies have noticed this small trip and consider it not negligible enough to let it go on smoothly.

In moments like this, I have this thought that always works for putting my mind back into the right perspective. Consider what Apostle Paul had to do to go from town to town, country to country, continent to continent, usually escaping from mob who were viciously coming after his life, just for preaching the gospel. I happened to have a pretty detail information of his itinerary and circumstances as part of my seminar. Now, he couldn’t then count on these things as Boeing, iPhone or Kirkland beef jerky in my backpack or the ice cream shop around corner in this terminal—none of these. Then, look at where the gospel are in the world today resulting from his sacrifice. My point is that there is absolutely no comparison of hardship of mine to Paul and numerous others who walked this path before me—zero chance. Yet, this battle must go on with whoever’s showing up to resupply the front line, regardless of young or old, weary or not, big sacrifice or small, and with whatever stock they can bring. So, here I come, ready to tell the frontline soldiers in Nepal all about “the full armor of God”. (Eph. 6:10-18)

Marching On for His Glory,
Jay

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Deeply Rooted in Gratitude + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 20 May 2022 13:30:57 GMT

THIS SUNDAY Fritz Moga, Professor of Youth Ministries, from William Jessup University will be our guest speaker. His theme from Colossians 1:3-8 is Deeply Rooted in Gratitude .

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Eyes of Compassion + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 13 May 2022 11:12:22 GMT

I loved the picture Kim painted for us last Sunday as she reflected on Jesus and Peter from John 13. If you were at church in person or watched online, you heard her describe the moment when Jesus was about to wash Peter’s feet. There are so many times when I wish we had a video to watch of that moment, but we’re left to our imaginations as we seek to put ourselves into the stories of the Bible. This is one of those times.

The moment Kim shared from this story was when Peter loudly exclaimed, “No. You won’t wash my feet.” I wish I had a clear picture of the look on Jesus’ face at that moment. Kim helped me to realize that Jesus was looking at Peter with eyes of love, compassion, and maybe even with a gentle smile on His face. Do you ever picture Jesus looking at you with such love?

Let me encourage you to pull your Bible or Bible App out and read the last supper story from John 13. As you do, picture Jesus and Peter in your mind as their eyes connected for those moments. Peter may have remembered all the times when he blurted out an inappropriate emotional reaction to what Jesus was doing. It may have caused him to feel shame or regret. I don’t think Jesus was recalling any of Peter’s failures or emotional blunders. I imagine Jesus was thinking of the Father’s words from Jeremiah 31 when God says to His people, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” I believe Jesus was contemplating all He loved about Peter with an understanding that He would soon go to the cross to erase all Peter’s shame and guilt. I believe Jesus was looking at Him with eyes of compassion.

That makes me want to ask you what you think Jesus thinks about you. Is it glare of disappointment or anger, or does Jesus look at you with the same eyes of love and compassion? Will you meditate on that scene and place yourself in Peter’s spot at the table? Sit and reflect on Jesus’ love for you in that moment.

This Sunday, we get to observe Communion together. It’s a time to remember how much Jesus loves us. It’s a time to recall His time on the cross, where He hung there with all the pain and shame of this cruel form of death – and He did it because He loves us. When we can rest in His love, we can have hope in the middle of the moments of life when we feel that we’re not worthy of being loved. So please make sure to be at church on Sunday because Communion is a time when God reminds us of our identity in Him. We are His BELOVED.

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SHARE LIFE, STRENGTHEN FAITH, SERVE OTHERS, and SPREAD HOPE to our family and community.

As part of SERVE OUR COMMUNITY , we will host the Nevada County Foster Care Family Fair tomorrow, Saturday, May 14. We will be supporting several of our county agencies and organizations for a day of fun, encouragement, and resource sharing from 10:00am-2:00pm. This event would be an excellent opportunity to learn more about the foster care services in our community and how you can help support these families. It’s free and includes lunch!

GROWTH PATH is Sunday, May 15. Growth Path is a fantastic time to find out more about our church and how you can fit in here. We all need a place where we can know and be known, love and be loved, serve and be served, and celebrate and be celebrated. So, I hope you’ll go to our website and register to attend the class that fits you best. We are eager to talk about God’s call on our church and how you can belong and participate in a meaningful way as we practice the way of Jesus together.

The next DRIVE-THRU FOOD DRIVE collection day to support Interfaith Food Ministry is Friday, May 20, from 8:00-10:30am. Please bring your non-perishable foods to the church, and we’ll make sure all the food gets delivered to Interfaith. This is a huge help to the resource-challenged in our community. We will also be receiving specific items to help Hospitality House. Here’s how you can find out what they most need. Just bring items from this list with your food donations.

CELEBRATE BAPTISM on Sunday, May 22 in both gatherings. If you’ve never taken this meaningful step with Jesus by identifying with Him and His church through baptism, we want to encourage you to “go public” with your faith. You can find out more on Sunday, May 15 by attending our baptism class that meets at 9:00am. Please visit our website and indicate your interest or meet at the Coffee Bar for this one-time class.

RUN FOR THE COMMUNITY is Saturday, June 4. What an excellent opportunity for us to serve the local running Grand Prix. You can sign up to serve or participate in the 5k Run/Walk. Just go to our website or look for the SPREAD HOPE table on Sunday while you’re at church. All the proceeds from this event will be funneled back to our local Community Partners to encourage them in their mission to make Nevada County better.

THIS SUNDAY we begin a new series called ROOTED: Grow Deep, Build Up, Live Strong . This series is directly out of the New Testament book of Colossians. On Sunday, we will set up the series by giving the context and purpose for this beautiful letter written by the Apostle Paul. You might consider reading all four chapters before Sunday to prepare your heart for what God wants to say as we dig into this book. We will also have a moment to observe Communion together as part of our gathering.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Jesus Understands + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 06 May 2022 11:10:11 GMT

“I am here for you. I will take care of you.” Those were the words the UCSF anesthesia doctor spoke into my ear on the afternoon of my recent surgical procedure. The operating room was chaotic and full of tension. The anxiety around me — combined with my own uncertainties and anxious thoughts as I was about to get the stent removed that was allowing me to swallow again — was filling me with fear. And then those words were spoken, gently, compassionately, into my ear with a soothing and comforting voice of assurance.

Friends, I believe that doctor, though human, was also used by God as an angel of mercy to speak to me. I believe her voice was the voice of Jesus who wanted me to know I was not alone, and that all would be well. If you missed the message from last Sunday, please take time to click here and watch it as I talked about Unleashing Hope in Your Suffering . There are times in our suffering when we feel alone as we feel that others just can’t understand what we’re going through. And it’s true they really can’t know the impact our circumstances are having on our peace of mind and joy of heart. The good news of hope is that Jesus understands.

The prophet Isaiah wrote these words describing Jesus: “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.” Jesus knows what we feel because He was both human and divine. In His humanity, He suffered. He knows what it’s like to be “hard pressed on every side, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down” as Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4 as he described his own suffering.

Friends, you are never alone in your suffering. Even if you think that no one else understands, Jesus does. He knows, and He does not reject you in your weakness, doubt, confusion, and fear. He wants to comfort you.

Let me encourage you to pick up a copy of Hope When It Hurts by Kristen Wetherell and Sarah Walton and read about God’s comfort that is available to us when we’re suffering. One of the key takeaways is that God empowers us when we’re weak. He gives us encouragement when we’re discouraged. He offers us peace when we’re anxious. He gives us His joy when we’re discouraged. It’s REAL. You can know HOPE IN YOUR SUFFERING .

CANCER HEALING JOURNEY . Thank you for your continued prayers for my healing journey from esophageal cancer. I love saying these words, “I am cancer free. I am a cancer survivor.” Praise God! Now all my focus is on my recovery from chemo, radiation, four surgical procedures, and one major surgery. I met with my primary care physician yesterday, and she said, “It’s no wonder you’re weak, depleted, and depressed. Even a 20-year-old person would be feeling this after five surgical procedures in six months.” I still have eight months left in my immunotherapy treatment plan designed to get my immune system to fight off the growth of future cancer cells. Just as we prayed for a complete cure, will you pray with me for a complete recovery as I adjust to my new physical reality?

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SHARE LIFE, STRENGTHEN FAITH, SERVE OTHERS, and SPREAD HOPE to our family and community.

SERVE OUR COMMUNITY continues this weekend with another opportunity to SPREAD HOPE by sharing the tangible love of Jesus to our local schools. It’s not too late to participate this Saturday, May 7. Just contact Mare or John and let them know your desire to serve our community in Jesus’ name. You can just show up ready to work at one of these schools: Union Hill School, Yuba River Charter School, or Seven Hills School at 9:00am.

As part of Serve Our Community , we will be hosting the Nevada County Foster Care Family Fair on Saturday, May 14. We will be supporting our county agencies for a day of fun, encouragement, and resources from 10:00am-2:00pm. This event would be an excellent opportunity to learn more about the foster care services in our community and how you can help support these families.

WILLIAM JESSUP UNIVERSITY CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA – TONIGHT , Friday, May 6, 7:00pm at TCC. Join us as we are led by this incredible and talented group of college students to worship and connect with Jesus. WJU is one of our ministry partners because we want to be part of investing in the next generation. Some of our own TCC young adults will be part of this musical experience. This FREE event will be a great experience for our entire community, so please invite your family and friends to join us.

CELEBRATE BAPTISM on Sunday, May 22 in both gatherings. If you’ve never taken this meaningful step with Jesus by identifying with Him and His church through baptism, we want to encourage you to “go public” with your faith. You can find out more on Sunday, May 8 and Sunday, May 15 by attending our baptism class that meets at 9:00am. Please go to our website and indicate your interest or meet at the Coffee Bar for this one-time class.

THIS SUNDAY , we continue our UNLEASHING HOPE series and celebrate our moms as we focus on Unleashing Hope for Your Family . Our church is committed to supporting, encouraging, and training families to strengthen them in being a place where hope is found! Families, please come ready to get a picture taken as a way to show your love to the mom in your world. Sunday is also DONUT day. So come hang out with your church family and enjoy a donut or cup of coffee as we celebrate moms.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Being in the Presence of Jesus + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 12:07:25 GMT

Jesus is present in the storms we face in life. That’s exactly what Sunday’s service opened up to us. I know about storms (I grew up in Oklahoma!) and realize how scary and discombobulating they can be as you are being tossed about in the throes of a storm’s fury. However, I appreciated how Pastor Mark developed his message to show how compassionate, concerned, and capable Jesus was in the middle of this storm. I love how Jesus was secure enough in His Father’s care to be relaxed and calm. As Mark said, we can unleash hope in our storms as we trust Jesus – He sees us, cares about us, is present with us, and brings us through the storms we face with strength and hope. I find great comfort in that promise.

Several people have asked me how to practice being in the presence of Jesus. I love that question. Being in the presence of Jesus has been my life goal now for the past nine years. This is why we’ve transitioned our vision of how we grow in our faith to this model: If you want to have the life of Jesus, you must practice the lifestyle of Jesus. In other words, if we’re going to be present with Jesus, we must engage in the practices He did, which gave Him great strength because He had been in the Father’s presence. I pray that we will all get this. You might go to our website and look at the resources we’ve curated there that will help you practice the way of Jesus. It’s done as we SHARE LIFE with Jesus and each other, STRENGTHEN FAITH as we grow in confidence in God’s Word for our lives, SERVE OTHERS by humbly putting the needs of others ahead of our own, and SPREAD HOPE as we devotedly pray and purposefully act for the rapid spread of the Gospel message in our world.

Learning to be in the presence of Jesus requires discipline, determination, and delight as we pursue Him. In my current season where I’m more aware than ever that I am not in control of the circumstances of my life, and I’ve discovered that this is a practice I need to engage in more and more. As I’ve watched the NBA playoffs, I’ve seen a video of Steph Curry practicing his jump shots repeatedly for long periods of time each day. You might think that he wouldn’t need to be so disciplined to practice that much as good of a shot-maker as he has become. But, the truth in this is that if we don’t practice, we won’t grow. But we also don’t stay the same because we actually digress in our ability. So, let me encourage you that following Jesus, and becoming like Him, requires a lifetime of practice.

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SHARE LIFE, STRENGTHEN FAITH, SERVE OTHERS, and SPREAD HOPE to our family and community.

SERVE OUR COMMUNITY is back and with expanded opportunities to get out and impact our local community. In my message from March 13, I walked us through the vision to be a church for our community as working for the common good of our friends and neighbors. The truth is that as our community is better, then our lives are better. We get to benefit from what God does to shine the light of Jesus into our world. This year we will be out in our community over three weekends beginning April 30. It’s still not too late to join us TOMORROW. Just show up at the church at 8:00am. Please know that there is something for everyone, whether you can do physical-type projects or not. You can check out the opportunities Pastor John Fairchild and Mare Dibert have worked to make available and sign up for the one that fits you best on our website.

WILLIAM JESSUP UNIVERSITY CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA – Friday, May 6, 7:00pm at TCC. Join us as we are led to worship and connect with Jesus with this awesome group of college students. WJU is one of our ministry partners because we want to be part of investing in the next generation. Some of our own TCC young adults will be part of this musical experience. This FREE event is designed for everyone in our community so please invite your family and friends to be part of this with us.

THIS SUNDAY , we continue our UNLEASHING HOPE series as we focus on the Unleashing Hope in Your Suffering – in the struggles of life . Just like we talked about in the service on Unleashing Hope for Your Relationships , we don’t get much training or teaching in how to face suffering in life, which is unfortunate since Jesus guaranteed that we would have troubles in this life. On Sunday, we will consider Paul’s advice and instruction on facing discouragement and disappointment as we hold firm to the anchor of hope.

CANCER HEALING JOURNEY . Thank you for your continued prayers for my healing journey from cancer. This was a very busy week of treatments and procedures. I was in San Francisco on both Monday and Tuesday concerning the surgical procedure to remove the stent from my esophagus. The purpose of the stent was to stretch the opening of my esophagus and allow me to swallow so I could begin gaining weight. Praise God, it worked, and I’ve gained TEN pounds since February 22. I also met with my local oncologist on Monday. He gave me a thumbs up to continue my immunotherapy treatments. On Tuesday morning, I did my eighth treatment at SNMH before Kim and I drove back to San Francisco for my stent removal surgery which went well. Wow! What a week. I’m feeling pretty fatigued and have a sore throat today. Please pray that my esophagus will remain open so I won’t need more procedures in the future. While you’re at it, please pray for the efficacy of the immunotherapy treatments so that my immune system will attack any future cancer growth. I love you so much.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Resilient Hope + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 10:58:25 GMT

THIS DARKNESS WILL NOT LAST FOREVER! What a foundational promise, and the Resurrection is proof that God can do what He says He can do. He will do what He has promised. And that means that just as He raised Jesus from the dead with light bursting forth from that tomb, He can break through the darkness we face in our lives. We can be set free!

On Easter weekend, we sang about the fact that on Resurrection Sunday death was arrested and in that amazingly supernatural act is the promise that He will turn our graves into gardens. That fact gives us resilient hope! I am moved deep in my soul by the love Jesus showed when He died for me and my sins. He made it possible for me to walk with Him in an ever-growing relationship. He is my Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. He is in charge, and I can let go of my deep need to be in control. What a freeing place that is to live. God has allowed me to have several moments in these days since Easter to reflect on the new thing He is doing in my life. One of the new things He’s doing is to help me reflect on these names and roles of Jesus in my life. I want to listen, rely, trust, and rest in Him!

On Sunday, l gave a loud shout-out to our Children’s Ministry Team – staff and volunteers – who were able to flex and pivot at the last minute and move our Easter Egg hunt indoors. We knew it would be chaotic, but we also knew it would be fun and memorable. Here is an article by the Union Newspaper complete with pictures if you want to celebrate what God did through us.

I also want to express kudos to our Arts Team for the two art pieces in our lobby and the new stage design we were able to experience for Easter. The river painting in the lobby depicting life change and transformation is a beautiful kinesthetic and abstract view of how God has used us to touch many lives over the past 30 years. Likewise, the mirrored expression of Hope in the Darkness hanging over our fireplace depicts the life transformation that is possible as we let His light transform us.

We change our stage design about four to five times per year to remind us that God is a creative God who is constantly moving us forward in life-change. I’m so grateful for Dave Bollen and our Tech Teams, who design and install these new visual representations to inspire us in our worship of God.

Isn’t this amazing! But the most fantastic part of this is that most of what I’ve mentioned is only possible as gifted, talented, willing people step into the mix and let God use them with their unique wiring and giftedness. Your love and willingness to give and serve overwhelms me with joy and gratitude, and I thank God for you. Lastly, thank you for the candy you brought to make our Egg Hunt so fantastic. The kids loved scooping up those plastic eggs to get to the goodies inside.

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SHARE LIFE, STRENGTHEN FAITH, SERVE OTHERS, and SPREAD HOPE to our family and community.

WOMEN’S RETREAT is April 29 – May 1. Ladies, join us for Times of Refreshing at Camp Del Oro outside of Nevada City. You will be amazed at the beauty and serenity you can enjoy at this treasure of a camp just minutes out of Nevada City. Come enjoy a weekend of fun, relaxation, workshops, worship, crafts, and stories of transformation. Register online or at church. If you have questions about costs or rooms or what to expect, please call the church office at 530.273.6425.

SERVE OUR COMMUNITY is back and expanding so we can impact more people in our local community. In my message from March 13, I walked us through the vision we have to be for our community and work for the common good of our friends and neighbors. The truth is that as our community is better, then our lives are better. We get to benefit from what God does to shine the light of Jesus into our world. This year we will be out in our community over three weekends beginning April 30. There is something for everyone, whether you can do physical-type projects or not. You can check out the opportunities Pastor John Fairchild and Mare Dibert have worked to make available and sign up for the one that fits you best on our website.

THIS SUNDAY , we continue our UNLEASHING HOPE series as we focus on the Unleashing Hope in Your Storms . We all face storms in life, and so it’s good to decide where we will turn when they occur. God is faithful and will never allow more than His Spirit can help us through. He is on our side! Let’s express our hope in His plan – even in storms as we learn to walk by faith, not by sight.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Holy Week + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 10:44:16 GMT

This is Holy Week with its focus on Jesus and His journey to the cross which culminates with His resurrection and our celebration of Easter. I am moved by the different moments faced by Jesus and His followers in this final week of His physical life here on Earth. Holy Week began with Palm Sunday and Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The crowds welcomed Him by waving palm branches in the air and shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” The people were ready to anoint Him as their Messiah and King. What a powerful day that was… full of religious and political hope.

After that Jesus spent time with His followers, including Mary and Martha, in Bethany, the place where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. We don’t know much about this day except to think that He was spending time in community with His closest friends before the upcoming events. On Monday morning, Jesus returned to Jerusalem. Along the way, He cursed a fig tree because it had failed to bear fruit which symbolized God’s judgment upon the spiritually dead religiosity of His day. When He arrived at the Temple, He found the courts full of corrupt money changers and began to clear the Temple. He returned to Bethany on Monday evening.

On Tuesday, Jesus went back to Jerusalem, where the religious leaders attempted to entrap Him by accusing Him of blasphemy because He continued to establish Himself as a spiritual authority. Later that afternoon, He and His followers went to the Mount of Olives, where Jesus gave the Olivet Discourse. Tuesday is also the day that Judas negotiated to betray Jesus. Then, after a long day, Jesus once again went back to Bethany to be with His friends.

We don’t know what Jesus did on Wednesday except to project that Jesus spent time with God and friends to be strengthened for what was to come.

On Maundy Thursday, Jesus and His followers celebrated Passover and the Last Supper. As the Lamb of God, Jesus was about to fulfill the meaning of Passover by giving His body to be broken and His blood to be shed in sacrifice, freeing us from sin and death. Jesus washed the feet of His followers to show them how they are to serve just as He came to serve. He then went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray to His Father. Later that evening, Jesus was betrayed by a kiss from Judas which began the series of trials which ultimately ended on Good Friday, the most difficult day of Holy Week, when Pilate gave Him over to be crucified. Jesus was placed on a cross by the Roman soldiers, where He breathed His last breath. He was then buried in a tomb by Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea.

We don’t know much about what happened on Saturday except to project that Jesus’ followers were deeply grieved and fearful for their own lives.

On Resurrection Sunday, Jesus was raised from the dead, which is the most important event in history. A dead man came back to life. On Easter Sunday, Jesus made at least five appearances to people, beginning with Mary Magdalene.

Holy Week is a great opportunity to devote some personal time to reflect on this pivotal event in history. This is a moment when we can focus our hearts and minds to feel some of what occurred and listen in our hearts to what God wants us to hear from Him as we celebrate Easter and the Resurrection this weekend. He is Risen! He is risen indeed! We adore you O Christ and we bless You because by Your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world. We adore you O Christ and we bless you.

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SHARE LIFE, STRENGTHEN FAITH, SERVE OTHERS, and SPREAD HOPE to our family and community.

Our annual EASTER EGG HUNT is Saturday, April 16. The weather gurus are forecasting RAIN so we’re making a pivot and are moving it indoors at our facility. Bobby and the Children’s Ministry Team have been scrambling to put all the pieces together so that we can best serve the families of our church and community. It will still include all the elements – a FREE pancake breakfast, face painting, and bounce houses. The fun starts at 8:30am. The plastic, candy-filled Easter Eggs will be scattered throughout the Children’s Ministry wing, and families will collect eggs together. We will still have a pre-school and special needs area as well.

As you can imagine, pulling this off will require extra effort and work to set up and clean up. If you want to help, just show up early or come around 11:00am to help clean up. Also, please tell as many people as possible about this change. The good news is that the Easter Egg Hunt is still on!

The next  DRIVE-THRU FOOD DRIVE  collection day to support Interfaith Food Ministry is Friday, April 22, from 8:00-10:30am. Please bring your non-perishable foods to the church, and we’ll make sure all the food gets delivered to Interfaith. This is a huge help to the resource-challenged in our community. We will also be receiving specific items to help Hospitality House. Here’s how you can find out what they most need . Just bring items from this list with your food donations

WOMEN’S RETREAT is April 29 – May 1. Ladies, join us for Times of Refreshing at Camp Del Oro outside of Nevada City. Enjoy a weekend of fun, relaxation, workshops, worship, crafts, and stories of transformation. Register online or at church.

SERVE OUR COMMUNITY is back and expanding so we can impact more people in our local community. This year we will be out in our community over three weekends beginning April 24. There is something for everyone, whether you can do physical-type projects or not. You can check out the opportunities Pastor John Fairchild and Mare Dibert have worked to make available and sign up for the one that fits you best on our website.

THIS SUNDAY , we continue our UNLEASHING HOPE series as we focus on the Resurrection of Jesus. We will take a fresh and unusual approach by looking at Easter from the perspective of light out of darkness. It’s called Nevertheless: Hope in the Darkness . Please pray that we will all be moved by the promise we can receive from this momentous event in history. It’s not too late to invite family and friends to come gather with you for our Easter experience.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Healthy Relationships + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 14:20:22 GMT

Unleashing Hope is all about how Twin Cities Church is for our community. Our focus on this series is on how we will serve others in our next decade of ministry. This is our promise. We want to do more than bring people closer to Jesus and become like Him. We want to have a wholistic approach to being the salt and light to our world by getting down in the trenches and providing biblical wisdom and compassionate assistance in the areas where people hurt.

Last Sunday was a good example of this as I spoke about Unleashing Hope for Your Relationships . As I outlined on Sunday, the quality of our relationships directly impacts the level of happiness and joy we have in life. In fact, connection with others is the number one factor that determines a person’s overall outlook, mental acumen, physical and psychological health, and emotional well-being. The problem is that our culture is weak in teaching – at every age level – on how to have healthy relationships. This is why we make it a point to teach on relationship skills often and even have these words over our fireplace in the lobby – Love Everyone Always. What a challenge!

On Sunday we considered Paul’s writing in Romans 12 – if you missed it or want a refresher, you can watch it here. He gave a set of core instructions on how to love others that were challenging and at the same time inspirational. One person wrote me and said, “I wish I had known this 40 years ago.” I understand that regret, and that’s why we studied these verses on how to love others in a genuine and sacrificial way. These descriptions of genuine love remind us of the way Jesus loves. He loves us deeply and makes it possible for us to know the Father’s mercy and grace which inspires and empowers us to be more loving to the people around us.

I prayed for us today that we would be more loving in all our relationships because love makes all the difference.

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SHARE LIFE, STRENGTHEN FAITH, SERVE OTHERS, and SPREAD HOPE to our family and community.

Our annual EASTER EGG HUNT is Saturday, April 16. Come enjoy the most fantastic Easter Egg Hunt ever at Scotten Elementary School Field! There will be a FREE pancake breakfast, face painting, and bounce houses starting at 8:30am. The egg hunt begins at 9:00am but come early to make sure you get to the field area on time because the eggs go fast once it begins. Please plan to stay afterward and enjoy hanging out with others. Your kids will be glad you did.

We still need candy to fill the last of those 12,000 eggs. You can bring packages of individually wrapped candy by the church today or even bring it to the event on Saturday. Please check the website for more details.

LIFE GROUPS are open NOW for the spring session. If you are ready to check out a LIFE GROUP or want more information, please contact Lisa or Mark . You may want to stop by the SHARE LIFE table in the lobby this Sunday, and we will help you get connected. Our goal is that we will all find a place where we can know and be known, love and be loved, serve and be served, and celebrate and be celebrated as we grow to become more like Jesus.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES . We have two part-time jobs open right now for the person who not only wants to work but wants that work to make a difference in the lives of others. Here is the link to see the current job openings. If you’re interested in any of these positions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the person listed. We look forward to having you join our team of motivated servant leaders.

THIS SUNDAY , we continue our UNLEASHING HOPE series. In this series, we’re focusing on ways the Gospel message of Jesus can change our everyday lives. This week, we will recognize how the Gospel message of Jesus Christ and God’s church has something to say about our work. God gave us the command to work and care for His creation in the book of Genesis. We want to show how our work can be our worship of Him instead of the way we get possessions, power, or prestige. The message is called Unleashing Hope for Your Work .

Many of you who view our services online have noticed that FACEBOOK has been blocking our LIVE services on Sunday mornings. We hope to get this resolved as soon as someone will respond to us. You can always stream the service from our website, or from YouTube . Thanks for understanding.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Mental Health + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 13:19:25 GMT

Last Sunday was a great example of this as Kim spoke about Unleashing Hope for Your Mental Health . Going in, we knew that this was a hot topic or issue in our culture and that it will only get more vital for us to talk about in the future. So, the overwhelming response we received on Sunday did not surprise us too much. Imagine what it’s like to live with the impact of a life-long journey with mental illness – either your own or of a person in your circle of life. It’s a lonely place for many people.

That’s why we’re taking steps to offer more in the way of help and assistance. You can always check in with Anew Day and their low-cost counseling and support groups. We’re adding N.A.M.I. to the groups who will hold meetings in our church facility to help them with their mission to provide caring support for families of those who suffer from mental illness. We’re also bringing back Celebrate Recovery in May for those who are willing to admit they need healing from the hurts, habits, and hang-ups that have caused them pain and grief.

I want to thank Dee again for the courage it took to share her ongoing journey through mental illness issues. Her candid and vulnerable story opened the door for many people to come out of hiding about their own struggles. Friends, we all have some kind of mental health struggle, but some have an actual mental illness. Let’s continue to be a place where God can use us to help people come out of hiding. As Pastor Rick Warren says, “Hiding your hurt only intensifies it. Problems grow in the dark and only become bigger and bigger, but they shrink when exposed to the light of truth. You are only as sick as your secrets. So, take off your mask, stop pretending you're perfect and walk into freedom.” I love you for your huge hearts for those who are hurting.

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SHARE LIFE, STRENGTHEN FAITH, SERVE OTHERS, and SPREAD HOPE to our family and community.

EASTER EGG CANDY COLLECTION – After two years off because of COVID, we’re ready to bring our families and community together for an incredible Easter experience. We want to have over 12,000 eggs stuffed with candy for the Egg Hunt. Will you help by bringing candy to church? You can order online and have your candy shipped to the church if it's easier. Please make sure to order individually wrapped miniature candy. We will receive candy up to the day of the event, but it would be helpful if you could have your candy at the church by 4:00pm on April 6 for the next egg stuffing party. Please check the website for more details.

The EASTER EGG HUNT is on Saturday, April 16. Come enjoy the most fantastic Easter Egg Hunt ever at Scotten Elementary School Field! There will be a FREE pancake breakfast, face painting, and bounce houses starting at 8:30am. The egg hunt begins at 9:00am, but come early to make sure you get to the field area on time because the eggs go fast once it begins. Please plan to stay afterward and enjoy hanging out with others.

THIS SUNDAY , we continue our UNLEASHING HOPE series. In this series, we’re focusing on ways the Gospel message of Jesus can change our everyday lives. This week, we will recognize how the Gospel message of Jesus Christ and God’s church has something to say about our relationships. Numerous studies and surveys have shown that the number one key to happiness in life is the quality of our relationships. Love Everyone Always is more than a slogan above our fireplace. It’s a promise we make to all whom we meet. The message is called Unleashing Hope for Your Relationships .

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Ways to Pray for Ukraine + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 11:01:00 GMT

Two weeks ago, as we studied Unleashing Hope for Our Community , I shared that one way we can be salt and light is through our willingness to pray. I was challenged because I know how feeble my prayers were for the rapid spread of the gospel message. I realized how little I had been praying for the shalom of our community and world. The Ukrainian crisis has been a wake-up call for me concerning prayer. I’ve found myself drawn to prayer more and more with a deeper sense of urgency, which is why I was eager to gather and pray with our Nevada County churches last Sunday. It turned out to be a great time of prayer, fellowship, and Christian unity.

I want to encourage you to be praying for our Ukrainian brothers and sisters. Yes, we are all united through our humanity and by the fact that God says every person ever conceived is created in His image. I read an article by a Ukrainian pastor this week who gave some concrete ways we can pray. Here are two of his suggestions and one of mine:

Pray for Ukrainians. The need for food, water, and basic necessities are at a critical point. Please pray for provisions. Pray for the safe evacuation of all who desire to leave and protect all who are staying.
Pray for churches and church plants across Ukraine. One worker shared that churches in Ukraine have become beacons of hope. Christian Ukrainians are giving spiritual leadership to people caught in the middle of this conflict. Pray that God will use persecution as an opportunity for the gospel to spread.
Pray for peace to spread like wildfire in the entire region. Pray that leaders on all sides will humble themselves and do what is best for all instead of what appears to be best for their nation. Pray that God will break through strongholds that pit nation against nation and that peace will be embraced by all.

Thank you for praying. Let’s believe God answers all our prayers when we pray for His will to be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

If you want to give financially to help alleviate some of the burden of the Ukrainian people, you can give to the Salvation Army , Convoy of Hope , or Samaritan’s Purse . These organizations are scrupulous in their efforts to make sure that your gifts reach those you intend to bless.

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SHARE LIFE, STRENGTHEN FAITH, SERVE OTHERS, and SPREAD HOPE to our family and community.

FAMILY FILM NIGHT – TONIGHT, Friday, March 25, 5:30-7:00pm at the church in the Student’s Multi-Purpose Room. Bring your own picnic dinner. The movie begins at 6:00pm. We’ll be watching 'Twas The Night Before Easter by the VeggieTale gang.

EASTER EGG CANDY COLLECTION – After two years off because of COVID, we’re ready to bring our families and community together for an incredible Easter experience. We want to have over 12,000 eggs stuffed with candy for the Egg Hunt. Will you help by bringing candy to church? You can order online and have your candy shipped to the church if it's easier. Please make sure to order individually wrapped miniature candy. The deadline to receive candy is Wednesday, March 30 so we can get it stuffed in our plastic eggs. Join our team to help stuff those eggs on Wednesday, March 30 and Wednesday, April 6. Please check the website for more details.

The EASTER EGG HUNT is on Saturday, April 16. Come enjoy the greatest Easter Egg Hunt ever at Scotten Elementary School Field! There will be a FREE pancake breakfast before the hunt starting at 8:30am. The egg hunt begins at 9:00am, but come early to park and walk into the field area.

MAN TIME – TOMORROW, Saturday, March 26, 8:00-11:00am. Come enjoy a hearty breakfast, lots of laughs, and fun! Then hang out with us afterward to do some male bonding events like bowling, an adventure hike, or biking. The cost is $5 for breakfast. You need some man time!

THIS SUNDAY , we continue our UNLEASHING HOPE series. In this series, we’re focusing on ways the Gospel message of Jesus can change our everyday lives. This week, we will recognize how the Gospel message of Jesus Christ and God’s church has something to say about the mental health crisis in our land. This is a huge deal that impacts us all at some level, and God wants us to be part of bringing healing and wholeness to those who struggle with mental health issues. Please be in prayer as we move forward to become a church that cares for everyone, including those with emotional health issues. The message is called, Unleashing Hope for Your Mental Health .

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Help for Ukraine + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 11:07:51 GMT

Rise of Christianity , written by Rodney Stark, is a book that describes the cities of the Greco-Roman Empire in the first centuries of Christianity. This was a time when horrible plagues caused tremendous suffering and death. Here’s a paraphrase of one eyewitness description of what the cities were like: “The doctors were quite incapable of treating the disease. As a result, people became afraid of visiting anyone. As a result, thousands of people died with no one to look after them. Indeed, there were many houses in which all the inhabitants perished through lack of attention.”

“The bodies of the dying were heaped one on top of another, and half-dead people could be seen staggering about in the streets. The catastrophe was so overwhelming people became indifferent and pushed those who were suffering away, even those in their family, in order to avoid the contagion – except for the Christians.”

“Most Christians during the plague showed unbounded love and loyalty… never sparing themselves and thinking only of one another. Heedless of danger, they took charge of the sick, attending to their every need and ministering to them in Christ.”

“Even though there were many different religions and competing philosophies, Christianity became so popular that eventually it overwhelmed and transformed the empire in the day.” According to author Rodney Stark, “When the cities were falling apart, Christians stayed there and took care of people, even at the cost of their own lives. Most people who survived the plagues only did so because of the care of their Christian neighbors… As a result, the Gospel message of Jesus Christ captured the attention of the entire Roman empire. By 300 A.D., most of the cities of the Roman Empire had become Christian.”

On Sunday, we talked about Unleashing Hope in Our Community . We looked at a letter God wrote to His people through the prophet Jeremiah as He instructed them to live in a way that would become the model for these early Christians. Even though they were suffering themselves, they were to plant roots, seek the common good for all the people, and trust God’s promises. I can’t help but sit here and reflect on the Ukrainian pastors and Christians who have stayed in harm’s way so they could compassionately be there. I’m moved deep in my soul to reflect on what God would want me to do if I were in their shoes. I pray that I would be someone who chose to stand in the gap to bring hope to the hopeless.

Let’s continue to pray for Ukraine and the war for their homeland. Let’s pray that God and peace will prevail. If you want to gather with other Followers of Jesus to pray for the conflict in Ukraine, there is a community prayer meeting at First Baptist Church on Ridge Road at 6:00pm on Sunday, March 20 .

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SHARE LIFE, STRENGTHEN FAITH, SERVE OTHERS, and SPREAD HOPE to our family and community.

FAMILY FILM NIGHT – Friday, March 25, 5:30-7:00pm at the church in the Student’s Multi-Purpose Room. Bring your own picnic dinner. The movie begins at 6:00pm. We’ll be watching 'Twas The Night Before Easter by the VeggieTale gang.

EASTER EGG CANDY COLLECTION – After two years off because of COVID, we’re ready to bring our families and community together for an incredible Easter experience. We want to have over 12,000 eggs stuffed with candy for the Egg Hunt. Will you help by bringing candy to church? You can order online and have your candy shipped to the church if it's easier. Please make sure to order individually wrapped miniature candy. The deadline to receive candy is Wednesday, March 30 so we can get it stuffed in our plastic eggs. Join our team to help stuff those eggs on Wednesday, March 30 and Wednesday, April 6. Please check the website for more details.

The next DRIVE-THRU FOOD DRIVE  collection day to support Interfaith Food Ministry is Friday, March 25, from 8:00-10:30am. Please bring your non-perishable foods to the church, and we’ll make sure all the food gets delivered to Interfaith. This is a huge help to the resource-challenged in our community. We’re also receiving specific items to help Hospitality House. Here’s how you can find out what they most need . Just bring items from this list with your food donations.

MAN TIME – Saturday, March 26, 8:00-11:00am. Come enjoy a hearty breakfast, lots of laughs, and fun! Then hang out with us afterward to do some male bonding events like bowling, an adventure hike, or biking. The cost is $5 for breakfast. You need some man time!

THIS SUNDAY , we continue our UNLEASHING HOPE series. In this series, we’re focusing on ways the Gospel message of Jesus can change our everyday lives. This week, we will focus on how the Gospel message of Jesus Christ has something to say about the quality of our marriages. We’ll consider Unleashing Hope for Your Marriage because solid marriages lead to solid families, and strengthens our community. As we said last week, we are to be the hope for our community. God has placed us here in this place and time to be His ambassadors and represent Him and speak His words of hope.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Setting Our Sights On Jesus + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 11:06:27 GMT

Time Change This Sunday. We leap forward one hour.

Wow! Sunday was so fun and extremely inspiring as we celebrated 30 years of living on mission here in Western Nevada County. It was exciting to share some stories from our past as we reminisced on God’s faithful presence and provision. Let me encourage you to watch the entire service if you were not here on Sunday. We began with baptisms to remind ourselves that the main reason we exist is to lead people to know and follow Jesus. Do you realize that every person who was baptized signifies an eternity that has been determined and a life that is being transformed to look more like Jesus? At some point, we were all lost in our condition of sin. Aren’t we all grateful God used a person or church to help us see our need for Jesus?

On Sunday, we talked about how we are here to represent Jesus as the hope of the world. He came from the glory of Heaven and Trinitarian reality to become the sacrifice for our sin. He came to make it possible for us to be brought into right relationship with God, the Father, who loves us. He came so that we could see, in Him, who God is and what He’s like. Our goal is to learn to know God through knowing Jesus. Our goal as a church is to help people see, by our trust in Jesus as our anchor, that they, too, can trust in Him. It was so good to be reminded of this on Sunday.

I want to express my gratitude to all the teams who make days like Sunday possible. There are too many people to list, but the teams that helped make Sunday happen are:

Facility Care – who make sure our physical environment is like new and irresistible to show that we want to honor God and demonstrate that we expect something good to happen.
Hospitality – who make sure everyone who comes is welcomed with a smile. They provided coffee, donuts, hugs, information, connection, and warmth.
Children’s Ministry – who serve our families by providing inspiring age-appropriate Bible teaching, music, and care.
Student Ministry – who pray and brainstorm how to strategically reach our next generation of leaders by providing relevant opportunities for our students to know Jesus and grow in their faith.
Worship Arts – who serve us through music, art, tech, and lead us in connection with God and each other.
Spiritual Growth – who pray and brainstorm ways to bring us closer to God as we follow Jesus together.

We do this as we engage together to lead as many people as possible into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ . We’ve been engaging together and with God to make a difference in our world, and the evidence is clear – He is using us for His glory. Let’s remember to express our gratitude for all He has done. As we launch into the next decade, let’s set our sights on Jesus and follow Him wherever He leads, no matter what circumstances we face. The goal is to BE with Jesus, Become Like Jesus, and Live Like Jesus Lived. Imagine the impact we could have in our world and community if we all made it our goal to SHARE LIFE, STRENGTHEN FAITH, SERVE OTHERS, and SPREAD HOPE. Let’s be this kind of church.

HEALTH UPDATE – Several of you have asked me to regularly let you know how to pray for me in this healing journey through cancer. The good news is that I am now swallowing easier after the stent was put into my esophagus, and I have gained FIVE pounds. Yay! I’ve now had four immunotherapy treatments, and I’m praying they awaken my immune system to tackle any rogue cells that may become cancerous aggressively. I’ve had tremendous back pain from my surgery wounds, and it appears that my health care practitioners have nailed down the cause. It seems as if one of my ribs was dislocated during the surgery and the cartilage was damaged where it connects to my spine. It appears to be easily inflamed, which causes me excruciating pain. The other side effect I’m feeling from my treatment is physical fatigue and brain fog. Thank you for your continued prayers. Please pray for all those in our circle of influence who have health concerns as you pray for me.

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SHARE LIFE, STRENGTHEN FAITH, SERVE OTHERS, and SPREAD HOPE to our family and community.

EASTER EGG CANDY COLLECTION – After two years off because of COVID, we’re ready to bring our families and community together for an incredible Easter experience. We want to have over 12,000 eggs stuffed with candy for the Egg Hunt. Will you help by bringing candy to church? You can order online and have your candy shipped to the church if it’s easier. Please make sure to order individually wrapped miniature candy. The deadline to receive candy is Wednesday, March 30 so we can get it stuffed in our plastic eggs.

THIS SUNDAY , we continue our UNLEASHING HOPE series. In this series, we’re focusing on ways the Gospel message of Jesus can change our everyday lives. The MOVING FORWARD series talked about where we’re headed as a church. It showed us just what we can expect as we walk this road together. “A good journey begins with knowing where we are and being willing to go someplace else.” I have been praying for you and me – that we will join Jesus on the journey He has for us. We can be people who continue to be transforming because of the hope we have in Jesus. This week, we will focus on how we are to be the hope for our community. God has placed us here in this place and time to be His ambassadors and represent Him to those around us.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Representing Jesus Well + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 15:00:50 GMT

We began 2022 with our annual Church Prayer . I’ve been reflecting on the prayer inspired by a prayer written by Paul concerning his passion and focus on the importance of the church in his day. He prayed for the rapid spread of the Gospel message of Jesus. He knew that this message of grace and steadfast love was what the people in his day needed most. Then he goes on to pray that the church would be focused on God’s plan to spread the love of Jesus to our world.

When you go to our fantastic TCC website, the banner greets you with this thought: Where Hope Is Found . That doesn’t mean that we believe hope is found in us , but we want everyone to experience the message of hope found in Jesus, whom we reflect. As Pastor John talked about in his message from Sunday, we are Christ’s ambassadors, placed here to represent Him well.

As we celebrate our 30th birthday on Sunday, we want to remind ourselves that we are here to spread the fragrant aroma of God’s love and mercy to our world. We are here to be salt and light. We want everyone to know the hope of what it means to follow Jesus, become like Jesus and love like Jesus loved.

Kim and I have poured over hundreds of pictures of our 30 years here in Western Nevada County. As we did, we saw countless faces of people who have been touched by the purpose and passion of our church. It was so satisfying, and we made sure to pray, thank God, and give Him all the glory for what He’s done through our church. Seeing these pictures also caused me to want to experience even more of God’s love, power, and presence. We heard from a young woman who brought her kids to check out TCC last weekend, and she was so thrilled with her experience that she is coming back this weekend and bringing friends with her. Folks, I’ve written about this before: We are in a season of rebuilding. Let’s engage together to lead as many people as possible into a growing relationship with Jesus .

I look forward to seeing you Sunday – either in person or online – for our celebration and DONUTS!

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SHARE LIFE, STRENGTHEN FAITH, SERVE OTHERS, and SPREAD HOPE to our family and community.

FAMILY FILM NIGHT – Friday, March 25 at the church in the Student’s Multi-Purpose Room. We’ll be watching 'Twas The Night Before Easter by the VeggieTale gang.

EASTER EGG CANDY COLLECTION – After two years off because of COVID, we’re ready to bring our families and community together for an incredible Easter experience. We want to have over 10,000 eggs stuffed with candy for the Egg Hunt. Will you help by bringing candy to church? You can order online and have your candy shipped to the church if it’s easier. Please make sure to order individually wrapped miniature candy. The deadline to receive candy is Wednesday, March 30 so we can get it stuffed in our plastic eggs.

THIS SUNDAY , we get to begin our UNLEASHING HOPE series. In this series, we’ll talk about the ways the Gospel message of Jesus can change our everyday lives. The MOVING FORWARD series talked about where we’re headed as a church. It showed us just what we can expect as we walk this road together. I loved this quote by Richard Rohr: “A good journey begins with knowing where we are and being willing to go someplace else.” I have been praying for you and me – that we will join Jesus on the journey He has for us. We can be people who continue to be transforming because of the hope we have in Jesus. This week, we will focus on how this message is the best hope our world has.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Being Servants + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 11:40:01 GMT

One of the key ideas of this series called MOVING FORWARD is that the Church is alive, and God is on the move! Last Sunday we focused on the concrete principle that God has placed us here, in this place, at this time, to be servants – just like Jesus. Thank you for your encouraging responses and eager willingness to become a spiritual contributor and not just a spiritual consumer. You bless my soul.

Toward the end of my message on Sunday, I asked us a series of imagining questions. Just to remind you, here they are: Can you imagine the impact we could have if we were known as the church that serves? Can you imagine the impact we could have if our church got this? If we made it our goal to live with a towel and basin mentality? Friends, when we engage together and serve others, we can help our church be a place where people can come find hope. We can make it our goal that there will always be a space, a place, a room, a smile, or a touch for those who come to Twin Cities. We can make sure there is always a place for others to be able to get what we’ve received over time. We want to serve as we’ve been served. Imagine how your neighbors and friends would react to that.

I believe we are known in our community for being servants in a huge way. Here’s an example of how we are viewed by our community. This note was written by a woman from our Nevada County District Attorney’s office.

Dear Twin Cities service crew, I want to thank you for once again demonstrating to our community what it means to “be the church.” I work as a victim advocate in the Witness Assistance Center. Recently, your crew of servants agreed to come to the rescue of a victim whose age and lack of resources left her needing some physical labor type assistance. She was unable to find help when your team graciously stepped in to meet her need. Thank you so very much. Please accept my sincerest gratitude on behalf of this client.

I love how she expressed her gratitude by saying “once again.” This is what we’re known for in our community. As Followers of Jesus, we are loved by Him, forgiven by Him, and called by Him to humbly serve His purpose in our church, community, and world. Can you imagine this? Our message of hope would be irresistible to people. And maybe our friends and neighbors, family, coworkers, and classmates would finally come to know our humble servant King Jesus through the loving self-denying actions we display.

I also received this note from one of our servant team members who recently helped with a project here in our community. He said, “Last week a group of us went over to Interfaith Food Ministry and served by helping with some building and landscaping repairs. I'm proud of TCC's continuing involvement in our community.”

As we move closer to our 30th birthday and anniversary, it’s vital to our future that we live out these principles we’re talking about in this series. We are people who SHARE LIFE, STRENGTHEN FAITH, SERVE OTHERS, and SPREAD HOPE. If you missed last Sunday, please watch the entire service soon. God moved in an amazing way through our music, teaching, giving, praying, and Communion. Please make sure to engage all the way to the final song as our team led us into God’s presence as we focused on our wonderful Savior and Friend, Jesus Christ, and what He has made possible for us. We don’t serve to get love, but we serve because we are loved. My prayer is that you know how much God loves you! We have places where can all serve and develop our gifts.

Please take a moment to look at the many opportunities we have for you to join a team and make a difference.

CANCER TREATMENT UPDATE. Thank you for praying for me as I had another procedure over at UCSF this week. I had reached the point where I couldn’t swallow anything except liquids, and that with difficulty. It was painful and discouraging. They told me they would do a “stretching” procedure or put another stent in to try to widen my esophagus. When the surgeon put the endoscopic probe down my esophagus, he saw that it was almost completely closed. He told Kim that the opening was only as wide as a pencil lead. Wow! He ended up doing a stretch to open it AND put in a stent as well. I will have the stent for the next six weeks, and while it’s there, I’m on a soft food/liquid diet. Let me update you as well about my immunotherapy. I will have my fourth infusion next Tuesday. I am happy to say that now that the COVID side-effects are past, I don’t notice a lot of side-effects from the immunotherapy. Mainly, it’s just fatigue. Thank you for your prayers for me and my family. While you’re at it, we have several people in our church who have cancer. Please pray for them as well. I love you.

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SHARE LIFE, STRENGTHEN FAITH, SERVE OTHERS, and SPREAD HOPE to our family and community.

GROW UNIVERSITY begins on Monday, February 28. Go to our website and look at the specialized offerings designed to help you grow in your faith as you live for God’s purposes in our world. You can take Financial Peace University , Marriage Works , Life After Death , and GriefShare .

ATTENTION: We’ve added a new class for GROW UNIVERSITY. We want to be part of increasing the leadership potential in our church and community by teaching the keys to leadership. We all lead something – whether it’s a family, a business, a Life Group, a hobby club, etc. Would you like to become a better leader and grow in your skills? Our new addition to our GROW UNIVERSITY classes is on how to grow as a leader – wherever it is that God has placed you. The teacher is Richard Christenson, retired pastor and teacher of leadership. Contact Lisa to register or to get more information.

Our next  BAPTISM  will be on March 6. That’s our 30th birthday! What a great time to go public for Jesus as you take this step of identification and intimacy with Him. If you’ve never been baptized after you said “YES” to Jesus, please pray about this opportunity for you. You can attend our baptism class this Sunday at 9:00am and find out more. Check it out and register on our website.

GROWTH PATH is Sunday, February 27. Growth Path is a great time to find out more about our church and how you can fit in here. We all need a place where we can know and be known, love and be loved, serve and be served, and celebrate and be celebrated. So, I hope you’ll go to our website and register to attend the class that fits you best. I was sad that Growth Path 101 was cancelled last time because of my cancer treatments, but I’m better now and eager to talk about God’s call on our church and how you can belong and participate in a meaningful way.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES . We have two part-time jobs open right now for the right person who not only wants to work but wants that work to make a difference in the lives of others. Here is the link to see the current job openings . If you’re interested in any of these positions, don't hesitate to get in touch with the person listed. We look forward to having you join our team of motivated servant leaders.

THIS SUNDAY , we get to continue our Vision series called MOVING FORWARD . We’ll focus on what it’s like to follow Jesus and SPREAD HOPE together. When we commit to BE with Jesus, we BECOME Like Jesus and LIVE like Jesus. It’s all about being on a journey with Him. This is the way God made things to work. So, see you Sunday as we gather to worship and be inspired by Him.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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The Church Is Alive + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 14:56:02 GMT

The Church Is Alive, and God Is On The MOVE! It’s so refreshing and motivating to be reminded that no matter how things look to us, our God is still in control and building His church. Our MOVING FORWARD series is all about how God continues to guide our church forward into the future He has for us based upon our mission to engage together to lead as many people as possible into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ .

So far, we’ve painted a picture, right from the pages of the Bible, of the kind of church we believe God is calling us to be as we step into a new decade of doing ministry here in Western Nevada County. We’ve seen that He wants us to SHARE LIFE together. I was encouraged by the excitement that was created by the vision of who are becoming. Then last week Pastor Mark painted a beautiful picture of how we can grow and STRENGTHEN FAITH together. I was inspired by the idea that God can use all things to grow me more and more to become like Jesus and love like He did. I can’t wait for the next two Sundays where we’ll focus on the idea that loving like Jesus means that we SERVE OTHERS and SPREAD HOPE . Please make sure to join us as we continue our annual Vision series.

We’re talking about how we will continue MOVING FORWARD to become the people and church God has in store for us as we celebrate our 30th birthday and look ahead to who we believe God has called us to be. Our vision is tied to the fact that we have been called to follow Jesus and love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love our neighbors as ourselves. I would love to hear from you about ways you see our church impacting lives. Will you drop me a few lines and let me know how you see us making a difference? Thank you in advance for taking the time to write.

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SHARE LIFE, STRENGTHEN FAITH, SERVE OTHERS, and SPREAD HOPE to our family and community.

GROW UNIVERSITY registrations are now open for our Spring semester of classes that begin on Monday, February 28. Go to our website and look at the specialized offerings designed to help you grow in your faith as you live for God’s purposes in our world. You can take Financial Peace University , Marriage Works , Life After Death , and GriefShare .

ATTENTION: We’ve added a new class for GROW UNIVERSITY. We want to be part of increasing the leadership potential in our church and community by teaching the keys to leadership. We all lead something – whether it’s a family, a business, a Life Group, a hobby club, etc. Would you like to become a better leader and grow in your skills? Our new addition to our GROW UNIVERSITY classes is on how to grow as a leader – wherever it is that God has placed you. The teacher is Richard Christenson, retired pastor and teacher of leadership. Contact Lisa to register or to get more information.

Our next BAPTISM   will be on March 6. That’s our 30th birthday! What a great time to go public for Jesus as you take this step of identification and intimacy with Him. If you’ve never been baptized after you said “YES” to Jesus, please pray about this opportunity for you. Check it out and register on our website.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES . We have some part-time jobs open right now for the right person who not only wants to work but wants that work to make a difference in the lives of others. Here is the link to see the current job openings . If you’re interested in any of these positions, don't hesitate to get in touch with the person listed. We look forward to having you join our team of motivated servant leaders.

THIS SUNDAY , we get to continue our Vision series called MOVING FORWARD . We’ll focus on what it’s like to follow Jesus and SERVE OTHERS together. When we commit to Be With Jesus, we Become Like Jesus, and end up Living Like Jesus. It’s all about being on a journey with Him. This is the way God made things to work. See you Sunday as we gather to worship and be inspired by Him. We’ll also observe a special time of COMMUNION together as we focus on Jesus’ gift of life through what He did for us on the cross as the ultimate servant.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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We Need Each Other + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 11 Feb 2022 12:10:10 GMT

It’s so fulfilling to hear the positive feedback every time we do a message series like MOVING FORWARD . There’s something about vision and clarity that gives us direction and ownership. I was thrilled at your response to the SHARE LIFE message on Sunday. Friends, Twin Cities is a place where God is experienced, Jesus is lifted up, and lives are changed. It’s great to gather together and share the life we have in Jesus and with one another. We all want to know that there is a place for us in God’s plan, and Acts 2:42-47 painted such a beautiful picture of life in community. Please watch the service if you didn’t get to engage on Sunday.

Let me take a moment to speak words of pastoral care and compassion. Some people heard me talk about the benefits of being together on Sundays at church, and they felt conflicted because of their desire to remain safe during our COVID reality. Let me say that I understand your caution – especially if you have loved ones who are compromised because of underlying health issues or if you have your own health concerns. I know that I am at a higher risk than a healthy person because of my cancer and the impact of the treatments I’ve undergone. Yes, I ended up getting COVID a few weeks ago, and it was a kicker. I was in bed for four days, and I am still recovering physically and emotionally from my experiences. So, I understand your reticence to gather in person. I care about how you’re feeling.

I have a suggestion that may help. If you’re going to remain online only for a season, will you please look for ways to be more than an observer? Will you work to engage? Will you sing, fill out a Connection Card, give us your prayer requests, give financially, and dialogue with the online pastor and others who are watching? If online church is going to fill the need you have for connection, you’re going to have to work to stay engaged. It won’t happen just by tuning in, you’ll also need to participate. I don’t say this for you alone. You can make a difference in the lives of others as you stay engaged through communication and sharing. I’m so grateful for our Worship Arts Tech Teams who make these services available to us each week, and they can fill a need during this time of separation. I love you and want the best for you and your journey with Jesus.

The writer of Hebrews wrote: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23-25)

Friends, these verses tell us that our hope, trust in God, love for each other, and acts of service – our overall well-being is based upon our gathering together. You cannot have those things consistently in your life if you try to go it alone. We need each other.

I write this because we began a new series last Sunday. It’s our annual Vision series. We’re going to have a conversation about how we will continue MOVING FORWARD to become the people and church God has in store for us. Our vision is tied to the fact that we have been called to follow Jesus and love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love our neighbors as ourselves. Each week in this series, we’ll talk about an aspect of what it means to journey with Jesus as we practice His ways.

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SHARE LIFE and SPREAD HOPE to our family and community.

Our next BAPTISM   will be on March 6. That’s our 30th birthday! What a great time to go public for Jesus as you take this step of identification and intimacy with Him. If you’ve never been baptized after you said “YES” to Jesus, please pray about this opportunity for you. Check it out and register on our website.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES . We have several part-time jobs open right now for the right person who not only wants to work but wants that work to make a difference in the lives of others. Here is the link to see the current job openings . If you’re interested in any of these positions, don't hesitate to get in touch with the person listed. We look forward to having you join our team of motivated servant leaders.

THIS SUNDAY , we get to continue our Vision series called MOVING FORWARD . We’ll focus on what it’s like to follow Jesus and STRENGTHEN FAITH together. When we commit to Be With Jesus, we Become Like Jesus, and end up Living Like Jesus. It’s all about being on a journey with Him. This is the way God made things to work. See you Sunday as we gather to worship and be inspired by Him.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Gathering Together + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 11:22:55 GMT

19th Century pastor Dwight L. Moody once said, “Church attendance is as vital to a disciple as a transfusion of rich, healthy blood to a sick man.” And yet in-person church attendance seems to be moving toward a new low for those 55 and younger. I read today that somewhere around 35-40% of people younger than 55 who were regular church attenders and participants pre-Covid do not plan to come back to in-person church. The number one reason listed was the convenience of online and on-demand church and the ability to watch when they want so they can fit it into their lifestyle better. The second factor contributing to lower attendance patterns is changing habits. It was easy to put something else in their schedules where church used to fit.

I’m struggling with this reality since I realize how much I need in-person physical gatherings. There’s nothing on Earth that can compare to the moment when God’s people gather together to worship Him. On Sunday, Fritz Moga did a great job of reminding us about the power of corporate worship gatherings in his message. I hope you will take the time to listen if you happened to miss Sunday. Here’s what I’ve discovered in the past few months: I’ve been forced to Livestream my worship experience online way more than I would have ever dreamed because of my health challenges. I am so grateful for the headway we’ve made to offer quality Livestream experiences for those times when we can’t make it to church, but they were never intended as replacements for gathering together.

The writer of Hebrews wrote: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23-25)

I write this because we begin a new series on Sunday. It’s our annual Vision series. We’re going to talk about how we will continue Moving Forward to become the people and church God has in store for us. Our vision is tied to the fact that we have been called to follow Jesus and love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love our neighbors as ourselves. Each week in this series, we’ll talk about an aspect of what it means to journey with Jesus as we practice His ways.

You may be able to listen and learn through our Livestream in this series, but the best place for you to really get all God has for you is to be present in person. So please gather with us each Sunday because this is the vision that will propel us forward for the next decade of our life together as Twin Cities Church. See you Sunday!

CANCER TREATMENT UPDATE. I was able to undergo my second immunotherapy treatment on Tuesday morning. I am now on a schedule to get regular infusions for the next twelve months. I probably won’t talk much about this after today. I ask you to pray because it’s more to manage emotionally and physically, and I already thought I was at capacity. This is hard for both Kimberly and me. We are grateful for your consistent care and prayers during this difficult time. God is good, and we are glad to get to walk through this with our church family.

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SHARE LIFE and SPREAD HOPE to our family and community.

FAMILIES get ready for a fun artistic experience on Friday, February 11 when we bring back the Artist Workshop . Registrations are a must, and there is a cost to pay for the supplies and canvas you’ll use. The last time we offered this, it was fun as well are inspiring. Check the website.

Our next BAPTISM  will be on March 6. That’s our 30th birthday! What a great time to go public for Jesus as you take this step of identification and intimacy with Him. If you’ve never been baptized after you said “YES” to Jesus, please pray about this opportunity for you. Check it out and register on our website.

THIS SUNDAY , we get to begin our Vision series called MOVING FORWARD . We’ll focus on what it’s like to follow Jesus and SHARE LIFE together. This is the way God made things to work. See you Sunday as we gather together to worship and be inspired by Him.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Small Steps, Big Change + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 14:21:50 GMT

I’ve really been challenged by this idea of habits and the realization that small steps can lead to big change. I know there have been times when I would want something that would require a change in my habits, but getting there looked too big for me. You can fill in the blanks for yourself. It could have been weight loss, or physical health, or relational repair. What held me back was a version of “scarcity” mentality. It’s hard to do something way beyond anything you’ve ever done if you think you have to begin with the goal or end as your measurement of success.

This is especially true in our walk with God as we seek to become more and more like Jesus. This is why I’m thrilled to begin preparing a new messages series that will begin on February 6. It’s called Moving Forward . This is a vision series and will outline our plan for helping people in their transformation to become more like Jesus. The series will highlight the four foundational pillars of spiritual growth and development that Pastor Mark outlines our website's Spiritual Growth section.

I don’t know if I’ve ever been more excited about a new series. This is the culmination of hours of prayer and work over the years, asking God to help us fine-tune what we do as a church. We desire to simplify what it means to Follow Jesus and Practice His Ways. I ask you to consider the four Sundays of February to be vitally important and carve out space to be at church or watch online as we learn more of what God has in store for our church.

Your response to Pastor John’s message on Extravagant Generosity really touched me. I was just at the hospital to get some blood work drawn, and the nurse told me about the stress of not having enough employees who are willing or able to work. She said, “People are just pulling back.” At times like this folks, it might feel like the best thing to do is to pull back, gather all our little chicks, and take care of ourselves. But I feel that if there ever was a time for us to have an impact in this world, it’s in these difficult and dark days. Instead of pulling back. Instead of hoarding. Instead of ignoring the plight of others, what if we became even more generous with the three T’s – talents, time, and treasures? If you missed Sunday, I hope you will watch John’s message and let God speak to your heart about becoming even more extravagant in your giving.

CANCER TREATMENT UPDATE . In November, when I had surgery, the surgical team discovered that I still had living cancer cells in my tumor – even after chemo/radiation. They were able to cut them out and give me a positive thumbs up that they had gotten all of it. The problem is that Esophageal cancer has a strong propensity to recur, and when it does, it’s usually not curable. I had an appointment in early January with a UCSF oncologist who told me that I fit the parameters for an immunotherapy treatment that was successful in fighting cancer and had just been approved for my cancer in August 2021. He said, “It’s my recommendation that you begin this as soon as possible.” The goal is to get my immune system to recognize the cancer cells as an enemy and attack them naturally.

I had my first treatment on January 19. Now we’re on for another 12 months of injections. I was feeling pretty low about this new development. Honestly, I’m tired and would like a break. At the same time, getting to do this new immunotherapy is a gift. In fact, God pulled some strings for me at the hospital. I was allowed to begin treatment before my insurance company authorized approval. I was told that I have friends in “high places.”

It was surreal to go back to the ATC Center at the hospital for my infusion and be greeted by some of the same nurses and staff who had been there for my chemo treatments. I even ran into one of the radiation technicians in the hallway. I feel such warmth and care from these dedicated nurses and staff.

Will you please pray for God to use this to show me His favor and bless me with His promise that I will “see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living”? Kimberly and I thank you for your prayers and support during this extended treatment time. We love you more than words can convey.

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SHARE LIFE and SPREAD HOPE to our family and community.

GROW UNIVERSITY registrations are now open for our Spring semester of classes. Go to our website and look at the specialized offerings designed to help you grow in your faith as you live for God’s purposes in our world. You can take Financial Peace University , Marriage Works , Life After Death , Resolving Everyday Conflict , and GriefShare .

LIFE GROUPS are open NOW for the winter/spring semester. 2021 was a time for us to sharpen our focus as a church to be more intentional in our approach to discipleship and spiritual formation. Our goal is to be clear in our vision to engage together to lead as many people as possible into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ . We have four pillars to build on – Share Life, Strengthen Faith, Serve Others, and Spread Hope. The Share Life pillar includes our relationship with Jesus and how He calls us to Share Life with Him and each other. The natural outflow of that is that we want our Life Groups to intentionally share life with each other as they follow Jesus together. If you are ready to check out a LIFE GROUP or want more information, please contact Mark or stop by the SHARE LIFE table in the lobby this Sunday, and we will help you get connected. Our goal is that we will all find a place where we can know and be known, love and be loved, serve and be served, and celebrate and be celebrated as we grow to become more like Jesus.

THIS SUNDAY , we wrap up our series HABITS: Small steps, big change . We’re going to cover another Keystone Habit that can hugely change your life. It’s Passionate Worship . God made us to be worshippers, and because of that we will worship something. We will consider how worshipping God above all will fulfill our hearts and lead us to a life of peace and joy. I’m excited to see how God uses Sunday in your life and mine.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Praying for Rapid Expansion of the Gospel + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 12:43:05 GMT

I am so grateful for your passionate response to the message on Earnest Prayer from Sunday. I believe that God wants to answer the prayers of His people when they pray sacrificially and selflessly for the rapid spread of the Gospel message. Wow, imagine what God could do through a group of people who commit themselves to pray for the eternal well-being of others. Even as we celebrate our 30th birthday on March 6, we believe that God is not finished with us yet. He has an even better future in store than the past we’ve walked together.

Let me invite all those who call Twin Cities Church “home” to join us in our mission of simply making ourselves available to pray for the rapid expansion of the Gospel message of Jesus. If you missed Sunday, please watch the message and then respond and let me know your commitment to join with us by participating in our 2022 Church Prayer .

I have a new update about my cancer status. When I had surgery in November, the surgical team discovered that I still had living cancer cells in my tumor – even after chemo/radiation. They were able to cut them out and give me a positive thumbs up that they had gotten all of it. The problem is that Esophageal cancer has a strong propensity to recur, and when it does, it’s usually not curable. I had an appointment in early January with a UCSF oncologist who told me that I fit the parameters for an immunotherapy treatment that was successful in fighting this cancer and had just been approved for my cancer in August 2021. He said, “It’s my recommendation that you begin this as soon as possible.”

Kimberly and I then consulted with my local oncologist, who agreed wholeheartedly that I could begin the treatment this past Wednesday. It’s a year-long treatment of immunotherapy infusions. I will receive the medication intravenously twice a month for sixteen weeks and then every four weeks for the next eight months. The goal is to get my immune system to recognize the cancer cells as an enemy and attack them naturally. Will you please pray for God to use this to show me His favor and bless me with His promise that I will “see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living”? Thank you. I love you more than words can describe.

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SHARE LIFE and SPREAD HOPE to our family and community.

STUDENT MINISTRY – Parents , you are invited to join our Student Ministry Team on Wednesday, January 23, 6:30-8:30pm. This is an excellent opportunity to hear the vision for rebuilding our Student Ministry to have a dynamic impact in the lives of your students. You’ll get to have dinner served as well, so no cooking that night. Also, just throwing this out – If you’ve ever felt a tug to serve with students, this is a great time to join the team. You’re invited to come as well and let God speak to your heart about getting involved with a great group of young people who need adult influence and mentoring. Please contact Semeria or John .

The next DRIVE-THRU FOOD DRIVE collection day to support Interfaith Food Ministry is Friday, January 28, from 8:00-10:30am. Please bring your non-perishable foods to the church, and we’ll make sure all the food gets delivered to Interfaith. This is a huge help to the resource-challenged in our community. We’re also receiving specific items to help Hospitality House. Here’s how you can find out what they most need . Just bring items from this list with your food donations.

THIS SUNDAY , we continue our series HABITS: Small steps, big change . We’re going to cover another Keystone Habit that can hugely change your life. It’s Extravagant Generosity . We’ll consider some of the barriers to generosity and how we can take small steps to become generous people with all God has given us. I’m excited to see how God uses Sunday in your life and mine.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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His BELOVED + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 14:37:17 GMT

We continued our series Sunday on HABITS: Small steps, big change by talking about forming Healthy Habits . Your response to this message, combined with your desire to be all God made you to be, was truly inspiring to me. I’ve received texts, emails, and comments all week about the “one habit” you plan to bring into your life. The main thing I’ve heard is how change is often difficult because we aim for the Big Hairy Audacious Goal instead of taking one small step after another.

I told you that I would give you some resources to dig deeper into this idea of forming Healthy Habits based upon the books, Atomic Habits by James Clear and Your Future Self Will Thank You by Drew Dyck. It’s been helpful for me to listen to the authors talk about their books and their recommended strategies for consistent life change.

Here are a couple of podcasts you might listen to if you want to make significant and lasting changes in your life:

Q&A: Atomic Habits with James Clear - Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast

Atomic Habits with James Clear

James Clear Discusses Personality Styles and Atomic Habits

Keystone Habits and Spiritual Well Being

Your Future Self Will Thank You

These podcasts will help you get a big picture view of the power of your habits to direct your life toward becoming the person God made you to be. Please pay specific attention to James Clear as he talks about the concept of “Who Before Do.” If you are going to become all God made you to be, you need to stand strong on the truth that you are His BELOVED and therefore, the habits He wants you to engage in are based upon the idea that as His BELOVED, this is the person I want to become. Another way to say it is this: This is how a person who is BELOVED by God would be or act.

Please let me know if any of these resources help you on your journey to become the kind of person who lives as His BELOVED. I love you and want you to have a clear path on your journey to become more like Jesus. Here’s to a fantastic 2022.

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SHARE LIFE and SPREAD HOPE to our family and community.

THIS SUNDAY , we continue our series HABITS: Small steps, big change . Folks, I’m excited to walk through some of the core ideas behind the power of habits this week. If you want to make changes in your life, please make sure to be with us in person this week as we talk about Earnest Prayer . Prayer is one of those habits we struggle to maintain. But it’s clear from God’s Word that He expects us to walk with Him as we engage in this habit. Prayer is about being with God and asking Him for His will to be done in our lives. Do you struggle in your prayer life? If so, this week will help you take small steps toward developing a praying life .

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Keystone Habits + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 12:31:47 GMT

We began a new series on Sunday on HABITS: Small steps, big change . I’ve been anticipating this series since I picked up a copy of a great book called Atomic Habits by James Clear. I get to unpack some of the theory behind habits in my message this Sunday. One of the key ideas behind habits is that there are habits that we engage in, without thinking about what we’re doing, like brushing our teeth or shaving. That’s how our brain functions to keep us from being overwhelmed by all the decisions we would be making each day if everything we did was new and untried. At the same time, there are certain “keystone” habits that we must purposefully choose to add to our lives if we are going to reap the fantastic benefits they offer.

The top keystone habit based upon surveys done by thousands of Followers of Jesus is Bible Engagement . Specifically engaging with the Bible at least four days per week. Mark Hadley, our Spiritual Growth Pastor, laid a great foundation for us on Sunday with his practical message on developing a habit of Bible Engagement . His own personal work in spiritual formation that was visible inspires us all to grow.

The fruit and results of this habit are staggering. Bible Engagement draws us more deeply into relationship with God and others, grows our confidence in God’s promises, and empowers us to make steps with God and fulfill His Kingdom purposes in our lives. Honestly, you can’t know God without knowing His Word.

But Bible Engagement also helps us in areas that aren’t necessarily spiritual. Surveys show that Bible Engagement improves marriages, relationships, mental health, careers, finances, character, and decision making. The Center for Biblical Engagement released the results of their survey of over 400,000 people, and they discovered that people who engage with the Bible regularly are less lonely, have fewer destructive thoughts, have reduced anxiety, abuse alcohol and substances less, and were less likely to struggle with issues of self-worth and value.

You can see the great benefits of this habit. Do you want to have these things be true for you? Let me encourage you to watch Mark’s message from Sunday. Here’s a link to watch it . After that, log on to our website and look for our Bible Reading plans section or just click here . Once you’ve decided to engage with the Bible consider joining a Life Group , where you can be with others like yourself who are seeking to engage with the Bible. Also, make sure to be at church (or watch online when you can’t be here in person) and make sure to listen intently and seek to hear what God is saying to you in His Word. When we sing, listen for the references to Biblical concepts and quotes and engage in a new way. Finally, learn to pray God’s Word back to Him and ask Him to help you develop this keystone habit. As Mark said on Sunday, “When you engage with God’s Word, you align with God’s heart.”

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SHARE LIFE and SPREAD HOPE to our family and community.

FAMILY SNOW DAY – Saturday, January 8. A few weeks ago, it didn’t look like this even could happen because of a lack of snow. Well, now after our snowpocalypse, we have an abundance. Join our families for a fun day. Please follow all safety signs as you enjoy the snow.

LIFE GROUPS are open NOW for the winter/spring semester. Make sure to stop by the SHARE LIFE table in the lobby and let us help you find a group that fits you! You can also find out more on our website.

THRIVE UNLEASHED – January 14-15. This is an amazing winter retreat for junior high and high school students. See the website to register.

BABES WHO BRUNCH – January 15, 11:00am-12:30pm. This is for young women to gather for relationship, a potluck-style brunch, a speaker who focuses on a specific topic that will help you grow, or a fun activity or craft. Please bring a brunch dish to share with everyone. Free childcare will also be available. Get ready to eat some brunch, have some fun, learn, grow spiritually, and make new friends!

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Weathering the Storm + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 31 Dec 2021 12:04:13 GMT

What a week this has been! Our neighborhood looks like a war zone with power lines in the street, trees blocking the road and other trees on homes. It’s really unfathomable. From talking to many people, I know that my neighborhood is not the only one with this reality. It’s been predicted that days and even weeks might go by before we get power back. We got to see neighbors jump into action to help each other in ways we’ve never seen in our years of living in our home. At one point, six different people were actively seeking to cut a huge oak tree into manageable pieces just so we could all get out of our neighborhood. One obvious blessing was we were out in the street talking and sharing in ways we’ve never done in our neighborhood as we were in our common experience together .

This makes me think of our church community. We get to do life together, and sometimes it’s just not easy as we face things like relational struggles and breakdowns, health issues, financial deficits, career confusion, and all the other challenges. We get to be together in these circumstances in ways that draw us closer. And I’ve heard stories of how many of you have jumped in to help your friends and neighbors weather this storm.

We’re talking about community here. We talk about that a lot around Twin Cities as we share life together. This is why we have Life Groups. As we talk about HABITS – small steps with big changes , we get to appreciate the habit of being part of a group. If you’re not yet part of a Life Group, let me encourage you as we begin 2022, that you will do the work it takes to find your way into a group! Believe me, it will enhance your life in every way.

Our teams are working to make sure we’re ready to have church on Sunday, January 2, even though we’ve been snowed out all week. I so appreciate the staff we have, and their commitment to the spiritual growth and connection with God we develop when we meet together .

Let me throw this out there. We’ve had many people offer their generators or even homes with power for those who are without power. Kimberly and I were able to find such an arrangement which has blessed us beyond measure since our son, Ryan, and his wife, Tessa, and our granddaughter, Elsie, arrived on Tuesday. We couldn’t even get to the airport to pick them up, and even though we don’t have power at our home, we are able to stay in a home with power and even internet for as long as the power is out. I pray you will let others serve you in this way. If you have a need, please contact the church office, and we’ll see what we can do. Also, if you have resources that might help someone, please contact the office so you can be an avenue of blessing.

I also want to say a huge THANK YOU to our teams who made our Christmas Eve services so meaningful and impactful. I’ve heard from many of you that it was not only a highlight of your Christmas experience, but that it also added lots of opportunity for discussion about the idea that we are to LOVE EVERYONE ALWAYS. But I guess what I loved hearing most is that many people were drawn to the love God has for them and how Christmas is all about that.

I am so thankful for your encouragement as I continue to recover from my cancer treatments, surgery, and procedures. Please continue to pray because as much as I believed I would be “recovered” by now, I am still in a low place both physically and emotionally. As Kim said in her message on December 19, “This is hard.” Well, it’s still hard, and the storm added to the hard we had been feeling. Let’s agree to pray for one another as we look for God’s goodness in the land of the living . I see His goodness today.

Happy New Year!

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SHARE LIFE and SPREAD HOPE to our family and community.

It’s  YEAR-END GIFT  time and I want to encourage you to give a special gift to our church as an act of worship and appreciation to God for how He has used TCC in your life over the past year. The beauty of this giving opportunity is that it allows us to serve even more people throughout the year generously. You can get more information on our website.

Today, December 31, is the last day to give to Twin Cities and have it count for your tax deduction in 2021. The best way to do this is to give online. You can also take it to the post office to get it postmarked today. Please note that the church office is closed for the holiday.

THRIVE UNLEASHED – January 14-16. This is an amazing winter retreat for junior high and high school students. See the website to register.

THIS SUNDAY , we begin our new series HABITS: Small Steps, Big Change . Folks, I’m excited to walk through this series with you as we seek to become all God has for us. He doesn’t expect us to be super-human. Instead, He asks us to engage with Him as He works out our salvation and sanctification as we become more like Jesus. Sunday’s message is all about the power of Bible Engagement .

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Waiting for the Lord + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 12:18:02 GMT

Even though there are hints of a coming Messiah, the first real prophecy about His coming is found in Deuteronomy 18:15-19 which was written around the 7th century B.C. If you read Job, which was written hundreds of years previously, you will find three references to a coming Redeemer, but the prophecy from Deuteronomy seems to be the most definitive promise of a coming Messiah. Folks, that’s a long, long time ago.

I was thinking about this waiting and longing time we’ve referred to each week of our Advent observance. It’s one thing to talk about waiting. It’s another thing, entirely, to wait for something you’ve been promised when you haven’t been given a timeline.

The Apostle Paul assures us of God’s sovereign plan and purpose when he writes about Jesus as the Messiah in Galatians 4:4-5: But when the set time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.

That time may have been set by God, but He had given no indication as to when the Messiah would come. All He did was say “WAIT.” Waiting is such a key element in the Advent cycle we’ve been going through as a church. Each week we focus on an aspect of becoming better at waiting by slowing down, spending less, giving more, worshiping fully, and loving all, which is our message on Christmas Eve.

I’ve talked a lot about waiting in my cancer classroom/journey over the past few months. And I want to say from first-hand experience that waiting is never easy. It requires faith, trust, perseverance, and stamina. I can also assure you God gave me everything I needed at each pivotal crisis point along the way where I might have been tempted to turn my back on Him, and refuse to wait on His promises. I think that’s true for all of us at Christmas time. We have been waiting. Some of us have waited for a spouse or a child to return home, or financial security, etc. And I want to encourage you that according to Scripture, blessed are those who wait on the Lord.

I look forward to jumping into 2022 with you, to witness God’s provision and favor, even though our waiting may not be over. Let me encourage you with the verses I am clinging to from Psalm 27, when the psalmist wrote, “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the L ORD in the land of the living. ” And he goes on to say these words that we have to take to heart, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the L ORD .”

One exercise you might engage in as we look forward to 2022 is to ask God to show you what it might look like in your life to experience His goodness and His presence in the land of the living, right now, today. I look forward to walking with you and experiencing all God has for us.

Merry Christmas!!!

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SHARE LIFE and SPREAD HOPE to our family and community.

HOLIDAY SERVE OPPS – It’s still not too late to engage in serving our community. Please check our website to find out more about how you can serve our community this holiday season. Just like I was blessed at a drive-through window today when someone paid for my order, you might be surprised at what your small or large gifts of compassion can do to help someone else.

LOVE ALL is the theme for our Christmas services this year. Some of you came to the service on Thursday, but many of you are waiting until today. It’s still a perfect time to invite your friends and family to attend with you.

People resonated with John Lennon when he sang, “All You Need Is Love” because we live in a day where love seems to be in short supply. Though catchy, John’s lyrics and tune are only wishful thinking or sentimentality unless we receive love from above and share it with others. The service will feature a family to guide us to light the white Christ candle. Then, we’ll sing some fun Christmas carols and listen to a short message about love. We will end with a special candle lighting moment as we thank God for His work in 2021, or memorialize a person who has passed away, or a moment we don’t want to forget, or express our hope that we will see the land of God’s goodness – all while we sing Silent Night .

THIS SUNDAY , we wrap up our Advent series by focusing on what we’ve been praying will be the fruit of this series. Now that we have experienced Jesus, we want to take the same love that we’ve been given and SPREAD HOPE to our world. If we remember, Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Will you make it your goal to become a blessed giver?

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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The Goodness of God + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 14:45:26 GMT

The Apostle Paul wrote, “He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV

He also wrote these words from Philippians 1:6, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” So, folks, no matter how things look, God Is In Charge!

Tuesday marked a momentous event in my cancer treatment journey and classroom. This was the day I went back to UCSF to remove the stent from my esophagus that was installed after a complication during my surgery. I woke up Wednesday morning, exhausted from being back at the hospital again for yet another procedure. Here’s the thought running through my mind during the entire prep for the procedure: Where is the finish line? Where is the finish line?

Well, on the one hand, I’ve reached the finish line laid out before me for treating my esophageal cancer. This journey was way more complicated than words like chemo/radiation and surgery that lasted way longer than I would have expected. June 14 was my first chemo treatment, and December 14 was my last procedure in this journey. Wow. That was way more time than I could have ever imagined when this began.

So, here I sit with my cancer cleared, a big YIPPEE! I want to thank God, my lovely and caring wife, an army of servant-minded friends and loved ones who offered us help, and of course, the fantastic staff God has given us. I can’t even begin to express my gratitude for how our staff team has carried on in my diminished capacity. I am so proud of them. I’m also aware of your heart to serve that was expressed to my family. Thank you. I’ve sure had a sensitivity wake-up for those whose lives are disrupted by cancer and other illnesses like COVID.

I guess I heard from God this morning that this wasn’t necessarily the finish line, but rather, this is the starting line for the rest of my life. I still have a race to run. I still have a purpose to fulfill. I still have a passion to express. I still claim these verses from Psalm 27 today, “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of God in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord. Stand strong and take heart.” That’s where my focus is today! Will you claim these same verses for your lives and the life of our church? God is not finished with us yet!

I can’t wait to see you on Sunday. Yes, God willing, I will be in church on Sunday!

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SHARE LIFE and SPREAD HOPE to our family and community.

HOLIDAY SERVE OPPS are in full swing. Let me encourage you to go to our website and look at all the ways we’re serving our community this holiday season. Even though the baskets and stockings have all been received and delivered, our community has many places where we can serve and help. People tell us with deep appreciation that our engagement really boosts the hopes and spirits of those who are in desperate situations in these challenging times.

LOVE ALL is the theme for our Christmas services this year. People resonated with John Lennon when he sang, “All You Need Is Love” because we live in a day where love seems to be in short supply. Though catchy, John’s lyrics and tune are only wishful thinking or sentimentality unless we receive love from above and share it with others. The service will feature a family to guide us to light the white Christ candle. Then, we’ll sing some fun Christmas carols and listen to a short message about love. We will end with a special candle lighting moment as we thank God for His work in 2021, or memorialize a person who has passed away, or express our hope that we will see the land of God’s goodness all while we sing Silent Night . Please make sure to plan which service you want to attend and invite friends and family to join you.

THIS SUNDAY , we continue our Advent series by focusing on the core concept of this series. SLOW DOWN , SPEND LESS , and GIVE MORE are all part of a bigger idea: WORSHIP FULLY . That’s what we’ll look at this week as we consider the most famous of Christmas songs – The Magnificat . I am so eager to be brought to the throne of Heaven by these fantastic lyrics.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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God is Near + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 15:05:17 GMT

I had an enlightening time today as I recounted the past six weeks with my therapist. One key element he asked me to recount was how the doctors and nurses responded to me while I was in the hospital. First, there was the way that I faced the ups and downs with a faith and resilience that was evident. Second was the way I handled the ups and downs with grace and acceptance.

As I faced a long delay in going home, I was so encouraged at how the nurses and doctors began rooting for me to get the keys to leave the hospital. At the same time, they didn’t want me to leave. In fact, a couple of nurses took extra shifts in order to be “my” nurse. One nurse actually worked five nights in a row so that she could give me her individual attention. Another nurse gave me a hug when I was released, and we both cried to know I was FREE and able to go home. They told me that I was a kind, courteous, and caring patient, and in a place like a hospital where people can be uncomfortable, angry, and out of control, that I was a bright light.

I’m not trying to toot my horn, but my therapist wanted me to hear the positive in what they were saying to me through their words and actions. He said, “What they were witnessing was the years of soul-work you’ve done in spiritual formation to let Jesus transform you.” Did you know that our circumstances do not automatically lead us to maturity, but they reveal our spirituality?

Folks, this was what God did in me even though I was suffering from pain, inconvenience, and being out of control. I was not hearing from God. I felt that He was distant or absent. And yet inside I knew His assurance – as we talk about so often – that God is near. He never leaves our side.

I am excited to say that I am moving onward to the other side of the valley in my recovery from all I have been through. I do get to have one more procedure on Tuesday, December 14, in San Francisco to remove a stent that was placed in my “new” esophagus during one complication they encountered during my surgery. Please pray that all goes well, and that I am able to complete my recovery regimen. I love you and am so grateful for your prayers, care, and support. One last thing, I hear through the prayer channel that there are many people in our church who are dealing with cancer. Will you join me in bringing all of these to the Father in prayer? Especially Linda Wilbur, who will have surgery on December 22nd.

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SHARE LIFE and SPREAD HOPE to our family and community.

HOLIDAY SERVE OPPS are in full swing. Let me encourage you to go to our website and look at all the ways we’re serving our community this holiday season. Even though the baskets and stockings are all due this week, our community has many places where we can serve and help. People tell us with deep appreciation that our engagement really boosts the hopes and spirits of those who are in desperate situations in these challenging times.

It’s YEAR-END GIFT time and I want to encourage you to give a special gift to our church as an act of worship and appreciation to God for how He has used TCC in your life over the past year. The beauty of this giving opportunity is that it allows us to generously serve even more people throughout the year. You can get more information on our website.

Our next BABES WHO BRUNCH , for young adult women, is December 18, in the church lobby. This group is just one example of how we continue to work to engage the next generation in the life of our church. Will you please pray with me for the success of this group? We are committed to seeing God use us to reach the young adults of our community.

THIS SUNDAY we continue our Advent series by focusing on a really cool aspect of this series – GIVE MORE . I think you will be surprised at the application of this series and how the best gift we can give to others is the gift of ourselves.

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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God's Perfect Love + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 12:50:09 GMT

I love how you have walked with me through this journey with cancer. So, please celebrate with me that my doctors confirmed again today that they were able to get the entire tumor which means that I am free of cancer . Kimberly and I were able to have a follow-up visit by Zoom this afternoon that was so encouraging. The conversation was all about moving forward, recovering, and healing from all I have been through. I do get to have another procedure to remove a stent they installed to help my new esophagus not to leak. I’ll let you know when that procedure gets scheduled.

I just want to reflect that my doctors are so competent and caring. Even though I was in a big hospital system like UCSF, I felt their personal concern. As I sat today and looked into the eyes of my main surgeon, Dr. Kratz, I could sense his care and concern, and he even made a joke which caused us all to laugh together.

The good news is that I was given the freedom to move to a soft-food diet for the next month. It’s still restrictive, but I have many more options to choose from as I try to keep my weight on. When you see me, you’ll notice that I lost quite a bit of weight during the past few weeks. This was totally expected. Now, the goal is to maintain that weight and even gain some back.

Right now, it’s hard for me to put into words how relieved I am. When the Bible says that “perfect love casts out all fear,” I believe it was meant for all the times of life when we feel scared and out of control. That verse makes me think of the power of God’s perfect love, but it also causes me to reflect on the love you’ve shown me during this classroom, journey, and season I’ve been through.

On Sunday, I went through all the cards I’ve received during the past seven months. I was overwhelmed to count over 375 cards with words of faith, encouragement, and hope. Your love expressed through your faith and belief really helped me to stand strong. Thank you so much for walking this road with me. I love you so much.

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SHARE LIFE and SPREAD HOPE to our family and community.

GROWTH PATH is one of the best ways to get to know our church and God’s mission for us here in Western Nevada County. This series of engaging seminars will help you know who we are and how you can find a place to call home as you grow to be more like Jesus. The next Growth Path is Sunday, December 5, 2:00-5:00pm. This is a great way to enter into the life of our church. You can register online or at church on Sunday.

HOLIDAY SERVE OPPS are in full swing. Let me encourage you to go to our website and look at all the ways we’re serving our community this holiday season. People tell us with deep appreciation that our engagement really boosts the hopes and spirits of those who are in desperate situations in these challenging times.

It’s YEAR-END GIFT time and I want to encourage you to give a special gift to our church as an act of worship and appreciation to God for how He has used TCC in your life over the past year. The beauty of this giving opportunity is that it allows us to generously serve even more people throughout the year. You can get more information on our website.

It’s not too late to sign up for BAPTISM on December 12. Let me encourage you if you’ve never been baptized, PLEASE consider following the example set by Jesus when He allowed Himself to be baptized in the Jordan River. This is the first step He took to signify the beginning of His mission to seek and save the world. If you want to express your faith in Jesus through baptism, send an email to Mare , and attend the class Sunday, December 5 at 9:00am. She will help you know everything you need.

THIS SUNDAY we continue our Advent series by focusing on reining in our purchases to SPEND LESS and enjoy a different side to our Christmas celebration. We have to purposefully choose to do Christmas in ways that allow us to have margin in our spending while leaving us without the mountain of debt that is often associated with Christmas over-spending.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Giving Thanks in All Circumstances + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 12:14:00 GMT

I’m home!!!! Thank you so much for your prayers of hope and care during my surgery and extended stay at the hospital. You kept me full of hope and faith as I faced tests, probes, unsavory reports, poking, prodding, and all that they did to make sure I was able to return home.

This past Sunday, my blood work reversed from the “all is bad” stage to an “all is better” result. We were all so happy, and the docs said I could possibly go home in a few days – like Tuesday. We were settling in for a few more days of hospital stay, when a doctor came in the room and said, “How would you like to go home today?” Kim and I looked at each other with surprise, and said, “Yes. Let’s go home now.” I can’t even begin to tell you how much this did in our souls as we felt God had answered our prayers.

Before we left, my main Thoracic surgeon came into my room and said, “The surgery was successful.” When the pathology was completed, we discovered that there had still been pockets of cancer that had survived the chemo/radiation, as brutal as that was. The good news is the surgeons were able to cut it all out with margins that they were very happy to see. So, the entire Thoracic team believes I am cured of cancer! Praise Jesus. The miracle is real. When I feel better, I will do a happy dance, but I’m just sitting here in gratitude for now. I love this quote by Robert Holden who describes just what I’m experiencing today.

“The real gift of gratitude is that the more grateful you are, the more present you become.”

- Robert Holden

Thanksgiving is a special reminder to take time to express gratitude for both the good and, yes, the seemingly bad, which we may yet have to understand. I know that sounds difficult, and believe me, I am in a place where I am deeply challenged concerning gratitude. However, what I love about gratitude is that it’s a spiritual practice that is helpful for our souls. The past two weeks have been such a challenge in this practice, which is why I was so grateful for the encouragement toward thanksgiving we received yesterday.

These words really helped me: One of the best spiritual practices may be the cultivation of the call to be grateful – a simple practice perhaps overlooked because of its seeming simplicity. Too often when we want to identify something for which we are grateful, we overlook the unnoticed, seemingly insignificant things in our life – the early morning dew shimmering like precious jewels on a moist lawn, the interplay of light and dark and the subtle shading of colors in the sunlight, the ever-changing, magical sights and sounds that freshen and renew our awareness of existence – and instead focus on the more obvious (but still important) gifts of which we are already cognizant, like family and friends, or even just material possessions or our status in life. - Enneagram Institute from November 21,2021

While in the hospital, I found great comfort in looking for God’s work in the layers of life that were going around me. Here are Paul’s words that I found so challenging and helpful: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

I am eager to praise God with you, for this is God’s will for us!!! God bless you all from the depths of my heart. Kim and I feel so loved by you.

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SHARE LIFE and SPREAD HOPE to our family and community.

GIRLS NIGHT OUT Christmas edition is Friday, December 3, 6:30-8:30pm at the church. Gather with the women of our church and the friends they invite for an evening of connection and reflection. Begin your Christmas by gathering to reflect on the true meaning behind all we celebrate. Check it out on the website and reserve space for you and an invited friend.

Our YEAR-END GIFT emphasis is in full swing. This giving opportunity allows us to generously serve even more people throughout the year. You can get more information on our website.

Our next BAPTISM will be December 12. Let me encourage you if you’ve never been baptized, PLEASE consider following the example set by Jesus when He allowed Himself to be baptized in the Jordan River. This is the first step He took to signify the beginning of His mission to seek and save the world. If you want to express your faith in Jesus through baptism, send an email to Mare , and attend the class Sunday, November 28 or December 5 at 9:00am. She will help you know everything you need.

THIS SUNDAY we begin our Advent series focusing on slowing down to experience the reason for this wonderful season. We want to make Christmas meaningful by refusing to get caught up in the regular routines that can tend to drain the joy out of our experience and leave us disillusioned and dry.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Year-End Gift 2021

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 19:58:29 GMT

As we end 2021, I want to express my gratitude to you for your faithful and generous giving. I’ve been in the middle of my fight to overcome cancer since the beginning of May. Even in my absence or in my days of weakness, you have amazed me with your generous and consistent giving to God through our church. You are a loving and generous people, and I’m so glad and proud to be your Lead Pastor. I love you so much.

Folks, in this crazy time in which we live, I believe God has placed Twin Cities as His church in this place for just this moment. We’re here to shine His healing light. We’re here to spread His fragrant seasoning. We’re here to unleash His empathetic compassion. We’re here to be His voice of comforting peace. We’re here to LOVE EVERYONE ALWAYS and to be a place WHERE HOPE IS FOUND.

2021 has been a challenging year as we’ve seen what COVID, political unrest, and migration out of California have done to our church and community. We’ve experienced more disunity, divisiveness, hurt feelings, disagreement, and overall dissatisfaction in the past eighteen months than we’ve ever

experienced. And yet, we are still standing strong with even more conviction that God has placed us here for this time in our cultural moment.

In 2021, we’ve been able to help hundreds of people who have needs for shelter, food, and support. We’ve engaged in even greater ways with our ministry partners who work to alleviate the suffering

and struggle of so many hurting people. We’ve engaged with our community in serving in unique ways, and God keeps opening opportunities for more all the time. All of this has been made possible by your

commitment to consistent, faithful, and generous giving.

As we look forward to 2022, we will celebrate 30 years of engaging together to lead as many people as possible into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. What a ride it’s been! The good news is that we’re more focused and inspired than we’ve ever been on how to do ministry together. The good news is that God is not finished with us yet. The good news is that He’s working in new ways through new methods and means to help us reach those who are left hungering for something more because of what we’ve experienced as a culture.

Folks, I believe with all my being that our best days are still ahead. Our world needs Jesus and His love right now and people are probably more open to Him than at any time we’ve been here in Western

Nevada County. The people around us need Jesus, and He has placed us here at this time to represent His loving presence and express His compassionate grace. Today is our day. Join us by giving to expand our mission to lead as many people as possible into a growing relationship with Jesus . Will you join me in praying about how we can help even more people experience God’s love in the coming year through your generous giving to our Year-End Gift?

Our Year-End giving allows our church to extend God’s love in ways we aren’t able to through our regular operating budget. This is one way we’ve been able to keep our operating budget somewhat level in the past ten years. Our operating budget pays for ministry. Our Year-End Gift provides new opportunities and makes it possible to improve our facilities or presentation elements to help us continue to meet our goal of having excellent environments and inspiring opportunities. It goes toward providing us a way to expand our impact through initiatives in our community or world.

Will you pray and ask God what He would have you give and then respond accordingly to His leading?

You can give online by clicking here , or you can pick up an envelope on Sunday morning or from the church office during the week.

I look forward to how God will continue to use our church to bring His Kingdom into the far reaches of our world and to those who feel they are most distant from Him.

Joyfully living everyday life on mission with Jesus and others another year!

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Yearning for Home + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 15:52:31 GMT

This wild ride and crazy classroom continues. We’re still not certain of my return home, but it looks like it will be today, if the bloodwork (my bilirubin count) makes the hepatology team happy! The hospital is being vigilant and careful as they approach my discharge, and I am grateful.

And YET, my feelings have been all over the map as I have waited and yearned to come home. Never would I have imagined this stay in the hospital to be THIS LONG (today is 10 days).

Surgery was major and the recovery will be as well. Please pray for Jehovah Rapha’s supernatural, complete healing. I love you and I’m so grateful for your support, your care, your cards, and your love.

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SHARE LIFE and SPREAD HOPE to our family and community.

BABES WHO BRUNCH is an inspiring opportunity for the young women in our church to make friends, grow spiritually, and find encouragement from other women. The next gathering is Saturday, November 20, at 11:00am-12:30pm in the church lobby. It’s potluck-style so bring a brunch dish to share. Go to the website to register.

THIS SUNDAY we will wrap up our RADIATE LOVE series based upon the New Testament book of 1 John. John writes to correct error that had seeped into some of the second-generation church teachers in the region of Ephesus. He writes to encourage the Followers of Jesus in that region to exemplify the words of Jesus when He said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are My disciples if you love one another.”

Sunday’s message is about Living With Confidence in God, in His Spirit and His salvation. God’s love is what gives me confidence. It gives me relationship with Him, which is what allows me to be CONFIDENT in life. Ryan Reed from Lakeside Church in Folsom will be our guest speaker this week. Please pray for him as he gets to deliver the wonderful truth of this section of 1 John. If you want to read ahead, read 1 John 5:13-21.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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The Power of Prayer + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 11:56:06 GMT

I received a heads up on Friday morning that my wait for surgery could very well be coming to an end. I kept my phone glued to my side all day so I wouldn’t miss the call I was told would come. My phone rang at 6:30pm, from UNKNOWN CALLER. I’ve learned to take many of the calls I might have screened during this wait because the UCSF staff use their personal cell phones for their communication.

I was glad I answered because it turned out to be one of the nurses in charge of getting me prepared for surgery in October. She told me that the stars had aligned and that I was set for surgery on TUESDAY, November 9th instead of the 16th or 30th which we had been told. Wow! Now, my head was swimming as I began to work on getting there in just two days since I have to get a COVID test on Monday. A lot of work was done on my behalf by the staff of the hospital. As much as I appreciate them, I appreciate my faithful and powerful prayer team even more.

Last week, Michael Bauer, our High School Director, recommended a song to our Worship Arts Team called THAT’S THE POWER by Hillsong Worship that God used to change my prayers concerning this waiting time I’ve been in. Here are some of the lyrics:

There’s a Name that levels mountains

Carves out highways through the sea

I’ve seen its power unravel battles

Right in front of me

That’s the power of Your Name

Just a mention makes a way

Giants fall and strongholds break

And there is healing

You still do miracles

You will do what You said

For You’re the same God now as

You’ve always been

After listening to that song, I heard a still small voice gently speak to me. I know it was God and the Holy Spirit leading me to go to a different place in my prayers. So, I wrote to a few of the people in my army of prayer warriors and asked them to pray this: Please pray. One doctor needs to adjust his schedule to get my surgery set for November 16. If he does, I’m in. If not, surgery will likely be pushed out until December. So, I am asking God to move this mountain. Will you pray and ask God for His provision, His miracle, and His healing? Well, it looks like God answered that prayer, and instead of November 16, He had November 9 in His plan for me.

Thank you so much for your prayers, love, tangible care during this season. Kim and I love you more than we could ever say.

Update from Kim on Wednesday, day after surgery: Great news! Ron seems a new man to me today as he was sitting up in a chair and had already walked around ICU before I arrived. He reports his pain is down to a 5 (that’s way better than last night!), and nurse says he will walk the hall at least once more today.

They are wonderfully watchful over Ron here — amazing hospital staff here at UCSF — and they plan to keep him in the ICU to watch him closely for a bit, then move him to a regular room in the hospital. We think he may remain here in San Francisco until at least Saturday or Sunday.

Ron reported really good news from his surgeon when he came by this morning — that cancer appeared really “well treated” (small) and that he saw good clean margins. That is amazing and encouraging news to us! We are asking God to make it final — that cancer is gone.

I want to share my moment of yesterday , when I FELT God’s nearness to me. While Ron was in surgery (which turned out to be 8.5 hours), I was talking to my friend Clarise, who is here with me. I was sharing how I know it was God who had, for some reason, put out His Hand and stopped the last surgery midstream. That I trust Him. At that instant, I glanced out the window and saw this sight outside my hotel room…

Look closely. Do you see RON’S name on that sign?! Someone had graffitied his name just for me, and then God arranged to put me in THIS room on the second floor and then directed my eyes in JUST that moment when I was declaring my trust in Him. In that instant, I knew my Father’s presence in a real way, and that the Almighty is indeed WORKING on RON’S behalf!

Thursday update: I can tell God’s people are praying! Ron is slated to move out of the ICU today, IF they can locate a bed for him in the main hospital. He is taking walks around the ICU regularly. When he took six laps at one time today, the nurse told me she got her steps in for the day! Ron’s pain is being managed and today the GI tube that ran through his nose was removed. I say “yippee!” Ron is a little too subdued by pain to say “yippee.” THANK YOU, warriors, for your ongoing prayers of boldness before the Throne of Grace (Hebrews 4:16). Please pray Ron will continue to experience God’s favor as he simply rests.

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SHARE LIFE and SPREAD HOPE to our community.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD has been a way we’ve engaged for years now that allows us to reach out in a global way to spread the hope of Jesus during the holiday season. If you’ve never participated or want a review of why this is so important, just watch this video , and you’ll see the impact a small shoe box can have on the lives of children around the world. We have OCC boxes available at the church on Sunday mornings at the Spread Hope kiosk. Stop by, get yours, make a box, and return it to Twin Cities by Sunday, November 14.

SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS GRIEFSHARE is a meaningful way to spread hope with your loved ones and friends who face the pain of loss during this season. The holidays have a way of turning up the heat under our pain, and we want to help you know that you are not alone. This one-time session offered Thursday, November 18, 5:30-7:30pm at Twin Cities, will help you find hope as you navigate the holidays without your loved one. You can guide people to our website for more information or to register.

THIS SUNDAY  we will continue our  RADIATE LOVE  series based upon the New Testament book of 1 John. John writes to correct error that had seeped into some of the second-generation church teachers in the region of Ephesus. He writes to encourage the Followers of Jesus in that region to exemplify the words of Jesus when He said,  “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are My disciples if you love one another.”

Sunday’s message is about being Transformed by Real Love . God’s love is free and unconditional, but when we act on it by obeying His Word and building our lives on His truth, He transforms our hearts and makes us more loving.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Grief and Hope + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 10:50:42 GMT

“God is good, and life is hard, and only when we are safely tucked under the shadow of His wings does that make sense. I grieve for the loss of my health and praise God for being with me in it. Because that’s the weird, beautiful thing about following a Suffering Servant who was well-acquainted with grief. You can pray for the Lord to use your suffering for good in your life, but you can also plead with Him to heal you from your pain. You can grieve and hope at the same time. They’re not mutually exclusive terms. They go together for the Christian. Grief and hope. Two sides of the same coin. One day hope will be fully realized, and grief will exist no more. Jesus made sure of that.” From a blog post by Glenna Marshal

That’s my reality and comfort for today. You can have grief in one hand and hope in the other. As I reflect on my cancer classroom that began on April 22, 2021, I find that the longer it goes, the deeper my suffering feels. As I say that, I realize that many of you suffer much more than me, and I want to let you know that God knows. God is near – an ever-present help in times of trouble.

God has promised to shelter us in the shadow of His wings. I wish that meant we didn’t have to go through the classroom of suffering in this life, but that’s not what it means. You have to be willing to be honest with God, as I wrote about last week, and tell Him just what you feel. As one friend said to me recently, “When you express your feelings, you’re bringing them out of hiding so God can heal your emotions.” When you hold them down inside, you end up with deeper depression, anxiety, and hopelessness.

Another friend wrote me this week with a strong word of encouragement to have faith in the resurrected Jesus who lives within me. She wrote, “Do we fully comprehend that we have His power, His resurrection power, within us? He is our victory.” I loved that reminder, and later while in the shower, God spoke to me once again through the reminder of a song we’ve sung together at Twin Cities. It’s called Resurrecting by Elevation Church. The key line for me is this: “The resurrected ONE is resurrecting me.”

We can have hope in one hand, and it is not diminished by holding grief, loss, sadness, doubt, or pain in the other. In fact, it’s in acknowledging the reality of both that we can rest and quit fighting against the messages inside that say, “This shouldn’t be. God is not good. Where is God?” The answer is He is here with me, and I’m sheltered under His wings.

So, I don’t have to live in fear that the prolonged wait for the surgery to remove the remainder of my cancer is hurting my chances of healing. I don’t have to worry about my family as we wait arm in arm to move forward and out of the muck of delay after delay. I don’t have to fret over how I will accomplish everything on my to-do list for our church as we move into the holidays. Instead, I can choose to breathe and rest in God’s faithfulness to me. He is the great “I AM” who watches over me in all things.

I have been cleared for surgery by the hepatologist from UCSF, and now I’m in the waiting room again as they try to fit me back into their busy schedules. I had a possibility for surgery this week, but after a false start, it was cancelled because both surgeons were not available. That was an emotional blow – Kim and I cried together. This classroom has so many lessons we didn’t quite know were in the curriculum, but in all of this, we’ve sensed God’s presence through our church family and friends.

Thank you for your consistent prayers for me in this season. So many others are going through their health, relational, financial, family, and work struggles. Let’s make it our goal to pray for them each day. May each of us live with faith as we hold our grief in one hand and our hope in the other. He will have the final word. All pain, suffering, sickness, and disease will be stamped out through the promise of His resurrection power. I love you.

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SPREAD HOPE to our community.

First, let’s take a moment and give a huge SHOUT OUT for the amazing FALL FAMILY FESTIVAL . 1700 people came onto our campus to experience hospitality, creativity, and fun provided by so many of our willing volunteers. I’m grateful to John Fairchild and Mare Dibert for their vision to create this amazing event with freshness and passion each year. FFF is a high-impact investment as we get to have a personal touch with the families of our community. Let’s pray for each family who attended that they would want to check us out to see what makes us the kind of church who would provide this kind of event for free! We want them to know the love of Jesus that compels us to love like that.

Come connect with other families at FAMILY FILM NIGHT Friday, November 12 in the Student’s Multi-Purpose Room. We will be showing “Robots” and making our own robots! Popcorn, water, and robot-building sup plies will be provided. Candy will also be available for purchase. Make sure to bring your pillows and blankets! 5:00pm – Bring your picnic dinner and start building your robot building. 5:30pm – Showtime!

Sunday’s message is about Spreading Real Love . We’ll be in a section of 1 John that challenges us to be the kind of people who love others out of the love we’ve received from God. When we spread love like that, we stand out in a way that lifts Jesus up, and He said, “If you lift Me up, I will draw all people to Myself.” So, we want to be on mission and lift Him up by spreading His love.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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The Mystery of Suffering + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 10:25:49 GMT

“My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the L ORD . “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

Those are the words that bring me comfort today as I focus on another waiting time for my cancer treatment to move forward. On Wednesday morning, I told Kimberly, “I should be lying in the hospital bed we set up in our bedroom for my recovery from surgery. But, instead, I’m going to work – doing normal activities in an abnormal circumstance – and my feelings are all over the road map.”

At a risk of being misunderstood, because I’m not sure I understand, I’ll be vulnerable to let you know the first feelings I had when I woke up and found out my surgery was “aborted” last Thursday. (I hate that word.) I felt confusion, fear, sadness, and shame . It’s that last feeling I’m not sure I understand. With as much spiritual work and biblical counseling as I’ve been through in my days, I was surprised that my old enemy shame was knocking at the door of my heart. I’m still processing that, but I felt I had let my world down. So many wonderful people were praying, hoping, caring, cheering me on, and I was thrust back into the unknown mystery of God’s ways that were certainly not in alignment with my ways.

I’ve been in a mental, spiritual, and emotional fog as I’ve sought to figure out what happened in the OR that morning and what the new plan will be going forward. Tuesday, I met with a hepatologist from UCSF. She helped me understand that the problem was perceived liver damage observed as the surgical team began their work to move my stomach to and resect it with the esophagus later in the surgery. They hesitated and ultimately pulled the plug on the surgery because a recent surgery on another patient had complications, and they didn’t want the same results with me. I’m glad for that. I believe they took the correct action in the moment. Now, they are doing the work to ensure that if I get another go at the surgery, they will have made every precaution to protect me. That’s where we are today.

Please continue to pray for wisdom and guidance – that God would reveal His ways.

I received many thoughtful cards, emails, texts, and social media comments that were so helpful. Still, one in particular, was from a dear friend who sent me a devotional by Ann Voskamp she hoped would help. It gave me words and a picture that might help you as well. It was about finding God in the mystery of suffering.

“Job suffered. His name is synonymous with suffering. He asked, ‘Why?’ He asked, ‘Why me?’ And he put his questions to God. He asked his questions persistently, passionately, and eloquently. He refused to take silence for an answer. He refused to take clichés for an answer. He refused to let God off the hook. Job did not take his sufferings quietly or piously. He disdained going for a second opinion to outside physicians or philosophers. Job took his stand before God, and there he protested his suffering, protested mightily. ‘All I want is an answer to one prayer – Where’s the strength to keep my hopes up? What future do I have to keep me going?’ Job 6:8,11

Job gives voice to his sufferings so well, so accurately and honestly, that anyone who has ever suffered —which includes every last one of us — can recognize their personal pain in the voice of Job.

He says boldly what some of us are too timid to say. He makes poetry out of what in many of us is only a tangle of confused whimpers. He shouts out to God what a lot of us mutter behind our sleeves. He refuses to accept the role of a defeated victim.

It is not only because Job suffered that he is important to us. It is because he suffered in the same ways that we suffer — in the vital areas of family, personal health, and material things. Job is also important to us because he searchingly questioned and boldly protested his suffering. Indeed, he went “to the top” with his questions. Job does not instruct us in how to live so that we can avoid suffering. Suffering is a mystery, and Job comes to respect the mystery.”

When I read the entire devotional ( here it is if you want to read it), I was moved by the wonderful concept of mystery and how God’s ways really aren’t my ways. But in the mystery, I can discover God’s presence in ways that are surprising, intimate, and soothing. Ann Voskamp expressed this so beautifully. In the course of facing, questioning, and respecting suffering, “Job finds himself in an even larger mystery — the mystery of God. Perhaps the greatest mystery in suffering is how it can bring a person into the presence of God in a state of worship full of wonder, love, and praise. Suffering does not inevitably do that, but it does it far more often than we would expect.”

That’s where I find myself today — sitting in the shadows of suffering and mystery. Hearing my God say to me that Satan will not get the final word, and instead to look to Him for comfort not from answers to medical questions, but to look for my answers in the presence of the compassionate, loving, powerful, ever-present “I AM” who is with me. May you know His presence fully – even though you may be living in the mystery of suffering.

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SPREAD HOPE to our community.

This Sunday, October 31, is FALL FAMILY FESTIVAL .  One of our largest community service projects each year is FFF. This year’s theme is Animal Adventures . We’re going to spread out and utilize as much of our facility – indoors and outdoors – as possible to create a fun and irresistible environment where families can come relax and play together. We’re doing our part to make sure our FFF is safe for the community who will attend and for our volunteers.

FFF is such a FUN event, and we’re eagerly looking for a whole army of volunteers to help make sure that every family who attends will feel welcomed, have fun, and leave with all the candy they could ever have imagined. You can sign up to serve on our website or by contacting Mare or John . So many families in our community get their first real contact with our church through this event. That makes FFF a high-impact investment as we get to have a personal touch with the families of our community.

SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS GRIEF SHARE is a meaningful way to spread hope with your loved ones and friends who face the pain of loss during this season. The holidays have a way of turning up the heat under our pain, and we want to help you know that you are not alone. This one-time session offered Thursday, November 18, 5:30-7:30pm at Twin Cities, will help you find hope as you navigate the holidays without your loved one. You can guide people to our website for more information or to register.

THIS SUNDAY we will continue our RADIATE LOVE series based upon the New Testament book of 1 John. John writes to correct error that had seeped into some of the second-generation church teachers in the region of Ephesus. He writes to encourage the Followers of Jesus in that region to exemplify the words of Jesus when He said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are My disciples if you love one another.”

Sunday’s message is about Adhering to Truth . We’ve mentioned several times that John didn’t write a linear discourse of instructions on living as Followers of Jesus. Instead, his letter is circular. He keeps coming back to the same message again and again. In the section we’ll look at Sunday, he writes to correct the false teachings about Jesus that are confusing these new Followers of Jesus. In this section, his challenge is to adhere to the Gospel truth and not let other teachings cause you to get confused or get off course.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Powerful Proclamations + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 14:10:42 GMT

My surgery on Thursday turned out to be a test in perseverance and trust. I was under general anesthesia and the surgery was in full process, when the team discovered what they felt might be cirrhosis in my liver. At that point, they (three doctors) assessed the situation and determined they needed more tests before they were comfortable proceeding with the surgery. They then performed a biopsy of my liver and called Kim to say that those results would be available in a few weeks, at which time they will determine their suggested course of action.

I became aware of the decision when I regained consciousness in the recovery room. I was looking directly at a clock that read 11:11. I knew something was off because the surgery was expected to go into the afternoon. I received a phone call from one of the doctors who informed me of this news. I was so disappointed.

We are now in another classroom of waiting, and we don't know what the future holds.

I wrote an email blast/blog before we left for San Francisco, believing I would have a successful surgery, and I included the following devotion/meditation. I want to share it because I find it is still relevant and is helping me tonight (10/21/21) as I write this.

Allow me to share an exercise I have used the past few weeks that has given me strength and confidence, based upon Exodus 3:14 – God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I Am has sent me to you.’” I meditated on this beautiful truth about our God who is present in all His glory from a Relevant magazine blog I read a few weeks before my surgery:

God feels no need to limit Himself with words. He simply is. He is not restricted by an action, characteristic or perception. This name speaks volumes about His character. Only God could use the language He created to describe Himself so beautifully. I AM omniscient. I AM omnipresent. I AM omnipotent. I AM loving. I AM the Creator. I AM the Father. I AM jealous. I AM comforting. I AM gracious. I AM merciful. I AM here for you. I AM in control. I AM beyond words. This name of God gives me comfort every day. As I venture into the unknown of every new day, I know that He is. When I wonder who is going to guide my steps, God says, “I AM.” When I ask who is strong enough to face all my fears, He reveals, “I AM.” When I doubt if anyone is compassionate enough to forgive me of all the sin in my past, He informs me that “I AM.” With all the doubts and all the fears that bombard my faith every day, I hear one comforting, echoing answer to all my questions: “I AM.” Father, thank You for being the great I Am. You are in all things, and I see that so clearly. Thank You for being the same yesterday, today, and forever.

I had already chosen those powerful proclamations before I learned the confusing news of today. Kim and I cried to realize how powerful and personal God is, that He would instruct us in what to believe before we even needed it. He is our compassionate God who gives us courage and strength to face the struggles of each day no matter what you and I face. Thank you for walking this journey with me. It is my prayer that you will take these words about our Great “I Am” and use them in your own situation.

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SPREAD HOPE to our community.

This SUNDAY  we will continue our  RADIATE LOVE  series based upon the New Testament book of 1 John. John writes to correct error that had seeped into some of the second-generation church teachers in the region of Ephesus. He writes to encourage the Followers of Jesus in that region to exemplify the words of Jesus when He said,  “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are My disciples if you love one another.”  This week’s message is about Standing Strong in Assurance . As we’ve learned in our series, the early church was being influenced by forces that caused them to begin to doubt God’s sovereignty, goodness, grace, and love. We’ll hear as John talks to them and us about how to stand strong against these messages.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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God's Beloved + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 15:13:46 GMT

Kimberly and I had the privilege to slip away this week for a couple days to process and talk about my upcoming surgery and what we were feeling. It’s been a long six months since we received my diagnosis of esophageal cancer. What a ride this has been! As we began talking, one thing that surprised us is that the treatment cycle and wait for surgery has been a catalyst for hurt feelings between us. I’m so glad that we were able to talk about some hard things and get “clean” with each other before the surgery cycle begins next week as we drive to San Francisco.

I believe her message from Sunday on being God’s BELOVED helped us both to express what we were feeling because we knew we were safe with each other and God, our Heavenly Father. He’s the one who has allowed us to go through this season, and like I’ve mentioned several times, we know we are not alone. So, at that moment, when we began to share hard feelings, we knew that God was with us. We are not alone, and we can safely share our feelings with God and each other.

We realized that we both needed kindness and empathy, but the way we need it delivered is different based upon our personalities, brokenness, and sensitivity. I’m grateful to God for giving us insight as we went to therapy and processed what we’ve been through together. We needed the perspective of our therapist as he also helped us see ourselves as God’s BELOVED. This time away was a gift, and we felt God’s tangible love and compassionate mercy.

Please keep us in your prayers as we navigate the road to surgery and recovery together. I will report to the hospital at 5:30am this coming Thursday, Oct. 21, for a 7:30am surgery that is projected to be about nine hours long. God bless you so much. I love you more than I can adequately express.

Fall is a great time to reach out to our community and SPREAD HOPE as we share the love of Jesus in tangible ways together. Your engagement in these efforts will be a huge part of Twin Cities Church being the hands and feet of Jesus to those who need to experience His love. Here are some highlights of upcoming opportunities to serve and give to our community.

Last weekend we linked arms together and provided free clothing to over 200 women through Sister’s Closet. Let me express my gratitude to the many volunteers who came to the church to sort and stack clothes, shoes, purses, hats, scarves, and accessories. It was such a thrill to see the joy-filled faces of women who left feeling valuable and with the feeling that someone cares.

The next DRIVE-THRU FOOD DRIVE collection day to support Interfaith Food Ministry is Friday, October 22, from 8:00-10:30am. Please bring your non-perishable foods to the church, and we’ll make sure all the food gets delivered to Interfaith. This is a huge help to the resource-challenged in our community. We’re also receiving specific items to help Hospitality House. Here’s how you can find out what they most need. Just bring items from this list with your food donation.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD has been a way we’ve engaged for years now that allows us to reach out on a global way to spread the hope of Jesus during the holiday season. If you’ve never participated or want a review of why this is so important, just watch this video , and you’ll see the impact a small shoebox can have on the lives of children around the world. We have OCC boxes available at the church on Sunday mornings at the Spread Hope kiosk. Stop by, get yours, make a box, and return it to Twin Cities by November 21.

This SUNDAY we will continue our RADIATE LOVE series based upon the New Testament book of 1 John. John writes to correct error that had seeped into some of the second-generation church teachers in the region of Ephesus. He writes to encourage the Followers of Jesus in that region to exemplify the words of Jesus when He said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are My disciples if you love one another.” This week’s message is about Fighting for Real Love . Our world has many definitions of love, but the Bible’s definition is centered on God's love for us that Jesus demonstrated on the cross. It’s called the Gospel. In 1 John 3:11-18, John helps remind his readers of the importance of the message of salvation through Jesus’ love expressed for us.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Spreading Hope + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 14:10:54 GMT

It’s a great time to reach out to our community. I am thrilled to be able to SPREAD HOPE and share the love of Jesus together. Your engagement in these efforts will be a huge part of Twin Cities Church being the hands and feet of Jesus to those who need to experience His love. Here are some highlights of upcoming opportunities to serve and give to our community.

SISTER’S CLOSET . One of my favorite community events we offer is Sister’s Closet, and it’s coming up October 9 from 9:00am-12:00pm. This is a time where women and teenagers can come and shop for free to augment their wardrobe for the Fall and Winter seasons. My heart is so moved each time we offer this event as I watch many women and girls shop with joy on their faces as they peruse the wonderful clothing items, shoes, and accessories donated by the generous women of our church. What an opportunity to bless others out of the blessings we’ve been given. It’s a joyful frenzy. If you would like to help with set-up or tear-down or during the shopping, don't hesitate to get in touch with Mare . She will help you find a way to serve the women of our community and church who need our support.

FFF is such a FUN event, and we’re eagerly looking for a whole army of volunteers to help make sure that every family who attends will feel welcomed, have fun, and leave with all the candy they could ever have imagined. You can sign up to serve on our website or by contacting Mare or John . So many families in our community get their first contact with our church through this event. That makes FFF a high-impact investment as we get to have a personal touch with the families of our community.

Children’s Ministry COSTUME PARADE . On Wednesday, October 13, 11:30am, our children will dress in their most festive costumes and bring smiles to some of the folks at a local senior living establishment. This event is for families with children from birth through 5th grade. Join us as we serve our community and bring joy to Golden Empire Nursing and Rehab Center residents with fun costumes and gifts. Children will need to dress in their friendly costumes, and we will provide gifts the children will give away to the residents. Meet at Golden Empire Nursing & Rehab Center, 121 Dorsey Drive in Grass Valley. Call Chelsey Lanigan at 951.334.4012 for more information.

This SUNDAY we will continue our RADIATE LOVE series based upon the New Testament book of 1 John. John writes to correct error that had seeped into some of the second-generation church teachers in the region of Ephesus. He writes to encourage the Followers of Jesus in that region to exemplify the words of Jesus when He said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are My disciples if you love one another.” This week’s message is about Embracing True Significance . John takes another turn in his writing to talk to us about our identity in Christ. It’s all about who God says we are and who He is blessing us to become. This is a message for everyone in today’s identity-confused world. Go ahead and read 1 John 2:28-3:10 and marinate in God’s Word before Sunday!

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

CANCER SURGERY UPDATE . October 21 has been confirmed for my surgery at UCSF. I trust God’s timing, and I look forward with faith to how He’s going to show His goodness and favor to our church and me during this time. I am incredibly grateful for your support through prayers and encouragement in this journey toward a healthy outcome. I am walking forward in God’s strength and with the courage that comes from so many years of seeing His faithful goodness and favor.

Please continue to pray for the Thompsons and all that we will need to think through to get all our “ducks” in a row. And that we will know peace even if things don’t go according to plan. Please pray for our staff – I love how supportive they are – as we walk through the changes to our schedule to accommodate my recovery period. Just like my chemo/radiation treatments changed our rhythms, this surgery and recovery will do the same. I celebrate what God did and look forward to what He will do in the life of our church family in this season.

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Trusting God's Timing + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 11:49:58 GMT

CANCER SURGERY UPDATE.  The waiting to get a surgery date turned out to be longer than I would have imagined. When I first started praying about possible dates, I had a hunch that it would be mid to late October. Well, after a flurry of phone calls the past couple of days, the UCSF surgical team told me that both of my surgeons were available on October 21. My local doctor had already advised me to take whatever date they offered because coordinating these things in today’s environment is highly complicated. I realized how right he was as I talked with the scheduling department. Even though that’s only short notice, I feel such relief.

I trust God’s timing, and I look forward with faith to how He’s going to show His goodness and favor to our church and me during this time. I am incredibly grateful for your support through prayers and encouragement in this journey toward a healthy outcome. I am walking forward in God’s strength and with the courage that comes from so many years of seeing Him work on my behalf.

Please continue to pray for the Thompsons and all that we will need to think through to get all our “ducks” in a row. And that we will know peace even if things don’t go according to plan. Please pray for our staff – I love how supportive they are – as we walk through the changes to our schedule to accommodate my recovery period. Just like my chemo/radiation treatments changed our rhythms, this surgery and recovery will do the same. And if you’re like me, you celebrate what God did and look forward to what He will do in the life of our church family in this season.

SISTER’S CLOSET . One of my favorite community events we offer is Sister’s Closet, and it’s coming up October 9 from 9:00am-12:00pm. This is a time where women and teenagers can come and shop for free to augment their wardrobe for the Fall and Winter seasons. My heart is so moved each time we offer this event as I watch many women and girls shop with joy on their faces as they peruse the wonderful clothing items, shoes, and accessories donated by the generous women of our church. What an opportunity to bless others out of the blessings we’ve been given. It’s a joyful and even tear-filled frenzy. If you would like to help with set-up or tear-down or during the shopping, please contact Mare . She will help you find a way to serve the women of our community and church who need our support.

LIFE GROUPS FALL LAUNCH . We’re entering a new season with a time of clarification as we launch our small groups. 2021 has been a key time for us to sharpen our focus as a church to be more intentional in our approach to discipleship and be clearer in our vision to engage together to lead as many people as possible into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ . We have four pillars to build on – Share Life, Strengthen Faith, Serve Others, and Spread Hope. The Share Life pillar includes our relationship with Jesus and how He calls us to Share Life with Him and each other. The natural outflow of that is that we want our small groups to be intentional in sharing life with each other. Therefore, we are going to call our small groups – LIFE GROUPS. If you're going to become part of a LIFE GROUP or want more information on what it means, please get in touch with Laura or Mark , and they will help you get connected. Our goal is that we will all find a place where we can know and be known, love and be loved, serve and be served, and celebrate and be celebrated as we grow to become more like Jesus.

This SUNDAY we will continue our RADIATE LOVE series based upon the New Testament book of 1 John. John writes to correct error that had seeped into some of the second-generation church teachers in the region of Ephesus. He writes to encourage the Followers of Jesus in that region to exemplify the words of Jesus when He said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are My disciples if you love one another.” This week’s message is about Staying on Track . This is where John warns his readers to be aware of false teaching being spread in his day. I believe you’ll find it very relevant to the false teaching, or FAKE NEWS, that can get us off track in our day. I hope you’ll read 1 John 2:18-27 and let God speak to you before Sunday. I believe that will make your church experience even richer!

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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God is Faithful + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 11:43:50 GMT

God is so faithful – our ever-present help in times of trouble. I had an opportunity to see this truth personally during a pressing time this week. Have you ever been in a place or moment when the pressure was high, and you didn’t know what to do or how things were going to work out? This season of waiting that I find myself in is sure creating moments for me to grow in my trust in God’s provision and providence. A couple of days ago, Kimberly and I were feeling the pressure of life. After we had lamented together, I said, “I need prayer.”

I picked up the book I’ve been leaning on during this cancer season. It’s called A Diary of Private Prayer by John Baillie. I turned to the page for that day, September 21, and this is what I read:

“Almighty and most personal Father, Your power and love eternally work together for the protection of Your children. Give me the grace today to put my trust in You. O Father, I pray – for faith to believe that You rule the world in truth, justice, and love; for faith to believe that if I seek first Your Kingdom and righteousness, You will provide for my needs; for faith not to be anxious about tomorrow, but to believe that the love You have given me in the past will continue into the future; for faith to believe in ultimate victory of Your Holy Spirit over disease and death and all the powers of darkness.”

There was more, but by the time I got to the first line, I was already crying tears, knowing that our God was so personal. He had John Baillie write these words in 1936 and preserved them in a book that made its way into my hands so I could pick them up on September 21, 2021, and be encouraged by his prayers. You may be in a hard spot where you feel like God is absent or not working on your behalf. I want to remind you – as He reminded me – that even in dark storms of life, He is with you. Let me encourage you to look for Him through His Word or through the thoughts of those who talk about their personal experiences with Him. He’s present and powerful!

Last Sunday was a day we set aside to draw more people into the thrilling fulfillment of engaging together to serve God through the opportunities in our church. It was exciting to read the responses as people made themselves available to be part of what God is doing through our church. Serving is a great way to discover more profound purpose, develop new skills as we branch out and engage in new opportunities for more significant impact, and deepen our joy. It’s not too late to jump in and join a team as we engage together to fulfill God’s purposes here in Western Nevada County and beyond. Look here for ways you can belong.

GOSPEL ILLUSION SHOW . Children’s Ministry is inviting everyone, children and adults, to join the fun and illusions on Sunday, September 26 in the Student Room. Bernard Bradshaw’s Gospel Illusion Show has been bringing the message of God’s love for the past 21 years. He grabs people’s attention through the gift of illusions helping them to better understand and remember the stories of Jesus. Bring a picnic to eat right after church at 12:15pm. Children’s Ministry will be providing free Taco Bell soft tacos. The Gospel Illusion Show will begin at 1:00pm.

SISTER’S CLOSET . One of my favorite community events we offer is Sister’s Closet, and it’s coming up October 9 from 9:00am-12:00pm. This is a time where women and teenagers can come and shop for free to augment their wardrobe for the Fall and Winter seasons. My heart is so moved each time we offer this event as I watch many women and girls shop with joy on their faces as they peruse the wonderful clothing items, shoes, and accessories donated by the generous women of our church. What an opportunity to bless others out of the blessings we’ve been given. It’s a joyful and even tear-filled frenzy. If you would like to help with set-up or tear-down or during the shopping, please get in touch with Mare . She will help you find a way to serve the women of our community and church who need our support.

FALL FAMILY FESTIVAL . One of our largest community service projects each year is FFF. This year’s theme is Animal Adventures . We’re going to spread out and utilize as much of our facility – indoors and outdoors – as possible to create a fun and irresistible environment where families can come and enjoy the inspiring opportunity we provide as they relax and play together. FFF is such a FUN event, and we’re beginning signups for a whole army of volunteers to help make sure that every family who attends will feel welcomed, have fun, and leave with all the candy they could ever have imagined. You can sign up to serve on our website or by contacting Mare or John . Many families in our community get their first real contact with our church through this event. That makes FFF a high-impact investment as we get to have a personal touch with the families of our community.

LIFE GROUPS FALL LAUNCH . We’re entering a new season with a time of clarification as we launch our small groups. 2021 was a time for us to sharpen our focus as a church to be more intentional in our approach to discipleship and be clearer in our vision to engage together to lead as many people as possible into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ . We have four pillars to build on – Share Life, Strengthen Faith, Serve Others, and Spread Hope. The Share Life pillar includes our relationship with Jesus and how He calls us to Share Life with Him and each other. The natural outflow of that is that we want our small groups to be intentional in sharing life with each other, therefore we are going to call our small groups – LIFE GROUPS. If you're going to become part of a LIFE GROUP or want more information on what it means, please email Laura or Mark , and they will help you get connected. Our goal is that we will all find a place where we can know and be known, love and be loved, serve and be served, and celebrate and be celebrated as we grow to become more like Jesus.

This SUNDAY  we will continue our RADIATE LOVE  series based upon the New Testament book of 1 John. John writes to correct error that had seeped into some of the second-generation church teachers in the region of Ephesus. He writes to encourage the Followers of Jesus in that region to exemplify the words of Jesus when He said,  “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are My disciples if you love one another.”  This week’s message is about Growing Deeper Love . I hope you’ll read 1 John 2:3-17 and let God speak to you before Sunday. I believe that will make your church experience even richer!

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

CANCER SURGERY UPDATE . I was supposed to have an appointment with one of my surgeons this week, but he had to cancel because of an emergency surgery. I still find myself in a place where I cannot predict or plan the date for my surgery. I am at a new moment of trust as I WAIT for an extensive hospital system to guide me to the surgery schedule. Would you please pray that I can wait with faith? As I wait, I am recovering from the grueling chemo/radiation treatments. I grow stronger each day. Please continue to pray for God’s favor because ultimately, He is responsible for schedules and plans. I want to be in the center of His will. As I’ve shared with you, Psalm 27:13-14 are the verses God gave me for this phase of my journey. “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. WAIT FOR THE LORD; Be strong and take heart and WAIT FOR THE LORD.”

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Engaging Together to Serve God + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 13:42:27 GMT

Here’s our mission statement: We are engaging together to lead as many people as possible into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ . The key to our mission is – We are ENGAGING TOGETHER. Our church was founded on the idea that serving is part of the identity of every Follower of Jesus. It was easier to get that point across when we were a small start-up church because it was obvious how important every person was to the vision of the church. Because of that, people were eager to join a team and help our church by serving in some capacity. Those were exciting days as we gathered in teams to serve.

This kind of approach to church provided us with several benefits: We discovered deeper purpose, developed new skills, developed new opportunities for greater impact, and deepened our joy. I still remember how much energy and excitement we experienced as we engaged together in something bigger than ourselves.

This Sunday is a day we’ve set aside to draw more people into the fulfillment of engaging together to serve God through the opportunities in our church. I’ll be honest – there are many people who just “attend” our church as observers. It’s hard to understand because there is so much to be gained from choosing to get involved. This is your chance to join our team as we engage together to fulfill God’s purposes here in Western Nevada County and beyond.

The next DRIVE-THRU FOOD DRIVE collection day to support Interfaith Food Ministry is Friday, September 24, from 8:00-10:30am. Please bring your non-perishable foods to the church, and we’ll make sure all the food gets delivered to Interfaith. This is a huge help to the resource-challenged in our community. We’re also receiving specific items to help Hospitality House. Click here to find out what they most need. Just bring items from this list with your food donation.

SISTER’S CLOSET . One of my favorite community events we offer is Sister’s Closet, and it’s coming up October 9 from 9:00am-12:00pm. This is a time where women and teenagers can come and shop for free to augment their wardrobe for the Fall and Winter seasons. My heart is so moved each time we offer this event as I watch many women and girls shop with joy on their faces as they peruse the wonderful clothing items, shoes, and accessories donated by the generous women of our church. What an opportunity to bless others out of the blessings we’ve been given. It’s a joyful and even tear-filled frenzy. If you would like to help with set-up or tear-down or during the shopping, please get in touch with Mare . She will help you find a way to serve the women of our community and church who need our support.

This SUNDAY is the second week in our RADIATE LOVE series based upon the New Testament book of 1 John. John writes to correct error that had seeped into some of the second-generation church teachers in the region of Ephesus. He writes to encourage the Followers of Jesus in that region to exemplify the words of Jesus when He said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” Last Sunday we learned that John wrote to fulfill five different purposes. One was to confront their laxity toward sin. They were overlooking and minimizing the sin in their lives which was leading them to hinder their relationship with Jesus. This week’s message is about Releasing Guilt and Shame . I hope you’ll read 1 John 1:5-2:2 and let God speak to you before Sunday. I believe that will make your Sunday experience even richer!

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

CANCER SURGERY UPDATE . (Nothing new to report, but since people keep asking, I’m going to repeat myself.) I find myself in a place where I cannot predict or plan the date for my surgery. I am at a new moment of trust as I WAIT for an extensive hospital system to guide me to the surgery schedule. I’m a planner, and it’s hard for me to wait. In a prayer gathering last week, one of the women who spoke to God on my behalf reminded me that Jesus is with me in the waiting as much as He was with me in the days of chemo/radiation treatment and recovery. Would you please pray that I can wait with faith? Please pray that I can grow stronger as I wait because I’m still weak and fatigued from the chemo/radiation treatment I underwent. Please pray for God’s favor because ultimately, He is responsible for schedules and plans. I want to be in the center of His will. As I’ve shared with you, Psalm 27:13-14 are the verses God gave me for this phase of my journey.  “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. WAIT FOR THE LORD; Be strong and take heart and WAIT FOR THE LORD.”

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Celebrating With Gratitude + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 14:29:37 GMT

Let’s celebrate with gratitude the response we had to our Hospitality House offering on August 29. Hospitality House (HH) has been under duress from COVID restrictions and complications that have reduced their income and restricted their volunteers. The result is that they have been forced to do more (since their clientele has increased) with less (since their income and staff has been reduced). Pastor John was able to deliver goods donated at the last Drive-Thru Food Drive and over $4000 in donations that you gave to help alleviate the shortages and care for a group of people who struggled to care for themselves. Thank you for your caring and generous response.

SISTER’S CLOSET. One of my favorite community events we offer is Sister’s Closet, and it’s coming up October 9. This is a time where women and teenagers can come and shop for free to augment their wardrobe for the Fall and Winter seasons. My heart is so moved each time we offer this event as I watch many women and girls shop with joy on their faces as they peruse the wonderful clothing items, shoes, and accessories donated by the generous women of our church. What an opportunity to bless others out of the blessings we’ve been given. It’s a joyful and even tear-filled frenzy. If you would like to help with set-up or tear-down or during the shopping, please get in touch with Mare . She will help you find a way to serve the women of our community and church who need our support.

FALL FAMILY FESTIVAL. One of our largest community service projects each year is FFF. This year’s theme is Animal Adventures . We’re going to spread out and utilize as much of our facility – indoors and outdoors – as possible to create a fun and irresistible environment where families can come and enjoy the inspiring opportunity we provide as they relax and play together. FFF is such a FUN event, and we’re beginning signups for a whole army of volunteers to help make sure that every family who attends will feel welcomed, have fun, and leave with all the candy they could ever have imagined. You can sign up to serve on our website or by contacting Mare or John . Many families in our community get their first real contact with our church through this event. That makes FFF a high-impact investment as we get to have a personal touch with the families of our community.

SUNDAY, we get to start our RADIATE LOVE series based upon the New Testament book of 1 John. John writes to correct error that had seeped into some of the second-generation church teachers in the region of Ephesus. He writes to encourage the Followers of Jesus in that region to live in such a way that exemplified the words of Jesus when He said, “ A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” John, who was known as the “Disciple of Love” wrote it this way in 1 John 4:7-8, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” I’m really looking forward to this series because our world is desperate to know a love like that.

COMMUNION IS THIS WEEK. Make sure to be prepared for Communion whether you are here on site or engaging online from home.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

CANCER SURGERY UPDATE. (This is the same as last week, but since people keep asking, I’m going to repeat myself.) I find myself in a place where I cannot predict or plan the date for my surgery. I am at a new moment of trust as I WAIT for an extensive hospital system to guide me to the surgery schedule. I’m a planner, and it’s hard for me to wait. In a prayer gathering last week, one of the women who spoke to God on my behalf reminded me that Jesus is with me in the waiting as much as He was with me in the days of chemo/radiation treatment and recovery. Would you please pray that I can wait with faith? Please pray that I can grow stronger as I wait because I’m still weak and fatigued from the chemo/radiation treatment I underwent. Please pray for God’s favor because ultimately, He is responsible for schedules and plans. I want to be in the center of His will. As I’ve shared with you, Psalm 27:13-14 are the verses God gave me for this phase of my journey. “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. WAIT FOR THE LORD; Be strong and take heart and WAIT FOR THE LORD.”

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Prayers for Fires and Afghanistan + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 13:20:41 GMT

On our flight back from Denver last Sunday (I finally was able to see and hold Elsie Rain, my new granddaughter), we flew beside the smoke plume from the Caldor Fire. It was truly amazing in one way and quite scary in another as we watched the dark and massive smoke clouds. The fires that have ravaged the Sierra this summer have been genuinely historical in nature. This week, I heard that a fire has never crossed from the West side of the Sierra to the East, and now two fires in Northern California have done it this summer, and both are still burning.

Folks, here are some of the ways we can respond to the fire danger around us. First, we can be careful and diligent to ensure that we don’t carelessly start a fire. Second, we can be ready with a “GO” bag so that we can be ready to leave our homes at a moment’s notice if an evacuation order comes down. Third, we can do our part to make sure we have defensible space around our homes. Fourth, we can pray for our creator God to deliver us from these fires while protecting our firefighters and law enforcement officials who are doing their best to keep us safe. It will take decades for our forests to recover from the devastation from these fires.

If you’re like me, you’ve felt sickened over what has happened in Afghanistan in the past week. I’m angry and sad that our government’s policies since 9/11 have led to such a debacle as we’ve witnessed. I’m not going to blame anyone since I surely don’t know everything about the situation and circumstances. Will you join me in prayer for the Americans and Afghan people who find themselves without the protection they were promised? Will you join me in prayer for the Afghan Christians who find themselves in a dangerous place? Will you join me in prayer for the women and men of Afghanistan who had begun to build lives based upon the promises of freedom but now find themselves fearing for their lives?

CANCER SURGERY UPDATE. I find myself in a place where I cannot predict or plan the date for my surgery. I am at a new moment of trust as I WAIT for an extensive hospital system to guide me to the surgery schedule. I’m a planner, and it’s so hard for me to wait. In a prayer gathering today, one of the women who spoke to God on my behalf reminded me that Jesus is with me in the waiting as much as He was with me in the days of chemo/radiation treatment and recovery. Would you please pray that I can wait with faith? Please pray that I can grow stronger as I wait because I’m still weak and fatigued from the chemo/radiation treatment I underwent. Please pray for God’s favor because ultimately, He is responsible for schedules and plans. I want to be in the center of His will. As I’ve shared with you, Psalm 27:13-14 are the verses God gave me for this phase of my journey. “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. WAIT FOR THE LORD; Be strong and take heart and WAIT FOR THE LORD.”

SUNDAY, we get to wrap up the Sermon on the Mount as we look at Jesus’ clear and direct words about the power of the choices we make. It’s so interesting that after Jesus lays out God’s way for His people, He then gives His followers – and us – the freedom to choose. That’s why we called Sunday’s message Following the Way of Wisdom . I think you’ll find Jesus’ words to be quite challenging – and liberating at the same time. He invites us to walk with Him and follow His way.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Finding Inspiration + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 11:27:32 GMT

By now, you know that I am an avid reader and lover of inspiring books, articles, blogs, movies, and films. Let me share a couple of books and a TV series that have been part of the inspiration I’ve received during my chemo/radiation treatment plan. A Diary of Private Prayer by John Baillie was sent to me by a woman in our church who bought several copies for some friends. She ended up with an extra and decided to bless me by dropping it off at my office. The book is divided into specific prayers for both morning and evening. Here’s an example: “O God, be my refuge in every moment I face today. Be my guide through all uncertainty and darkness. Be my guard against all that threatens my spiritual well-being. Be my strength in times of testing. Cheer my heart with Your peace; through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.” This prayer of trust came my way on a day I needed to strengthen my awareness of God’s never-failing presence.

Another book that has inspired me deeply is Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund. I found this book to be significant to me because of its emphasis on Jesus as my compassionate friend full of grace and truth, who identified Himself as being “gentle and lowly of heart.” Wow, each day this book met me right where I was as I picked it up. There are twenty-three short chapters based on incidents or stories or teachings of Jesus. These prayers offer an opportunity to meet Jesus and discover a level of compassion and warmth that may be unnerving in some ways. Here’s an example: “The dominant note left ringing in our ears after reading the Gospels, the most vivid and arresting element of the portrait (of Jesus painted in the Bible), is the way the Holy Son of God moves toward, touches, heals, embraces, and forgives those who least deserve it yet truly desire it.” I found myself relating to this in such a profound way. I realized that I’m deeply broken and in great need of His relentless compassion because I’m frail and so often weak in my resolve.

I will come to you with humility and say that possibly the biggest surprise I received during this time of deep need and longing was the lift I got when I took the advice of someone I respect and watched The Chosen mini-series. It’s a biblically-based interpretation of the life of Jesus and the people He chose as His followers when He looked at them and said, “Follow Me.” As you know, we’ve adopted this as our discipleship model as a church. We are followers (apprentices) who are called to BE WITH JESUS, BECOME LIKE JESUS, and DO WHAT JESUS DID. The series challenges us to move beyond the Sunday School Jesus some of us carry and try to see what He was like as the Messiah come to save His people, combined with how His first followers expected Him to be if He truly was the Messiah. It’s full of moments to be moved to tears by the compassion of Jesus, moved to laughter by the humor of Jesus, moved to devotion by the love of Jesus, and moved to action by the message of Jesus. It’s not perfect. It is wonderfully messy and refreshingly creative. It has fictionalized moments where the producers dug down to tell stories that the Bible doesn’t wholly describe. I know there is a danger in mentioning something like this because someone somewhere will be offended, but I want to recommend it. If you watch it, please allow yourself to see Jesus with fresh eyes.

All three of these resources have filled me and sustained me during this season tie together in theme and meaning. I pray you might allow yourself a moment to be enthralled with Jesus and possibly see Him in a way you could never have imagined. These books and The Chosen have tenderized my heart, and I’m grateful to God for that.

CANCER SURGERY UPDATE. I had hoped to get a surgery date this week when I met with the surgical team at UCSF, but I am still following their procedures which will take another week or two. They did indicate that it could be four to eight weeks from now. Please continue to pray for recovery and renewal from chemo/radiation so that I can be strong when the date comes. I love you and am so grateful for your prayers.

A special HOSPITALITY HOUSE OFFERING will be this Sunday, August 29. You may already know that Hospitality House is one of the organizations that COVID has adversely impacted. Here are some thoughts from their director, Ashley Quadros. “The HH primary shelter (Utah’s Place) hasn’t been sufficient to meet the needs during COVID, so they have rented rooms in multiple hotels in the area for 18 months. Regular food costs have tripled during this time. The lack of willing volunteers has forced the staff to be increased by over 20% to meet the greater needs they are experiencing. There are multiple families with children, including moms with infants, depending on HH.”

The previous time we received an offering, the entire staff from Hospitality House was extremely grateful for our help during this demanding and challenging time. We will provide special envelopes on August 29 in our Sunday Gathering, or you can give directly here .

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY WATER PLAYDAY is also this Sunday, August 29 from 12:15-2:15pm. Families, we’re going to have fun on the front lawn with slip-n-slides, inflatables, Otter Pops, and a lot of fun. Make sure your kids bring their “get wet” clothes (you too) and a picnic for your family. You can find out more on our website.

SUNDAY, we will look at a section of warnings Jesus gives in the Sermon on the Mount. It’s about Following the Way of Resistance . He calls us to resist the temptation to believe that all roads lead to Him. He reminds us that there is a wide way that leads to destruction, but He calls us to follow the narrow way that leads to life. He calls us to resist the temptation to listen to those false teachers who proclaim a false gospel or distort the Bible's teachings. He calls us to resist those disciples who have built their lives on a false understanding of who He is. Instead, He calls us to become true disciples who are faithful to Him and God’s Word. I’m excited for us to dig into these teachings together.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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God's Goodness + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 11:06:52 GMT

A friend texted me this week and reminded me that Psalm 30 instructs us to let others know of God’s goodness so we can praise Him together. I had just told her about the good news Kim and I received on Monday from my local oncologist. We went to see him to get the results of my CT scan from the week before. He walked in and said, “As far as we can see, there is no new cancer.” That was such good and welcome news because it was a possibility that new cancer could have formed in my body during the chemo/radiation phase of my treatment. I’m now cleared to meet with my oncology surgeon on August 25 to plan my surgery. Please praise God with me!

Just the day before, Kim had asked me how I was feeling, and I answered her by saying, “I feel like I’m entering the land of the living.” I was referencing how difficult the treatment impact had been on me where I felt totally drained in every capacity. She responded by saying, “As I just walked Lucy (our loving black lab), God brought Psalm 27 to mind where it says, ‘I will see the goodness of God in the land of the living.’” The hair on our arms stood up as we realized we had heard the same thing from God that morning.

That verse gives me hope and inspiration for the next classroom of my cancer healing. I’m on a journey with God where I get to see His goodness and favor poured out in my life. So let me share Psalm 27:13-14 and ask you to pray these verses with me: “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the L ORD in the land of the living. Wait for the L ORD ; be strong and take heart and wait for the L ORD .” I want to look forward each day with expectancy to see the goodness of God as He pours His favor out in my life and yours. I love you and thank you for your continued prayers.

GROWTH PATH is THIS SUNDAY, August 22. Growth Path is a great time to find out more about our church and how you can fit in here. We all need a place where we can know and be known, love and be loved, serve and be served, and celebrate and be celebrated. So I hope you’ll go to our website and register to attend the class that fits you best or just show up on Sunday at 2:00pm.

GIRLS NIGHT OUT  will be a fantastic opportunity for women of every age to gather together, celebrate, and have a fun time! Here are important details. This fantastic evening will be Friday, August 27, from 6:30-8:30pm. Make sure to register soon because it’s just around the corner – What a great way to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of something new.

The next DRIVE-THRU FOOD DRIVE collection day to support Interfaith Food Ministry is Friday, August 27, from 8:00-10:30am. Please bring your non-perishable foods to the church, and we’ll make sure all the food gets delivered to Interfaith. This is a huge help to the resource-challenged in our community. We’re also receiving specific items to help Hospitality House. Click here to find out what they most need. Just bring items from this list with your food donation.

HOSPITALITY HOUSE OFFERING will be Sunday, August 29. You may already know that Hospitality House is one of the organizations that COVID has adversely impacted. Here are some thoughts from the director, Ashley Quadros. The HH primary shelter (Utah’s Place) hasn’t been sufficient to meet the needs during COVID, so they have rented rooms in multiple hotels in the area for 18 months. Regular food costs have tripled during this time. The lack of willing volunteers has forced the staff to be increased by over 20% to meet the greater needs they are experiencing. There are multiple families with children, including moms with infants, depending on HH. The last time we received an offering, their director was extremely grateful for our help during this demanding and challenging time. We will provide special envelopes on August 29 in our Sunday Gathering, or you can give directly by clicking here .

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY WATER PLAY DAY is Sunday, August 29 from 12:30-2:30pm. Families, we’re going to have fun on the front lawn with slip-n-slides, inflatables, Otter Pops, and a lot of fun. Make sure your kids bring their “get wet” clothes (you too) and a picnic for your family. You can find out more on our website.

SUNDAY, we will focus on Jesus’ words describing the kind of persistence God expects from us when we come to Him with our prayer concerns. Prayer is about relationship, but it’s also about results. Even though God doesn’t always answer our prayers as we ask, He does promise to answer. I look forward to hearing the words of Jesus as we discover Following the Way of Persistence . We’ll also get to celebrate as several people “Go Public for Jesus” through the act of baptism. What a thrill it will be to be part of this momentous event. We’ll also have DONUTS as a way to help us slow down and engage with each other. Our goal is to have a food item once a month to help us SHARE LIFE with each other and help us look each other in the eyes and have conversations that matter and help us grow in friendship.

Dr. Scott Kellerman and the Nevada County Health Department made a statement on Wednesday requiring face coverings at all indoor public settings, venues, and gatherings. You can read his statement by clicking here . As part of our continuing effort to be good neighbors, we will follow those guidelines and ask our TCC people to wear face coverings while indoors. We can’t force people to wear face coverings. We can only ask you to help us do our part to help in every way possible to stop the transmission of COVID in our community. We know there are strong opinions on both sides of this issue, and we wish we didn’t have to take this action. Our goal throughout this pandemic has been to honor and glorify God, care for those who are at-risk, and be the best neighbors possible. Thank you in advance for humbly choosing to honor our request. We love you.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Do Not Worry + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 11:24:02 GMT

“Do Not Worry.” Those words Jesus spoke have been floating around my brain all week. Aren’t they a challenge? I want you to know that when I first heard the word “cancer” in reference to me, my gut reaction was to begin to think of all the possible outcomes – in other words, I began to worry. As I sat on Sunday and listened as Kimberly unpacked these words from Jesus, I was inspired by her brave courage and insights that she has come by through consistent effort. I’ve been able to observe her close-up in the past few weeks as she has wavered back and forth between trust and worry. I think that’s an ordinary reality for many of us. It’s hard not to worry. It’s challenging to put aside our concerns and keep them from strangling the life out of us. I want to encourage you to listen to her message if you happened to miss it.

However, I’m not suggesting that you put on a happy face and deny your feelings. Kim made it clear that acknowledging our feelings is the beginning of healing. When we can admit how we feel to a safe person and receive empathy, we can discover a hope available to us that we may not have realized we have available. This is the power of being part of a Community Group of people who care. Kimberly and I have found our Community Group to boost our spirits during this cancer classroom. I know many groups will be restarting the week of September 12. I hope you will use this season as a time to start forming relationships, so you have an anchor to hold you firmly when life takes a crooked turn.

One of the ways to fight the battle against worry is to engage in praise and gratitude. I love the song by Michael W. Smith called Fighting My Battles . Here is how it goes: “The Word says, ‘For the spirit of heaviness put on the garment of praise.’ That's how we fight our battles. This is how I fight my battles. It may look like I'm surrounded but I'm surrounded by You.” We fight our battles against worry and fear through praise.

Paul said it this way in Philippians 4: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” That’s the key. I fight my battles through praise and prayer, and God blesses me with peace of mind. Folks, that’s how I’m fighting my battle every day of this cancer journey. As Kimberly reminded us on Sunday, “God’s in charge, and we can rest in His providence.” Will you please let me know if these thoughts help you?

Now that I’ve received my Chemo/Radiation Diploma, I’m ready to move out of that classroom and forward in my journey toward healing. I am now making plans to begin the trek to UCSF and surgery. I have a consultation on August 25, which I hope will include a surgery schedule. At this point, I don’t know when that will be, but I’ll keep you updated. I love you.

I’m excited that we get to celebrate NEW LIFE as several people express their faith in Jesus through BAPTISM  on August 22. Baptism is a time when you go public for Jesus as you take this step of identification and intimacy with Him. If you’ve never been baptized after you said “YES” to Jesus, please pray about this opportunity for you. Then, check it out and register on our website.

GROWTH PATH  is August 22. We’ve recently mentioned that over 40 families have moved out of Nevada County since COVID began. We will miss these people immensely. At the same time, several families have discovered Twin Cities and have started regularly attending either in person or online. Growth Path is a great time to find out more about our church and how you can fit in here. We all need a place where we can know and be known, love and be loved, serve and be served, and celebrate and be celebrated. I hope you’ll go to our website and register to attend the class that fits you best.

GIRLS NIGHT OUT will be a fantastic opportunity for women of every age to gather together, celebrate, and have a fun time! Here are important details. This fantastic evening will be Friday, August 27 from 6:30-8:30pm. Make sure to register soon because it’s just around the corner. What a great way to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of something new.

The next DRIVE-THRU FOOD DRIVE collection day to support Interfaith Food Ministry is Friday, August 27, from 8:00-10:30am. Please bring your non-perishable foods to the church, and we’ll make sure all the food gets delivered to Interfaith. This is a huge help to the resource-challenged in our community. Please look for more information coming soon about bringing specific items to help Hospitality House.

SUNDAY, we will move into a section of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus talks about a very touchy subject for those of us in our cultural season. He says, “Do not judge…” These words get thrown around frequently in a way that makes it seem impossible to live with discernment or disagreement with the position of others. That’s not what Jesus meant for those listening in His day or in ours, either. I’m excited to dig into these words on Sunday as we talk about Following the Way of Discernment .

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Faith Friday + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 06 Aug 2021 11:12:58 GMT

I’ve recently seen that some people like to post their favorite Bible verses to their social media accounts under the heading “Faith Friday.” What a fantastic way to help us shift our focus from our difficulties and worries to God’s promises and presence. Here are a couple of faith-inspiring Bible verses that have helped me gain new strength during this Chemo/Radiation Treatment classroom.

The verse I needed most recently is found in Isaiah 40:28-31: “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The L ORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the L ORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

I found myself at the weakest I’ve ever been – that I can recall – last week. You can read my reflection as I found myself at the bottom in last week’s blast/blog. There were moments when I felt so weak that I couldn’t get out of bed or off the couch. I cried out to God and asked first for the will to move and then for the strength to move. I didn’t quite soar around the house like an eagle but knowing that He was there with me and that I wasn’t alone was so encouraging.

The second verse that helped me is one of my all-time favorites from Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the L ORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” One thing I find comforting in this verse is that God gave us a direct command, and He would never command us to do something we are unable to do as we’re empowered with His strength.

What brought this verse to mind is an email I received from an encouraging and empathetic friend who wanted to give me a boost. She began her email with one word. COURAGE. I needed that word so many times last week. God empowered me more than once to take that next step, drink more water, eat a bite, move off the bed, smile at my lovely caregiving wife, and engage to take the best care of myself during this season.

Do you have a favorite verse that strengthens your faith? If so, why don’t you share it with me? But, even better, what if you decided to share it with a friend? You just never know when your verse or word will be what someone needs to help them take their eyes off their circumstances and shift them to God. Faith Friday is a great day to focus on the wonderful promises God gives us.

Now that I’ve received my Chemo/Radiation Diploma, I’m ready to move out of that classroom and forward in my journey toward healing. I am now making plans to begin the trek to UCSF and surgery. I don’t know when that will be, but I’ll keep you updated. It’s probably 8-12 weeks out. I love you.

Our next BAPTISM will be on August 22. It’s a great time to go public for Jesus as you take this step of identification and intimacy with Him. If you’ve never been baptized after you said “YES” to Jesus, please pray about this opportunity for you. Check it out and register on our website.

GROWTH PATH is August 22. We’ve mentioned that over 40 families have moved out of Nevada County since COVID began. We will miss these people immensely. At the same time, several families have discovered Twin Cities and have started regularly attending either in person or online. Growth Path is a great time to find out more about our church and how you can fit in here. We all need a place where we can know and be known, love and be loved, serve and be served, and celebrate and be celebrated. I hope you’ll go to our website and register to attend the class that fits you best.

GIRLS NIGHT OUT will be a fantastic opportunity for women of every age to gather together, celebrate, and have a fun time! Here are important details. This fantastic evening will be Friday, August 27 from 6:30-8:30pm. Make sure to register soon because it’s just around the corner. What a great way to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of something new.

The next FOOD DRIVE collection day to support Interfaith Food Ministry is Friday, August 27, from 8:00-10:30am. Please bring your non-perishable foods to the church, and we’ll make sure all the food gets delivered to Interfaith. This is a huge help to the resource-challenged in our community. Please look for more information coming soon about how you can also bring specific items to help Hospitality House.

SUNDAY, we will continue a section of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus talks about our vertical relationship with God. Following the Way of Trust is about something we can all relate to well. Worry is our common condition as human beings, and yet Jesus says clearly, “Do not worry.” Once again, this is a direct command from God, and therefore it is POSSIBLE. The key is whether I believe in my heart that God is FOR ME . God wants me to trust in Him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

Please pray for all those who have been impacted by the River Fire. That includes our First Responders, firefighters, those who have lost homes and structures and livelihood, those who been evacuated... by asking for God's protection and steadfast kindness.

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Responding to the Needs Around Us + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 13:11:35 GMT

COVID has certainly added depth to our involvement with our local community partners as we’ve sought to respond to the needs around us. The homeless crisis continues to grow while the resources available continue to be stretched thin. We’ve added Hospitality House to our monthly food drive by receiving items that help serve their clients. We also adopted Hospitality House as our Reach focus during VBS Day Camp. That resulted in us being recognized in a special way.

Ashley Quadros, Development Director of Hospitality House, shared her gratitude last month for what our kids did to help: We’d like to give our heartfelt thanks to our friends at Twin Cities Church (TCC). Every month, church members work together to collect our greatest needs, such as toiletries, blankets, and more. Recently, the children of TCC decided they wanted to help too. During Vacation Bible School (VBS) day camp, every day for a week, children as young as 3 years old learned about Hospitality House, homelessness, and services available. By the last day of camp, the kiddos created inspiring cards for every guest in the shelter and across the motels to know they are loved. The children also learned the value of a dollar, and that $1 is enough to provide nutritional meals to someone struggling. Inspired to action, the children raised over 600 meals! Thank you, TCC and VBS kids! We appreciate you and your kind hearts.

I love how God continues to deepen the ways we can express His love by being the hands and feet of Jesus right here in our community. Several months ago, we received a special offering to help cover some of the increasing expenses at Hospitality House. They were so grateful, especially in this COVID reality they’ve been working to overcome. We’re planning to receive another special offering on August 29. You’ll hear more about it before then, but we wanted you to be aware so you could be ready to help as God leads. I pray that we can be as thrilled to help our homeless population as our kids were during VBS.

TREATMEANT UPDATE. As a kid, one my favorite cartoons was the ROADRUNNER. The character I’m thinking of today is WILE E. COYOTE. This coyote was just one disaster after another – none of which a real character could survive. He would run into the face of a rock cliff, be flattened, and then slide down onto the ground, only to stand up and go at it again. Splat. I say that because I feel like WILE E. COYOTE this week – no longer SUPERMAN. The hardest week of treatment is this week – the week after I am finished with all the chemo and radiation.

Even though I may feel like I’ve been flattened, I am strengthened by the encouragement you continue to pour my way, and the prayers you continue to pray. Thank you. I’m praying that God is using this for His glory and for my healing. This is the verse God used to give me courage this week: “The Lord stood at my side (with me) and gave me strength.” (2 Timothy 4:17a) Folks, even if we’re too weak to get off the couch, God is with us. As I’ve said many times in this classroom of adversity. We are never alone!

I am now making plans to begin the trek to UCSF and surgery. I don’t know when that will be, but I’ll keep you updated. It’s probably 8-12 weeks out. I love you.

GROWTH PATH is August 22. We’ve mentioned that over 40 families have moved out of Nevada County since COVID began. We will miss these people immensely. At the same time, several families have discovered Twin Cities and have started regularly attending either in-person or online. Growth Path is a great time to find out more about our church and how you can fit in here. We all need a place where we can know and be known, love and be loved, serve and be served, and celebrate and be celebrated. I hope you’ll go to our website and register to attend the class that fits you best.

Sunday, we will continue a section of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus talks about our vertical relationship with God. Following the Way of Priority is all about the direction and longings of our hearts. Jesus will make it clear that we cannot serve both God and stuff! God wants to be our priority!

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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The Good Fight of Faith + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 10:47:53 GMT

As I walk out my door each morning, I stop to look at two items we placed there when I began this cancer treatment classroom. Here is a photo . One is a set of red boxing gloves. These represent the constant reminder that I’m going to fight the good fight of faith. The opposite would be to be ruled by fear. Last week, I was reminded that the Bible says, “DO NOT FEAR” over 365 times. I want to get to the end of this journey knowing that even though it’s been difficult and challenging, that I lived each day with faith as I fight this fight.

The second item is a cross with a Bible verse inscribed on it. Here’s what it says in Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all this through Christ who strengthens me.” This verse reminds me of my friend Don and his journey through cancer. He had a phobia of being confined in the CT tube to get his scan, so he asked me to come with him and his wife, Linda, to pray for him. We prayed for him, and he received the strength of Jesus to get the scans he needed. I think of the courage of my friend a lot as I enter this classroom daily. It’s a difficult place to be, but Jesus has promised to be with me in a very tangible way to hold me and even carry me when I’m weak, just as He was there for Don.

Today is my last radiation treatment. I met with my radiation oncologist, and he told me that the next two weeks will still be challenging and to take heart because I should be mostly recovered in four weeks. I look forward to that so much. However, please keep me in your prayers because there are still problems that could arise. I am experiencing neuropathy in my right leg from the chemo, which is a concern.

I’m so grateful for all of you who have shared this classroom with me. Your prayers, words of encouragement, cards, and acts of service have boosted my spirits. Thank you. I love you.

Our next BAPTISM will be on August 22. It’s a great time to go public for Jesus as you take this step of identification and intimacy with Him. Last Sunday, we heard a great testimony from Dawn Simmons of the power of baptism in her journey to grow in her faith. If you’ve never been baptized after you said “YES” to Jesus, please pray about this opportunity for you. Check it out and register on our website.

GROWTH PATH is August 22. We’ve mentioned that over 40 families have moved out of Nevada County since COVID began. We will miss these people immensely. At the same time, several families have discovered Twin Cities and have started regularly attending either in-person or online. Growth Path is a great time to find out more about our church and how you can fit in here. We all need a place where we can know and be known, love and be loved, serve and be served, and celebrate and be celebrated. I hope you’ll go to our website and register to attend the class that fits you best.

Sunday, we will begin a section of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus begins to talk about our vertical relationship with God. The past couple of weeks, we’ve looked at His ethical teaching about how to treat one another with love, and now He begins to challenge us with our hearts toward God. This week we will listen as Jesus talks about Following the Way of Authenticity . He helps us realize that God wants more than our outward expressions of worship. He wants our hearts as well. He wants our outer actions to be integrated with our hearts.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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We Are Never Alone + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 12:57:43 GMT

Yesterday I mentioned to my friend Jack that I’d been advised that the next two weeks of my treatment will be increasingly more painful and difficult. He responded with this: “I will keep you in my prayers, but what I’m believing is that the best is yet to come.” I appreciated how God used one of His children to once again remind me to take my eyes off the pain and discomfort of the present and put them onto the hope of the future. The classroom I am in, with its curriculum of discomfort, weakness, fear, sadness, and challenge, is part of God’s plan for healing.

After we talked, I remembered an excerpt from a book I’m reading. It’s called Gentle and Lowly . In it, the author, Dane Ortlund, takes us chapter by chapter on a journey to get to know Jesus, who described Himself as gentle and lowly in heart in Matthew 11:29. The author’s words as he reflected on Hebrews 4:15 inspired me in a moment when I was feeling low and lonely.

Here are his words: When the fallenness of the world closes in on us and makes us want to throw in the towel – there, right there, we have a FRIEND who knows exactly what such testing feels like, and sits close to us, embraces us. Our tendency is to feel intuitively that the more difficult life gets, the more alone we are. As we sink further into pain, we sink further into isolation. The Bible corrects us. Our pain never outstrips what He Himself shares in. We are never alone. That sorrow that feels so isolating, so unique, was endured by Him in the past and is now shouldered by Him in the present.

Wow, that is powerful. Jesus knows just what we are going through. He is well acquainted with grief, sadness, testing, and sorrow. And He promises to be there with us in every moment. We are not alone! This truth has helped me as I sit in the hard student’s desk in this classroom called cancer. No matter how difficult it is, I am not alone. He is with me, and I am with Him. I hope those words help you as much as they inspired me.

Today wraps up my fifth week of chemo/radiation, and I have one more to go. The doctors tell me that the most challenging time will be the week after treatment ends. Even though I won’t be receiving chemo/radiation, the accumulation of side effects will be the strongest. Would you please continue to pray for me and my healing? I also ask you to use my cancer as a prompter to encourage you to pray for those in your world who are in a classroom they didn’t choose.

Drive-Thru Food Drive is Friday, July 23. Engage with us and support the efforts of Interfaith Food Ministry to feed the hungry. Make sure to gather your non-perishable food items and drop them off any time from 8:00-10:30am. We’ll have a team of friendly folks here to take them – you don’t even have to get out of your car. If you want to come help unload cars, just show up at 8:00. More people make it more fun!

Sunday we’ll continue a section of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus contrasts His way with the way others might say is the best way to live. He uses a series of phrases that go like this: “You’ve heard it said… but I say.” Folks, this is where Jesus begins to draw a difference between the way cultural religion and even cultural Christianity define what it means to walk with God and the way Jesus says God wants us to approach Him.

In the third set of these “but I say” statements, Jesus talks about Following the Way of Reconciliation .

We live in a divisive time where people “demonize” anyone who thinks differently than they do. We are quick to make enemies out of others. Jesus calls us to His way of treating those who mistreat or hurt us. It’s the way of LOVE.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Investing in Our Community + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 10:30:44 GMT

Last Saturday our church did such a fantastic job of serving our community during the festivities in downtown Grass Valley. Pastor John and Mare Dibert and a host of TCC volunteers cooked and served pancakes, engaged families and kids in carnival games, and provided some amazing and fun music.

This is one of the benefits we’ve realized through our entire COVID experience. We’ve discovered new ways to invest in our community.

A recent survey of non-churched people found that they typically have a low view of how churches care for their local communities. Churches are perceived as only being interested in fulfilling their own agendas instead of serving their community. In fact, only 21% of non-Christian people have a positive view of the church and its role of transformation in the community.

Therefore, it’s so important for us to be involved to show we care for those who are neighbors – not just those who are part of our church family. We want to be a church that is seen as “for” the community. That’s why we engage with groups like Interfaith Food Ministry, Hospitality House, Krisis Kare Nursery, Anew Day, LivingWell Medical Clinic, Meals on Wheels, our local schools, and our local businesses. This is why we serve our community through our food drive, Sister’s and Kidz Closets, Fall Family Festival, Easter Egg Hunt, Serve Our Community, and so many other helpful events.

As we continue to move beyond our COVID restrictions, the opportunity to have a transformational impact are huge. Our local community needs us to be invested in shopping local and serving in tangible ways. If you have ideas for how we can better serve our community, please email John and share your thoughts. You never know what planting a seed of thought can do to produce a harvest of goodwill.

Children’s Summer Camp is happening this year. Our kids have been through so much disruption in our COVID logjam, and it’s time for them to have some fun. Camp offers them a chance to be kids and be reminded that God is with them and for them. Parents, there is still time to get your kids (2nd grade –5th grade) registered. You can find out more on our website or email Bobby .

Here’s a short update on my cancer treatment journey. Today, I am wrapping up my fourth week of chemo/radiation, and that means only two weeks to go. I wish I could say that it’s getting easier, but that’s just not my reality. Please pray that I can continue to swallow liquids and foods without pain or obstruction. Please pray for my energy, stamina, and immunity. And if you want, you can pray that my hair doesn’t fall out. It hasn’t so far, and I’m happy with that.

I’m resting behind God’s shield of protection each day, and I’m finding Him to be so present and faithful. His goodness is so real. You are a big part of how I see Him at work. Your support through cards, prayers, and emails has been such a huge part of my classroom. You inspire me!

You may have heard of the hit Disney series called The Mandalorian. The Mandalorian are a group who live by a code of conduct that they will not violate or deny. The phrase they use is “This is the way.” That phrase is a bond between them that gives them meaning and purpose. Jesus gives us  His way  to live and calls us to follow Him with the same kind of commitment.

On Sunday, we’ll continue a section of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus contrasts His way with the way others might say is the best way to live. He uses a series of phrases that go like this: “You’ve heard it said… but I say.” Folks, this is where Jesus begins to draw a difference between the way cultural religion and even cultural Christianity define what it means to walk with God and the way Jesus says God wants us to approach Him.

In the second of these two “but I say” statements, Jesus talks about Following the Way of Commitment . We live in a time where many of our commitments are transactional in nature. In other words, “I’ll do for you what you earn or deserve.” But the Bible says that our commitments and covenants are to be based upon something greater – LOVE.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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I Am Sustained + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 09:42:34 GMT

At the end of our Sunday gathering this week, I said these words, “I am sustained by God’s presence, God’s promises, and God’s people.” Even in my wobbly and weak moments, and I sure have them, I find having that as my sustaining power helps me find my way back to a good place. One of the Bible verses God gave me long ago after my first wife died in our auto accident is, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You. Trust in the L ORD forever, for the L ORD , the L ORD Himself, is the Rock eternal.”

Each day as I take another step in my healing program, I find myself even more dependent on Him and less dependent on myself. I am so grateful for God’s enduring presence that I’ve learned to embrace and hold onto Him tightly in times of struggle.

One of the surprises is how God’s people have reached out to encourage and bring lightness to my cancer classroom. I have received a cape that gave me the designation as “Blue Angel.” I’ve received a personalized Super Ron shirt that used a variation of the Superman logo. Others have sent me cards, Bible verses, words to pump up the Spirit within me, and offers of practical help. Thank you to everyone who has shown such tangible love.

Today (July 2), I’m halfway through with my treatment plan. It seems like I’ve been in this classroom for months, but it’s only been three weeks. Please pray for me because every doctor, nurse, and technician has told me that the most challenging part is yet to come. I am trusting God for the strength and courage I need to fight the good fight ahead.

Since Kimberly and I knew that I had time before things became more complicated for me, we figured out a way for her to travel to Denver to see our new granddaughter this week. What a joy it has been for her, and it’s also been a huge help for Ryan and Tessa as they parent this new baby together.

I reminded Kimberly that in every wedding I perform, I mention that life will be filled with moments of elation and joy (like the birth of a child) as well as moments of grief and sadness (like the loss of a loved one). That’s life. Jesus said it well when He said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Into every life will come sorrow, but we don’t have to live as people who don’t have hope. We live with hope because Jesus has overcome death! I tell the couple that those who build their lives on Jesus Christ and His church are better prepared to face the inevitable uncertainties of life.

Student’s and Children’s Summer Camps  are happening this year. Yay! We appreciate Michael Bauer, Semeria Bjorkman, and Bobby Breaux for their diligence in finding camp opportunities for our students and children. Our young people have been through so much disruption in our COVID logjam. Camp offers them a chance to be kids and be reminded that God is with them and for them. Parents, you can find out more on our website. Check it out!

July 3 Community Celebration and Serve Opportunity. We’re going to participate with our Grass Valley Downtown Association’s celebration of our nation’s independence by serving a pancake breakfast and providing fun carnival games in downtown Grass Valley on Mill Street from 9:00-11:00am. We’re still looking for volunteers who want to help serve. If you’d like to help, please email John or Mare . You’re also invited to come out and join in on the fun! We’re providing music, pancakes, games and even the National Anthem.

This will be our third week in our This is the way series as we pick up right where we ended The Good Life series that took us through the Beatitudes in the first part of the Sermon on the Mount. In this next section, Jesus gives us the way His followers are to live in this world. When we respond to His call to follow Him, Jesus leads us to a way of life that is both fulfilling and challenging.

You may have heard of the hit Disney series called The Mandalorian. The Mandalorian are a group who live by a code of conduct that they will not violate or deny. The phrase they use is “This is the way.” That phrase is a bond between them that gives them meaning and purpose. Jesus gives us His way to live and calls us to follow Him with the same kind of commitment.

On Sunday, we’ll begin a section of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus begins to contrast His way with the way others might say is the best way to live. He’s going to use a series of phrases that go like this: “You’ve heard it said… but I say.” Folks, this is where Jesus begins to draw a difference between the way cultural religion and even cultural Christianity define what it means to walk with God and the way Jesus says God wants us to approach Him.

In the first two of these “but I say” statements, Jesus talks about Following the Way of Restraint . As we celebrate our freedoms as citizens of our nation, let’s remember that the real way to freedom may just be through restraint instead of expression of our inner desires.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Who Can You Encourage? + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 11:20:31 GMT

On Monday, as I was about to begin my week of radiation, I had an idea pop into my mind on how to pray. I have been visualizing the picture of Jesus I shared with you a few months ago before each treatment. But on this morning, I asked Him to shield my inner tender parts from possible damage from the radiation treatment. I spoke this prayer and with Jesus’ face in my mind during the ten or so minutes the radiation treatment lasted.

So, here’s what happened later in the day. My friend Duncan messaged me and said that was praying Psalm 5:11-12 for me that day. Here’s what it says: “But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You. Surely, L ORD , You bless the righteous; You surround them with Your favor as with a shield.”

What was so uplifting to me is that as I was praying for Jesus to be my shield, my friend Duncan was praying the same thing from God’s Word. I love how God works in subtle ways to encourage us in our struggles and dark moments. Just when we need it, He inspires His people to be His hands and feet and voice of encouragement. So, that leads me to ask, who has God put on your heart to encourage? Why don’t you send them a word today? You never know how your small effort will be a huge lift to someone else.

I’m now two weeks in to my six-week treatment plan of chemo and radiation. I have felt pretty good this week. I did get a reality check from the radiation oncologist today who informed me that upcoming weeks will get progressively more difficult and painful. I consider it another nudge to hold on to Jesus as my shield and protector. Even though it does give me cause for concern and fear as the pain progressively increases. Thank you for your prayers.

55+ Sock Hop & Ice Cream Social . If you are over 55, we are excited to have our first event in over a year! Join us this Sunday, June 27 from 2:00-5:00pm in the TCC Lobby. It only costs $5 and we’ll have a full ice cream bar with delicious toppings and a LIVE BAND! Come socialize with your friends, dance if you want to, and enjoy a sweet treat. Register online or just show up on Sunday.

Student’s and Children’s Summer Camps are happening. Yay! I appreciate Michael Bauer, Semeria Bjorkman, and Bobby Breaux for their diligence in finding camp opportunities for our students and children. Our young people have been through so much disruption in our COVID logjam. Camp offers them a chance to be kids and be reminded that God is with them and for them. Parents, you can find out more on our website. Check it out!

July 3 Community Celebration and Serve Opportunity. We’re going to participate with our Grass Valley Downtown Association’s celebration of our nation’s independence by serving a pancake breakfast and providing fun carnival games from 9:00-11:00am. We’re still looking for volunteers who want to help serve. If you’d like to help, please email John or Mare . You’re also invited to come out and join in on the fun! We’re providing music, pancakes, games and even the National Anthem.

We began our new series on Sunday as we picked up right where we ended The Good Life series that took us through the Beatitudes in the first part of the Sermon on the Mount. In this next section, Jesus gives us the way His followers are to live in this world. When we respond to His call to follow Him, Jesus leads us to a way of life that is both fulfilling and challenging.

You may have heard of the hit Disney series called The Mandalorian . The Mandalorian are a group who live by a code of conduct that they will not violate or deny. The phrase they use is “This is the way.” That phrase is a bond between them that gives them meaning and purpose. Jesus gives us His way to live and calls us to follow Him with the same kind of commitment. I look forward to what God will do in us as we digest Jesus’ words as He defined what it means to follow Him and know the good life He came to bring.

On Sunday, we’ll take a look at Jesus’ words as He makes it clear that when we follow His way we can have confidence in God’s Word for our lives because Jesus built His life on God’s Word for His life. God’s Word is trustworthy and true, and we can be confident in its impact in our lives as we build on Him.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Answers to Prayer + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 23:05:21 GMT

I was able to fit in a trip to see my mom last week before I would begin my treatment plan for my cancer cure. It was an excellent time to connect with family and help mom as she faces issues associated with aging. Before I left town, I arranged for a prayer gathering of our pastors, Leadership Team, Prayer Team Leaders, and a few prayer partners to pray for my cancer treatments. We planned it for 12:30 after the second Sunday service. Our plane was scheduled to arrive in Sacramento late Saturday night, and all things would work out, but that’s not the way it went.

Our flight home would begin in Liberal, KS. We were on the only flight of the day and would arrive in Denver just in time to catch the last flight to Sacramento. As we walked up to the check-in station in the small regional terminal, our phones dinged to alert us that our flight out of Liberal would be delayed by two hours because of mechanical problems. We knew that wouldn’t work because we were already on a tight one-hour layover in Denver.

We began to work on solutions with the helpful staff at the airport but couldn’t find one that solved our dilemma. All the flights to Sacramento out of Denver were full until late on Sunday. We asked them to try Reno and San Francisco and finally found a flight that would put us into San Francisco around 10:00am, which would allow us to get home around 1:00pm. We took that option even though it was going to mean a lot of extra effort.

After we settled in at the small terminal, we began to pray that God would provide another solution. I went back up to the gate and asked the customer service employee to check out another option, but it was fruitless. We prayed again. Then I decided to try one more time. I went back (at the embarrassment of my daughter) and asked the employee to check to see if anything might have opened up on the early morning flight out of Denver to Sacramento. She willingly agreed. As she punched in the information, I saw her look of interest and then surprise. She said, “I don’t know how this happened, but three seats just opened up on that plane.” I said, “Well, we’ve been praying, and this seems to be an answer to our prayer.”

The blessing that came from this is that we ended up getting a free hotel room at a resort hotel for the night in Denver that came with a fantastic dinner. And we were able to arrive in Sacramento, get home, change clothes, and make it to the church at 12:20 for the prayer time, which turned out to be amazingly rich.

Folks, I’ve had that same experience four times since I discovered that I have Adenocarcinoma. God has answered specific prayers and moved what seemed to be an impossible situation, in so many ways, to get the expedited care we’ve prayed for in this journey. Even though I’ve prayed for a supernatural healing of my cancer, God is working in supernatural ways to reveal His ongoing presence and provision as I lean into His promises.

I don’t know for sure what God has in store for me during this cancer classroom and its curriculum of transformation, but I do know I have hope and faith in His loving and compassionate care for me. Thank you so much for your supportive encouragement. I began my treatment cycle on Monday, which includes chemo once per week and radiation five days per week. This portion of my treatment will end on July 21. Please continue to pray for God’s rich mercy and my ability to stand strong and fight the good fight of faith before me.

VBS Day Camp has been a huge success. We have had a huge group of kiddos who were eager to be set free to have fun and learn about God. We are grateful for the many volunteers who linked arms to serve with such joy and happiness. What a kick it was to hear the laughter as everyone had a blast.

Our next Drive-Thru Food Drive to support Interfaith Food Ministry is Friday, June 25, from 8:00-10:30am. Please bring your non-perishable foods to the church, and we’ll make sure all the food gets delivered to IFM. This is a huge help to the resource-challenged in our community. We’ll also be collecting these items for Hospitality House: Bottled water, twin-size sheets, twin-size blankets, and new pillows (we are unable to accept used).

If you are over 55, we are excited to have our first event in over year! Join us for our 55+ Sock Hop & Ice Cream Social on Sunday, June 27 from 2:00-5:00pm in the TCC Lobby. It only costs $5 and we’ll have a full ice cream bar with delicious toppings and a LIVE BAND! Come socialize with your friends, dance if you want to, and enjoy a sweet treat. Register online or in person on Sunday.

We begin a new series on Sunday that will pick up right where we left off last week as we ended The Good Life series that took us through the Beatitudes in the first part of the Sermon on the Mount. In this next section, Jesus gives us the way His followers are to live in this world. When we respond to His call to follow Him, Jesus leads us to a way of life that is both fulfilling and challenging.

You may have heard of the hit Disney series called The Mandalorian . The Mandalorian are a group who live by a code of conduct that they will not violate or deny. The phrase they use is, “This is the way.” That phrase is a bond between them that gives them meaning and purpose. Jesus gives us His way to live and calls us to follow Him with the same kind of commitment. I look forward to what God will do in us as we digest Jesus’ words as He defined what it means to follow Him and know the good life He came to bring.

Father’s Day Cool Cars & Hot Dogs is Sunday. Hope to see you as we celebrate our dads!

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Beatitudes Recap + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 13:01:56 GMT

I have been encouraged and even challenged by your response to our series through the Beautiful Attitudes from Jesus’ famous teaching called the Sermon on the Mount. God’s Word is living and will penetrate our hearts with truth – if we’re open to it. I know I’ve found myself deeply touched by these simple phrases spoken by Jesus. The challenges we face in life give us the chance to listen closely to what Jesus taught on that mountainside by the Sea of Galilee. These sayings make Jesus real and personal.

Let’s do a short recap here to help us get them more deeply ingrained into our souls.

Poor in spirit means that we realize our broken condition before a holy God. We acknowledge that we bring nothing that can restore us to right relationship with God.

Mourn means that we grieve our sinfulness before God. We confess and ask for cleansing.

Gentleness or meekness means that we grow in our humility and understanding that God is in control of all things – if it’s meant to be, it’s up to God, not me. “God’s in charge” is our motto.

Hunger and thirst means that we have a craving for being in right relationship with God, self, others, and creation.

Merciful means that we are so moved by God’s mercy to us – His undeserved favor – that we freely give mercy to others.

Pure means that we allow God to work a cleansing in our hearts, and the result is that we get to see God at work around us.

Peacemaker means that we seek to bring Jesus into our world as the Prince of Peace. We tell our stories of His saving grace in our own lives.

Persecuted means that we may be harmed and harassed simply for the fact that we follow and obey Jesus. Our world hates Jesus, and therefore will also hate all who live for Him. We must keep our eyes focused on God’s future promises, on God’s faithfulness to His people in the past, and on the fact that suffering for Jesus brings us into deeper intimacy with Him.

This Sunday we get to wrap up the entire series by considering Jesus’ words to us that we are here to be salt and light in our world. In this life-changing relationship with Jesus, He has worked to build His Beautiful Attitude in our character, and now He wants to turn us inside out so that people see Him in our lives. This will be a great wrap up to our series.

Kim and I have done a lot of prep work to prepare for the beginning of my cancer treatment. I have been amazed at how much work and effort we’ve put into all the details of my healing journey. God has blessed us with a great team of doctors, nurses, technicians, and support people, and I’m ready to enter the classroom. I get to start chemotherapy at 10:00am on Monday, June 14. My radiation therapy begins at 7:40am on Tuesday, June 15. I will end treatment on July 21. Please keep Kim and me in your prayers as we walk arm and arm with Jesus. He’s with us, and that gives us great hope and peace.

VBS Day Camp starts MONDAY, June 14, and registrations are still open. Parents and grandparents, this is a great way to give your children and grandchildren a fun experience as the summer begins. Our Rock Solid Kidz team has been doing their part to offer a creative, fun-filled, safe, Bible-based experience for your kids. You can come in person or participate online from your own home. You can sign up on Sunday or on our website. We also have openings for those who want to invest in the next generation by serving. There are many different ways to help that will fit your comfort level. Please reach out to Bobby , and he’ll help you find a place to serve.

I am amazed at what God continues to show us through our series, The Good Life . Each week we’re seeing that the Beatitudes have much deeper meaning than just “attitudes to be” or “virtues to attain.” They are much more than that. Jesus is talking about what happens in the lives of people who walk with Him. They become like Him . Sunday’s message will be from Matthew 5:13-16 and is called Living Inside Out .

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Focusing on Promises of Heaven + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 10:38:50 GMT

I’ve been wobbly this week as I anticipate the treatment and surgery ahead of me. I’ve felt fear, anger, and sadness at the circumstances our family is facing with this diagnosis of cancer. It’s good to just say that. In my devotional this morning, I was encouraged to bring these feelings to Jesus because He is a caring and compassionate Friend.

When I first heard I had cancer, a good friend shared a great bit of empathy over how big this was. There is so much power in empathy. It reminded me that I am not alone. It reminded me God is with me. His next words to me (he knows me well) were: “Your greatest challenge is going to be to fight the good fight.”

Here’s what that meant to me. In my walk through many difficult things in the past – death of my first wife, two rounds of Interferon for Hepatitis C, thirteen years of depression, even COVID, my typical approach has been to put my head down and plod forward with a sense of dogged determination to endure. Plodding forward with my head down is the picture my friend wanted to challenge. He said, “What if you walked forward with your head up – looking to Jesus and the victory you have in Him? Imagine how much better this classroom called cancer would be for you.”

Well, that’s what I’m doing today. I’m claiming what the Bible teaches about God’s presence with me today, in this moment, but I’m also focusing on promises of Heaven. We probably don’t focus enough on Heaven in our world, but the picture of existence in the presence of His eternal glory is the best way to walk forward into each day – no matter what we face.

I was greatly encouraged by a blog post by Brittany Lee Allen. Here’s an excerpt from it:

All of our waiting points to the wait of all waits. Jesus is coming back. We will see Him face to face and leaving all this world behind us, we will live in eternity with our Savior. Do we yearn for that day as much as we do for earthly things? Do I long for Jesus to return more than I do for another baby? Sometimes I wonder if I hope to see His face more than I hope for healing from chronic pain. We may not get all the things we long for in this life. If we did, we would miss out on the blessed opportunity to wait on the Lord and experience His peace, comfort, goodness, and faithfulness as we do. Jesus is better than anything we set our eyes upon. Our Lord is enough. All of our longings are meant to lead us to the longed-for One.

I hope that encourages all of you who are in a classroom, with a curriculum, you didn’t choose. Jesus is with you – He is your teacher. He wants you to place your focus on Him. He’s with you today and has also gone on before us to prepare a place called Heaven, which is beyond anything we can imagine. I’m fixing my eyes on Him, the Author and Perfector of my faith, who for the joy that was before Him, endured the cross. (Hebrews 12:2)

I’ve been in a flurry of appointments as we move forward to the treatment plan that is being finalized. At this point, it appears that I will begin chemo/radiation the week of June 14. In a nutshell, I’ll be in this intense season of treatment and surgery for about 18-20 weeks. Part of the classroom curriculum I’m digesting right now is how to best stand strong in this season and participate in my healing. Many of you know first-hand or know people who have gone through similar experiences at some point, and you are aware that every person seems to respond uniquely to the regimen of treatments. Please pray for me as I get to enter fully into this classroom. I am confident in God’s loving provision – Kim and I have seen His personal and intimate touch in so many ways as we’re getting ourselves ready for this learning period.

I am confident that Jesus is my Teacher and Healer. He is in the classroom with me, and I am keeping my eyes focused on Him. I’ll be fighting the good fight, and I ask you for your continued prayers in this long journey to healing.

VBS Day Camp is June 14-18, and registrations are open now. Parents and grandparents, this is a great way to give your children and grandchildren a fun experience as the summer begins. Our Rock Solid Kidz team has been doing their part to offer a creative, fun-filled, safe, Bible-based experience for your kids. You can come in person or participate online from your own home. You can sign up on Sunday or on our website. We also have openings for those who want to invest in the next generation by serving. There are many different ways to help that will fit your comfort level. Please reach out to Bobby , and he’ll help you find a place to serve.

I am amazed at what God continues to show us through our series,  The Good Life . Each week we’re seeing that the Beatitudes have much deeper meaning than just “attitudes to be” or “virtues to attain.” They are much more than that. Jesus is talking about what happens in the lives of people who walk with Him. They become like Him . 

Last Sunday we talked about what Jesus meant when He said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Did it surprise you? Jesus was saying that the way we can bring peace to our world is to tell the story of how we met the Prince of Peace and how He has changed our lives. He was calling us to resemble our Father in Heaven, who is called “God of Peace.” We ended with a challenge to build bridges to those who are alienated from God so that we can share the great love He has for them.

This Sunday, we get to look at Beautiful Resilience . When we bring Jesus into our conversations with others, we may face persecution. In fact, Jesus said we would. We’re going to see how His words can help us face the rejection that is possible when we share Jesus with our world. We’re also going to observe Communion together as a call to remember all His promises to us.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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The Power of God's Word + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 28 May 2021 11:25:08 GMT

One of the themes we’ve talked about as a church is the power of God’s Word when we face difficulties in life. I am amazed at how much of His Word has been surfacing and running in my brain since my doctor confirmed I have cancer. God gives us hope and confidence as we lean into His Word.

What’s really meaningful to me right now is how many people have sent their go-to Bible verses as a way to encourage Kim and me. It’s been comforting to know that the people I get to shepherd have hidden His Word in their hearts. So please keep those words of encouragement coming. You may never know how your faith will help strengthen us in this classroom called cancer.

The Bible verse God is using for me today is from Isaiah 26:3-4. It says, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You because he trusts in You. Trust in the L ORD forever, for the L ORD G od is an everlasting rock.”

O n the day we began making appointments for tests that we knew we needed to schedule, I called a facility to see if they could get me in soon. I had my phone switched to speaker mode, and as the person put me on hold, the music began playing an old familiar song. Here’s what I heard:

Sometimes in our lives

We all have pain

We all have sorrow

But if we are wise

We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me

When you're not strong

And I'll be your friend

I'll help you carry on...

For it won't be long

Till I'm gonna need somebody to lean on

Even though that song was not written explicitly about God, it was written to describe the power of community and friendship in times of struggle and difficulty. It was written to help us realize that we all need each other and, therefore, we can lean on others for support. But in another sense, it is about God. He calls us to come to Him and lean on Him, and when we do, we will find that He’s always there and available when we need someone to lean on.

I was able to talk with my Surgical Oncologist on Wednesday, and he agreed that we would follow a standard treatment protocol considering my cancer staging. That would include chemotherapy and radiation followed by a period of rest and then surgery. The doctor and his staff were empathetic, upbeat, encouraging, and optimistic, and assured me that I will be cancer free when this is all over. We are not sure of a start date, but it should be in the next couple of weeks.

Even though, this will be hard, I am confident, as I shared last week, that He who began the good work in me is faithful and will bring His work to completion. Will you trust in Him with me? Let’s believe together that God has this, and that our Good Shepherd will lead us together toward a place of rest, renewal, and restoration.

I’m so glad we have such a loving church family. You are amazing! You’ve walked with us through so many difficulties in these three decades together. We will keep you updated as we have news.

Public Service Announcement. I’ve received several emails and texts about an email that appeared to come from me asking for money. Folks, I will never send an email asking you to buy gift cards for me FOR ANY REASON. Please be aware that these scams seem so legit, and they play off our emotions – even the feelings you have for me as I am in hospital situations. If you receive an email and wonder i f it may be legitimate, please call the church office and ask if what you’ve received is from me or anyone else on our staff who is asking for money in the form of gift cards.

Run for the Community is on again this year with some modifications. The runners in our community are so excited to have an event to look forward to, and we’re looking forward to providing it. Go to our website to find out more about the 5K run/walk and register there. This is an excellent opportunity to volunteer and help serve our community. Email John to help serve.

VBS Day Camp is June 14-18, and registrations are open now. Parents and grandparents, this is a great way to give your children and grandchildren a fun experience as the summer begins. Our Rock Solid Kidz Team has been doing their part to offer a creative, fun-filled, safe, Bible-based experience for your kids. You can come in person or participate online from your own home. You can sign up on Sunday or on our website. We also have openings for those who want to invest in the next generation by serving. There are many different ways to help that will fit your comfort level. Please reach out to Bobby , and he’ll help you find a place to serve.

I am amazed at what God continues to show us through our series,  The Good Life . Each week we’re seeing that the Beatitudes have much deeper meaning than just “attitudes to be” or “virtues to attain.” They are much more than that. Jesus is talking about what happens in the lives of people who walk with Him. They become like Him . 

Last Sunday, we talked about what it means to be pure in heart. Pastor Mark did such a good job of continuing to emphasize that these Beatitudes are all about grace. God gives us the grace to want to become like Jesus, and through His grace, He gives us the power to become what is not natural for us to accomplish on our own.

This Sunday, we get to look at Beautiful Peacemaker . I believe we can all agree that peace is something our world needs to experience in ever-growing degrees. The deal, though, is that our world can’t create a peace that lasts – no matter how much we try. Lasting peace is only attainable through the power of His Holy Spirit as we take the presence of Jesus into our world.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Finding Encouragement + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 21 May 2021 12:25:37 GMT

I’ve been encouraged by people’s stories, songs, and Scripture verses since I announced my cancer diagnosis. Wow! I appreciate you and your love. Thank you. Last week I mentioned that I am in a new classroom and gave some thoughts about that. Well, this week, I realize that I’m in a waiting time until I can get the class schedule and syllabus, to use that analogy again.

I found out from my PET scan that my cancer is isolated to my esophagus and one lymph node. That’s a good thing. Immediately after that, I began moving forward to find out the steps and timing of the treatment I will go through to be cured. Of course, we will never stop asking God to do a supernatural work and take it away completely, but what I’ve come to know is that God reveals Himself in many ways.

God answered our prayers in a huge way this week. It’s been head-spinning how quickly I have moved through the healthcare system. I am now scheduled for my initial consultation with a thoracic surgery oncologist at UCSF for next Wednesday at 3:30pm. That should complete the oncology team and allow us to know the schedule and treatment plan. Thanks for your prayers for my family and me. It means so much to us.

One of the things that made this news difficult for us is that I had planned to be gone most of the summer for a vacation to be with my son’s new baby, who will be born in June. I also planned to take time off for the Sabbatical we canceled last summer because of COVID. You may not know that I get a lot of joy, fulfillment, and security from making a plan and living it out. Well, this week, we took the “big boy and big girl” step of canceling our plans for the summer. It was an emotional time for us. We may not know the schedule of what’s ahead yet, but we know that whatever occurs, it will be a huge interruption in our lives.

I’m so glad I have such a loving church family. You are amazing! You’ve walked with us through so many difficulties in these three decades together. I want you to know that I love you and cherish the fact that the Thompsons – Kimberly, Jordyn, Ryan, Tessa, and new GRANDBABY – get to walk through this journey with you at our sides. We will keep you updated as we have news.

Run for the Community is on again this year with some modifications. The runners in our community are so excited to have an event to look forward to, and we’re looking forward to providing it. Go to our website to find out more about the 5K run/walk and register there. This is a great opportunity to volunteer and help serve our community. Email John to help serve.

VBS Day Camp is June 14-18, and registrations are open now. Parents and grandparents, this is a great way to give your children and grandchildren a fun experience as the summer begins. Our Rock Solid Kidz Team has been doing their part to offer a creative, fun-filled, safe, Bible-based experience for your kids. You can come in person or participate online from your own home. You can sign up on Sunday or on our website. We also have some openings for those who want to invest in the next generation by serving. There are many different ways to help that will fit your comfort level. If that’s you, email Bobby and he’ll help you find a place to serve.

As we make our way out of the COVID logjam, we’re in a rebuilding phase as a church. I can’t think of a single ministry that has weathered this season with their service teams intact. Our church and your spiritual growth will be significantly supported when everyone can find a place to serve. Please look at our website, and you’ll find steps that can help you find your unique place of service . Serving does more than help you grow spiritually; it also helps you belong. We’ll give you an opportunity on Sunday to begin looking for your place to be involved.

I am amazed at what God continues to show us through our series, The Good Life . Each week we’re seeing that the Beatitudes (that’s the section we’re currently in) have much deeper meaning than just “attitudes to be” or virtues to attain. They go much deeper. Jesus is talking about what happens in the lives of people who walk with Him. They become like Him. Last Sunday we talked about what it means to be merciful. I was inundated with emails from folks who were moved to think about the individuals they overlook in their lives because of judgment. It’s so easy to overlook people when we decide we know why they are in the place they are in. It’s better to let them get under our skin – in a positive sense – and allow that vibration to help us see them as human beings just like we are. We can then give them the benefit of the doubt and look for ways to give them mercy – loving kindness in action.

This Sunday, we get to look at Beautiful Integrity . We live in world of compromise and confusion about God’s call to purity. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Jesus says that those who embrace integrity will be blessed because God inhabits the goodness of His people. He’s calling us to be consistent with who we are on the inside and what people see on the outside.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Entering a New Classroom + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 14 May 2021 11:31:03 GMT

Christianity’s most spiritual saint, the Apostle Paul, wrote these words from prison, “I am confident of this: That He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” I love his faith and confidence that God will not fail in carrying out His work in Paul and through Paul for His glory.

I stand firmly today with Paul and all those who have gone before me as I get to make this journey through cancer toward healing. When I first heard the news that I had a tumor in my esophagus, my first thought was, “I get to enter another classroom.” We don’t always get to choose the classrooms we walk into, but we do get to choose whether we learn and grow while there.

Here are my thoughts about cancer as of today:

I am walking into a new classroom that I didn’t choose, but God has allowed.
The tuition cost is higher than I could have imagined, and I’m talking about more than money.
The room is full of people who, like me, didn’t choose this and are now my companions.
I am surrounded by alumni who have graduated and are cheering me on to victory.

I am not on this journey alone. God has provided me with a compassionate wife and family, good friends, a caring and supportive church, wise counsel, and competent physicians. I’m grateful for every one of you and your prayerful support. And as I turn my eye to God, I remember we serve a crucified Savior who redeems the suffering we face in this life. So, even though I’m wobbly and teary at times, I know God will use this classroom in my life to form something in me that can’t be formed any other way than through a dark valley. I anticipate Him bringing me closer to Himself as He forms deeper character and love in me – making me more like Jesus – and that ultimately, He will bring glory to Himself. That is my prayer.

Sunday was such a fun day as we celebrated moms with picture opportunities and DONUTS! I am so grateful for the people who served to make it a special day. Did you know that serving is a strong catalyst for spiritual growth? Jesus said that He came to be a servant. Therefore, we are like Him when we serve others.

One of the best ways to get to know our church and God’s mission for us here in Western Nevada County is to participate in  Growth Path . This series of engaging seminars will help you know who we are and how you can find a place to call home as you grow to be more like Jesus. The next Growth Path is this Sunday, May 16, 2:00-5:00pm. We have four different classes, BELONG 101, BECOME 201, BLESS 301, BUILD 401, each taught by a different pastor. You can register online, or you can show up on Sunday for the class that fits where you are.

I am amazed at what God continues to show us through our series,  The Good Life . Each week we’re seeing that the Beatitudes (that’s the section we’re currently in) have much deeper meaning than just “attitudes to be” or virtues to attain. They go much deeper. Jesus is talking about what happens in the lives of people who walk with Him. They become like Him. Last week, Kimberly did a fantastic job (I was so proud and learned a lot) as she taught us about what Jesus meant by “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Her message touched me deeply and encouraged me to crave Jesus with more passion.

This Sunday, we get to look at  Beautiful Mercy . We live in a world where mercy is in short supply. Imagine a world where mercy flowed freely to everyone. That’s what Jesus is saying is possible as we turn to Him. Please make plans to attend with us. If you can’t be here in person, you can watch online .

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Meekness is a Trust Issue + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 07 May 2021 13:47:03 GMT

A man I had not met before stopped me after the service on Sunday and said, “I had never realized that meekness is a trust issue.” I told him that I hadn’t either until I dug into Psalm 37 which Jesus quoted when He said, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” When we dig into Psalm 37, we realize that it’s all about the tension between things going our way because God worked them out or making things go our way because we applied pressure or engaged in a strongarm approach.

The quote from Sunday’s message that our tech team picked to use for our social media post was this: “If it’s meant to be, it’s up to God, not me.” This flies directly in the face of our cultural maxim that says that “If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me.” When we see life as always needing our input or energy or strategy or effort before it works our way, then we will tend to see all of life as a problem to exert my pressure and get my way.

In fact, God calls us to a different way. That’s why these Beautiful Attitudes we are covering in this series are so impactful. They take us by surprise as they dig below the surface of what we believe they say and cause us to stop and reflect in a new way on exactly what Jesus was saying. They give us a path to The Good Life that is not natural – in fact it’s supernatural.

I found myself in a place where I felt out of control this week, and I wanted to power up and force my way to make things happen. I was grumpy and out of sorts because I was fearful that things weren’t going to work out my way. It was then that the key ideas from Psalm 37 came flooding into my mind. Several times the Psalmist gave these comforting instructions to the people who were worried about their situation:

Do not fret.
Trust in the Lord because His promises will prevail.
Wait patiently and quietly on the Lord because He’s in charge.
Delight in the Lord and His love.
Commit your way to the Lord in confidence that He will use His power and mercy to do good.
Do not fret.

Wow, that was so helpful for me, and I hope it was for you in whatever it is that you are facing. If you happened to miss Sunday’s message or want to review it as I did this week, you can watch it at any time.

I was excited and proud as I listened this week to Pastor John share about the fruit of Serve Our Community that we engaged in over two weekends. We linked arms together to help our community look more beautiful by working at different schools and non-profit organizations. The gratitude expressed by the different school representatives was so warming. Thanks to Pastor John and Mare Dibert for coordinating and for all of you who served to show our community that we care.

One of the best ways to get to know our church and God’s mission for us here in Western Nevada County is to participate in  Growth Path . This series of engaging seminars will help you know who we are and how you can find a place to call home as you grow to be more like Jesus. The next Growth Path is Sunday, May 16, 2:00-5:00pm. We have four different classes, BELONG 101, BECOME 201, BLESS 301, BUILD 401, each taught by a different pastor. You can register online or at church on Sunday.

Sister’s Closet is this weekend. I wish you could see the faces of the women who are able to come to our campus and get gently used clothing items for FREE! Ladies, it’s still not too late to dig through those closets and bring your items TODAY until 6:00pm. You can also come and shop for FREE on Saturday morning from 9:00am-12:00pm. Make sure to come early to get the best selection.

I am amazed at what God continues to show us through our series, The Good Life . Each week we’re seeing that the Beatitudes (that’s the section we’re currently in) have such deeper meaning than just “attitudes to be” or virtues to attain. They go much deeper. Jesus is talking about what happens in the lives of people who walk with Him. They become like Him. This Sunday we get to look at Beautiful Craving . We live in a world that is consumed with consuming. Jesus shows us through this Beatitude that most of what we crave really won’t satisfy. He doesn’t leave us hanging, though. Instead, He shows us what to crave that will never leave us unsatisfied.

Mother’s Day is Sunday. We are offering opportunities for PHOTOS to celebrate the moms in our lives. And best of all, we’re having DONUTS! Mom, you don’t have to cook breakfast, let us load your kids up on sugar as our gift to you. We love you so much.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Beautiful Sorrow + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 10:49:15 GMT

A woman who has a terminal disease came to see me yesterday. She wanted to share her faith story and to talk about how much our church is helping her feel settled in her circumstances. As we talked, she told me how much Sunday’s service on Beautiful Sorrow meant to her. She cried the entire service, and that was a good thing. She thanked me for the way our church has been an anchor of hope in COVID and through her diagnosis with a rare disease that will soon take her life. She told me with joy about how she envisions the moment when she will be with Jesus!

I ran into a man at the hospital today. He was getting a stress test so that he can have a major surgery next week. The first thing he said was, “The service on Sunday was one of the most impactful I’ve ever experienced. Thank you for talking about grief and mourning.” He thanked me for how our church has been such a solid place of hope during this season of COVID.

Folks, these are just two of the personal touches I’ve had this week about the comfort of Sunday’s message. One reason for such an outpouring is that we all resonate with the brokenness of our world. It’s all around us, and yet very few of us have been given tools on how to face our sorrow. I guess the biggest deal for me is the idea that we all have some responsibility for the world’s woes. Mourning over the condition of our world helps us get in touch with God’s grace as we confess our own personal responsibility to do something about it.

I have spent time since Sunday crying tears of sorrow over the brokenness we face as our culture increasingly continues to turn away from God. Will you pray with me? Will you shed tears that can become part of God doing something beautiful and new in our land? If so, I want to invite you to our prayer gathering on May 6 at 12:00pm here at the church by the cross. We’ll gather together to cry out to God: Your Kingdom come; Your will be done. I want to be part of making His Kingdom visible in our world as we all agree to follow His way.

I’m so excited about Serve Our Community this Saturday, May 1 at 9:00am. It’s a chance to help our community look more beautiful by working at different schools and non-profit organizations. We get to make our community better as we serve together. We didn’t get to engage in this event last year because of the COVID restrictions, but we’re ready to jump in again with gusto and passion. We still have spots available, and we would love to have you join us. Please call the office and talk with Mare Dibert or John Fairchild. They can help you find a place to serve.

One of the best ways to get to know our church and God’s mission for us here in Western Nevada County is to participate in Growth Path . This series of engaging seminars will help you know who we are and how you can find a place to call home as you grow to be more like Jesus. The next Growth Path is Sunday, May 16, 2:00-5:00pm. We have four different classes, BELONG 101, BECOME 201, BLESS 301, BUILD 401, each taught by a different pastor. You can register online or at church on Sunday.

I am amazed at what God continues to show us through our series, The Good Life . Each week we’re seeing that the Beatitudes (that’s the section we’re currently in) have such a deeper meaning than just “attitudes to be” or virtues to attain. They go much deeper. Jesus is talking about what happens in the lives of people who walk with Him. They become like Him. This Sunday we get to look at Beautiful Gentleness . Would you agree that our world needs more gentleness? Well Jesus does, too. He talks about the power of meekness which describes a character trait that is strong, yet soft. It’s a way of being, that will help our world see the power of Jesus to transform lives. I’m so eager to have you join us in person or online.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Spring Has Arrived + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 13:33:11 GMT

Spring has definitely arrived with an amazing show of color and freshness. I hope you’ve been lifting your eyes off the demands and details of life to view the fantastic palate of color and beauty. If not, one of the best places to see God’s beauty is right here on our TCC campus. I’m so proud of the diligent work of our Facilities Team led by Doyle Coker. He told me this week that he’s never seen our campus grounds look so beautiful. I agree. Our property is one of the most eye-catching places in our county.

Did you know that people come all the time to our parking lot, lawn, prayer trail, prayer garden, and cross/pond? It’s pretty cool to see how many people see us as a safe place to visit and be refreshed. When we were first dreaming of our new church home, I remember that one of the goals was to build a destination place for our community. Well, in this season of COVID, we’re increasingly becoming that. Thanks again to all the volunteers who help make us look better!

I’m so excited about Serve Our Community this weekend. It’s a chance to help our community look more beautiful by working at different schools and non-profit organizations. We get to make our community better as we serve together. We didn’t get to engage in this event last year because of the COVID restrictions, but we’re ready to jump in again with gusto and passion.

In order to allow us to serve in smaller groups and meet our COVID safety concerns, Pastor John suggested that we schedule it over two weekends. The first is THIS SATURDAY and the next is Saturday, May 1. We still have spots available in both weekends, and we would love to have you join us. Go to our website and pick a spot that fits you or call the office and talk with Mare Dibert or John Fairchild. They can help you find a place to serve.

One of the best ways to get to know our church and God’s mission for us here in Western Nevada County is to participate in Growth Path . This series of engaging seminars will help you know who we are and how you can find a place to call home as you grow to be more like Jesus. The next Growth Path is Sunday, May 16, 2:00-5:00pm. We have four different classes, BELONG 101, BECOME 201, BLESS 301, BUILD 401, each taught by a different pastor. You can register online or at church on Sunday.

Last Sunday we covered Jesus’ first Beatitude, and people were moved by the challenge and encouragement in the phrase, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for they will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven." If you missed Sunday, please make sure to watch it because that particular Beatitude is the cornerstone for the rest of these descriptions of those who are living The GOOD LIFE .

On Sunday, we get to listen to Jesus as He speaks the second of these beautiful attitudes. This week we will cover “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” I’m calling it the Beautiful Attitude of Sorrow . Would you agree that this is a strange description of those who are blessed? In our world, we do all we can to avoid sorrow, but Jesus says that it’s a blessed condition we can all experience. I hope you’ll join us online or in person.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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How to Live United + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 13:46:13 GMT

It’s always an exciting day when we begin a new series, but Sunday was better than I could have imagined. The Sermon on the Mount has the potential to be life-changing for our church family. I had planned this series for 2020, but God had other plans as we made several pivots due to our COVID logjam.

My green bracelet I wear that says, “God’s in charge” reminds me that God is in control each day, and I believe the timing of this series is a great example. One year ago, I could never have imagined some of the ways we would be challenged as citizens of this country and as members of God’s family. We’re divided as a nation and as a church over politics, COVID mandates, masks, racial injustice, economic shortages, and issues of faith.

Several months ago, I had an “AHA” moment when I realized that instead of trying to talk people out of their deeply held opinions on how to solve the problems of our culture, God wanted us to focus on the teachings of Jesus. Jesus came into a world that was just as divided, fractured, and unjust as ours. His world was just as politically volatile, economically unfair, and racially charged as the world in which we find ourselves in today.

So, what did He have to say? Well, the Gospel of Matthew records Jesus’ words about how to live united – God’s way – in a world of conflict and division. Jesus begins with our attitude and the posture of our heart. That’s why I’ve been reflecting a lot on our last series – Journey with Jesu s. I’m learning how to be His apprentice. As I follow Him, I learn His ways, and eventually, I begin to become more like Him.

Please understand that this is God’s goal for His church. He didn’t establish His church on Earth to become a political force or wield power over others. He established His church on Earth to spread the GOOD NEWS that there is a solution to our moral dilemma. It’s Him. As we journey together through this series, it’s my prayer that we will discover a way to live that makes much of Jesus. We want others to see Him by how we live as we respond to our age’s ignitors and agitators. I’m putting all my hope in this: If we lift Jesus up, people will see Him, and our world will be transformed. That is God’s way.

At the end of our time on Sunday (if you missed the service, please watch it soon) I asked us to make three affirmations as we begin part one of the Sermon on the Mount, which we are calling the Good Life . Let me call them back to your mind. We agreed to:

Say “YES” to the way of Jesus – that’s what the entire sermon is – Jesus’ way to live for God’s Kingdom.
Say “YES” to the family of God – that means to make an effort to get involved with God’s church by joining a Community Group and finding a place to serve.
Say “YES” to the power of God – that means we realize that we are incapable of making a lasting difference in this world by seeking political or economic control.

On Fridays, I’ve been devoting time to pray for God’s people by asking Him to do a new thing in and through us. I’m praying for a new level of unity in mission and purpose, for a new passion for people separated from God and His church, for a new wave of involvement in serving and generosity, and for a new excitement and belief that God is moving. I want my prayers to be bold and audacious as I pray that God will bless us in our intimacy with Him and each other.

Serve Our Community is happening in a new way this year. We’re still going out to serve our schools and ministry partners as we always have. The big difference this year is that we’re extending it to two weekends, so we can best accommodate smaller service teams. We want everyone to be confident that we’re taking all the safety precautions we can. The dates are Saturday, April 24 and Saturday, May 1. You can look over the various service projects on our website and sign up now to make sure you get your top preference.

One of the best ways to get to know our church and God’s mission for us here in Western Nevada County is to participate in Growth Path . This is a series of engaging seminars that will help you know who we are and how you can find a place to call home as you grow to be more like Jesus. Our next Growth Path is May 16, 2:00-5:00pm. We have four different classes, 101 – 401, and a different pastor teaches each. You can register online or at church on Sunday.

On Sunday, we get to move from introduction to instruction on how to pursue and enjoy the Good Life . We’re going to listen as Jesus delivers the most important words of this sermon called the Beatitudes. This week we will cover “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” I’m calling it the “Beautiful Attitude of Humility.” Would you agree that we could use a little more humility in our world today? It begins when we admit that we are bankrupt spiritually and economically.

Folks, Jesus shows us a clear path to a life that is better than the one culture offers. He gives us His instruction on overcoming our world’s influences as we make a difference for Him.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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God is Doing Something NEW! + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 14:37:38 GMT

God is doing something NEW! We could feel that as we celebrated Easter. What a collective expression of joy and hope! We came together to focus on the most important day of our Christian faith in a way that could only be described as supernaturally energized. Thank you to everyone who made the services so awesome.

We began on Saturday with the Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt. Let’s make sure to thank Bobby Breaux, Alexis LaCentra, and Hope Corstorphine for being so innovative and taking a situation that looked impossible and creating such a fun experience for both kids and parents. One parent told me that it was such a success that we should do something like this every year. He was so excited that his kids received more than candy this year. They were able to hear the story of the resurrection and see just how our church supports so many different organizations in our community as we share the hope of Jesus. YAY!

The Easter services were pretty amazing as well. I mentioned in my message that Twin Cities is not the same as it was thirteen months ago. There is something new and different. We’ve all been changed, and part of that transformation is a deeper longing to express our worship and hearts to God with our church family.

Let me take a moment and express a big word of GRATITUDE for everyone who served in some capacity to make our Easter experience so wonderful. Thank you. If you’d like to engage and serve in any capacity, please drop an email to Joanie .

Serve Our Community is happening in a new way this year. We’re still going out to serve our schools and ministry partners as we always have. The big difference this year is that we’re extending it to two weekends, so we can best accommodate smaller service teams. We want everyone to know they can serve knowing that we’re taking all the safety precautions we can. The dates are Saturday, April 24 and Saturday, May 1. You can look over the various service projects on our website and sign up now to make sure you get your top preference.

Friday, April 16 is our next Drive-Thru Food Drive to support the efforts of Interfaith Food Ministry to feed the hungry. Make sure to gather your non-perishable food items and drop them off any time from 8:00-10:30am. We’ll have a team of friendly folks here to take them – you don’t even have to get out of your car. If you want to come help unload cars, just show up at 8:00. More people make it more fun!

On Sunday we will begin our new series called The Good Life . In my message from March 7, I talked about our vision to experience the life of Jesus, learn the teachings of Jesus and share the hope of Jesus. Well, this series speaks to all of those, but especially to the idea of learning the teachings of Jesus. We’re committing ourselves to digging into Jesus’ most famous of teachings called the Sermon on the Mount. This first section of messages will focus on Jesus’ words that we call the Beatitudes, or as some scholars say, “Beautiful Attitudes to Be.”

Folks, as Followers of Jesus, we need this series now more than ever as we seek to live in the times in which we have been placed. Jesus shows us a clear path to a life that is better than the one culture offers. He gives us clear instructions on how to navigate in the times we find ourselves.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Trusting His Plan + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 02 Apr 2021 11:14:47 GMT

It’s EASTER WEEK, and I’m so excited to be with you and celebrate the greatest event in history. Jesus rose from the dead! He is risen! He is risen indeed! Jesus came to Earth on a mission to save us from our sin and lead us into a relationship with the Father. As Kim and I shared through our weekly video , this mission ended in the cruelty of the cross as Jesus was crucified for us.

Today on Good Friday, let’s not miss this opportunity to reflect on His death on the cross on our behalf. Holy week began with Palm Sunday, when Jesus was coronated as King of the Jews by the Jewish people – the same people who just days later were calling for His crucifixion. Jesus knew abject rejection, complete injustice, and cruel pain, and all of that was for us.

As Kim and I shared, the most moving of Jesus’ words from the cross were the final ones where in hopeful anticipation of renewed intimacy with God, He said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit.” Wow, that is so moving to me. He is expressing ultimate confidence in God’s faithful relationship with Him.

I’ve been using that phrase as a breath prayer this week to help me relate to Jesus and to help with some anxiety I’ve been feeling. This COVID logjam has left me susceptible to moments when I wonder just where God is and what He’s up to. In fact, I told someone early this week that it’s like my shocks are broken, and every bump I hit jars my entire system. But when I turn to God using this phrase as my breath prayer, He helps me trust in His plan, and each bump seems to have less impact on me.

The way breath prayers work is to engage your body and focus on a particular Bible verse or phrase. In this case, as I breathe in, I say, “Into Your hands.” I then hold that breath for a few seconds to focus on the One to whom I am saying these words. As I breathe out, I say, “I commit my spirit.” I could also say, “I commit my health, or resources, or future, or children, or marriage, or work.” I think you get the idea. This can help us grow in peace as we move into this season of Easter and beyond.

Easter is just two days away! We’re going to have four identical services so you can invite your friends to attend in person with you or gather online with you. You will be able to make sure we can have plenty of space by choosing to attend at 6:00pm on Saturday or at 8:00am on Sunday. That will allow us to have plenty of room for everyone. Of course, if that is not possible, we will look forward to seeing you at 9:30 or 11:00am as we celebrate Easter together.

Our Children’s Ministry team has adapted and creatively changed the annual Easter Egg Hunt into an Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt. Families will go on an adventure by car to various locations around our community where they will snap a photo, collect candy, and meet some of our Ministry Partners. They will then race to the church and celebrate victory by having a picnic. You can bring your own lunch or buy a Domino’s cheese pizza for $5. Join us on the lawn for live music and games. Make sure to check out the website for all the details. Helpful hint: You can come by the church and pick up your Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt map and instructions so you can be ready to launch out from your home. If you can’t make it by, stop by the church after 8:00am, and the team of friendly volunteers will get you started.

On Sunday, we’re going to take a different approach to Easter. I know some of you are saying, “Ron, don’t mess with Easter. Just give us the straight story.” Well, I want you to know that this message came out of some deep angst – I might even call it despair – I was feeling a couple of months ago. I was wondering just what God was going to do as we begin to rebuild after all that has happened during this COVID logjam.

It was during one of those dark moments that God gave me a word from Isaiah 43. I found the hope in that chapter to be so impactful for me, and it’s all about the expectation we have of our future home – HEAVEN – and how God wants us to live our lives in complete trust that He is in control. But more than that, He has promised to rebuild a new thing out of the ruins of the old. I hope you’ll encourage your friends to join us in person or watch the service online.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Devo w/Pastor Ron & Kim

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 14:28:22 GMT

Exercising Confident Trust + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 11:16:36 GMT

I’ve been reflecting a lot this week about where we find ourselves after one year of this COVID logjam. I’ve been excited to see how God has used this time in my life to form me to be more like Jesus. As I think back on this past year, I’ve had to pivot more times at work, at home, with family, and plans, than at any time in my life.

We’ve done all of this with limited information, changing narratives, political uncertainty, cultural tensions, economic insecurity, and relational tension. Wow, I am amazed at how God built such resilience and flexibility into us when He designed us as human beings. As much as I’ve leaned into Him during this past year, I have found myself more fatigued, anxious, guarded, insecure, and flummoxed than I can ever recall. It’s like a tsunami of waves coming one after another.

I’m super proud of our church and the way we’ve navigated these choppy waters during this past year. It’s stretched us, redirected us, and challenged us, and I’m glad God has been here with us the entire time. We have exercised confident trust (we used that phrase last Sunday to describe what it means to become more like Jesus) and faith as we’ve leaned hard into Him.

We continue to grow in our COVID awareness and how we observe the guidelines and restrictions. We will continue to observe safety precautions such as wearing masks, distancing socially, and disinfecting common areas.

Since we’ve been meeting again in person, our process has been to play music that was recorded during the week for that portion of our worship. We had been doing that during our online only phase. Beginning this Sunday, our music team will join us as we worship together. They will be socially distanced on stage, and over 20 feet away from any person not on the stage. Our room is large and extremely well ventilated with great air flow, and we feel this is a safe approach for us as we move into the summer months.

Folks, as we continue to take steps out of our COVID logjam, it’s imperative that we place all our hope in God and our mission to Love Everyone Always. We love people by giving them the freedom to be where they are – even if we may disagree – allowing God to be the ONE we follow. That means we give people the freedom (without judgment) to continue worshipping online or to begin gathering in person. I’m excited to be taking more steps to reopen our services and ministries and provide opportunities for people to hear about the love Jesus has for them.

Easter is just one week away! We’re going to have four identical services so you can invite your friends to attend in person with you or gather online with you. You will be able to make sure we can have plenty of space by choosing to attend at 6:00pm on Saturday or at the 8:00am service on Sunday. That will allow us to have plenty of room for everyone.

We’re also going to baptize at all the services for Easter. If you’ve never been baptized, please consider this opportunity. We’ll make sure to be COVID safe, and you’ll be part of making our services even more Spirit-filled. If you’re interested in going public for Jesus, please contact Mare . She’ll give you the scoop and get you ready.  You can attend the baptism class that will meet this Sunday at 9:00am.

We will wrap up our Journey with Jesus series on Sunday as we talk about the third aspect of the spiritual growth vision we’re adopting for TCC. In this series, we are laying out a paradigm of spiritual growth and personal transformation that is powerful for our church family. If you’ve missed the first two messages, you’ll want to watch them soon and be ready to engage with the rest of the series. The key idea is that we’re called to be Followers (Apprentices) of Jesus. Our quest is to carve out space to Be with Jesus so that we Become Like Jesus and then we naturally Do What Jesus Did .

Our message on Sunday is Do What Jesus Did . I am so excited to listen as Pastor Mark explains the pillars of this key component of our vision.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

If you aren’t ready to attend a public gathering yet, let me encourage you to keep your Sunday rhythms by watching the service live at e ither 9:00 or 11:00a m. I b elieve that will help you stay disciplined as we walk this road of COVID restrictions together and help our church family feel your nearness and encouragement as we continue to “gather” in His name.

You can watch the current service or an archived service on demand any time you want from our website or APP. Here’s an idea: When you’re watching online, please invite your friends to join you. If you haven’t downloaded the TCC APP, go to the APP store and search for TCC GRASS VALLEY and download it today. You can watch the service right from your device.

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Devo w/Pastor Ron & Kim

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 16:51:26 GMT

Devo w/Pastor Ron & Kim

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 18:23:16 GMT

Deposits of Grace + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 11:22:34 GMT

After church last Sunday, I reflected on God’s work in my life, and I found myself feeling a deep sense of gratitude and joy for how He has blessed me with vast deposits of grace. I received one of those deposits on Monday evening. Kimberly and I were invited to be part of an 80th birthday celebration Facetime conversation with a dear woman who used to live here and was part of our church. Each person invited had an appointment at a set time to talk with her.

The first thing she said was that our call was the most important of all the calls she had received. She said, “I can never replace Twin Cities and the love I feel from you guys." (She moved away eight years ago after her husband passed away.) She then went on to talk about how our church had been so pivotal in her walk with Jesus. We helped her and her husband know the love of God as she had never known – and she had been part of many churches. What a grace-filled moment that was as we cried together over God’s goodness to us all through the church God has built here.

Another person sent me this email this week in response to my email blast from two weeks ago. “You should have no regrets of how you and your staff have handled connection and processes during the pandemic. It's actually been an answered prayer for our family, as we are on the side of believing the science and not wanting to spread a disease that could be fatal to someone else. So, encouraging the safety of the church community gets a big thumbs up from us! We've stayed connected via streaming options and have kept in touch with our community group via Skype meetings. We still feel loved and still worship a mighty God.”

Folks, as we take steps out of our COVID logjam, it’s imperative that we place all our hope in God and our mission to Love Everyone Always. We love people by giving them the space to be where they are – even if we may disagree – allowing God to be the ONE we follow. I’m excited to be taking more steps to reopen our services and ministries and provide opportunities for people to hear about the love Jesus has for them.

Easter is just two weeks away. We’re going to have four identical services so you can invite your friends to attend in person with you or gather online with you. You will be able to make sure we can have plenty of space by choosing to attend at 6:00pm on Saturday or at the 8:00am service on Sunday. That will allow us to have plenty of room for everyone.

Our next Drive-Thru Food Drive is Friday, March 26 from 8:00-10:30am. Please bring your non-perishable food items by the church and drop them off. You don’t even have to get out of your car. This is just one of the ways we’ve been able to adapt to our current situation and still help our community in tangible ways.

Last Sunday, continued our vision series called Journey with Jesus . What a fantastic beginning to a new ministry season together. Jesus invites us to more than a Sunday worship service or weekly Bible study or service project; He invites us to a life with Him. It’s all about developing a lifestyle of engaging in spiritual practices.

In this series, we are laying out a paradigm of spiritual growth and personal transformation that is powerful for our church family. If you’ve missed the first two messages, you’ll want to watch them soon and be ready to engage with the rest of the series. The key idea is that we’re called to be Followers (Apprentices) of Jesus. Our quest is to carve out space to Be with Jesus so that we Become Like Jesus and then we naturally Do What Jesus Did .

On Sunday, we’ll talk about Become Like Jesus . I’m eager to learn new practices for developing intimacy with God. We’ll also be engaging in Communion together. If you’re going to be onsite, we will provide COVID-friendly Communion elements. If you’re going to gather with us online, please have your elements ready, so you can fully immerse yourself in this experience.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Sharing Fellowship Together + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 14:34:24 GMT

Sunday was a special moment as we gathered to worship God, celebrate twenty-nine years of ministry, and share in fellowship TOGETHER. I emphasize that last word because it’s been a long year of feeling distant and isolated from one another. As I say that, I realize that many people are still not comfortable gathering again in large groups. I get that, and I am so glad you feel the freedom to take care of yourselves.

Many people sent me emails responding to my blog/blast from last week as I asked you to share how our adherence to COVID restrictions has affected you. I really appreciate those responses. The majority of the comments were like this one: My family is being pretty careful, so you may not see us in person yet, but we are committed, and we’ll be back as we feel comfortable. In the meantime, we are watching services and devotionals online, and our kids are coming to smaller settings as we feel comfortable. We love you and miss you!

Folks, I continue to ask that we would be patient with one another in this season as things continue to be as unclear as ever. There may be aspects of gathering together again that you find uncomfortable, and that’s okay. Others may be ready for us to throw all caution to the wind and step across all the restrictions. Here’s what you can count on from us: We’re still going to be cautious and slow in our approach because there is so much anxiety about regathering again. At the same time, we realize that the guidelines designed to help keep us safe in one area may be doing significant harm in another.

Here’s what I mean. Two weeks ago, I shared a verse in the message on Wisdom and EMOTIONS from Proverbs 18:14. “The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?” That verse spoke to me loudly and clearly about our current situation. It’s a both/and verse. On the one hand, we are called to adhere to guidelines that will protect us from sickness, AND on the other hand, we are called to care for the spiritual needs of the soul. We’ve been doing both for 52 weeks, and as we move forward, we’ll still do the same. That doesn’t mean that we know how to respond correctly to every situation, but we will always seek God’s wisdom when we do.

Up until now, for 52 weeks, we’ve been putting our primary focus on avoiding sickness and protecting people from illness. At the same time, during the stay-at-home orders and other restrictions, we focused our staff’s energy on feeding the spirits of people who call Twin Cities their home. We added online devotionals, Zoom training and Community Groups, creative ministry opportunities, online worship gatherings, and at-home children’s ministry kits. I’m really proud of how we’ve responded and pivoted to engage all of us in our journey with Jesus.

We understand that the isolation people have experienced hurt some people – emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. That’s why we will seek to offer ways to tend to the needs we all have for connection and gathering in worship. Four weeks ago, we were able to gather again for in-person services. The news came that we could gather again at 25% capacity, yet we weren’t ready to leap into action that quickly – specifically concerning music. We had been in an environment with completely different schedules and procedures, so we couldn’t just switch on a dime. Well, our teams have been at work, and we’ll be able to add live music to our services beginning on March 28.

You may not see much difference in what we’re doing, but you can know that we are moving forward with a dual focus – the health and safety of our people and community and the spirits of those of our people and community. It’s a both/and approach. I say all of this to once again ask for your patience and understanding because if there’s one thing we’ve learned through our COVID logjam, it’s that we just don’t know everything.

Last Sunday, we kicked off our vision series called Journey with Jesus . What a fantastic beginning to a new ministry season together. Jesus invites us to more than a Sunday worship service or weekly Bible study or service project; He invites us to a life with Him. It’s all about a lifestyle.

This series is going to lay out a new paradigm of spiritual growth and personal transformation that is powerful for us as a church. If you missed Sunday, you’ll want to watch it soon and be ready to engage with the rest of the series. The key idea is that we’re called to be Followers (Apprentices) of Jesus. Our quest is to carve out space to Be with Jesus so that we Become Like Jesus and then we naturally Do What Jesus Did .

On Sunday, we’ll talk about Be with Jesus . I’m eager to learn new practices for developing intimacy with God.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Devo w/Pastor Ron & Kim

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 16:14:31 GMT

Worship With Kevin Caravalho

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 19:09:13 GMT

Journey with Jesus + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 12:20:41 GMT

Donuts and Jesus! That’s what we get to focus on this Sunday as we celebrate our 29 ^th Anniversary and launch our new vision series called Journey with Jesus . I can’t wait for the donuts, but I’m most excited about the series. Journey with Jesus is the culmination of years of understanding about spiritual growth. Still, it’s taken shape as Pastor Mark and Laura Bauer devoted the COVID shutdown to its development.

Our church mission will still be “to lead as many people as possible into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.” We won’t change that. Our vision though, for the future, is to engage with Jesus in a lifestyle. It’s more than a set of beliefs or creed or religion or set of guidelines. Just as Jesus invited a group of men and women to follow Him, we’re embarking on a journey with Him and each other. We’re entering a lifestyle of being apprentices to Jesus.

Jesus called people to follow Him, and in the process, be transformed by that walk or journey. This has been my journey now for 29 years as your pastor. I just didn’t know how to say it. I’m so glad that Mark and Laura have helped us add concepts, words, and action steps that will help us engage fully with the transformation God wants to make in our lives.

People ask me how God wants us to live during these times when things are so crazy, and my response is that He wants us to know Him, become like His Son, and love others as He has loved us. It’s not complicated, but it does get complicated whenever we lay our various cultural and religious ideologies over His way of life.

Now that we’re free to gather together again, we’re finding that some people couldn’t wait for us to officially open our doors again and for various reasons have moved to other churches. This is a sad time, especially for Kim and me, in that regard because every person matters so much to Twin Cities. Please watch the video that was posted on Wednesday, where we share our hearts of love and tenderness. This kind of struggle is something we never expected to maneuver.

Let me appeal to those who feel that our church didn’t do enough to keep you connected during the COVID logjam or wish we had taken different actions, to please contact me. If you want, you can send me an email and let me know how you feel. I care and want to know how you’re doing.

On Sunday, as we kick off our series, Journey with Jesus , we’re going to focus on what it means to follow Jesus with our whole lives. Jesus invites us to more than a Sunday worship service or weekly Bible study or service project; He invites us to a life with Him. It’s all about a lifestyle. I am so eager to share this message with you! Make sure to come early and stay late as we enjoy donuts out on the patio!

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Devo w/Pastor Ron & Kim

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 17:17:06 GMT

Devo w/Laura Bauer

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 15:55:23 GMT

TCC Worship - The Blessing

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 19:13:20 GMT

Positive Affirmations + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 14:37:47 GMT

Thank you. I appreciate you. You’re valuable to me. I don’t believe we can hear those words enough. In fact, most people would say that they would love to hear them more. I had the opportunity a couple of weeks ago to be the recipient of a bucket load of positive affirmations for my birthday. Our staff gathers each Tuesday to talk about ministry, celebrate victories and milestones, and pray.

My birthday just happened to be on a Tuesday, and when that happens, we often do something special to honor the birthday person since it’s their day. Well, on my day, we had decadent banana bread and lemon cake. After that every staff member took a moment to say one word to me about something they admire. I was overwhelmed with emotion – even through my mask. It reminded me that we all need to hear how we matter.

I want everyone to know how much our church values you. We’ve been through a tough season with distance and even isolation as the norm. You may have felt the absence of regular church gatherings and the encouragement we get from being together (I know I did.) Those feelings are normal, and I want to acknowledge yours as well.

Now that we’re free to meet together again, we’re finding that some people couldn’t wait for us to officially open our doors again. This is a sad time in that regard because every person matters so much to Twin Cities. Let me appeal to those who feel that our church didn’t do enough to keep you connected during the COVID logjam to please contact me. If y ou want, you can send me an email and let me know how you feel. I care and want to know how you’re doing .

Now that we have a couple of weeks under our belt of gathering in person, we have learned that God’s people will return, but they may do so slowly. Some folks are still understandably guarded about gathering in a group at this time. We get that and want to encourage you to come when you’re ready. It may take a while for everyone to feel comfortable to be present onsite.

We also realized in these last weeks that we had planned well for how to observe our COVID protocol. I want to thank all who attended for your diligence to do your part to help everyone feel welcome and safe. As we continue to gather in person, we will continue to take our responsibility seriously to provide a safe and healthy environment for everyone who comes.

We have been eagerly anticipating children and students to come, and they did. Our Rock Solid Kidz Team was ready and welcoming as parents trusted us with their kiddos. I have loved having families back with us.

When you’re ready, we’ll be here and eager to see your eyes and hear your voice. I see this season as a new step in our journey, and I believe God will honor the path we’ve taken over the past eleven months. I look forward to seeing how God pours out His blessings of abundance over our church.

News and Resources to help your Journey with Jesus...

Grow University  begins on March 1, and now is the time to choose which class you want to take to help you grow. Here are this session’s classes.

Resolving Everyday Conflict  will help you improve your communication skills and learn to resolve conflict in a healthy way. 
GriefShare  will support you to find healing after loss and learn ways to cope with the deep sadness, loneliness, and confusion that comes with the loss of a loved one or someone close. 
Financial Peace University  will assist you to gain financial stability and learn how to manage your money and reduce your debt. 
Be with Jesus will show you how to deepen your relationship with God and learn practices that will draw you closer to Him.  (Begins March 8)

No matter which area you are hoping to grow in this year, remember: God is WITH you every step of the way and He’s already moving mountains for you because He loves you. And with God on your side, who can be against you? Our team is here to support you and help you. GROW now through Grow University! You can register online through our website. If you have any questions about any of the classes or need help getting registered, you can email Laura or call her at 530.273.6425 ext. 300. 

Parents, please make sure to pick up your Feb/March At-Home Kit on Sunday or at church during the week. This kit includes an activity you can engage in together as a family that will help you prepare for Easter and observe Lent. If you want to know more or call to reserve your kit, contact Alexis .

We want to serve you better, so we’re changing the day my email blast/blog is delivered to your inbox. We’re now sending this to you on Friday. This will allow us to include links to the weekly Message Notes, Community Group Study Guide, and Children’s and Student’s information so you can be prepared for the online experience at 9:00 and 11:00am each Sunday. You will have time to print your Message Notes before the service begins, allowing you to gain even more from our gathering.

On Sunday, we continue our Walking the Way of Wisdom series. This week, we’ll take a look at what Proverbs has to say about Wisdom and EMOTIONS . God made us to be emotional beings, but how we approach our feelings is often confusing. There are some people who want to label feelings and emotions as weak. At the same time, there are those who believe that feelings and emotions are the best guides we have to determine life’s most important questions. Proverbs has really good advice on how to choose wisdom when it comes to our emotions.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Devo w/Pastor Ron & Kim

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 19:50:35 GMT

Devo w/Pastor Brett Malech

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 20:23:00 GMT

Worship w/Dave Bollen & Niles Lozano

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 20:20:41 GMT

Regathering Details + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 15:11:41 GMT

What a fantastic time we had last Sunday as God’s people began the process of returning to church in person. You have no idea how difficult it has been to provide services in an empty building! On Sunday, the energy was incredible and full of eager worship and praise. A deep pent-up emotion was released as God’s people expressed gratitude and love to God for the privilege of being together again.

Now that we have that first week under our belt, we learned that God’s people will return, but they may do so slowly. Some folks are still understandably guarded about gathering in a group at this time. We get that and want to encourage you to come when you’re ready. It may take months for everyone to feel comfortable to be present onsi te.

We also realized that we had planned well for how to observe our COVID protocol. I want to thank all who attended for your diligence to do your part to help everyone feel welcome and safe. As we continue to gather in person, we will continue to take our responsibility seriously to provide a safe and healthy environment for everyone who comes. Here’s what you can expect:

We will practice the social distancing efforts we’ve all become accustomed to observing. Please be aware of the space between you and others.
We will wear masks to protect ourselves and others. If you need a mask, we will have one for you. If you cannot wear a mask for an extended time due to physical reasons or allergies, please wear one while entering or exiting.
We will sanitize before, during, and after services to keep our surfaces germ-free.
We will receive offerings and Connection Cards as you exit the auditorium.

We know that people are eager for “LIVE” music, but we’ve decided to move slowly in this area so we can be as wise as possible. After last Sunday, we saw again how important music is to our worship gathering, and we’re changing things up a bit this week. I don’t want to give it away, but those who are in person on Sunday can expect a decidedly BIGGER music experience.

We expected children and students to come, and they did. Our Rock Solid Kidz Team was ready and welcoming as parents trusted us with their kiddos. I loved having families back with us.

When you’re ready, we’ll be here and eager to see your eyes and hear your voice. I’m so happy and excited for this new step in our journey, and I believe God will honor the path we’ve taken over the past eleven months. I look forward to seeing how God pours out His blessings of abundance over our church. See you Sunday!

We want to serve you better, so we’re changing the day my email blast/blog is delivered to your inbox. We’re now going to send this to you on Friday. This will allow us to include links to the weekly Message Notes, Community Group Study Guide, and Children’s and Student’s information so you can be prepared for the online experience at 9:00 and 11:00am each Sunday. You will have time to print your Message Notes before the service begins, allowing you to gain even more from our gathering.

Grow University begins in March, and now is the time to choose which class you want to take to help you grow. Here are this session’s classes.

Resolving Everyday Conflict  will help you improve your communication skills and learn to resolve conflict in a healthy way. 
GriefShare  will support you to find healing after loss and learn ways to cope with the deep sadness, loneliness, and confusion that comes with the loss of a loved one or someone close. 
Financial Peace University  will assist you to gain financial stability and learn how to manage your money and reduce your debt. 
Be with Jesus wil l sho w you how to deepen your relationship with God and learn practices that will draw you closer to Him.

On Sunday, we continue our  Walking the Way of Wisdom  series. This week, we’ll take a look at what Proverbs has to say about  Wisdom and WORDS . I think we can all agree that the words we use define us and greatly impact those around us. There are over 90 proverbs that directly address our tongues and the words we use.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Devo w/Pastor Ron & Kim

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 21:44:00 GMT

TCC Devo w/Patrick Nicholls

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 20:42:51 GMT

Worship w/Lyndsey Barrett

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 22:06:30 GMT

Gathering in Person + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 13:48:05 GMT

I’m sure by now you’ve all heard the news that the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in favor of churches in California. The governor cannot place undue restrictions on churches, which means that we can meet in person again. Praise God! This changes everything.

We are so excited about this new development. This ruling by the Supreme Court is a clear reminder that God is always in charge. What a great moment to celebrate our sovereign and creative God. I hope you’re rejoicing with me. I also pray that this gives you hope in other areas of your life where you seem to be stuck as you wait for your circumstances to change.

I hope you watched the video Kim and I made this week where we lay out some of the ways this new development will impact us here at TCC. As we gather again in person, we will continue to take our responsibility seriously to provide a safe and healthy environment for everyone who comes. Here’s what you can expect:

We will gather in person at 9:00 and 11:00am.
Children, birth through fifth grade, will meet at 9:00 and 11:00am.
Junior High School students will meet at 11:00am.
We will practice the social distancing efforts we’ve all become accustomed to observing.
Please be aware of the space between you and others.
We will wear masks to protect ourselves and others. If you need a mask, we will have one for you. If you cannot wear a mask for an extended time due to physical reasons or allergies, please wear one while entering, standing, or exiting.
We will sanitize before, during, and after services to keep our surfaces germ free.
We will receive offerings and Connection Cards as you exit the auditorium.

We can’t wait to have people back in the room again. Last Sunday, thirty-eight people showed up for our 9:00am service, and it was awesome. We can be excited as we anticipate 225 people gathering to worship God in each service. We can’t wait to see your eyes and hear your voice. I’m so happy and excited for this new step in our journey, and I believe God will honor the path we’ve taken over the past eleven months. I look forward to seeing how God pours out His blessings of abundance over our church. See you Sunday!

Grow University begins in March, and now is the time to choose which class you want to take to help you grow. Here are this session’s classes.

Resolving Everyday Conflict  will help you improve your communication skills and learn to resolve conflict in a healthy way. 
GriefShare  will support you to find healing after loss and learn ways to cope with the deep sadness, loneliness, and confusion that comes with the loss of a loved one or someone close. 
Financial Peace University  will assist you to gain financial stability and learn how to manage your money and reduce your debt. 
Be with Jesus wil l sh ow you how to deepen your relationship with God and learn practices that will draw you closer to Him.

On Sunday, we continue our Walking the Way of Wisdom series. This week, we’ll take a look at what Proverbs has to say about Wisdom and PRIDE . The writers of Proverbs have much to say about the damage pride caus es t o us i ndividually and relationally. I hope you’ll make sure to join us in person or tune in online this weekend to hear God’s Word for you.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Devo w/Pastor Ron & Kim

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 14:38:55 GMT

Devo w/Pastor Mark Hadley

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 22:36:37 GMT

Worship w/Pastor Dave Bollen

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 20:30:22 GMT

A Time of Waiting + Sunday Morning Resources

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 14:39:05 GMT

I’ve always loved Groundhog Day. Maybe it’s because the local Methodist Church always had an amazing sausage, biscuits, and gravy meal in my hometown. I’ve been enthralled each year to watch as the fine people in Pennsylvania brought Punxsutawney Phil out of his home each February 2 so that we would have certainty about how much longer winter will last. This year, they proclaimed, “Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, and so there will be only six more weeks of winter.” Drop the mic! Wouldn’t it be great if we have prognosticators and pollsters who could make such certain predictions? Of course, we all do. The problem is this: No one knows the future. All things are in a state of change and disequilibrium.

After looking at our latest COVID statistics for Nevada County yesterday, I told a friend that I’m a terrible predictor or prophet. I’ve believed that we are on a fast track to moving from PURPLE to RED, but it looks like the wait will be longer than anticipated. We’re in this terrible time we tend to loathe called WAITING. We are waiting for a change to happen when we have little or no control over the process, progress, or outcome. In our weekly video, Kim and I just talked about a posture of eager anticipation we can all adopt in these waiting times. I hope you will watch it.

Someone said to me today, “I’ll bet you never anticipated doing these weekly videos for what is coming up on a year.” I agreed. He then said, “I’ll bet it’s work to have something fresh to say each week.” I replied, “We’re just serving what we’re cooking in the kitchen.” Each week we begin our thoughts by asking ourselves, “What has God been saying?” We then get to share what we talk abou t at home together in our kitchen as we do life and discuss what we’ve been learning a bout God. It’s been fun!

We want to serve you better, so we’re changing the day my email blast/blog is delivered to your inbox. We’re now going to send this to you on Friday. This will allow us to include links to the weekly Message Notes, Community Group Homework, and Children’s and Student’s information so you can be prepared for the online experience at 9:00 and 1 1:00 a m each Sunday. You will have time to print your Message Notes before the service begins, allowing you to gain even more from our gathering. I ask one favor: Please don’t unsubscribe to these emails because you unsubscribe to all of our Twin Cities email communications when you do.

When we get to the Red Tier, we are going back to in-person services. We will observe all CDC safety guidelines concerning facemasks, sanitation, and social distancing for adults and children. We’ve heard your comments and cries – telling us how much you need to meet and gather as a church. We will meet together in person as soon as possible. We’ve heard other comments from folks telling us that they won’t be comfortable being in church until a later date. We will continue to make our online option available for you, and we’re grateful the online venue will continue to reach around the world.

Grow University begins in March, and now is the time to choose which class you want to take to help you grow. Here are this session’s classes.
 

Resolving Everyday Conflict  will help you improve your communication skills and learn to resolve conflict in a healthy way. 
GriefShare  will support you to find healing after loss and learn ways to cope with the deep sadness, loneliness, and confusion that comes with the loss of a loved one or someone close. 
Financial Peace University  will assist you to gain financial stability and learn how to manage your money and reduce your debt. 
Be with Jesus wil l show you how to deepen your relationship with God and learn practices that will draw you closer to H im.

On Sunday, we continue our  Walking the Way of Wisdom  series. This week, we’ll take a look at what Proverbs has to say about  Wisdom and FINANCES . The writers of Proverbs have much to say about how we handle our finances. I hope you’ll make sure to tune in online this weekend to hear God’s Word for you. 

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

During this time when we can’t meet in person, please make sure to stay engaged online. Let me encourage you to keep your Sunday rhythms by watching the service live at either 9:00 or 11:00am. I believe that will help you stay disciplined as we walk this road of COVID restrictions together and will help our church family feel your nearness and encouragement as we continue to “gather” in His name.

If you like, you can watch the current service or any archived service on demand any time you want right from our website or APP. Here’s an idea: When you’re watching online, please invite your friends to join you. If you haven’t downloaded the TCC APP, just go to the APP store and search for TCC GRASS VALLEY and download it today. You can watch the service right from your device.

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

New Paragraph

Devo w/Pastor Ron & Kim

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 19:31:14 GMT

Devo w/Holly LaChappell

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 19:27:25 GMT

Worship w/Michael Bauer

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 23:02:12 GMT

Devo w/Pastor Ron & Kim

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 17:44:54 GMT

Looking Forward to Moving into Red Tier

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 14:23:42 GMT

Tuesday night was crazy at my house as the winds blew to announce the arrival of our latest storm. Kimberly and I were working on our video script for Wednesday and talking about what it would be like in the morning. All of a sudden, the electricity blinked off, then back on, and finally it was all quiet – and very dark. The power was out, and it wasn’t even a PSPS event. I don’t know about you, but when interruptions like this occur, it’s hard for me to feel like it's a fun adventure. My wife sees it differently.

I hope you’ll watch our weekly devotional video be cause Kimberly and I talked about something that seems to be in short supply right now – a sense of peace that passes all our understanding – even in the middle of power outages. As you watch , you’ll know the behind-the-scene s story of what was going on with us as we prepared to shoot it. It was an opportunity to practice p eac e. I appreciate Patrick Nicholls and Shannon Prout and their efforts to shoot and post this video each week .

This week we saw that our governor lifted the Stay-At-Home order for the entire state. What was fascinating is how much news this made for our Sacramento area considering the fact that ours had already been lifted on January 12. That’s good news for many struggling businesses because they can now offer more of their services. At the same time, each county now goes back into the tier system that was in place before the Stay-At-Home order went into effect. What that means is that churches are restricted to outdoor services ONLY. So, because it’s winter, we’re going to stick with our online only format.

Last Friday, a California appellate court ruled in favor of the governor’s authority to restrict churches even though the Supreme Court had ruled that two other states could not restrict churches based upon religious freedom. According to one attorney, based upon this court’s ruling, it is illegal for churches to meet indoors. That’s why we’re still only providing our services online at this point.

The good news is that in a conversation I had with our new Nevada County Health Director, he told me that our county should be moving into the Red Tier in a few weeks, and that should set the trend for further movement.

Here’s how we’re interpreting that. When we get to the Red Tier, we are going back to in-person services. We will observe all CDC safety guidelines concerning facemasks, sanitation, and social distancing for both adults and children. We’ve heard your comments and cries telling us how much you need to meet and gather as a church. We’ve heard other comments from folks telling us that they won’t be comfortable being in church until a later date. For those who want to meet in-person, we will have that option, and for those who don’t, we will still have our quality online experience.

If all of this seems confusing, it’s because it’s all very complicated. I ask you to pray for your church. We’ve proven that one of our values is to love our neighbors and keep them safe. We’ve sought to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Now we get to see how God is going to bless us for our desire to love Him and love people. I’m excited about what is ahead. Make sure to stay in touch and be ready to gather together when we hit RED!

Grow University begins in March, and now is the time to choose which class you want to take to help you grow. Here are this session’s classes.

Resolving Everyday Conflict helps you i mprove your communication skill s and l earn to resolve conflict in a healthy way.
GriefShare helps you find healing after loss and learn ways to cope with the deep sadness, loneliness and confusion that comes with the loss of a loved one or someone close.
Financial Peace University helps you gain financial stability and learn how to manage your money and reduce your debt.
Be with Jesus helps you deepen your relationship with God and learn practices that will draw yo u closer to Him.

On Sunday, we continue our  Walking the Way of Wisdom  series. This week, we’ll take a look at what Proverbs has to say about  Wisdom and WORK . The writers of Proverbs have much to say about the value of being people who are diligent to work. This message will have application and relevance for all of us, whether we work at a job or not. I hope you’ll make sure to tune in online this weekend to hear God’s Word for you.

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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Devo w/Pastor Brett Malech

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 20:39:24 GMT

Worship w/Kevin Caravalho

Fri, 22 Jan 2021 21:42:50 GMT

Devo w/Pastor Ron & Kim

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 19:38:56 GMT

Praying for Our Country and Each Other

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 17:03:43 GMT

We watched two significant moments yesterday. One was the final remarks from President Trump as he said farewell to America. It was sobering to see him walk up the steps to Air Force One, wondering what he felt as he left office – not like he would have liked. Second was the inauguration of our 46 ^th President, Joe Biden. Once again it was sobering to think of the job before him. He has said that his number one goal is to unify our country. That, my friends, is going to take a miracle from Heaven.

Will you commit with me today that we will pray for President Biden and his team? Let’s pray for God’s mighty hand to work in ways that we can’t even begin to imagine or dream. I was talking with a friend right after the inauguration who said, “We pray for God’s will to be done in America as it is in Heaven.” I agree.

You can find strength in praying our 2021 Church Prayer . I’ve seen great encouragement this year by engaging in that prayer each day. If you look at it in context, it comes from the Apostle Paul’s instructions on how to be prepared for spiritual warfare. Prayer is both defensive armor and an offensive weapon. I encourage you to pray this prayer with your church family.

Friday is the day we pray for each other. I know that the COVID restrictions have led to relational loneliness, financial loss and devastation, family stress, career derailment, and emotional depression in so many people. I want you to know you can count on me praying for you every Friday. Folks, COVID will end its run. In the meantime, let’s all do what we can to stay connected in the ways we can. If you’re struggling – feeling isolated, or have financial hardship, or need emotional support – please reach out to your church for care.

In this time, we must keep our faith alive by looking for ways we can remain connected as a church family. One couple I know decided that they wanted to grow in their faith and connect with other Followers of Jesus, so they launched a new group. You may want to consider something like that. Gather 8-10 people in your home to study the Bible, watch the Sunday service, or reflect and pray using the Message Notes from Sunday. One person wrote this to me recently, “We are hoping the church will be able to open soon so we can resume worship as a group again, however, the fact that we can't meet as a church doesn't stop us from worshipping in small groups and doing whatever we must to continue our journey as Christians.”

Grow University begins soon, and now is the time to choose which class you want to take to help you grow. Here are this session’s classes.

Resolving Everyday Conflict helps you i mprove your communication skill s and lear n to resolve conflict in a healthy way.
GriefShare helps you find healing after loss and learn ways to cope with the deep sadness, loneliness and confusion t hat comes with the loss of a loved one or someone close.
Financial Peace University helps you gain financial stability and learn how to manage your money and reduce your debt.
Be with Jesus helps you deepen your relationship with God and learn practices that will draw yo u closer to Him.

We c ontinue to extend compassion to the hurting in our community through our monthly Drive-Thru Food Drive . N evada County Food Bank has had a reduction in the amount of food provided by the government, which has put an increased burden on all of our food distribution outlets. We support Interfaith Food Ministry, and our monthly food drives go a long way to helping them have the food resources they need to help meet the increased demand. So, go shopping for non-perishable food items and bring them by the church on Frid ay, 8:00-10:30a m. You won’t have to get out of your vehicle. Our team will receive your food and help the Interfaith volunteers sort and box the food before it is transferred to their distribution center.

Another way we extend compassion is through our involvement with LivingWel l Medical C linic. LivingWell has been one of our ministry partners for over 28 years. Just like all non-profits, their fundraising efforts have had to be restructured. Unfortunately, that also meant that their income was hindered. We’re going to pitch in and receive a special offering this Sunday, January 24 to help them during this tough time. If you want to give, you can go to our website or directly to their giving platform . Please pray about how you might want to give to help protect the unborn.

On Sunday, we continue our Walking the Way of Wisdom series. This week, we’ll take a look at what Proverbs has to say about Wisdom and FRIENDS . The past ten months have really challenged us, and it’s shown us how deep our friendship pool is. Some of us are finding that our pool was pretty shallow. Proverbs has a lot to say about friendship – how to make friends, how to forge friendship, and how to enrich friendship. I hope you’ll make sure to tune in online this weekend to hear God’s Word for you.

We’ll also observe communion on Sunday, so make sure to have juice and bread or a cracker on hand so that you can engage in this deeply moving spiritual practice. If you want, you can make your own communion bread. Here’s a recipe I use that makes fantastic bread for communion. Join me in making this experience interactive and involve your entire family.

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

New Paragraph

Devo w/Laura Bauer

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 00:14:19 GMT

Worship w/Semeria Bjorkman

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 16:46:37 GMT

Helpful Ways to Move Forward

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 12:11:50 GMT

My heart sunk last week as I watched the explosive conduct from the group of protestors at the United States Capitol building. I sat stunned as I watched what seemed to be images from some action movie because inside, I kept thinking, “This is not real. This can’t be happening.” But as we all know it was real, and it did happen.

One question that keeps nagging at me is “Why?” Why was this the action chosen by a group of people to demonstrate their displeasure over the results of the 2020 election? How could anyone think that this was a responsible way to act? Why did lives have to be lost, property destroyed, and an institution that represents our very freedom have to be violated? I am not smart enough to express an answer to that question, but I have an answer that I don’t believe will surprise you if you know me well.

Here’s my thought: The why is some people believe that the acquisition and control of power is the only way to protect their rights or status or cause. What we saw was a group of people who believe that the only way to control is through chaos and destruction. Inside, I hope to believe that no one intended loss of life, but the wanton disregard for the value of our constitution and our institutions showed that human life had little value either.

The next question I have is “How?” How do we move forward? Well, this is where you get to see how simple I really am. Kim and I just finished shooting our weekly devotional . I made a point to show the two bracelets I wear. If you’re observant, you can see them each week as you watch our services online.

The blue one is a reminder that I want my life to stand out in a way that people see Jesus through the way I respond and react to lif e. I want my life to make much of the Savior who gave His life for me and made it possible for me to enter into the Kingdom of God’s sovereign will . I want people to know Jesus and not be distracted by my ow n pride or agenda or reactions to life.

The blue band represents the Fruit of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. Am I there yet? Am I like this at all times? You know me well enough to be able to gently say, “No, Ron, you’re not.” Here’s the really cool thing though. I have heard from a solid and reputable source (Kimberly) that I’m much better than I used to be. I can accept that. God doesn’t want perfection from us. He just wants progress.

The green one is a reminder that God’s in charge no matter how things look, how I feel, or what others say. That , my friends , is reason for confidence in the face of all the chaos and challenging situations we see in our world. The beauty is that this bracelet reminds me that even though I do have responsibility in life, the truth is that the world does not ride on my shoulders. Do you ever feel the weight of the world? When I look around at the pain, chaos, confusion, division, etc., instead of feeling like I have to say the right thing or take the right action, I can rest in His sovereign control.

This is a lesson I’ve been learning now for a long time. I celebrate that the reason I can sleep without anxiety at night is that I’m learning to lean hard into God and His relational presence more and more each year. Once again, the one who knows me best (Kimberly) would agree that I am less anxious and more peaceful than I’ve ever been. During this time where we’ve walked through the COVID pandemic, I’ve actually been able to resist (well at least most of time) taking the worl d o n my shoulders.

Those are two helpful and active ways for us to move forward: To love like Jesus as we represent Him well, and to trust in God as we face the uncertainty before us. I pray that we’ll all be lights in a dark world through our faith and obedience to Him.

As I write this, I realize that I’m giving you our leadership strategy during this COVID logjam. Our pastors have talked less about COVID and more about God. There’s a reason for that. We can focus on what’s wrong, or we can focus o n Who’ s in charge! Sure, we talk about the difficulties we face and make application to real life, but when we help you know God better, rely on the Holy Spirit more, and walk with Jesus consistently, then we feel like we’ve succeeded as your pastors and shepherds.

Our goal during COVID has been three-fold. We want to make much of Jesus and represent Him well. We want to be strengthened in our faith and grow in our confidence in God. And we want to be the best ambassadors for Jesus we can be to our neighbors. That means that our goal has been to work to shepherd the people who call Twin Cities Church home while showing our neighbors our care and concern for their lives, families, and businesses.

On Sunday, we continue our Walking the Way of Wisdom series. This week, we’ll take a look at what Proverbs has to say about Wisdom and JUSTICE . I chose this topic from Proverbs to coincide with Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend. We’ll look at what Proverbs has to say about justice to all those who are oppressed, downtrodden, and feel discrimination.

You’ve probably heard that the Stay-At-Home order has been lifted for Nevada County. That means we’re going back to the Color Purple as far as restrictions go for churches. Please pray that we will make the best decisions about when to meet again in person. We know that there is a cost to people when we don’t meet. That’s real. There’s also a possible cost when we do meet together.

Let’s ask God to show us His will for our church. It’s been so awesome to receive continued support for the way we’ve handled this COVID season. At the same time, I want to acknowledge that some of you miss the gathering of the Body. I do, too. I am praying that you will do the work it takes to stay connected when connection seems so difficult.

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

New Paragraph

Devo w/Pastor Ron & Kim

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 22:18:55 GMT

Devo w/Pastor John Fairchild

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 21:15:45 GMT

Worship w/Kyle Querec

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 21:12:55 GMT

Steps for Raising Hopefulness

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 14:58:32 GMT

It’s a great time to begin new routines with these two practices I want to share today. Imagine what this year could contain if you were to have the goal of knowing God better as your one desire. I know that if you’re like me, you’re thinking, “What about all the other things I want to accomplish or change? What do I do about those goals?”

Well, what I’m about to say is probably the best thing you could hear as we begin 2021. Here it is: Make reading your Bible and praying your top priorities in 2021 and watch what happens. You’ll find that you reach the rest of your goals much easier, OR, they may just change as you get closer to God and realize that knowing Him better satisfied the longing in your soul more than reaching any other goal could.

Sunday, we began 2021 with an encouragement to read the Bible daily and pray a specific prayer to God each day for the entire year. Why Bible reading you ask? I read this week that those who are frequent Bible readers rated themselves more hopeful than irregular readers did. On a scale of 1 to 100, with 100 being the most hopeful, those who reported reading their Bibles multiple times per week scored a 75 compared to those who said they only read their Bible 3-4 times per year, who scored a 42. The study indicated that engagement with the Bible along with others lifted the scores higher than any other contributing factors.

That means that reading your Bible and engaging with others to talk about what you read is key to hopefulness and human flourishing. And people didn’t have to physically be together to see these results. They were similar for those who engaged with their church online. This is important information for us to reflect and act on. Pastor Mark and Laura Bauer have been hard at work to help those who desire to be connected in a Community Group find one that fits their needs. Bible engagement and reflection happen in these groups. Make sure to contact Laura to find a group for you.

We printed a bookmark with a Bible reading plan but because we’re not meeting in person right now, there are three ways to get it. One, stop by the church office. Two, email or call and ask us to mail one to you. Three, look at the Bible Reading Plans we have on our website.

That brings us to the second practice that I believe will help raise your hopefulness attitude this year: daily prayer . On Sunday, I outlined our 2021 Church Prayer : Be Stronger Through Prayer. If you missed the message, please make a point of watching it soon. I gave the reason for the prayer and instructions for how to make it meaningful.

We print a Church Prayer bookmark each year as well. You can follow the same steps above if you want to get a physical card or you can look online and follow along. If you want, you can come get some exercise and walk around our church parking lot. We have prayer stations with a prayer on each station. What a great way to exercise physically and spiritually.

Reading the Bible and praying helps me persevere and keep my eyes on Jesus. Can you imagine what your life could be like if you engaged with God each day for a year? Can you even begin to dream of how you might be different? I believe that if we make it our goal to engage in these two practices in 2021, they will help us keep our eyes focused on Jesus. When we do that, we’ll find that we experience more of His peace, mercy, and grace no matter what the next year may bring. I hope you will join me in this challenge for the upcoming year. Our website has clear guidelines to help you engage in these two practices with your church family in 2021.

On Sunday, we continue our Walking the Way of Wisdo m series. This week, we’ll take a look at what Proverbs has to say about Wisdom and DECISIONS . What a great way to begin the new year because I’m sure it will be packed with decisions that will require more wisdom than we have. We’ll learn how to look to God’ s Wor d to help us make wise decisions.

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

P.S. I just watched the news as our United States Capitol was overrun by zealots who are choosing to make a violent public statement about their disapproval of the results of the political process in our nation. Let’s pray for God’s will to be done and for a supernatural overflowing of His Holy Spirit that will bring healing in our land.

Devo w/Pastor Ron & Kim

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 19:45:05 GMT

Joy To The World w/Kevin & Team

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 22:38:40 GMT

Devo w/Holly LaChappell

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 20:59:00 GMT

Two Keys That Will Help You Keep Your Focus On Jesus

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 13:06:08 GMT

As we end this year known for its uncertainty, chaos, and tension, many people are eagerly anticipating changing their calendars on Friday as we celebrate the coming of 2021. I don’t know if you watched SGN (Some Good News) with John Krasinski, but it was one of the shows that helped me get through the earliest COVID logjam moments. He tapped into something we all need, and that is to take our eyes off the “bad” news around us and realize that good is waiting for us to discover it.

I’ve discovered that wishing 2020 had not happened or believing that a calendar change will impact our reality is not going to make things different. We must take a proactive approach to look for good news as we step into the new year. We’ve all tried resolutions, but if we’re honest, we can admit that making resolutions usually doesn’t work. We’ve tried making changes throug h willpowe r, effort, and self-help, but these efforts have left us stuck in the quagmire as we long to get through these times.

This morning I read a blog that gave me a clear perspective on how I plan to approach 2021 and looking for good news. It spoke to me about a choice we can make that will make a difference in our perspective while giving us the strength to face our difficulties with renewed hope. The writer talked about the importance of focus and used Hebrews 12:1-2 as her example of where we place our eyes can make a difference.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Hi m H e en dured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

I want to give you two keys that will help you keep your focus on Jesus in 2021. That way, no matter what happens – even if something worse than COVID arises – you can succeed in your desire to know Him better.

Instead of making New Year’s resolutions about what you want to do more of or less of in 2021, what if you made it your goal to engage in a way that would help you most? What if you made a goal that would develop your character and give you inspiration for each day? What if you could say this each day: “Today, I know God better than I knew Him yesterday?”

I believe that if you would adopt these two practices, then this is precisely what would happen. Here they are: Make it your goal to engage with your Bible and communicate with God in prayer each day. That’s it. I don’t think I want to suggest any other practice to you that could make more of a difference than these two.

First, let’s talk ab out engagin g w ith the Bible each day. Did you know that people who succeed at the idea of Bible reading do so because they didn’t leave their engagement up to chance? Instead, they followed a plan. I want to suggest that you make reading the Bible a priority for each day. There are many plans you can follow. At Twin Cities, we have a reading plan we’ve recommended for two decades. You can find a copy of it here .

What we’ve discovered over time, though, is that this plan can feel cumbersome because of the sheer volume of reading for each day. That’s why we’ve also included some links on our website to other plans you might choose. It’s not important which plan you choose, as much as it is that you choose a plan. Whichever plan you use, the way to get the most out of your Bible engagement is to take time to write down what you heard from God. Journaling is the key to deepening your retention and helps you remember what God spoke to you through His Word.

Second, let’s continue with daily prayer. Coming to God in prayer is the place where you get to meet with Him in intimacy and relationshi p. I can’t even begin to tell you how much daily prayer has done to draw me into deeper intimacy with God.

Each year we offer a challenge to make a specific prayer part of our everyday experience. In 2020, we participated together in the Lord’s Prayer. I found that exercise to be so helpful each day as we made our way through the uncertainty we faced in 2020. Our 2021 prayer is based upon Paul’s encouragement to the church as Ephesus as he guided them in how to stand strong in times of great difficulty and opposition.

On Sunday, I will unpack this prayer for us as part of ou r Walking the Way of Wisdom serie s. About three months ago, I sensed a leading from God to use this prayer as our 2021 focus because it is strategically offensive and defensive at the same time. When I use the word “offensive,” I mean that prayer is our offensive weapon as we wage battle against the forces of evil in our world. At the same time, it is “defensive” in that it provides us with protection from o ur archenem y, Sata n. If there was ever a time when we needed both parts of prayer, it is now. We need this.

Reading the Bible and praying helps me persevere and keep my eyes on Jesus. Can you imagine what your life could be like if you engaged with God each day for a year? Can you even begin to dream of how you might be different? I believe that if we make it our goal to engage in these two practices in 2021, they wil l help us keep our eyes focused on Jesus. When we do that, we’ll find that we experience more of His peace, mercy, and grac e no matter what the next year may bring. I hope you will join me in this challenge for the upcoming ye ar. Our website has clear guidelines to help you engage in these two practices with your church family in 2021.

Today, December 31, is the last day to give to our church and have it credited to your account for IRS purposes. Our Year-End Gift allows us to take steps forward in our mission to lead as many people as possible into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. If ever there was a time when the world needed the church to function at a high level, it’s now.

When we give to our church, we get to see our gifts at work to help the hurting, the helpless, and the hopeless right here in our community and around the world. But more than that, we know that every gift we give goes to support and provide guidance to people who need to experience God’s love and compassion. What we do has eternal significance. If you want to know more about our Year-End Giving emphasis and how you can give, you can read about it on our website.

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

Devo w/Pastor Mark Hadley

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 02:36:59 GMT

Directing Our Hearts

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 13:40:53 GMT

What a year this has been! It seems like so long ago that our calendars changed to 2020. I can’t recall all of the occasions in this year that I’ve heard people lament and long for it to end. As if the calendar has power over the circumstances we face. Instead, we can use these moments in ways that will move us forward to become the kind of people who handle difficulties with more grace, peace, and contentment.

I’m leaning into that way of thinking as we wrap up this year. How can I be better equipped and trained to be the kind of person who represents Jesus well? I know that it begins with the direction of my heart. Did you know that you will always end up where your heart leads? As we learned in our Uncommon Sense series, our hearts are the wellsprings of our lives. When you add that to Jesus’ words that it is out of the heart that life flows, then it is in my best interest to give considerable time to focus on my heart’s condition.

The 30-Day Gratitude Experiment that we began on Thanksgiving day ends on Christmas day. I found this practice to be so uplifting and mood changing that I believe I will keep it up. Would you let me know if you participated and engaged in the 30-Day Gratitude Experiment by replying to this email and telling me in a few words how this practice impacted you?

Did you know that some experts believe it takes 21 days to form a new habit? So, if you’ve engaged in practicing gratitude for the past 30 days, you may have just instilled a habit that is good for you. What if your resolution for the new year was to work to be more grateful every day of 2021? If you would do so, then I believe you would find yourself increasingly filled with the joy we so long to know.

It's still  Year-End Gift season. When we give to our church, we get to see our gifts at work to help the hurting, the helpless, and the hopeless right here in our community and around the world. But more than that, we know that every gift we give goes to support and provide guidance to people who need to experience God’s love and compassion. What we do has eternal significance. If you want to know more about our Year-End Giving emphasis and how you can give, you can read about it on our website.

We wrap up our Advent series this Sunday by looking at Matthew 28:16-20. Wait a minute , you say, “What happened to the Christmas story?” Well, what we’re going to do is look at one of the messiest of times in the life of Jesus’ disciples. It’s that time when Jesus, the one they were giving their lives to follow, ended up being crucified on a cross, put into a grave, and then miraculously raised from the dead. It was pretty messy, and out of that moment, Jesus told His ragtag group of followers that they were to continue His mission on Earth. Then He promised to be with them – and us – forever. Wherever we would go and whatever we would do, He would be our constant presence and companion. I hope you’ll join us on Sunday for this robust ending to our series on A Messy Christma s .

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

Devo w/Pastor Ron & Kim

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 14:35:41 GMT

Devo w/Laura Bauer

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 01:25:38 GMT

Worship w/Shannon Prout

Sat, 19 Dec 2020 22:45:03 GMT

Practicing the Presence of Jesus

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 14:25:16 GMT

God is with us! That’s the beautiful and encouraging message the angel gave Joseph when he shared the news about the baby in Mary’s womb. I know that was messy for them and changed the plans they had for their lives. I can’t even imagine. I want to know more deeply how they had the kind of faith that allowed them to receive this news with such faith, trust, and confidence in God. That realization would help me more easily see God at work in my life like He was in theirs.

Our world is pretty messy right now as we continue to face the challenges of COVID, election animosity, racial tension, and an overall sense of division between people. We’re facing times like none of us have ever been through, and it’s revealing a need for a strong foundation. Actually, it’s revealing the strength of the foundation we already have. I want to express my gratitude to God that even though things have been difficult, I feel secure in His love.

That doesn’t mean that I’ve not had my emotional ups and downs. We all have those, correct? Just yesterday I had a couple of challenges that hit me deep in my soul. I felt fear, sadness, and loneliness. Instead of trying to manage those feelings on my own, I immediately took them to God and practiced being in the presence of Jesus.

At the same time, I listened to a devotional based upon Zephaniah 3:11-13. Here is where I was guided to focus my mind: “Picture the scene where the humble are led to a place of safety wher e no on e w ill make them afraid. Can you place yourself in the scene? Can you allow yourself to be encouraged by these promises? Is there perhaps a change of attitude you long to see in yourself? In this season of Advent, wait in the presence of God who wants to bring you to a place of safety. Speak to Him openly, as one friend to another, about what is on your heart.”

The key for m e was to imagine Jesus talking to me as His sheep and telling me that He was with me; therefor e, the re was nothing to fear. I was immediately able to do this because I had been practicing the presence of Jesus regularly. What an exciting moment for me in my journey. Will you learn with me what it means to know that He is with us in all moments? That’s what God with us means. Jesus made it possible for God to be with us and now, through the presence of the Holy Spirit, we have God in us as well.

Several people have thanked me for the 30-Day Gratitude Experiment. I know that I’m finding it to be uplifting as I am able to take my eyes off what is  not  right or  not  what I want and place them on what is good around me. After Christmas, I’ll ask you if the gratitude experiment made a difference in your attitude, joy, contentment, peace, and overall satisfaction. Let’s increase our joy together. Just make sure that when you post about gratitude that you use #TCC30DayGratitudeExperiment. Gratitude reminds us of how we’ve been blessed and generates emotional inertia to bless others.

Families, we’ve put a super fun Birthday Party for Jesus kit together for you to help you engage with your kids during Christmas. You can pick up a kit this Sunday from 9: 00-11: 00a m in front of the building at the roundabout. If you can’t make it then, they’ll be available at the church office throughout the week during office hours. Make sure to check the website to find out more because these details may change.

It's Year-End Gift season. When we give to our church, we get to see our gifts at work to help the hurting, the helpless, and the hopeless right here in our community and around the world. But more than that, we know that every gift we give goes to support and provide guidance to people who need to experience God’s love and compassion. What we do has eternal significance. If you want to know more about our Year-End Giving emphasis and how you can give, you can read about it on our website.

This week the news reported that 50 million Americans are facing severe food shortages and hunger issues right now. You may have seen the video of long lines as people waited hours to receive food from the food banks. Interfaith Food Ministry reported that they have served almost 6000 individuals representing 2500 family units EACH MONTH during the Fall. Wow, that’s a lot of people in our community who need our caring assistance.

We can help Interfaith Food Ministries as we engage in our next "Shop, Stop, & Drop" Drive-Thru Food Drive . This is a no-contact, maximum-impact way to support our community and the growing number of people in need from COVID-19 hardships. We are asking for your help in donating much needed non-perishable food items. There is no need to leave your car. Drive to TCC’s parking lot between 8:00-10:30am THIS Friday, December 18. Just follow the signs and instructions from our wonderful volunteers who will be helping that day.

We continue our Advent series this Sunday by looking at Matthew 2:13-23. This is the first time in our history as a church that we’ve covered these particular verses that are part of the Christmas story. They are probably not on the top of most people’s favorite verses for this time of year because they are full of angst, pain and sadness. I want to invite you to watch this week because the message will comfort those who hav e face d loss and grief. If you know someone who has lost a loved one or faced any other significant loss , enc ourage them to watch the service on Sunday. It’s called Messy Problems . You might also take time to watch the video Kim and I were able to shoot this week. We talked about how to face tough emotional issues.

Our Worship Arts Team is actively working to produce a wonderful and inspiring Christmas Eve service . I am so eager to get a chance to see the final version and sha re it with our community. The service times will be December 23 at 6:00pm and December 24 at 2:00, 4:00 and 6:00pm. You will also be able to view it on demand any time after December 24. Will you help us get the word out? Just click here and consider sending an invitation to your friends. I can’t wait to experience all God has in store for us through this experience.

During this time when we can’ t be on campus together, please make sure to stay engaged online. Let me encourage you to keep your Sunday rhythms by watching the service live at either 9:00 or 11:00am. I believe that will help you stay disciplined as we walk this road of COVID restrictions together.

If you need, you can watch the current service or any archived service on demand any time you want right from our website or APP. Here’s an idea: When you’re watching online, please invite your friends to join you. If you haven’t downloaded the TCC APP, just go to the APP store and search for TCC GRASS VALLEY and download it today. You can watch the service right from your device.

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

Devo w/Pastor Ron & Kim

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 20:03:48 GMT

Devo w/Holly LaChappell

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 17:56:02 GMT

Worship w/Pastor Dave Bollen & Team

Sun, 13 Dec 2020 19:58:21 GMT

Show People You Care

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 14:08:33 GMT

By now, you’ve probably all learned that Nevada County is under a Stay-at-Home order that will last through December 31. What does that mean for our church? Well, in alignment with the values we’ve adhered to this entire COVID logjam, we won’t have to make many changes other than the ones we recently adopted when we went PURPLE.

Please hear me – church is NOT canceled. The place we do church has changed. The way we do church has changed. We have an opportunity to be the light of Jesus to our community by honoring God and blessing our neighbors. We will still have church on Sundays. We will still have Christmas Eve services. Our Worship Arts and Technical teams have been hard at work at how we’re going to continue to offer church on Sundays and meaningful and inspiring Christmas Eve services. This is a pivot that was expected and prepared for in advance.

Please pray for a unified spirit to fill everyone who calls Twin Cities Church home. None of us likes this. Let’s be honest and real. But it’s our current reality. So, the question is, “How do we make much of Jesus during the month we celebrate His birth?” We believe we do that by putting aside our rights to do life the way we want for the good of all who are part of our community. Let’s make it our goal to support our local businesses during this time when they need us most.

You can check our website out for information on upcoming plans and events. At this moment, we’re going to do all we can to serve you well. Your spiritual health is our primary concern.

I had already written the following before the Stay-at-Home order was put into place, and I am going to include it because it’s still good stuff.

I’ve been thinking and praying a lot for you during this season we’re in right now. Today, I want to share a way you can encourage the people in your world. In one of my messages on relationship skills from a long time ago, I suggested a way to show people you care. It was based on a skill I learned to get someone to open up and talk more deeply from their heart, based upon a simple way to ask a deeper, more probing question like this: “How are you doing? Really?”

When you ask that question, the best way to make sure it’s heard is to pause, look the person in the eye, and listen as they speak. And if you want to engage in graduate-level relationship stuff, ask a clarifying question or two. Finally, make a statement of empathy like this: “Wow, that is really big.” Or “That sounds tough.” When you show that kind of empathy, you show that you really care, and it allows the other person to tap into their feelings.

I say all of that because I want to know how you’re doing. Really. I haven’t seen some of your faces since March. Others of you I’ve seen a few times. This isolation and social distancing goes against all that I am – even as an introvert. I miss you so much and can’t wait to get back to a rhythm of connection like we’ve known over the years together. God made us for community. So, what can we do during this time of our COVID logjam to engage together – even if we can’t be in the same physical space?

I have a couple of ideas that might help. One, begin a letter-writing campaign. In times of isolation, letters are such a lift to a person’s spirit. When you acknowledge that you’ve been thinking of them and offer words of gratitude for who they are, what they mean to you, the courage you see in them, those words of encouragement can brighten a person’s mood.

Here’s another suggestion. Make a phone call. I’m sure that I’m aging myself by saying that, but there’s something special about hearing these words, “I’ve missed you,” from someone who knows you. Phone calls allow for an emotional connection and encourage deeper limbic responses.

Here’s another idea. Use social media to bless others. Instead of just hitting the “like” or “heart” button, make a comment on their post. You could celebrate what you see they’re doing. You could offer a word of “atta boy or girl.” You could speak into their world about something totally unrelated to the post they’ve done and share how much they mean to you. Surprise others by your imaginative thoughtfulness.

Finally, you could speak a short prayer for them by reminding them of God’s promises and faithfulness in all circumstances. This helps your friend, loved one, co-worker, or acquaintance to take their eyes off their reality and pull them up toward God. I read a Bible verse today that helped me tremendously. This is from Isaiah 40:25-26. “’To whom will you compare Me? Or who is My equal? ’ says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.” At Christmas, we think of the star that led the Wise Men to Bethlehem. Let’s take time to look up during this season and see what God is doing in others.

Several people have thanked me for th e 30-Day Gratitude Experiment . I know that I’m finding it to be uplifting as I am able to take my eyes off what is not right or not what I want and place them on what is good around me. After Christmas, I’ll ask you if the gratitude experiment made a difference in your attitude, joy, contentment, peace, and overall satisfaction. Let’s increase our joy together. Just make sure that when you post about gratitude that you use #TCC30DayGratitudeExperiment. Gratitude reminds us of how we’ve been blessed and generates emotional inertia to bless others.

Families, we’ve put a super fun Birthday Party for Jesus kit together for you to help you engage with your kids during Christmas Eve. You can pick up a kit on Sundays from 9:00-11:00AM in front of the building at the roundabout . If you can’t make it then, they’ll be available at the church office during the week. Make sure to check the website to find out more because these details may change.

You may have seen the news about the overwhelming need our food banks are experiencing as they help families who are food challenged. We can help Interfaith Food Ministries as we engage in our next "Shop, Stop, & Drop" Drive-Thru Food Drive . This is a no-contact, maximum-impact way to support our community and the growing number of people in need from COVID-19 hardships. We are asking for your help in donating much needed non-perishable food items. There is no need to leave your car. Simply drive to TCC’s parking lot between 8:00-10:30am on Friday, December 18 and follow the volunteer’s directions and signs. Please check our website often because these details may change.

We continue our Advent series this Sunday by looking at Matthew 2:1-12, and the focus will be on A Messy Pursuit . This story that many will find familiar is full of deep truth and challenge. I hope you’ll tune in and worship with us on Sunday.

During this time when it’s impossible for us to be on campus together, please make sure to stay engaged online. Let me encourage you to keep your Sunday rhythms by watching the service live at either 9:00 or 11:00am. I believe that will help you stay disciplined as we walk this road of COVID restrictions together.

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

Devo w/Pastor Ron & Kim

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 21:07:05 GMT

TCC Devo w/Pastor Brett Malech

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 21:20:28 GMT

Finding Supernatural Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 14:31:11 GMT

It’s beginning to look a lot like a MESSY CHRISTMAS as we continue to experience our COVID logjam. Who would have ever imagined something like a virus would interrupt both Easter and Christmas in the same year? It’s unfathomable, and yet that’s where we find ourselves as Christmas 2020 approaches. This reality we’re living in makes Advent even more meaningful of an experience.

Advent began to commemorate the longing and waiting of the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, by God’s people. When you read the Old Testament, you find that God made promises of the coming of a Messiah who would set the nation of Israel free from oppression. When you read these promises and prophecies, you find amazingly accurate descriptions of what the Messiah would be like, what He would do for God’s people, where He would be born, and how He would be received.

We celebrate Christmas to commemorate the first coming of Jesus, and now we observe Advent to express our longing for the fulfillment of the promise that Jesus will come again. Yahoo! Now, we are in another waiting period where we are placing our hope in the second coming of Jesus. We are living in the time between, and just like it was for God’s people as they waited for Jesus to come the first time, we are required to wait and watch.

Each week we light a candle to remind us of God’s promises to us. We need supernatural HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE that helps us take our eyes off our current circumstances and to have our spirits lifted as we express our longing for His arrival. I want to ask you to engage each week during Advent and allow our focus to give you a confident way of approaching a very difficult, complicated, and messy season. You can watch as Kim and I talk about our Advent experience this week here .

Last week I invited you to join me in a 30-day gratitude experiment. How’s it going? I’m finding it to be uplifting as I am able to take my eyes off what is not right or not what I want and place them on what is good around me. For example, regarding our purposeful response to the color PURPLE restrictions we’re in, one person wrote and thanked me for helping her put her focus on what we can do instead of focusing wasted energy on what we can’t do.

After Christmas, I’ll ask you if the gratitude experiment made a difference in your attitude, joy, contentment, peace, and overall satisfaction. Let’s increase our joy together. Just make sure that when you post about gratitude that you use #TCC30DayGratitudeExperiment. Gratitude reminds us of how we’ve been blessed and generates emotional inertia to bless others.

I hope you’ll go to our website and look at our Holiday Serve Opportunities to see how you can bless others during this holiday season. You’ll discover how you can bless a family by making a Christmas basket. You can bless an At-Risk Student by filling a Christmas stocking. You can serve your neighbors through intentional acts of kindness. You can donate to help Interfaith Food Ministry supply meals to resource-challenged families. You can give generously to our annual Year-End Gift fund so that our church is prepared to pivot and meet new needs in the upcoming year. Whatever you do, your generosity will allow God to be seen through your actions as you spread the love of Jesus to our community.

It's Year-End Gift season. I was reminded this week on the National Day of Giving, with all the appeals that hit my inbox, how tremendously important each gift is to our church. When we give to our church, we get to see our gifts at work to help the hurting, the helpless, and the hopeless right here in our community and around the world. But more than that, we know that every gift we give goes to support and provide guidance to people who need to experience God’s love and compassion. What we do has eternal significance. When I was looking at the numerous ads that filled my inbox this week, I realized that there are some great causes I can give to and support, so what I do is make sure to give to those who are not just concerned with the physical, emotional, or mental needs people have, but also to make sure that the organization would also help with the deeper spiritual needs. If you want to know more about our Year-End Giving emphasis and how you can give, you can read about it on our website.

You may have seen the news about the overwhelming need our food banks are seeing as they help families who are food challenged. We can help Interfaith Food Ministries as we engage in our next "Shop, Stop, & Drop" Drive-Thru Food Drive . This is a no-contact, maximum-impact way to support our community and the growing number of people in need from COVID-19 hardships. We are asking for your help in donating much needed non-perishable food items! There is no need to leave your car. Simply drive to TCC’s parking lot between 8:00-10:30am on Friday, December 18 and follow the directions of the volunteers and signs.

We continue our Advent series this Sunday by looking at Matthew 1:18-25. It’s all about Messy Dreams. Sometimes God works in ways we just can’t understand or comprehend. These interruptions can create disequilibrium, chaos, and concern within us as we try to follow God faithfully even when it costs us our dreams.

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others, 

Devo w/Pastor Ron & Kim

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 20:25:22 GMT

TCC Devo w/Patrick Nicholls

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 17:24:05 GMT

Giving Thanks In All Circumstances

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 13:59:17 GMT

I’m thankful for you. Did you know that you are a blessing to me? Each of you in your own way add meaning and joy to my life. Kim and I just prepared a Thanksgiving video for you that I hope you have watched. If not, we hope you will watch it soon because we talked about the power of gratitude that helps us lift our eyes off the difficulties of life that can cause us to grumble.

We shared a concept from a book by neurologist Rick Hansen where he describes our brains as either Velcro or Teflon. Our natural tendency (we all have this) is for negative experiences, thoughts, words and actions to stick like Velcro to our brains. They’re hard to get unstuck. On the other hand, the positive or good events of our lives slip off our brains like an egg does in a frying pan coated with Teflon. Therefore, we have to act forcefully to pull the negative thoughts from our brains and at the same time purposefully act to stop the positive thoughts from slipping right out of our memories after we experience them.

Gratitude is the key to doing both. As I focus on the good, the bad is released. As I focus on the good, I can slow its departure from my brain and hopefully even lodge it there. Wow, that’s a lot of head stuff, and God didn’t leave us with just information about gratitude… He shows us how to make it work. In 1 Thessalonians 5 we find one of the key biblical commands concerning gratitude. Paul wrote, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I love that verse, but it’s not easy to live out in our daily lives – especially in this COVID logjam we’ve been stuck in since March.

I want to invite you to join me on a 30-day gratitude challenge beginning today, Thanksgiving, and ending on Christmas day. My plan is to spend five minutes each morning and five minutes each evening for the next 30 days expressing my gratitude to God for His blessings in my life. Since gratitude is the seedbed for joy, I want to plant as many seeds as possible and hopefully reap the benefits of expressing gratitude for 30 days. I want to begin the practice of unsticking the negative thoughts and making the positive ones stick through expressing gratitude.

Will you join me in this 30-day gratitude experiment? Here are a couple of suggestions on how to make this work for you and your family. Use a journal that you dedicate as your gratitude journal. Use a daily/monthly planner and write what you’re thankful for. Use a gratitude jar – a mason jar works great – and place it on your table with scraps of paper so the entire family can join in on this gratitude adventure. Whatever you do, make sure it’s simple and easy and memorable. Maybe it would help you, and others, if you posted your gratitude to your social media platform.

I hope you’ll go to our website and look at our Holiday Serve Opportunities to see how you can bless others during this holiday season. You’ll discover how you can bless a family by making a Christmas basket. You can bless an At-Risk Student by filling a Christmas stocking. You can serve your neighbors through intentional acts of kindness. You can donate to help Interfaith Food Ministry supply meals to resource-challenged families. You can give generously to our annual Year-End Gift fund so that our church is prepared to pivot to meet new needs in the upcoming year. Whatever you do, your generosity will allow God to be seen through your actions as you spread the love of Jesus to our community.

We begin Advent this Sunday. I’m so thrilled at this opportunity to walk through this tradition with you. When we tap into the meaningful expressions handed down through the generations, we are reminded that God is faithful to His people to deliver His message of hope and love to the world. We will begin our Advent series which is called “A Messy Christmas,” to acknowledge the mess we’re experiencing together in this COVID-19 Christmas season.

Our young families are entering into this experience through the Advent Family Wreath craft . We had planned on having this as an onsite activity, but we’ve now moved it to an "At Home" event. Please call our Children’s Ministry staff at the church office, and they’ll be glad to serve you by making your own at-home Advent kit.

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others, 

Devo w/Pastor Ron & Kim

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 16:42:33 GMT

Devo w/Pastor John Fairchild

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 20:11:36 GMT

Year-End Gift 2020

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 18:06:32 GMT

Hey Family and Friends,

I love how generous you are. We are at a unique time in our culture, and people need the church. Jesus set up His CHURCH to be the main force through which He would offer hope and help to the world. As each of us gives generously to His church, we become part of something that brings peace and changes lives for the better.

As we look around, we can see that the needs are great in our world today. God has placed His church here to express and release His deep compassion to the hurting in our world. We see the effects of the COVID logjam we’ve endured the past nine months, and it’s overwhelming. It’s so inspiring, though, to look back at history and see that the church has actively engaged to help meet the needs of those who are hurting.

Friends, we’re seeing suicide rates climb in Nevada County and in every part of our country. We’re hearing of stories of families who are going without food. We’re seeing more and more homelessness, domestic violence, marital discord, divorce, and family breakups are going on – even though we may not see it underneath the cover of COVID.

God has placed Twin Cities as His church in this place for just this moment. We’re here to shine His healing light. We’re here to spread His fragrant seasoning. We’re here to unleash His empathetic compassion. We’re here to be His voice of comforting peace. We’re here to LOVE EVERYONE ALWAYS and to be a place WHERE HOPE IS FOUND.

I’m asking you to join me in praying about how we can help even more people experience God’s love in the coming year through your generous giving to our Year-End Gift. In 2020, we’ve been able to pivot

and offer quality online church services by adding new equipment, software, and staff. Folks, our online presence has been a lifeline for so many. Here’s a comment from last Sunday from a person who made

it to an onsite service for the first time since March. She said, “Even though I have not physically been here, I watch every Sunday, and if I hadn’t been able to do this, I would not have the hope and strength I have now. Thank you so very much!”

We’ve been able to help those who have needs for shelter, food, and support. We’ve been able to engage in even greater ways with our ministry partners who work to alleviate the suffering and struggle of so many hurting people. We’ve been able to grow our weekly number of people who are engaging with us online. We’ve engaged with our community by serving in unique ways, and God keeps opening up opportunities for more all the time.

All of this has been made possible by your consistent, faithful, and generous giving which is one of the key values of our church.

Each year we ask everyone who calls Twin Cities their home to go before God with a humble and sincere heart and ask Him to guide us as to how we can give generously to support our mission to engage together to lead as many people as possible into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Will you pray and ask God what He would have you give and then respond accordingly to His leading?

You can give online by clicking here .

I look forward to watching to see how God is going to continue to use our church to bring His Kingdom into he far reaches of our world and to those who feel they are furthest from Him.

Joyfully living everyday life on mission with Jesus and others!

Worship w/Niles Lozano

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 19:40:21 GMT

Graves Into Gardens

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 17:53:02 GMT

Our Purposeful Response to the Color PURPLE

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 12:33:17 GMT

Whoa! Monday’s news was sure a head spinning shock as we were forced into the PURPLE tier concerning COVID restrictions. No one expected that even though our case load had been rising at a dramatic rate. Everyone who owns a business or restaurant, operates a non-profit, runs an office, or leads a church gulped and swallowed hard as they began to think of the ramifications of such a blow. After reflecting on the lost income and opportunity cost of these new restrictions, the next step was to determine how to manage this new reality.

I listened to a presentation yesterday by the Nevada County Health Department on these new guidelines and suggestions about how to implement them. One of the presenters, a local business person, made it clear that many businesses would not survive and that those who did would, more than likely, be greatly hindered from being the same business or offering the same services they did prior to these measures. The word “fear” came to mind as I listened. I was sobered to think that our community will take years to dig our way out of this mess.

I am concerned for our local businesses. I know we’ve all heard the message, “BUY LOCAL.” Well, if there ever was a time to take that message seriously, it’s now. So, let’s show our support and care for our local businesses, who are really the heart of our community, by shopping and dining locally. When you do, please let the owner or employee know that you care by saying, “I’m praying for you during these times.”

I am also concerned about the mental, emotional, and spiritual health of our community. Everyone is under so much stress because of our long period of isolation because of COVID. When you combine that with the angst over the past election, we’re seeing an increase in recent suicides, marital stress, domestic violence, child abuse, depression, desperation, inappropriate expressions of anger, conflict, disunity, and loneliness. Will you please pray with me that God’s Holy Spirit will flow into the hearts and minds of those who are hurting and vulnerable?

So, how is our church going to respond to all of this? Well, first, we’re going to do what we’ve always done. One of our prime values and directives is printed and hanging over our fireplace. Do you remember what it says? In large white letters, this message cries out: LOVE EVERYONE ALWAYS.
We’ve been guided by the Great Commission (Mark 12:29-31) from the beginning of our church. It says that we are to love the Lord our God with all our HEART, SOUL, MIND, and STRENGTH. Added to that, it says we are to LOVE OUR NEIGHBORS. We are to love God and be good neighbors. That's what we're about.

Second, we are going to put our energy into providing quality online worship experiences. Beginning this Sunday, November 22, we will be back to an online only format. Friends, we were made to worship, and our teams will be doing their best to help you engage in worship through inspiring music, deep Bible teaching, transformational prayers, and giving moments. In the video Kimberly and I just posted to social media, we quoted our son’s pastor as he wrote to his church. He said, “My exhortation is that each of us fight to first be purposefully attentive to God – to be present to God, and second to be lovingly invested in loving others in this time when we need our church, and our church needs us most.”

How do we do that? Well, I want to suggest that you make a fresh commitment to your own faithful online engagement with your church. We lovingly invite you to prioritize or re-prioritize online worship because we all need to worship. As the writer to the Hebrews said, “Let us not neglect our spiritual act of worship.” We need to worship together. Your online engagement not only benefits you, but it benefits all who watch with you. We must not neglect the meeting of the body.

I know that online worship requires more discipline to stay hooked in and engaged, but let me encourage you to do the hard work because that work honors God, inspires you, and encourages others. Just like we say that something supernatural happens when we gather together in person to worship, spiritual happenings also occur when we engage together online.

I want to suggest that it’s critical for all of us to work hard right now. Work hard to stay connected. Work hard on your faith. You could sit there in front of your screen and not engage, or you could do what it takes to connect with God. Maybe you get on your knees when you pray. Maybe you get communion elements set up before we take communion. Maybe get out a pen and paper and take notes on what God says to you. Maybe you invite a friend to watch at the same time as you and then talk. When you watch online, you are gathering with a host of people who call Twin Cities Church their home. Pray for your church family while you view the service.

Some people have asked me, “Ron, when will we stand up or buck or say 'NO' to the government restrictions?” I know they ask that because they are fatigued, tired, frustrated, disappointed, disillusioned, and fearful of what seems to be some kind of government overstep into their rights. I understand that completely. I recently wrote to someone and said, “I am a rebel at heart. I hate to be told what to do like we’re being told what to do.” That’s who I am in my full humanity. At the same time, I am committed to doing what I believe our community needs most, and what I believe our community needs most is an encounter with the living and loving God of the Bible. I believe our community needs to see a group of people who love even when loving is hard and costly. I believe our community needs us to be part of the solution instead of adding to the problem of disunity we see in so many instances.

COVID will end, and we have to ask ourselves what we want to have left of our character, integrity, and witness when it’s all said and done. I want to stand firm on the call we have to be good neighbors to everyone in our community. Yes, we’ve changed methods, but we haven’t compromised our message. I spend so much of my time contemplating pathways we can take, and even though we haven’t pleased everyone, our reputation among those who don’t yet know Jesus is still strong. Our commitment to love God and our community is what keeps us from being tossed around in the seas of chaos we’re in right now.

One way we get to serve our community during this time of crisis is to extend compassion by helping the hungry. We partner with Interfaith Food Ministry as our way of helping to alleviate the food shortage so many people are experiencing. We do this by gathering food monthly. Friday morning (it’s supposed to be sunny) is our next Drive-Thru Food Drive .

Pastor John sent these instructions out today: We have another opportunity this week to team up with Interfaith Food Ministries for the "Shop, Stop, & Drop" Drive-Thru Food Drive — a no-contact, maximum-impact way to support our community and the growing number of people in need from COVID-19 hardships. We are asking for your help in donating much needed non-perishable food items! There is no need to even leave your car. Simply drive to TCC’s parking lot between 8:00-10:30am on Friday, November 20 and follow the directions of the volunteers and signs.

We’re also going to receive a special Feed the Hungry offering with all proceeds going to help support the efforts of Interfaith Food Ministry. This offering will be totally online so just click here and you'll be able to give. Food is always an issue for so many at this time of year, but in our COVID reality, more people than ever are finding themselves resource challenged as it comes to food.

On Sunday we get to wrap up our UNCOMMON SENSE series by taking a deep look into Proverbs 9. I hope you will read it before Sunday and be ready to engage fully as we learn how to walk the way of wisdom.

During this time when it’s impossible for us to be on campus together, please make sure to stay engaged online. Let me encourage you to keep your Sunday rhythms by watching the service live at either 9:00 or 11:00am. I believe that will help you stay disciplined as we walk this road of COVID restrictions together.

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

TCC Devo w/Pastor Ron & Kim

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 21:31:46 GMT

TCC Devo w/Laura Bauer

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 01:59:13 GMT

TCC Devo w/Semeria Bjorkman

Sat, 14 Nov 2020 04:21:53 GMT

Finding the Will to Love Everyone Always

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 14:19:28 GMT

I read this deeply challenging thought this week written by Henri Nouwen. I want to share it because I believe it speaks directly to the cultural moment in which we find ourselves. He said, “Love among people is not first of all a feeling or an emotion or a sentiment but a decision of the will to be faithful to each other... There are really no people whom we can love with unlimited feelings of love. We are all imperfect, broken, sinful people, but we are able to love one another because we are able to will to be faithful and constantly forgive each other’s unfaithfulness.”

What a challenge for us who live in a world that’s either “I’m feeling it” or “I’m not feeling it.” We base our ability to love others on how we feel, which means that our ability to love is based upon something subjective and often fickle or vacillating. Henri says that there is a better way to approach love. He said that love is something we “will” which means that we can really LOVE EVERYONE ALWAYS even if they are different or if we disagree or if they have hurt us.

The big question is, how do I will myself to love someone? Well, I have a couple of ideas. First, we must know we are loved by God. When we can stand in the fact that God loves us no matter what – even though we are imperfect, broken, and sinful – then we can have a solid foundation from which to express our love in a practical way.

Second, after we’re fully saturated with God’s love, we can ask God for the supernatural strength to act in love even when we may not feel all that loving. We come before God and ask Him to give us His wisdom so we can love those we think are unlovable.

Third, we need to have a toolbox full of loving actions we can access when we need to act in love but just aren’t feeling it. I hope you will watch the video Kim and I just shot because in it we pull out some of the “this is how love acts” tools that we use regularly with each other. These actions really work because – believe it or not – we can both be unlovable at times. What we’ve learned is that love is an action and acting in loving ways takes intentionality.

Fourth, we need to make sharing love with others our top desire or goal. That’s what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14:1 right after he writes out this beautiful description of how love acts in chapter 13. Will you stop and think of people you are struggling to love right now? Will you humble yourself before God and ask Him to help you love them in a tangible way?

Fifth, Henri Nouwen ended his statement by saying that we must constantly forgive each other’s unfaithfulness . We are to be faithful, but we are to forgive those who aren’t that faithful. Who do you need to forgive? Maybe you’re holding a grudge or nursing a hurt or recalling a pain, why don’t you take a moment right now and ask God to help you forgive them.

We have a long way to go to heal the chasm between people caused by the political divisions that have been drawn in the sand. I believe that God wants His people to be the front runners when it comes to acting in love toward everyone. I love that vision – LOVE EVERYONE ALWAYS.

We’re going to have our next Drive-Thru Food Drive on Friday, November 20 from 8:00-10:30am. Please bring your non-perishable food items as we work with Interfaith Food Ministry to help those who are food challenged during these difficult days. Also, we know the needs are tremendous over at Interfaith so we’re going to receive a special offering to Feed the Hungry during our services on November 22. Please ask God how He might ask you to generously help with a financial gift.

Families, you will want to make note of this fun and meaningful activity Pastor Bobby, Hope, and Alexis have put together to help you teach your children the true meaning of Christmas using an interactive kid-friendly Advent activity that you will use during the entire Advent season. I love how parents will be engaging with their kids in this easy-to-access spiritual journey. Make sure to plan to gather in the lobby of the church on November 24 and have a JOLLY good time. Following Advent as a family will help you and your kids engage more deeply together. I wish I had been more aware of the power of Advent when my kids were younger. 

This Sunday we get to tackle a spiritually deep section of Proverbs as we look at “The Beauty of Wisdom.” We’ll be learning from Proverbs 8 if you want to read ahead. 

During this time when it’s impossible for us all to be on campus together, please make sure to stay engaged online if you can’t be here with us in person. Our services will continue to be streamed live at 9:00 and 11:00am, or you can watch them on demand any time you want right from our website or APP. Here’s an idea: When you’re watching online, please invite your friends to join you. If you haven’t downloaded the TCC APP, just go to the APP store and search for TCC GRASS VALLEY and download it today.  

Let me encourage our young families that we have space for you and to keep checking the website for new activities. Please make sure to register your kiddos on our website before you arrive.  

Our Student Ministry Team has moved to a format on Wednesdays from 6:30 -7:30pm at the church that will allow our students to engage. Junior High students meet with their leaders on one end of the building and High School students and their leaders meet on the other. Students are also meeting at 10:30am on Sundays for connect time and donuts, and then they attend the 11:00am service together. Make sure to encourage your students to be here because they need community in ways they may not even be aware.  

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,  

TCC Devo w/Pastor Ron & Kim

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 19:57:18 GMT

TCC Devo w/Pastor Mark Hadley

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 21:27:46 GMT

Worship Devotional w/Michael Bauer

Sat, 07 Nov 2020 02:42:31 GMT

Standing Strong Amidst Uncertainty

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 17:03:59 GMT

As I sit down today with the intent of writing words of hope that bring perspective, I realize that we still don’t know who our president will be or what political party will control our country for the next four years. Even though our political future is unclear, one thing I do have clarity about is this: No matter who is sitting in the White House beginning in January, Jesus is still sitting on His throne. He is still King. Kim and I just talked about this foundational reality in our weekly video. You can trust God to be in charge and in control even if you don’t believe that the winner of the election is best for our country.

In the next few days (if not sooner), we will know the identity of the president of our country, and it’s my prayer that the outcry from the party who loses will be peaceful. I saw that stores and office buildings across our country had boarded up their windows much like they would if a hurricane were approaching. I really hope that storm does not materialize as some predict. I am praying for a supernatural peace that will envelop our country in the coming days. Will you pray with me?

I also want you to know that I’m praying for the angst you may be carrying over the entire election season we’ve been through and are still facing. I think that the emotional response has been heightened and made even more difficult as we continue to cope with the frustration over our COVID-19 logjam. Let me encourage you to take those strong feelings to Jesus. He knows full well what we feel and has empathy over our sense of fear and frustration.

On our video , Kim and I just talked about how to stand strong in the coming days after this election. We gave these three suggestions:

Keep our eyes focused on Jesus. He is the author and perfecter of our faith.
See others as God sees them. Everyone you meet is an image-bearer of God.
Let hope fill our minds. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. He is sovereign.

Consider these three post-election actions with me. First, we believe that if we keep our eyes focused on Jesus and seek to be with Jesus on a regular basis that we will develop intimacy with Him which will help us expand our ability to share His love, kindness, and compassion more liberally. Second, we believe that if we can learn to see others as God sees them, as made in His image and precious in His sight, that we will grow in our empathy and acceptance of others who think and see things differently than we do. Third, we believe that if we can look forward with hope that we can be free of fear over the circumstances that seem ready to overwhelm and overload us. Here’s the hope I’m leaning hard on from Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” That is where I’m getting my strength right now.

I love you and want you to know that I’m here for you and will be here for you as long as God allows. Let’s grow in hope and then look for ways to unleash it together so that everyone can know where hope is found!

I loved how much fun we had serving our community at our Drive-Thru Fall Family Festival last Saturday. It was spectacular in every way. People were served and expressed great gratitude for giving them some way to have fun after all the months of COVID isolation. Kids had a blast just being kids, and the beauty of it is that many of them were able to share it with their parents. It was so fun to see kids poking out of sunroofs, sitting in the back of pickups, driving cars, and even standing in costume on a trailer just like they were in a Halloween parade. I’m so grateful for Pastor John and Mare Dibert for the creativity and hard work to get it all together. But most of all, I’m grateful for the huge gang of volunteers who tirelessly served to make it all go so smoothly. Thank you everyone!

I’m super thrilled about the Family Game Night on November 10. Also, the past few years we’ve used the Advent season to bring us closer to realizing the true meaning of Christmas. Pastor Bobby, Hope and Alexis have worked to offer our families an interactive kid-friendly Advent activity that you’ll put together during the Simply Christmas Craft Night that you will use during the entire Advent season. I love how parents will be engaging with their kids in this easy to access spiritual journey. Make sure to plan to gather in the lobby of the church and have a JOLLY good time. Following Advent as a family will help you and your kids engage more deeply with the true meaning of Christmas. I wish I had been more aware of the power of Advent when my kids were younger.

This Sunday we get to tackle an easier and less confrontational section of Proverbs as we look at the “Ingredients of Wisdom.” We’ll be learning from Proverbs 6:1-19 if you want to read ahead.

During this time when it’s impossible for us all to be on campus together, please make sure to stay engaged online if you can’t be here with us in person. Our services will continue to be streamed live at 9:00 and 11:00am, or you can watch them on demand any time you want right from our website or APP. Here’s an idea: When you’re watching online, please invite your friends to join you. If you haven’t downloaded the TCC APP, just go to the APP store and search for TCC GRASS VALLEY and download it today.

Heads up: After such a long hot and dry season, there is a chance of rain and colder temperatures on Sunday so we’re moving our outdoor venue to the Student’s Multi-Purpose Room. If you’ve enjoyed the freedom and space of the outdoor venue, I believe you’ll find the indoor option to fit you well.

Let me encourage our young families that we have space for you and to keep checking the website for new activities. Please make sure to register your kiddos on our website before you arrive.

Our Student Ministry Team has moved to a format on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30pm at the church that will allow our students to engage. Junior High students meet with their leaders on one end of the building and High School students and their leaders meet on the other. Students are also meeting at 10:30am on Sundays for connect time and donuts, and then they attend the 11:00am service together. Make sure to encourage your students to be here because they need community in ways they may not even be aware.

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

TCC Devo w/Pastor Ron & Kim

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 21:24:32 GMT

Worship w/Kevin Caravalho

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 21:27:55 GMT

Looking Forward with Hope

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 15:18:59 GMT

How are you doing as we move into the final week of our election while dealing with the continued COVID -1 9 reality? If you are like me, you’re feeling a level of fatigue – emotional, physical, and mental – like you have never experienced. I want you to know I’m praying for you during this time. I’m praying that you will practice the presence of God by following Jesus with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. I’m praying that the peace that passes all understanding – even through elections and pandemics – will be real in your soul.

One of the aspects of our Uncommon Sense series has been the constant call to walk the way of wisdom and discover that when I trust God I can know confidence and peace even when things are difficult around me. There’s a lot of chaos and noise and disruptive events happening around us, and the temptation is to think that God is not working and try to take matters into our own hands. We can tend to believe the old saying, “If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me” and get even more stressed because we are acting out a belief that if we don’t take charge, then we’re going to lose what we hold dear.

Kim and I just finished shooting our weekly video, and I want to encourage you to watch it because we talk about something Jesus said in Luke 21. If you’re familiar with this chapter, Jesus is talking about the chaos that will be experienced by those living during the end times. He mentions all kinds of difficulty that will come our way, and most of it is beyond our ability to control through our own efforts. Then He says these words that I want to get in your mind and soul today. Jesus said, “In your patience, possess your soul.” Luke 21:19 KJV. The NIV reads…. “Stand firm and you will win life.” I believe that Jesus is saying, “Get hold of yourselves. Remember who I am and what I’ve promised. Come to Me, and I will give you all you need for each day whatever that day brings. So be patient.” I don’t know about you, but I am finding it difficult to be patient as we wait in this season of chaos, disequilibrium, and loss.

One thing Kim shared in our video is that when we come to times like this, it’s not helpful to ask, “How can I make things go back to the way they were before this?” Instead, what if we were to ask, “What does this make possible that wasn’t possible before?” Folks, that kind of question allows us to dream and discover possibilities we may have never imagined.

The beauty of looking forward with hope is that hope has a way of demolishing the stronghold of discouragement in our lives. Hope destroys discouragement, and since discouragement is at an all-time high in so many people, then hope is our greatest need. I want you to take a look at our new website whenever you get a chance. It begins with this vision tag – “Where Hope Is Found.” We are building a church and community where hope is our primary commodity.

Today, I am praying that you can discover a new way to look at our current reality and believe God for a better tomorrow. I am praying that you will grow in your resilience and ability to wait with patience and possess your soul. That’s pretty strong action language. Possess your soul and expand your hope by placing your trust in Him.

We want to gather to pray for unity in our nation as we enter the last few days before the election on November 3 – even though many people have already voted. I believe that one of the key things we can bring before God, other than His will being done, is for unity and peace in our nation after the election is over and the ballots are counted. We are at a crossroads as a nation, and I want to encourage us to be part of lowering the angry tension and frustration being expressed by so many.

Please join us in front of the building – between the prow and the cross – this Sunday, November 1 at 10:15am to pray for the election. We’ll be praying for God to guide the voting and the ramifications in our country no matter who wins. We’ll be praying for civility and humility as we move forward with positive attitudes to help our nation be the best it can be.

Fall Family Festival is SATURDAY , and I’m extremely pumped about our new look for Fall Family Festival for this COVID-19 year. You can look at our website and see the plan John Fairchild and Mare Dibert put together to help our community have a fun and free event for the entire family, especially the kids. We’ve offered FFF for our community 15 years now, and even with the COVID-19 restrictions in place, we believe we can offer a safe experience.

You still have time to sign up to serve or help us make sure our community has a fun and safe time. Please contact mare@twincitieschurch.com . She told me that we still have places for people who want to serve. So, if you’re not sure we need you, we sure do! Also, let me encourage you to invite your friends to come give it a try. If you’d like, you can sign up to serve online or at church and go ahead and use our website link to invite your friends while you’re at it.

Here’s some good news we can use: We get an extra hour of sleep Saturday night! Make sure to set your clocks back ONE HOUR before you go to bed and take advantage of this once a year opportunity.

I am taking on a huge task this Sunday by tackling the better part of three chapters of Proverbs all dealing with biblical values concerning sex. I hope you’ll pray with me as I work this out in a way that speaks God’s Word clearly, compassionately, and courageously. You might read Proverbs 5-7 so you can be ready to receive even more from the message.

During this time when it’s impossible for us all to be on campus together, please make sure to stay engaged online if you can’t be here with us either outside or inside. Our services will continue to be streamed live at 9:00 and 11:00am, or you can watch them on demand any time you want right from our website or APP. Here’s an idea: When you’re watching online, please invite your friends to join you. If you haven’t downloaded the TCC APP, just go to the APP store and search for TCC GRASS VALLEY and download it today.

We plan to add live music back in as soon as possible, but until we do, our Worship Arts Team will keep recording quality and inspiring song sets each week that will allow us to engage in worship together. We will still have the outdoor venue available for those who want to have more space and freedom. We have tents outside. Each week we’ll continue to adapt and flex as we expand that opportunity at both 9:00 and 11:00am.

Let me encourage our young families that we have space for you and to keep checking the website for new activities. Please make sure to register your kiddos on our website before you arrive.

Our Student Ministry Team has moved to a format on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30pm at the church that will allow our students to engage. Junior High students meet with their leaders on one end of the building and High School students and their leaders meet on the other. Students are also meeting at 10:30am on Sundays for connect time and donuts, and then they attend the 11:00am service together. Make sure to encourage your students to be here because they need community in ways they may not even be aware.

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

TCC Devo w/Pastor Ron & Kim

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 13:57:20 GMT

TCC Devotional w/Holly LaChappell

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 19:54:55 GMT

Worship w/Shannon Prout

Sat, 24 Oct 2020 14:54:30 GMT

Voting and Politics and Faith

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 17:07:04 GMT

Let’s talk voting and politics and faith! I hope you’re still with me after that introduction. We all know that VOTING MATTERS, and yet in the last presidential election, only 56% of registered voters cast their ballots on election day. That means that over 100 million people did not vote. When you realize how close the elections are in our day and age, it’s just not good citizenship not to cast our ballot. It’s a freedom we hold dear. This election year is full of more polarizing views and confounding issues than any I can ever remember. I want to impress upon you that voting according to your Biblical conscience is so important, but probably more important this year than ever before.

Will you make sure to make your voice heard between now and November 3 by voting?

I wanted to take a few moments to be clear about what I’ve been saying about the upcoming election and the way our church has always approached the political process.

We believe in the importance of elections.
We believe that as Followers of Jesus, we have a responsibility to engage by voting and influencing the political process.
We believe that every person in America deserves the right to vote according to their deeply held values.
We believe that loving people like Jesus did is our prime directive for how we act and respond to those who have different political views than we do.
We believe that life will go on after the election, and we want to be part of unifying our country by bringing us together according to our common values.
We believe that God has called us to be people who LOVE EVERYONE ALWAYS no matter their political persuasion or belief system.

At the same time, I’m not saying that political positions and platforms don’t matter. We get better through struggle, competition, and cooperation. We must be strong in our beliefs and convictions.

I recently heard Pastor Ray Johnston, whom I respect greatly, say this about how to approach the political issues of our day. “We can’t ignore the political platforms and positions because they matter. And the reason we need to engage is this: Values need to be sharpened. Great changes need to be brought about. Great people need to be put in charge. Our country needs to be moved toward being a place where every single child and adult created by God needs to be given equal opportunity to thrive regardless of race, economic condition, and background. People need to grow up in a world that is safe. People need to grow up in a world where they can thrive.”

Twin Cities family, we must engage in the political process we’ve been afforded as Americans in this great nation. We must be courageous. We must be steadfast to stand up for what is best for all people. But in order to have that kind of world, we must be a people of unity. As Pastor Ray Johnston recently said, “You do not put a country together by tearing it apart.”

Last week I gave my perspective on voting. Here it is again: “People ask me to give them guidance about voting or want me to speak up for their cause or against the cause of another. The best guidance I can give is to vote according to the person or policy or platform that will do the most to protect those who are most vulnerable in our land and benefit the most people while allowing everyone the dignity to pursue their divine destiny and discover their God-given identity as they become all He made them to be.”

Whatever your voting choice is, will you agree with me that unity is more important than division? I hope we can be part of God’s redemptive and healing work in our community and world as we share the love of Jesus with everyone regardless of their political position.

I want to invite you to join us in front of the building – between the prow and the cross – on Sunday, November 1 at 10:15am to pray for the election. We’ll be praying for God to guide the voting and the ramifications in our country no matter who wins. We’ll be praying for civility and humility as we move forward with positive attitudes to help our nation be the best it can be.

Fall Family Festival is just NINE days away, and I’m extremely pumped about our new look for Fall Family Festival for this COVID-19 year. You can look at our website and see the plan John Fairchild and Mare Dibert put together to help our community have a fun and free event for the entire family – but the kids are the ones who will like it most. We’ve served our community 15 years now, and even with the COVID-19 restrictions in place, we believe we can offer a safe experience.

There are three things we need that will be essential to pulling this off: candy, volunteers, and invites. Please drop your candy off at the church or order from your favorite online retailer and have it shipped directly to TCC. You can sign up to serve online or at church and go ahead and use our website link to invite your friends while you’re at it.

Church is back in the house now! That’s right. We’re meeting together each week for great worship, singing, teaching, prayer, and fellowship. So, I’m inviting you to make your way back. Some of you may not be able to because you are considered at-risk or in a vulnerable category. I understand that. If that’s you, we’ll have a seat waiting for you when you return. But, for the rest of you, I’ve noticed how much joy there is as I connect with people before and after our services. We have seats available. We’d love to see you this week as we continue our Uncommon Sense series.

We will be looking in detail at the “Path of Wisdom” on Sunday. If you want to read ahead, you can open your Bible to Proverbs 4. I hope this Sunday will be the week you decide to make your way back. Remember, we have a seat for you.

One way you can go deeper and be even more inspired through our series on Proverbs is to make it a goal to read it each day. Proverbs has 31 chapters so I’m inviting you to join me and make a commitment to read one chapter per day. For example, today is October 22, so you would read Proverbs 22. Just read the Proverb that corresponds with the day. I like to listen to the Proverbs on the YouVersion Bible APP. You might want to try that, too. Let’s grow in wisdom together.

Let me encourage our young families that we have space for you and to keep checking the website for new activities. Please make sure to register your kiddos on our website before you arrive.

Our Student Ministry Team has moved to a format on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30pm at the church that will allow our students to engage. Junior High students meet with their leaders on one end of the building and High School students and their leaders meet on the other. Students are also meeting at 10:30am on Sundays for connect time and donuts, and then they attend the 11:00am service together. Make sure to encourage your students to be here because they need community in ways they may not even be aware.

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

TCC Devo w/Pastor Ron & Kim

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 17:02:41 GMT

Devo w/Pastor Brett Malech

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 00:54:58 GMT

Worship w/Kyle Querec

Sat, 17 Oct 2020 03:10:32 GMT

We're Made for Community

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 19:18:46 GMT

I loved seeing all the smiling faces as we gathered at church this week. Folks, we were made for community, and this COVID-19 logjam has caused one of the most significant obstructions to community that we have ever faced. We’re made for smiles, hellos, handshakes, hugs, conversations, tears, laughter, and connection. We talk a lot at Twin Cities about our need for being in relationships with others because it’s how we were made.

Since we’re made in our Father’s image, and He exists in a community that we call the Trinity, we need divine and human interaction and intimacy. In fact, in Kim’s message on Sunday, as she talked about the Promise of Wisdom, one of the application points she talked about is to “Tell others about our pain.” But the most important point she made was that we don’t gain wisdom by intellectual pursuit. Instead, we gain wisdom by our experiential relationship with God. Over and over in this series we’re going to see that wisdom invites us into relationship and connection that is more powerful than any of the forces at play in our world today.

Let me take a moment here to comment on what appears to be such division in our culture concerning our political views, social stances, and fundamental freedoms. One journalist recently made this observation of our current condition: “We are who we hate.” We see that play out on social media and in the news feeds tailored to cause us to have strong adverse reactions to those who disagree with what we believe is right. There is a “cancel culture” out there, where if I disagree with you on one point, then I can dismiss you overall as a whole person or all of your views, instead of walking forward in unity despite our disagreements.

That thinking plays out in the church as well, and we can be tempted to allow our differences to separate us relationally along our strong and passionate beliefs over what we consider as right and wrong. And when you add in the impact of a global pandemic, economic struggles, issues of freedom from oppression and racial injustice, and a political process that is more vitriol than any in our memories, then you have a recipe for conflict, confusion, and chaos.

We must remember that every person we meet is made in God’s image and then treat them as precious in the sight of their Maker – so precious that He sent His Son to die on a cross to redeem them. If you follow me and my thoughts through this email blast, you will soon come to see that this theological worldview is what shapes my approach to seasons like we find ourselves in now.

We must Love Everyone Always, even those with whom we disagree. This is why we talk so much about asking God for more of His Spirit and the Fruit of the Spirit so we can be Jesus to our world.

We must also trust God and live in the reality of the Kingdom of Heavens that is here now with us through the presence of His Spirit. We must not let our hubris determine our views and actions, but we must trust in God to show us His way through the fog and dark waters in which we live.

As we move forward through our cultural chaos, we are being confronted by different political worldviews and approaches to governing our land. We must remember that because we are fallen, there will never be a perfect government here on Earth until Jesus establishes His Kingdom. At the same time, we know that because of the belief that all persons are made in the image of God, that the protection of all people is imperative. We do that out of love.

People ask me to give them guidance about voting or want me to speak up for their cause or against the cause of another. The best guidance I can give is to vote according to the person or policy or platform that will do the most to protect those who are most vulnerable in our land and benefit the most people while allowing everyone the dignity to pursue their divine destiny and discover their God-given identity as they become all He made them to be.

This is why I want to say, Voting Matters . This election year is full of more polarizing views and confounding issues than any I can ever remember. I want to encourage you that voting according to your biblical conscience is so important, but probably more important this year than ever before. Because voting is so important to our democracy – it is the way we can voice our values – let me remind you to register to vote. The deadline to register to vote in California is October 19, 2020. I can’t emphasize strongly enough how important each vote is, and I want to encourage you to register if you aren’t. Here is the link to online registration , which is probably the safest way to register during COVID-19.

If you would like to register using a paper voter registration application, you can pick one up at your county elections office, library, Department of Motor Vehicles offices, or U.S. Post Office. It is important that your voter registration application be filled out completely and be postmarked or hand delivered to your county elections office at least 15 days before the election.

Because voting matters so much, please don’t allow anything to keep you from voicing your democratic freedom by casting your vote this year. I’m not sure if you are aware of this, but in our last presidential election, only 56% of eligible voters cast their ballot. That means that over 100 million people didn’t vote. Voting is one of the primary ways we express our views in this world, so please do not let your discouragement, disappointment, or apathy keep you from voting this year. Make your voice count.

Fall Family Festival is just 16 days away, and I’m extremely pumped about our new look for Fall Family Festival for this COVID-19 year. You can look at our website and see the plan John Fairchild and Mare Dibert put together to help our community have a fun and free event for the entire family – but the kids are the ones who will like it most. We’ve served our community 15 years now, and even with the COVID-19 restrictions in place, we believe we can offer a safe experience.

I’m inviting you to make your way back to church. Some of you may not be able to because you are considered at-risk or in a vulnerable category. I understand that. If that’s you, we’ll have a seat waiting for you when you return. But, for the rest of you, I’ve noticed how much joy there is as I connect with people before and after our services. We have seats available. We’d love to see you this week as we continue our Uncommon Sense series.

We will be looking in detail at the “Benefits of Wisdom” on Sunday. If you want to read ahead, you can open your Bible to Proverbs 3 and read verses 13-35. I hope this Sunday will be the week you decide to make your way back. Remember, we have a seat for you.

One way you can go deeper and be even more inspired through our series on Proverbs is to make it a goal to read it each day. Proverbs has 31 chapters so I’m inviting you to join me and make a commitment to read one chapter per day. For example, today is October 15, so you would read Proverbs 15. Just read the Proverb that corresponds with the day. Let’s grow in wisdom together.

We plan to add live music back in as soon as possible, but until we do, our Worship Arts Team will keep recording quality and inspiring song sets each week that will allow us to engage in worship together. We will still have the outdoor venue available for those who want to have more space and freedom. We have tents and fans outside. Each week we’ll continue to adapt and flex as we expand that opportunity at both 9:00 and 11:00am.

Our Student Ministry Team has moved to a format on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30pm at the church that will allow our students to engage. They are having their gatherings on Wednesday evenings with Junior High on one end of the building and High School on the other. Students are also meeting at 10:30am on Sundays for connect time and donuts, and then they attend the 11:00am service together. Make sure to encourage your students to be here because they need community in ways they may not even be aware.

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

TCC Devo w/Pastor John Fairchild

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 19:25:05 GMT

Worship Devo w/Semeria Bjorkman

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 16:03:32 GMT

Our Goals

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 19:09:45 GMT

Kim and I spent some time reflecting on our 29 years of living in Western Nevada County and leading Twin Cities Church. What an amazing journey this has been as we’ve walked together in this mission God laid on the hearts of us and the founding families who listened to God’s call. We began with a clear goal in mind and that was to build a church that was based upon two passages in the Bible. We call them the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.

God has called us as a church to make much of Him as we love Him with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength and as we love our neighbors as we love ourselves. That’s the Great Commandment. In other words, we are to glorify God and Love Everyone Always. In the video Kim and I just shot, we talked about how God has placed us here as His people and His Church so that our world can see a visible representation of His likeness. Therefore, we must ask ourselves this question wherever we are: Is the way I’m talking, or acting, or promoting, or protesting, making God look good? Do I make God look good? Our goal is to make much of Jesus – to be His ambassadors in this world.

I think we make God look good whenever our lives are characterized by the Fruit of the Spirit combined with our relentless passion to extend compassion to care for the widows, poor, and under served in our world.

Second, God has called us to engage together to lead as many people as possible into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. That’s the Great Commission. We have a mission to go into the world, make disciples of all people, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and to teach them to obey all of Jesus’ teachings. As we entered 2020 (do you even remember January) we immersed ourselves in a series called Practicing the Way of Jesus. In that series we talked about how Jesus called us to follow Him as an apprentice, which means that we are making it our goal to BE WITH JESUS, BECOME LIKE JESUS, and DO WHAT JESUS DID. Folks, this is what we are all about as a church – helping people take steps in that journey so that in all we do we glorify God.

Isn’t that exciting!!!

I know we are living in a time of tremendous uncertainty, deep angst, competing realities, and divisive politics that has us wound up in knots and anxiety. I know we want solutions and answers. I know we want clarity and results. But, what I know is that no person or politician or pundit can give us the security and hope we are looking for. We can only find rest in Jesus. He is the source of the flourishing our world is searching for. So, I’m more resolved than ever to focus on what we can do to live as His ambassadors in our world so that when people see us, they see Jesus. As I look at my life, I realize that I have so far to go to reach that goal consistently. Let’s pray and give each other bucket loads of mercy and grace as we move in Him together. Let’s make much of God!

Let me invite you to make plans to attend on campus this week as we continue our Uncommon Sense series. We’ll be focusing on Proverbs 3 and talking about the “Promise of Wisdom.” I think you’ll find this study on some of the most famous of Bible verses inspiring and full of Hope.

One way you can be inspired through our series on Proverbs is to make it a goal to read it. Proverbs has 31 chapters so I’m inviting you to join me and make a commitment to read one chapter per day. For example, today is October 8, so you would read Proverbs 8. Just read the Proverb that corresponds with the day. Let’s grow in wisdom together.

Now that we’re in the Orange category concerning COVID-19 restrictions, we can have 200 people per service here at TCC. That opens a lot of seats for you to come join us! If you’ve been waiting to attend a service, let me encourage you that if you aren’t in the category of being vulnerable, at-risk, or sick, that we will have space for you. It’s such a joy to see and talk with folks who haven’t been on campus since March 15. Each person, without fail, has thanked us for the way we’ve cared for our people during this COVID-19 logjam through the online services, extra devotionals, care calls, and opportunities to serve our community. And then they will look around and say, “But, I’ve missed this and am so glad to be back with God’s people.” I feel the same. I hope you’ll come back when you feel it’s safe for you to do so.

In case you’ve not heard, we’ve now added an opportunity for families with children. Let me encourage our young families that we have space for you and to keep checking the website for new activities. Please make sure to register your kiddos on our website before you arrive. Our Student Ministry Team has already moved to a format on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30pm at the church that will allow our students to engage. They are having their gatherings on Wednesday evenings with Junior High on one end of the building and High School on the other. Students are also meeting at 10:30 on Sundays for connect time and donuts, and then they attend the 11:00 service together. Make sure to encourage your students to be here because they need community in ways they may not even be aware.

Let me ask you to help us by respecting the needs of others during this time. We’re still going to be the best neighbors we can to each other and to those in our community. New people are coming each week, and we want to be at our best so that they see the love of Jesus in our actions and attitudes. Our goal is to still be a safe place for people to check out the claims of Jesus Christ and choose to follow Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Folks, people still need HOPE and that comes from knowing God and walking with Jesus, so let’s keep inviting our friends to a place where hope is found – where people can come meet Jesus.

I’m extremely pumped about our new look for Fall Family Festival for this COVID-19 year. You can look at our website and see the plan John Fairchild and Mare Dibert put together. I love the vision and dream behind our Drive-Thru Fall Family Festival experience this year. We’ve served our community 15 years now by offering a safe, fun, candy-filled experience for families each October 31, and even with the COVID-19 restrictions in place, we believe we can offer a fun and safe time this year as well. There are three things we need that will be essential to pulling this off: candy, volunteers, and invites. Please drop your candy off at the church or order from your favorite online retailer and have it shipped directly to TCC. You can sign up to serve online or at church and go ahead and use our website link to invite your friends while you’re at it.

Our outdoor venue is for people who want to have more freedom in their experience. We have tents and fans outside. Each week we’ll continue to adapt and flex as we expand that opportunity at both 9:00 and 11:00am. Make sure to notice the air quality if we’re still having smoky skies. In case you’re wondering we’ve picked 201 (Purple) or higher as our safety threshold for our outdoor venue. If it’s over that, we‘ll all meet inside. You can check that online .

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

TCC Devo w/Pastor Ron & Kim

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 18:55:21 GMT

A Time of Worship With Nile Lozano

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 16:59:46 GMT

The Pursuit of Wisdom

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 16:40:10 GMT

I’m reflecting today on the new series we began on Sunday called Uncommon Sense: Walking the Way of Wisdom. I guess that even after 29 years of being your pastor I am still amazed at how exciting it is to dig into God’s Word with you. Proverbs is going to be such an inspiring study. One quote from Sunday that stood out to many was this: You can't build a good life if you make bad decisions. That’s so true. Proverbs is all about the wisdom to make good decisions.

Let me invite you to make plans to attend on campus this week as we continue our Uncommon Sense series. We’ll be focusing on Proverbs 2 and talking about the “Pursuit of Wisdom.” This will be a continuation of the idea we began on Sunday as I talked about the right posture to engage in as we approach God for His wisdom. If you missed Sunday, please watch the service this week because what I shared will help you glean more from the rest of the series.

One way you can be inspired through our series on Proverbs is to make it a goal to read it. Proverbs has 31 chapters so I’m inviting you to join me and make a commitment to read one chapter per day. For example, today is October 1, so you would read Proverbs 1. Just read the Proverb that corresponds with the day. Let’s grow in wisdom together.

I’ve been reflecting on the past seven months and how many new decisions that I’ve been part of because of COVID-19. Sure, all the normal stuff was there, but this disruption has created a whole slate of new and complex problems and opportunities that have required more brain power than I’ve ever used. I imagine it’s the same for you. I’m so glad that God uses us in our weaknesses because I’ve sure found myself feeling unqualified for the task at hand so many times lately.

In fact, I wrote someone this week that this has been the most complicated and difficult season of my 29 years of being your pastor. On Saturday morning, during our Prayer Gathering, Howard Kliever prayed for all our pastors as he said, “Nobody taught our pastors how to lead during a pandemic in seminary.” That is so true.

Someone else wrote me recently and encouraged us to maintain our integrity when it comes to the decisions we’ve made and not to give in to COVID fatigue. What an empathetic word of encouragement because COVID fatigue is real. I know you’ve experienced that in your lives as well – especially if you’re called to lead others.

Our study in Proverbs came at such a good time. I told some of the staff that we needed a series that didn’t focus on COVID, and instead focused on the common sense we all need more of in our world right now. So, when I was beginning to sense that I was becoming driven by my need for comfort or pleasing when it comes to making decisions, Proverbs reminded me that I need to make my decisions based upon wisdom. Do the wise thing because good things happen when we make wise choices, but bad things happen when we make bad decisions.

At the same time, I understand that not everyone will agree with the decisions we’ve made as a leadership team during COVID. That’s a given. We are walking down a path and through a season none of us have ever walked or navigated before, and with God as our guide, we’re going to make the best decisions possible. I ask you to keep us in prayer as we go forward because it looks like we’re going to be doing this COVID dance for quite a while longer whether we want to or not.

Now that we’re in the Orange category concerning COVID-19 restrictions, we can have 200 people per service here at TCC. That opens a lot of seats for you to come as we double our current adult attendance. If you’ve been waiting to come, let me encourage you that if you aren’t in the category of being vulnerable, at-risk, or sick, that we will have space for you. Many people came last Sunday for the first time since March 15, and what I kept hearing was how meaningful it is to be together again. Most people have appreciated the online viewing option so much, but being together again showed them how much they had been missing.

We’ve added an opportunity for families with children. It’s exciting to begin dreaming again about how we can offer even more ways for our families to connect as time goes on. Let me encourage our young families that we have space for you and to keep checking the website for new activities like a Family Film Night scheduled for October 9 on the lawn just for you. Our Student Ministry Team has already moved to a format on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30pm at the church that will allow more of our students to engage. They are having their gatherings on Wednesday evenings with Junior High on one end of the building and High School on the other. Make sure to encourage your students to be here because they need community in ways they may not even be aware.

Let me ask you to help us by respecting the needs of others during this time. We’re still going to be the best neighbors we can to each other and to those in our community. New people are coming each week, and we want to be at our best so that they see the love of Jesus in our actions and attitudes. Our goal is to still be a safe place for people to check out the claims of Jesus Christ and choose to follow Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Folks, people still need HOPE and that comes from knowing God and walking with Jesus, so let’s keep inviting our friends to a place where hope is found – where people can come meet Jesus.

If you would like to register using a paper voter registration application, you can pick one up at your county elections office, library, Department of Motor Vehicles offices, or U.S. Post Office. It is important that your voter registration application be filled out completely and be postmarked or hand delivered to your county elections office at least 15 days before the election.

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

TCC Devo w/Pastor Ron & Kim

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 21:46:39 GMT

TCC Devotional With Megan Lindsen

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 21:10:43 GMT

Level Orange

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 16:22:43 GMT

I’m praying for you today. Our Rise Up series ended with a sobering look at the way our common humanity tempts us to move out of God’s plan even though we know following His ways are in our best interest. I was sobered as I listened to Pastor John describe the way God’s people so quickly turned away from the commitments they had made to God. I read that, and my first thought was, "How could they do that?” My second thought was, “I’m just like them.”

Can you relate? I find that I am “prone to wander” as the old song goes and walk outside of God’s perfect will. God calls us to a way of living that is in alignment with who He is in holiness and character, and when we don’t, there will be consequences that we have to live with. The biggest is separation from Him. This is why the week on confession was so key to our spiritual health. We stumble. We even fall, but God is there to give us His mercy and grace each time we ask because He loves us.

I pray that we will allow our lessons from Nehemiah to influence our hearts and behavior in the coming months because I really do believe that within them is the spark of the revival we all want in our souls, families, community, nation, and world.

Let’s celebrate the good news that Nevada County has moved into level Orange concerning COVID-19 restrictions. Here’s what that seems to mean for us. We now can have 200 people per service here at TCC. That opens a lot of seats for you to come as we double our current adult attendance. If you’ve been waiting to come, let me encourage you that if you aren’t in the category of being vulnerable, at-risk, or sick, that we will have space for you. Over and over I keep hearing people say how meaningful it is to be together again. That’s why we hung banners over the fireplace that says, “We’re Better Together.”

We’ve already added an opportunity for families with children. It’s exciting to begin dreaming again about how we can offer even more ways for our families to connect as time goes on. Let me encourage our young families that we have space for you and to keep checking the website for new activities like a Family Film Night on the lawn just for you. Our Student Ministry Team has already moved to a format on Wednesdays at 6:30pm at the church that will allow more of our students to engage. They officially moved indoors this week with Junior High on one end of the building and High School on the other.

Let me ask you to help us by respecting the needs of others during this time. We’re still going to be the best neighbors we can to each other and to those in our community. New people are coming each week, and we want to be at our best so that they see the love of Jesus in our actions and attitudes. Our goal is to still be a safe place for people to check out the claims of Jesus Christ and choose to follow Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Folks, people still need HOPE and that comes from knowing God and walking with Jesus, so let’s keep inviting our friends to a place where hope is found – where people can come meet Jesus.

I’m extremely pumped about our new look for Fall Family Festival for this COVID-19 year. You can look at our website and see the plan John Fairchild and Mare Dibert put together. I love the vision and dream behind our Drive-Thru Fall Family Festival experience this year. We’ve served our community 15 years now by offering a safe, fun, candy-filled experience for families each October 31, and even with the COVID-19 restrictions in place, we believe we can offer a fun and safe time this year as well. There are three things we need that will be essential to pulling this off: candy, volunteers, and invites. You can drop your candy off at the church or order from your favorite online retailer and have it shipped directly to TCC. You can sign up to serve online or at church. You can invite your friends using our website link.

I hope you’re getting excited about our Uncommon Sense series that we begin Sunday. We all know that if people just used common sense that our world would be a better place, right? Right! Well, not so quick. The idea behind common sense is that it’s a way of viewing life or making decisions based upon maturity or knowledge attained through experience. It’s the thing everyone gets from life, correct? Well, not so fast. If we all gain common sense by just living life, then why does it seem to be in such short supply?

One reason common sense is in such short supply is that the phrase itself is subjective. What common sense is to me may not be what it is to you and so on. When you add all the nuances and experiences we have in life over time, you get a whole catalog of what it is – and every single one of us strongly believes our view is the correct one. This is why it’s so important for us to get our wisdom from a common source as we live in community with others. That’s where this series comes in. We’re going to walk through the Old Testament book of Proverbs together as we learn to Walk the Way of Wisdom .

You are going to be surprised and even amazed at the depth of understanding of the human condition we’re going to see in this series. You’re going to learn that Proverbs is more than just a collection of pithy statements designed to make life better. The book of Proverbs does contain the keys to the good life, but they are not promises of blessing as much as they are probabilities of blessing. I can’t wait to begin on Sunday because we all need some Uncommon Sense.

Saturday is our moment of prayer at the cross. We’ve been hearing from many people asking us to offer opportunities for prayer. God wants His people to pray, and so we’re going to gather on Saturday, September 26, 9:00-10:00am around the cross in front of our facility to pray together. I hope you’ll join with your church family as we gather to pray for our community, nation, and world.

The deadline to register to vote in California is October 19, 2020. I can’t emphasize strongly enough how important each vote is, and I want to encourage you to register if you aren’t. Here is the link to online registration , which is probably the safest way to register during COVID-19. If you would like to register using a paper voter registration application, you can pick one up at your county elections office, library, Department of Motor Vehicles offices, or U.S. Post Office. It is important that your voter registration application be filled out completely and be postmarked or hand delivered to your county elections office at least 15 days before the election.

Our outdoor venue is for people who want to have more freedom in their experience. We have tents and fans outside. Each week we’ll continue to adapt and flex as we expand that opportunity at both 9:00 and 11:00am. The air quality has been too smoky the past two weekends, so we’ve moved the venue indoors. In case you’re wondering what the threshold is for safety at our outdoor venue, we’ve picked 201 (Purple) or higher as our safety threshold. You can check that online .

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,