Finding the Will to Love Everyone Always

TCC • November 12, 2020

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.  

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.  

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,  

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

By TCC • August 1, 2025

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: Message Notes and Study Guide Weekly Spotify Playlist Children's Ministry Student Ministry See you Sunday.

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

By TCC • July 18, 2025

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: Message Notes and Study Guide Weekly Spotify Playlist Children's Ministry Student Ministry See you Sunday.

Living on a Prayer + Sunday Morning Resources

By TCC • July 11, 2025

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: Message Notes and Study Guide Weekly Spotify Playlist Children's Ministry Student Ministry See you Sunday.

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

By TCC • June 27, 2025

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: Message Notes and Study Guide Weekly Spotify Playlist Children's Ministry Student Ministry See you Sunday.

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

By TCC • June 20, 2025

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: Message Notes and Study Guide Weekly Spotify Playlist Children's Ministry Student Ministry See you Sunday.

Is God Really a Good Father? + Sunday Morning Resources

By TCC • June 13, 2025

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: Message Notes and Study Guide Weekly Spotify Playlist Children's Ministry Student Ministry See you Sunday.

The Problem of Suffering + Sunday Morning Resources

By TCC • June 6, 2025

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: Message Notes and Study Guide Weekly Spotify Playlist Children's Ministry Student Ministry See you Sunday.

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

By TCC • May 30, 2025

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: Message Notes and Study Guide Weekly Spotify Playlist Children's Ministry Student Ministry Can’t wait to share it with you,

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

By TCC • May 23, 2025

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: Message Notes and Study Guide Weekly Spotify Playlist Children's Ministry Student Ministry See you Sunday,