Setting Our Sights On Jesus + Sunday Morning Resources

TCC • March 11, 2022

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.

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.

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.

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!

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. 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,

New Paragraph

< Older Post Newer Post >

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

By TCC • January 23, 2026

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

How We Change Our Minds + Sunday Morning Resources

By TCC • January 16, 2026

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

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

By TCC • January 9, 2026

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

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

By TCC • December 26, 2025

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

Unwrapping Advent + Sunday Morning Resources

By TCC • December 19, 2025

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

Who Got Their Claus in Christmas? + Sunday Morning Resources

By TCC • December 12, 2025

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

Oh Christmas Tree + Sunday Morning Resources

By TCC • December 5, 2025

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: Message Notes and Study Guide Weekly Spotify Playlist Children's Ministry Student Ministry I can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Why Follow Jesus? + Sunday Morning Resources

By TCC • November 21, 2025

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: Message Notes and Study Guide Weekly Spotify Playlist Children's Ministry Student Ministry I can’t wait to celebrate with you!

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

By TCC • November 14, 2025

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