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,

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Secure in the Spirit + Sunday Morning Resources

By TCC • September 12, 2025

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

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

By TCC • September 5, 2025

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

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

By TCC • August 29, 2025

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

The Way Up is Down + Sunday Morning Resources

By TCC • August 22, 2025

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

What Does Love Require of Me? + Sunday Morning Resources

By TCC • August 15, 2025

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

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

By TCC • August 8, 2025

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

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.