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:

1. Keep our eyes focused on Jesus. He is the author and perfecter of our faith. 
2. See others as God sees them. Everyone you meet is an image-bearer of God.
3. 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. 

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.

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,