The Goodness of God + Sunday Morning Resources

TCC • December 17, 2021

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.

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.

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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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,

Can I Really Trust the Bible? + Sunday Morning Resources

By TCC • May 16, 2025

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

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

By TCC • May 9, 2025

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

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

By TCC • April 25, 2025

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: Message Notes and Study Guide Weekly Spotify Playlist Children's Ministry Student Ministry With hope,

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

By TCC • April 18, 2025

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: Message Notes and Study Guide Weekly Spotify Playlist Children's Ministry Student Ministry With anticipation,

Great Expectations + Sunday Morning Resources

By TCC • April 11, 2025

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: Message Notes and Study Guide Weekly Spotify Playlist Children's Ministry Student Ministry Looking forward to seeing you Sunday,

Welcome to the Resistance + Sunday Morning Resources

By TCC • April 4, 2025

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: Message Notes and Study Guide Weekly Spotify Playlist Children's Ministry Student Ministry Looking forward to seeing you Sunday!

Power Play + Sunday Morning Resources

By TCC • March 28, 2025

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. 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: Message Notes and Study Guide Weekly Spotify Playlist Children's Ministry Student Ministry Looking forward to seeing you Sunday!