This Week at Twin Cities - June 25, 2009

Hey Gang,

Time seems to fly, doesn’t it? Even though time is a constant, there are certain areas of life where it seems to just speed by. Summer is one of those seasons. I know from growing up in the Oklahoma Panhandle that summers seemed to whiz by and then school was in again. Summer was a time I remember well.

Summer was a time to visit relatives or just get away to a place where we could see trees. Summer was a time of sunburn, Kool-aid, baseball, swimming, grasshoppers and locusts. Summer was a time for family.

I hope you invest yourself in making summer memories – no matter your stage of life. You only get summer of 2009 once so make the most of it by spending time with family, friends and God. Yes, God. Many people check out on pursuing God in the summer. They stop their pursuit, they fall short in their giving, and they end up dropping their involvement.

I know from watching people over the years that it takes many weeks to make God a regular part of life, but it only takes a few before those habits wane. Make this summer a time when you include God in all you do. Look for a church wherever you are on vacation. Keep your financial commitments to our church by giving regularly so we’re running smoothly when you get back. If you’re here in town, come to church. We want to see you.

Our summer series begins this week. It’s called “Mind the Gap.” I haven’t had this much anticipation and eagerness for a summer series in a long time. We’re going to take a trip through the Revelation chapters 1-4. You won’t want to miss a single week of this transformational, inspiring and mind-expanding series.

Spending my summer walking with God and you,

This Week at Twin Cities - June 18, 2008

Hey Gang,

I’m sitting in the home of my wife’s parents in central Florida – staying out of the 99 degree heat and high humidity. Whew, this is hot! I love getting away from the normal routines of life in order to have my perspective cleared. On Wednesday, I opened up my Bible to our daily reading and God gave me a head clearing verse. It made me miss all of you and gave me inspiration to return with passion in my heart for the work God has called us to do together.

In Philippians 1:23-25, the Apostle Paul writes, “I’m torn between two desires: Sometimes I want to live, and sometimes I long to go be with Christ. That would be far better for me, but it is better for you that I live… so that you will grow and experience the joy of your faith.” Frankly, I was tired and a little depleted that Wednesday morning, and God used those verses to encourage me in the work He has called me to do.

I was renewed and inspired with God’s word to me. I am right where He wants me to be. He has called me to help you grow in joy. Thank you for being such a great church full of people who want to know the fullness of faith.

I look forward to Father’s Day with you. God has given a clear word for the dads in our church about how to be Godly dads. I am eager to share it with you.

Dads, becoming the men God wants and our families deserve is a vital task, and we need all the help we can get. We need each other. That’s why I hope you’ll join us on Saturday, June 27, for “Band of Brothers.” We’ll be inspired to realize that we’re all in this together. Hope to see you there.

This Week at Twin Cities - June 11, 2008

Hey Gang,

Summer is finally upon us, and I want to take this space to highlight the opportunities you have to connect and grow. I don’t have space to include everything, but I don’t want you to miss out on one of these activities:

• Kids: “Boomerang Express” Day Camp, “SonRock” Resident Camp,Lake Wildwood Beach Days
• Students: “Identity” Junior High and “Move” High School Camps,
  Lake Wildwood Fun Days
• Adults: MOB for Men, Band of Brothers for Men, “Overcoming Anxiety”, Women’s Bible Study, Solutions and Financial Peace University
• Everyone: August 30 Lake Wildwood Picnic and Baptisms
  

In this season of economic stress, many families are choosing to stick closer to home, and these activities offer you several ways to relax and grow together. You’re invited.

This week we continue our two-part message on how to recalibrate our finances. We’re going to go right to God’s word and let Him direct our paths concerning His financial plan. God has incredibly insightful wisdom available right in His word, if we’ll apply it, that will keep us in good financial shape.

As we talked on Sunday, He is the one who promised to meet the desires of our hearts when we are right with Him. If you missed Sunday, June 7, you’ll want to watch online or get a copy of the CD from our bookstore. These talks will not be about guilt; they will be about grace. We all need this because “everything is different now."

This Week at Twin Cities - June 4, 2009

Hey Gang,

I have had the privilege to speak to several people in our church and community lately about our current economic woes. It’s amazing to me how this downturn has impacted people. I hear of people making different choices concerning spending and consumption. All of a sudden, last year’s summer fashion looks appealing. The old car drives better than ever. The vacation will be at home this year or we’ll just go visit relatives or friends.

It’s a time of recalibration as we take honest looks at our spending patterns and consumer driven indulgence over the past few years. “Upgrade” became an automatic decision for something new. “Sale” was a license to spend because we might never get this deal again. “Credit Cards and Home Equity” were used as part of our income streams in some cases.

This week, we begin a two-part message on how to recalibrate our desires and finances. We’re going to go right to God’s word and let Him direct our paths. He is the one who promised to meet the desires of our hearts when we are right with Him. These talks will not be about guilt; they will be about grace. We all need this because “everything is different now.”

I’m praying that you will make these two weeks a priority.

Pastor Ron

Did you know? Registration for Kids, Jr. High, and High School camps are in full swing. It has been our experience that significant life-change and transformation is possible when a kid is away from home and in a spiritually charged environment like a camp. Make sure to get your kids signed up early. If money is an issue, or if you’d like to give extra so that a kid can go to camp, please contact Pastor Bobby or Pastor Mark.