Hey Everybody, Sunday was probably one of the top 10 services ever at our church. I am not exactly sure why, but I am grateful today as I reflect. One reason is that this “Captivated” series has done so much to help us understand grace. As we reflected on the confidence we have because of grace, I was passionate as we walked through Romans 8. Another reason is the personal story by Ed and Heidi Anderson. WOW! I don’t think we’ve ever had something that real and raw in our services. Those things were powerful, but I think it was just one of those days when God said, “I’m pouring My Spirit out in a supernatural way.” I love it.
The snow kept many of you home this weekend. Ed and Heidi gave their permission to include their powerful testimony on the internet and CD versions we make available. You’ll want to watch the message online or get a copy of the CD. You can’t even imagine how powerful it was until you hear it personally.
Because over half of our church couldn’t make it on Sunday, we ended up postponing our Journey Classes until December 5. If you were signed up, make sure to note this change. If you had not signed up, I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to take your next step with our church family.
One fact you’ll want to know is that our Finance Team met this last week and projected that in the month of November our church would finally be in the black for 2010. In other words, our giving and expenses would both be equal YTD. Unfortunately, on Sunday with over half of our family not present, that changed things considerably. So, I ask you to please help us reach our goal by giving freely either by mail, online or through the offering this weekend.
I am so grateful to be your pastor.
Pastor Ron
Hey everybody, I was so moved on Sunday as so many of us released our pain over what appears to be unanswered prayer. I know that the day was tough for some of us, but I believe it was also a day of healing as we made a choice to lean into Him instead of shaking our fist at Him for the way our lives seem to be turning out. Remember our greatest weaknesses are God’s greatest opportunities if we trust in Him. If you’re reading this and weren’t at church on Sunday, go online and watch last week’s service.
This Sunday we get to look at some of the most faith-filling verses in the entire Bible. Go ahead and read Romans 8 so you can really be ready to hear what God wants to say to you as we talk about how we can be “Confident By Grace.” We’re going to hear a very raw, real story about how one couple from our church family is facing a very difficult season of life with the hope in Romans 8:28 – “God works all things out together for the good of those who love Him.” You won’t want to miss this powerful story.
Sunday is Journey Class time. If you’ve never been to Journey 101, I want to ask you to join me Sunday afternoon for a fast-paced session designed to help you know why we do church the way we do and how you can become a member with us. Membership is a way to grow in your surrender to God and His ways, and we encourage you to take that very spirit-activating step.
I have spent quite a bit of my prayer time this week thanking God for you. You are an amazing church. I am so blessed to be one of your pastors.
Pastor Ron
Hey everybody, Grace is amazing. This series has been such a surprise to so many. Grace is a word we use a lot at church, but it’s not so easily understood and it’s even more difficult to apply. “Captured by Grace” was one of those messages. I ask you to watch it online if you weren’t there, and even if you were, to hear how God’s grace captured and transformed a man many would say was a very unlikely person to receive the love of Jesus.
This Sunday, we get to look at how the Apostle Paul expresses his faith in God’s amazing grace to bring comfort when life is unexplainable. I’ve really been touched this week as I’ve been working on this captivating concept.
I have a special invitation. These next two weeks our services will directly speak to those times in life when we may feel God is absent or silent or just not on our side. Often times we hear messages that say, “If God is absent or silent or not working as you have prayed, it’s the result of your lack of faith.” I want you to know that is just not consistent with Biblical truth. In fact, facing times when God appears absent or silent or distant requires more faith than any other time.
I want to invite all of you to come the next two Sundays. Do whatever you have to in order to be here because I believe these next two messages will show you how comforting and convincing God’s grace really is. Go ahead and read 2 Corinthians 4:1-18 and 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 just to get your wheels turning.
Today is Veteran’s Day so make sure to honor the men and women who have served in our Armed Forces,
Pastor Ron
Hey everybody, Sunday was so much FUN! I am always amazed at your heart of service and giving to our community. It began with Friend Day as so many new people came to hear about GRACE. Four people made first time public commitments to Jesus Christ! Thank you for trusting Twin Cities so much that you would invite your friends to join you. Make sure to extend those invitations again this week because we’re going to look at another encounter with God’s relentless grace.
Fall Family Festival was such a huge success! Over 3500 people made their way onto our campus and as most of them left they expressed appreciation and gratitude for the gift they had received. Over 375 volunteers served in some capacity as part of the FFF team led by Stephen and Kimala DeSena. Thank you to all of you.
Many of you have heard about our Community Groups emphasis designed to activate us to serve with our Community Partners and in our neighborhoods in 2011. Well, we don’t want to wait until 2011 to begin so as the holidays approach, our Community Impact Teams will provide opportunities where we can serve and give.
One big idea being finalized is our TCC Community Pavilion. It’s going to be directly in front of our building. We’ll have a large pavilion and barbecue area, grass, volleyball, and other lawn games to help us build relationships and serve our community. We were able to pick up some picnic tables for a steal that will go onto that space. Since the tables were not in our budget, some Community Groups have decided to buy a table. If your Community Group wants to participate, each table cost $450. You can give to the TCC Community Pavilion Project.
May you experience God’s GRACE in your life – today!
Pastor Ron
