Thursday, May 26, 2011

This Week at Twin Cities - May 26, 2011

Hey everybody, “I felt like you were talking right to me.” That was a comment I received in an email after Sunday’s service. Folks, God knows what each of us needs to hear, and at church is where the alignment of music, teaching and serving give us a higher octane experience with Him than I’ve experienced anywhere else. God established the church, and we all need what happens as we gather together. I do.

I’ve been so inspired by our “Time To Grow” series as we continue to look at the character traits God expects to be normal and visible in all those who claim to be Followers of Jesus. He wants to pour these into our lives. The big question is this: Are we willing to place ourselves in the right position to receive His supernatural transformation?

On Sunday, I asked us to make this the summer of peace by focusing on this verse – “May the Lord of peace Himself give you His peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16 NLT) This is a prayer and blessing we can pray over our lives, families, community and church. Let’s experience His peace which exceeds anything we can understand.

We’re about to move into summer – even though you would never know it by the weather. I want to ask you to do two things with me. As you’re away, make sure to watch the services you miss online. That way you get to know what “the family” back home is experiencing and how God is moving. You’ll also be able to stay consistent in your giving through our online giving service. I use this method of giving now, and it’s made giving easier and even more meaningful than ever.

Growing through the power of God’s Spirit with you,

Pastor Ron

Thursday, May 19, 2011

This Week at Twin Cities - May 19, 2011

Hey everybody, Wasn’t last Sunday awesome? Snow, rain, wind , and it’s almost summer. We had a great day celebrating joy together. The thing you missed, though, if you weren’t here is my American Idol debut. If you weren’t here, I want to ask you to watch the service and then vote whether I should try out for the next season of Idol. Just kidding. I know I’ve told you that I can’t sing, so it was a huge risk to sing and do it acapella to boot. I so appreciated all the love you gave me.

This series is developing into another WOW season for our church family. I am so blown away by how God works His plan through us. This week we get to talk about peace. I am guessing that most of us would say, “I need more peace and less stress in my life.” At least that’s what I hear a lot as I get to talk with folks. You need Sunday.

This week we will receive our quarterly benevolence offerings, so if this is something you feel inspired or passionate about please come ready to give. We’ve also made it possible for you to give to the Benevolence Fund through our online giving options. You might want to check that out. Our Benevolence Fund goes to help people who need a small boost to help them face their uncertain financial future.

We’re about to move into summer – even though you would never know it by the weather. I want to ask you to do two things with me. As you’re away, make sure to watch the services you miss online. That way you get to know what “the family” back home is experiencing and how God is moving. You’ll also be able to stay consistent in your giving through our online giving service. I use this method of giving, now, and it’s made giving easier and even more meaningful than ever.

Growing through the power of God’s Spirit with you,

Pastor Ron

Monday, May 9, 2011

This Week at Twin Cities - May 12, 2011

Hey everybody,

I was so blown away on Sunday by the service about Nurturing Love. Moms told us they felt honored and many people responded positively to the challenge to let God love through them. I was so inspired by Kim’s prayer that our church would grow a bumper crop of love by showing love as God showed His love to us.

Sunday is our monthly food drive. Folks, the need to help others continues to increase as the effects of the recession hold on here in Nevada County. Our food banks need more than they ever have to meet the increasing numbers of people who come in seeking help. Will you bring a bag of food with you this Sunday as a way of helping others?

We are making plans for a trip to serve with our partners in Uganda. Each year we ask Pastor Robert how we can help him as a catalyst for growth or expansion. This year we’re looking at opportunities to serve the orphans, teach how to read the Bible and study it for meaning, and engage with them in some small construction/renovation projects. The team leaves August 21 and returns September 4.

Will you pray and ask God if He wants you to go? The best way to know would be to get the scoop. So, I want to invite you to an information meeting on May 22 at 11:15 during 3rd service. Pastor John will give the vision for this trip, the guidelines and the schedule for the training sessions. Kim and I have both been to Uganda, and we know this kind of trip can change your worldview and deepen your heart for God and people. If you want to know more today, just email angel@twincitieschurch.com.

Letting God do His work in me,

Pastor Ron

Thursday, May 5, 2011

This Week at Twin Cities - May 5, 2011

Hey everybody,

Thank you for your prayers, notes and cards expressing your condolences to my family after the death of my dad last week. He went to heaven on Easter evening, the same day his family was celebrating the promises we know because God raised Jesus from the dead. Wow! I was privileged to deliver his memorial message and honor my dad for the role he had played in the life of our family. Thanks for lifting me to our Father in your prayers.

We began our new series, “Time To Grow,” last weekend and learned the difference between trying to be more like God and allowing God and His Spirit to make us more like Him. What a difference! If you weren’t with us, I want to encourage you to watch the service online. It’s key to understanding the next few weeks. If you haven’t noticed yet, we now offer our video in two formats – one with the music included, and one without the music. Depending on your need, you can choose which format to watch.

This Sunday, we take a look at the first aspect of the fruit God is growing in us. We’re going to talk about Love. I think it’s awesome in God’s timing that on Mother’s Day we get to talk about the number one character trait a mom exhibits most – love. I hope you’ll be here to learn how we all can increase our love capacity because it’s time to grow in love.

Letting God do His work in me,

Pastor Ron