Hey everybody, this weekend we get to celebrate the independence and freedom we enjoy as a nation. I am so grateful for the people who gave of themselves for the freedoms we hold dear as Americans. I am inspired by their courage and sacrifice as they gave themselves – often at great cost – to fight for something greater than their own desires.
Recently, my family had the huge privilege of being in our nation’s capital. I was in awe as we made our way around the Capitol Mall to each memorial and monument. We talked to a WWII veteran at the WWII Memorial and listened as he told us stories of the invasion of Normandy. We listened to a Vietnam veteran talk about what it was like to be in combat as we walked along the wall of names of men and women who lost their lives in that war. We got to walk through the Korean War Memorial and look at the plaque that said, “Freedom Is Never Free.” I was truly grateful.
One of the things we saw that I want to mention as we celebrate our freedom as a nation this year is this plaque I photographed of the Four Freedoms as spoken by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1941. Specifically, we’ve been given the freedom of worship. I hold that freedom dear. So, on Sunday, we’re going to set aside time in our service, during our worship, to pray for God’s will to be done in our nation and in us as Americans.
Hope to see you Sunday as we gather to express our freedom of worship. We’ll begin our new series, “The Jesus Stories: Capturing The Hearts Of Ordinary People” as well.
Pastor Ron
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
This Week at Twin Cities - Communion!
Hey Everybody,
Sunday we get to wrap up our “Time To Grow” series with what I think will be the most difficult message for me. We’re talking about how God wants to Cultivate Self-Control in our lives. I often times feel like I lack the discipline God wants me to apply, and that frustrates me. I think it’s important for us to understand that self-control is really a misnomer. The “Fruit of the Spirit” is produced in us by God. So, how do we understand our responsibility when it comes to self-discipline and making the right choices?
You’ll have to be there on Sunday to get the scoop.
We’re also celebrating Communion as we wrap up this series as a way of consecrating ourselves to the growth process God has us in during this season.
July 3 begins a brand new series called, “The Jesus Stories.” Jesus told stories using every day examples to help people understand the truths of the Kingdom of God. He did it in a way that was always poignant, riveting, and often confrontational. We’re looking at His stories or parables through the lens of how he intended to capture the hearts of ordinary people and will cover as many as time allows. Be sure to be here for each one.
We’re officially into summer now – even the weather. I want to ask you to do two things with me. If 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 more meaningful than ever.
Growing through the power of God’s Spirit with you,
Pastor Ron
Sunday we get to wrap up our “Time To Grow” series with what I think will be the most difficult message for me. We’re talking about how God wants to Cultivate Self-Control in our lives. I often times feel like I lack the discipline God wants me to apply, and that frustrates me. I think it’s important for us to understand that self-control is really a misnomer. The “Fruit of the Spirit” is produced in us by God. So, how do we understand our responsibility when it comes to self-discipline and making the right choices?
You’ll have to be there on Sunday to get the scoop.
We’re also celebrating Communion as we wrap up this series as a way of consecrating ourselves to the growth process God has us in during this season.
July 3 begins a brand new series called, “The Jesus Stories.” Jesus told stories using every day examples to help people understand the truths of the Kingdom of God. He did it in a way that was always poignant, riveting, and often confrontational. We’re looking at His stories or parables through the lens of how he intended to capture the hearts of ordinary people and will cover as many as time allows. Be sure to be here for each one.
We’re officially into summer now – even the weather. I want to ask you to do two things with me. If 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 more meaningful than ever.
Growing through the power of God’s Spirit with you,
Pastor Ron
Thursday, June 16, 2011
This Week at Twin Cities - Father's Day & Food Drive!
Hey everybody,
Sunday is for you, DAD! Dads are special to God, necessary in your family and important to our church. I hope you’ll be at church on Sunday to help set your family’s course. Whatever you do, dad, your choices show your family what you value in life.
My dad died on Easter Sunday, and as I reflected on his life, three things stood out clearly that helped shape the values in the Thompson house. First, my dad overcame a very difficult childhood. Born last of four boys, he entered into a home of poverty, alcohol and abuse. He spent his first days on earth being dragged along in a wagon while his mom picked cotton. They lived as vagabonds making their beds in a tent. He was told that school was no longer necessary for him at the end of his seventh grade year. My dad overcame this auspicious start and made sure his kids would have better.
My dad was present. He made sure his kids knew of his love in the only way he could figure out – by being there no matter what. I am amazed that he could hold down two jobs most of his working life, and still be not just at every game or event his kids were in, but at the practices and even rehearsals as well. You always knew where to find my dad – where his kids were.
My dad was dedicated. He had a love for my mom and his kids that was enduring. In fact, just days after his death, my mom celebrated 55 years of faithful marriage. My dad taught me so much about how to live, work and love. I miss him.
This Sunday, I’m going to talk to all of us about how we can build integrity into our lives and homes. See you then.
Loving my dad still,
Pastor Ron
Sunday is for you, DAD! Dads are special to God, necessary in your family and important to our church. I hope you’ll be at church on Sunday to help set your family’s course. Whatever you do, dad, your choices show your family what you value in life.
My dad died on Easter Sunday, and as I reflected on his life, three things stood out clearly that helped shape the values in the Thompson house. First, my dad overcame a very difficult childhood. Born last of four boys, he entered into a home of poverty, alcohol and abuse. He spent his first days on earth being dragged along in a wagon while his mom picked cotton. They lived as vagabonds making their beds in a tent. He was told that school was no longer necessary for him at the end of his seventh grade year. My dad overcame this auspicious start and made sure his kids would have better.
My dad was present. He made sure his kids knew of his love in the only way he could figure out – by being there no matter what. I am amazed that he could hold down two jobs most of his working life, and still be not just at every game or event his kids were in, but at the practices and even rehearsals as well. You always knew where to find my dad – where his kids were.
My dad was dedicated. He had a love for my mom and his kids that was enduring. In fact, just days after his death, my mom celebrated 55 years of faithful marriage. My dad taught me so much about how to live, work and love. I miss him.
This Sunday, I’m going to talk to all of us about how we can build integrity into our lives and homes. See you then.
Loving my dad still,
Pastor Ron
Thursday, June 9, 2011
This Week at Twin Cities - June 9, 2011
Hey everybody,
Life is a great teacher! In fact, the Holy Spirit allows circumstances into our lives so that we can grow the fruit we’ve been studying in this series. The last message I gave was on peace, and I was amazed that the very next day life brought a wheelbarrow full of opportunities to grow. The joke around the office is that the Thompsons have a curse when it comes to vacations. Well, we’re on one right now. And it certainly began with growth possibilities.
The really cool thing is that I got to practice the principle of “calling a time out” that I shared with you that day. And guess what? It really does give you the opportunity to stop, regroup and refocus your mind. Pausing allows you to take a breath and to let your mind catch up with your feelings. I hope you’ve been finding that principle effective as well.
Focusing the mind is a spiritual discipline that we all need. In fact, I’m staying in a home that has positive messages, most of which are from the Bible, on every surface possible. Here’s one that fits this week’s message on the Fruit of Gentleness: Life is a long lesson in humility. Isn’t that true? Well, the Holy Spirit wants us to cut out the pride that is so insidious in our lives and relationships and to learn how to live without having to be the center of the world.
That’s a good definition of humility – understanding that you’re not the center of the world and treating others as if they are. This Sunday we’ll talk more about how He does this in us.
Learning more every day,
Pastor Ron
Life is a great teacher! In fact, the Holy Spirit allows circumstances into our lives so that we can grow the fruit we’ve been studying in this series. The last message I gave was on peace, and I was amazed that the very next day life brought a wheelbarrow full of opportunities to grow. The joke around the office is that the Thompsons have a curse when it comes to vacations. Well, we’re on one right now. And it certainly began with growth possibilities.
The really cool thing is that I got to practice the principle of “calling a time out” that I shared with you that day. And guess what? It really does give you the opportunity to stop, regroup and refocus your mind. Pausing allows you to take a breath and to let your mind catch up with your feelings. I hope you’ve been finding that principle effective as well.
Focusing the mind is a spiritual discipline that we all need. In fact, I’m staying in a home that has positive messages, most of which are from the Bible, on every surface possible. Here’s one that fits this week’s message on the Fruit of Gentleness: Life is a long lesson in humility. Isn’t that true? Well, the Holy Spirit wants us to cut out the pride that is so insidious in our lives and relationships and to learn how to live without having to be the center of the world.
That’s a good definition of humility – understanding that you’re not the center of the world and treating others as if they are. This Sunday we’ll talk more about how He does this in us.
Learning more every day,
Pastor Ron
Thursday, June 2, 2011
This Week at Twin Cities - A Look at Summer
Hey everybody, You are an amazing group of people that I grow to love more and more each day I get to serve with you. Summer is a great time to take new steps in going deeper with God and each other. I hope you will look over this listing of summer events and design your schedule in a way that allows you to experience all we’re doing to help you grow and connect with others.
Here’s a list of opportunities for you to connect, grow, serve and reach this summer:
June 12: Kid’s and Student’s Promotion Week. Kids and students of all ages move up to their next grade level class.
June 19: Father’s Day Baptisms. Dads, take the lead in stepping out to “Go Public for Jesus.” Kids, honor your dad by following his example.
June 20-24: Kids’ Day Camp. You can bring your kids, invite the neighbor’s kids and even serve as our kids take a trip to the Big Apple – right here @ TCC!
June 16-18: Epic Weekend at Bullard’s Bar Lake. College age young adults get together for a weekend of fun and awesomeness.
June 17: 55+ Active Adults. Evening in Kenya. Great food and fun.
July 3: New Sunday Morning Series. The Jesus Stories – Capturing the Hearts of Ordinary People.
July 3-8: Senior High Camp, Hume Lake San Diego Style. Hume Lake on steroids.
July 17-22: Junior High Camp, Camp Sugar Pine. Camp is a great place to take next steps with God.
Beginning June 29: Beach Days. Family fun for all ages at LWW.
August 28: All Church End of Summer Picnic and Baptisms at LWW.
Looking forward to an awesome summer with you,
Pastor Ron
Here’s a list of opportunities for you to connect, grow, serve and reach this summer:
June 12: Kid’s and Student’s Promotion Week. Kids and students of all ages move up to their next grade level class.
June 19: Father’s Day Baptisms. Dads, take the lead in stepping out to “Go Public for Jesus.” Kids, honor your dad by following his example.
June 20-24: Kids’ Day Camp. You can bring your kids, invite the neighbor’s kids and even serve as our kids take a trip to the Big Apple – right here @ TCC!
June 16-18: Epic Weekend at Bullard’s Bar Lake. College age young adults get together for a weekend of fun and awesomeness.
June 17: 55+ Active Adults. Evening in Kenya. Great food and fun.
July 3: New Sunday Morning Series. The Jesus Stories – Capturing the Hearts of Ordinary People.
July 3-8: Senior High Camp, Hume Lake San Diego Style. Hume Lake on steroids.
July 17-22: Junior High Camp, Camp Sugar Pine. Camp is a great place to take next steps with God.
Beginning June 29: Beach Days. Family fun for all ages at LWW.
August 28: All Church End of Summer Picnic and Baptisms at LWW.
Looking forward to an awesome summer with you,
Pastor Ron
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