Hey Everyone! I wish you could have seen the mass of humanity, cars and trucks that descended on our property this week. Nevada County Food Bank sent a request asking if we could be the site for their satellite food delivery services once each month. I was amazed at how many volunteers it took to make this day happen. BTW, many of you responded to the email request that was sent and showed up that day ready and eager to serve. Thank you so much! These kinds of partnerships go a long way in allowing us to share the tangible love of Jesus with our community.
On a very related note, after our last food drive, the volunteers who delivered the food items you brought came back and mentioned to us that the shelves at Interfaith Food Ministry are alarmingly low. They have even reduced their delivery schedule because the need is greater than they can currently fill. Here’s what we’re going to do to help. We want to do an Easter Food Drive.
We will have bins available at all our entrances on Easter weekend. I want to ask you to bring a bag of non-perishable food with you as you come to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Will you help us make a huge difference in the daily struggle some are having just to feed their families? Let’s help encourage the people at Interfaith with a huge outpouring of generosity.
Thank you for the response to last week’s blast as I asked you to go out of your way to welcome those around you each Sunday. I saw a huge lift in energy in our auditorium and in the lobby. Let’s be the friendliest place in town!
Coming awake with you,
Pastor Ron
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
This Week @ Twin Cities Church - A Warm Smile
Hey everyone! I received this Connection Card comment today: “Tomorrow is our 24th wedding anniversary. Thanks to Twin Cities Church and Celebrate Recovery, Jesus Christ is now at the center of our marriage. Thank you to all who serve and make this possible. Yea God!!!” Isn’t that just awesome? I love how God continues to use our efforts to help people discover the hope and new life we can have through a relationship with Jesus and His church. Thank you for serving, giving and sacrificing so others can know new life.
A few Sundays ago, I noticed something I want to bring to our attention. On this Sunday during the greeting and welcoming time, I saw a woman and her daughter (obviously guests) standing during the entire segment wondering if anyone was going to welcome them. All around people were laughing, talking and touching, but for some reason on this week no one noticed this woman and her daughter standing there alone. I could tell by their faces they were feeling left out. I did make my way back to them before the song ended, and they were so relieved to have a warm welcome.
People tell us all the time that we are such a friendly church. Yet, I know there will be times when in our zeal to talk to our friends we miss out on those who want to know if our church, or any church, or even God, Himself, cares. A touch, word and smile is all it takes to break through that barrier and help someone feel welcome and included.
This Sunday, make sure to look for those right next to you who need a welcome word. Just a reminder, we used to talk more about being available in the lobby to greet people. That’s another time when it’s easier to tell when someone is here for the first time. This Sunday, look for those folks and make them feel welcome with a warm smile and a “Good Morning.”
Coming awake with you,
Pastor Ron
A few Sundays ago, I noticed something I want to bring to our attention. On this Sunday during the greeting and welcoming time, I saw a woman and her daughter (obviously guests) standing during the entire segment wondering if anyone was going to welcome them. All around people were laughing, talking and touching, but for some reason on this week no one noticed this woman and her daughter standing there alone. I could tell by their faces they were feeling left out. I did make my way back to them before the song ended, and they were so relieved to have a warm welcome.
People tell us all the time that we are such a friendly church. Yet, I know there will be times when in our zeal to talk to our friends we miss out on those who want to know if our church, or any church, or even God, Himself, cares. A touch, word and smile is all it takes to break through that barrier and help someone feel welcome and included.
This Sunday, make sure to look for those right next to you who need a welcome word. Just a reminder, we used to talk more about being available in the lobby to greet people. That’s another time when it’s easier to tell when someone is here for the first time. This Sunday, look for those folks and make them feel welcome with a warm smile and a “Good Morning.”
Coming awake with you,
Pastor Ron
Thursday, March 15, 2012
This Week @ Twin Cities Church - Second Chances
Hey everyone! I received several comments and emails last week after the service on FAITH. First, thank you so much for letting me know how the things we do, including the messages we give, impact you. Second, thank you for your heart! I was so thrilled at how many people heard last Sunday as a wake-up call. The question that I got the most comments about was, “Would the people in your world be able to determine you are a follower of Jesus based – not upon what you say – but on what you do?”
I want to pose that to us again. Would the people at work know you are a person who follows Jesus Christ based upon your attitude, integrity, mouth, words, work ethic, dependability or honesty?
Would the people you hang with socially be able to know you are a follower of Jesus by the way you talk, the way you spend or consume stuff, the attitude you display, the gossip you share, the encouragement you give, the entertainment you watch or the substances you consume?
Would the people in your home see Jesus in you based upon the tone you use when you speak, the anger you spew, the consistency you display, the values you express, the love and compassion you share, the touch you give or the forgiveness you offer or seek?
I just had to ask those questions because last night I had a difficult night managing the side-effects of my medications. In my mind, it was ugly. And if my family were to judge me based upon about a five minute run, they would have to say, “Jesus was nowhere to be seen.” I am so glad for second chances. You have a second chance at work, in your social settings and at home, too. Make the most of it and live by faith.
On Sunday, we’ll talk about one of the most important aspects of the Christian faith – our ability to embrace God’s love for us.
Coming awake with you,
Pastor Ron
**Remember that Sunday 3/18 is our monthly food drive! Click here for more information!**
I want to pose that to us again. Would the people at work know you are a person who follows Jesus Christ based upon your attitude, integrity, mouth, words, work ethic, dependability or honesty?
Would the people you hang with socially be able to know you are a follower of Jesus by the way you talk, the way you spend or consume stuff, the attitude you display, the gossip you share, the encouragement you give, the entertainment you watch or the substances you consume?
Would the people in your home see Jesus in you based upon the tone you use when you speak, the anger you spew, the consistency you display, the values you express, the love and compassion you share, the touch you give or the forgiveness you offer or seek?
I just had to ask those questions because last night I had a difficult night managing the side-effects of my medications. In my mind, it was ugly. And if my family were to judge me based upon about a five minute run, they would have to say, “Jesus was nowhere to be seen.” I am so glad for second chances. You have a second chance at work, in your social settings and at home, too. Make the most of it and live by faith.
On Sunday, we’ll talk about one of the most important aspects of the Christian faith – our ability to embrace God’s love for us.
Coming awake with you,
Pastor Ron
**Remember that Sunday 3/18 is our monthly food drive! Click here for more information!**
Thursday, March 8, 2012
This Week @ Twin Cities Church - Thank You!
Hey everyone, thank you to everyone who invited friends, shook hands, smiled, served donuts, cheered, celebrated, and dreamed with us last Sunday for our 20th Anniversary Celebration Party! The place was electrified with God’s Spirit and Power.
Thank you to all of you who parked in the dirt, gave up “your” seat, helped someone find a parking spot, held a baby, loved on a kid, gave a positive word to a student, sang a song, played an instrument or made a coffee drink.
Thank you to our video team for making the “I Am Twin Cities” montage.
Thank you to the faithful folks who folded programs, hung balloons, wrote names on tags, greeted guests, helped people find seats, and prayed for those with needs. It takes all of us to do what God has called us to do and be. I am so proud of our church. We Are Twin Cities!
This week is another great week to invite your friends. We will focus on understanding and waking up to the simplicity of faith. Faith is a very confusing term in our world, but in the Bible it’s not at all. Faith is taking God at His word. I hope you’ll come ready to hear God’s word for you this Sunday.
Remember to SPRING AHEAD this weekend as the time changes.
Coming awake with you,
Pastor Ron
Thank you to all of you who parked in the dirt, gave up “your” seat, helped someone find a parking spot, held a baby, loved on a kid, gave a positive word to a student, sang a song, played an instrument or made a coffee drink.
Thank you to our video team for making the “I Am Twin Cities” montage.
Thank you to the faithful folks who folded programs, hung balloons, wrote names on tags, greeted guests, helped people find seats, and prayed for those with needs. It takes all of us to do what God has called us to do and be. I am so proud of our church. We Are Twin Cities!
This week is another great week to invite your friends. We will focus on understanding and waking up to the simplicity of faith. Faith is a very confusing term in our world, but in the Bible it’s not at all. Faith is taking God at His word. I hope you’ll come ready to hear God’s word for you this Sunday.
Remember to SPRING AHEAD this weekend as the time changes.
Coming awake with you,
Pastor Ron
Thursday, March 1, 2012
This Week @ Twin Cities Church - 20th Anniversary!
Hey everyone, Let’s Party! I have been praying that Sunday will be a new beginning filled with new passion as we celebrate 20 years together. First of all, we want to thank God for His extravagant grace and blessings. If you missed Sunday evening watch it before you come to church this weekend. That will give you even more context. Thank you God!
Second, I want to thank all the awesome servant-minded volunteers who give so much week after week to make what we do possible. We would not be who we are as a church without the incredibly humble and sacrificial people who have linked arms with us in this journey. Thank you!
Third, I want to thank the pastoral and administrative staff God has allowed us to gather here. The quality of staff we have is beyond compare. I am so grateful to get to serve beside these dedicated women and men in this grand adventure. Thank you!
Sunday has the potential to be a big day for us. God has prepared our hearts through the Rhythms series, Daily Bible Reading, 5/5 Lord’s Prayer Challenge, 28 Days of Fasting, and Re-think Leadership because He wants to unleash us for even greater impact for Him. I am so thrilled and encouraged by how you have so willingly and eagerly engaged during this time of preparation.
I am praying for the friends you plan to invite. It’s never too late in the week to make that invitation. Let God use you!
HELP: If you will be serving in any capacity this Sunday, please park off-pavement and arrive early. We have spots on both ends of our parking lot where you can park. Let’s serve by making it as easy as possible for our friends and guests to get in and get out. Remember to be your friendly and courteous selves to everyone you see.
See you Sunday as we celebrate 20 years together,
Pastor Ron
**Listen to Ron & Kim’s KNCO Radio Interview from 2/29!**
Second, I want to thank all the awesome servant-minded volunteers who give so much week after week to make what we do possible. We would not be who we are as a church without the incredibly humble and sacrificial people who have linked arms with us in this journey. Thank you!
Third, I want to thank the pastoral and administrative staff God has allowed us to gather here. The quality of staff we have is beyond compare. I am so grateful to get to serve beside these dedicated women and men in this grand adventure. Thank you!
Sunday has the potential to be a big day for us. God has prepared our hearts through the Rhythms series, Daily Bible Reading, 5/5 Lord’s Prayer Challenge, 28 Days of Fasting, and Re-think Leadership because He wants to unleash us for even greater impact for Him. I am so thrilled and encouraged by how you have so willingly and eagerly engaged during this time of preparation.
I am praying for the friends you plan to invite. It’s never too late in the week to make that invitation. Let God use you!
HELP: If you will be serving in any capacity this Sunday, please park off-pavement and arrive early. We have spots on both ends of our parking lot where you can park. Let’s serve by making it as easy as possible for our friends and guests to get in and get out. Remember to be your friendly and courteous selves to everyone you see.
See you Sunday as we celebrate 20 years together,
Pastor Ron
**Listen to Ron & Kim’s KNCO Radio Interview from 2/29!**
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