I’ve always loved Groundhog Day. Maybe it’s because the local Methodist Church always had an amazing sausage, biscuits, and gravy meal in my hometown. I’ve been enthralled each year to watch as the fine people in Pennsylvania brought Punxsutawney Phil out of his home each February 2 so that we would have certainty about how much longer winter will last. This year, they proclaimed, “Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, and so there will be only six more weeks of winter.” Drop the mic! Wouldn’t it be great if we have prognosticators and pollsters who could make such certain predictions? Of course, we all do. The problem is this: No one knows the future. All things are in a state of change and disequilibrium.

After looking at our latest COVID statistics for Nevada County yesterday, I told a friend that I’m a terrible predictor or prophet. I’ve believed that we are on a fast track to moving from PURPLE to RED, but it looks like the wait will be longer than anticipated. We’re in this terrible time we tend to loathe called WAITING. We are waiting for a change to happen when we have little or no control over the process, progress, or outcome. In our weekly video, Kim and I just talked about a posture of eager anticipation we can all adopt in these waiting times. I hope you will watch it.

Someone said to me today, “I’ll bet you never anticipated doing these weekly videos for what is coming up on a year.” I agreed. He then said, “I’ll bet it’s work to have something fresh to say each week.” I replied, “We’re just serving what we’re cooking in the kitchen.” Each week we begin our thoughts by asking ourselves, “What has God been saying?” We then get to share what we talk about at home together in our kitchen as we do life and discuss what we’ve been learning about God. It’s been fun!

We want to serve you better, so we’re changing the day my email blast/blog is delivered to your inbox. We’re now going to send this to you on Friday. This will allow us to include links to the weekly Message Notes, Community Group Homework, and Children’s and Student’s information so you can be prepared for the online experience at 9:00 and 11:00am each Sunday. You will have time to print your Message Notes before the service begins, allowing you to gain even more from our gathering. I ask one favor: Please don’t unsubscribe to these emails because you unsubscribe to all of our Twin Cities email communications when you do.

When we get to the Red Tier, we are going back to in-person services. We will observe all CDC safety guidelines concerning facemasks, sanitation, and social distancing for adults and children. We’ve heard your comments and cries – telling us how much you need to meet and gather as a church. We will meet together in person as soon as possible. We’ve heard other comments from folks telling us that they won’t be comfortable being in church until a later date. We will continue to make our online option available for you, and we’re grateful the online venue will continue to reach around the world.

Grow University begins in March, and now is the time to choose which class you want to take to help you grow. Here are this session’s classes.  
  

• Resolving Everyday Conflict will help you improve your communication skills and learn to resolve conflict in a healthy way.  
• GriefShare will support you to find healing after loss and learn ways to cope with the deep sadness, loneliness, and confusion that comes with the loss of a loved one or someone close.  
• Financial Peace University will assist you to gain financial stability and learn how to manage your money and reduce your debt.  
• Be with Jesus will show you how to deepen your relationship with God and learn practices that will draw you closer to Him.  

No matter which area you are hoping to grow in this year, remember: God is WITH you every step of the way and He’s already moving mountains for you because He loves you. And with God on your side, who can be against you? Our team is here to support you and help you. GROW now through Grow University! You can register online through our website. If you have any questions about any of the classes or need help getting registered, you can email Laura or call her at 530.273.6425 ext.300.  

On Sunday, we continue our Walking the Way of Wisdom series. This week, we’ll take a look at what Proverbs has to say about Wisdom and FINANCES. The writers of Proverbs have much to say about how we handle our finances. I hope you’ll make sure to tune in online this weekend to hear God’s Word for you.  

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

• Message Notes and Study Guide
• Weekly Spotify Playlist
• Children's Ministry
• Student Ministry

During this time when we can’t meet in person, please make sure to stay engaged online. Let me encourage you to keep your Sunday rhythms by watching the service live at either 9:00 or 11:00am. I believe that will help you stay disciplined as we walk this road of COVID restrictions together and will help our church family feel your nearness and encouragement as we continue to “gather” in His name.  

If you like, you can watch the current service or any archived service on demand any time you want right from our website or APP. Here’s an idea: When you’re watching online, please invite your friends to join you. If you haven’t downloaded the TCC APP, just go to the APP store and search for TCC GRASS VALLEY and download it today. You can watch the service right from your device.

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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