Meekness is a Trust Issue + Sunday Morning Resources

TCC • May 7, 2021

A man I had not met before stopped me after the service on Sunday and said, “I had never realized that meekness is a trust issue.” I told him that I hadn’t either until I dug into Psalm 37 which Jesus quoted when He said, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” When we dig into Psalm 37, we realize that it’s all about the tension between things going our way because God worked them out or making things go our way because we applied pressure or engaged in a strongarm approach.

The quote from Sunday’s message that our tech team picked to use for our social media post was this: “If it’s meant to be, it’s up to God, not me.” This flies directly in the face of our cultural maxim that says that “If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me.” When we see life as always needing our input or energy or strategy or effort before it works our way, then we will tend to see all of life as a problem to exert my pressure and get my way.

In fact, God calls us to a different way. That’s why these Beautiful Attitudes we are covering in this series are so impactful. They take us by surprise as they dig below the surface of what we believe they say and cause us to stop and reflect in a new way on exactly what Jesus was saying. They give us a path to The Good Life that is not natural – in fact it’s supernatural.

I found myself in a place where I felt out of control this week, and I wanted to power up and force my way to make things happen. I was grumpy and out of sorts because I was fearful that things weren’t going to work out my way. It was then that the key ideas from Psalm 37 came flooding into my mind. Several times the Psalmist gave these comforting instructions to the people who were worried about their situation:

Do not fret.
Trust in the Lord because His promises will prevail.
Wait patiently and quietly on the Lord because He’s in charge.
Delight in the Lord and His love.
Commit your way to the Lord in confidence that He will use His power and mercy to do good.
Do not fret.

Wow, that was so helpful for me, and I hope it was for you in whatever it is that you are facing. If you happened to miss Sunday’s message or want to review it as I did this week, you can watch it at any time.

I was excited and proud as I listened this week to Pastor John share about the fruit of Serve Our Community that we engaged in over two weekends. We linked arms together to help our community look more beautiful by working at different schools and non-profit organizations. The gratitude expressed by the different school representatives was so warming. Thanks to Pastor John and Mare Dibert for coordinating and for all of you who served to show our community that we care.

One of the best ways to get to know our church and God’s mission for us here in Western Nevada County is to participate in Growth Path. This series of engaging seminars will help you know who we are and how you can find a place to call home as you grow to be more like Jesus. The next Growth Path is Sunday, May 16, 2:00-5:00pm. We have four different classes, BELONG 101, BECOME 201, BLESS 301, BUILD 401, each taught by a different pastor. You can register online or at church on Sunday.

Sister’s Closet is this weekend. I wish you could see the faces of the women who are able to come to our campus and get gently used clothing items for FREE! Ladies, it’s still not too late to dig through those closets and bring your items TODAY until 6:00pm. You can also come and shop for FREE on Saturday morning from 9:00am-12:00pm. Make sure to come early to get the best selection.

I am amazed at what God continues to show us through our series, The Good Life. Each week we’re seeing that the Beatitudes (that’s the section we’re currently in) have such deeper meaning than just “attitudes to be” or virtues to attain. They go much deeper. Jesus is talking about what happens in the lives of people who walk with Him. They become like Him. This Sunday we get to look at Beautiful Craving. We live in a world that is consumed with consuming. Jesus shows us through this Beatitude that most of what we crave really won’t satisfy. He doesn’t leave us hanging, though. Instead, He shows us what to crave that will never leave us unsatisfied.

Mother’s Day is Sunday. We are offering opportunities for PHOTOS to celebrate the moms in our lives. And best of all, we’re having DONUTS! Mom, you don’t have to cook breakfast, let us load your kids up on sugar as our gift to you. We love you so much.

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

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

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Made One, Made New + Sunday Morning Resources

By TCC • February 27, 2026

I’m still overwhelmed by last week’s baptism service, where 40 of our brothers and sisters in Christ went public with their faith. It was a powerful reminder of the transformative work God is doing in our church community. Speaking of community, this Sunday, Pastor Mark will be sharing about the transforming power of doing life in community. More often than not, the deepest change happens through relationship. God works in and through His people to heal, strengthen, and grow one another into the likeness of Jesus. This weekend will remind us why God intends for us to do life together in Christ. Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend: Message Notes and Study Guide Weekly Spotify Playlist Children's Ministry Student Ministry See you Sunday.

Spirit of the Loving God + Sunday Morning Resources

By TCC • February 20, 2026

This weekend we’re continuing to explore the role that the Holy Spirit plays in real, lasting transformation. We’ll talk about the core changes that God does within us, both in the moment of our surrender as well as the fruit of our continued surrender to His love. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to actually live in step with the Spirit day-to-day, not just on Sundays, this is a weekend to be here. We’ll also be celebrating baptisms in both services! Baptism weekends are, without a doubt, my favorite weekend and you won’t want to miss it. If you’ve been considering baptism, it’s not too late to participate. We have one more baptism class today (Friday) at noon at the church. Even if you can’t make that class, you can still get baptized. Just show up 30 minutes before either service and meet near the baptismal. I can’t wait to celebrate with you. Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend: Message Notes and Study Guide Weekly Spotify Playlist Children's Ministry Student Ministry See you Sunday.

The Spirit of Change + Sunday Morning Resources

By TCC • February 13, 2026

This weekend we’ll continue our How We Change series by exploring the person and power of the Holy Spirit — because if lasting change is possible, it won’t come from willpower alone. It will require God’s presence and power at work within us. This is such a broad (and often misunderstood) topic that I’m inviting my friend Dan Prout of Sierra Ministries to join me for a live conversation. Here are a few questions we’ll explore together: What does it actually mean to be “born of the Spirit” — not just improved, but remade from the inside out? What is an appropriate way for believers to think of and relate to the Holy Spirit? What does our “part” look like — how do we cooperate with the Spirit without slipping into either striving or passivity? And what can we do when we feel dry, stuck, or unchanged? If you’ve ever felt unsure, curious, skeptical, or hungry for more — this weekend is for you. Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend: Message Notes and Study Guide Weekly Spotify Playlist Children's Ministry Student Ministry See you Sunday.

Are You Born Again? + Sunday Morning Resources

By TCC • February 6, 2026

In our current series, How We Change , we are learning how to take hold of the life that is really life. We’ve already explored the power of our thoughts and our practices, but many of us have felt the same discouraging pattern: we can hold it together for a while… and then something gives, willpower fades, and we find ourselves right back in the places we hoped we’d leave behind. So, this week we’re naming the tension we all feel: what if the change we long for requires more than willpower, insight, or better habits? According to Jesus, if we want to experience true and lasting change, we need to be “Born Again.” That is a loaded term in our culture, carrying decades of assumptions and conflicting ideas of what Jesus meant. So, this weekend, we will go back to the original conversation and seek to understand what Jesus meant when He said we need to be born again. If you’ve ever tried to “fix yourself” only to end up back at square one, then this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend: Message Notes and Study Guide Weekly Spotify Playlist Children's Ministry Student Ministry See you Sunday.

Change Is Worked for, Not Wished For + Sunday Morning Resources

By TCC • January 23, 2026

The first step to true and lasting change is to change our minds, but it’s definitely not the only step. There’s a huge difference between thinking a new way and actually living a new way. That’s why information alone doesn’t transform us and why willpower alone tends to be insufficient to the task. If you’ve ever felt discouraged by the gap between what you believe and how you live, this week will put language to that struggle and point toward a pathway forward. We will also equip you with a tangible tool to help you take an honest look at how you’re currently being formed. Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend: Message Notes and Study Guide Weekly Spotify Playlist Children's Ministry Student Ministry See you Sunday.

How We Change Our Minds + Sunday Morning Resources

By TCC • January 16, 2026

Last weekend we talked about a simple but important truth: you are being formed. Not just by big moments, but by the steady rhythms of everyday life – what you give your attention to, the voices you trust, and the patterns you repeat. So, the question isn’t whether you’re being shaped, but what’s doing the shaping and where it’s leading you. As we discussed last week, we don’t want to live a life shaped by the pressures of the world, but by the transforming work of the Spirit from the inside out as He helps us renew our minds. Which raises an important follow-up question: how does that happen? How do we renew our minds so that we can know and live out God’s will for our lives? That will be the focus of this weekend’s conversation. Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend: Message Notes and Study Guide Weekly Spotify Playlist Children's Ministry Student Ministry See you Sunday.

You Are Being Formed – The Question is By What? + Sunday Morning Resources

By TCC • January 9, 2026

This weekend we’ll continue our How We Change series with a simple but important truth: you are being formed. Not just by the big moments, but by the steady rhythms of everyday life — what you give your attention to, the voices you trust, and the patterns you repeat. The question isn’t whether you’re being shaped, but what’s doing the shaping and where is it leading you? But there’s another way: a life shaped not by the steady pressures of the world, but by the transforming work of Spirit from the inside out. If you’ve been longing for real and lasting change, come join the conversation this weekend. Also, we’d love for you to join one of our Bible reading plans so we can read Scripture together as a community. You can choose a plan that takes you through the entire Bible, or a plan focused on the New Testament. Click here to join the plan of your choice. Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend: Message Notes and Study Guide Weekly Spotify Playlist Children's Ministry Student Ministry Can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Remembering God’s Faithfulness to Us This Year + Sunday Morning Resources

By TCC • December 26, 2025

As we come to the final Sunday of the year, we’ll pause to do something sacred: remember . Together, we’ll look back and reflect on the many ways God has been faithful to us, celebrating the stories, milestones, and blessings He has poured out on our church family over this past year. It’s a moment to give thanks and to recognize that every good gift truly comes from Him. We’ll also gather around the Lord’s Table and celebrate communion, our tangible reminder that while we are grateful for what God has done, the best is still ahead. Because of Jesus, we don’t just look back with gratitude, we look forward with hope. We have eternity with Him to look forward to. Year-End Gift As we close the year, we’re also inviting those who feel led to give one final financial gift to help us finish the year strong. Every gift — large or small — helps us care well for our church family, support our ministry partners, and honor the staff who serve so faithfully. Your generosity enables us to continue being a church marked by gratitude, faithfulness, and generosity. Click here to learn more about our Year-End Gift or to give now. I am incredibly grateful for all God has done in and through Twin Cities Church this year, and I can’t wait to see what He has in store for us in the New Year. See you Sunday. Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend: Message Notes and Study Guide Weekly Spotify Playlist Children's Ministry Student Ministry Can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Unwrapping Advent + Sunday Morning Resources

By TCC • December 19, 2025

This Sunday, we come to the final week of our Reclaiming Christmas series, and we’re turning our attention to a tradition many celebrate… and many others don’t understand: Advent. For some, Advent is a sacred rhythm — way to slow down, prepare their hearts, and anticipate the celebration of Jesus’ birth as well as look forward to His second coming. For others, it’s simply a countdown marked by tiny doors holding a daily dose of Christmas chocolate. And for some, it doesn’t factor into Christmas at all. But where did Advent come from? What does it actually mean? And how might reclaiming this ancient practice reshape the way we experience Christmas today? Join us as we unwrap the history, purpose, and surprising depth of Advent and discover how it can draw us closer to the hope, peace, joy, and love we celebrate in Jesus. Also don’t forget that Christmas Eve is only a few days away! We will gather for three candlelight services on Tuesday, December 24, at 2, 4, and 6pm. Invite your friends, your neighbors, and anyone who needs the light of Christ this season. Here are some helpful resources to get you ready for the weekend: Message Notes and Study Guide Weekly Spotify Playlist Children's Ministry Student Ministry Can’t wait to celebrate with you!