Why is Twin Oaks here?” and “What on earth are you here for?” This Sunday I will begin one of the most important message series that we’ve had here in years. It is called “FOCUS” and we will be focusing on the 3 things Jesus says mark the life of everyone who is a true follower of His. What does God expect of you? What does it mean to follow Jesus? These 3 priorities also form the mission of Twin Oaks Christian Church. Come Sunday as we begin to unwrap His call on your life. Don’t miss one of these next 3 weeks. They are that important.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL???? Early fall is the most wonderful time of the year in Michigan isn’t it? Sure, Christmas is great for the holiday itself but it is cold and grey and is followed by 3 more months of winter. Early fall in Michigan is about beautiful sunny afternoons, cool breezes in the evening, leaves turning, cider mills – but best of all it is time for football. The Lions begin the season with hopes for a play-off run (what’s new ; the Wolverines have a new coach and almost have to be improved; high school football has already begun. I can’t wait for Saturday’s college games and the pro season to kick-off the next weekend. I love fall in Michigan.

But even more I love fall at Twin Oaks. School starts next week (sorry, kids) and that means vacations are over and families are back in the groove and GEMS and Cadets and MOPS and Connection groups all kick-off in force. Student ministries got an early start and are already bringing in all kinds of new kids and new coaches. Women’s ministry gears up and the men’s retreat is right around the corner. We’re entering this fall with a great, full staff and the potential is limitless. I love summer, and we’ve had a good summer at TOCC, but I’ve been anxiously waiting for fall and what God has in store.

So… enjoy this next week and the holiday weekend (be in church if you are in town) but start praying for God’s blessing on Twin Oaks this fall and about your involvement in it. Use this a time to grow closer to God in worship, connections, and service and take your relationship with Christ to a whole new level.

It is good to be “home”. The past two Sundays Chris and I worshipped in a couple of good “megachurches” – one is my home church in Texas and the other is in California. Both run about 3,500 in attendance and they are good churches. In both services the singers were gifted and the musicians talented. In both services the message was good and biblical and in both places the people were friendly. I’d recommend either church to someone in those towns. But something was missing. It wasn’t “home”. It wasn’t Twin Oaks. There is something special about the spirit at Twin Oaks that I rarely sense in other churches. Some of you have told me the same thing when you’ve returned from worshipping elsewhere. And maybe the people at those churches feel the same way when they visit other churches.

I think to a degree that’s the way it is supposed to be. There’s a difference between “going to church” and having a church “home”. A church home is where you have relationships; where you do ministry and serve Christ and others; it is where you are invested not only financially but with your time and your heart. There is a commitment of your soul there. That’s what makes it “home”. Most of you know what I’m talking about. If you don’t, is it possible that it is because you’ve been “going to church” but now it is time to make Twin Oaks your “home”? Get invested. Join a connection group and build relationships. Find a ministry to serve in. Take the next Starting Point class and take the step of membership. Move from being a “guest at the table” and become a member of the Twin Oaks family. As I was reminded the past two Sundays, it really makes a difference when it is your church “home”.

I’m in Amarillo, TX tonight with Aaron’s family. We’re visiting relatives on both sides and showing off the grandkids. Tonight I drove a few miles outside of town to take photos of an Amarillo landmark – the Cadillac Graveyard (AKA – The Cadillac Ranch). In 1974 an eccentric local millionaire, Stanley Marsh 3, had several old Cadillacs half-buried nose down in a field next to I-40. Kind of a West Texas Stonehenge.  I went to high school with one of Stanley’s sons and the family was known for seeking the spotlight with various publicity stunts. As I visited the Cadillac Ranch tonight I thought of how far Stanley Marsh has gone to make his mark and find significance and ensure that he is remembered after he is gone. And what people will remember is a bunch of half-buried old cars.

What will people remember about you? How are you making your mark in this world? What makes you life significant? Let me give you a hint on that last one: Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”. You are significant because God’s uniquely created you for a purpose – to do the good works He gives you the opportunity to do. Those good works may not ever show up on a Google search. But God uses them to change people’s lives. Long after Stanley Marsh 3 has been forgotten, what you did for God will receive a “well done”. Go to work, school, wherever tomorrow as a unique creation of God – determined to take advantage of every opportunity to love others in His name.

G.A.L.S.  (Growing and Loving Servants).  Yes!  The Women’s Ministry, a/k/a Circle of Love, has a new name!!!!!    An exciting FALL KICK-OFF is set for Friday, September 16th, 6:30 p.m.  This is one of the most important GAL GATHERINGS of the year!

Three years ago I came home from work one day and asked Chris “Do you want to go to Cambodia with me?” (O.k., what I originally said was “Do you want to MOVE to Cambodia?”, but the conversation evolved from there) When we finally took our first trip to visit Rapha House a few months later Chris was scared. We are from the Vietnam War generation. All she’d ever seen of Cambodia were scenes of napalm bombings and burned children running from the forests. News footage of the Khmer Rouge holocaust and the Killing Fields were still fresh in her mind. As the weeks grew closer for us to go she grew more and more anxious. She didn’t want to go… and then she met the girls of Rapha House, and her heart was forever changed. Fast forward 3 years and Chris is now on staff at Rapha House, our church sponsors over 50 children outside of Phnom Penh, and we are making preparations for our 5^th and 6^th trips to Cambodia. You’ll never know what God has in mind for you if you don’t let faith lead you past your fears.

What is God calling you to do today that scares you? Will you have enough faith to lead you past your fears? There is a promised land of blessing beyond your fears. Just have the faith to step out.

On Sunday, August 28^th at noon we will have an informational meeting for Twin Oaks’ 3^rd missions trip to Cambodia. And some of you are in the same place Chris was 3 years ago. You’ve heard about the ministries there and they’ve captured your heart. And part of you wants to go, but you’re afraid. Afraid of flying over the ocean; scared of catching exotic diseases; intimidated by the language barrier or by the thought of raising the funds to go; uncertain what talents you could contribute to the team. I totally understand. But don’t let your fears keep you from experiencing the blessing that God has in store for you. Here’s what you should do: Just come to the meeting. If you feel at all that God might be drawing you to consider joining us next February 27-March 8th just come and listen. We’ll answer every question you could have (How safe is it? How do I raise the money? What will we do? etc.) and then give you a few weeks to seek God on it. No obligation, just come to the meeting. Register for the meeting at http://twinoakschristian.com/cambodia-2012. Let faith lead you past your fears.

According to a couple of recent studies, we’re all becoming less satisfied with life. For the twenty year period from 1985 to 2005, researchers observed “slippages in self-confidence, growing regrets about the past, and declines in virtually every measure of self-reported physical and mental health … regardless of gender, age, marital status, and educational attainment.” The study also suggested that this growing discontentment stems from two factors: the economic downturn and the breakdown of community. “Americans over the past several decades became increasingly detached from family and friends …. There is indeed a large body of evidence indicating that social connectedness … has a powerful influence on self-reported health and happiness.” (miller-mccune.com e-newsletter) I read that this morning and thought how timely it was given that we just started Connection Groups sign-ups this week. In a society where we are growing increasingly detached from others, Twin Oaks is giving us a way to build supportive, encouraging “connections”. Connection Groups allow you to meet every other week with 8-12 people to grow closer to God and to each other through study, encouragement, friendship, and prayer. Go to www.twinoakschristian.com and click on the Connection Group link and find the Connection Group that is right for you. Increase your contentment level and grow closer to Christ at the same time. Sign up today.