This is the kind of week Twin Oaks was created for! Last night I was sitting in the fireplace area, watching the UM-MSU game with several of our homeless guests. As they were cheering each basket (or booing – depending on their allegiances) and laughing and sharing their various opinions of the two teams, I took in the scene and warmth filled my heart as I thought “This is why we are here.” Years ago when the elders first envisioned Twin Oaks, housing the homeless through ChristNet was part of the dream. When we designed the building the showers in the restrooms, and to some extent the fireplace section with the HDTV and the café/dining area, were put there with a vision of making the homeless feel like honored guests, not an afterthought.
One of the men had asked me to pray that he’d get his act together and be the kind of father he hasn’t been up till now. After we’d talked for awhile I asked him if there was anything I could do for him and he said “You’re doing it.” When I pressed him to be more specific he got tears in his eyes, motioned to the tv, the fireplace, the dining area and the army of volunteers and he said “This. You are so good to us.” And you are. You are extending the love of Christ to these 30 or so people who need a little help and comfort and pampering right now. Monday night a swarm of middle schoolers filled the foyer to serve our guests. Last night there were more volunteers than there were people to serve. I’m sure the other nights will be the same. Each morning more of you show up to do their laundry. Sunday morning some of you will come extra early help get the church ready for worship. But worship is really happening all week – because Jesus said “When you do it for them, you’re doing it for me. “This is the kind of week Twin Oaks was created for!” And once again I am so proud of you.
THIS SUNDAY we will continue our “WHY>” series with the question: “Why is the World So Messed Up?” If there is a loving and powerful God watching over us, why did Haiti happen? Why are there starving and abused children? Why do Christians lose their jobs and houses and spouses? Why do they get cancer, if God is real, and loving, and powerful? Tough question. And we’ll tackle it Sunday so be here, and bring a friend who may be asking those same questions.
“Love. Money. Hope: Biblical Advice in Difficult Times” with Dave Ramsey – February 21st, 28th, and March 7th. Many of you know Dave Ramsey from the Financial Peace University courses we’ve offered, or from Fox News, or WMUZ. With the country in a deep recession Dave has produced 3 Biblical messages of hope and offered them free of charge to churches to use. Large churches around the country are using these videos in their Sunday morning services to teach and encourage the congregations how to survive economic challenges. So mark these dates on your calendar and invite your friends to join you for this practical, encouraging series. These services will be just like our normal services, music, communion, etc. except that Dave will bring the message (via video) instead of me.
ChristNet clean-up help needed – We need 15-20 people with servants’ hearts to be here from 6:30-8:30am Sunday to help clean up and move beds after ChristNet week. If you can help please contact Cass Simpson at csimps10@ford.com or John Perfetti atjohnp4tocc@aol.com to volunteer.
Financial update – In an effort to keep you apprised of our finances let me just say that even though we trimmed our budget for 2010 our general fund offerings this month have averaged over $2,000 per week below our needs. I don’t tell you this to make anyone feel guilty over what they can’t do, but rather to challenge each person who calls Twin Oaks to do what they can do to help us continue the work of Christ at Twin Oaks. With each person tithing we will have more than enough to meet our needs. Please include this in your prayers for Twin Oaks.
“Queen of our Heart" Dinner – February 13th, 7pm – The men of Twin Oaks are preparing a special evening for the women of Twin Oaks .This will be a relaxing evening of pampering and fine dining, and best of all the men will do all the work! Guys, invite that special someone – wife, mom, sister, sister in the Lord, grandma (adults only please). Then pick up a registration form from the ministry center and hand it in to the church by February 7th, with the payment (you are treating them). Then, you will be contacted on how you can help serve that night. Ladies, remind the guys to do the steps above then just show up and enjoy your special evening (PS- You don’t have to have a guy “sponsor” in order to come)
Ladies’ Dining Out – Tuesday Feb 2, 6:15 pm – We’ll meet at Little Daddy’s (on Eureka- next to Southland). All ladies are invited to join us for a relaxed evening of good food and good conversation. Please sign up at the Ministry Center. Any questions call Carol Horn 734 6754829 or email chorn9351@hotmail.com.
TOCC MOPS – We are excited to announce the first Twin Oaks MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) meeting! Thursday, February 25th from 9am to 11am. MOPS is for mothers with children from birth to Kindergarten and exists to encourage, equip, and develop every mother of preschoolers to realize her potential as a woman, mother and leader in the name of Jesus Christ. Invite your friends to attend with you! Childcare is provided along with light refreshments. Rhonda Dolunt(313)383-4332 orrhdolunt@yahoo.com
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We also need 10 volunteers to care for children on the 2nd and 4th Thursday mornings of each month. By offering your time you’ll provide these mothers who attend MOPS a chance to grow as mothers and in Christ. For more information, please contact Rhonda Dolunt at (313)383-4332 or rhdolunt@yahoo.com
GEMS PANCAKE BREAKFAST – Can you just imagine the smell of a freshly prepared breakfast of Pancakes, bacon, eggs, sausage, and toast? Well the GEMS girls would love to serve you breakfast at our 3rd Annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser, Saturday Feb. 20th from 8:00 – 11:30. We’ve moved our "GEMS house of pancakes" into the worship center to offer more seating so bring your family, friends and neighbors! Donations appreciated.
Discovery 101 Class – Sunday, February 21st, 3-5pm – If you are new to Twin Oaks and want to know more about our beliefs, history, vision, values, and ministries this is the class for you. We’ll also cover how to become a member of God’s family and what it means to be an “official” member of the Twin Oaks family. So this class is also for those who are interested in becoming members of Twin Oaks. Sign up at the Ministry Center Sunday or just email me.
Joke of the week – Before celebrating a baptism, the deacon approached the young father and said solemnly, “Baptism is a serious step. Are you sure you’re prepared for it?”
“I think so,” the man replied. “My wife has made appetizers and we have a caterer coming to provide plenty of cookies and cakes for our guests.”
“I don’t mean that,” the deacon replied. “I mean, are you prepared spiritually?”
“Oh sure,” came the reply. “I’ve got a keg of beer and a case of whiskey.”
Have a great week and I’ll see you Sunday,
Randy
