Here is the latest from our pastor…
Hello Twin Oaks Family & Friends
This Sunday outdoor service has been cancelled. We are anticipating rain, wind, and rather chilly conditions, certainly not fair conditions. To understand my perspective on this matter I want to encourage you to reread the “Letter from the Pastor” attached, which was distributed the Sunday before Thanksgiving.
As many of you know, Sacramento County is not only in the widespread “purple” tier, but under shelter-in-place orders. Though inconsistencies in regulations and outcomes persist, our cooperation with our governing authorities and our sensitivity to our community concerns is merited. There are some exciting opportunities ahead of us and the need for prayer before us, so we do well to put despondent thoughts behind us.
Please, take some time this Sunday to worship in your home. The sermon will be posted on the website as early as 11am. (https://www.toabc.org/media) The message is from Luke chapter 1, Mary’s Magnificat (Song of Praise). Pastor John Piper has also discussed this passage in an article some years ago, and I think it will bless you. (https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/meditation-on-the-magnificent) You might consider reading a portion of this out loud with a family member.
We continue to collect our Lottie Moon Foreign Mission offering, please consider how you might give, and please take some time to pray for these faithful missionaries. I’ve attached the International Mission Board Global Impact Guide. There’s alot to digest (40 pages), but at least it’s colorful! 😊 And of course, we have been going through the mission prayer videos on Wednesday morning, but here is the link (https://vimeo.com/showcase/7416888) for all you tech-savvy Twin Oakeys.
This remains an important time for Twin Oaks to demonstrate that we are more than a friendly gathering on Sunday, but a family of Christ-followers that enjoy God's love and eternal hope, all the while standing ready to service and sacrifice for His glory. Please do not hesitate to call, email, or text me (916-671-6658, pastorandre@toabc.org). I want to encourage you however I can in this strange winter.
Grace and peace to you!
Andre Richner
916-671-6658 (cell)
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep
to gain that which he cannot lose." - Jim Elliot
(the following is the letter from the pastor given out the Sunday before Thanksgiving)
Letter from the Pastor – Twin Oaks, Thanksgiving & the COVID-19 dilemma
During one of our nation’s most trying times, the Civil War,
President Lincoln challenged the American people to turn
their attention and appreciation to Our Almighty Heavenly
Father. May we do the same, and experience God’s hand of
care and guidance.
“The gracious gifts of the Most
High God… should be
solemnly, reverently and
gratefully acknowledged as
with one heart and voice by the
whole American people. -
President Abraham Lincoln,
Thanksgiving Proclamation
1863
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving
Psalm 95:2
=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=
Well, let me thanking you for your flexibility and help in this
challenging season. Like so many of us I thought this virus
would have done its business and been gone by now. Many
analysts are reflecting on how this is changing the societal
practices and patterns of America forever. Here at Twin
Oaks, most of us are simply wondering, “What is happening
on Sunday, and when will things be back to normal?”
Currently, Sacramento County is in the Widespread tier,
which means that by the letter of the law churches can only
have gathering outdoors with modifications (CDC guidelines).
This information can be found at
https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/ on the Web.
What does the Lord want us to do? He wants us to…
To assemble and encourage one another (Hebrews
10:24-25)
To come together devoting ourselves to learning,
fellowship, prayer, and remembrance of our
Savior’s sacrifice and example. (Acts 2:42)
To share our joys and sorrow, community implied.
(Rom. 12:15)
To grow stronger in faith, equipping ourselves for
life and ministry. (Eph 4:12, 2 Peter 3:18)
To sing and give God praise, and thus gain more
resolve and passion to live for Him. (Col. 3:16)
Now you’ll notice that none of these points state that we must
do this indoors with the comfort of nice seats in a climate
control atmosphere. Yes, that would be desirable and
certainly help us to focus better. If we weren’t blessed with
such a nice church campus and proportionately sized
congregation, this would be a real problem.
The Lord also wants us to live peaceable and to be in
subjection to the governing authorities (Romans 13:1). In the
same manner, we don’t want to convey the idea that we are
being reckless, especially as some wrestle with the loss of
family & friends. Yes, there is some absurdity to all this *, but
nothing we can’t handle or anything that the Lord prohibits.
Therefore, until further notice we will be meeting outside** for
Sunday services on fair days, and regular attendees will be
notified on Saturday of any cancellation.
Yes, � it could be worse!
Carpe Diem! Seize the day! Let’s not long for the good old
days of 2019. Let’s ask the right question, “Lord, what would
you have me do?” Let’s encourage each other. Let’s invite
people to church. We have an imaginative Creator, who
invites you and me, His children, to see the open doors He is
creating (2 Cor. 2:12), and go through them. Please let me
know how I can help and encourage you. May your
Thanksgiving be one where we appreciate the many gifts we
have cherished, enjoy today, and will be given.
Grace & Peace to you!
Pastor Andre
Heb 10:24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good
deeds,
Heb 10:25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some,
but encouraging {one another;} and all the more as you see the day drawing
near.
Acts 2:42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching
and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Rom 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
Eph 4:12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up
of the body of Christ;
2 Pet 3:18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ. To Him {be} the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching
and admonishing one another with psalms {and} hymns {and} spiritual songs,
singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
