December 2025 TCC Newsletter
Click below for newsletter style pdf version
This last month marked my 7th anniversary with Turner Christian Church, and during that month I had one of the most profound experiences I’ve had as part of this congregation. It wasn’t flashy or exciting—it was “just” a small prayer meeting of nine people on a Sunday night. What made it profound was the way we heard from God in that conversation. See, I’m really good at talking to God, but not so good at hearing him respond—mainly because I don’t spend time listening. Listening just hasn’t been part of my prayer practice.
In this gathering we started by looking for God. We thought about where we have seen God moving in our congregation in the past, then we shared those glimpses of God with the group. People shared about healings they had experienced, friendships they had discovered with others; they talked about the generations God is bringing together in the congregation, the new faces they’ve been seeing, the diverse group of people that gather here on Sunday mornings; we talked about the work God has been doing through the preschool, food bank, Operation Christmas Child, and our relationships with community groups like the community garden. We were inspired to see a white board covered in good things that God is doing here.
Then we turned to the topic of the prayer gathering: who has God made us to be today? Based on what we see him doing, what kind of church has God made us to be? We talked about how God has made us intergenerational, worshipful, generous and helpful. He has been teaching us to treat people of each generation and every background with compassion and respect. He has given us a passion for serving our local community through our preschool, food bank, and sharing our grounds and facilities. It was exciting to watch a picture develop of how God has been shaping this congregation to have a particular character and mission.
We closed by asking, “What do we need to ask of God, because of everything we’ve seen today?” We prayed for our junior worship volunteers, who are working so hard to make sure we have ministry for every age. We prayed for new staff members like Jerry Sygney and Frank Musgrave who are helping us cover all the work of the staff since Pastor Rachel left. We asked God to show us how we can minister well to our youth. We prayed for the new officers who will lead us in 2026.
I came away from this prayer meeting with a profound feeling that God had really shown up and spoken to us. There was no earth-shaking revelation—in fact, I don’t think anyone said anything we didn’t already know—but we got to see this picture develop through the experiences and impressions God had put on many different hearts. We were able to discern together a shared vision of what God is doing. It was beautiful.
The reason I’m telling you all of this is because you are all invited to participate! The reason we heard from God is not because those nine people showed up, but because God showed up. These meetings are open to the entire congregation, and we would love for anyone and everyone to join in. You don’t need any qualifications or abilities. You just need to show up, and listen with us for God to speak.
The prayer meetings gather on first and third Sundays from 6 to 7:30pm. This month, that’s December 7th and 21st.
God bless, and Merry Christmas!
In this gathering we started by looking for God. We thought about where we have seen God moving in our congregation in the past, then we shared those glimpses of God with the group. People shared about healings they had experienced, friendships they had discovered with others; they talked about the generations God is bringing together in the congregation, the new faces they’ve been seeing, the diverse group of people that gather here on Sunday mornings; we talked about the work God has been doing through the preschool, food bank, Operation Christmas Child, and our relationships with community groups like the community garden. We were inspired to see a white board covered in good things that God is doing here.
Then we turned to the topic of the prayer gathering: who has God made us to be today? Based on what we see him doing, what kind of church has God made us to be? We talked about how God has made us intergenerational, worshipful, generous and helpful. He has been teaching us to treat people of each generation and every background with compassion and respect. He has given us a passion for serving our local community through our preschool, food bank, and sharing our grounds and facilities. It was exciting to watch a picture develop of how God has been shaping this congregation to have a particular character and mission.
We closed by asking, “What do we need to ask of God, because of everything we’ve seen today?” We prayed for our junior worship volunteers, who are working so hard to make sure we have ministry for every age. We prayed for new staff members like Jerry Sygney and Frank Musgrave who are helping us cover all the work of the staff since Pastor Rachel left. We asked God to show us how we can minister well to our youth. We prayed for the new officers who will lead us in 2026.
I came away from this prayer meeting with a profound feeling that God had really shown up and spoken to us. There was no earth-shaking revelation—in fact, I don’t think anyone said anything we didn’t already know—but we got to see this picture develop through the experiences and impressions God had put on many different hearts. We were able to discern together a shared vision of what God is doing. It was beautiful.
The reason I’m telling you all of this is because you are all invited to participate! The reason we heard from God is not because those nine people showed up, but because God showed up. These meetings are open to the entire congregation, and we would love for anyone and everyone to join in. You don’t need any qualifications or abilities. You just need to show up, and listen with us for God to speak.
The prayer meetings gather on first and third Sundays from 6 to 7:30pm. This month, that’s December 7th and 21st.
God bless, and Merry Christmas!
One of the things I love most about this time of year is how naturally conversations about God flow into our everyday lives. As we discuss Thanksgiving and what it means to be thankful, questions arise about whom we thank for our blessings. When we start singing Christmas songs, it prompts even more inquiries about the meaning behind those songs and why we sing “Jesus is the king, born for you and me.”
In this age of curiosity, our students often ask profound questions like, "Is God invisible?" We dive into abstract concepts that may be new to them, and it's a beautiful experience to witness their understanding unfold. Just last week, we explored the idea of God’s presence in our lives. We talked about how, while we can’t see Him, we can feel Him and recognize His touch in the world around us. To illustrate this, I compared God to the wind. We can’t see the wind, but we can feel it on our skin and see things like our hair blowing in it. The lightbulbs of understanding flickered on in their little faces around the room, and those moments remind me how eternally grateful I am to be part of these early conversations.
As I think of my own childhood, I can close my eyes and hear my mom’s voice saying “God is big enough for all your questions.” She would say this often and I would laugh and say “of course he is”, but now as I hear these questions spill out of these students this little saying doesn’t feel little at all. This is an invitation and assurance that I want them to carry with them. God will never be too small for all their questions; at four, at ten, at twenty-six, and seventy-five. God will always be big enough for our questions.
As we head into the Christmas season, I find these conversations are helping me realign my own heart to a place of curiosity, a place to search for him, and to ask the questions. Sometimes I feel so certain about who God is that I forget the mystery of him and just how vast and deep His love is for me. My students are a constant reminder to embrace a childlike faith; a faith questioning, and eager to learn. In a time when life gets busy and the world bombards us with distractions, I want to focus my energy on curiosity. This desire to seek understanding not only deepens my connection with God but also enriches our shared journey so we can explore the beauty of God together.
In this age of curiosity, our students often ask profound questions like, "Is God invisible?" We dive into abstract concepts that may be new to them, and it's a beautiful experience to witness their understanding unfold. Just last week, we explored the idea of God’s presence in our lives. We talked about how, while we can’t see Him, we can feel Him and recognize His touch in the world around us. To illustrate this, I compared God to the wind. We can’t see the wind, but we can feel it on our skin and see things like our hair blowing in it. The lightbulbs of understanding flickered on in their little faces around the room, and those moments remind me how eternally grateful I am to be part of these early conversations.
As I think of my own childhood, I can close my eyes and hear my mom’s voice saying “God is big enough for all your questions.” She would say this often and I would laugh and say “of course he is”, but now as I hear these questions spill out of these students this little saying doesn’t feel little at all. This is an invitation and assurance that I want them to carry with them. God will never be too small for all their questions; at four, at ten, at twenty-six, and seventy-five. God will always be big enough for our questions.
As we head into the Christmas season, I find these conversations are helping me realign my own heart to a place of curiosity, a place to search for him, and to ask the questions. Sometimes I feel so certain about who God is that I forget the mystery of him and just how vast and deep His love is for me. My students are a constant reminder to embrace a childlike faith; a faith questioning, and eager to learn. In a time when life gets busy and the world bombards us with distractions, I want to focus my energy on curiosity. This desire to seek understanding not only deepens my connection with God but also enriches our shared journey so we can explore the beauty of God together.
All the Candidates and the Proposed Budget for 2026
were approved by the congregation by ballot on November 30, 2025.
Elder (2026-28)
John Stroup
JD Remy
Chair of the Congregation (2026)
Lloyd Love
Board Secretary (2026)
Casey Holmes
Financial Secretary (2026)
Kris Jakubowski
Assistant Financial Secretary (2026)
Kayla Klinger
Trustee (2026-2028)
Jon Remy Jr
Finance Deacon (2026)
Laurie Boyle
Hospitality Deacon (2026)
Casey Holmes
Missions Deacon (2026)
Gary Tiffin
Seniors Deacon (2026)
Sharon Teixeira
Officers Continuing Their Service:
Elders
Dave Stoker (’25-27)
Frank Loyd (’25-27)
Gary Tiffin (’24-26)
Alan Grunstad (’24-26)
Trustees
Ray Telfer (’25-’27)
Mel Metcalf (’24-’26)
were approved by the congregation by ballot on November 30, 2025.
Elder (2026-28)
John Stroup
JD Remy
Chair of the Congregation (2026)
Lloyd Love
Board Secretary (2026)
Casey Holmes
Financial Secretary (2026)
Kris Jakubowski
Assistant Financial Secretary (2026)
Kayla Klinger
Trustee (2026-2028)
Jon Remy Jr
Finance Deacon (2026)
Laurie Boyle
Hospitality Deacon (2026)
Casey Holmes
Missions Deacon (2026)
Gary Tiffin
Seniors Deacon (2026)
Sharon Teixeira
Officers Continuing Their Service:
Elders
Dave Stoker (’25-27)
Frank Loyd (’25-27)
Gary Tiffin (’24-26)
Alan Grunstad (’24-26)
Trustees
Ray Telfer (’25-’27)
Mel Metcalf (’24-’26)
The church has started a new curriculum for discipleship classes AND the Sunday service. Starting November 30th both the sermons and classes will be using the “Standard Lesson” curriculum to study the core beliefs of the church.
Find out more about the curriculum in the church app or at www.turnerchristian church .com/discipleship.
ADULT CLASSES
Classes will be available on Sundays at 9:00 and If you are interested in participating in a class but need a different time, please register and mark “other” for class time. Depending on interest, we may be able to create groups at other times.
KIDS CLASSES
Our goal is to provide kids classes to make it possible for everyone to attend a class. Fillin out this form helps us know what to plan for, and whether we need to consider offering kids classes at a different time in the week.
REQUESTING BOOKS
This curriculum offers a student book for following along with the weekly lessons. It also offers a daily devotional book that adds to the weekly studies. Please indicate whether you would like a copy of wither of these books when you register.
PAYING FOR BOOKS
We do not want the cost of books to be an obstacle to anyone, so we are not asking for payment with registration. If you would like to contribute to paying for the books, you can do so through the offering box (write “SS Books” on the memo line or donation envelope) or online through the Website or App. Both books are $9.00 per copy.
Find out more about the curriculum in the church app or at www.turnerchristian church .com/discipleship.
ADULT CLASSES
Classes will be available on Sundays at 9:00 and If you are interested in participating in a class but need a different time, please register and mark “other” for class time. Depending on interest, we may be able to create groups at other times.
KIDS CLASSES
Our goal is to provide kids classes to make it possible for everyone to attend a class. Fillin out this form helps us know what to plan for, and whether we need to consider offering kids classes at a different time in the week.
REQUESTING BOOKS
This curriculum offers a student book for following along with the weekly lessons. It also offers a daily devotional book that adds to the weekly studies. Please indicate whether you would like a copy of wither of these books when you register.
PAYING FOR BOOKS
We do not want the cost of books to be an obstacle to anyone, so we are not asking for payment with registration. If you would like to contribute to paying for the books, you can do so through the offering box (write “SS Books” on the memo line or donation envelope) or online through the Website or App. Both books are $9.00 per copy.
CHRISTMAS AT TURNER CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Blue Christmas Service
Sunday, December 21st at 3:00 pm
This service is designed for those who face feelings of grief and loss during the
Christmas Season—-for those who need space to remember their loss and their lost
loved ones in this season of hope. All are invited to join in singing carols, reading
scripture, remembering, and hoping in the coming of Christ.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services
Wednesday, December 24th at 3:00 pm
Join us for a service of readings, carols, and candlelight as we celebrate the birth of Christ!
Bowling at Northgate Bowl
Friday, December 12th
We are heading to the bowling alley again! Our scores are improving- come join us either by bowling or being cheerleaders! The cost is $5 to bowl, and cheerleaders are free! Transportation will be leaving the church at 1:00 pm.
You can register for this event on the church app: https://turnerchristianchurch.subspla.sh/ppk9zd5
Christmas Party > Movie and Lunch
Monday, December 15th
Join us at 11:00 am for an afternoon of eating delicious pizza and watching the
1970's movie "Scrooge," starring Alec Guinness and Albert Finney.
You can register for this event on the church app:
https://turnerchristianchurch.subspla.sh/m52vnqj
Seniors Trip to Powerland Heritage Park
Friday, December 19th
We will enjoy a drive through Powerland Heritage Park in Brooks where the museums
come alive with festive decorations, snacks and Santa. Please meet at the church.
Transportation will leave the church at 4:30.
You can register for this event on the church app:
https://turnerchristianchurch.subspla.sh/svbgw74
Friday, December 12th
We are heading to the bowling alley again! Our scores are improving- come join us either by bowling or being cheerleaders! The cost is $5 to bowl, and cheerleaders are free! Transportation will be leaving the church at 1:00 pm.
You can register for this event on the church app: https://turnerchristianchurch.subspla.sh/ppk9zd5
Christmas Party > Movie and Lunch
Monday, December 15th
Join us at 11:00 am for an afternoon of eating delicious pizza and watching the
1970's movie "Scrooge," starring Alec Guinness and Albert Finney.
You can register for this event on the church app:
https://turnerchristianchurch.subspla.sh/m52vnqj
Seniors Trip to Powerland Heritage Park
Friday, December 19th
We will enjoy a drive through Powerland Heritage Park in Brooks where the museums
come alive with festive decorations, snacks and Santa. Please meet at the church.
Transportation will leave the church at 4:30.
You can register for this event on the church app:
https://turnerchristianchurch.subspla.sh/svbgw74
On behalf of many of our community families, thank you for once again, as a congregation, rising to meet the needs of our community. Between collaboration with Turner Christian Church and Turner Elementary School and others in the local community, we had over 3,500 lbs of food donated during the last month. Thank you all for your part in helping out!
Through the efforts of this congregation and other local congregations and individuals, we, just here in Turner, are going to be sending 2,704 (revised number since last reported on November 23rd) shoeboxes as gospel opportunities around the world this year.
Our Shoebox Work Shoppe here in Turner on the Turner Homes campus has become a huge blessing in so many ways. Not only do we have a space in which to prepare items for the Shoeboxes, but it's also a set time and place for a weekly fellowship of dedicated Shoebox volunteers. It's a place of sharing with and praying for and supporting not only this ministry, but also each other. We're open most every Tuesday afternoon at noon for a few hours and you are welcome to join us anytime.
Please play the video below to learn more about how these shoeboxes bless children who receive them.
Our Shoebox Work Shoppe here in Turner on the Turner Homes campus has become a huge blessing in so many ways. Not only do we have a space in which to prepare items for the Shoeboxes, but it's also a set time and place for a weekly fellowship of dedicated Shoebox volunteers. It's a place of sharing with and praying for and supporting not only this ministry, but also each other. We're open most every Tuesday afternoon at noon for a few hours and you are welcome to join us anytime.
Please play the video below to learn more about how these shoeboxes bless children who receive them.
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