From time to time, we’ll do a quick check-in with various members of our TCS staff. This time, we asked them: What is something you appreciate about our community at TCS?
Anna Van Wechel
Our community’s love for our TCS kids is something I’m very grateful for! Having many volunteers who are eager to encourage and disciple our kids says so much about this Body’s commitment to be like Christ and put feet to their faith. I am also incredibly blessed to be part of a congregation that places such a high value on worship and being in the Word.
Luke Morton
During this time it’s been remarkable to hear how people have continued to seek each other out. Even after spending whole work or school days online, they’ve dug deep and tuned in for a Zoom Community Group or Sunday livestream. When combined with creative rendezvous of socially distanced walks around Green Lake or BYO picnics at parks, the pursuit of connectedness as Christ’s people is wonderful to see.
Lisa Goben
I really appreciate the staff, both paid and unpaid, and how much they care for our TCS community, and also choose to be very much a part of our community. They walk the talk.
David Richmon
There are many things I appreciate about our community. One of the many is our generosity. This has really become evident over the last number of years. People have been generous with their money, time, and resources in an overwhelming manner. That’s deeply encouraging. These are often quiet, gospel acts that are made before the Lord but have a tremendous rippling-effect in our church, city, and world.
Katie Ribera
One of my favorite things about the TCS community is the widespread commitment to beautifying our city for the glory of God. I love the diversity of ways our community pursues this specific aspect of TCS’ mission: making beautiful art, music, writing, and all creative expression that reflects the image of our Creator God; craftsmanship, cultivating creation in gardening, designing and constructing works of architecture, and improving and stewarding the created world; dedicating time to serving the poor, the marginalized, and the powerless through volunteerism or vocation; befriending the lonely and building relationships with people both like and unlike us. It’s all a beautiful outworking of what the Lord calls Israel to do in their exile: “Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. . . seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”
Becky de Lijster
I have been repeatedly encouraged by the many forms hospitality takes in our community. People have welcomed my family into their homes, into their hearts and into worship. At TCS I see an intentionality to draw people in and to create a place for one another in the body of Christ. This reflects the heart of God, his love for his people and is a compelling aspect of the Gospel.
Mike Kelly
The TCS community is rich with creative, thoughtful folks who are ready to speak their mind and listen to others who do the same. The congregation doesn’t get lost in ideas, though. There is a genuine desire to build relationships and know one another more deeply than simply sharing ideas.
Cheryl Haug
How the community loves and initiates connection with my kids.
How the community has had my back in hard times.
The creativity and wisdom and beauty and variety of our community.
Founded in Scripture and encourages with love to obey even the hard parts.