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photo: Maura Lolandi

March 12, 2015

Welcome

to this week's edition of

TCFinTouch

the e-newsletter of

Trail Christian Fellowship

in Eagle Point, Oregon

photo: Maura Lolandi

As followers of Jesus

we gather throughout the week for worship, prayer, Communion, Bible study and fellowship. Our overall mission can be summed up as:

Helping People Think Like Jesus

This Sunday

March 15, we will gather in the Worship Center from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Pastor Rick will be teaching. Programs for youth age Nursery-5th grade, Middle School and Teens meet at this same time in their respective classrooms.

Next Wednesday

March 18, we will continue our through-the Bible study. Pastor Garret will be teaching from Genesis 27 after a time of worship. Join us from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Youth Programs and AWANA meet at this same time in their classrooms.

From our Pastors...

On Self Promotion and Humility

But when you are invited, go and recline at the last place, so that when the one who has invited you comes, he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher'; then you will have honor in the sight of all who are at the table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 14:10-11

We live in a society where self-promotion is the name of the game. No one expects to hear about someone who concealed their success and actively promoted their shortcomings. Could you imagine one of our Presidential candidates talking truthfully about all the mistakes and poor decisions they made in the last office they held? The day that happens best to stay indoors because of all the pigs that will be flying around (never a good idea to be under a flying pig!)

Jesus advises His disciples to take the opposite approach to life. Instead of self-promotion, we are told to under-promote ourselves. Many people have the notion that humility means thinking poorly of yourself, but nothing is further from the truth. Such thinking is mistaking humility for humiliation or sniveling. It is actually quite okay to recognize you have strengths and abilities as long as it is accompanied by a realistic assessment of your weaknesses too.

In Luke 14 Jesus speaks about a wedding banquet with a formal seating arrangement. Just as happens today, the most honored guests sit in closest proximity to the bride and groom, while the rest of the invitees sit further away. As this touches on how we live our Christian lives, Jesus is saying don't assume you are always the guest of honor. This was the habit of the Pharisees who had a very high estimate of their standing and closeness to God. Far better to take the seat of an invitee and be asked up to the head table than the other way around.

As a follower of Christ, if we proceed with a humble view of our standing before God the least that can happen is we'll find ourselves being exalted in the end.

See you Sunday,

Pastor Chris

Events

Sewing Class for Kids

If your child is signed up for the sewing class, don't forget our first class is this Sunday, March 15 after service in Room 8. Children need to bring a sack lunch. Questions? Call Debbie Conley: 541.878.3501 or email: debbie@trail.org

Last Sunday to Be Included

The Deadline to be included in the next TCF Directory has been extended one more week. If you'd like to be in the Directory, please stop by the Information Counter on Sunday, fill a out a form and leave it in the Drop Box. You may also download the form HERE, fill it out and drop it off this Sunday. Questions? Jacki: 541.878.3501.

Date Night? You can still sign up this Sunday! You are invited to dress up and come out for Oscar Night, this Sunday, March 15 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Awards given for best actor, actress, drama, comedy etc... All ages welcome! Dessert provided for those who sign up. No child care. This is a dress up evening of fun! Those who show up without signing up are welcome but risk no dessert. Questions? Call Dakota at 541.951.1100 or email epdsL95@yahoo.com

Passion Week

The week of March 29-April 5 our Passion Week events will include: The Path of Passion, an interactive journey of the last week of Jesus' life before the Resurrection, will run Monday-Saturday. Our Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services will be from 6:30-8:00 p.m., with children's ministry provided. Easter Sunday Services will be 7:00 a.m. Sunrise Service in the Pavilion and 10:00-11:30 a.m. in the Worship Center. Watch the Bulletin for specific times and details.

Questions? call Pastor Garret at 541.878.3501 or email: garret@trail.org

Easter Baptism Coming Up

On Easter Sunday, April 5, there will be a Baptism in the heated Baptismal behind the Church office. If you'd like to be Baptized after service, pick up a loaner CD (Steps to Baptism) at the Willingheart Window or listen HERE, follow the steps, then call the Church Office to speak with a Pastor. Church Office: 541.878.3501

TCF Outdoor Fellowship

Join us Tuesday, April 7 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Teen Room. Although we normally meet on Thursdays, this meeting is on a Tuesday due to Easter week events. Our topic will be Spring Turkey Hunting. This will be a hands-on evening of learning tips and tricks, equipment and hunting locations. Beginners are welcome! Bring questions, your Bible, and finger foods to share. Questions? Call Nate Bailey at 541.951.6952 or email: trailoutdoors@centurylink.net

Baby Dedication

Our next Baby Dedication Ceremony will be held Sunday, April 26, during the 10:00 a.m. service. If you want your child dedicated, please fill out the form in the Baby Dedication brochure at the Information Counter, cut it off, and place it in the Drop Box. The ceremony is limited to 4 children, there are 2 spots left. You will be contacted the following week. Questions? Contact Jacki: 541.878.3501 or jacki@trail.org.

Save the Date: Communication Workshop

Mark your calendars for Speaking the Truth in Love, a biblical boundaries workshop for Christians, led by Pastoral Counselor Bill Gallagher, Saturday, May 2, from 9:00 a.m.-12 noon. Watch the Bulletin and TCFinTouch for details to come.

Men's Ministry

A fabulous weekend of fellowship, teaching, great food, and outdoor activities at Camp Lake Bradley are in the works for April 17-19. Sign up now at the Information Counter using an Event Envelope, and enclose your payment. You may also sign up online HERE. Prices and details are on the brochure available at the Information Counter.

Questions? Pablito: (949) 246-9615 or pablito@trail.org

Early birds, bring other guys (friends, neighbors and relatives) for a time of food, teaching, and fellowship. Breakfast is on a donation basis. Questions? Contact Pablito: 949.246.9615 or pablito@trail.org.

Women's Ministry

Mark Your Calendar!

Oregon Women of the Word (OWOW) will be holding their 11th Annual Conference at TCF Friday, April 24 - Saturday, April 25, featuring Sheri Rose Shepherd. This will be a great time of teaching, worship, workshops and fellowship. Check OWOW's webpage: HERE for details and to register. Questions? 541.659.1138

MOM's Group

Moms, you are invited to join with other moms and kids for a brunch, teaching and fellowship. We normally meet twice a month from 9-11 a.m. in the Youth Center. Our next meeting will be Tuesday, April 14. Questions? Contact Cyndi Harrington at 541.826.9415 or cyndi@trail.org.

Single Women's Dinner

Single ladies of all ages are invited to a home cooked dinner with other single women on Monday, March 23, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Please sign up at the Information Counter, no charge. Child care is provided with advanced sign up. Feel free to sign up other single lady friends and bring them to the dinner. Questions? Call Cyndi Harrington: 541.826.9415.

Youth Ministry...

American Heritage Girls TONIGHT

If you have daughters or granddaughters Kindergarten age through 18 who might be interested in a Christian Scouting Program for girls, bring them with you to an informational meeting on Thursday, March 12, 6:30 -7:30 p.m. in the Great Room. Check AHG for more information. Questions? contact Crystal : 541.944.2184

Dear TCF Family: During this cold and flu season when we are often locked indoors much of the time, illnesses are spreading like wildfires. If you or your child is coughing, have a sore throat, a runny nose or a fever; for the sake of all others please remain home until your symptoms have passed. If you have questions, comments or concerns please feel free to call me.

In His Care, Debbie Conley

Director of Children's Ministry

541-261-2605

Announcements...

Transportation Ministry Volunteers Needed

The TCF Transportation Ministry is in need of someone with a gifting and heart for service to coordinate this ministry as well as some volunteers to provide rides (using your own transportation). This ministry provides scheduled rides for members of our body for an important trips such as medical appointments, rides to service, etc. Please fill out an application at the Information Counter or call Joe Carini at 541.941.7624

HeartChange is a four-day workshop where you can experience the heart of God as your Heavenly Father. Would you like to have:

♥ a heart awareness that God, as your Papa deeply loves you?

♥ an appropriate, godly self-image and peaceful confidence?

♥ a genuine love for others, including family, neighbors, fellow-workers?

♥ freedom to be yourself and experience abundant life?

HeartChange will be held Wednesday - Saturday, March 25-28, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Pacific Bible College, 409 N. Front St. in Medford

For questions or to register contact: Mary Neel at 541.855.7052, Cell 541.220.6860, or email: lamaneel17@msn.com

Cornerstone Lecture Series

Old Testament Stories: God's Present Word taught by Dr. Carl Trueman, Professor of Church History at Westminster Theological Seminary will be held Saturday, April 18 from 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Cornerstone Church, 608 N. Bartlett in Medford. To register call 541.773.8163 or email churchinfo@cccm.org. Pre-registeration cost is $25 for adults, $15 for students. At the door cost is $30 adults, $20 for students and includes Continental breakfast and lunch.

Host Families Needed

Foreign exchange students coming to the U.S. for the 2015-16 school year need host families. Will you host a student? One is Changtian, who is a 15 year old boy from China. He enjoys debate, chess, science, swimming, and piano. Exchange students speak English, have medical insurance, and pay their personal expenses. Host families provide room and board and loving parental guidance. Students become a part of the family while attending the local high school.

Host families are needed in the Crater, Phoenix, North Medford, South Medford, Grants Pass High, Rogue River Jr./Sr. High School, North Valley, Hidden Valley, and Eagle Point High School districts. Please contact me if interested or in need of more information. The sooner you choose a student, the sooner you can start to get to know them. An exchange student will thank you for opening their home to them.

Email: ekslavick@gmail.com or call Elizabeth at 541-772-1294.

In Closing...

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name; you are Mine!
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you; and through the rivers,
they will not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be scorched,
Nor will the flame burn you.

Isaiah 43: 1-2

photo: Maura Lolandi

Thank you for keeping in touch with the family of Trail Christian Fellowship via TCFinTouch. We welcome your questions and comments.
Feel free to contact us at

tcfintouch@trail.org