Quick Links
photo: Maura Lolandi

Drop Shadow Accent Image
 
May 14, 2015

Welcome
to this week's edition of
TCFinTouch
the e-newsletter of
Trail Christian Fellowship
in Eagle Point, Oregon










photo: Nancy Olsen


Newsletter - Dance Drop Shadow Image
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




rick booye This Sunday...
May 17, 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
May 20, Pastor Garret will continue our Wednesday evening through-the-Bible study, teaching from Genesis 34. Join us for a time of worship and teaching from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Youth programs meet at this same time in their classrooms.

Newsletter - Dance Drop Shadow Image
From our Pastors...
Every Day Matters

Part 1 of 2

This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice
and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24




We've read it, we've sung it, we've quoted it, and we've been taught about it, now it's time to actually declare it!  "This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it."
This is one of the more colorfully optimistic verses in the Psalms. However, before we unpack how it relates to our life, let's hit the high points of what it doesn't mean.

What it doesn't mean:
It doesn't suggest that hard circumstances disqualify us from rejoicing each day. If anything, the rest of the verses around this joyful command are riveted with phrases like, "In my anguish I cried to the Lord" vs.5 , "All the nations surrounded me on every side, they swarmed around me like bees..." vs.10-11 and "The Lord has chastened me severely" vs.18.

Notice also, that almost every time the Psalmist mentions his complicated situation he says "but the Lord" vs. 10, 11, 12, 13, 18. So the encouragement to rejoice in the Lord comes from a man's lips that were (metaphorically speaking) chapped because of the stormy winds and trials he was facing. David didn't grow silent for very long when it came to his heartbreak and life of faith.

It doesn't imply that it is an option to rejoice in the Lord but rather a command or at least a strongly inspired suggestion. It seems that every time the writer was backed into a corner with little to no options, he claimed and no doubt sang, of God's intervention and power. It's as if the Psalmist is saying, since this is the day that the Lord has specifically designed for us, let us then do what is naturally expected and reasonable, and let us rejoice! The alternative to being grateful with a life of praise isn't very pretty, or effective. As followers of Christ, we are not to lose sight of His purposes for our life. He is shaping us into His image, not simply trying to make us comfortable.

It doesn't say that it has to involve how we feel. This experience of rejoicing in the Lord is all about choice, not how we feel. Did you know attitude is a choice?!!! Really, listen to how the poetic author talks to himself and us. It all has to do with our wills and decision. "Let the house of Israel SAY, His love endures forever" vs.2, 3, 4, 29. He is telling himself and us what to say.  In addition, no less than five times he says, "I will give thanks" vs. 1, 18, 21, 28, 29, again he is telling himself what to proclaim. It reminds me of the verse in Psalms 103:1, "Bless the Lord, oh my soul". In other words, he is willing his soul to bless God.  And now the Psalmist states "Let us rejoice and be glad."  Correct me if I'm wrong, but do you read anything in here about our temperament type, emotional state, level of grief, or any other gauge of feelings that actually matter when it comes to exercising our vocal chords in giving praise and thanksgiving on a daily basis?  I don't either.

Sooooo,"This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Declare what the Lord is doing right and what you are grateful for as soon as your feet touch the floor every morning this week. My guess is that by the time you get Part II of this devotion next week, you could have a very different perspective about what God is doing in your life!

Pastor Bill


staff Bill G

Feel free to contact Pastor Bill with questions or comments
on this article: billg@trail.org




Events

awana grand prix

AWANA Grand Prix and Lunch this Sunday 

 

Everyone is invited to join the AWANA Club to watch the race Sunday, May 17 after service in the Pavilion. Questions? Contact Aaron Bradley: 541.210.1057 or  river_bum@msn.com

 

 


Reminder: Sewing Class this Sunday 

 

If your child is signed up for the Sewing Classes, don't forget to join us this Sunday, May 17 after service in Room 7-8.
Bring a sack lunch or snacks, a sewing machine and fabric for making pillow cases. Any questions? Debbie Conley: 541.878.3501.
 


Baby Bottle Drive Kbaby bottle driveicks Off this Sunday
      

Sunny Milton from the The Pregnancy Center will be providing information about this ministry to women facing an unplanned pregnancy. To donate, pick up a Baby Bottle at the Ministry Connect Window this Sunday, May 17, fill it with money or a check and return it to TCF by Sunday, June 21 (Father's Day). For more information contact the Pregnancy Center at 541.772.1921 or go to  

 

photo: Garret Harrington
Rodeo Night

Y'all Come Down! A group from TCF will be riding the bus to the Expo for the Wild Rogue Pro Rodeo Friday, May 29. We'll meet at 4:30 p.m. at TCF and return after the Rodeo. Sign up using an Event Envelope and enclose $15 by May 24 (so we can purchase tickets). Bring money for food and wear weather-appropriate clothing. Space is limited. Kids under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Questions? Call Dakota Lacombe: 541.951.1100.



Buck Storm and Randy Stonehill Concert

 

 

TCF will be welcoming legendary Christian musicians Randy Stonehill and Buck Storm Saturday, May 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the Worship Center. You won't want to miss this concert! Bring friends and the entire family, no child care. There is no charge but a love offering will be taken and C.D.s will be available for purchase. For a preview, check out buckstorm.com and randystonehill.com. Questions? Contact Ken Rensi: 541.951.1584 or ken@trail.org.

 

 

 

Baccalaureate Service

All graduating seniors and their families are invited to honor the graduates of 2015 Tuesday, June 2, at 7:00 p.m. at Eagle Point Community Bible Church, 27 S. Shasta. If you'd like to help or have questions, contact Kim Shaffer at 541.879.1160 or events@epcbc.org

25 Years Celebration

The TCF Global Outreach team and Wycliffe ministries invite you to join us in the Fireside Room Sunday,
June 14 from 12:00-1:30 p.m. as we celebrate Juliana Kelsall's 25 years of service as a Wycliffe missionary. A light lunch will be provided. Families are welcome, no sign up, just show up. Questions? Contact Kelly at 541.878.3501 or outreach@trail.org.
Save the Date!

We are planning a TCF bus trip to an Oregon Duck's Football Game on October 10, 2015. Tickets will be on sale starting August 2. This event is open to men and women. Space will be limited.
Pablito: 949.246.9615 or pablito@trail.org.

 

 

Men's Ministry
mens 2

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

MOM's Group

Moms, you are invited to join with other moms and kids for brunch, teaching and fellowship Tuesday, May 26 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. in the Youth Center. This is our last meeting in the Youth Center until September! Over the summer we will meet in outside locations. Newcomers are welcome! Child care provided.

Questions? Contact Cyndi Harrington at 541.826.9415 or cyndi@trail.org.

Single Women's Dinner

Single ladies of all ages are invited to the last dinner until September, Monday, June 1 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Come out for a great dinner and time of fellowship. Feel free to bring single women friends but please sign them up, along with yourself, at the Information Counter and indicate Child care needs. No charge.
Cyndi Harrington: 541.826.9415.
His Word in My Heart:
Memorizing Scripture for a Closer Walk with God
by Janet Pope

A Women's Home Bible Study on Scripture memorization will be hosted by Juliana Kelsall in Shady Cove starting
June 2. This 8-week study will be on Tuesday mornings, June 2-July 21, from 9:00-10:30 a.m. We will use the book "His Word in My Heart: Memorizing Scripture for a Closer Walk with God" (2013 edition) by Janet Pope. Cost of the book is $11.20. The study includes working on memorizing Psalm 1 and Titus (all 3 chapters) using the author's system and methods. After completing the book study, participants will have the option to continue memorizing Scripture passages of their choice, reciting for one another, and praying together weekly. Space is limited, and Juliana shares her home with a cat (allergy alert). Please call Juliana (541-878-3244) if you have questions or to sign up. 

 

Stepping up: A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent
(Waiting List Only) 

 

This class is full but you can add your name to the waiting list at the Information Counter, in case anyone drops out.
This Beth Moore women's DVD study focuses on the traveling psalms pilgrims sang both on the way to the great festivals of the LORD and as key elements of the worship at those festivals. We'll meet for 7 weeks on Thursdays beginning June 11 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Janice Cantore's home in Eagle Point. Suggested donation $5 for workbook (Payable at first class). Janice: 541.727.6041

 

Youth Ministry

dog days Dog Days of Summer

 

TCF's Children's Ministry program "Knowing God: His Names and His Character" takes place every Wednesday, May 20-Sept. 2 from 6:15-8:00 p.m. in the Pavilion. Kids age 5 -5th grade will have a free dinner, play games and learn God's Word. Pick up a Dog Days flyer at the Information Counter with details and information on our service project, 'Fill Socks for the Homeless' on the back. A ministry program will be available for newborns-4 years old in Room 2. Debbie Conley: 878-3501 or debbie@trail.org  

 

Celebrate Recovery...



Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered resource for rising above life's hurts, habits and hang-ups. Through eight simple principles people will move from bondage to freedom and will experience a new joy and peace in life. Join us in the Fireside Room for open meetings every Tuesday: Dinner is at 6 p.m. and the meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. Child care is provided. For more information contact Paige Harrison at 541.821.0459 or email celebraterecovery@trail.org. Visit us on Facebook: Click Here
Area Events & Announcements...

Youth For Christ Golf Challenge

 

 

You're invited to the 28th Annual YFC Golf Challenge, Saturday, May 16 at Eagle Point Golf Course, featuring a four-person scramble of 240 golfers with two shotguns (7:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.) ending with an awards and raffle banquet at 6:00 p.m. prepared by the Talon Grill. As a golfer, business sponsor or prize donor you'll become part of a long tradition while helping thousands of kids in the process through your support in this benefit Golf Challenge hosted by Youth for Christ in the Rogue Valley and Eagle Point Golf Course. Presented by Metal Masters, Inc. and Sponsored by Pennzoil & Lithia Auto Stores. For more information call YFC: 541.779.3275 or www.roguevalleyyfc.org 

 


 

I Can Do That! A relational approach to sharing your faith...

 

The community is invited to attend a two night Sharing Faith workshop put on by Search Ministries, Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Trail Community Church, 399 Old Trail Creek Road. To register or for more details, contact: Pastor Mike Krutsch: 541.613.1164 or mkrutsch@juno.com 

 

 

St. John Lutheran School is hosting its 3rd Annual Golf Tournament at Stone Ridge Golf Club Saturday June 6. Check in time: 3:00-3:30 p.m. and Shotgun start: 4:00 p.m. Two person scramble (no handicap required). We invite you to attend! We have a lot of fun with not just our church family but also our school families at this event each year. All proceeds benefit St. John Lutheran School. Entry donation: $40 covers 9 holes with cart, prizes and dinner! Any questions, please register with Cheri Clark: 541.826.4334 or email: stjohnep@gmail.com. 

 

In Closing...

The steps of a man are established
by the Lord,
And He delights in his way.
When he falls,
he will not be hurled headlong,
Because the Lord is the One
who holds his hand.

Psalm 37:23-24

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

Copyright 2015. All rights reserved.