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Bill Gallagher's Teamworks

photo: Buffy Boren

May 21, 2015

Welcome

to this week's edition of

TCFinTouch

the e-newsletter of

Trail Christian Fellowship

in Eagle Point, Oregon

Memorial Day

May 25, 2015

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...

May 24, 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 27, Pastor Garret will continue our Wednesday evening through-the-Bible study, teaching from Genesis 35. 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.

From our Pastors...

Every Day Matters

Part 2 of 2

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

Psalm 118:24

In the last article we focused on what this colorful verse didn't mean or suggest. To recap, I suggested that rejoicing in the Lord daily didn't imply:

a) We were exempt if we were facing hard circumstances

b) It isn't relegated to our opinion or option but rather a command

c) It wasn't dependent on how we felt at the moment.

So let's now discuss what the verse does mean. In order to get the full fragrance of what it says let's briefly examine each phrase.

This is the day:

The Bible seems to emphasize the need to focus on "Today". Such examples are Jesus' command to not worry about tomorrow because "each day has enough trouble of its own." Paul writes that "Today is the day of salvation," and in Ephesians he command us to "not let the sun go down on our wrath" (I take this literal). One of the more interesting accounts is in the book of Exodus when God commanded His people to gather up enough Manna for their family for each day. To gather more than they could eat for a day would result in finding moldy manna the next morning. And of course we must not leave out the fact that "His mercies are fresh and new every morning." So each day is new. We aren't to look back or project out. We are to be aware of the day we are in now.

That the Lord has made:

Wow! Everything about each day is handcrafted the way the Lord determines. "From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, let the name of the Lord be praised," Psalm 113:3. From the force of the wind, to the fluffy moving clouds to each shooting star, this is the day that He has made. From the number and width of the stripes on the newborn Zebra in the continent of Africa, to the giggle of every three-year-old child on our blue marbled planet, every day stands on its own and is tailor made for a pre-determined 24 hours called, the day the Lord has made.

We are so limited and finite. We don't even know what's around the next bend in our life or what each day holds. But it's no surprise to Him who holds all things together. He is the one that called today into being. Of course this includes each sudden heartbreak, dark diagnosis, unexpected tragedy or any other disappointment that tries to stare us down. But the day belongs to Him and we are to rejoice in it even through our tears.

Let us rejoice and be glad in it:

Did you realize that rejoicing and being glad is an actual choice? God is not going to do it for you. It's like, since it is the day He has specifically designed, then there are no accidents, karma or mishaps that have slipped by His notice. He already did His part by giving us another gracious day.

Our part is to rejoice and be glad in it. How is this possible when nothing is going right in the day? It's possible because He is in control of what He makes (the day) and most importantly He is in control of your life! This means that nothing can happen that will silence our song (at least for very long).

I ran into a friend today at a restaurant whose son had a tragic end to his life recently. I hugged her and she said "Oh Pastor, we miss him so, but the Lord has been good to us and has given us peace." Her face was so radiant that it looked like she just came out of His throne room of grace into the restaurant.

She was an inspiration and living proof that no matter what happens to us in our life we can and will sing with the Psalmist, "This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Pastor Bill

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

Events

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 online or by 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.

Outdoor Sunday Services are Coming

This summer we will be outdoors in the Pavilion for Sunday service the following 3 dates: June 28, July 26 and August 30 (weather permitting). There will not be indoor seating. In case of inclement weather or smoke, we will still meet but indoors in the Worship Center. Lunch will be served following service. If you'd like to volunteer to set up, clean up, or help with lunch please contact Jacki: 541.878.3501 or jacki@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

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. Our mentor mom Debbie Conley will be sharing. Newcomers are welcome! Child care provided. For more information check our Facebook page HERE.

Questions? Church Office: 541.878.3501

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 is $11.20. 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

Ladies Spring Tea and Luncheon

It is time to sign up for the fabulous Ladies Tea Luncheon! Saturday, June 27 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. we will gather in the Fireside Room for tea, lunch, and fellowship. Our guest speaker will be Donna Milkowski. Our theme is "White as Snow" based on Isaiah 1:18, Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be white as snow. You are welcome (not required) to dress in white, with hats and gloves also optional. Pick up a flyer and sign up at the Information Counter (no charge). Child care with sign up. If you'd like to sponsor a table or have questions contact Karen Carini at 541.826.9525.

Youth Ministry

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...

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...

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial;

For once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life

which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

James 1:12

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