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photo: Debi Hassler

August 13, 2015

Welcome

to this week's edition of

TCFinTouch

the e-newsletter of

Trail Christian Fellowship

in Eagle Point, Oregon

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...

August 16, our Sunday Service will be held in the air-conditioned 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

August 19, Pastor Bill Gallagher will continue our Wednesday evening through-the-Bible study, teaching from Genesis 48. 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...

Understanding God's Will

Part 2 of 2

Do not be foolish but understand what will of the Lord is. Ephesian 5:17

It has been said that "The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God won't keep you." In other words, we never have to be afraid of God's will and plan for our lives. Certainly there are times of apprehension and struggle with where we sense the Lord is taking us.

Jesus Himself, in the twisted olive grove of Gethsemane cried, " Father, if it is possible take this cup (of suffering) from me. Nevertheless not My will but Thy will be done." (Luke 22:42).

So understanding His will doesn't necessarily mean it's easy, but it should be clear!

Below I've listed four biblical principles that can help with the confusion and perplexity that is sometimes associated with understanding the Lord's will. I'll use four catch phrases that I learned from Pastor Chuck Swindoll:

First, LOOK UP - Into the counsel of God's Word. God most clearly states His plan for His people in His written Word. Although you may not find the name of the person you want to marry or the specific location of where you should move next, the Bible directs us with principled instruction that fits our circumstances.

For example, let's say you are struggling through a season of worry over your financial status, when on your way to work you hear a song or teaching on the radio emphasizing the words of Jesus telling you to "not be worried about tomorrow." There should be little to no doubt that the Lord is not only perfectly aware of your struggle, but that He also wants you to trust Him to see you through.

So the Lord clearly directs us through the truth of the Scriptures and has no problem getting our attention through what He has already said.

Second, LOOK AROUND- To the circumstances. We never have to kick a door down in order to discover God's specific direction. This is particularly a challenge for those of us who feel best when we are in control of the circumstances. I have found when the Lord is leading us in the right direction, the doors swing open naturally. "We don't have to make things happen" or remind God that we are here to help Him if He needs it. A phrase that I have carried in my mind for years is "When it is of the Father it flows; when it's of the flesh it's forced."

Third, LOOK IN- To the Holy Spirit's promptings. This can be a bit confusing because our wills can mask the voice of the Holy Spirit when we want something or someone bad enough. Most of the time God's peace is a good indicator that the Spirit is leading us. Frequently if you are about to stray away from God's plan you'll get a strong check in your spirit and/or the Lord will slam the door in your face!

However, a couple of cautions are necessary when we refer to God's peace:

a) If you are in a difficult situation and the Lord wants you to stay in it and grow through it and instead you run, it won't take long to feel peaceful again. That is not God's peace, it's the peace that comes from being away from the storm.

b) There are occasions when the Lord will cause us to make a difficult decision or face a challenging change and we feel fearful with very little "peace." This doesn't mean that the Spirit is not directing. Sometimes God calls us to the grab His hand, and walk through our fears with Him, in order to get to the peace. When the Spirit is leading, there is an inner "rightness" to it.

Fourth, LOOK TO- The counsel of others. More times than not God directs us through the advice and counsel of others. A couple of considerations in choosing whom to get advice from should be:

a) individuals that know and understand the truth of God's Word

b) those who have your best interest at heart and are willing to caution you or truthfully speak to you if they are concerned about the direction you are going.

Foolish is the person, who in spite of the kind warnings of others, proceeds anyway. When we are on the right path, there is a general consensus from those who understand and know us that God is leading.

Scripture teaches us over and over again especially from the Book of Proverbs (the book of wisdom) that "there is safety in a multitude of counselors."

So the feedback from respected brothers and sisters in Christ really does matter in discerning the will of God for our lives.

Now, at best, all four of these principles should line up when God is directing us. God will never mislead you. All we must do is seek Him, trust Him, and wait for clarity from Him.

So let's agree with Paul from this day forward, that we will "not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:17).

Trusting Him,

Pastor Bill

Events

Outdoors Fellowship

Spend an evening learning Archery tips, tricks, equipment and skills Tuesday, August 18, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Everyone is invited who wants to learn and practice. We'll start by meeting in the Teen Room then go to the back lawn. Bring a Bible, archery equipment and finger foods to share.

Questions? Contact Nate Bailey: 541-951-6952 or tcfoutdoors@centurylink.net

Our Final Outdoor Service of the Summer

Don't miss our last outdoor service Sunday, August 30 from 10-11:30 a.m. in the grassy Pavilion area. This is a great opportunity to bring friends and family members to Church! Pastor Rick will be teaching. Bring your own camp chairs or use our plastic ones. Lunch will be served after service for any donation, or free. Stay and enjoy fellowship! Youth ministries meet as usual. If smoke or bad weather threatens, the service will be held indoors.

Our next Baptism will be held Sunday, August 30. If you'd like to be Baptized, pick up a Baptism loaner CD at the Willingheart Window or listen at trail.org (click HERE) before speaking with a Pastor. The evening will begin with a potluck dinner at 6:00 p.m. in the Pavilion. At 7:00 p.m. we'll have the Baptism at the Baptismal (behind the Church Offices) followed by Communion. Bring a dish to serve 8-10 people.Questions? Contact Jacki in the Church Office: 541.878.3501.

Basic CPR/First Aid Class

If you volunteer at TCF we encourage you to take this class Saturday, September 12 from 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Youth Center. Register using an Event Envelope and enclose $25 at the Information Counter or pay online at trail.org. Bring a sack lunch. No child care. Questions? Call Debbie Conley: 541.878.3501

This certification for First Aid/CPR is being offered at this reduced rate for TCF volunteers and staff. It is not intended to satisfy requirements for medical professionals.

First Step Dinner

Are you new to TCF or just want to know more? The Pastors and staff will provide a presentation of our ministry at a free dinner on Sunday, September 13 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room. No child care. Sign up at the Hospitality/Information Counter.
Questions? Call Joe Carini: 541.941.7624

Mark Your Calendar!

A special Art of Marriage 2-day event, September 25-26 for married and engaged couples will focus on expert teaching, real-life stories, humorous vignettes and more that portray the challenges and the beauty of God's design for marriage. Details and cost to follow, with signups beginning August 23. For more about the Art of Marriage, check www.theartofmarriage.com Ben and Theresa Wewerka will facilitate: 541.826.7489

Wednesday Night Summer Bible Series

Pastor Bill Gallagher will be teaching on the life of Joseph, (Genesis 36-50) now through September 2 on Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Don't miss this
exciting series on one of the Bible's most well-known men.

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. Genesis 50:20

Men's Ministry

Ducks Football, Save the Date!

TCF is taking a group to the Ducks/WA game on Saturday, October 10. Watch the Bulletin for all details including the price. A limited number of tickets will be available to purchase soon. This event is open to all, but space will be very limited. Jim Ulrich: 541.878.2399.

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

Ladies, Mark Your Calendars for Fall!

The Following Group Events Begin:

Single Women's Dinner: Monday, September 28, 6-7:30 p.m.

Women's Friday Bible Study: Friday, September 18, 9-11 a.m.

MOM's Group: Tuesday, September 8: 9-11 a.m.

Women's Fall Retreat Signups

Signups continue for the Fall Retreat which will be held at Camp Bradley October 9-11. Kari Patterson will be teaching on One: Courageous Community, based on John 17:23, "...that they may be perfectly one..."
Pick up a brochure and sign up using an Event Envelope or online HERE. Cost is $120 (discount price) through Sept. 6, $130 afterward. For more about our speaker check www.karipatterson.com

Questions? Contact Denise Green: 541.664.9871

MOM's Group

The TCF MOM's Group will begin their gatherings at TCF on

Tuesday, September 8, 9:00-11:00 a.m. in the Youth Center. This group usually meets twice a month (2nd and 4th Tuesdays) and we enjoy a breakfast, a devotional or mentor guest speaker, and fellowship centering on Christian family life. Check our Facebook page: TCF Moms Group or call Cyndi Harrington if you have further questions: 541.601.2066.

Beth Moore Simulcast

The Medford Nazarene Church will be hosting a Living Proof live simulcast featuring Bible teacher Beth Moore, Saturday, Sept. 12 from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Register online at www.mednaz.com/simulcast if you plan to attend. Cost is $20 and includes lunch. At the door will be $25. Further questions? Contact Brenda Anderson: 541.601.1408 or bsueander@gmail.com.

Youth Ministry

Dog Days of Summer

TCF's Children's Ministry program "Knowing God: His Names and His Character" takes place every Wednesday, through Sept. 2 from 6:15-8:00 p.m. in the Pavilion (if smoky - we move indoors). 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...

Memorial Service for Evelyn Arnold

A Celebration of Life for TCF member Evelyn Arnold will be held tomorrow, Friday, August 14 at 2:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room. TCF family and friends are invited to attend.

TCF Directories are ready

The 2015-2016 Phone Directories are now ready. Pick yours up at the table behind the Information Counter. One per family or business for now.

Eagle Point Food & Friends Volunteers Needed

Food & Friends provides hot, nutritious meals and a friendly visit to hundreds of seniors in Jackson and Josephine counties. Through our services, home bound seniors are able to maintain their independence in the comfortable surroundings of their own homes.

The demand for meals is growing and home delivery drivers are needed in Eagle Point. Deliveries are generally between 10 a.m. and noon. Mileage reimbursement is available. Call Linnea at 541-734-9505 Ext. 4 for more information.

Access Food Pantry

The Eagle Point Food Pantry has moved back to St. John's Lutheran Church. The time will still be 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. If you are a volunteer, Wednesday, September 9 is TCF's day to serve. Thank you for helping! Questions? Contact Pastor Matt at 541.878.3501 or matt@trail.org

Support Fire District 4 Yard Sale

Thank our firefighters by donating good items for the Fundraising Yard Sale they will hold September 26. Items should be dropped off at the Fire Station, 21200 Hwy 62 in Shady Cove. They need: household items, books, tools, toys, sporting goods, garden items, craft items and antiques. Please drop off large outdoor items on the right side of the canopy. Call Ruth: 541.973.3100 for further info.

Butte Falls Sugar Pine Outreach

Join Pastor Buff and a group of folks Sunday, August 23 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Butte Falls Park for the Sugar Pine Outreach. There will be a time of worship, a Bible study and prayer, with worship by Ron & Kelly. Questions? Call Pastor Buff and Molly Lawrence at 541.951.6676

pacific bible logo

Pacific Bible College

PBC's Fall Semester begins August 31 and includes classes in Bible/Theology, Counseling, Ministry and General Studies. Classes include: Romans (Pastor Rick), Worldview & Biblical Reality (Pastor Matt), Old Testament Survey and more.

Pick up a full list of classes at the Information Counter.

Home School Students: You can earn transferable credits while completing High School! Pick up a brochure at the Information Counter or go to www.pacificbible.com
Questions? Call Mary at PBC: 541.776.9942

In Closing...

Righteousness exalts a nation,
But sin is a disgrace to any people.

Proverbs 14:34

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