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photos: Maura Lolandi

August 20, 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 23, 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 26, Pastor Bill Gallagher will continue our Wednesday evening through-the-Bible study, teaching from Genesis 49. 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...

Two Wells: A Study in Contrasts

Part I of 2

"Of course I'm going to Heaven...I'm no axe-murderer!" Sound familiar? I'm certain you have encountered this statement before, or at least a similar version. It does seem to make sense on a certain level; after all, most of us never do actually murder anyone with an axe (or anything even remotely similar). Why not presume that we're vastly superior to Lizzie Borden or Adolf Hitler or Ted Bundy (or fill in the blank)? It would be a crime to send a "more or less" good person like me anywhere but Heaven!

The problem with such a narrow view however is its disconnect from reality. We live in a world that embraces and celebrates relativity. Nothing could be simpler than to believe that life and the universe (as well as their Creator) heartily endorse our "more or less" value system. But there's a problem...ultimate reality is totally alien to such a concept. God Himself operates on a completely different paradigm. In real life, there is only black and white reality, what actually and truly Is...nothing else even exists!

Imagine two identical wells side by side. Stone walls, little thatched roofs, little buckets on ropes and pulleys, each filled with deliciously clean, icy cold mountain spring water. Into the first well we pour a 50 gallon drum of the most toxic, putrid sewage we can find, filled with reeking stench, foul waste and deadly bacteria. It's enough to make a billy goat puke! Delicious no more, this well is ruined.

Now we take a small eyedropper and filling it from the ruined well, we carry it over to the clean well and carefully squeeze out a single tiny drop which hangs for a moment, then falls into the crystal pure water below...one tiny drop. Hmm...which well is clean now? From which one can we safely take a drink? Neither of course...even though they appear and smell and taste different...they're both ruined...a drink from either would be fatal.

That's how God views our sin. We might call the obviously poisoned well "Joseph Stalin" and the seemingly clean well "St Francis", but God, in His holy purity cannot drink from either well. More to the point, He won't drink from either well; unless of course the water has been cleansed and purified...totally and completely. But for that we'd need to drain the old infectious sewage and sterilize the wells with fire before filling them again with clean water, healthy water, holy water... Living Water. And there's only One person qualified to perform that repair.

Be gentle Christian friend, with your unsaved friends and family who do not yet grasp how utterly pure and holy God's being and presence are. Even we Christians do not understand this incomprehensible mystery very well. We live in a temporary cosmic bubble in which good and evil seem to coexist without difficulty...we've even grown used to it, as if it were a completely normal everyday experience. But nothing could be further from the truth.

On that promised day when Jesus Christ withdraws the supernatural power that allows these polarized opposites to dwell in such a fragile, temporary proximity, the illusion of their peaceful coexistence, our "normal" life view, will be shredded like a leaf in a hurricane. Only the perfect purity of lives hidden in Christ will weather the violence of that fiery tempest as the infinite abyss that actually separates purity from poison, darkness from light, opens like a black hole across the universe...best to get that well worked on before the rush, if you ask me.

Blessings,

Pastor Matt

Events

August 30 Outdoor Service Cancelled

Due to the smoky air that comes and goes, the Pastors have decided to cancel the August 30 Outdoor Service and the lunch that would have followed. The Baptism and Potluck Dinner that starts at 6:00 p.m. are still on.

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.

Sewing Informational Meeting for Adults & Kids

Men, women and kids! If you have an interest in learning the basics of sewing come to an informational meeting for adults and children Sunday, September 13, from 12-12:30 p.m. in Room 8 (behind the Youth Center). If there is enough interest, the classes will be held this Fall. Questions? Call Debbie Conley 878-3501

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

Sign ups begin this Sunday for a special Art of Marriage two-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. Cost is $65 per couple and covers materials, refreshments and lunch on Saturday. Child care is provided with advanced sign up. 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

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

TCF's AWANA program for children age 3 years through 5th grade fires back up

Wednesday, September 9 from 6:15 -8:00 p.m. in the Youth Center. Registration begins August 30 in the Children's Ministry foyer. We are also in need of a few volunteer Leaders and a Game Director! If you'd like to be a part of reaching youth for Christ and helping them grow spiritually, please contact Aaron Bradley as soon as possible at 541.210.1057 or email river_bum@msn.com.

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...

Planned Parenthood Picket:
Saturday, August 22, 10 a.m.-noon

Along with pickets in at least 184 other cities in 44 states, Jackson County Right to Life will make our statement to the community that Planned Parenthood DOES NOTHING WORTHY OF PUBLIC FUNDING, and, in fact, is a major contributor to the breakdown of parent-child relationships, a purveyor of sexual temptation to young people and an evil presence in our schools and governmental agencies. Our pickets have always been peaceful, non-graphic and focused on the intellectual challenge of the morality of tax money being used to fund PP operations. Will you set aside and hour or two this Saturday morning? We will picket from 10 a.m.-noon, at the corner of 8th and Central. We have plenty of signs, and plenty of space to fit HUNDREDS of pro-lifers who want to be the David's of this time. Bring your kids, friends, church groups, suntan lotion, lawn chair or umbrella - we welcome your presence! Now, please, just a quick reminder: We must stay on the sidewalk, we cannot take or hand out anything to people in cars, we must allow pedestrian traffic to pass by unobstructed.

Bryan Platt, Jackson County Right to Life
brplatt195@gmail.com
541.494.1595

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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...

You have enclosed me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high,
I cannot attain it.

Psalm 139:5-6

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