Quick Links

photo: Maura Lolandi

September 3, 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...

September 6, our Sunday Service will be held 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

September 9, we will meet for Wednesday evening Bible study. Pastor Kelly Nokes will be teaching from John 1:1-18. Join us for a time of worship and teaching from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Youth programs and AWANA meet at this same time in their classrooms.

Listen to Trail Christian Fellowship Teachings

If you missed a service, or live out of our area, we invite you to click HERE

to listen to our recent Sunday a.m. and Wednesday evening teachings for free.

From our Pastors...

Moving Day

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

photo of Gibbs by Garret Harrington

We have lived at our current residence for 14 years. This weekend, my wife and I will be moving into our new house. I need a question to be answered: How on God's green earth did I gather so much stuff?!

While we were packing, I stumbled across letters that my wife and I had written to each other as we were dating, childhood keepsakes that brought back a flood of memories, and old photographs. I also stumbled across an old box of odds and ends that, 14 years ago, when we moved into that place, "I needed" and never touched. I found a dress shirt that still had the price tag on it from last year that I was going to return but never did. I finally found my dog's hiding place for all of my left socks...

I sat looking at all these "must keep" items, or "hidden treasures," and it hit me...all of it is baggage. Some of it was great, while some was just absurd, but it is still baggage, stowed away, safely kept, and never used.

I often find myself cleaning my spiritual life and getting ready for the "Big Events." But daily? How often do I go through my life like I have recently been going through my house? I've often heard and used these analogies as excuses not to deep clean in my spiritual life:

"I'm comfortable right now; don't rock the boat."

"That memory is still too painful; don't go there."

"God loves me anyway; why change my life?"

What if I was reminded that Christ wants me to deny myself and follow Him daily? A deep clean like that, daily? You have to be kidding me! Nope, I have been reading through Luke and I stumbled across the passage where Christ is talking to the masses, "And He said to all, 'If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.'"

But, I have all this extra stuff, all this baggage. How is Christ going to get through it all? Simply put: one box at a time. I know the room might be daunting, the memory hurtful, or we are just too comfortable with life right now, but start with one box. Go through it and really examine it. Hold onto this promise: "...I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ," (Philippians 1:6). God can, will, and wants to deal with all the baggage that we have. Are we letting Him?

Oh look, another box!

Pastor Garrett

Events

First Sunday Evening of Praise

There will be a one-hour Worship and Communion service this Sunday, Sept. 6, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Child care is provided.

2nd Wednesday Jam

Musicians are invited to jam with others Wednesday, September 9, at 5:15 p.m. in the Green Room (next to the Worship Center stage). Questions? Ken Rensi: 541.951.1584.

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 regarding classes 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 continue 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

Men's Ministry

Ducks Game

TCF is taking a group to the Ducks vs WA Football Game
Saturday, October 10. To register enclose $98 using an Event Envelope at the Information Counter. Price includes cost of 1 ticket, transportation and pizza. Bring spending money. Game time TBA. Open to all but space is limited! You are not signed up until you pay! Questions? Call Jim Ulrich at 541.878.2399

Being God's Man by Resisting the World is our next study in the Being God's Man series. The study will begin Thursday, September 17, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Campus Life Building in Eagle Point. Register and pick up a flyer at the Information Counter or just show up. Cost is $8.

You have to live in this world. But if you want to be God's man, there's a catch: You can't be absorbed or influenced by the world. You have to stand strong as a man of God and resist the world. Men like you, who are getting serious about their walk with God, feel a deep, intuitive conflict of the soul. . .where unholy alliances with the world, which were once acceptable, must now be broken. That's not easy. But here's solid, trustworthy guidance for you from men who have been there, too. In "Being God's Man by Resisting the World," you'll take a look at Christ's template of values as revealed in the Sermon on the Mount. Every man who seeks to understand and train in these values will experience a greater connection with God. So forget what you know, focus on these truths, and start living large spiritually.

Questions? Contact 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

Ladies, Mark Your Calendars for Fall!

The Following Group Events Begin:

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

Women's Friday a.m. Bible Study: Friday, September 18, 9-11 a.m.
Women's Evening Bible Study: Thursday, September 24, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

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

Please check the announcements below for all the details for these gatherings.

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.

Women's Fall Bible Study

Friday a.m. Study:
Please plan on joining us for the Fall term of Women's Bible Study, Friday,

September 18 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. in the Fireside Room. Norah Gorden will be teaching from the book of Jonah, come and see it is much more than a "whale of a tale." Child care is provided. The cost for the term is $8 and payable the first day of class. Only new students need to pre-register at the Church Office or Information Counter or by calling Christean White: 541.664.2054.

Evening Study:
Thursday evening classes will be held at Rosita Redd's home in Eagle Point beginning Thursday, September 24 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Space is limited, and no child care. To register, please fill out an Event Envelope at the Information Counter and enclose $8. Rosita: 541.218.5507.

Single Women's Dinner

Single Ladies of all ages are invited to a home cooked dinner and evening of fellowship on Monday, Sept. 28, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Please sign up at the Information Counter. No charge; child care with advanced sign up. Invite other single women friends (but be sure to sign them up). Questions? Cyndi Harrington: 541.826.9415

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.

Last Sunday

for the Retreat Discount!

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

Youth Ministry

AWANA begins next Wednesday

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

Wednesday, September 9 from 6:15 -8:00 p.m. in the Youth Center. Registration has begun 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.

American Heritage Girls

Informational Meeting

American Heritage Girls, a scouting and character building development organization for girls 5-18 years old, will have an informational meeting Thursday, Sept. 17 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Room 8 (behind Youth Center). Troop Meetings are every other Thursday beginning, Sept. 24. AHG offers learning and service opportunities throughout the year, as well as camps and family fun days.

Questions? Call Crystal Ehlig: 541.944.2184 or Debbie Conley: 541.878.3501

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...

Koinonia Lecture Series at PBC

Pastor Rick will be lecturing on the Myth of Secularism, Tuesday, Sept. 8 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Pacific Bible College, 409 N. Front St, in Medford. This event is open to the public and there is no charge. Check with PBC for future lectures scheduled through April 19, 2016. www.pacificbible.com or call Mary at PBC: 541.776.9942

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 Sept. 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.

In Closing...

The Lord is your keeper;
The Lord is your shade on your right hand.
The sun will not smite you by day,
Nor the moon by night.
The Lord will protect you from all evil;
He will keep your soul.

Psalm 121:5-7

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