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photo: Tracy Eager

September 17, 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 20, 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

Join us for a time of worship and teaching, September 23, when we will meet for Wednesday evening Bible study from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Pastor Chris White will be teaching Part 2 of a 3-part teaching on the Lord's Prayer. 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...

Jonah: A Fish Story for All of Us

Pt. 1 of 2

But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord. Jonah 1:3

The prominent feature of most "fish stories" is exaggeration to the point of incredulity on the part of the listener. I have one absent-minded friend who at the same men's retreat told me the same story of his Cabo fishing trip three times. Almost like a law of nature, the fish he caught got bigger, put up more of a fight and wreaked more havoc on the deck of the fishing boat with each telling. The funny thing is that I don't really care about fishing fibs (a harmless thing in the guy-world), besides, my friend was not running for high elective office and it was a pretty good story!

In calling the biblical narrative of Jonah a "fish story", I am not saying that it shares the same level of veracity as my friend's adventure in Mexico. A large fish does play a prominent role and Jonah experiences some very extraordinary moments, but the similarities end there. This story presents as a historic narrative and more importantly Jesus makes statements in the Gospels about Jonah to the same effect. If anyone could detect something "fishy" in this story the Son of God could and wouldn't be so bold in His use of it (see John 7:52 and Matthew 12:38). So then, this is a fish story that is true and has many things to teach us along the way about the Lord and our relationship to Him.

In the first chapter of this book there is a decidedly downward motion in Jonah's life. In fact, it probably should be titled Jonah Goes Down. God calls Jonah to bring His message of judgment to the city of Ninevah (after all, Jonah was a prophet and that is what prophets do) and Jonah decides he would rather run away from God than do His will which is the ultimate exercise in futility (see Psalm 139:7). In taking this path, Jonah goes down to Joppa to catch his get-away boat, goes down into the hold to nap while God brings a storm against the ship, goes down into the ocean as the sailors throw him overboard to make peace with God and finally to the bottom of the sea where, as Jonah cries out in repentance, God appoints a great fish (the Bible doesn't call it a whale) to swallow him whole and rescue him from a watery grave.

How many of us have hit the proverbial rock-bottom before we listened to God and/or repented of our rebellion? Running from the Lord is always going to have a downward effect on your life because sin never elevates us, no matter what we think. The good news for Jonah and all of us is that because God sent his son Jesus as our rescuer (one of the meanings of the word salvation and Savior), we do have the opportunity to turn around and come back to Him. Just because you hit the bottom doesn't mean you need to stay there. God is the God of second chances to even the most wayward soul among us. If you've been running away from God in some way, repent and come back to Him today. He'll bring you back up where you belong.

In the sign of the Fish (let the reader understand),

Pastor Chris

Events

Graveside Service

TCF friends and family are invited to attend a graveside service for TCF member Gary Smith on Friday, Sept. 25 at 3:00 p.m. at the V.A. Cemetery.

Couples, for the price of a dinner out you can reap long term benefits by investing in your marriage! Sign up now for a special Art of Marriage two-session event, September 25-26 for married and engaged couples which 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 Questions? Call Ben and Theresa Wewerka: 541.826.7489

Sewing Classes for Adults & Kids

Sewing (for Children) 7 yrs or older: If your son or daughter would like to learn the basics of sewing, we will begin meeting Sunday, September 27, from noon - 2:00 p.m. (bring your lunch - NO nuts please) in Room 8 (we'll meet once a month).

Sewing (for Adults): Beginning sewing for adults will be held November 1 and 8 (continuing dates will be discussed later). We will meet from noon - 2:00 p.m. (bring your lunch - NO nuts please) in Room 8.

Bring a sewing machine if you have one or call for a loaner to use.
If you did not sign up at the Informational meeting, please contact Debbie Conley in advance if you would like to attend 541.878.3501.

Michael Farley in Concert

Gifted musician and guitarist Michael Farley will be in concert Friday, October 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Beloved hymns and original songs will be presented with Michael's incredible skill and insight. No cost, but a love offering will be taken. Bring friends! No child care. Check www.michaelfarleymusic.com for a preview.
Questions? Call Ken Rensi: 541.951.1584

Mark Your Calendar
Signups start next week

Couples are invited to a weekly Bible study starting October 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Our text will be Improving Communication in Your Marriage by Dr. Gary and Barbara Rosberg.
Child care provided. Cost: $17 per couple.
Ben & Theresa Wewerka: 541.826.7489

For more: click HERE

Pheasant Fields Farm Field Trip

All ages are invited to visit Pheasant Fields Farm in Phoenix Sunday, October 18. The bus leaves at noon and returns at 5:00 p.m. Bring a sack lunch or buy lunch there. Pick up a flyer for all the details and sign up at the Information Counter. No charge but there may be activities you need a few dollars for.

Debbie Conley: 541.878.3501.

Men's Ministry

Ducks Game

A few seats are available for 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

Starts Tonight:

Being God's Man by Resisting the World is our next study in the Being God's Man series. The study will begin tonight, Thursday, September 17, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Campus Life Building in Eagle Point. Feel free to 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:

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.

Women's Fall Bible Study

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

The Evening Bible Study is full, but you can put your name on the waiting list.
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. No child care. Call the Church Office to get on the waiting list: 541.878.3501 or Rosita: 541.218.5507.

MOM's Group

The TCF MOM's Group will get together at TCF on Tuesday, September 22, 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.

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

Ladies 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 $130.
Questions? Contact Denise Green: 541.664.9871

For more about our speaker check www.karipatterson.com

photo: Charmaine Brackett

Youth Ministry

Child Evangelism Fellowship Needs You

A helper is needed in a Central Point public school, Wednesdays starting in October from 1:00-3:00 p.m. C.E.F. is a Bible-centered, worldwide organization dedicated to seeing every child reached with the Gospel. Please call Idelle Collins: 541.878.2159

AWANA (Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed)

TCF's AWANA program for children age 3 years-5th grade has begun.

AWANA meets from 6:15-8:00 p.m. in the Youth Center. Register your children in the Children's Ministry foyer. We are also in need of a few volunteers. 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.

The Hallelujah Hoedown Needs Your Help

Let's reach out to our community! This year's Hallelujah Hoedown will be held Saturday, October 31 from 12:30-4:30 p.m. in the Youth Center. We need many volunteers to make this year's Hoedown the best ever! We need individuals or families to create and run a booth, cool car owners to bring their cars and hand out candy, people to set up and clean up. Also donations are needed of wrapped candy and small trinkets for prizes. Pick up a flyer at the Info Counter or in the Children's Ministry Foyer and indicate how you can help. Please contact Debbie Conley as soon as possible to sign up: 878.3501 or debbie@trail.org

Tonight: 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...

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 blind receive sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who does not take offense at Me.

Matthew 11:5-6

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