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photo: Tracy Eager

September 24, 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 27, 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 30, 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 3 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. 2 of 4

And the Lord spoke to the fish,
and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land.

Jonah 2:10

One of the amazing things about God is that we don't lose Him when we rebel against Him. Jonah rebelled against God because he had been asked to go and preach to the Ninevites, a group of people Jonah would rather see destroyed than saved. Actually God had asked Jonah to preach a message of judgment against them but Jonah feared that they might respond positively to the message, repent, and then God would relent in His plans for destruction. Nineveh was about 500 miles due east of Jonah's home in Gath-hepher in Galilee and so to make doubly sure he wouldn't go there Jonah hopped on a boat to Tarshish (present-day Spain) which is about 2,000 miles due west. I would think going four times the distance in the opposite direction God wanted you to go is a fairly bold statement: "God, I'm not going there!"

As I mentioned in the previous article, God providentially brought a storm which forced the sailors to throw overboard all their cargo. This in turn led to Jonah to realize this misfortune was caused by him and that he was the cargo God wanted thrown overboard. When the sailors finally did it, the sea calmed, and they themselves began worshiping God. Jonah was treading water but as his arms grew heavy and his legs weak, he started sinking and going to the bottom. Before he went unconscious, Jonah cried out to God to save him and God sent a "rescue fish" to swallow him. The fish swam at full speed for three days covering a distance estimated at 1,300 miles, vomiting up a stunned, subdued, and repentant Jonah on the shores of the Euxine Sea.

God loved Jonah, forgave him and still intended to use him. But please notice that our prophet did not escape the discipline of the Lord because of his rebellion. One of my friends has a saying that goes, "20 miles in, 20 miles out!" This means if you've gone down the road of sinful behavior a ways before you repent, don't expect a shortcut to be provided to get back quickly. Jonah had a long journey in the fish back to dry land and still had to walk to Nineveh to do the work God asked him to do the first time. No doubt Jonah felt chastened as he made that inland trek to the great city (and hopefully was able to shower off the fish vomit) but better to experience the discipline of the Lord's fierce love than the wrath of His judgment. Because we are sons, whom the Lord loves He disciplines (Hebrews 12:6).

See you Sunday,

Pastor Chris

1 The source for this destination is the ancient historian Flavian Josephus writing in his book Antiquities of the Jews. Where Josephus came by this information is not stated. The Euxine was the ancient name for the Black Sea.

Events

Graveside Service Tomorrow

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.

You Can Still Sign Up...

There's still time to sign up for the 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. Sign up in the Church Office during office hours and you must call Debbie Conley if you need child care for this event. You may also sign up at the door Friday, Sept. 25 at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $65 per couple and covers materials, refreshments and lunch on Saturday. (Sorry, those that sign up at the door will not be eligible for child care). For more about the Art of Marriage, check www.theartofmarriage.com Questions? Call Ben and Theresa Wewerka: 541.826.7489
For Child Care call Debbie Conley: 541.261.2605.

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

Couples Study
Signups start this Sunday

Couples are invited to a 6-week 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.

Baptism Coming Up

Our next Baptism will take place Sunday, November 1 after service. If you'd like to be Baptized, pick up a loaner CD at the Willingheart Window or listen online:
click HERE

And now why do you wait? Rise and be Baptized and
wash away your sins, calling on His name. Acts 22:16

Mark Your Calendar!

Pastor Bill Gallagher will be leading a workshop on Blending or Colliding: a Workshop on Blending Families God's Way, Saturday, November 14 from 9 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Watch the bulletin and TCFinTouch for updates and more details.

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

Being God's Man by Resisting the World is our next study in the Being God's Man series. It's not too late to show up for our study,Thursday, September 24, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Campus Life Building in Eagle Point.

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

Women's Fall Bible Study

Please plan on joining us for the Fall term of Women's Bible Study, Friday, Sept. 25 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 at your first class. Questions? Christean White: 541.664.2054.

MOM's Group

The TCF MOM's Group will get together at TCF on Tuesday, October 13, 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: 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

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...

Fire District 4 Yard Sale
this Saturday

Thank our firefighters by attending their Fundraising Yard Sale this Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Fire Station, 21200 Hwy 62 in Shady Cove. There will be household items, books, tools, toys, sporting goods, garden items, craft items, antiques and much more.

In Closing...

There is a river whose streams
make glad the city of God,
The holy dwelling places of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her,
She will not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.

Psalm 46:4-5

photo: Emily Wilder

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