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photo: Steven Mauck

October 8, 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...

October 11, 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, October 14, when we will meet for Wednesday evening Bible study from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Pastor Bill Gallagher will be teaching. 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

Conclusion of a 4-part teaching

I called out to the Lord, out of my distress, and He answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and You heard my voice.
Jonah 2:2

But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. And he prayed to the Lord and said, "O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live." And the Lord said, "Do you do well to be angry?" Jonah 4:1-4

As an Old Testament prophet, Jonah is in a category all by himself. Not because of being swallowed by a fish whole and living to tell about it (although it was pretty unusual) but because the people to whom he preached actually listened and repented. Most of the other prophets of the Old Testament found their words falling on deaf ears. They were successful because they were faithful to God but the people who listened to them did not have a change of heart. Jonah should have been elated, instead he was mad at God over this turn of events.

The interaction between God and Jonah in the final chapter is priceless. Jonah in his anger is a seething, peevish little brat and God is the gentle and patient teacher using reason to try and calm his hot-under-the-collar prophet. God told Jonah to tell the people judgment was coming in 40 days. Implied in the 5+ week 'grace period' is the opportunity to repent, of which, the Ninevites fully availed themselves. The Ninevites were a great threat to Israel and Jonah would have been much happier to see their great city buried under a pile of fire and brimstone.

Nineveh was located next to modern-day Mosul in Iraq where daytime temperatures can soar to higher than 120 degrees F. Jonah decided to go outside the city to watch just in case God might want to change His mind at destroy them. He built a makeshift shelter to provide himself some shade as he waited and it was here that God taught him a simple lesson. God caused a plant to grow next to the shelter at apparently such a fast rate it was able to provide a delightful shade to Jonah in one day. Jonah was elated at the relief he got from the plant. That night as Jonah slept, God caused a worm to eat around the stalk of the plant so that by the heat of the next day, the plant was fully withered. Jonah, angry about the loss of his shade plant and in a fit of madness caused by the scorching heat, once again told God he just wanted to die.

Here the Lord confronted Jonah: "Jonah you are sad and angry about me destroying your favorite plant but would be delighted if I wiped out an entire city? Should I not show mercy to people over plants?"

The book of Jonah ends with a question for a reason. Jonah knows the answer but he wants us to ask the same question of ourselves. The right answer is "yes Lord, of course You should." But here's something to think about: Does the object lesson God taught Jonah ask a broader question of the reader?

Pastor Chris

October Events

Couples Study starts tonight

Couples are invited to a 6-week Bible study starting tonight, 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.
If you have not signed up you are welcome to show up for the first class. Call Ben & Theresa Wewerka for child care or other questions: 541.826.7489

For more: click HERE

Church Office Closure

The TCF Church Office will be closed this Friday, October 9, because of the Ladies Retreat. We will reopen Monday, October 12 at 9:00 a.m.

2nd Wednesday Jam

Come together with other Christian musicians to jam and learn new songs Wednesday, October 14 at 5:15 p.m. in the Green Room (next to the Worship Center stage). Questions? Call Ken Rensi: 541.951.1584.

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.

Questions? Call Debbie Conley: 541.878.3501.

Hallelujah Hoedown: October 31

Bring the kids and grand-kids to this year's Hallelujah Hoedown, Saturday, October 31 from 12:30-4:30 p.m. in the Youth Center. There will also be a TCF family Potluck lunch from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Volunteers are needed to make this the best Hoedown ever! Pick up a candy/volunteer sheet and indicate how you can help. There are also flyers available with Hoedown details. Please call Debbie Conley at 541.878.3501 or email debbie@trail.org if you would like to volunteer to help.

November Events

Sewing Classes for Adults

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.

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

Mary Rice Hopkins &
Puppets with a Heart Concert

Bring the kids and their friends for a delightful evening with Mary Rice Hopkins and Darcie Maze Friday, Nov. 6 from 6:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. in the Worship Center. No charge but a love offering will be taken. For a preview: www.maryricehopkins.com

Questions? Debbie Conley: 541.878.3501 or debbie@trail.org

Children's Ministry Training

If you work with kids, Mary Rice Hopkins and Darcie Maze will lead a workshop Saturday, Nov. 7 from 9:30 a.m.- noon in the Fireside Room. Light refreshments served. Register with an Event Envelope at the Information Counter or at trail.org. Cost is $20.00. CEUs are are available. No child care. Questions? Debbie Conley: 541.878.3501 or debbie@trail.org

"Blending or Colliding: A Workshop on Blending Families God's way"

A workshop for blended families

led by Pastor Bill Gallagher. Save the date! Saturday, November 14. Watch the bulletin for details.
Questions? Call Pastor Bill at 541.878.3501 or email billg@trail.org

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

Women's Fall Bible Study

You are invited to join us for the Fall term of Women's Bible Study, on Friday mornings from 9:00-11:00 a.m. in the Fireside Room. Norah Gorden is 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 the next Single Women's Dinner Monday, Oct. 26 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Enjoy a time of fun, fellowship, and a home cooked dinner. No charge, please sign up at the Information Counter. Child care available with sign up. Questions? call Cyndi Harrington: 541.826.9415.

Youth Ministry

Child Evangelism Fellowship Needs You

Helpers are needed soon! Clubs meet once a week during school times and present Bible lessons along with Scripture memory, games and songs. Click HERE for more about C.E.F.'s Good News Clubs. Call Idelle Collins: 541.878.2159 or Donna Buck 541.499.9105 for details.

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...

Cornerstone Lecture Series

The next event in the Cornerstone Lecture Series will be "The God of Promise (Understanding Covenant in God's Plan)", with Dr. Derek Thomas. The event is scheduled for Saturday, November 7 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at Cornerstone Christian Church, 608 N. Bartlett in Medford. Cost is $25 adults, $15 students who register before Nov.1. At the door: $30 adults, $20 students. (Includes Continental breakfast and lunch). For more information call Cornerstone Church: 541.773.8163 or email: churchinfo@cccm.org

Jewelry and Bead Sale to Benefit The Pregnancy Center

Saturday, October 10, 9:00 - 3:00, at First Baptist Church, 649 Crater Lake Ave, in Medford:

Inexpensive jewelry for purchase, as well as beads, chain, pendants and more. Create your own necklace. Kids and adults can create their own memory wire bracelet. Wordless Book jewelry and kits will be available to give you another avenue for spreading the Gospel. Raffle, snacks and more. 125% of sales and donations will go to the Pregnancy Center. Purchases are tax deductible. Come, have fun, and support a great organization devoted to loving moms and their babies! For additional information, please contact Joe at 541. 226.7791
or admin@for-giving.org.

Food & Friends is Looking for Volunteers

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 Rogue River. Deliveries are generally between 10 and noon. Mileage reimbursement is available.

Call Linnea at 541.734.9505 Ext 4 for more information.

In Closing...

Jesus said to him,
"I am the way, and the truth, and the life;
No one comes to the Father but through me."

John 14:6

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