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photo: Debi Hassler

October 29, 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...

November 1, 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, November 4, when we will meet for Wednesday evening Bible study from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Pastoral Intern Andrew Burns will be teaching from 1 Peter 2:1-12. 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...

Painful Praise

Part 1

by Pastor Bill Gallagher

Through Him (Christ) let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of our lips. Hebrews 13:15

Worshiping and singing praise has nothing to do with how we feel. If it did, the phrase sacrifice of praise in the verse above wouldn't be described this way.

Too frequently in our culture we are taught that we can sing when we're happy and not sing when we're sad. Actually, the word "happiness" comes from the Latin word that means "happenings". Therefore, when the happenings of our life are multi-colored, fluffy and fragrant we can go ahead and feel happy and sing. On the other hand, if life seems hard, grey, mundane and quickly sliding in the wrong direction, we should feel sad and not sing.

But whether we are happy or sad is immaterial when it comes to praise. We are told in this verse that we should continually offer up praise. That's impossible to do when we are sleeping. And of course we can't sing a solid 8 hours straight so he must be talking about maintaining a worshipful heart continually, no matter how we feel.

Notice also that he calls this type of sacrificial praise the fruit of our lips. Fruit is a by- product of a lot of work, hard labor and agricultural care. In order to produce fruit that grows on trees, there needs to be the furrowing of hard cracked soil, initially. The sweat of digging holes, setting up proper irrigation, pruning carefully for the first three years (I'm told) and organic substances applied as a protection against insects, or fungi. Then, and only then, is the taste of fruit sweet and nourishing.

Maybe the writer of the Book of Hebrews is describing the praise that can only come out of long hot trials, icy black nights, seemingly thankless responsibilities and a severe pruning from the hand of our divine Gardener. It seems to me sometimes, the longer the trial lasts, the sweeter the music that comes from our mind and heart.

John Bunyan, the author of the classic, Pilgrims Progress, was imprisoned by the magistrates of England for preaching a gospel they were not familiar with. It was a harsh "happening" if you will, with very little comfort. One day, the guards and other prisoners heard the soft tranquil sounds of a flute coming from his dungeon. John Bunyan had dismantled his only place to sit, a three legged stool, and made a flute out of one of the legs.

Praise is not offered to Christ because He has blessed us or has performed well as our Savior. We as believers have hearts that pound His blood through our royal veins every second of every day. He doesn't have to answer all our prayers in order for us to praise Him. The Doctors report doesn't have to come out as we had hoped in order to keep us singing. We, in fact, can wake up with a melody in our hearts even when God doesn't make sense or seems silent.

No, the writer of Hebrews knew something about what he was writing. I think he used the word sacrifice purposefully. Maybe since he was talking about Jesus when he said through Him let us offer up a sacrifice of praise, sacrifice was precisely what he had in mind; His sacrifice.

That's where real music and worship begins with the believer anyway-the day Christ's spirit was breathed into our life the song began.

Hey listen, no matter how bloody, lonely and painful life can get, there is NEVER, NEVER, NEVER a good enough reason to stop singing our song of redemption. We can do no less because, He's done it all! Therefore, let us offer Him the sacrifice of praise, the fruit of our lips.

Pastor Bill

October Events

Don't forget to change your clocks back one hour Saturday, October 31, when you go to bed. Sunday Service will be on Standard Time November 1.

Operation Christmas Child

All the Shoe Boxes are gone but you can still bless a child this Christmas! Bring loose items for the AWANA kids to pack boxes with or donate money for shipping and loose items. Make checks out to TCF with Shoe Box Drive in the memo. Everything is due back by Nov. 8. Questions? Debbie Conley: 541.878.3501 or debbie@trail.org.

Hallelujah Hoedown: October 31

Bring the kids, grand-kids, and their friends to this year's Hallelujah Hoedown, Saturday, October 31 from 1:00-4:30 p.m. in the Youth Center. There will also be a TCF family Potluck lunch from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Bring a dish to serve 8-10 people. No charge. Questions? Please call Debbie Conley at 541.878.3501 or email debbie@trail.org.

First Sunday Evening of Praise

Our First Sunday Evening of Praise Communion Service will be held this Sunday, November 1, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Child care is provided.

Campbell Soup Labels

If you'd like to be a part of helping the Navajo Mission school with labels and Box Tops for Education, please drop them in the Campbell Soup Box Display in the foyer or at the Willingheart Window. We're sending them out again in December, but you can submit them all year. Check to make sure the labels haven't expired and remember for Campbell Soup Labels, cut out the attached barcode or it's disqualified. Thank you for your support!

Questions? Darnell: 878-2550

November Events

Sewing Class for Adults this Sunday

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.

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

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

Baptism Coming Up

The date has changed for our next Baptism that will be held Sunday, November 8 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

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

The Blended Family Workshop

led by Pastor Bill Gallagher

Dr. Kevin Lehman states that "families don't blend they collide." If you think the biological, nuclear, family is complicated, try blending two different ones together! Yet, the Scripture gives solid counsel on how God builds families and restores broken ones. This Workshop will cover:

Step-parenting without getting stepped on.

Getting on the same page or even in the same book, as a couple.

Yours, Mine, and Theirs- working with the other biological parent.

Who is priority, your spouse, child or both?

Rules, relationship, and respect!

The Blended Family Workshop will be held Saturday, November 14, 9:00 a.m.-noon in the Fireside Room. Childcare and refreshments provided. To register: pick up a Registration form/flyer and sign up at the Information Counter using an Event Envelope and indicate child care needs (red sticker). Cost is $25.00 per couple. Scholarships available.

Questions? Call Pastor Bill at 541.878.3501 or email billg@trail.org

2016 Events

Are you working on a video? More entries=more fun! You are encouraged to create a 5 min. or less family-appropriate video and submit it by Feb. 7. Everyone is invited to dress up and view the videos Feb. 26. Dessert will be served. For questions or to submit your video contact Dakota: 541.951.1100 or dakotaL@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, November 10, 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.

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. Training provided. 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

Creation Apologetics Seminar

John Mittendorf will be leading a seminar on Creation Apologetics: A biblical approach to creation and secular science, Saturday, Nov. 14 from 9:00 a.m. - noon at First Church of the Nazarene, 1974 E. McAndrews, in Medford. No charge. For details contact Ken Meigs: 541.944.6996 or email ctw777kdm@gmail.com.

Medford Gospel Mission Christmas Eve

If you'd like to partner with the Medford Gospel Mission in providing gifts for the homeless on Christmas Eve, please check the following wish list. Just buying one item helps. Please drop off items to the Gospel Mission, 125 W. Jackson St, in Medford by Dec. 21. Please mark the items: for Christmas Eve Party.

Most needed items:

Long Johns, hand warmers, foot warmers, socks, men's wool socks, gloves (large), knit hats (large), flannel shirts (large), coats for men, women and children, neck scarves, new backpacks, blankets and hygiene products (mouthwash should be alcohol free).

For a complete list or for other ways to help, contact Debbie Hicks: 541.245.9807.

Registration opens next week for our Spring Semester that begins the week of January 4, 2016. Classes offered include Bible/Theology, Ministry, Art/Music, Counseling and General Studies. For a complete description of the Spring classes go to www.pacificbible.com or call 541.776.9942.

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...

I appeal to you therefore, brothers,

by the mercies of God,

to present your bodies as a living sacrifice,

holy and acceptable to God,

which is your spiritual worship.

Romans 12:1 ESV

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