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photo: Lisa Roddam

November 5, 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 8, our Sunday Service will be held in the Worship Center from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Pastor Chris will be teaching from the Book of Jonah. 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 11, when we will meet for Wednesday evening Bible study from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Pastor Matt 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...

Giving Thanks When You Don't Feel Grateful

...Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV

What? Are you serious Paul? How can we possibly be or feel grateful when life hands us a sour lemon of undesired circumstances?

How is can we be grateful when our body aches every day? I was teaching at a chapel service the other day at a local retirement center with aging believers ranging from ages approx. 75-99 years. I told them that I'm starting to feel, at the age of 62, that my aches and pains weren't going to get any better and they howled with laughter, which sort of scared me.

Whether its pain, loss, horribly paralyzing diagnoses, family fracture and misunderstanding or depression we are directed to be thankful.

This advice from the inspired Apostle, for some, sounds like a recipe for living in denial. It's not reality Paul. It almost feels plastic. We have feelings, tear ducts, inflamed nerves that sound the alarm of pain, moments of loneliness, loss, and seasons of intense confusion and you are commanding us to be thankful in all of these circumstances?

A key to understanding this seemingly bizarre imperative for us as believers is found in the word "in". I have heard this passage twisted and abused to mean that we should be thankful "for" all circumstances. It doesn't seem consistent that the Lord would want us to thank Him for evil, abuse or criminal behavior. But according to Paul, as His people, we can always have a grateful attitude in all circumstances. And to be even more precise, Paul goes on to say that it is actually God's will for those in Christ Jesus.

Are you struggling with what God's will is for you right now? Do you often wonder what your purpose is or why you are even still here rather than heaven? Perhaps it's because God wants you and I to get this. Maybe the Lord Jesus, before we leave this marble blue spin, desires us to experience the joy that comes from having a song in our heart regardless of the brutality of this life. Maybe He wants to lift us above our circumstances so they we can lift our voices of thanksgiving through our tears and pain.

The very Apostle that cites this divine advice showed us that is possible and how to do it in Acts 16. Paul and Silas were arrested and placed in stocks for preaching the gospel after they received "many blows." We then read that "about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was an earthquake so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened." Acts 16:23-26

I have a suspicion that the earthquake was God's applause for His two sons, who while suffering impossible circumstances still gave thanks with grateful hearts.

A wife, mother and middle school teacher in her 40's, with two teenage daughters, was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The author of the book "A Setback is a Set up for a Comeback" compiled many accounts of people who had the life kicked out of them through horrible circumstances yet bounced back with a grateful heart. In his interviews he came upon this radiant woman. When the author asked her how she was able to maintain such a positive spirit and attitude she replied, "I may have cancer, but cancer doesn't have me."

What about you? Do horrible circumstances have you by the throat so that you struggle to sing songs of thanksgiving? Are you completely controlled by unfavorable events or is God in complete control? Are you willing to break the silence and begin to sing songs of gratitude?

In everything give thanks for this is the will of God for those in Christ Jesus.

I Thessalonians 5:17 NIV

Pastor Bill

November Events

Mary Rice Hopkins &
Puppets with a Heart Concert TOMORROW

Bring the kids and their friends for a delightful evening with Dove Award winner 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

Excellent Children's Ministry Training

If you work with kids, this is an opportunity you do not want to miss! World renowned children's ministry entertainers Mary Rice Hopkins and Darcie Maze (Puppets with a Heart) will lead a workshop Saturday, Nov. 7 from 9:30 a.m.- noon in the Fireside Room. Light refreshments served. CEUs are are available. No child care.

You can register online HERE until midnight Friday, Nov. 6. If you need to register at the door please call Debbie for a head count for refreshments. Cost is $20.00. At the door: cash or check only (no credit cards). Questions? Debbie Conley: 541.878.3501 or debbie@trail.org

Shoe Box Deadline! This Sunday!

Bring your packed shoe boxes, 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.

Baptism This Sunday

A Baptism will be held this Sunday, November 8 after service. If you'd like to be Baptized, listen online to Steps to Baptism: click HERE or call the Church Office, or speak with a pastor or prayer team member after service. Office: 541.878.3501.

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

2nd Wednesday Jam

Musicians are invited to jam Wed., November 11 at 5:15 p.m. in the Green Room (next to the Worship Center stage).

Questions? Call Ken Rensi: 541.951.1584.

"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

Thanksgiving Service

Bring friends and family for a special Thanksgiving Eve Service, Wednesday, Nov.25, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Worship Center. There will be a time of worship and Pastors Rick and Garret will be teaching. Youth ministries will meet as usual, but no AWANA.

December Events

Ladies are invited to our annual Christmas Program Friday, Dec. 4, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Worship Center. Enjoy Christmas worship, a short teaching by Pastor Garret, and a lovely dessert. Please sign up at the Information Counter and indicate child care needs. No charge. Questions? Call Cyndi Harrington: 541.826.9415.

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

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.

Women's Ministry

Single Women's Dinner

Single ladies of all ages are invited to enjoy a home-cooked dinner with great fellowship and a teaching or theme. Join us Monday, Nov. 23 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Please sign up at the Information Counter, no charge. Child care provided with sign up. Bring single lady friends! Questions? Cyndi Harrington: 541.826.9415

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.

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.

Youth Ministry

Mary Rice Hopkins &
Puppets with a Heart Concert TOMORROW

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

Pregnancy Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

The Pregnancy Center is holding a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Tuesday, Nov. 10 from 5:00-6:00 p.m. at 2019 Aero Way, #103, in Medford (behind Lowe's and Walmart). This event kicks off fundraising for a Mobile Medical Unit. For more information call the Center at 541.772.1921.

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.

Show your support for Redemption Ridge by attending their 4th Annual Christmas at the Ridge Dinner & Auction fundraiser Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 5:30-9:30 p.m. at the R.V. Country Club. This wonderful evening will include a live and silent auction and a buffet style dinner. Hear the incredible miracles taking place at Redemption Ridge! Redemption Ridge is dedicated to rescuing and restoring women involved in sex trafficking. Go to www.redemptionridge.com for details and to purchase tickets.

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.

In Closing...

...did not God choose the poor of this world

to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom

which He promised to those who love Him?

James 2:5

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