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November 26, 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 29, 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, December 2, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room for our Wednesday night Through-the Bible study. Pastor Matt will be teaching. Programs for youth age Nursery-5th grade, Middle School and Teens meet at this same time in their respective 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...

Thanksgiving: A Good Habit

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!" Psalm 118:1

I've been thinking again...a bad habit and one hard to break. But now and again it produces something useful, perhaps even pleasant, however unexpected. Having spent some time and energy this week, pondering the approach of Thanksgiving, it strikes me as both useful and pleasant to share some thoughts I've had on the nature of gratitude.

My first observation is that Gratitude feels good! I can't recall how often I have stirred my sleepy prayers to passionate tears by simply poring over the things I have to be thankful for. As I recount to God the pleasure His gifts have heaped upon my heart... my delight in family and friends, my satisfaction in work, the beauty of Autumn's colors, the thrills that hide amidst His Creation, the glories of food, drink, shelter, warmth and safety. Even the common mundane things; hot showers and flush toilets, a car that runs and tools that work, money to pay the bills (most of them anyway). A few minutes of remembrance never fails to bring my whining and complaining to a dead halt. In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess 5:18

Strangely enough it seems, Gratitude follows deprivation. Folk artist Joni Mitchell used to sing back in the day..." Don't it always seem to go, you don't know what you've got till it's gone?" It occurs to me that those things I am most grateful for are the things that I have, at one time, experienced the loss or absence of, then had returned by the providence of a gracious God. Like Job restored, I'm never so grateful as when the pain of an illness subsides, a breakdown is repaired or a relationship restored. In remembering my experience of cold, hunger, fear, thirst and suffering I am ravished by the arrival of their opposites. I think this may have been in Paul's mind when he told the Corinthians. We are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. 2 Cor 4:16-17.

But even with such contrasts to empower it, Gratitude requires focus. We seem hard-wired to monitor our sufferings and the myriad imperfections that attend our every moment without fail. The vivid insistence of all things unpleasant demands our constant attention until we cry "enough" and fix our gaze as an act of conscious will upon that which is beautiful, pleasant and good. God's Word is not alone in admonishing the benefits of this labor, even science is offering increasing evidence that our decision to feel gratitude actually promotes physical health and wellbeing. It is a habit we would do well to cultivate, especially in this broken world. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Phil 4:8.

And finally, Gratitude needs a recipient. In looking through quotes and articles on gratitude and thanksgiving, I was struck by the anemic emptiness of the generic gratitude of people who had no God to whom they might offer their loving thanks. Gratitude that has no place to flow, no way to be received, is a tragic waste. In the end I am thankful that I have someone to give thanks to. I want Him to know what joy His gifts have brought to my life, not the least of which is life itself and my knowledge of Him from Whom it came. Whatever trial may press you dear believer...Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 118:1.

Gratefully,

Pastor Matt

Upcoming Events

Angel Tree Prison Fellowship Ministry

Helpers are still needed to bring cookies and goodies or to deliver gifts. Please sign up at the table behind the Info Counter. Angel Tree provides Christmas gifts for children of those incarcerated. All donations need to be wrapped and turned in on or before Sunday, December 13. Questions? Debbie Conley: 541.878.3501 or debbie@trail.org.

Church Office Closure

The TCF Church Office will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26-27 for our staff to enjoy Thanksgiving with their families.

The Office will re-open Monday, Nov. 30 at 9:00 a.m.

541.878.3501.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life for TCF member Larry Olson will be held Monday, November 30 at 6:30 p.m. in the Worship Center. TCF family and friends are invited to attend. A cookie and coffee reception will follow in the Fireside Room. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to So. Or Youth Programs (Kids Can!) P.O. Box 186, Trail, OR 97541.

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 teaching on "Grace" by Pastor Garret and Pastoral Intern Dakota Lacombe, 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.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life for TCF member Charles Donnie Lee will be held Saturday, December 5 at 2:00 p.m. in the Worship Center. TCF family and friends are invited to attend. A reception will follow in the Fireside Room.

Redemption Ridge Update

Join Sharre Whitson, the Director of Redemption Ridge, for an update on this dynamic ministry to young women escaping the sex trade. Join us for lunch Sunday, December 6 following service in the Fireside Room. No charge, no child care. Questions? Kelly Nokes: 541.878.3501.

First Sunday Evening of Praise

Join us for an hour of Worship and Communion Sunday, December 6, at 6:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Child care is provided.

Global Outreach Prayer

Meet to pray for TCF partners and outreaches Monday, December 7, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. At the Nokes' home, 813 Ridgeview Dr., in Eagle Point. We meet the first Monday of the month. Kelly: 541.878.3501.

Christmas Carols in the Pavilion

Come together with your TCF family for an evening of Christmas Carols, Friday, December 18, at 6:30 p.m. in the Pavilion out back. Hot chocolate, cookies and cider will be available. Bring the family, no child care. Ken Rensi: 541.951.1584.

Gospel Mission Socks and Canned Food

The Trail Teens are collecting new socks and canned food for the Medford Gospel Mission's Christmas Outreach. If you can help, please drop items in the MGM box near the Food Pantry Box (behind the Information Counter). Questions?Dakota: 541.951.1100 or email dakotaL@trail.org.

Christmas Eve Service

Bring your family for a Christmas Eve Communion service Thursday, December 24 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Worship Center. There will be a time of worship, a short teaching and Communion.

Children's Christmas Eve message in the Youth Center ages 0-5th grade.

Note: No Wednesday night service December 23.

2016 Events

Marriage Getaway

There is a 2 1/2 day getaway weekend planned for married couples in Sunriver, Oregon, March 4-6, 2016. To register online for this "Weekend to Remember" Marriage Getaway by Family Life click HERE. Use group name: TCFMarriageMinistry for a $100 discount. (Further discounts are available

Jan. 4 -25.)

Questions? Call Ben and Theresa Wewerka for more information: 541.826.7489 or email theresa_wewerka@hotmail.com

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

MOM's Group

The TCF MOM's Group will get together at TCF on Tuesday, December 8, 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

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...

Green Bag Sundays

If you have signed up to bring groceries in each month with the Eagle Point Green Bag Project, your next date is Sunday, December 6. Items most needed are: canned chili and other high protein foods. Bring your bag to the Food Pantry Box near the Information Counter. If you have questions contact Kaye Caulkins: 541.830.0175 or check www.eaglepointfoodproject.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.

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

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...

Enter His gates with thanksgiving,

and His courts with praise!

Give thanks to Him; bless His name!

Psalm 100:4

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