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December 3, 2015

Welcome

to this week's edition of

TCFinTouch

the e-newsletter of
Trail Christian Fellowship
in Eagle Point, Oregon

photo: Maura Lolandi

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...

December 6, 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 9, 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...

The Light Over Bethlehem

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Matthew 2:11

God says of Himself that He makes the end known from the beginning (Is. 46:10) and this is what is happening in the well-known visitation of the Magi in the infancy narrative of Jesus. The Magi are an elite group of wise men from Mesopotamia that we first read about in the book of Daniel when he and his compatriots Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, were being trained in the learning of the Chaldeans to serve the king's court as advisors (Dan. 1:19-20). Although modern people consider astrology as pseudo-science at best, the ancient world had no such view. Much of the pagan world considered stars and celestial occurrences as sources of information from the gods. This was especially true of comets and falling stars which were often seen as portents of the fall of a king or kingdom.

We have no reason to believe Daniel the prophet himself believed in astrology, but he was respected by other wise men and was obviously quite gifted in the understanding of dreams and visions. Dr. John McArthur suggests that the revelations given to Daniel about the coming Messiah and His kingdom was very likely shared with his other wise men and became part of their knowledge base about the future.

Fast forward 500 years from the time of Daniel to the first century. A group of Magi see a celestial sign (the Greek word "Aster" or Star can also mean a bright light or even spiritual light) and interpret this to mean a great king was born in Judea. What is fascinating is around the same time the Romans, as reported by Tacitus, Suetonius, and Virgil, all had the expectation of a great messianic king being born in the east. Some thought this expectation was fulfilled by Julius Caesar but he was born in Rome. Even before this, Confucius prophesied about a God-man who was to be born in the west at a time he didn't know (Judea is west of China). In the centuries before the birth of Christ there seems to be a widely distributed messianic expectation throughout the civilized world.

As the Magi see this sign in their own land they follow up on their own intelligence and journey to the capital of Judea which is Jerusalem. When they inquire about the birth of the great king, the Magi are puzzled and King Herod is quite troubled. Why aren't there any celebrations? Herod is a great king and yet there is no child recently born to him? Herod knows this portent is not about him but more than that, there is a prophecy that a star shall rise out of Jacob and the scepter of Israel shall be His (Num. 24:17). Herod was king by political design but was not a descendant of Jacob but rather Esau (racially he was half Edomite, half Arabian). Herod, plotting a pre-emptive strike (no doubt under the influence of Satan) sends for the Jewish clergy and inquires where the Messiah is to be born which turns out to be 5 miles down the road in Bethlehem. What is surprising is the lack of curiosity on the part of the priests and scribes. No one thinks to see if there is anything to this inquiry by the Magi. What's more, they didn't see any signs in the sky.

Making their way to Bethlehem, the Magi again see the celestial light, the star, hovering above this humble village and they rejoiced at this confirmation. They had understood correctly and they were going to find the future great king for which the Jews had prophesied about so long ago. Upon finding the infant Jesus they did the correct thing and offered worship and homage as befits a king.

So what kind of star guides people so directly? What kind of star would be so close to Bethlehem that everybody didn't see it and run over to Joseph and Mary's house? One of the best explanations I've heard is that what the Magi saw was a direct manifestation of the Shekinah Glory of God. In Exodus 13, this glory was a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night that hovered above the Tabernacle. When it moved, Israel knew it was time to move. The Tabernacle looks forward to Jesus, who, in the incarnation, is the true Tabernacle where God and man meet. Thus this light of God, seen with eyes of faith by the Magi, hovered over the humble abode which housed the great Messiah Jesus.

But how does this story tell the end from the beginning? As the message of Christ goes forth in the Gospel, His own people the Jews largely rejected and ignored Him even though they had knowledge of a coming Messiah. On the other hand, the Gentile nations who were walking in darkness and mostly unaware of Him were drawn to His light and embraced Him as Messiah.

Jesus said of Himself: I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Even today, Jesus offers His light to all who look for Him and to Him by faith.

Wishing you a blessed Advent!

Pastor Chris

Upcoming Events

Angel Tree Prison Fellowship Ministry

If you signed up for an Angel please remember all gifts need to be wrapped and turned in on or before Sunday, December 13. Angel Tree provides Christmas gifts for children of those incarcerated. Questions? Debbie Conley: 541.878.3501 or debbie@trail.org.

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 This Sunday

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 this Sunday, December 6 following service in the Fireside Room. No charge, no child care. Questions? Kelly Nokes: 541.878.3501.

Are you a Licensed Professional counselor, LCSW, LMFT or have your Ph.D or D.Psy? Redemption Ridge Inc is seeking a compassionate individual with a heart to serve those impacted by Domestic Sex Trafficking. Redemption Ridge is a faith-based organization committed to bringing hope and healing to those struggling with the devastating effects of sexual exploitation. Apply online at

www.redemptionridge.com

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.

Outdoor Ministry Scuba Diving Meeting

Join us Tuesday, December 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the Teen Room.
We will introduce the idea of Scuba Diving Certification Course, and see how many people want to participate. Premise: to promote the Jesus through His General Revelation. Bring your Bible and finger food snacks to share. Questions? Nate Bailey: 541.951.6952.

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 0-3rd grade.

Note: No Wednesday night service December 23 or December 30.

Wednesday Nights in December

There will be no Wednesday night service, AWANA or Youth Programs on December 23 or December 30. Wednesday night services resume January 6.

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.

Building Teamwork In Your Marriage

Join with other couples for 6 weeks of helpful discussions where you'll learn the importance of building teamwork in your marriage. Join us Thursday evenings

Jan. 14 - Feb. 18, 2016, at 6:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Learn to see your spouse as your teammate and not an opponent - growing closer and stronger in your marriage. Sign up using an Event Envelope at the Information Counter. Cost is $20 couple. Child care is available with advanced sign-up.

Questions?

Contact: Ben & Theresa Wewerka: 541.826.7489

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

No Men's Prayer Breakfast

Christmas Day, December 25, there will be no Men's Prayer Breakfast. We will resume on Friday, January 1.

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 This Sunday

If you have signed up to bring groceries in each month with the Eagle Point Green Bag Project, your next date is this 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...

Bless our God, O peoples;
let the sound of His praise be heard,
Who has kept our soul among the living
and has not let our feet slip.

Psalm 66:8-9 (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