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March 17, 2016

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...

March 20, our Palm 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.

Wednesday Service

Join us next Wednesday, March 23, from 6:30-8:00 p.m for Bible Study in the Fireside Room. Pastor Rick will be teaching from Psalm 88. Youth programs will be held in their respective classrooms at the same time, with a special musical from 6:30-7:00 in the Youth Center (see more below).

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 morning and Wednesday evening teachings for free.

From our Pastors...

Where Have All the Bibles Gone?

I had a funny thing happen this weekend when I tried to find a Bible for a new believer. It's never a problem out at the church since we keep a stock of "starter Bibles" in the office for just such a need. But I was in town and had promised to get it back to this young man later in the day. I didn't want to drive all the way back to TCF, then turn around and head for Medford again, so I began hunting through the Valley.

We don't have "starter stock" at Pacific Bible College and I didn't want to bug Salvation Army or the Gospel Mission, so I thought I'd just "go retail". I was near Fred Meyer so I tried there. and found plenty of lurid murder mysteries, espionage and conspiracy, lots of "self-help" books endorsed by Oprah and Deepak; even some Ortho Do-It-Yourself books. But search as I might I couldn't find a single Bible. It struck me as odd since I was certain I remembered seeing Bibles there before.

Then I recalled the Wal-Mart just across the street. I knew I could find a Bible there, I'd bought $10 "emergency Bibles" in Wal-Mart several times over the years. I strode confidently to the book kiosk in the midst of the checkout area. Should be right here somewhere. Slowly it dawned on me the kiosk had been removed. In desperation I flagged down a clerk. "Oh, you'll find all our books back in the electronics section". I resisted the temptation to ask "Why?" and made my way back to a pitiful 3 shelf endcap between the Kindles and the Iphones. Ortho, Oprah and the odd ducks...hmmmm.

The clock was ticking and I felt a creeping sense of panic. Are there no Bibles to be had anywhere? Wait a sec...wasn't Evangel still down at the Mall? Or had I heard they'd been crowded out by the Exotic Underwear store? Fearing the worst I roared up the viaduct to Exit 30 and cut through Kohls trying to look like a legitimate shopper. Emerging into the bright escalator courtyard I breathed a thankful sigh of discovery; there it was, next to the Clas E Professor...Evangel Book & Bible.

"Emergency Bibles" now cost $20 but you can have your name engraved for only a few dollars more. Mission accomplished! Several things occurred to me as I carefully cradled my trophy back toward the car. I'll bet the retail outlets aren't "allowed" to sell subversive literature like God's Word any more. We can buy and sell sex magazines, Lotto tickets, cigarettes, fighting knives, liquor and demon costumes for the children, but Bibles might violate the politically correct separation of church and commercial retail. I guess I must be getting old and cranky.

An even more disturbing reality is the awareness that we seem to be losing our cultural ability to acquire knowledge through the written word. We are trading in our books for DVDs because they're easier and more entertaining. As if in ultra-slow motion, God's written speech in revealed Scripture is steadily growing more and more difficult to find. Our willingness as a people, to abandon words for images, "Logos" for "imagos", may not produce immediate global disaster, but our children, and their children after them, will certainly experience the effects of such a subtle and tectonic change. Don't lose that Bible believer...in just a few years it might be harder to replace than you think.

Pastor Matt

Upcoming Events

Game Night Tomorrow

Join the fun Friday, March 18, from 6-9 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Bring your favorite board or card games and finger foods or dessert to share. No child care unless you made arrangements with Pastor Garret. No sign up, just show up.

First Night of Worship

Come out Sunday night, March 20, for an hour of enormous, loud praise and Communion as we kick off Passion Week. We'll meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Worship Center. No child care. Again, this will be loud music. Questions? Contact Dakota at 541.951.1100 or email: dakotaL@trail.org

TCF Church Directory

This Sunday, March 20, is the final day to submit your information to be included in the 2016-2017 TCF Directory. You can sign up at the table behind the Information Counter or download a form at www.trail.org click on the Directory slide, fill it out and bring it in.

For further mercy contact: 541.878.3501 or email jacki@trail.org

Monday of Passion Week

Pastor Chris will give a special teaching on the Wonders of Easter, Monday, March 21 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room. The teaching will cover the many wonderful facets of the Resurrecton. No sign up, just show up. o child care for this event.

Tuesday, March 22

Dinner and Path of Passion Tour

Waiting List Only

The Pastors and Elders will be sharing dinner and leading a tour of the Path of the Passion Tuesday, March 22, from 6:30-9:00 p.m. If you signed up but can't attend, please call the Office: 541.878.3501, so we can give your seat to someone else.

Path of the Passion Interactive Walk

Experience an interactive exploration of the Path of Passion March 23-26 in the Worship Center. Hours will be: Wednesday & Thursday: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.,
Friday: 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., and Saturday: 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. in the Worship Center. Children accompanied by an adult are welcome. Questions? Pastor Garret: 541.878.3501 or email garret@trail.org

Jesus is Alive!

Our Children's Ministry will be putting the premier of a special Easter presentation of "Jesus is Alive!" This Mini-musical will be held Wednesday, March 23, 6:30-7:00 p.m. with cookies and normal children's ministry following until 8:00 p.m. After the performance adults can join the Bible study in the Fireside Room, Pastor Rick will be teaching from Psalm 88.

Thursday, March 24 our service will begin in the Fireside Room at 6:30 p.m. Pastors Rick, Bill and Chris will lead a tour to the Pavilion where they will teach from Bible passages on the Upper Room, the Kidron Valley and ending in the Garden of Gethsemane. Child care provided for Nursery-Third grade.

Good Friday Service, March 25

Come together for a Good Friday service of worship, Communion and teaching by Pastors Rick and Matt. We'll meet from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Worship Center. Child care available for Nursery-Third grade.

Saturday Eggciting Easter Celebration

TCF members are invited to a Potluck lunch at 12:00 noon on Saturday, March 26 in the Youth Center. Please bring a main dish or salad to share. Around 12:45 we will enjoy the 2nd presentation of "Jesus is Alive" and the Egg Hunt. Questions contact Debbie at 541.261.2605 or debbie@trail.org.

TCF Outdoors Fellowship

Come on out for an evening of Contemporary Spey Fly Fishing on Tuesday, March 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the Teen Room. Beginners welcome. Bring questions, your Bible and finger foods to share. Questions? Nate Bailey: 541.951.6952 or email: trailoutdoors@centurylink.net

Marriage Ministry Small Group Study

Sign up now for our next small group study, Growing Together In Christ, Thursday nights, April 7-May 19, at 6:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Six weeks of small-group discussions will cover the power of prayer in marriage, following Christ together, and having a spiritual influence on those around you. Sign up at the Information Counter using an Event Envelope, enclose $20 per couple and indicate child care needs. Space is limited. Contact Ben & Theresa Wewerka for more info at 541.826.7489.

Personality Differences Workshop

Pastor Bill Gallagher will be leading a fun and informative workshop on the variety of personality types God has created: organized, impulsive, busy, easy-going etc. on Saturday, April 9, from 9 a.m.-noon in the Fireside Room. We'll look at biblical examples and give you hands-on suggestions and tools for the workplace and home. Pick up a flyer and sign up at the Information Counter and indicate child care needs (up to 5th grade.) No charge, but space is limited. Refreshments will be served. For more information call 541.878.3501 or email billg@trail.org

Children of the World Choir Concert

Bring family and friends to enjoy the Children of the World Choir in the Worship Center Wednesday, April 13 at 6:30 p.m. This promises to be a spectacular evening

and experience of music, dance, and creative media with children from Nepal, Uganda, Philippines and Honduras. Child care for ages Nursery-3 years. No charge but a Love Offering will be taken. Preview at www.worldhelp.net

Also: we are in need of a family to house a couple of the children, if you're interested, please contact Debbie Conley: 541.878.3501 or email: debbie@trail.org

Women's Ministry

Single Women's Dinner

Single ladies of all ages are invited to a home-cooked dinner Monday, March 28 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Please sign up at the Information Counter and indicate child care needs. No charge. Questions? Cyndi Harrington: 541.826.9415.

Fight Like a Girl Women's Conference

TCF ladies are invited to attend a valley-wide Women's Conference, "Fight Like a Girl" on April 1-3 at Path Church in Central Point. Cost is $45. For more information and to Register go to: www.conference.pathchurch.com

So. Or. Women of the Word

Women's Conference

SOWOW's 2016 Conference will be held April 22-23 at Community Bible Church, 500 N. 10th St., in Central Point. Kim Meeder of Crystal Peak Youth Ranch will be the guest speaker. You can register online at www.sowow.org cost is $50. Questions? 541.659.1138 or email oregonwow@gmail.com

Ladies Bible Study

You are invited to join the Friday Women's Bible Study from 9-11 a.m. Our topic is "Our Life in Christ" taught by Norah Gorden, cost is $12. Child care is provided. Questions? Christean White: 541.664.2054

MOM's Group

The TCF MOM's Group will get together at TCF on Tuesday, April 12, 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: 541.826.9415.

Youth Ministry

Jesus is Alive!

Our Children's Ministry will be putting on two special presentations of "Jesus is Alive!" The premier will be Wednesday, March 23, 6:30-7:00 p.m. with cookies and normal children's ministry following until 8:00 p.m. The 2nd show will be held Saturday, March 26 after the Potluck in the Youth Center. To be involved or for details contact Debbie at 541.261.2605 or email

debbie@trail.org

Eggciting Easter Celebration

TCF members are invited to a Potluck lunch at 12:00 noon on Saturday, March 26 in the Youth Center. Please bring a main dish or salad to share. Around 12:45 we will enjoy the 2nd presentation of "Jesus is Alive" and the Egg Hunt. Donations of plastic eggs, wrapped candy, and small trinkets are needed by March 13. Questions contact Debbie at 541.261.2605 or debbie@trail.org.

Investors Needed

Awana Helpers are needed on Wednesday nights from 6:15 to 8:00 p.m. Invest in a child's life by listening to them recite Bible verses. "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.." Mark 10:45 For more information contact Aaron Bradley at 541.210.1057 or river_bum@msn.com

Men's Ministry

Men's Retreat

Sign up this Sunday at the Information Counter for this year's weekend retreat at Lake Bradley that will be held April 15-17. You can sign up using an Event Envelope or online HERE. Pick up a brochure with all the details. Questions? Contact Pablito: 949.246.9615 or email: pablito@trail.org

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.

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 & TCF Messages...

Valentine's Dinner Photos

If you attended the Valentine's Banquet and had a picture taken, please stop by the Ministry Connect Window this Sunday, March 20, and pick up your photo. Questions? Theresa: 541.826.7489 or Jacki: 541.878.3501

Worship Center Food and Drink Reminder

Please be contribute to the cleanliness of our Worship Center by leaving food and drinks outside, with the exception of water, which is fine to bring in. Thank you for helping!

HeartChange is a four day workshop where you can experience the heart of God as your Heavenly Father.

Would you like to have:
♥ a heart awareness that God, as your Papa deeply loves you?
♥ an appropriate, godly self-image and peaceful confidence?
♥ a genuine love for others, including family, neighbors, fellow-workers?
♥ freedom to be yourself and experience abundant life?

Would you like to have Jesus set you free from:
♥ fear, i.e. of man, the future, failure...?
♥ past wounds and disappointments?
♥ a marred image of God as Father?
♥ unhealthy self-consciousness?
♥ perfectionism? blind spots? lies?

Join us March 23-26, at First Baptist Church, 649 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 9704
To attend this no cost workshop, visit: www.heartchange.org

or call 541.218.2050

TONIGHT ...

Pacific Bible College invites 9th-12th grade students, parents, pastors and educators to the Biblical Higher Education Summit, Thursday, March 17 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Cascade High School Gym, 855 Chevy Way, in Medford. Recruiting representatives will be onsite from Corban, Multnomah, New Hope, Northwest Christian and Simpson Universities for academic counseling. Pacific Bible will be awarding two scholarships for their Liberal Arts Degree. Guest speaker will be Dr. Patrick Blewett. For more information call PBC: 541.776.9942.

In Closing...

...when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took the branches of the palm trees, and went out to meet Him, and began to shout, Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!

John 12:12-13

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