Drop Shadow Accent Imagephoto: Maura Lolandi  

 
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April 28, 2016
Welcome 
to this week's edition of
TCFinTouch
the e-newsletter of
Trail Christian Fellowship
in Eagle Point, Oregon
photo: Maura Lolandi
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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



rick booye This Sunday...
May 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.


 

staff Q Wednesday Service
Join us next Wednesday, May 4, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. for our through-the-Bible study in the Fireside Room. Pastor Chris will be teaching. Programs for youth age Nursery-5th grade, Middle School and Teens meet at this same time in their respective classrooms.


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Listen to Trail Christian Fellowship Teachings
open Bible
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.
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From our Pastors...
Guilt-Free Conversations with God
Part I of 2 on Prayer
 
 
...Pray Without Ceasing...I Thessalonians 5:17
 
 
Prayer is a mindset rather than an event. That's at least the sense that I get from reading these words from the Apostle Paul, "Pray without ceasing." What does Paul mean or not mean? It certainly can't be taken literally, since we cannot pray with awareness and cognition when we are sleeping. The phrase "without ceasing" means continually, which doesn't seem possible. Thus it's my conclusion that Paul is suggesting a mindset, awareness and practice that is more natural than forced. It has more to do with a way of life, attitude and God consciousness (not meaning to sound too new age-y of course).
 
It's like having a conversation with a best friend that you haven't seen in years and picking up where you left off, like there was never a break. It's more like breathing than being formal with a prayer script.
 
However, I am not referring to the set times of intense prayer for a purpose, or intercession that is accompanied by agony as it was with Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, when His sweat fell like drops of blood. I'm specifically referring to spontaneous, guilt-free conversations with our Father.
 
When I was a young believer I asked a Christian woman that worked in the same building as I did, why prayer was so difficult to understand. I went on to say that I didn't sense God when it came to conversation or praying, and that He seemed very quiet and distant. I felt it was one-sided and I couldn't sense any responses from Him. Her reply has stayed with me for forty years. She said "Bill, put your hand right in front of your face. Now breathe on your hand."  When I did that she said, "God is closer to you than your next breath."
 
I used to stress over not praying enough or having formal set prayer times which, by the way, are also appropriate, but the idea and instruction to instantly step into His presence made more sense to me.
 
So whether you are driving down the road (please don't close your eyes with this kind of prayer) or you are flipping an egg, brushing your teeth, walking the dogs, engaged in a heavy discussion with a hurting friend or wrestling with God at 2:00 a.m., you can instantly turn to the Lord, because "He is closer than your next breath."
 
I once heard a sermon on prayer by Chuck Swindoll. I'll never forget that he said the great prayer warriors of the past and Church Fathers who prayed 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours a day were never quite satisfied with the amount they prayed...Hmm.
 
I don't think the Lord ever intended the exercise of conversing with Him with our heart's cries and concerns to be complicated and guilt producing. I would never want one of my children or 5 granddaughters to feel nervous or guilty to the point that they "had" to talk to me!
 
In his published diary entitled "Practicing the Presence of God", Brother Lawrence, a monk in 1666, spent his lifetime learning what "praying without ceasing" meant. He states that his spontaneous times of conversing with God were more impacting when "he was cleaning the pots and pans in the monastery kitchen, than when he was called to pray at set formal times."
 
His life's message was that we have immediate access to the Father at all times, and to practice over and over again, bringing every detail to Him at any time. If you face a tempting moment instantly whisper your need for the Father's strength. Should you be taking a walk and notice a hummingbird drinking nectar from a flower, thank Him for His creative artistry. If your heart leaps when you listen to your five-year-old daughter or granddaughter giggle and squeal, immediately offer up thanks to Him from your heart for the gift He has given you and your family. Or if you are at the bedside of a dying friend or relative, secretly and quietly ask Him for wisdom to know what to say or not say.
 
The bottom line that the Apostle is getting across to us is to talk to Him, talk to Him, talk to Him. Whenever, wherever and however, because in the gracious, life-giving words of my friend, "He is closer than your next breath."
 
Pastor Bill
 
Upcoming Events
Pregnancy Center Baby Bottle Drive

We welcome Pregnancy Center representatives this Sunday, May 1, at the Ministry Connect Window. Pick up a Baby Bottle to fill with change, cash or a check written out to The Pregnancy Center and turn it in by June 19 (Father's Day). This is the Pregnancy Center's largest fund raiser for the year. Be a part of helping Rogue Valley women in need of wise, godly counsel when facing a crisis pregnancy. The Center: 541.772.1921.


Join us this Sunday, May 1, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room for an hour of worship, praise, Communion and fellowship. Child care provided.

missions prayer gp Global Outreach Prayer

If you'd like to be a valuable part of global outreach, join with a small group who will be meeting Monday, May 2, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the Kelly's home, 813 Ridgeview Drive in Eagle Point. Kelly: 541.878.3501 or outreach@trail.org.


flag buffys National Day of Prayer

Join Pastor Chris White on Thursday, May 5 from noon-1:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room for an hour of prayer for our nation. Church Office: 541.878.3501.
If you live in Medford, there will also be a gathering for prayer at the Nazarene Church on McAndrews Road at 6:50 p.m. Nazarene Church Office: 541.779.7777
photo: Buffy Boren
Night of Worship
 
Our next Night of Worship will be Sunday, May 15. Every third Sunday at 6:30 p.m. we turn up the volume in the Worship Center for an hour of worship, Communion, and Enormous Praise! No child care. Dakota: 541.952.1100
TCF Family Camp
 
Everyone is invited to attend TCF's Family Camp at Camp Apserkaha, Memorial Day weekend, May 27-30. Rustic cabins, tents and RV sites are available. Space is very limited. Pick up a brochure at the Information Counter or in the Youth Center. Questions, call Debbie Conley at 541.261.2605 or Rosita Redd 541.218.5507


Women's Ministry

 
singles dinner may
Single Women's Dinner
Single ladies of all ages are invited to the LAST dinner until September on Monday, May 23 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Join us for a home-cooked meal and fellowship with other singles. Please sign up at the Information Counter and indicate child care needs. No charge, feel free to bring friends but be sure to sign everyone up in advance. Cyndi Harrington: 541.826.9415.
 
Youth Ministry
dog days  Dog Days means Summer Fun!

Wednesdays, May 18 - September 7, Children's Ministry features Dog Days of Summer for kids 5 years - 5th grade (6:15- 8:00 p.m.) beginning with a hot dog meal. Check-in at the Youth Center.  Regular childcare for 0 - 4 years available in Room 2. Pick up a flyer at the Information Counter or in the Children's Ministry office for more details. Debbie Conley: 541.878.3501 or Debbie@trail.org
awana grand prix AWANA Grand Prix

 

All ages welcome! Join AWANA for a Pinewood Derby after Service, Sunday, May 22. Hot dog lunch provided before the race at no charge. Car Kits are available to purchase each Wednesday and Sunday through May 4. Final car check-in is May 18 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Youth Center. Aaron Bradley: 541.210.1057


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
Being God's Man...in Leading a Family 
 
New Study TONIGHT!
 
Guys, come on out to the Eagle Point Campus Life Bldg. at 6:30 p.m. TONIGHT. We'll be continuing our new study: Being God's Man in Leading a Family. This study will help you accept your calling and experience God's blessing as the spiritual leader to your wife and children. We'll meet for 9 more weeks at 6:30 p.m. at the Campus Life Center on Main St. in Eagle Point. There will be a guest appearance by Pastor Rick. Feel free to stop by tonight, even if you have not signed up. Cost is $8.
Questions? Call Pablito: 949.246.9615 or email 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 Visit us on Facebook: Click Here
Area Events & TCF Messages...

 

The Silver Ring Thing is returning to Central Medford High School (MSD Education Center) on Thursday, May 5, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. This year's tour, "Uprising", is encouraging students to break ties with the lies of our culture by embracing the truth that sex includes not only the body, but mind, heart, and soul. This free event, hosted by The Pregnancy Center, is for students age 12-19. It's about guys, girls, dating, waiting, second chances and the best choices. Doors open at 6:00 pm. Bring a friend and $20 for a silver ring. For more information visit Silverringthing.com or call 541.772.1921.
                                                                                                

Cornerstone Lecture Series
Rev. Daniel Hyde, M.Div., Th.M., will be speaking Saturday, May 14 from 9:00 a.m. 2:30 p.m. at Cornerstone Church, 608 N. Bartlett in Medford. His topic will be: Running the Race-The Practice of Perseverance. To Register call 541.773.8163. Cost is $25 adults, $15 students in advance, at the door add $5. Continental Breakfast and lunch included.
Green Thumb Ministry
 
You are invited to come out and help with cleaning up and refreshing the landscape beds around Trail Fellowship. It takes many willing hands to keep our grounds beautiful.
 
Call Celia at 541.890.6560 or email cwann@trail.org or call the Church Office: 541.878.3501

Youth for Christ Golf Challenge
Support Youth for Christ by attending or participating in their 29th Annual Golf Challenge, Saturday, May 21. The Challenge features a four-person scramble with 7:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. shotguns and banquet seating at 6:30 p.m. Be a part of a long tradition while helping thousands of kids through this benefit Golf Challenge hosted by Rogue Valley Youth for Christ. For details: 541.779.3275.

pacific bible logo
Summer Semester
Register now for Summer Classes that will begin the week of May 9. Pick up a flyer with the class schedule at the Information Counter or visit pacificbible.com. PBC offers classes grounded in the Word of God, in Medford and Grants Pass. For more information call Mary: 541.776.9942.
 Lost n' Found at TCF
If you think you may have lost something at TCF, please stop by the Information Counter (Octagon) in the Foyer. Someone will check the cupboard for you. Periodically, we empty the Lost n' Found and donate the items to charity. The end of May is the next deadline to check for your lost things. Bibles are kept on the shelf in the back of the Worship Center, and children's lost things are in the Youth Center Office. Questions? Jacki: 541.878.3501
If you're looking for a way get to know people and to help those in our community, here's an excellent opportunity.

Food & Friends provides hot, nutritious meals and a friendly visit to hundreds of seniors in Jackson and Josephine counties.  Through our services, homebound 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 Eagle Point and White City.  Deliveries are generally between 10 and noon.  Mileage reimbursement is available.
 
For more information call Linnea at 541.734.9505 Ext. 4
 

In Closing...
Lift up your hands in the sanctuary
and bless the Lord.
May the Lord bless you from Zion,
He who made heaven and earth.
 
Psalm 134:2-3
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

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