Drop Shadow Accent Imagephoto: Brittany Brown 

 
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May 19, 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 22 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.


 

Wednesday Service
Join us next Wednesday, May 25, at 6:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room for our Through-the-Bible study. Pastor Matt will be teaching from the Book of John. Programs for youth age Nursery-2 year-olds, 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
The Ten Virgins

"Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, 'Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise answered, saying, 'Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.' And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us.' But he answered, 'Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.' Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. Matthew 25: 1-13
 
My wife and I met a foolish young virgin the other day. Actually, the squirming infant she carried and crooned over, may offer evidence that she was not, in fact, a virgin; but I digress. Ila and I had driven well over 100 miles to make our scheduled appointment with a federal government office up north and, having arrived 15 minutes early, learned that there would be a 30 minute delay before we could be seen..."of course" we thought ...why should today be different?
 
We sampled the "coffee" that had been made available at the refreshment table and settled back in the metal folding chairs which had been provided for our comfort. Feeling thankful that at least we had held up our end of the bargain (in spite of detours and road construction delays), we glanced around to see how many people might be ahead of us. I learned from a lady sitting nearby that many of the dozen or so folks in the waiting area were "walk-ins" hoping for a gap in the long line. Things were looking up.
 
A pleasant young Mom was strolling her baby around the seating area humming softly to the sleepy infant in her arms. We smiled as she went by and commented on the beauty of her baby (it's that grandparent thing again!). She smiled and thanked us and over the next few "laps", we learned that she had missed her appointment that morning by ten minutes and was now waiting, like the "walk-ins", for a chance to fill a vacancy... she'd been there three hours already.
 
Part of me (the cranky old man part) thought "Hmmm...a little trauma will teach her sense of entitlement a more realistic approach to government appointments". Another part of me (the charitable Christian part...) considered offering her my spot in the line. As it turned out, such a substitution wasn't allowed and I was spared explaining to Ila why we'd be spending several extra hours in the gracious hospitality of the government. I was sad not to ease the young Mom's circumstance, but grateful my offer wasn't taken.
 
Pondering all this on the long drive home, the picture of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25 came to mind and it struck me that this wasn't just an instance of naïve entitlement. That the young Mom had failed to include a ten minute cushion was naïve true, perhaps even "entitled". The greater error however, lay in her failure to recognize the disproportionate consequence of that action (half a day pacing a bleak holding area with a 2 month old seems a high price to pay for a ten minute tardy slip). She and her baby suffered a very dreary day because she did not consider the cost, much like the five foolish virgins who, neglecting to bring a little extra oil (to allow for the unpredictability of life), were then denied entry to the wedding, much to their heartfelt grief.
 
We live in a culture that emphasizes self-gratification and encourages us to mistake appearance for reality; to postpone what is needful and critical in favor of resting in the illusion of safety and security. Like the sleepy residents living on the slopes of an old volcano, the awakening comes too late for escape and salvation. Our own ability as believers, to speak light and life into a sad and broken world, compels us to be clear on the sudden finality with which the day will arrive. The time to know and to decide is now.
 
Fortunately the Lord is patient, desiring that none should perish (2 Pet 3:9). But He honors human choice (or the lack thereof). So speak lovingly to those you meet and remind them of the need to be clear about what is real and what is not. Do not trust what you see and hear on the internet and the media, for our culture is perched on the slopes of Vesuvius. Tell those you know of the Light and the One who brings it. There is yet a little time to find more oil for the lamp...but not without end.
 
               
Pastor Matt


 
Upcoming Events
awana grand prix AWANA Grand Prix this Sunday

 

All ages welcome! Join AWANA for a Pinewood Derby after service, Sunday, May 22, in the Pavilion. Hot dog lunch provided before the race at no charge. Aaron Bradley: 541.210.1057


TCF Family Camp
 
Everyone is invited to attend TCF's Family Camp at Camp Apserkaha, Memorial Day weekend, May 27-30. Only Tent sites are available for $30, there's a waiting list for RV spaces or cabins. 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


baptism Baptism

 

If you have not been Baptized you have two opportunities to partake of this sacrament. Sunday, June 12 and June 26 there will Baptisms right after service in the new Baptismal behind the Church Office. Stop by the Willingheart Window and pick up a loaner CD, Steps to Baptism, or you may listen online HERE

Church Office: 541.878.3501 

 
Reminder: Bring the Baby Bottles Back
 
If you took a Baby Bottle to fill with change, please remember to turn it in by Sunday, June 19. This is the Pregnancy Center's biggest fundraiser of the year and each bottle counts. Even if the bottle is not full, please bring it back. 541.772.1921
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. Feel free to bring friends but be sure to sign everyone up in advance. No charge. For more information contact Cyndi Harrington: 541.826.9415.
 
null TCF MOM's Group
Moms and children are invited to our Tuesday, May 24, get-together from 9:00-11:00 a.m. in the Youth Center. Enjoy brunch, fellowship and a guest speaker or devotional. Child care provided or you can keep your children with you. Cyndi: 541.878.9415
Summer Women's Bible Study: Faithful, Abundant and True

by Lifeway Studies will be offered Thursdays, June 9-July 21 at 6:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Register with an Event Envelope, cost for workbook is $15. Deadline to sign up is Sunday, May 29. Janice Cantore: 541.727.6041
 
The Ladies Spring Tea will be held Saturday, June 11, from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Norah Gordon will share on "Free Indeed" (John 8:36). Ladies age 12 and up are invited, and child care is available with advanced sign up. Register at the Information Counter, indicate if you'd like to "Host a Table" or child care needs. Kandy Sullivan: 541.944.3424


Youth Ministry
awana grand prix AWANA Grand Prix this Sunday

 

All ages welcome! Join AWANA for a Pinewood Derby after service, Sunday, May 22 in the Pavilion.  Hot dog lunch provided before the race at no charge. Aaron Bradley: 541.210.1057


Camp Mahanaim Fundraiser
 
The Camp Mahanaim Scholarship Fundraiser will be June 10-11. We are in need of unbroken, used items in good condition to sell. Please call Debbie Conley for drop off instructions. 541.621.2605
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
Men's Ministry
Ducks Football Game
If you or your family is interested in taking a TCF bus trip to a Duck's game this season, call Jim Ulrich at 541.878.2399. This is open to all!

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
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...

A Story Worth Living showing tonight ONLY at 7:30 p.m. at Tinseltown
A Story Worth Living by Christian author John Eldridge is a rare thing in our day - a gorgeous adventure film with profound meaning. It speaks to believer and skeptic alike. Men and women are giving it great reviews, not only because it is done so well, but because it touches on the story of every human life. It answers the Big Questions in a very beautiful way. One of our sponsors - a German international motorcycle company -was at first very leery to be involved with a "faith-based" film. But having seen the final product, they did a 180 and ordered a version with German subtitles to show at their big motorcycle rally this summer!

The nationwide premiere for A Story Worth Living is this Thursday, May 19, at Tinseltown at 7:30 p.m.
  
We'd love you to come. Even more, we'd love you to grab everyone you know and bring them. This is an incredible opportunity to introduce people to the Gospel you love - not the wacky religious but the deeply beautiful Jesus and the epic Story he is telling. As we've shown the film to the curators of secular film festivals, motorcycle magazines and off-road expos, we are receiving fabulous feedback. This is a film that invites, not offends. Which is a wonderful thing for the Gospel in this postmodern hour.

A Story Worth Living will speak to your own heart's search for understanding, and it will open up great conversation with your friends and family.
Boise Cascade Hiring Party TODAY
Boise is hiring plywood production workers. They will hold a HIRING PARTY, TODAY, (May 19) from 3:30-6:00 p.m., 3285 N. Pacific Hwy. For more info contact Personnel Source: 541.776.7466
Celebrate the Class of 2016, Tuesday, June 7 at 7:00 p.m. at Eagle Point Community Bible Church, 27 S. Shasta Ave., in Eagle Point. Please join with us as we encourage, pray for, and send off our graduating seniors. All seniors and their families are welcome. Light refreshments to follow. Questions? Contact Kim at 541.826.2767
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.

Volunteer Host Families Needed
Christian host families are needed to open up their hearts and homes to foreign exchange students for the 2016-2017 school year through Cultural Homestay International. All students speak English. For more information please call Amanda Stebbins: 541.601.2787
Lost n' Found at TCF
If you think you may have lost something at TCF, please stop by the Information Counter 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? Church Office: 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...
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
John 5:24 ESV
 
 
photo: Karen Holberton
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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