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July 7, 2016

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...

July 10 our Sunday Service will be held in the air conditioned Worship Center from 10:00-11:30 a.m. 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.

Wednesday Service

Join us next Wednesday, July 13, at 6:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room for our Through-the-Bible study. Pastor Garret will be teaching from John, Chapter 9. Programs for youth age Nursery-4 year-olds in Room 2, age 5-5th grade meet for Dog Days (see details below in Youth section), 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 morning and Wednesday evening teachings for free.

From Our Pastors

Some Thoughts on Marriage

It feels as though I've performed a lot of marriages this year. That's a good thing and I'm pleased to do it, but in light of how far our idea of marriage has drifted in recent years, I find myself increasingly pressed to offer added explanations even to those who attend these ceremonies. Marriage is much more than a Christian "sacrament"...it is a Creation Mandate from the mind of God. It is a reflection of the loving relational wholeness which has existed between the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit for all eternity. This is why He tells us that, "for this reason, a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall cleave to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." Genesis 2:24

God did not intend Marriage to be a social contract, which one may feel free to abandon when the "party of the second part" fails to meet an obligation. A "contractual relationship" is by nature a temporary arrangement defined by negotiated settlement rather than by trust. God intended Marriage as a Covenant Relationship; a permanent union of two souls in this life, just as Christ has pledged to join His life with any sinner who believes in Him...our marriage to Jesus is for all eternity.

Unlike Christ, our weakness betrays us and our carnal failures can poison the relationship upon which marriage is founded. That is why God allows us an "escape clause" in the event of adultery, abandonment and abuse. We would be mistaken however to regard God's grace as "permission" to consider marriage a "disposable" item. The sacred nature of this bond and the collateral damage wrought by its undoing, is something real disciples of Christ take very seriously. Indeed, the current divorce rate among committed Christians is vastly less than the 50% figure touted by popular media.

Our culture struggles as well with the idea of headship and submission, believing in our shame and human weakness that God's design intends for one spouse to exploit the other. Can we believe that God the Father exploits His Son for some selfish reason? Can we believe that Christ exploits His Church to gain some personal advantage? As Christ gave His life to save and to serve His bride, so too should the husband. As the Church submitted her life and trust to her head, so too should the wife.

Imagine a ship's Captain, navigating storms, reefs and deadly peril to reach safe harbor. He is the head of his crew and of the Executive Officer. But the XO runs the ship. As the Captain's focus is drawn outward, the XO looks inward on behalf of the Captain, running the ship, caring for the crew, faithfully serving the other half of the Captain's office. Should the Captain fall, the XO is the one qualified to take the wheel. Remember and understand, the Captain who does not value or consider the counsel of his XO is a fool.

A worldy illustration true, but useful to clarify the issue as authority and function, not dominion and advantage. So too, a Godly Marriage is a joining not only of physical lives...it is the heavenly model of souls trusting God and one another with such love as to dance in their gifts and skills according to the roles God Himself has ordained for them. A godly marriage is a constant striving to love God by serving and honoring one's spouse. It is, in fact, the primary arena of our training to become true ambassadors of Christ.

The knowledge that our performance will fall somewhat short of God's perfection should not discourage us from a faithful and committed determination to succeed. Unlike the World, we have a great High Priest who can sympathize with our weakness, having been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace in time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16

Be at Peace, Pastor Matt

Upcoming Events

2nd Wednesday Jam

If you're interested in learning worship songs and jamming with other musicians, meet Wednesday, July 13 at 5:15 p.m. in the Green Room (next to the WC stage). Questions? Call Demian Norvell at 541.890.7921

Night of Worship

Join us for an hour of Enormous Praise, Communion, and a brief teaching, Sunday, July 17, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Worship Center. The sound will be turned up!

Dakota: 541.951.1100

Crater Lake Hike and BBQ

There'll be 2 hikes on Saturday, July 23: the first is to the water at the boat ramp.

Following that we'll have a BBQ hot dog lunch (Hot dogs, buns and condiments provided). Bring a side dish to share.

The 2nd hike will be to Watchman Look Out that overlooks Wizard Island. Each hike takes about 1 � hours and both take some effort. It's a 3-4 level of difficulty due to elevation change and thin air. You can swim in Crater Lake but it's very, very cold! It'll be a hike you'll never forget - the views are unbelievable with the majesty of it all.

Meet at TCF at 7:30 a.m. and return about 4 p.m. Please call Terry Birch: 541.944.3767 if you're going to have lunch or have any questions.

photo: Maura Lolandi

Upcoming Outdoor Sunday Services

Come outside and worship with your Church Family under the open sky! This year's outdoor services are scheduled for Sunday, July 31, and August 28 (weather permitting). In case of bad weather, service will be held indoors. Lunch will be served after service for a small donation. No indoor seating. If you'd like to volunteer for set up or help with the lunches,

contact Jacki: 541.878.3501 or jacki@trail.org

Women's Ministry

Ladies Camp Out

There are 2 Spots Left! Don't miss this opportunity to camp out July 29-31 at Lake of the Woods with other women. Sign up using an Event Envelope and enclose a $5 deposit. Remainder of cost due at the camp out (price to be determined). Questions? Janice Cantore: 541.727.6041.

Ladies Fall Retreat Oct. 7-9

The Ladies Fall Retreat sign ups have begun! You can register at the Information Counter or online.
Pick up or download a brochure with registration information, cost is $120 through August 28. We will be returning to Camp Bradley and our guest speaker will be Michelle E. Caswell.
Questions? Denise Green: 541.664.9871

Men's Ministry

Men's Pack Trip

The Men's Pack Trip sign ups continue this Sunday, July 10. This year's pack trip will be to the Marble Mountains in Northern Calif. We'll use pack animals to carry some gear for our 6 mile walk (modest elevation gain). Enjoy worship and fellowship in God's creation. For directions and items needed, pick up a flyer. Cost is $40 per person (includes food and water) using an Event Envelope.

Space is limited to 25 guys who register and pay, no reservations.

Questions? Bary Kaiser: 541.821.2259 or Dave Facciuto: 541.773.9550

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

Youth Ministry

Jr. High Summer Camp August 2-7

at Creation Fest

Pick up a flyer with details and register in the Youth Center or online: www.trail.org, click on the Jr. High Camp slide. For kids going into 7th-9th grades. Six days of camping, worship, praise and fun! Sign up by July 17 as there is limited space. Questions? Dakota: 541.951.1100

High School Camp August 18-21, for kids who have just completed grades 9-12, we'll be going on a Klamath/High Mountain tour. Sign up in the Teen Room. Nate Bailey: 541.951.6952

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

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...

5-Day Club for Kids

Child Evangelism Fellowship will hold a 5-Day Club day camp for children ages 5-12, Monday, July 11 - Friday, July 15 at Aunt Caroline's Park in Shady Cove. Hours will be 2-3:30 p.m. Kids will participate in Bible lessons, songs, games, activities and get prizes. For more information call Pastor Mike Krutch at 541. 613.1164

Baby Bottles

If you took a Baby Bottle to fill with change, please remember to turn it in as soon as possible! 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, it costs TPC a lot for the bottles. 541.772.1921

In Closing...

So we Your people and the sheep of Your pasture
Will give thanks to You forever;
To all generations we will tell of Your praise.

Psalm 79:13

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