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August 18, 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...

August 21 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, August 24, at 6:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room for our Through-the-Bible study. Robert Milton will be teaching from John, Chapter 15. 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

Pulling Bitterness up by the Roots (Part I on Forgiveness)

See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:15

Kudzo is a coiling, climbing and invasive weed in the South that creeps, crawls and eventually kills everything underneath its relentless shadow. It was transported from Asia and planted in the 30's for the purpose of draping and decorating porches for extra shade. What was never expected, however, was that this outwardly attractive but stubbornly toxic plant, would eventually earn the name "the vine that ate the South."

Experts have unsuccessfully tried to kill this innocent looking parasite for years, trying every idea possible. They tried to mow it over and over, burn it, use pesticides, etc. But the only permanent way to get rid of it is to pull it up by the roots. The "crown" of the plant lies under the immediate surface of the ground and has several nodes and shoots that become the root system. The only way to kill the root system is to pull out root central, the crown. Like the relentless Kudzo of the South, bitterness in the believer's heart has so many similarities.

Chuck Swindoll describes the dangerous root of bitterness in the believer's heart in a graphic way: "Bitterness...you can't hide it, live with it or pretend it's not there. Slowly the sharp cutting edge of unforgiveness will work its way to the surface for all to see. The poison seedling will find insidious ways to cut into others and infect them. Sadly, the one who suffers the most is the one who lashes out and bitterly refuses to forgive."

The writer of Hebrews, points out to his readers a few alarming facts to be aware of regarding bitterness...

Bitterness runs deep and grows with time into a "root of bitterness"

Bitterness spreads to others eventually so that it "defiles many"

Bitterness is destructive and "causes trouble" for the individual and eventually for others in the church or family.

Bitterness removal is mandatory by the individual."You see to it" that no bitterness... Church leadership is also called to not allow it to grow in the congregation.

Only the "grace of God" and an obedient heart, in that order, can pull it up by the roots. "See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God."

Now let's get personal. Have you allowed the root of bitterness to grow in your life? The writer is warning believers to not allow bitterness to grow in their heart. A bitter root produces a bitter fruit.

Maybe you have been personally violated and victimized by the selfishness or greed of another. Maybe you were trying to do all you could to keep peace in a relationship that eventually fell apart. Perhaps you were taken advantage of and were lied to and about. Maybe you have been accused or falsely misrepresented by another and have tremendous loss because of it.

Bitter roots can go way back to the trauma of our past. Maybe you have anger spouting up in ways you don't understand or find yourself with inner torment whenever you remember those who cut you so deeply. The word bitterness means "to cut and puncture." Perhaps when you see a photo, hear a name or go out of your way to avoid someone who was once close you feel cut in your spirit or punctured in your soul. That's bitterness.

The good news is that we don't have to live that way any longer. We are a prayer and surrender away from the Lord giving us the grace to pull up the root of bitterness. To be sure, we can't do it on our own.

But the Lord Jesus, the only one who had every right to be bitter and wasn't, asks us to turn over our bitter wounds and hurt to Him once and for all and extend the same grace to the offenders of our past as He extended to us on the Cross. To put it off is to harm ourselves and those closest to us.

So with God's grace pull up the root of bitterness and get rid of your personal Kudzo! Life is too short...

Pastor Bill

Upcoming Events

Join Pastor Rick for a three-part series focusing on the Person and Work of Jesus Christ. Meet on three consecutive Saturdays: September 10, 17, and 24, from 9:00 to noon in the Fireside Room. There is no cost for these classes, but we do request that you commit to attending all three of the sessions. If you cannot be present for all three teachings, please wait for the next presentation of the series.

Our material will cover the biblical witness to the nature of Christ (His deity and humanity), the historical controversy over who He is (the early church councils and creeds), and the biblical witness to his work from pre-creation through His physical return. It's a crash course in basic Christology. As with our previous trainings, this one will incorporate notes, recommended reading, and open Q&A format (and of course outstanding snacks).

This class will be offered again sometime in the next year. All the discipleship training sessions will be repeated annually. Sign up at the Information Counter, no charge, no child care. Space is limited.

Basic First Aid/CPR Class for TCF Volunteers

A Basic First Aid/CPR Class will be held Saturday, Sept.10, from 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Youth Center. If you volunteer at TCF we encourage you to take this class. Register at the Information Counter or pay online at trail.org. Cost is $25. Bring a sack lunch. No child care. Space is limited. This certification for First Aid/CPR is being offered at this reduced rate for TCF volunteers and staff. It is not intended to satisfy requirements for medical professionals. Questions? Contact Debbie Conley: 541. 878.3501 or Debbie@trail.org.

If you'd like to have your child Dedicated at TCF,

pick up a Baby Dedication brochure at the Information Counter, read through it, and fill out the form. Place the filled out form in the Drop Box and you will be contacted. If you are a first time parent or new to TCF we'd like to have you meet with a Pastor before the Ceremony. Space is limited. Deadline is Sunday, Sept. 4, or when all spaces are full. Questions? Contact Jacki at 541.878.3501 or jacki@trail.org, Monday-Thursday.

Our next Baptism and Potluck Dinner will be held Sunday, August 21. The Potluck Dinner will be held at 5:30 p.m., please bring a dish to share for 8-10 people. The Baptism will follow at 6:30 p.m. along with worship and Communion at the Baptismal behind the Church Office. If you want to be Baptized, please pick up a loaner CD at the Willingheart Window. You may also listen on line HERE.

Call the Church Office for any further questions: 541.878.3501. or email information@trail.org

TCF Outdoors Fellowship

Come out for a presentation on Hunting the Backcountry, Tuesday, August 30, at 6:30 p.m. in the Teen Room. Nate Bailey, an Alps Outdoorz Pro-staffer, will be sharing. Bring questions, a Backpack that you need fitted, your Bible and finger foods to share. Questions? Nate Bailey: 541.951.6952 or southernoregonhunting@gmail.com

Women's Ministry

Fall Bible Study

The Fall term for Bible Study will run Friday, September 16 - November 18 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. in the Fireside Room. Norah Gorden will continue teaching "Our Life in Christ". New students ONLY need to Register at the Information Counter. Cost of $8 is due at the first class. Child care is provided. Questions? Norah: 541.840.4148 or norah.gorden@trail.org

Ladies Fall Retreat Oct. 7-9

2 Sundays left for the Discount Price! 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. ($130 after). 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

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

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...

Fall Semester classes will begin the week of August 29 and end the week of December 9. Pick up a flyer at the Information Counter with a listing of all the classes offered. There are many exciting classes in Bible/Theology, Psychology, and General Studies. Don't delay as classes fill up quickly!

Retired Public School Teachers Needed

PBC is looking for Math, Science, and Physical Ed teachers. These are adjunct paid positions. Call 541.776.9942 or check pacificbible.com.

Hope & A Future Back Pack Drive

July 31-Sept. 4

Be a blessing to women being released from prison or jail by providing a back pack of hygiene products, basic clothing, a Bible, and more. Hope & a Future Ministry will collect and distribute the back packs. You may donate filled back packs, empty back packs or items to fill them. Pick up a flyer at the Information Counter for a list of needed items. For more information: Rachelle Benthin: 541.601.3318.

Foundations for Recovery Festival & Carnival

at Harry & David Field

Come out for this family friendly 2-day event starting Friday, September 9 at 6:00 p.m. for Battle of the Badges, the Police vs. Fire Depts. square off for a Homerun Derby Fundraiser at Harry & David Field. There will be raffle prizes, a free hot dog & drink, and a silent auction.

Saturday, September 10 at 9:00 a.m. come to the Carnival, with booths, pony rides, bounce house, prizes and more. There will be a motorcycle raffle prize drawing, tickets are $10 and you must be present to win. See the Guns and Hoses III softball tournament between the Police and Fire Depts. There will be food vendors, merchants, and info regarding drug and alcohol education, treatment and prevention, including programs for parents and youth. No admission charge, some tickets have a low price.

FFR: 541.245.4673

Host Families for Local Schools Needed

Our local schools are seeking host families for foreign exchange students for next school year, (this Fall). Would one of these boys fit in your family? James, age 15 from So. Korea, Tyler age 17 from China, or Ignacio, 15 years old from Spain. Other students are available from many countries. For more information, please contact Kathy Forte: 541.297.8009 or klforte2002@gmail.com

In Closing...

Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;

Speak of all His wonders.

Glory in His holy name;

Let the heart of those who seek the

Lord be glad.

1 Chronicles 16:9-10

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