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August 25, 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 28 our Sunday Service will be held outdoors in the Pavilion area from 10:00-11:30 a.m. (See below for details). 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 31, at 6:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room for our Through-the-Bible study. Pastor Bill will be teaching from John, Chapter 16. 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

Forgiveness or Bitterness ?

(Part 2 on Forgiveness)

Matthew 5:23-24

"There is no way I could forgive my mother-in-law for what she did to me"! These were the words of an admittedly resentful wife and daughter-in-law. She went on to tell me that she and her mother-in-law used to bake cookies together, shop together and truly get along "like a real mother and daughter". However, when she and her husband temporarily separated, her mother-in-law completely shut her down and would lie when she would call to talk to her husband, who moved into his mother's house, by saying he wasn't there.

At the birth of their third child, a few months later, they reconciled and the mother-in-law acted like nothing ever happened and never apologized for her part in the breakdown between them.

She went on to say that she couldn't fake it and pretend like nothing happened and felt very resentful. She wanted to know what she should do because she "couldn't seem to move past it."

Somebody reading this can totally relate to a time where you were deeply hurt by someone who you were once close to and as a result of a misunderstanding or unfortunate circumstance there was a break beyond repair. Yet as a believer you know what Christ and the Scriptures teach about forgiveness. The tension is real and the barriers are up. You know you should forgive, but how?

The Gospel of Matthew gives clear instruction on the need and method for forgiving others as well as seeking forgiveness from others.

First of all, in Matthew 5:23-25 the writer offers direction on how to seek forgiveness if you are the offender. He goes on to say that if we are worshipping and at that moment remember that we have offended brother out there, we must leave our worship at the altar and immediately go and be reconciled (seek forgiveness) with our brother. The implication is that then, and only then, are we spiritually in a place to offer our worship. Wow! In other words, God is more honored by humbling ourselves and seeking forgiveness when we have offended someone than offering our praise to Him.

So if you know you have offended a brother and sister in Christ take care of it a.s.a.p. In the next verse Jesus says, "Come to terms with your accuser quickly" vs.25. This is not the time for you to state your case or counter blame. Own what you have done and make it right. By the way, their response is immaterial. As long as you do your part God will be honored.

Next week we will continue this teaching on Forgiveness as we move into Matthew 18:21-35.

Pastor Bill

Upcoming Events

Outdoor Service this Sunday

Our last Outdoor Service will be held this Sunday, August 28 from 10:00-11:30 a.m. in the Pavilion area behind the church. You can bring your own folding chair or borrow one of our green plastic specials. Pastor Rick will be teaching. In case of smoke or other weather problems, the service will be held indoors. Lunch will be served right after service outdoors in the Pavilion regardless of where the service is held. Lunch is on a donation basis.

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

A few spots are left! 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 Outdoor Office, 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 Outdoor Office 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.

First Step Dinner

Are you new to TCF or just want to know more about our ministry? The pastors and staff will provide a presentation of our ministry at a free dinner Sunday, September 25 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Please sign up at the Outdoor Office so we have enough seating and food. No child care. Questions? Contact Joe Carini at 541.941.7624.

If you'd like to have your child Dedicated Sunday, Sept. 18, 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.

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 Outdoor Office. 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

Last Sunday for the Discount Price! The Ladies Fall Retreat sign ups have begun! You can register at the Outdoor Office 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

AWANA starts September 14

Please pre-register your children starting Sunday, August 28, at the table in the Pavilion or in the Youth Center. Aaron Bradley will be available to answer questions and assist you with sign ups. Questions? Aaron Bradley: 541.210.1057.

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

SAVE THE DATE: October 12

The Operation Christmas Child shoebox drive will kick off October 12 but NOW is a great time to begin collecting school supplies and other items to fill your child's shoebox. A BIG THANK YOU to those of you who have participated in the past!

FACTS: Samaritan's Purse has collected and delivered more than 135 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 150 countries and territories.

Children never receive more than 1 shoebox in a lifetime. They are followed up on and have an opportunity to join in a study to learn about Jesus. More than 4.7 million children have participated in "The Greatest Journey," OCC's follow-up program that is offered with every shoebox.

The Greatest Journey is implemented through a global church network to help children learn how to know and follow Jesus.

It costs only $7.00 a box to process and ship a shoebox.

The greatest need is for gift boxes for boys 2-4 and boys 10 - 14 years old.

When you pay for your shoebox online, you can track what country your box is delivered to, get stories and photos about children in that country and also get information about OCC in that country.

Again, TCF's OCC shoeboxes will be available beginning October 12.

Questions? 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 ends Sept. 4

Last 2 Sundays! 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 Outdoor Office 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...

See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:12-13 (NIV)

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