February 20, 2020
Welcome to this week's edition of TCFinTouch
The e-newsletter of Trail Christian Fellowship

As followers of Jesus, we meet throughout the week for worship, prayer, Communion, Bible study and fellowship. Our overall mission can be summed up as:
Coming Up
Sunday, February 23
Come worship with us this Sunday at 10am. 
Pastor Rick Booye will be teaching. Children's
and Youth ministries meet at the same time
in their respective locations.
Wednesday, February 26
Join Pastor Travis Connick in the Fireside Room next Wednesday evening as we continue our study through Galatians. Service begins with worship at 6:30pm. Children's ministries are at the same time. 
Youth Programs
Our Sunday morning service has programs for
children and youth through 12th grade.

AWANA is for kids age 3 through 6th grade.
We meet in the Youth Center on Wednesday nights from 6:15-8pm

Nursery and Children's Program for 0-2 years old.
Middle School and High School students meet in their respective locations.

Debbie Conley (Nursery-grade 5): 541.878.3501
Nate Bailey (High School): 541.951.6952
Recent Teachings
Missed a message, or just want to hear it again? Visit the sermon audio archive and catch up on our studies, with the most recent sermons at the top.
From Our Pastors
Lessons on Galilee’s Shores from a Flock of Birds

 “You Follow Me” John 21:22
(Words from Jesus to Peter on the shores of Galilee)

While our group sat enjoying our early morning devotional on the shore of the Sea of Galilee (two weeks ago), there were flocks of Mediterranean crane and other fowl continually flying by in perfect V shaped formation.

I was so amused and wondered about the scientific and spiritual significance of that majestic sight, and upon a bit of research I was stunned as to how that particular imagery reflects our life in Christ in significant ways.

Lesson 1: The lead bird creates the direction and backdraft the other birds need to follow. The Holy Spirit who guides our lives creates a backdraft that literally pulls us forward making following the Lord’s flight plan or will less complicated and easier to follow. If we truly trust the Spirit of God to never mislead us, then all the senseless worry and effort it takes to figure out where He is leading us in our life is diminished. Our goal is to follow our Leader and Providential God.

Lesson 2: The flight is much more efficient and enjoyable if we respect His desired formation. Notice that the flocks who are migrating don’t generally fly in a single line. The purpose of staying in the V formation allows the flock to see where they are going and keep their focus on the leader. Resisting God’s design or purpose in our life, or going it alone ends up being exhausting and directionless. We read in the scriptures that His commands or will “are not burdensome". They only become stressful when we insist on flying on our own away from the flock.

Lesson 3: Flying away from the flock on our own takes more energy and useless effort. I noticed that when one of the crane or geese fell out of line or straggled too far behind, they quickly returned to the flock. Apparently, the drag and resistance increase because the back and forward draft created by the lead and group is gone. It became very obvious that perhaps the independence that was so alluring to the individual bird created so much energy and slowed their progress down that it was no longer worth it for them to fly alone.

Lesson 4: When all the flock cooperate with the direction and pace of their leader, they travel further and faster to their destination. Each and every bird has a role to play for the betterment of the entire flock. The leader sets the pace for the whole flock. If he flies too fast it creates exhaustion, if he flies too slow it creates less lift for all. Each has a critical role in the flock. The birds up front create a forward draft that pulls the others along easier (I call it catching the back draft of the Holy Spirit) and the ones in the middle and back create an upward draft for the ones in the front. Interestingly enough, the lead bird has an easier job if the flock is flying as an intact unit behind him.

Lesson 5: Honking is helpful and necessary for the flight. The honking of the other birds, not to mention the lead, is to encourage the others to continue in the journey. It’s like putting our arm around a discouraged brother or sister in Christ, as if to say, you got this and all of us are with you in your journey of faith, keep going and don’t give up. God communicates with us through his Word and His people, we communicate with Him in prayer and through asking help from others in the flock when we are tired.

Lesson 6: Keep flying tirelessly until the destination is reached. These migrating birds can fly thousands of miles in order to reach their desired haven. Despite weather conditions, predators, and food shortages, nothing seems to get in the way of their flight pattern and goal. It doesn’t appear possible or even optional for the flock heading south to do anything but keep going until they arrive. Never do we see migrating birds turn around to go back north with the sense of a failed mission. Rarely is our life of faith easy. It takes grit, unity, tireless work, faith and most importantly the backdraft and presence of the Holy Spirit to arrive on the shores of warmth.

Every time you see the V formation in the sky over the Rogue Valley as they are honking their way south for the winter remember who you are following in your journey of faith and that we never fly alone. We are a family, there is a destination, and we will arrive safely!!!!
 
One more thing; I can almost imagine that when Jesus spoke to Peter on the shores of Galilee saying the words “you follow me” there was a sparkle in His eye, a slight smile on His face and nail scarred hand pointing above to the perfectly synchronized flock honking their way behind their leader going home!

Pastor Bill
Upcoming
Praying the Scriptures

We meet Sundays from 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the Adult Classroom. Anyone is welcome to attend, come regularly or when you can. We read a selected passage, discuss how it teaches us to pray and then spend time praying through that selected scripture for those in need, for our community and for the nations.

Prayer Ministry Director, Darrel Wiltrout: 541.865.7716 or   wiltrout@trail.org
TCF's 40th Birthday Celebration
Sunday, February 23 at 6:30pm in the Worship Center

You're invited to a birthday party! TCF is turning 40 and we're celebrating with food and fellowship as we reflect on God's faithfulness through stories from lives touched by His work through 40 years of Trail Christian Fellowship history.

There is no charge, but please register.

Child care up to 5 years old with registration by February 20!
Galatians: Paul's Manifesto
Wednesday, February 26

Join Pastor Travis on Wednesday evenings for a series through the book of Galatians.
6:30-8pm in the Fireside Room.
Night of Illusion
Friday, February 28 from 6:30-8pm

Illusionists David and Teesha Laflin are coming to Central Medford High School (815 S. Oakdale). This event is recommended for children 4 years of age and older. No charge but donations will be accepted. Check out davidandteesha.com.

Debbie Conley: 541.261.2605
NextGen Conference
Saturday, February 29 from 9am-2pm
Westminster Presbyterian in Medford

Rogue Valley Children's Ministry Network Annual Conference. Featuring speaker/Illusionist David Laflin. A sack lunch provided for registered guests. CEU's available. No child care. Cost is $25. Register at rvcmn.org

See flyer for details.

Debbie Conley: 541.261.2605
Great Commission Festival Dinner
February 29, 4-8:30pm

Hear how God is expanding His Kingdom in various parts of the world.

Doors open at 4pm for time time to visit with TCF Partners.
Dinner is from 5-6pm followed by at time to hear from our Partners.
 Registration for dinner is open until Thursday, February 27 or when all spaces are full. This registration includes the option of child care with dinner through 5th grade. Registration for the rest of the evening is open until February 29. No charge.

outreach@trail.org or 541.878.3501
Evening Worship
Sunday, March 1

One hour of worship and Communion at 6:30pm in the Fireside Room. Child care available.
Global Outreach Prayer
Monday, March 2 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Meet to pray for TCF supported partners and outreaches. Adult Classroom. All are welcome. No child care.
Weekend to Remember Marriage Getaway at Sunriver
March 6-8

This getaway is a fabulous weekend at beautiful Sunriver resort. It'll provide encouragement, hope and practical tools to help build and grow your marriage. $100 discount if you use group name: TCFMarriageMinistry. Hotel cost is separate.

Register at weekendtoremember.com

Ben and Theresa Wewerka: 541.826.7489
Men's Ministry
Women's Ministry
Women’s Bible Study
 
For our Spring study, Janis Rubus will teach through the Gospel of John chapters 13-21. We will meet Friday mornings February 7 - April 3 from 9-11:30am in the Fireside Room. Cost is $10. If you’re paying with cash or check, please still register.
Child care available for nursery – 6th grade.
 
Church Office: 541.878.3501
Single Ladies' Dinner
Monday, February 24

The Single Ladies monthly dinner is a great time to come together with our sisters in Christ and share a home cooked meal. It's a wonderful time sharing food, fun and fellowship. Held in the Fireside Room from 6-7:30pm. No sign-up, just show up! All ladies are welcome.
Church Office: 541.878.3501
Mom's Group
Tuesday, February 25

Moms and moms-to-be are invited to connect with other moms and children that are in the same phase of young family life. Join us on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the school year,*
9-11am in the Youth Center Great Room. We share a brunch breakfast, teaching, and great fellowship. Children are welcome to participate, and childcare is available. Pick up a calendar in the Nursing Mom's Room.
 
Contact Cyndi Harrington for more information: 541.826.9415 or  cyndi@trail.org
 
 *During the summer months, the Mom's group still meets at private homes.
Children's Ministry
AWANA

AWANA (Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed) is a global, nonprofit ministry committed to the belief that the greatest impact for Christ starts with kids who know, love, and serve Him. AWANA is for kids age 3 through 6th grade. Register in the Sunday School foyer Sunday through Thursday, or click the link below to download documents to fill out and bring in to the Children's Ministry Office. Let us help your kids and grand-kids hide God's Word in their hearts, Wednesdays at 6:15pm. 

Debbie at 541.261.2605 or debbie@trail.org
Prayer Warriors by Email
If you would like to be a regular part of praying for the Children's Ministry and receive an email prayer letter periodically to keep up with what God is doing with the next generation, email debbie@trail.org to get on the list. This will be a blind copy email and your email address will not be shared with others.
Debbie Conley: 541.878.3501
Trail Life USA

Trail Life USA is a Christ-centered outdoor character development adventure program for boys and young men ages 5-17. TCF’s Trail Life troop meets every other Thursday from 6:30-8pm during the school year. For more information about the Trail Life USA organization, click  HERE .
 
  • For TCF’s Troop Information, and to confirm meeting times, contact Matthew Paradela: 541.625.0359

Our next meeting is Thursday, February 20 from 6:30-8pm at TCF.
American Heritage Girls

American Heritage Girls is a faith-based character building program for girls ages 5-18. Girls learn leadership and team building skills while growing spiritually. TCF’s AHG troop meets every other Thursday from 6:30-8pm during the school year.
 
  • For Trail Christian Fellowship Troop information and to confirm meeting times, please call Karrie Hovis at 541.951.3135 or email ahgroguevalley@yahoo.com 
  • For more details about the American Heritage Girls organization, click HERE.

Our next meeting is Thursday, February 20 from 6:30-8pm at TCF.
Celebrate Recovery
 Celebrate Recovery

Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered 12-Step program that helps participants live fuller lives by breaking the chains of addiction. Join us at 6pm every Tuesday for dinner and fellowship, followed by the meeting at 6:30. Celebrate Recovery is for any and all who struggle with addiction, abuse, hurts, habits, or hangups.
 
If you have questions or need child care, call Paige Winfrey 541.878.3501 or send an email to  celebraterecovery@trail.org . You can also keep up with Celebrate Recovery on our  Facebook  page.

Area Events
pacific bible logo

Pacific Bible College is looking for a Spanish teacher.
541.776.9942
Redemption Ridge is looking for Care Specialists to work directly with the girls at Grace House. This is an amazing opportunity to affect the lives of hurting teenage girls. The job is located in the upper Rogue area. For more information please call Redemption Ridge 541.816.4415 or email kirsten@redemptionridge.org .
If you've been hunting for small group fellowship and Bible study, check our website. There's no better opportunity to reach out and connect with brothers and sisters. Pastor Travis: 541.878.3501 or travis@trail.org
Thank you for visiting TCFinTouch 
the weekly e-newsletter of
Trail Christian Fellowship
18881 Hwy 62
Eagle Point OR 97524
Church Office Hours:
Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
[ 541.878.3501 ] [information@trail.org] [ www.trail.org  ]