March 5, 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, March 8
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, March 11
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
Boasting

Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD."
Jeremiah 9:23-24

To “boast,” in both the Old Testament and the New, means to put genuine confidence in something, to value it as central to reality, to find one’s security, meaning and validation in it. It is not just crass bragging, but a joyful kind of expressive trust at the deepest level. It’s not always a bad word. Jeremiah advises not boasting in the Self, but boasting in the knowledge of the Lord. Paul uses it in both a pejorative and an approving way in Romans as well. The same word is translated “boasting” in chapters 3 and 4, where it refers to human self-confidence, similar to Jeremiah’s reference. But in chapter 5 it is usually translated “rejoice” or “rejoicing” because there it means being glad and confident in what the Lord has done for us in Christ. So, the point is not whether we have confidence and faith, but where we place it, or where it is sourced.

Jeremiah’s point is not simply that boasting is impolite (though it often is). His point is that the center of confidence and value is located in the human Self, its autonomous achievements, talents and assets, rather than in God. The Self now serves as the center of ultimate trust. It is practically impossible for people who have radical confidence in their own intellect, strength, or wealth to come to the Lord, because his grace requires us to let go of all other faiths—especially faith in the Self, this age, and the world’s metrics of success. This is humiliating, but it means that the smarter we are, the wealthier we are, the stronger we are, the less likely it is that we will sense the need for God’s grace. Which is why Jesus said that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a wealthy person to enter the kingdom (Matt.19:24). It isn’t the wealth per se , but the false sense of confidence that wealth supplies to the Self, like cocaine to a party animal, swelling the ego by filling it (comically) with…more Self. The same is true of the other assets Jeremiah mentions, wisdom (intellect) and strength (physical muscle, beauty, power). In themselves, they are not evil. But as idols, they are deadly.

Typically, people do not voluntarily divest themselves of confidence in Self. At least Jeremiah’s generation didn’t. Jeremiah’s ministry was to give divine commentary on the long-delayed judgment against Jerusalem’s blatant idolatry, violence, and immorality, based on its overweening hubris. The city would be leveled and most of the population of Judah dragged to Babylon in chains. The story is supremely sad and the people retained their self-confidence, rejecting God’s word, to the end. The Lord did bring them back, seventy years later, and he in faithfulness helped them rebuild (see Ezra and Nehemiah). But that is a tribute to his steadfast love, not the strength of human resolve.

The quickest cure for self-intoxication is a stunning failure or loss. We hit a wall at high emotional speed and it knocks the wind out and some sense into us. We experience trauma and it strips our life down to the shape of our faith, the contours of our confidence in God. Perhaps some rudimentary knowledge of the Lord is in there after all, way down under the thick layers of clumsily applied self-esteem, barely able to breathe and scarcely discernable beneath the fleshy overlay. Then, Boom! The false Self is blown away by a death close by, or a financial disaster, or a health reversal, or a crumbled career, or a shattered love.

In the stunned silence prayer, lost amid the distractions and idolatries of success, begins to grow back, and with it, fresh faith and spiritual fruit, character, wisdom, humility, worship and mission. We embrace and are embraced by the Lord’s steadfast love, justice, and righteousness. We are healed, restored, relieved of the heavy burdens of self-promotion and dynamic reputation. We sigh deeply and relax back into the reality of his grace, free at last, reveling in the Lord’s loving presence and our clear knowledge of him. “When I am weak…then I am strong,” said Paul, after losing everything and pressing on with a mysteriously painful “thorn.” (2 Cor.12:7-10). He insists he wouldn’t trade his current hurt for his previous hubris. His “fortune” had disappeared, but he had gained the Lord and eternal life and he figured everything else was chaff. He was “boasting” in the Lord. He understood Jeremiah. (See Philippians chapter 3)

Just a Thought,

Pastor Rick

Take Note
Thank you all for being a part of TCF's 40th birthday celebration! If you were unable to attend, or would like a memento from the occasion, the 40th Anniversary documentary video will be available on DVD for a suggested donation of $4. Look for it at the WillingHeart window in the lobby this coming Sunday. 

To celebrate 40 years of God's faithfulness, as well as a legacy of rich teaching history at TCF, enjoy significantly reduced pricing of our CD album teaching compilations. From journeys through entire books of the Bible, to topical series on a variety of subjects, there's something for you at up to 34% savings! Visit the WillingHeart sales counter before or after Sunday services for more details.  
MyTCF Down for Maintenance
MyTCF will be down for maintenance tonight from 8pm to 1am. During this time you will not be able to log-in to your MyTCF account, the Church Life app or register for events.

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
Galatians: Paul's Manifesto
Wednesday, March 11

Join Pastor Travis on Wednesday evenings for a series through the book of Galatians.
6:30-8pm in the Fireside Room.
Basic CPR/First Aid
Saturday, April 4
9am-2pm

The Basic CPR/First Aid 2 year card is being offered to TCF Volunteers (10 years and older) at a reduced price. This is not intended to satisfy requirements for medical professionals. Choose $25 if you want to download the book, or $35 if you would like a hard copy as well. No child care. Bring a sack lunch. Space is limited. Registration required at trail.org and closes on Sunday, March 29 or when all spaces are full. 
Debbie: debbie@trail.org or 541.261.2605
The Trail Outdoors Film Festival is an outreach event featuring several short films from local residents that highlight the beauty of creation, and the necessity of a life-sustaining sacrifice. The presentation is free of charge and open to all ages. Doors open at 4:30pm with Hot dogs and beverages available ($4) and the screening begins at 5:30pm.
No preregistration is necessary.

For additional details, contact Nate Bailey: 541.951.6952 or  nate.bailey@trail.org
Evening Worship
Sunday, April 5

One hour of worship and Communion at 6:30pm in the Fireside Room. Child care available.
Global Outreach Prayer
Monday, April 6 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.
Baptism
Sunday, April 12 at 12pm

If you are ready to take this important step of faith, please listen to “The Obedience of Faith: Baptism", or pick up an audio CD from the Willingheart window in the foyer following any Sunday service. After a brief conversation with a TCF Pastor, you may register.
 
To speak with a Pastor, call the Church Office at 541.878.3501
Men's Ministry
Women's Ministry
Mom's Group
Tuesday, March 10

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.
Single Ladies' Dinner
Monday, March 23

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 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. No sign-up, just show up! All ladies are welcome.
Church Office: 541.878.3501
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
Wednesday evenings throughout the summer months, “Dog Days of Summer” is TCF’s ministry for children 4 years old through 5 th grade. Food is served at 6:15pm, followed by play time, and finishing with a lesson from God’s word. This all happens thanks to the hard work and dedication of volunteers like you! From May 27 through September 2, we need cooks, playground supervisors, and crowd control. Training is provided. Whether you can sign up for just one night or all summer long, we need your help! Call Debbie at 541.261.2605 (or email debbie@trail.org ) to sign up for your available dates.

Note: Background checks are required for the safety of our children.
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, March 5 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, March 5 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.

A Celebrate Recovery Men's 12-Step Study
Celebrate Recovery Men’s 12-Step Study will be held on Monday evenings from 6-8pm at TCF starting March 9. This is an in-depth study that goes to the heart of the many issues we all face. It’s is a safe place to address destructive or compulsive behaviors, unhealthy relationships, addictions, anger, shame, codependency, past abuse and so much more. People can find freedom from any hurt, hang-up or habit that is making their life unmanageable. When you go through the study, the truth of God's Word will transform your heart, mind, and soul.
Greg Winfrey: 541.326.6883 or celebraterecovery@trail.org
Area Events
Eagle Point Access Food Pantry

Reminder for those who volunteer at St. John's Church:
Monday, March 9  is TCF’s turn. Thank you for helping!
Pastor Kelly: 541.878.3501 or kelly@trail.org
Mentoring
Do you love to help people learn new life skills? Do you love knowing that you’re making a difference in an entire family? If you are interested in mentoring please call Ronda at 541.772.1921.

Sidewalk Advocates for Life of Medford
Wondering how to encourage women and men toward life-affirming services in a loving, peaceful, law-abiding way? Join us for a one-day training on how to communicate effectively on the sidewalks of Medford and Ashland – You can be the one last link between a woman and a decision for life and you can do so in a gentle, loving, peaceful and law-abiding way. Saturday, March 14 from 9am to 4pm at The Pregnancy Center. Please email beth@thepregnancycenter.us to RSVP or for more information. 

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  ]