November 7, 2019
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, November 10
Come worship with us this Sunday at 10am. Pastor Rick Booye will continue our study through Philippians. Children's and Youth ministries meet at the same
time in their respective locations.
Wednesday, November 13
Join us in the Fireside Room next Wednesday
night. Pastor Travis Connick will continue our study through Nehemiah . 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
Dakota Lacombe (Middle School): 541.951.1100
Nate Bailey (High School): 541.951.6952
Recent Teachings
Sunday, November 3
Pastor Rick Booye
If you missed a service, or live out of our area, we invite you to listen to our recent teachings from Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights by clicking the link below.
From Our Pastors
Thankful for What?

“In everything give thanks for this is Gods will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18

It happened in Ravensbruck Concentration Camp. The two Dutch sisters (Corrie and Betsie Ten Boom) had been arrested by the Nazis for hiding Jews above their father’s clock shop in their Holland village home.

The women in the cell along with tattered incarcerated Jewish men, all wearing black and white striped pajamas, were crammed roughly 40 persons into a cell designed for about 15 inmates.

The dampened floor, musty rags and bedding were infested with fleas. Cold steel bunk-beds were shared by several inmates at a time. One morning most of the girls huddled around one of the bottom bunks to quietly listen to the scriptures read from their small new testament that Corrie was providentially able to sneak into the prison.

The passage that particular uncomfortable morning was “In everything give thanks for this is God’s will for you in Christs Jesus” (1Thess. 5: 18).

Betsie was encouraging the flea bitten women to be thankful to God in spite of the fleas, at which time her sister Corrie angrily protested and said something to the effect of “I refuse to be thankful to God about the fleas”.

Her sister tried to kindly reason with her that since God was in control of everything, even the fleas, they could at least thank Him in their circumstances and trust that He could work through even this. Corrie stubbornly refused. She felt that this particular passage had crossed the line of what was fair, reasonable, and/or even allowed by God.

Pause: Are there any passages God has laid on your heart that you feel are crossing the line of common sense and what’s reasonable or even remotely fair?

Are you feeling angry at God for circumstances He has clearly allowed and not done anything about? If so, hold that thought and fast forward days later in the lives of these Jewish women when a couple them were causing a lot of commotion fighting over a pair of socks.

Two stern faced German Guards rushed to the cell to see what was going on. When the less experienced guard went to enter, the older guard grabbed his arm and said don’t go in this cell, THERE ARE FLEAS!!!

Instantly Corrie understood that because there were fleas, the guards would not enter the cell, which enabled them to gather around the scriptures each morning and listen to words of hope and life in a place of stench, death and darkness.

If you will allow me to offer my opinion for a moment, I think Corrie misunderstood not only what her sister said, but more important what God’s Word meant. Corrie felt that she was to be thankful for their inhumane condition and the fleas, thus her protest.

However, the passage doesn’t say “be thankful for everything for this is God’s will” but "be thankful in everything for this is God’s will"…

The Lord doesn’t want us to be thankful for sin, abuse, hate or insane cruelty, but He does want us to be thankful in all circumstances, because He is with us, in complete control and “will cause all things to work out for good to them who Love God and are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28-29).

What about you and me? Are we resisting a grateful attitude and a thankful heart because “there is no way God would allow this perplexing situation in my life”?

If anything, do we feel at times that God’s hands are tied and we are stuck in unpleasant circumstances?

If so, maybe we can look at our circumstances from a different perspective like Corrie learned that day in the cell.

If we are being asked to be thankful for things that smell of confusion and harm, we will struggle. But if we are being commanded to have grateful hearts in all circumstances because the Lord is with us and working in those situations for our good and His glory, we CAN do that!

You might say “Thankful for What?” The Scripture says… “Be Thankful in everything, for it is God’s Will according to Christ Jesus.”

Have a blessed, thankful, and grateful heart this Thanksgiving!!!

Pastor Bill Gallagher
Take Note!
MyTCF will be down for maintenance tonight (Thursday, Nov. 7) from about 7-11pm. During this time you will not be able to log-in to your account or register for events.
The new streamlined trail.org website is live! Come see what's new, and check out the fantastic new sermon audio player with an easy-to-use interface and comprehensive search functions. If anyone is having trouble on the new site, hit CTRL+F5 to refresh your browser. It's a good idea to re-save trail.org bookmarks, too...

For assistance, contact our Church Office: 541.878.3501 or info@trail.org
Upcoming
Reminder! Bring items for Awana kids to pack to TCF on or before this Sunday, November 10th.  Suggested gift lists are in the flyer below.
Debbie: 541.878.3501 or debbie@trail.org
GriefShare
Monday, November 11

A series on grief recovery that occurs Monday evenings, 6:30-8:30pm until December 2. Topics include: grief's journeys, challenges, coping, heaven and more. No child care and cost is $25. You're welcome to attend a class before paying to see if it's a good fit for you, but please register first.

Leaders: Dave & Leslie Pfeifle: 541.878.2363 or griefshare@trail.org
Weekend to Remember Marriage Getaway
November 22-24

The difference between a good marriage and a great one is hard work. FamilyLife’s Marriage Getaway offers couples biblical wisdom and a safe environment to work on marriage relationships.

Locations include: Portland, OR and Sacramento, CA (Nov. 22-24) but there are sites around the country.

Register at www.weekendtoremember.com. Use ‘group name’ (TCFMarriageMinistry) for a $100 discount on the conference, hotel cost is separate.

Ben and Theresa Wewerka: 541.826.7489
Friendsgiving
Saturday, November 23

Join us in the Fireside Room for games, dinner and fellowship! Games from 4-6pm (bring board and card games) and potluck from 6-8pm. All ages welcome!
Baptism
Sunday, November 24 at 12pm

Trail Christian Fellowship hosts several Baptisms each year. The next one is Sunday, November 24th. 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
Christmas Celebration with The River
A concert with a Celtic flare for the whole family
 
Join us on Saturday, December 7 at 6:30pm in the Worship Center to celebrate the coming of our Lord Jesus featuring the music of The River and a special Christmas devotional from Pastor Travis. This evening is for the entire family and our community, so invite your friends and neighbors! There is no charge for the event, but a love offering will be gratefully received.
 
Church Office 541.878.3501
Happy 40th Birthday TCF!

Join us on Sunday, January 5 at 10am as we celebrate 40 years of the Lord’s faithfulness to Trail Christian Fellowship.
Meals, Transportation and Visitation Volunteers Needed
Help for those in our congregation is needed in all these ministries.
Please contact the Church Office or speak with Pastor Kelly for details.
541.878.3501
Box Tops for Education

Drop off unexpired labels at the Willingheart Window anytime. TCF labels help towards school supplies for Navajo Mission Students in Farmington, NM. Check out Boxtops4education.com for a list of participating products. Thank you for your support!
Men's Ministry
Women's Ministry
Mom's Group
Tuesday, November 12

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 brochure at the Information Counter or 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. Contact Cyndi for details.
Single Ladies' Dinner
Monday, November 25

Single ladies of all ages are invited to join us for a home-cooked meal the last Monday of every month from 6-7:30pm in the Fireside Room. We enjoy great food, fellowship, and an occasional guest speaker. Please sign up at the information counter on Sunday and indicate any child care needs. If you don't attend TCF, you are welcome! Call the Church Office to sign up! 541.878.3501.

Cyndi Harrington: 541.826.9415 or cyndi@trail.org
Children's Ministry
Children and Youth Ministry Volunteer Meeting
 
This is a mandatory meeting for anyone currently volunteering with ages 0-High School, as well as those interested in doing so.
 
Choose either:
  • Monday, Jan 6th, 6:30-8:30pm
  • Saturday, Jan 11th, 9-11am
 
Volunteers  must  attend one meeting. Find out what is new, what is expected, and gain some valuable tools while interacting with like minded volunteers. Snacks provided. Child care is available with advanced sign-up. Space is limited, so sign up now!
 
Debbie Conley: 541.261.2605 or  debbie@trail.org
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 3yrs 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 heart, 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 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 tonight 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 tonight 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 541.821.0459 or send an email to  celebraterecovery@trail.org . You can also keep up with Celebrate Recovery on our  Facebook  page.
Area Events
Pacific Bible College

Spring semester begins January 6. Registration is now open!
Eagle Point Access Food Pantry

Reminder for those who volunteer at St. John's Church:
Monday, November 11  is TCF’s turn. Thank you for helping!
Pastor Kelly: 541.878.3501 or kelly@trail.org
The Pregnancy Center will be offering a very important training opportunity for individuals who would like to volunteer with us to peacefully and effectively help women and men choose life at our local abortion facilities. This is a peaceful, prayerful, law-abiding sidewalk advocacy program that will instruct volunteers how to reach a woman’s heart and redirect her to the Mobile Medical Unit and the services that help her confidently choose life.
 
The training includes a comprehensive 4 hour training seminar, access to a 20 video advanced training series and much more. Training will be held at THE Pregnancy Center on Saturday, November 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Interested individuals are asked to please RSVP to 541.772.1921 by Thursday, November 14 at 4 p.m.
 
Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Flyer below.
Green Bag Day
Seasonal foods are appreciated (stuffing, pie mixes, canned yams, canned and dried fruit, etc.)!
Bring your bag to the food pantry box in the foyer near the Information Counter on or before  Sunday, December 8 . Outreach@trail.org
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 .
Jackson County Good News Club
Impacting the Community for Christ
As the children return to school, we are putting together teams to share the Good News of Jesus’ love in the public schools. If you have a few hours, 1 day a week during the school year, Child Evangelism Fellowship can use you. Whether you have a passion for teaching, listening to memory verses, or just love kids and can help set up and walk the kids to club, we need you on a Good News Club team in Jackson County. Contact the Jackson County CEF office at 541.500.8880 or

Pacific Bible College is looking for a Math teacher and a Spanish teacher.
541.776.9942
Last chance to register is Noon on Friday November 29
 
 You are invited to an evening of amazing redemption stories, lovely music, fun raffles, and a delicious buffet dinner. Christmas at the Ridge Dinner Extravaganza will inspire, encourage and move you.
 
Come hear powerful testimonies of the transformational healing taking place in the lives of young survivors of sex trafficking as they experience hope and restoration.
 
Redemption Ridge Executive Director Kirsten Arreguin will share the incredible successes during the last year, as well as update our supporters with developments they can expect to see in the future.
 
Please join us for a magical evening celebrating the real-life miracles our girls have experienced at Grace House.
 
Tuesday, December 3rd
5:30 - 8:00 P.M.
Grand Valley Ballroom
Rogue Valley Country Club
2660 Hillcrest Rd
Medford, OR 97504
 
To make your reservation visit
Seating is limited  
Connecting with the Community
Senior and Disability Services

Jackson and Josephine Counties' governmental agency on aging (Senior and Disability Services), would appreciate your assistance to better understand what services are needed to ensure that those facing aging or disability issues – or those who are caring for someone facing these issues – are able to live where they want as independently as possible. 
The survey should only take about 10 minutes of your time to complete. No identifying information is being collected and your responses are confidential. We would greatly appreciate your responses. 
 
To take the survey online:  www.surveymonkey.com/r/SeniorNeeds2019

If you have any questions regarding the survey, or to request a paper copy of the survey along with a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope, please contact:

Berta Varble
Senior and Disability Services
Rogue Valley Council of Governments
155 N. 1 st Street
P. O. Box 3275
Central Point, OR 97502
541.423.1384
 
Thank you for your help so we can better serve you and our community.
Attention all homeowners with wells:

We received a friendly reminder from Susan Baker to test annually for nitrate and
quarterly for coliform. If you have any questions please contact Susan.

Susan Baker, REHS
Drinking Water Program Coordinator
Jackson County - Environmental Public Health
140 S. Holly St., Medford Oregon 97501
Office: 541.774.7843
bakerse@jacksoncounty.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  ]