Welcome to TCFinTouch!
The e-newsletter of
Trail Christian Fellowship
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Important Update (8/26/2021) |
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Sundays at 9am in the Outdoor Sanctuary
Children and Youth Ministries Available
Service is simulcast to the Indoor Worship Center
Livestreamed on trail.org, YouTube, and Facebook
Communion will be served Sunday, September 12
Wednesdays at 6:30pm in the Outdoor Pavilion
Children and Youth Ministries Available
Service is simulcast to the Indoor Fireside Room
Livestreamed on trail.org, YouTube, and Facebook
Communion will be served Wednesday, September 22
Please join the TCF family online if you are not feeling well
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Too Blessed To Be Stressed
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love, He predestined us for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has blessed us in the Beloved.”
Ephesians 1:3-6 ESV
One of Charles Swindoll's most famous quotes deals with the subject of attitude. “We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.” Powerful wisdom and insight for these troubled times, and it's helpful to encourage each other, keeping our eyes on Jesus and doing our best to represent Him well. (Pastor Travis just gave us this very same encouragement as he announced we would be meeting online this week.)
Pelican Bay State Prison is filled with a wide range of attitudes. It's a level-four, maximum security prison in Crescent City, and one weekend every month I have the privilege of leading worship there. Although the numbers change frequently, it houses roughly 3,500 prisoners, most of them serving life sentences. It's a dark, dangerous world of cement, devoid of color, cold and oppressive. Fierce gangs are always present, and violence lurks in the yard.
Inside the chapel, however, there's a tangible difference. Light and truth rule over darkness and lies, because the Holy Spirit's presence is powerful! You can see His work in the men's eyes. Joy and brotherhood replace bitterness and enmity. I only wish you could experience the supernatural worship that explodes within these gray walls on a Sunday morning . . . words fall short . . . One enduring image is etched into my memory. Watching these men stand reverently and sing Silent Night during the holiday season is seeing criminals transformed into choirboys!
A few years ago I was tuning up and getting ready for our worship set when I saw Zee sitting in his usual spot. Picture a black man in his early forties who looks like he could've been an NFL cornerback in his prime. He's probably been incarcerated for twenty years, and I'm pretty sure he's serving a life sentence, like the vast majority. When I asked him how he was doing, his casual reply was stunning. With swagger and full sincerity, he said, “I'm too blessed to be stressed, because I'm blessed by the best, and I'm praying for the rest!”
Here is a perfect picture of Kingdom Think. Zee clearly has his eyes on Jesus, instead of his dire circumstances, and just like Paul, he is joyful in all situations. I told him how encouraging his attitude is. Here's a man who's been locked up for a long time, probably facing the rest of his life in this dangerous place, and he is joyful and brimming with hope. I told him there are people walking around Medford right now, worrying about tomorrow, and they're way too stressed to even think about being blessed.
There are times when I come back home from these Pelican Bay weekends, walk into my quite comfortable home, and cry in shame because of my whining and wanting. This world presses in, trying to shape our attitudes with horror stories about Covid, wildfires, and fear, but just like Zee, we can either choose to be stressed or blessed. And in our heads, we all know verses like Philippians 4:6-8, but living them with complete trust can be challenging on a daily basis.
Can I encourage you, Christian friend, to do an attitude check and see where you are today? Blessed? Stressed? Hopeful? Fearful? Confident? Confused? Or all of these, depending on the day? Please read the opening passage from Ephesians again, out loud, maybe even daily. His mercies really are new every morning, and that's why we praise Him and try to represent Him well in a fallen world. Let our actions and attitudes reflect the reality that we truly are too blessed to be stressed, just like Zee, because we are blessed by the best, and we are called to pray for and encourage the rest!
Looking Forward,
Ken
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MyTCF Account
If you consider yourself a part of the TCF family, then stay connected with a MyTCF account! You can manage your contact information, easily register for events and give securely online. Members can view the directory.
Visit trail.org and click "MyTCF Login" from the top menu bar. Need a login? CLICK HERE then follow the instructions.
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TCF is installing a new campus-wide telephone system. Thank you for your patience as we work through the inevitable bugs, kinks, and hiccups. Any message will be returned as soon as possible! |
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TCF’s meals ministry is a very practical way to serve the body of Christ! By helping an individual or family in need of temporary support, and TCF has teamed up with Meal Train to make it easy. Visit https://www.mealtrain.com/groups/tcf for opportunities to reach out, connect, and provide for those in need.
For more about the Meal Train organization, click here.
Note: Meal Train is not just for meals! Help is also needed for transportation to church services, appointments, and errands for those who are unable to drive themselves. Drivers are needed sometimes using your vehicle, sometimes theirs.
For details, contact the Outreach Department 541.878.3501 // outreach@trail.org
CLICK HERE for TCF’s current opportunities to serve!
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Baptism
Moved to August 29, 2021
If you have yet to be baptized and you are ready to take this important step of faith, please listen to “The Obedience of Faith: Baptism“ mp3 by Pastor Rick, or pick up an audio CD from the Information Counter following any Sunday service. Following a brief conversation with a TCF Pastor, you may register for the next Baptism HERE.
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Children and Youth Ministry Fair
August 29, 2021
Visit a table to learn about TCF Children and Youth Ministries as well as other programs we offer, such as Awana, American Heritage Girls and Trail Life USA. This is a great time to register your child and check out the volunteer opportunities.
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Global Outreach Prayer
September 13, 2021
Meet in the TCF Adult Classroom at 6:30pm to pray for TCF supported partners and outreaches. Open to all. No childcare.
Questions? 541-878-3501 or outreach@trail.org
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GriefShare
Begins September 13, 2021
Grief Support and recovery: help and encouragement after a loved one's death. Each 13-week session is "self-contained" you won't have to attend in sequence. Topics include: Grief's Journey's, challenges, coping, heaven and more. Check out griefshare.org for details. Cost is $25. You're welcome to attend a group anytime before purchasing the workbook to see if it's a good fit, but please contact leaders Dave & Leslie Pfeifle (541)878-2363 before you attend.
For all dates and times, go to trail.org.
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Pastor Bill Gallagher will be interviewed on KDOV Wednesday, September 1 from 8 to 8:30am. If you or someone you know has lost a loved one or a friend, especially to covid, please listen, be encouraged, and learn how to get the help you need moving forward. |
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Dedication Ceremony
September 19, 2021
If you’d like to have your child dedicated, please read the Dedication brochure then register.
Dedication Questions: Pastor Travis Connick at travis@trail.org.
Scheduling Questions: Jacki at jacki@trail.org or 541.878.3501
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All Church Lunch and Fun
Moved to September 19, 2021
Plan to join us for an all-church lunch and lawn games for all. Head outside to the Pavilion and back lawn right after Service. No charge for lunch, donations welcome.
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Weekend to Remember Marriage Getaway
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 their relationship. Locations include: Portland OR, Sacramento CA (Nov. 19-21), Sunriver (March 4-6, 2022) and many more nationwide.
HALF PRICE sale until September 13.
After that date, our 'group name' provides a $100 discount.
(Meals and hotel costs not included.)
Register at www.weekendtoremember.com
Use ‘group name’ (TCFMarriageMinistry) for discount.
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Men's Prayer Gathering
Friday Mornings
6:30-7:30am
Friday, August 27 we will meet in the Outdoor Pavilion
Join for our traditional weekly time of nourishment in the Word, a preview of what's to come on Sunday morning, and devotional prayer time led by one of our Pastors or Elders.
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Women's Retreat
October 8-10
Save the date!
Kellogg Springs Camp & Conference Center (Oakland, OR
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"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established"
Proverbs 16:3
Like many of you, I am certain many of us are clinging to this promise. Isn’t it wonderful to trust our faithful Father who sees, hears and will lead us in paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake? At a time when circumstances seem so chaotic and uncertain, we can make our plans, but remain flexible, for our God to guide us and help us maneuver through the stresses of life. Why? Because He has our best interests and goodness at heart for the daughters of the King of Kings!!!
With that said, please pray for us as we are formulating plans for the Fall Women’s Bible Study as well as our Retreat. Plans are coming and as soon as we are able, we will let you all know. I can tell you that our plans are being established.
Thankful to serve our Lord and watch His work!
My love and prayers,
Cyndi Harrington
Women’s Ministry Director
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From hiking to swimming to biking, there's a lot to do this summer! Click the link below to view the Trail Teens for Truth summer activities...
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Do you have a talent that kids love?
The TCF Children’s Ministry is looking for members who can contribute their skills of puppetry, mime, music, storytelling, ballooning, clowning, or (fill in the blank). With only a modest commitment of a couple of Sundays per year, God can use you in big ways in the lives of our kids!
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We need you!
Awana volunteers make a difference because “Kids matter to God”
Each Wednesday night from 6 - 8pm, you could help a child learn scripture verses, be a Game Director, or help with check-In!
Kids need you to be part of their team 😊
Contact
Aaron Bradley at aaron@trail.org
Debbie Conley 541.261.2605 or debbie@trail.org
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AWANA
Awana begins September 8
6:15-8:30pm
Register now for kids 3 years through grade 6
Volunteers (adults and teens) for Awana are wanted. There will be a dinner/training and Q&A at TCF Wednesday 9/1 6-8pm for all involved or interested in Making Resilient Disciples out of our youth ages 3-12.
RSVP with Debbie Conley (541)261-2605/debbie@trail.org.
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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
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Tuesday, August 31 we will meet on the Courtyard.
A Christian 12 step program for those struggling with any addiction, abuse or other hurts, habits or hang-ups. We meet every Tuesday at 6:30pm.
You're welcome to come early at 6pm for a meal.
No nursery or child care program available at this time.
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Thank you for visiting TCFinTouch
the weekly e-newsletter of Trail Christian Fellowship
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Church Office Hours:
Tuesday-Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm
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