Welcome to TCFinTouch!
The e-newsletter of
Trail Christian Fellowship
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Service Times:
Sundays at 9am and 11am in the Outdoor Sanctuary
Children and Youth Ministries Available at Both Services
11am Service will be Projected to the Indoor Worship Center (Masks Required)
Wednesdays at 6:30pm in the Outdoor Pavilion
Children and Youth Ministries Available
Join the TCF family from wherever you're at!
Sunday 9am Service Available Online by 1pm the same Sunday
Wednesday 6:30pm Service Available Online by 10am the following Thursday
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Navigation
And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. (Acts 16:6-10 ESV)
I like plans. They give me a sense of control, a feeling of emotional security. And plans are perfectly biblical, very spiritual and godly…as long as we hold them somewhat loosely (see Jas.4:13-16).
Take Luke’s travel log from Acts 16:6-10. Paul and his companions were on a mission and they thought they knew the next phases of it. They were seeking to do what the Lord had called them to do, preach the gospel in these unreached areas. But no, while they were underway the Spirit changed their plans—twice! (It makes me wonder how many other times this sort of thing happened.) They thought the next logical step in their work was an outreach to Phrygia and Galatia, but the Lord had other plans. So, they tried Bithynia, but again the Spirit closed the door somehow. What gives here? If I’m Paul, I’m getting frustrated, or at least my plans are. Did Paul wring his hands, fearful that he had offended the Lord or missed a cue somewhere along the line? Apparently not.
Don’t you wish the Lord would give a chart with marks and directions on it, so we can see where we are going, like the visual directions in Google Maps? But he doesn’t. He often presents us with unforeseen circumstances and then works with us to guide in new ways of accomplishing his will. Note a couple of things here.
First, the Spirit clearly had a plan. He just didn’t tell Paul everything about it ahead of time. There is no sense in which the Lord is making this up as he goes. Yet, Paul’s experience of the mission must have felt a bit that way. His general purpose remained stable (reach the unreached), but the details of when and how seemed to be open to change. And Paul didn’t seem to question whether he was in God’s will. He wasn’t wringing his hands with spiritual anxiety just because doors closed and his plans didn’t work out. He was radically committed to his mission, but did not see himself as ultimately in charge of it.
Second, Paul’s group needed what we might call “navigational skill” more than they needed “strategy” in this case. Paul wasn’t strategizing. He was navigating the circumstances that the Lord was orchestrating. What a difference in perspective. Navigation is not the same as planning (nothing wrong with planning, remember). Navigation is responding faithfully to the unforeseen bends in the river in front of you. If you’re in a drift boat, your job is not to straighten out the river and smooth out the rough places. It is to simply get through the white water and avoid the big rocks. You don’t control the river, you respond to it with skill. The Spirit-led Christian life is a lot like this.
Whatever our situation, the Lord is with us (Matt.28:20; Rom.8:35). He doesn’t expect us to fix everything, let alone understand everything. But by the Spirit we can navigate our situation with obedience and trust. We can do today what is right in the Lord’s eyes with regard to the people and circumstances that confront us. Sometimes we can plan, and we should if possible, but panic over useless or lost maps is not needed. Sometimes we just need to go with the flow, navigate the phase we’re in and trust that the Lord will show us what to do next, in time to do it.
Just a Thought,
Pastor Rick
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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.
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.
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Register to Vote
Last chance to register or update is Tuesday, October 13, 2020.
Don’t miss your opportunity to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2020.
Jackson County Elections: 541.774.6148
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Voter's Guides
You can sign up to order a Voter’s Guide (mail or email) from the Oregon Family Council at their web page oregonfamilycouncil.org.
Questions? (503) 257-0444
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Citizen Alert
For residents of Jackson and Josephine Oregon Counties
Receive alerts about emergencies and other important community news by signing up for Citizen Alert!
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If you are a homeowner and need help, or if you want to volunteer...
Please join the disaster relief efforts of Samaritan's Purse
Contact Samaritan's Purse if you are:
In need of assistance (541) 690-9259
Desiring to volunteer in the crucial weeks/months to come (458) 658-4548
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GriefShare
Begins Monday, September 28
This is a 13-week series on grief recovery that occurs Monday evenings from 6:30 - 8:30pm starting September 28. 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
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Global Outreach Prayer
Monday, October 5
6:30-9pm
Join us in the Baptismal Courtyard to pray for TCF supported partners and outreaches.
Open to all, no child care.
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Divorce Recovery Workshop
October 15-17
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Baptism
Sunday, October 4
If you're ready to take this important step of faith, please listen to “The Obedience of Faith: Baptism" at the link below, or request a CD. After a brief conversation with a TCF Pastor,
you may register.
To speak with a Pastor, call the Church Office at 541.878.3501
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Basic CPR/First Aid Class Hybrid-style
Thursday, October 15
6:30-7:30pm
TCF Pavilion
Basic CPR/First Aid - Covid style - is offered for TCF Volunteers at a reduced rate. If you volunteer at TCF we encourage you to take this class. You'll need to complete online book work before you arrive, then 1-hour of hands on practical work at TCF and receive your card. $25 fee. You must register by September 30. Space is limited. This class is not intended to satisfy requirements for medical professionals.
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Child and Baby Dedication Ceremony
Sunday, November 15
If you would like to have your child dedicated, please read the Dedication brochure HERE. Register at trail.org (space is limited, deadline is when all spaces are full or November 1).
Questions about scheduling?
Contact Jacki: 541.878.3501 or jacki@trail.org
Questions of a spiritual nature concerning child dedication?
Contact Pastor Travis Connick: 541.878.3501 or travis@trail.org
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Men's Outdoor Prayer Breakfast
Men are invited to join us for a free breakfast and devotional prayer time led by TCF Pastors or Elders. Donations gratefully accepted.
NOTE: We are currently meeting in the outdoor Pavilion.
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Fall Women's Bible Study
(Home, phone or zoom)
Instead of our traditional weekly meetings at TCF, we’re offering small home or zoom groups or phone meetings. You can even meet with ladies in your neighborhood!
“Psalms, Life Change Bible Study” by Navigators, is a 10 week study for new believers or seasoned Christians. Broaden and deepen your understanding and experience of prayer by looking at the prayers of our spiritual ancestors in the Psalms. This study can be done any day or time throughout the Fall that suites you and your group. If you were in a study group last semester, contact your group leader to see if they have a book for you or order the book HERE.
cyndi@trail.org / 541.878.3501
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AWANA begins October 7
Wednesdays, October 7, 2020 - May 26, 2021
6:30-8pm
A club with a goal to reach boys and girls with the Gospel of Christ and train them to serve Him. At TCF it's designed for kids 4 years up to 5th grade. Check schedule for theme nights and breaks. Visit trail.org to download a Parent Letter, the schedule and to register. There is a suggested donation to cover costs of materials but it's not mandatory to participate.
Nursery and Children's Program for 0-3 years old.
Debbie Conley: 541.261.2605
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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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Trail Life USA
Begins Thursday, September 24 from 6:30-8pm at TCF
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 twice a month on Thursdays 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
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American Heritage Girls
Begins Thursday, September 24 from 6:30-8pm at TCF
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 twice a month on Thursdays from 6:30-8pm during the school year.
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For Trail Christian Fellowship Troop information and to confirm meeting times, please call call Karrie Hovis at 541.951.3135 or email ahgroguevalley@yahoo.com.
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For more details about the American Heritage Girls organization, click HERE.
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Celebrate Recovery
A Christian 12 step program for those struggling with addiction, abuse or other hurts, habits or hang-ups. We meet in the Courtyard every Tuesday at 6:30pm. Come at 6pm and bring your own food if you'd like to share a meal with us.
No nursery or child care program available at this time.
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The 2020 Golf Challenge features a four-person scramble with 7:15 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. shotguns and banquet seating at 6:30pm. Be a part of a long tradition while helping thousands of kids throughout the Rogue Valley. Youth 71Five Ministries is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit Christ-Centered organization supported through the generosity of individuals, foundations and businesses like you.
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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.
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