Welcome to TCFinTouch!
The e-newsletter of
Trail Christian Fellowship
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Service Times
Sundays at 9am and 11am in the Outdoor Pavilion
- Children and Youth Ministries Available at both Services
- Services are Simulcast to the Indoor Worship Center*
- Services are Livestreamed on trail.org, YouTube, and Facebook
Wednesdays at 6:30pm in the Outdoor Pavilion
- Awana, Children and Youth Ministries Available
- Service is Simulcast to the Indoor Fireside Room*
- Service is Livestreamed on trail.org, YouTube, and Facebook
- Communion is offered on Wednesday, April 28th
*Masks are required for indoor venues
*Please join the TCF family online if you are not feeling well
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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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God Devises
“Certainly we must die, and are like water spilled on the ground that cannot be gathered up again. But God does not take away life; instead he devises ways for the banished to be restored.”
2 Samuel 14:14
Well, that is a verse that doesn’t show up in your promise box. The first half of the verse is matter of fact; we must die, and that genie cannot be put back in the bottle. It does not sound very hopeful or encouraging upon first reading. But the second half of the verse stands in contrast to the first. Perhaps unwittingly the speaker provides an abbreviated synopsis of the narrative revealed to us in scripture. The fact that we are all destined for death, but God…
In the text, King David’s nephew Joab sent for a wise woman from Tekoa to come present a story before the King in an attempt to bring restoration to the King’s family. The King’s son Absalom had been in exile for three years having murdered his brother Amnon. With Amnon dead, Absalom was the next in line for the throne. Having the presumed heir in exile was not a healthy situation for the nation. This woman that Joab recruits is a skilled orator and influencer. She relates a story of her two sons in a field who begin to quarrel and, as there is no one to intercede, one kills the other. Knowing the Pentateuch, this story should sound familiar to King David who would have certainly recognized the similarities with the story of Cain and Abel from Genesis 4. This is exactly why Joab put these words into the mouth of the woman from Tekoa.
Cain deserved death for killing his brother Abel, but God did not immediately require Cain’s life. In fact, scripture tells us that God put a mark of protection on Cain even though he was exiled from God’s presence. Joab’s desire is to influence David toward a similar end regarding Absalom. Through this story, Joab reminds David that God is gracious and “does not take away life, but instead, devises a way for the banished to be restored.” David is moved by the story and allows Absalom’s return. Reading the rest of the account of David and Absalom, not everything turns out as nicely as Joab hoped, primarily due to Absalom’s character and hidden motives. Nevertheless, David’s actions toward his son are gracious and moving toward reconciliation, reminding us of God’s character.
God revealed his character to Moses in Exodus 34:6 “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin,” the problem here is the comma followed by “but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation.”
Cain deserved death for killing Abel, Moses deserved death for killing an Egyptian, David deserved death for killing Uriah, Absalom deserved death for killing Amnon, Joab deserved death for killing Abner, you and I deserve death for (fill in the blank). We have all fallen short of God’s standard and “Certainly we must die and are like water spilled on the ground that cannot be gathered up again. But God…” in his great love and mercy has no desire to take life. Instead, He devised a way to set the captives free, to restore a right heart within us, to make a way of restoration, “devising a way for the banished to be restored.” He has provided his son as the needed intercessor, bringing peace between brothers, and restoring our relationship to Himself. And not by merely forgetting our guilt, but by paying for our guilt. By placing the blame upon Jesus and punishing Him for our sin in order to give us His righteousness - His rightness with God the Father.
What a wonderful truth concealed in a simple verse in the middle of an ancient document.
Pastor Kelly
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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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Men's Prayer Gathering
Friday Mornings
6:30-7:30am
Join us in the outdoor Pavilion 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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Middle School Camp
For those entering 6th grade through 8th grade
July 5th - 9th @ Trail Christian Fellowship
Enjoy tubing at Lost Creek, rafting on the Rogue, campfires, tent camping, great food, adventure, as well as worship and the Word!
Cost is $99 per person // Register HERE
Space is limited so register NOW!
Questions? Contact Rob Milton: 541.821.7261 or robert@trail.org
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Race Day is Sunday, May 2
Trail Christian Fellowship Worship Center
Age Brackets include:
- Cubbies(3-4 yr olds)
- Sparkies (K-2nd)
- T&T (3rd-6th)
- Teens/Adult (7th grade & up)
Build a Car is Saturday, April 24
9:00am - 12:00pm in the Youth Center
Final Car Check is Saturday, May 1
9:00am - 12:00pm in the Worship Center
Cars *must* be weighed and checked between April 24th and May 1st
NO ENTRIES ON RACE DAY!
Reminder: New car kits must be purchased for this event. Previous entries cannot race. Cars kits are available for sale in the Youth Center through Saturday, April 24.
To sign up or for more information contact Aaron Bradley:
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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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Wednesdays through May 26, 2021
6:30pm - 8:00pm
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 and schedule. 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.
Awana registration is at capacity and is now closed.
If your child is currently enrolled, please check the schedule for theme nights.
Debbie Conley: 541.261.2605
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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 541.538.9601 or 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
Thursday, April 29, 6:30 - 8:00pm 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
Thursday, April 29, 6:30 - 8:00pm 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 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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WE NEED YOU!
Bottle Drop Blue Bag Drive
Trail Christian Fellowship
May 2 - June 6
American Heritage Girls OR4519 is seeking your help in collecting cans to purchase class B uniforms. These uniforms are worn during service projects, camping trips. and various other events where the official uniform is inappropriate. And additional funds will go toward special events.
Pick up your blue bags or drop off your filled bags at the TCF Youth Center
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Celebrate Recovery
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 (masks required).
You're welcome to come early at 6pm.
No nursery or child care program available at this time.
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Monday, May 3, 2021 // 6:30pm // Fireside Room
*Join together to pray for TCF supported partners and outreaches*
Open to all
(No childcare provided)
Contact: 541.878.3501 // outreach@trail.org
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Join us for two upcoming Go Partner update Luncheons
Following each service, our ministry partners will share and field questions in the Fireside Room. A light lunch is served following the 11:00am service.
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April 25 - Micah and Victoria // Preparing to serve in North Africa
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May 5 - Zack // Currently serving in North Africa
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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 meals for those in need.
For more about the Meal Train organization, click here.
CLICK HERE for TCF’s current opportunities to serve!
For more information, contact Lindsay Blanchard:
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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 9:00am - 5:00pm
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