Welcome to TCFinTouch!
The e-newsletter of
Trail Christian Fellowship
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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
*Masks are required for indoor venues
*Please join the TCF family online if you are not feeling well
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Note the Following Service Time Changes Beginning Wednesday, May 26 & Sunday May 30 |
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Sundays at 9am in the Outdoor Sanctuary
Children and Youth Ministries Available
Service is Simulcast to the Indoor Worship Center
Service is Livestreamed on trail.org, YouTube, and Facebook
Wednesdays at 6:30pm in Baptismal Courtyard
Children and Youth Ministries Available
Service is Simulcast to the Indoor Fireside Room*
Service is Livestreamed on trail.org, YouTube, and Facebook
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Psalm 22
For the director of music. To the tune of “The Doe of the Morning.” A psalm of David.
1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me so far from my cries of anguish? 2 My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest. 3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises. 4 In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. 5 To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame. 6 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people. 7 All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads. 8 “He trusts in the Lord,” they say, “let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.” 9 Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast. 10 From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God. 11 Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. 12 Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. 13 Roaring lions that tear their prey, open their mouths wide against me. 14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me. 15 My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. 16 Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet. 17 All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me. 18 They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment. 19 But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me. 20 Deliver me from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs. 21 Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen. 22 I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you.
23 You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel! 24 For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help. 25 From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you I will fulfill my vows. 26 The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise him—may your hearts live forever! 27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, 28 for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations. 29 All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before him—those who cannot keep themselves alive. 30 Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord. 31 They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it!
Psalm 22 is one of the most recognized Psalms in the psalter. It’s reference in the Passion narrative of Jesus leads many Christians to treat the words of David as simply a messianic prophecy predicting Christ’s suffering. While it is tempting to see this Psalm as exclusively pointing to the Cross of Christ, it is better to first see and treat this psalm in its original context with David as the innocent sufferer. Later, Jesus and the New Testament authors apply this Psalm to the Crucifixion of Christ. Tremper Longman III in his fantastic commentary on the Psalms states, “The psalm is a prayer by an individual who feels abandoned by God in the midst of the vicious attacks of his enemies” (and who hasn’t felt like that?!?).
As you read Psalm 22, you should note the movement as it moves from a Psalm of Lament to a Psalm of Thanksgiving. The first 21 verses are clearly a lament as the psalmist cries out an agonized prayer, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent” (v.1-2). The Psalmist feels completely abandoned by God.
Not only does the Psalmist feel forsaken by God, but in verses 6-8 he verbalizes how he has been rejected by the people. He laments, “But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people. All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads: ‘He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.”’
After telling the reader how he has been abandoned by God and rejected by the people, the Psalmist then gives us a glimpse into his inner turmoil and we sense his personal anguish as he calls out, “a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing” (vv. 16b-18).
Despite the agony that the psalmist is feeling, and the sense of abandonment, he begins in verse 19 to faithfully petition the Lord to act on his behalf. He makes his request known by saying, “But you, O Lord, be not far off; O my strength, come quickly to help me. Deliver my life from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs. Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen” (vv. 19-21).
David’s tone then shifts from one of agonized prayer to ardent praise as he senses Yahweh has responded to his prayer for deliverance. In verses 22-31, David exclaims that he will declare the Lord’s name in His assembly and people from around the globe (all the nations!) and from every generation (including this one) will worship the Lord. David’s deep anguish has given way to deep and lasting joy! Amazing.
There are several striking elements of Psalm 22. Consider how honest David is with the Lord about his frustrations and feeling of forsakenness. Is it okay to complain to the Lord? David sure thought so! He truly lamented his situation without losing confidence in God’s goodness and sovereignty. Dan Allender has rightly stated, “The language of lament is oddly the shadow side of faith.” This is incredibly important for us to grasp as each of us will endure hardship and suffering in this age. Giving voice to lament is a way to cry out to God with brutal honesty about our pain, grief, and frustrations like David did, yet still cling to our faith in the Lord’s goodness and sovereignty. David teaches us that it is perfectly acceptable to bring our complaints and frustrations faithfully and honestly before the Lord. We need not stuff our feelings, or hide or ignore them in order to be faithful, for the truly faithful will bring them before the Lord while still trusting the Lord’s goodness and care on our behalf. Christians can and should readily lament the vicissitudes of life, while maintaining confidence in the Lord and anticipating the new age where sorrow and anguish will give way to permanent joy and worship (Rev. 22:1-6)!
The most striking element, however, is to feel the weight of the Lord’s sacrifice on our behalf. This is how all the New Testament authors saw Psalm 22. Jesus’s cry of dereliction comes straight from verse 1 (Matt. 27:46; Mark 15:34) The mockery and insults of verses 7, 8 are echoed at the cross (Matt. 27:39, 43; Mark 15:29; Luke 23:35,36). The thirst of verse 15 is fulfilled in John 19:28. The division of Jesus’s clothes and casting of lots for a garment is recorded in Matthew 27:35, Mark 15:24, Luke 23:34 and John 19:24. And then, the first verse of the second part of verse 22 is explicitly said by Hebrews 2:12 to be finally spoken by Jesus.
While David felt abandoned by God, it is Jesus who was truly abandoned by His Father for our sake.
Jesus goes to the Cross as our substitute, bearing our sin, paying our penalty, and fulfilling the Father’s plan of redemption (Acts 2:23-24). This is why the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (Italics added). Christians need to meditate upon Psalm 22 until they are moved to tears that the Lord Jesus suffers and dies alone, so that we, when we suffer, are not alone and when we die. We will never be abandoned, but instead welcomed home.
Truly, “He Has Done It!”
Pastor Travis
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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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Awana Awards Night
Wednesday, May 19
6:30pm Outdoor Pavilion
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Everyone is invited to Awana Awards Night! Come see the diligent Bible work the kids have done over the past nine months to receive these awards. Refreshments to follow.
*Bring your kids with you to the Pavilion; There is no nursery or child care*
Awana Awards Night is not livestreamed or simulcast to an indoor venue
Please note: This event preempts the usual Wednesday night Bible study, which resumes on Wednesday, May 26 at 6:30pm in the outdoor baptismal courtyard.
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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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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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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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Trail Teens for Truth Middle School Camp
For those entering 6th grade through 8th grade
July 5th - 9th
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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Trail Teens for Truth High School Camp
For those entering 9th grade through 12th grade
August 5th - 8th
EARLY SIGN UP
BY JULY 1 - $110 PER STUDENT
LATE SIGN UP
JULY 2 - 22 - $135 PER STUDENT
ALL PAYMENT AND REGISTRATION DUE BY JULY 22
Space is limited so register NOW!
Questions? Contact Rob Milton: 541.821.7261 or robert@trail.org
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Sunday, July 11
Thank you for being a part of Children’s Ministry!!!
See flyer for details.
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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 at aaron@trail.org
Debbie Conley 541.261.2605 or debbie@trail.org
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Dedication Ceremony
June 20, 2021
If you’d like to have your child dedicated, please read the Dedication brochure then register. The Dedication will be done at the outside venue in the Pavilion.
Dedication Questions: Pastor Travis Connick at travis@trail.org.
Scheduling Questions: Jacki at jacki@trail.org or 541-878-3501
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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
May 13, 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
May 13, 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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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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The Pregnancy Center
Baby Bottle Drive
Pick up a bottle at TCF, fill it with your donations (money and/or check) …then return it to the inside Information Counter in the Worship Center (not outside), the Church Office during business hours or at TPC (2019 Aero Way # 103, Medford, 97504) by Father’s Day, June 20. You may also make a donation at their webpage: https://thepregnancycenter.us/
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Redemption Ridge, a local non-profit dedicated to bringing hope and healing to young women devastated by the effects of commercial domestic sex trafficking, is in need of dedicated, caring women to fill our Care Specialist employee positions at Grace House. Other positions are also available. More information and a link to apply online can be found on our website under the "careers" tab: redemptionridge.org
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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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