The Pastor’s Blog
August 29, 2019 Update
Missions Support Baked Goods Event
Sunday, September 8th, Between Services
This is the first of four annual bake events offered by our Friends Women group to help support the special global and local projects of the NWYM of Friends Women Organization.
Everence Webinar Tuesday, September 10th
The New Rules of Money – Navigate the new economy like a pro!
Everence will host this informative webinar Tuesday, September 10th at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. PST. Participants will learn about new resources to manage debt, about the impact of credit scoring, and how to avoid those ever-changing scams. For more information, or to register visit www.everence.com/national or contact Melissa Short at 800-348-7468 ext. 3392 or melissa.short@ everence.com.
David Thomas, Retired EFM Missionary to Rwanda
Sharing on Sunday, September 15th
David will be sharing during the worship hour and there will be a discussion, Q & A opportunity during the Sunday School hour for those interested in learning more from David and their experiences. During the 20 years he and his wife Debby ministered in Rwanda they were instrumental in the successful implementation of the Discipling for Development program. They retired from the Rwanda assignment in 2016. David now serves as a mentor to missionaries & national leaders, forging a ministry focused on planting wholistic disciple-making movements. He has felt God’s call to this new work, which capitalizes on his Rwandan and D for D experiences. David and family reside in Newberg, OR. Debby is on faculty at George Fox University. David is the son of long-time NWYM missionaries to South America, Hal & Nancy Thomas.
All Church Potluck – And Birthday Celebration Sunday, September 15th
We always have a great time of fellowship and good food! Please join us, we’ll meet in the fellowship hall at noon. Please bring your favorite potluck main dish and a salad or vegetable. It’s not necessary to bring a dessert as we will be celebrating Jack Hamilton’s 80th Birthday and cake will be provided!
Friends Women (Missionary) Fellowship
Ladies, reminder that our first meeting of the 2019-2020 program year is Thursday, September 19th at 10:30 a.m. at MFC, room to be determined. And before that remember our Back to School Baked Event is Sunday, September 8th.
Remember this year’s Fall Retreats
Idaho Women’s Retreat – September 13 -15, 2019 “Braver” with speaker Beth Banham
Twin Rocks Women’s Retreat – September 27- 29, 2019 “Beyond Fear” with speaker Beth Banham
Beth, born to missionary family in Ethiopia now pastors with her husband Dan at City’s Edge Community Church in Beaverton.
Men’s Retreat at Twin Rocks September 13-15 Speaker Jim LeShana & worship music led by Dan Banham.
Talent Friends Women Invite you to take advantage of their Fall Plant Sale at Talent Friends Church Saturday September 21st, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and their annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, November 2nd, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a soup & pie lunch beginning at 11 a.m.
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Seeking Peace
As we go into this fall we are experiencing the changes around us. School is starting back up, we have a change of rhythm, and the weather is beginning to shift. Seasonal changes can feel tumultuous. They are often times of stress and frustration, but they are also times of growth and opportunity. They can be a time for us to set some new goals and experience some new things or follow through on some things we have been meaning to!
One of the goals I have this fall is to spend some time in our community. I have started by spending Tuesday afternoons at the Starbucks near the church. Most of the time I just read. The last couple of weeks I have been sitting with a couple of older men in the comfy chairs in the corner of the building and we have had some really good conversation. Talking about the changes they are dealing with and how that has been a difficult thing. I am hoping that in our conversations the Lord is helping me function as an agent of peace in their lives. As you go about your life in this season how might God be inviting you to something new? What places do you need to seek peace for yourself and others?
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Hearts Bound Together
So Emily and I got married a few weeks ago! It was an amazing time of celebrating our new life together with family and friends. Thank you to everyone who came out to experience that day with us! We are blessed beyond measure by all of the support and care for us that has been shown in our time dating one another and now as we are joined together.
As we look at August it is a season of change. Time when people are looking towards school starting again for their little ones and the weather is at its hottest. We want to get out and do things but the smoke and the heat often keep us inside. Sometimes that drives people a little nuts. Cabin Fever can set in really quickly and we just want an escape from the feeling of being bound up in our houses. As this feeling starts to set in I want us to consider that it doesn’t just happen with our homes or in this season. We sometimes feel bound up in other places in our lives. We can feel that way at work or with our relationships. Anywhere we spend our time can begin to feel like this if we don’t watch for it. Church too can sometimes feel like a place where we are bound up. We might feel locked in or stuck in our relationship with God. We want to move. We want to grow, we want to explore, and we want to experience something new.
One beautiful thing about this feeling of being bound up is that when it comes to the church, we are. We are bound together in love. Christ has called each one of us to this community for a purpose. To work and grow together in the love of God for the glory of His name and in His Kingdom. As this feeling of cabin fever sets in, don’t run from it. Take time to ask why you might be feeling the way you are and ask if it is because Jesus has something more for you to experience. Ask Him what that experience is and how He wants you to pursue it. Are there others in your community that can help you seek it and grow towards it together? We are called to be working together to carry whatever burdens the Lord has placed on us. No matter where you are, if you are feeling bound up, we can help you grow and move towards the goal that God has in store for you. So, how can we help?
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August 01, 2019 Update
Landscaping Project Has Begun on the Corner of DeBarr Avenue and Merriman Road! Yes, this is Medford Friends Church’s front yard, be sure to check it out as it progresses. At this time working conditions are hot and smoky keep the Monkey Business workers in prayer.
Help us redo the kitchen! We are going to need some help demolishing the kitchen so we can start our remodel! We will begin Monday, August 5th. The work begins at 9:30 a.m. please bring work gloves and safety glasses. If you have a favorite demo tool bring that too!
MFC is Invited to Join Talent Friends for a fun time of Bowling at Roxy Ann Lanes! Mark your calendar Tuesday, August 6th. Meet them there at 10 a.m.
School Supply Drive Is Here Again
Many families in the local community cannot afford to provide school supplies for their children and we want to help. Below is a list of supplies that we are collecting to share with students in need at Howard Elementary. You will notice that some of the supplies are listed by their brand name and educators tell us that is because even though they may cost a little more, those brands provide better bang for the buck. A collection box for these supplies is in the main hallway.
On Saturday, August 31st, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Talent Friends & Medford Friends will meet for a BBQ picnic at the pavilion at Bear Creek Park. BBQ to be 11 to 1. Please bring picnic potluck side dishes & desserts. Bring lawn chairs or blanket etc. We are looking forward to gathering together for a great time of fellowship.
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