Changing Lives
I just recently got back from a short-term mission trip to Mexico. We build a home for a single mother and her three children. It was an amazing week of working with great people and helping the Lord change this family’s world for the better. Spending time playing and building with the family was so worth it. Knowing that they have a safe place and a solid roof over their heads is a comfort. As much as building the home changed their lives it changed ours as well. We came to recognize how blessed we are and what opportunities we have been given. We give back because of all that Jesus has done for us and in so doing help to magnify His name and Kingdom in our world. Because Jesus has changed our lives, we work to help Him do that in other’s lives. It is Jesus that inspires and enables us to do these things. When we allow Jesus to change out lives we end up moving more and more closely towards the heart of God for those around us. Why is this? Because our will and being begin to reflect that of Jesus.
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Friends Women (Missionary) Fellowship will meet at MFC on Thursday, October 17th at 10:30 a.m. Lunch will follow the meeting. All women are welcome.
ALL CHURCH WORKDAY AT MFC
Everyone is invited to join us Saturday, October 19th, 9 a.m. to Noon Our Stewards will have a job list soon! Many hands will make the work load lighter.
MFC Celebrating 77 Years – Sunday, October 20th
All Church Potluck
Please join us for a time of celebration, fellowship and good food! We’ll meet in the fellowship hall following the Sunday School & Bible Study hour. Please bring your favorite potluck main dish and a salad or vegetable to share. Dessert will be provided.
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October
“As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” – John 9:1-5
This passage from John is the beginning of a story that takes a whole chapter. Jesus runs into a man who was blind from birth and is asked a question by his disciples. Jesus’ response is one that speaks to purpose for our suffering and the suffering of those around us, so that God’s work can be shown in us. Christ encourages his disciples to do the work to which they are called while they can. This month as we move into John 9 this month please be thinking about the ways that God has called you to work in the world. What people are you passing by? How might you offer light to those in darkness? What areas of your own life need to have Jesus’ healing touch?
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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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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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Evan Hayes is attending Boys Camp at Twin Rocks July 1-5 and Payshens Cichy will attend Girls Camp at Twin Rocks July 6-10.
Please remember to pray that they would have an unforgettable experience learning more about God and His great love for them. Also pray for camp staff and for safe travel for our drivers. You may go to www.twinrocks.org for photos posted during the week of camp.
Surfside Camp August 4-10 for youth completing 8th – 12th grades, cost $395 if registered before July 17.
Register youth on line at www.twinrocks.org, print your confirmation of registration form and bring it to the church office for the auction scholarship. (We reimburse you the scholarship amount by check.)
Sounds like Fun! Hope to See You There! We have been invited to join Talent Friends on Saturday evening, July 6th from 6 to 8 p.m. for anIce Cream Social and Game night.
William Anderson is working on his Eagle Scout project. The project is a portable wall ball wall to be used for DHS supervised visits for children in foster care to play with their parents. Many kids have requested a way to play wall ball with their parents during this time. William would appreciate any donations to purchase supplies for this project. Please memo your donation Eagle Scout project and place it in the offering on Sunday. Thank you.
Friends Women Fellowship Our annual potluck meeting to conclude the program year is Thursday, July 18th on Billie Taylor’s patio! A special invitation to all women whose schedules are free to join us. Lunch set up will be at 11:45 a.m. (regular members will have a shortened meeting for business at the usual 10:30 start time.
Box Tops for Education If you have box tops to be passed on to FWF please turn them in by Sunday, July 14th, so they can be included in this year’s final tally. Thank you!
Pastor Jesse will be out of the office July 13th to the 27th. If there is a pastoral need please contact one of our Elders. A contact list of MFC’s Elders can be found on the usher’s table in the foyer.
Yearly Meeting Annual Sessions – July 21-24, 2019
“Fresh Vision”
Held on campus at George Fox University
Brockie Follette is a
Certified “Growing Young” Presenter for the Fuller Youth Institute, with a
special focus on the Friends Church. She serves as the Director of Kaleo
Academy (the National Friends Youth Training experience) held at Barclay
College, where she also leads students as the college Chaplain. Brockie
will be featured as a workshop speaker each morning and as a guest in one of
the evening sessions.
Jim Le Shana, Superintendent of Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends Church is
a graduate of George Fox University, Jim shared here earlier this month at our
area meeting. He is convinced that the best days for the Friends Church are
still ahead, but that many of us today may need a “fresh vision” – to see
ourselves, the world, the needs, and the opportunities around us with greater
hope and clarity from God’s perspective. Jim will serve as our primary
speaker in the evening sessions.
Online 2019 Annual Sessions Registration – There is much more information at the Yearly Meeting website and you can register there as well, they highly encourage pre-registration for attending YM Sessions.
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June 2nd is Promotion Sunday! We are recognizing those who are changing departments. Congratulations to Payshens Cichy going into 6th grade, Leo Crossett going into 7th grade, Chyna Crossett and Skylar DuLong, both going into 9th grade. William Anderson graduated from North Medford on June 1st, he will continue his education at George Fox University in the fall. Following worship there will be a time of fellowship with refreshments to celebrate the occasion!
Southern Oregon Area Meeting.
We invite all who are interested in the health and growth of their local church and our yearly meeting to join us at the Southern Oregon Area Meeting which will take place at Medford Friends on Wednesday, June 5th at 6 p.m. The area gatherings
are planned to be both inspirational and informational. Part of the
meeting will be a “meet the Superintendent” time and Jim Le Shana
will share some vision for Northwest Yearly Meeting and our churches. The
clerks will provide information on task force work, and there will be some
final time for questions and answers.
Please join us to celebrate Emily Brewster with a Bridal Shower on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at 3 p.m. at MFC Fellowship Hall. All Ladies Welcome. Emily is registered at Target, Amazon.com and Myregistry.com
FWMF Delectable Delicacies for Dad’s Day – Sunday, June 16th, you can find us in the fellowship hall between Worship & Sunday School. There will be sweet and not so sweet treats. Cost by donation. Funds go towards support of NWYM Friends Serving Abroad and local outreach ministries.
Friends Women Fellowship The ladies will meet Thursday, June 20th, at 10:30 a.m. in the fireside room at MFC. All ladies are welcome. Lunch will follow the meeting.
Movie on the Patio Join the Hamilton’s for a fun time, they will be showing the movie “Snow Dogs” at their place on June 22nd at dusk, about 8:30 p.m. There will be popcorn & punch served. Please bring your lawn chair, no lounge chairs please! See your Sunday bulletin for more information.
Elders Project – Now through June 23rd – “Fill the Van for Summer Fun” The toy drive MFC is holding to support foster children in our community is looking good! We have until June 23rd to accept donations of indoor & outdoor toys, games, activities for children age 0-17 years. These will be given to foster families during the long, hot & sometimes smoky summer to keep their children active & entertained. Please leave you donations in the designated area on the platform in the front of the sanctuary. Our goal is to fill the church van!
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Camp Auction that raises funds for our kids to earn scholarships toward 2019 camps at Twin Rocks. Register youth on line at www.twinrocks.org, print your confirmation of registration form and bring it to the church office for the auction scholarship. (We reimburse you the scholarship amount by check.)
Drivers needed to camp and drivers home from camp for the following camps at Twin Rocks: Girls Camp 7/6 & 7/10 and Tween Camp 7/15 & 7/20 – Contact Jesse Davis if you have questions or are interested in volunteering.
Boys Camp July 1-5 for boys entering 4th – 6th grades, camp cost $365 if registered before June 13.
Girls Camp July 6-10 for girls entering 4th – 6th grades, camp cost $365 if registered before June 18.
Tween Camp July 15-20 for youth entering 7th – 9th grades, cost $380 if registered before June 27.
Surfside Camp August 4-10 for youth completing 8th – 12th grades, cost $395 if registered before July 17.
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Summer Time!
As we head into this season many of us find ourselves very busy! We have school finishing up, we are looking into trips and visits, we are worrying about when Fire Season will start, and we are trying to get outside to enjoy some sunshine and clean air while we can. “Strike while the iron is hot” is an old saying that means go while you can, do while you can, or get while you can. It encourages us to take advantage of the right conditions. Often in life we want to wait until we are ready to take the shot but we often don’t feel ready when the conditions are right. Waiting to go until we are ready to go often means we miss our window of opportunity. This summer as things start to heat up, I encourage you to “strike while the iron is hot.” To take the opportunities that come your way. God is giving us moments to share His love and His kingdom with those around us. Are we going to take that opportunity or wait until we feel ready and possibly miss our chance?
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