The Pastor’s Blog

Notes, news, information, lessons, and updates from the Pastor’s desk and others.

Forward Progress

Posted on Feb 5, 2020 in Pastor's Blog |

There is a concept in American football called forward progress. When a ball carrier is stopped and forced back by their opponent the ball is marked at the furthest forward point. This is to make sure that people do not simply pick up and carry the ball carrier backwards. It is a nice idea that keeps the game from devolving into a mad sort of brawl with both teams trying to carry their opponents around the field. As I think about the way our world works and the rules we come up with to help keep it from devolving I find that there is no rule of forward progress. Your bank account does not maintain the highest balance it has ever had. Your cars gas tank does not obey this rule either. Nor does the human stomach stay full. In the game of football, it is easy to see how this rule is useful but in our daily lives there is no comparable rule. We have to keep adding money to the bank, gas to the car, and food to the stomach.

Here is something that may seem controversial but, following Jesus does not have a rule of forward progress either. God’s grace is a wonderful thing don’t get me wrong. That being said we can choose to walk away from Him and He does not have to honor our onetime relationship with Him. The Christian life is one of continuing relationship with Jesus. We get to keep going with Him every day. Forward progress for us is continuing that connection with Him day by day. Being close to Jesus is our goal line.

December 30, 2019 Update

Posted on Dec 30, 2019 in News and Events |

Please mark your January Calendars:

Saturday, January 11^th at 10 a.m. there will be a memorial service for Dick & Anne Krupp at Medford Friends. Anne went to be with the Lord December 6^th and Dick December 9^th This is a celebration of their lives as we remember their faithfulness to our Lord and Savior and the many years they were a part of our church family here at MFC.

Saturday, January 18th, at 1 p.m. there will be a celebration of life for Jack Hamilton at Medford Friends. Jack went to be with the Lord, December 1^st. Following the service, we will gather for a time of fellowship and potluck dessert. Please bring a favorite dessert to share.

All Church Business Meeting

There will be an all church business meeting Sunday, January 12^th, to consider the 2020 proposed budget. We will meet in the sanctuary after the worship service with Sunday School to follow.

Friends Women Fellowship Meeting

Ladies we will meet at the church Thursday, January 16^th at 10:30 a.m. Lunch will follow the meeting.

All Church Potluck

Please join us Sunday, January 19, 2020 for our all church potluck! We always have a great time of fellowship and good food. We’ll meet in the fellowship hall at noon. Bring a main dish and salad, vegetable or dessert to share.

It’s also time to update our MFC directory, if you have moved or have new phone numbers or a new email address, please fill out the top of the Information Sheet and place it in the box on the table in the foyer. If there was a mistake in last year’s copy please let Terry Wilson know. Thank you.

From the desk of Jesse Davis

Posted on Dec 30, 2019 in Pastor's Blog |

Emily and I have been in Kansas for a few days now and it has been great! We have enjoyed spending time with family and celebrating Christ’s birth. During our time here we have been staying with my brother Jon and his family. They invited us to stay with them and we gladly accepted. It has been wonderful to reconnect with my nieces and nephews out here and explore their world a bit.

As I reflect on this invitation to stay I am reminded of Christ’s gracious invitation for us to stay with Him for eternity. Christ came to restore relationship between us and God. His invitation to new life is a precious one and just like being with my nieces and nephews I am grateful to experience the world through His eyes when I accept this invitation. This year my hope for you is that you will gladly accept Christ’s invitation and continue to engage with it often.

December 09, 2019 Update

Posted on Dec 9, 2019 in News and Events |

Ladies Annual Ornament Exchange

Ladies, invite a friend and join us Friday, December 13^th at 6:30 p.m. for a celebration of Christ’s Birth! Share in the joy & laughter as we fellowship together, interact with the story of the First Christmas and exchange ornaments. Everyone bring a wrapped ornament and finger food for sharing!

Sunday, December 22^nd we look forward to a fun Christmas program

“A Super Hero Christmas”. There will be a time of fellowship following the program, please bring a holiday favorite finger food to share. We will not have Sunday School that morning.

Christmas Eve Service Please join us in the sanctuary Tuesday, December 24^th at 5 p.m. For our “Come As You Are Family Celebration.”

“Abiding in the Gift” EFM Christmas Catalog for 2019

We have an opportunity to make a difference and help with family needs in a way you might not thought of before. There are 2019 Christmas Catalogs on the usher’s table in the foyer or go online to friendsmission.com/Christmas.

Our White Elephant Gift Exchange that takes place on December 31^st is without a coordinator this year. If you are interested in making this event happen contact the church office soon, so an announcement can be made.

Our dear friend Jack Hamilton went to be with Jesus on Sunday, December 1st. A Celebration of Life is planned for later in January. Please remember Sue Hamilton and family in prayer at this time.

We have lost another precious member of Medford Friends. Please be in prayer for Dick Krupp and the entire Krupp family, Anne joined a heavenly choir Friday, December 6^th, 2019.

Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Gifts

This year we sent 46 shoebox gifts, thank you to everyone who gave to this ministry to help bring joy and the message of Christ to children in need.

It’s time to update our birthday file and directory information. If you are new to MFC within the last year we would like to have the birth dates of those in your family. Please list the month & day on the back of your Information Sheet. (Adults are not required to list the year however, it is helpful for children!) If you have moved or have new phone numbers or a new email address, please fill out the top of the Information Sheet and place it in the box on the table in the foyer. Thank you.

Pastor Jesse & Emily are out of town December 25^th through January 1st. 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.