August 2024 TCC Newsletter
Click below for newsletter style pdf version
The two weeks I spent in Tennessee taking classes was fantastic, but it was also pretty intense. I was in class for eight hours each day, basically drinking from a fire hose. The first week was on the Book of Romans, and the second was on Christian leadership. To be honest, I am still unpacking everything that I learned. Add to that the fact that VBS (which was AWESOME!) was the very next week, and the fact is that my brain is still mush. I wanted to have some strategic topic planned for this article, but my brain’s just not there yet. So instead I’m going to share something simple and meaningful that stuck with me in my Romans class.
I was assigned to present on Romans 4, in which Paul talks about the faith of Abraham. For the Jews, Abraham was the founder of their people―he set the pattern that they were all supposed to follow. The Jewish leaders of the time claimed that God approved of Abraham because Abraham was “faithful”―he obeyed God’s commands, especially when God told him to circumcise the men in his family (Genesis 17), or when God told him to sacrifice his son (Genesis 22). If God approved of Abraham because he followed commands, then we have to follow commands before God will approve of us.
In Romans 4, Paul argues that the Jewish leaders have misunderstood the story. He points out that God approved of Abraham back in Genesis 15–years before the events of Gen. 17 and 22. But why did God approve of Abraham? Paul says that it was because Abraham had faith (which is the same word as faithful), meaning that he believed God. But the point wasn’t that Abraham believed in just anything–Paul isn’t talking about the power of positive thinking. Specifically, Abraham believed God’s promise to make him a father of many nations. This was a big deal because Abraham was not exactly a great candidate for the father of any nations: “his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and… [his wife] Sarah’s womb was also dead.” (Romans 4:19) Abraham believed that God would keep his promise even though it seemed physically impossible for Abraham and Sarah to have children.
Why did Abraham believe in God’s promise, in spite of the obstacles? I think this is really important. Our culture―even church culture―teaches us that there is power in belief: “All you have to do is believe,” we’re told. To be clear, the Bible does not say that. Faith has no power by itself, and putting your faith in the wrong thing will get you nowhere. The lesson of Abraham is not about the power of faith, but about the power of the One that Abraham put his faith in: Paul tells us that Abraham believed in “the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.” (4:17) Abraham understood that God was the creator of everything, with the power to create life where none existed–including in Sarah’s womb. More than that, he believed in God’s faithfulness–he believed that God would create life by resurrecting Sarah’s womb, simply because God promised to.
It turns out, faith is all that God needs from us. God can do anything and everything he wants―but if we are going to participate, we have to believe that God can and will do the things he’s promised to do. Abraham didn’t have a degree in theology, he had never read a word of scripture―in fact, Abraham probably didn’t know that God was the only god at this point. The only thing Abraham knew was that the God who created everything could be trusted to keep his promises, no matter how impossible they may seem.
God asks the same thing of us: no degrees, no abilities or gifts, only our faith in his power and his promises. As you look around, you may see a lot of deadness–a lot of lost causes. Maybe the dark headlines in the news seem overwhelming. Maybe the circumstances of your life, your job, your relationships, seem to be “dead already.” God doesn’t ask you to pretend that they aren’t, and he doesn’t ask you to fix them yourself. He asks you to believe that he can “give life to the dead and calls into being things that were not,” and to continue living the kind of life he has called his people to live. After all, “The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.” (4:23–24)
I was assigned to present on Romans 4, in which Paul talks about the faith of Abraham. For the Jews, Abraham was the founder of their people―he set the pattern that they were all supposed to follow. The Jewish leaders of the time claimed that God approved of Abraham because Abraham was “faithful”―he obeyed God’s commands, especially when God told him to circumcise the men in his family (Genesis 17), or when God told him to sacrifice his son (Genesis 22). If God approved of Abraham because he followed commands, then we have to follow commands before God will approve of us.
In Romans 4, Paul argues that the Jewish leaders have misunderstood the story. He points out that God approved of Abraham back in Genesis 15–years before the events of Gen. 17 and 22. But why did God approve of Abraham? Paul says that it was because Abraham had faith (which is the same word as faithful), meaning that he believed God. But the point wasn’t that Abraham believed in just anything–Paul isn’t talking about the power of positive thinking. Specifically, Abraham believed God’s promise to make him a father of many nations. This was a big deal because Abraham was not exactly a great candidate for the father of any nations: “his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and… [his wife] Sarah’s womb was also dead.” (Romans 4:19) Abraham believed that God would keep his promise even though it seemed physically impossible for Abraham and Sarah to have children.
Why did Abraham believe in God’s promise, in spite of the obstacles? I think this is really important. Our culture―even church culture―teaches us that there is power in belief: “All you have to do is believe,” we’re told. To be clear, the Bible does not say that. Faith has no power by itself, and putting your faith in the wrong thing will get you nowhere. The lesson of Abraham is not about the power of faith, but about the power of the One that Abraham put his faith in: Paul tells us that Abraham believed in “the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.” (4:17) Abraham understood that God was the creator of everything, with the power to create life where none existed–including in Sarah’s womb. More than that, he believed in God’s faithfulness–he believed that God would create life by resurrecting Sarah’s womb, simply because God promised to.
It turns out, faith is all that God needs from us. God can do anything and everything he wants―but if we are going to participate, we have to believe that God can and will do the things he’s promised to do. Abraham didn’t have a degree in theology, he had never read a word of scripture―in fact, Abraham probably didn’t know that God was the only god at this point. The only thing Abraham knew was that the God who created everything could be trusted to keep his promises, no matter how impossible they may seem.
God asks the same thing of us: no degrees, no abilities or gifts, only our faith in his power and his promises. As you look around, you may see a lot of deadness–a lot of lost causes. Maybe the dark headlines in the news seem overwhelming. Maybe the circumstances of your life, your job, your relationships, seem to be “dead already.” God doesn’t ask you to pretend that they aren’t, and he doesn’t ask you to fix them yourself. He asks you to believe that he can “give life to the dead and calls into being things that were not,” and to continue living the kind of life he has called his people to live. After all, “The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.” (4:23–24)
Today I am working from home because my cat, Jasper, has taken an umbrage to my new roommate. It seems silly―he’s a cat, and she’s a very nice human who likes cats. But change is hard, and that’s really what Jasper is objecting to.
I have a vet-approved plan for helping Jasper with the transition, and I will be back at the office tomorrow, but Jasper’s difficulties have been making me think about how I react to change.
At first, Jasper was doing a really great job. He was a little standoffish, but welcomed Leann into our apartment. There were small signs of distress―being less cuddly, being more talkative than usual. Then today, he bit and scratched Leann.
I’ve been thinking lately about how I respond to change. I used to think I had the right approach―keep your head down and keep moving. But God has been showing me the distress that it has caused in the past to my person (and to those around me). While, fortunately, I am not known for biting or scratching people, I too have my tells. There are things that I do when my internal world is not reacting well to change. I can become withdrawn, snappy, and less compassionate. I tend to work harder, but not necessarily well.
In a recent ministry thread on social media, individuals were listing off small changes in their churches that had led to upheaval. These changes included things like trimming a bush, moving some chairs, and painting the area around the baptistery. The consequences ranged from a family leaving the church, to passive-aggressive comments being brought up about the changes years later. While we might be saddened to hear about these reactions, most of us can probably think of moments when we reacted poorly to change and had behaviors not very far off from these individuals.
Like Jasper, we do not respond well to change. And while a vet may be able to help him with his issues, we need something bigger and more powerful to intercede in our distress. The Great Physician, God himself, is who we rely on to succeed through change. This is the God that had enough mercy on the grumbling Israelites to faithfully feed them manna each day. This is the God who heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3). This is the God who gets that our internal worlds are often not at peace, and that we struggle.
He knows us―our every anxious thought, our every selfish motive, and our love for Him and desire to serve and please Him. He knows it all. And He also knows that when we don’t allow Him to deal with what’s going on internally (thoughts and feelings) it often can bleed out in negative ways on those around us (our beloved neighbors that God has called us to love!).
Next month, I will write more about change, and how God can lovingly transform us in those times. But today, I’d love you to think about the way that God knows you. The way that He sees and cares about what you’re experiencing. Without suppressing the thoughts and emotions you wish you didn’t have, can you lay it all before Him? He knows of your imperfections (and mine!) before we say them, so we might as well lay it all out before the Great Physician himself.
Lord, I pray that as each of us come before you, seeking your peace in all circumstances, that you would help us to be honest about where we’re at. Help us pour out ourselves completely before you, humbly, trusting that some of your best work in us happens when we have the courage to be vulnerable. Amen.
I have a vet-approved plan for helping Jasper with the transition, and I will be back at the office tomorrow, but Jasper’s difficulties have been making me think about how I react to change.
At first, Jasper was doing a really great job. He was a little standoffish, but welcomed Leann into our apartment. There were small signs of distress―being less cuddly, being more talkative than usual. Then today, he bit and scratched Leann.
I’ve been thinking lately about how I respond to change. I used to think I had the right approach―keep your head down and keep moving. But God has been showing me the distress that it has caused in the past to my person (and to those around me). While, fortunately, I am not known for biting or scratching people, I too have my tells. There are things that I do when my internal world is not reacting well to change. I can become withdrawn, snappy, and less compassionate. I tend to work harder, but not necessarily well.
In a recent ministry thread on social media, individuals were listing off small changes in their churches that had led to upheaval. These changes included things like trimming a bush, moving some chairs, and painting the area around the baptistery. The consequences ranged from a family leaving the church, to passive-aggressive comments being brought up about the changes years later. While we might be saddened to hear about these reactions, most of us can probably think of moments when we reacted poorly to change and had behaviors not very far off from these individuals.
Like Jasper, we do not respond well to change. And while a vet may be able to help him with his issues, we need something bigger and more powerful to intercede in our distress. The Great Physician, God himself, is who we rely on to succeed through change. This is the God that had enough mercy on the grumbling Israelites to faithfully feed them manna each day. This is the God who heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3). This is the God who gets that our internal worlds are often not at peace, and that we struggle.
He knows us―our every anxious thought, our every selfish motive, and our love for Him and desire to serve and please Him. He knows it all. And He also knows that when we don’t allow Him to deal with what’s going on internally (thoughts and feelings) it often can bleed out in negative ways on those around us (our beloved neighbors that God has called us to love!).
Next month, I will write more about change, and how God can lovingly transform us in those times. But today, I’d love you to think about the way that God knows you. The way that He sees and cares about what you’re experiencing. Without suppressing the thoughts and emotions you wish you didn’t have, can you lay it all before Him? He knows of your imperfections (and mine!) before we say them, so we might as well lay it all out before the Great Physician himself.
Lord, I pray that as each of us come before you, seeking your peace in all circumstances, that you would help us to be honest about where we’re at. Help us pour out ourselves completely before you, humbly, trusting that some of your best work in us happens when we have the courage to be vulnerable. Amen.
Glenn Boyle
passed away and went home to the Lord on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Please keep Marilyn, Laurie and family in your prayers.
There will be a Celebration of Life at Turner Christian Church
on Saturday, August 17th at 2:00 pm.
passed away and went home to the Lord on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Please keep Marilyn, Laurie and family in your prayers.
There will be a Celebration of Life at Turner Christian Church
on Saturday, August 17th at 2:00 pm.
Turner Christian Church Has Two New Employees!
We welcome
Richard Smart
who serves as our new Church Custodian
Steven Robinson
who serves as our new Church Groundskeeper
We welcome
Richard Smart
who serves as our new Church Custodian
Steven Robinson
who serves as our new Church Groundskeeper
Sunday School Schedules
9:00 – 10:00 am
Summer Term Sunday School Schedule
July 28-September 1
(No Childcare or Children’s Programs)
“31 Days of Praise” with Carol George
Prayer Gathering with Gary Tiffin
Fall Term Sunday School Schedule
September 8-November 17
(with Childcare/Children’s Programs)
Bible Study For Everyone
(Carol George)
A chapter-by-chapter study of books of the Bible using an accompanying
workbook. This class runs continuously throughout the year.
What You Believe Matters
(Debbie Loyd)
Sometimes we are not aware of certain religious beliefs that harm us.
This class will look at some of these beliefs, where they came from,
why they are harmful, and characteristics that make
us more vulnerable to these.
Christian Civics: Following Jesus in a Politically-Divided World
(Gary Tiffin)
This class will use a book by John Whittaker to help participants work out how their personal faith should inform the way they think and act as citizens of their country
(This is about how to think, not what to think).
Speaking in Church–For Beginners
(Pastor Matt)
This class is for anyone who is interested in taking on speaking roles in our church
services. We will learn about the basics of public speaking, as well as the specifics of leading confession, prayers of the church, communion and offering meditations,
and other speaking roles.
For all Youth going into the
6th Grade through High School
Sunday Nights: 5:30 -7:30 pm
Aug 4th & Aug 11th
(Dinner Provided)
6th Grade through High School
Sunday Nights: 5:30 -7:30 pm
Aug 4th & Aug 11th
(Dinner Provided)
Discover the Learning Experiences Awaiting Your Child!
Meet Preschool Staff – Ask Questions About the Upcoming Year!
Tour the School Classroom and Playground!
Meet Preschool Staff – Ask Questions About the Upcoming Year!
Tour the School Classroom and Playground!
Saturday, August 10th
9:30 am ― 12:00 pm
We have lots of projects to prep and ready the church for fall programming!
Come help us! Projects available for all ages and mobility levels.
9:30 am ― 12:00 pm
We have lots of projects to prep and ready the church for fall programming!
Come help us! Projects available for all ages and mobility levels.
Some items still needed for shoeboxes:
Pencils. Pens. Cap erasers. Pink erasers.
Kids scissors. 6-in rulers. Pencil sharpeners.
Index cards. Colored pencils.
24 pks of crayons. Markers.
OR you can designate an offering for Shoeboxes/
Operation Christmas Child, and we will do the shopping for you!
Please bring your items to the church by August 18th
and place in the wicker baskets in the foyer.
Thank you!
Pencils. Pens. Cap erasers. Pink erasers.
Kids scissors. 6-in rulers. Pencil sharpeners.
Index cards. Colored pencils.
24 pks of crayons. Markers.
OR you can designate an offering for Shoeboxes/
Operation Christmas Child, and we will do the shopping for you!
Please bring your items to the church by August 18th
and place in the wicker baskets in the foyer.
Thank you!
Our goal is to fill backpacks with basic school supplies and
distribute them to our students on August 29.
Last year we were able to provide 150 backpacks to students
and families in need. With your help we just might be able to
surpass that amount this year. A School Bus will be picking up items
collected by various orgnizations on August 8th.
The goal is to "FILL THE BUS!"
Suggested Items:
Composition Notebooks,
3-ring binders (hard-sided, 2" & 3"),
Elmer’s Purple Disappearing Glue Sticks,
Black Expo Markers, Notebook Paper,
Notebook Dividers, Fiskar scissors (kids and 7"),
Backpacks, 12-inch rulers, Highlighters
Zipper pencil pouches for binders, .
Please bring your items to the church by August 7th
and place in the "Fill the Bus" bag in the foyer.
Thank you!
distribute them to our students on August 29.
Last year we were able to provide 150 backpacks to students
and families in need. With your help we just might be able to
surpass that amount this year. A School Bus will be picking up items
collected by various orgnizations on August 8th.
The goal is to "FILL THE BUS!"
Suggested Items:
Composition Notebooks,
3-ring binders (hard-sided, 2" & 3"),
Elmer’s Purple Disappearing Glue Sticks,
Black Expo Markers, Notebook Paper,
Notebook Dividers, Fiskar scissors (kids and 7"),
Backpacks, 12-inch rulers, Highlighters
Zipper pencil pouches for binders, .
Please bring your items to the church by August 7th
and place in the "Fill the Bus" bag in the foyer.
Thank you!
Seniors Bowling Trip
Friday, August 23rd
Strike, Spare, or Gutter, all bowlers are welcome and if you don’t want to bowl come and be a cheerleader. The cost is $5.00 for bowlers. We will leave the church parking lot at 1:00 pm or you can meet us at Northgate Bowl (2380 Northgte Ave, Salem).
Swan Island Dahlia Garden Trip
Thursday, August 29th
Flowers are blooming and the Seniors are planning a field trip to Swan Island Dahlia Gardens in Canby, Oregon, on August 29, 2024. The bus will leave the Church at 9:30 and return by 3:30. The Gardens are beautiful and the fellowship is delightful. A picnic lunch will be provided. There is no cost for this trip. Please sign up or call Virginia Musgrave at 503-743-1500 or 509-254-3657.
Friday, August 23rd
Strike, Spare, or Gutter, all bowlers are welcome and if you don’t want to bowl come and be a cheerleader. The cost is $5.00 for bowlers. We will leave the church parking lot at 1:00 pm or you can meet us at Northgate Bowl (2380 Northgte Ave, Salem).
Swan Island Dahlia Garden Trip
Thursday, August 29th
Flowers are blooming and the Seniors are planning a field trip to Swan Island Dahlia Gardens in Canby, Oregon, on August 29, 2024. The bus will leave the Church at 9:30 and return by 3:30. The Gardens are beautiful and the fellowship is delightful. A picnic lunch will be provided. There is no cost for this trip. Please sign up or call Virginia Musgrave at 503-743-1500 or 509-254-3657.
THEME: BACK TO OUR FIRST LOVE
Matthew Holmes is the Keynote Speaker
Are you looking for a time where you can get away with the whole family?
How about a time where you and your family can grow in your faith and worship
with other families? What about a sandy beach and a glassy lake?
If all of these sound great, then Family Camp is for you!
For four days, families come together for a camp experience for all ages!
2024 finds us in the heat of another national election. Yet, for us, the Church,
our “first love” is to love God. A big part of this is realized through loving others,
others defined as our neighbors around us and fellow Christians within our church.
Loving God requires us to put Him above our loyalties to parties, cultures,
movements, etc. Loving neighbors requires us to love the members of other
parties and seek the good of everyone, not just the people we like.
Loving Jesus requires us to create communities where people
can disagree, yet be united in love.
For more information,
including prices and registration:
https://www.winema.org/family-camp.html
Matthew Holmes is the Keynote Speaker
Are you looking for a time where you can get away with the whole family?
How about a time where you and your family can grow in your faith and worship
with other families? What about a sandy beach and a glassy lake?
If all of these sound great, then Family Camp is for you!
For four days, families come together for a camp experience for all ages!
2024 finds us in the heat of another national election. Yet, for us, the Church,
our “first love” is to love God. A big part of this is realized through loving others,
others defined as our neighbors around us and fellow Christians within our church.
Loving God requires us to put Him above our loyalties to parties, cultures,
movements, etc. Loving neighbors requires us to love the members of other
parties and seek the good of everyone, not just the people we like.
Loving Jesus requires us to create communities where people
can disagree, yet be united in love.
For more information,
including prices and registration:
https://www.winema.org/family-camp.html
What is a "Relationship Lab?"
Relationship Lab is an eight-session relationship workout. It combines personal, professional assessments from Genesis Christian Mediations with The Marriage Course, a seven-week curriculum for strengthening your marriage. The goal of Relationship Lab is to give you a chance to take a deep look at the dynamics of your relationship and learn how to build a stronger, healthier marriage.
What is involved in the Lab?
You and your spouse will complete the Prepare/Enrich assessment between now and August 19th.
The Relationship Lab will launch launch on September 8th with a kick-off session. Genesis Christian Mediations will go over the results of the Prepare/Enrich assessments with each couple. They will help you understand what the assessment has revealed about the dynamics within your relationship.
For the following 8 weeks, the couples will meet weekly on Sundays, 6-8PM, for The Marriage Course, a video curriculum that works through topics such as communication, conflict, forgiveness, and sex. The Marriage Course curriculum is 2 hours per session. You are also encouraged to join us before each session for an optional dessert and social time at 5:30PM.
One of those 8 sessions will be a follow-up with Genesis Christian Mediations, in which their team will give you and your spouse more tools on better navigating conflict in you relationship.
Will I have to talk to the other participants about my marriage?
No! While we hope this will be a bonding experience between the couples involved, the Marriage Course curriculum is designed for each couple to have their own conversations at their own tables. You will not be asked to reveal anything you have talked about in the sessions.
How much does the Lab cost?
The Relationship Lab costs $80, paid to Turner Christian Church. This is less than half of the actual cost of the assessment, course materials, and dessert! If cost is an obstacle, please contact the church. Scholarships may be available.
What if I can't attend every session?
The Marriage Course is video-based, so we can give you the video files for the session to watch on your own if you are unable to attend a session. There are two sessions that will be led in person by Genesis Christian Mediations, and these cannot be made up. The first session is the kick-off, on Sept. 8th. The second session will be scheduled later in the series, depending on participant schedules.
Is childcare available?
There is no childcare available at the church during Relearn Relationship (though our 6th-12th grade youth group does meet at the same time at the church building). However, we may be able to help coordinate babysitting/playdates with other families. If you need help finding someone to watch your children so you can attend, please contact Pastor Matt (matt@turnerchristianchurch.com).
How many spots are available?
There are spaces for up to ten couples in this particular lab.
How do I register?
You can register by clicking the link below. Please contact us about paying your fee within 1 week of registration. If there are no spots available, please register for a spot on the waiting list, in case spots become available. If there is enough interest, we will consider offering the Lab again.
https://subsplash.com/turnerchristianchurch/lb/ev/+7nydgcw
Relationship Lab is an eight-session relationship workout. It combines personal, professional assessments from Genesis Christian Mediations with The Marriage Course, a seven-week curriculum for strengthening your marriage. The goal of Relationship Lab is to give you a chance to take a deep look at the dynamics of your relationship and learn how to build a stronger, healthier marriage.
What is involved in the Lab?
You and your spouse will complete the Prepare/Enrich assessment between now and August 19th.
The Relationship Lab will launch launch on September 8th with a kick-off session. Genesis Christian Mediations will go over the results of the Prepare/Enrich assessments with each couple. They will help you understand what the assessment has revealed about the dynamics within your relationship.
For the following 8 weeks, the couples will meet weekly on Sundays, 6-8PM, for The Marriage Course, a video curriculum that works through topics such as communication, conflict, forgiveness, and sex. The Marriage Course curriculum is 2 hours per session. You are also encouraged to join us before each session for an optional dessert and social time at 5:30PM.
One of those 8 sessions will be a follow-up with Genesis Christian Mediations, in which their team will give you and your spouse more tools on better navigating conflict in you relationship.
Will I have to talk to the other participants about my marriage?
No! While we hope this will be a bonding experience between the couples involved, the Marriage Course curriculum is designed for each couple to have their own conversations at their own tables. You will not be asked to reveal anything you have talked about in the sessions.
How much does the Lab cost?
The Relationship Lab costs $80, paid to Turner Christian Church. This is less than half of the actual cost of the assessment, course materials, and dessert! If cost is an obstacle, please contact the church. Scholarships may be available.
What if I can't attend every session?
The Marriage Course is video-based, so we can give you the video files for the session to watch on your own if you are unable to attend a session. There are two sessions that will be led in person by Genesis Christian Mediations, and these cannot be made up. The first session is the kick-off, on Sept. 8th. The second session will be scheduled later in the series, depending on participant schedules.
Is childcare available?
There is no childcare available at the church during Relearn Relationship (though our 6th-12th grade youth group does meet at the same time at the church building). However, we may be able to help coordinate babysitting/playdates with other families. If you need help finding someone to watch your children so you can attend, please contact Pastor Matt (matt@turnerchristianchurch.com).
How many spots are available?
There are spaces for up to ten couples in this particular lab.
How do I register?
You can register by clicking the link below. Please contact us about paying your fee within 1 week of registration. If there are no spots available, please register for a spot on the waiting list, in case spots become available. If there is enough interest, we will consider offering the Lab again.
https://subsplash.com/turnerchristianchurch/lb/ev/+7nydgcw
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