Seeing the good or the bad
This Saturday is Canada’s 150 birthday. According to the National Post, a half a billion dollars will be spent on our birthday bash. Every day on social media, news outlets and editorials I see complaints about this. There is everything from; this is offensive to our aboriginal community, to we could use that money for the homeless and social programs. But wait, what if the government of the day had decided to bypass the commemorative mark of 150 years as a country? There would have been a great hue and cry about the callousness and short-sightedness of our government. The point is, you can’t win. If you do one thing, certain people will like it and others will hate it. If you do the opposite then you will get the same results, only a reversal of roles. It seems we are a people given to complaining. Instead of trying to see the good in things, there seems to be a cultural imperative to see what is wrong with any decision that is made. (Unless of course if it is your idea, then you wonder why everyone doesn’t like it.)
Finding the Blessing
The Bible teaches us to “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.” Philippians 2:14-15 (NIV) Want to shine? Try going through a day without complaining. It is hard! Most of you won’t make it. Complaining is counter-productive. It gives the illusion of being aware, concerned, and proactive. But it offers no solution. It actually creates a negative energy that counters creative solutions. If one is going to stop grumbling and complaining, it requires a different attitude. Here too the Bible instructs us. It encourages us to “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV). The will of God for us is to be “thankful” people. If we are going to be thankful in everything, then we are going to have to look for and find the blessing in all things. By doing so, we become creative, imaginative, and solution orientated. This attitude will change our life. It will affect those around us. We will be happier, more content, and find solutions to problems that we thought were impossible to solve. Instead of being a negative dark person, you will be a shining star in your own universe.
I am taking a break in July from preaching and all office work. I do have a wedding to do and I will be sharing the message in the park for our Party in the Park. But for the most part, I will be away from the office. So no Blog for four weeks. Don’t despair, we will be back.
For the month of July we have a great line up of awesome speakers. This coming Sunday, we have Chad Tonnos sharing a powerful message on “How to have Peace.” Then we will have Marc and Lisa here from Haiti for the July 9th Sunday. They are always great. Then for July 16 we are in the park. This will be a fun Sunday, you will not want to miss. It is a time to honor our volunteers and to pat each other on the back. We could not do it without all those faithful and dedicated people that support us week in and week out. We have gifts for the volunteers, hamburgers and all the fixings, and special music. Sharon Verishine is our guest speaker for July 23. This should prove to be a feisty and encouraging sermon. You will not want to miss this one. Then to round out the month, we have Brad Wilson, our local theologian sharing the Word on July 30th. You are sure to come away with a clear and concise message that will inspire and encourage. Wow. What a great church group we have. Bring a friend and don’t miss a Sunday in July!
PART 12 (Pedal Along a Rail Trail)
P.A.R.T. 12 is now complete. What a great ride it was. We raised over $11,000 for Our Daily Bread we had a great time together and it was a wonderful day to be out in nature. Big shout out to all the volunteers who helped to make this ride a success. And of course a big thank you to all those who participated in the ride and raised funds for Our Daily Bread.
Canada Day at Lakeside Park
KCF, Our Daily Bread and S.H.A.R.E. Nelson will be joining in the festivities at Lakeside Park this Saturday, July 1st. There will be cotton candy, popcorn, games and of course, great company. We hope to see you there. For volunteer opportunities, please contact the church office.
Family Camp at Dutch Harbour
This coming Monday we are going to Camp! Why not join us July 3 - 7. This is an inexpensive opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, Kootenay Lake, beautiful mountains and beaches, plus be inspired and encouraged. This will all happen within the community of wonderful people. Pastor Glen Forsberg will be our guest speaker and Cliff Schneider will provide Children’s Ministry. This is filling up quickly, so be sure to contact the office to register. Visit kootenaychristianfellowship.com for details.
Office Hours July 3 – 7
The KCF, ODB and S.H.A.R.E. Nelson will be closed on Monday July 3rd in lieu of the Canada Day holiday. July 4 – 7, KCF office hours will be 8:30am – 2pm. On Monday July 10th we resume regular hours. Thank you for your cooperation during this time.
Church and Party in the Park!
On Sunday, July 16th we invite you to join us for our Sunday Celebration at the Lakeside Park Rotary Shelter. We will meet there for Church at 10:30am and all are welcome.
After the church gathering we will have games, enjoy a BBQ and some live entertainment and most of all enjoy the company of each other. If you are regular volunteer of KCF, S.H.A.R.E. Nelson or Our Daily Bread, you should be receiving an invitation to the BBQ. We would love it if all others would join us as well; however, if you are not a regular volunteer, you will need to donate $5 in advance to obtain a ticket to enjoy the barbeque. The deadline for RSVP’s and to obtain tickets is July 5th.
S.H.A.R.E. Nelson
S.H.A.R.E. is currently blessed with too much stuff. We are slashing prices, almost giving it away. Come down and support the poor and help us get rid of extra stock. If you would like to volunteer at S.H.A.R.E. we currently have great ministry opportunities. Call the store at 250.352.1222 or stop by the store to inquire. Click on this link to check out S.H.A.R.E.’s new video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aZX9v7gxdM
Calendar of Events
Visit our website at http://www.kootenaychristianfellowship.com for all the news, sermons, and places to donate.
Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday.
Pastor Jim
June 29, 2017
E-transfers to office@kcfoffice.com
Kootenay Christian Fellowship520 Falls Street (1/2 Block up from Baker Street)Nelson, BC V1L 6B5