Do you ever feel like a misfit? We have all heard stories of the beautiful girl who feels ugly; the smart kid in school who feels like he doesn’t belong; the skinny girl who feels fat. All around us are people who feel like misfits. Oftentimes the feeling of being a misfit is not based on reality. Instead, the emotional calculations can be a result of societal pressures, home or work environment, and/or a lack of spiritual understanding of who we are. It is this last point that actually is the most important. If one can grasp and accept that God has no misfits it will give strength to overcome peer pressure, unrealistic societal norms (think about that for a moment) and one’s childhood experience. 

I grew up with a sight impairment. I was considered legally blind by government standards.  With my glasses I can get by, but

still see less than 10%. Without them, I am virtually blind.  Being a typical boy, I broke my glasses continually.  We lived in the country so it would be months before we could get into the city for a new pair.  

School was a nightmare for me. Kids picked on me. The style of teaching did not consider my limitations and I felt rejected and stupid. I was a misfit. I was angry, frustrated, and desperately wanted to fit in.

My teen years were filled with that one goal - not to be a misfit. Platitudes by well-meaning people did not change my life. Eastern religion meditation techniques did not work either. (Yes, I did that too). What changed my life was not being popular with the drinking and drug crowd. What changed my life was the day that I invited Jesus into my life.  The day that I accepted Jesus and he came into my life started a journey of healing. I realized that I was not a misfit but a wonderful creation, designed to be a blessing in a world of hurt and pain.

I have come to realize that all of us have our limitations. There is no one that does not struggle at times with feelings of failure and personal disappointment. But when I began to align my life with what God says about me, I began to change from the inside out.  I agreed with God and God healed me. God delights in taking the “misfits” of the world and making them “fit in” to the awesome and eternal plan of God. God will give you purpose and meaning, give you confidence and self-awareness that is anchored in the truth of God and not unrealistic societal norms. My healing didn’t happen in a day. It has been a process. But here is the good news. When you start with Jesus, you can be assured that he will finish the good work begun in you. I leave you with this Bible verse: “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

Believe it. Let Jesus begin his work in you today. This Sunday I will be sharing with you “The Misfits of the Bible Who Made Good.”

I know this will be an encouraging message for each of us.

Hosting People Needed

KCF is in need of “Hosts” who can volunteer their time to help make our Sunday experience that much better. Hosting involves getting the coffee ready, preparing and setting up the brochure and information table, helping our guests to feel comfortable, and other details as required. We will have a meeting after the celebration this Sunday to explain this awesome ministry. Please come if you can volunteer your time for our Sunday Celebration!

S.H.A.R.E Nelson is getting ready to move.

We are busy getting the space below our church to bring the store over. It is getting closer.  This week we will be getting the floors done, start on the heating system and finishing off the electrical.  We will begin to move stuff over September 20, with the anticipated opening for business October 1. We will need some volunteers to assist in getting everything ready. The Store has been doing exceptionally well in this year. We are so thankful for all the donations and our dedicated staff. 

Next week we will give a detailed description of where we can assist in this exciting new phase at KCF.

Bright Lights – A Club for Kids

This “extraordinary” club for kids will be offered again this year for Kindergarten to Grade 4 beginning Saturday, October 8, 2016 and every Saturday from 1:00 – 3:15 pm at KCF. This club is not exclusive and any child can come! There will be games, music, crafts, movies, character building, and snacks!  Registration and Orientation is on October 8 and is $30 per child, $50 per family, or $5 drop-in fee.

King of the Kootenays

On September 30, 2016 KCF will be celebrating Kootenay Culture Days by putting on a special musical evening of the history of gospel music. Come celebrate the magnificent history of Gospel Music within Nelson churches! This event is FREE and will be held at KCF at 7:00 pm.

Alpha

Our first Alpha session was a huge success and it was a really great time. If you have been thinking about Alpha, please join us next week to see what it is like.  Alpha is a series of interactive sessions that freely explores the basics of Christian faith.  Alpha is for anyone who is curious.  The talks are designed to encourage conversation and explore the basics of the Christian faith in a friendly, open environment.  No question is out of bounds and you are free to discuss as much or as little as you want.   Each session includes food, a short talk and discussion where you can share your thoughts and ask questions.  There’s no pressure, no follow up and no charge.  This is an 11 week program beginning Wednesday, September 14th - 6:30pm to 8pm at KCF, 520 Falls Street.  Please contact the office if you are interested for details.

Ladies SHINE Conference

The ladies will gather on Friday September 23 and Saturday September 24 at KCF.  This is a time of encouragement, praise, and spiritual growth. We have two dynamic keynote speakers - Kristine Sales and Ramona Dannhauer! Visit our website for full details or contact the office and speak to Anne Marie to register. 

Reading the Bible

If you follow the monthly reading program, you can successfully read the Old Testament once and the New Testament twice this year.  I have attached this month’s prescribed reading to this newsletter. Start something new and watch God's word make a difference in your life.

Visit our website at http://www.kootenaychristianfellowship.com for all the news, sermons, and places to donate.

Looking forward to seeing you this weekend.

Pastor Jim