September 22, 2016
I realized something today. It used be that we would write letters to communicate with people. Then the phone came along and we picked up the phone to communicate. Well, what is old is new again. Now we message people, text, or email, but phoning someone is so yesterday.
One thing that will never go out of style is the art of communication. We need to communicate to do commerce, to do business, and to do relationship. The first two have their challenges, but nothing like the last one. Effective communication is more than just exchanging information. It involves listening, (ears) body language, (eyes) voice inflection, (emotions) and of course words.
Who hasn’t tried to say something and then found the whole message got lost in translation resulting in frustration, misunderstandings, and even broken relationships.
Here are four simple things (maybe not so simple, but doable) one can do to be a more effective communicator.
1. Be an active listener. I often find myself wanting to interrupt the speaker because I think I know what the person is going to say. That is bad. The Bible gives good advice here: James 1:19 (NIV) “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…”
2. Watch non-verbal signs. This advice is true for the listener and the communicator. Body language and tone of voice all contribute powerfully to the art of communication. This is why email and texting can often lead to problems.
3. Evaluate yourself. Most often we miscommunicate when we say things in haste, anger, or when stressed. This is true for both parties. If we are stressed, tired, or unprepared, we can hear something that is not said, or convey something that is not meant. I often tell people to make an appointment to deal with difficult topics so all parties can be properly prepared emotionally.
4. Commit to effective communication. All of us can learn to communicate better. Some of us need to listen more, others need to express more, and then others need to be more self-aware of their body language. Whatever the area, commit to developing the skill of communication.
We are thrilled to welcome Kristine Sales and Ramona Dannhauer to the SHINE women’s conference starting this Friday evening and continuing through Saturday. Dannhauer is co-pastor with her husband Richard in Crawford Bay. Ramona and Richard have served in Russia for 11 years prior to coming to Crawford Bay. Ramona will be speaking on the theme, “Your Beauty Within” on Friday night at the SHINE conference.
Kristine Sales is a local girl who made it big. Sales, 43, lived in Nelson from 1974 to 1983 with her parents, John and Katie Carlson, who were the pastors of Bethel Christian Centre.
Kristine has succeeded in four main careers. She has been a public school teacher in Quesnel for five years, Director of Education at Trend College in Kelowna for six years, and Senior Executive Director at Beauticontrol, a cosmetic company, for 9 years. She is presently working in the financial sector and is a Sales Manager for one of the major financial companies of Canada whose role is to develop, train, and support new advisors.
Kristine Sales is an accomplished speaker. She has succeeded in what is often perceived as a man’s world. She will be taking the Saturday sessions. You will be encouraged as she shares how all women can SHINE in their profession, in their home, or whatever situation they are in. The conference will be held at KCF, 520 Falls Street, Nelson with registration at 6pm on Friday.
This Sunday Kristine will be sharing in our Sunday meeting as well.
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. We will begin to move stuff over next week. We will need some volunteers to assist with setting up shelving and cleaning. The Store has been doing exceptionally well in this year. We are so thankful for all the donations and our dedicated staff.
Bright Lights – A Club for Kids
This “extraordinary” club for kids is being 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. Contact Doreen to Register 250-354-2077.
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
The Alpha sessions are well underway and have been a huge success. We have a full group and so if you are not already registered, you will have to wait for the next round.
John Bergen, Special Guest Speaker
On Sunday, October 2 we welcome John as he visits KCF for our Sunday Celebration to share his amazing story and Powerful Testimony. The year is 2008. Late one evening in rural Kenya, a band of men break into a farm and brutally assault and rob the couple living there. The couple had recently arrived from Canada for missionary work among orphans. Near the point of death, they struggle to find medical treatment in the dark of night. Their healing is miraculous, but the greater story is their spiritual journey to healing through the power of forgiveness.
Thanksgiving Dinner
Time is coming for the Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner that kicks off Homelessness Action week. Come and join us on Monday October 10th at 5pm for this wonderful time of good food, good times and most of all thanksgiving!
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 weekend.
Pastor Jim
E-transfers to office@kcfoffice.com
Kootenay Christian Fellowship520 Falls Street (1/2 Block up from Baker Street)Nelson, BC V1L 6B5