February 23, 2017

Are you mature? This question is not about your age. It is more about whether you are emotionally, physically, and spiritually mature according to the markers considered appropriate. A child crying because he couldn’t get another piece of candy is ok. A 30 year old having a melt down because he can’t have a ski-doo is another thing. There is an expectation also for those who profess to be followers of Jesus to become mature in their relationship with Christ. I always cringe a bit when I hear reports of Christians acting like immature, spoiled children. Like throwing temper tantrums when God doesn’t do what they want. Like gossiping about each other because someone else is being promoted. Like hoarding wealth when they should be generous.

In the context of the love chapter (1 Corinthians 13) Apostle Paul said, “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.”   1 Corinthians 13:11 The point is, he grew up, matured, developed into the person God wanted him to be.  Was he perfect? No, but he was reaching for perfection.  That is what maturity looks like, one who recognizes their weakness, yet strives to overcome and become all that they were intended to be.

This week in our Sunday Celebration we will be looking at what Spiritual maturity looks like. If we are going to shoot for maturity, it is good to know the target we are aiming for. But suffice to say here, it is God’s will that we become mature. To help the process he brings circumstances and situations into our life to help us develop. James 1:2-4 (NIV) “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (emphasis mine)

So if you are in a fiery trial, or if you come into one in the coming days, begin to rejoice as God is helping you to become “mature and compete, not lacking anything.”

This is a wonderful place to be, “not lacking anything.” Let’s shoot for it! Why not voluntarily give yourself to the Lord’s discipline so you can be mature, not lacking anything?

Request for Concentrated Prayer

At this time, I am asking you to agree with me for a financial miracle. Last fall we were able to move S.H.A.R.E. Nelson to the lower floor in our KCF building. This renovation cost us more than 250,000 dollars. Out of that amount, we have one large outstanding bill to be paid. It is 34,244 dollars. We need to take care of this by the end of February.

To all who supported us to this point we want to give you a big thank you.

Now we need to finish paying those who did the work in good faith. They did it with the hope that they would get paid; now we need to honor God and the contractors and pay this bill.

If you feel led to give a special offering towards this, you can do it by interac, cheque, or by visiting our website. I know that moving S.H.A.R.E. to our building was the right thing to do. We have paid off most of the cost of renovation. We just have this last piece to go. Please pray and consider ways you can participate in this miracle.

Please pray and consider doing something today.

International Tasting Faire – NEW DATE

The tasting faire has been RE-SCHEDULED. 

We will now taste wonderful food on Thursday, March 2nd. This is good news for all of you who have not yet bought tickets. If you want tickets for March 2nd, please contact us.

Thank you all who bought tickets. We will have a great time on March 2.

A Weekend Away!

Part of the Alpha course includes a weekend away at Dutch Harbour with teachings on the Holy Spirit.  If you want to come but are not registered in Alpha there will be a $25 registration fee which includes meals during your stay. We will be travelling to Dutch Harbour and enjoying a stay at the Lodge on Friday March 3 and returning home the afternoon of Saturday, March 4^th.  Registration in advance is required. Last day to register is February 26^th as space in the lodge is limited.

Growth Groups

The start date for Growth Groups is drawing close.  On March 9th, we will have our first gathering.  This is our opportunity to meet together in small groups.

• Grow in God
• Grow in Relationships
• Sermon-based
• 90 minutes/week
• Home setting

Interested in knowing more or signing up?  Contact the KCF Office 250.352.1722, office@kcfoffice.com or sign up on Sunday at the Guest Table.

Clearwater Bible College on Tour

On Sunday, March 19th @ 10:30am Clearwater College (formerly Living Faith) students will be visiting us on their ministry tour.  This year’s theme is Reflecting His Image.   Please consider bringing a friend to this faith building event.

Billets are needed for the wonderful young people, 1 Couple, 3 men, 1 woman. If you are interested in billeting please contact the KCF office at 250.352.1722.

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.

Calendar of Events

• Coldest Night of the Year walk this Saturday, February 25^th.  Visit cnoy.org and Look for and Join the KCF Team!
• International Tasting Faire, Thursday, March 2.  Tickets at KCF Office.
• Holy Spirit Weekend at Dutch Harbour, March 3-4.  Registration required.
• Clearwater College on Tour, Sunday, March 19, 10:30am at KCF.
• Jr. Teens meet Fridays, 4 to 5:30pm at KCF.  Ages 11 – 14
• Bright Lights, Club for Kids meet Saturdays, 1 - 3:15pm at KCF.  Kindergarten to Grade 4
• Praise Moves, Christ centred exercise, Saturdays, 10 – 11am at KCF

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