Easter - Life and Peace
We are in what the church calendar dubs as Holy Week. What are you doing during Holy Week? During Holy Week, Christians around the world will celebrate special days during this week. It starts on Palm Sunday, one week before Easter, then observe Holy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, finishing up with the Great Sabbath (Saturday). Easter Sunday is not part of the Holy Week celebration, but has its own significance. That is five days out of seven.
Holy Week
During this week, starting on Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey fulfilling Old Testament prophecy.
Monday, he cleared the temple.
Tuesday, he rebuked the Pharisees, gave us end time teaching (Matthew 21:23–24:51, Mark 11:20–13:37, Luke 20:1–21:36, John 12:20–38) and Judas negotiated the price for his betrayal (Matthew 26:14-16).
Wednesday, most scholars believe Jesus spent the day resting and preparing for what was ahead by spending the day with his closest friends, Martha, Mary and Lazarus. I think this is amazing that he would take time for his friends. We should do the same.
Thursday, he ate the last supper or the Passover with his disciples and washed the disciple’s feet, and gave us some of his greatest teachings. John 13-17
Friday, he went to the cross and paid for our sins.
On Saturday, his body lay in the tomb.
Sunday, he was not there. He rose from the dead.
Wow. One week that changed the world. Let me ask it again, what are you doing during Holy Week?
Most of us will give little thought to the momentous events of this week. We will prepare for Easter by purchasing Easter candy, groceries for family gatherings and cleaning the house (guests are coming you know).
Meanwhile experts say, tensions have never been higher for a potential nuclear war, global conflict is everywhere, and our Canadian government is introducing legislation to legalize marijuana. (Maybe they are thinking if we could get them all stoned, we could achieve world peace.)
Jesus is the prince of peace, not the prince of pot. He went to the cross and rose from the dead so we could have life and peace. The solutions to our most pressing world conditions are not in government resolution, higher levels of medication, or in more guns, weapons, and soldiers. While you and I will have little to no effect on world conditions, we can experience a personal profound peace by inviting the prince of peace into our world. This could be your most meaningful Easter of all time, simply by inviting the risen Lord into your life to be your peace and Lord in your life. Easter means Jesus is alive. Because he is alive, fear, anxiety, and despair need not be a part of our life. Whatever is going on in the world stage or in your “home” world, we can overcome because Jesus rose from the dead. Maybe we should give Holy Week a little more attention.
Resurrection Sunday
This coming Sunday, we will have three wonderful events you can take part in. First, enjoy the Easter morning with the Christians from many different churches, April 16th, 8 am at Lakeside Park by the Flagpole for the Sonrise Service. Music by Bethel Christian Centre and Message by Pastor Jim Reimer. Then come on down to KCF for Brunch at 8:45 am. Finally we will celebrate the resurrection together at 10:30 am. What a great morning it will be. Each of the events is open to the community and everyone is encouraged to bring family and friends.
The Renovation Bill is getting smaller
We want to thank all those who responded to the call for prayer and financial assistance to meet the last big outstanding bill on the renovation project for S.H.A.R.E. Since we have included this in our blog, many have responded. If you feel the tug of God to respond, (any amount is appreciated) and are feeling 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. Please help us to get this cleared up, so we can continue to help the poor and give towards Our Daily Bread.
Movie Sunday at KCF
On Sunday, April 30th as part of our Sunday Celebration we will be showing the movie War Room, prayer is a powerful weapon, by the creators of Fireproof and Courageous. Here is a link to the trailer you can check out. Consider asking a friend or family member to join you on this Sunday. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIl-XY9t_Lw
Family Camp at Dutch Harbour
Why not consider taking a part of your holidays to join us for family camp this year. This is an inexpensive opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, Kootenay Lake, beautiful mountains and beaches, plus be inspired and encouraged. This will all happened within the community of wonderful people. Pastor Glen Forsberg will be our guest speaker and Cliff Schneider will provide Children’s Ministry for the kids. Join us July 3 to 7. Contact the office to register or visit kootenaychristianfellowship.com.
PART (Pedal Along a Rail Trail) 12
This super fun bike ride with a purpose is set to happen on Saturday, June 24. Come and join us for this incredibly scenic 4 to 5 hour ride with trestles, tunnels and spectacular views from high above the Arrow Lake. It is a 54 km ride starting at Paulson Detour Road and concluding at the Celgar Mill parking lot. This is a fundraiser for Our Daily Bread. With sponsorships of $200 or more, your entry fee will be waived. Registration forms are available at the Guest Table on Sunday, at the office during the week or at kootenaychristianfellowship.com. Register now and start accumulating sponsorships!
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
April 13, 2017
E-transfers to office@kcfoffice.com
Kootenay Christian Fellowship520 Falls Street (1/2 Block up from Baker Street)Nelson, BC V1L 6B5