Mothers - Pioneers of Change
This Sunday is Mother’s Day. I for one, appreciate this special day when we honor our mothers. However, for this day, I like to expand the idea to honor all those women who are pioneers of change. Women who are not afraid to stand up for what they believe. Ones who see motherhood not as an obligation or burden, but as an opportunity to serve, model, and impart of themselves to others. My mother (Mary Reimer) was like that. My mom taught me to take risks, not to be afraid and challenged me when I tried to take the easy way out. She taught me to pray, to be honest, and to work hard. I learnt what was right and wrong by what she taught, but mostly by the way she lived. And when I needed it she disciplined me. She even spanked me and somehow I turned out alright. On one such occasion, I decided to run away after receiving her expression of love on my backside. I was about seven years old when I made this monumental decision. I decided it would be best to leave this awful place and strike out on my own. It wasn’t long until I got hungry and back home I went. What struck me at that young age, is that my mother never ran after me (I wanted her to feel sorry for me). Instead, she let me go and work out the difficulties I was having in my own mind. When I returned, she never judged me, criticized me, or made fun of me. Instead, she hugged me and told me she loved me and left it at that.
Later in my teen years, I should have listened to the wise words of Solomon, “Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.” (Proverbs 1:8-9 NIV)
Later in my teen years, I strayed from mom’s values. I grew my hair long, put on sandals and torn jeans, and stuck out my thumb to see the world (Hey, it was the sixties, everyone was doing it). Five challenging and painful years later, the teachings of my mom surfaced and I became a follower of Jesus. What I am today is not because I went to school, or have a good intellect, or because I was lucky. No it was because my mom sowed seeds of grace and life, which took root when I gave permission for God to work in my life.
Thank you Mom, I know you are in heaven, but your legacy continues on.
This Sunday, we will be honoring our Moms in the Sunday Celebration. Why not bring your mom or a friend’s mom and enjoy this special time together. I shared a little about my mom. Want to do the same? Tell me a little story about your mom and it just might get into my sermon. I will change name and location if you are concerned about privacy or confidentiality. Just let me know within the story. Okay, happy mothering to all you moms out there.
Communion
This Sunday we will be coming to the Lord’s Table. It is a time for all of us to share the emblems we have chosen to represent the body and blood of our Lord. We do this in response to the teaching of our Lord, as he taught; we are to do this often. It is a time of reconnecting with Jesus and each other as we share God’s grace together.
S.H.A.R.E. Nelson
S.H.A.R.E. currently has great ministry opportunities. Consider volunteering at S.H.A.R.E. Nelson. 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
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 happen 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 12 (Pedal Along a Rail Trail)
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 http://www.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
May 11, 2017
E-transfers to office@kcfoffice.com
Kootenay Christian Fellowship520 Falls Street (1/2 Block up from Baker Street)Nelson, BC V1L 6B5