The end is near, the end is near!! Lately more and more predictions are coming forth of the imminent end of the world. Are you worried? With all the smoke in the air it seems that we are burning up right now. It is eerie. Then, Monday night, a big ball of fire streaks across the sky with earth shattering noise; people thought for sure something catastrophic was happening.

There is tension in the air, no doubt about it. It feels we are on the verge of a nuclear war with North Korea and the United States.  There is global unrest like never before. On top of that, we are having storms that are breaking all records. As I type, hurricane Irma is bearing down on the Caribbean, classified as the “most powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricane in recorded history.” The intensity and frequency of storms, earthquakes and natural disasters, just seem to be getting worse and worse. Jesus predicted it. “For there will be greater anguish in those days than at any time since God created the world. And it will never be so great again.” (Mark 13:19)  So what should our response be?

First thing we should do is stop listening to all the prognosticators. They have been wrong and will continue to be wrong. Jesus said, “No one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.”  Mark 13:32 (NLT) These fear mongers only want to sell a book or two.  But Jesus did give us some advice. He said, “And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!” (Mark 13:33)

Staying alert, refers to our spiritual well-being. Don’t be lolled to sleep thinking things will be all right. The world is changing, and we don’t know what will happen tomorrow. For many it will simply not be all right. We don’t know when the world will end, and we don’t know when our personal world will end. But one thing you can bank on, your world, my world, will end one day.  Are we ready for that day?

So the second thing we should do is take stock. When our world ends, we will not be taking anything with us. It will all be left behind. That is except for one thing. It is a very important thing. This one thing is the only thing that has eternal properties to it. I speak of our relationships we have forged with our family, friends and neighbors. This is a time we need to share our faith, pray for, and pour out our love on those who mean the most to us, with those we call our neighbors, with those we work with, and even with those we might call our enemies. Make the most important thing the main thing. Heaven is real. Are you going?  Who is coming with you? When Jesus warns people about the end times, it is in the context that not everyone is going to heaven, so he is calling us to be alert. Make sure you are ready.

This Sunday, I will be expanding on this idea of the end times and what we should be doing. This would be a great Sunday to bring a friend, neighbor, a loved one who is not going to church to hear the great news of the “end times”.

KCF Office Update     

Anne-Marie is on holidays until September 10^th.  As a result there will be reduced hours at KCF office. I will be filling in for her, so I ask for your patience and kindness.

Communion

This Sunday is Communion Sunday. It is when we come together as a family to eat at the Lord’s table.  Our theme at the communion table will be “thirst”. Jesus said, if anyone is thirsty, they can be refreshed, rehydrated spiritually, and restored in every way. What a blessing it is to have God in our lives.

Growth Groups

Next week we will beginning our fall session of Growth Groups. Don’t miss out. We are almost full.  There is still room, sign up now. If you want to:

•         Grow in God

•         Grow in Relationships

•         Get more out of the Sermon

•         Experience mission

Growth Groups are for you. The start date for the next quarter of Growth Groups is Sept 14th.  Interested in knowing more or signing up?  Contact the KCF Office 250.352.1722 or office@kcfoffice.com or sign up on Sunday at the Guest Table.

Haiti Arise

Pray for Haiti Arise as Hurricane Irma is on its way. It is supposed to hit at 3 pm today.

KCF is actively involved with supporting Haiti Arise.  To find out more about this wonderful ministry, click on the link. http://www.haitiarise.org/

S.H.A.R.E. Nelson

S.H.A.R.E. is accepting and receiving donations and new items are being put out for sale every day.  Come down and support the poor.  If you would like to volunteer at S.H.A.R.E. we currently have great ministry opportunities.  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

Calendar of Events

• Growth Groups begin September 14th, Registration required and space is limited.
• Ladies Retreat, Fruitvale Christian Fellowship, Sept 22 and 23, Registration required.
• Bright Lights, Club for Kids begins Tuesday, October 3 at KCF, 3:30 – 5pm, Contact KCF office for details.
• Junior Teens, Ages 11-16.  Meet at KCF, Fridays from 4 – 5:30pm.  No cost. Begins Oct 13th.
• Tim and the Glory Boys, The Hootenanny Tour – Wednesday, October 18 at Civic Theatre, $15/advance, $20/door, $40/family pass.
• Niki Thorson memorial will be October 21, 2017

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