This Sunday is Father’s Day. One person said, “I hate Father’s Day”! I was surprised at the passion in the person’s voice. Father’s Day elicits a lot of pain for some. My best memories growing up were with my mom, not my father. It was not until I was an adult that I began to have a meaningful relationship with my father. I thank God that I was able to be healed enough that I could reconcile with my father. For many there is no opportunity for reconciliation. The father has passed away, has gone out of your life, or you don’t even know who your dad is. For some there is no desire on the dad’s part to have a relationship, or it may be that the offspring has no desire. You may be one of those persons.

But there is something else going on.

In North America we are experiencing a new family reality. Divorce, same sex relationships, serial monogamous relationships (living together) and even some women are choosing to have a child without a man in their life (At least until after they get pregnant.). It is a new social experiment we are engaging in.

While some would argue that the “father” role is not important, most experts will disagree.

Social science research on the effects of having an engaged father in the home is interesting, here are some of the findings:

1. Children living with fathers in the home tend to fare better on cognitive achievement and behavioral outcomes and are more likely to move on to attain higher levels of education.
2. Adolescents living in intact families tend to report closer relationships with their fathers. Happily married parents who attend church regularly tend to have children to be more religious in adulthood and more likely to have stable and healthy romantic relationships as adults. Among teenage boys, those from intact families with frequent religious attendance average the fewest sexual partners.
3. Intact families are more likely to provide a safe home for children.
4. Among urban fathers, those who frequently attend religious services tend to be more engaged with their children.
5. Close relationships between adolescents and their fathers are positively associated with adolescents’ psychological well-being.
6. Adolescents with more involved fathers tend to exhibit lower levels of behavioral problem and are less likely to be incarceration later in life.
7. Adolescents who report having more positive relationships with their fathers are less likely to engage in delinquency and abuse substances.
8. Fathers’ religiosity is linked to higher quality of parent-child relationships.
9. Among adolescent girls, those who have a strong relationship with their fathers are less likely to report experiencing depression.

10. Close father-adolescent bonds protect against the negative influence of peer drug use.

11. Adolescent girls whose fathers were present during their childhood are more likely to delay sexual activity and less likely to become pregnant.

12. Adolescent girls who have never lived apart from their parents are less likely to report sexual abuse than those who have.

13. Girls who experienced a parental separation during childhood are more likely to engage in early sexual activity.

14. Children in father-absent homes are almost four times more likely to be poor. Men who become fathers outside of marriage are more likely to be poor.

I realize the list is long, but it simply serves to remind us that importance of Fatherhood cannot be overstated. But what if you don’t have a father that is active in your life. Then what?

The Bible has an answer for that. I will be sharing that answer this coming Sunday. But for the purpose of this Blog, I can tell you that the bible answer worked for me, changed my life and eventually led me to have a good relationship with my Dad. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday as we celebrate Father’s Day. Oh, and by the way, every dad present will receive a little gift.

Bible Boot Camp – The Armor of God

For Ages 5 -12, August 7-10.

See attached Poster for details.

P.A.R.T. (Pedal Along a Rail Trail) 13

This super fun bike ride with a purpose is set to happen on Saturday, June 23.  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 key fundraiser for Our Daily Bread.  With sponsorships of $200 or more, the $100 entry fee will be waived. Registration forms are available at the Information Table on Sunday, at the office during the week or at kootenaychristianfellowship.com.  Register now and start accumulating sponsorships!  Check out this video from last year’s ride!  You will also find the registration brochure pdf available here as well.

http://kootenaychristianfellowship.com/dat/?e=748

Family Camp at Dutch Harbour

Why not consider taking 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 Dan Walton will be our guest speaker and Cliff Schneider will provide Children’s Ministry for the kids.  Join us July 2 to 6.  Spaces are filling up! Contact the office to register.

S.H.A.R.E. Nelson

Want to know how to get a good deal on some great items? Follow the S.H.A.R.E. Nelson Facebook page and don’t miss out on any sales.

S.H.A.R.E. is accepting and receiving donations and new items are being put out for sale every day. If you would like to volunteer at S.H.A.R.E. we currently have great 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 video! Check out our FB page.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aZX9v7gxdM

Calendar of Events

• Father’s Day, Sunday, June 17
• PART 13 (Pedal Along a Rail Trail), Saturday, June 23, Registration required
• KCF Host meeting, Sunday, June 24, 1pm
• Family Camp, July 2 – 6 at Dutch Harbour, near Riondel.
• Party in the Park, Sunday, July 22 – 4pm at Lakeside Park Rotary BBQ Shelter

Visit our website at http://www.kootenaychristianfellowship.com for all the news, sermons, and places to donate.

Pastor Jim