KGF Church: Recent Episodes

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KGF Church Kelowna: Knowing Jesus and making Him known.

Exodus 20:1-21

Have you ever had to learn how to live differently after a major change?

A major transition can reshape us in ways we do not always recognize at first. A move to a new place, a change in our family, a new responsibility, or walking through a significant loss can require us to learn a new way of living because our old patterns no longer fit our new reality.

Last week Pastor Phil unpacked how God brought Israel to Mount Sinai and declared who they were: His treasured possession, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. God spoke a new identity over them. They were no longer slaves of Pharaoh; they belonged to Yahweh.

But a new identity requires a new way of life.

Israel had been rescued from Egypt, but they still needed to learn how to live as the people God had created them to be.

What does it mean to live as the people God has formed us to be?

Pastor Devan Scollon

Exodus 19; Daniel 7; 1 Peter 2

What have you been preparing for lately? Have you been practicing baseball, pickleball, or for that swim across the lake?
Perhaps you're preparing for a vacation or (yikes!) one of those incredible (or desparate) parents already planning back to school shopping?
Perhaps your job, every day, is to prepare things for others and set the table (perhaps literally) for activities you won't even enjoy?

We take for granted how much preparing we do for things and for others. It's human and so normal we take it for granted.

What is the task of spiritual leadership? What does it prepare us for?

As you prepare for this Sunday, take some time to read Exodus 19 and then come ready.

Phil Wagler, EFC Global Liaison

Have you ever had a season of life or leadership where you weren't sure if you were going to make it? You're not alone. In my own leadership experience, I find that what often begins with a willingness to serve, can quietly become a burden we were never meant to carry alone. In Exodus 18, Moses tries to shoulder every responsibility until Jethro challenges him with the words, “What you are doing is not good.” This Sunday, we'll explore how God calls leaders to share the load, empower others, and embrace the wisdom of delegation, discovering that healthy leadership isn't about doing everything ourselves but about trusting God and equipping others to serve alongside us.

Pastor Rob Dyck

One night changed everything. In Egypt, God's final judgment fell with the tenth plague...but every home sheltered by the blood of the lamb was spared. The Passover wasn't just Israel's rescue from slavery; it was a sign pointing to an even greater deliverance to come. Centuries later, during a Passover meal, Jesus took the bread and the cup and gave them new meaning. The final plague pointed to the final supper, where the true Passover Lamb prepared to lay down His life so that judgment would pass over all who trust in Him.

Join us this Sunday as we trace the story from Exodus to the cross and discover how God's rescue plan has always centered on one Lamb, one sacrifice, and one invitation to freedom.

Pastor Rob Dyck

The plagues have swept through Egypt. The Passover has occurred. The Pharaoh has finally submitted and let God’s people go. Or has he? Now, stuck in between the sea and a determined Egyptian army, the Israelites are faced with danger and difficulty before they can truly leave the country. Once again, they are unsure of following Moses out of Egypt. But God knows what he is doing. He has a plan to lead his people to victory. And that has remained true for all time. Are you in between a dangerous or difficult place in your life?

Join us this Sunday as we recognize God’s character in leading his people through the Red Sea, how Jesus leads his disciples through their moments of fear, and how the Spirit leads us, even now, out of the difficult and dangerous places we might feel trapped in.

Josh Hufemia

Campus Ministry Lead, UCM Okanagan

Who really rules the world—the powers we can see, or the God who created it all?" In Exodus 7–10, the plagues are far more than acts of judgment. They are God's declaration that He alone is the true Lord of creation. Every plague confronts Egypt's false gods and exposes the futility of trusting in anything other than the Creator. As Pharaoh's power crumbles, God's sovereignty is revealed over the rivers, the land, the sky, and every living thing.

Join us as we discover how these dramatic events point us to the one true God who alone is worthy of our worship, trust, and obedience.

Pastor Rob Dyck

How do you feel when it comes time to confront someone or something?
Some of us are "better" at this than others and it's not easy finding the courage to speak or act in such situations.

The reality of the images we see today, the news we hear, and even situations in closer relationships or even our city call for courageous witness and sometimes direct confrontation. How do we lead in these circumstances? What is required of us? How do we deal with our own inadequacies?

We continue our journey in Exodus this Sunday following Moses in his initial confrontation with Pharoah in obedience to what the LORD had called him to do. What is God saying to us through what Moses experienced?

Phil Wagler

Moses was a prince, then a murderer and fugitive, then a shepherd. By the time God called him at the burning bush, Moses had more questions than confidence. His response to God’s call was simple: “Who am I?” (Exodus 3:11). You may ask the same question. We define ourselves by our successes, failures, fears, or past mistakes. But God’s answer to Moses wasn’t a list of qualifications but rather a promise, “I will be with you.”

Join us as we discover how God answers our question, “Who am I?” with the greater truth of who He is with an invitation to follow Him with everything we are.

Pastor Rob Dyck

Have you ever found yourself in a situation that has gone horribly wrong? Like it couldn’t be any worse? And it leaves you wondering how it got so bad? I’ve had at least one…probably more! What do you make of these situations and where is God in it? I’m guessing these were some of the questions that the people of Israel asked as they found themselves slaves to a ruthless Egyptian king.

As we start a new sermon series in the book of Exodus, we will see just how present God is with His people, even in very difficult times, as he guides, protects, and provides for His people.

Pastor Rob Dyck

This Sunday we are diving into one of the most overlooked stories in the Gospels — the time a twelve year old Jesus was left behind in Jerusalem while his family headed home. What his parents found when they located him three days later raises a question that is just as relevant today as it was two thousand years ago. What does it look like to ask better questions — of God, of each other, and of ourselves?

Join us this Sunday as we explore what Jesus can teach us about the lost art of the question.

Phill Whatman

This weekend as we bring our series on Prayer to a close, we want to pause and celebrate how God has been at work among us! Pastor Rob will be sharing a short meditation about one of the most encouraging truths in all of scripture: that Jesus Himself intercedes for us, now and always. Then, we'll open the floor for you to share your reflections on these three questions: What is God teaching you about prayer? How has He met you in prayer? And how has He answered your prayers?.

Be ready to be encouraged and to give courage to one another!

Pastor Joel

What if the thing you’re hiding most is the very thing God wants to heal? So many of us carry silent guilt, private shame, and wounds we hope no one ever sees. But what stays hidden often keeps hurting us. Confession isn’t about condemnation—it’s about freedom. It’s the moment we stop pretending, step into the light, and discover that God’s mercy is greater than our mistakes.

Join us Sunday at 10:00 as we conclude our sermon series on prayer with a focus on confession.

Pastor Rob

Have you ever wondered if God is silent to your prayer requests? I remember the day I received the phone call from my brother that his wife (my sister in law) had left him and their three young kids. His hopes to pursue pastoral ministry crushed. Our family devastated with the news. We brought our hurt and anger and needs to the Lord and I'm sure my brother did too...and we did so for a long time. Months turned into years. Toddlers turned into school aged children. Grandparents became parents once again. Those were difficult years...years where it often felt like God was silent or hidden and definitely unfair. At least to my nieces and nephew I thought. Yet God proved Himself to be Immanuel, God with US in our suffering.

Join us this Sunday as we explore a story in Matthew 15 that may cause one to ask, "does Jesus really care about me and my needs?"

Pastor Rob

Growing up I remember many family gatherings with extended family, and all were organized and scheduled by one aunt in particular. As she grew older that was passed down to one of her daughters, and without them, we would likely have lost touch with one another, and drifted apart. When they pass on eventually how will the family stay together? Jesus was concerned about the same sorts of things in the knowledge of his eventual return to the father. Concerned enough to pray for his disciples and for us, that we would be one.

Join us this Sunday as we unpack one Christ's final prayers.

Pastor Joel Lise

Have you ever been faced with a situation in your life that seemed hopeless...a lost cause as far as you or others could tell? And by all human metrics, perhaps you had every reason to believe nothing could be done. BUT. But what if God is infinitely greater than that situation that seems so hopeless. But what if you invited the Church into it. But what if the Church earnestly prayed. BUT.

Matthew 6:12Do you have a mortgage? Student Loan? Car loan? Do you owe a friend $20 you still haven't paid back? Any credit card debt? We're all debtors somewhere. Don't you want them just to go away? Wouldn't it be great if someone told you it was paid in full?

"We will not forgive!" These bold words can bluster from both sides of global conflicts and dinner tables. The words become weapons that shape our hearts, relationships and history.

Jesus taught us to pray, "...forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors." That's a completely different way of praying and living in this world, isn't it? Somehow, in these simple words, Jesus brings our great need for our debts to wiped clean and our account with others to be reconciled together. What are we do with this? As we rise from Easter Sunday and walk out the hope of the empty tomb, we return this Sunday to the Lord's prayer and the question of what we do with the debts we owe and are owed.

Phil Wagler

Justice. Grace. Forgiveness. Mercy. Hope. The Cross speaks in powerful ways to all of these. On Good Friday, we remember not only the cross, but the quiet, weighty moments that led to it in the garden.

This weekend is a very special weekend. On Friday, we remember what Jesus did for us by dying for our sin and making a way to have a relationship with God. This is cause for incredible gratitude because we are forgiven! The debt for our sin has been paid. On Sunday, we celebrate the truth that Jesus rose from the grave which offers hope, victory, and new life. And this is cause for great celebration! Yet for many, we live between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, not living fully alive or fully free from the "stones" that weigh heavy as we wonder, "how will this stone ever be moved?"

Join us this Sunday as we celebrate the truth that Jesus, the Cornerstone, has already gone ahead and moved it!

Rob Dyck
Lead Pastor

Not sure about you but I love getting stuff! Sometimes it's a gift for Christmas or my birthday. Sometimes it's a sweet deal at a garage sale or on Facebook Marketplace. And it's even better when it says "FREE!" In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus teaches that asking for things, and receiving good gifts should be a part of a disciple's life. But Jesus redirects a disciple's focus on WHO they should be asking for their stuff, and for WHAT they should be asking.

Join us this Sunday as we are challenged with Jesus' words, "give us this day our daily bread.”

Rob Dyck
Lead Pastor

Have the words of what we call The Lord's Prayer become so familiar that you've forgotten how dangerous they are? I know I have. I easily forget that our Father in the skies above is overseeing a cosmic restoration project and He's inviting His disciples to join Him in it...it's not about inviting Him into our plans but about joining Him in what He is doing as He brings His kingdom to bear in our world right now just as He has planned it to be.

Join us as we ask some difficult questions about what and whose kingdoms we are actually participating in.

Rob Dyck
Lead Pastor

The Lord’s Strategy for His HarvestIt can be disheartening to look around our society and be tempted to think that there is less and less interest in the Gospel. That should prompt us to ask, How should we as the body of Christ strategize about seeing more people come to Christ? In this message, we’ll look at Jesus’ strategy for bringing in the harvest of people. We’ll find out a couple surprising things. This includes that things may not be as dire as we think, and that we all have a critical role to play.

Looking forward to sharing with you from this important passage this Sunday!

David Guretzki,
PhD President/CEO & Resident Theologian
The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada

I don’t know about you but when I pray, I find it easy to “use” God as my personal genie. Presenting Him with all my wants and needs. To be certain, Jesus invites His disciples to ask God for everything. But prayer is so much more.

This coming weekend. We are going to place our focus on the One to whom we are praying “our Father in heaven.” As we look to our heavenly Father and grasp just how great and wonderful He is. It leads us to awe and adoration! Join us.

Pastor Rob

At the outset of my ministry at KGF, it is my prayer that PRAYER will be both foundational for all that God has for us as we become the people He wants us to become and do the things which He wants us to do. But what exactly is prayer? And how do we go about it because it’s kind of hard. I invite you to join us on the journey over the coming months as we grow as a people of prayer.

Pastor Rob

What motivates you to obey Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations? Fear, guilt, obligation, something else? I don't think you're alone! I know all of these factors have been a part of my journey. What if genuine love was the compelling factor to do what Jesus said, both individually and collectively as a church family? What would change about our view on God and people and how might we go about Jesus' mandate as a church family? Let's talk about this Sunday! Pastor Rob

What is the clearest evidence that God lives among us? Is it our preaching, our programs, our music, our confession, or even our acts of charity? Or is it our love for one another?

Has our church attendance produced the visible fruit of love?

In John's writings, we see how the unseen God made His love visible in Christ and how that same love must now be made visible in His people. John presses us to examine whether God’s abiding love is truly in us if it does not move outward toward our church family.

The world cannot see God. But it can see the church. And Jesus says our love for one another will reveal who we belong to.

Join us Sunday as we consider the missional call of loving one another.

Pastor Devan Scollon

For God so loved the world.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.

Love your neighbour as yourself.

Love your enemies.

Love your enemies?? Really! Iran and the USA? Ukraine and Russia? The persecuted and their persecutors? You and _______?

Why does Jesus implore his disciples to love enemies? Doesn't he know how complicated, unrealistic and extraordinary that is?

But, what if love of the enemy is the blessing Christians know and have to offer people and societies ripped apart? What if loving the enemy is part of the normal Christian life?

This week we dive into the extraordinary. Come ready to rumble...

Phil Wagler

Over 75% of Christian Men and 40% of Christian Women struggle with a porn addiction. Shame from our stories and even our churches can cause many to struggle in isolation, when the only cure is sunlight. Join our panel of experienced Christian leaders as we dive into the keys to freedom, family and marriage dynamics, why "just trying harder" doesn't work and how we can help loved ones who are struggling. Let's spread hope and stand with our brothers and sisters as we together set others free.

How well do you love yourself? Ever thought about this question? It's a tricky one because Jesus says we are to love others as we love ourselves! Your answer to this question will reveal much. Let's explore this together so that we pursue loving ourselves Jesus' way!

Rob Dyck

Love is a wonderful thing. To know that God loves you unconditionally and lavishly is mind blowing! To know that God wants you to love Him not just "theoretically" but with everything within you is challenging yet very encouraging. But what about loving others the way God loves you...and what about loving others the way you love yourself? Hmm...that's a little more difficult! Especially if the other person is different than me, or I cannot understand what they are going through, or if I utter distaste and dislike for them. Do I really need to love a person like that?
Let's see what Jesus says about loving our "neighbors.

Rob Dyck
Lead Pastor

Have you ever known about someone but truth be told you didn't really know them, or didn't know them very well? It's probably more common than we'd like to admit. And sometimes, it can involve those with whom we say we are in close relationship, like a spouse, or a child, or a friend, or even...gulp...God!
Last Sunday, we were reminded about how much God knows us and LOVES us in spite of our faults and flaws. But His desire for each one is to know and love Him also...personally, deeply, intimately. So, how well do you "know" and love God? Is there an opportunity to grow in your love for Him? What might that look like for you?

Rob Dyck
Lead Pastor

This next sermon series will be focusing on love. This Sunday I’m excited to share with you the source of love and how that changes our lives for eternity. We’ll also be looking at some of the challenges associated with love and why some are never able to embrace it.

Please join us for a time of worship where we’ll dive into God’s Word together!

Steve Perry

The shepherds expected a “silent night” like every other night before, little did they know what would interrupt the every-night darkness to herald the birth of hope incarnate. How are we to respond to such an event?

Phil Wagler - Interim Pastor

In traditional theatre there is a term for characters which are not the "main character" yet without their intervention the plot would unfold ...dramatically different (pun intended). This term is "fifth business" and though it could be argued several minor characters in the Advent story embody this role none embodies it more fully (in my opinion) than Joseph, the adoptive father of Christ. Joseph sacrifices much for Mary and her Blessed Babe and without his quick and direct obedience to the direction given through his dreams, Jesus may have grown up without a provider or home, or may have even been killed through Herod's plot. Joseph plays his role well yet never utters a single line within our scriptures.Yet God... saw fit to appoint this simple carpenter, a man grounded in the material and practical world yet one with the character to protect, cover and provide - this "Silent Knight", if you will - to steward Christmas' first and most precious gift in his most vulnerable years on this earth.

Join us as we unpack the character of Joseph, and understand some of the key ingredients that made for a Fully Alive advent.

Pastor Joel Lise

Mary had a baby. We know this, sing about it, and it’s so common in our thinking this time of year that we may miss the scandal, the drama, the agony, and the courage of it all.

This Sunday, I’m excited that we’ll be joined by Christie Crandall, Executive Director at Okanagan Valley Pregnancy Care Centre. Christie is going to explore the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus with us - not as the polished, serene figure we often see on Christmas cards, but as a young woman who said yes to God at great personal cost.

Through the lens of being “ fully alive”, we’ll reflect on what it means to abide, be pruned, chosen and appointed, just as Mary was. Her courage, surrender and wholehearted obedience invite us to consider how we, too, can step into God’s calling with faith, resilience, and a life awakened to His purposes.

Phil Wagler

Have you ever received a message that changed everything?

Sometimes they are messages that come with great joy and blessing. Sometimes they come with sorrow and grief. And often they simply surprise us. That was part of the experience of some unsuspecting recipients when Gabriel brought a message from heaven. Yet amidst the surprise, amidst even the doubt and fear, was a sense of wonder and hope.

Whatever situation you find yourself in this Christmas season, God has a message for you that will change everything! I look forward to seeing you this Sunday!

Rob Dyck
Lead Pastoral Candidate

In his book, The Sacred Journey, Frederick Buechner writes:

"The question is not whether the things that happen to you are chance things or God’s things because, of course, they are both at once. There is no chance thing through which God cannot speak … He speaks, I believe, and the words he speaks are incarnate in the flesh and blood of our selves and of our own footsore and sacred journeys … ‘Be not afraid, for lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ He says he is with us on our journeys. He says he has been with us since each of our journeys began. Listen for him. Listen to the sweet and bitter airs of your present and your past for the sound of him.”

Esther is a story of “chance" and “coincidence,” and my hope is that this morning, you might pay attention to the chances and coincidences that show up in your own life to participate in the work that God is doing there and for the life of the world!

Levi Simpson
KGM Director of Spiritual Care

Every empire in history, no matter how powerful, has risen and fallen. Babylon is not just an ancient city in Scripture; it’s the recurring pattern of human pride that rejects God and worships itself.

Yet, in every generation, God preserves a faithful people people who live differently, who resist the beastly ways of the world by embodying His true kingdom ways.

Daniel and his friends, though exiled and immersed in Babylonian culture, politics, and power lived fully alive. They heeded the Jeremiah 29 call to work for the good of their captors, seeking peace and prosperity for the city. But with windows open toward Jerusalem, their hope was in the everlasting promise of God’s kingdom.

Today, we as God’s people are called to do the same: to live faithfully and fruitfully in a complex world but not by escaping our culture or conforming to it, buy by revealing another kingdom within it.

Devan Scollon
Associate Pastor of Discipleship

How on earth do you walk by faith when your eyes, brain, and emotions say the opposite?

In a few days we will pause as a nation to remember the costs of violence and war. The world today is rocked by realities and consequences of humanity that too quickly forget the horrors that never just stay in grainy black and white films, but impact us still - including people who are part of our church and live with us in our city. As a church we honour Remembrance Day confessing that those in Christ are called to active love and peacemaking. This is central to our faith in Christ.

The Apostle Paul wrote the often quoted words, "...for we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). Those pithy words look great on the wall or on this screen, but how do we apply them and live fully alive in the real world where we see so much that can make faith a idealistic dream disconnected from reality?

This week we get to know the remarkable courage and faith of the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah, who did a remarkable act of courageous real estate faith when war raged around him and everything - and I mean everything - pointed in the opposite direction. You can read it before we gather on Sunday in Jeremiah 32. And, then, get ready to see differently!

Phil Wagler
Interim Pastor

The normal rhythms of life include struggle, victories, and a whole lot of ordinary moments in between. But in the midst of that normalcy, do we truly notice how God is at work?

This Sunday, we’ll explore the lives of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz, and discover what it means to live fully alive even when life feels difficult, or even when it becomes routine. We’ll see how God was actively working behind the scenes to fulfill His promises, and how He continues to move faithfully in our everyday lives today.

The book of Ruth is only four chapters long, so I encourage you to give it a read!

Grace and Peace,

Josh Hufemia
Campus Ministry Lead, UCM at UBCO

Have you ever told your kids to clean up before taking out a new toy, only to be met with protests and resistance? They can’t see past the task to the joy that’s waiting on the other side.

This Sunday, we’ll explore how the Israelites faced a similar moment at the Jordan river. God had promised them the land—it was already theirs. But they had to cross the river and step into that reality.

When Jesus declared “It is finished” on the cross. He wasn’t starting something—He was completing it. Your freedom, your identity, your place as God’s chosen—it’s all already done. Perfectly. Completely. Ongoing.

But here’s the question: What Jordan river is God asking you to cross today? Maybe it’s forgiveness. Maybe it’s breaking free from bondage. Maybe it’s stepping into your calling. Or maybe it’s simply believing you are who God says you are.

Join us this Sunday as we discover how to stop standing on the riverbank and start living in the reality of what Christ has already finished for us. The land is already yours. It’s time to get your feet wet.

Phill Whatman

Have you ever asked yourself how did I get here? Sometimes we can feel we are in a rut and waiting on God to act. Sometimes we simply go on auto pilot (life with kids can do that to you) and we wake up one day wondering how did I get here? Perhaps you have been seeking God's voice but only hear radio silence. Join us as we look at Moses journey who found himself in a place of waiting.

Phill Whatman

We’ve been exploring in John 15 Jesus’ vision for a fully alive people- a fruitful and abiding life.This week we begin looking at biblical stories where God called people to embrace His appointed purpose in the midst of difficult circumstances.

We start with Joseph, whose life could have been defined by favouritism, betrayal, and suffering. Yet God was weaving a greater plan, for Joseph’s good and for the life of many. In the same way, the fully alive person trusts God’s larger picture and embraces His invitation to abide, be appointed, be pruned, and to bear fruit that lasts.

Pastor Devan Scollon

It’s a try-out season for fall and winter sports? Di you try-out? Were you chosen?

Or, perhaps you recall those school days when partners were picked. Were you one of those standing awkwardly waiting? Were you always chosen first?

In John 15 Jesus makes a startling declaration to his disciples: you are chosen and appointed (John 15:16)! This might give a warm-fuzzy feeling of belonging, but it’s no participant ribbon! It is a call to a life of high responsibility; a life fully alive and on purpose!

We’ve been looking at Jesus’ foundations for the fully alive, fruitful life in John 15: pruning, abiding, friendship with God. This week we round this up with the transforming power of being chosen and appointed.

Phil Wagler

Interim Pastor

The 1981 Walt Disney classic “The Fox and the Hound” taught me what friendship really was. Friendship, as portrayed in the film, was about loyalty to another, even if it means you have to fight a bear to save your friend or stand in the line of fire to protect them from a hunter.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” - John 15:13 We know this intuitively, for it’s the very reason that “The Fox and the Hound” resonates with our hearts and is such a moving tale to this day.

Join us Sunday to find out what being a friend of Christ means, and how God might be inviting us to deeper obedience in loving one another.

See you then,

Pastor Joel

Cut flowers.

They look pretty, make a beautiful bouquet, but they cannot thrive.

Unplugged computer.

It can survive for a time. A good battery makes a difference. But, it will die.

The life fully alive as God intended requires remaining in the source. Made in God’s image, human beings can only flourish by remaining, as Jesus says in John 15, in Him. We are not meant to be cut flowers or unplugged devices, but fully alive. Who are you abiding in? What are you plugged into?

Embracing with joy the challenges and assignments in our schools, workplaces, relationships, and city and bearing the fruit of God in a world looking for hope is our call and purpose. Exploring how we remain in the Source for such a momentous responsibility is where we’ll plant ourselves this Sunday.

Phil Wagler

Interim Pastor

My friend stood at the front of the class with the bungee cord hooked to his belt, the other end in the teacher’s hand. "Go ahead, walk forward", Mr. Brown instructed.

We chuckled nervously as he did so, and to his credit, he got a lot further than I thought he would. But as sure as bees make honey when the bungee cord reached its max, Don couldn't get any further.

Just like bungee cords, there are things in our life that hold us back from moving forward, from being as productive as we can be. It could be circumstances, relationships, sinful patterns, whatever it is, Jesus promised that his Father, the gardener, would cut it out of our lives.

God is not content with fruitful, at least not in our passage from John 15. God wants us to be "even more fruitful" than we already are.

Wondering how that's possible? Me too. Let's discover together on Sunday!

Pastor Joel Associate Pastor of Community Life

Snow angels are one of the highlights of a kid's winter. Have you ever tried making a sand angel in the heat of a summer like this? Your body can leave a mark!

This Sunday, we wrap up our series, "The Body," with the exploration of the mark the Body of Christ makes! How has the Body of Christ impacted your life? We'll hear some stories of that and seek to spur one another on toward the love and good deeds Jesus intends his body to be about in the world he loves!

Phil Wagler
Interim Pastor

How is your love for the wideness and wonder of the Body of Christ growing? One of our goals in our series, "The Body," was to invite another pastor to share what the Spirit is doing in another part of Jesus's Body in our city. We're so pleased to welcome Jenny Toews from Willow Park Church - Downtown this week. Here's her teaser for our gathering this week...

Have you ever tried to micromanage God? “Sure, God. I’ll pursue that task, conversation, vocation. …but only if ___.” Or maybe you’ve simply tried to remind God: “___ isn’t really for me.” These are examples of choosing to play it safe instead of positioning yourself for faith. Most of us would probably say that we want to be used by God, but sometimes, what we really want is to control how God may use us. Our text this Sunday includes Paul exhorting Timothy to “fan [his gift] into flame,” and I wonder… can we fan to flame and play it safe? How has that tension played out in your life?

I'm excited to spend time with you and share how we’ve been stretched and shaped by these questions over at Willow Park Church – Downtown. See you Sunday!

Jenny Toews
Associate Pastor
Willow Park Church - Downtown

The Body of Christ is made up every tribe, language, and ethnicity.

The Body of Christ is made up of those with little or much money.

The Body of Christ consists of another mixed human reality: those who are married and those who are single.

The 2021 Canadian census revealed that 44.3% of the population is married, 12.6% were in a common-law relationship, and 43.1% were single. Single adults are close to outnumbering married people in Canada.

This week we’re going to search scripture for how Jesus’s vision for the church he is building is to be the household of God where marriage and singleness are both honoured, celebrated, seen realistically, and intended to point in one great and glorious direction.

There are lots of expectations when it comes to the local church. It has a significant impact on our relationship with God and with each other. Every Christian’s desire is to be part of a healthy church, where Christ is the head of the church and the Holy Spirit is working in the lives of God’s people. But there are times when the church falls short.

What makes an unhealthy church? Many of us notice or have experienced things in the church that we know are not in line with what we understand or even believe. It’s challenging. So, what makes a church unhealthy?

Sunday, we will begin to unpack 4 signs of an unhealthy church. Each one has a significant impact on the local church. We will look at Scripture to gain God’s perspective and reflect on our current journey as a church.

The church is at its healthiest when every generation is connected, valued, and learning from one another. This Sunday, we will tag-team as we explore God’s brilliant design for meaningful intergenerational engagement within His Body.Drawing from Titus 2, we’ll see how the wisdom and experience of older believers and the passion and fresh perspective of younger believers work together to reflect Jesus and strengthen the whole church. You’ll be encouraged to see your place in God’s story and challenged to invest intentionally across generational lines.

Pastor Devan Scollon & Garth Walker

Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-5:11 & Matthew 6

If I were a rich man...
All the things I could do if I had a little money...
If I had a million dollars...
This life, that's all that everybody care about man, money...
I've got everything that money can't buy...

Money. We need it. Think about it. Sing about it. Spend it. Give it. Share it. Waste it. Despise it. Love it. Use it. And sometimes, it uses us.

The Bible, and Jesus in particular, talks a lot about money. God knows money and the things we treasure have an important place in being human, being a disciple, and being the body of Christ together for the sake of the world.

Phil Wagler
Interim Pastor

1 Timothy 3; Titus 1

Life is full of health tips. “How do I get healthy?” “How do I stay healthy?” “How do I know if I’m healthy?” and the worst part is, even if we do it all well, we’ll still die eventually. But this should not be the case for Christ’s Body, the Church.

When a church is healthy we should see the evidence, and if health continues, the church will live on indefinitely, continuing to fulfill God’s purposes for years and even centuries to come!

But what are the systems and practices that make and keep a Church healthy? This week we look at 3 of them together.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Joel Lise

Have you ever considered how your body speaks up?

A pang of hunger just before dinner. A shot of pain when you step awkwardly. A shout when joy moves you. A giggle when something tickles. A tear when sorrow overwhelms.

In a way this is similar to prayer - a response from the deepest parts of us to the world around us.

This week we continue our series, “The Body”, with the critical topic, “The Body that Prays”. We have two special components to the weekend.

A sunday message from guest speaker Dr. Roger Helland, Prayer Ambassador of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and author of Pursuing God’s Presence.
The opportunity to practice what we preach by joining others of all ages in prayer walks throughout the city.

The world is crying out, let us keep growing as a Body that prays.

Phil Wagler
Interim Pastor

What do you know about Jews in Kelowna? How do you interact with your Muslim co-worker? How do we live with a neighbour or friend who is opposed to "religion?" How do we seek the common good with those committed to other worldviews?

What do the people in our community who do not share our faith in Jesus know about us as Christians? What do they conclude about us?

Christians have always lived in a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-religious, multi-opinionated world. The church, the body of Christ, cannot avoid social life, but what does that look like? How can we seek social transformation that reflects the Kingdom of God? Read Paul's letter to Philemon before Sunday if you have just a few minutes, and come thinking about the social life we are part of in this complex world.

Phil Wagler
Interim Pastor

Psalm 67

How might our lives be enriched if we thought more about the Global Body of Christ?

This Sunday, we’ll step beyond the walls of the local church and tune our hearts to the movement of God around the world. Using Psalm 67 as a backdrop, we’ll explore the “way of God” among the nations, seeing how His grace and saving power are transforming lives across cultures. Through stories from Brazil, the Philippines, Germany, and more, we’ll learn how believers in the Global Body are following the same Spirit to fulfill the mission we all share together.

Sam Dick, Regional Mobilizer for Multiply

Matthew 3:13-17

We love Baptism Sunday because it’s not just about individual stories of faith; it’s a powerful reminder of God’s ongoing work in our community. This week, we continue our series on Being the Body of Christ by exploring a surprising baptism: the baptism of Jesus.

Why would Jesus, who had no sin, submit to baptism meant for sinners? What does His baptism reveal about God’s redemptive plan, the unity of the Trinity, and our place in His kingdom? Join us as we unpack this pivotal moment in Matthew’s Gospel and hear inspiring testimonies of new life and obedience.

Pastor Devan Scollon

Matthew 20:20-28

Have you ever wondered that at a restaurant or while trying to navigate a phone call with a chatbot when all you want to do is talk to a human being? A healthy household, a healthy business, a healthy school, a healthy society - so much of life together depends on who is in charge and how they lead.

What about the Body of Christ? Who is in charge? Who leads? What is leadership structured? What does Christian leadership focused on? How is leadership structured? What does Christian leadership look like so that the Body thrives for the glory of God.

This Sunday, we will dive into these questions, without chatbots.

Phil Wagler

Interim Pastor

Exodus 17:8-16

How does your garden grow?

If you plant the best seeds but don't water them, will they produce? If you water and weed, but don't fight bugs and birds, will you have a bountiful harvest?

How's your sports team doing?

If you have the best players, but no coaching, practice, or team chemistry, will you win? If you're a baseball team with great hitting but terrible pitching, will you succeed?

Producing a healthy garden or a successful team requires a variety of healthy components and practices.

How is a healthy congregation formed?

Congregations face unsettling seasons (as KGF has over the years), or times of renewal and wondering what's next (as we are). A healthy congregation depends on healthy church leadership, and healthy church leadership depends on the components and practices of a healthy congregation.

To know Jesus and make Him known, it's crucial we learn about the realities of pastoral ministry and church leadership, and proactively invest in their health and well-being. How can church leaders be in partnership with the whole body, leading to their and our success?

Join us this Sunday as Bob Armstrong, Executive Director of Oasis Ministries, brings decades of experience in supporting the development of healthy pastors and congregations. We will explore the realities of pastoral ministry and how we as a body can be a healthy congregation with healthy leaders.

Phil Wagler, Interim Pastor

1 Corinthians 12

Ever feel like there’s a melody still within you, waiting to be played? Or have you ever wondered why some believers seem to be joyfully and effortlessly serve others well, while you (or someone you love) struggle and meander through life?

This Sunday, we’ll journey through the biblical origins and importance of spiritual gifts. We’ll see God’s beautiful intention for His gifts in our own lives and within our body of believers. Find out how easy it can be to discover new joy and passion through the unique part that only you can play.

Todd Ringness

Have you ever looked at one of the Kelowna’s sports fields, buzzing as they do this time of year with kids in neat uniforms, and asked, “Hey, what’s with all the teams?”

Or, have you been to the food court, or walked through our beautiful downtown, and asked, “What’s with all the restaurants anyway?”

In the same vein, have you scooted around the city, noticed all the church buildings and wondered, “Hey, what’s with all the churches?”

If there is one body of Christ, why all the churches? Why the diversity, and at times disagreements? This weekend we raise these questions in our exploration of “The Body.”

And, perhaps, we’ll see the church and our city differently.

Phil Wagler

Interim Pastor

P.S. Here’s a challenge: count how many churches you see on the way to KGF on Sunday.

Ephesians 2:19-22

What does it really mean to belong to the Church? Is it just about showing up on Sundays or volunteering in ministry… or is there something deeper God has in mind?

This week, we’ll explore a powerful vision from Ephesians 2:19–22: that we’re not just attendees — we’re citizens in God’s Kingdom, members of His household, and stones in a living temple where He dwells. Christ hasn’t just saved us from something, He’s saved us into something: a people, a place, a purpose.

Whether you’re new or deeply invested, come ready to be reminded that God is building something beautiful, and it includes you.

Pastor Devan Scollon

Here's some pre-work for Sunday...Ponder an answer to this question: Why does the Church exist?

How would you answer that for someone in your life who is wondering why the Church matters today?
This is the question we will explore this Sunday when KGF gathers.
Phil Wagler
Interim Pastor

Acts 2:42-47Jerusalem after the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus was marked by the explosion of a new religion. Jesus' disciples sparked a revolution unlike any other in history as people from all over the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe witnessed the events of pentecost, and heard the gospel in their own languages. About 3,000 people became followers of "the way" that day and became new creations in Christ Jesus. Their faithful lives as the early church was marked with trials and persecution, but nothing could stamp out the movement of God's Kingdom. So what made these radicals so effective? And how can we learn from their way of being an unstoppable worshiping community?

1 Corinthians 3:11

500 years ago, a fire was lit in the hearts of young believers who dared to follow Jesus with radical conviction. Born in the midst of persecution, the Anabaptist movement defied the norms of its day—insisting that faith must be personal, Scripture must lead, and discipleship must be costly. This Sunday, we’ll trace the Spirit’s movement from the Reformation to those early house churches, to the birth of the Mennonite Brethren, discovering how their story still shapes ours. Come ready to be challenged and inspired as we remember our roots and reclaim our calling to be people of the Book, the towel, and the basin.

This Easter Sunday, we celebrate the truth that changes everything: Jesus is alive! The tomb is empty, death is defeated, and hope is alive because the risen Christ is reigning!

We know what the resurrection means but are we actually living like it’s true? Are we walking in the freedom, identity, and calling Jesus secured for us, or are we still letting shame and fear write our story?

We’ll look at two disciples: Peter and John. Two different men. Two different stories. But one Risen Saviour who met them both where they were, brought them freedom, rooted them into new identity, and called them into kingdom purpose.

As we enter into these stories, our hope is that something awakens in us. A fresh awareness that the resurrection isn’t just a moment in history, but the very reality we live in now. Jesus still restores, still redefines, and still calls. May we be awakened to our resurrection calling, to live as those made new, for the sake of those around us.

Devan Scollon & Anthony Tisher

Mark 14:32-42

In the garden of gethsemane, Jesus faced humanity’s ultimate crossroads - surrender or self-preservation. His choice illuminates a paradoxical truth; Our greatest victories often emerge from difficult moments of surrender.

We’ll explore how letting go becomes a revolutionary act of claiming God’s best. Discover the surprising power hidden in surrender, and why the things we desperately cling to, might be the very barriers to our breakthrough.

Join us this week for an honest look at how we can transform “giving up or in” into a significant mission upgrade - where surrender becomes our gateway to freedom.

Todd Ringness

What a Waste!Mark 14:1-11

Waste of time.
Waste of resources.
Waste of energy.
Waste of talent.

What do you see as wasted?

It can be very frustrating to see something go to waste. We can also be quite critical of such things.

This week we journey with Jesus on the way to the cross and discover a waste that raised quite a debate. Check out Mark 14:1-11 and come along for the ride!

Phil Wagler
Interim Pastor

Whether we realize it or not in each moment, the world is full of chaos, war, persecution, and trials. The disciples thought that the coming of the messiah would bring order, peace, and restoration; that things would get better, not worse. And just like us, they looked to traditions, institutions and leaders for their hope.

If things are only going to get worse before they get better, where are we going to turn? Where does our hope lie? How are we going to know what to do?

Joel Lise

Worship Pastor

God.

What is your first response or thought to that word?

A.W. Tozer said, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us."

There can be various responses to "God." What was yours? Does it reveal something important about you?

What does God command?

What comes to our mind about God will probably shape what we begin to list about what God expects of those made in His image. Some argue about what should be on such lists. Some reject such lists altogether and find a God who makes demands unreasonable.

This week we continue on the way with Jesus to the cross of Good Friday and the rise of the King on Easter Sunday. Jesus makes a pretty startling comment about what God actually commands in Mark 12:28-34. I wonder what you think about his Great Command to love?

Phil Wagler
Interim Pastor

Mark 11:15-18Familiarity can lead us to miss the incredible.

For instance, do you take the beauty of this valley for granted? It's our everyday normal, but people come a long way to spend just a week here.

Familiarity can also lead us to neglect the incredible. We get used to the person who is just "there" and neglect the heart of the relationship. We get used to enjoying what others have built and neglect to make the good thing even better. Even worse than neglect, we can turn the tables on the incredible and use it for selfish purposes and corrupt the incredible.

It's time to see the incredible once again!

This week we journey with Jesus toward the cross of Easter and enter the incredible first-century temple in Mark 11 and find tables that need to be turned. But why? What does prayer have to do with it? And, what are we incredibly called to make sure we don't neglect in this incredible time and place?

Phil Wagler
Interim Pastor

John 1:14

John 1:14 is a familiar verse for many Christians as it offers a concise, if not profound, description of the “Good News” - God with us.

But the incarnation is not only the “content” of the good news (God with Us) but it is also the model for sharing that news with the World. Darrell Guder says the incarnation is both the “what” and the “how-to” of the gospel.

Jesus came to Earth not just as a redemptive fix for a broken Creation - but to lead the Church into a new way of living - to be about the business of His Kingdom.

And how do we do it? He rooted himself into the local neighbourhood - its customs and culture. He lived and worked in Nazareth where He engaged with all walks of life, loving them deeply, and simply living his counter-cultural ethos for all to see.

So what does “the neighbourhood” mean for KGF? Think local…and global. Think grocery store and soccer field. At work and with neighbours. Mission is quite simply being who you are; where you are.

Jamie Munday

Genesis 12:1-3

Imagine being told by your spouse or a close friend that they’re taking you on a vacation, but they won’t tell you where. Would you be excited, or nervous? And how would you pack? What would you bring with you? What would you make sure to leave behind? Kinda hard to know when you don’t know where you’re going, but that’s the call that Abraham, and indeed all off us, receive from the Lord.

Abraham had to leave all he knew, pack his stuff, and go. The promise, when Abraham accepts this invitation, is that God would lead him and bless him, but not just bless him, but use him to bless all nations!

God calls each of us to follow him to places and settings we cannot yet know, what will we leave behind so we can journey unhindered? And what will we be sure to pack in our suitcases?

Let’s find out together on Sunday!

Pastor Joel

Genesis 11:10-32

Have you experienced life at the crossroads? How did you get there?

How have you discerned which way to go? Who have you asked for directions? Have you made a wrong turn?

Doesn’t it seem like the whole world is at the crossroads these days? How do you see people responding to the uncertain rhetoric of our southern neighbour, not to mention the complexities we’re all facing in our own lives? What do you see happening to relationships, hopes, and expectations?

This week we follow the scattered peoples after Babel’s bluster and discover a family on a journey that ends at a crossroads in Genesis 11:27-32. What might we learn from them that can help us today?

Phil Wagler, Interim Pastor

Genesis 11

After the flood, Noah and his family were saved through God’s good promise. But humanity quickly moved on to a new building project - this time, not an ark of salvation, but a tower of rebellion. What was their goal?

To reach the heavens?
To make a name for themselves?
To build a backup plan in case of another flood?

At Babel, we see the human heart striving for significance and security apart from God - only to find confusion and judgment. Yet even in this act of scattering, God was working toward a greater plan of redemption that echoes throughout Scripture and finds its fulfillment in Christ.

Join us as we explore how Babel isn’t just an ancient story - it’s a mirror to our own hearts and a signpost to God’s greater plans.

Devan Scollon

God of PromiseGenesis 6-10

Floods.
They make a mess and overflow. They make the news and reveal human vulnerability. They leave us longing for a way out.

Rainbows.
We see them on sidewalks, T-shirts, jewelry and bumper stickers, but there's nothing quite like the ones that hang in the sky and stop you in your tracks.

Promises.
Have you made them? Have you kept them?
Have you been disappointed by them?
Why do we so long for a promise to be kept?

What does a flood and a rainbow reveal about who God is and who we are? What to they have to do with a promise that is as true for you today as it was in the days of Noah?

This week we float with Noah through Genesis 6-10. Come along for the ride.

Sail on...
Phil Wagler
Interim Pastor

Genesis 4-5

Last week in Genesis Chapter 3 we met our Adversary - Satan - through the narrative, and Steve unpacked for us how Satan uses doubt about the goodness of God’s gifts, and doubt of our own goodness to undermine our trust in God.

This weekend we are going to look at the original sin of our adversary - pride - and how Chapter 4 of Genesis teaches us to see pride and ultimately resist it’s pull. What is pride? How can we recognize it in ourselves? And most importantly, what is God’s plan to deal with the sin of pride, both within us and within the world?

Joel Lise,

Worship Pastor

Genesis 3

In our day and age, there seems to be a lot of “How To’s”

· How to Lose Weight

· How to Become Wealthy (sometimes overnight!)

· How to Dress for Success

· How to Make your Hair grow back

· How to Train Your Dragon… you get the idea

Yet in all the overwhelming piles and piles of information, you will rarely hear a message on HOW TO RUIN YOUR LIFE.

Join us this Sunday to hear how Satan tempts, tricks and deceives and how we can PREVENT this from happening.

Looking forward to sharing the Word together!

Steve Perry

Genesis 2:4-25

The map on your phone allows you to zoom in or out with ease. You can see the whole world or zero in on a street corner - it's pretty amazing!

What do we notice when we zoom in on humanity?
We come to Genesis 2:4-25 this Sunday in our adventure in the first book of the Bible and discover the cosmic and universal view of creation in Genesis 1 suddenly narrows to a specific place - a garden - specific trees - a tree of life and a tree of the knowledge of good and evil - and specific people - Adam and Eve.

We zoom in on us, humanity, in a particular place. What are we to make of Eden?

Well, what are you to make of who you are and where you live and who you share yourself and that place with?

Now there's a timeless question!

Phil Wagler,
Interim Pastor

Genesis 1:3-2:3

What did your Mom say?
What did your Dad say?
What did the boss say?
What did the teacher say?
What did the celebrity say?
What did the politician say?

Though we don't always like to admit it, we can't deny that it matters a great deal what people with authority say. Isn't it quite amazing that we do many things - positively or negatively - based on the invisible words that come from people we respect or have been granted some position of authority to speak? We especially long to hear people we care about speak and the "silent treatment" is not therapeutic at all!

We venture further into Genesis 1 this week and discover that God speaks - and that God's speech is powerful and foundational for life and all that is good. What does God say in the beginning? What does he say to us and the world? And why does that still matter?

This is what we'll explore together this week.

Phil Wagler,
Interim Pastor

Genesis 1:1-3

We're beginning again.

Last week marked day one of another new year, and the rest of your life.
Every new year begins with hope and expectation, potentially new commitments, and yet it's just another day on a calendar that builds on the many that have come before us.

As a church family we are going to begin 2025 where Scripture begins - in Genesis. Over the next few weeks we'll unpack Genesis 1-12 to ground us and challenge us to understand who God is and what he is calling us to in a new year that is part of an old world. This week we begin with God who was there, in the beginning, and invites us in these days entrusted to us to remember that wherever chaos reigns the Spirit is hovering.

Happy New Beginning!

Phil Wagler,
Interim Pastor

Luke 2:1-2; Revelation 12:1-6

Bahar al-Assad is gone. Trump is back. Trudeau is in trouble.
Netanyahu. Putin. Milei. Zelensky. Rutu. Xi Jinping.
The world is ruled by powers that shift and change. Some cheer the transitions. Others rally to protect them.
The world seems like a hot mess! What is going on? Who is really in charge?

We're less than a week away from Christmas Day when we Christians celebrate that in the days of Caesar Augustus, a baby was born and Herod lost his mind.
How can we understand the massive impact of the arrival of the Prince of Peace? Does his arrival still send shock waves or have we settled for Hollywood holiday sentimentality?
And, what on earth does Revelation 12 have to say about all this where we see a Dragon seeking to devour a child?

It's been an interesting year! Should be an interesting Sunday.

Phil Wagler,
Interim Pastor

The Book of Daniel

This Sunday, as we look at Daniel, we'll explore what it means to endure suffering, to hold on to hope, and to pray. We'll also discuss coming to the end of ourselves, Jesus power to save, and the work of the church to stand in solidarity with the suffering.

This Advent, as we reflect on joy, we face a sobering reality: sentimentality won't sustain us through the hardships of life. Drawing from the powerful stories in Daniel and the hope found in Jesus, we’ll explore how God meets us in our suffering—not from a distance, but in the midst of the fire and the lion’s den. Discover how Christ’s presence transforms our struggles into hope, and how we are called to live as his church, standing in solidarity with those in need.

Together with you in Christ,
Levi Simpson
Director of Spiritual Care from Kelowna’s Gospel Mission

Luke 1-2

At the start of Luke, we see God breaking into the ordinary—through the routines, relationships, and responsibilities of people like Zacharias and Elizabeth, Mary and Joseph, and the shepherds. Astonishingly, Jesus, the Son of God, entered the world not with domineering power, but in humility, as a baby, born into a common family for the common good of all.

Do we recognize Christ’s presence in our everyday lives? Do we wrestle with a tension between longing for clear signs of God’s work and the humble, common ways He often reveals Himself?   

Too often, we seek God in mountaintop moments but lose sight of Him in the mundane. Yet, could it be that our everyday faith, offered through the simple routines of life, is precisely where God works to accomplish His kingdom purposes… let's discuss this Sunday!

Devan Scollon
 Student Ministries Director

Have you seen the news lately and wondered, "Where is God?"

Have you assessed your life and our community and wondered, "Where is God?"

From Kelowna to Jerusalem the question can be asked, pondered, and prayed.

Advent is here. Four weeks of preparation for heaven's answer to the question, "Where is God?," if we slow down and listen, we might understand that God's response is, "Christ is here."

What's happening in the land once called Judea is dominating today's headlines. Jerusalem and Bethlehem once wondered "Where is God?" and almost missed the message that Christ had arrived.

This week, we begin advent with a special guest from Jerusalem, Dr. Salim Munayer. We'll explore how the message "Christ is here" is still the hope for the Holy Land and right here too.

💬 Questions for discussion:

How does the message of hope and reconciliation in Christ give you hope and expectation for what Christ is doing here and now in your life and our world❓
What do you find most challenging about the way of peace that God has brought into the world through Jesus Christ in light of all the troubles and wars that exist❓
What are you being prompted to further pray for and understand about the war in Israel/Palestine, as well as our city and community❓

Phil Wagler,
Interim Pastor

John 6In John 6, Jesus performs an incredible miracle, multiplying loaves of bread to feed thousands, enough for everyone to be fully satisfied with leftovers to spare! The crowd was amazed by His ability to provide bread, but Jesus wanted to show them something far greater.

“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” With these words, Jesus reveals the heart of the miracle: He is not just the giver of bread—He is the true Bread. Only He can satisfy the deepest hunger of our souls.

Jesus invites us to partake in a life-changing feast: to delight in His presence, find our fulfillment in Him, and take our place at His table as followers, friends, and family. Are you hungry for something more?

Devan Scollon,
Student Ministries Director

1 Cor 1:10-17Martin Luther King said, "We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools". And while we all know that division is painful, and sad, and ought to be prevented, most of us don't know how to spot it before it's begun its path of destruction. And what does the bible say about how to live out the fact that sometimes we just don't agree? Surely Jesus doesn't expect us to just agree about everything! How does disagreement differ from division? And what does the way of unity look like anyway?

Pastor,
Joel Lise

James 1:1-12

This Monday, Remembrance Day, we will cherish the time to remember those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Words cannot express how blessed we are because of their commitment to peace. As much as we value peace, it’s impossible to live a life without trials and hardships. With trials come pain and wounds and times of loneliness and deep questions. Most of us would just like them to go away.

On Sunday, let’s come together to look at the book of James and see what it says about trials. God has a purpose for trials. It’s hard to believe that anything good could come from something we instinctively want to avoid. But “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." I encourage you to join us on Sunday. God’s got you!

Steve Perry
Board Member

Understanding the Way God Matures People Like Us

Galatians 2:20

Have you looked at a picture of yourself as a child lately? Whether that photo is in high definition on a device in your hand or tucked away in a photo album in fading black and white, it's amazing to look at ourselves as we once were.

How did you manage to grow up? Who and what helped you through the scrapes of childhood, hiccups of puberty or, if you're far enough along, the crises of mid-life? And consider your spiritual growth: what has that been like? Who has helped - or hindered - you? And what about the celebrations and laments of growing up in fellowship with others in the life of a church family?

Today, we embark on a journey of discovering how God develops maturity in us. It's a glorious and bumpy adventure - come along for the ride!

Pastor Phil Wagler

1 Corinthians 12:12-27

As we continue navigating this season of renovation, it’s important to return to the core of who we are as God’s people. This Sunday, we will explore what it means to live out our identity as the Church in three essential roles: the Body, the Bride, and the Building of Christ.

Let us seek God’s guidance in becoming the Church He has called us to be, not shying away from change or difficulty but deeply engaging with where He is leading us!

Devan Scollon
Student Ministries Director

1 Peter 2:4-12

What do you do when life is not going as planned? Peter, in this letter to a suffering church, opens the door to help us understand what it means to find something permanent when life may be falling apart all around you. He points this church to the foundation of Jesus and then to their calling as God’s chosen people. Even in the midst of the hardships, Peter gently encourages them with the purpose of living as witnesses of God’s grace in hard times. Finally, he encourages them to examine their inner life and live an outward life that brings glory to God.

My prayer as we both prepare for this coming Sunday, is for God’s Spirit to guide and lead us through the hard times for His glory and our good.

Reg Toews,
BCMB Executive Director

Ephesians 4: 1 - 16

One of the brilliant gifts of where we meet each Sunday is its visibility from one of the main roads in Kelowna. Each week I drive past the church a handful of times on my way about town for meetings, errands, and appointments. Yet we know that on a Monday as we drive past Gordon and Casorso we aren't passing by the Church (note the capital "C"), only a (mostly) empty building where a few staff work in the office.

The Church isn't a building, we don't need the walls to be the Church. After all, Jesus did not say to Peter "On this rock I will build my building". A building is just a meeting place for God's "Ekklesia" - gathering, congregation, community, assembly - and that's you and me.

So WE are the Church. What does that mean? How are we supposed to live? Ephesians 4 has a lot to say about that, read it before you come on Sunday and we'll unpack it together.

Pastor Joel Lise

In light of this new season at KGF, I believe God is inviting us to do one thing: Seek Him.

As a church, we are called to seek the Lord with all our hearts, trusting that when we do, He will guide us forward. This Sunday, we'll explore what it means to seek God together and how He reveals Himself to those who diligently pursue Him. Let’s not miss the opportunity to witness His work in our midst.

Devan Scollon
Student Ministries Director

Jesus called God the Father, “Abba”, which means “daddy”. In this episode, we will explore what this means for His church and how we are called to walk with one another.

Phil Wagler at PRN

Mark 4:26-29

Can you think back to spring when the soil was turned, seeds were planted and all felt fresh? How about those warm summer months when gardens and orchards grew and needed tending and watering to survive? And now, how’s the harvest emerging? As we look around our area we see apples hanging and Thanksgiving for all we have just around the corner.

There is a rhythm to the year and we have a role to play. And yet at the same time, our part is really quite small. We are a participant in something greater. The faithful flow of seasons finds us emerging from summer into another reality and invites us to consider that the Kingdom of God is also something growing in the Creator’s own way. We are a participant in something greater.

This week we consider God’s faithful tending to his Kingdom from the past and present, from the global to the local, and consider the ways we have been invited to participate over the last few months in something greater. Might we find new confidence and expectation to trust the Lord for what lies ahead?

Guest Speaker: Phil Wagler
Global Director at Peace and Reconciliation Network

Mark 12:13-17

During His last days, Jesus had a number of run-ins with the religious elite of the day. He was hated by most of them to the point where they wanted Him dead. They just had to figure out a way to get Him killed, so they pose what they think are impossible questions. The way He responds ends in astonishment, not just for how he handles the questions, but how His answers point to something greater. Our passage this week has more to teach us than simply how to get out of an impossible question. Let’s dive in together.

Speaker: Lead Pastor Shawn Klassen

Mark 12:1-12

As a kid, my mother would often read to us the famous Aesop's fables - The Mouse and the Lion, the Scorpion and the Frog, the Fox and the Grapes, and of course the Tortoise and the Hare. These were great stories, and their morals were usually quite obvious. "Every act of kindness counts", "A creature cannot deny its nature", "It's better to deem something undesirable than be bitter when you cannot have it", and "Natural talent is no excuse for laziness" are their lessons respectively.  

When Jesus spoke in parables, the people around him were often confused about their meaning, but not with the parable of the tenants - our passage for Sunday - which was a clear and harsh criticism of the Jewish religious elites.

Speaker: Pastor Joel Lise

Mark 11:26-33

Jesus has always been controversial. He is today, and he was back in His time. He did things no one else was doing, and was teaching things that were astonishing. And when He got to Jerusalem, He upset the religious leaders by clearing out the Temple. Now those leaders will come face to face with Jesus and ask a probing question… “Who gave you the authority?”

Let’s explore together!

Speaker: Lead Pastor Shawn Klassen

Mark 11:12-25

There are more ways to communicate with people than I care to know about. Way back when dinosaurs roamed the earth we used to write letters to one another. Then came the phone and not that long ago we were introduced to the cell phone. With the cell phone came texting. And now, there are all kinds of communication tools at our fingertips. There are Facebook Messenger, What's App, BeReal, Linked In, Teams, Slack, Jabber, and probably another half dozen options I have either tried to forget or don't know about (which is fine by me).

With time, technology has changed the way we communicate. But there's one form of communication that hasn't changed and that's prayer. We don't need a device, the internet, or wifi. We can talk to God anytime or anywhere. Anyone can do it, and God is always available whenever we reach out. Very cool!

Examine some of the key fundamentals of prayer that Jesus describes in the book of Mark. Through the teaching of God’s Word, our prayer lives will be enriched.

Speaker: Steve Perry

Mark 11:1-11

What does winning look like to you? Is it graduating with straight A’s? Landing the corner office job with the hefty pay-check? Finding a spouse who’s a perfect 10? Maybe it’s just seeing gas come back down to a reasonable price!

Whatever it looks like to you, you’re probably very aware of how your idea of what should happen can be very different from what does happen. Our best hopes can be dashed with what reality sends our way.

Oddly enough, the crowds around Jesus experienced this often! And it’s frequently because their hopes were different than the reality Jesus brought.

Speaker: Phil Wagler, Global Director at Peace & Reconciliation Network

Mark 10:46-52

“What do you want?” We hear that question when we sit down in a restaurant, show up at the mechanics' shop, or enter a clothing store. Of course, it’s asked in different words: 

“What would you like to eat tonight?” 
“What brings you in today?” 
“Can I help you find something?” 

Have you ever thought about how you would answer that question if it were God asking? What would you say to Him? Do you have an answer that quickly comes to mind, or would it take you a while to come up with something?  

We’ll see Jesus ask a man that exact question. Let’s see his response.

Speaker: Lead Pastor Shawn Klassen

Mark 10:32-45

It is Jesus' final days before the cross. He is about to make his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. He has spent three years teaching his disciples, yet as Jesus predicts his death a third time, things turn sideways. This is not the first time, however, as the disciples show each time Jesus predicts his death that they don't understand. Instead of asking to see clearly, two brothers make a bold request! It does not end there because the bold request turns into a heated argument with all twelve of the disciples! What will Jesus do?

Come join us as Jesus experiences Groundhog Day with his disciples.

As we journey with the disciples we will discover “What does it mean to be the greatest in God kingdom?”

Guest speaker: Phill Whatman

Mark 10:23-31

To see the amazing view, you’ll have to hike up the mountain.
To get a raise at work, you’ll have to prove your worth to the company.
To enjoy veggies from your garden, you’ll have to plant, water, and weed.

To get the results we want from life, we typically have to put in hard work. We’ve been conditioned from a young age to operate in a meritocracy - we get what we earn. What about when it comes to entering the Kingdom of God? How much giving, how much serving, how much bible reading, and how much church attending will open heaven’s door for us?

Let’s talk about it!

Speaker: Lead Pastor Shawn Klassen

Mark 10:13-22
“Time is a finite resource. Each of us has only a limited amount of it.”

That’s just a fancy way of saying “We are all going to die one day”. We all know that’s true, and yet we seem to do what we can to avoid thinking much about it. It puts our own mortality front and centre in our minds.. and if thoughts of mortality are present, surely thoughts of eternity soon follow.

One day, Jesus encountered a man who seemed to be thinking about that quite a bit. So much so that he ran up to Jesus and asked “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” … In other words “What will open Heaven’s Door for me?”

Let’s see how Jesus responds!

Speaker: Lead Pastor Shawn Klassen

Mark 10:1-12

Every relationship is going to have problems. As long as people have different opinions, different approaches to finances, and different ways of handling conflict, tough times are guaranteed to happen… but what will you do with those tough times? Will you look for a way out or a way through?

We’ll see Jesus tested with a question about divorce. What does He have to say about it?

Speaker: Lead Pastor Shawn Klassen

Mark 9:42-50

I remember adding a little "0" beside a "1" on a coupon to extend its expiry date. "I’m not lying – I’m simply adapting."

We tend to downplay sin, but Jesus does not. He sees sin for what it truly is – a serious threat to our spiritual well-being and our relationship with God.

Arriving at the end of Mark 9, we come across some of Jesus' most striking and visceral teachings, which serve as a profound wake-up call. Jesus addresses the severe dangers of sin, particularly self-righteousness, pride, and misleading others, and invites us to adopt His way of submission, self-denial, and servanthood.

Are we willing to go the Jesus way? Let's ask Him for the strength to do so!

Speaker: Student Ministries Director Devan Scollon

Mark 9:30-41

Time for an uncomfortable question: How do you want others to see you?

What are some words that come to mind? … knowledgeable, competent, accomplished, wise, talented, handy, clever, honourable, inspiring.

Here’s another question: How much time/effort/energy do you put into being known for that?

We want others to see us in the best possible light; we want them to think we’re great. Jesus notices that desire in His followers, and He wants to speak to that.

Speaker: Lead Pastor Shawn Klassen

Mark 9:14-29

Pause right now for thirty seconds and begin to list what you would put in the column of impossible situations right now in your life or the world.  

I suspect our collective list would be long.   

As we continue our journey through the Gospel of Mark this week we follow Jesus down from the mountain-high of transfiguration and into the frustrating valley of argumentation and powerlessness in the face of impossible situations. Does that sound at all like your week, month, or year?  

Are you ready to ask Jesus to help your unbelief?

Global Director, Phil Wagler

Mark 9:2-13

Can you think of some absolutely amazing moments in your life? Events which left you stunned? Moments that awoke a sense of wonder and awe? Maybe it was seeing the northern lights above our city a little while ago. Maybe you were blown away while visiting the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls. Those moments are important, they stick with us. We’re impacted by the sense of something greater.  

Jesus’ disciples had a lot of those moments, and as we move through the Gospel of Mark, we’ll discover that the one they’re about to encounter is the greatest one yet… and it came at just the right time.

Speaker: Lead Pastor Shawn Klassen

Mark 8:31-9:1

Using softened language is often an excellent way to converse. We’ll express our desires and opinions in a way that they can be received easier by the person we’re talking with. Instead of saying to a coworker, “Get that project updated ASAP”, we’ll say something like “It would be really great if you had those project details ready sometime tomorrow. Once that’s in, we can decide what’s next. Do you think you could try to have that done?”   

Then there are times when you need to be absolutely clear about what you’re communicating. Some things are too important to be padded for politeness’ sake. This Sunday, we’ll look at something Jesus wanted to be crystal clear about, something too vital to use anything other than straight talk.

Speaker: Worship Pastor Joel Lise

Genesis 12:1-3; Luke 19:1-10

The way we live ought to reflect the priorities of the God we serve. When Jesus walked the earth, what was on his heart? What do his actions show us? And do ours align with His?

As we wrap up our May message series, we’ll look at one more of our Best Practices to see if we can live more like Jesus did.

Speaker: Lead Pastor Shawn Klassen

Psalm 1

Every relationship requires attentive listening. It's a skill that requires practice and discipline to master, and those who do are often praised for it. We listen to the noises around us all the time, our culture and our own sinful natures have their own ideas of how we should live our lives. How do we hear God through all the noise? Is he even speaking? What does he say about me?

Speaker: Worship Pastor Joel Lise

Generosity | 2 Corinthians 8-9, Matthew 6:19-24

Is the church just after my money?
Am I going to be guilted into giving?
What does generosity even mean?

There can be a lot of confusion when it comes to the relationship between the church and finances. But what does scripture have to say about it? Jesus taught a lot about money and how we need to view it. And when we’re talking about generosity, that subject goes beyond simply what’s in our wallets. Join us this Sunday to explore more!

Speaker: Lead Pastor Shawn Klassen

Prayer | Matthew 6:9-13

Prayer. Is it wishful thinking? Is there some magical formula? Is it silent meditation? Is it something we do when there’s something we want? And what happens when we don’t get it? How do we know if prayer is working?
There’s so much we could say about prayer, so where do we start? Jesus’ disciples wondered the same thing, so much so that one day they said to Him “Lord, teach us to pray”. This Sunday, we’ll look at how Jesus responded to that request. Let’s explore together.

Speaker: Lead Pastor Shawn Klassen

The Question | Mark 8:22-30

We’ve all faced various questions throughout our lives. When people want to know about us, they’ll ask:

“What’s your name?”
“How old are you?”
“What do you do for work?”
“What are your hobbies?”

When someone wants to know you in a more personal way, they’ll ask about your family, your ambitions, and your story. And likewise, when you want some important information, you’ll ask someone a number of questions to get it.

We all hear and we all ask various questions, and those questions also vary in their significance. The question we’ve been looking at in our study of the Gospel of Mark is “Who is Jesus?”. This Sunday, we’ll see Jesus Himself ask it … and it’s the most significant question a person will face.

Speaker: Lead Pastor Shawn Klassen

The Feeding of the 4000
(wait, haven’t we been here before?)
Mark 8:1-21

Sometimes, the stories in the gospels are confusing. Why this story? Why now? And, wait a second, haven't I heard this one before? The feeding of the 4000 is one such story. Didn't we just hear about the feeding of the 5000? But familiarity with the first story doesn't mean we know what's happening with the second. And the existence of a second story should make us question whether we really understood the first! Thankfully, in the midst of this conundrum, the message remains a simple one: Jesus is the way, the truth and the life!

But that doesn't mean we can't try to answer the question of why a second feeding story shows up in Mark's Gospel!

Guest Speaker: Levi Simpson from Kelowna’s Gospel Mission

Be Free | Mark 7:31-37

I don’t know if you know this, but there’s something wrong with you. There’s something wrong with me too. We’re all going to face our different points of “wrongness” and struggle with the challenges that brings. You might have failures, addictions, or physical ailments .. these are just a few examples of this what’s gone sideways with us. When we reflect on it, what we want is the removal of the wrong, the freedom from those chains. How will Jesus address that?

Speaker: Lead Pastor Shawn Klassen