Weekly Encouragement from Pastor Tim
Crisis in Kittredge? Plus, don't forget the Carney's are coming to KCBC this Friday!
Dear KCBC family,
Bear with me for a moment, there will be a point at the end.
Some of you may be aware of a property dispute occurring over land adjacent to the Kittredge Park. The news has been on Facebook and circulating around the community. Many people are passionate, and some are very upset.
The issue, as best as I understand it, is about the legal property lines near Bear Creek. Since the 80’s some in the community believed the property line is on the south side of the creek and have been using the creek accordingly, i.e., building small dams, rafting, wading—doing all the fun things you would do in a slow-moving creek.
Recently, however, the property on the south side of the creek was sold, and it seems that the boundary may not be where the community thought. In fact, there seems to be evidence (a 1929 land survey) that indicates the boundary is actually on the north side of the creek! The new owners believe the survey to be accurate and are very concerned about liability, maintenance, and the erosion that is occurring to the land directly below their house.
On the other hand, some in the community don’t believe that the surveys are accurate and say that the previous owners gave the land to the park before they moved. What’s more, since the community has been using it for so long, they don’t believe the new owners have any legal right to it. Emotions are high because so many have had such good memories in the area and feel threatened that their beloved creek will be taken away.
Jefferson County, for their part, has been looking into the matter, but no decision has been made. In the meantime, the new residents have put up no trespassing signs, warning the public to stay away, and have even called the sheriff on one occasion. Many in the community feel they have no right to do this, and some are even suggesting staging loud, annoying protests at the property in question to make life miserable for the owners.
So “battle lines” have been drawn with both sides feeling bullied. Many are trying to stay “neutral,” but others have been saying insulting, unkind things on the Internet and in person about the opposition. Who's right? I honestly hope Jefferson County will come to a speedy decision so our community can start to heal.
After a decision is made though, our community will have some tough choices to make. Will we choose to forgive and move on? Or will we hold grudges and continue to act in demeaning ways towards “the other side”?
In other words, will our community embrace humility or pride? I don’t know, but I’m going to be praying for humility. Will you be praying, too? Please be praying for Aletha and I as we try to encourage our neighbors to move toward civility, understanding, and compassion.
For the gospel,
Pastor Tim
Announcements/Prayer
Village Missions Visit - Sean and Jani Carney will be visiting KCBC Friday, April 22nd at 5:30 pm. Dinner will be provided.
A Kittredge family is having to move out of state after testifying in a court case, for their own safety. The adult daughter and her fiancé are looking for odd jobs to pay for the $800 they need to move. The DA is providing the moving truck. If you have any leads or work you could give this family, please let Aletha know.
Village Missions Spotlight
Josh & Janice Hendrix, Greenville, CA
Greenville is in Northern California and used to be the largest town in Indian Valley. On August 4, 2021, the Dixie Fire destroyed approximately 80% of Greenville, and several other areas of the Valley were devastated by the largest wildfire in CA history. Pre-fire, Greenville had a population of approximately 1,200; now the population is estimated at 250 (with many still in transition or deciding whether to stay). Two towns in Indian Valley mostly survived the fire: Crescent Mills (pop. 150) and Taylorsville (pop. 165). Our church
lost our church building and parsonage in the fire, and we have temporarily relocated to a leased space in Crescent Mills.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
Please join us in giving thanks to God for His protection during the Dixie Fire (no lives lost) and His provision afterward of a space to assemble as the body of Christ.
Please pray for the rebuilding process. This includes the rebuilding of a church building and the rebuilding of the congregation (half of our church permanently relocated elsewhere).
Please pray for more individuals and families to be reached with the saving message of the Gospel and that God would continue to strengthen and build His church here in Indian Valley.
Please pray for the encouragement of our current church members and for endurance during this time of upheaval and adjusting to life post-fire.
Indian Valley Christian Fellowship, PO Box 64, Crescent Mills, CA 95934 (541) 580-9039