When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.
Matthew 2:16
The familiar Christmas hymns have been sung. The cookies have been eaten, the gifts have been opened and the stockings are dangling from the mantel empty. If they haven’t already, soon the decorations will come down and hibernate until next November or December.
A potpourri of emotions fill our hearts. We are joyful that Jesus was born and that God came to us in the most remarkable way. We are relieved that the gifts have been purchased and wrapped, the cookies were baked and decorated and all the cherished family traditions upheld. We then may regret all the money spent on gifts, and all the cookies that were eaten. We are sad, as the Magi return home, passing university students who are returning to school. We loved the relaxation, but now crave routine while longing for that relaxation. Another Christmas has come and gone and we find ourselves on the other side of Christmas. We wonder what happens next?
In our Gospel reading this week, Matthew keeps our butts on the edge of our seats, and our eyes on God’s providential plan. We see the evil of an earthly king who murders all the young baby boys in Bethlehem in a desperate attempt to crush anyone, even a small child, who could threaten his reign and rule. On the other side of Christmas, our hearts are wrenched with senseless suffering. Christmas bells are drowned out by the desperate cry of mothers mourning the unspeakable loss of their precious babies. The self-centered evil greed of an earthly king killed innocent children. The prophecy was fulfilled.
On the other side of Christmas, our hearts are filled with hope in our Lord’s unstoppable salvation. Though an earthly king tries to kill Jesus as a child, he is spared. Through God’s direction, he and his family escaped to Egypt. He is spared for one purpose- to die. Later, Jesus would willingly give his life, for all people including those babies killed in Bethlehem and for you and for me. Nothing would stop him from fulfilling what was promised long ago, that a Savior would be born. We wish we could skip over the horror, but there is no resurrection without the cross. Those babies killed are often considered the very first martyrs who died for their Lord who would give his life for them. God’s plan of salvation is unstoppable.
Join us Sunday, on The Other Side of Christmas and see how God’s providential plan unfolds.
I can’t wait!
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9th Annual Snowshoe for Peru 5k will take place on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 10am at Sylvan Lake State Park!
Registration is $30 for in-person and virtual participants at snowshoeforperu.com
Event helps provide safety, education and hope to the youth of Peru involved with Corazon de Esperanza!
We are excited to have Robyn Hanson NEXT Sunday when she comes to speak about the mission of Corazón de Esperanza!
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The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7
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Would you like to submit your offering online? Thank you!
Simply click the link to securely give to Grace Fellowship.
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Would you like to submit your offering by mail? Thank you!
Please send offerings to
Grace Fellowship Church
PO Box 4280
Gypsum, CO 81637
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February 5th - Showshoe for Peru
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Sunday Services
January 16th, 2022
9:00 or 10:30
-or-
ONLINE
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KIDS CHURCH at 9:00 am service
(Ages 3 through 2nd grade)
Kids Church follows the kid's sermon. We can’t wait to see them!
NURSERY
Nursery for Newborns – 2 year olds.
Nursery is open! We are ready and excited to see your little ones!
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Join us on Facebook Sunday morning at approximately 9:15 AM, or view the recording anytime on Facebook, Vimeo or YouTube.
Click the image below to connect.
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LORD JESUS, HEAL OUR LAND, OUR BODIES AND OUR HEARTS.
Please pray for . . .
- The family of Pearl Taylor, who passed away this past week. Pray for peace and comfort.
- All those who are sick and those who are caring for them.
- Kayla, who broke her ankle and recently had surgery. Pray for a full recovery.
- Praise that baby Holly is home and doing well after being flown to an Aurora hospital with suspected heart complications. The test results turned out well and she is home with oxygen.
- Jackie's sister-in-law, Gwen, who is dealing with serious heart and kidney complications. Pray that her kidneys begin to function properly again and that she is healed. .
- Shawn and Amy Blake's business. Pray for provisions and guidance.
- Rita, who is making good progress recovering after her surgery. Pray for complete healing.
- Bobby Bauer, who is in the hospital in serious condition battling complications from Covid.
- Debra's mom, who is struggling with health issues. Pray for comfort, peace, and answers.
- strength, comfort and support for Carol Proffitt who has been sick and is homebound, and her daughter Pam who is caring for her.
- everyone in our congregation and their families who are dealing with the pains and trials of cancer, including Connie Kerr; Pastor Sid; Keith; Chris; Sharon Hlavinka; Rance Ketterling; Amanda; Jerry; April; and Suzanne.
GOD'S WILL BE DONE
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Contact Information
Phone: 970-445-3101
Staff and Volunteer Staff
Pastor Dan Rohlwing, Pastor Emeritus in Memoriam
Sunday Schedule
Worship Services: 9:00 and 10:30 am (nursery provided).
Kids Church: During sermon-time at the 9:00 am service.
Affiliation
Grace Fellowship is affiliated with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (lcms.org).
Our Mission
Proclaim, Nurture, and Serve.
Proclaim Jesus as Savior.
Nurture faith in Jesus.
Serve in the name of Jesus.
Our Purpose
Embrace Christ!
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