I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave
himself for me.
-Galatians 2:20-
Our free country encourages people to invent, create, and innovate new and fun ways to market all kinds of products, even face masks. But have you ever thought you were a mask? Gene Edward Veith wrote an article many years ago that I often read. The title? Masks of God. In the article, Veith illuminates the point that "God doesn't need our good works, but our neighbor does." This statement, simply but powerfully explains why we do good works. We don't do them to earn our salvation--that's impossible! God, in Christ, already did that for us! We do good works because our friends, family, coworkers, and community need us! God uses us in our everyday lives.
"When I go into a restaurant, the waitress who brings me my meal, the cook in the back who prepared it, the delivery men, the wholesalers, the workers in the food-processing factories, the butchers, the farmers, the ranchers, and everyone else in the economic food chain is all being used by God to 'give me this day my daily bread.'
This is the doctrine of vocation. God works through people, in their ordinary stations of life to which He has called them, to care for His creation. In this way, He cares for everyone— Christian and non-Christian—whom He has given life.
Luther puts it even more strongly: Vocations are “masks of God.” On the surface, we see an ordinary human face—our mother, the doctor, the teacher, the waitress, our pastor—but, beneath the appearances, God is ministering to us through them. God is hidden in human vocations.
The other side of the coin is that God is hidden in us. When we live out our callings—as spouses, parents, children, employers, employees, citizens, and the rest—God is working through us. Even when we do not realize it, when we fulfill our callings, we too are masks of God." *
So often, we forget that God feeds His people, clothes His people, comforts His people, through us! God also serves us through others. It doesn't matter what your paycheck looks like, what your diploma says, or how fancy your office is. God will use you right where you are to love on his people. Veith continues...
"If we are masks of God, even when we do not realize it, it is also true that God is masked in our neighbor. Particularly when our neighbor is in need—when he or she is sick, hungry, thirsty, naked, a prisoner, a stranger—Christ Himself is hidden."*
What a joy it is for all of us to serve our Lord by serving others. You are a good-looking mask :-)
AMEN
Join us Sunday as we continue our sermon series: Expect the Unexpected. I can't wait!
Austin
*(August 2001 issue of Lutheran Witness)
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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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September 7th & 8th - Intro class for the Precept Bible Study on the book of Mark
September 11th - Power of the Purse Event
September 15th - Start of The Truth Project Bible Study
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What is The Truth Project?
The Truth Project is a small group video curriculum designed to build a systematic and comprehensive biblical worldview in the lives of believers. Each lesson looks at life from a biblical perspective, studying the very nature and character of God and how He has revealed Himself to us.
Why The Truth Project?
According to the Barna Research Group, only 9 percent of born-again believers hold a biblical worldview. In essence, the church as a whole does not believe what it says it believes. Therefore, divorce rates, addictions, etc. mirror our culture, and a large portion of church-goers live a life devoid of purpose. Focus on the Family believes this curriculum, through God’s transformational power, can assist in reintroducing the Body of Christ to a life lived with meaning, purpose, and value which ultimately makes a difference in our modern world.
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love of the Father is not in them.”
1 John 2:15
Prayer
We want prayer to be the foundation of this group. The power that the lies of the world, the flesh, and the devil have in the lives of those around us – so powerful in many cases that only the faithful, persistent prayer of the saints can break the stronghold. God continues to transform lives when we invite Him to do so. Our prayers and petitions are vital to the work God wants to do in transforming lives. Take time each week to pray for each other.
Meeting dates
September 15, 22, 29
October 6, 13, 20, 27
November 3, 10, 17
December 1, 8
Weekly Meeting Schedule
6:30 Music
6:35 Opening Prayer
6:40 Video
7:40 Discussion
7:55 Closing Prayer
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Trailer: The Truth Project |
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A place to give and a place to receive
The local community market is working to improve healthy food access in our community by rescuing food from local grocery stores, local farmers and redistributing it to any and all local families. In this way, they're reducing food waste while also making good food more accessible.
This outreach opportunity gives our church the chance to actively show the love of Jesus just up the road and in our community at large!
🍎What do our wonderful Market Assistant volunteers take care of?
Stocking the market and produce shelves, unloading and sorting grocery rescue donations, repackaging bulk food items, packing dry food boxes for community distribution, sorting produce boxes, composting food and recycling containers, sweeping, and sanitizing surfaces along with many other jobs within the shifts that can be of help.
🍎To Volunteer at The Community Market:
View available shifts and sign up through the online portal HERE
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The Power of the Purse is a one of a kind event in the Vail Valley, hosted by Corazon de Esperanza. This ladies brunch and purse-shopping event is the perfect social outing, featuring a wide assortment of like-new purses, including vintage and designer handbags, wallets and backpacks at deeply discounted prices. Live auction for the best of the best and a raffle for a variety of amazing gifts. 100% of donations, tickets, and sales benefit girls in Perú by providing education and empowerment programs through Corazón de Esperanza.
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Brunch and shopping on Saturday, September 11th from 10:30am-1:00pm at the Edwards Interfaith Chapel. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased online HERE!!!
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Due to the Covid restrictions at Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater and after searching tirelessly for other venues, we have decided to cancel UpLift on September 5, and move it to another day in 2022. Please stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram @upliftvail or at www.upliftvail.com for more news and information. We are so excited about what God is doing in our communities and love you all! We can’t wait to celebrate Jesus with you soon!
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Sunday Services
September 5th, 2021
9:00 AM and 10:30 AM
-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!
Sunday School w/ Susan at 10:30 Service
(3rd grade through 6th grade)
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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 Eric, a former co-worker of Pastor Austin, who died on Monday from Covid complications. Pray for comfort and peace beyond understanding.
- Robert Blake, Missy's father, who is struggling with health issues. Pray for comfort, peace, and answers from clinical tests.
- Scott Hilty, who is recovering from another back surgery. Pray for comfort and healing.
- Rita, who is still struggling with health issues. Pray for answers and healing.
- The Carle Family, as they continue to mourn the death of David's mother, Sue.
- Bobby Bauer, who is in the hospital in serious condition battling complications from Covid.
- Praise and joy for Nicole and Brian Atencio, who are celebrating the birth of their precious girl, Riley Marie.
- Debra's mom, who is struggling with health issues. Pray for comfort, peace, and answers.
- April Mabee, a friend of Gaby's who was recently diagnosed with cancer.
- Praise and thanks for Sal as he is nearing the end of his treatment for leukemia this month.
- 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; little Sal Marchetti; Amanda; Jonette; Jerry; 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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