December 7th, 2022

 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of his government and peace

    there will be no end.” 

-Isaiah 9:6

I read this morning that Walmart, Target, Home Depot, and many other retailers have experienced unprecedented “shrink” in their businesses in 2022. “Shrink” is the corporate term for theft. The biblical term is stealing. God makes it abundantly clear in Exodus 20:15, “You shall not steal.”  

The fact is, over $3 billion dollars worth of goods were stolen last year from Walmart alone. That is only a sliver of a glimpse of crime that has skyrocketed over the past couple of years. I will let you read the statistics and watch the videos. Walmart CEO, Doug McMillon, said if theft from stores continues, certain stores will need to close, and prices will go up. The problem across our nation is that peacekeepers have been asked not to enforce specific laws, are understaffed, or are afraid of being sued. The problem of “keeping the peace” is often out of the hands of the peacekeepers, so chaos rules the day.  

Satan wants to steal something too and it’s not a TV. Satan wants to steal your peace by filling your heart with guilt and shame. Satan wants chaos to rule your heart. Sin creates a chasm between God and mankind. But God in his mercy and grace reminds us whom we have and what he has done can never be stolen away.  

In Isaiah chapter 9, the Messiah is given four throne names, “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Without the “Prince of Peace,” we would be doomed forever, but Jesus provides us with eternal peace with God forever on the cross. That can never be stolen away from you- ever!  

When baby Jesus grew up, he told his disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” In Christ, you can sleep well tonight, because in him you have Wonderful Peace. 

See you Sunday as we continue our new advent sermon series “It’s a Wonderful Life … in Christ.  

I can’t wait!  

Pastor Austin 

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The Calendar at a Glance 

• December 12th, Castle Peak Worship and Confirmation

• December 14th, Cookies, Cocoa, and Christmas in Isaiah (see below)

• December 17th, Children's Christmas Program Dress Rehearsal from 9 am to 11 am

• December 18th, Children's Christmas Program at the 9 am service

• December 19th, Castle Peak Christmas Service and Children's Christmas Program at 6:30 pm at Castle Peak Senior Center

• December 24th, Candlelight Christmas Eve Services: 4 pm and 6 pm

• December 25th, Sunday Services at 9 am and 11 am

• January 11th, Discover Grace Class (more details to come)

• January 14th, Women of Grace Gathering (more details to come)

• January 15th, Bible Study/Sunday School Resumes for all ages

• January 18th, Discover Grace Class

• January 20th, Kids' Night Out (more details to come)

• January 22nd, Fellowship Sunday (No Bible Study or Sunday School)

• January 25th, Discover Grace Class

• January 29th, 5th Sunday Kids' Service at 9 am

NEW!

Cookies, Cocoa, and Christmas in Isaiah

• When: Wednesday, December 14th
• Where: Grace Fellowship
• Time: 9–10:30 am OR 7–8:30 pm
• What to Bring: Bible, Bible app, or Bibles are at church if needed, an open heart, and room for cookies and cocoa.

You are invited to join me as we explore the wonders of Christmas in the book of Isaiah while we enjoy cocoa and cookies together. You have heard the familiar Christmas verses in Isaiah 7 and 9, but my hope is that you will hear these verses anew and see how wonderful God's promises truly are.  God's promised Messiah would indeed come in the humblest way, but it is also this baby Jesus who reigns and rules for all eternity! I am looking forward to our time together. 

-Pastor Austin 

Please click HERE to reserve your spot so we can plan accordingly.

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. -Isaiah 7:14

Mark your calendars with these important dates:

• Saturday, December 17th- rehearsal at church from 9 to 11 am
• Sunday, December 18th- performance at the 9 am service
• Monday, December 19th- performance and Christmas Service for the residents at Castle Peak Senior Center at 6:30 pm. All are welcome to attend!

Please click to email Missy for further communication and details at [email protected].

Let's share the Good News of GREAT Joy!

There will be no Bible Study or Sunday School during Advent. Please stay and enjoy fellowship and meet new people during that time.

Kids: join Missy for extra Christmas Program practice from 10:15-10:45.

Sunday Services

December 11th, 2022

9:00 or 11:00

-or-

ONLINE

KIDS' CHURCH at 9:00 am service

(Ages 3 through 5th 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 during our 9:00 am service and during Bible Study from 10:15-10:45!

LORD JESUS, HEAL OUR LAND, OUR BODIES, AND OUR HEARTS.

Please pray for. . .

• Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy to fill our hearts and our valley this Christmas season as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior and King.

• Larry Arguello, as he continues to recover from two back surgeries. Grant him strength and peace.

• Those suffering from anxiety and depression, especially during this time of year. Give them the hope and peace of Jesus.

• Students, teachers, and administrators, who are busy with projects and preparing for final exams all while the holiday season is upon them. Help them to persevere and focus.

• Carol Proffitt, who has been sick and is homebound, and her daughter Pam who is caring for her. Grant them peace and comfort.

• Everyone in our congregation and their families who are dealing with the pains and trials of cancer and other illnesses including Todd Purse; Connie Kerr; Keith; Chris; Sharon Hlavinka; Rance Ketterling; Darlee, Amanda; Jerry Wiisanen; Rosemarie; April; Suzanne, Mary's sister-in-law; Bonnie Lamotta; and Aaron.

GOD'S WILL BE DONE