September 20th, 2023

 “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble” 

-Psalm 32:7-

It was a dark and stormy night, literally. Monday night, my son’s JV football game was due to start, but there were no players on the field.  The public address announcer notified the fans there would be a thirty-minute delay and they would reassess the situation.  In no time, the evening sky darkened and the rain began to hit my cap- one drop, then another, then another.

Before I knew it the sky had opened and the rain poured through.  I took shelter under the permanent structure directly in front of the snack shack. Don’t judge; it was the only shelter available near the field.  The tempting smell of popcorn and nachos filled my nostrils while the blowing rain soaked the back of my jeans. 

“My wife is so smart,” I thought. She had retreated some time earlier to the toasty van and I refused to join her. Standing next to me, under the permanent structure was only one other person, one woman, probably a mom, shaking and sipping on hot cocoa. 

I looked up into the stands, and I saw people, LOTS of people, sitting on the cold wet benches.  There were plenty of seats, it was a JV football game. It seemed crazy to me.  I thought to myself, why would those fans just sit, and get pummeled by wind while sitting on metal stands during a lightning storm?!  Why not stand under a cover?  Why didn’t I go to the van?

We do the same, don't we? Shelter is offered, but we refuse to take cover.   We say we trust in God, but the thunderstorms of life descend on us and we just sit and get soaked in despair.  We ignore David’s proclamation to the Lord, “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble,” and “I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 

Satan continues to tempt us and discourage us leading to confusion, sadness, and a heartbroken world.  If we are honest, we often sit in misery waiting for the chaos to stop while getting soaked in sadness and anger. We try our own covering- we judge.  We don’t want to love the unlovable, so we put on cheap ponchos of self-righteousness and deploy flimsy umbrellas of selfish pride. We feel caught in a storm. 

Why just sit?  Our Lord Jesus offers the shelter, the protection, and the cover we so desperately need to survive the thunderstorms of life.  Go to our Lord in all circumstances and He will give you rest for your soul.  Remember the invitation of our Lord Jesus,

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” 

He will.  

Pastor Austin 

PRAYER:   Lord Jesus, when the storms of life descend on me, remind me you are my hiding place, my shelter, the One who protects me.  In you, Lord my God, I put my trust.  AMEN 

The Calendar at a Glance 

• September 20th, "The Chosen" Watch and Study, 6:30-8:00 pm

• September 24th, Worship Services, Connect Hour Fellowship

• October 1st, Worship Services, Connect Hour Groups Meet

• October 8th, Worship Services, Growing Grace Fellowship Informational Meeting 10:00 am to 10:45, Connect Hour Groups will not meet

• October 15th, Worship Services, Growing Grace Fellowship Informational Meeting 10:00 am to 10:45, Connect Hour Groups will not meet

• October 22nd, Worship Services, Growing Grace Fellowship Informational Meeting 10:00 am to 10:45, Connect Hour Groups will not meet



• October 29th, Worship Services, Pastor Appreciation, Oktoberfest (details to come)

The News We've All Been Waiting For!

Join us at one of the following Informational Meetings, "Growing Grace Fellowship".

Learn about the exciting plans for our new church building!

Connect Hour Groups will not meet on these Sundays, but childcare will be provided so adults can attend the meeting.

See dates and times above! You don't want to miss it!

Connect Hour Fellowship Sunday

THIS Sunday, September 24th!

Connect Hour Bible study groups will not be meeting.

Fellowship 10:00–11:00

Come connect with one another,

meet someone new,

or catch up with an old friend.



Enjoy hot coffee & donuts.

See you then!

Season 2 of The Chosen wraps up TONIGHT,

September 20th, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.

Come watch and discuss Episode 8 with us!

Simple Supper Smiles

A special thank you to all who donated food and their time to serve the Simple Supper to 73 members of our community. What a JOY to serve Him with gladness!

The Women of Grace Fellowship's LWML (Lutheran Women's Missionary League)

Sunday Services

September 24th, 2023

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. They will further explore the day's sermon theme with their group. We can’t wait to see them!

NURSERY

Nursery for Newborns – up to 3 year olds.

Nursery is open during our 9:00 am service and during Connect Hour from 10:15-10:45!

Join us on Facebook this Sunday morning at approximately 9:15 AM, or view the recording anytime on Facebook, Vimeo or YouTube.

Click the image below to connect.

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

Please pray for. . .

• The Collier Family, who lost their young daughter, Millie, over the weekend in an ATV accident. Pray for strength and comfort as they mourn and prepare for her celebration of life this weekend.

• The Nottingham Family, whose young daughter, Ellie, was seriously injured in the same ATV accident and flown to Denver. Pray the Lord will heal and restore her body to a full recovery.

• Larry Arguello, who had knee replacement surgery on Monday. Pray for pain relief, complete healing, and for Larry to resume his active lifestyle once again.

• The family of Anna Policastri, Castle Peak resident, who was called home to her Savior.

• The people of Libya, after the devastating storm and flooding that has occurred and thousands of lives lost. Pray for God's mighty hand to cover them with His mercy and grace through the people that come to their aid.

• Erich Petersen, who was able to return home. Praise God!

• Ian Skluzacek, who is doing well after shoulder surgery.

• Rita and Julie Arguello, who are both battling different medical issues.

• 8-Year-Old Oliver, who is still dealing with serious medical issues.

• Kipp Hamberger, who is making progress in recovering from surgery.

• Debra Ketterling and family, as they have been facing some health challenges lately.

• Our military members and their families. For those that are deployed, please give them courage, hope, and strength and be their power and protector during their mission. God, continue to watch over all military families and bless them for their service.



• Carol Proffitt, who has been sick and is still homebound, and for those who are caring for her. Pray for continued care and provision during this difficult time.

• 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; Mark Von Soosten, Aaron, Ryan, John Kirchner, Oliver, Sue Carver,

GOD'S WILL BE DONE