September 27th, 2023

 “As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him

and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked,

“what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 

-Mark 10:17-

(Read Mark 10:17-21)

Who walks away from Jesus sad?

The scene in the 10th chapter of Mark is compelling. Mark tells us in vs 17, that Jesus is going on his way when he is interrupted by a wealthy desperate man. Mark gives us no further description, but Matthew calls him young and Luke indicates he was a ruler. Jesus, later in the text implies that he is wealthy and has lots of stuff. But it is not his appearance that gives his desperation away. He was probably dressed in the finest of clothes. Perhaps he wore a Brioni tunic over his Ralph Lauren shirt. Maybe his feet were covered with soft leather sandals brandishing opposing G’s indicating he shopped at the Gucci in Judea. No, it was not the man's clothes that indicated his desperation, it was his actions.

He runs up to Jesus and falls in front of him anxious to ask a question about eternal life. (Apparently that was not available on Rodeo Drive). He asked, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Did you catch that? “What must I do?” 

Eternal life has nothing to do with you, only Jesus gives eternal life which cannot be earned or purchased. Being wealthy is not a bad thing, but it can be if we trust in money more than God. Throughout scripture, we see how God uses wealthy faithful servants, and the gifts He has given them to honor Him. Jesus himself was buried in a rich man’s tomb. Our Lord uses money to build His kingdom on earth.  

So, who walks away from Jesus sad? Only the one who places Jesus behind something else in their lives, bumping the Savior out of first place. That’s what the young man did. Jesus looked at him, loved him, and told him to get rid of the stuff that took first place in his life and follow him. Jesus knew what was first place in the man’s life, and as always, Jesus wanted the best for him and answered the man’s question. What did the wealthy man do? I wish it was a happy ending; it wasn’t. The blood drained from his face, and he walked away from Jesus . . . sad.  

Jesus insists on being first place in your life too, and when He is, you will be happy.

Sunday we begin a new sermon series titled “first.” I can’t wait! 

Pastor Austin 

The Calendar at a Glance 

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

• October 2nd, Castle Peak Worship Service, 10 am

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

• October 9th, Castle Peak Worship Service, 10 am

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

• October 16th, Castle Peak Worship Service, 10 am

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

• October 22nd, RoundUp River Ranch Service Opportunity, (see details below)

• October 23, Castle Peak Worship Service, 10 am

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

October is Pastor Appreciation Month!

Grace Fellowship would like to honor Pastor Austin with a gift of appreciation on Sunday, October 29th. There will be cards and a collection basket in the lobby for the next several Sundays. We encourage you to write him a note and/or contribute a token of your appreciation for all he has done for our church family. You can also contribute an online gift- Click Here and please indicate Pastor Appreciation.

Want to lift him in special prayer this month?

Click Here to access a 31-day

Pastor Appreciation Month Prayer Calendar.

Thank you!

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 Bible Study

THIS Sunday, October 1st!

Fellowship 10:00–10:15

Bible Study for all ages 10:15–10:45

Fellowship 10:45–11:00

See you then!

Service Opportunity!

It's that time of year again when we head up to

RoundUp River Ranch to help prepare camp

for the next set of campers!

• When- Sunday, October 22, 2023
• Time- 12 pm to 4:30 pm (lunch will be served!)
• Who- Anyone (must be accompanied by a parent if under 18 years)
• Why- To share the love of Christ with our community. "We love because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19

We can take up to 20 volunteers.

Click HERE to sign up electronically!

Text or call Jan Miller with questions: 970-309-3292

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR A FUN SUNDAY AFTERNOON!

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

October 1st, 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 LaMonda Family, Emilee, Kellian, and Linus as they welcomed their sweet baby girl, Dru Henley last Friday. Thank you, Lord, for new life!

• The Donahue Family, Aracely, Kat, and Aralyn as they welcomed their sweet baby boy, Rylan McCall on September 15. Thank you, Jesus!

• The Collier Family, who lost their young daughter, Millie, in an ATV accident. Pray for God's love and peace to surround them.

• 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 is recovering from knee replacement surgery.

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

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

• 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