December 6th, 2023

 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…

John 1:14

I have always loved camping. Cool fresh air combined with campfire smoke and fresh pine needles rejuvenates the soul and refreshes the mind. It also sounds like a Yankee candle write-up. But seriously, waking up in the wilderness reminds us of The Creator’s design for all of creation. Sleeping under the perfectly placed stars is just another bonus (see Isaiah 40:26).  

There is one part of camping I do not like. I have never enjoyed the idea of being a black bear’s midnight snack. Trying to sleep is always a challenge. When camping, I am usually in a tent or soft-sided pop-up camper. I have always been shocked at the mountain men and women who pull out the hammock and fall fast asleep like a human shish kabob! No, thank you. 

Being unable to protect myself from harm while snoring is not a joyous thought, unless, I had someone to watch over me and protect me while I rested. I would sleep well, if someone was there to scare off the enemy so I can rest. 

In our Old Testament reading this week in Exodus chapter 40, we will see a tent made of animal skins smack dab amongst God’s people. This tent, this tabernacle, is designed by God and is filled with his presence! Moses says, “The glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” God pitched a tent not in some far-off camp, no God came to dwell with his people where they were to comfort them, forgive them, guide them, and protect them.  

Fast forward to Bethlehem. God came to His people again, and this time it was under human skin. As promised, Immanuel “God with us” came and dwelt, “tabernacled” among us to be with us, to comfort us, to forgive us, to guide us, and ultimately to protect us from the evil one.  

Far before Bethlehem, God came to His people, to be with his people foreshadowing the Messiah being born in a manger. You have nothing to fear because God is still with you today. “Where?” I am glad you asked. Jesus sets up camp and lives in you. 

It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. -Galatians 2:20 

See you Sunday as we continue our sermon series “Symbols of Salvation.” Sleep well tonight; knowing God pitched a tent in you.

Pastor Austin 

Proclaim Jesus as Savior. 

Nurture faith in Jesus. 

Serve in the name of Jesus.

Our Purpose

Embrace Christ!

Growing Grace Fellowship

Our building fundraiser is well underway!

God is providing in BIG ways through all of His people!

We would like everyone to be a part of this journey

that we are on to build our new church home.

Fill out your pledge form on Sunday and drop it in the pledge box in the lobby or Click Here to give online.

The Calendar at a Glance 

• December 10th, Worship Services, Christmas-themed Fellowship Sunday during Connect Hour, Children's Christmas Program practice 12:15 pm to 1:00 pm, Annual Congregational Meeting @ 12:15 pm

• December 15th, Women's Gathering @ Grace Fellowship at 6:30 pm. Details below.

• December 16th, Children's Christmas Program practice 9:00 am to 10:30 am

• December 17th, Worship Service, Children's Christmas Program performance at 9 am, Christmas-Themed Fellowship Sunday during Connect Hour

• December 24th, Christmas Eve! Worship Services at 3 pm, 4:30 pm. 6:00 pm. (NO MORNING WORSHIP SERVICES), see below

• December 31st, Regular Worship Services at 9 am and 11 am, Connect Hour Fellowship Sunday

Please mark your calendar for Sunday, December 10th @ 12:15 pm. We welcome everyone to join us at our

Annual Congregational Meeting.

Plan to stay for

Connect Hour Fellowship Sunday

on December 10th.

Enjoy hot coffee, meeting new people and visiting with old friends, and our Hot Cocoa Bar.

Fellowship - 10:00 to 11:00 am

"Connecting to God & one another

through fellowship and God's Word."

Our children's Christmas program, A Caroling Kids' Christmas, will be on December 17th at the 9 am service.

Children of ALL ages are encouraged to participate -

preschool, elementary, middle and high school.

Practices will be held on the following Sundays:

-December 10th-

from 12:15 to 1:00 pm

and Saturday, December 16th

from 9:00 to 10:30 am

Plan for your child to stay and practice from 12:15 to 1 pm. Parents do not need to stay unless your child is much

younger and needs your assistance.

Join us for our Candlelight Christmas Eve Services

Sunday, December 24th @

3 pm, 4:30 pm, or 6 pm

(There will be NO MORNING SERVICES that day)

Enjoy Christmas Goodies between services.

Invite your friends to hear the Good News of Great Joy!

Photos from our Oktoberfest celebration are available for you to see and download! Thank you, Wendy and Don, for hosting an amazing gathering and for the photo opportunities!

CLICK HERE to see and download photos

Sunday Services

December 10th, 2023

9:00 or 11:00

-or-

ONLINE

KIDS' CHURCH at 9:00 am & 11:00 am services

(Ages 3 through 5th grade) @ 9:00 am & (Ages 3 through 2nd grade) @ 11:00 am

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. . .

• Eriana, daughter of Liz & Andrew Mason and granddaughter of Shoka & Larry, who had surgery last week. Pray for quick healing, pain relief, and for Eriana to be back on her 5 year old feet in no time.

• The Advent Season Prayer for Peace, Lord, our hearts crave more of your peace. In a world that is filled with sin, fear, anxiety, hate, worry, and more, fill our hearts with the good news of your peace and let it live in our hearts. We know that only you, the Prince of Peace, can give us the real comfort and peace that we long for.

• Growing Grace Fellowship New Building Campaign. Lord, we continue to pray through this exciting process of fundraising for our new church home. We trust in your plan. We pray that you touch all of our hearts to join us on this journey in order to further your Kingdom. Your will be done!



• 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, Debra Ketterling and family, Rita Rodriguez, Julie (Larry Arguello's sister).

GOD'S WILL BE DONE

Contact Information

www.GraceFellowshipGypsum.com 

Phone: 970-445-3101

Email: [email protected] 

Staff and Volunteer Staff

Pastor Austin Kraft, 970-688-1100, [email protected] 

Missy Kraft, Administrative Assistant/Youth Director, 970-445-3101, [email protected]

Susan Flock, App and Website Coordinator, 970-361-4771, [email protected]

Israel Hernandez, Worship Team Leader, 970-331-6177, [email protected]

Pastor Dan Rohlwing, Pastor Emeritus in Memoriam

Sunday Schedule

Worship Services: 9:00 and 11:00 am (nursery provided at 9:00).

Sunday School: 10:15-10:45 for all ages (Nursery provided)

Kids Church: During sermon-time at the 9:00 and 11 am services.

Affiliation

Grace Fellowship is affiliated with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (lcms.org).