November 29th, 2023

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 

-Colossians 3:1-3-  

“Whatcha Thinkin’?” 

I’m not asking about the daily questions like what is on your work calendar, or what time the kids need to be picked up from school, or even what’s for dinner. Those questions are all very important and necessary. I am asking you to think deep inside your soul, what are your thoughts? To help us with this, the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Colossians first describes who Jesus is. He states,  

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.   - Colossians 2:15-20

Paul then says because of this, direct your thoughts on Jesus. The world, however, says we should focus inward on ourselves asking questions like “How can I be like that person,” or “What do I need to do to get this or achieve that?” The world tells us to start the day with the question “How am I feeling today?”  We are taught to focus our thoughts inward on things like comparison with others, acquiring earthly stuff, and accomplishing earthly achievements. We are told to focus our thoughts on our own feelings. Our bookshelves and inboxes are filled with ideas and tricks for a better life. Not all these are always bad, but Paul says something different - focus our thoughts not inward, but upward. 

God in His Word offers something wonderful, a free resource and it is not just reserved for difficult days. Jesus offers himself, the One who reigns and rules over all things for all time, for the good of his people forever.   

Maybe today you are having a rough day, let Paul’s words encourage you, and think of Jesus, who He is, and who you are in Him. He does have the best-selling book in history. 

So…. “Whatcha Thinkin’?  

See you Sunday as we begin our new sermon series “Symbols of Salvation.” This week: “An Old Testament Christmas.” - I can’t wait!

 Pastor Austin 

Proclaim Jesus as Savior. 

Nurture faith in Jesus. 

Serve in the name of Jesus.

Our Purpose

Embrace Christ!

The Calendar at a Glance 

• December 3rd, Worship Services, Advent Begins, Christmas-Themed Fellowship Sundays begin during Connect Hour, Children's Christmas Program practice 12:15 pm to 1:00 pm

• 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 3rd.

Enjoy hot coffee, meeting new people and visiting with old friends, and our Holiday Trail Mix 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 3rd-

-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 3rd, 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 this 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, to ignite an excitement and expectation of hope and love as we remember the story of the Savior's birth. Be with us all and help us to recognize your presence among us during this busy time of year. Help us to keep our focus on you, Jesus.

• 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).