November 2nd, 2022

 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

A man was stoned to death. 

Stephen was a devout follower of Christ. Filled with faith and conviction, Stephen loved to talk about Jesus and what he had done. He was not ashamed of the Gospel and was happy to share this good news.  

Saul hated Christians. In his mind, there was nothing more damaging to the sanctity of the worship of the Lord, than those who shared this news about God’s love and grace.  So the religious leaders of the day produced false witnesses, (they were good at that) and accused Stephen of blasphemy. Stephen then proclaimed the truth of God’s revelation in Christ, and his hearers were furious. (See Acts 6 and 7). Saul's intentions were good, but he thought salvation could only be earned by good works and ceremonial offerings.  

So when the crowd dragged young Stephen out of the city and cornered him, they grabbed stones. The rocks began to fly one after another into the flesh and skull of Stephen and Saul approved. 

As he was dying, Stephen cried out “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7:59-60). 

Saul and others had done a horrible thing. But God did not give up on him. Saul was later knocked on his rear end by Jesus who said, “Why are you persecuting me?” Yes, I am talking about Paul, the Apostle Paul. Jesus gave Paul a new beginning and used him in powerful ways. If Paul can be forgiven and changed, so can you. God sanctifies us by the power of the Holy Spirit; he makes us holy. Sunday we discover the coming of the Holy Spirit just as promised.  

See you Sunday as we continue The Story- chapter 28 “New Beginnings.”  

I can’t wait. 

Pastor Austin

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Pastor Appreciation Month

Dear Grace Fellowship, 

I am overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of letters and gifts for pastor appreciation this year. I cannot express in words how much I appreciate and love you all. I am very blessed to serve our Lord and you. Thank you for always loving me and my family and caring for us in so many ways.  I am thrilled to be your pastor and look forward to serving our Lord with you in our community for many years to come. God is doing great things in the hearts and minds of His people.  

In Christ's Love and Service,

Pastor Austin & Family

Service Opportunity 

Our tech team is looking for help with streaming at the 9 am service on Sunday mornings. You don't need a computer engineering degree to be qualified but must have some knowledge of technology and the heart and mind to learn and serve in this area. Please see Susan or Jeremy on Sundays if you're interested in more details. 

The Calendar at a Glance 

• November 7th, Castle Peak Service and Confirmation

• November 8th, First Communion Class, 6:30–8:00 pm @ Grace Fellowship

• November 12th, Women of Grace Gathering 9:00–11:00 am @ Grace Fellowship (details below)

• November 13th, First Communion Sunday @ 9 am

• November 14th, Castle Peak Service and Confirmation

• November 14th–21st, Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Drop-Off

• November 20th, Thanksgiving Service

• November 27th, Advent Begins!

• November 28th, Castle Peak Service and Confirmation

Women of Grace Gathering

• November 12th from 9 am to 11 am @ Grace Fellowship
• Coffee and tea will be provided.  Please bring a breakfast snack to share
• Short Thanksgiving devotion
• Fun get-to-know-you activity
• Help with an Operation Christmas Child project

Can't wait to see you then!

- THIS Sunday -

November 6th, Bible Study

Continue to read Chapter 28 of The Story

Sunday Services

November 6th, 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. . .

• Family and friends of the Camacho family, who lost their wife and mother, Patty, due to an accident. Juan Camacho is now having to care for their two young children on his own. Pray for peace and comfort during this difficult time. If you would like to contribute a meal to assist him, please click and sign up HERE.  

• 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