April 28th, 2021
“Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.”
John 5:8-9
 
In John chapter five, we are introduced to a paralyzed man sitting on the edge of the pool of Bethesda. Jesus approaches him and asks if he wants to be healed, but the man doesn’t say “yes.” Instead, he says, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred.”

“I have no one…”

One of the saddest phrases in all of scripture. But we don’t have to look 2000 years back to hear his sad words . . .

There is the 88-year-old woman who can’t seem to smile. She can’t walk very well, and can barely cook any longer. Her finances don’t allow for a nursing home and her home is falling apart. Her friends are all gone now, and her family doesn’t visit but once a year. They are busy with their lives, and so she sits alone with only her distant memories to entertain her. She sits in her wheelchair and says, “I have no one.”

There is the middle-aged businessman sitting in his office wondering if he will ever fall in love. He has always worked hard to be “successful." He has tried to stay in shape and has even tried the online dating sites. He spends his money on clothes hoping his polished image and his caring attitude will help attract women, but it doesn’t seem to work. Now he is 40, and he slouches into his leather chair behind the mahogany desk and says, “I have no one.” 

There is the teenage girl weeping and contemplating suicide. She isn’t as pretty as the other girls in her class. She is teased on Snapchat for her braces, and on Instagram for the neighborhood she lives in. Her best friend decided it was best that they part ways, choosing to hang with a different group of girls from the rich part of town. She sits on the edge of her tear-soaked bed and says, “I have no one.” 

The paralytic said, “I have no one,” but soon discovered something remarkable. He did have someone- THE ONE and his name is JesusThe man didn’t ask for help, and he didn’t profess his faith, in fact, he didn’t even know who Jesus was. (see v. 13) Jesus simply came to the lonely, helpless man and healed him. Jesus said, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” And then he did! He picked up his mat and walked.”

The paralyzed man’s hope was wrapped in the supposed magical healing powers of the pool, and yet nobody would help him. But did you catch what didn’t happen? The helpless man didn’t swan dive, belly flop, or cannonball his way to healing, in fact, he didn’t even dip his toe in the water. He didn't need to touch the water at all! Jesus said, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” Then he did. Jesus speaks and the miraculous happens. No towel needed.

Maybe you feel you are alone too. Maybe when asked if you would like help you reply like the paralyzed man…“I have no one.” God’s promises are for you today…

“Fear not, for I am with you.” (Isaiah 41:10)

“I am with you always.” (Matthew 28:20)

“I will never leave you or forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)

Jesus’ incredible words remind us that nothing can ever put Jesus back in the tomb. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. Our Lord speaks and the miraculous happens. On the cross, our Lord Jesus declared, “It is finished,” and on the mountain Jesus declared, “I am with you always.” 

Our Lord’s unfathomable love and comforting words are not only for the women in the nursing home, or the businessman in his office, or the teen in her room, or the paralytic next to the pool, his words are for you today. In God’s great love, he redeemed you from the deadly consequences of sin, death, and grave, and comforts you by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is with you both now and forever. No towel needed. 

See you Sunday as we wrap up our sermon series and celebrate THE GREATEST COMEBACK EVER!

-Austin
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7
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Grace Fellowship Church
PO Box 4280
Gypsum, CO 81637

Sunday Services
May 2nd, 2021

9:00 AM + 10:30 AM
-or-
ONLINE
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In response to new county and state guidelines, we are excited to announce that we will no longer have to sign up for services or events! We can't wait to see you on Sunday!


MASKS
Face coverings are required at all times.
With the County's mandate requiring face coverings in all indoor spaces, Grace Fellowship will follow Eagle County’s public health guideline which requires wearing masks in all public spaces, including outdoors when six feet of physical distance cannot be maintained. Face coverings are required during the entirety of the church service.
 
KIDS CHURCH w/ Ms. Debra at 9:00 am service
(Ages 3 through 2nd grade)
Kids Church follows the kids sermon. We can’t wait to see them!

NURSERY
Nursery for Newborns – 2 year olds.
Nursery is open! Grace Fellowship continues to follow Eagle County’s public health guidelines, and nursery care attendants will wear face coverings while caring for your children. We are ready and excited to see your little ones!

*Please know that we are doing everything we can to keep our guests safe by following guidelines suggested by our health officials. If you have any concerns however, please plan to join us online every Sunday!

Join us on Facebook Sunday morning at approximately 9:15 AM, or view the recording anytime on Facebook, Vimeo or YouTube.
Click the image below to connect.
Sunday School with Susan
will be
THIS Sunday at 10:30!
Prayers
LORD JESUS, HEAL OUR LAND, OUR BODIES AND OUR HEARTS.

Please pray for . . .

  • Debbie Brockett's twin sister, Robyne, who is in the hospital undergoing tests for heart and breathing problems.  

  • The family of Renee Bajza, who passed away this week. Pray for comfort during this difficult time.

  • The Arguello family's friends, Steve and Donna Hall. Steve has been diagnosed with cancer and is waiting to find out if the cancer has spread. Please pray for them and their 4 children as they begin this journey. Pray for healing and comfort.

  • Maddy Friel, who is healing from a medical condition.

  • Austin's seminary friend, Aaron, who was just diagnosed with Leukemia and has started treatment. He is home now, recovering from chemo. Pray for strength and healing for him and his family.

  • Austin's seminary friend, Seth, who is waiting to see a specialist for a medical condition.

  • healing and strength for 22-year-old Kaylee Jeter, who is fighting through her second round of brain cancer.

  • a doctor at Nancy's office, who is recovering from a terrible skiing accident.

  • Sue, Dave Carle's mother, who is struggling with her health.

  • strength, comfort and support for Carol Proffitt who has been sick and is homebound, and her daughter Pam who is caring for her.

  • complete healing for Sal as he continues treatment for leukemia. Please continue to pray for strength for Lisa and Kathy as they care for them.

  • everyone in our congregation and their families who are dealing with the pains and trials of cancer, including Connie Kerr; Pastor Sid; Keith; Chris; Sharon Hlavinka; Rance Ketterling; little Sal Marchetti; Amanda; Jonette; Jerry; and Suzanne.

  • everyone affected by illness, surgery or accidents - wisdom for doctors, peace of mind for patients and loved ones, and answers and best treatments revealed.
GOD'S WILL BE DONE
See you Sunday Online!
Contact Information
Phone: 970-445-3101
Email: Austin@GraceGypsum.com 

Staff and Volunteer Staff
Pastor Austin Kraft, 970-688-1100, austin@gracegypsum.com 
Brookelyn Kraft, Administrative Assistant, 970-445-3101, brookelyn@gracegypsum.com
Nancy Kraft, Volunteer Coordinator, 303-870-3433, njokraft@yahoo.com
Susan Flock, App and Website Coordinator, 970-361-4771, flock21@aol.com
Israel Hernandez, Worship Team Leader, 970-331-6177, Israelh08@hotmail.com
Jesse Meryhew, High School Youth Leader, 970-390-3617 jesseleemeryhew@gmail.com
Pastor Dan Rohlwing, Pastor Emeritus in Memoriam

Sunday Schedule during COVID-19
Worship Services: 9:00 and 10:30 am (nursery provided).
Kids Church: During sermon-time at the 9:00 am services.

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

Our Mission
Proclaim, Nurture, and Serve. 

Proclaim Jesus as Savior. 
Nurture faith in Jesus. 
Serve in the name of Jesus.

Our Purpose
Embrace Christ!