(Drawing by Joshua Haffele)
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
Galatians 4:4-5
Christmas Eve is coming, you know, less than two days away. There is lots to be done. Gifts to wrap, cookies to bake, and meals to prepare. Busyness rules the day. I am just as guilty, sermons to write, calls to make, services to prepare. It is a busy time of year for us all. The hustling and bustling of the season leaves little time to stop and ponder why we hustle and bustle in the first place. Why do we meet at church? Why do we sing? Why do we bake cookies? Why do we wrap gifts, hang ornaments, and light trees?
Some time ago, I was given a gift from a friend. I have known Joshua most of his young life. He is now in third grade, but still not too big to smile and give his pastor a hug. A few weeks ago Joshua gave me an early Christmas present. A drawing, an original mind you, of a humble brown stable house that opens into the nativity scene- a humble stable, Mary, and Joseph, and baby Jesus all under a radiant star. The words “Love Joshua” decorate the upper left corner of the paper. What an incredible gift!
Joshua reminded me, Reverend Austin D. Kraft, what Christmas is all about. I went to school for ministry and attended one of the finest seminaries in the land, but none of that education compares to the message my friend, Joshua, gave me this Christmas. Joshua’s photo reminded me to stop and receive Jesus as a child. Joshua’s drawing made me stop and ponder what those shepherds saw as they “hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, lying in the manger,” just as the angels had promised. Joshua reminded me, in God’s perfect timing, on a chilly night, in a dirty stable, in the tiny hamlet of Bethlehem, a Savior was born as promised. Joseph named him Jesus because He would save His people from their sins.
Friday night, Christmas Eve, we continue our Advent journey God's Perfect Timing. God's timing is not always our timing, but His timing is always perfect.
See you Friday! I can’t wait!
AMEN
PS. Join us Sunday as we conclude our series “Times of Praise.” (Luke 2:22-40)
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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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Would you like to submit your offering online? Thank you!
Simply click the link to securely give to Grace Fellowship.
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Would you like to submit your offering by mail? Thank you!
Please send offerings to
Grace Fellowship Church
PO Box 4280
Gypsum, CO 81637
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Special congregational meeting
THIS SUNDAY, at 11:45 am after the second service. We have some exciting news to share!
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December 24th - Christmas Eve Services 5:00 &
7:00 pm
THIS SUNDAY - Special Congregational Meeting
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9th Annual Snowshoe for Peru 5k will take place on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 10am at Sylvan Lake State Park!
Registration is $30 for in-person and virtual participants at snowshoeforperu.com
Event helps provide safety, education and hope to the youth of Peru involved with Corazon de Esperanza!
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Sunday Services
December 26th, 2021
9:00 or 10:30
-or-
ONLINE
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KIDS CHURCH at 9:00 am service
(Ages 3 through 2nd 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! We are ready and excited to see your little ones!
Sunday School w/ Susan at 10:30 service
(Grades 3 through 6)
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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.
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LORD JESUS, HEAL OUR LAND, OUR BODIES AND OUR HEARTS.
Please pray for . . .
- Missy Kraft and her whole family as they mourn the loss of her father, Robert Blake, who was called home last week. Pray for peace and comfort.
- Becky Harkins' niece, Kayla and her husband Jordan, as their baby was rushed to the hospital. Pray for healing and comfort.
- Jackie's sister-in-law, Gwen, who is dealing with serious heart and kidney complications. Pray that her kidneys begin to function properly again and that she is healed.
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Praise that Jackie is recovering well after her surgery.
- Tony Davis, who is in the hospital in Denver in serious condition from covid. Pray for continued progress and healing.
- Nicole's friend's father, who has suffered from seizures for a long time that have severely impacted his mental and physical health. Pray for healing and peace for him and his family.
- Pearl Taylor, who is suffering from cancer. Pray for comfort and healing.
- Shawn and Amy Blake's business. Pray for provisions and guidance.
- Scott Hilty, who is recovering from another back surgery. Pray for comfort, healing, and peace.
- Rita, who is making good progress recovering after her surgery. Pray for complete healing.
- Bobby Bauer, who is in the hospital in serious condition battling complications from Covid.
- Debra's mom, who is struggling with health issues. Pray for comfort, peace, and answers.
- April Mabee, a friend of Gaby's who was recently diagnosed with cancer.
- strength, comfort and support for Carol Proffitt who has been sick and is homebound, and her daughter Pam who is caring for her.
- 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; Amanda; Jerry; Pearl; and Suzanne.
GOD'S WILL BE DONE
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Contact Information
Phone: 970-445-3101
Staff and Volunteer Staff
Pastor Dan Rohlwing, Pastor Emeritus in Memoriam
Sunday Schedule
Worship Services: 9:00 and 10:30 am (nursery provided).
Kids Church: During sermon-time at the 9:00 am service.
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!
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