Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18-
Monday morning I embarked on my journey from Phoenix to Eagle, returning from visiting my daughters and son-in-law. I left early in the morning, I had 700 miles in front of me, no backup drivers this time. I turned on the headlights, grabbed the shift stick in our van, pushed the button, and moved the box from “P” to “D.” I took a deep breath, and said, “Ok, Lord let’s do this.” With headlights guiding me, I cruised through the city still waking from its weekend slumber. Leaving traffic behind, I cruised into the dark desert. It didn’t take long before the sun’s glow began to illuminate the November sky. The glowing ball wouldn’t peek above the horizon for some time, but the beauty of the desert was revealed when it did. The black of night gave way to gray, then gray gave way to red, and tan, and gold colored cliffs and hills. As I stopped at the rest stop, I saw something I hadn’t noticed before, it was green, John-Deere-green, with black needles perfectly arranged on its side. As if an artist had inserted them in an order that would not only protect the plant, but also show order, arrangement and beauty. It was . . . well . . . beautiful. “Thank you, Lord,” I said. What a master Creator our Lord is! I never thought I would thank God for a cactus, but perhaps that's because I didn't stop and pay attention.
We get so busy in our lives, we forget to stop and see, (not smell), the cactus.*
Our Gospel reading Sunday, (Luke 17:11-19), tells of a man who did stop to thank Jesus. He asks our Lord to have mercy on him and heal him. Jesus did just that, he heals the man and his buddies. After he was healed, he did something the others did not, he stopped to thank Jesus. He came back and thanked the same Creator who made that cactus near the bathrooms, at the rest stop in Arizona.
Twelve hours later, I arrived on the street in front of my home. I then grabbed the shift stick in our van, pushed the button, and moved the box from “D” to “P,” and turned off the headlights. I took a deep breath, and said, “Thank you.”
This week, as you talk to Jesus, remember to give thanks in all circumstances. Give thanks for your family, for food, for a warm home, and even for that cactus.
See you Sunday as we come together in great thanksgiving.
PRAYER:
Lord God, heavenly Father, we thank you. We come to you in great thanksgiving for all we have and most of all what you have done. We rest on your promises and thank you for your marvelous creation. Thank you for dying on the cross that we might have life and have it abundantly because of your grace. Thank you Jesus … Thank you.
AMEN
*smelling cactus is not recommended, trust me
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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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Annual congregational meeting
December 5th, 11:45 am after the second service. We hope to see you there!
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Thank you all so very much for your thoughtful words and gifts to our family. We are overwhelmed by your love. We are so honored and blessed to be part of Grace Fellowship serving Jesus with you!
Love you all,
The Kraft family
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TONIGHT - The Truth Project Bible Study
THIS SUNDAY - Last day to bring Operation Christmas Child boxes
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TONIGHT! Come Join Us!
Lesson 10 - The American Experiment: Stepping Stones
6:30 - 8:00
Remaining Meeting dates
November 17
December 1, 8
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THIS Sunday is the last day to drop off your filled boxes for Operation Christmas Child this year!
Please reach out to Gaby with any additional questions
970-331-3928
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A message from Nicole Atencio...
Young Life is a youth ministry that has been in the valley for 13 years. Our mission is to introduce adolescents to Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith. Our hope is to give EVHS students from all walks of life the chance to know Jesus through Club, Campaigners, and Camp. We meet every Wednesday night, alternating between Club and Campaigners.
YL Club
Young Life Club is the larger group with fun events every week like mud volleyball, line dancing, capture the flag, skits, and more. This is a safe, relaxed, and non-threatening environment where kids can laugh, feel valued, and hear the Gospel. I encourage our youth at Grace Fellowship to come to YL Club and invite their friends who may have never had a chance to know Jesus.
YL Campaigners
Young Life Campaigners is a smaller, focused, and more intentional group where young people come together with the leaders to learn more about what it means to love and follow Jesus. We go deep into the word, discuss life and life with Jesus.
YL Camp
Young Life Camp is an awesome opportunity for kids to see Christ in a way that they might not see Him at home. We go to a winter and a summer camp every year. I went to these camps when I was a student at EVHS 10 years ago and it had an incredible impact on my relationship with Christ.
We are so excited to be going to Crooked Creek Ranch in Fraser, Colorado this December 3rd-5th. We will be joining many other Young Life groups from around Colorado. We would love to bring as many high school students from Grace Fellowship as we can. We provide transportation. Spots are limited!
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A place to give and a place to receive
The local community market is working to improve healthy food access in our community by rescuing food from local grocery stores, local farmers and redistributing it to any and all local families. In this way, they're reducing food waste while also making good food more accessible.
This outreach opportunity gives our church the chance to actively show the love of Jesus just up the road and in our community at large!
🍎What do our wonderful Market Assistant volunteers take care of?
Stocking the market and produce shelves, unloading and sorting grocery rescue donations, repackaging bulk food items, packing dry food boxes for community distribution, sorting produce boxes, composting food and recycling containers, sweeping, and sanitizing surfaces along with many other jobs within the shifts that can be of help.
🍎To Volunteer at The Community Market:
View available shifts and sign up through the online portal HERE
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We have started a meal chain for the family of the Arguello's niece, Lori, who recently passed away. If God puts it on your heart to take her husband, Ben, and their children a meal, you can sign up below.
We love because He first loved us.
1 John 4:19
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Sunday Services
November 21st, 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!
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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 . . .
- 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.
- Robert Blake, Missy's father, who was in an accident recently that left him with various injuries. Pray for comfort, healing, and provision.
- Moises, who is recovering from stomach surgery. Pray for comfort and healing.
- The family of the Arguello's niece, Lori, who was called home to her savior after a battle with Covid. Pray for comfort and peace beyond understanding.
- 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 recovering after her surgery. Pray for continued comfort and 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; 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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