February 8th, 2023

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

-Matthew 5:11-12

Sunday, after church services around the world, grills will be lit, chip dip will be made, and wings will be tossed.  Families and friends will gather around televisions to cheer on their favorite football team in the highest game in the land-  Super Bowl 57.  At the end of the game, the Vince Lombardi trophy will be held high by owners, coaches, and players.  The most valuable player will be awarded the “MVP” trophy.  

Jesus has the disciples' attention.  He goes onto a side of the mountain away from the crowds.  It is time to teach his faithful followers what it means to be blessed.  Jesus’ words though are not what the hearers expected.  

Jesus said: 

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,

    for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek,

    for they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

    for they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful,

    for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart,

    for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,

    for they will be called children of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Maybe you don’t think you are an MVP in God’s Kingdom, perhaps you don't believe God values you.  Jesus has words for you . . .  If you struggle with your faith, if you mourn, if you are meek, if you long to be righteous, if you are merciful and pure in heart, a peacemaker, or persecuted for your faith, blessed are you. 

Jesus said rejoice and be glad, your reward is waiting, earned by Jesus for you. So fire up the grill, whip that dip, toss those wings, and celebrate because YOU ARE BLESSED.  

See you Sunday, I can’t wait! 

Pastor Austin 

Click or scan the QR Code to download the

Grace Fellowship App from our website.

Fellowship Sunday

February 19th, from 10:00–11:00 am

Ti Amo Theme Brunch Potluck

Bring your favorite brunch foods to share

while we fellowship with one another!

Baked goodies, casseroles, crockpots, salads,

finger foods, pasta dishes, breakfast or lunch...

you bring it, we'll eat it!

The Calendar at a Glance 

• February 12th, Leadership Board Meeting @ 12:15 pm

• February 19th, Fellowship Sunday, No Connect Hour, Ti Amo Brunch (details above)

• February 22nd, Lent Begins, Ash Wednesday Service 6 pm

• March 4th, Middle School Youth Denver Trip to see "The Thorn"

• March 11th, Women's Gathering at Chelsea's house (details to come)

• March 12th, Fellowship Sunday, No Connect Hour (details to come)

• March 17th, Kids' Night Out, 6 pm to 9 pm (details to come)

Sunday Services

February 12th, 2023

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. They will further explore the day's sermon theme with their group. 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 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. . .

• the people of Turkey and Syria after the deadly earthquake where the death toll keeps rising. Pray that any remaining survivors will be found, for aid to come to rescue and restore, and for God's peace and mercy.

• Wendy, who suddenly lost her husband. Lord, wrap your loving arms around her with comfort and peace.

• Mark Von Soosten, who has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He and his wife, Carol, have been longtime workers in Christ and in LWML. Pray for God's healing hand to cover him, for a great team of medical staff, and for peace and comfort for them and their family.

• Jerry Wiisanen, Jodie Metz's father, who meets with his transplant doctor this week. Pray that his numbers look good enough for him to be released to go home and for continued strength and healing.

• Lexi Lowdermilk, who was in a serious ski accident and has suffered serious injuries. Continue to pray for healing and progress to be made on this long road to recovery.

• Darlee, Debra's mom, who is struggling with her health. Please pray for answers to her health issues for her and her family.

• For our Connect Hour Ministry, that our hearts and minds will be transformed by digging deeper into God's Word and that we will build lasting relationships through our fellowship time as brothers and sisters in Christ. Stir a deep desire in our hearts to attend and grow.

• For families in conflict, that God's peace would rule in their hearts and in their lives.



• 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