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“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
(Luke 15:31-32)
This week, we continue our series titled Lost & Found. (READ Luke 15:11-31)
Luke chapter 15 climaxes in the story Charles Dickens called “The Greatest Story Ever Told.” Here, we will read the final of three lost and found stories that Jesus shares to illustrate a profound point. In this parable of the Lost Son, we see how our Lord celebrates the return of sinners and invites others to join the party! We will discover Jesus’ powerful message of his relentless pursuit of sinners like you, me, and even others who are not yet in church.
Though I have read this story many, many times, there was one line this week that really struck me. When the son returns, he is bear-hugged and kissed by his loving father. The son speaks up, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’”
He thought because of his sin (they were bad by the way), that he was no longer worthy to be called the man’s son. Maybe you feel that way today, too. Maybe you feel like you have squandered what God has given you, wasting time, money, and relationships. Maybe you feel like God doesn’t love you or want you. If this is you, make sure you read the rest of the story. The father doesn’t punish; he throws a party! This illustrates God’s incredible grace.
But the other brother, the ‘good’ brother, is off in the field working. When he hears of the party, he is furious, he is jealous, and he does not think his brother deserves anything, much less a party. His father’s grace toward his brother offended him. Perhaps we all suffer from this better-brother-mentality. Perhaps we, too, are offended that God’s grace is for all people? That’s the point. But his loving father goes out into the field and invites him to come celebrate too.
He says, ‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
The point of the parable is not the brothers' behavior; it is the father’s mercy toward both. The loving father shows grace and love toward both of his sons, as he shows grace and love toward us.
Sunday, we will come together as sinners, return to the Lord, repent of our sins, and be reminded that apart from Christ we are lost forever. But like the father, our Lord eagerly welcomes us and others. Come to church on Sunday, and join the party!
See you Sunday - I can’t wait!
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Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19–21
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Gypsum, CO 81637
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Proclaim Jesus as Savior.
Nurture faith in Jesus.
Serve in the name of Jesus.
Our Purpose
Embrace Christ!
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The Calendar at a Glance
Gather 'Round the Gospel @ 10 am
Women's Bible Study Fellowship, "Exile & Return" in Eagle, @ 6 pm
Women's Bible Study Fellowship, "Exile & Return" @ Grace Fellowship 9 am
Sunday Worship Services @ 9 am & 11 am
Connect Hour Bible Study for ALL AGES @ 10:15 - 10:45 am
Shine, Middle School Girls Bible Study @ Yeti's in Eagle, from 8:15 am to 9:15 am (see details below)
Gather 'Round the Gospel @ 10 am
Women's Bible Study Fellowship, "Exile & Return" in Eagle @ 6 pm
Women's Bible Study Fellowship, "Exile & Return" @ Grace Fellowship 9 am
Sunday Worship Services @ 9 am & 11 am
Volunteer Meeting 10 am in the barn room (see details below)
Connect Hour Bible Study for ALL AGES @ 10:15 - 10:45 am
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Building Update
Excavation has begun! We are so excited to see the work happening on our lot! Stay tuned for further
updates on progress!
We encourage you and your family to pray about contributing to our new church building. Please complete the pledge form in the lobby on Sunday and drop it in the pledge box, or Click Here to give online. Thank you to all who have given thus far! We are well on our way to our goal!
To God be the glory!
Go GRACE Go!
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Cornerstone Crew Ministry SNACK Request:
One of the goals of the Cornerstone Crew Ministry is to ensure each of our Grace Fellowship construction workers feels supported and appreciated by our congregation. We want to ensure there are plenty of snacks for our workers to help keep them fueled up for this important work!
As you are shopping for your own snacks, please consider picking up an extra package for our construction workers. There will be a black and yellow tote in the lobby for your donations.
What type of snacks? Store bought, individually wrapped:
- chips
- pretzels
- popcorn
- crackers
- nuts
- snack bars
- trail mix
- cookies
- candy, and the like
- full-sized water bottles are also needed
Thank you for supporting your
Grace Fellowship Cornerstone Crew Ministry!
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We want to hear from you!
We’re beginning a Future Planning process to shape what’s next for our church—and it starts with you. Please take a few minutes to share your voice in the Grace Fellowship Congregation Survey.
- It’s anonymous
- It only takes 5–10 minutes
- Your feedback will help guide our leadership board and staff to strengthen our ministry
Take the survey today at GraceFellowshipSurvey.com.
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Bible Study for ALL AGES continues
Sunday, September 21st.
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Who - Join Steve Manning, Tex Bluhm, and the residents and staff of Castle Peak Senior Living
What - A time of fellowship and friendship that is flexible, casual, and open to everyone who would like to attend. The purpose is to provide a space and occasion where faith and prayer come together through different experiences and activities where God's love can be shared.
When - Every other Tuesday, beginning August 26th
Time - 9:30 am for approximately 30–60 minutes
Where - Castle Peak Senior Life and Rehabilitation in Eagle
Please reach out to Steve Manning for further information and to attend.
210-842-6640
thuddreamer@yahoo.com
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Our next meeting is Wednesday, September 24th!
Invite your friends!
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Gather 'Round the Gospel Bible Study, will meet tomorrow, Thursday, September 18th at @ 10 am.
All are welcome to attend
for study, prayer, and fellowship!
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Click or scan the QR Code to download the
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Sunday Services
September 21st, 2025
9:00 or 11:00 am
-or-
ONLINE at 9:15
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KIDS' CHURCH at 9:00 am & 11:00 am services
(Ages 3 through 5th grade) @ 9:00 am & (Ages 3 through 2nd grade) @ 11:00 am
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 – up to 3 year olds.
Nursery is open during our 9:00 am service, during Connect Hour from 10:15-10:45, and during 11:00am service!
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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.
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LORD JESUS, HEAL OUR LAND, OUR BODIES, AND OUR HEARTS.
Please pray for...
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CPR for our nation - For Christ, Prayer, and Redemption for our nation after the many tragic events that have taken place over the past several weeks that continue to divide our country. We lift up our voices in unison to help conquer the division, anger, and hatred. Sorrow weighs heavy on our hearts, so we turn to Him, who gives us peace. We confess our need for His mercy to wash over us. Where there is violence and anger, sow love. Where there is fear, plant courage. Where there is despair, bring hope. Lord, fill us with your love and your Holy Spirit, so that we can continue to shine your light in this valley and throughout the world, to the people we engage with day in and day out.
Families who are experiencing a multitude of different hardships. Pray for strength and guidance in the storm, for peace and rest (sleep!), and for them to be surrounded by their brothers and sisters in Christ to help lift them up during challenging times.
We pray for complete healing and recovery for those struggling
with different health and medical challenges.
Rosemarie and Andi, Jackie's mom and sister who Jackie helps care for. We pray for strength and comfort for Jackie as one of their caretakers.
Bobby, Tish's dad
John Kirchner - continued prayers for healing and comfort as he continues chemo treatment. The chemo is working!
Jerry Wiisanen, Jodie's dad - continued healing for cancer treatment and nerve damage he has experienced
Michelle Colvis, Tex's friend - whose cancer is in remission. Praise God!
Nancy Kraft - who is still recovering in a rehabilitation facility in Aurora.
Andy Haffele - who is home recovering from his spinal surgery. Please continue praying for pain relief, the recovery of his nerves, peace and comfort during the healing process.
GOD'S WILL BE DONE
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Contact Information
www.GraceFellowshipGypsum.com
Phone: 970-445-3101
Email: Austin@GraceGypsum.com
Staff and Volunteer Staff
Pastor Austin Kraft, 970-688-1100, austin@gracegypsum.com
Missy Kraft, Administrative Assistant/Youth Director, 970-445-3101, melissa@gracegypsum.com
Lauren Glenn, Worship Team Coordinator, 970-445-3101, lauren@gracegypsum.com
Pastor Dan Rohlwing, Pastor Emeritus in Memoriam
Church Office Hours
Monday through Thursday 8 am to 5 pm
Sunday Schedule
Worship Services: 9:00 and 11:00 am (nursery provided at both services).
Sunday School: 10:15-10:45 for all ages (nursery provided).
Kids Church: During sermon-time at the 9:00 and 11 am services.
Affiliation
Grace Fellowship is affiliated with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (lcms.org).
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