Pastor’s Pen
Years ago, I taught a leadership lesson called the Parable of the Rubber Band. The theme was rubber bands don’t do anyone much good unless they are stretched. As I look over this past year and look toward 2024, I see a whole lot of stretching going on in my heart.
One of the things that keeps me from stretching in my faith and stepping into some Kingdom realities, is that I (perhaps like you) sometimes am concerned with being excessive. We don’t want people to think we’re religious nuts; so, we fear excess much more that we fear lack.
Isaiah prophesied in Isaiah 61:1-3 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
When our Lord proclaimed Good News it is hard to imagine that He would have told blind Bartimaeus, “This blindness is a gift from My Father to make you a better person”? And yet that is the approach most Christians take with folks who desperately need Good News! We so often take a “that’s just the way things are” approach; instead of stretching to say, I am going to proclaim the Good News of Jesus over ever circumstance I encounter!
Stretching with you to see His Kingdom come!
I’ll see you this weekend.
We are working with local businesses to help provide grocery store gift cards for those in need during the holidays. Should you want to be involved, simple mark “Grace Cares” on your check or offering envelope.
GF Holiday Events
No Family Night December 20-January 3.
December 23 & 24– Christmas Weekend.
Saturday @ 5:30 pm-Worship Service
Sunday @ 9:30 am– Worship service
Sunday @ 4:00 pm-Candlelight Christmas Eve service
Grace Fellowship is headed to the Dominican Republic April 6-13 2024
Grace Fellowship is excited to announce we will be building a house in the Dominican Republic April 6-13. This team of 15 will experience a life changing experience as we partner with Pastor Guarin Rodriquez and build a house for a needy family in the Dominican. If you want more information. simply let us know via email or Communication Card
Closing the Gap
To date we have $2,869,827. in cash
& outstanding pledges of $561,763
for a total of $3,419,636.
We can start in February March timeframe with $2.5 to $3 mil to start. This would primarily be to prepare the site and put in infrastructure. So we have enough to start. Help us close the gap to the finish line.
Van Ewing Construction is continuing to put together bids – it is looking like we are between 5 and 6 million to complete Phase 1.
We are praying about—Do we put in the infrastructure for Phase 2 when we build Phase 1—which would be less expensive down the road, but is that cost prohibitive? So pray with us.
We are trusting the Lord to help us build debt free. Which will require each of us doing what we can with the Lord’s help. For every $1.00 given now saves between $1.96 and $2.45 over the life of a 30 year loan.
We have received over $40,000 by investing what has been given. For every $1.00 given now is really worth $1.13 to $1.20 over the next 2 years.
Consider a year end gift to help close the gap!!
Explore the Depths of Scripture: New and Old Testament Survey
Embark on a 13-week exploration of the Bible with our “New and Old Testament Survey” bible college level class at Grace School of Ministry, starting January 10. Open to everyone, this course delves into Scripture’s main themes, chronology, and inerrancy. Whether you aim for a Ministry Certificate or just want to enrich your understanding of the Bible, applications are open and the Grace Fellowship School of Ministry might be for you. Join us for a transformative journey into the heart of God’s Word—apply today! Link to Application:
For information on the Grace School of Ministry check out the Student Handbook – https://gracefellowshipwy.com/school-of-ministry/
We are Better Together
There are small groups available for everyone
Children’s Ministry
Saturday Evenings 5:30– KREW (Children’s Church for K-5th grade)
Saturday Evenings 5:30- Nursery (Infants to five yrs.)
Sunday Mornings 9:30 –KREW (Children’s Church K-5th grade)
Sunday Mornings 9:30 –Nursery (Infants to five yrs.)
Wednesday Evenings 6:30-7:45 –Kindle Kids (Infants –5th grade)
Flashpoint Youth Ministry
Wednesday Evenings 6:30 –7:45 @ Bomber Mtn Civic Center.
Flashpoint Youth If you would like to get text message notifications text “Flashpoint” to 307-370– 7203
Adults
Wednesday Mornings 9:00 – Coffee With Grace streaming live on Facebook and YouTube
Wednesday Evenings 5:30-7:45 Family Night @ Bomber Mtn (will resume January 10)
Thursday Evenings 5:30-7:00 Ladies Bible Study (will resume January 18)
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