G E L C S , A A 5, 2026
Welcome to Grace!
Our mission at Grace is to teach the inspired and inerrant Word of God, to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Savior of the world, and to nurture believers for lives of Christian service.
Check out the GRACE WEBSITE at GraceLutheranSAZ.org
We are very pleased that you have joined us for worship today! We pray that this time will be a blessing for you as God comes to you with his Word and promises, and as you offer him your thanks and praise.
The worship service is printed in this worship folder for you to follow along and participate. You’ll notice that the service is a dialogue between God and us, his people. The pastor speaks to God along with the congregation and also speaks the Word of God to the people. Those wishing to leave an offering can do so at the exit today or give online at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/ give. (You can also scan the QR code to the right to access the online giving page.)
Today we are using elements from the Christian Worship hymnal. If you would like to worship from a hymnal today, you will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each row; however, you do not need to use a hymnal if you so choose, as everything needed for worship is printed in this worship folder.
OUR WORSHIP SERIES WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?
Life is full of either/or moments. Some of them are of little long-term consequence. I will have either the chicken or the fish. Some of them matter more. I will accept the new job offer or keep my current job. One either/or moment is life-changing for every human being. Either Jesus is still dead, or Jesus rose from the dead. Jesus claimed he would rise from the dead. “The Son of Man must suffer many things...be killed and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31). So if Jesus remains dead, he is both a failure and a fraud. If Christ has not been raised, we are still in our sin.
But Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! It makes all the difference! He lives! The season of Easter is a 50-day celebration of that fact.
In this season, our worship will follow this path:
Easter Day
Second Sunday of Easter
Third Sunday of Easter
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Ascension
Pentecost
He Lives to take me from death to life
He lives to give me proof and peace
He lives to restore my hope
He lives to be my Good Shepherd
He lives to be the only way to heaven
He lives to call me to live for him
He lives to rule all things for the Church
He lives to pour out his Spirit
OUR THEME FOR TODAY—HE LIVES TO TAKE ME FROM DEATH TO LIFE
Without the resurrection of Jesus, death would appear permanent. No one would have come back from the dead to explain what happens after death. Jesus told his disciples what would happen. But they were slow to believe the Easter truth. God ensured that his people had witnesses to assure that Jesus did not remain dead.
He lives, and it makes a difference! I too shall live. Death has become a pathway into paradise. Jesus has already made me spiritually alive by giving me faith in his resurrection. In every possible way, Jesus takes me from death to life.
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +
CHOIR—O Praise The Name
PleaseÊjoinÊtheÊchoirÊinÊsingingÊtheÊfinalÊrefrain:
O praise the name of the Lord our God. O praise his name forevermore. For endless days we will sing your praise, O Lord, O Lord our God.
PleaseÊstand
EASTER GREETING
Minster: Christ is risen!
Congregation: He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
OPENING PRAYER
Beloved in Christ, we have gathered together to celebrate the glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, and to hear again from the Holy Scriptures how he conquered death, and broke the prison bands of man’s mortality.
But first, let us pray for the unity of the church, for the sick, for the feeble, for those in sorrow, for captives, for those who travel, for young men and maidens, for old men and children, for all the married, for all who need our prayers and supplications, through Christ our Lord.
Let us pray also for those who rest with the Lord awaiting the resurrection to eternal life. We look forward to joining them around the glorious thrown made possible this day by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
PleaseÊbeÊseated
CHOIR—Resurrection Alleluias
Choir: Alleluia! Christ is risen! Alleluia! He’s alive! (repeat) Alleluia! Alleluia! Hearts to heaven and voices raise; Sing to God a hymn of gladness. Sing to God a hymn of praise. Alleluia! Christ is risen! Alleluia! He’s alive! (repeat)
Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia! Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia! Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia! Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!
ALL: Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia! Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia! Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia! Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!
Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia! Fought the fight, the battle won. Alleluia! Death in vain forbids him rise. Alleluia! Christ has opened paradise. Alleluia!
Choir: Alleluia! Christ is risen! Alleluia! He’s alive! (repeat) Alleluia!
THE
FIRST LESSON
2 He said the following:
In my distress I called to the L , and he answered me. From the belly of the grave I cried out, and you heard my voice.
3 You threw me into the depths, into the heart of the seas. The currents swept around me. All your breakers and your waves swept over me.
4 I said, “I have been driven away from your sight. Nevertheless, I will once again look toward your holy temple.”
5 Waters engulfed me so that I was near death. The deep surrounded me. Seaweed was wrapped around my head.
6 To the roots of the mountains I sank down. The earth locked me behind its bars forever. But you brought my life up from the pit, O L , my God.
7 When my life was ebbing away, I remembered the L . My prayer came to you, to your holy temple.
8 Those who cling to worthless idols forsake the mercy that is theirs.
9 But I, with a shout of thanksgiving, will indeed sacrifice to you. What I have vowed, I will certainly pay in full. Salvation belongs to the L !
Venantius
c. 530–609, abr.; tr. John Ellerton, 1826–1893, alt. Tune: EnchiridionÊGeistlikeÊLedeÊundÊPsalmen, Lübeck, 1545. Text and tune: Public domain.
Text:
Fortunatus,
1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women went to the tomb, carrying the spices they had prepared. 2 They found that the stone had been rolled away from the tomb. 3 When they went in, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothing. 5 The women were terrified and bowed down with their faces to the ground.
The men said to them, “Why are you looking for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has been raised! Remember how he told you while he was still in Galilee 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again?” 8 Then they remembered his words.
9 When they returned from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles.
This Joyful Eastertide
THE THIRD LESSON
John 20:11-18
11But Mary stood outside facing the tomb, weeping. As she wept, she bent over, looking into the tomb. 12She saw two angels in white clothes sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and one at the feet. 13They asked her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”
She told them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I don’t know where they have laid him.”
14After she said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, though she did not know it was Jesus.
15Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?”
Supposing he was the gardener, she replied, “Sir, if you carried him off, tell me where you laid him, and I will get him.”
16Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
She turned and replied in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means, “Teacher”).
17Jesus told her, “Do not continue to cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to my Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father to my God and your God.’ ”
18Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” She also told them the things he said to her.
by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
Text and tune: Keith Getty, b. 1974; Stuart Townend, b. 1963 © 2003 Thankyou Music (PRS), admin. CapitolCMGPublishing,com. Used
1 Brothers, I am going to call your attention to the gospel that I preached to you. You received it, and you took your stand on it. 2 You are also being saved by that gospel that was expressed in the words I preached to you, if you keep your hold on it unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve.
6 After that he appeared to over five hundred brothers at the same time, most of whom are still alive, but some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, and then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, he appeared also to me, the stillborn child, so to speak. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, and I am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted God’s church. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not ineffective. On the contrary, I worked more than all of them (and yet it wasn’t my doing, but it was the grace of God, which was with me, that did it). 11 So whether it is I or they, that is what we preach, and that is what you believed.
Text (sts. 1–4, Ref): Sylvia Dunstan, 1955–1993, alt.© 1991 GIA Publications, Inc.; (st. 5): David Haas, b. 1957 © 2003 GIA Publications, Inc. Tune: David Haas, b. 1957 © 2003 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
23 Oh how I wish that my words were written down. Oh how I wish that they were inscribed in bronze,
24 that they would be engraved in rock forever with an iron tool and letters filled with lead.
25 As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at the end of time he will stand over the dust.
26 Then, even after my skin has been destroyed, nevertheless, in my own flesh I will see God.
27 I myself will see him. My own eyes will see him, and not as a stranger. My emotions are in turmoil within me.
Verse 1: All, Verse 2: Men, Verse 3: Women, Verse 4: All
HYMN I Know that My Redeemer Lives ChristianÊWorshipÊ441
Text: Samuel Medley, 1739–1799, abr. Tune: attr. John C. Hatton, 1710–1793. Text and tune: Public domain.
11 As they were on their way, there were some members of the guard who went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 After the chief priests had assembled with the elders and had reached a decision, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers 13 and said, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came at night and stole him away while we were sleeping.’ 14 If the governor hears about it, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 After the soldiers took the money, they did as they were instructed. And this story has been repeated among the Jews until this day.
HYMN—O Sons and Daughters of the King
Verse 1: All, Verse 2: Men, Verse 3: Women, Verse 9: All
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he gave us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 into an inheritance that is undying, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. 5 Through faith you are being protected by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed at the end of time.
Text: attr. Jean Tisserand, d. 1494, abr.; tr. John Mason Neale, 1818–1866, alt. Tune: Melchior Vulpius, c. 1570–1615. Text and tune: Public domain.
6 Because of this you rejoice very much, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various kinds of trials 7 so that the proven character of your faith which is more valuable than gold, which passes away even though it is tested by fire may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not see him now, yet by believing in him, you are filled with a joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
HYMN—Jesus Christ my Sure Defense
ChristianÊWorshipÊ446
Text: Otto von Schwerin, 1616–1679; (sts. 1–3): tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–1878, alt.; (st. 4): tr. TheÊLutheranÊHymnal, 1941,; (st. 5): tr. EvangelicalÊLutheranÊHymn-Book, 1912, alt. Tune: Johann Crüger, 1598–1662. Text and tune: Public domain.
PRAYER OF EASTER DAY
Almighty God, by the glorious resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, you conquered death and opened the gate to eternal life. Grant that we, who have been raised with him through Baptism, may walk in newness of life and ever rejoice in the hope of sharing his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be dominion and praise now and forever.
Amen.
SERMON
John 20:14-17
THE BLESSING
May the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, bless your every work through the power of his Spirit and may the grace of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you, and remain with you forever.
Amen.
4 Once bound by fear, now bold in faith, they preached the truth and pow’r of grace and pouring out their lives they gained life, life everlasting. (Refrain)
5 The pow’r that raised him from the grave now works in us to pow’rf’lly save. He frees our hearts to live his grace; go, tell of his goodness. (Refrain)
Text and tune: Keith Getty, b. 1974; Kristyn Getty, b. 1980; Ed Cash, b. 1971 © 2012 Getty Music and Alletrop Music, admin. MusicServices.org
Welcome Grace Guests!
If you are a guest at Grace today, we are very happy to have you worship with us! If you would like more information about Grace or have questions about becoming a member of our congregation, please speak to Pastor Heiman.
You’re invited to worship with us at any of our four sites:
Grace-Tucson 830 N. 1st Avenue, 85719
Regular Sunday Morning Schedule
7:45 AM Worship Service
8:45 AM Children’s Bible Hour
9:00 AM Adult Bible Study
10:00 AM Worship Service
Grace-Benson 451 W. Duane Street, 85602
Regular Sunday Morning Schedule
7:30 AM Worship Service
8:45 AM Adult Bible Study
Grow in Grace Class
Grace-Sahuarita 75 W. Sahuarita Rd., 85629
Regular Sunday Morning Schedule
9:00 AM Bible Studies for Adults and Children
10:00 AM Worship Service
Grace-Vail 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, 85747 (Esmond Station Elementary)
Regular Sunday Morning Schedule
10:00 AM Worship Service
11:15 AM Bible Studies for Adults and Children
Would you like to learn more about Jesus, our risen Savior, about the Bible that tells us about him, and about what we believe and teach at Grace? Our congregation offers a series of Bible-based lessons called Grow in Grace. Grow in Grace also serves as our membership class for those who may be interested in joining the church. If you would be interested in scheduling a Grow in Grace Class, please speak to Pastor Heiman or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.
Thank You!
We sincerely thank the many people who are involved in our Easter Celebration throughout this morning! If you were involved in any way we greatly appreciate you using your gifts and talents to serve our Risen Lord!
Those Assisting in Worship This Morning
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Friendship Register
We would like to have a record of both members and guests who are worshiping with us. Please sign the red Friendship Register book located along the center aisle in the hymnal rack.
Divine Call Declined
Pastor Kassulke, after prayerful consideration and deliberation, has declined the call to serve at Christ Lutheran Church in North Saint Paul and Hugo, Minnesota. He will continue to serve as one of the pastors here at Grace in Southern Arizona. Pastor Kassulke would like to thank all those who shared their thoughts with him during the deliberation and who prayed for him and his family. He is also grateful that this time of deliberation allowed for many beneficial conversations about the gospel ministry we all share. Please continue to pray for our congregation and the many ways we proclaim forgiveness and salvation in Jesus to our communities!
Ladies’ Bunco Night: Saturday
All ladies are invited to enjoy a fun night of Bunco this Saturday from 4:30 to 7:00 PM in the CLC gymnasium. Child care and dinner will be provided. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to play we’ll teach you! Please RSVP to receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org or sign up at the front desk.
Sunday Morning Bible Study: April 12
Our world today seems fascinated—sometimes even obsessed—with angels and demons. In this Bible study, we’ll turn from speculation and popular culture to God’s Word itself, exploring what Scripture truly teaches about both good and fallen angels. As we dig into the Bible, we’ll be reminded of God’s complete power over evil and his gracious use of heavenly angels for our good. Above all, this study offers comfort and confidence for every Christian, grounded in the promises of our mighty and loving Lord. Even if you have not made Sunday morning Bible study a part of your routine, you are welcome to study with us on Sunday mornings in the CLC gymnasium at 9:00 AM..
Wednesday Midweek Bible Study
Beginning April 15, one of our midweek Oasis Groups will meet on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 AM in the church entryway. The goal of all Oasis Groups is to dig into the sermon during the week and build stronger relationships with fellow members. Our other Oasis Groups meet at various times throughout the week. Please sign up in the entryway.
Fiesta Sahuarita: April 18
Grace will once again have a booth at Fiesta Sahuarita! This free event takes place from 2:00 to 8:00 PM on Saturday, April 18, at Anamax Recreation Center (17501 Camino De Las Quintas). Come out and enjoy over vendors, food trucks, live music, kids’ activities, a drone show and more! We are looking for volunteers to help with our booth. If you are interested, please leave your information on the sign up sheet in the church entryway. If you have questions, please contact Pastor Heiman at (520)999-0245 or RevRAH@GraceLutheranSAZ.org.
Men of Iron & Fire: April 19
Men of Iron & Fire is for encouragement, brotherhood, and growth as we sharpen one another in God’s Word and live out our calling as leaders in our homes, our church, and our community. “Iron sharpens iron, and a man sharpens the insight of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17). Come be strengthened. Come be sharpened. Sunday, April 19, at 2:00 PM. We will meet at Civano in the upstairs boardroom (10501 E. Seven Generations way). You may contact Jeff Weinstein with any questions at (520)9097649.
LWMS Spring Rally: April 25
All ladies are invited to attend the LWMS Spring Rally on Saturday, April 25, beginning at 9:00 AM at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church here in Tucson. Registration is from 8:00 to 8:50 AM. Mission Counselor Tim Flunker who serves on the WELS Hispanic Outreach team will be presenting on his work and give updates on the mission work being done in Mexico and Southern Tucson. You may register online at grandcanyonlwms.org. Registration forms and information about Mission and Freewill offerings can be found in the church entryway.
CLC Charity Golf Tournament: April 27
Do you enjoy golf? Join us on Monday, April 27, for the 7th annual CLC Charity Golf Tournament! Beginning at 1:00 PM, golfers will participate in a 4-person scramble golf tournament at Desert Hills Golf Club, a private course in Green Valley. Our goal for this big event is to raise funds for the It Takes the Community Scholarship Fund to benefit our community families in need of child care. Go to www.ItTakestheCommunity.com to register for this event, either as a team ($450) or individual golfer ($125). If you know of any businesses that might be interested in sponsoring this event, please contact receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org.
Monthly Newsletter Changes
Beginning with the May newsletter, we will be changing how you receive this publication. Instead of mailing it to our households, we will instead be sending it to individual email addresses. Paper copies will be available at each site for those who do not use email. We will also have copies of just the monthly calendar available. If you are homebound and do not have email, a copy will still be mailed to you. It is essential that we have a current email address for each of our members. If you are not sure that we have your email address, please send an email to Office@GraceLutheranSAZ.org so we can update our records. We will be letting you know via worship folders the date the newsletter will be emailed to you so you know when to expect it.
Called Home to Heaven
Former Grace member, Ana Prange, was called home to heaven on Saturday, March 28. Ana was the wife of Pastor Vic Prange and the daughter of Pastor E. Arnold Sitz, former pastor here at Grace. Please keep Ana’s family in your prayers. May this Easter day bring them joy in the resurrection and the promise of a reunion around your throne in heaven.
This schedule is subject to change. Please watch your email for the most up-to-date information or call the Grace Central Office at (520)623-6633 if you have questions.
This Week at Grace April 5 - April 12
NO Midweek Bible Studies (resumes April 15)
NO Women’s Bible Study (resumes April 16) NO College Student Grow in Grace Class (resumes April 16) NO Handbells or Choir (meets again on April 16)
April 12
Bible Study: Triumph of Grace 9:00a NO Grow in Grace Class (resumes April 19)
Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: 1 Peter 9:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... TCM Activity to be announced
Stay Up to Date
The fastest and easiest way to keep Grace members and friends informed about what is happening at our four sites is through our weekly email update. This email is sent every Friday and at other times when special announcements are necessary. If you have not been receiving this email, but would like to, please email the Grace Central Office at office@gracelutheransaz.org and request to be added to our email list.
One Church. Four Locations.
Proclaiming the love of Jesus in Southern Arizona since 1911.
Grace-Tucson and Central Office
830 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719 (520)623-6633 office@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Ronald G. Koehler III revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Nathan P. Kassulke revnpk@gracelutheransaz.org
Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org
Worship Coordinator Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail
Benson
451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602
Vail
Worshipping at Esmond Station Elementary 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, Tucson, AZ 85747
Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein revsas@gracelutheransaz.org Office at Civano 10501 E. Seven Generations Way, Tucson, AZ 85747 (520)848-4631
Prayer Group—Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Sahuarita
75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538
Pastor Ryan A. Heiman revrah@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center (520)848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com
Director—Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org
Bible-Based Counselor Cinda Drescher
Child Learning Center Mission Teachers
Caitlin Broehm, Toddlers cbroehm@gracelutheransaz.org
Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org
Theresa Pratt, Preschool tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org
Chris Leathers, Toddler/After School Care cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org
Office Assistant Cora Stuhr cinda@gracelutheransaz.org office@gracelutheransaz.org (520)581-4714
Grace Lutheran Church is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), a group of nearly 400,000 men, women, and children in nearly 1,300 congregations across the United States and Canada united by a common faith in Christ's saving love. We are committed to a common calling encouraging each other in our faith and sharing God's gift of a Savior with the rest of the world.