THE SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
G E L C T , A M 25, 2025
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 order of worship we will follow 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. LARGE PRINT worship folders are available at the entrances for those who desire them.
Today we are using elements from the Christian Worship (2021) hymnal. You will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each pew. You will be asked to open the hymnal to participate in parts of the service today. A vocalist will aid in our singing and will be recorded for our audio disks and video live-streaming.
There is no cost to park in our parking lot during Sunday morning worship services. If you receive a citation by mistake, please let our office staff know so it can be cleared.
OUR WORSHIP SERIES—BECAUSE HE LIVES
It is easy to become so engrossed in the details of historical events who, when, where that we miss their significance. For example, consider World War II. There are many compelling stories. Lots of dates and data to remember. However, for a moment, set all that aside, and just imagine the Allies had lost. How would the world be different today? What would life be like for those of Jewish heritage? Would freedom exist in Europe? Would we be speaking German? With historical events, you miss out if you focus only on the details: who, when, where. You also need to focus on what that historical event means. The Allies won. That means something!
In this season of Easter, it is good we review the details: who, when, where. That reminds us that the resurrection of Christ is not fairytale or fable. It is a historical event...the historical event. However, we do ourselves a disservice if we simply recall the historic details of Easter without thinking long and hard about Easter’s significance. Jesus won. That means something! It is our privilege and pleasure to use the fifty days of Easter to discuss this fact: because he lives, not only is our eternity secure, but we have abundant resources to face the present.
In this season, our worship follows this path:
Easter Dawn
We Have a Whole New Identity
Easter Day Death Has Lost Its Sting
Second Sunday of Easter
Third Sunday of Easter
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Fifth Sunday of Easter
We Have a Meaningful Mission
We Can See Things Clearly
We Know Jesus is Trustworthy and True
We Live Lives of Lavish Love
Sixth Sunday of Easter We Have Deep and Lasting Joy Ascension He Reigns Over Everything for the Benefit of His Church Pentecost Christ Sends Us His Spirit
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +
WELCOME
OPENING HYMN Now Let the Heavens Be Joyful Christian Worship 448
The vocalist will sing stanza 1. Please join in singing the remaining stanzas.
Please stand
OPENING SENTENCES
The minister sings the lines in regular print. Please respond with the bolded lines.
PRESERVICE MUSIC:
The Day of Resurrection
Victor Labenske Now Let the Heavens Be Joyful Christian Worship 448 This Joyful Eastertide Wayne L. Wold
Our order of service for today is Morning Prayer, which is a revision of the historic Order of Matins Matins was the monastic service marking the beginning of a new day.
Psalm 51:15
Psalm 70:1
Tune: Marty Haugen
This song of praise is commonly referred to as the Venite because of its opening word in Latin. These words are a paraphrase of Psalm 95.
COME, O COME, LET US SING TO THE LORD
Please join in singing the entire song.
Refrain:
Text: Marty Haugen © 1995, 1996 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
+ THE WORD +
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed!
Let us pray.
O God, you are the giver of everything good. Inspire us, your humble servants, to long for what is right and, through your gracious guidance, accomplish it to your glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Please be seated
FIRST READING Acts 14:8-22
8In Lystra there was a man who was sitting down because he had no strength in his feet. He had never walked because he was lame from birth. 9When he was listening to Paul as he was speaking, Paul looked at him closely and saw that he had faith to be healed. 10Paul said in a loud voice, “Stand up on your feet!” And the man jumped up and began to walk.
11When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form.” 12Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes, because he was the main speaker. 13The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and garlands to the city gates, because he wanted to offer sacrifices, along with the crowds.
14But when the apostles Paul and Barnabas heard about this, they tore their clothes and rushed into the crowd, shouting, 15“Men, why are you doing these things? We too are men with the same nature as you. We are preaching the good news to you so that you turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and everything in them. 16In past generations he allowed all the nations to go their own ways. 17Yet he did not leave himself without testimony of the good he does.
As a witness of Christ’s resurrection, Paul’s joy and his ministry were unaffected by circumstance.
This reading continues on the next page.
He gives you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons. He fills you with food and fills your hearts with gladness.” 18Even though they said these things, they had a hard time stopping the crowds from sacrificing to them.
19Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and persuaded the crowds to stone Paul. When they thought he was dead, they dragged him out of the city. 20But after the disciples had gathered around him, he stood up and went into the city. The next day, he left with Barnabas for Derbe.
21After they preached the good news in that city and had gathered many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. They told them, “We must go through many troubles on our way to the kingdom of God.”
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The great joy we have now will soon be made perfect and complete.
HYMN—Oh, What Their Joy
Christian Worship 887
The vocalist will sing stanza 1. Please join in singing the remaining stanzas.
SECOND READING
Revelation 21:21–27
21The twelve gates are twelve pearls. Each of the gates is made out of one pearl. And the street of the city is pure gold, like transparent glass.
22I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, because the glory of God has given it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. 25There is no day when its gates will be shut, for there will be no night in that place. 26They will bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. 27Nothing that is unclean and no one who does what is detestable or who tells lies will ever enter it, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Please stand
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Psalm 30:5
Refrain (ALL):
Vocalist: Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Refrain (ALL)
GOSPEL John 16:16–24
16“In a little while you are not going to see me anymore, and again in a little while you will see me, because I am going away to the Father.”
17Therefore some of his disciples asked one another, “What does he mean when he tells us, ‘In a little while you are not going to see me, and again in a little while you will see me,’ and ‘Because I am going away to the Father’?” 18So they kept asking, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand what he’s saying.”
19Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, “Are you trying to determine with one another what I meant by saying, ‘In a little while you are not going to see me, and again in a little while you will see me’? 20Amen, Amen, I tell you: You will weep and wail, but the world will rejoice. You will become sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy. 21A woman giving birth has pain, because her time has come. But when she has delivered the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, because of her joy that a person has been born into the world.
22“So you also have sorrow now. But I will see you again. Your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. 23In that day you will not ask me anything. Amen, Amen, I tell you: Whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you. 24Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask, and you will receive, so that your joy may be made complete.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel. Jesus promises that our grief will be turned to perfect joy.
This song of praise is commonly referred to as the Te Deum because of its opening words in Latin. The Te Deum is often used as a confession of faith. It has ancient roots within the Christian Church.
Please be seated
This song continues on the next page.
HYMN OF THE DAY—This Joyful Eastertide
SERMON
John 16:16-24 No One Will Take Your Joy Away
Please stand YOU ARE GOD, WE PRAISE YOU
Please join in singing the refrain each time.
The vocalist sings the first part of each line. The congregation responds with the words in bold.
Please be seated
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Almighty God and Father, we thank you for all your mercies, especially for the gift of your Son, through whom you have revealed your gracious will. We praise you for the Holy Spirit and his working through the means of grace.
Plant your Word in our hearts, and cause it to produce fruit in our lives.
Strengthen and defend your Church, that by your Word and sacraments faith may grow and love toward all may increase.
Support all who spread the light of your truth throughout the world.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
Text: Marty Haugen. Text and tune: © 1995, 1996 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
OFFERTORY:
Awake, My Heart, with Gladness
Rachel Chapin
Keep our children in the grace of their baptisms. Enable their parents to train them in lives of faith.
Raise up Christians to serve you in the ministry of the Word and in all godly walks of life.
Preserve our nation in justice and honor. Guide and bless all who make, administer, and judge our laws.
Give them wisdom that they may promote justice and hinder evil.
Let your blessing rest on planting and harvest, commerce and industry, medicine and science, the arts and culture. Protect all who travel, and care for those whose work is difficult or dangerous.
Be with all who devote themselves to any useful task.
Comfort all who are in sorrow or need, sickness or adversity. Remember those who suffer persecution for the faith. Have mercy on those for whom death draws near.
Grant them your love, and take them into your tender care.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
We remember with thanksgiving those who have loved and served you, who now rest from their labors. Console those who are mourning or living with sadness.
Keep us in the true faith, and bring us at last to the joys of heaven.
Grant us these things, Father, for the sake of Jesus, who died and rose again.
Amen.
OFFERING
Members of Grace respond to their Savior’s love with offerings that are given joyfully, generously, regularly, and in a way that is proportionate to how the Lord has blessed them. Their cheerful gifts support the mission and ministry of our congregation. If you are a guest today, please know that we do not expect you to contribute to our congregation’s work. However, if you would like to give an offering to the Lord in response to his love to you, we are happy to receive it and put it to work in God’s kingdom. If you prefer, use your smart phone to give online by scanning this QR code:
Please fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder at the end of the row and pass it along. Thank you!
LORD, HAVE MERCY Kyrie
The minister sings the lines in regular print. Please respond with the bolded lines.
LORD’S PRAYER
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.
PRAYER FOR GRACE
O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to this new day. Defend us with your mighty power, and grant that this day we neither fall into sin nor run into any kind of danger. And in all we do, direct us to what is right in your sight; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.
This closing prayer section of the service begins with a cry for mercy to the Lord (Kyrie) in the morning hours as we begin our day in Christ.
Matthew 6 and Luke 11 record how Jesus taught his disciples to pray. We use his example prayer as part of our public worship, trusting that he will hear and answer our prayers.
Tune: Kermit G. Moldenhauer © 2002 Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
This salutation (historically referred to as the Benedicamus) is often used at the end of worship as a call to praise and blessing.
BLESSING
This blessing is referred to as the Aaronic Blessing because is uses the words Aaron first spoke over God’s people given as a command from the Lord himself in Numbers 6:24-26. In this sung version of the Blessing, God’s people respond with a triple Amen, reminding us of the Triune nature of our God.
Text: Marty Haugen. Text and tune: © 1995, 1996, 1997 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
Please be seated
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLOSING HYMN The Day of Resurrection Christian Worship 450
THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING
Minister Pastor Nathan Kassulke
Accompanist................................................................................................... Kathy Parra
Vocalist Naomi Kassulke
Greeters..........................................................................Paul & Kay Kassulke (10:00 AM)
Ushers......................................................................Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM)
Ferdie Kramm, DJ Miller, Zach Miller, Rick Street (10:00 AM)
Sound and Recording Techs Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke
POSTLUDE MUSIC: Resurrecting Arr. Victor Labenske
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Altar Flowers
The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by Jeanette O’Donald in loving memory of her husband, Bill.
Fellowship
Following the 10:00 AM service this morning, you are invited to join us in the courtyard and Fellowship Hall for drinks and snacks. Thank you to Bill & Lisa Toben for hosting this morning. Upcoming available dates are June 22 & 29. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.
Sunday Morning Bible Study
We are currently studying the first half of the book of Romans. The Apostle Paul wrote to Christians in that important city to reassure them and us that God triumphs over sin and sadness by his grace. Please join us for “The Triumph of Grace: The Book of Romans.” If you have not made Sunday morning Bible study a part of your routine, it’s always a great time to start! We meet at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall.
Graduation Party: Today
You are cordially invited to a Graduation Party celebrating Emma Miller this afternoon from 3:00 to 5:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall here at Grace-Tucson. We hope you can make it to celebrate Emma’s amazing years at Arizona Lutheran Academy.
Church History Bible Study: Wednesday
Our study of Church History continues this week. We are looking at the history of the Wisconsin Synod during the Great Depression and the World War II years. Even if you haven’t attended this class before, you are always welcome! We study together in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall at 10:00 AM and repeat the same material at 7:00 PM. Join us for whichever time fits your schedule best!
Women’s Bible Study: Thursday
All ladies are invited to join Pastor Koehler for study and discussion of the book More Prepared to Answer (yours to keep at no cost) by Pastor Mark Paustian on Thursdays from 9:00 to 10:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Each week is an individual topic so you are able to jump in and out week-to-week as your schedule allows. Topics include You’re saying God is a man? There are many paths to God. Why should I believe the Bible? This will help us understand things better and be prepared to help others understand God’s answers.
Cello Recital: Saturday
Please plan to join us this Saturday, May 31, at 2:00 PM in the church sanctuary for a recital by cellist Joshua Vierra. Joshua has previously played with our choir and at our Easter sunrise service. You may have also seen him attending worship and bible study throughout the year! Joshua is pursuing a master’s degree in cello performance from the University of Arizona. We are excited to hear him present about 40 minutes of music from J. S. Bach and Imogen Holst. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall with some light refreshments. We hope you can join us! We are also planning to stream this recital on our YouTube channel.
Summer Sunday School beginning June 1
Calling all kids! Have you ever wondered what the grossest, messiest Bible stories are? Join us this summer as we take a look at some yucky Bible accounts and learn that God can use even the messiest moments of life to teach us some important things. Each week we will have crafts, games, an interesting lesson, snacks, and a whole lot of fun in a full-group setting. Sunday School meets from 8:45 to 9:45 in the Education Building every Sunday morning. You hope you can join us! Friends are welcome too!
TUCSON
Today
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 May 25 - June 1
Worship Services ............................................7:45a & 10:00a
Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Triumph of Grace 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Apologetics 9:00a Fellowship following worship...................................................
Graduation Open House for Emma Miller 3:00-5:30p
Monday Memorial Day Grace Central Office Closed
Tuesday Pastors’ Staff Meeting 2:00p Ministry Board Meeting 6:15p
Wednesday Midweek Bible Study: Church History 10:00a & 7:00p
Thursday Women’s Bible Study: More Prepared to Answer.......... 9:00a
Saturday
Joshua Vierra Cello Recital 2:00p
Sunday, June 1
Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a
Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Triumph of Grace.............................. 9:00a Grow in Grace Class (Office Conference Room) 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Apologetics 9:00a Fellowship following worship
BENSON
Worship Service 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Romans 8:45a Fellowship following worship................................................... Wednesday Midweek Bible Study: Book of Jonah 10:00a
Sunday, June 1
Worship Service with communion 7:30a
Adult Bible Study: Romans 8:45a Fellowship following worship
Summer Fun Nights
Adult Bible Study: Gospel Motivation for Life .................9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship Wednesday Midweek Bible Study: Hebrews 10:00a
Sunday, June 1
Adult Bible Study: Gospel Motivation for Life .................9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship
Wednesday Grow in Grace Class at Civano 6:00p Thursday Midweek Bible Study: 1 Corinthians ...............................6:30p
Sunday, June 1
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Sunday, June 1
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Summer Fun Nights are returning! Members from all sites are welcome to join in these fun gatherings! Mark your calendars for the following Friday evenings: June 13 at 7:00 PM for BINGO, July 11 at 6:00 PM for an Independence Day celebration, and August 8 at 7:00 PM for Trivia Night. All events will be held in the Fellowship Hall here at Grace-Tucson. Watch for more details as each date draws closer.
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
Vicar Noah Nordlie vicnpn@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center (520)848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com
Director Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org
Assistant Director Jen Rickling jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center Mission Teachers
Maddie Nordlie, Toddlers mnordlie@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
Bible-Based Counselor Cinda Drescher 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.