THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

G E L C T , A J 12, 2025

G E L C T , A J 12, 2025
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.
“Epiphany” comes from a Greek word that means “reveal.” When someone has an epiphany, it’s not that reality changed. The way they see that reality is what changed, for a deeper truth has been revealed. An epiphany is an “ a-ha!” moment causing us to look at things very differently.
In the Church Year, Epiphany is the season where we see Jesus begin his ministry, revealing the reason the Son of God came to earth. In this season we will come to understand that when we have Jesus in our lives, it does not always mean our reality drastically changes. It simply means that we see reality differently (and better). Jesus always provides an abundance of epiphany moments. In this season, our worship will follow this path:
January 12
Baptism Is the Cure for an Identity Crisis
January 19 God Delivers More than We Ask, Not Less
January 26
Rejection Is Not Proof of Failure
February 2 Popularity Is Not Proof of Success
February 9 The Least Qualified Are the First Sent
February 16 Blessings Are Cursed; Curses Are Blessed
February 23 Love Your Enemies, Overcoming Evil with Good March 2 Glory Is Hidden In order to Be Revealed
Thank you, loving Lord, for cleansing me of my sins and adopting me into your family through the miracle of Holy Baptism. As I worship today, help me remember what my baptism means to me. Lead me to feel genuine sorrow for my sins and empower me to put down the sinful nature that still lives in me. Lift me up as I hear your promise of forgiveness and give me strength to live a life pleasing to you. In your name I pray, Amen.
Please stand
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
PRESERVICE
Blest Are They David Haas
Brightest and Best Christine Sullivan Robbins
Water, Blood, and Spirit Crying
Jeffrey Blersch and Sandra Eithun
As our service begins, the minister speaks the words spoken at our baptisms and makes the sign of the cross, marking us anew as redeemed children of God.
John 3:5-6
I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.
Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.
Psalm 51:5
I Corinthians 6:11
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
Surely we were sinful at birth, sinful from the time our mothers conceived us. But we were washed, we were sanctified, we were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
As baptized children of God, we confess our sins.
Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have done what is evil and failed to do what is good. For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity. But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
Father in heaven, at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan, you proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit. Keep us who are baptized into Christ faithful in our calling as your children, and make us heirs with him of everlasting life; 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
David was a shepherd and the youngest of eight brothers. Yet, at his anointing, the Lord declared his true identity future king of Israel.
READING 1 Samuel 16:1-13
1The L said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I see a king for myself among his sons.”
2Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me.”
The L said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the L .’ 3Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will let you know what you are to do. You are to anoint for me the person that I point out to you. ”
4So Samuel did what the L had told him to do and went to Bethlehem. Trembling with fear, the elders of the city came to meet him. They said, “Do you come in peace?”
5He said, “Yes, in peace. I have come to sacrifice to the L . Consecrate yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.” He consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.
6When they had come, he looked at Eliab and said, “Certainly this is the L 's anointed.”
This reading continues on the next page.
7But the L said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at how tall he is, because I have rejected him. For the L does not look at things the way man does. For man looks at the outward appearance, but the L looks at the heart.”
8Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The L has not chosen this one either.”
9Then Jesse had Shammah pass by. But Samuel said, “The L has not chosen this one either.”
10Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel. Samuel said to Jesse, “The L has not chosen any of these.” 11Samuel said to Jesse, “Is that all of the young men?”
Jesse said, “There still is the youngest, but he is tending the sheep.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Send for him, for we cannot sit down to eat until he comes.”
12He sent for him and brought him in. David had red hair and striking eyes, and was good-looking. The L said, “Get up! Anoint him, because this is the one.”
13So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers. The Spirit of the L rushed on David with power from that day forward. After that Samuel set out and returned to Ramah.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
HYMN—God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It
Christian Worship 679 stanzas 1-3
SECOND READING Titus 3:4-7
4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior toward mankind appeared, 5he saved us not by righteous works that we did ourselves, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and the renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs in keeping with the hope of eternal life.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Because of our baptisms, we can boldly proclaim that we are God’s own children.
In the eyes of the world, baptism appears to be just a religious ceremony. St. Paul explains baptism is so much more a second birth that gives you the identity of God’s child and heir.
People wondered if John the Baptist was the Messiah. He was a powerful preacher who lived a unique life. But at his baptism, Jesus was identified by his Father as the Anointed One.
Please stand
GOSPEL
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
15The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might be the Christ. 16John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But someone mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17His winnowing shovel is in his hand, and he will thoroughly clean out his threshing floor. He will gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
21When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. While he was praying, heaven was opened, 22and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love. I am well pleased with you.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please be seated
HYMN OF THE DAY—To Jordan’s River Came Our Lord Christian Worship 377
SERMON
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
Jesus’ Baptism Revealed His Identity as the Promised Messiah
Holy Baptism is the priceless means of grace by which our Father in heaven connects us with Christ in his life, death, and resurrection. The apostle Paul wrote: “All of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death. We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Again Paul wrote: “All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
In Holy Baptism, God takes away our sins and gives us new life. We reject the devil and confess that we believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
I ask you: Do you reject the devil along with all his lies and empty promises? Yes, and I ask God to help me.
Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty?
Yes, I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son?
Yes, I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?
Yes, I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Is it your sincere prayer and desire to remain faithful to your Lord Jesus, to value the Word and sacraments, and to live a life that pleases God?
Yes, and I ask God to help me.
May the eternal God, who saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, bless you and keep you to everlasting life. Amen.
Romans 6:3-4 Galatians 3:27 Today, we confess our faith with a remembrance of our own baptisms. This rite includes the words of the Apostles’ Creed.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
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.
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.
Loving Father, lead us to rejoice every day as we remember our baptism. When we sin against you and others, give us power to put down the sinful nature that was drowned in the water of baptism. When we doubt your love, cause us to remember the promises you made when we came to the font. When we feel weak, invigorate us with the hope of eternal life that awaits all who are baptized and believe in you.
Mark 16:16
Comfort us with the promise of Jesus that “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.”
Keep in your care all our brothers and sisters who are suffering in sickness, enduring hardship, carrying a cross, or mourning the death of someone they love. Let them also return to their baptism and remember the blessings you bestowed on them through the water and the Word.
Keep all the baptized in your care and bring us at last to the river of the water of life in heaven. Amen.
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!
Christ, Your Footprints Through the Desert Christian Worship 379
The vocalist will sing stanza 1. Please join in singing the remaining stanzas.
Please stand
Almighty Father, by the waters of Baptism you have clothed us in the robe of your Son’s righteousness and have given us a new heart to hate sin. Preserve us in this faith, and hear us as we lift our voices in songs of praise for your unfailing power and love; through Jesus.
Amen.
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.
OFFERTORY:
Father Welcomes Christian Worship 684
“Father welcomes all his children to his family through his Son. Father giving his salvation, life forever has been won. In the water, in the Word, in his promise, be assured: those who are baptized and believe shall be born again.”
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.
The blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God’s people for over 3,500 years. The L said, “In this way they will put my name on [them], and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.
Amen.
Please be seated
CLOSING HYMN—All Who Believe and Are Baptized Christian Worship 692
POSTLUDE MUSIC:
We Know That Christ Is Raised Christian Worship 683 Arr. Sandra Eithun
“The Father’s splendor clothes the Son with life. The Spirit’s power shakes the Church of God. Baptized, we live with God the Three in One. Alleluia!”
Preacher ............................................................................................. Pastor Ron Koehler
Worship Leader.......................................................Pastor Nathan Kassulke (10:00 AM)
Accompanist ...............................................................................................Teri Guenther
Vocalist Jay Wiechmann
Greeters .............................................................. Sally Littau, Lois Thornton (10:00 AM)
Ushers ..................................................................... Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM)
Lucas Guenther, Justin Harris, Ferdie Kramm, Rick Street (10:00 AM)
Sound and Recording Techs ....................................... Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler
Acknowledgements:
If you would like to provide flowers for the altar, please call (520-623-6633) or email (office@gracelutheransaz.org) the Grace Central Office to reserve a Sunday. Upcoming available dates are January 19 & 26 and most of the Sundays in February. The cost for the 2 bouquets is $32.50. After the 10:00 AM service you may take the flowers home or leave them to be dropped off to one of our homebound members if a visit is being made.
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 and Lisa Toben for hosting this morning. Upcoming available dates include January 19 & 26 and all the Sundays in February. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.
Last Sunday we started a new study on 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, this would be a great time to start! We meet at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall.
Have you ever considered what comfort from God’s Word you want family and friends to hear when the Lord calls you home to heaven? What if you could suggest some readings or hymns for your funeral service? Are you interested in planning some things now so that it will be easier on your family and the pastor when that time comes? No matter your age, you are invited to meet with Pastor Koehler for a Funeral Service Planning session. The class will be held in the office conference room between services this morning at 9:00 AM. If you are not able to participate today but have an interest, please call the church office (520-623-6633) or email pastor at RevRGK3@GraceLutheranSAZ.org.
Test your skills during our adults-only open gym every Tuesday from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at our Child Learning Center gymnasium in Sahuarita! This Tuesday, January 14, will be basketball. Come for some friendly competition and bring a friend!
Join us on Wednesdays for our study of Church History. We will consider the Wisconsin Synod’s 1917 merger with the Minnesota and Michigan synods and beyond. Even if you haven’t attended this class before, this is an excellent time to join. 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!
All ladies are invited to join Pastor Koehler for a study of the life of the Apostle Peter on Thursdays at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall, beginning this Thursday, January 16. This is the last of the series on The 12 Apostles, but you do not need to have participated in previous classes to join this one–it is entirely new.
Ladies from all sites are invited to join the Ladies’ Fellowship Group for lunch at the Baja Cafe (2970 N. Campbell Ave.) this Thursday, January 16. They’ll meet at the cafe at 10:30 AM. Ladies are asked to RSVP to Lois Thornton, (520)323-8772 or vthornto2@gmail.com, by Tuesday, January 14, so a reservation can be made. She can also answer any questions you may have.
Ushering for church services is a simple, yet important way to serve. Confirmed men and women who have an interest in ushering or who would simply like to hear what is involved are invited to join Pastor Koehler for an Usher Training Session between church services next Sunday, January 19. It will start right away at 9:00 AM in church. Those who have served as an usher are encouraged to come for a refresher!
The students at Redeemer Lutheran School (our sister congregation in Marana) are putting together care packages to send to active military members. Please consider donating the following items by Monday, January 20: protein bars, meat sticks, beef jerky, tuna packs, mixed nuts, trail mix, gum, electrolyte powder mixes, games/cards, Amazon gift cards, and money for postage. Items can be dropped off in the box in the west end of the Fellowship Hall. Let’s do our best to help our Redeemer students with this great project!
Our members at Grace-Benson will be hosting the annual Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, January 25. Perfect your best recipe and join us that day at noon at Grace-Benson! Please join us even if you aren’t bringing chili!
College students and non-students who are college-age are invited to the 2nd Semester Welcome Back Party on January 26 at 7:00 PM. Parking permissions and Student Center access codes will need to be renewed (or new ones given) on that evening. Information about Bible studies and activities will be shared and there will be food! The party will be in the Student Center, located in the lower level of the church at Grace-Tucson. The stairs below the TCM sign on the parking lot side of the church will take you there. If you have any questions, contact our campus pastor, Pastor Koehler: revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org or (520)404-2620. For more information download the TCM app in the App Store or Play Store (search for WELS Tucson Campus Ministry).
All ladies are invited to a baby shower for Erin (Long) Miller on Saturday, February 8, beginning at 11:00 AM. Please RSVP to Adrienne Snavely (golong31@hotmail.com) by January 25. Erin is having a boy and is registered at Amazon and Walmart. A Diaper Raffle will also be held. Bring a box of diapers and you will be entered in the drawing for a “Pamper Yourself” basket.
Ladies from all Grace sites are invited to attend the Women of Grace Valentine’s Tea on Saturday, February 15, at 11:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall. We host this event for all the WELS ladies in Tucson. Grace ladies are invited to decorate and set a table, and any theme is welcome. We need ten tables set for 6-8 people. We also provide a large array of brunch/lunch type food and desserts, and kitchen help is also needed. You are invited to sign up for any of these needs on the sheets in the Fellowship Hall. If you have any questions, please contact Adrienne Snavely at golong31@hotmail.com or 520-302-7840. We hope you can join us for this popular and fun event!
Grace is once again requesting a Vicar in Missions to serve under Pastor Heiman at our Sahuarita location. The congregational cost is $25,000 for the 2025-2026 school year ($15,000 in 2025 and $10,000 in 2026). We are looking to cover this cost with special offerings. You will find envelopes for this purpose at each of the church doors and in the Fellowship Hall.
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.
Worship Services 7:45a & 10:00a
Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Triumph of Grace 9:00a
Funeral Planning Class (office conference room) ..........9:00a
Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Big Questions 9:00a Fellowship following worship
Tuesday NO Pastors’ Staff Meeting English Classes 6:30p
Wednesday
Adult Bible Study: Church History................... 10:00a & 7:00p
Thursday
Women’s Bible Study: 12 Apostles 9:00a
Ladies’ Fellowship Group..............................................10:30a Handbell Practice 5:30p
Worship Choir 6:45p
Sunday, January 19
Worship Services with communion................. 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Triumph of Grace 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Big Questions 9:00a Usher Training 9:00a
Worship Services 7:45 a & 10:00a
Adult Bible Study: Gospel of Mark 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Fellowship following worship...................................................
Tuesday
Open Gym Basketball 7:00p
Wednesday Adult Bible Study: Christians in Today’s World 10:00a
Sunday, January 19
Worship Services with communion .................7:45a & 10:00a
Adult Bible Study: Gospel of Mark 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Fellowship following worship
Fellowship following worship Mission to the Children Spanish Service & Meal 4:00p BENSON
Worship Service 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Hebrews 8:45a Fellowship following worship
Adult Bible Study: Idol Worship 10:00a
Sunday, January 19
Worship Service with communion ..................................7:30a
Adult Bible Study: Hebrews 8:45a Fellowship following worship
Today
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics ....................................9:00a Worship Service............................................................10:00a Fellowship following worship
Wednesday Adult Bible Study: 1 Corinthians .....................................6:30p
Sunday, January 19
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, January 19
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) ......................10:00a
OFF-
Monday & Tuesday Pastors’ Institute at Redeemer
Saturday Men of His Word Conference in Phoenix .......................8:00a
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
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.