1-15-23 Grace-Tucson Worship Folder

THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

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

WORSHIP NOTES

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.

OUR WORSHIP SERIES—JESUS APPEARS

The Gospels tell only a little about Jesus’ life as an infant. Then, St. Luke briefly discusses the desire of the boy Jesus to be in the temple. Then, Scripture falls silent, telling us nothing about almost two decades of Jesus’ life. For most of Jesus’ adult life, he lived quietly in Galilee, practicing the carpentry he had learned from his adoptive father, Joseph. Jesus had no followers. Jesus was not famous. But at the exact time God the Father had appointed, Jesus left that obscurity behind. The word epiphany means “appearance.” In the Season of Epiphany, we watch Jesus begin his public ministry. Jesus makes his first appearances. And in those appearances, it quickly becomes clear that this is more than a random carpenter’s son. As Jesus appears, we see exactly who he is and what he came to do.

Jesus Appears as the Anointed One Jesus Appears as the Lamb of God Jesus Appears as the Light in the Darkness

JESUS APPEARS AS THE

ANOINTED ONE

“Christ” is not Jesus’ last name, of course. It is a title. The Greek word “Christ” and the Hebrew word “Messiah” both mean the same thing “The Anointed One.” Anointing was the practice of pouring liquid (typically oil) over the head of someone to signify selection for some special task. However, when the Lord anointed heroes to do his saving work, what he poured over them was his Spirit.

For centuries people of faith had patiently waited for the promised Messiah, the servant of God who would bring the salvation we so desperately need. The time had come for Jesus to be revealed as the fulfillment of that divine promise. So, Christ our Lord came to the Jordan River to be baptized, that he might be recognized by John and revealed to Israel. At his baptism Jesus was anointed marked as God's special servant and empowered by the Spirit of the Lord.

Christ Begins

Arr. Valerie Floeter

How Lovely Shines the Morning Star Arr. Zach Unke

OPENING HYMN Hail to the Lord’s Anointed Christian Worship 384

Please stand

INVOCATION

Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.

Congregation: Amen.

CONFESSION OF SINS

Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed are they whose sin the Lord does not count against them.

Let us confess our sins to the Lord.

Almighty and merciful Father, we have strayed from your ways like lost sheep.

We have followed what we have devised and desired in our hearts. We have offended you and sinned against your holy law. We have done those things that we should not have done, and we have not done those things that we should have done. Have mercy on us, Lord! Spare us, forgive us, and restore us, according to your promises in Christ Jesus.

Silence for meditation and reflection

God, our merciful Father, has forgiven all our sins. He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Redeemer and Savior. Jesus paid the penalty for our guilt by his death on the cross and freed us from death by his resurrection from the grave. We have peace with God now and forever.

Amen.

This morning, we will be using The Service Setting Three from the hymnal (p. 188 and following) as our order of worship. We used this liturgy for the first time at the beginning of 2022. Because it has been quite some time since we have used the songs of Setting 3 in worship, the vocalist will aid us in the liturgical songs today.

Psalm 32:1-2

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16

Kyrie is the Greek word for Lord. The expression “Lord, have mercy” is one of the oldest worship responses in the Christian Church. The minister will sing the italicized words. The congregation responds by singing “Lord, have mercy” and with the final “Amen. Amen.”

LORD, HAVE MERCY (Kyrie)

Minister: In peace let us pray to the Lord.

Congregation:

For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.

For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.

Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord. Tune: ©

GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST (Gloria) Christian Worship 190

Congregation:

Vocalist: Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. You are seated at the right hand of the Father; receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Congregation:

Christians praise God by proclaiming the great things he has done to accomplish our rescue from sin. “Glory to God in the Highest” has been a Christian song of worship since the fourth century.

Please join in singing the beginning and ending portions of this song. The vocalist will sing the middle section today.

The Lord promises to put his Spirit on the Messiah, empowering the Anointed One to free us from our sins. We see this promise fulfilled when Jesus is baptized.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

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.

This reading continues on the next page.

Please be seated

FIRST READING Isaiah 42:1-7

1

Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight. I am placing my Spirit on him. He will announce a just verdict for the nations.

2 He will not cry out. He will not raise his voice. He will not make his voice heard in the street.

3 A bent reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not snuff out. He will faithfully bring forth a just verdict.

4 He will not burn out, and he will not be broken until he establishes justice on the earth. The coastlands will wait for his law.

5 This is what the true God says, the L who creates the heavens and stretches them out, who spreads out the earth and everything that it produces, who gives breath to the people on it and life to those who walk on it.

6 I am the L I have called you in righteousness. I will hold on to your hand, and I will guard you.

I will appoint you to be a covenant for the people, to be a light for the nations, 7 to open the eyes of the blind, to bring the prisoners out from the dungeon, and to bring those who sit in darkness out of prison.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

PSALM OF THE DAY A Noble Theme Inspires My Heart Christian Worship 45

The vocalist will sing stanza 1. Please join in singing the remaining stanza.

Please open your hymnal to sing this Psalm today. The Psalms are found in the opening pages of the hymnal.

SECOND READING Acts 10:34-38

34 Then Peter began to speak: “Now I really am beginning to understand that God does not show favoritism, 35 but in every nation, anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 He sent his word to the people of Israel, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.

37 “You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached. 38 God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the Devil, because God was with him.”

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Please stand

As Peter told others how God had anointed Jesus, through that good news the Holy Spirit was poured out upon Peter’s listeners.

We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our Savior and King.

The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Please join in singing the refrains. The vocalist will sing the italicized verse.

Congregation:

In the waters of the Jordan, Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power.

Vocalist: You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.

Refrain (ALL)

GOSPEL

Matthew 3:13-17

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to be baptized by John at the Jordan. 14 But John tried to stop him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you come to me?”

15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, because it is proper for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John let him. 16 After Jesus was baptized, he immediately went up out of the water. Suddenly, the heavens were opened for him! He saw the Spirit of God, descending like a dove and landing on him, 17 and a voice out of the heavens said, “This is my Son, whom I love. I am well pleased with him.”

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.

Please be seated

SERMON

Acts 10:34-38

The Anointed One Brings Peace

Please stand

CONFESSION OF FAITH

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father.

Through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became truly human.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Please be seated

Nicene Creed

The Nicene Creed was first developed in 325 at the First Council of Nicea. It was written to reaffirm the Biblical teaching of the divinity of Jesus, God’s Son. Like the Apostles’ and Athanasian Creeds, the Nicene Creed is a confession of what the Bible teaches.

Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

Gracious Father, in Christ Jesus and through faith in him, we approach you with freedom and confidence. Mercifully hear our prayer.

As you caused your light to shine that first Epiphany, shine in the darkness of our hearts. Drive far from us all our fears and all our doubts. Give us a new confidence each day to live as children of the light.

Bless the work of your church here and throughout the world. By your Holy Spirit, make known far and wide the mystery of Christ Jesus. Give strength to all workers in your gospel ministry, and bless the Word they proclaim. Bring those living in darkness into the light of life.

Remember missionaries and mission workers who bring the light of Christ to distant lands. Provide for their families and all their needs. Bless their work and continue to gather for yourself people from the four corners of the world to live as children of the light. Renew our joy and give us new opportunities to make known the light of Christ.

Give guidance and wisdom and strength and health to our government officials. Direct their rule for our good as it is pleasing to you. Give us hearts and lips that honor and respect those you have placed in authority over us.

Remember those who are ailing in body or mind. Guide all who attend to their needs. Comfort your children and all those who love them. Assure them of your presence and your promise to be with them in all circumstances of life.

These and all our needs are known to you, gracious Father. Mercifully hear our prayer. Guide us by the light of your Word until that day comes when you bring us home to yourself to join your people from every nation, tribe, people, and language, redeemed by the blood of Jesus. In his holy name we pray.

Amen.

OFFERTORY: Songs of Thankfulness and Praise

George J. Elvey and Hal H. Hopson

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! Please stand

THE SACRAMENT +

PREFACE Christian Worship 199

Minister: Congregation:

Lift up your hearts.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lived among us as a human being and revealed his glory as your only Son, full of grace and truth. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY (Sanctus) Christian Worship 200

The minister will sing the italicized words. The congregation responds by singing the bolded lines.

Please join in singing as much of this song as you are comfortable.

This song continues on the next page.

Tune: David Kauffman; William Gokelman © 2021 GFTSMUSIC Publishing Company, Inc., admin. Music Services. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

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.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Blessed are you, Lord God, eternal King and gracious Father. In love you made us the crown of your creation. In mercy you planned our salvation. In grace you sent your Son to redeem us from sin.

We remember and give you thanks that your eternal Son, Jesus Christ, became flesh and made his dwelling among us, that he willingly placed himself under law to redeem those under law, that he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death on a cross, that he has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Bless us as we receive your Son’s body and blood in this Sacrament. Forgive our sins, increase our faith, strengthen our fellowship, and deepen our longing for the day when Christ will welcome us to his eternal feast. Praise and thanks and honor and glory be to you, O God our Father, and to your Son and to the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

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.

Tune: David Kauffman; William Gokelman © 2010 GFTSMUSIC Publishing Company, Inc., admin. Music Services. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my (+) body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is my (+) blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

The peace of the Lord be with you always.

Amen.

LAMB OF GOD (Agnus Dei) Christian Worship 202

The vocalist sings:

As he speaks the Words of Institution, the minister both proclaims the words of Jesus to the congregation and sets apart the bread and wine for this special use. The sign of the cross reminds us of Christ’s death.

The congregation repeats:

This liturgical song has three sections: the first two sections are identical and the third section is very similar to the others. To aid in the singing of this song today, the vocalist will sing the first section alone. The congregation is invited to join in the remainder of the song.

The congregation sings:

Tune: David Kauffman; William Gokelman © 2010 GFTSMUSIC Publishing Company, Inc., admin. Music Services. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

Please be seated

Gluten-free communion wafers and grape juice are available for those who for health or medical reason require it. Please see page 15 for additional details.

DISTRIBUTION

The Bible teaches that the Lord’s Supper is a unique communion of Christ and the individual believer as well as a coming together of people who hold to the same beliefs. Because of these Scriptural truths, we practice Member Communion at Grace. Those who are confirmed members of Wisconsin Synod congregations (WELS) are invited to receive the Lord’s Supper with us.

If you are not a WELS member but have an interest in receiving Holy Communion, please speak with the pastor after church today or at another time. We are aware that there are a number of other teachings about Holy Communion, and we want it to be a blessing for you, so we would look forward to sharing with you what God says about this Sacrament.

COMMUNION MUSIC: How Lovely Shines the Morning Star

Valerie A. Floeter

PRAYER BEFORE COMMUNION (For private meditation)

Lord Jesus, you have invited me to come and receive your holy Sacrament. I believe that in the bread and wine you give me your true body and blood to eat and drink. Forgive my sins and nourish my faith through this precious meal. I long for the comfort that comes with your promises; I yearn for the assurance of your faithful love. Bless me now as I receive you by faith. Amen.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION (For private meditation)

Thank you, dear Savior, for nourishing my faith with the Sacrament of your body and blood. Lift my heart with your forgiveness, renew my confidence in your grace, empower my love for others, and lead me to long for the eternal banquet of heaven. Amen.

THANKSGIVING +

Psalm 106:1

Please stand

1 Corinthians 11:26

SPOKEN RESPONSES

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures forever.

Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

CLOSING PRAYER

O God the Father, source of all goodness, in your loving-kindness you sent your Son to share our humanity. We thank you that through him you have given us pardon and peace in this Sacrament. We also pray that you will not forsake us but will rule our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit so that we willingly serve you day after day; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen. BLESSING

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 ANNOUNCEMENTS CLOSING

THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

Eric Hanson (10:00 AM)

Kathy Parra

Jay Wiechmann

Paul and Kay Kassulke (10:00 AM)

Karen Grorud, Elaine Goldie, Barb Tobiasson

Nadine Rentschler, Jeanette O’Donald, Sandy Weir

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

POSTLUDE MUSIC:

Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun

Pastor Patoka

Holy Communion

We provide gluten-free communion wafers for those with wheat allergy, gluten-sensitivity, or celiac disease. These wafers are stored and handled separately to avoid cross-contamination. They are “bread” as Scripture requires and are consecrated along with the rest of the bread. For those requiring gluten-free wafers, please take one from the stand located at the front rail as you approach for communion. Simply hold it so that the pastor can see it at the time of distribution. Grape juice is available for those who for health or medical reason require it instead of wine. Please speak with a pastor about providing grape juice for you on future Sundays.

Today we are distributing Holy Communion in “tables.” The ushers will direct members forward by the side aisles. Groups of about ten will be guided toward the center aisle and will line up to receive the elements together. After each table communes, the pastor will offer a blessing and dismiss the group to return by the center aisle.

To aid in your personal preparation for Holy Communion, a list of Christian Questions can be found on pages 295-296 in the hymnal. These were prepared by Martin Luther for those intending to receive the Sacrament. The prayers below may be used before and after receiving communion.

Altar Flowers

The flowers beautifying our altar today have been given by Delene Sabol in loving memory of her husband, Dan.

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 Sundays are February 12 and March 5, 12, & 19. 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.

Fellowship

Following the service this morning, you are invited to join us in the courtyard for drinks and snacks. We thank Eric and Erika Hanson for hosting this week. The next available dates to host are February 5, 12, and 26. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

Grace Central Office Closed

The Grace Central Office located here at our Tucson site will be closed tomorrow, Monday, January 16. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, January 17. Regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. There is often someone available in the office later than 3:00. You may always call (520-623-6633) or email (office@GraceLutheranSAZ.org) the office. Phone messages and emails are checked regularly.

Monday Evening Service

Worship services will be held on Monday evenings at 6:00 PM at Grace-Sahuarita and are scheduled to continue through the spring. This service provides another alternative for those who may not be able to worship on Sunday. Members who regularly worship at any Grace sites are welcome to make use of this weeknight service.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Church History Bible Study: Wednesday

Join us on Wednesdays for our study of Church History. We are beginning our study of the church during the French Revolution. 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!

Women’s Bible Study: Thursday

Our study of “Prepared to Answer,” a book by Pastor Mark Paustian, a professor at Martin Luther College, tackles common questions and viewpoints that come from nonChristians and even Christians on subjects like: “Do you really believe in miracles?” “But I’m pro-choice.” “There are no moral absolutes.” “There are things I’ll never be able to forgive.” “With so many interpretations and denominations, who can say who is right?” “Why doesn’t he answer my prayers?” Each question is handled in just a handful of pages, so it is easy to jump into the study at any time, even if you can’t make it each week. The book is provided at no cost to you and is yours to keep. Invite a friend and join Pastor Koehler for this study which is very helpful study for us and for those we have discussions with about such things. This class meets on Thursdays at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall.

Ladies’ Fellowship Group: Thursday

The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet this Thursday, January 19, at 10:15 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall. They will be carpooling to brunch at Millie’s Pancake Haus in Trail Dust Town (6541 E. Tanque Verde Road). Please contact Lois Thornton at (520)323-8772 if you have any questions.

Men of His Word Rally: Saturday

WELS men of all ages are invited to this one-day event this Saturday, January 21, 2023, at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix. The theme will be “Man Up! - In a Man Down World.” The keynote speaker will be Pastor Dan Solofra of CrossWalk, Phoenix. There will also be eight breakout sessions including: “Hot Button Topics in Our Society and How to Handle Them,” “Dating and Choosing a Spouse Today” (young men), “Lead Me, Father” (parenting), and “Prayer by Men.” More information can be found at MenofHisWord.org

Chili Cook-Off at Grace Benson: January 28

The members at our Grace-Benson location are hosting an all-site chili-cook off on Saturday, January 28, at noon. If you would like, bring your best chili for some friendly competition! You may also bring a side dish or dessert to share. Please come out and join us for this fun event! If you have any questions, please contact Frances Lindquist at (520) 686-4152.

TCM Soup Supper & Gaslight Theatre Fundraiser: February 4

Satisfy your hunger and slap your knees! WELS Tucson Campus Ministry (TCM) is hosting a Soup Supper and Gaslight Theatre Fundraiser on Saturday, February 4. Dine on home-cooked soup and sides from 6:30-7:30 PM in the TCM Student Center. Laugh it up at Gaslight Theatre’s "The Ballad of Two Gun McGraw" show that starts at 8:30 PM. Supper is a freewill donation and Gaslight tickets are $30 each. You can participate in one or both parts of this fundraiser. If you are interested in going, please contact Student Assistant Hailey Brandt (608-387-9319) or Campus Pastor Tim Patoka (540-623-1149) by January 17

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ladies’ Valentine’s Tea: February 11

Ladies from all Grace sites are invited to attend the Women of Grace Valentine’s Tea on Saturday, February 11, at 11:30 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!

Divine Call Received

Pastor Patoka was informed on January 12 that St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Menomonie, WI voted to extend to him a Divine Call to serve as their associate pastor. This means that he now holds two calls, one to Grace-Tucson and one to St. Paul’s. He is working to make a decision whether to accept the new Call and move his ministry to Wisconsin or to decline the Call and continue serving here. He will strive to make that decision with prayer and careful consideration where his particular gifts for ministry fit best.

Pastor Patoka welcomes any input that the friends and members of Grace might wish to share with him. You can reach him by email at RevTLP@GraceLutheranSAZ.org or by phone at (520)6236633. He also appreciates prayers offered on behalf of him and Katie during this deliberation as well as for both congregations.

Divine Call Updates

At our Annual Meeting on Sunday, December 11, Grace extended three Divine Calls for Mission Teachers at our Child Learning Center. One call has been declined. Theresa Pratt and Christine Leathers have accepted our calls. Watch for more details on when they will arrive, likely this summer.

A Special Voters’ Meeting has been scheduled for Sunday, February 12, at 12:00 PM at our Sahuarita location. Lunch will be provided. This meeting will allow us the opportunity to call a Mission Teacher to fill our remaining vacancy and also to discuss and vote on our mission request regarding an additional pastor at Grace-Sahuarita. Please watch for more information.

Grow in Grace Class

Would you like to learn more about our Anointed Savior, about the Bible that tells us about him, and about what Grace Lutheran Church believes and teaches? Our congregation offers a series of Biblebased 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 one of the Pastors, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/ GIG

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 Ÿ January 15 – January 22

TUCSON

Today

Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a

Children’s Bible Hour......................................................8:45a

Adult Bible Study: 10 Lies About God ............................9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study 9:00a Fellowship following worship

NO TCM Bible Study (resumes January 22)

Monday

Grace Central Office Closed

Tuesday

NO Weekly Pastors’ Meeting English Classes 6:30p

Wednesday

Midweek Bible Study: Church History .............10:00a & 7:00p TCM Book Club at UA Student Union 6:30p

Thursday

Women’s Bible Study: Prepared to Answer ...................9:00a Ladies’ Fellowship Group 10:15a Handbell Rehearsal 5:30p Worship Choir 6:45p

Next Sunday, January 22 Worship Services 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a

Adult Bible Study: 10 Lies about God 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study 9:00a Fellowship following worship Lifeliners Paintball Outing 12:00p TCM Bible Study: Jesus Introduced by John .................7:00p

OFF-SITE EVENTS

Monday Tuesday

Pastors’ Institute in Phoenix

Monday Wednesday

WELS National Leadership Conference in Chicago, IL

Saturday

Men of His Word Conference in Phoenix 7:15a

Stay Up to Date

VAIL Today

Children’s Sunday School 9:00a

Adult Bible Study: Male & Female He Created Them ....9:00a Worship Service with communion.................................10:00a

Thursday

Midweek Bible Study: Grow in Grace 6:30p Next Sunday, January 22

Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Adult Bible Study: Male & Female He Created Them 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a

BENSON Today

Worship Service with communion...................................7:30a

Adult Bible Study following worship: 1 Corinthians

Wednesday

Adult Bible Study: Large Catechism 10:00a

Next Sunday, January 22 Worship Service 7:30a Adult Bible Study following worship: 1 Corinthians

SAHUARITA Today

Adult Bible Study: 10 Lies About God.............................9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Monday Worship Service with communion...................................6:00p Wednesday

Adult Bible Study: The Bible Project 10:00a

Next Sunday, January 22

Adult Bible Study: 10 Lies About God 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service............................................................10:00a

ONLINE Today

Adult Bible Study (Tucson ..............................................9:00a Worship Services (Tucson and Sahuarita) 10:00a Next Sunday, January 22 Adult Bible Study (Tucson).............................................9:00a Worship Services (Tucson and Sahuarita)..................10:00a

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.

Grace

Grace-Sahuarita 75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538

Pastor

Pastor

Pastor

Grace-Benson 451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602

Grace-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

Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher cinda@gracelutheransaz.org (520)405-3286

Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org

Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org

Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr office@gracelutheransaz.org

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. For more information about our synod and what we believe visit: www.wels.net