+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +

OPENING HYMN The People Who in Darkness Walked Christian Worship 381

Please stand

Invocation

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

Congregation: Amen.

Confession Of Sins

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Let us confess our sins to the Lord.

Holy God, gracious Father, I am sinful by nature and have sinned against you in my thoughts, words, and actions.

I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved others as I should. I deserve your punishment both now and forever. But Jesus, my Savior, paid for my sins with his innocent suffering and death.

Trusting in him, I pray: God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Silence for meditation and reflection

Our gracious Father in heaven has been merciful to us. He sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, who gave his life as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. 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.

PRESERVICE MUSIC: I Will Follow

Victor Labenske Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness

Zach Unke

This morning, we are using The Service Setting Three from the hymnal (p. 188 and following) as our order of worship.

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

Christ gave the authority to forgive the sins of penitent sinners to his church: “Whenever you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven.” John 20:23

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.”

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.

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

This song continues on the next page.

Vocalist: 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

Congregation:

Prayer Of The Day

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Let us pray.

Almighty God, you sent your Son to proclaim your kingdom and teach with authority. Anoint us with the power of your Spirit that we too may bring good news to the afflicted, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captive; 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

Isaiah 8:19-9:4

19 When they tell you, “Consult the mediums and the spiritists, who whisper and mutter,” shouldn’t a people consult their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living? 20 To the law and to the testimony! If people do not speak according to this word, there will be no dawn for them. 21 They will pass through the land, distressed and starving, but when this takes place and they are starving, they will be frustrated, and they will curse their king and their God. They will turn their faces upward, 22 and then they will look down to the ground, but I tell you, they will see only distress, darkness, and the gloom that brings anguish. They will be banished into thick darkness.

9 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for the land that was in anguish. In former times, he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will cause it to be glorious, along the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, in Galilee of the Gentiles.

2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. For those living in the land of the shadow of death, the light has dawned.

3 You have multiplied the nation. You have increased its joy. They rejoice before you like the joy at harvest time, like the celebration when people divide the plunder.

4 For you have shattered the yoke that burdened them. You have broken the bar on their shoulders and the rod of their oppressor, as you did in the day of Midian.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The prophet foretold that the people walking in darkness would see a great light.

This psalm is not found in the hymnal. Rather, it was included in the Christian Worship Psalter which was released in connection with the new hymnal in late 2021.

PSALM OF THE DAY—O L , You Are My Light Christian Worship Psalter 27B

Please join in singing this psalm together.

God’s children are found walking in the light of Christ and reflecting that light by living in love for God and one another. This reading continues on the next page.

Second Reading

1 John 2:3-11

3 This is how we know that we have known him: if we keep his commands. 4 The one who says, “I know him,” but does not keep his commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 If anyone keeps God’s word, the love of God is truly made complete in him. This is how we know that we are in him: 6 The one who says he remains in him should walk as Jesus walked.

Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one that you have had since the beginning. The old command is the message you heard. 8 At the same time, the command I am writing is new it is true in Jesus and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. 9 The one who says he is in the light and yet hates his brother is still in the darkness. 10 The one who loves his brother remains in the light, and nothing causes him to stumble. 11 The one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Please stand

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Isaiah 9:2

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

Congregation:

We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our Savior and King. The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel and focuses our attention on the theme of the service.

Vocalist: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; On those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

Refrain (ALL):

As Jesus began his preaching ministry in a world filled with unbelief, the prophecy was fulfilled. A brilliant light shined through the darkness.

12 When Jesus heard that John was put in prison, he withdrew into Galilee. 13 He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. 14 He did this to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:

15 Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, along the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles,

16 the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and on those dwelling in the region and the shadow of death a light has dawned.

17 From that time, Jesus began to preach: “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven is near.”

18 As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, since they were fishermen. 19 He said to them, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

20 They immediately left their nets and followed him. 21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. Jesus called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

23 Jesus traveled throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise be to you, O Christ.

Please be seated

CONFESSION OF FAITH Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

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.

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.

Please be seated

The Apostles’ Creed developed in the Early Christian Church as a personal confession of faith. It is so named because it confesses the faith taught by the Apostles of Jesus.

Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.

Prayer Of The Church

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God and Mary’s Son, in the fullness of time you came into our world to save us from sin and death.

You ushered in the day of grace so long foretold.

Beloved Son of the Father, revered by the Magi, baptized by John, you came preaching and teaching, healing and comforting, forgiving and encouraging:

You brought the light of life to those walking in darkness, and the joy of salvation to those doomed to death.

Prince of peace, shine like a beacon for us and the people of our world. Let the good news of salvation be heard in the remotest corners of the earth. Open our own lips to speak your name to those around us who still live without faith or hope:

Arouse us and our missionaries to flood the world with the light of your gospel.

Lord of the Church, let your peace rule our hearts that we may use our gifts to serve you and each other in willing gratitude and joy. Watch over our loved ones near and far, that they may remember your love and rejoice in your salvation. Strengthen the faith of the sick and the disheartened. Give hope to those in despair and comfort those who mourn.

Be gracious to all and lead us to reflect your love in everything we say and do.

Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.

Silent prayer

Finally, bring us and all your believers to the heavenly home where we will stand in the full light of your glory and with all your saints and angels sing the everlasting song of triumph.

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!

OFFERTORY:

Dawning Light of Our Salvation

Valerie A. Floeter

HYMN Christ Is the World’s Light Christian Worship 515

Please stand

Closing Prayer

Blessed Lord, you have given us your Holy Scriptures for our learning. May we so hear them, read, learn, and take them to heart that, being strengthened and comforted by your holy Word, we may cling to the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and 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.

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

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

POSTLUDE MUSIC:

Dawning Light of Our Salvation

Valerie A. Floeter

Announcements

CLOSING HYMN Dawning Light of Our Salvation Christian Worship 311

The vocalist will sing stanza 1 and the first refrain. Please join in singing the remainder of the hymn.

THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING

Preacher...................................................................................... Pastor Nathan Kassulke

Worship Leader ............................................................... Pastor Tim Patoka (10:00 AM)

Accompanist .................................................................................................. Kathy Parra

Vocalist...........................................................................................................Katie Patoka

Greeters .............................................................. Jeanette O’Donald, Nadine Rentschler

Sound and Recording Techs .............. Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke

Banner Committee ...................... Nadine Rentschler, Jeanette O’Donald, Sandy Weir

Acknowledgements:

Altar Flowers

The flowers beautifying our altar today have been given by Pat Messer in thanks to God for the blessings he provides her and her family and in appreciation of all those who gave their time to decorate our church, fellowship hall, and courtyard during the Christmas season.

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 March 26 and April 2, 23, & 30. 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 the Kassulke family for hosting this week. The next available dates to host are March 5 and 19. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

Sunday Morning Bible Study

“I Don’t Need the Bible or Worship to Have a Relationship With God.” “God Doesn’t Judge Anyone, and Neither Should You.” These and other popular statements might sound good, but do they really fit with what the Bible says? We are currently working through “10 Lies About God.” This study will help us respond to false teachings about God and to defend what the Bible teaches. Now would be an excellent time to make this study a part of your Sunday routine! Please join us at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall.

Next Sunday, February 5, Jenn Miller, Ron Silver, and Holly Vaden will be giving a presentation on their experience at the WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership in Chicago. They will be sharing some highlights about what they learned at the conference.

Fellowship & Fundraising Lunch: Today

Grace member Naomi Kassulke, a student at Arizona Lutheran Academy (ALA), is participating in a mission trip to the Czech Republic this coming March and April. The mission trip includes four other current ALA students and two previous graduates. The trip organizer is a teacher at ALA. Naomi is currently raising funds to help pay the costs involved with the trip, which includes airfare and a passport and may approach $2,000 per student. The Kassulke family will be hosting today’s cookie fellowship here at Grace-Tucson as well as providing lunch for those who would like to participate. A freewill offering supporting Naomi and her trip is appreciated, but all are welcome to eat! More information about the Lutheran Church in Plzen, Czech Republic and about this trip will be displayed on the Fellowship Hall televisions after the 10:00 service.

Tucson Campus Ministry Bible Study: TONIGHT & Wednesday

Join us tonight at 7:00 PM in the Student Center here at Grace-Tucson for TCM’s Bible Study “Jesus, According to Mark.” This Sunday we’ll see how Jesus heals people with miracles and discuss the purpose behind his miracles that still applies today.

Additional Bible Study: Join us this Wednesday for TCM’s Book Club. We are reading and discussing the book “3 Words That will Change Your Life.” We will meet at 6:30 PM in the Student Union Food Court by Fast Design. Gourmet donuts will be provided.

Offering Envelope Delays

Many Grace members and friends receive a monthly mailing of offering envelopes that they use for their giving to support the ministry of our congregation. The envelopes for January were delayed, and we have recently learned that all individuals may not receive their February envelopes. The company that mails our envelopes has been experiencing difficulties, and they are working hard to handle the situation. They deeply apologize for this inconvenience and expect to be back on track with the March envelopes.

In the meantime, an offering placed in any envelope marked with your name and envelope number will be recorded. If needed, you will find envelopes to use at each of the church doors.

You may also contribute your offerings through online giving, accessed through our church website, www.GraceLutheranSAZ.org. Members and friends who set up automatic giving do not need to rely on the monthly envelope mailing, but are welcome to receive them for any additional or special gifts. If you have any questions, please contact the Grace Central Office (520-623-6633, office@gracelutheransaz.org) or our Financial Manager (finance@gracelutheransaz.org).

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 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.

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.

Monday Evening Service

An evening worship service is held at Grace-Sahuarita on Monday evenings at 6:00 PM, and they 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.

Church History Bible Study: Wednesday

Join us on Wednesdays for our study of Church History. We are studying 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: “There are things I’ll never be able to forgive.” “With so many interpretations and denominations, who can say who is right?” “I’ll let my kids decide for themselves.” “Whatever happened to tolerance?” “Religion is a crutch for the weak.” 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’ Valentine’s Tea: February 11

Ladies, please join us for the all-site 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 the Tucson area. Lori Hauser from Holy Cross will be giving a presentation on Mission to the Children. Grace ladies are invited to decorate and set a table and any theme is welcome. We need ten tables set for 6-8 people. Grace members are encouraged to bring a brunch/lunch type food and dessert to share. 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!

Special Voter’s Meeting: February 12

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 at our Child Learning Center and also to discuss and vote on our mission request regarding an additional pastor at Grace-Sahuarita. The Grace Ministry Board is also recommending a change to the Grace bylaws to include the Chairman of the Child Learning Center (CLC) Board as a member of the Ministry Board. Please watch for more information.

Chupala Lunch: February 19

Grace's high school youth group, the Lifeliners, invites you to join them following the 10:00 AM worship service on Sunday, February 19, at Grace-Tucson for their annual Chupala Lunch. Chupala is a delicious chicken and bean dish with southwestern spices that is served with tortillas or corn chips and toppings (lettuce, tomatoes, olives, cheese, etc.). The lunch after church is a great time to enjoy some fellowship.

The Chupala Lunch is also one of the ways that the Lifeliners raise funds for their activities. Donations are appreciated (checks may be made out to Grace), but you are welcome to eat even if you are unable to contribute. The funding for this event is sponsored by a Thrivent Action Team.

Ladies’ Fellowship Group: February 23

The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet on Thursday, February 23, at 11:00 AM at El Charro Restaurant in downtown Tucson for lunch. El Charro is located at 311 N. Court Avenue. There is paid parking available nearby. This is a date change from what was printed in the February newsletter. After lunch we plan to visit Old Town Artisans at 201 N. Court Avenue. If you would like to carpool, please contact Lois Thornton at (520)323-8772. Ladies from all Grace sites are welcome to join in the fun!

Midweek Lenten Services

Wednesday midweek services are being held at Grace-Benson, Grace-Sahuarita, and GraceTucson beginning with Ash Wednesday on February 22 and continuing through March 29. You are also invited to join us for a Lenten Supper each Wednesday here at Grace-Tucson at 6:00 PM.

The theme of our midweek services is “His Final Steps.” This series ponders the significance of the people and places on Jesus’ final steps to the cross and, three days later, his first steps from the tomb. The sermons and service themes will rotate among the various sites, so worshipers who attend more than one site could hear a sermon repeated. See the schedule below for the Ash Wednesday services on February 22.

Grace-Benson 10 AM Lenten Worship “His Final Steps Led to Some Greeks”

Lunch to follow

Grace-Sahuarita 10 AM & 6 PM Lenten Worship “His Final Steps Led to His Father’s House”

Grace-Tucson 10 AM & 7 PM Lenten Worship “His Final Steps Led to a Tomb”

6 PM Light Supper

Midweek Lenten Supper Hosts Needed

A light supper will be held at 6:00 PM each Wednesday evening before our Lenten service. Volunteers are needed to host these meals beginning on February 22. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall. A free-will offering will be taken to help cover expenses.

ACSTO Donations for Grace Members

Thank you to the many members who have used the Arizona Tuition Tax Credit to support our students at Redeemer Lutheran School and Arizona Lutheran Academy! You may have heard recently about new opportunities for families and students through the state of Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program. While this program may be beneficial to many of our member families, you can still make use of tuition tax credits and support Lutheran education with money you would otherwise pay as taxes.

Many Grace families and students who attend our Lutheran schools would appreciate you making use of the tuition tax credits if possible. How it works: 1) You make a donation up to certain limits and up to your tax liability. This needs to be done before April 15, 2023 to count for your 2022 state taxes. 2) When you make the donation to ACSTO (Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization), please recommend “Grace Lutheran Southern AZ” members to support our students who still need assistance. 3) When you file your taxes, two extra forms will give you a dollar-for-dollar credit so you save off of your total tax bill. In other words, you can help our members without spending more of your money to do so.

You can find more information and even make a donation online through the ACSTO website, www.ACSTO.org. Remember that this option is available to all those who have state tax liability in Arizona. Grace member Jeff Weinstein (520-909-7649, JeffWeinstein@ACSTO.org) is also an employee of ACSTO. He is able to help answer questions you may have. Even if you have never made use of tuition tax credits before, we would be happy to help you figure it out!

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 29 – February 5

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.