THE EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
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 worship service is printed in this worship folder for you to follow along and participate. You’ll notice that the service is a dialogue between God and us, his people. The pastor speaks to God along with the congregation and also speaks the Word of God to the people. Those wishing to leave an offering can do so at the exit today or give online at www.GraceLutheranSAZ.org/give. (You can also scan the QR code to the right to access the online giving page.)
Today we are using elements from the Christian Worship hymnal. If you would like to worship from a hymnal today, you will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each row; however, you do not need to use a hymnal if you so choose, as everything needed for worship is printed in this worship folder.
Personal prayers for worship are now available on printed labels located in the inside cover of each hymnal. These include prayers for before and after worship as well as prayers for before and after communing.
OUR WORSHIP SERIES TELL US A STORY
Much of what Jesus has to say is contained within his parables. Parables are simple little stories that contain profound truths about life and eternity. For the believer, a parable takes a challenging spiritual fact and makes it clear. However, since the parable conveys spiritual truth, for someone without faith, the story remains only that a story. Therefore, our prayer for this worship series is that Christ would send us his Holy Spirit so that we might receive the peace and power Jesus offers us in his parables. Tell us a story, Jesus! Our worship is following this path:
A Story of Perplexing Generosity
A Story of Spiritual Insincerity
A Story of Reckless Patience
A Story of Insane Rejection
THEME FOR TODAY—A STORY OF SPIRITUAL INSINCERITY
You have maybe heard the accusation or perhaps even made it yourself: “He's so fake!” That charge claims someone’s friendliness or kindness is a sham. Such insincerity bothers us. We would generally rather someone be honest about how they feel about us than be fake.
Through a story Jesus teaches us that God feels the same. God doesn’t want us to simply go through religious motions like some sort of show. He sees right through that. God’s desire is that our repentance would demonstrate sincere sorrow over sin. God wants us to see the grace and forgiveness he has shown us in Christ and in response to love him back deeply and sincerely.
OPENING HYMN I Sing As I Arise Today
Christian Worship 779
Please stand
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
The words of the invocation remind us that the God we meet and worship here is the true and triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Psalm 32:1-2
CONFESSION
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.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
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
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
Mark 10:47
Kyrie is the Greek word for Lord. The expression “Lord, have mercy” is one of the oldest worship responses in the Christian Church.
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.
LORD, HAVE MERCY Kyrie
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
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.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
Amen.
+ THE WORD +
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Mercifully grant, O God, that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts, for without your help we are unable to please you; 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
1 The word of the L came to me.
Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32
2 What do you mean, you who keep repeating this proverb concerning the soil of Israel, “Fathers eat sour grapes, and their sons’ teeth are set on edge”? 3 As surely as I live, declares the L God, you will never again use this proverb in Israel. 4 Indeed, all souls are mine. The soul of the father is mine just like the soul of the son. The soul who sins is the one who will die.
The prophet Ezekiel gives a strong warning to Christians who have grown dismissive of their sin. God wants sincere repentance that leads to true obedience.
This reading continues on the next page.
This hymn continues on the next page.
25 But you say, “The L ’s way is not fair.” Listen now, house of Israel. Is it my way that is not fair? Is it not your ways that are not fair? 26 If a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and practices unrighteousness, he will die because of it. Because of the unrighteousness that he has practiced, he will die.
27 But if a wicked man turns from his wickedness that he has done and practices justice and righteousness, he will preserve his life. 28 Because he has seen and turned away from all the rebellious acts that he had committed, he will surely live, and he will not die. 29 But the house of Israel says, “The L ’s way is not fair.” Is it really my ways that are not fair, O house of Israel? Is it not your ways that are not fair?
30 Therefore, I will judge each one of you according to his ways, O house of Israel, declares the L God. Repent and turn away from all your rebellious acts, so that you will not set out a stumbling block that makes you guilty. 31 Throw off from yourselves all your rebellious actions by which you have rebelled, and obtain a new heart and a new spirit for yourselves. Why should you die, O house of Israel? 32 For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies, declares the L God. So repent and live!
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING Philippians 2:1-11
1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit, and having one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility consider one another better than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look carefully not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
5 Indeed, let this attitude be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.
6 Though he was by nature God, he did not consider equality with God as a prize to be displayed, 7 but he emptied himself by taking the nature of a servant. When he was born in human likeness, and his appearance was like that of any other man, 8 he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Please stand
Moved by Christ’s love and empowered by the Spirit, we sincerely attempt to imitate the selflessness and humility of Jesus.
Text: Albrecht von Preussen, 1490–1568; tr. The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, alt.; Tune: Claudin de Sermisy, c. 1490–1562. Text and tune: Public domain.The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Psalm 51:17
Alleluia. The sacrifices God wants are a broken spirit. A broken and crushed heart, O God, you will not despise. Alleluia.
GOSPEL Matthew 21:23-32
Through a story Jesus teaches that sincere love for God involves not just saying what God wants to hear but also doing what God wants done.
23 When Jesus went into the temple courts, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him while he was teaching and said, “By what authority are you doing these things?” and “Who gave you this authority?”
24 Jesus answered them, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer it, I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 25 The baptism of John, where was it from? From heaven or from men?”
They discussed it among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the crowd, since they all regard John as a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.”
He said to them, “Then I will not tell you by what authority I do these things.”
28 “What do you think? A man had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go work today in my vineyard.’ 29 He answered, ‘I will not,’ but later he changed his mind and went. 30 He came to the second and said the same thing. The second son answered, ‘I will go, sir,’ but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?”
They said to him, “The first.”
Jesus said to them, “Amen I tell you: The tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, but you did not believe him. However, the tax collectors and prostitutes did believe him. Even when you saw this, you did not change your mind and believe him.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please be seated
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE & GREETING
While the children are coming forward please greet your neighbor and fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder in your row and pass it along. Thank you!
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.
HYMN OF THE DAY—At the Name of Jesus Christian Worship 547
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.
SERMON Matthew 21:23-32
The Lord is Just
During the singing of this hymn, children ages 1-8 are excused to attend Children’s Church in the CLC Building. Parents can pick-up their children there following the service.
Text: Caroline M. Noel, 1817–1877, abr., alt. Tune: Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872–1958. Text and tune: Public domain.
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.
CONFESSION OF FAITH Nicene Creed
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.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Loving God and Lord, you created the universe that surrounds us and the globe on which we live. You control all things through your Son, who sits at your right hand in glory.
Comfort us with the promise of your eternal presence.
Give your Word power as it works in our hearts and minds. Clear away our confusion, and demolish our doubts. Send your Spirit to strengthen both our confidence in your promises and our desire to live according to your will.
Take away our love of sinning, and restore us each day by your grace.
The signs of the times warn us that the end of time is near. Protect us from scoffers who sneer at your truth. Spare us and Christians around the world from all forms of hate and persecution.
Give us courage to carry the cross with patience and joy.
Instill in the hearts of our children a desire to follow you as they prepare for future days. Help them distinguish between what is passing and what is eternal, between instant thrills and lasting joy. Encourage more young people to prepare for service in the public ministry of the gospel.
Mold us and move us to be good examples for our youth.
Hold in your care, Lord, those who are experiencing physical or emotional pain and all who are afflicted by disease or facing death. Pour out your compassion on the grieving, and comfort the mourners who miss someone they loved.
Move us to pray for these brothers and sisters and to help when we can.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
Whether we pray together or alone, you have promised to hear and answer us. Give us patience to accept your blessings in whatever way you send them. In your love and wisdom, prepare us for the day when you will take us to be with you forever.
Hear us for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Please stand
+ THE SACRAMENT +
PREFACE
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
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 promised that wherever two or three come together in his name, there he is with them to shepherd his flock until he comes again in glory. 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
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.
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.
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.
Please
be seated 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.
Please stand
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
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
Friendship Register
We would like to have a record of both members and guests who are worshiping with us. Please sign the red Friendship Register book located along the center aisle in the hymnal rack.
Children’s Church
Children ages 1-8 will be dismissed from our worship service today during the hymn before the sermon to attend Children’s Church. Parents, following worship, please pick your child up from the gymnasium in the CLC building.
Sunday Morning Bible Study
Amazing Grace, A Mighty Fortress, and On Eagles Wings might be a few of your favorite hymns, but do you know who wrote them, why they were written, or what section of Scripture they were based on? Our Sunday morning Bible Study series discovers the answers to those questions and more as we learn about our favorite hymns and how they open up the Scriptures for our learning. Now would be an excellent time to make Sunday morning Bible study a part of your routine! Class is held at 9:00 AM in the CLC gymnasium.
Adult Choir Today
Our fall session of Adult Choir began last week but it’s not too late to join in the fun! Grab a snack and come join us about 10 minutes after church has ended on Sunday mornings. Rehearsals will be 30-40 minutes long and baby-sitting will be provided. We will be preparing music for our Reformation services on October 29, the Thanksgiving service on November 22, and Christmas. Especially needed are instrumentalists. If you are hiding a musical talent, now is your chance to shine! Please speak to Jane Neujahr after church. Let's glorify God in our worship with the musical gifts he's given us!
Daily Devotions
Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are on the Welcome Desk in the church entryway. A new Grace Moments book with devotions beginning October 1 is now available. These are great tools to use for your daily Bible study!
Pastor Appreciation Month
Grace’s Care Committee for Called Workers (CCCW) asks for your help to celebrate Pastor Appreciation Month. The first request is that you pray for our pastors. Also, every Sunday in October, beginning today, you will have an opportunity to contribute to a monetary gift for our five pastors. This gift will be presented to them at the end of the month. Contributions can be placed in the basket at the exit or given to your site elder. (Checks can be made out to Grace Lutheran Church). Thank you for your generous participation. Questions can be directed to Kay Kassulke (541-941-3038).
Midweek Bible Study: Wednesday
The Bible Project: The 66 books of the Bible are a collection of history, poetry, prophecy and insights into the eternal history of God and his people. The focus of the entire Bible is God’s plan of salvation. However because of the sheer volume of the Bible, many people get bogged down trying to read it and understand it. This Bible Project is a study that quickly summarizes each book and gives the student a quick overview of the Bible. Please join us on Wednesdays at 10:00 AM in the church entryway.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Spanferkelfest: Saturday
Grace members from all sites are invited to attend the 3nd Annual Spanferkelfest Outreach Event being held THIS Saturday, October 7, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Grace-Tucson. This Friendship Evangelism event is a great opportunity to invite your unchurched friends and/or neighbors for an afternoon of fun. There are invitations for you to use at each of the church doors and in the Fellowship Hall. There will be roasted pork, activities for kids, a bounce house, music, raffles, and great fellowship. If you are interested in helping with the event, contact Paul Kassulke at (520)850-5629.
LWMS Rally: October 14
Ladies, mark your calendars for the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS) Fall Rally on Saturday, October 14, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bylas, AZ (295 W. US Highway 70). Pastors Eric Hartzell and John Hartmann will be speaking to us about past and current mission work. Registration is due by October 9 and can be completed online at grandcanyonlwms.org. Paper copies of the registration form can be found on the Welcome Table.
Chrismon Crafting: October 14
Calling all crafters: we are making Chrismon ornaments for our Christmas tree here at GraceSahuarita! Our next crafting session will be Saturday, October 14 at 9:30 AM in the church entryway. Bring nothing but a smile and tons of craftiness! Join us for food, fellowship, and fun as we craft away! If you have any questions, please contact Jane Neujahr at (760)622-7924. We hope you can join us!
Lifeliners Escape Room Outing: October 15
Grace's high school youth group, the Lifeliners, is doing an escape room! A virus is turning everyone into zombies. Yet one group of scientists (that's us) has the potential to save the world with a vaccine. Can we create the cure before the zombies close in on the lab? We'll find out after the 10:00 AM worship service on October 15! High schoolers are asked to RSVP to Pastor Patoka (540623-1149) by October 11 for this free lunch and outing.
Ladies’ Fellowship Group: October 19
The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet at Himmel Park (1000 N. Tucson Blvd.) on Thursday, October 19 at 10:15 AM for outdoor games (such as corn hole and ladder golf) and lunch. Ladies should bring a sack lunch. If there are other games you would like to play, you may bring those as well. Please contact Lois Thornton at (520)323-8772 or vthornto2@gmail.com with any questions. Ladies from all Grace sites are welcome to join in the fun!
VailFest: October 21
VailFest is an annual event sponsored by the Greater Vail Area Chamber of Commerce. This year’s event is on Saturday, October 21, at the Pima County Fairgrounds. Grace will be hosting a booth! This is a great opportunity to introduce ourselves to neighbors in the area of our Grace-Vail location. Volunteers are needed in a number of areas including set up on Friday evening (October 20), at the children’s craft table, in a photo booth, and visiting with people as they pass by our booth. If you would be willing to help out in any of these areas, please contact Vail Site Elder, Ron Silver, at ronaldsilver3@gmail.com or (520)221-1216.
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 October 1 - October 8
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.
