G E L C S , A O 12, 2025
Welcome to Grace!
Our mission at Grace is to teach the inspired and inerrant Word of God, to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Savior of the world, and to nurture believers for lives of Christian service.
Check out the GRACE WEBSITE at GraceLutheranSAZ.org
We are very pleased that you have joined us for worship today! We pray that this time will be a blessing for you as God comes to you with his Word and promises, and as you offer him your thanks and praise.
The 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 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.
OUR WORSHIP SERIES WELS 175TH ANNIVERSARY: CHRIST THROUGH US
Over the next three Sundays, we will look at the blessings we have and continue to receive as part of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. We praise God for preserving our synod for 175 years and we acknowledge that every good and perfect gift is from his hand.
Our worship will follow this path:
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost Christ FOR Us
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost Christ THROUGH Us
The Festival of Reformation Christ WITH Us
OUR THEME FOR TODAY CHRIST FOR US
Our synod’s 175 th anniversary theme is “Christ Through Us.” That can only be understood properly if we first establish the concept of “Christ For Us.” Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection were not for his own benefit but specifically for humanity’s salvation. He lived a perfect life, fulfilling God’s law on behalf of sinners, and his death was a substitutionary atonement for our sins. The phrase “for us” underscores the idea that salvation is entirely a gift, granted by God though Christ’s actions, and is not earned by human effort or merit.
“Christ For Us” is central to the Bible’s explanation of justification, where believers are declared righteous before God solely on the basis of Christ’s work, received through faith. Christ’s vicarious suffering and resurrection assure Christians that God’s wrath against sin has been fully satisfied, and through Christ, we are reconciled to God.
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +
WELCOME
OPENING HYMN—Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation Christian Worship 920
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 is the true and triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Text: Latin, c. 8th cent., abr.; tr. John Mason Neale, 1818–1866, abr., alt. Tune: Henry Purcell, 1659–1695, adapt. Text and tune: Public domain.
1 John 1:8-9
CONFESSION
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.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
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
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.
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.
LORD, HAVE MERCY
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.
Kyrie
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
Amen.
HYMN RESPONSE—All Glory Be to God on High
Christian Worship 935
+ THE WORD +
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
Lord, we dare not come into your holy presence with our own righteousness. But because your Son lived the perfect life in our place because his walk was blameless and he always did what was righteous we will never be shaken. Make our walk be blameless too, so that our lives are a sacrifice of thanksgiving to him for all he has accomplished for us. In his name we pray. Amen.
Text: Nicolaus Decius, c. 1485–after 1546; tr. Lutheran Service Book, 2006 © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: attr. Nicolaus Decius, c. 1485–after 1546. Public domain.
Human beings falling into sin led to God promising a Savior.
FIRST READING
8They heard the voice of the L God, who was walking around in the garden during the cooler part of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the L God among the trees of the garden.
9The L God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”
10The man said, “I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself.”
11God said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree from which I commanded you not to eat?”
12The man said, “The woman you gave to be with me she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”
13The L God said to the woman, “What have you done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
14The L God said to the serpent: Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all the livestock, and more than every wild animal. You shall crawl on your belly, and you shall eat dust all the days of your life.
15 I will put hostility between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. He will crush your head, and you will crush his heel.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
5 Time, like an ever-rolling stream, soon bears us all away; we fly forgotten, as a dream dies at the op’ning day.
6 O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, still be our guard while troubles last and our eternal home!
8But God shows his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9Therefore, since we have now been justified by his blood, it is even more certain that we will be saved from God's wrath through him. 10For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, it is even more certain that, since we have been reconciled, we will be saved by his life.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Please stand
Christ died for us, and we are reconciled to God.
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.
Text: Isaac Watts, 1674–1748, abr., alt. Tune: William Croft, 1678–1727. Text and tune: Public domain.
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Jesus Christ is light, grace, and truth for us, his children.
Alleluia. God shows his own love for us in this:
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Alleluia.
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.
GOSPEL
9The real light that shines on everyone was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not recognize him. 11He came to what was his own, yet his own people did not accept him. 12But to all who did receive him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. 13They were born, not of blood, or of the desire of the flesh, or of a husband's will, but born of God.
14The Word became flesh and dwelled among us. We have seen his glory, the glory he has as the only-begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please greet those around you and then be seated
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
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.
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 and tune: Keith Getty, b. 1974; Stuart Townend,
Please stand
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.
CONFESSION OF FAITH
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
Apostles’ Creed
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.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
5 Mighty Victim from the sky, hell’s fierce pow’rs beneath you lie. You have conquered in the fight, you have brought us life and light. Alleluia!
6 Now no more can death appall, now no more the grave enthrall; you have opened paradise, and your saints in you shall rise. Alleluia!
7 Easter triumph, Easter joy! This alone can sin destroy; from sin’s pow’r, Lord, set us free, newborn souls in you to be. Alleluia!
8 Father, who the crown shall give, Savior, by whose death we live, Spirit, guide through all our days, Three in One, your name we praise. Alleluia!
CLOSING PRAYER
Almighty God, we thank you for teaching us the things you want us to believe and do. Help us by your Holy Spirit to keep your Word in pure hearts that we may be strengthened in faith, guided in holiness, and comforted in life and in death, 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.
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
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Text: st. 1 German, 14th cent.; sts. 2–3 Martin Luther, 1483–1546; tr. The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, alt. © 1941 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: Geystliche gesangk Buchleyn, Wittenberg, 1524, ed. Johann Walter, alt. Public domain.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Friendship Register
We are so thankful you have joined us today and would like to have a record of both members and guests who are worshiping with us. Please sign the red Friendship Register book located at the end of your row 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.
WELS Anniversary
Today begins our three-week worship series focusing on the 175th anniversary of our Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. You can learn more about the anniversary and our synod’s history at welshistoricalinstitute.org/175th. We also have a limited number of copies of Christ Through Us, a pictorial history book. These may be purchased for $25 from the Grace Central Office while supplies last. There are also several copies available for check-out in the church library located at GraceTucson.
In celebration of this anniversary, the synod is also sponsoring a special offering. You may donate through the website listed above. There are also special offering envelopes available at each site. We thank God for all his blessings on our synod over 175 years!
Sunday Morning Bible Study
Forgiveness is a key teaching of the Bible. The application of forgiveness in our daily living can be complex and difficult. Forgiveness for the Unforgivable will walk us through what God says about forgiveness, how we are to forgive, and how we can apply this to our lives. Please join us on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM in the CLC gymnasium. Even if you haven’t been to Bible study in a while, you are always welcome!
Those Assisting in Worship This Morning
Minister
Accompanist
Pastor Ryan Heiman
Laura Heiman
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Daily Devotions
Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are on the desk in the entryway. A new Grace Moments book with devotions that begin October 1 is now available. These are great tools to use for your daily Bible study!
Adult Choir Begins Today
Our Adult Choir will begin rehearsing again today. We will also rehearse after worship on October 19 and 26 to prepare music for Reformation. We also plan to sing for Thanksgiving. All adults are invited to join us, even if you haven’t participated in the past. If you have any questions, please speak with Laura Heiman.
College Student Succulent Pot Painting and Wall—E!
College students and college-age non-students are invited to our WELS Tucson Campus Ministry activity tonight. We’ll meet at 7:00 PM in the TCM Student Center in the lower level of the church at Grace-Tucson. The stairs at the back of the church will take you there. TONIGHT: Everything is provided for you terra cotta posts to paint for succulents and the movie Wall E on in the background!
Wednesday Midweek Bible Study
The Sahuarita midweek Bible study has moved to an Oasis Group. Pastor is facilitating the group for the next couple weeks. If you would like to learn more, please join us on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 AM in the church entryway. The goal of all Oasis Groups is to dig into the sermon during the week and build stronger relationships with fellow members. Our other Oasis groups will be meeting at various times throughout the week. Please sign up in the entryway.
Church History Bible Study: Wednesday at Grace-Tucson
Join us on Wednesday for our study of Church History. We are looking at the history of WELS expansion in foreign mission work. Even if you haven’t attended this class before, you are always welcome! We study together in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall at 10:00 AM and repeat the same material at 7:00 PM. Join us for whichever time fits your schedule best!
Volleyball at the CLC: Wednesday
Do you enjoy playing volleyball? Join fellow players every Wednesday at 7:00 PM in the gymnasium at our Child Learning Center in Sahuarita. All skill levels are welcome. Join in the fun and bring a friend!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Women’s Bible Study: Thursday at Grace-Tucson
All ladies are invited to join Pastor Koehler for study and discussion of the book More Prepared to Answer (yours to keep at no cost) by Pastor Mark Paustian from 9:00 to 10:00 AM on Thursdays in the Fellowship Hall. Each week is an individual topic so you are able to jump in and out week-toweek as your schedule allows. Upcoming topics include: I live for this world, not a world to come. I’ll be rejected by family and friends. Why is there so much pain in the world? These discussions will help us understand things better and be prepared to help others understand God’s answers.
Ladies’ Fellowship Group: Thursday
Ladies from all sites are invited to join the Ladies’ Fellowship Group this Thursday, October 16, beginning at 10:30 AM. The ladies will enjoy a picnic at Himmel Park! Please bring lunch and any outdoor games you would like. Contact Lois Thornton at (520)449-7552 if you have any questions.
Spanferkelfest (Pig Roast): Saturday
Grace members from all sites are invited to the annual Spanferkelfest Outreach Event being held this Saturday, October 18, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Grace-Tucson. Come and enjoy some delicious roasted pork, side dishes, & desserts! This Friendship Evangelism event is a great opportunity to invite your unchurched friends and/or neighbors for an evening of fun.
Arizona Lutheran Academy Sunday: October 26
On Sunday, October 26, the A Cappella Choir from Arizona Lutheran Academy will provide music in both services at Grace-Tucson. Ben Priebe, Director of Mission Advancement, from AZ Lutheran will give a presentation during our Adult Bible Class. Please plan to join us for this special Sunday! To express our thanks to the AZ Lutheran choir, a door offering will be collected that they will use to help defray their travel costs. Grace member Sam Kassulke is a member of this choir, which tries to visit each of the federation churches once every three years. Elsa Wiechmann, granddaughter of Grace members Jeff and Jody Kosanke, is also a member.
Area Reformation Service: October 26
The WELS churches in the Tucson area will be gathering to celebrate God’s grace with a special Area Reformation Service on Sunday, October 26 (just two weeks away). The service starts at 4:00 PM at Grace-Tucson (830 N 1st Ave). Our guest preacher is Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Professor Joel Otto, who teaches church history and headed our synod’s committee to celebrate our 175th anniversary. Professor Otto is also CLC Director Laura Heiman’s brother. Stick around after the service for fellowship and refreshments.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Roast Beef Dinner & Craft Fair: November 14
The Women of Grace will be hosting the all-site Roast Beef Dinner and Craft Fair held at GraceTucson on Friday, November 14, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. If you are interested in helping out with the dinner, please call the Grace Central Office. Members are asked to bring a pie to share for dessert if you are able.
You still have time to work on your projects for the Craft Fair! All items will be offered that evening for a donation. If you have questions, please contact Adrienne Snavely at (520)302-7840.
MTTC Christmas Toy & Hygiene Drive
Mission to the Children is once again holding a toy and hygiene drive. Please join them in making Christmas a little brighter for the less fortunate families they serve in Mexico and southern Arizona. Items needed include: unwrapped toys (up to $10 value each), Spanish coloring or activity books, new socks & underwear (all ages), hygiene items (full size), small toys for canvassing bags, and individually wrapped candy. An Amazon wish list has been created for your convenience. Items can be shipped to them directly from this list. The link is: https://a.co/gAvkpTw. Gift cards and monetary donations can be mailed to Mission to the Children, PO Box 42223, Tucson AZ 85733. The deadline for donations is December 5.
Event/Party Space Available
The Art & Nature Garden and the gymnasium at our Grace-Sahuarita location are available for hosting events and parties. The spaces are available for our congregation members and Child Learning Center families. For additional details or if you are interested in using one of these spaces, please contact the CLC Assistant Director, Jen Rickling, at (520)848-4630 or jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org.
Grow in Grace Class
Would you like to learn more about Jesus, our risen Savior, about the Bible that tells us about him, and about what we believe and teach at Grace? Our congregation offers a series of Bible-based 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 Pastor Heiman, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.
SAHUARITA
Today
This schedule is subject to change. Please watch your email for the most up-to-date information or call the Grace Central Office at (520)623-6633 if you have questions.
This Week at Grace October 12 - October 19
Adult Bible Study: Forgiveness for the Unforgivable 9:00a
Children’s Sunday School.............................................. 9:00a
Worship Service 10:00a
Fellowship following worship
Adult Choir 11:15a
Wednesday
Bible Study: Oasis Group 10:00a Grow in Grace Class 5:00p Volleyball at the CLC...................................................... 7:00p
Friday Grow in Grace Class 5:00p
Sunday, October 19
Adult Bible Study: Forgiveness for the Unforgivable 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship....................................................
Adult Choir 11:15a
BENSON Today
Worship Service............................................................. 7:30a
Adult Bible Study: Romans 8:45a Fellowship following worship
Wednesday
Midweek Bible Study: 10 Lies About God 10:00a
Sunday, October 19
Worship Service with communion.................................. 7:30a
Adult Bible Study: Romans ............................................ 8:45a Fellowship following worship
ONLINE
Today
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Sunday, October 19
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
OFF-SITE Thursday
Fellowship Group at Himmel Park
VAIL Today
Adult Bible Study: Prayer 9:00a Worship Service............................................................10:00a
Fellowship following worship Vocal Group Rehearsal following worship
Lunch & Equipment TLC
Site Ministry Team Meeting..........................................12:00p Thursday Oasis Group 1 5:00p Oasis Group 2.................................................................6:00p
Sunday, October 19
Adult Bible Study: Prayer 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Vocal Group Rehearsal following worship
TUCSON
One Church. Four Locations.
Proclaiming the love of Jesus in Southern Arizona since 1911.
Grace-Tucson and Central Office
830 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719 (520)623-6633 office@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Ronald G. Koehler III revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Nathan P. Kassulke revnpk@gracelutheransaz.org
Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org
Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail
Benson
451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602
Vail
Worshipping at Esmond Station Elementary 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, Tucson, AZ 85747
Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein revsas@gracelutheransaz.org Office at Civano 10501 E. Seven Generations Way, Tucson, AZ 85747 (520)848-4631
Prayer Group—Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Sahuarita
75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538
Pastor Ryan A. Heiman revrah@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center (520)848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com
Director—Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org
Assistant Director Jen Rickling jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center Mission Teachers
Caitlin Broehm, Toddlers cbroehm@gracelutheransaz.org
Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org
Theresa Pratt, Preschool tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org
Chris Leathers, 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.