
G E L C T , A O 12, 2025

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G E L C T , A O 12, 2025

Our mission at Grace is to teach the inspired and inerrant Word of God, to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Savior of the world, and to nurture believers for lives of Christian service.
Check out the GRACE WEBSITE at GraceLutheranSAZ.org
We are very pleased that you have joined us for worship today! We pray that this time will be a blessing for you as God comes to you with his Word and promises and as you offer him your thanks and praise.
The order of worship we will follow is printed in this worship folder for you to follow along and participate. You’ll notice that the service is a dialogue between God and us, his people. The pastor speaks to God along with the congregation and also speaks the Word of God to the people. LARGE PRINT worship folders are available at the entrances for those who desire them.
Today we are using elements from the Christian Worship (2021) hymnal. You will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each pew. You will be asked to open the hymnal to participate in parts of the service today. A vocalist will aid in our singing and will be recorded for our audio disks and video live-streaming.
There is no cost to park in our parking lot during Sunday morning worship services. If you receive a citation by mistake, please let our office staff know so it can be cleared.
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
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost Christ THROUGH Us
The Festival of Reformation Christ WITH Us *
*On this Sunday, we will also welcome the A Cappella Choir from Arizona Lutheran Academy, our WELS high school in the Phoenix area.
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.
OPENING HYMN Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation Christian Worship 920
PRESERVICE MUSIC:
Variations on “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” Heinrich Fleischer
Paul Manz
Benjamin Culli Bruce Backer
Please stand
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
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.
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. 1 John 1:8-9
“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
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.
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.
This arrangement of “Glory to God” comes from The Service Setting 5, which was newly composed in 2023. Over the next several weeks, we will be using elements of this service setting in our worship services.
“Glory to God” has been a Christian song of worship since the fourth century.
This song continues on the next page.



Vocalist: Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.
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, have mercy on us. You are seated at the right hand of the Father; receive our prayer, receive our prayer.
Vocalist: 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.
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.
Please be seated
FIRST READING
Genesis 3:8-15
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?”
Human beings falling into sin led to God promising a Savior. This reading continues on the next page.
This Psalm reiterates our theme for today Christ For Us.
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.
This Psalm continues on the next page.
Please join in singing the entire Psalm today.








SECOND READING Romans 5:8–10
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.
Christ died for us, and we are reconciled to God.
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Please stand
Jesus Christ is light, grace, and truth for us, his children.
Vocalist: Alleluia, alleluia. Alleluia, alleluia.


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 be seated HYMN OF THE DAY—Jesus, My Great High Priest
The vocalist will sing stanza 1. Please join in singing the rest of the hymn.
Please stand
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
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.
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.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
OFFERTORY:
Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation Benjamin Culli
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.
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!

HYMN—Come, Behold the
Please stand
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.
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.
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
Please be seated
Recessional on St. Anne Gordon Young
Are you a guest with us today? We invite you to pick up a Guest Packet at either church door. The packets include information about Grace, our doctrine, and our beliefs. We’re so thankful you are here for worship today!
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!
The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by Bob and Nadine Rentschler in thanksgiving for their Christian family and friends.

If you would like to provide flowers for the altar, please call (520-623-6633) or email (office@gracelutheransaz.org) the Grace Central Office to reserve a Sunday. Upcoming available dates are November 2, 9, 16, 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.
Following the 10:00 AM service this morning, you are invited to join us in the courtyard and Fellowship Hall for drinks and snacks. Thank you to Rick and Molly Street for hosting this morning. The next available dates include November 2, 9, 23, & 30. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

Join us this morning for a look at Idols We Never Knew We Had. We’ll answer the question “Are we really idolaters?” and explore some common idols within our society and perhaps our own experience. A new topic provides a great opportunity to get started with Bible study. Please join us, and invite a friend! We meet at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall.
Preacher
Pastor Nathan Kassulke
Worship Leader Pastor Ron Koehler (10:00 AM)
Accompanists
Vocalist
Greeters
Jim and Deb Bakken
Dylan Guenther
Sally Littau, Nancy Miles (10:00 AM)
Ushers Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM) Dylan Guenther, Lucas Guenther, Ferdie Kramm, Rick Street (10:00 AM) Sound and Recording Techs Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler
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. 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!

Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are at either door to church and in the Fellowship Hall. A new Grace Moments book with devotions that begin recently is now available. These are great tools to use for your daily Bible study!
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!
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!

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 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.
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. Invitations for you to use are at both church doors and in the Fellowship Hall.

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 Jeff and Jody Kosanke, is also a member.
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.

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 see the sign-up sheets on the table in the Fellowship Hall. 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.
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.
The Christian greeting card rack in the west end of the Fellowship Hall has recently been refreshed! Stop by and check out the new additions cards are available for all occasions and are just $0.50 each. Money can be placed in the box on the table to the left of the card rack.
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 Kassulke or Pastor Koehler, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.
TUCSON Today

This schedule is subject to change. Please watch your email for the most up-to-date information or call the Grace Central Office at (520)623-6633 if you have questions.
Worship Services 7:45a & 10:00a
Children’s Bible Hour ..................................................... 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Idols We Never Knew We Had 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Galatians 9:00a Fellowship following worship TCM Bible Study ............................................................ 7:00p
Staff Meeting 2:00p Ministry Board Meeting .................................................. 6:15p English Classes 6:30p Wednesday Midweek Bible Study: Church History 10:00a & 7:00p
Thursday
Women’s Bible Study: More Prepared to Answer 9:00a College Student Grow in Grace Class 11:30a Handbell Practice........................................................... 5:30p Worship Choir 6:45p Saturday Spanferkelfest (Pig Roast) ............................................. 4:00p
Sunday, October 19
Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Idols We Never Knew We Had ......... 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Galatians 9:00a Fellowship following worship Mission to the Children Spanish Service & Meal 4:00p TCM Bible Study ............................................................ 7:00p
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
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
Study: Oasis Group 10:00a
in Grace Class 5:00p Volleyball at the CLC......................................................7:00p
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 ...................................................
BENSON
Bible Study: Romans 8:45a
Midweek Bible Study: 10 Lies About God 10:00a
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
Ladies’ Fellowship Group at Himmel Park 10:30a

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
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.