THE
TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY
AFTER PENTECOST
G E L C S , A O 13, 2024
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 its entirety 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 blue Christian Worship hymnal. If you would like to worship out of a hymnal today, you will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each row; however you do not need a hymnal to participate, as everything needed for the service is printed in this folder.
OUR WORSHIP SERIES—THE NEED FOR FOLLOWERSHIP
“We need better leadership!” Have you ever said that? Perhaps you were frustrated with the direction being taken by some elected official or by management at your workplace or by the coach of your favorite team. You were frustrated because you know that no matter how many resources an organization has, it will flounder if leaders do not lead well: providing direction, training, motivation, coordination, encouragement, and even grace. Leadership is extremely important. And so, there are times we lament, “We need better leadership!”
Jesus Christ is the leader of our congregation, our home, our lives. And his leadership is perfect in every way. Therefore, when things are amiss in any of those arenas, what is needed is not better leadership, but better followership. In this series, we ask Christ to empower us with his Spirit so that we might better follow his lead. May we better reflect the beauty of his life, better make his priorities our own, and better serve our God and neighbor. Our worship during this series is following this path:
September 1 Followers of Christ Obey His Law from the Heart
September 8 Followers of Christ See the True Purpose of His Power
September 15 Followers of Christ Are Armed for Battle
September 22 Followers of Christ Are Humble Servants
September 29 Followers of Christ Have Powerful Allies
October 6 Followers of Christ Know How to Love Their Families
October 13 Followers of Christ Maintain Proper Priorities
Octobers 20 Followers of Christ Make Selfless Sacrifices
Text: Georg Weissel, 1590–1635, abr.; tr. Arthur P. Voss, 1899–1955, alt. © 1941 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199 Tune: Johann Stobäus, 1580–1646. Public domain.
1 John 1:8-9
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit. Congregation: Amen.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Kyrie
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.
GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST (Gloria)
Christian Worship 191
Luke 2:14 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.
Tune: David Kauffman; William Gokelman © 2010, 2021
+ THE WORD +
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
Lord Jesus Christ, whose grace always precedes and follows us, help us forsake all trust in earthly gain and find in you our heavenly treasure; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please be seated
FIRST READING
2 Kings 5:14-27
14So he [Na’aman] went down and dipped in the Jordan seven times, just as the man of God had said. Then his flesh was restored like the flesh of a small child, and he was clean. 15Then he and his whole escort went back to the man of God. He stood in front of Elisha and said, “To be sure, now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel. Now accept a gift from your servant.”
16But Elisha said, “As surely as the L lives, in whose presence I stand, I will not take anything.” Even though Na'aman urged him to accept something, he refused.
17Then Na'aman said, “If you do not want anything, please give me, your servant, as much dirt as two donkeys can carry, for your servant will never again burn incense or sacrifice to other gods, but only to the L . 18But may the L forgive your servant this one thing: When my master goes into the house of Rimmon to bow down there and he supports himself on my arm, then I too have to bow down in the house of Rimmon. When I bow down in the house of Rimmon, may the L forgive your servant this one thing.”
19Then Elisha said to him, “Go in peace.”
When Na'aman had gone some distance from him, 20Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “My master was too easy on this Aramean, Na'aman, when he did not accept anything that he brought. As surely as the L lives, I will run after him and get something from him.”
21So Gehazi chased after Na'aman. When Na'aman saw him running after him, he got down from his chariot to meet him. He said, “Is everything all right?”
The prophet Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, prioritized riches over his walk with God.
This reading continues on the next page.
22Then Gehazi said, “Yes, everything is all right. My master sent me to say, ‘Look, just now two young men from the hill country of Ephraim, from the sons of the prophets, have come to me. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.’”
Two talents of silver weighed about 150 pounds.
This hymn continues on the next page.
23Na'aman said, “Certainly! Take two talents!” He urged Gehazi and tied up the two talents of silver in two bags with the two sets of clothing. Then Na'aman gave them to his two servants, and they carried them ahead of Gehazi. 24When he came to the hill, he took the gifts from them. Then he hid them in the house and sent the men back, so they left. 25Then he went in and attended his master.
Elisha said to him, “Where were you, Gehazi?”
Gehazi said, “Your servant didn't go anywhere.”
26Then Elisha said to him, “Didn't my heart go along when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to take silver, or to accept clothes or olive groves or vineyards or sheep or cattle or male and female servants? 27Na'aman's leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever.” Then Gehazi went out from his presence, leprous like snow.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
4 I will not boast in wealth or might, or human wisdom’s fleeting light. But I will boast in knowing Christ at the cross. (Refrain)
5 Two wonders here that I confess: my worth and my unworthiness. My value fixed my ransom paid at the cross. (Refrain)
and tune:
SECOND READING
Hebrews 4:12-13
12For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any doubleedged sword. It penetrates even to the point of dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, even being able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart. 13And there is no creature hidden from him, but everything is uncovered and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we will give an account.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Please stand
God’s Word is like a sword. It cuts through our pretentions and pride and exposes our true priorities.
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.
Text
Graham Kendrick, b. 1950; Kristyn Getty, b. 1980; Keith Getty, b. 1974 © 2014
OneLicense no. 710199
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Jesus helps a young man see a problem deeper than his failure to keep God’s law perfectly that he had prioritized wealth above the call to follow Christ.
Exodus 20:12-16
Alleluia. For the word of God is living and active. It judges the ideas and thoughts of the heart. Alleluia.
GOSPEL
Hebrews 4:12
Mark 10:17-27
17As Jesus was setting out on a journey, one man ran up to him and knelt in front of him. He asked, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
18Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except one God. 19You know the commandments. ‘You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony. You shall not defraud. Honor your father and mother.’”
20The man replied, “Teacher, I have kept all these since I was a child.”
21Jesus looked at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack. Go, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
22When he heard this, he looked sad and went away grieving, because he had great wealth. 23Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it will be for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!”
24The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus told them again, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in their riches to enter the kingdom of God!
25It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
26They were even more astonished and said to one another, “Who then can be saved?”
27Jesus looked at them and said, “For people, it is impossible, but not for God, because all things are possible for God.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ.
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!
Please be seated
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 What Is the World to Me
Christian Worship 717
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. 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.
SERMON
Mark 10:17-27
Please stand
Text: tr. August Crull, 1845–1923, alt.; Georg M. Pfefferkorn, 1645–1732, abr. Tune: Ahasverus Fritsch, 1629–1701. Text and tune: Public domain.
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.
Apostles’ Creed
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
Please be seated
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Eternal God, with your almighty power and wisdom you guide and guard the universe you created. Every planet and every star remain in place according to your design. You know the far reaches of space and observe even heavenly lights we cannot see.
Lead us to marvel every day at the wonders of your creation.
You created our planet to proclaim the depth of your majesty and love. At your command the world turns, the breezes blow, and the waters surge. Here you placed the crown of your creation, your human creatures, and gave us the bounty of the earth for our provision and pleasure.
Help us to value and protect the blessings of nature you have given us.
You have created the family, arranged society, and established governments to provide order and stability in our lives. You command us to respect and support the authorities that function with your permission. You teach us to love all people, those who are like us and those who are not, and to care for those in need of help.
Move us to love others as your Son loved us.
Guard and guide us when you allow serious diseases, financial uncertainty, and social unrest to torment our country. You surely punish the wicked in troubled times, but you also call people to turn away from sin to your forgiving love.
Lead us to repent and examine our thoughts, words, and actions.
Enable the medical community to discover cures for diseases and plagues that afflict our planet. Preserve the lives of your people that we may continue to share your love with others. Spare the lives of those who do not know you so they may find you and be saved.
Give us confidence to place our bodies and lives into your protecting hand.
Allow farms and factories, businesses and institutions, schools and communities to prosper and provide the blessings you desire to bestow on us. Use the blessing of wealth to enable us to spread the gospel throughout the world.
Teach us to be faithful stewards of your blessings and lead us to manage them according to your will.
Free us from all thoughts, words, and actions of prejudice and pride. Help us to see in all people the faces of those who have been redeemed by the innocent life and precious blood of your Son, Jesus Christ, who died and rose for everyone from every nation under heaven.
Help us to overcome the racial tensions that plague our land.
Give wisdom to the leaders of our land and bend their will to yours. Drive away party spirit and harsh rhetoric that often deepen the divisions among people. Help our nation find contentment in helping and protecting one another.
Guide us so we may avoid the pitfalls of anger and arrogance.
Keep in your care all those who are sick and suffering in these troubled times. Restore health according to your will. Comfort those you are leading to heaven with the anticipation of their eternal home.
Move us to pray fervently for those in need.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
We come to you on behalf of the people and nation we love. Hear us for the sake of Jesus, your Son and our Savior. Amen.
1983,
Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199
Please stand
CLOSING PRAYER
Keep us from trusting in wealth, O God. It cannot save us from death, and when we die, we cannot take it with us. Only you, Lord, can ransom us from death. So be our greatest treasure the One who gives our lives inestimable value; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Text: William W. Reid, Sr., 1890–
alt. © 1965 The Hymn Society, admin. Hope Publishing Co. Tune: Alfred M. Smith, 1879–1971 © 1990 Estate of Alfred M. Smith.
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
CLOSING HYMN All Depends on Our Possessing Christian Worship 807
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
Text: tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–1878, alt.; Andächtige Haus-Kirche, Nürnberg, 1676. Tune: adapt. Johann Balthasar König, 1691–1758; Johann Löhner, 1645–1705. Text and tune: Public domain.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.
Pastor Appreciation Month
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Grace's four pastors have devoted themselves to sharing the Gospel with all of us at Grace and with the community we live in. These men are God's gift to his church. Remember to pray for each of them every month of the year. In this month of recognition, reach out to your pastors with your appreciation and encouragement. Written encouragements may be left at the central office. To send a digital message, see the back of your worship folder for contact information. A spoken word can leave a lasting impact.
Five Year Anniversary
Next Sunday, October 20, marks five years since the original Child Learning Center teachers were installed at Grace. Vicki Smith will mark this anniversary as she continues to serve Grace in the role of Lead Teacher for 3-year-olds. Remember to pray for Vicki and all our teachers and staff at the CLC. On this special anniversary, please reach out to Vicki with your appreciation and encouragement. Written encouragements may be left at the central office or at the CLC Reception desk in Sahuarita. To send a digital message, see the back of your worship folder for contact information. If you see Vicki, be sure to share a word of appreciation!
Sunday Morning Bible Study
Luther’s Large Catechism is a short summary and epitome of the entire Holy Scriptures. Luther encourages all Christians to daily exercise themselves in the Catechism. With that encouragement, we are looking at the Large Catechism in our Sunday morning Bible study. If you haven’t been to Bible study in a while, now is a great time to start. Please join us in the CLC gymnasium on Sundays at 9:00 AM.
Italian Potluck: Today
Please join us for an Italian Potluck after worship today in the CLC gymnasium! We hope you will stay for some fellowship with your church family.
Those Assisting in Worship This Morning
Minister
Vicar Noah Nordlie
Accompanist Teri Guenther
Acknowledgements:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Grace Oasis Groups
Most groups have already started but there is still time to sign up! There are new sheets on the counter that have the various groups that are meeting and their meeting times. If you’d like to sign up for a group that fits your schedule you can still do so over the next couple weeks. Study guides are provided each week with the service folder. If you happen to miss a Sunday worship, the study guide and sermon video can be found at: https://www.gracelutheransaz.org/grace-oasis-groups
Festival Choir: Today
Choir is back we will rehearse TODAY! Both members and snowbirds are welcome to participate. Join us in the sanctuary about 10 minutes after church has ended. We will be preparing music for our Reformation services on October 27. If you are hiding a musical talent, now is your chance to shine! Please speak to Jane Neujahr if you have any questions. Let's glorify God in our worship with the musical gifts he's given us!
Open Gym: Tuesday at Grace-Sahuarita
Do you enjoy playing basketball and/or volleyball? Test your skills during our adults only, open gym on Tuesdays from 7:00 to 9:00 PM here in our Child Learning Center gymnasium! We will be alternating between basketball and volleyball. This Tuesday, October 15, will be basketball. Come for some friendly competition and bring a friend!
Midweek Bible Study: Wednesday
Our midweek Bible study, “Hard Sayings of Jesus” is being taught by Vicar Nordlie. This study examines numerous difficult sayings of our Savior. Sometimes the sayings are hard to understand, other times they are hard to interpret, and other times they are hard to believe. Students will become equipped to wrestle with God’s Word and understand the hard sayings of Jesus. Please join us on Wednesdays at 10:00 AM in the church entryway.
Ladies’ Fellowship Group: Thursday
The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet this Thursday, October 17, at 10:15 AM at Himmel Park (parking and ramada off of Tucson Blvd.). They will enjoy games and a “bring your own” picnic lunch. Contact Lois Thornton at (520)323-8772 or vthornto2@gmail.com with any questions. Ladies from all Grace sites are welcome to attend.
Pickleball: Saturday
Play indoor pickleball this Saturday, October 19, from 10:00 to noon in the Child Learning Center gymnasium. Contact Diane Heisler at (414)551-6723 if you have any questions. Please join us for some fun!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Spanferkelfest: Saturday
Grace members from all sites are invited to our annual Spanferkelfest Outreach Event being held this Saturday, October 19, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Grace-Tucson. Come and enjoy some delicious roasted pork, side dishes & desserts, activities for kids, music, and great fellowship! This Friendship Evangelism event is a great opportunity to invite your unchurched friends and/or neighbors for an evening of fun. There are invitations for you to use on the Welcome Desk in the church entryway.
Area Reformation Service: October 27
You are invited to join with your brothers and sisters in Christ from all of the WELS congregations in the Tucson area for a special Reformation Service on Sunday, October 27, at 4:00 PM. The service will be held at our Tucson site and will be followed by a time for fellowship and refreshments. Our guest preacher is Rev. Joel Heckendorf who is the new AZ/CA District President. Please plan to join us!
Pastor Adam Mueller - 25th Anniversary Celebration
The members of Redeemer Lutheran Church, our sister WELS church here in Tucson, will recognize 25 years of service in the public ministry for their pastor, Adam Mueller, on November 10. You are invited to join them for a special worship service at 4:00 PM followed by a catered meal and program. Please contact Leigh Webster at 520-572-8136x1 or churchoffice@redeemertucson.com to RSVP by November 1 for the meal or if you have questions. Redeemer is located at 8845 N. Silverbell Road.
We have some great events coming up in October, November, and December! Don’t miss out on the following activities! Watch for more details as each date draws closer.
Sunday, October 27: Area Reformation Service at Grace-Tucson
Saturday, November 2: VailFest
Wednesday, November 27: Thanksgiving Services
Friday, December 6: Carols in the Courtyard at Grace-Tucson
Sunday, December 8: Annual Meeting with Lunch at Grace-Sahuarita
Friday, December 13: Child Learning Center Christmas Event
Saturday, December 14: Christmas for Kids at Esmond Station School
Saturday, December 16: Grace-Vail Caroling in the Park (Purple Heart Park)
Tuesday, December 31: All-Site New Year’s Eve Worship & Meal at Grace-Tucson
SAHUARITA
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 13 - October 20
Sunday, October 20
Adult Bible Study: Large Catechism ...............................9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... Choir Rehearsal following worship ..........................................
VAIL
Adult Bible Study: Baptism 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship Wednesday Adult Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 6:30p
Sunday, October 20
Adult Bible Study: Baptism 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship
OFF-SITE EVENT
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
Vicar Noah Nordlie vicnpn@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
Maddie Nordlie, Toddlers mnordlie@gracelutheransaz.org
Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org
Theresa Pratt, Preschool tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org
Chris Leathers, Toddler/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. wels.net