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One Church. Four Locations. Proclaiming the love of Jesus in Southern Arizona since 1911. Grace-Tucson and Central Office

Grace-Sahuarita

830 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719 (520)623-6633 office@gracelutheransaz.org

75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538

Pastor Ronald G. Koehler III revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org

Pastor Nathan P. Kassulke revnpk@gracelutheransaz.org

Pastor Timothy L. Patoka (Campus Ministry) revtlp@gracelutheransaz.org

THE TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Pastor Ryan A. Heiman

revrah@gracelutheransaz.org

Child Learning Center

(520) 848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org www.GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com

Director—Laura Heiman

director@gracelutheransaz.org

Assistant Director—Jen Rickling jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org

Assistant Office Manager—Shirley Zanotti Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail Benson

451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602

Vail

Child Learning Center Mission Teachers

Chris Leathers, 1-Year Olds cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org

Worshipping at Esmond Station Elementary 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, Tucson, AZ 85747

Sam Anthon, 2-Year Olds

Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein

Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds

revsas@gracelutheransaz.org

vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org

Office at Civano

Theresa Pratt, Preschool

10501 E. Seven Generations Way, Tucson, AZ 85747 (520)848-4631

Prayer Group—Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org

santhon@gracelutheransaz.org

tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org

Katie Patoka, After School Care kpatoka@gracelutheransaz.org

Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher

Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke

cinda@gracelutheransaz.org (520)581-4714

music@gracelutheransaz.org

Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler

Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr

assistant@gracelutheransaz.org

office@gracelutheransaz.org

www.wels.net

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.

E T O

L ,A 15, 2023

Welcome to Grace!

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.

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 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.

TUCSON Today Worship Services with communion ................. 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour ...................................................... 8:45a Adult Bible Study: Living in the Light of God’s Love ....... 9:00a Grow in Grace Class (Office Conference Room) ........... 9:00a Lifeliners (High School group) Bible Study ..................... 9:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... Lifeliners Lunch and Escape Room .............................. 11:30a TCM Bible Study: Seven Deadly Sins: Gluttony ............. 7:00p

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.

Tuesday NO Pastors’ Meeting English Classes .............................................................. 6:30p

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.

Thursday NO Women’s Bible Study (resumes October 26) Ladies’ Fellowship Group at Himmel Park .................... 10:15a Handbells ........................................................................ 5:30p Worship Choir ................................................................. 6:45p

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 INSANE REJECTION There are invitations we might be tempted to reject: an invitation to an event you are not interested in, an invitation to a party that takes place at the same time as something else you want to do. There are other invitations which people would say you’ve lost your mind to reject: an invitation to go on a free tropical vacation, an invitation to go backstage and meet your favorite musical group, an invitation to the Super Bowl. We get so many invitations. Some we accept; others we reject. Where does God’s invitation to participate in his heavenly banquet rank? Scripture often pictures eternal life as a joyful party, full of friends and family, laughter, and the ﬁnest foods. Through a story Jesus teaches us how insane it would be to reject God’s gracious invitation to that eternal celebration. More, Jesus tells us what we need to get into that best of all banquet. 1

This Week at Grace October 15 - October 22

Wednesday NO Midweek Bible Study (resumes October 25)

Friday Grace in Action with Ministry Board ................................ 5:30p Saturday Grace in Action with Ministry Board ................................ 8:00a Next Sunday, October 22 Worship Services ............................................ 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour ...................................................... 8:45a Adult Bible Study: Living in the Light of God’s Love ....... 9:00a Grow in Grace Class (Office Conference Room) ........... 9:00a Lifeliners (High School group) Bible Study ..................... 9:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... TCM Bible Study: Seven Deadly Sins: Lust ................... 7:00p

ONLINE Today Adult Bible Study (Tucson) ............................................. 9:00a Worship Service (Tucson) ............................................ 10:00a Next Sunday, October 22 Adult Bible Study (Tucson) ............................................. 9:00a Worship Service (Tucson) ............................................ 10:00a

Stay Up to Date

BENSON Today Worship Service with communion .................................. 7:30a Adult Bible Study: 1 Corinthians..................................... 8:45a Wednesday NO Midweek Bible Study (resumes October 25) Next Sunday, October 22 Worship Service ............................................................. 7:30a Adult Bible Study: 1 Corinthians..................................... 8:45a VAIL Today Adult Bible Study: The Gospel in the Psalms ................ 9:00a Youth Bible Study ........................................................... 9:00a Worship Service with communion ................................ 10:00a Wednesday NO Midweek Bible Study (resumes October 25) Next Sunday, October 22 Adult Bible Study: The Gospel in the Psalms ................ 9:00a Youth Bible Study........................................................... 9:00a Worship Service ........................................................... 10:00a Choir practice following worship............................................... SAHUARITA Today Adult Bible Study: Favorite Hymns ................................ 9:00a Children’s Sunday School .............................................. 9:00a Worship Service with communion ................................ 10:00a Adult Choir practice following worship ..................................... Wednesday NO Midweek Bible Study (resumes October 25) Next Sunday, October 22 Adult Bible Study: Favorite Hymns ................................ 9:00a Children’s Sunday School .............................................. 9:00a Worship Service ........................................................... 10:00a Adult Choir practice following worship ..................................... OFF-SITE EVENT Monday—Wednesday AZ-CA District Pastors’ Conference in Citrus Heights, CA Saturday Grace Booth at VailFest ................................................. 9:00a

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. 22

+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +

ANNOUNCEMENTS Roast Beef Dinner & Craft Fair: November 11

The Women of Grace will be hosting the all-site Roast Beef Dinner and Craft Fair held at GraceTucson on Saturday, November 11, 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. If you have questions about the dinner, please call the Grace Central Office at (520)623-6633. For those who are making crafts to donate to the Craft Fair, please bring your items to the west end of the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, November 5, or to the church office by Thursday, November 9. If you have questions about the Craft Fair, please contact Joyce Long at (520)405-5133.

Grow in Grace Class

Would you like to learn more about our risen Savior, about the Bible that tells us about him, and about what Grace Lutheran Church believes and teaches? 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 one of the Pastors, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.

WELCOME

OPENING HYMN—Spread Abroad, O Mighty Word

Christian Worship 902

Please stand

PRESERVICE MUSIC:

Five Kyries Francois Couperin

This morning, we are using The Service— Setting Three from the hymnal (p. 188 and following) as our order of worship. Please join in the singing and speaking sections as you are comfortable today.

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

CONFESSION

Grace’s Bible-based Counselor

Cinda Drescher is Grace’s Bible-based Counselor. She is on staff at Grace and works in the counseling building located in the Grace-Tucson parking lot. She typically works at the counseling building two days each week. To schedule an appointment, it is easiest to text her at (520)58104714 or email at Cinda@GraceLutheranSAZ.org. Because she is on staff at Grace and supported by the congregation’s Ministry Spending Plan, there is no charge for anyone who makes an appointment with her. She is happy to meet with anyone whether they are members of Grace/WELS or not. Cinda not only has a WELS Bible-based Therapist certification, she holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work, a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, along with certifications in Trauma and Domestic Violence.

Watch for more details on these events as each date draws closer. Wednesday, November 22: Thanksgiving Eve Services Friday, December 8: Carols in the Courtyard Sunday, December 10: Grace Annual Meeting Friday, December 15: CLC Christmas Live Nativity, Luminary, & Cookie Walk Saturday, December 16: Christmas for Kids Saturday, December 16: Caroling in the Park (Vail)

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. 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.

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

Silence for meditation and reﬂection

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. 21

Psalm 32:1-2

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. The minister will sing the italicized words. The congregation responds by singing “Lord, have mercy” and with the ﬁnal “Amen. Amen.”

LORD, HAVE MERCY (Kyrie)

Christian Worship 190

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Minister: In peace let us pray to the Lord. Congregation:

TCM Topgolf Outing: October 27

WELS Tucson Campus Ministry (TCM) is going to Topgolf! We will enjoy two hours of Topgolf games, delicious spread of fan favorite appetizers, and bottomless soft drinks. No golf skills are needed to have a great time. Space is limited for this free outing. RSVP to Campus Pastor Tim (540623-1149) to secure a spot for you and your college-aged friends.

For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.

Redeemer Fall Festival: October 27

Grace members are invited to Redeemer's 3rd annual Fall Festival on Friday, October 27, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Admission is free! The festival will begin with Trick-or-Treating from 5:00 to 6:00 PM followed by games for kids, music, food trucks, and a fantastic raffle with great prizes. If you are interested in decorating a table to pass out candy, please contact Missy Wiechmann at m7wiechmann@gmail.com or call/text (520)403-1177 to reserve your spot. (Businesses are welcome to sponsor a decorated table too, ask Missy for details). All proceeds will benefit Redeemer Lutheran School and students! Redeemer is located at 8845 N Silverbell Road.

Area Reformation Service: October 29

For this holy house and for all who oﬀer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.

The WELS churches in the Tucson area will be gathering to celebrate God’s grace with a special Area Reformation Service on Sunday, October 29 (just two weeks away). The service starts at 4:00 PM here at Grace-Tucson. Our guest preacher is the President of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Professor Earle Treptow. Stick around after the service for fellowship and refreshments.

Crafters Needed!

Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.

The Women of Grace will host a craft fair in conjunction with the all-site Roast Beef Dinner this fall. Anyone interested in donating hand-made crafts, please let Joyce Long know at (520)405-5133 or hopalong47@gmail.com. This year’s dinner and craft fair will be held on Saturday, November 11, in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall—see announcement on the next page.

Men’s Cancer Research Fundraiser: November 10

“Let’s Berry Cancer” is the name of a strawberry cream ale, this year’s collaboration beer brewed by Tucson’s BlackRock Brewers for Pints 4 Pink, a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded by a member of Grace following his treatment for breast cancer. On Friday, November 10, beginning at 5:30 PM at Grace-Tucson, the men of Grace will have the opportunity to try this and other beers as representatives from local breweries will offer beer tastings and talk about their beers and the history of their breweries. BlackRock, Dillinger, Barrio, and Harbottle breweries will all be represented. Men of our congregation are encouraged to invite friends to join them, particularly men who do not have a church. The purposes of this event are to enjoy some fellowship, taste a variety of local beers, and raise money for cancer research. Although not required, those attending will be encouraged to donate generously to Pints 4 Pink, so that those gifts can be used in our community to support cancer research efforts at the Arizona Cancer Center, our state’s only research facility recognized by the National Cancer Institute. 20

ANNOUNCEMENTS District Pastors' Conference

This week Monday through Wednesday, October 16 to 18, Grace’s pastors will be attending the AZCA District Pastors' Conference at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Citrus Heights, CA. The conference begins with an opening service at 6:30 PM on Monday evening and is scheduled to conclude around noon on Wednesday. Grace's pastors will be joining with other pastors from the district for worship, study, and fellowship. The Arizona-California District includes those two states as well as Hawaii and Nevada and portions of New Mexico and Texas.

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. Please join in singing the entire song today.

No Midweek Bible Studies

Because of the District Pastors’ Conference this week, our Wednesday and Thursday midweek Bible studies will not be held. The Wednesday Church History class at 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM will resume on October 25 and the 9:00 AM Thursday Ladies’ class will resume on October 26.

Ladies’ Fellowship Group: Thursday

The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet at Himmel Park (1000 N. Tucson Blvd.) this 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!

Grace in Action: Friday & Saturday

Grace in Action is a WELS-affiliated organization that partners with churches, schools, and other ministries to help them further their mission. Through a generous grant, Grace in Action has offered our congregation assistance in the areas of leadership and team building. This coming Friday and Saturday our Ministry Board is working with Grace in Action leaders concerning productivity in meetings and strategic planning. We are thankful for this opportunity to work with a group that approaches these issues from a biblical perspective and also has practical experience to draw from. If you would like to learn more about Grace in Action, you may visit www.Grace-in-Action.com. This song continues on the next page.

VailFest: Saturday

VailFest is an annual event sponsored by the Greater Vail Area Chamber of Commerce. This year’s event is this 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. 19

ANNOUNCEMENTS Sunday Morning Bible Study

Join us on Sunday mornings for a look at 1 John under the theme, “Living in the Light of God’s Love.” 1 John is a brief book nestled into the back of the Bible, but it is full of wisdom for Christians living in the light and joy of God’s love for them. If you have not made Sunday morning Bible study a part of your routine, this would be a great time to start! We meet at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall.

Children’s Bible Hour

All children, age 3 through 8th grade, are invited to attend Children’s Bible Hour on Sunday mornings. The children will begin all together in the main area of our Education Building at 8:45 AM for music and an opening devotion and from there will be divided into age-based classrooms. Parents can meet their children after class at their classrooms or in the courtyard. If you have any questions about Children’s Bible Hour, please contact Pastor Patoka.

Lifeliners Escape Room Outing: Today

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 today! If you haven’t RSVPd but would still like to go, please speak with Pastor Patoka.

WELS Tucson Campus Ministry: Tonight

WELS Tucson Campus Ministry (TCM) invites all college-aged adults to join us for Bible study this evening on Seven Deadly Sins: Gluttony. We meet in the Student Center located in the basement at Grace-Tucson at 7:00 PM.

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 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 baskets at the exits or given to Grace-Tucson Site Elder, DJ Miller. (Checks can be made out to Grace Lutheran Church). Thank you for your generous participation. Questions can be directed to Kay Kassulke (541-9413038). Tune: David Kauﬀman; William Gokelman © 2010, 2021 GFTSMUSIC Publishing Company, Inc., admin. Music Services. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

+ THE WORD +

TODAY Holy Communion

PRAYER OF THE DAY

We provide gluten-free communion wafers for those with wheat allergy, gluten-sensitivity, or celiac disease. These wafers are stored and handled separately to avoid cross-contamination. They are “bread” as Scripture requires and are consecrated along with the rest of the bread. For those requiring gluten-free wafers, please take one from the stand located at the front rail as you approach for communion. Simply hold it so that the pastor can see it at the time of distribution. Grape juice is available for those who for health or medical reason require it instead of wine. Please speak with a pastor about providing grape juice for you on future Sundays.

The Lord be with you.

Today we are distributing Holy Communion in “tables.” The ushers will direct members forward by the side aisles. Groups of about ten will be guided toward the center aisle and will line up to receive the elements together. After each table communes, the pastor will offer a blessing and dismiss the group to return by the center aisle. To aid in your personal preparation for Holy Communion, a list of Christian Questions can be found on pages 295-296 in the hymnal. These were prepared by Martin Luther for those intending to receive the Sacrament.

Altar Flowers

The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by Eric & Erika Hanson in thanks to God for many years of faith, family, and Christian 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 Sundays are November 19 and 26. 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.

And also with you. Let us pray. Almighty God, you invite us to trust in you for our salvation. Deal with us not in the severity of your judgment but by the greatness of your mercy; 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 6

Fellowship

Following the 10:00 AM service this morning, you are invited to join us in the courtyard and Fellowship Hall for drinks and snacks. We thank Doug Lemke and Jay Wiechmann for hosting this week. Upcoming available dates to host include many of the Sundays in November. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

Those Assisting in Worship This Morning Preacher ............................................................................................................... Pastor Ron Koehler Worship Leader ............................................................................................ Pastor Nathan Kassulke Communion Assistant .......................................................................................... Pastor Tim Patoka Accompanist ..................................................................................................................... Jim Bakken Vocalist............................................................................................................................. Deb Bakken Choir Director ............................................................................................................... Teri Guenther Greeters .................................................................................................... Debbie Koehler (10:00 AM) Ushers ....................................................................................... Rusty King, Stanley Mead (7:45 AM) Chris Dietrich, Jon Dongoske, Dylan Guenther, Ferdie Kramm (10:00 AM) Communion Prep............................................... Audrey Nessinger, Jeanette O’Donald, Lauri Colton Sound and Recording Techs ................................. Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke Banner Committee............................................. Nadine Rentschler, Jeanette O’Donald, Sandy Weir Acknowledgements: Scripture readings are taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) © 2018 The Wartburg Project. All rights reserved. wartburgproject.org. Created by Christian Worship: Service Builder © 2022 Concordia Publishing House. Software distributed in partnership with Northwestern Publishing House.

Isaiah 25:6-9

On this mountain The L of Armies will prepare for all peoples a banquet of rich food, a banquet of aged wines, with the best cuts of meat, and with the ﬁnest wines. On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that covers all peoples, the burial cloth stretched over all nations. He has swallowed up death forever! The L God will wipe away the tears from every face. He will take away the shame of his people throughout the earth. For the L has spoken. On that day it will be said, “Look, here is our God! We waited for him, and he saved us! This is the L ! We waited for him. Let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation!”

The prophet Isaiah describes the heavenly banquet, where death and tears will be no more. How does one get in? Through faith in God and his salvation.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God. 6

This song appears as one of the new hymns in our hymnal (#568) and beautifully describes “The Great Exchange”—Jesus Christ was made sin for us in order that we might be declared righteous in him.

+ THANKSGIVING +

CHOIR ANTHEM—His Robes for Mine His robes for mine: O wonderful exchange! Clothed in my sin, Christ suﬀered ’neath God’s rage. Draped in his righteousness, I’m justiﬁed. In Christ I live, for in my place he died. I cling to Christ, and marvel at the cost: Jesus forsaken, God estranged from God. Bought by such love, my life is not my own. My praise—my all—shall be for Christ alone. His robes for mine: what cause have I for dread? God’s daunting law Christ mastered in my stead. Faultless I stand with righteous works not mine, saved by my Lord’s vicarious death and life. His robes for mine: God’s justice is appeased. Jesus is crushed, and thus the Father’s pleased. Christ drank God’s wrath on sin, then cried, “’Tis done!” Sin’s wage is paid, propitiation won. I cling to Christ, and marvel at the cost: Jesus forsaken, God estranged from God. Bought by such love, my life is not my own. My praise—my all—shall be for Christ alone.

His robes for mine: such anguish none can know. Christ, God’s beloved, condemned as though his foe. He, as though I, accursed and left alone; I, as though he, embraced and welcomed home! I cling to Christ, and marvel at the cost: Jesus forsaken, God estranged from God. Bought by such love, my life is not my own. My praise—my all—shall be for Christ alone.

SPOKEN RESPONSES

Psalm 106:1

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures forever.

1 Corinthians 11:26

Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

CLOSING PRAYER We give you thanks, O Lord, for the foretaste of the heavenly banquet you have given us in this Sacrament. Through this gift you have fed our faith, nourished our hope, and strengthened our love. By your Spirit, help us to live as your holy people until that day when you will receive us as your guests at the wedding supper of the Lamb, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 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

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS POSTLUDE MUSIC:

CLOSING HYMN—Lord, When Your Glory I Shall See 7

Christian Worship 884

Lord, When Your Glory I Shall See Matthew Manthe

SECOND READING

Romans 1:16-17

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes—to the Jew ﬁrst, and also to the Greek. 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed by faith, for faith, just as it is written, “The righteous will live by faith.”

We are saved through faith alone. May we never reject this gospel truth. Habakkuk 2:4

Please stand Please be seated

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION DISTRIBUTION Gluten-free communion wafers and grape juice are available for those who for health or medical reason require it. Please see page 17.

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.

COMMUNION MUSIC:

PRAYER BEFORE COMMUNION (For private meditation)

Variations on “Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord” John Behnke Kevin Hildebrand David Schack The Gifts Christ Freely Gives Mark Knickelbein

ALL:

Isaiah 25:6

The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.

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.

Lord Jesus, you have invited me to come and receive your holy Sacrament. I believe that in the bread and wine you give me your true body and blood to eat and drink. Forgive my sins and nourish my faith through this precious meal. I long for the comfort that comes with your promises; I yearn for the assurance of your faithful love. Bless me now as I receive you by faith. Amen.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION (For private meditation) Thank you, dear Savior, for nourishing my faith with the Sacrament of your body and blood. Lift my heart with your forgiveness, renew my conﬁdence in your grace, empower my love for others, and lead me to long for the eternal banquet of heaven. Amen.

Choir:

On this mountain the L Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples.

Please stand

Jesus tells a story of those who insanely rejected a king’s gracious invitation.

GOSPEL

Matthew 22:1-14

Jesus spoke to them again in parables. He said, 2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. 3 He sent out his servants to summon those who were invited to the wedding banquet, but they did not want to come.

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.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

“Then he sent out other servants and said, ‘Tell those who are invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and my fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet!’ “But those who were invited paid no attention and went oﬀ, one to his own farm, another to his business. 6 The rest seized the king’s servants, mistreated them, and killed them. 7 As a result, the king was very angry. He sent his army and killed those murderers and burned their town. 8

“Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. 9 So go to the main crossroads and invite as many as you ﬁnd to the wedding banquet.’ 10 Those servants went out to the roads and gathered together everyone they found, both good and bad, and the wedding hall was ﬁlled with guests. 11 But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 12 He said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without wearing wedding clothes?’ The man was speechless. 13 Then the king told the servants, ‘Tie him hand and foot and throw him into the outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.”

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.”

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. 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.

The peace of the Lord be with you always. Amen.

LAMB OF GOD

Agnus Dei

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.

Please be seated

HYMN OF THE DAY—Jesus, Your Blood and Righteousness

Christian Worship 573

The choir will sing stanzas 1 and 5. Please join in singing the remaining stanzas.

SERMON

Please stand

Matthew 22:1-14 The Foolish Rejection of a Gracious Invitation This song continues on the next page.

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

Sanctus

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.

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.

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. Tune: David Kauﬀman; William Gokelman © 2010 GFTSMUSIC Publishing Company, Inc., admin. Music Services. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Please be seated

Blessed are you, O Lord of heaven and earth. We praise and thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, and we remember the great acts of love through which he has ransomed us from sin, death, and the devil’s power. By his incarnation, he became one with us. By his perfect life, he fulﬁlled your holy will. By his innocent death, he overcame hell. By his rising from the grave, he opened heaven.

Invited by your grace and instructed by your Word, we approach your table with repentant and joyful hearts. Strengthen us through Christ’s body and blood, and preserve us in the true faith until we feast with him and all his ransomed people in glory everlasting. Amen.

Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a ﬁtting place.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

OFFERING

OFFERTORY:

Almighty God and Father, we thank you for all your mercies, especially for the gift of your Son, through whom you have revealed your gracious will. We praise you for the Holy Spirit and his working through the means of grace.

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:

Jesus, Your Blood and Righteousness Karen Phipps

Plant your Word in our hearts, and cause it to produce fruit in our lives. Strengthen and defend your Church, that by your Word and sacraments faith may grow and love toward all may increase.

Please ﬁll out the Friendship Register located in the red folder at the end of the row and pass it along. Thank you!

Support all who spread the light of your truth throughout the world.

Keep our children in the grace of their baptisms. Enable their parents to train them in lives of faith.

Please stand

Raise up Christians to serve you in the ministry of the Word and in all godly walks of life. Preserve our nation in justice and honor. Guide and bless all who make, administer, and judge our laws. Give them wisdom that they may promote justice and hinder evil.

+ THE SACRAMENT + PREFACE Minister: The Lord be with you. Congregation:

Let your blessing rest on planting and harvest, commerce and industry, medicine and science, the arts and culture. Protect all who travel, and care for those whose work is diﬃcult or dangerous. Be with all who devote themselves to any useful task.

The minister will sing the italicized words. The congregation sings each response as indicated.

Lift up your hearts.

Comfort all who are in sorrow or need, sickness or adversity. Remember those who suﬀer persecution for the faith. Have mercy on those for whom death draws near. Grant them your love, and take them into your tender care. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

We remember with thanksgiving those who have loved and served you, who now rest from their labors. Console those who are mourning or living with sadness. Keep us in the true faith, and bring us at last to the joys of heaven. Grant us these things, Father, for the sake of Jesus, who died and rose again. 11

Amen.

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: 12