THE NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Our mission at Grace is to teach the inspired and inerrant Word of God, to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Savior of the world, and to nurture believers for lives of Christian service.
Check out the GRACE WEBSITE at GraceLutheranSAZ.org
We are very pleased that you have joined us for worship today! We pray that this time will be a blessing for you as God comes to you with his Word and promises, and as you offer him your thanks and praise.
The worship service is printed in this worship folder for you to follow along and participate. You’ll notice that the service is a dialogue between God and us, his people. The pastor speaks to God along with the congregation and also speaks the Word of God to the people. Those wishing to leave an offering can do so at the exit today or give online at www.GraceLutheranSAZ.org/give. (You can also scan the QR code to the right to access the online giving page.)
Today we are using elements from the new Christian Worship hymnal. You will find these blue worship books in the hymnal pocket in each row. You will be asked to open the hymnal to participate in parts of the service today. We hope this will help our members and friends become better acquainted with these new books.
We sometimes use the word faith very casually. “You got to have faith.” “Keep the faith.” “Make a leap of faith.” As Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem nears its conclusion, he begins to talk about faith in ways that are anything but casual. He says profound things about the power of faith: “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you” (Luke 17:6). Or “Your faith has made you well” (Luke 17:19). In thinking about his second coming, Christ wistfully wonders, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8).
Jesus’ words are serious and compelling. They force us to consider what true, saving faith is. They make us ask if we have such faith. But most of all, Jesus’ words move us to run to our God and beg him for more of it. Lord, increase our faith!
Disciples of Jesus need to learn how to pray. We need Jesus to teach us to ask for those things which our Father in heaven promises us. We need to learn to claim in prayer what he wants for us more than what we want from him. However, learning to pray is not like many of the other things we learn to do in our lives. Once we know how to write our name, tie our shoes, or ride a bike, the learning is done. There is virtually no danger we will forget how to do those things. Not so with prayer. Prayer is not something we learn to do once and then know how to do correctly for the rest of our lives. Learning to pray consists of a lifetime of persistence and struggle. But when we struggle with God in prayer, it is not an indication that something is wrong but that everything is right. Struggle is part of the very nature of prayer and at the heart of the blessings it brings in our lives of faith.
Christian Worship 803
Please stand
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
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.
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.
Psalm 32:1 2
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
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.
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 response below following a brief introduction.
This song continues on the next page.
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
God, our refuge and strength, have mercy on your church as we come in prayer before you. Answer us not in judgment on our sins but in peace and forgiveness; 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
In praying for blessing, Jacob literally wrestles with God.
FIRST
22 He [Jacob] got up that night and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven sons, and crossed over the ford of the Jabbok. 23 He took them and sent them across the stream, and he also sent his possessions across. 24 Jacob was left alone, and he wrestled with a man there until daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he could not defeat him, he touched the socket of his thigh, and the socket of Jacob’s thigh was dislocated as he wrestled. 26 The man said, “Let me go. It’s daybreak.”
Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”
27 Then he said to him, “What is your name?”
He said, “Jacob.”
28
Then he said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have fought with God and with men, and you have won.”
29 Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.”
He said, “Why do you ask what my name is?” Then he blessed him there.
“Peniel” means “face of God.”
30 Jacob named the place Peniel, because he said, “I have seen God face to face, and my life has been spared.”
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
When we ask God for something that is according to his will, we can be absolutely confident we will receive it.
SECOND READING
John 5:13
I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
13
14 This is the confidence that we have before him: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us whatever we ask we also know that we receive the things we have asked from him.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Please stand
Alleluia. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Alleluia.
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
1
Jesus told them a parable about the need to always pray and not lose heart: 2 “There was a judge in a certain town who did not fear God and did not care about people. 3 There was a widow in that town, and she kept going to him, saying, ‘Give me justice from my adversary!’ 4 For some time he refused, but after a while he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God or care about people, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice so that she will not wear me out with her endless pleading.’”
6 The Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 Will not God give justice to his chosen ones, who are crying out to him day and night? Will he put off helping them? 8 I tell you that he will give them justice quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ.
While the children are coming forward for the children’s message, please greet those near you.
Jesus teaches us to be bold and persistent in our prayers.
Please be seated
Please fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder in your row and pass it along. Thank you!
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.
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 one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Eternal Lord, give us peace as we ponder the good news that you forgive our sins in Christ. Lead us to see clearly the path you have laid out for us.
Work in us so that we believe and live the Word we have heard today.
Provide courage and compassion to all who preach and teach your Word. Fill them with a love like yours as they proclaim your grace to us and all people. Move us to love all ministers of the Word wherever they serve.
Guard and guide the families of our congregation. Lead husbands and wives to love each other with commitment, respect, and patience. Help parents to grasp the eternal value of keeping their children close to Jesus all their lives. Grant joy to those who are single, and make them a blessing to others.
Protect us from the temptations that surround us; give us pure hearts and minds.
Provide wisdom and insight to those who make laws and set policies. Give us respect for those who protect us from crime. Lead us to value the rights of our fellow citizens and to defend those who cannot defend themselves.
Bless our land with peace and prosperity so that the gospel may be proclaimed to all.
Give us passion to share the story of your love with our family and friends. Overcome unbelief, and open the hearts of people everywhere to believe the good news that Jesus has forgiven their sins and opened the gates of heaven.
Fill us with joy over every sinner who repents and comes to trust in you.
Extend your healing power to those who are sick and suffering in body or mind. Give patience and compassion to all who care for the sick and dying.
Lift the eyes of the distressed to your love in Christ.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Gracious God, you govern and direct all things and you love all people. Hear our prayers, spoken and silent, and answer them in your wisdom and grace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who promised that wherever two or three come together in his name, there he is with them to shepherd his flock until he comes again in glory. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:
Please join in singing the response below following a brief introduction.
Lord God, you are worthy to receive thanks and praise from all people. You created the world and all who live in it, and in your mercy you saved us. We give thanks to you for the grace of your Son, Jesus Christ.
Though in very nature God, he took the nature of a servant and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. He offered himself as a sacrifice for sin and redeemed us from its curse and penalty. He rescued us from the terrors of death and restored eternal life with you. He conquered our enemies and gained for us the kingdom of grace and glory.
Bless us as we receive your Son’s body and blood, and lead us to remember his suffering, death, and resurrection. Forgive our sins and fill us with the hope of new life in heaven. Hear our praise and receive our thanks as we worship you the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my (+) body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is my (+) blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
The peace of the Lord be with you always. Amen.
Please join in singing the response below following a brief introduction.
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.
To aid in your personal preparation for Holy Communion, a list of Christian Questions can be found on pages 295 296 in the hymnal.
The Bible teaches that the Lord’s Supper is a unique communion of Christ and the individual believer as well as a coming together of people who hold to the same beliefs. Because of these Scriptural truths, we practice Member Communion at Grace. Those who are confirmed members of Wisconsin Synod congregations (WELS) are invited to receive the Lord’s Supper with us.
If you are not a WELS member but have an interest in receiving Holy Communion, please speak with the pastor after church today or at another time. We are aware that there are a number of other teachings about Holy Communion, and we want it to be a blessing for you, so we would look forward to sharing with you what God says about this Sacrament.
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.
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.
Psalm 106:1
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures forever.
Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
O God the Father, source of all goodness, in your loving kindness you sent your Son to share our humanity. We thank you that through him you have given us pardon and peace in this Sacrament. We also pray that you will not forsake us but will rule our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit so that we willingly serve you day after day; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.
Amen.
Please be seated
The blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God’s people for over 3,500 years. The L said, “In this way they will put my name on [them], and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27
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.
We are creating a member photo board to display here at our Sahuarita site. After worship, please stop out in front of church to have your family’s photo taken! We are hoping to get all of our members to participate!
All ladies of the congregation are invited to a bridal shower for Nicole Weinstein TODAY at 1:00 PM in the Grace Tucson Fellowship Hall. Nicole and Pastor Seth Scheuerlein will be married in November and are registered on Amazon.
The AZ-CA Pastors’ Conference will be held at our Tucson site this Monday through Wednesday, October 17 19. Because of this, there will be NO Bible Study here at Sahuarita or at Grace Tucson on Wednesday morning and Wednesday evening. Both of these classes will resume on October 26.
Grace Lutheran Child Learning Center has an opening for an Office Manager/Receptionist. We are looking for someone who is friendly and welcoming and also has some computer and organizational skills. Part time or full time is available within the hours of 6:00am to 2:00pm, Monday through Friday. Please feel free to call 520-848-4630 and ask for Laura or Jenna if you have any questions or would like more information. If you are interested in this position, please send your resume to Laura Heiman at director@gracelutheransaz.org.
Children grades K 6 are invited to join the Sahuarita Children’s Choir rehearsing at Grace Lutheran Church and Child Learning Center. Weekly practices, voice lessons, music instruction along with 5 performances. $25 per child registration fee covers music and director costs.
Practices Thursdays 4:45 PM to 5:30 PM beginning
Grace Lutheran Church 75 W. Sahuarita Rd. Sahuarita, AZ 85629
Directors: Laura Heiman, Katie Patoka, Jane Neujahr, Teri Guenther Register: https://www.gracelutheransaz.org/sahuarita-childrens-choir
A Special Call/Voters’ Meeting is coming up on Sunday, October 23. This meeting will take place at noon here at Grace-Sahuarita, and lunch will be provided for those attending. The purpose of this meeting is to extend two divine calls for teachers at our Child Learning Center. The voters are also asked to approve spending to send members to the WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership. Finally, we are hosting a discussion and seeking member feedback regarding a potential additional pastor for our Sahuarita site with support from WELS Home Missions. We are planning to conclude the meeting at 1:15 that afternoon. More details may be found at www.GraceLutheranSAZ.org/voters.
Please plan to join us for a special worship service on Sunday, October 30, at 4:00 PM at Grace Tucson. This Area Reformation Service celebrates God's goodness to us through the Lutheran Reformation, and it provides an opportunity to worship with WELS members from churches all around the Tucson area. This service is in addition to our regular Sunday morning schedule, and we encourage you to attend both in the morning and in the afternoon. The services will be different, and the afternoon service includes our guest preacher, District President Jon Buchholz. Our Area Reformation Service will include the celebration of Holy Communion this year. You are also invited to stick around after the service for snacks and fellowship.
Today
Adult Bible Study: 10 Lies About God 9:00a
Children’s Sunday School 9:00a
Worship Service with communion 10:00a
Wednesday
NO Midweek Bible Study (resumes October 26)
Grow in Grace Class 3:00p & 5:00p
Next Sunday, October 23
Adult Bible Study: 10 Lies About God
9:00a
Today
Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a
Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: 10 Lies About God 9:00a
Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study
Small Group Bible Study: God and Government
9:00a
9:00a
Bridal Shower for Nicole Weinstein 1:00p
TCM Bible Study: Submission and Humility 7:00p
Monday Wednesday
AZ-CA Pastors’ Conference
Tuesday
12:00p
Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Voters’/Call Meeting
VAIL
Today
Children’s Sunday School 9:00a
Adult Bible Study: Male & Female He Created Them 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship
Thursday
Midweek Bible Study: Grow in Grace 6:30p
Next Sunday, October 23
Children’s Sunday School 9:00a
Adult Bible Study: Male & Female He Created Them 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship
BENSON
Today
Worship Service with communion 7:30a Bible Study following worship: 1 Corinthians
Wednesday
NO Midweek Bible Study (resumes October 26)
Next Sunday, October 23
NO Weekly Pastors’ Meeting
NO English Classes
Wednesday
NO Midweek Bible Study (resumes October 26)
TCM Bible Study (on campus) 6:30p Connecting Sinai to Calvary
Thursday
Women’s Bible Study: Prepared to Answer 9:00a
Ladies’ Fellowship Group 10:15a Handbell Rehearsal 5:30p Worship Choir 6:45p
Saturday
Spanferkelfest 3:00p
Next Sunday, October 23
Worship Services 7:45a & 10:00a
Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: 10 Lies About God
9:00a
Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study 9:00a
Small Group Bible Study: God and Government 9:00a TCM Bible Study: Plans & Priorities 7:00p
ONLINE
Today
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a
Worship Services (Tucson and Sahuarita) 10:00a
Worship Service
7:30a Bible Study following worship: 1 Corinthians
Next Sunday, October 23
Adult Bible Study (Tucson)
9:00a Worship Services (Tucson and Sahuarita) 10:00a
Our Child Learning Center here at our Sahuarita site will be holding an all-day fundraiser at MOD Pizza (18767 S. Nogales Hwy, Suite 105, Sahuarita, AZ 85614) THIS Thursday, October 20. 20% of your bill supports the CLC! You must bring in an event flyer and they can be found on the Welcome Desk in the entryway. If you are ordering online use the fundraiser code MODF11180. We hope you can come and help support the Child Learning Center!
Grace-Tucson and Central Office
N. 1st Avenue, Tucson,
Pastor Ronald G. Koehler
Pastor Nathan P. Kassulke
Pastor Timothy L. Patoka (Campus
Grace-Sahuarita 75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538
Pastor Ryan A. Heiman
Learning Center
Laura Heiman
Grace-Benson 451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602
Grace-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
Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher cinda@gracelutheransaz.org (520)405-3286 Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org
Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org
Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr office@gracelutheransaz.org
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. For more information about our synod and what we believe visit: www.wels.net