10-16-22 Grace-Tucson Worship Folder

THE NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

A

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

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.

Today we are using elements from the new Christian Worship 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. We hope this will help our members and friends become better acquainted with these new books. A vocalist will aid in our singing and will be recorded for our audio disks and video live streaming.

OUR WORSHIP SERIES LORD, INCREASE OUR FAITH

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!

Faith That Delights in Duty

Faith That Overflows with Gratitude Faith Demonstrated Through Persistent Prayer Faith Demonstrated Through Total Dependence

FAITH DEMONSTRATED THROUGH PERSISTENT PRAYER

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.

WELCOME

+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +

Be Still My Soul

Summer Decker Nelson

What a Friend We Have in Jesus Christina Mathis

OPENING HYMN With the Lord Begin Your Task

Christian Worship 776

Please stand

INVOCATION

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

Congregation: Amen.

CONFESSION OF SINS

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.

LORD, HAVE MERCY Kyrie

The minister will chant each printed line. Please join in singing the responses as indicated.

In peace let us pray to the Lord.

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.

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

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

GLORY BE TO GOD Gloria in Excelsis

Please join in singing the refrains. The vocalist will sing the italicized verses.

Refrain (ALL):

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.

Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.

Refrain (ALL)

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. You are seated at the right hand of the Father; receive our prayer.

Refrain (ALL)

For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father. Amen. Amen.

Refrain (ALL)

This song is printed on page 176 of the hymnal if you would like to follow along with the music.

In praying for blessing, Jacob literally wrestles with God.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

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.

“Peniel” means “face of God.”

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.

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.

PSALM OF THE DAY—I Lift My Eyes

The vocalist will sing the entire Psalm today.

I lift my eyes up to the hills; from where does my help come?

My help comes from the Maker of the heavens and the earth. He will not let my foot be moved; he keeps my journey safe.

O my soul, praise the Lord most high; strong to save, he upholds my life. Forevermore he will be my light; I lift my eyes up to the Lord most high.

He is the shade at my right hand, my shelter in the storm; No sun by day, nor moon by night shall ever bring me harm. He will not slumber, will not sleep; he watches all my ways.

O my soul, praise the Lord most high; strong to save, he upholds my life. Forevermore he will be my light; I lift my eyes up to the Lord most high.

I lift my eyes up to the hills; from where does my help come?

My help comes from the Maker of the heavens and the earth.

The God of Israel is my guide wherever I may go; And in his strength I will abide, until he leads me home.

O my soul, praise the Lord most high; strong to save, he upholds my life. Forevermore he will be my light; I lift my eyes up to the Lord.

O my soul, praise the Lord most high; strong to save, he upholds my life. Forevermore he will be my light; I lift my eyes up to the Lord most high. I lift my eyes up to the Lord most high.

Psalm 121

This modern setting of Psalm 121 is not found in our new hymnal or Psalter. It is an example of modern hymnody from the team at Getty Music.

Text and music: Jordan Kauflin, Kristyn Getty, Matt Merker, Matt Papa © 2020 Getty Music Hymns and Songs, Getty Music Publishing, Jordan Kauflin Music, Love Your Enemies Publishing, Matthew Merker Music; admin. Music Services, Inc. Used by permission: CCLI #3095263.

SECOND READING

1 John 5:13-15

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

When we ask God for something that is according to his will, we can be absolutely confident we will receive it.

Gospel

Gospel.

The vocalist will sing the italicized verse. Please join in singing the refrain before and after the verse.

Refrain (ALL):

Jesus teaches us to be bold and persistent in our prayers.

Vocalist: Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Refrain (ALL)

GOSPEL Luke 18:1-8

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.

Please be seated

HYMN OF THE DAY

Be Still, My Soul, Before the Lord Christian Worship

The vocalist will sing the first stanza.

join in singing the remainder of the hymn.

SERMON

Yes, He is Listening

1. Because You Are His Child

Because You Ask According to His Will

Because He Wants to Answer You

Please stand

CONFESSION OF FAITH

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.

Nicene Creed

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.

Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.

Please be seated

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

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.

Silent prayer

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.

OFFERING

Members of Grace respond to their Savior’s love with offerings that are given joyfully, generously, regularly, and in a way that is proportionate to how the Lord has blessed them. Their cheerful gifts support the mission and ministry of our congregation. If you are a guest today, please know that we do not expect you to contribute to our congregation’s work. However, if you would like to give an offering to the Lord in response to his love to you, we are happy to receive it and put it to work in God’s kingdom. If you prefer, use your smart phone to give online by scanning this QR code:

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

+ THE SACRAMENT +

Please stand PREFACE

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:

OFFERTORY:

Day by Day (CW 803) Oskar Ahnfelt Mark Hayes

These words are printed below for your silent meditation:

Oh, what joy to know that you are near me when my burdens grow too great to bear; oh, what joy to know that you will hear me when I come, O Lord, to you in prayer. Day by day, no matter what betide me, you will hold me ever in your hand. Savior, with your presence here to guide me, I will reach at last the promised land.

Text: Tr. Robert Leaf © 1992 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.

This liturgical song comes from “The Service Setting 2” in the blue hymnal and can be found on page 184. Because this is the first time we are using this song in worship, we will sing this song twice this morning following the directions printed above the song.

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

The choir will sing this song the first time through alone. Please join in singing this song the second time.

Sanctus

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

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.

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

Matthew 6 and Luke 11 record how Jesus taught his disciples to pray. We use his example prayer as part of our public worship, trusting that he will hear and answer our prayers.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

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.

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.

Gluten free communion wafers and grape juice are available for those who for health or medical reason require it. Please see page 16 for additional details.

O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD Agnus Dei

Please be seated

COMMUNION MUSIC:

Still, My Soul, Be Still Keith & Kristyn Getty, Stuart Townend, Ruth N. Coleman

We Walk by Faith Valerie A. Floeter

DISTRIBUTION

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.

PRAYER BEFORE COMMUNION (For private meditation)

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 ANTHEM (during distribution) This Broken Bread—Not Bread Alone

This broken bread not bread alone but Jesus’ body, broken, torn Upon the cross at Calvary this bread he offers now to me. I come, unworthy, weary, worn, my soul is yearning for my Lord. “Do this,” he said, “remembering me. My life and death have set you free.”

This brimming wine not wine alone but Jesus’ blood that richly flowed From wounds he bore upon the tree this wine he offers now to me. I come, unworthy, weary, worn. My soul is yearning for my Lord. “Do this,” he said, “remembering me. My life and death have set you free.”

A miracle, a mystery: his blood and body here for me. I fix my eyes on things unseen. I eat and drink eternity. I come, unworthy, weary, worn. My soul is yearning for my Lord. “Do this,” he said, “remembering me. My life and death have set you free.”

+ THANKSGIVING +

Please stand

SPOKEN RESPONSES

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.

CLOSING PRAYER

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.

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.

be seated

POSTLUDE MUSIC:

Go, My Children, with My Blessing (CW 930)

Ralph Vaughan Williams

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THOSE ASSISTING

WORSHIP

MORNING

and

Ron Koehler

Tim Patoka

Kassulke (10:00 AM)

Kathy Parra

Beth Kassulke

Paul Kassulke

Jim Bakken

Miller (10:00 AM)

Koehler, Sam Kassulke

Nessinger, Jeanette O’Donald

Rentschler, Jeanette O’Donald, Sandy Weir

TODAY

Holy Communion

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.

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. The prayers below may be used before and after receiving communion.

Altar Flowers

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 include November 6, 13, and 20. 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.

Fellowship

Following the 10:00 AM service, you are invited to join us in the courtyard for drinks and snacks. We thank Nancy Miles for hosting this week. The next available dates are next Sunday, October 23, and November 6 & 13. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

Sunday Morning Bible Study

“God helps those who help themselves.” “A God of Love Wouldn’t Send People to Hell.” These and other popular, positive, catchy statements might sound good, but do they really fit with what the Bible says? We are currently working through “10 Lies About God.” This study will help us respond to false teachings about God and to defend what the Bible teaches. Now would be an excellent time to make this study a part of your Sunday routine! Please join us at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall.

Children’s Bible Hour: TODAY

All children, ages 3 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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Bridal Shower: TODAY

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. We hope you can come and celebrate with Nicole!

Tucson Campus Ministry Bible Study: TONIGHT & Wednesday

Join us tonight at 7:00 PM in the Student Center here at Grace Tucson for TCM’s Bible Study “Submission and Humility” from James 4:1-12. What one value can prevent most conflicts with our neighbors? It’s Christian humility. When a Christian rightly views themselves as God’s precious and blood-bought child, they have Christianity’s unique definition of humility. From this humility then comes submissive attitudes and actions that prevent conflicts with our neighbors. Come and discuss how we can be both submissive and humble in a way that is healthy and uniquely Christian. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Additional Bible Study: Join us this Wednesday for TCM’s midweek Bible Study “Connecting Sinai to Calvary” as we see how Jesus is the central figure of the Old Testament. We will meet at 6:30 PM in the Student Union across from the bookstore entrance. Gourmet donuts will be provided.

District Pastors' Conference

This week Monday through Wednesday, October 17 19, Grace will be hosting the AZ CA District Pastors' Conference here at our Tucson location. The conference begins with an opening service at 10:30 on Monday morning 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 portions of Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Hawaii.

A number of Grace members have signed up to assist with providing snacks and refreshments throughout the conference. Those who are interested in doing so are also invited to attend the opening service.

Midweek Bible Studies: Wednesday & Thursday

Because of the District Pastors’ Conference, there will be no Church History Bible study on Wednesday. We hope you will join us again on October 26 as we continue discussing the Church during the Enlightenment (approximately 1650 1800 A.D.).

Our Women’s Bible Study is working through the book “Prepared to Answer” and tackling subjects such as “But I’m pro choice.” “There are things I’ll never be able to forgive.” Each question is handled in just a handful of pages, so it is easy to jump into the study at any time, even if you can’t make it each week. This class will meet on Thursday at 9:00 AM in the Grace Tucson Fellowship Hall.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ladies’ Fellowship Group: Thursday

The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet THIS Thursday, October 20, at 10:15 AM in the Grace Tucson Fellowship Hall. They will take the streetcar to the Mercado and have lunch at Seis Kitchen and then return to church. Ladies from ALL sites are welcome to join in the fun! Please contact Lois Thornton at (520)323 8772 if you have any questions.

CLC Fundraiser at MOD Pizza: Thursday

Our Child Learning Center 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 (available on a table in the Fellowship Hall). If you are ordering online use the fundraiser code MODF11180. We hope you can come and help support the Child Learning Center!

Spanferkelfest: Saturday

ALL Grace members from all sites are invited to attend the 2nd Annual Spanferkelfest Outreach Event being held THIS Saturday, October 22, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Grace-Tucson. What a great opportunity to invite your unchurched friends and/or neighbors for an afternoon of fun! There are invitation flyers for you to use at both church doors and in the Fellowship Hall. This year’s pig roast will be done on a spit with additional side dishes provided. There will be music, raffles, games, and activities for kids including a bounce house! If you would like to help with this event or have any questions about Spanferkelfest, please contact Jenn Miller (520)909 2115 or Holly Vaden (208)922 9884.

Call/Voters’ Meeting: October 23

A Special Call/Voters’ Meeting is coming up next Sunday, October 23. This meeting will take place at noon 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.

Neighborhood Night Out: October 26

Our church’s neighborhood association is hosting a Neighborhood Night Out on Wednesday, October 26, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Anza Park (corner of Speedway and Stone). There will be 10 14 police officers in attendance to answer questions and concerns about our city. Food trucks will be available and beverages will be provided. All are invited to this neighborhood event.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Redeemer Fall Festival: October 29

You are invited to attend Redeemer’s 2nd annual Family Fall Festival on Saturday, October 29, from 4:30 to 7:00 PM. Admission is free! The festival will begin with trick or treating from 4:30 to 5:30 PM (wear your costumes) followed by games for kids, music, food trucks, and a fantastic raffle with great prizes as well as a 50/50 raffle. All proceeds will benefit Redeemer Lutheran School and students! Redeemer is located at 8845 N. Silverbell Road.

Area Reformation Service: October 30

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.

Tucson Campus Ministry Ax Throwing: November 4

Awaken your medieval self by throwing some axes! TCM is hosting an ax throwing night for college students and college age individuals at St. Hubert’s Hatchet House (908 W. Prince Road, Tucson, 85705) on Friday, November 4. We will meet there at 7:15 PM, receive some safety instructions from an instructor, and throw axes until 8:45 PM. Snacks will be provided. Space is limited so please RSVP to Campus Pastor Tim ASAP at welstcm@welstcm.com to reserve your spot.

Men of His Word Rally: January 21, 2023

WELS men of all ages are invited to this one day event on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix. The theme will be “Man Up! - In a Man Down World.” The keynote speaker will be Pastor Dan Solofra of CrossWalk, Phoenix. There will also be eight breakout sessions including: “Hot Button Topics in Our Society and How to Handle Them,” “Dating and Choosing a Spouse Today” (young men), “Lead Me, Father” (parenting), and “Prayer by Men.” More information can be found at MenofHisWord.org.

CLC Job Opportunity

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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CLC Help Needed

Grace Lutheran Child Learning Center is looking for kind, caring individuals to volunteer in the classroom. We are hoping to find volunteers who are interested in working with individual 3 year old and 4 year old students. This will require a fingerprint clearance card, which we will help you get. If you feel like you would enjoy this opportunity or if you have any questions, please reach out to Jenna Dietrich, CLC Office Manager, or Laura Heiman, CLC Director at (520) 848 4630.

Care Bags for the Homeless

Grace members together with Tucson Campus Ministry students are putting together care bags for distribution to the homeless during the upcoming holiday season. Anyone who would like to donate items for this ministry may do so by placing them in the box located inside the side entrance to the church building or in the west end of the Fellowship Hall. If you would like to make a monetary donation toward the purchase of items, please bring it to the church office. Items needed include:

Individually wrapped food items

Regular size Travel size

GoGo Squeez Applesauce toothbrushes hand/face wipes granola bars (no nuts) Chapstick (20 ct. or less) cheese and cracker “sandwiches” band aids toothpaste (no Cheez Its please) deodorant

16 oz. bottles of water Kleenex

Hard candy (NO mints please) lotion (hotel size)

Bumble Bee Snack on the Run! (chicken, tuna or ham)

Beef sticks

Fruit snacks (Welch’s)

Care-bags will be packaged in gallon-size zipper bags so individual items must be small. If you have any questions, contact Holly Vaden at (208)922 9884 or email: holence1@yahoo.com.

Church Library

Grace has a library from which you can borrow a wide variety of books! If it has been a while since you’ve visited our library or if you have never been in there, now is a great time to stop by! Our library is located at the west end of the Fellowship Hall. Recently added titles include: “Bible Difficulties and Seeming Contradictions,” “In the Fullness of Time: A Historian Looks at Christmas, Easter, and the Early Church,” and “Evidence That Demands a Verdict: Life Changing Truth for a Skeptical World.” You will find check out instructions on the wall above the desk. If you have previously checked out books and forgotten to return them, please drop them on the desk in the library when you are finished. Questions can be directed to our librarian, Katrina, at Library@GraceLutheranSAZ.org or catch her at church on Sunday.

Foodie Club at Esmond Station

Teachers at Esmond Station School (the location where our Vail members worship), have started an after school “Foodie Club” for the students to teach them about different cultural meals. We are helping sponsor this group! Recipes from different cultures and gift cards to any grocery store are needed. Recipes can be emailed to Laura Hodgson (irish_mom@live.com) or dropped off in the church office. Gift cards can also be dropped off in the church office. If you have any questions, please contact her at the above email address or call her at (520)780 1743.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Grace Child Learning Center and Fry’s

Our Child Learning Center (CLC) is enrolled in the Community Rewards Program at Fry’s. This program allows a percentage of your spending to be donated to the CLC. We would greatly appreciate it if you could create an account and link it to our organization. The link is: https:// www.frysfood.com/account/communityrewards and our organization code is CV025. If you have any questions, please contact the CLC office at (520)848 4630. Feel free to share this with friends who are not members of Grace too!

AmazonSmile

Thank you to those who use AmazonSmile to benefit Grace with their online shopping! Currently, our congregation has received $1,835.69 in AmazonSmile donations.

For those unfamiliar with the program, AmazonSmile allows Amazon shoppers to designate a charity to receive a portion of their sales (0.5%). Everything else is the same as shopping with Amazon (the same products, prices, and service). To use this program, simply start your shopping at smile.amazon.com. You can find Grace by searching for “Grace Lutheran Church Tucson.” You can also use Grace’s start page to sign in: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/86 0133394. This is a simple way to support Grace without any additional spending. Thank you for your support!

Prayer Group

God invites us to pray to him about all sorts of things in our lives, and he promises to hear and to answer. Grace has a Prayer Group that is facilitated by Grace Vail member, Laura Hodgson. If any Grace member would like to be a part of this group, please contact her at (520)780 1743 or PrayerGroup@GraceLutheranSAZ.org.

Anyone desiring a special prayer may also contact Laura to give her the details of the prayer request. She will relay the request to the members of the Prayer Group, who will then pray specifically about the request. May God continue to bless this group and cause more prayer to be brought to him through it.

Week at

TUCSON

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

9:00a

Small Group Bible Study: God and Government 9:00a

Bridal Shower for Nicole Weinstein 1:00p

TCM Bible Study: Submission and Humility 7:00p

Monday Wednesday

AZ CA Pastors’ Conference

Tuesday

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

October

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)

5:30p

Women’s Bible Study: Prepared to Answer 9:00a Ladies’ Fellowship Group 10:15a Handbell Rehearsal

Worship Choir 6:45p

Saturday

Spanferkelfest

Next Sunday, October 23

3:00p

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

ONLINE

Today

7:00p

Next Sunday, October 23 Worship Service

7:30a Bible Study following worship: 1 Corinthians

SAHUARITA

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 (Tucson) 9:00a

Worship Services (Tucson and Sahuarita) 10:00a

Next Sunday, October 23

Adult Bible Study (Tucson)

9:00a Worship Services (Tucson and Sahuarita) 10:00a

Stay Up to Date

12:00p

Adult Bible Study: 10 Lies About God 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Voters’/Call Meeting

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.

Grace-Tucson and Central Office

N. 1st Avenue, Tucson,

One Church. Four

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