G E L C S , A O 26, 2025
Welcome to Grace!
Our mission at Grace is to teach the inspired and inerrant Word of God, to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Savior of the world, and to nurture believers for lives of Christian service.
Check out the GRACE WEBSITE at GraceLutheranSAZ.org
We are very pleased that you have joined us for worship today! We pray that this time will be a blessing for you as God comes to you with his Word and promises, and as you offer him your thanks and praise.
The worship service is printed in this worship folder for you to follow along and participate. You’ll notice that the service is a dialogue between God and us, his people. The pastor speaks to God along with the congregation and also speaks the Word of God to the people. Those wishing to leave an offering can do so at the exit today or give online at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/give. (You can also scan the QR code to the right to access the online giving page.)
Today we are using elements from the Christian Worship hymnal. If you would like to worship from a hymnal today, you will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each row; however, you do not need to use a hymnal if you so choose, as everything needed for worship is printed in this worship folder.
OUR WORSHIP SERIES WELS 175TH ANNIVERSARY: CHRIST THROUGH US
Over the next three Sundays, we will look at the blessings we have and continue to receive as part of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. We praise God for preserving our synod for 175 years and we acknowledge that every good and perfect gift is from his hand.
Our worship has followed this path:
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost Christ FOR Us
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost Christ THROUGH Us
The Festival of Reformation Christ WITH Us
OUR THEME FOR TODAY CHRIST WITH US
Over 500 years ago, Lutheran Christians were under tremendous pressure. They were forced to defend themselves on battlefields both metaphorical and literal. But they took comfort that Christ himself was by their side upon the plain with his good gifts and Spirit.
Just 175 years ago, the Lutheran Christians who founded WELS were also under tremendous pressure. The pressure continues today with opposition to the truths of the Word of God. But we take comfort that Christ is with us in Word and sacrament, and we move forward with the promise of his presence.
WELCOME
OPENING HYMN Not Unto Us
Christian Worship 582
Please stand
Text and tune: Kurt J. Eggert, 1923–1993, alt. © 1975 Kurt J. Eggert, admin. Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
The words of the invocation remind us that the God we meet and worship is the true and triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
CONFESSION
1 John 1:8-9
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Let us confess our sins to the Lord.
Holy God, gracious Father, I am sinful by nature and have sinned against you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved others as I should.
I deserve your punishment both now and forever. But Jesus, my Savior, paid for my sins with his innocent suffering and death. Trusting in him, I pray: God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Silence for meditation and reflection
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
Our gracious Father in heaven has been merciful to us. He sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, who gave his life as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the (+) Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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
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.
Kyrie
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.
HYMN RESPONSE—Christ Is the World’s Light Christian Worship 515
Text: Fred Pratt Green, 1903–2000, alt. © 1969 Hope Publishing Co. Tune: K. Lee Scott, b. 1950 © 2004 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
+ THE WORD +
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Gracious Lord, our refuge and strength, pour out your Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep them steadfast in your Word, protect and comfort them in all temptations, defend them against all their enemies, and bestow on the church your saving peace; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
God’s people memorialize his gracious presence.
Please be seated FIRST READING
1When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the L told Joshua, 2“Take twelve men from the people, one man from each tribe, 3and give them the following orders: ‘Pick up twelve stones from here in the middle of the Jordan, from the place where the feet of the priests are standing securely. Carry them over with you and put them at the place where you will stay tonight.’”
4So Joshua called the twelve men whom he had selected from the people of Israel a man from each tribe. 5Joshua said to them, “Go to the middle of the Jordan in front of the Ark of the L your God. There each man is to lift up one stone on his shoulder. The number will correspond to the number of the tribes descended from the sons of Israel, 6so that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in the future, ‘What do these stones mean for you?’
7Then you shall respond to them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off in front of the Ark of the Covenant of the L . When the ark passed through the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones will serve as a permanent memorial for the people of Israel.”
8So the people of Israel did just as Joshua had ordered. They picked up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, corresponding to the number of the tribes descended from the sons of Israel, as the L had instructed Joshua. They carried the stones over with them to their lodging place and deposited them there. 9Joshua also set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan at the spot where the feet of the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant had stood. They are there to this day.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
IntegratedRights.com. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
Text and tune: Tim Chester, b. 1967; Bob Kauflin, b. 1955 © 2017 Sovereign Grace Praise, admin.
Christ is coming soon. Hold on to what you have and go through the open door before you.
7To the messenger of the church in Philadelphia write: The Holy One, the one who is true, the one who has the key of David, the one who opens and no one can shut, and who shuts and no one can open, says this:
8I know your works. Look, I have set before you an open door, which no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9Look, I will make those who are from the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not but are lying look, I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them realize that I have loved you. 10Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will also keep you from the hour of testing, which is about to come over the whole inhabited world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
11I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have so that no one takes your crown.
12The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will never leave it again. I will also write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God and my new name.
13Whoever has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King. The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Please stand
Alleluia. If you remain in my word, you are really my disciples. You will also know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Alleluia.
31So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you remain in my word, you are really my disciples. 32You will also know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
33“We are Abraham's descendants,” they answered, “and we have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say, ‘You will be set free’?”
34Jesus answered, “Amen, Amen, I tell you: Everyone who keeps committing sin is a slave to sin. 35But a slave does not remain in the family forever. A son does remain forever. 36So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please greet those around you and then be seated
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
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.
The presence of Christ in his Word sets us free.
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.
Text: Martin Luther, 1483–1546; tr. Composite. Tune: Martin Luther, 1483–1546. Text and tune: Public domain.
Please stand
CONFESSION OF FAITH
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Please be seated
Apostles’ Creed
The Apostles’ Creed developed in the Early Christian Church as a personal confession of faith. It is so named because it confesses the faith taught by the Apostles of Jesus.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Gracious God, in mercy you sent your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, into this world to redeem us from sin and rescue us from hell. Through your Scriptures and by your Spirit, you have brought us to faith in your Son and have assured us that Christ has fully completed the work of our salvation. Lead us to rejoice in the message of forgiveness through faith alone in Christ Jesus. When guilt grieves our consciences and shame squelches our confidence, use your Word to encourage and comfort our souls with the good news of your unconditional love.
Almighty God, in the face of immense pressure to compromise their confession, you emboldened Martin Luther and the Lutheran reformers to take a firm stand on the truths of Scripture. Through their clear confession of faith, you restored the gospel to your church and have preserved this saving truth among us today. Send us your Holy Spirit that we exhibit the same zeal and faithfulness as the Lutheran confessors. Give us courage to confess our faith sincerely and boldly in the classroom, the workplace, the community, and to everyone we encounter who needs to hear the truth of your Word. Use our confession to bring faith in your Son to the hearts of those who do not yet believe in you.
Eternal God, you have promised to preserve and protect your church in every age. Even when it appeared that the enemies of the gospel had silenced your truth, you kept your people faithful to you and your Word. Bless all who face hardships for their faith with an added measure of your Holy Spirit so that they do not lose heart as they bear their crosses. Comfort the sick and suffering, the depressed and lonely, those who are persecuted and ridiculed for their faith, and all others who need the encouragement of your love. Fix our eyes on the cross of your Son, his empty tomb, and the sure promise of eternal life in heaven’s glory.
Lord God, you know the concerns of our hearts and minds. Hear the public prayers we have spoken with our lips and the personal prayers we offer to you in our hearts, and answer them according to your gracious will. Increase our trust in your power and wisdom that we may rest secure in the plans and purposes you have for our lives; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.
Please stand
CLOSING PRAYER
Blessed Lord, you have given us your Holy Scriptures for our learning. May we so hear them, read, learn, and take them to heart that, being strengthened and comforted by your holy Word, we may cling to the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever .
Amen.
BLESSING
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace. Amen.
The blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God’s people for over 3,500 years. The L said, “In this way they will put my name on [them], and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27
Text: tr. composite; (st. 1): Philipp Melanchthon, 1497–1560; (st. 1): German version, Geistliche Psalmen, Nuremberg, 1611; (sts. 5–7): Nicolaus Selnecker, 1532–1592, abr. Tune: Geistliche Lieder D. Martini Lutheri, Leipzig, 1589. Text and tune: Public domain.
Please be seated
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLOSING HYMN Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s Head Christian Worship 861
Text: Johann Mentzer, 1658–1734, abr.; tr. William J. Schaefer, 1891–1976, alt. Tune: Friedrich O. Reuter, 1863–1924. Text and tune: Public domain
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Friendship Register
We are so thankful you have joined us today and would like to have a record of both members and guests who are worshiping with us. Please sign the red Friendship Register book located at the end of your row in the hymnal rack.
Children’s Church
Children ages 1-8 will be dismissed from our worship service today during the hymn before the sermon to attend Children’s Church. Parents, following worship, please pick your child up from the gymnasium in the CLC building.
WELS Anniversary
Today concludes our three-week worship series focusing on the 175th anniversary of our Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. You can learn more about the anniversary and our synod’s history at welshistoricalinstitute.org/175th. We also have a limited number of copies of Christ Through Us, a pictorial history book. These may be purchased for $25 from the Grace Central Office while supplies last. There are also several copies available for check-out in the church library located at GraceTucson.
In celebration of this anniversary, the synod is also sponsoring a special offering. You may donate through the website listed above. There are also special offering envelopes available at each site. We thank God for all his blessings on our synod over 175 years!
Sunday Morning Bible Study
Forgiveness is a key teaching of the Bible. The application of forgiveness in our daily living can be complex and difficult. Forgiveness for the Unforgivable will walk us through what God says about forgiveness, how we are to forgive, and how we can apply this to our lives. Please join us on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM in the CLC gymnasium. Even if you haven’t been to Bible study in a while, you are always welcome!
Those Assisting in Worship This Morning
Minister
Accompanist
Pastor Ryan Heiman
Jane Neujahr
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Adult Choir
Our Adult Choir will rehearse after worship today and on all of the Sundays in November. All adults are invited to join us, even if you haven’t participated in the past. If you have any questions, please speak with Laura Heiman.
Area Reformation Service: Today
Please join us at 4:00 this afternoon as we celebrate the Lutheran Reformation and rejoice in God’s grace to us in an Area Reformation Service. The service will take place at Grace-Tucson (830 N 1st Ave). This is a unique opportunity for our WELS congregations in the Tucson area to gather together for worship. The service will include special music and a guest preacher, Seminary Professor Joel Otto. Stick around after the service for some refreshments and fellowship.
If you are able, please bring some cookies or bars (cut and ready to be served) for fellowship. These may be placed in the kitchen by 3:40 PM.
Wednesday Midweek Bible Study
One of the Sahuarita midweek Oasis Groups meets on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 AM in the church entryway. The goal of all Oasis Groups is to dig into the sermon during the week and build stronger relationships with fellow members. Our other Oasis Groups meet at various times throughout the week. Please sign up in the entryway.
Volleyball at the CLC: Wednesday
Do you enjoy playing volleyball? Join fellow players every Wednesday at 7:00 PM in the gymnasium at our Child Learning Center in Sahuarita. All skill levels are welcome. Join in the fun and bring a friend!
Church History Bible Study: Wednesday at Grace-Tucson
Join us on Wednesday for our study of Church History. We are looking at the history of WELS expansion in foreign mission work. Even if you haven’t attended this class before, you are always welcome! We study together in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall at 10:00 AM and repeat the same material at 7:00 PM. Join us for whichever time fits your schedule best!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Women’s Bible Study: Thursday at Grace-Tucson
All ladies are invited to join Pastor Koehler for study and discussion of the book More Prepared to Answer (yours to keep at no cost) by Pastor Mark Paustian from 9:00 to 10:00 AM on Thursdays in the Fellowship Hall. Each week is an individual topic so you are able to jump in and out week-toweek as your schedule allows. Upcoming topics include: I live for this world, not a world to come. I’ll be rejected by family and friends. Why is there so much pain in the world? These discussions will help us understand things better and be prepared to help others understand God’s answers.
VailFest: November 8
Grace will be hosting a booth at VailFest a fun, family-friendly event on Saturday, November 8, at the Pima County Fairgrounds. This is a great opportunity to connect with the Vail community and share the heart of Grace-Vail with our neighbors. If you are attending VailFest, stop by and say “Hi!”
Roast Beef Dinner & Craft Fair: November 14
The Women of Grace will be hosting the all-site Roast Beef Dinner and Craft Fair held at GraceTucson on Friday, November 14, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. Help is needed for the dinner! Please call the Grace Central Office if you are able to help. Members are asked to bring a pie to share for dessert if you are able.
You still have time to work on your projects for the Craft Fair! All items will be offered that evening for a donation. Beginning Sunday, November 9, craft items can be dropped off in the west end of the Fellowship Hall at Grace-Tucson or the Grace Central Office. Crafts must be received no later than Wednesday, November 12, for set up on the 13th. If you have questions, please contact Adrienne Snavely at (520)302-7840.
MTTC Christmas Toy & Hygiene Drive
Mission to the Children is once again holding a toy and hygiene drive. Please join them in making Christmas a little brighter for the less fortunate families they serve in Mexico and southern Arizona. Items needed include: unwrapped toys (up to $10 value each), Spanish coloring or activity books, new socks & underwear (all ages), hygiene items (full size), small toys for canvassing bags, and individually wrapped candy. An Amazon wish list has been created for your convenience. Items can be shipped to them directly from this list. The link is: https://a.co/gAvkpTw. Gift cards and monetary donations can be mailed to Mission to the Children, PO Box 42223, Tucson AZ 85733. The deadline for donations is December 5.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thrivent Member Opportunity
Are you a Thrivent member? Did you know that as a member, you have a special opportunity to support events and activities at Grace? Through the Thrivent Action Team program, you can access valuable resources - including up to $250 - to help support our congregation’s ministry and mission work.
Applying for these resources takes just a little time, and we’re here to help make the process quick and easy. If you’re a Thrivent member interested in using your membership to further support Grace, we’d love to assist you!
You may talk to any of our pastors or contact the Grace Central Office.
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 520-581-4714 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.
Event/Party Space Available
The Art & Nature Garden and the gymnasium at our Grace-Sahuarita location are available for hosting events and parties. The spaces are available for our congregation members and Child Learning Center families. For additional details or if you are interested in using one of these spaces, please contact the CLC Assistant Director, Jen Rickling, at (520)848-4630 or jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org.
Grow in Grace Class
Would you like to learn more about Jesus, our risen Savior, about the Bible that tells us about him, and about what we believe and teach at Grace? Our congregation offers a series of Bible-based lessons called Grow in Grace. Grow in Grace also serves as our membership class for those who may be interested in joining the church. If you would be interested in scheduling a Grow in Grace Class, please speak to Pastor Heiman, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.
This schedule is subject to change. Please watch your email for the most up-to-date information or call the Grace Central Office at (520)623-6633 if you have questions.
This Week at Grace October 26 - November 2
VAIL Today Adult Bible Study: Prayer 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a
following worship....................................................
Ministry Team
11:30a
Oasis Group 1................................................................ 5:00p Oasis Group 2................................................................ 6:00p Sunday, November 2 Adult Bible Study: Prayer 9:00a Worship Service with communion................................ 10:00a Fellowship following worship Site Ministry Team Meeting 11:15a
TUCSON
Today
Worship Services 7:45a & 10:00a
Children’s Bible Hour ..................................................... 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Presentation by AZ Lutheran 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: 1 Peter 9:00a Fellowship following worship Area Reformation Service.............................................. 4:00p NO TCM Bible Study (resumes November 2)
Tuesday Pastors’ Staff Meeting.................................................... 9:00a English Classes 6:30p
Wednesday
Midweek Bible Study: Church History 10:00a & 7:00p Ministry Planning Team Meeting.................................... 6:00p
Thursday
Women’s Bible Study: More Prepared to Answer 9:00a College Student Grow in Grace Class ......................... 11:30a Handbell Practice........................................................... 5:30p Worship Choir 6:45p
Sunday, November 2
Worship Services with communion.................7:45a & 10:00a
Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Idols We Never Knew We Had 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: 1 Peter 9:00a Fellowship following worship.................................................... Site Ministry Team Meeting 11:30a TCM Bible Study 7:00p
November 2
Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson)...................... 10:00a
One Church. Four Locations.
Proclaiming the love of Jesus in Southern Arizona since 1911.
Grace-Tucson and Central Office
830 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719 (520)623-6633 office@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Ronald G. Koehler III revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Nathan P. Kassulke revnpk@gracelutheransaz.org
Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org
Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail
Benson
451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602
Vail
Worshipping at Esmond Station Elementary 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, Tucson, AZ 85747
Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein revsas@gracelutheransaz.org Office at Civano 10501 E. Seven Generations Way, Tucson, AZ 85747 (520)848-4631
Prayer Group—Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Sahuarita
75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538
Pastor Ryan A. Heiman revrah@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center (520)848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com
Director—Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org
Assistant Director Jen Rickling jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center Mission Teachers
Caitlin Broehm, Toddlers cbroehm@gracelutheransaz.org
Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org
Theresa Pratt, Preschool tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org
Chris Leathers, After School Care cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org
Bible-Based Counselor Cinda Drescher Office Assistant Cora Stuhr cinda@gracelutheransaz.org office@gracelutheransaz.org (520)581-4714
Grace Lutheran Church is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), a group of nearly 400,000 men, women, and children in nearly 1,300 congregations across the United States and Canada united by a common faith in Christ's saving love. We are committed to a common calling encouraging each other in our faith and sharing God's gift of a Savior with the rest of the world.