THE FESTIVAL OF REFORMATION

Live a life of COURAGEOUS WITNESS

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 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 Christian Worship (2021) hymnal. You will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each pew. You will be asked to open the hymnal to participate in parts of the service today. A vocalist will aid in our singing and will be recorded for our audio disks and video live-streaming.
There is no cost to park in our parking lot during Sunday morning worship services. If you receive a citation by mistake, please let our office staff know so it can be cleared.
“Live each day like it’s your last.” You have probably heard that advice. It sounds wise an encouragement to take advantage of the time you have. However, that advice is completely backwards. Because the reality is, thanks to Jesus, we have an unending amount of time. Let that sink in. Really think about it. Jesus has given you the gift of eternal life. You are going to live forever.
If you really thought it was your last day, that belief would shape how you lived that day. In this series, let us consider how the gift of eternal life shapes how we live each day. Live like you’ll live forever! Our worship during this series will follow this path:
October 27
November 3
November 10
November 17
November 24
Live a Life of Courageous Witness
Live Knowing Life Only Gets Better
Live a Life of Startling Generosity
Live Free from the Fear of Judgment
Live with Your Eyes on the Skies
Jesus repeatedly told his followers that living as his disciples would bring hardship. Living life according to God’s Law is going to make one appear odd in the eyes of the world, perhaps even evil. Sharing a message of mankind’s sin and God’s gracious salvation can cause offense. So why not just stay silent if that makes life easier? Why not keep our faith private? Answer: because we are going to live forever. In gratitude for Christ saving us and giving us eternal life, we share the gospel with others, hoping that they will believe and be saved too. Since we know we are going to live forever in the perfection of heaven, we don’t worry if being a witness for Christ brings hardship or even death.
Martin Luther wanted to reform the false teaching of the church. He stood firm in the truth of the gospel, knowing it might cost him his life. But Luther knew that, thanks to Christ, he would live forever. So will we. Therefore, like Luther, let us live a life of courageous witness.
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
HYMN RESPONSE Afflicted Saint, to Christ Draw Near Christian Worship 867
The choir will sing verse 1. Please join in singing verse 2 and the refrain.
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Larry Shackley
O Lord, My Rock and My Redeemer
Nathan Stiff Arr. Zach Unke
The Church’s One Foundation Larry Shackley
We stand to confess our sins to God.
1 John 1:8-9
Please stand
“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.
Please be seated
HYMN RESPONSE—Afflicted Saint, to Christ Draw Near Christian Worship 867
Please join in singing:
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.
Please join in singing:
FIRST READING
Daniel 3:16-28
16Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, “We have no need to answer you about this matter. 17Since our God, whom we serve, does exist, he is able to save us from the blazing fiery furnace. So, he may save us from your hand, Your Majesty. 18But if he does not, you should know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods, and we will not worship the golden statue that you set up.”
19Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with rage, and the expression on his face changed against Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego. He said to heat the furnace seven times hotter than it was usually heated. 20He ordered some men, who were soldiers from his army, to bind Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego in order to throw them into the blazing fiery furnace. 21So these men were bound in their coats, their pants, their turbans, and their other clothing, and they were thrown into the middle of the blazing fiery furnace. 22Because the king’s order was urgent and the furnace was extremely hot, those men who carried Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego were killed by the intense heat of the fire. 23But these three men, Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego, who had been tied up, fell into the blazing fiery furnace.
24Then King Nebuchadnezzar was startled and immediately stood up. He said to his advisors, “Didn’t we throw three men, who had been tied up, into the middle of the fire?”
They answered the king, “Certainly, Your Majesty.”
25He said, “Look! I see four men, who are untied and walking around in the middle of the fire, unharmed. What is more, the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.”
26Then Nebuchadnezzar approached the door of the blazing fiery furnace. He said, “Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out!” Then Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego came out from the middle of the furnace. 27The satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the royal advisors gathered together and looked at these men. The fire had no power over their bodies. Not a hair on their head was singed, their robes were not damaged, and the smell of fire had not stuck to them.
28Nebuchadnezzar said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego, who sent his angel and saved his servants, who trusted in God and ignored the king’s command. They gave up their bodies and did not pay homage or worship any god except their God.”
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
In response to an evil command offered by a pagan king, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego lived lives of fearless witness.
St. John sees God’s messenger proclaiming the true gospel to all people. In 1546, this reading served as the text for the funeral of Martin Luther.
Hear the Church proclaim her honor, for her strength is only this: God has laid his choice upon her, and the work she does is his.
This, his Church, Christ firmly founded; he will guard what he began. We, by sin and foes surrounded, seek his refuge once again.
Onward, then! Without despairing, following his every word. Through the joys and sorrows bearing faithful witness of the Lord.
Frail and fleeting are our powers, short on days, our foresight dim; yet, we host the choicest tower: we were chosen first by him.
Though we here must strive in weakness, though in tears we often bend, what his might began in meekness shall achieve a glorious end.
Onward, then! Without despairing, following his every word. Through the joys and sorrows bearing faithful witness of the Lord.
by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
SECOND READING
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.
Worship Choir
Revelation 14:6-7
6Then I saw another angel flying in the middle of the sky. He had the everlasting gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth, to every nation, tribe, language, and people. 7He said with a loud voice:
Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the sky, the earth, the sea, and the springs of water.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Please stand
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Luke 12:32
ALL:
Choir: Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
Refrain (ALL)
Tune: © 2002, 2021 Kermit G. Moldenhauer, admin. Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199
GOSPEL
5Jesus began by telling them, “Be careful that no one deceives you.
Mark 13:5-11
6Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many.
7“Whenever you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled. Such things must happen, but the end is not yet. 8In fact, nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places. There will be famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. 9But be on your guard! People will hand you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues. You will stand in the presence of rulers and kings for my sake as a witness to them. 10And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. 11Whenever they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand what you should say. Say whatever is given to you in that hour, because you will not be the ones speaking; instead it will be the Holy Spirit.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please be seated
HYMN OF THE DAY A Mighty Fortress Is Our God Christian Worship 864
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel. Jesus encourages and empowers us that we might be bold in sharing the gospel in these end times.
This hymn of Martin Luther is based on Psalm 46.
Daniel 3:16-28
God Gives Us the Power to Stand
We confess our faith today by singing this hymn which is a paraphrase of the Apostles’ Creed. Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
HYMN OF
We All Believe in One True God Christian Worship 940
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.
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!
OFFERTORY:
—Lord, You Call Us as Your People
Please stand
Lord God of our salvation, you have called us to be witnesses of the good news that in Christ the world has been reconciled to yourself. Inspire our witness that all may know the power of his forgiveness and the hope of his resurrection; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
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 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
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 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.
POSTLUDE MUSIC:
Lift High the Cross
Sydney H. Nicholson
Arr. Lloyd Larson
Please be seated
CLOSING HYMN—On Galilee’s High Mountain
Christian Worship 742
Note: we will not sing stanza 2 this morning. Stanzas 1, 3, 4, 5
Preacher ......................................................................................Pastor Nathan Kassulke
Worship Leader Pastor Ron Koehler (10:00 AM)
Accompanist ...............................................................................................Teri Guenther
Choir Director Paul Kassulke
Vocalist ........................................................................................................ Beth Kassulke
Greeters ................................................ Donna Malchow, Audrey Nessinger (10:00 AM)
Ushers ..................................................................... Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM) Jon Dongoske, Lucas Guenther, Ferdie Kramm, Rick Street (10:00 AM)
Sound and Recording Techs ....................................... Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler
Acknowledgements:
The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by Paul and Kay Kassulke in thankfulness for family and in celebration of the birthdays of Kay and Shirley Modless.
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 dates include November 10 and 17. 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.
Following the 10:00 AM service this morning, you are invited to join us in the courtyard and Fellowship Hall for drinks and snacks. We thank Bill & Lisa Toben for hosting this morning. Upcoming available dates are NEXT Sunday, November 3, and November 10. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.
Join us for our Sunday morning Bible Study! “Timely Topics” give us a chance to discuss the church and politics, intelligent design, global warming, and more from a biblical perspective. Today we will be looking at whether a Christian may, in good conscience, file for bankruptcy. If you have not made Sunday morning Bible study a part of your routine, this would be a great time to start! We meet at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall.
We thank Pete & Terry Kosanke, Jeff & Jody Kosanke, DJ & Jenn Miller, Chris & Cora Stuhr, and Jay & Missy Wiechmann for sponsoring the Reformation banners used today. Banners for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany have already been sponsored. Please watch for upcoming announcements for sponsorship opportunities for banners for Lent, Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, and Easter. You are always welcome to share your thoughts on this and other items with the Sanctuary Committee members: Justin Harris (chairman), Jim and Deb Bakken, Greg Grorud, Beth Kassulke, Paul Kassulke, and Pastor Koehler.
You are invited to join with your brothers and sisters in Christ from all of the WELS congregations in the Tucson area for a special Reformation Service this afternoon at 4:00 PM. The service will be held here at our Tucson site and will be followed by a time for fellowship and refreshments. Our guest preacher is Rev. Joel Heckendorf who is the new AZ/CA District President. Please join us!
Members of Grace are asked to bring cookies or bars for the fellowship time. Please drop them off in the Fellowship Hall by 3:30 PM. If you bring bars, cakes, or pies, please cut them ahead of time so that they are ready to serve.
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Grace's four pastors have devoted themselves to sharing the Gospel with all of us at Grace and with the community we live in. These men are God's gift to his church. Remember to pray for each of them every month of the year. In this month of recognition, reach out to your pastors with your appreciation and encouragement. Written encouragements may be left at the central office. To send a digital message, see the back of your worship folder for contact information. A spoken word can leave a lasting impact.
WELS Tucson Campus Ministry Sunday night Bible study will not meet this evening. Join us for “Donuts and the Devil” next Sunday, November 3, at 7:00 PM in the Student Center, which is located in the lower level of the church here at Grace-Tucson.
Join us on Wednesdays for our study of Church History. We are studying the development of the Wisconsin Synod in the early 1900s, including a federation and then merger with the synods of Minnesota and Michigan. Even if you haven’t attended this class before, this is an excellent time to join. 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!
What do we know about the 12 men Jesus chose to follow him and then sent out to share the gospel after his ascension into heaven? What does the Bible say? What do historical accounts tell us about them? Get to know “The 12” as you never have before, and learn valuable lessons about your life of following Jesus. Pastor Koehler leads this study on Thursday mornings at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Make plans to join him, and invite a friend to join you!
VailFest is an annual event sponsored by the Greater Vail Area Chamber of Commerce. This year’s event is this Saturday, November 2, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Pima County Fairgrounds. Our members at Grace-Vail will be hosting a booth! This is a great opportunity to introduce ourselves to neighbors in the area of our Grace-Vail location. If you attend this event, please stop by our booth and say hi!
The members of Redeemer Lutheran Church, our sister WELS church in Marana, will recognize 25 years of service in the public ministry for their pastor, Adam Mueller, on November 10. You are invited to join them for a special worship service at 4:00 PM followed by a catered meal and program. Please contact Leigh Webster at 520-572-8136x1 or churchoffice@redeemertucson.com to RSVP by this Friday, November 1, for the meal or if you have questions. Redeemer is located at 8845 N. Silverbell Road.
We have some great events coming up in November and December! Don’t miss out on the following activities. Watch for more details as each date draws closer.
Saturday, November 2: VailFest
Wednesday, November 27: Thanksgiving Services
Friday, December 6: Carols in the Courtyard at Grace-Tucson
Sunday, December 8: Annual Meeting with Lunch at Grace-Sahuarita
Friday, December 13: Child Learning Center Christmas Event
Saturday, December 14: Christmas for Kids at Esmond Station School
Saturday, December 21: Grace-Vail Caroling in the Park (Purple Heart Park)
Tuesday, December 31: All-Site New Year’s Eve Worship & Meal at Grace-Tucson
TUCSON
Today
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.
Worship Services............................................ 7:45a & 10:00a
Children’s Bible Hour......................................................8:45a
Grow in Grace Class (office conference room) 9:00a
Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Big Questions 9:00a
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a
Fellowship following worship ................................................... Area Reformation Service 4:00p NO TCM Bible Study (resumes November 3)
Tuesday Pastors’ Staff Meeting 9:00a English Classes 6:30p
Wednesday
Midweek Bible Study: Church History 10:00a & 7:00p
Grow in Grace Class 6:30p
Thursday
Women’s Bible Study: 12 Apostles.................................9:00a Handbell Practice 5:30p
Worship Choir Practice 6:45p
Sunday, November 3
Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a
Grow in Grace Class (office conference room) ..............9:00a
Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Big Questions 9:00a Fellowship following worship TCM Bible Study 7:00p ONLINE Today
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Sunday, November 3
Adult Bible Study (Tucson).............................................9:00a
Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
OFF-SITE EVENT
Saturday
Grace-Vail Booth at VailFest 9:00a
VAIL Today
Adult Bible Study: Baptism............................................. 9:00a Worship Service........................................................... 10:00a Fellowship following worship
Wednesday
Adult Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 6:30p
Sunday, November 3
Adult Bible Study: Baptism 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a
Fellowship following worship................................................... Site Ministry Team Meeting 12:00p
SAHUARITA Today
Adult Bible Study: Large Catechism............................... 9:00a
Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship
Choir Rehearsal following worship.......................................... Monday Grow in Grace Class 3:30p
Adult Open Gym Basketball 7:00p Wednesday
Adult Bible Study: Hard Sayings of Jesus.................... 10:00a Grow in Grace Class
Sunday, November 3
Adult Bible Study: Large Catechism 9:00a Children’s Sunday School.............................................. 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship Choir Rehearsal following worship
BENSON
Worship Service............................................................. 7:30a NO Adult Bible Study (resumes November 3) Fellowship following worship
Adult Bible Study: Idol Worship.................................... 10:00a Sunday, November 3
Worship Service with communion 7:30a
Adult Bible Study: Hebrews............................................ 8:45a Fellowship following worship
Proclaiming the love of Jesus in Southern Arizona since 1911.
Grace-Tucson and Central Office
830 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719 (520)623-6633 office@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Ronald G. Koehler III revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Nathan P. Kassulke revnpk@gracelutheransaz.org
Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org
Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail
Benson 451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602
Vail
Worshipping at Esmond Station Elementary 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, Tucson, AZ 85747
Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein revsas@gracelutheransaz.org
Office at Civano 10501 E. Seven Generations Way, Tucson, AZ 85747 (520)848-4631
Prayer Group Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Sahuarita
75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538
Pastor Ryan A. Heiman revrah@gracelutheransaz.org
Vicar Noah Nordlie vicnpn@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center (520)848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com
Director Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org
Assistant Director—Jen Rickling jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org
Maddie Nordlie, Toddlers mnordlie@gracelutheransaz.org
Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org
Theresa Pratt, Preschool tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org
Chris Leathers, Toddler/After School Care cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org
Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr cinda@gracelutheransaz.org office@gracelutheransaz.org (520)581-4714
Grace Lutheran Church is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), a group of nearly 400,000 men, women, and children in nearly 1,300 congregations across the United States and Canada united by a common faith in Christ's saving love. We are committed to a common calling encouraging each other in our faith and sharing God's gift of a Savior with the rest of the world. wels.net