10-30-22 Tucson Area Reformation Service

TUCSON AREA REFORMATION

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Today we celebrate the Festival of the Reformation of the Church. The heart of the gospel is the forgiveness of sins, purchased and won for us through the innocent death of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who was slain for the sin of the world. The teaching of the Christian Church is based on Scripture alone. Neither church traditions, the decrees of popes and councils, nor emotion or reason can replace the pure Word of God as the foundation of truth.

On October 31, 1517, a German monk and priest named Martin Luther nailed 95 theses (statements for debate) on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. He maintained that the Bible should be our only source of teaching, not man made traditions. He showed that God saved us by grace alone, through faith alone. He returned the Bible to the hands of the people and quite literally changed the world.

The central issue of Reformation times is still an issue that every human being must wrestle with today: How can I be a good person? How can I know that God loves me and forgives me? How can I be certain that after this life on earth I will not be punished eternally for my sins? How can I know that I’m going to heaven?

Today we gather to observe the 505th anniversary of the beginning of the Lutheran Reformation. We celebrate the grace of God who reformed his Church and brought back the pure, simple, beautiful truth of the gospel of free forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus our Savior.

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Thank you for joining us for this special service! Our Area Reformation Service is a combined effort of the WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod) churches in Tucson and southeastern Arizona, which make up the Saguaro Circuit. It has been the practice of these churches to gather together on a Sunday afternoon in late October or early November to celebrate God’s grace and to commemorate the Lutheran Reformation.

The order of worship we will follow is printed in this worship folder for you to follow along and participate. 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 thank Pastor Jon Buchholz for encouraging us with his message today. Pastor Buchholz serves at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Tempe, Arizona and is also the President of the Arizona California District of our synod.

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

PRESERVICE MUSIC:

A Mighty Fortress and How Firm a Foundation arr. Mark Hayes and Marvin Gaspard

H R All Christians Who Have Been Baptized Christian Worship 682

The choir sings stanza 1.

join in singing stanza

The words of the invocation remind us that the God we meet and worship here is the true and triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

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John 3:5

John 3:6

Psalm 51:5

1 Corinthians 6:11 from Luther’s Catechism

I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.

Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.

Surely we were sinful at birth, sinful from the time our mothers conceived us. But we were washed, we were sanctified, we were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

What is Baptism?

Baptism is not just plain water, but it is water used by God’s command and connected with God’s Word.

Which is that word of God?

Matthew 28:19

Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

What does Baptism do for us?

Baptism works forgiveness of sin, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.

What are these words and promises of God?

Mark 16:16

Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Mark, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

H R All Christians Who Have Been Baptized Christian Worship 682

The congregation sings:

This song continues on the next page.

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As baptized children of God, we confess our sins: Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have done what is evil and failed to do what is good. For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity. But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.

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

H R All Christians Who Have Been Baptized Christian Worship 682

The congregation sings:

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

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Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless 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.

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from Luther’s Catechism

What does baptizing with water mean?

Baptism means that the old Adam in us should be drowned by daily contrition and repentance, and that all its evil deeds and desires be put to death. It also means that a new person should daily arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

Where is this written?

Romans 6:4

Saint Paul says in Romans, chapter 6, “We were buried with Christ through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

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PRAYER OF THE DAY

The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray.

Almighty God, through the preaching of your servants, the blessed Reformers, you caused the light of the gospel to shine forth. Grant that we may faithfully defend it against all enemies and joyfully proclaim it for the salvation of people everywhere, to the glory of your holy name; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

Please be seated

L Acts 2:22 28, 36 41

“Men of Israel, hear these words! Jesus the Nazarene was a man recommended to you by God with miracles, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know. 23 This man, who was handed over by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, you killed by having lawless men nail him to a cross. 24 He is the one God raised up by freeing him from the agony of death, because death was not able to hold him in its grip.

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“Indeed, David says concerning him: I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced. My flesh also will rest in hope,

because you will not abandon my life to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.

You have made known to me the paths of life. You will fill me with joy in your presence.

On the Day of Pentecost, many heard God’s Word from Peter, were called to repentance, and by the working of the Holy Spirit became members of Christ’s Church.

This reading continues on the next page.

36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

37 Now when the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Gentlemen, brothers, what should we do?”

38 Peter answered them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

40 He testified solemnly with many other words and was appealing to them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”

41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. The children are invited to come forward to sing.

This reading continues on the next page.

The Church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ, her Lord; she is his new creation by water and the Word. From heav’n he came and sought her to be his holy bride; with his own blood he bought her, and for her life he died.

Elect from ev’ry nation, yet one o’er all the earth; her charter of salvation: one Lord, one faith, one birth. One holy name she blesses, partakes one holy food, and to one hope she presses, with ev’ry grace endued.

Romans 5:1

1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we also have obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. And we rejoice confidently on the basis of our hope for the glory of God.

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The Church’s One Foundation Christian Worship 855

3 Not only this, but we also rejoice confidently in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces patient endurance, 4 and patient endurance produces tested character, and tested character produces hope. 5 And hope will not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who was given to us.

6 For at the appointed time, while we were still helpless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 It is rare indeed that someone will die for a righteous person. Perhaps someone might actually go so far as to die for a person who has been good to him. 8 But God shows his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Therefore, since we have now been justified by his blood, it is even more certain that we will be saved from God’s wrath through him. 10 For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, it is even more certain that, since we have been reconciled, we will be saved by his life. 11 And not only is this so, but we also go on rejoicing confidently in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received this reconciliation.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

A C O We Are Your Church, O Christ

We are your church, O Christ. You are the sure foundation. We are your church, O Christ, drawn to your wounded side. We are your chosen bride. We live in you alone and in your heart we find our home. Grace is our miracle. We are your church, O Christ.

We are your church, O Christ, from every land and nation. We are your church, O Christ. You are the truth and life, God’s perfect sacrifice. We trust in you alone and in your heart we find our home. Grace is our miracle. We are your church, O Christ. We are your church, O Christ. You are the Cornerstone. We are your church, O Christ. You are the Living Word. We trust in you alone. Lord, you are faithful, our wondrous Savior. Your name is holy and worthy of our praise.

We are your church, O Christ, one holy congregation. We are your church, O Christ, united in our praise! We are one in your embrace. We live in you alone and in your heart we find our home. Grace is our miracle. We are your church, O Christ.

God demonstrated his love in sending Christ to die for sinners. We who were enemies of God have been reconciled to him in Jesus.

As members of Christ’s Church, we have been called out of the sinful world. Jesus comforts us even in the face of persecution with the promise of the Spirit of truth.

The Gospel according to John, chapter 15. Glory be to you, O Lord.

18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated me first. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, for that very reason the world hates you. 20 Remember the saying I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you too. If they held on to my word, they will hold on to yours as well. 21 But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know the one who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin. But now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 The one who hates me also hates my Father. 24 If I had not done the works among them that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 This was to fulfill the word which is written in their Law: ‘They hated me for no reason. ’ 26

“When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father he will testify about me. 27 And you also are going to testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.”

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

Please be seated

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A Mighty Fortress Is Our God Christian Worship 863

S Praise God, we are his Church!

Ephesians

19 So then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household. 20 You have been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the Cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

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T S A A ’ C

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.

What does this mean?

I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the virgin Mary, is my Lord.

He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil, not with gold or silver but with his holy, precious blood and with his innocent suffering and death.

All this he did that I should be his own, and live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as he has risen from death and lives and rules eternally. This is most certainly true.

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.

Explanation to the Second Article from Luther’s Catechism

Please be seated

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Our generous offerings of thanks to God go to support the work of our Saguaro Circuit (Tucson and southeast AZ). In the past these gifts have enabled us to carry out God’s kingdom work in a number of ways, and allowed us to join together for Reformation worship each year. Checks may be made payable to Grace Lutheran Church.

OFFERTORY:

By Faith Keith & Kristyn Getty, Stuart Townend arr. Zach Unke

Please stand P

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 preserves his Church to the end of time, when he will come again as king to judge all people and take his own to glory. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:

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Please follow the directions printed below for the singing of this liturgical song:

Congregation:

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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.

S R W I ( he congregation begins:)

What is the sacrament of Holy Communion?

It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ for us Christians to eat and to drink.

Where is this written?

The holy evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke, and the apostle Paul tell us: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body (+), which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is my blood (+) of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

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

Please be seated

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 are available for those who for health or medical reason require them. These may be picked up from the trays at the front of the side aisles.

DHoly Communion is served via continuous distribution. At the direction of the ushers, please come forward up the side aisles. As you pause to receive the bread in your hand, the pastor will say, “The body of Christ, given for you.” Move toward the center, and as you pause to take an individual cup from the tray, the pastor will say, “The blood of Christ, poured out for you.” You may place your empty cup into the receptacle at the front of the pews before returning to your seat by the center aisle.

P B C (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.

P A C (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.

COMMUNION MUSIC:

A Mighty Fortress and Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word Charles Callahan

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Here, O My Lord, I See You Face to Face Christian Worship 660

from Luther’s Catechism

Please stand C B

TNow may this true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen and preserve you in the one true faith unto life everlasting. Depart in peace!

Amen.

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What blessing do we receive through this eating and drinking?

That is shown us by these words: “Given” and “poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins.” Through these words we receive forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation in this sacrament. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.

How can eating and drinking do such great things?

It is certainly not the eating and drinking that does such things, but the words “Given” and “poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins.” These words are the main thing in this sacrament, along with the eating and drinking. And whoever believes these words has what they plainly say, the forgiveness of sins.

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Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we thank you that you have refreshed us through this saving gift. We pray that you would strengthen us in faith toward you and in love for one another, through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

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The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace. Amen.

Please be seated

C H God’s Word Is Our Great Heritage Christian Worship 640

The brass ensemble will fully introduce this hymn. The congregation will then sing this hymn acapella. Four part singing is encouraged.

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

POSTLUDE MUSIC: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God Jan Bender

The congregation will not be ushered out following the service. Instead, please take a moment to greet those gathered to worship with you. You are welcome to remain and socialize in church and to dismiss yourself when you would like. Please join us in the Fellowship Hall (across the Courtyard) for a Reformation “Gemütlichkeit” (fellowship and refreshments) following the service.

Redeemer (Marana)

8845 N. Silverbell Road, 85743

(520)572 8135

RedeemerTucson.com

Pastor: Adam Mueller

Shepherd of the Hills (Oro Valley)

8799 N. Northern Avenue, 85704 (520)297 5710

LutheranChurchTucson.com

Pastors: Jason Schmidt, Nathan Moldenhauer

Holy Cross (East Tucson) 241 N. Harrison Road, 85748 (520)296 5129

HolyCrossTucson.org

Pastor: David Parsons

Grace (520)623 6633

GraceLutheranSAZ.org

Tucson (University)

830 N. 1st Avenue, 85719

Pastors: Nathan Kassulke, Tim Patoka, Ron Koehler Sahuarita 75 W. Sahuarita Road, 85629

Pastor: Ryan Heiman

Vail

Esmond Station Elementary School

9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, 85747

Pastor: Seth Scheuerlein

Benson 451 W. Duane Street, 85602

Pastor: Seth Scheuerlein

The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) is 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.

Buchholz,

Moldenhauer,

Jim Bakken,

Schmidt, Shepherd of

Paul Kassulke,

Tucson

Nate Reich, Redeemer

Koehler,

Sam Kassulke, Grace Tucson