THE TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
G E L C T , A O 6, 2024
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 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.
OUR WORSHIP SERIES THE NEED FOR FOLLOWERSHIP
“We need better leadership!” Have you ever said that? Perhaps you were frustrated with the direction being taken by some elected official or by management at your workplace or by the coach of your favorite team. You were frustrated because you know that no matter how many resources an organization has, it will flounder if leaders do not lead well: providing direction, training, motivation, coordination, encouragement, and even grace. Leadership is extremely important. And so, there are times we lament, “We need better leadership!”
Jesus Christ is the leader of our congregation, our home, our lives. And his leadership is perfect in every way. Therefore, when things are amiss in any of those arenas, what is needed is not better leadership, but better followership. In this series, we ask Christ to empower us with his Spirit so that we might better follow his lead. May we better reflect the beauty of his life, better make his priorities our own, and better serve our God and neighbor. Our worship during this series is following this path:
September 1 Followers of Christ Obey His Law from the Heart
September 8 Followers of Christ See the True Purpose of His Power
September 15 Followers of Christ Are Armed for Battle
September 22 Followers of Christ Are Humble Servants
September 29 Followers of Christ Have Powerful Allies
October 6 Followers of Christ Know How to Love Their Families
October 13 Followers of Christ Maintain Proper Priorities
Octobers 20 Followers of Christ Make Selfless Sacrifices
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +
WELCOME
OPENING HYMN For the Beauty of the Earth Christian Worship 505
PRESERVICE MUSIC:
Variations on “For the Beauty of the Earth”
Gordon Young
Karen Beaumont
Charles Callahan
Michael Burkhardt
Please stand
Paul Manz This morning, we are using The Service Setting Three from the hymnal (p. 188 and following) as our order of worship.
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
CONFESSION
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
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
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. The minister sings the italicized words. The congregation responds by singing “Lord, have mercy” and with the final “Amen. Amen.”
LORD, HAVE MERCY (Kyrie)
Minister: In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Congregation:
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.
Luke 2:14
Christians praise God by proclaiming the great things he has done to accomplish our rescue from sin. “Glory to God in the Highest” has been a Christian song of worship since the fourth century.
This song continues on the next page.
Tune: David Kauffman; William Gokelman
+ THE WORD +
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Loving God and Father, the blessings of marriage and family come from your gracious pleasure and careful design. Lead all who value these gifts to follow your path of wisdom so that they may enjoy the fullness of your love; 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
FIRST READING
Genesis 2:18-25
18The L God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is a suitable partner for him.” 19Out of the soil the L God had formed every wild animal and every bird of the sky, and he brought them to the man to see what he would call them. Whatever the man called every living creature, that became its name. 20The man gave names to all the livestock, and to the birds of the sky, and to every wild animal, but for Adam no helper was found who was a suitable partner for him. 21The L God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. As the man slept, the L God took a rib and closed up the flesh where it had been. 22The L God built a woman from the rib that he had taken from the man and brought her to the man.
23 The man said, Now this one is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. She will be called “ woman, ” because she was taken out of man.
24 For this reason a man will leave his father and his mother and will remain united with his wife, and they will become one flesh.
25 They were both naked, the man and his wife, and they were not ashamed.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The family is the foundation of society, and marriage is the foundation of family. Marriage is not a social construct or custom but an institution of the Creator God.
The choir will sing stanzas 1 and 2. Please join in singing stanzas 4 and 5.
Text: Stephen P. Starke, b. 1955, alt. © 2001 Stephen P. Starke, admin. Concordia Publishing House Tune: Gregg DeMey, b. 1972, alt. © 2008 Re:Create Music, admin. Faith Alive Christian Resources. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199
22Wives, submit to your own husbands as to the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife, just as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he himself is the Savior. 24Moreover, as the church submits to Christ, so also wives are to submit to their husbands in everything.
25Husbands, love your wives, in the same way as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26to make her holy, by cleansing her with the washing of water in connection with the Word. 27He did this so that he could present her to himself as a glorious church, having no stain or wrinkle or any such thing, but so that she would be holy and blameless.
28In the same way, husbands have an obligation to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29To be sure, no one has ever hated his own body, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30because we are members of his body, of his flesh and of his bones. 31“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will be one flesh.” 32This is a great mystery, but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33In any case, each one of you also is to love his wife as himself, and each wife is to respect her husband.
1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2“Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise: 3“that it may go well with you and that you may live a long life on the earth.” 4Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Please stand
St. Paul describes the various roles and responsibilities God has given to different people within a family, ways for them to demonstrate love not only for each other but also for Christ.
Genesis 2:24
Exodus 20:12
Deuteronomy 5:16
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.
Gospel Acclamation is a verse that focuses our attention on the words of the Gospel.
ALL:
Choir: Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Refrain (ALL)
Jesus explains that husbands and wives are to retain the bond of love, existing as one flesh. Jesus also teaches that God craves a loving relationship with children.
2Some Pharisees came to test him and asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”
3He replied, “What did Moses command you?”
4They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away.”
5But Jesus told them, “He wrote this command for you because of your hard hearts. 6But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female.
7For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. 9Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
10In the house his disciples asked him about this again. 11He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her.
12If she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”
13Some people began bringing little children to Jesus so that he would touch them. But the disciples rebuked them. 14When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said, “Let the little children come to me! Do not hinder them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15Amen I tell you: Whoever will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16And he took the little children in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please be seated
HYMN OF THE DAY Oh, Blest the House
Christian Worship 760
SERMON Ephesians 5:22-6:4
Learn How To Love Your Family
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.
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.
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.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
Please be seated
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Loving Lord, according to your wisdom and will you bring us together into families. We pray today for the special interests of our Christian homes.
In your mercy, hear us, Lord.
Make our families dwellings of joy and schools of character. Grant to those who are married true love and unbreaking loyalty for the sake of their children, to be models in their communities, and for the welfare of society.
In your mercy, hear us, Lord.
Protect us from the spiritual enemies of our household, from quick temper, cranky moods, thoughtless words, and selfish pleasures which rob marriage of love and deprive childhood of joy.
In your mercy, hear us, Lord.
Guide and guard us as we move through the changes of family life, from early joys to hectic support to aging reflection. Provide the wisdom we need to enjoy the transitions of life.
In your mercy, hear us, Lord.
For the sake of our society, whose foundations are in the family, we pray for the homes of others. Spare men and women from marriage vows lightly planned, carelessly made, and easily broken.
In your mercy, hear us, Lord.
Protect us and others from evils which deplete households, degrade children, cheapen love, and dishonor old age.
In your mercy, hear us, Lord.
Hear our prayers for our extended families and for the family of believers. Channel your strength to those who are hurting without healing and those who grieve without comfort. Calm the distraught and give guidance to the confused. Hold those we love in the arms of your grace.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
O Lord, for the sake of your Son and with the power of your Spirit, give us strength and wisdom to build our homes in the shadow of your gracious and forgiving love.
In your mercy, hear us, Lord, and grant us your blessings. 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!
Please stand
PREFACE
Minister:
Congregation:
+ THE SACRAMENT +
Lift up your hearts.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
OFFERTORY:
Oh, Blest the House Johann Pachelbel
The minister sings the italicized words. The congregation sings each response as indicated.
The Preface to the Sacrament is one of the oldest parts of the Christian liturgy, dating back to the first century. As we prepare to receive Holy Communion, we are united with the Body of Christ, in an unbroken bond with Christians through the millennia.
Tune: David Kauffman; William Gokelman
The Prophet Isaiah was given a vision of heaven, where seraphim praised God. In the Sanctus we welcome Jesus with our hosannas 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:
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
Sanctus
Tune: David Kauffman; William Gokelman © 2010 GFTSMUSIC Publishing Company, Inc., admin. Music Services. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
We give thanks to you, O God, through your dear Son, Jesus Christ, whom you sent to be our Savior, our Redeemer, and the messenger of your grace. Through him you made all things; in him you are well pleased. He is the incarnate Word, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. To fulfill your promises, he stretched out his hands on the cross and released from eternal death all who believe in you.
As we remember Jesus’ death and resurrection, we thank you that you have gathered us together to receive your Son’s body and blood. Send us your Spirit, unite us as one, and strengthen our faith so that we may praise you in your Son, Jesus Christ. Through him, we glorify and honor you, O God our Father, with the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
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.
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.
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.
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.
John the Baptist pointed to Jesus and said, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” We sing the Agnus Dei confident that Jesus has borne our sins and freely gives us forgiveness and peace in the Sacrament.
Please be seated
Tune: David Kauffman; William Gokelman © 2010 GFTSMUSIC Publishing Company, Inc., admin. Music Services. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
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.
Gluten-free communion wafers and grape juice are available for those who for health or medical reason require it. Please see page 18 for more information.
DISTRIBUTION MUSIC Family of Christ Worship Choir
This is a family of Christ where faith and love and friendship grow, binding our hearts as one in service to our Lord. This is a family of Christ where hope and trust and kindness show, calling us all to come to worship him and hear his mighty word.
For Christ is our foundation; on him this church will stand, and we are his creation, our life is in his hands. He calls us to be faithful, to hear him and obey. We promise to be grateful and follow him each day.
Here in the family of Christ, where faith and love and friendship grow, we will give thanks to the Lord and all his works proclaim. Here in the family of Christ, where hope and trust and kindness show, we will join hands and go forth to do God’s will and praise his holy name, praise his name!
Text: Don Besig, Nancy Price © 1994 Harold Flammer Music, a div. of Shawnee Press, Inc. Used by Permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
Please stand
COMMUNION MUSIC:
Variations on “What Is This Bread” Edwin Childs Matthew Machemer Jim Vyhanek
SPOKEN RESPONSES
Psalm 106:1
1 Corinthians 11:26
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:
Fanfare Fugue
J. S. Bach
+ THANKSGIVING +
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
We give thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us with this saving gift. We pray that through it you will strengthen our faith in you and increase our love for one another. We ask this in the name of 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.
Please be seated
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLOSING HYMN—Oh, How Good It Is Christian Worship 731
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.
Altar Flowers
The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by Mary Muljadi in thanks to God for her pastors and their families.
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 3, 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.
Fellowship
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 Audrey Nessinger and Rick & Molly Street for hosting this morning. Upcoming available dates are November 3, 10, and 17. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.
Those Assisting in Worship This Morning
Preacher........................................................................................................
Worship Leader
Pastor Nathan Kassulke
Pastor Ron Koehler
Accompanist .................................................................................................................... Jim Bakken
Vocalist Dylan Guenther
Choir Director...............................................................................................................Paul Kassulke
Violin Kate Holden
Greeters...................................................................................Sally Littau, Lois Thornton (10:00 AM)
Ushers Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM)
Jon Dongoske, Lucas Guenther, Ferdie Kramm, Rick Street (10:00 AM)
Communion Prep Audrey Nessinger, Jeanette O'Donald, Lauri Colton
Banner Committee.............................................Sandy Weir, Nadine Rentschler, Jeanette O'Donald Sound and Recording Techs Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Daily Devotions
Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are at either door to church and in the Fellowship Hall. A new Grace Moments book with devotions that began recently is available. These are great tools to use for your daily Bible study!
Pastor Appreciation Month
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.
Sunday Morning Bible Study
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 are concluding our gender identity topic. 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.
TCM Bible Study: Tonight
WELS Tucson Campus Ministry Sunday night Bible study is TONIGHT! Join us for Popcorn & Proverbs.” Upcoming studies include God & Government and Donuts & the Devil. College students and college-age non-students are invited to join Pastor Koehler at 7:00 PM in the Student Center, which is located in the lower level of the church here at Grace-Tucson. The stairs below the TCM sign on the parking lot side of the church will take you there. If you’d like to share your name and contact info with Pastor Koehler, download the WELS Tucson Campus Ministry app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Open Gym: Tuesday at Grace-Sahuarita
Do you enjoy playing basketball and/or volleyball? Test your skills during our adults only, open gym on Tuesdays from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at our Child Learning Center gymnasium in Sahuarita! We are alternating between basketball and volleyball. This Tuesday, October 8, will be volleyball. Come for some friendly competition and bring a friend!
Church History Bible Study: Wednesday
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!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Women’s Bible Study: Thursday
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!
Spanferkelfest Promotion: October 12
On Saturday, October 12, we are dropping off Spanferkelfest invitations to homes in the neighborhoods around Grace-Tucson. Do you have an hour or two to come help us? Please let Pastor Koehler know by signing the sheet in the Fellowship Hall. We will meet in the Fellowship Hall at 9:00 AM and should be finished by noon. For additional information, please contact Pastor at (520)623-6633 or revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org.
Ladies’ Fellowship Group: October 17
The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet Thursday, October 17, at 10:15 AM at Himmel Park (parking and ramada off of Tucson Blvd.). They will enjoy games and a “bring your own” picnic lunch. Contact Lois Thornton at (520)323-8772 or vthornto2@gmail.com with any questions. Ladies from all Grace sites are welcome to attend.
Spanferkelfest: October 19
Grace members from all sites are invited to our annual Spanferkelfest Outreach Event being held on Saturday, October 19, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Grace-Tucson. Come and enjoy some delicious roasted pork, side dishes & desserts, activities for kids, raffle prizes, music, and great fellowship! This Friendship Evangelism event is a great opportunity to invite your unchurched friends and/or neighbors for an evening of fun. There are invitations for you to use at each of the church doors and in the Fellowship Hall.
Area Reformation Service: October 27
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 on Sunday, October 27, at 4:00 PM. The service will be held 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 plan to join us!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
WELS Tucson Campus Ministry (TCM)
Grace has served college students in Tucson since the congregation began in 1911. Our church has had a formal ministry to college students for at least 70 years, making campus ministry Grace’s longest-running outreach program. We have a newly-refurnished Student Center in the lower level of the church at Grace-Tucson and a pastor who spends a significant amount of time serving the students and reaching out with the gospel to those who don’t know their Savior. Pastor Koehler currently serves as campus pastor. TCM is also an official University of Arizona club. Club officers are Josiah Rautenberg (president), Mark Rutschow, (secretary), David Kosanke (treasurer), and Dr. Heidi Kosanke (faculty advisor). Josiah and Mark also serve as TCM student assistants, helping Pastor Koehler with day-to-day campus ministry items. Important components of this ministry are Sunday night Bible studies, activities, and opportunities to serve. Student benefits include daily access to the student center, parking in the Grace lot, and professional and pastoral counseling.
We have some great events coming up in October, November, and December! Don’t miss out on the following activities! Watch for more details as each date draws closer.
Sunday, October 27: Area Reformation Service at Grace-Tucson
Saturday, November 2: VailFest
Saturday November 2: Time Out for Moms at Grace-Sahuarita
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 16: 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.
This Week at Grace October 6 - October 13
Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a Grow in Grace Class (office conference room) ..............9:00a Lifeliners (High School Group) Bible Study: Romans 9:00a Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a Fellowship following worship
VAIL
Adult Bible Study: Baptism 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship...................................................
Wednesday
Adult Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 6:30p
Sunday, October 13
Adult Bible Study: Baptism 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship
Wednesday Midweek Bible Study: Church History 10:00a & 7:00p Grow in Grace Class (office conference room) ..............6:30p
Thursday
Women’s Bible Study: 12 Apostles 9:00a Ministry Planning Team Meeting 5:00p NO Handbell Practice (resumes 10-17) Worship Choir Practice 6:45p
Saturday Spanferkelfest Promotion ...............................................9:00a Sunday, October 13
Worship Services............................................ 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 Group) Bible Study: Romans.....9:00a Fellowship following worship TCM Bible Study 7:00p
Worship Service with communion 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Hebrews 8:45 Fellowship following worship Wednesday Adult Bible Study: Song of Songs 10:00a
Sunday, October 13
Worship Service..............................................................7:30a
Adult Bible Study: Ephesians 8:45a Fellowship following worship
OFF-SITE EVENT
SAHUARITA
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
Grow in Grace Class...................................................... 3:30p
Adult Open Gym Volleyball 7:00p
Bible Study: Hard Sayings of Jesus 10:00a Grow in Grace Class 3:00p
CLC Board Meeting 9:00a Sunday, October 13
Adult Bible Study: Large Catechism 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Italian Potluck following worship Choir Rehearsal following worship..........................................
ONLINE
Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
October 6
Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a BENSON
Sunday, October 13 Shepherd of the Hills 50th Anniversary Service 4:00p
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
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
Child Learning Center Mission Teachers
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