THE TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
G E L C S , A N 10, 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 worship service is printed in its entirety 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 blue Christian Worship hymnal. If you would like to worship out of a hymnal today, you will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each row; however you do not need a hymnal to participate, as everything needed for the service is printed in this folder.
OUR WORSHIP SERIES—LIVE LIKE YOU’LL LIVE FOREVER
“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
Live a Life of Courageous Witness
Live Knowing Life Only Gets Better
Live a Life of Startling Generosity
November 17 Live Free from the Fear of Judgment
November 24
Live with Your Eyes on the Skies
OUR THEME FOR TODAY—LIVE A LIFE OF STARTLING GENEROSITY
Perhaps you have heard the axiom, “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.” In other words, while you still can, use what you have in order to enjoy life to the fullest. If this life is all there is, St. Paul agrees that would be a good philosophy. Paul wrote, “If the dead are not raised, ‘Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die’” (1 Corinthians 15:32). However, note the “if.” Paul was saying that the epicurean approach to life makes sense only if this life is all we have. But it isn’t. Jesus will raise us from the dead and take us to live in his home, a place of perfect comfort and beauty. Knowing that, we are set free from the need to live a self-indulgent life now. Instead, we can be generous people, using the wealth that God has given us to serve both him and others. We can live a life of startling generosity.
OPENING HYMN My Soul Finds Rest in God Alone Christian Worship 818
Text and tune: Stuart Townend, b. 1963; Aaron Keyes, b. 1978 © 2007 Thankyou Music, admin. CapitolCMGPublishing,com. Used
As our service begins, the minister speaks the words spoken at our baptisms and makes the sign of the cross, marking us anew as redeemed children of God.
1 John 1:8-9
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
CONFESSION
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.
“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.
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
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.
LORD, HAVE MERCY
In peace let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
Kyrie
For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
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.
GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST
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.
Gloria
Tune: Kermit G. Moldenhauer © 2002
Kermit G. Moldenhauer, admin. Northwestern 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.
Almighty and ever-living God, you have given exceedingly great and precious promises to those who trust in you. Grant us so firmly to believe in your Son Jesus that our faith may never be found wanting; 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
1 Kings 17:8-16
8Then the word of the L came to him: 9“Get up! Go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and live there. I have commanded a woman there, a widow, to provide for you.”
10So he got up and went to Zarephath. He came to the city gate, and there he saw a widow gathering sticks. He called to her and said, “Please give me a little water in a jar, so that I can have something to drink.”
11When she went to get it, he called to her, “Please bring me a piece of bread.”
12She said, “As surely as the L your God lives, I have no food except a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a pitcher. See, I am gathering a couple of sticks so that I can go and prepare it for myself and my son, so that we can eat it and then die.”
13Elijah said to her, “Do not be afraid. Go and do just as you said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from the flour and bring it out to me. Then go and make another for you and your son. 14For this is what the L , the God of Israel, says. The jar of flour will not run out and the pitcher of oil will not become empty until the day the L sends rain to water the surface of the ground.”
15So she went and did exactly as Elijah said. He and she, as well as her household, were able to eat for many days. 16The jar of flour did not run out, and the pitcher of oil did not become empty, just as the L had said through Elijah.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
A widow generously offers up the last bit of food she has to serve the prophet Elijah.
HYMN—In Christ Alone
The children will sing stanzas 1 and 2. Please join in singing stanzas 3 and 4.
Text and tune: Stuart Townend, b. 1963; Keith Getty, b. 1974
1Now brothers, we want you to know about the grace of God that was given in the churches of Macedonia: 2In a severe test of trouble, their overflowing joy and their deep poverty overflowed into an abundance of their generosity. 3I testify that of their own free will they gave according to their ability, and even beyond their ability, 4pleading with us with an urgent request for the gracious privilege of joining in this service to the saints. 5And they did this not as we had expected, but in keeping with God's will they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us. 6As a result we urged Titus, since he had already made a beginning, to bring to completion this gracious gift on your part. 7But just as you overflow in every way in faith, in word, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us see that you also overflow in this gracious gift.
8I do not say this as a command, but to test how genuine your love is, by comparing it with the eagerness of others. 9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that although he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that through his poverty you might become rich.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
KID’S CHOIR
To God Be the Glory
Please stand
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION 2 Corinthians 9:11
Alleluia. You will be made rich in every way so that you may be generous in every way. Alleluia.
The believers in Macedonia demonstrate startling generosity in collecting an offering to help fellow Christians in need. We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King. The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Jesus points to a poor widow as an example of startling generosity.
GOSPEL
Mark 12:38-44
38He also said to them in his teaching, “Beware of the experts in the law who like to walk around in long robes and receive greetings in the marketplaces. 39They love the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40They devour widows' houses and offer long prayers to look good. These men will receive greater condemnation.”
41Jesus sat down opposite the offering box and was watching how the crowd put money into it. Many rich people put in large amounts. 42One poor widow came and put in two small bronze coins, worth less than a penny. 43He called his disciples together and said to them, “Amen I tell you: This poor widow put more into the offering box than all the others. 44For they all gave out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in everything all that she had to live on.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE & GREETING
While the children are coming forward please greet your neighbor and fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder in your row and pass it along. Thank you!
Please be seated
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.
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.
During the singing of this hymn, children ages 1-8 are excused to attend Children’s Church in the CLC Building. Parents can pick-up their children there following the service.
1 Kings 17:8-16 God Provides Generously Just as He Said
Please stand
Text: tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–1878, alt.; Andächtige Haus-Kirche, Nürnberg, 1676. Tune: adapt. Johann Balthasar König, 1691–1758; Johann Löhner, 1645–1705 Text and tune: Public domain.
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.
CONFESSION OF FAITH Apostles’ Creed
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.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
Please be seated
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Lord God, from whom all blessings flow, we praise you for everything you provide to sustain our lives. Lead us every day to be thankful for your gifts and content with what you have given. Today we pray that you would guide us to manage your blessings wisely for the good of your kingdom.
As we use your gifts to meet our needs, move us also to support the ministry of the gospel with our offerings.
Before your Son ascended to your throne, he called us to preach the good news to every creature. In grace you created the public ministry so that we may answer his call by sending others in our place. Impress on us the immense importance of the task you have given us to proclaim your Word to the world.
In our words and in our offerings, move us to be faithful witnesses of your grace.
Work in our hearts so that our gifts do more than support a cause or meet a need. Move us to give out of love for you, our King and Redeemer.
Lead us to bring our gifts first to honor you, the Giver of all things.
Teach us to give as an ongoing part of life since the work of the gospel continues every day. Forgive us for the sins of apathy and carelessness and for giving that reacts only to urgent pleas or crises.
Help us see the wisdom of planning our offerings as a regular routine of our faith.
Teach us determine our offerings in view of your blessings to us. The widow’s coins were meager, but they were all she had. Move us to believe that to whom much is given, much is also expected.
Give us courage to bring gifts that reflect your gifts to us.
Teach us to give our offerings as a cheerful response of our faith in you and your Son. Spare us all feelings of obligation or resentment as we give. Help us to see our offerings as the vehicle that carries the gospel to the lost, and lead us to rejoice with the angels of heaven over every sinner who repents.
Help us to balance our duty to give with the joy of giving.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
Precious Lord, all our blessings come from you. Lead us again and again to thank you and then move us to be wise and faithful stewards of your gifts. May our gifts and offerings bring souls here and far away to the gracious gift of Jesus and his love.
Lord, hear us and grant us this blessing. Amen.
Please stand
Text: Gregory J. Wismar, b. 1946 © 2004 Gregory J. Wismar. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: ed. William Moore; Columbian Harmony, Cincinnati, 1825. Public domain.
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord God, our Creator and preserver, help us put to their best use all our talents, abilities, creativity, imagination, and wealth in service to you and your people. Preserve us from apathy, complacency, and selfishness. Keep us from so avidly pursuing prosperity or fame that in gaining the world we lose our soul. Lead us to use wisely and for your glory all you have entrusted to our care. Make us always grateful for your generosity, and move us to share generously with others.
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
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLOSING HYMN We Give Thee But Thine Own Christian Worship 750
THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING
Minister
Pastor Ryan Heiman
Accompanist Jane Neujahr
Children’s Choir Director
Theresa Pratt
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Friendship Register
We would like to have a record of both members and guests who are worshiping with us. Please sign the red Friendship Register book located along the center aisle 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.
Sunday Morning Bible Study
Luther’s Large Catechism is a short summary and epitome of the entire Holy Scriptures. Luther encourages all Christians to daily exercise themselves in the Catechism. With that encouragement, we are looking at the Large Catechism in our Sunday morning Bible study. If you haven’t been to Bible study in a while, now is a great time to start. Please join us in the CLC gymnasium on Sundays at 9:00 AM.
Campus Ministry Bible Study
WELS Tucson Campus Ministry Sunday night Bible study is TONIGHT! Join us for a study of the book of Jude. 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 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.
Volunteer Sign-ups
Volunteers are needed for 2025! We could use help in a number of different ways including greeters, ushers, and church cleaning. Please see the sign-up sheets in the church entryway and help out where you can!
Open Gym: Tuesday
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 here in our Child Learning Center gymnasium! We are alternating between basketball and volleyball. This Tuesday, November 12, will be basketball. Come for some friendly competition and bring a friend!
Midweek Bible Study: Wednesday
Our midweek Bible study, “Hard Sayings of Jesus” is now being taught by Pastor Heiman. This study examines numerous difficult sayings of our Savior. Sometimes the sayings are hard to understand, other times they are hard to interpret, and other times they are hard to believe. Students will become equipped to wrestle with God’s Word and understand the hard sayings of Jesus. Please join us on Wednesdays at 10:00 AM in the church entryway.
Church History Bible Study: Wednesday 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!
Women’s Bible Study: Thursday at Grace-Tucson
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!
Mission to the Children Giving Tree
Mission to the Children needs help to make the season brighter for the Hispanic families in our South Tucson mission! Look for a Giving Tree in the church entryway beginning today. Take an ornament (or two) from the tree, purchase the gifts specified on the ornament, and return them (wrapped or unwrapped - your choice) to the labeled box near the Giving Tree. Please have all donations in the box by Friday, December 20. If anyone is interested in helping to deliver gifts to families, please reach out to Nicole Scheuerlein (520)820-2016 or info@missiontothechildren.org.
CLC Family Thanksgiving Dinner: November 25
All are invited to join our Child Learning Center families for a Thanksgiving Dinner on Monday, November 25, at 6:00 PM in the gymnasium. Assistance in a number of areas would be greatly appreciated! There are sign-up sheets in the church entryway. Please take a look and see how you can help!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thanksgiving Services: November 27
We hope you will join us at one of our Grace locations on Wednesday, November 27, to thank and praise God for the many blessings he provides for us.
10:00 AM Grace-Benson 6:00 PM Grace-Sahuarita 7:00 PM Grace-Tucson
You are also invited to enjoy a dessert fellowship following these worship services. Members are asked to bring a pie or other dessert to share if you are able.
Midweek Advent Services
Advent is a time of hopeful repentance as we prepare to celebrate Christmas. Join us on three Wednesdays, December 4, 11, & 18 for special midweek Advent worship services. Our theme for these services is “Christmas Trees” as we consider significant trees in the Bible that impact our preparation for and celebration of Christmas. Three weekly themes will rotate through the sites hosting our midweek services, so you are encouraged to pick one site at which to worship for these services.
Grace-Benson 10:00 AM
Grace-Sahuarita 4:00 PM & 6:00 PM
Grace-Tucson 10:00 AM & 7:00 PM
You are also invited to join us for a light lunch following the service at Grace-Benson or a light supper at 5:00 PM at Grace-Sahuarita and 6:00 PM at Grace-Tucson.
Advent Supper Hosts Needed
As mentioned above, a light supper will be held on Wednesdays between our two Advent services at 5:00 PM in the CLC gymnasium. Volunteers are needed to host on December 4, 11, & 18. These meals can be prepared by just one person/couple/family or a group of people. A Thrivent grant will cover initial costs and a free-will offering will be collected at each meal. Please sign up in the church entryway.
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.
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
SAHUARITA
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 November 10 - November 17
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 Tuesday Adult Open Gym Basketball.........................................7:00p
Adult Bible Study: Hard Sayings of Jesus 10:00a
CLC Board Meeting 9:00a
Sunday, November 17
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
TUCSON
Services 7:45a & 10:00a
Bible Hour 8:45a
Grow in Grace Class (resumes November 17)
(High School) Bible Study: Big Questions ...... 9:00a
Bible Study: Christian Stewardship 9:00a Fellowship following worship
Bible Study 7:00p
NO Pastors’ Staff Meeting (resumes November 19)
Bible Study: Church History 10:00a & 7:00p Grow in Grace Class 6:30p
Women’s Bible Study: 12 Apostles 9:00a Handbell Practice 5:30p Worship Choir Practice 6:45p
Sunday, November 17
Worship Service..............................................................7:30a Adult Bible Study: Hebrews 8:45a Fellowship following worship Wednesday Adult Bible Study: Idol Worship ....................................10:00a Sunday, November 17
Worship Service with communion ..................................7:30a
Adult Bible Study: Hebrews ............................................8:45a Fellowship following worship
Today Adult Bible Study (Tucson).............................................9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Sunday, November 17
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson).......................10:00a BENSON
OFF-SITE EVENT Today
Pastor Adam Mueller 25th Anniversary Service 4:00p
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 Mission to the Children Spanish Service & Meal 4:00p TCM Bible Study 7:00p
VAIL
Adult Bible Study: Baptism 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship................................................... Lunch at Serial Grillers 12:00p Wednesday Adult Bible Study: 1 Corinthians..................................... 6:30p Saturday Teen Kickoff Carnival 4:00p
Sunday, November 17
Adult Bible Study: Baptism 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship Vocal Group Rehearsal following worship..............................
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