THE TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

G E L C S , A N 17, 2024

G E L C S , A N 17, 2024
Our mission at Grace is to teach the inspired and inerrant Word of God, to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Savior of the world, and to nurture believers for lives of Christian service.
Check out the GRACE WEBSITE at GraceLutheranSAZ.org
We are very pleased that you have joined us for worship today! We pray that this time will be a blessing for you as God comes to you with his Word and promises, and as you offer him your thanks and praise.
The worship service is printed in this worship folder for you to follow along and participate. You’ll notice that the service is a dialogue between God and us, his people. The pastor speaks to God along with the congregation and also speaks the Word of God to the people. Those wishing to leave an offering can do so at the exit today or give online at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/give. (You can also scan the QR code to the right to access the online giving page.)
Today we are using elements from the Christian Worship hymnal. If you would like to worship from a hymnal today, you will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each row; however, you do not need to use a hymnal if you so choose, as everything needed for worship is printed in this worship folder.
OUR WORSHIP SERIES—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 is following this path:
October 27 Live a Life of Courageous Witness
November 3
November 10
November 17
November 24
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
OUR THEME FOR TODAY LIVE FREE FROM THE
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) affects many millions of adults. It is more than shyness. SAD includes an acute fear of being judged. An individual with SAD struggles with everyday tasks like talking to people at work or school because he is terrified that he is constantly being evaluated. Even if you don't have that disorder, perhaps you have experienced that uncomfortable feeling that others are watching you, trying to find something to criticize. We don’t want others judging us. It is bad enough listening to the voice inside our own head, whispering that we aren’t worthy.
How do we overcome the fear of judgment? It begins by realizing that there is only one person whose opinion ultimately matters the Judge. Everyone is going to live forever in one of two very different places. Where you spend eternity depends on a judgment that Jesus will render. This week we see why this judgment need not trigger any sort of anxiety. Judgment day is something we can joyfully anticipate. We can live free from the fear of judgment.
OPENING HYMN Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending Christian Worship 487
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.
Psalm 32:1-2
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
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.
“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.
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.
In peace let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
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.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Lord God Almighty, so rule and govern our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit that we may always look forward to the end of this present evil age and the day of your righteous judgment. Keep us steadfast in true and living faith, and present us at last holy and blameless before you; 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
Daniel 12:1-3
1Then at that time, Michael, the great prince who stands over your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress that has not happened from the first time that there was a nation until that time.
At that time your people will be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book. 2Many who are sleeping in the dusty ground will awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame, to everlasting contempt. 3Those who have insight will shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who bring many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The prophet Daniel foretells that the world will get worse and then Judgment Day will come. All whose names are written by Christ in his book of life need not fear the judgment.
We can live free of the fear of God’s judgment because of the sacrifice our high priest made.
24For Christ did not enter a handmade sanctuary, a representation of the true sanctuary. Instead, he entered into heaven itself, now to appear before God on our behalf. 25And he did not enter to offer himself many times, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place year after year with blood that is not his own. 26Otherwise he would have needed to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once and for all, at the climax of the ages, in order to take away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27And, just as it is appointed for people to die only once and after this comes the judgment, 28so also Christ was offered only once to take away the sins of many, and he will appear a second time without sin to bring salvation to those who are eagerly waiting for him.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Please stand
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Alleluia.
Revelation 2:10
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
GOSPEL
John 5:25-29
25“Amen, Amen, I tell you: A time is coming and is here now when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who listen will live.
26For just as the Father has life in himself, so also he has granted the Son to have life in himself. 27And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man.
28“Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29and will come out. Those who have done good will rise to live, but those who have practiced evil will rise to be condemned.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
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!
God the Father has given Jesus Christ the authority to judge.
Please be seated
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.
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.
SERMON
The creed continues on the next page.
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.
Hebrews 9:24-28
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.
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.
Please be seated
Out of the depths we cry to you, O Lord; O Lord, hear our voices.
Let your ears be attentive to our cries for mercy.
Heavenly Father, we confess with sorrow that we have sinned and deserve only your anger and punishment.
If you kept a record of our sins, we would surely be lost.
We confess with joy that your unfailing love has redeemed us. Our hope is in you and in your full redemption.
Around us we see the birth pangs of the last days: war, famine, earthquakes, false prophets, spiritual apathy.
Use these signs to remind us that we do not know the day or hour when Christ will come again.
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.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
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.
Keep us faithful to your Word; send your Spirit to strengthen our faith so that we are always prepared for your Son's return as judge.
Make us faithful in sharing your Word, and cause many more to put their hope in you before the end comes.
Build our fellowship of love as brothers and sisters in faith.
Help us support one another when trials and troubles come our way.
Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our private petitions.
Silent prayer
Heavenly Father, we eagerly wait for Jesus to come again and make all things new. May he find us, whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life, faithfully enduring to the end, through the power of your Holy Spirit.
Come, Lord Jesus. May your grace be with us. Amen.
Please stand
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 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:
Blessed are you, O Lord of heaven and earth. We praise and thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, and we remember the great acts of love through which he has ransomed us from sin, death, and the devil’s power.
By his incarnation, he became one with us. By his perfect life, he fulfilled your holy will. By his innocent death, he overcame hell. By his rising from the grave, he opened heaven.
Invited by your grace and instructed by your Word, we approach your table with repentant and joyful hearts. Strengthen us through Christ’s body and blood, and preserve us in the true faith until we feast with him and all his ransomed people in glory everlasting. Amen.
The Prophet Isaiah was given a vision of heaven, where seraphim praised God. In the Sanctus we welcome Jesus with our hosannas and praise.
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.
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.
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.
This song continues on the next page.
Please be seated
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.
Please stand
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.
O God the Father, source of all goodness, in your loving-kindness you sent your Son to share our humanity. We thank you that through him you have given us pardon and peace in this Sacrament. We also pray that you will not forsake us but will rule our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit so that we willingly serve you day after day; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Personal prayers for before and after communing are now available on printed labels on the inside cover of the hymnals.
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
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
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 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.
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.
WELS Tucson Campus Ministry Bible study is tonight. Join us today and next Sunday for a study of prayer at 7:00 PM in the Student Center, which is located in the lower level of the church at Grace-Tucson.
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!
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. This will be our final class before breaking for Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas. Please join us on Wednesday at 10:00 AM in the church entryway.
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!
Preacher ................................................................................................................Vicar Noah Nordlie Worship Leader Pastor Ryan Heiman
Accompanist.................................................................................................................Teri Guenther
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.
All members are invited to help decorate the church for Christmas on Saturday, November 30! Please come for a light breakfast at 9:30 AM with decorating to begin at 10:00 AM. There is a signup sheet in the church entryway so we know how many to plan for. If you have any questions, Please call or text Jane Neujahr at (760)622-7924.
Pickleball: November 30
Play indoor pickleball on Saturday, November 30, from 9:00 AM until noon in the CLC gymnasium. We will teach the game from 9:00 to 10:00 AM. We have 5 extra paddles if you do not have one. You can register for a lesson by calling or texting Diane Heisler. Also, watch this 5-minute video on “How to Play Pickleball” at https://usapickleball.org/what-is-pickleball/master-the-basics/ prior to coming to the 9:00 AM session. Contact Diane Heisler at (414)551-6723 if you have any questions.
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.
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.
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 west end of the Fellowship Hall beginning next Sunday, November 10. 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.
SAHUARITA
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.
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
Tuesday Adult Open Gym Volleyball..........................................7:00p
Wednesday Adult Bible Study: Hard Sayings of Jesus 10:00a
Sunday, November 24
Adult Bible Study: Large Catechism 9:00a
Children’s Sunday School 9:00a
Worship Service 10:00a
Fellowship following worship ...................................................
Choir Rehearsal following worship
BENSON Today
Worship Service with communion ..................................7:30a
Adult Bible Study: Hebrews ............................................8:45a Fellowship following worship
Wednesday
NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 8)
Sunday, November 24
Worship Service 7:30a
Adult Bible Study: Hebrews ............................................8:45a Fellowship following worship ...................................................
TUCSON Today
Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a Grow in Grace Class (Office Conference Room)............. 9:0a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Big Questions 9:00a Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a Fellowship following worship Site
Bible Study: Church History 10:00a & 7:00p Grow in Grace Class 6:30p
Bible Study: 12 Apostles 9:00a
Practice 5:30p
Choir Practice 6:45p Sunday, November 24
Services 7:45a & 10:00a
Bible Hour 8:45a
Bible Study: WELS Campus Ministry.................... 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
VAIL Today
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a
Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson).......................10:00a
Sunday, November 24
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a
Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
OFF-SITE EVENT
Monday
Pastors’ Circuit Meeting at Trinity, Sierra Vista 9:00a ONLINE Today
Adult Bible Study: Baptism............................................. 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship Vocal Group Rehearsal following worship
Wednesday NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 8)
Sunday, November 24
Adult Bible Study: Baptism............................................. 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship
Our Annual Voters’ Meeting will be held on Sunday, December 8, at noon in the Child Learning Center gymnasium here at Grace-Sahuarita. Lunch will be provided. Ministry Board elections and the Ministry Spending Plan approval will be on the agenda.
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