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THE TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

GODLY GIVING

E T N

L ,A 19, 2023

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 WORSHIP NOTES 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. 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—GODLY GIVING In the Early Christian Church, the believers at Jerusalem were struggling financially. The church at Corinth was blessed by God with material wealth. Moved by God’s grace to them, the Corinthian believers had the opportunity to act in love and with repentance. They would collect an offering for the Jerusalem Christians. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul offered these believers encouragement and guidance regarding their collection and their offerings. The Spirit-inspired words of 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9 still offer guidance for our Christian lives and the Godly Giving of faithful believers. This three-week series helps us see God’s precious gifts to us and helps guide our joyful response. Our series is following this path: Contagious Generosity Coordinated Generosity Confident Generosity

THEME FOR TODAY—CONFIDENT GENEROSITY How much confidence do you have that a product will live up to the promises of the salesperson? Unfortunately, we know that in this world promises are not always kept. Confidence can be misplaced. When we are dealing with faith-inspired generosity, our confidence can rest firmly on the promises of God. We can give generously with the confidence that God will use our gifts to accomplish his purposes. And we can give generously with the confidence that God will provide for all our needs. God’s promises prompt our godly giving. 1

+ ORDER OF WORSHIP + WELCOME

PRESERVICE MUSIC:

Take My Life and Let It Be Sandra Eithun Jesus, Thank You Christian Worship 615

OPENING HYMN—Take My Life and Let It Be

Christian Worship 695

O God, Your Hand the Heavens Made Anne Krentz Organ

Please stand

OPENING SENTENCES The minister sings the lines in regular print. Please respond with the bolded lines.

Our order of service for today is Morning Praise. Please join in singing the parts of this liturgy as you are comfortable. Psalm 51:15

Psalm 70:1

This song of praise is commonly referred to as the Venite because of its opening word in Latin. These words are a paraphrase of Psalm 95.

COME, O COME, LET US SING TO THE LORD Please join in singing the entire song. Refrain:

Please be seated

Venite

+ THE WORD + FIRST READING

Malachi 3:6-12

Certainly I, the L , do not change. That is why you, sons of Jacob, have not come to an end. 7 Since the days of your fathers, you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the L of Armies. You say, “In what way should we return?” 8

Will a man rob God? You are robbing me!

God offered his Old Testament believers the opportunity to test his promises. They could confidently offer the whole tithe, and he would continue to shower them with his blessings.

You say, “How have we robbed you?” In regard to the tithe and the special oﬀering. 9 You are being cursed since all of you, the whole nation, are robbing me. 10 Bring the complete tithe to the storehouse so that there may be food in my house. Just test me in this, says the L of Armies. See whether I do not open for you the windows of heaven and pour down blessing on you, until there is more than enough. 11 I will restrain the devouring swarm so that it will not destroy your produce from your soil. Your vine in the ﬁeld will not be without fruit, says the L of Armies. 12 All the nations will call you blessed, because you will be a delightful land, says the L of Armies. The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

PSALM—In the Morning I Will Sing

Psalm 63

Please join in singing the refrains. The vocalist will sing the verses as indicated.

Vocalist: O God, you are my God; for you I long; for you my soul is thirsting. My body pines for you like a dry, weary land without water. So I gaze on you in the sanctuary to see your strength and your glory. ALL:

Refrain

Vocalist: For your love is better than life, my lips will speak your praise. So I will bless you all my life, in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul shall be ﬁlled as with a banquet, my mouth shall praise you with joy. ALL:

Refrain

Vocalist: On my bed I remember you. On you I muse through the night, for you have been my help; in the shadow of your wings I rejoice. My soul clings to you; your right hand holds me fast. ALL:

Refrain

Text (sts. 1–3): © 1963, 1986, 1993 The Grail, GIA Publications, Inc., agent. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Text (Ref) and tune: © 1995, 1996 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.

Please stand

GOSPEL

Matthew 19:16-26

There was a man who came to him and said, “Teacher, what good thing should I do that I may have eternal life?” 17

Jesus said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? Only one is good. But if you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” 18

The promise of treasure in heaven was not enough to inspire the conﬁdence of the rich young man.

“Which ones?” the man asked him.

Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony. 19 Honor your father and mother.’ And, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Exodus 20:12-16 Deuteronomy 5:16-20 Leviticus 19:18

The young man said to him, “I have kept all these. What am I still lacking?” 21

Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had many possessions. 23 Jesus said to his disciples, “Amen I tell you: It will be very hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you: It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 25

When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said, “Who then can be saved?” 26

Jesus looked at them and said, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.

Please be seated

HYMN OF THE DAY—O God, Your Hand the Heavens Made

Christian Worship 751

SERMON

2 Corinthians 9:8-15 Conﬁdent Generosity

God is able to make all grace overﬂow to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will overﬂow in every good work. 9 As it is written: Psalm 112:9

He scattered; he gave to the poor. His righteousness remains forever. 10

And he who provides seed to the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed for sowing, and will increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you may be generous in every way, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. 12

To be sure, the administration of this service is not only making up for what is lacking among the saints, but it is also overﬂowing in many prayers of thanksgiving to God. 13 By proving yourselves in this service, many people are glorifying God, as they see the obedience shown in your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity shown in your sharing with them and all people. 14 At the same time as they pray for you, they also express their longing for you, because of the extraordinary measure of God’s grace given to you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Please stand

YOU ARE GOD; WE PRAISE YOU

Te Deum

Please join in singing the refrains. The vocalist then sings the ﬁrst part of each line and the congregation responds with the words in bold. Refrain (ALL):

The Te Deum is an ancient canticle of the Christian Church, a confession of faith, a mighty hymn of praise to God. Luther loved the Te Deum and referred to it as a ﬁne symbol or creed.

Please be seated

Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a ﬁtting place.

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 to 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.

OFFERING

OFFERTORY:

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:

My Heart Is Filled with Thankfulness Christian Worship 626

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

+ THE SACRAMENT + PREFACE 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: 10

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

Sanctus

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Lord God, you are worthy to receive thanks and praise from all people. You created the world and all who live in it, and in your mercy you saved us. We give thanks to you for the grace of your Son, Jesus Christ. Though in very nature God, he took the nature of a servant and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. He offered himself as a sacrifice for sin and redeemed us from its curse and penalty. He rescued us from the terrors of death and restored eternal life with you. He conquered our enemies and gained for us the kingdom of grace and glory. Bless us as we receive your Son’s body and blood, and lead us to remember his suffering, death, and resurrection. Forgive our sins and fill us with the hope of new life in heaven. Hear our praise and receive our thanks as we worship you—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 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.”

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.

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

LAMB OF GOD

Please be seated

Agnus Dei

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.

Gluten-free communion wafers and grape juice are available for those who for health or medical reason require it. Please see page 17 for more details.

PRAYER BEFORE COMMUNION (For private meditation)

COMMUNION MUSIC:

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.

Take My Life and Let It Be Victor Labenske

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION (For private meditation)

Now Thank We All Our God Kevin Hildebrand

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.

Please stand

+ THANKSGIVING + SPOKEN RESPONSES Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

Psalm 106:1

his mercy endures forever. Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup,

1 Corinthians 11:26

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. 14

CLOSING SENTENCES The minister sings the lines in regular print. Please respond with the bolded lines.

Please be seated

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CLOSING HYMN—Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow

CW 617

POSTLUDE MUSIC: Praise the Almighty; My Soul, Adore Him Christian Worship 619

THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING Preacher ...................................................................................... Pastor Nathan Kassulke Worship Leader................................................................................... Pastor Tim Patoka Accompanist ................................................................................................... Kathy Parra Vocalist .......................................................................................................... Katie Patoka Clarinet ........................................................................................................ Beth Kassulke Percussion............................................... Paul Kassulke, Beth Kassulke, Danny Koehler Greeters ..........................................................................Paul & Kay Kassulke (10:00 AM) Ushers ..................................................................... Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM) Jon Dongoske, Dylan Guenther, Sam Kassulke, Rick Street (10:00 AM) Communion Prep ............................................................... Kay Kassulke, Erika Hanson Sound and Recording Techs ...............Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke Banner Committee ....................... Nadine Rentschler, Jeanette O’Donald, Sandy Weir Acknowledgements: Scripture readings are taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) © 2018 The Wartburg Project. All rights reserved. wartburgproject.org. Created by Christian Worship: Service Builder © 2022 Concordia Publishing House. Software distributed in partnership with Northwestern Publishing House.

TODAY 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 Bob and Nadine Rentschler in thanks to God for their Christian family and friends. 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. The remainder of the Sundays this year have been filled, but all of the Sundays in January 2024 are open. 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 for Julyd and Mark Hallemeyer for hosting this week. Upcoming available dates to host include NEXT SUNDAY, November 26, and December 3, 17, & 24. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

Sunday Morning Bible Study

Join us on Sunday mornings for a look at 1 John under the theme, “Living in the Light of God’s Love.” 1 John is a brief book nestled into the back of the Bible, but it is full of wisdom for Christians living in the light and joy of God’s love for them. 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 Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall.

Lifeliners Funtasticks Outing: Today

Pew-pew! Zoom-zoom! Fore! Grace's high school youth group, the Lifeliners, is going to Funtasticks to enjoy laser tag, go-karts, mini golf, and more after church today. If you have not yet signed up and would like to go, please speak with Pastor Patoka about this free outing and lunch.

ANNOUNCEMENTS WELS Tucson Campus Ministry: Tonight

WELS Tucson Campus Ministry (TCM) invites all college-aged adults to join them for Bible study this evening. Their Bible Study topic will be Dealing with First-World Guilt. They meet in the Student Center located in the basement at Grace-Tucson at 7:00 PM.

Craft Fair: Today

Take a few minutes after worship to stop by the Craft Fair! Items made by fellow church members are set up in the west end of the Fellowship Hall. All items are available for a donation. Today is the last day for the Craft Fair.

Boom Lift

You may have noticed a large piece of construction equipment in our parking lot, a “Boom Lift.” You may also notice it being used in the upcoming weeks as some maintenance and repairs are done on our church property and especially on our roof. Thank you for avoiding the area in the parking lot where the lift is kept and keeping your distance when it is in use. Thank you also to the volunteers who are helping complete the work!

3rd Quarter Report

A Quarterly Report for the third quarter of 2023 has been prepared by the Ministry Board members, pastors, and other leaders at Grace. This report is designed to keep everyone informed about the ministries and activities that we carry out together. This report was included in a recent Email Update, and printed reports are available at both church doors and in the Fellowship Hall.

Lifeliners’ Fundraiser

The Lifeliners, Grace’s high school youth group, helps teenagers mature into Christian young adults through Bible studies, outings, events, and rallies. You can support their Christian education through their Calendar and Tote Bag Fundraiser. 2024 Bible Verse Wall Calendars are $10 for one, $15 for two. NEW this year are reusable, Grace-logo tote bags for $5 each. All proceeds will support Grace's Lifeliners. Please see the teens in the Courtyard following each of our services this morning. After today, these items will be available in the Grace Central Office during the week. This fundraiser was supported by Thrivent Action Teams.

Thanksgiving Services: Wednesday

We hope you will join us at one of our Grace locations this Wednesday, November 22, 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 dessert to share if you are able. 18

ANNOUNCEMENTS Midweek Advent Services

Advent is a time of preparation and repentance as we prepare to celebrate Christmas. Join us on three Wednesdays, November 29, and December 6 & 13 for special Advent Midweek worship services. We will use the theme “Exiles” and will examine what it means to be far from home, and even more so, far from God. This series will help us ponder why we needed a way to be brought back together with our Creator and why it is so essential for the Messiah to bring us back from exile. 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 10:00 AM & 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 6:00 PM at Grace-Tucson.

Advent Devotions Books

Martin Luther College (MLC), our WELS college of ministry, has published a series of 25 devotions for Advent meant to be used daily from December 1 to 25. These devotions are entitled “The Mysteries of Christmas—Many Millennia, Many Mysteries, One Messiah.” You may request that the devotions be emailed to you daily or view the entire booklet at mlc-wels.edu/publications/seasonaldevotions/. If you would like a paper copy, please contact the Grace Central Office at (520)623-6633 or office@gracelutheransaz.org.

CLC Art & Nature Garden Grand Opening: December 1

Our Child Learning Center at Grace-Sahuarita is hosting a Grand Opening and ribbon cutting for our new Art & Nature Garden at 9:00 AM on Friday, December 1. All members of Grace and CLC families are invited to attend. We will also be inviting the businesses that worked with us along with the mayor of Sahuarita and the newspapers. Refreshments will be served. We hope you will join us for this event!

Christmas Caroling to Homebound Members: December 2

Do you enjoy caroling? If so, you are welcome to join our homebound-visitation volunteers on Saturday, December 2, for our 4th annual caroling excursion to our homebound members. We will meet at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall, practice a few songs, and then head out around 9:30 AM. Based on last year’s timeframe, we are estimating 3 to 4 hours for travel and singing. You may want to bring something to drink and/or snacks. Please RSVP by contacting Katrina McClure at (520)270-6633 (call or text) or email bratkat1976@cox.net.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Sahuarita Winterfest Light Parade: December 2

Our Child Learning Center at Grace-Sahuarita is participating in the Sahuarita Winterfest Light Parade on Saturday, December 2. Our float will leave the center at 4:00 PM and the parade begins promptly at 5:30 PM. Singers are invited to join us as we share the message of Jesus from our float through song. We hope you can come out to watch the parade and then enjoy the Town of Sahuarita’s Winterfest! There will be a tree lighting, local vendors for shopping, food trucks, live ice sculpting demos, and entertainment.

Advent by Candlelight at Redeemer: December 3

Grace ladies are invited to attend Redeemer Lutheran Church’s Advent by Candlelight on Sunday, December 3, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM in the Ministry Center (8845 N. Silverbell Road). This year’s presentation will be “A Mother Remembers.” Please RSVP to churchoffice@redeemertucson.com.

Ladies’ Fellowship Group: December 7

The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet at 10:30 AM on Thursday, December 7, in the GraceTucson Fellowship Hall for an Advent salad luncheon. You are asked to bring your favorite salad and a tasteful white elephant gift for a gift exchange. Dessert will be provided. Ladies will also join in an Advent devotion. Please contact Lois Thornton at (520)323-8772 or vthornto2@gmail.com with any questions. Ladies from all Grace sites are welcome to join in the celebration! Please RSVP to Lois by December 1.

Carols in the Courtyard: December 8

This year’s Carols in the Courtyard event will take place on Friday, December 8, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM in the Grace-Tucson courtyard. Begin the coming Christmas season with your fellow Grace members, our friends from the neighborhood around Grace-Tucson, and the unchurched friends and family you invite to join you! This is both a fellowship event for Grace members from ALL sites and an outreach event. Sing along with favorite Christmas songs, enjoy some hot chocolate and homemade Christmas treats, and spend a fun evening in our decorated courtyard! We hope you can join us for all or just some of the evening! There are invitation cards available at both church doors and in the Fellowship Hall for you to use to invite your friends!

Grace Annual Meeting: December 10

Our Annual Voters' Meeting will be held on Sunday, December 10, at noon in the Fellowship Hall at Grace-Tucson. Lunch will be provided. Ministry Board elections and Ministry Spending Plan approval will be on the agenda.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Christmas Nativity Luminary Walk & Cookie Sale: December 15

Grace-Sahuarita and the Child Learning Center are hosting a Christmas Luminary Walk and Cookie Sale on Friday, December 15, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Everyone is encouraged to come see the finished Art & Nature Garden all lit up for Christmas and enjoy an interactive walk through the Nativity. Hot chocolate and treats will be available in the gym. Dozens and dozens of incredible homemade Christmas cookies will be sold for $10 per pound. Boxes will be provided. All proceeds will be going toward hallway displays for the CLC children’s artwork.

Nativity Scenes

Our English Class volunteers are looking for donations of nativity scenes you are no longer using. They would like to use them as centerpieces for their Christmas party and as gifts for the students. You may give them to Joyce Long or bring them to the Grace Central Office by Thursday, November 30.

Men of His Word Conference: January 20, 2024

WELS men of all ages are invited to this one-day event on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix. The theme of this year’s conference is “Built to Serve” based on Galatians 5:13. Keynote speaker, Mark Neumann, will speak on “Built to Serve in Every Walk of Life.” Breakout session topics include “The Man God is Building You to Be” (for teens and young adults), “Built to Serve While Working in an Unchristian Workplace,” “Built to Serve by Leading in Your Congregation,” and four more. Registration is open and is discounted through December 30. You may register and find all the information about the conference at MenOfHisWord.org/phoenix. Grace will plan to assist with carpooling arrangements for those who are interested.

HOLIDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE Midweek Advent Services Wednesdays: Nov 29, Dec 6 & 13 10:00 AM Grace-Benson (lunch following worship) 10:00 AM & 6:00 PM Grace-Sahuarita 10:00 AM & 7:00 PM Grace-Tucson (supper at 6:00 PM)

Sunday, December 24 7:30 AM Benson Christmas Worship

10:00 AM Grace-Sahuarita Children’s Christmas Service

Christmas Day Worship Monday, December 25 10:00 AM Grace-Sahuarita 10:00 AM Grace-Tucson

10:00 AM Tucson Worship 10:00 AM Vail Christmas Worship Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship 7:00 PM Grace-Sahuarita & Tucson Sunday, December 31

Sunday Morning 7:30 AM Benson Worship 10:00 AM Sahuarita, Tucson, and Vail Worship

All-Site New Year’s Eve Worship 5:30 PM Grace-Sahuarita Followed by dinner & fellowship

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 19 - November 26 TUCSON Today Worship Services with communion ................. 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour ...................................................... 8:45a Adult Bible Study: Living in the Light of God’s Love ....... 9:00a Grow in Grace Class (Office Conference Room) ........... 9:00a Lifeliners (High School group) Bible Study ..................... 9:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... Lifeliners Lunch & Funtasticks ...................................... 12:00p TCM Bible Study: Dealing with First-World Guilt ............ 7:00p Tuesday Weekly Pastors’ Meeting ................................................ 9:00a Handbells ........................................................................ 5:30p English Classes .............................................................. 6:30p Worship Choir ................................................................. 6:45p Wednesday Thanksgiving Eve Worship ............................................. 7:00p

Thursday & Friday Grace Central Office Closed

BENSON Today Worship Service with communion. ................................. 7:30a Adult Bible Study: 1 Corinthians..................................... 8:45a Wednesday Thanksgiving Eve Worship........................................... 10:00a Next Sunday, November 26 Worship Service.. ........................................................... 7:30a Adult Bible Study: 1 Corinthians..................................... 8:45a VAIL Today Adult Bible Study: The Gospel in the Psalms ................ 9:00a Youth Bible Study........................................................... 9:00a Worship Service with communion ................................ 10:00a Next Sunday, November 26 Adult Bible Study: The Gospel in the Psalms ................ 9:00a Youth Bible Study........................................................... 9:00a Worship Service.. ......................................................... 10:00a

Next Sunday, November 26 Worship Services ............................................ 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour ...................................................... 8:45a Adult Bible Study: Living in the Light of God’s Love ....... 9:00a Grow in Grace Class (Office Conference Room) ........... 9:00a Lifeliners (High School group) Bible Study ..................... 9:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... NO TCM Bible Study (resumes December 3)

SAHUARITA Today Adult Bible Study: God’s Will Is... ................................... 9:00a Children’s Sunday School .............................................. 9:00a Worship Service with communion ................................ 10:00a Adult Choir practice following worship .....................................

ONLINE Today Adult Bible Study (Tucson) ............................................. 9:00a Worship Service (Tucson) ............................................ 10:00a

Wednesday Thanksgiving Eve Worship............................................. 6:00p

Wednesday Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service (Tucson) ................. 7:00p Next Sunday, November 19 Adult Bible Study (Tucson) ............................................. 9:00a Worship Service (Tucson) ............................................ 10:00a

Monday Sahuarita Family Thanksgiving Dinner .......................... 6:00p

Thursday & Friday Child Learning Center Closed Next Sunday, November 26 Adult Bible Study: God’s Will Is ...................................... 9:00a Children’s Sunday School .............................................. 9:00a Worship Service.. ......................................................... 10:00a Adult Choir practice following worship .....................................

Stay Up to Date

The fastest and easiest way to keep Grace members and friends informed about what is happening at our four sites is through our weekly email update. This email is sent every Friday and at other times when special announcements are necessary. If you have not been receiving this email, but would like to, please email the Grace Central Office at office@gracelutheransaz.org and request to be added to our email list. 22

One Church. Four Locations. Proclaiming the love of Jesus in Southern Arizona since 1911. Grace-Tucson and Central Office

Grace-Sahuarita

830 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719 (520)623-6633 office@gracelutheransaz.org

75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538

Pastor Ronald G. Koehler III revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org

Pastor Nathan P. Kassulke revnpk@gracelutheransaz.org

Pastor Timothy L. Patoka (Campus Ministry)

Pastor Ryan A. Heiman

revrah@gracelutheransaz.org

Child Learning Center

(520) 848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org www.GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com

Director—Laura Heiman

director@gracelutheransaz.org

revtlp@gracelutheransaz.org

Assistant Director—Jen Rickling

Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail

Child Learning Center Mission Teachers

Benson

451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602

Vail

jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org

Chris Leathers, 1-Year Olds cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org

Worshipping at Esmond Station Elementary 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, Tucson, AZ 85747

Sam Anthon, 2-Year Olds

Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein

Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds

revsas@gracelutheransaz.org

vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org

Office at Civano

Theresa Pratt, Preschool

10501 E. Seven Generations Way, Tucson, AZ 85747 (520)848-4631

Prayer Group—Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org

santhon@gracelutheransaz.org

tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org

Katie Patoka, After School Care kpatoka@gracelutheransaz.org

Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher

Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke

cinda@gracelutheransaz.org (520)581-4714

music@gracelutheransaz.org

Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler

Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr

assistant@gracelutheransaz.org

office@gracelutheransaz.org

www.wels.net

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.