G E L C S , A N 2, 2025
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 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.
THE FESTIVAL OF ALL SAINTS
God grants the status of “saint” (which means “holy one”) to every believer. It might appear that status is of little practical value. If you achieve the status “billionaire” or “celebrity” or “senator” your life is going to be vastly different than most other people, most likely better. But if God calls you a saint, just like everyone else, you will struggle with trials, temptations, and sin. Being a saint does not make life easier. In some ways it makes life more difficult as we struggle against a world that is hostile toward Christ. This might lead us to ask, “Is it really that big a deal that God calls us saints?”
For centuries, the Church has answered that question by celebrating the Festival of All Saints. This week we get a peek at the saints who have died and now live in the glory of Christ’s light. Through eyes of faith, we see the saints enjoying glory in the place where “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:1-6). We realize what a precious gift this status of saint actually is. We understand that soon enough we shall join all the saints in the glorious heavenly city. And that gives us amazing stamina to face the challenges of this world with the strength Christ gives to all his saints.
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +
WELCOME
Please stand
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
HYMN RESPONSE—For All the Saints Christian Worship 880
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.
Revelation 14:13
SPOKEN RESPONSES
I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “because they will rest from their labors, for their works follow them.”
Daniel 7:18
Psalm 32:1-2
The saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom, and they will possess the kingdom forever yes, forever and ever.
HYMN RESPONSE—For All the Saints
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
Worship
CONFESSION
Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed are they whose sin the Lord does not count against them.
Let us confess our sins to the Lord.
Almighty and merciful Father, we have strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed what we have devised and desired in our hearts. We have offended you and sinned against your holy law. We have done those things that we should not have done, and we have not done those things that we should have done. Have mercy on us, Lord! Spare us, forgive us, and restore us, according to your promises in Christ Jesus.
Silence for meditation and reflection
God, our merciful Father, has forgiven all our sins. He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Redeemer and Savior. Jesus paid the penalty for our guilt by his death on the cross and freed us from death by his resurrection from the grave. We have peace with God now and forever.
Amen.
HYMN RESPONSE For All the Saints
Christian Worship 880
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, you have knit your people together into one holy Church, the body of Christ our Lord. Grant us grace to follow the example of your blessed saints in lives of faith and willing service and with them at last inherit the inexpressible joys that you have prepared for those who love you; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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
St. John is allowed to see the home of the saints, the New Jerusalem.
Please be seated
FIRST READING
+ THE WORD +
Revelation 21:1-6
1Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, because the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. And the sea no longer existed. 2And I saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3And from the throne I heard a loud voice that said, “Look! God’s dwelling is with people. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them, and he will be their God. 4He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain, because the former things have passed away.”
5The one who was seated on the throne said to me, “Look, I am making everything new!” He also said, “Write, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6And he said to me:
It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To anyone who is thirsty, I will give freely from the spring of the water of life.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Text: William W. How, 1823–1897, alt. Tune: Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872–1958. Text and tune: Public domain.
and tune:
1980 © 2003 Thankyou Music, admin. CapitolCMGPublishing,com. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
The words of this hymn echo the words of our first reading for today. We look forward to the day when we will join the saints in heaven in singing “Hallelujah!” forever.
Text
Keith Getty, b. 1974; Kristyn Getty, b.
For many Christians, their faith was the cause of pain and even death. They faced these troubles with amazing courage and stamina because they knew God has planned something better for his saints.
32And what more should I say? There would not be enough time for me to continue to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. 33By faith they conquered kingdoms, carried out justice, obtained things that were promised, shut the mouths of lions, 34quenched the power of fire, escaped the edges of the sword, were made powerful after being weak, became mighty in battle, and caused foreign armies to flee. 35Women received back their dead by resurrection. And others who were tortured did not accept their release, so that they may take part in a better resurrection. 36Still others experienced mocking and lashes, in addition to chains and imprisonment.
37They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were tempted; they were killed with the sword; they went around in sheepskins and goatskins, needy, afflicted, and mistreated. 38The world was not worthy of them as they wandered in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.
39All of these were commended in Scripture by faith, yet they did not receive what was promised, 40because God had planned something better for us, namely, that they would not reach the goal apart from us.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King. The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Please stand
Alleluia. They are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple. Alleluia.
GOSPEL
20He lifted up his eyes to his disciples and said: Blessed are you who are poor, because yours is the kingdom of God.
21 Blessed are you who hunger now, because you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, because you will laugh.
22 Blessed are you whenever people hate you, and whenever they exclude and insult you and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man.
6:20-23
23“Rejoice in that day and leap for joy because of this: Your reward is great in heaven! The fact is, their fathers constantly did the same things to the prophets.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please greet those around you and then be seated
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
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.
Jesus teaches that the blessedness of being God’s saint is currently hidden from sight. Yet, one day, that blessedness shall be revealed.
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.
Text: Bernard of Cluny, 12th cent., abr.; tr. John Mason Neale, 1818–1866, alt. Tune: Gustav Holst, 1874–1934. Text and tune: Public domain.
The Home of The Saints is With God Forever
CONFESSION OF FAITH
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate.
He suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
Nicene Creed
The Nicene Creed was first developed in 325 at the First Council of Nicea. It was written to reaffirm the Biblical teaching of the divinity of Jesus, God’s Son. Like the Apostles’ and Athanasian Creeds, the Nicene Creed is a confession of what the Bible teaches.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
With grateful hearts, Lord, We remember before you this day…
That great cloud of witnesses whose living trust in you, recorded in your Word, becomes an example for us to imitate and follow.
Inspire us as we remember them and grant us your blessing.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
With grateful hearts, Lord, We remember before you this day…
The reformers and confessors who faced the terror of church and empire but stood firm in your truth because they were moved by grace, empowered by faith, and guided by Scripture.
Inspire us as we remember them and grant us their courage.
With grateful hearts, Lord, We remember before you this day…
Your faithful followers of every age among them our parents and grandparents and our mentors and models whom your Spirit called, gathered, enlightened, and sanctified to be your holy Church and by whose faithful words and deeds the gospel of your grace arrived also to us.
Inspire us as we remember them and grant us their resolve.
With grateful hearts, Lord,
We remember before you this day…
Those we have known who endured uncommon handicaps, chronic illnesses, and severe hardships yet followed you in simple faith and lived their lives with patience and persistence.
Inspire us as we remember them and grant us their joy.
With grateful hearts, Lord, We remember before you this day…
Our own loved ones whose memories still burn within our hearts, whom you have called in your good time from their labors in life to that life which knows no end.
Inspire us as we remember them and grant us their reward.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
Empower us, Lord, to carry on the work you gave to your people of the past, trusting your Son, holding to your Word, confessing your truth, loving the lost, reaching out with your love, until you call us, too, by your great grace in Jesus Christ, to join them where memories are swallowed up in everlasting joy.
Amen.
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 in blessing his saints of the past has given us assurance and hope that, following their example, we may run the race marked out for us and receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
Sanctus
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.
The Prophet Isaiah was given a vision of heaven, where seraphim praised God. In the Sanctus we welcome Jesus with our hosannas and praise.
Text: Michael D. Schultz © 2021 Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: Melchior Teschner. Public domain.
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.
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.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my (+) body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is my (+) blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
The peace of the Lord be with you always.
Amen.
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.
Text: Michael D. Schultz © 2021 Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: Cantionale Germanicum, Gochsheim, 1628. Tune: Public domain.
LAMB OF GOD
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.
Personal prayers for before and after communing are available on printed labels on the inside cover of the hymnals.
Please stand
+ THANKSGIVING +
SPOKEN RESPONSES
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures forever.
Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
CLOSING PRAYER
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.
Psalm 106:1
1 Corinthians 11:26
The blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God’s people for over 3,500 years. The L said, “In this way they will put my name on [them], and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27
BLESSING
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.
Amen. Please be seated ANNOUNCEMENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Friendship Register
We are so thankful you have joined us today and would like to have a record of both members and guests who are worshiping with us. Please sign the red Friendship Register book located at the end of your row 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
Forgiveness is a key teaching of the Bible. The application of forgiveness in our daily living can be complex and difficult. Forgiveness for the Unforgivable will walk us through what God says about forgiveness, how we are to forgive, and how we can apply this to our lives. Please join us on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM in the CLC gymnasium. Even if you haven’t been to Bible study in a while, you are always welcome!
College Student Bible Study Tonight!
College students and college-age non-students are invited to the WELS Tucson Campus Ministry Bible study tonight for Where is God When You Need Him? Dealing with Doubt and Stress. We meet from 7:00 to 8:00 PM in the TCM Student Center in the lower level of the church at GraceTucson. The stairs at the back of the church will take you there. If you haven’t already downloaded the WELS Tucson Campus Ministry app from Apple or Google, please do that so you can keep up with all that is going on and offered to you.
Wednesday Midweek Bible Study
One of the Sahuarita midweek Oasis Groups meets on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 AM in the church entryway. The goal of all Oasis Groups is to dig into the sermon during the week and build stronger relationships with fellow members. Our other Oasis Groups meet at various times throughout the week. Please sign up in the entryway.
Those Assisting in Worship This Morning
Ryan Heiman Accompanist Laura Heiman
ANNOUNCEMENTS
VailFest: Saturday
Grace will be hosting a booth at VailFest—a fun, family-friendly event—this Saturday, November 8, at the Pima County Fairgrounds. This is a great opportunity to connect with the Vail community and share the heart of Grace-Vail with our neighbors. If you attend, stop by and say “Hi!”
Roast Beef Dinner & Craft Fair: November 14
The Women of Grace will be hosting the all-site Roast Beef Dinner and Craft Fair held at GraceTucson on Friday, November 14, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. Members are asked to bring a pie to share for dessert if you are able.
You still have time to finish up your projects for the Craft Fair! All items will be offered that evening for a donation. Beginning next Sunday, November 9, craft items can be dropped off in the west end of the Fellowship Hall at Grace-Tucson or the Grace Central Office. Crafts must be received no later than Wednesday, November 12, for set up on the 13th. If you have questions, please contact Adrienne Snavely at (520)302-7840.
CLC Family Thanksgiving Dinner: November 24
All are invited to join our Child Learning Center families for a Thanksgiving Dinner on Monday, November 24, 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 and at the CLC reception desk. Please take a look and see how you can help!
Thrivent Member Opportunity
Are you a Thrivent member? Did you know that as a member, you have a special opportunity to support events and activities at Grace? Through the Thrivent Action Team program, you can access valuable resources - including up to $250 - to help support our congregation’s ministry and mission work.
Applying for these resources takes just a little time, and we’re here to help make the process quick and easy. If you’re a Thrivent member interested in using your membership to further support Grace, we’d love to assist you!
You may talk to any of our pastors or contact the Grace Central Office.
Grow in Grace Class
Would you like to learn more about Jesus, our risen Savior, about the Bible that tells us about him, and about what we believe and teach at Grace? Our congregation offers a series of Bible-based lessons called Grow in Grace. Grow in Grace also serves as our membership class for those who may be interested in joining the church. If you would be interested in scheduling a Grow in Grace Class, please speak to Pastor Heiman, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.
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 2 - November 9
Today Adult Bible Study: Forgiveness for the Unforgivable 9:00a
Children’s Sunday School.............................................. 9:00a
Worship Service with communion................................ 10:00a
Fellowship following worship
Adult Choir 11:15a
Monday Grow in Grace Class 8:00a
Wednesday
Bible Study: Oasis Group ............................................ 10:00a Grow in Grace Class 1:00p Grow in Grace Class 5:00p Volleyball at the CLC 7:00p
Thursday Grow in Grace Class 10:30a
Friday
Grow in Grace Class...................................................... 5:00p
Sunday, November 9
Adult Bible Study: Forgiveness for the Unforgivable 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship Adult Choir 11:15a
BENSON
8:45a
VAIL
Today
Adult Bible Study: Prayer 9:00a Worship Service with communion.................................10:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... Site Ministry Team Meeting 11:15a
Thursday Oasis Group 1.................................................................5:00p Oasis Group 2 6:00p
Sunday, November 9 Adult Bible Study: Prayer................................................9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship Vail Vocal Group 11:15a
TUCSON
Bible Study: Presentation by AZ Lutheran ............9:00a
(High
Study: 1
November 9
ONLINE
Today
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Sunday, November 9
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a
Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
NO Midweek Bible Study (resumes November 12)
9
Bible Hour......................................................8:45a
Bible Study: Idols We Never Knew We Had..........9:00a
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
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
Caitlin Broehm, Toddlers cbroehm@gracelutheransaz.org
Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org
Theresa Pratt, Preschool tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org
Chris Leathers, 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.