STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY
G E L C S , A N 23, 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.
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +
WELCOME
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
SUNG CONFESSION—My Worth Is Not in What I Own Christian Worship 753
Silence for meditation and reflection
SUNG ABSOLUTION—My Worth Is Not in What I Own
Worship 753
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.
PRAYER
Almighty God, your mercies are new every morning, and you graciously provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant us your Holy Spirit that we may acknowledge your goodness, give thanks for your benefits, and serve you in willing obedience all our days; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
and tune: Keith Getty, b. 1974; Kristyn Getty, b. 1980; Graham Kendrick, b. 1950
by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
+ HOLY BAPTISM +
THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
Our Savior Jesus Christ commanded Baptism when he said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
In the Gospel of Mark we hear:
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.
All of us are born into this world with a deep need for Baptism. From our parents we inherit a sinful nature; we are without true fear of God and true faith in God and are condemned to eternal death. But while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. He took away our sin by giving his life on the cross. In Baptism, he clothes us with the robe of his righteousness and gives us a new life.
RITE OF BAPTISM
Damian Taveres, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Receive the sign of the cross on the head and heart (+) to mark you as one redeemed by Christ the crucified.
The almighty God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given you the new birth of water and the Spirit and has forgiven all your sins. May he strengthen you with his grace all the days of your life. Peace be with you.
PRAYER
Let us pray.
We give thanks, most merciful Father, that you have received Damian as your own child and made him a member of Christ’s body, the church. Now, we pray, grant to him and to all your church on earth that, being dead to sin, we may live to righteousness and, being buried with Christ into his death, we may also share in his resurrection, so that, with all your saints, we may inherit eternal life; through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
13Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into this or that city, spend a year there, do business, and make a profit.” 14You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? Indeed, it is a mist that appears for a little while and then disappears. 15Instead, it is better for you to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live, and we will do this or that.” 16But right now you are boasting in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. 17So, for the one who knows the right thing to do and doesn't do it, this is a sin.
HYMN I Run to Christ
Christian Worship 833
Text: Chris Anderson, b. 1971. Tune: Greg Habegger, b. 1973. Text and tune: © 2010 Church Works Media (adm. at IntegratedRights.com). Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
READING
Mark 1:29–39
29They left the synagogue and went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30Simon’s mother-in-law was lying in bed, sick with a fever. Without delay they told Jesus about her. 31He went to her, took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she began to serve them. 32That evening, when the sun had set, the people kept bringing to him all who were sick and demon-possessed. 33The whole town gathered at the door. 34He healed many people who were sick with various diseases and drove out many demons. But he did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew who he was.
35Jesus got up early in the morning, while it was still dark, and went out. He withdrew to a solitary place and was praying there. 36Simon and his companions searched for him, 37and, when they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is looking for you!”
38He told them, “Let’s go somewhere else, to the neighboring villages, so that I can preach there too. In fact, that is why I have come.” 39Then he went throughout the whole region of Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
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.
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.
6There came a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the L , and Satan also came into their midst. 7The L said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the L , “From roaming the earth and walking around on it.”
8Then the L said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth, a man who is blameless and upright, who fears God and turns away from evil.”
-22
Text: Salomo Franck, 1659–1725, abr.; tr. August Crull, 1845–1923, alt. Tune: Georg C. Neumark, 1621–1681. Text and tune: Public domain.
9Satan answered the L , “Is it without cause that Job fears God? 10You have put a protective hedge around him and his household and everything that belongs to him, haven't you? You have blessed the work of his hands. His livestock has spread throughout the land. 11But just stretch out your hand and strike everything that is his, and he will certainly curse you to your face!”
12So the L said to Satan, “Very well, then. Everything that he has is in your hand. But you may not stretch out your hand against the man himself.” So Satan left the presence of the L .
13One day when Job’s sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in the house of their oldest brother, 14a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the female donkeys were grazing nearby, 15when the Sabeans swooped down and took them away. They put the servants to death with the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”
16While he was still speaking, another servant came and said, “The fire of God fell from the sky and burned up the flocks and the servants and consumed them, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”
17While he was still speaking, another servant came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and plundered the camels and took them away. They put the servants to death with the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”
18While he was still speaking, another servant came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and were drinking wine in the house of their oldest brother. 19Suddenly a powerful wind swept in from the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it collapsed on the young people, and they died, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”
20Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshipped. 21Then he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The L gave and the L has taken away. May the name of the L be blessed.”
22In all this, Job did not sin or blame God.
STEWARDSHIP PRAYER
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.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
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.
HYMN—Take My Life and Let It Be
5 Take my will and make it thine, it shall be no longer mine; take my heart, it is thine own, it shall be thy royal throne.
6 Take my love, my Lord, I pour at thy feet its treasure store; take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for thee.
Text: Frances R. Havergal, 1836–1879. Tune: William H. Havergal, 1793–1870. Text and tune: Public domain.
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.
HYMN We Give Thee But Thine Own Christian Worship 750
The blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God’s people for over 3,500 years. The L said, “In this way they will put my name on [them], and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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!
Dinner & Holiday Concert—Deadline is Today
Grace members, family, and friends are invited to enjoy dinner and a holiday concert by the Green Valley Concert Band on Sunday, December 14. Dinner will be served at 5:00 PM in the CLC gymnasium and the concert will be across the street at the high school at 7:00 PM. Tickets need to be ordered by November 24, so please contact Diane Heisler TODAY. She can be reached at (414) 551-6723 or DHeisler533@outlook.com. The cost for the meal and concert is $20. If you wish to just attend the concert, the cost is $12.
Tucson Campus Ministry Bible Study
At Bible study tonight we will have with us Dr. Ben Kohls from Bethany Lutheran College in Minnesota. He will speak to us on Wellness and Resilience - something we all need to learn a bit about. He is planning an interactive presentation using your phone. Invite a friend or two to join you at 7:00 PM in the Student Center, which is in the lower level of the church at Grace-Tucson. The outside stairs at the back of the church will take you there.
Those Assisting in Worship This Morning
Minister
Accompanist
Pastor Ryan Heiman
Jane Neujahr
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLC Family Thanksgiving Dinner: Monday
All are invited to join our Child Learning Center families for a Thanksgiving Dinner tomorrow, 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!
Thanksgiving Services: Wednesday
We hope you will join us at one of our Grace locations on Wednesday, November 26, 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.
Advent Devotion 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 “All Things New.” As we gather around the manger this year, we’ll ponder Jesus’ words in Revelation 21:5, “I am making everything new!” You may request that the devotions be emailed to you daily or view the entire booklet at: mlc-wels.edu/publications/seasonal-devotions/. Paper copies available in the church entryway.
Midweek Advent Services
Advent is a time of hopeful repentance as we prepare to celebrate Christmas. Join us on three Wednesdays, December 3, 10, & 17 for special midweek Advent worship services. Our theme for these services is “Bible Songs of Christmas” as we consider songs from the Bible that were sung to announce Christ’s birth. 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 & 6:00 PM
Grace-Tucson 10:00 AM & 7:00 PM
You are also invited to join us for lunch following the service at Grace-Benson or supper at 5:00 PM at Grace-Sahuarita and 6:00 PM at Grace-Tucson.
Advent Supper Hosts Needed
As mentioned above, supper will be held at 5:00 PM each Wednesday between our Advent services. Volunteers are needed to host these meals on December 3, 10, & 17. Please sign up on the sheet in the church entryway.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Carols in the Courtyard: December 5
Begin the Christmas season on Friday, December 5, with your fellow Grace members, our friends from the Grace-Tucson neighborhood, and the unchurched friends and family you invite to Carols in the Courtyard! This is both a fellowship event for Grace members from ALL sites and an outreach event. Sing along with your favorite Christmas songs, enjoy some hot chocolate and homemade Christmas cookies and treats, and spend a fun evening in our decorated courtyard! We hope you can join us between 6:00 and 8:30 PM for all or just some of the evening.
Ladies’ Fellowship Group: December 11
The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet at 10:15 AM on Thursday, December 11, 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. Please contact Lois Thornton at (520)449-7552 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 8.
Sahuarita Winterfest Light Parade: December 13
Our Child Learning Center here at Grace-Sahuarita is participating in the Sahuarita Winterfest Light Parade on Saturday, December 13. 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, and entertainment.
Grace Annual Meeting: December 14
Our Annual Voters’ Meeting will be held on Sunday, December 14, at noon at Esmond Station School, our worship location in Vail. Lunch will be provided. Ministry Board elections and the 2026 Ministry Spending Plan approval will be on the agenda.
CLC Christmas Event: December 19
Grace-Sahuarita and the Child Learning Center are hosting a Christmas Nativity Walk and Cookie Sale on Friday, December 19, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Everyone is encouraged to enjoy an interactive walk through the Nativity. Hot chocolate and treats will also be available. Dozens and dozens of incredible homemade Christmas cookies will be sold for $10 a pound. Boxes will be provided. All proceeds will be going toward toys and supplies for the classrooms. If you would like to help with this event, please see the sign-up sheets in the church entryway or at the CLC reception desk.
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 23 - November 30
TUCSON
Bible Study: Idols We Never Knew We Had 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: 1 Peter 9:00a Fellowship following worship NO TCM Bible Study (resumes December 7)
ONLINE
Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson).......................10:00a
Worship Service (Sahuarita) 6:00p
Worship Service (Tucson 7:00p
November 30
Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
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.