THE LAST SUNDAY OF THE CHURCH YEAR

G E L C T , A N 24, 2024

G E L C T , A N 24, 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 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 today. 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 LIVE LIKE YOU’LL
“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 has followed this path:
October 27
November 3
November 10
November 17
November 24
Live a Life of Courageous Witness
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 WITH YOUR EYES ON THE SKIES
“Eyes on the prize.” That axiom stresses that when pursuing some good goal, focus is important. You don’t want distractions or a lack of self-discipline to keep you from obtaining whatever that prize might be. “Eyes on the prize.” You summon the willpower to fixate on that good thing. You let nothing divert your attention from obtaining the prize.
The prize that we want most is spending eternity with Jesus. As the Church Year comes to a close, Jesus promises that he will come again “in clouds with great power and glory” to give us that prize. That prize will be so unbelievably good, it is worth fixating on. It merits our striving to set aside all that would distract us from Christ. Let us be ready. Let us keep watch. Let us live with our eyes on the skies.
OPENING HYMN Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending Christian Worship 487
PRESERVICE MUSIC:
The Night Will Soon Be Ending Arr. Rebecca R. Kramer
See, He Comes, the King of Glory Christian Worship 494
Look, Ye Saints! The Sight Is Glorious Arr. William Owen
Please stand INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Let us confess our sins to the Lord.
Holy God, gracious Father, I am sinful by nature and have sinned against you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved others as I should. I deserve your punishment both now and forever. But Jesus, my Savior, paid for my sins with his innocent suffering and death. Trusting in him, I pray: God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Silence for meditation and reflection
Our gracious Father in heaven has been merciful to us. He sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, who gave his life as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the (+) Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
As our service begins, the minister speaks the words spoken at our baptisms and makes the sign of the cross, marking us anew as redeemed children of God.
1 John 1:8-9
“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.
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.
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.
This song continues on the next page.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
Almighty God and Savior, you have set the final day and hour when we shall be delivered from this world of sin and death. Keep us ever watchful for the coming of your Son that we may sit with him and all your holy ones at the marriage feast in heaven; 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
4 Pay attention to me, O my people. My nation, listen to me!
For the law will go out from me, and I will establish my justice as a light to the peoples.
5 My righteousness is near. My salvation goes forth, and my arms will bring justice to the peoples. The seacoasts will wait for me. They will have confidence in my arm.
6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens. Look closely at the earth beneath, because the heavens will vanish like smoke, and the earth will wear out like a garment, and its inhabitants will die like gnats. But my salvation will remain forever, and my righteousness will never be abolished.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
HYMN Immovable Our Hope Remains
Christian Worship 832
The vocalist will sing stanzas 1 and 2. Please join in singing stanzas 3 and 4.
SECOND READING
Jude 20-25
20But you, dear friends, continue to build yourselves up in your most holy faith as you keep praying in the Holy Spirit. 21Keep yourselves in God's love as you continue to wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, which results in eternal life. 22Show mercy to those who are wavering. 23Save others by snatching them out of the fire. Show mercy to still others with fear, hating even the clothing that is stained by the flesh.
24Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you faultless in the presence of his glory with great joy, 25to the only God, our Savior, be glory, majesty, power, and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all time, now, and to all eternity. Amen.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The Lord encourages his people to live in joyful expectation of salvation, with eyes lifted up to the skies.
St. Jude explains how we live in anticipation of Jesus’ return by doing the things that build up our faith and by showing mercy to our neighbor.
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Please stand
You do not know when Jesus will come again. So be alert, with your eyes on the skies.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
ALL:
Matthew 24:42
Vocalist: Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.
Tune: © 2002, 2021 Kermit G. Moldenhauer, admin. Northwestern Publishing
Mark 13:26-37
26“Then you will see the Son of Man coming on clouds with great power and glory. 27At that time he will send out his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of the sky.
28“Learn from this illustration of the fig tree: Whenever its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. 29So also when you see these things happening, you will know that he is near at the doors! 30Amen I tell you: This generation will certainly not pass away until all these things happen. 31Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
32“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33Watch! Be alert and pray, because you do not know when the time will come. 34It is like a man going away on a journey. When he left his home, he put his servants in charge and assigned what each one was to do. He also commanded the doorkeeper to keep watch. 35Therefore keep watch, because you do not know when the owner of the house is coming: whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or early in the morning. 36If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37What I say to you, I say to everyone: Keep watch!”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please be seated
HYMN OF THE DAY Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers
Christian Worship 493
SERMON
Mark 13:26-37
Learn! Be on Your Guard! Be Alert! Watch!
Please stand
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Please be seated
Apostles’ Creed
The Apostles’ Creed developed in the Early Christian Church as a personal confession of faith. It is so named because it confesses the faith taught by the Apostles of Jesus.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
Eternal and gracious Father, today we end another year of grace. Once again the Holy Spirit has nourished and strengthened our faith as we reviewed the words and works of Jesus recorded in the Gospels. We have rejoiced to hear that you kept the promises you made to your ancient people. We were encouraged as we remembered how you empowered your followers to proclaim the good news in their world.
Work in us every day to believe the truths of your Word and apply them in our lives.
We are aware that we live in dangerous times as Satan and his forces of evil assault your people again and again. Give us wisdom to discern teachings that subtly deny the Scriptures. Provide courage to stand against the attacks of godless opponents. Strengthen our resolve to confess the truth and then to speak the truth in love.
Work in us every day to be watchful and cautious as we live in our world.
Help us take to heart that your Son, our Lord Jesus, is coming again to judge the living and the dead. Since the day of his return is unknown to us, lead us to note the signs that signal the end of time. Spare us from fear as trouble and woe increase, and fill us with hope as we long for that great day.
Work in us every day to be ready for the moment of his coming.
Fill us with concern for family members and friends who are not taking seriously their need for Jesus and his forgiveness. Provide opportunities to reach out to them with patient persistence and to lovingly lead them to your Word and sacraments. Make us generous with our offerings so that others can go in our place to proclaim the good news.
Work in us every day to witness to Christ and his love for sinners.
Lead us to see our Savior’s face in the faces of the poor and hungry, the lonely and forgotten, the oppressed and imprisoned, and move us to support them whenever we can. Empower our faith to be lights in the world so that people may see our good works and glorify you and your Son.
Work in us every day to imitate your love for the lost, the least, and the last.
If you call us to glory before the final day comes, carry our souls to heaven where we will await the resurrection of our bodies. Comfort those who may grieve over losing us and point them to the day when they will join us at the marriage feast of the Lamb.
Work in us every day so that we are ready whenever you call us home.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Fill us with hope and joy as we await your Son’s return. Cause us to enjoy your earthly blessings in light of your eternal glories and to realize that heaven is really our home. Lead us to long for the splendor of Paradise where you will wipe away all tears from our eyes.
Work in us every day as we listen for the sound of the final trumpet. Amen.
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:
Please fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder at the end of the row and pass it along. Thank you!
OFFERTORY:
Please stand
Blessed Lord, you have given us your Holy Scriptures for our learning. May we so hear them, read, learn, and take them to heart that, being strengthened and comforted by your holy Word, we may cling to the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, 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. 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
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.
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.
POSTLUDE MUSIC:
Come, You Thankful People, Come Arr. Victor Labenske
Please be seated
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLOSING HYMN—Come, You Thankful People, Come
Worship
Preacher .............................................................................................Pastor Dan Lindner
Worship Leader................................................................................. Pastor Ron Koehler
Accompanist ...................................................................................................Kathy Parra
Vocalist Dylan Guenther
Greeters ................................................................Kevin & Kathryn Bonavita (10:00 AM)
Ushers ..................................................................... Rusty King, Stanley Mead (7:45 AM) Lucas Guenther, Ferdie Kramm, Rick Street, Chris Stuhr (10:00 AM)
Sound and Recording Techs ....................................... Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler
Banner Committee .......................Sandy Weir, Nadine Rentschler, Jeanette O'Donald
Acknowledgements:
The flowers on our altar this morning were given by the Dent family in memory of loved ones. If you would like to provide flowers for the altar, please contact the Grace Central Office to reserve a Sunday. Upcoming available dates include December 22 and all the Sundays in January. The cost for the 2 bouquets is $32.50.
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 Pat Dent and Linda Morris for hosting this morning. Upcoming available dates are NEXT Sunday, December 1, along with December 15 and 29. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.
We thank Pastor Daniel Lindner for preaching and presenting in our Sunday morning Bible study this morning. Pastor Lindner serves as our WELS Campus Ministry Mission Counselor under our WELS Campus Ministry Committee and Board for Home Missions.
Our high school group, the Lifeliners, is selling 2025 wall calendars (with beautiful full-color photos and Bible verses) and tote bags with the Grace logo on them to help raise funds for their activities. Calendars cost $10 each or $15 for two. The tote bags are $5 each. If you don’t see one of the high school students in the church courtyard, please contact the church office to make your purchase.
WELS Tucson Campus Ministry Sunday night Bible study is tonight! Our study will be The Lord’s Prayers & the Lord’s Prayer: Understanding the Lord’s Prayer and the way Jesus prayed. College students and collegeage non-students are invited to join Pastor Koehler at 7:00 PM in the Student Center, which is located in the lower level of the church here at Grace-Tucson.
We hope you will join us at one of our Grace locations this 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.
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. You may request that the devotions be emailed to you daily or view the entire booklet at: mlc-wels.edu/publications/seasonal-devotions/. There are also a limited number of paper copies at the church doors and in the Fellowship Hall.
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.
A light supper will be held at 6:00 PM each Wednesday before our Advent service. Volunteers are needed to host these meals on December 4, 11, & 18. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall. A Thrivent grant will be used for initial expenses, and a free-will offering will be collected at each meal.
Begin the Christmas season on Friday, December 6, 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 9:00 PM for all or just some of the evening. There are invitations at both church doors and in the Fellowship Hall for you to use to invite your friends and neighbors.
As mentioned above, we will be serving homemade Christmas cookies and treats at Carols in the Courtyard. Could you contribute a couple dozen? Please indicate your willingness on the sign up sheet on the table in the Fellowship Hall.
The Women of Holy Cross invite you to their Advent by Candlelight Service on Saturday, December 7, at 2:00 PM. Refreshments will be served following the service. Please RSVP online at HolyCrossTucson.org. Holy Cross is located at 241 N. Harrison.
Redeemer Lutheran Church has invited our ladies to their Advent by Candlelight dinner and program on Sunday, December 8, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. You are asked to RSVP to Gail Hartmann (707-495-4576, hartmann.g.k@gmail.com) or Sharon Hartmann (815-590-2509, hartmann.s.k@gmail.com). The address is 8845 N. Silverbell Road.
Our Annual Voters’ Meeting will be held on Sunday, December 8, at noon in the Child Learning Center gymnasium at Grace-Sahuarita. Lunch will be provided. Ministry Board elections and the Ministry Spending Plan approval will be on the agenda. Everyone is encouraged to attend.
The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet at 10:15 AM on Thursday, December 12, in the Grace-Tucson 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)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 9.
Do you enjoy caroling? If so, you are welcome to join our homebound-visitation volunteers on Saturday, December 14, for our annual caroling excursion to our homebound members. We will meet at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson parking lot. 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.
Mission to the Children needs help to make the season brighter for the Hispanic families in our South Tucson mission! There is a Giving Tree in the west end of the Fellowship Hall. 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. Our members' response has been great, and we have added a tree for a second family! 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.
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.
TUCSON Today Worship Services............................................ 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour......................................................8:45a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Big Questions 9:00a Adult Bible Study: WELS Campus Ministry 9:00a
following worship ...................................................
Eve Worship Service & Fellowship 7:00p
Thursday—Thanksgiving Day Grace Central Office Closed
Friday
Grace Central Office Closed
Sunday, December 1
Worship Services with communion................. 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a
Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Big Questions 9:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... NO TCM Bible Study
VAIL
Adult Bible Study: Baptism 9:00a Worship Service............................................................10:00a Fellowship following worship
Wednesday NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 8)
Sunday, December 1
Adult Bible Study: Baptism 9:00a
Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship ...................................................
Adult Bible Study: Large Catechism............................... 9:00a
Open Gym (resumes in January)
December 1 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
Adult Bible Study (Tucson)............................................. 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Eve Worship (Tucson) 7:00p
December 1
Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a BENSON
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