THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT

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 www.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 (2021) hymnal. You will find these blue worship books in the hymnal pocket in each row. You will be asked to open the hymnal to participate in parts of the service today. We hope this will help our members and friends become better acquainted with these new books.
The Latin word adventus means “coming.” The last Words in Scripture are “Come, Lord Jesus!” Thus, the season of Advent begins with the end in mind. We enter a new Church Year with our eyes fixed on the end of time, when Jesus Christ will come and destroy this sin broken world.
If that is what Jesus and his angels are coming to do, why would we cry out, “Come, Lord Jesus”? Because we know that Jesus has come into our world once before. The Son of God became the Son of Man. From the manger to the cross, Jesus did everything necessary to redeem mankind. As this new Church Year walks us through the entire life of Christ, we see God’s promises of deliverance fulfilled...God’s plan of salvation completed. And so, when Christ comes again, while the universe will be destroyed, we know God’s people will be ushered into a new, glorious, everlasting kingdom.
Advent is necessary to prepare us for Christmas. It enables us to understand the true significance of Christmas. For Advent allows us to see that because of what Christ did when he came the first time, believers need not fear when he comes again. Instead, we yearn for it. Come, Lord Jesus!
AS KING AS JUDGE AS MESSIAH AS IMMANUELWhy would the Church Year begin with a gospel reading that describes an event near the very end of Jesus’ life his entry into Jerusalem at the start of Holy Week? Because the events of Palm Sunday serve as a perfect summary of the entire plan of salvation.
It is an odd sight, this man riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, to cheers and the celebratory waving of palm branches. Understandably, many asked, “Who is this?” The answer: This is not just a rabbi. This is the King of all Creation. This is God Almighty wrapped in flesh. Yet, he does not enter Jerusalem with all his glory and power on display. This King hides all that and rides into Jerusalem so that he might also be our priest and sacrifice.
This is a King unlike any other ruler who has ever lived. For he is infinitely greater than all other kings, while simultaneously being infinitely humbler. This King is willing to trade his golden crown for one made of thorns. This King comes not demanding our service but to serve us. You look at how good, how loving is this King, and you ask that question upon which eternity hinges. “Who is this?” As we march through this new Church Year, the answer becomes crystal clear. This King is the Savior of the nations.
The order of service we are using today is based on the historic order for morning praise known as Matins.
5 Before the dawning day let sin’s dark deeds be gone, the old self all be put away, the new self now put on.
6 All glory to the Son, who comes to set us free, with Father, Spirit, ever one through all eternity.
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
Psalm 51:15
Psalm 70:1
Tune: Marty Haugen © 1995, 1996 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199
With these words from Psalm 95 we praise God, the maker of heaven and earth.
The lighting of candles in anticipation of Christ’s coming has a long tradition in the Christian Church. On each of the four Sundays of Advent, a new candle is lit, dispelling the darkness, as the church moves forward to welcoming him who is the true Light of the world.
We light one Advent candle, remembering Jesus, who is coming again. He will come to gather his people from everywhere, both the living and the dead.
We remember Jesus, who will come at the end of time. None of us knows what day that will be.
We hear his call to watch.
We light one Advent candle as a sign of our watchfulness and waiting.
Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest.
Through your Word and Spirit may our souls be blessed. One Advent candle is lit. Please be seated
In the future, when our King comes again, he will transform this world.
FIRST READING
Isaiah 2:1 5
1 This is the message that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
2 This will take place in the latter days: The mountain of the L ’s house will be established as the chief of the mountains. It will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it like a river.
3 Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the L , to the house of the God of Jacob. Then he will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths.”
For from Zion the law will go out, and the L ’s word will go out from Jerusalem.
4 He will judge between the nations, and he will mediate for many peoples.
Then they will beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into blades for trimming vines. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, nor will they learn war anymore.
5 O house of Jacob, come, and let us walk in the light of the L
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
REFRAIN: Come let us go up to the mountain to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways that we may walk in his paths. Come let us go up to the Lord.
The law will go out from Zion; the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. REFRAIN
On this mountain the Lord will prepare a feast, a rich banquet of food for all peoples. Nation will not rise up against nation, nor will they train for war ever again. REFRAIN
Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord. Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord. REFRAIN
Come, let us go up to the Lord.
Text: Rachel Braun © 2010 Rachel Braun. Used by permission of the author.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always! I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Please stand
Alleluia. At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. Alleluia.
The words to this anthem are based on the words of Isaiah 2.
Our present life is transformed from worry to joy and hope because of the King who came.
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
The King of all Creation comes to us in total humility, willing to do everything necessary to save us from our sin.
Matthew 21:1-11
1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 telling them, “Go to the village ahead of you. Immediately you will find a donkey tied there along with her colt. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you are to say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.”
4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
Isaiah 62:11
5 Tell the daughter of Zion: Look, your King comes to you, humble, and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Hosanna is a Hebrew word meaning “save us now.”
Psalm 118:25 26
6 The disciples went and did just as Jesus commanded them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their outer clothing on them, and he sat on it. 8 A very large crowd spread their outer clothing on the road. Others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them out on the road. 9 The crowds who went in front of him and those who followed kept shouting, Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!
10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, asking, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds were saying, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
While the children are coming forward please greet your neighbor and fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder in your row and pass it along. Thank you!
Please be seated
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.
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.
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.
This song of Zechariah is found in Luke 1:68 79.
Tune: Marty Haugen © 1995, 1996 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199
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 stand
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.
Gracious Lord, you sent your Son into our world to destroy the power of Satan and restore the human race as your children and heirs. Work in us during this Advent season so that we may rejoice in the coming of our Savior and to long for his coming again.
Make us eager to receive the King who comes to save us.
Use the preaching of your holy law to rid us of all delusions that we can gain your love with our own efforts. Move us to realize how hopeless we are because of sin and to feel sorrow for what we have done wrong.
Lead us to be honest about our sinful status in your sight.
Lift up our hearts to see the King who comes to save. Reveal to us his willingness to take on our human form and stand in our place. Show us the power he extends in his Word and sacraments to make us your children and keep us in faith. Thrill us with his promise to come and take us to our eternal home to live with you forever.
Open our eyes to see and believe the wonders of the Savior’s love.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
As we live with Christ and trust in him, move us to turn away from sin day after day with the strength your Holy Spirit provides. When we fall, forgive us and renew us to love and serve you and all people.
Empower us and guide us to walk with Christ by faith.
Protect us from the distractions that come at this time of the year. Even in gift giving and celebrating, keep our hearts focused on Christ and his forgiving love. Give us joy at his coming at Christmas, his coming in the gospel, and his coming again.
Move us to share with others the most important gift of this season, the truth about Jesus. Even in busy times lead us to pray for those whose joy is diminished because of sickness, pain, or loss. Give us opportunities to provide help to those in need.
May others see the love of Christ in our words and actions.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
Loving Lord, work in us during this Advent season so that our joy may be genuine and may rest in the promises of the King who comes to save.
Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. Protect us by your strength, and save us from the threatening dangers of our sins; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to this new day. Defend us with your mighty power, and grant that this day we neither fall into sin nor run into any kind of danger. And in all we do, direct us to what is right in your sight; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord.
Amen.
Tune: Marty Haugen © 1997 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199
Text: Marty Haugen © 1995, 1996 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199
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
We would like to have a record of both members and guests who are worshiping with us. Please sign the red Friendship Register book located along the center aisle in the hymnal rack.
Children ages 1 8 will be dismissed from our worship service today during the hymn before the sermon to attend Children’s Church. Parents, following worship, please pick your child up from the gymnasium in the CLC building.
“God just wants me to be happy.” “God helps those who help themselves.” These and other popular, positive, catchy statements might sound good, but do they really fit with what the Bible says? We are currently working through the Bible study, “10 Lies About God.” This study will help us respond to false teachings about God and to defend what the Bible teaches. Now would be an excellent time to make this study a part of your Sunday routine! Class is held at 9:00 AM in the CLC gymnasium.
Grace makes use of an online giving portal to gather offerings electronically. Regular offerings and special offerings can be given online, and offerings can be automated as weekly or monthly gifts. About half of Grace’s regular offerings are gathered electronically. The online platform is very secure and works from a computer or smartphone.
Jay Wiechmann, Grace’s Financial Manager, will be available after the service in the church entryway near the large TV monitor to answer questions and share information about online giving. If you would like to learn more about online giving, or if you already use online giving and have questions, stop by!
Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are on the desk in the church entryway. A new Meditations with devotions that begin today is now available.
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. Copies of these books are available on the desk in the church entryway. You may also request that the devotions be emailed to you daily or download a PDF copy of the entire book at mlc wels.edu/publications/seasonal devotions/.
Advent is a time of preparation and repentance as we prepare to celebrate Christmas. Join us on three Wednesdays, November 30 and December 7 & 14, for special Advent Midweek worship services. This year we will be focusing on the question raised by one of our hymns, “O Lord, How Shall I Meet You?” 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 and 6:00 PM Grace Tucson 10:00 AM and 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.
The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet THIS Thursday, December 1, at 10:15 AM in the GraceTucson Fellowship Hall. They will be holding an Advent appetizer potluck and exchanging white elephant gifts. Please bring an appetizer and a wrapped gift. Ladies from ALL sites are welcome to join in the fun! Please RSVP by calling or emailing the Grace Central Office (520 623 6633 or office@gracelutheransaz.org). Contact Lois Thornton at (520)323-8772 if you have any questions.
All ladies are invited to Advent by Candlelight next Sunday, December 4, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM in the Grace Tucson Fellowship Hall. You are encouraged to bring your friends to join in focusing on the true meaning of Christmas.
We need ladies to host a table for six to eight ladies. This includes bringing dishes (plates, silverware, cups) and a light snack/dessert to share with the table. If you are interested in hosting a table or have any questions, please contact Hailey Brandt at (608)387 9319.
Our Child Learning Center at our Sahuarita site will be holding a fundraiser at Panda Express (750 S. Rancho Sahuarita Blvd. Sahuarita, AZ 85629) on Monday, December 5, from 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM. 20% of event sales will be donated to the CLC! Our goal is to raise money for classroom supplies and grow our scholarship fund. You must bring in an event flyer (available on the desk in the church entryway) or show it on your smartphone. If you are ordering online (PandaExpress.com or the App) use the fundraiser code 342141. We hope you can come and help support the Child Learning Center!
Begin the coming Christmas season with your friends at Grace, our friends from the neighborhood around Grace-Tucson, and the unchurched friends and family you invite to join you! Carols in the Courtyard 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 with friends in our decorated courtyard! We hope you can join us on Friday, December 9, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM in the Grace Tucson courtyard.
On Saturday, December 10, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, Grace-Tucson will host Christmas For Kids. This free, fun event will include songs, crafts, and other activities that will focus on God’s Christmas gift to us: our Savior Jesus! Adults and children are welcome to stick around for cake and fellowship as we celebrate Jesus’ birthday. Children aged 3 through grade 5 are invited to attend. Please contact Pastor Patoka (RevTLP@GraceLutheranSAZ.org) for more information.
Our Annual Voters' Meeting will be held on Sunday, December 11. This year's meeting will take place at Grace Vail at noon. Lunch will be provided. Ministry Board elections, Ministry Spending Plan approval, and calling a CLC teacher will all be on the agenda. The agenda and reports will be available next Sunday.
The Child Learning Center here at our Sahuarita location is hosting a “Children’s Christmas Walk to Meet Jesus” on Friday, December 16, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Part of the evening includes a Cookie Walk (Cookie sale). If you like to bake Christmas cookies, we could use 4-5 dozen of your favorite recipe. They will be sold to CLC families and church members who might not have time or interest in baking. If you would like to volunteer to help at the Cookie walk, please contact Jen Rickling at (262) 366 5778. Cookies can be delivered to the CLC on December 15 or 16 or to the Grace Central Office at our Tucson location by 5:00 PM on December 15.
Grace Vail will be hosting a “Caroling in the Park” event on Saturday, December 17, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Purple Heart Park in Rita Ranch (9800 E. Rita Road, Tucson 85747). Enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, and some of your favorite Christmas songs! Come for the music, stay for the fellowship! Please invite friends to join you.
Grace Sahuarita is participating in the Sahuarita Holiday Lights Parade. 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. If you would like to volunteer to sing at the Holiday Lights Parade, please contact Laura Heiman at (520)2788793. We hope you can come out to watch the parade!
At our special Call meeting on Sunday, October 23, Grace extended two Divine Calls for Mission Teachers at our Child Learning Center. Mrs. Alison Moeri has declined our call and will continue to serve at Little Lambs Learning Center and Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Duluth, Minnesota.
The other call was extended to Mrs. Jennifer Rannow who currently serves at Precious Lambs Early Learning Center at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. Please continue to keep her and her family in your prayers as she deliberates whether to accept our call and move her ministry here to southern Arizona or to decline our call and continue serving in her current location. Feel free to communicate with her any information that you feel may be helpful in her deliberations (jjrannow@gmail.com or (704)668-1599).
Pastor Kassulke was informed on November 10 that St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson, WI had voted to extend to him a Divine Call to serve as their outreach pastor. This means that he now holds two calls, one to Grace Tucson and one to St. Paul’s in Fort Atkinson. In the coming weeks, he will be working to make a decision whether to accept the new Call and move his ministry to Wisconsin or to decline the Call and continue serving here. He will strive to make that decision with prayer and careful consideration where his particular gifts for ministry fit best.
Pastor Kassulke welcomes any input that the friends and members of Grace might wish to share with him. You can reach him by email at RevNPK@GraceLutheranSAZ.org or by phone at (520)260 4453. He also appreciates prayers offered on behalf of him and his family during this deliberation as well as for both congregations.
Grace Lutheran Child Learning Center is looking for kind, caring individuals to volunteer in the classroom. We are hoping to find volunteers who are interested in working with individual 3 year old and 4 year old students. This will require a fingerprint clearance card, which we will help you get. If you feel like you would enjoy this opportunity or if you have any questions, please reach out to Laura Heiman, CLC Director, at (520) 848-4630.
Our Child Learning Center (CLC) is enrolled in the Community Rewards Program at Fry’s. This program allows a percentage of your spending to be donated to the CLC. We would greatly appreciate it if you could create an account and link it to our organization. The link is: https:// www.frysfood.com/account/communityrewards and our organization code is CV025. If you have any questions, please contact the CLC office at (520)848-4630. Feel free to share this with friends who are not members of Grace too!
Grace member Bernice Marsala was called to her Savior’s side on November 10. We thank God for the many blessings he bestowed on Bernice during her life on earth and rejoice that she has received the crown of life in heaven. A memorial service has been scheduled for 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 7, at Grace-Tucson.
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 27 – December 4
SAHUARITA
Today
Adult Bible Study: 10 Lies About God 9:00a Children’s Sunday School..............................................9:00a Worship Service 10:00a
Wednesday
Advent Worship Services 10:00a & 6:00p
Next Sunday, December 4
Adult Bible Study: 10 Lies About God 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service with communion................................ 10:00a
VAIL Today
Children’s Sunday School..............................................9:00a
Adult Bible Study: Male & Female He Created Them 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship
Thursday
Midweek Bible Study: Grow in Grace 6:30p
Next Sunday, December 4
Children’s Sunday School..............................................9:00a
Adult Bible Study: Male & Female He Created Them 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship
BENSON Today
Worship Service .............................................................7:30a
Bible Study following worship: 1 Corinthians
Wednesday
Advent Worship Service & Lunch 10:00a
Next Sunday, December 4 Worship Service with communion 7:30a Bible Study following worship: 1 Corinthians
Worship Services
......................................................8:45a
7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour
Adult Bible Study: 10 Lies About God 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study 9:00a Small Group Bible Study: God & Government 9:00a Fellowship following worship.................................................... NO TCM Bible Study (resumes December 4)
Tuesday
Weekly Pastors’ Meeting ................................................9:00a English Classes 6:30p
Wednesday
Advent Worship Services 10:00a & 7:00p Advent Supper ................................................................6:00p
Thursday
Women’s Bible Study: Prepared to Answer 9:00a Ladies’ Fellowship Group..............................................10:15a Handbell Rehearsal 5:30p Worship Choir 6:45p
Saturday
Homebound Caroling......................................................9:00a
Next Sunday, December 4 Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour ......................................................8:45a
Adult Bible Study: 10 Lies About God 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study 9:00a Small Group Bible Study: God & Government 9:00a Women’s Advent by Candlelight.....................................4:00p TCM Christmas Party 7:00p
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) .............................................9:00a Worship Services (Tucson and Sahuarita) 10:00a
Wednesday
Advent Worship Service (Tucson) 7:00p
Next Sunday, December 4 Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Tucson and Sahuarita) 10:00a
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.
Grace
Grace-Sahuarita 75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538
Pastor
Pastor
Pastor
Grace-Benson 451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602
Grace-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
Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher cinda@gracelutheransaz.org (520)405-3286
Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org
Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org
Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr office@gracelutheransaz.org
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. For more information about our synod and what we believe visit: www.wels.net