11-27-22 Grace-Tucson Worship Folder

THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT

Welcome to Grace!

Our mission at Grace is to teach the inspired and inerrant Word of God, to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Savior of the world, and to nurture believers for lives of Christian service. Check out the GRACE WEBSITE at GraceLutheranSAZ.org

WORSHIP NOTES

We are very pleased that you have joined us for worship today! We pray that this time will be a blessing for you as God comes to you with his Word and promises, and as you offer him your thanks and praise.

The order of worship we will follow is printed in this worship folder for you to follow along and participate. You’ll notice that the service is a dialogue between God and us, his people. The pastor speaks to God along with the congregation and also speaks the Word of God to the people. LARGE PRINT worship folders are available at the entrances for those who desire them.

Today we are using elements from the Christian Worship (2021) hymnal. You will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each pew. You will be asked to open the hymnal to participate in parts of the service today. A vocalist will aid in our singing and will be recorded for our audio disks and video live streaming.

OUR WORSHIP SERIES COME, LORD JESUS!

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!

COME, LORD JESUS!—AS KING

Why 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.

Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit. Congregation: Amen. OPENING SENTENCES

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.

Please join in singing as much of this song as you are comfortable.

COME, OH, COME, LET US SING TO THE LORD

Text and tune: Marty Haugen © 1995, 1996 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE

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

+ THE WORD +

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.

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. Each year the privilege of lighting the Advent candles is given to the youth of our congregation.

In the future, when our King comes again, he will transform this world.

HYMN—

The King of Glory Comes

Our present life is transformed from worry to joy and hope because of the King who came.

SECOND READING

Philippians 4:4-7

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

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The vocalist will sing the first refrain and the verse. Please join in singing the final refrain.

Vocalist: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.

Refrain

Tune: Tony E. Alonso © 2010 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

Philippians 2:10

GOSPEL

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:

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.

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.

Please be seated

HYMN OF THE DAY—The Advent of Our King Christian Worship 309

The King of all Creation comes to us in total humility, willing to do everything necessary to save us from our sin.

Isaiah 62:11

SERMON

Isaiah 2:1-5

Hosanna is a Hebrew word meaning “save us now.”

Psalm 118:25 26

Savior King

Come to Your

1. Who Reigns on the Mountain of the Lord 2. Who Brings Complete Peace

This song of Zechariah is found in Luke 1:68 79.

SONG OF ZECHARIAH

Tune: Marty Haugen © 1995, 1996 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

Please stand

CONFESSION OF FAITH

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.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

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.

OFFERING

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!

HYMN Lift Up Your Heads, You Mighty Gates

PRAYER OF THE DAY

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.

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.

PRAYER FOR GRACE

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.

PRAYER RESPONSE

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

Text: Marty Haugen © 1995, 1996 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199 Please be seated

Altar Flowers

The flowers beautifying our altar today have been given by Holly Vaden in celebration of the 5th anniversary of her confirmation here at Grace!

If you would like to provide flowers for the altar, please call (520 623 6633) or email (office@gracelutheransaz.org) the Grace Central Office to reserve a Sunday. All of the Sundays in January are available. The cost for the 2 bouquets is $32.50. After the 10:00 AM service you may take the flowers home or leave them to be dropped off to one of our homebound members if a visit is being made.

Fellowship

Following the 10:00 AM service, you are invited to join us in the courtyard for drinks and snacks. We thank Audrey Nessinger and Rick Street for hosting this week. The next available dates include all the Sundays in January and February. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

Sunday Morning Bible Study

“A God of Love Wouldn’t Send People to Hell.” “It Doesn’t Matter How God Made the World.” These and other popular statements might sound good, but do they really fit with what the Bible says? We are currently working through “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! Please join us at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall.

Children’s Bible Hour: TODAY

All children, ages 3 8th grade, are invited to attend Children’s Bible Hour on Sunday mornings. The children will begin together in the main area of our Education Building at 8:45 AM for music and an opening devotion and from there will be divided into age based classrooms. Parents can meet their children after class at their classrooms or in the courtyard. If you have any questions about Children’s Bible Hour, please contact Pastor Patoka.

Devotional Books

Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are at either door to church and in the Fellowship Hall. A new Meditations with devotions that begin today is now available.

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. Copies of these books are available at each of the church doors and in the Fellowship Hall. 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/.

Those Assisting in Worship This Morning

Pastor Tim Patoka

Pastor Ron Koehler (10:00 AM)

Katie Patoka

Beth Kassulke

Leah Wiechmann (7:45 AM), Anna Kassulke (10:00 AM)

Jim & Elaine Goldie (10:00 AM)

Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke

Nadine Rentschler, Jeanette O’Donald, Sandy Weir

“Chrismons”

Christ-Monograms

ChrismonsaresymbolsthatproclaimJesus’nameandhisworksofsalvationforus.Here areexplanationsfortheChrismonsyouseeonourChristmastrees.

THE ANCHOR CROSS represents our certain hope of salvation anchored in Christ.

THE BUDDED CROSS with its trefoil ends emphasizes the Trinity.

THE CELTIC CROSS has a circle in the middle symbolizing eternity. Because it has ancient ties to Christians in Ireland, Iona, and Scotland, it is also called the Irish or Iona Cross.

THE CROSS WITH ORB symbolizes the world united under Christ, as the Lord cares for heaven and earth.

THE GREEK CROSS has four arms of equal length. Early Greek artists used this cross.

IHS is the acrostic of the first three letters of Jesus’ name in Greek ( ). Various meanings have been attached to each letter. The horizontal line that forms the cross is the sign for an abbreviation.

THE IOTA CROSS is the first letter of “Jesus” in Greek ( =IOTA) combined with the first letter of “Christ” in Greek ( =CHI).

THE JERUSALEM CROSS (also known as the CRUSADER’S CROSS) represents the city of peace. The 5 crosses represent the 5 wounds of our Lord. The 4 smaller crosses are also said to represent the spread of the gospel to the 4 corners of the earth.

THE MALTESE CROSS is comprised of 4 arms shaped like spear heads. Each points to the center, with the broad end having 2 points. The 8 points in all represent the beatitudes (Matt. 5:3 10). This is the emblem of John the Baptist. The cross was the emblem of the Knights of St. John, who were driven from Rhodes to the island of Malta by the Turks. Malta is the island where St. Paul was shipwrecked.

THE ROMAN CROSS consists of the Latin Cross and the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, the alpha ( ) and omega ( ) symbolizing Jesus as the Eternal One: the ‘First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.’ Though he died on the cross, he reigns in glory forever.

THE STAR (NATAL) CROSS reminds us of the star that marked our Savior’s birth.

THE TAU CROSS, shaped like the Greek letter (tau), depicts the type of cross Moses is believed to have raised in the desert with the serpent on it. It is also the traditional sign that Israelites made with lamb's blood on their doorposts in Egypt on the night of Passover. Therefore this is the cross of penitence and prophecy.

CHALICE AND WAFER represent the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.

THREE INTERLACING CIRCLES represent the three distinct persons of the Holy Trinity, yet just one God.

THE DESCENDING DOVE symbolizes the Holy Spirit, remembering the baptism of Jesus when he descended in the form of a dove.

THE TABLET OF STONE is a symbol of the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses on Mt. Sinai.

THE BUTTERFLY brings to mind our Lord’s resurrection from the dead and reminds us that all believers in Christ will also rise to eternal life. The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, the alpha ( ) and omega ( ) are sometimes added to signify the eternal life enjoyed by those who die in the Lord.

THE CROSS CROWN is a symbol of the Kingship of our Lord, reminding us that he is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. It also reminds us of the crown of life given to believers for their lives of faith.

THE CHI RHO is a monogram consisting of the first two Greek letters of ‘Christ’, and .

THE FISH is the most ancient symbol of Christ. Christians drew the image of the fish to identify each other in times of persecution. The Greek word for fish is (ichthus). The acrostic represents this meaning: =Jesus =Christ =God’s =Son =Savior.

THE 5 POINTED STAR/EPIPHANY STAR represents the star of Bethlehem and is shaped roughly like a human being representing Christ’s incarnation.

THE 6 POINTED STAR/CREATOR’S STAR/STAR OF DAVID symbolizes creation. Each point refers to a day of God’s creating work.

THE TREFOIL AND TRIANGLE is a symbol of the Holy Trinity showing both the unity of the Godhead as well as the diversity of the Persons.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Midweek Advent Services

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.

Tucson Supper Host: A host is still needed for the Advent supper on December 14. If you are interested, please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

Ladies’ Fellowship Group: Thursday

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 signing the sheet in the Fellowship Hall or call/email the Grace Central Office (520 623 6633 or office@gracelutheransaz.org). Contact Lois Thornton at (520)323 8772 if you have any questions.

Christmas Caroling to Homebound Members: Saturday

Do you enjoy caroling? If so, you are welcome to join our homebound-visitation volunteers THIS Saturday, December 3, for our 3rd annual caroling excursion to our homebound members. We will meet at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall, practice a few songs, and then head out around 9:30 AM. Based on last year’s timeframe, we are estimating approximately 4 hours for travel and singing. You may want to bring something to drink and/or snacks. Please RSVP by calling or texting Holly Vaden at (208)922 9884.

Advent by Candlelight: December 4

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.

CLC Fundraiser at Panda Express: December 5

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 a table in the Fellowship Hall) 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!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Carols in the Courtyard: December 9

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. There are invitation cards available at both church doors and in the Fellowship Hall for you to use to invite your friends!

Christmas For Kids: December 10

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. Older siblings are welcome to assist. Registration is available at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/C4K. You may pick up a handout from either church door or in the Fellowship Hall to use to invite your friends and family. Please contact Pastor Patoka (RevTLP@GraceLutheranSAZ.org) for more information.

Annual Meeting: December 11

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.

CLC Children’s Christmas Walk: December 16

The Child Learning Center 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.

Caroling in the Park: December 17

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.

Sahuarita Holiday Lights Parade: December 17

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)278 8793. We hope you can come out to watch the parade!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Divine Call Update

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).

Divine Call Received

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)2604453. He also appreciates prayers offered on behalf of him and his family during this deliberation as well as for both congregations.

Lifeliner Calendar Fundraiser

Did you forget to buy your 2023 wall calendar and so support Grace’s high school youth group, the Lifeliners? It's not too late! Call the Grace Central Office (520 623 6633) to order your calendar from our remaining supplies. The cost is $10 for one calendar or get two for $15.

Greeting Cards

Christmas cards and a wide variety of Scripture-based greeting cards are available for purchase in the southwest corner of the Fellowship Hall. These cards are made available at cost by the Women of Grace and the prices are marked.

Grace Member Called to Heaven

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.

Helping Hands

Sometimes you could just use a helping hand! Do you have a talent or service that you could offer to our fellow Grace members who could use some help (at a minimal cost or free)? Just a few ideas: outdoor work, computer work, sewing/mending, handyman, cooking, organizing, transportation to appointments, etc. We’re sure there are many more! If you would like to help, please fill out a Helping Hands card found on the bulletin board outside of the Library in the Fellowship Hall. These offers will then be posted on the bulletin board.

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 Ÿ November 27 – December 4

TUCSON Today

Worship Services

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 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

ONLINE

Today

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

Stay Up to Date

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

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

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