ALL SAINTS’ DAY
G E L C S , A N 3, 2024
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.
OUR WORSHIP SERIES LIVE LIKE YOU’LL LIVE FOREVER
“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 will follow 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 KNOWING LIFE ONLY GETS BETTER
“It will get better.” We say that to try and comfort someone who is having a bad day (or maybe a whole string of bad days). Perhaps tomorrow will be better. But perhaps it’s worse. In this life, there really are no guarantees that things will get better. That isn’t the case with the life that is to come. That life isn’t just going to be better. It will be perfect.
Since the seventh century, Christians have marked a day to celebrate those who have died in faith and now realize the perfect joys of heaven. It is called “All Saints’ Day.” We thank God for bringing our Christian loved ones out of the troubles and turmoil of this world and into eternal bliss and glory. And we ask God to preserve us in our faith so that we might one day join the saints in that place where life is far more than better.
HYMN For All the Saints Christian Worship 880
Please stand
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: 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.
Revelation 14:13
OPENING DIALOGUE
I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.”
“Yes,” says the Spirit, “ because they will rest from their labors, for their works follow them.”
Daniel 7:18
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
The saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom, and they will possess the kingdom forever yes, forever and ever.
CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION
Beloved in the Lord, we desire to one day join the saints triumphant in heaven. Yet we have disobeyed God, and deserve only his wrath and punishment. Therefore, let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins to God our Father, asking him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness.
Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful, and that I have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have done what is evil and failed to do what is good. For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity. But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.
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
God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given his only Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 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.
+ THE WORD +
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, you have knit your people together into one holy Church, the body of Christ our Lord. Grant us grace to follow the example of your blessed saints in lives of faith and willing service and with them at last inherit the inexpressible joys that you have prepared for those who love you; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please be seated
Lord Almighty promises his saints, all those who trust in him, that he will destroy the shroud of death.
6 On this mountain the L of Armies will prepare for all peoples a banquet of rich food, a banquet of aged wines, with the best cuts of meat, and with the finest wines.
7 On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that covers all peoples, the burial cloth stretched over all nations.
8 He has swallowed up death forever! The L God will wipe away the tears from every face. He will take away the shame of his people throughout the earth. For the L has spoken.
9 On that day it will be said, “Look, here is our God! We waited for him, and he saved us! This is the L ! We waited for him. Let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation!”
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. HYMN RESPONSE—
20:4-6
4Then I saw thrones, and those who were sitting on them were given the authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshipped the beast and his image, and they did not receive his mark on their forehead and on their hand. They lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5(The rest of the dead did not live until the thousand years came to an end.) This is the first resurrection.
6Blessed and holy is the one who has a share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them. Instead they will be priests of God and of Christ. And they will reign with him for a thousand years.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Please stand
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia. They are in front of the throne of God, and they serve him day and night in his temple. Alleluia.
Revelation 7:15
St. John sees those who had been killed because of their faith in Christ now living and reigning with him in glory. We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
GOSPEL
John 11:32-44
32When Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
33When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and troubled.
34He asked, “Where have you laid him?” They told him, “Lord, come and see.”
35Jesus wept.
36Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 37But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”
Jesus demonstrates his power over death.
This reading continues on the next page.
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.
38Jesus was deeply moved again as he came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. 39“Take away the stone,” he said. Martha, the dead man’s sister, told him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, because it has been four days.”
40Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” 41So they took away the stone.
Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you heard me. 42I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.” 43After he said this, he shouted with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”
44The man who had died came out with his feet and his hands bound with strips of linen and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus told them, “Loose him and let him go.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE & GREETING
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
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.
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.
SERMON
Isaiah 25:6-9
On Top The Glorious Mountain With the Lord
Text: Horatio Bolton Nelson, 1823–1913, alt. Tune: Finnish. Text and tune: Public domain.
The Nicene Creed was first developed in 325 at the First Council of Nicea. It was written to reaffirm the Biblical teaching of the divinity of Jesus, God’s Son. Like the Apostles’ and Athanasian Creeds, the Nicene Creed is a confession of what the Bible teaches.
CONFESSION OF FAITH
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
With grateful hearts, Lord, We remember before you this day…
That great cloud of witnesses whose living trust in you, recorded in your Word, becomes an example for us to imitate and follow. Inspire us as we remember them and grant us your blessing.
With grateful hearts, Lord, We remember before you this day…
The reformers and confessors who faced the terror of church and empire but stood firm in your truth because they were moved by grace, empowered by faith, and guided by Scripture.
Inspire us as we remember them and grant us their courage.
With grateful hearts, Lord, We remember before you this day…
Your faithful followers of every age among them our parents and grandparents and our mentors and models whom your Spirit called, gathered, enlightened, and sanctified to be your holy Church and by whose faithful words and deeds the gospel of your grace arrived also to us.
Inspire us as we remember them and grant us their resolve.
With grateful hearts, Lord, We remember before you this day…
Those we have known who endured uncommon handicaps, chronic illnesses, and severe hardships yet followed you in simple faith and lived their lives with patience and persistence.
Inspire us as we remember them and grant us their joy.
With grateful hearts, Lord, We remember before you this day…
Our own loved ones whose memories still burn within our hearts, whom you have called in your good time from their labors in life to that life which knows no end.
Inspire us as we remember them and grant us their reward.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
Empower us, Lord, to carry on the work you gave to your people of the past, trusting your Son, holding to your Word, confessing your truth, loving the lost, reaching out with your love, until you call us, too, by your great grace in Jesus Christ, to join them where memories are swallowed up in everlasting joy.
Amen Please
The Preface to the Sacrament is one of the oldest parts of the Christian liturgy, dating back to the first century. As we prepare to receive Holy Communion, we are united with the Body of Christ, in an unbroken bond with Christians through the millennia.
PREFACE
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
+ THE SACRAMENT +
Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who in blessing his saints of the past has given us assurance and hope that, following their example, we may run the race marked out for us and receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:
The Prophet Isaiah was given a vision of heaven, where seraphim praised God. In the Sanctus we welcome Jesus with our hosannas and praise.
Sanctus
This song continues on the next page.
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Blessed are you, Lord God, eternal King and gracious Father. In love you made us the crown of your creation. In mercy you planned our salvation. In grace you sent your Son to redeem us from sin.
We remember and give you thanks that your eternal Son, Jesus Christ, became flesh and made his dwelling among us, that he willingly placed himself under law to redeem those under law, that he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death on a cross, that he has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
Bless us as we receive your Son’s body and blood in this Sacrament. Forgive our sins, increase our faith, strengthen our fellowship, and deepen our longing for the day when Christ will welcome us to his eternal feast. Praise and thanks and honor and glory be to you, O God our Father, and to your Son and to the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my (+) body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is my (+) blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
The peace of the Lord be with you always.
Amen.
As he speaks the Words of Institution, the minister both proclaims the words of Jesus to the congregation and sets apart the bread and wine for this special use. The sign of the cross reminds us of Christ’s death.
Tune: Kermit G. Moldenhauer © 2002 Kermit G. Moldenhauer, admin. Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
John the Baptist pointed to Jesus and said, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” We sing the Agnus Dei confident that Jesus has borne our sins and freely gives us forgiveness and peace in the Sacrament.
O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD
Please be seated
Tune: Kermit G. Moldenhauer © 2002 Kermit G. Moldenhauer, admin. Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
DISTRIBUTION
The Bible teaches that the Lord’s Supper is a unique communion of Christ and the individual believer as well as a coming together of people who hold to the same beliefs. Because of these Scriptural truths, we practice Member Communion at Grace. Those who are confirmed members of Wisconsin Synod congregations (WELS) are invited to receive the Lord’s Supper with us.
If you are not a WELS member but have an interest in receiving Holy Communion, please speak with the pastor after church today or at another time. We are aware that there are a number of other teachings about Holy Communion, and we want it to be a blessing for you, so we would look forward to sharing with you what God says about this Sacrament.
Personal prayers for before and after communing are now available on printed labels on the inside cover of the hymnals.
Please stand
+ THANKSGIVING +
SPOKEN RESPONSES
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures forever.
Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
CLOSING PRAYER
We give you thanks, O Lord, for the foretaste of the heavenly banquet you have given us in this Sacrament. Through this gift you have fed our faith, nourished our hope, and strengthened our love. By your Spirit, help us to live as your holy people until that day when you will receive us as your guests at the wedding supper of the Lamb, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
BLESSING
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.
Amen. Please be seated
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
THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Friendship Register
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’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
Luther’s Large Catechism is a short summary and epitome of the entire Holy Scriptures. Luther encourages all Christians to daily exercise themselves in the Catechism. With that encouragement, we are looking at the Large Catechism in our Sunday morning Bible study. If you haven’t been to Bible study in a while, now is a great time to start. Please join us in the CLC gymnasium on Sundays at 9:00 AM.
Campus Ministry Bible Study: Tonight
WELS Tucson Campus Ministry Sunday night Bible study is TONIGHT. Join us for “Donuts and the Devil” at 7:00 PM in the Student Center, which is located in the lower level of the church at Grace-Tucson.
Volunteer Sign-ups
Volunteers are needed for 2025! We could use help in a number of different ways including greeters, ushers, and church cleaning. Please see the sign-up sheets in the church entryway and help out where you can!
Open Gym: Tuesday
Do you enjoy playing basketball and/or volleyball? Test your skills during our adults only, open gym on Tuesdays from 7:00 to 9:00 PM here in our CLC gymnasium! We will be alternating between basketball and volleyball. This Tuesday, November 5, will be volleyball. Come for some friendly competition and bring a friend!
Midweek Bible Study: Wednesday
Our midweek Bible study, “Hard Sayings of Jesus” is now being taught by Pastor Heiman. This study examines numerous difficult sayings of our Savior. Sometimes the sayings are hard to understand, other times they are hard to interpret, and other times they are hard to believe. Students will become equipped to wrestle with God’s Word and understand the hard sayings of Jesus. Please join us on Wednesdays at 10:00 AM in the church entryway.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mission to the Children Giving Tree
Mission to the Children needs help to make the season brighter for the Hispanic families in our South Tucson mission! Look for a Giving Tree in the church entryway beginning next Sunday, November 10. 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. 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.
Thanksgiving Services: November 27
We hope you will join us at one of our Grace locations on 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.
Men of His Word Conference
The 4th annual Men of His Word conference is scheduled for Saturday, January 18, 2025 at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The conference theme is “Forge Ahead in Faith.” This year’s conference will reignite your faith, filling you with the courage and conviction to forge ahead, even in the face of adversity or persecution. The keynote speaker will be Pastor Jon Buchholz. His presentation is titled Where Do We Go From Here? He’ll talk honestly about real challenges we face today, always in the light of the confidence we have in Jesus and his promises to bless his church. There will be eight different breakout sessions of which you may choose three. Details on each session are on the website. This year’s registration fee includes a Men of His Word themed T-shirt. To register, go to menofhisword.org/phoenix---registration.html. Early bird registration is available now!
We have some great events coming up in November and December! Don’t miss out on the following activities. Watch for more details as each date draws closer.
Wednesday, November 27: Thanksgiving Services
Friday, December 6: Carols in the Courtyard at Grace-Tucson
Sunday, December 8: Annual Meeting with Lunch at Grace-Sahuarita
Friday, December 13: Child Learning Center Christmas Event
Saturday, December 14: Christmas for Kids at Esmond Station School
Saturday, December 21: Grace-Vail Caroling in the Park (Purple Heart Park)
Tuesday, December 31: All-Site New Year’s Eve Worship & Meal at Grace-Tucson
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 3 - November 10
Today Adult Bible Study: Large Catechism ...............................9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship NO Choir Rehearsal (resumes November 10)
Tuesday Adult Open Gym Volleyball 7:00p
Wednesday Adult Bible Study: Hard Sayings of Jesus 10:00a
Sunday, November 10
Adult Bible Study: Large Catechism ...............................9:00a Children’s Sunday School...............................................9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship Choir Rehearsal following worship ..........................................
VAIL
Today
Adult Bible Study: Baptism 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... Site Ministry Team Meeting 12:00p
Wednesday Adult Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 6:30p
Sunday, November 10
Adult Bible Study: Baptism 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... Lunch at Serial Grillers 12:00p
BENSON Today
Worship Service with communion 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Hebrews 8:45a Fellowship following worship ................................................... Wednesday Adult Bible Study: Idol Worship 10:00a
Sunday, November 10
Worship Service 7:30a
Adult Bible Study: Hebrews 8:45a Fellowship following worship
TUCSON
Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a
Grow in Grace Class (resumes November 17)
ONLINE
November 10
Bible Study (Tucson)............................................. 9:00a
Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
OFF-SITE EVENT
November 10
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
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
Child Learning Center Mission Teachers
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