G E L C S , A N 30, 2025
Welcome to Grace!
Our mission at Grace is to teach the inspired and inerrant Word of God, to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Savior of the world, and to nurture believers for lives of Christian service.
Check out the GRACE WEBSITE at GraceLutheranSAZ.org
We are very pleased that you have joined us for worship today! We pray that this time will be a blessing for you as God comes to you with his Word and promises, and as you offer him your thanks and praise.
The worship service is printed in this worship folder for you to follow along and participate. You’ll notice that the service is a dialogue between God and us, his people. The pastor speaks to God along with the congregation and also speaks the Word of God to the people. Those wishing to leave an offering can do so at the exit today or give online at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/give. (You can also scan the QR code to the right to access the online giving page.)
Today we are using elements from the Christian Worship hymnal. If you would like to worship from a hymnal today, you will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each row; however, you do not need to use a hymnal if you so choose, as everything needed for worship is printed in this worship folder.
OUR SERIES THEME IMMINENT ARRIVAL
Do you remember the feeling when someone important is about to arrive at your place? It’s a mixture of anticipation and excitement and nervousness. Did you make all the correct preparations? Will the person be happy to see you? When and how will the person arrive? Will there be any surprises?
During these weeks before Christmas, we anticipate the imminent arrival of Jesus. He’s an important person! We are about to celebrate his birth. He could return on judgment day at any time. But in worship we realize that he impacts our lives when the Bible is read and when the sacraments are administered. Suddenly we feel the excitement of an imminent arrival.
Our worship will follow this path:
First Sunday in Advent Imminent Arrival of the King
Second Sunday in Advent Imminent Arrival of the Judge
Third Sunday in Advent Imminent Arrival of the Messiah
Fourth Sunday in Advent Imminent Arrival of Emmanuel
OUR THEME FOR TODAY IMMINENT ARRIVAL OF THE KING
The king is an important person. His arrival at our place can mean something quite different to us depending on our relationship with him. We might fear his arrival if we expect him to punish us. We might welcome his arrival if we expect him to validate us. Either way, we expect his arrival to be a big deal. How would it make us feel if we heard that his arrival would be informal and familiar?
Advent marks the start of a new Church Year. We begin at the end, watching King Jesus ride into Jerusalem on a donkey colt, knowing full well that he will be killed before the end of the week. The events of Palm Sunday serve as a microcosm for all Jesus’ work, proving the King of the universe was willing to humble himself and endure anything for our salvation. That is precisely why Christ came. That is why we anticipate his imminent arrival not with worry but with joy.
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP + WELCOME
Please stand INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
HYMN RESPONSE—The Advent of Our King
The words of the invocation remind us that the God we meet and worship is the true and triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Worship 309
CONFESSION
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.
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
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.
The lighting of candles in anticipation of Christ’s coming has a long tradition in the Christian Church. On each of the 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.
HYMN RESPONSE The Advent of Our King Christian Worship 309
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH
We light one Advent candle, remembering Jesus, who will come again. He will 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 blest.
One Advent candle is lit.
+ THE WORD +
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
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.
Please be seated
FIRST READING Isaiah 2:1-5
1This 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.
In the future, when our King arrives again, he will transform this world.
This reading continues on the next page.
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. HYMN The King of Glory Comes
Text: Willard F. Jabusch, 1930–2018, alt. © 1966, 1985 Willard F. Jabusch, admin. OCP Publications. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: Israeli, 20th cent. Tune: Public domain.
SECOND
READING
4Rejoice in the Lord always! I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6Do not worry about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7And 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
Alleluia. At the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. Alleluia.
4:4–7
Philippians 2:10
Our present life is transformed from nervousness to excitement and joy because of the arrival of the King.
GOSPEL
Matthew 21:1-11
1As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2telling 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. 3If anyone says anything to you, you are to say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.”
4This 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.
6The disciples went and did just as Jesus commanded them. 7They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their outer clothing on them, and he sat on it. 8A very large crowd spread their outer clothing on the road. Others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them out on the road. 9The 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!
10When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, asking, “Who is this?” 11And the crowds were saying, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel. The King of all creation arrives in total humility, willing to do everything necessary to save us from the consequences of our sin.
Zechariah 9:9
Psalm 118:25-26
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.
Please greet those around you and then be seated
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
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.
HYMN OF THE DAY Savior of the Nations, Come
Text: Ambrose of Milan, 340–397, abr.; German version, Martin Luther, 1483–1546, abr.; tr. William M. Reynolds, 1812–1876, alt. Tune: Geystliche gesangk Buchleyn, Wittenberg, 1524, ed. Johann Walter. Text and tune: Public domain.
Rejoice! The Lord is Near.
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.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
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 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.
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.
Please stand
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord God, though heaven and earth are yours, the human heart has no room for you. Open wide the gates of our hearts, that your Son may enter and rule there as king. Let his life of clean hands and a pure heart rest on us that we may always live with you; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Text: Godfrey Thring, 1823–1903, abr., alt. Tune: Geistreiches Gesang-Buch, Darmstadt, 1698. Text and tune: Public domain.
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
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
THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING
Friendship Register
We are so thankful you have joined us today and would like to have a record of both members and guests who are worshiping with us. Please sign the red Friendship Register book located at the end of your row in the hymnal rack.
Children’s Church
Children ages 1-8 will be dismissed from our worship service today during the hymn before the sermon to attend Children’s Church. Parents, following worship, please pick your child up from the gymnasium in the CLC building.
Sunday Morning Bible Study
Forgiveness is a key teaching of the Bible. The application of forgiveness in our daily living can be complex and difficult. Forgiveness for the Unforgivable will walk us through what God says about forgiveness, how we are to forgive, and how we can apply this to our lives. Please join us on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM in the CLC gymnasium. Even if you haven’t been to Bible study in a while, you are always welcome!
Advent Devotion Books
Martin Luther College (MLC), our WELS college of ministry, has published a series of 25 devotions for Advent meant to be used daily from December 1 to 25. These devotions are entitled “All Things New.” As we gather around the manger this year, we’ll ponder Jesus’ words in Revelation 21:5, “I am making everything new!” You may request that the devotions be emailed to you daily or view the entire booklet at: mlc-wels.edu/publications/seasonal-devotions/. There are paper copies available in the church entryway.
Midweek Advent Services
Advent is a time of hopeful repentance as we prepare to celebrate Christmas. Join us on three Wednesdays, December 3, 10, & 17 for special midweek Advent worship services. Our theme for these services is “Bible Songs of Christmas” as we consider songs from the Bible that were sung to announce Christ’s birth. Three weekly themes will rotate through the sites hosting our midweek services, so you are encouraged to pick one site at which to worship for these services.
Grace-Benson 10:00 AM
Grace-Sahuarita 4:00 & 6:00 PM
Grace-Tucson 10:00 AM & 7:00 PM
You are also invited to join us for lunch following the service at Grace-Benson or supper at 5:00 PM at Grace-Sahuarita and 6:00 PM at Grace-Tucson.
Advent Supper Hosts Needed
As mentioned above, supper will be held at 5:00 PM each Wednesday between our Advent services. Volunteers are needed to host these meals on December 3, 10, & 17. Please sign up on the sheet in the church entryway.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Carols in the Courtyard: Friday at Grace-Tucson
Begin the Christmas season this Friday, December 5, with your fellow Grace members and the unchurched friends and family you invite to Carols in the Courtyard! This is both a fellowship event for Grace members from ALL sites and an outreach event. Sing along with your favorite Christmas songs, enjoy some hot chocolate and homemade Christmas cookies and treats, and spend a fun evening in our decorated courtyard! We hope you can join us between 6:00 and 8:30 PM for all or just some of the evening.
MTTC Christmas Toy & Hygiene Drive
Mission to the Children is once again holding a toy and hygiene drive. Please join them in making Christmas a little brighter for the less fortunate families they serve in Mexico and southern Arizona. Items needed include: unwrapped toys (up to $10 value each), Spanish coloring or activity books, new socks & underwear (all ages), hygiene items (full size), small toys for canvassing bags, and individually wrapped candy. An Amazon wish list has been created for your convenience. Items can be shipped to them directly from this list. The link is: https://a.co/gAvkpTw. Gift cards and monetary donations can be mailed to Mission to the Children, PO Box 42223, Tucson AZ 85733. The deadline for donations is December 5.
Mission to the Children Christmas Gift Wrapping: December 7
On Sunday, December 7, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM Mission to the Children volunteers will be meeting in the Fellowship Hall at Grace-Tucson to wrap Christmas gifts and assemble family hygiene packages. They need all the help they can get as they are prepping for 150+ children and about 85 families! Pizza and drinks will be provided for all who help! Please call or text Nicole Scheuerlein at (520)820-2016 to let her know if you can make it.
Ladies’ Fellowship Group: December 11
The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet at 10:15 AM on Thursday, December 11, in the GraceTucson Fellowship Hall for an Advent salad luncheon. You are asked to bring your favorite salad and a tasteful white elephant gift for a gift exchange. Dessert will be provided. Please contact Lois Thornton at (520)449-7552 or vthornto2@gmail.com with any questions. Ladies from all Grace sites are welcome to join in the celebration! Please RSVP to Lois by December 8.
Sahuarita Winterfest Light Parade: December 13
Our Child Learning Center here at Grace-Sahuarita is participating in the Sahuarita Winterfest Light Parade on Saturday, December 13. Our float will leave the center at 4:00 PM and the parade begins promptly at 5:30 PM. Singers are invited to join us as we share the message of Jesus from our float through song. We hope you can come out to watch the parade and then enjoy the Town of Sahuarita’s Winterfest! There will be a tree lighting, local vendors for shopping, food trucks, and entertainment.
Grace Annual Meeting: December 14
Our Annual Voters’ Meeting will be held on Sunday, December 14, at noon at Esmond Station School, our worship location in Vail. Lunch will be provided. Ministry Board elections and the 2026 Ministry Spending Plan approval will be on the agenda.
CLC Christmas Event: December 19
Grace-Sahuarita and the Child Learning Center are hosting a Christmas Nativity Walk and Cookie Sale on Friday, December 19, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Everyone is encouraged to enjoy an interactive walk through the Nativity. Hot chocolate and treats will also be available. Dozens and dozens of incredible homemade Christmas cookies will be sold for $10 a pound. Boxes will be provided. All proceeds will be going toward toys and supplies for the classrooms. If you would like to help with this event, please see the sign-up sheets in the church entryway or at the CLC reception desk.
SAHUARITA
This schedule is subject to change. Please watch your email for the most up-to-date information or call the Grace Central Office at (520)623-6633 if you have questions.
This Week at Grace November 30 - December 7
TUCSON
Today Adult Bible Study: Forgiveness for the Unforgivable 9:00a Children’s Sunday School.............................................. 9:00a Worship Service........................................................... 10:00a Fellowship following worship Adult Choir 11:15a Wednesday Grow in Grace Class 1:00p Advent Services 4:00 & 6:00p Advent Supper 5:00p
Thursday Grow in Grace Class 10:30a
Friday Grow in Grace Class...................................................... 5:00p
Saturday Grow in Grace Class 8:00a
Sunday, December 7
Adult Bible Study: Forgiveness for the Unforgivable 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship Adult Choir 11:15a
VAIL
Today Worship Service........................................................... 10:00a Adult Bible Study: Prayer 11:15a
Saturday Christmas Family Movie Night ....................................... 6:00p
Sunday, December 7
Vail Vocal Group Rehearsal 9:15a Worship Service 10:00a
Adult Bible Study: Prayer ..............................................11:15a ONLINE
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson).......................10:00a Wednesday Advent Worship Service (Tucson) 7:00p Sunday, December 7
December 7
Worship Service with communion 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Romans ............................................ 8:45a
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
One Church. Four Locations.
Proclaiming the love of Jesus in Southern Arizona since 1911.
Grace-Tucson and Central Office
830 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719 (520)623-6633 office@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Ronald G. Koehler III revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Nathan P. Kassulke revnpk@gracelutheransaz.org
Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org
Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail
Benson
451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602
Vail
Worshipping at Esmond Station Elementary 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, Tucson, AZ 85747
Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein revsas@gracelutheransaz.org Office at Civano 10501 E. Seven Generations Way, Tucson, AZ 85747 (520)848-4631
Prayer Group—Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Sahuarita
75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538
Pastor Ryan A. Heiman revrah@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center (520)848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com
Director—Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org
Assistant Director Jen Rickling jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center Mission Teachers
Caitlin Broehm, Toddlers cbroehm@gracelutheransaz.org
Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org
Theresa Pratt, Preschool tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org
Chris Leathers, After School Care cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org
Bible-Based Counselor Cinda Drescher Office Assistant Cora Stuhr cinda@gracelutheransaz.org office@gracelutheransaz.org (520)581-4714
Grace Lutheran Church is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), a group of nearly 400,000 men, women, and children in nearly 1,300 congregations across the United States and Canada united by a common faith in Christ's saving love. We are committed to a common calling encouraging each other in our faith and sharing God's gift of a Savior with the rest of the world.