CHRIST THE KING
G E L C S , A N 9, 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.
+ 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—O Worship the King Christian Worship 620
SPOKEN RESPONSES
Grace to you and peace from him who is, who was, and who is coming, and from the seven spirits that are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his own blood and made us a kingdom and priests to God his Father to him be the glory and the power forever. Amen.
Look, he is coming with clouds, and every eye will see him, including those who pierced him. And all the nations of the earth will mourn because of him. Yes. Amen.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, the one who is, and who was, and who is coming, the Almighty.
HYMN RESPONSE O Worship the King Christian Worship 620
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.
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.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
HYMN RESPONSE O Worship the King Christian Worship 620
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
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
Lord Jesus Christ, by your victory you have broken the power of the evil one. Fill our hearts with joy and peace as we look with hope to that day when every creature in heaven and earth will acclaim you King of kings and Lord of lords to your unending praise and glory; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
HYMN RESPONSE—O Worship the King Christian Worship 620
Please be seated
Text: Robert Grant, 1779–1838, abr., alt. Tune: Joseph M. Kraus, 1756–1792; attr. Johann Michael Haydn, 1737–1806, alt. Text and tune: Public domain.
+ THE WORD +
FIRST READING
Isaiah 51:4-8
4Pay attention to me, O my people. My nation, listen to me! For the law will go out from me, and I will establish my justice as a light to the peoples. 5My righteousness is near. My salvation goes forth, and my arms will bring justice to the peoples. The seacoasts will wait for me. They will have confidence in my arm. 6Lift up your eyes to the heavens. Look closely at the earth beneath, because the heavens will vanish like smoke, and the earth will wear out like a garment, and its inhabitants will die like gnats. But my salvation will remain forever, and my righteousness will never be abolished. 7Listen to me, you people who know righteousness, you people who have my law in your hearts. Do not fear the insults of men, and do not be discouraged by their abuse.
8Because a moth will consume them like a garment, and its worm will consume them like wool. But my righteousness will remain forever, and my salvation will last for all generations.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The children will sing stanza 1 and the first refrain. Please join in singing the rest of the hymn.
Text and tune: Aaron Keyes, b. 1978; Stuart Townend, b. 1963 © 2007 Thankyou Music, admin.
9I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingship and patient endurance in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony about Jesus.
10I was in spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard a loud voice behind me, like a trumpet, 11saying, “Write what you see on a scroll and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”
12I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me. When I turned, I saw seven gold lampstands, 13and among the lampstands was one like a son of man. He was clothed with a robe that reached to his feet, and around his chest he wore a gold sash. 14His head and his hair were white, like white wool or like snow. His eyes were like blazing flames. 15His feet were like polished bronze being refined in a furnace. His voice was like the roar of many waters. 16He held seven stars in his right hand. A sharp two-edged sword was coming out of his mouth. His face was shining as the sun shines in all its brightness.
17When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He placed his right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last 18the Living One. I was dead and, see, I am alive forever and ever! I also hold the keys of death and hell.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
CHILDREN’S Song—The First Song of Isaiah
Christian Worship 810
Surely, it is God who saves me; I will trust in him and not be afraid. For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense, and he will be my Savior.
Therefore you shall draw water with rejoicing from the springs of salvation. And on that day you shall say, “Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his name.”
Make his deeds known among the peoples; see that they remember that his name is exalted. Sing the praises of the Lord for he has done great things and this is known in all the world.
Cry aloud, inhabitants of Zion, ring out your joy, for the great one in the midst of you is the Holy One of Israel.
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.
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 stand GOSPEL
John 18:33-37
33Pilate went back into the Praetorium and summoned Jesus. He asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?”
34Jesus answered, “Are you saying this on your own, or did others tell you about me?”
35Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?”
36Jesus replied, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight so that I would not be handed over to the Jews. But now my kingdom is not from here.”
37“You are a king then?” Pilate asked. Jesus answered, “I am, as you say, a king. For this reason I was born, and for this reason I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
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.
Text: Ada Habershon, 1861–1918, public domain; Matt Merker, b. 1984, alt. and tune © 2013 Getty Music Publishing and Matt Merker, admin. MusicServices.org. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
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.
John 18:33-37
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.
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
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Lord Jesus Christ, blessed are you, the King who comes to set your people free.
Reign over us in your abundant mercy.
While we long for your final coming, we rejoice that you lengthen these end times so that many may hear of your saving work and believe.
Send your Spirit on us that we may use the gift of time to share our faith with others.
Lord and King, defend all who are imprisoned or insulted because of your name. Come to help those whose Christian faith is mocked as foolish or naïve, and rescue those who are straying from the faith.
Lead us to those who need help, guide us in our works of service, and strengthen us with a firm resolve to follow you in obedience.
Lord of the Church, develop in us a new awareness of the gifts you give us to use in our callings, that your kingdom of grace may flourish.
Bless and preserve Christian churches everywhere and raise up another generation of faithful workers.
Both in humiliation and glory you extended your loving hand to the weak and the hurting. Speak to those who are confused and wondering. Defend those who are oppressed and put down. Comfort those who are enduring pain or struggling with sadness. Abide with the aged who are alone as they die and protect pregnant mothers and their unborn children.
Move us to see your face in them, Lord Jesus and to help them as we serve you.
Mighty King, look with mercy on this land, its government, and all the kingdoms of the world. Relieve us from war, bloodshed, and rebellion.
Grant us wisdom as we deal with a changing economy. Provide for the unemployed and their families. Open the hearts of those who prosper to be generous and willing to share.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer.
Coming King and Savior of the world, keep us faithful to the end as we watch and wait for your return.
Amen.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
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
Please stand
CLOSING PRAYER
Blessed Lord, you have given us your Holy Scriptures for our learning. May we so hear them, read, learn, and take them to heart that, being strengthened and comforted by your holy Word, we may cling to the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
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.
Text: attr. Bernard of Clairvaux, 1091–1153, abr.; tr. Edward Caswall, 1814–1878, alt. Tune: John B. Dykes, 1823–1876. Text and tune: Public domain.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING
Text (sts. 1–3): John Newton, 1725–1807, alt.; (st. 4): A Collection of Sacred Ballads, Richmond, 1790. Tune: Columbian Harmony, Cincinnati, 1829, ed. Benjamin Shaw; ed. Charles H. Spilman. Text and tune: Public domain.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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!
Adult Choir Today
Our Adult Choir will be rehearsing after worship this morning practice music for Thanksgiving and the Christmas season. All adults are invited to join us, even if you haven’t participated in the past. If you have any questions, please speak with Laura Heiman.
College Students—Bible Study & Free Top Golf!
At Bible study tonight we’ll be discussing a hugely important thing: Baptism. Everyone needs to know about it. Come find out what the Bible says, where different approaches to it come from, AND ask any questions you have about it. Invite a friend to join you at 7:00 PM. The Student Center is in the lower level of the church. The outside stairs at the back of the church will take you there. Next Sunday, November 16, our TCM Student Assistants, Mark and Josiah, are setting us up with FREE Top Golf! You don’t have to know how to golf. Anyone can do it and it’s a lot of fun. Even if you don’t want to swing clubs, you can go hang out you’ll have a great time! They have great food there too!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wednesday Midweek Bible Study
One of the Sahuarita midweek Oasis Groups meets on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 AM in the church entryway. The goal of all Oasis Groups is to dig into the sermon during the week and build stronger relationships with fellow members. Our other Oasis Groups meet at various times throughout the week. Please sign up in the entryway.
Volleyball at the CLC
Do you enjoy playing volleyball? Join fellow players this Wednesday at 7:00 PM in the gymnasium at our Child Learning Center. All skill levels are welcome. This Wednesday will be our final night before the holiday season. Join in the fun and bring a friend!
Roast Beef Dinner & Craft Fair: Friday
The Women of Grace will be hosting the all-site Roast Beef Dinner and Craft Fair held at GraceTucson this Friday, November 14, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. Members are asked to bring a pie to share for dessert if you are able.
Craft items can be dropped off in the west end of the Fellowship Hall at Grace-Tucson or the Grace Central Office beginning today. Crafts must be received no later than Wednesday for set up on Thursday. If you have questions, please contact Adrienne Snavely at (520)302-7840.
CLC Family Thanksgiving Dinner: November 24
All are invited to join our Child Learning Center families for a Thanksgiving Dinner on Monday, November 24, at 6:00 PM in the gymnasium. Assistance in a number of areas would be greatly appreciated! There are sign-up sheets in the church entryway and at the CLC reception desk. Please take a look and see how you can help!
Thanksgiving Services: November 26
We hope you will join us at one of our Grace locations on Wednesday, November 26, 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.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.
Grace’s Bible-based Counselor
Cinda Drescher is Grace’s Bible-based Counselor. She is on staff at Grace and works in the counseling building located in the Grace-Tucson parking lot. She typically works at the counseling building two days each week. To schedule an appointment, it is easiest to text her at 520-581-4714 or email at Cinda@GraceLutheranSAZ.org. Because she is on staff at Grace and supported by the congregation’s Ministry Spending Plan, there is no charge for anyone who makes an appointment with her. She is happy to meet with anyone whether they are members of Grace/WELS or not. Cinda not only has a WELS Bible-based Therapist certification, she holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work, a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, along with certifications in Trauma and Domestic Violence.
Thrivent Member Opportunity
Are you a Thrivent member? Did you know that as a member, you have a special opportunity to support events and activities at Grace? Through the Thrivent Action Team program, you can access valuable resources - including up to $250 - to help support our congregation’s ministry and mission work.
Applying for these resources takes just a little time, and we’re here to help make the process quick and easy. If you’re a Thrivent member interested in using your membership to further support Grace, we’d love to assist you!
You may talk to any of our pastors or contact the Grace Central Office.
Grow in Grace Class
Would you like to learn more about Jesus, our risen Savior, about the Bible that tells us about him, and about what we believe and teach at Grace? Our congregation offers a series of Bible-based lessons called Grow in Grace. Grow in Grace also serves as our membership class for those who may be interested in joining the church. If you would be interested in scheduling a Grow in Grace Class, please speak to Pastor Heiman, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.
SAHUARITA
Today
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 9 - November 16
Adult Bible Study: Forgiveness for the Unforgivable 9:00a Children’s Sunday School.............................................. 9:00a
Service 10:00a
following worship
Choir 11:15a
Grow in Grace Class 8:00a Wednesday Bible Study: Oasis Group ............................................ 10:00a Grow in Grace Class 1:00p Grow in Grace Class 5:00p Volleyball at the CLC 7:00p
TUCSON
Sunday, November 16 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
BENSON Today Worship Service 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Romans 8:45a Fellowship following worship Wednesday
Midweek Bible Study: 10 Lies About God 10:00a
Sunday, November 16
Worship Service with communion 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Romans 8:45a Fellowship following worship
ONLINE
Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson)...................... 10:00a
Sunday, November 16 Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a
Women’s Bible Study (resumes November 20)
November 16
16
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.