TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
G E L C T , 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 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.
There is no cost to park in our parking lot during Sunday morning worship services. If you receive a citation by mistake, please let our office staff know so it can be cleared.
OUR SERIES THEME—CAUSE/EFFECT
“Every why hath a wherefore.” That was Shakespeare’s poetic way of saying that very little happens by chance. Generally there is an agent behind an action. There is cause and effect. And to navigate life well, it is vital we understand both. We are nearing the end of the Church Year. This past year, we have reviewed Jesus’ life and teaching. The Scripture readings in these final weeks recall some of the major themes that are woven throughout the Church Year. In this final series we will be looking at those themes with the understanding that “every why hath a wherefore.” We conclude the year by talking about cause and effect in God’s kingdom.
Our worship is following this path:
All Saints’ Day
Sainthood/Stamina
Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost Grace/Joy
Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost Judgment/Peace
Last Sunday of the Church Year Scripture/Anticipation
OUR THEME FOR TODAY—GRACE/JOY
King David once said that guilt makes you feel like your very bones are rotting. Guilt makes you feel weak…sick. Guilt can make it hard to focus on anything else…hard to function. And guilt is an inescapable fact of life. Everyone carries guilt about something. Worse, our efforts to deal with guilt minimizing our mistakes, making excuses for our sin don't help, but only make us feel worse. What alleviates the burden of guilt?
Just one thing God’s gift of grace. Christ’s love is undeserved and unconditional. He pardons every sin. This is the entire reason Jesus came to earth. This was his mission to give the gift of grace! When we receive that gift, our guilt melts. Left in its place is the joy of our salvation.
WELCOME
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +
OPENING HYMN God Loves Me Dearly
Christian Worship 583
PRESERVICE MUSIC:
God Loved the World So That He Gave Valerie A. Floeter 10:00 Handbell Choir Amazing Grace and Worship and Praise Our King
Please stand
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
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.
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.
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
Mark 10:47
Kyrie is the Greek word for Lord. The expression “Lord, have mercy” is one of the oldest worship responses in the Christian Church.
LORD, HAVE MERCY
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord. Amen.
This arrangement of “Glory to God” comes from The Service Setting 5, which was newly composed in 2023. We will continue to use elements of this service setting over the next several weeks. “Glory to God” has been a Christian song of worship since the fourth century.
GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST
This song continues on the next page.
Gloria
You are seated at the right hand of the Father; receive our prayer, receive our prayer.
This song continues on the next page.
Vocalist:
Refrain (ALL):
Vocalist: For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father.
Refrain (ALL)
Tune: © 2023 Michael D. Schultz and Kevin P. Becker, admin. Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
+ THE WORD +
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
Lord God, forgive the wrongdoing of your people, and be gentle with us in our weakness. Deliver us from the bondage of our sin, and direct us to the path of righteousness; 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
FIRST READING Micah 7:18-20
18 Who is a God like you, who forgives guilt, and who passes over the rebellion of the survivors from his inheritance? He does not hold onto his anger forever. He delights in showing mercy.
19 He will have compassion on us again. He will overcome our guilty deeds. You will throw all their sins into the depths of the sea.
20 You will give truth to Jacob and mercy to Abraham, as you swore to our fathers from days of old.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
HYMN His Mercy Is More
Christian Worship 579
Please take note of the instructions found at the bottom of the page.
SECOND
READING Romans 5:6–11
6For at the appointed time, while we were still helpless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7It is rare indeed that someone will die for a righteous person. Perhaps someone might actually go so far as to die for a person who has been good to him. 8But God shows his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9Therefore, since we have now been justified by his blood, it is even more certain that we will be saved from God’s wrath through him. 10For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, it is even more certain that, since we have been reconciled, we will be saved by his life. 11And not only is this so, but we also go on rejoicing confidently in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received this reconciliation.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Please stand
There is no God like the L . He is defined by his pardoning, forgiving grace.
The gift of God’s grace is seen most clearly in Christ’s death for sinners.
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Refrain (ALL):
Vocalist: Salvation has come to this house today, for the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.
Refrain (ALL)
Tune: © 2023 Michael D. Schultz and Kevin P. Becker, admin. Northwestern Publishing
The grace that Jesus showed to Zacchaeus causes that tax collector to demonstrate the joy of his salvation.
GOSPEL
1Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2A man named Zacchaeus was there. He was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3He was trying to see who Jesus was, but since he was short, he could not see because of the crowd. 4He ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Jesus, because he was about to pass by that way. 5When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” 6He came down quickly and welcomed Jesus joyfully. 7When the people saw it, they were all grumbling because he went to be a guest of a sinful man.
8Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I am going to give half of my possessions to the poor. And if I have cheated anyone out of anything, I will pay back four times as much.”
9Jesus said to him, “Today, salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. 10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please be seated
SERMON
Please stand
Luke 19:1-10
The Splash and Ripple of Grace
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.
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.
Please be seated
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Loving God and Lord, you created the universe that surrounds us and the globe on which we live. You control all things through your Son, who sits at your right hand in glory.
Comfort us with the promise of your eternal presence.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
OFFERTORY:
It Is Well with My Soul
Brenda Crofts Reep
Give your Word power as it works in our hearts and minds. Clear away our confusion, and demolish our doubts. Send your Spirit to strengthen both our confidence in your promises and our desire to live according to your will.
Take away our love of sinning, and restore us each day by your grace.
The signs of the times warn us that the end of time is near. Protect us from scoffers who sneer at your truth. Spare us and Christians around the world from all forms of hate and persecution.
Give us courage to carry the cross with patience and joy.
Instill in the hearts of our children a desire to follow you as they prepare for future days. Help them distinguish between what is passing and what is eternal, between instant thrills and lasting joy. Encourage more young people to prepare for service in the public ministry of the gospel.
Mold us and move us to be good examples for our youth.
Hold in your care, Lord, those who are experiencing physical or emotional pain and all who are afflicted by disease or facing death. Pour out your compassion on the grieving, and comfort the mourners who miss someone they loved.
Move us to pray for these brothers and sisters and to help when we can.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
Whether we pray together or alone, you have promised to hear and answer us. Give us patience to accept your blessings in whatever way you send them. In your love and wisdom, prepare us for the day when you will take us to be with you forever.
Hear us for Jesus’ sake. 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!
Please stand
Text: Georg Niege, 1525–1588; tr. Mark G. Schroeder, b. 1954 © 2021 Mark G. Schroeder, admin. Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: New Catechismus Gesangbüchlein, Hamburg, 1598, alt. Public domain.
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.
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
CLOSING PRAYER
When I was in the pit of despair, Lord, you lifted me out. Though your anger blazed down on me because of my sin, you sent your Son to take the brunt of your anger so that I might be spared. Now I rejoice in the splendor of your grace and proclaim your saving deeds to those who will yet praise you as their only Savior.
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.
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
ANNOUNCEMENTS
POSTLUDE MUSIC:
As Morning Dawns, Dear Savior Jeffrey Blersch
CLOSING HYMN—Amazing Grace Christian Worship 576
THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING
Minister Pastor Ron Koehler
Accompanist and Handbell Director ..................................................... Beth Kassulke
Vocalist Dylan Guenther
Guitar ................................................................................ AJ Eichenberg, U of A Student
Cello ................................................................................... Joshua Vierra, U of A Student
Greeters ................................................... Linda Morris & Audrey Nessinger (10:00 AM)
Ushers ..................................................................... Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM)
Justin Harris, Ferdie Kramm, Zach Miller, Rick Street (10:00 AM)
Sound and Recording Techs .............. Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke
Acknowledgements:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Welcome Guests!
Are you a guest with us today? We invite you to pick up a Guest Packet at either church door. The packets include information about our congregation and what we believe. We’re so thankful you are here for worship today!
Altar Flowers
The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by Jenn Miller in thanks to God for her husband and in celebration of their 28th wedding anniversary. “Deej, you are everything I have ever prayed for and more.”
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. The only date left for this year is November 30. 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 this morning, you are invited to join us in the courtyard and Fellowship Hall for drinks and snacks. Thank you to Nancy Miles for hosting this morning. The next available dates are January 4, 18, & 25. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.
Sunday Morning Bible Study
Join us this morning for a look at Idols We Never Knew We Had. We’ll answer the question “Are we really idolaters?” and explore some common idols within our society and perhaps our own experience. A new topic provides a great opportunity to get started with Bible study. Please join us, and invite a friend! We meet at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall.
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!
Church History Bible Study: Wednesday
Join us on Wednesday for our study of Church History. We are considering the blessings and challenges in the Wisconsin Synod from 1950 to 1980. Even if you haven’t attended this class before, you are always welcome! We study together in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall at 10:00 AM and repeat the same material at 7:00 PM. Join us for whichever time fits your schedule best!
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 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.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Bible Verse Calendars
Grace’s high school youth group, the Lifeliners, are once again selling Bible verse calendars to help raise funds for their activities, like next summer's WELS International Youth Rally. These calendars make great gifts and include beautiful pictures and encouragement from Scripture. Tote bags with Grace’s logo are also available. Please see the students in the courtyard after services to purchase yours.
Care-Bags
Our members at Grace-Vail are putting together Care Bags to give out to those in need during the upcoming Thanksgiving season. Everyone is welcome to donate or help assemble the bags on Sunday, November 23, following worship at Grace-Vail. A list of items needed is below. Donations can be dropped off in the box in the west end of the Fellowship Hall by November 16.
Individually wrapped food items
Regular size Travel size
GoGo Squeez Applesauce toothbrushes hand/face wipes
granola bars (no nuts) Chapstick (20 ct. or less) cheese and cracker “sandwiches” band aids toothpaste (no Cheez Its please) deodorant
16 oz. bottles of water Kleenex
Hard candy (NO mints please) lotion (hotel size)
Bumble Bee - Snack on the Run! (chicken, tuna or ham)
Beef sticks
Fruit Snacks
Care-bags will be packaged in gallon-size zipper bags so individual items must be small.
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.
Christmas and other Greeting Cards
Boxed Christmas cards are now available on the table next to the greeting card rack in the west end of the Fellowship Hall. All boxes are $5.00 unless otherwise marked. Singles are also available for just $0.50 each. While you’re there, check out the new all-occasion card additions in the greeting card rack. Money can be placed in the box on the table to the left of the card rack.
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 Kassulke or Pastor Koehler, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.
TUCSON 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
Services 7:45a & 10:00a
Bible Hour...................................................... 8:45a Adult Bible Study: Idols We Never Knew We Had 9:00a
(High School) Bible Study: 1 Peter 9:00a
SAHUARITA
Bible Study: Forgiveness for the Unforgivable ......
Bible Study: Church History 10:00a & 7:00p Thursday NO Women’s Bible Study (resumes November 20) NO College Student Grow in Grace Class (resumes Dec 4)
Practice ........................................................... 5:30p
Choir 6:45p Friday
Beef Dinner & Craft Fair ...................................... 4:00p Sunday, November 16 Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a
Bible Hour 8:45a Adult Bible Study: Idols We Never Knew We Had ......... 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: 1 Peter 9:00a Fellowship following worship Mission to the Children Spanish Service & Meal 4:00p TCM Bible Study ............................................................ 7:00p
VAIL Today
Adult Bible Study: Prayer 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a
following worship Vail Vocal Group 11:15a
Oasis Group 1 4:00p Oasis Group 2 ................................................................ 6:00p
Sunday, November 16
Adult Bible Study: Prayer 9:00a Worship Service with communion................................ 10:00a Fellowship following worship Vail Vocal Group 11:15a
Service 7:30a
Bible Study: Romans .............................................8:45a
Bible Study (Tucson).............................................9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a Sunday, November 16 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.