THE
FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT
G E L C T , A D 1, 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 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 livestreaming.
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 WORSHIP SERIES A REAL CHRISTMAS
A parent says, “I want to give my kids a real Christmas.” What do you think that parent means? Perhaps they are thinking of trimming a freshly cut tree or finding the perfect presents or spending the holidays with extended family. Perhaps they are thinking about all those things. “Then it will be a real Christmas!” Certainly, all those are wonderful things. However, none of them are what makes Christmas real. The sad truth is Christmas is the most beloved holiday of so many, yet so few know what Christmas is really about.
If you want a real Christmas, then you need to observe Advent. Advent is Latin for “coming.” In the season of Advent, Christians observe the connection between the first time the Son of God came into our world as the Savior and the second time he will come as the Judge. Advent prepares our minds and hearts, so that we might soon celebrate a real Christmas. Our worship in this season of Advent follows this path:
December 1 A Real Christmas Requires Remembering Why Christ Came
December 8 A Real Christmas Is Rooted in Repentance
December 15 A Real Christmas Results in Great Joy
December 22 A Real Christmas Will Lift Up the Lowly
OUR THEME FOR TODAY—A REAL CHRISTMAS REQUIRES REMEMBERING WHY CHRIST CAME
It is easy to get so caught up in the imagery a tiny newborn baby, lying in the straw filled manger under a star-filled sky that we forget the why. Why did the Son of God come into our world and take on human flesh? So that he might die as the sacrifice for our sins. One Christmas carol puts it this way. “Neither crib nor cross refuses, all he suffers for your good to redeem you by his blood” (CW 366).
Advent marks the start of a new Church Year. We begin at the end, watching Jesus ride into Jerusalem on a donkey colt, knowing full well that he would be killed before the end of the week. The events of Palm Sunday serve as a microcosm for all Jesus’ work, proving the Son of God was willing to humble himself and endure anything for our salvation. That is precisely why Christ came. And a real Christmas requires remembering why Christ came.
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +
WELCOME
OPENING HYMN Prepare the Royal Highway Christian Worship 302
PRESERVICE
Behold, a Branch Is Growing Terry D. Wilson
Prepare the Royal Highway Anne Krentz Organ My Soul Will Magnify the Lord Christian Worship 975
Please stand
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
CONFESSION
God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Dear friends, the season of Advent is a time of preparation as we await Christ’s second coming on the Last Day. We prepare our hearts to meet him as we humbly seek his forgiveness.
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
If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore, you are feared.
James 4:6, 10
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
Psalm 130:3-4
This hymn uses the words of Mary as recorded in Luke 1:46-55. We will use this hymn on Sundays throughout the Advent season.
HYMN RESPONSE—My Soul Will Magnify the Lord
Christian Worship
Vocalist: My soul will magnify the Lord; I rejoice in God my Savior, in the wonder of his favor. For he has done great things for me, he was mindful of his servant; ev’ry age shall call me blessed. The hope of Abraham come in the giving of a Son; for he who promised is mighty in remembering his mercy.
ABSOLUTION
God’s promise to Abraham and his descendants was fulfilled in the coming of his Son. Jesus Christ humbled himself by submitting to God’s law. He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death on a cross. God promises to lift up the humble and fill the hungry with good things because of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 8:9
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
Though he was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor, so that we through his poverty might become rich.
Even as we await Christ’s second coming, he comes to us here and now in the words he gives his messengers to speak: I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen. HYMN RESPONSE—My Soul Will Magnify the Lord
Please join in singing:
This hymn continues on the next page.
Christian Worship 975
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.
HYMN RESPONSE—My Soul Will Magnify the Lord Christian Worship 975
Please join in singing:
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. Each year the privilege of lighting the Advent candles is given to the youth of our congregation.
Text and tune: Stuart Townend Kristyn Getty, Keith Getty © 2005 Thankyou Music, admin. CapitolCMGPublishing,com. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
+ 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.
The L promised that a descendant of King David would be our righteous Savior.
Please be seated FIRST READING
14Listen, the days are coming, declares the L , when I will fulfill the good promises that I have spoken to the house of Israel and concerning the house of Judah.
15 In those days and at that time, I will cause a righteous Branch to grow up from David’s line. He will establish justice and righteousness on earth.
16 In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely. This is what she will be called: The L Our Righteousness.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
3:9-13
Christ came the
9Indeed, how can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have before God on account of you? 10Night and day we are praying earnestly to see you in person and to supply what is lacking in your faith.
11May God our Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you.
12And may the Lord increase your love and make it overflow for each other and for all people, just as ours does for you, 13so that he may establish your hearts as blameless in holiness before our God and Father, when our Lord Jesus comes with all his saints.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Please stand
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
ALL:
Zechariah 9:9
Vocalist: See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey.
Refrain (ALL)
time so that by his saving work we might be found blameless and holy when he comes again. We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King. The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey colt, knowing he would soon be put to death. This is why Christ came.
28After Jesus had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29As he came near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples ahead, 30saying, “Go to the village ahead of you. When you enter it, you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. 31And if anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you will say this: ‘The Lord needs it.’”
32Those who were sent ahead went and found things just as he had told them. 33As they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?”
34They said, “The Lord needs it.”
35Then they brought the colt to Jesus. They threw their robes on the colt and set Jesus on it. 36As he went along, people spread their robes on the road. 37As he was approaching the slope of the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began to praise God joyfully, with a loud voice, for all the miracles they had seen, 38saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
39Some of the Pharisees from the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”
40He replied, “I tell you, if these people would be silent, the stones would cry out.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please be seated
CONFESSION
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.
Please be seated (7:45 AM Please continue on page 11 with the Prayer of the Church)
+ THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM + Brendan Will
Brendan, in coming to be baptized, you are doing what is God-pleasing. We are reminded of how Ananias said to the apostle Paul after his conversion to faith, “Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away.” By the power of the Word, the Holy Spirit has led you to believe that new life in Christ is yours. Now in Holy Baptism the Lord Jesus assures you of your salvation. That you may give public testimony of your faith, I therefore ask you:
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.
Acts 22:16
Do you believe that you were born in sin and therefore eternally lost?
Yes, I believe.
Do you believe in the triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? Yes, I believe.
Do you believe that this triune God planned and carried out your salvation? Yes, I believe.
Do you believe that God grants you the forgiveness of sins in Holy Baptism? Yes, I believe.
Do you desire to be baptized? Yes, I do.
Receive the sign of the cross to mark you as a redeemed child of Christ. Brendan Will, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
The Almighty God Father, Son, and Holy Spirit has forgiven all your sins. By your baptism, you are born again and made a dear child of your Father in heaven.
May God strengthen you to live in your baptismal grace all the days of your life.
+ RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS + Brendan Will, Carter Fozard
Dear friends in Christ, after a review and instruction in the simple teachings of the Bible and our Lutheran church, you have requested to become members of this congregation. You have come to worship today to confess your unity with us and to take your place as a part of this faith community. I now ask you:
Do you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? If so, answer: I do. I do.
Do you believe that the teachings of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod and this congregation, as you have come to know them, are faithful to the Word of God? If so, answer: I do.
I do.
Do you desire to remain faithful to the teachings of Christ, be diligent in the use of God’s Word and sacraments, and lead a godly life as the Lord gives you strength? If so, answer: I do, and I ask God to help me.
I do, and I ask God to help me.
Is it your desire to join us in worship and mission and support this work with your prayers and gifts? If so, answer: It is, and I ask God to help me.
It is, and I ask God to help me.
With sincere joy we welcome you as members of Grace Lutheran Church.
The minister addresses the congregation: Brothers and sisters, as we welcome Brendan and Carter to our Christian family, I encourage you in the name of Jesus to keep them in your minds, hold them in your hearts, and pray for them again and again. Show them the face of friendship and offer them a hand of support. Encourage them with your “works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
PRAYER
We pray:
Gracious Father, we thank you for leading Brendan and Carter to desire to become members of our congregation and for giving them joy to confess their faith to us. Guide us with your wisdom as we worship and work together. Mold our minds and hearts in a single Christ-like will so that we may be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
BLESSING
The peace of Christ be with us all.
Amen.
Ephesians 4:12-13
Romans 12:12
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.
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
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, whose way John the Baptist prepared when he called people to repentance and pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:
OFFERTORY:
Prepare the Royal Highway Phil Magness
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.
The Prophet Isaiah was given a vision of heaven, where seraphim praised God. In the Sanctus we welcome Jesus with our hosannas and praise.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
We give thanks to you, O God, through your dear Son, Jesus Christ, whom you sent to be our Savior, our Redeemer, and the messenger of your grace. Through him you made all things; in him you are well pleased. He is the incarnate Word, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. To fulfill your promises, he stretched out his hands on the cross and released from eternal death all who believe in you.
As we remember Jesus’ death and resurrection, we thank you that you have gathered us together to receive your Son’s body and blood. Send us your Spirit, unite us as one, and strengthen our faith so that we may praise you in your Son, Jesus Christ. Through him, we glorify and honor you, O God our Father, with the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Text: Michael D. Schultz © 2021 Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: Johann Steurlein. Public domain.
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.
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.
O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD Agnus Dei
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.
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.
Please be seated
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.
Gluten-free communion wafers and grape juice are available for those who for health or medical reason require it. Please see page 17 for more information.
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.
COMMUNION MUSIC:
Savior of the Nations, Come
Matthew Machemer
Lift Up your Heads, You Mighty Gates
Christian Worship 305
My Soul in Stillness Waits
Rebecca Kramer
PRAYER BEFORE COMMUNION (For private meditation)
Lord Jesus, you have invited me to come and receive your holy Sacrament. I believe that in the bread and wine you give me your true body and blood to eat and drink. Forgive my sins and nourish my faith through this precious meal. I long for the comfort that comes with your promises; I yearn for the assurance of your faithful love. Bless me now as I receive you by faith. Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION (For private meditation)
Thank you, dear Savior, for nourishing my faith with the Sacrament of your body and blood. Lift my heart with your forgiveness, renew my confidence in your grace, empower my love for others, and lead me to long for the eternal banquet of heaven. Amen.
Psalm 106:1
Please stand
1 Corinthians 11:26
SPOKEN RESPONSES
+ THANKSGIVING +
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 thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us with this saving gift. We pray that through it you will strengthen our faith in you and increase our love for one another. We ask this in the name of 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.
Please be seated
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLOSING HYMN—Hark the Glad Sound! The Savior Comes Christian Worship 313
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
Preacher...................................................................................... Pastor Nathan Kassulke
Worship Leader Pastor Ron Koehler
Accompanist................................................................................................... Kathy Parra
Vocalist Teri Guenther
Clarinet ..................................Missy Wiechmann (7:45 AM), Beth Kassulke (10:00 AM)
Acolyte....................................Katherine Holden (7:45 AM), Anna Kassulke (10:00 AM)
Greeters......................................... Jeanette O’Donald & Nadine Rentschler (10:00 AM)
Communion Prep......................................................... Sally Littau, Cynthia Breitkreitz
Ushers......................................................................Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM) Dylan Guenther, Sam Kassulke, Ferdie Kramm, Rick Street (10:00 AM)
Sound and Recording Techs...............Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke
POSTLUDE MUSIC: Dawning Light of Our Salvation Christian Worship 311
Holy Communion
We provide gluten-free communion wafers for those with wheat allergy, gluten-sensitivity, or celiac disease. These wafers are stored and handled separately to avoid cross-contamination. They are “bread” as Scripture requires and are consecrated along with the rest of the bread. For those requiring gluten-free wafers, please take one from the stand located at the front rail as you approach for communion. Simply hold it so that the pastor can see it at the time of distribution. Grape juice is available for those who for health or medical reason require it instead of wine. Please speak with a pastor about providing grape juice for you on future Sundays.
Today we are distributing Holy Communion in “tables.” The ushers will direct members forward by the side aisles. Groups of about ten will be guided toward the center aisle and will line up to receive the elements together. After each table communes, the pastor will offer a blessing and dismiss the group to return by the center aisle.
To aid in your personal preparation for Holy Communion, a list of Christian Questions can be found on pages 295-296 in the hymnal. These were prepared by Martin Luther for those intending to receive the Sacrament.
Altar Flowers
The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by Pat Messer with thanksgiving and praise to the Lord, and in memory of her loving, wonderful mother, Lois Allen, who made many sacrifices for her benefit.
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. Upcoming available dates include all the Sundays in January. 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 Mark and Julyd Hallemeyer for hosting this morning. Upcoming available dates are December 15 & 29 and all the Sundays in January. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.
Sunday Morning Bible Study
Join us for our Sunday morning Bible Study! “Timely Topics” give us a chance to discuss the church and politics, intelligent design, global warming, and more from a biblical perspective. Today we will continue discussing whether Santa should be part of a Christian’s Christmas celebration. If you have not made Sunday morning Bible study a part of your routine, this would be a great time to start! We meet at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall.
Tall Banners
We thank Stanley Mead and Rick & Molly Street for sponsoring the Advent banners used today and for the season of Advent. There is one Christmas banner still available for sponsorship! Please see the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall for details. You are always welcome to share your thoughts on this and other items with the Sanctuary Committee members: Justin Harris (chairman), Jim and Deb Bakken, Greg Grorud, Beth Kassulke, Paul Kassulke, and Pastor Koehler.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Advent Devotion Book
Martin Luther College (MLC), our WELS college of ministry, has published a series of 25 devotions for Advent meant to be used daily beginning today through December 25. These devotions are entitled “Glory in His Grasp.” 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 also a limited number of paper copies available at the church doors and in the Fellowship Hall.
Midweek Advent Services
Advent is a time of hopeful repentance as we prepare to celebrate Christmas. Join us on three Wednesdays, December 4, 11, & 18 for special midweek Advent worship services. Our theme for these services is “Christmas Trees” as we consider significant trees in the Bible that impact our preparation for and celebration of Christmas. 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 PM & 6:00 PM
Grace-Tucson 10:00 AM & 7:00 PM
You are also invited to join us for a light lunch following the service at Grace-Benson or a light supper at 5:00 PM at Grace-Sahuarita and 6:00 PM at Grace-Tucson.
Advent Supper Hosts Needed
As mentioned above, a light supper will be held at 6:00 PM each Wednesday before our Advent service. Volunteers are needed to host the meal on December 18. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall. A Thrivent grant will be used for initial expenses and a free-will offering will be collected at each meal.
Women’s Bible Study: Thursday
The 12 Apostles Bible study has finished for this calendar year. Only the Apostle Peter is left, and we will study his life beginning in January. All ladies are invited to participate in a study and discussion called Investigating the First Christmas this Thursday at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. There will be no Bible study on December 12, but all women are invited to enjoy an Advent salad luncheon beginning at 10:15 AM. Please see the Ladies’ Fellowship Group announcement for details.
Carols in the Courtyard: Friday
Begin the Christmas season this Friday with your fellow Grace members, our friends from the Grace-Tucson neighborhood, 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 9:00 PM for all or just some of the evening. Invitations cards for you to use are at both church doors and in the Fellowship Hall.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Christmas Treats Needed!
As mentioned on the previous page, we will be serving homemade Christmas cookies and treats at Carols in the Courtyard. Could you contribute a couple dozen? Please indicate your willingness on the sign up sheet on the table in the Fellowship Hall.
Advent by Candlelight Invitations
The Women of Holy Cross invite you to their Advent by Candlelight Service on Saturday, December 7, at 2:00 PM. Refreshments will be served following the service. Please RSVP online at HolyCrossTucson.org. Holy Cross is located at 241 N. Harrison.
Redeemer Lutheran Church has invited our ladies to their Advent by Candlelight dinner and program on Sunday, December 8, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. You are asked to RSVP to Gail Hartmann (707-4954576, hartmann.g.k@gmail.com) or Sharon Hartmann (815-590-2509, hartmann.s.k@gmail.com). The address is 8845 N. Silverbell Road.
Sahuarita Winterfest Light Parade: Saturday
Our Child Learning Center here at Grace-Sahuarita is participating in the Sahuarita Winterfest Light Parade this Saturday, December 7. 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, live ice sculpting demos, and entertainment.
ALA Building Tomorrow
A representative from Arizona Lutheran Academy (ALA), our WELS area Lutheran high school in Phoenix, will join us here at Grace-Tucson next Sunday, December 8. We’ll hear updates about ALA’s enrollment and plans, including an effort to build a new gymnasium and classrooms. Join us for the Adult Bible Study hour to learn more, and you can also visit ALACoyotes.org/building.
Grace Annual Meeting: December 8
Our Annual Voters’ Meeting will be held next Sunday, December 8, at noon in the Child Learning Center gymnasium at Grace-Sahuarita. Lunch will be provided. Ministry Board elections and the Ministry Spending Plan approval will be on the agenda. All Grace members are encouraged to attend.
Ladies’ Fellowship Group: December 12
The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet at 10:15 AM on Thursday, December 12, 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)323-8772 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 9.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLC Christmas Event: December 13
Grace-Sahuarita and the Child Learning Center are hosting a Christmas Luminary Walk and Cookie Sale on Friday, December 13, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Everyone is encouraged to come see the Art & Nature Garden all lit up for Christmas and enjoy an interactive walk through the Nativity. Hot chocolate and treats will be available in the gym. 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 hallway displays for the CLC children’s artwork.
Caroling to Homebound Members: December 14
Do you enjoy caroling? If so, you are welcome to join our homebound-visitation volunteers on Saturday, December 14, for our annual caroling excursion to our homebound members. We will meet at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson parking lot. You may want to bring something to drink and/or snacks. Please RSVP by contacting Katrina McClure at (520)270-6633 (call or text) or email bratkat1976@cox.net.
Christmas for Kids: December 14 at Grace-Vail
On Saturday, December 14, our members at Grace-Vail will be hosting Christmas for Kids at 9:00 AM at Esmond Station School. Children will hear the Christmas story and enjoy music, crafts, and games. Please invite your friends and neighbors to this fun event!
2025 Calendars & Grace Tote Bags
Our high school group, the Lifeliners, is selling 2025 wall calendars (with beautiful full-color photos and Bible verses) and tote bags with the Grace logo on them to help raise funds for their activities. Calendars cost $10 each or $15 for two. The tote bags are $5 each. If you don’t see one of the high school students in the church courtyard, please contact the church office to make your purchase.
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! There is a Giving Tree in the west end of the Fellowship Hall. 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. Our members' response has been great, and we have added a tree for a second family! 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.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thank You
I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to be your guest preacher and Bible class presenter last Sunday paired with the work you do with college students. It was a joy to be able to serve you and see more faces that are a part of our church body. I enjoyed the time I had to talk with some of you after the worship services. To the college students, thank you for letting me join your Sunday night Bible study. God’s blessings to you as we continue to partner in the Gospel and especially as you reach your city and then those at the University. The Lord’s blessings!
Rev. Daniel M. Lindner
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!
HOLIDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Midweek Advent Services
Wednesdays: Dec 4, 11, & 18
10:00 AM Grace-Benson (lunch following worship)
4:00 PM & 6:00 PM
Grace-Sahuarita (supper at 5:00 PM)
10:00 AM & 7:00 PM
Grace-Tucson (supper at 6:00 PM)
Tuesday, December 24
2:00 PM Benson Christmas Worship
4:00 PM Grace-Sahuarita
Children’s Christmas Service
5:30 PM Grace-Tucson
Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship
6:00 PM Grace-Vail
Christmas Candlelight Worship
7:00 PM Grace-Sahuarita
Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship
Tuesday, December 31
All-Site New Year’s Eve Worship
5:30 PM Grace-Tucson
Followed by dinner & fellowship
Christmas Day Worship Wednesday, December 25
10:00 AM Grace-Sahuarita
10:00 AM Grace-Tucson
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 December 1 - December 8
Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a
Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Big Questions 9:00a Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics....................................9:00a Fellowship following worship................................................... NO TCM Bible Study (resumes December 8)
Tuesday Pastors’ Staff Meeting ....................................................9:00a English Classes 6:30p
Wednesday Advent Worship Services ................................10:00a & 7:00p Advent Supper................................................................6:00p
Thursday
Women’s Bible Study: Investigating the First Christmas 9:00a Handbell Practice ...........................................................5:30p Worship Choir Practice 6:45p
Friday Carols in the Courtyard...................................................6:00p
Sunday, December 8
Worship Services 7:45a & 10:00a
Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: ALA Presentation ..............................9:00a
Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Big Questions 9:00a Fellowship following worship TCM Bible Study 7:00p
VAIL
Today
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a Worship Service with communion ................................10:00a Fellowship following worship
Wednesday NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 8)
Sunday, December 8
Adult Bible Study: Baptism 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a
Fellowship following worship...................................................
Stay Up to Date
Adult Bible Study: Large Catechism 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship.................................................... Choir Rehearsal following worship........................................... Tuesday NO Open Gym (resumes in January)
December 8
8
The fastest and easiest way to keep Grace members and friends informed about what is happening at our four sites is through our weekly email update. This email is sent every Friday and at other times when special announcements are necessary. If you have not been receiving this email, but would like to, please email the Grace Central Office at office@gracelutheransaz.org and request to be added to our email list.
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