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THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT

E T D

L ,A 10, 2023

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 WORSHIP NOTES 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 WORSHIP SERIES—THE KING SHALL COME The Church Year begins with the season of Advent, which means “coming.” When someone is coming over, what do you do? It depends on who is coming and why they are coming. If it’s a good friend popping in for a quick visit, you don’t worry too much about how the house looks or serving a meal. But imagine the governor is coming over for an evening to give you some sort of citizen’s award. That’s a big deal. There is work to be done: deep cleaning, planning a menu, getting the yard looking its best, etc. So, is Advent a big deal? It depends on who is coming and why they are coming. In this worship series, we get the answer to those questions. We see that the King shall come. We see why the King came on that ﬁrst Christmas and why he shall come again on Judgment Day. In this season, we also cherish the way our King comes to us today in Word and sacrament, establishing his reign in our hearts. Our worship will follow these themes: He Is Coming to Save Us Prepare to Meet Him He Is Bringing Perfect Joy

THEME FOR TODAY—PREPARE TO MEET HIM Scriptures teach that King Jesus is the Son of God in ﬂesh and the only hope for salvation. Jesus himself claimed that he is the only way into the glorious kingdom of heaven. You do not approach meeting someone like that casually or carelessly. You prepare meticulously. What does that mean? What does a life of readiness—ready to meet such a King—look like? In one word: repentance. If we insist on hanging onto our sins, how can we receive the One who came for the very purpose of taking those sins away?

Throughout history, God has raised up called servants—like John the Baptist—to preach a message of repentance. This repentance is central to our preparation for the Lord’s coming. Without repentance, the King’s coming only terriﬁes. But all those who believe and repent look forward to the coming of the King and the consummation of his everlasting kingdom.

+ ORDER OF WORSHIP + WELCOME

PRESERVICE MUSIC:

On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry Steven Wente Prepare the Royal Highway Anne Krentz Organ

OPENING HYMN—Comfort, Comfort All My People

Christian Worship 312

On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry Phil Magness

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.

1 John 1:8-9

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

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

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.

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES We light two Advent candles remembering Jesus, who came in history. He came into a world of sin and death. We remember Jesus, who came as the promised Messiah. John the Baptist prepared the way of the Lord. We hear his call to repent. We light two Advent candles as a sign of our repentance and desire for renewal.

Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest. Through your Word and Spirit may our souls be blessed. Two Advent candles are lit.

HYMN OF PRAISE—The King Shall Come

This song continues on the next page.

Christian Worship 495

Text: John Brownlie, 1859–1925, abr., alt. Tune: Irish. Text and tune: Public domain.

+ THE WORD + PRAYER OF THE DAY The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the way for your only Son. By his coming, give us strength in our conﬂicts, and shed light on our path through the darkness of this world; 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

Isaiah prophesies about one who could come to prepare people to meet their sovereign L . This prophecy is fulﬁlled in the ministry of John the Baptist.

FIRST READING 1 2

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak to the heart of Jerusalem and call out to her. Her warfare really is over. Her guilt is fully paid for. Yes, she has received from the L ’s hand double for all her sins. A voice is calling out: In the wilderness prepare the way for the L . In the wasteland make a level highway for our God. Every valley will be raised up, and every mountain and hill will be made low. The rugged ground will become level, and the rough places will become a plain. Then the glory of the L will be revealed, and all flesh together will see it. Yes, the mouth of the L has spoken. A voice was saying, “Cry out!” And I said, “What shall I cry out?” All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like a wildflower in the countryside. Grass withers, flowers fade, when the breath of the L blows on them. Yes, the people are grass. Grass withers, flowers fade, but the Word of our God endures forever. Get up on a high mountain, O Zion, you herald of good news. Lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, you herald of good news. Lift it up! Do not be afraid! Say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” Look, God the L will come with strength, and his arm is ruling for him. Look, his reward is with him. The result of his work is in front of him. Like a shepherd he will care for his flock. With his arm he will gather the lambs. He will lift them up on his lap. He will gently lead the nursing mothers.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Isaiah 40:1-11

PSALM OF THE DAY—The Glory of the L

Christian Worship Psalter 85B

Please join in singing the refrains. The vocalist will sing the verses.

Vocalist: I will hear what God proclaims, the Lord proclaims peace to the people. Salvation is near to the faithful, glory dwelling in our land. ALL:

Refrain

Vocalist: Kindness and truth shall meet. Justice and peace shall kiss. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice reign down from heaven. ALL:

Refrain

Vocalist: God will make us prosper. The land shall yield its fruit. Justice shall walk before him, and peace shall follow in his way. ALL:

Refrain

St. Peter reminds us that Judgment Day will come at an unexpected time. So prepare with daily repentance.

SECOND READING

2 Peter 3:8-14

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: For the Lord, one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to do what he promised, as some consider slowness. Instead, he is patient for your sakes, not wanting anyone to perish, but all to come to repentance. 10

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. On that day the heavens will pass away with a roar, the elements will be dissolved as they burn with great heat, and the earth and what was done on it will be burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be destroyed, what kind of people ought you to be, living in holiness and godliness, 12 as you look forward to and hasten the coming of the day of God? That day will cause the heavens to be set on ﬁre and destroyed, and the elements to melt as they burn with great heat. 13 But according to his promise we look forward to new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. 14

Therefore, dear friends, as you look forward to these things, make every eﬀort to be found in peace, spotless and blameless in his sight. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Please stand

The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Refrain (ALL):

Vocalist: Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. And all people will see God’s salvation. Refrain (ALL) Tune: © 2010 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

Luke 3:4, 6

GOSPEL

Mark 1:1-8

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 This is how it is written in the prophet Isaiah:

Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare the way for you. A voice of one calling out in the wilderness, “Prepare the way of the Lord. Make his paths straight.”

God raised up John the Baptist to preach a message of repentance and forgiveness, preparing people to meet their Lord and King.

Isaiah 40:3

John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5

The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him. They were baptized by him in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins. 6 John was clothed in camel’s hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He preached, “One more powerful than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of his sandals! 8 I baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.

Please be seated

HYMN OF THE DAY—On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry

Christian Worship 316

SERMON

2 Peter 3:8-14 Christians are Always Ready for the Last Day 1. Because we understand what God is like 2. Because we know how all this ends 3. Because we are looking forward to the End

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

Apostles’ Creed

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

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a ﬁtting place.

Eternal Father, throughout the centuries you repeated and aﬃrmed your promise to send the oﬀspring of the woman to crush the serpent’s head. Through your prophets of old, you continually directed the eyes of your people to the advent of their Savior. We praise you, O Lord, for keeping your promise and sending your Son to destroy the works of the devil. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our King, use your mighty Word to shatter our pride and to rouse us from spiritual slumber and apathy. Move us to take to heart the words of John: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” You sent your Son to redeem us from sin. Let this good news be our joy and strength. Use it to cheer the lonely, encourage the fearful, and give hope to the despairing. In these days before Christmas, spare us from the stress of deadlines and the frenzy of commercialism.

Fill our lives with the message of your peace and the music of your grace.

Direct our eyes not only to the manger but also to the skies, where we will see your Son coming again, not as a lowly child but as the Lord of lords. Lift up our hearts in joyful anticipation of that day. Hold in your care, Lord, those who are experiencing physical and 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

Come quickly, Lord Jesus, in your grace, in your power, and in your glory. Come, Lord Jesus! Amen.

OFFERING

OFFERTORY:

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:

Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates Matthew Machemer

Please ﬁll out the Friendship Register located in the red folder at the end of the row and pass it along. Thank you!

HYMN—My Soul in Stillness Waits

Christian Worship 325

The vocalist will sing the ﬁrst refrain and the ﬁrst verse. Please join in singing the remainder of the hymn.

Please stand

PRAYER Almighty God, we thank you for teaching us the things you want us to believe and do. Help us by your Holy Spirit to keep your Word in pure hearts that we may be strengthened in faith, guided in holiness, and comforted in life and in death, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

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.

LORD’S PRAYER

The blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God’s people for over 3,500 years. The L said, “In this way they will put my name on [them], and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27

BLESSING

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.

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: Prepare the Royal Highway Phil Magness

CLOSING HYMN—Prepare the Royal Highway

Christian Worship 302

TODAY Altar Flowers

The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by Deb Sloyan and Linda Morris in memory of their moms and in celebration of Amy Morris’ birthday. 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 remainder of the Sundays this year have been filled, but all of the Sundays in January 2024 are open. 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. We thank Linda Morris and Deb Sloyan for hosting this week. Upcoming available dates include all the Sundays in January. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

Grace Annual Meeting: Today

Our Annual Voters' Meeting will be held TODAY at noon in the Fellowship Hall here at GraceTucson. Lunch will be provided. Ministry Board elections and the 2024 Ministry Spending Plan approval will be on the agenda. Copies of the Annual Meeting Booklet are available at each of the church doors and in the Fellowship Hall.

WELS Tucson Campus Ministry: Tonight

WELS Tucson Campus Ministry (TCM) invites all college-aged adults to join us for our Christmas Party tonight! We meet in the Student Center located in the basement at GraceTucson at 7:00 PM.

Daily Devotions

Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are at either door to church and in the Fellowship Hall. A new Meditations with devotions that began last Sunday is available. These are great tools to use for your daily Bible study!

Those Assisting in Worship This Morning Preacher ............................................................................................................... Pastor Ron Koehler Worship Leader .................................................................................. Pastor Tim Patoka (10:00 AM) Accompanist .....................................................................................................................Kathy Parra Vocalist ......................................................................................................................... Teri Guenther Clarinet ....................................................... Missy Wiechmann (7:45 AM), Beth Kassulke (10:00 AM) Acolytes ............................................................ Leah Wiechmann (7:45 AM), Zach Miller (10:00 AM) Greeters............................................................................................ Paul & Kay Kassulke (10:00 AM) Ushers ......................................................................................... Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM) Jon Dongoske, Dylan Guenther, Ferdie Kramm, Rick Street (10:00 AM) Sound and Recording Techs ..................................Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke Banner Committee ............................................ Nadine Rentschler, Jeanette O’Donald, Sandy Weir Acknowledgements: Scripture readings are taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) © 2018 The Wartburg Project. All rights reserved. wartburgproject.org. Created by Christian Worship: Service Builder © 2023 Concordia Publishing House. Software distributed in partnership with Northwestern Publishing House.

“Chrismons” Christ-Monograms

Chrismons are symbols that proclaim Jesus’ name and his works of salvation for us. Here are explanations for the Chrismons you see on our Christmas trees. THE ANCHOR CROSS represents our certain hope of salvation anchored in Christ. THE BUDDED CROSS with its trefoil ends emphasizes the Trinity.

THE CELTIC CROSS has a circle in the middle symbolizing eternity. Because it has ancient ties to Christians in Ireland, Iona, and Scotland, it is also called the Irish or Iona Cross. THE CROSS WITH ORB symbolizes the world united under Christ, as the Lord cares for heaven and earth. THE GREEK CROSS has four arms of equal length. Early Greek artists used this cross. IHS is the acrostic of the first three letters of Jesus’ name in Greek ( ). Various meanings have been attached to each letter. The horizontal line that forms the cross is the sign for an abbreviation. THE IOTA CROSS is the first letter of “Jesus” in Greek ( =IOTA) combined with the first letter of “Christ” in Greek ( =CHI). THE JERUSALEM CROSS (also known as the CRUSADER’S CROSS) represents the city of peace. The 5 crosses represent the 5 wounds of our Lord. The 4 smaller crosses are also said to represent the spread of the gospel to the 4 corners of the earth. THE MALTESE CROSS is comprised of 4 arms shaped like spear-heads. Each points to the center, with the broad end having 2 points. The 8 points in all represent the beatitudes (Matt. 5:3-10). This is the emblem of John the Baptist. The cross was the emblem of the Knights of St. John, who were driven from Rhodes to the island of Malta by the Turks. Malta is the island where St. Paul was shipwrecked. THE ROMAN CROSS consists of the Latin Cross and the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, the alpha ( ) and omega ( ) symbolizing Jesus as the Eternal One: the ‘First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.’ Though he died on the cross, he reigns in glory forever. THE STAR (NATAL) CROSS reminds us of the star that marked our Savior’s birth.

THE TAU CROSS, shaped like the Greek letter (tau), depicts the type of cross Moses is believed to have raised in the desert with the serpent on it. It is also the traditional sign that Israelites made with lamb's blood on their doorposts in Egypt on the night of Passover. Therefore this is the cross of penitence and prophecy.

CHALICE AND WAFER represent the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.

THREE INTERLACING CIRCLES represent the three distinct persons of the Holy Trinity, yet just one God. THE DESCENDING DOVE symbolizes the Holy Spirit, remembering the baptism of Jesus when he descended in the form of a dove. THE TABLET OF STONE is a symbol of the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses on Mt. Sinai. THE BUTTERFLY brings to mind our Lord’s resurrection from the dead and reminds us that all believers in Christ will also rise to eternal life. The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, the alpha ( ) and omega ( ) are sometimes added to signify the eternal life enjoyed by those who die in the Lord. THE CROSS CROWN is a symbol of the Kingship of our Lord, reminding us that he is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. It also reminds us of the crown of life given to believers for their lives of faith.

THE CHI-RHO is a monogram consisting of the first two Greek letters of ‘Christ’,

and .

THE FISH is the most ancient symbol of Christ. Christians drew the image of the fish to identify each other in times of persecution. The Greek word for fish is (ichthus). The acrostic represents this meaning: =Jesus =Christ =God’s =Son =Savior.

THE 5-POINTED STAR/EPIPHANY STAR represents the star of Bethlehem and is shaped roughly like a human being representing Christ’s incarnation. THE 6-POINTED STAR/CREATOR’S STAR/STAR OF DAVID symbolizes creation. Each point refers to a day of God’s creating work.

THE TREFOIL AND TRIANGLE is a symbol of the Holy Trinity showing both the unity of the Godhead as well as the diversity of the Persons.

May these Christian symbols enrich your worship and ll your Christmas celebration with even more meaning and joy! 14

ANNOUNCEMENTS Sunday Morning Bible Study

Join us on Sunday mornings for a look at 1 John under the theme, “Living in the Light of God’s Love.” 1 John is a brief book nestled into the back of the Bible, but it is full of wisdom for Christians living in the light and joy of God’s love for them. 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 Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall.

Divine Call Received

Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan has extended a Divine Call to Pastor Koehler to serve as their pastor. Immanuel is a church of about 160 members and is located across the street from Lake Superior State University. Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada is the twin city across the river. Over the next several weeks, Pastor Koehler will learn more about the ministry there. He will prayerfully consider the work they are calling him to do, along with his ministry here. He would appreciate your prayers and discussions of ministry as he works toward a decision.

Midweek Advent Services

Advent is a time of preparation and repentance as we prepare to celebrate Christmas. Join us for our final Advent service this Wednesday, December 13. We are using the theme “Exiles” and are examining what it means to be far from home, and even more so, far from God. This series helps us ponder why we needed a way to be brought back together with our Creator and why it is so essential for the Messiah to bring us back from exile. Grace-Benson 10:00 AM Grace-Sahuarita 10:00 AM & 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 6:00 PM at Grace-Tucson.

Advent Devotions

Martin Luther College (MLC), our WELS college of ministry, has published a series of 25 devotions for Advent meant to be used daily through December 25. These devotions are entitled “The Mysteries of Christmas—Many Millennia, Many Mysteries, One Messiah.” You may request that the devotions be emailed to you daily or view the entire booklet at mlc-wels.edu/publications/seasonaldevotions/. If you would like a paper copy, please contact the Grace Central Office at (520)623-6633 or office@gracelutheransaz.org.

Christmas Nativity Luminary Walk & Cookie Sale: Friday

Grace-Sahuarita and the Child Learning Center are hosting a Christmas Luminary Walk and Cookie Sale this Friday, December 15, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Everyone is encouraged to come see the finished 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. 15

ANNOUNCEMENTS Christmas for Kids: Saturday

Celebrate Jesus' birth at Christmas For Kids! Our Tucson site will host this outreach event this Saturday, December 16, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. This free, fun event will include songs, snacks, games, crafts, and more to show us God's Christmas gift: our Savior Jesus! Children aged 3 through grade 5 are invited. Older siblings are welcome to assist. Registration is available at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/C4K. Invite your unchurched friends and family with a flier found at either church door or in the Fellowship Hall. Contact Pastor Patoka (RevTLP@GraceLutheranSAZ.org) for more information.

Caroling in the Park: Saturday

Our Grace-Vail members are hosting a “Caroling in the Park” event this Saturday, December 16, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Purple Heart Park, Pavilion #1 (9800 E. Rita Road, Tucson). Enjoy Christmas caroling, hot chocolate, and cookies! Please invite friends to join you.

Handbells at Canoa Ranch: Saturday

The Grace-Tucson handbell choir will be performing at Christmas at Canoa Ranch (5375 S. I-19 Frontage Road, Green Valley) this Saturday, December 16, from 5:00 to 6:00 PM. Listen to the handbells while you enjoy beautiful Christmas lights. Food will also be available for purchase. For more information about the Historic Canoa Ranch and Christmas at Canoa, please visit pima.gov/1253/Historic-Canoa-Ranch.

HOLIDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE Midweek Advent Services Wednesday December 13 10:00 AM Grace-Benson (lunch following worship) 10:00 AM & 6:00 PM Grace-Sahuarita 10:00 AM & 7:00 PM Grace-Tucson (supper at 6:00 PM)

Sunday, December 24 7:30 AM Benson Christmas Worship 10:00 AM Grace-Sahuarita Children’s Christmas Service

Christmas Day Worship Monday, December 25 10:00 AM Grace-Sahuarita 10:00 AM Grace-Tucson

10:00 AM Tucson Worship 10:00 AM Vail Christmas Worship Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship 7:00 PM Grace-Sahuarita & Tucson Sunday, December 31

Sunday Morning 7:30 AM Benson Worship 10:00 AM Sahuarita, Tucson, and Vail Worship

All-Site New Year’s Eve Worship 5:30 PM Grace-Sahuarita Followed by dinner & fellowship

ANNOUNCEMENTS Grace Central Office Hours

The Grace Central Office will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Additionally, there will be no regular office hours from Tuesday, December 26, through Friday, December 29. If you need to come to the office, please call or email ahead of time to set up an appointment. Voicemail and email will be checked regularly. Our regular office hours, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays, will resume on Tuesday, January 2. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

New Year’s Eve Worship, Dinner, & Fellowship: December 31

Grace’s New Year’s Eve Service will be held this year at our Sahuarita location. This ALL-SITE Service (there are no other services planned for New Year’s Eve) will take place at 5:30 PM and will include a remembrance of departed members and the celebration of Holy Communion. Following worship, join us for dinner, fellowship (including watching the football game), and fireworks.

Men of His Word Conference: January 20, 2024

WELS men of all ages are invited to this one-day event on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix. The theme of this year’s conference is “Built to Serve” based on Galatians 5:13. Keynote speaker Mark Neumann will speak on “Built to Serve in Every Walk of Life.” Breakout session topics include “The Man God is Building You to Be” (for teens and young adults), “Built to Serve While Working in an Unchristian Workplace,” “Built to Serve by Leading in Your Congregation,” and four more. Registration is open and is discounted through December 30. You may register and find all the information about the conference at MenOfHisWord.org/phoenix. Grace will plan to assist with carpooling arrangements for those who are interested.

Funeral Service Planning Opportunity

Have you ever considered what comfort from God’s Word you want family and friends to hear when the Lord calls you home to heaven? What if you could suggest some readings or hymns for your funeral service? Are you interested in planning some things now so that it will be easier on your family and the pastor when that time comes? No matter your age, you are invited to meet with Pastor Koehler for a Funeral Service Planning session. Please contact him as soon as possible as he plans to hold a class on either an evening or during the day on an upcoming Friday. Call the church office (520-623-6633) or email him at RevRGK3@GraceLutheranSAZ.org.

Mission to the Children

Mission to the Children (MttC) is asking for prayers for the people in the villages they serve in Mexico as they face some very dangerous and difficult times. Many are having to flee from the dangers currently threatening their way of life. If you would like to help with the aid to those still in Mexico as well as those who have come to Arizona with nothing but the clothes on their backs, please consider donating clothing, toiletries, or gift cards. Please contact MttC Office Manager, Nicole Scheuerlein (520)820-2016 or info@missiontothechildren.org, with any questions.

Grow in Grace Class

Would you like to learn more about our risen Savior, about the Bible that tells us about him, and about what Grace Lutheran Church believes and teaches? 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 one of the Pastors, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG. 17

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 10 - December 17 TUCSON Today Worship Services ............................................ 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour ...................................................... 8:45a Adult Bible Study: Living in the Light of God’s Love ....... 9:00a Grow in Grace Class (Office Conference Room) ........... 9:00a Lifeliners (High School group) Bible Study ..................... 9:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... Grace Annual Meeting & Lunch .................................... 12:00p TCM Christmas Party ..................................................... 7:00p Tuesday Weekly Pastors’ Meeting ................................................ 9:00a English Classes Christmas Party ................................... 6:30p Wednesday Advent Worship .............................................. 10:00a & 7:00p Advent Supper ................................................................ 6:00p Thursday Women’s Bible Study: Prepared to Answer .................... 9:00a Handbells ........................................................................ 5:30p Worship Choir ................................................................. 6:45p Saturday Christmas for Kids ........................................................ 10:00a Next Sunday, December 17 Worship Services with communion ................. 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour ...................................................... 8:45a Adult Bible Study: Living in the Light of God’s Love ....... 9:00a Grow in Grace Class (Office Conference Room) ........... 9:00a Lifeliners (High School group) Bible Study ..................... 9:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... ONLINE Today Adult Bible Study (Tucson) ............................................. 9:00a Worship Service (Tucson) ............................................ 10:00a Wednesday Advent Worship (Tucson) ............................................... 7:00p Next Sunday, December 17 Adult Bible Study (Tucson) ............................................. 9:00a Worship Service (Tucson) ............................................ 10:00a OFF-SITE EVENTS Monday Pastors’ Circuit Meeting at Redeemer............................ 9:00a Saturday Handbells perform at Canoa Ranch ............................... 5:00p

BENSON Today Worship Service ............................................................. 7:30a NO Adult Bible Study ..................................................... 8:45a Wednesday Advent Worship & Lunch.............................................. 10:00a Next Sunday, December 17 Worship Service with communion .................................. 7:30a Adult Bible Study: 1 Corinthians..................................... 8:45a

VAIL Today Adult Bible Study: The Gospel in the Psalms ................ 9:00a Youth Bible Study........................................................... 9:00a Worship Service ........................................................... 10:00a

Thursday Adult Bible Study: Sanctification .................................... 6:30p Saturday Caroling in Purple Heart Park ........................................ 5:00p Next Sunday, December 17 Adult Bible Study: The Gospel in the Psalms ................ 9:00a Youth Bible Study........................................................... 9:00a Worship Service with communion ................................ 10:00a Choir practice following worship............................................... SAHUARITA Today Adult Choir practice ........................................................ 8:30a Adult Bible Study: God’s Will Is... ................................... 9:00a Children’s Sunday School .............................................. 9:00a Worship Service ........................................................... 10:00a Wednesday Advent Worship ............................................... 10:00a & 6:00p Friday Nativity Luminary Walk & Cookie Sale................... 4:00-7:00p Next Sunday, December 17 Adult Bible Study: God’s Will Is ...................................... 9:00a Children’s Sunday School .............................................. 9:00a Worship Service with communion ................................ 10:00a Adult Choir practice following worship .....................................

One Church. Four Locations. Proclaiming the love of Jesus in Southern Arizona since 1911. Grace-Tucson and Central Office

Grace-Sahuarita

830 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719 (520)623-6633 office@gracelutheransaz.org

75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538

Pastor Ronald G. Koehler III revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org

Pastor Nathan P. Kassulke revnpk@gracelutheransaz.org

Pastor Timothy L. Patoka (Campus Ministry)

Pastor Ryan A. Heiman

revrah@gracelutheransaz.org

Child Learning Center

(520) 848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org www.GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com

Director—Laura Heiman

director@gracelutheransaz.org

revtlp@gracelutheransaz.org

Assistant Director—Jen Rickling

Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail

Child Learning Center Mission Teachers

Benson

451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602

Vail

jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org

Chris Leathers, 1-Year Olds cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org

Worshipping at Esmond Station Elementary 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, Tucson, AZ 85747

Sam Anthon, 2-Year Olds

Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein

Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds

revsas@gracelutheransaz.org

vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org

Office at Civano

Theresa Pratt, Preschool

10501 E. Seven Generations Way, Tucson, AZ 85747 (520)848-4631

Prayer Group—Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org

santhon@gracelutheransaz.org

tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org

Katie Patoka, After School Care kpatoka@gracelutheransaz.org

Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher

Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke

cinda@gracelutheransaz.org (520)581-4714

music@gracelutheransaz.org

Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler

Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr

assistant@gracelutheransaz.org

office@gracelutheransaz.org

www.wels.net

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.