12-11-22 Grace-Tucson Worship Folder

THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT

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 livestreaming.

OUR WORSHIP SERIES COME, LORD JESUS!

The Latin word adventus means “coming.” The last Words in Scripture are “Come, Lord Jesus!” Thus, the season of Advent begins with the end in mind. We enter a new Church Year with our eyes fixed on the end of time, when Jesus Christ will come and destroy this sin-broken world.

If that is what Jesus and his angels are coming to do, why would we cry out, “Come, Lord Jesus”? Because we know that Jesus has come into our world once before. The Son of God became the Son of Man. From the manger to the cross, Jesus did everything necessary to redeem mankind. As this new Church Year walks us through the entire life of Christ, we see God’s promises of deliverance fulfilled...God’s plan of salvation completed. And so, when Christ comes again, while the universe will be destroyed, we know God’s people will be ushered into a new, glorious, everlasting kingdom.

Advent is necessary to prepare us for Christmas. It enables us to understand the true significance of Christmas. For Advent allows us to see that because of what Christ did when he came the first time, believers need not fear when he comes again. Instead, we yearn for it. Come, Lord Jesus!

COME, LORD JESUS!—AS MESSIAH

Humanity wants a made-to-order Messiah. We want the Savior we want. The Jews wanted a political Messiah who would remove Roman oppression and reestablish the kingdom of Israel. The generic Christian of today wants a Messiah who is a good teacher and an inspiration for brotherly love.

Even faithful Christians face the temptation of a made-to-order Messiah. We want a Messiah who isn't bothered by the sin that keeps cropping up in our life, who doesn't call for total dedication but is fine if we only want a relaxed association with him. We want a Messiah who dispenses blessings liberally, to ensure that our life is blessed, as we would like to define it.

That is not the Messiah who came. Jesus defies the expectations of Israel, the world, and us. Jesus reminds us that “blessed” is a term that he defines, and it begins with not rejecting the Messiah because he fails to meet our expectations. One proof that Jesus is the Messiah is that he fulfilled every prophesy. Therefore, blessed people respond to adverse circumstances with patient waiting and confidence that, at just the right time, their Messiah will fix all that is broken in their lives.

+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +

10:00AM—CHRISTMAS FOR KIDS CHILDREN Who Was There on Christmas Day?

Jesus was born on Christmas day. Jesus was born on Christmas day. Ring the bells; let everyone say, “Jesus was born on Christmas day.”

Mary was there on Christmas day…

Joseph was there on Christmas day…

Angels were there on Christmas day…

Shepherds were there on Christmas day…

Jesus was born on Christmas day...

WELCOME

OPENING HYMN When the King Shall Come Again Christian Worship 307

Variations on “Let the Earth Now Praise the Lord”

10:00—HANDBELLS: Christmas Meditation

The order of service we are using today is based on the historic order for morning praise known as Matins.

Please stand

INVOCATION

Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.

Congregation: Amen.

OPENING SENTENCES

Psalm 51:15

Words Kris Tellier © 2013 Northwestern Publishing House.

Tune: Marty Haugen © 1995, 1996 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

COME, OH, COME, LET US SING TO THE LORD

With these words from Psalm 95 we praise God, the maker of heaven and earth.

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES

We light three Advent candles remembering Jesus, the Light of the world. He came to defeat the prince of darkness.

We remember Jesus, who came in answer to his people’s prayers. John proclaimed him the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

We hear his call to see the light.

We light three Advent candles as a sign of our trust and confidence.

Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest.

Through your Word and Spirit may our souls be blessed.

Three Advent candles are lit.

Please be seated

The lighting of candles in anticipation of Christ’s coming has a long tradition in the Christian Church. On each of the four 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.

The prophet foretold that the coming of the Messiah would change everything.

FIRST READING Isaiah 35:1-10

1 The wilderness and the desert will be glad. The wasteland of the Arabah will rejoice and blossom like a crocus.

2 It will bloom lavishly, and there will be great joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it. It will be excellent like Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the L , the majesty of our God.

3 Strengthen the weak hands, and make the shaky knees steady.

4 Tell those who have a fearful heart: Be strong. Do not be afraid. Look! Your God will come with vengeance. With God’s own retribution, he will come and save you.

5 Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf will be unplugged.

6 The crippled will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing for joy. Waters will flow in the wilderness, and streams in the wasteland.

7 The burning sand will become a pool, and in the thirsty ground there will be springs of water. There will be grass, reeds, and rushes where the haunts of jackals once lay.

8 A highway will be there, a road that will be called the holy way. The impure will not walk there. It will be reserved for those who walk in that holy way. Wicked fools will not wander onto it.

9 No lion will be there, nor will any ferocious animal go up on it. They will not be found there, but only the redeemed will walk there.

10 Then those ransomed by the L will return. They will enter Zion with a joyful shout, and everlasting joy will crown their heads. Happiness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

CHOIR ANTHEM I Hear the Prophet Callin’

I hear the prophet callin’, “Prepare the way of the Lord.”

I hear the prophet callin’, “Prepare the way of the Lord.”

I hear the prophet callin’, “Prepare the way of the Lord.”

I hear the prophet callin’, “Prepare the way of the Lord.” Come and make straight the way in the desert, a highway for our God. Come and make straight the way in the desert. Prepare the way of the Lord. Prepare the way of the Lord.

I hear Isaiah callin’, “Fear not, your God has come.”

I hear Isaiah callin’, “Fear not, your God has come.”

Then will the eyes of the blind be opened. The ears of the deaf will hear.

And then the mute will shout for joy. The mute will shout for joy, shout for joy. They’ll be shouting for joy. They’ll be shouting for joy.

And the desert will be joyful and blossom as a rose. And the desert will be joyful and blossom as a rose. We shall rejoice with joy and singing and see the glory of God. We shall rejoice with joy and singing and see the glory of God, and see the glory of God.

I hear the prophet callin’, “Prepare the way of the Lord.”

I hear the prophet callin’, “Prepare the way of the Lord, prepare ye the way of the Lord.”

The words of this anthem are based on Isaiah 35:1-6 and 40:3.

SECOND READING

James 5:7-11

7 Therefore, brothers, be patient until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the valuable harvest from the ground, patiently waiting for it, until it receives the early and late rain. 8 You be patient too. Strengthen your hearts because the coming of the Lord is near.

9 Do not complain about one another, brothers, so that you will not be judged. Look! The Judge is standing at the doors! 10 Brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord as an example of suffering with patient endurance. 11 See, we consider those who endured to be blessed. You have heard of the patient endurance of Job and have seen what the Lord did in the end, because the Lord is especially compassionate and merciful.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Knowing what we do about the Messiah’s coming kingdom, we want it now. God’s encouragement, however, is for us to be patient.

Words by Pepper Choplin © 2008 Lorenz Publishing Company. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.

The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Please join in singing the refrains. The vocalist will sing the italicized verse.

Refrain (ALL):

Matthew 11:10

Jesus deals gently with those whose present circumstances lead them to doubt that he is the Messiah.

Vocalist: I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.

Refrain (ALL)

Tune: Tony E. Alonso © 2010 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

Matthew 11:2-11

2 While John was in prison, he heard about the things Christ was doing. He sent two of his disciples 3 to ask him, “Are you the Coming One or should we wait for someone else?”

4 Jesus answered them, “Go, report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the gospel is preached to the poor.

6 Blessed is the one who does not take offense at me.”

7 As these two were leaving, Jesus began to talk to the crowds about John. “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? No, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 So what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you! And he is much more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written, ‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’

11 Amen I tell you: Among those born of women there has not appeared anyone greater than John the Baptist. Yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise be to you, O Christ. Please be seated

GOSPEL

HYMN OF THE DAY—Let the Earth Now Praise the Lord Christian Worship 315

SERMON

Matthew 11:2-11

Doubt No More!

SONG OF ZECHARIAH Benedictus

This song of Zechariah is found in Luke 1:68-79.

Tune: Marty Haugen © 1995, 1996 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

1. Who Jesus Is 2. Who You Are

The Apostles’ Creed developed in the Early Christian Church as a personal confession of faith. It is so named because it confesses the faith taught by the Apostles of Jesus.

CONFESSION OF FAITH

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Please be seated

Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

Apostles’ Creed

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 to 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!

HYMN Christ, the Sure and Steady Anchor Christian Worship 812

The choir will sing stanza 1. Please join in singing the remainder of the hymn.

OFFERTORY:

Let the Earth Now Praise the Lord

Please stand

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Hear our prayers, Lord Jesus Christ, and come with the good news of your mighty deliverance. Drive the darkness from our hearts, and fill us with your light; for you live and reign with the Father 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

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.

PRAYER FOR GRACE

O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to this new day. Defend us with your mighty power, and grant that this day we neither fall into sin nor run into any kind of danger. And in all we do, direct us to what is right in your sight; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord.

Amen.

PRAYER RESPONSE

Tune: Marty Haugen © 1997 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

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

POSTLUDE MUSIC: When the King Shall Come Again

Altar Flowers

The flowers beautifying our altar today have been given by Linda Morris and Deb & Tom Sloyan in memory of Vera Hess and Verna Retberg 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. Upcoming available Sundays are January 8, 15, 22, and 29. 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, you are invited to join us in the courtyard for drinks and snacks. We thank Linda Morris and Deb & Tom Sloyan for hosting this week. The next available dates include all the Sundays in January and February. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

Sunday Morning Bible Study

“A God of Love Wouldn’t Send People to Hell.” “It Doesn’t Matter How God Made the World.” These and other popular statements might sound good, but do they really fit with what the Bible says? We are currently working through “10 Lies About God.” This study will help us respond to false teachings about God and to defend what the Bible teaches. Now would be an excellent time to make this study a part of your Sunday routine! Please join us at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall.

Children’s Bible Hour: Today

All children, ages 3 through 8th grade, are invited to attend Children’s Bible Hour on Sunday mornings. The children will begin together in the main area of our Education Building at 8:45 AM for music and an opening devotion and from there will be divided into age-based classrooms. Parents can meet their children after class at their classrooms or in the courtyard. If you have any questions about Children’s Bible Hour, please contact Pastor Patoka.

Those Assisting in Worship This Morning

Pastor Tim Patoka

Pastor Nathan Kassulke (10:00 AM)

Jim Bakken

Naomi Kassulke

Paul Kassulke

Cora Stuhr, Naomi Kassulke

Jim and Deb Bakken (10:00 AM)

Beth Kassulke (10:00 AM)

Leah Wiechmann (7:45 AM), Molly Farley (10:00 AM)

Eric and Erika Hanson (10:00 AM)

Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke

Nadine Rentschler, Jeanette O’Donald, Sandy Weir

Pastor Koehler is preaching at Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail this morning.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Advent Devotion Books

Martin Luther College (MLC), our WELS college of ministry, has published a series of 25 devotions for Advent meant to be used daily through December 25. Copies of these books are available at each of the church doors and in the Fellowship Hall. You may also request that the devotions be emailed to you daily or download a PDF copy of the entire book at mlc-wels.edu/publications/ seasonal-devotions/.

Annual Meeting: Today

Our Annual Voters' Meeting will be held TODAY at Grace-Vail beginning at noon. Lunch will be provided. Ministry Board elections, Ministry Spending Plan approval, and calling three CLC teacher will all be on the agenda. The agenda and reports will be available at the meeting.

Midweek Advent Services

Advent is a time of preparation and repentance as we prepare to celebrate Christmas. Join us for our final Midweek Advent worship service on this Wednesday, December 14. We are focusing on the question raised by one of our hymns, “O Lord, How Shall I Meet You?”

Grace-Benson 10:00 AM

Grace-Sahuarita 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM Grace-Tucson 10:00 AM and 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.

TCM Apacheland Mission Trip: Register by tomorrow!

Tucson Campus Ministry is organizing a mission trip for college-age adults on the San Carlos Apache Reservation from January 14-16. College-age adults are invited to join our Apache brothers and sisters in service and worship as we take in beautiful sights, enjoy cultural food, and make fun memories. All expenses are covered. Contact Campus Pastor Tim (welstcm@welstcm.com) by tomorrow, December 12, to register and for more information.

CLC Children’s Christmas Walk: Friday

The Child Learning Center at our Sahuarita location is hosting a “Children’s Christmas Walk to Meet Jesus” THIS Friday, December 16, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Part of the evening includes a Cookie Walk (Cookie sale). If you like to bake Christmas cookies, we could use 4-5 dozen of your favorite recipe. They will be sold to CLC families and church members who might not have time or interest in baking. If you would like to volunteer to help at the Cookie walk, please contact Jen Rickling at (262) 366-5778. Cookies can be delivered to the CLC on December 15 or 16 or to the Grace Central Office at our Tucson location by 5:00 PM on December 15.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sahuarita Holiday Lights Parade: Saturday

Grace-Sahuarita is participating in the Sahuarita Holiday Lights Parade THIS Saturday, December 17. Our float will leave the Child Learning 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. If you would like to volunteer to sing at the Holiday Lights Parade, please contact Laura Heiman at (520)278-8793. We hope you can come out to watch the parade!

Caroling in the Park: Saturday

Grace-Vail will be hosting a “Caroling in the Park” event THIS Saturday, December 17, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Purple Heart Park in Rita Ranch (9800 E. Rita Road, Tucson 85747). Enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, and some of your favorite Christmas songs! Come for the music, stay for the fellowship! Please invite friends to join you.

Lifeliners Campfire & Games: December 18

The Patoka family invites the Lifeliners (Grace's high school youth group) to their home next Sunday, December 18, for campfire fun from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. We plan to enjoy s'mores and hot chocolate around their inviting fire pit and perhaps some games inside their warm home! Text Pastor Patoka (540-623-1149) to RSVP and for directions.

New Year’s Eve All-Site Service & Celebration

Grace’s New Year’s Eve Service will be held this year at our Tucson location. This ALL-SITE Service (there are no other services planned at the same time) will take place at 7:00 PM and will include a remembrance of departed members and the celebration of Holy Communion. Join us after worship for snacks and fellowship. If you are interested in participating in a Combined Grace Choir for this service, please talk to our Worship Choir Director, Paul Kassulke, or contact our Worship Coordinator Beth Kassulke (music@gracelutheransaz.org) for more details.

Grace Night at the Tucson Roadrunners: January 10, 2023

Join fellow Grace members and members of our sister WELS churches for an exciting night of hockey action on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at 6:30 PM. That night our Tucson Roadrunners will be facing off against the Milwaukee Admirals, minor league team to the Nashville Predators. This should be a great time to come together and cheer on your favorite team, be it from Tucson or from Milwaukee. To purchase tickets please reach out to Kirsten Brand, Tucson Roadrunners Ticket Manager, at (520)269-7962 and let her know you are with the group from Grace. Tickets are $20 each and must be purchased by Sunday, January 8. Each ticket will also come with a Tucson Roadrunners ball cap so let’s get out there and enjoy each other's company. Feel free to reach out to Eric Hanson at (520)664-6626 with any questions you may have regarding Grace Night With the Roadrunners.

Men of His Word Rally: January 21, 2023

WELS men of all ages are invited to this one-day event on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix. The theme will be “Man Up! - In a Man Down World.” The keynote speaker will be Pastor Dan Solofra of CrossWalk, Phoenix. There will also be eight breakout sessions including: “Hot Button Topics in Our Society and How to Handle Them,” “Dating and Choosing a Spouse Today” (young men), “Lead Me, Father” (parenting), and “Prayer by Men.” More information can be found at MenofHisWord.org

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Divine Call Updates

At our special Call meeting on Sunday, October 23, Grace extended two Divine Calls for Mission Teachers at our Child Learning Center. Mrs. Alison Moeri has declined our call and will continue to serve at Little Lambs Learning Center and Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Duluth, Minnesota. Mrs. Jennifer Rannow has also declined our call and will continue to serve at Precious Lambs Early Learning Center at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Raleigh, North Carolina.

We plan to extend new calls at the Annual Meeting TODAY at noon.

Divine Call Returned

Pastor Kassulke, after prayerful consideration and deliberation, has declined the call to serve at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson, WI. He will continue to serve in his role as one of the pastors here at Grace in Southern Arizona. He would like to thank all those who shared their thoughts with him during the deliberation and who prayed for him and his family. He is also grateful that this time of deliberation allowed for many beneficial conversations about the gospel ministry we all share. Please continue to pray for our congregation and the many ways we proclaim forgiveness and salvation in Jesus to our communities!

Grace Member Called to Heaven

Grace member Bernice Marsala was called to her Savior’s side on November 10. We thank God for the many blessings he bestowed on Bernice during her life on earth and rejoice that she has received the crown of life in heaven. A memorial service has been scheduled for 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 7, at Grace-Tucson.

Greeting Cards

Christmas cards and a wide variety of Scripture-based greeting cards are available for purchase in the southwest corner of the Fellowship Hall. These cards are made available at cost by the Women of Grace and the prices are marked.

Helping Hands

Sometimes you could just use a helping hand! Do you have a talent or service that you could offer to our fellow Grace members who could use some help (at a minimal cost or free)? Just a few ideas: outdoor work, computer work, sewing/mending, handyman, cooking, organizing, transportation to appointments, etc. We’re sure there are many more! If you would like to help, please fill out a Helping Hands card found on the bulletin board outside of the Library in the Fellowship Hall. These offers will then be posted on the bulletin board.

Thank You

The Parra and Parrin families would like to express their gratitude for the love, prayers, and support extended to them the last several weeks. The numerous cards, calls, and gifts were greatly appreciated.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HOLIDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE

Midweek Advent Service Wednesday, December 14

10:00 AM at Grace-Benson (lunch following worship)

10:00 AM & 6:00 PM at Grace-Sahuarita

10:00 AM & 7:00 PM at Grace-Tucson (supper at 6:00 PM)

Christmas Day Worship Sunday, December 25

7:30 AM at Grace-Benson 10:00 AM at Grace-Vail 10:00 AM at Grace-Sahuarita 10:00 AM at Grace-Tucson

Christmas Eve Services Saturday, December 24

Children’s Christmas Service 4:00 PM at Grace-Sahuarita

Christmas Eve Worship

4:00 PM at Grace-Vail 4:00 & 7:00 PM at Grace-Tucson 7:00 PM at Grace-Sahuarita

New Year’s Eve Worship

All-Site Service Saturday, December 31 7:00 PM at Grace-Tucson Followed by food and fun!

ACSTO Donations for Grace Members

Thank you to the many members who have used the Arizona Tuition Tax Credit to support our students at Redeemer Lutheran School and Arizona Lutheran Academy! You may have heard recently about new opportunities for families and students through the state of Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program. While this program may be beneficial to many of our member families, you can still make use of tuition tax credits and support Lutheran education with money you would otherwise pay as taxes.

Many Grace families and students who attend our Lutheran schools would appreciate you making use of the tuition tax credits if possible. How it works: 1) You make a donation up to certain limits and up to your tax liability. This needs to be done before April 15, 2023 to count for your 2022 state taxes. 2) When you make the donation to ACSTO (Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization), please recommend “Grace Lutheran Southern AZ” members to support our students who still need assistance. 3) When you file your taxes, two extra forms will give you a dollar-for-dollar credit so you save off of your total tax bill. In other words, you can help our members without spending more of your money to do so.

You can find more information and even make a donation online through the ACSTO website, www.ACSTO.org. Remember that this option is available to all those who have state tax liability in Arizona. Grace member Jeff Weinstein (520-909-7649, JeffWeinstein@ACSTO.org) is also an employee of ACSTO. He is able to help answer questions you may have. Even if you have never made use of tuition tax credits before, we would be happy to help you figure it out!

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 Ÿ December 11 – December 18

VAIL Today

Worship Services ............................................

7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a

Adult Bible Study: 10 Lies About God 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study 9:00a

NO Small Group Bible Study Fellowship following worship

Tuesday

Weekly Pastors’ Meeting 9:00a English Classes Christmas Party................................... 6:30p

Wednesday

Advent Worship Services 10:00a & 7:00p Advent Supper................................................................ 6:00p

Thursday

Women’s Bible Study: Prepared to Answer 9:00a Handbell Rehearsal........................................................ 5:30p Worship Choir................................................................. 6:45p

Next Sunday, December 18 Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour...................................................... 8:45a

Adult Bible Study: 10 Lies About God 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study 9:00a Small Group Bible Study: God & Government............... 9:00a Fellowship following worship................................................... Lifeliners Campfire & Games 6:00-8:00p

ONLINE Today

Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Tucson and Sahuarita) 10:00a

Wednesday

Advent Worship Service (Tucson) 7:00p

Next Sunday, December 18

Adult Bible Study (Tucson).............................................9:00a Worship Services (Tucson and Sahuarita) 10:00a

OFF-SITE EVENT

Saturday

Grace-Vail hosting Caroling in the Park 5:00p

Grace-Sahuarita in Holiday Lights Parade 5:30p

Stay Up to Date

Children’s Sunday School...............................................9:00a

Adult Bible Study: Male & Female He Created Them 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship Grace’s Annual Meeting ...............................................12:00p Thursday

Midweek Bible Study: Grow in Grace 6:30p

Next Sunday, December 18 Children’s Sunday School 9:00a

Adult Bible Study: Male & Female He Created Them 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship...................................................

BENSON Today

Worship Service 7:30a Bible Study following worship: 1 Corinthians Wednesday Advent Worship Service & Lunch 10:00a

Next Sunday, December 18 Worship Service with communion ..................................7:30a Bible Study following worship: 1 Corinthians

SAHUARITA

Today

Adult Bible Study: 10 Lies About God 9:00a Children’s Sunday School...............................................9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Monday Pastors’ Circuit Meeting..................................................9:00a Wednesday

Advent Worship Services 10:00a & 6:00p Friday

CLC Christmas Children’s Walk 6:00p

Next Sunday, December 18

Adult Bible Study: 10 Lies About God 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a

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.

Grace

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

Pastor

Pastor

Pastor

Grace-Benson 451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602

Grace-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

Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher cinda@gracelutheransaz.org (520)405-3286

Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org

Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org

Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr office@gracelutheransaz.org

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. For more information about our synod and what we believe visit: www.wels.net