G E L C S , A D 14, 2025 THE THIRD SUNDAY IN
Welcome to Grace!
Our mission at Grace is to teach the inspired and inerrant Word of God, to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Savior of the world, and to nurture believers for lives of Christian service.
Check out the GRACE WEBSITE at GraceLutheranSAZ.org
We are very pleased that you have joined us for worship today! We pray that this time will be a blessing for you as God comes to you with his Word and promises, and as you offer him your thanks and praise.
The worship service is printed in this worship folder for you to follow along and participate. You’ll notice that the service is a dialogue between God and us, his people. The pastor speaks to God along with the congregation and also speaks the Word of God to the people. Those wishing to leave an offering can do so at the exit today or give online at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/give. (You can also scan the QR code to the right to access the online giving page.)
Today we are using elements from the Christian Worship hymnal. If you would like to worship from a hymnal today, you will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each row; however, you do not need to use a hymnal if you so choose, as everything needed for worship is printed in this worship folder.
OUR SERIES THEME IMMINENT ARRIVAL
Do you remember the feeling when someone important is about to arrive at your place? It’s a mixture of anticipation and excitement and nervousness. Did you make all the correct preparations? Will the person be happy to see you? When and how will the person arrive? Will there be any surprises?
During these weeks before Christmas, we anticipate the imminent arrival of Jesus. He’s an important person! We are about to celebrate his birth. He could return on judgment day at any time. But in worship we realize that he impacts our lives when the Bible is read and when the sacraments are administered. Suddenly we feel the excitement of an imminent arrival.
Our worship will follow this path:
First Sunday in Advent Imminent Arrival of the King
Second Sunday in Advent Imminent Arrival of the Judge
Third Sunday in Advent
Fourth Sunday in Advent
Imminent Arrival of the Messiah
Imminent Arrival of Emmanuel
OUR THEME FOR TODAY IMMINENT ARRIVAL OF THE MESSIAH
The Messiah is an important person. “Messiah” is the same word as “Christ” or “Anointed One.” He is someone who has been anticipated for a long time. Now we look at a time when his arrival is imminent!
The historic Christian Church gave Latin titles to each Sunday. They titled the Third Sunday in Advent “Gaudete,” which means “Rejoice!” As we reach the midway point of Advent, we ask Christ to empower us to do just that. We rejoice because God fulfills all his promises in Jesus.
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP + WELCOME
Please stand INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
HYMN RESPONSE—The Advent of Our King
The words of the invocation remind us that the God we meet and worship is the true and triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Worship 309
CONFESSION
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Let us confess our sins to the Lord.
Holy God, gracious Father, I am sinful by nature and have sinned against you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved others as I should. I deserve your punishment both now and forever. But Jesus, my Savior, paid for my sins with his innocent suffering and death. Trusting in him, I pray: God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
1 John 1:8-9
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
Christ gave the authority to forgive the sins of penitent sinners to his church:
“Whenever you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven.”
John 20:23
Silence for meditation and reflection
Our gracious Father in heaven has been merciful to us. He sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, who gave his life as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the (+) Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
The 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.
HYMN RESPONSE The Advent of Our King Christian Worship 309
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH
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.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
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.
Please be seated
Text: Charles Coffin, 1676–1749; tr. John Chandler, 1806–1876, alt. Tune: Aaron Williams, 1731–1776. Text and tune: Public domain.
Matthew 28:18-20
Mark 10:13-16
+ HOLY BAPTISM +
THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
Our Savior Jesus Christ commanded Baptism when he said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
In the Gospel of Mark we hear:
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.
All of us are born into this world with a deep need for Baptism. From our parents we inherit a sinful nature; we are without true fear of God and true faith in God and are condemned to eternal death. But while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. He took away our sin by giving his life on the cross. In Baptism, he clothes us with the robe of his righteousness and gives us a new life.
RITE OF BAPTISM
Mateo Cordova, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Receive the sign of the cross on the head and heart (+) to mark you as one redeemed by Christ the crucified.
The almighty God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given you the new birth of water and the Spirit and has forgiven all your sins. May he strengthen you with his grace all the days of your life. Peace be with you.
PRAYER
Let us pray.
We give thanks, most merciful Father, that you have received Mateo as your own child and made him a member of Christ’s body, the church. Now, we pray, grant to him and to all your church on earth that, being dead to sin, we may live to righteousness and, being buried with Christ into his death, we may also share in his resurrection, so that, with all your saints, we may inherit eternal life; through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
+ THE WORD +
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.
Isaiah tells us that the coming of the Messiah would change everything.
James points to Job as an example of perseverance in the face of suffering.
This reading continues on the next page.
SECOND READING
James 5:7–11
7Therefore, 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. 8You be patient too. Strengthen your hearts because the coming of the Lord is near.
9Do not complain about one another, brothers, so that you will not be judged. Look! The Judge is standing at the doors! 10Brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord as an example of suffering with patient endurance. 11See, 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.
Please stand
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia. I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you. Alleluia.
Matthew 11:10
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
GOSPEL
Matthew 11:2-11
2While John was in prison, he heard about the things Christ was doing. He sent two of his disciples 3to ask him, “Are you the Coming One or should we wait for someone else?”
4Jesus answered them, “Go, report to John what you hear and see: 5The 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.
6Blessed is the one who does not take offense at me.”
7As 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? 8What did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? No, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9So what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you! And he is much more than a prophet. 10This is the one about whom it is written, ‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’
11Amen 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.
John’s disciples wanted to verify that Jesus was the Messiah.
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.
During the singing of this hymn, children ages 1-8 are excused to attend Children’s Church in the CLC Building. Parents can pick-up their children there following the service.
Please greet those around you and then be seated
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
HYMN OF THE DAY O Lord, How Shall I Meet You
Christian Worship 324
This hymn continues on the next page.
SERMON
Please stand
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
James 5:7-11
Apostles’ Creed
The Apostles’ Creed developed in the Early Christian Church as a personal confession of faith. It is so named because it confesses the faith taught by the Apostles of Jesus.
Text: Paul Gerhardt, 1607–1676, D. M. Luther's ... Geistliche Lieder, Berlin, 1653, abr.; tr. Composite. Tune: Johann Crüger, 1598–1662, alt. Text and tune: Public domain.
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.
Text: Thomas O. Chisolm, 1866–1960. Tune: William M. Runyan, 1870–1957. Text and tune: Public domain.
Please stand
CLOSING PRAYER
Blessed Lord, you have given us your Holy Scriptures for our learning. May we so hear them, read, learn, and take them to heart that, being strengthened and comforted by your holy Word, we may cling to the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
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
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
Text and tune: Melody Green, b. 1946 © 1982 Birdwing Music/Ears To Hear Music/Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publ., admin. CapitolCMGPublishing,com. Used by permission: CCLI no. 3095236.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Friendship Register
We are so thankful you have joined us today and would like to have a record of both members and guests who are worshiping with us. Please sign the red Friendship Register book located at the end of your row in the hymnal rack.
Children’s Church
Children ages 1-8 will be dismissed from our worship service today during the hymn before the sermon to attend Children’s Church. Parents, following worship, please pick your child up from the gymnasium in the CLC building.
Sunday Morning Bible Study
Forgiveness is a key teaching of the Bible. The application of forgiveness in our daily living can be complex and difficult. Forgiveness for the Unforgivable will walk us through what God says about forgiveness, how we are to forgive, and how we can apply this to our lives. Please join us on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM in the CLC gymnasium. Even if you haven’t been to Bible study in a while, you are always welcome!
Grace Annual Meeting following worship
Our Annual Voters’ Meeting will be held today at noon at Esmond Station School, our worship location in Vail. Lunch will be provided. Ministry Board elections and the 2026 Ministry Spending Plan approval will be on the agenda.
Christmas for College Students!
Tonight is the TCM Christmas Party at 7:00 PM in the student center in the basement at GraceTucson. Josiah and Mark will have fabulous prizes for the winners of the cookie decorating competition! Come for the Christmas music, food, games, and cookies! As always, please invite your friends! Even if you haven’t been able to be involved during the semester, please come!
Midweek Advent Service
Advent is a time of hopeful repentance as we prepare to celebrate Christmas. Join us this Wednesday for our final midweek Advent worship service. Our theme for these services is “Bible Songs of Christmas” as we consider songs from the Bible that were sung to announce Christ’s birth.
Grace-Benson 10:00 AM
Grace-Sahuarita 4:00 & 6:00 PM
Grace-Tucson 10:00 AM & 7:00 PM
You are also invited to join us for lunch following the service at Grace-Benson or supper at 5:00 PM at Grace-Sahuarita and 6:00 PM at Grace-Tucson.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLC Christmas Event: Friday
Grace-Sahuarita and the Child Learning Center are hosting a Christmas Nativity Walk and Cookie Sale this Friday, December 19, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Everyone is encouraged to enjoy an interactive walk through the Nativity. Hot chocolate and treats will also be available. 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 toys and supplies for the classrooms.
Caroling in the Park: December 20
Our members at Grace-Vail will be hosting a “Caroling in the Park” event on Saturday, December 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Purple Heart Park, Ramada #4 (9800 E. Rita Road, Tucson). Enjoy Christmas caroling, hot chocolate, and cookies! Please invite friends to join you using the invitation postcards on the Welcome Table.
New Year’s Eve Worship, Dinner, & Fellowship: December 31
Grace’s New Year’s Eve Service will be held at our Sahuarita location. This all-site service 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 in the CLC gymnasium for dinner and fellowship.
CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Christmas Eve
Wednesday, 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
Christmas Day Worship Thursday, December 25
10:00 AM Grace-Sahuarita
10:00 AM Grace-Tucson
Wednesday, December 31
All-Site New Year’s Eve Worship
5:30 PM Grace-Sahuarita
Followed by dinner & fellowship
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Grace Night with the Tucson Roadrunners: January 9
Join us for a fun night with the Tucson Roadrunners hockey team! We’ll attend the game together on Friday, January 9, at 7:00 PM. This is also Faith & Family Night and tickets are $25 each. Tickets can be purchased by using the QR code on the right, by contacting Eric Hanson (520-664-6626 or hansonee2@yahoo.com). We hope to see you there!
Memorial Services
Our Lord called home to heaven the soul of Grace member Pat Messer on December 6. He also called to his side Grace member Terry Kosanke on December 8. Memorial services for each of them will be held in January at Grace-Tucson. Pat’s service will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 10, and Terry’s will be on Saturday, January 17, also at 11:00 AM. A meal will follow each service in the Fellowship Hall. Please keep the family and friends of Pat and Terry in your prayers.
Men of His Word Conference: January 31
Men of His Word equips Christian men to take a leadership role within their family, within their congregation, and in the community. The 5th annual Men of His Word conference is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026 at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. This year’s Men of His Word Conference will equip you to stand with “Courage Under Fire.” Through presentations grounded in God’s unchanging Word, you’ll be strengthened to lead your family, confess your faith boldly, resist temptation, and serve faithfully, even when the culture pushes back. There will be eight different breakout sessions of which you may choose three. Details on each session are on the website. To register go to https://www.menofhisword.org/phoenix registration.html. Early bird registration is available until December 31.
Grace’s Bible-based Counselor
Cinda Drescher is Grace’s Bible-based Counselor. She is on staff at Grace and works in the counseling building located in the Grace-Tucson parking lot. She typically works at the counseling building two days each week. To schedule an appointment, it is easiest to text her at 520-581-4714 or email at Cinda@GraceLutheranSAZ.org. Because she is on staff at Grace and supported by the congregation’s Ministry Spending Plan, there is no charge for anyone who makes an appointment with her. She is happy to meet with anyone whether they are members of Grace/WELS or not. Cinda not only has a WELS Bible-based Therapist certification, she holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work, a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, along with certifications in Trauma and Domestic Violence.
SAHUARITA
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 14 - December 21
Adult Bible Study: Forgiveness for the Unforgivable...... 9:00a Children’s Sunday School.............................................. 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship Adult Choir 11:15a Wednesday
in Grace Class 1:00p
Services 4:00 & 6:00p Advent Supper................................................................ 5:00p Thursday Grow in Grace Class 10:30a Friday Nativity Walk & Cookie Sale 4:00p Grow in Grace Class 5:00p
Saturday Grow in Grace Class 8:00a
Sunday, December 21
Adult Bible Study: Forgiveness for the Unforgivable 9:00a Children’s Sunday School.............................................. 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship
Adult Choir 11:15a
VAIL Today Worship Service 10:00a Adult Bible Study: Prayer 11:15a Grace Annual Meeting & Lunch ................................... 12:00p
Sunday, December 21
Vocal Group Rehearsal 9:15a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Adult Bible Study: Prayer ............................................. 11:15a
ONLINE Today
Adult Bible Study (Tucson)............................................. 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a Wednesday Advent Worship Service (Tucson).................................. 7:00p
Sunday, December 21
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson)...................... 10:00a
NO Women’s Bible Study (resumes January 15) College Student Grow in Grace Class 11:30a NO Handbell Practice NO Worship Choir
Service with communion 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Romans 8:45a Fellowship following worship....................................................
One Church. Four Locations.
Proclaiming the love of Jesus in Southern Arizona since 1911.
Grace-Tucson and Central Office
830 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719 (520)623-6633 office@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Ronald G. Koehler III revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Nathan P. Kassulke revnpk@gracelutheransaz.org
Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org
Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail
Benson
451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602
Vail
Worshipping at Esmond Station Elementary 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, Tucson, AZ 85747
Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein revsas@gracelutheransaz.org Office at Civano 10501 E. Seven Generations Way, Tucson, AZ 85747 (520)848-4631
Prayer Group—Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Sahuarita
75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538
Pastor Ryan A. Heiman revrah@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center (520)848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com
Director—Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org
Assistant Director Jen Rickling jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center Mission Teachers
Caitlin Broehm, Toddlers cbroehm@gracelutheransaz.org
Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org
Theresa Pratt, Preschool tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org
Chris Leathers, After School Care cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org
Bible-Based Counselor Cinda Drescher Office Assistant Cora Stuhr cinda@gracelutheransaz.org office@gracelutheransaz.org (520)581-4714
Grace Lutheran Church is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), a group of nearly 400,000 men, women, and children in nearly 1,300 congregations across the United States and Canada united by a common faith in Christ's saving love. We are committed to a common calling encouraging each other in our faith and sharing God's gift of a Savior with the rest of the world.