THE THIRD SUNDAY IN
G E L C T , A D 14, 2025
Welcome to Grace!
Our mission at Grace is to teach the inspired and inerrant Word of God, to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Savior of the world, and to nurture believers for lives of Christian service.
Check out the GRACE WEBSITE at GraceLutheranSAZ.org
We are very pleased that you have joined us for worship today! We pray that this time will be a blessing for you as God comes to you with his Word and promises and as you offer him your thanks and praise.
The order of worship we will follow is printed in this worship folder for you to follow along and participate. You’ll notice that the service is a dialogue between God and us, his people. The pastor speaks to God along with the congregation and also speaks the Word of God to the people. LARGE PRINT worship folders are available at the entrances for those who desire them.
Today we are using elements from the Christian Worship (2021) hymnal. You will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each pew. You will be asked to open the hymnal to participate in parts of the service today. A vocalist will aid in our singing and will be recorded for our audio disks and video live-streaming.
There is no cost to park in our parking lot during Sunday morning worship services. If you receive a citation by mistake, please let our office staff know so it can be cleared.
OUR SERIES THEME—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 Imminent Arrival of the Messiah
Fourth Sunday in Advent 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
PRESERVICE
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
Mark Hayes & Marvin Gaspard
Variations on “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” Jeremy S. Bakken Kevin Hildebrand Robert Lau
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
The words of the invocation remind us that the God we meet and worship is the true and triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
SUNG RESPONSE—O Come, Emmanuel
Choir: O come, Emmanuel, and into our hearts be born. Make ready his path with joyful praise, preparing the way of the Lord. O come, O Prince of Peace, for prophets did long foretell the one who will reign forevermore, O come, Emmanuel.
CONFESSION
The L is pleased with those who fear him, those who wait for his mercy.
Dear friends, the season of Advent is a time of preparation as we await Christ’s second coming on the Last Day. We prepare our hearts to meet him as we humbly seek his forgiveness.
Almighty God, merciful Father, I confess to you that I have not loved you with all my heart. In what I have done and left undone, I have pursued my ways instead of your ways. I have not loved others as you command. For this I deserve your punishment now and forever. I am sorry for my sins. I repent of them. I beg for your mercy.
Silence for meditation and reflection
If you, Lord, kept a record of guilt, O Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is pardon, so you are feared.
Psalm 147:11
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
Psalm 130:3-4
SUNG RESPONSE—O Come, Emmanuel
ALL:
ABSOLUTION
I wait for the L . My soul waits, and in his word I have put my hope.
Wait confidently for the L , because with the L there is mercy.
With him there is abundant redemption. So he will redeem his people from all their guilt.
God’s promise to his people was fulfilled in the coming of his Son. Jesus Christ humbled himself by submitting to God’s law and by becoming obedient to death on a cross. Even as we await Christ’s second coming, he comes to us here and now in the words he gives his messengers to speak: I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
SUNG RESPONSE—O Come, Emmanuel
Choir: Proclaim from mountains high the Lord has come, the Word now made flesh in our Savior, the Holy One.
Refrain (ALL) see page 3
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.
SUNG RESPONSE O Come, Emmanuel
Vocalist: O come, Anointed One, we wait for you. The promised Messiah will fill us with joy and light.
Refrain (ALL)—see page 3
PRAYER OF THE DAY
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.
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.
Final Refrain (ALL):
Please be seated
Text and music: Mark Friedman and Janet Vogt © 2005 Mark Friedman and Janet Vogt, admin. OCP Publications. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
+ 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.
CHOIR ANTHEM—Come, Messiah!
O come, Divine Messiah, the world in silence waits the day when hope shall sing its triumph, and sorrows flee away.
O come, Desire of nations, whom priest and prophet long foretold, and break the chains that bind us, redeem your long-lost fold.
Come, Messiah! Dispel our night with the dawn of grace. Come, Messiah! We long to see your face. Come, Messiah, come!
O come, dear Child of promise, for lowly shall your cradle be; though clothed in human likeness, we shall the Godhead see!
Come, Messiah! Dispel our night with the dawn of grace. Come, Messiah! We long to see your face. O come, Messiah, come! Text: Lloyd Larson and Abbe Simon-Joseph Pellegrin,
SECOND READING
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.
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.
Please stand
Refrain (ALL):
Choir: I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.
Refrain (ALL)
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.
Please be seated
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
disciples wanted to verify that Jesus was the Messiah.
Tune: Kermit G. Moldenhauer © 2002, 2021 Kermit G. Moldenhauer, admin. Northwestern Publishing House. Used by
John’s
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.
HYMN OF THE DAY—Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus Christian Worship 322
The choir will sing stanza 1. Please join in singing the rest of the hymn.
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
Matthew 11:2-11
Jesus Is the One
Apostles’ Creed
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.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
OFFERTORY:
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel James Engel Paul Manz
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—When the King Shall Come Again
Christian Worship 307
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.
Matthew 6 and Luke 11 record how Jesus taught his disciples to pray. We use his example prayer as part of our public worship, trusting that he will hear and answer our prayers.
The blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God’s people for over 3,500 years. The L said, “In this way they will put my name on [them], and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
BLESSING
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace. Amen.
Please be seated
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLOSING HYMN There Is a Redeemer
Christian Worship 519
THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING
Worship Leader..........................................................................Pastor Nathan Kassulke
Accompanists.......................................................Jim Bakken, Deb Bakken, Kathy Parra
Vocalist ............................................................................................................ Craig Lipke
Acolytes.............................................. David Kassulke (7:45 AM), Luke Cole (10:00 AM)
Choir Director Paul Kassulke
Clarinet ........................................................................................................Beth Kassulke
Percussion Danny Koehler
Greeter ................................................................................... Debbie Koehler (10:00 AM)
Ushers ..................................................................... Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM)
Dylan Guenther, Sam Kassulke, Ferdie Kramm, Rick Street (10:00 AM)
Sound and Recording Techs .............. Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke
Acknowledgements:
POSTLUDE MUSIC:
Oh Come, Emmanuel Wilbur Held
“Chrismons”
Christ-Monograms
ChrismonsaresymbolsthatproclaimJesus’nameandhisworksofsalvationforus.Here areexplanationsfortheChrismonsyouseeonourChristmastrees.
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.
MaytheseChristiansymbolsenrichyourworshipandllyourChristmascelebrationwith evenmoremeaningandjoy!
Welcome Guests!
Are you a guest with us today? We invite you to pick up a Guest Packet at either church door. The packets include information about our congregation and what we believe. We’re so thankful you are here for worship today!
Altar Flowers
The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by Jeanette O’Donald in celebration of her 90th birthday and in thanks for her Christian parents who brought her up in the faith.
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 next available dates are January 4, 11, 18, & 25. The cost for the 2 bouquets is $32.50. After the 10:00 AM service you may take the flowers home or leave them to be dropped off to one of our homebound members if a visit is being made.
Fellowship
Following the 10:00 AM service this morning, you are invited to join us in the courtyard and Fellowship Hall for drinks and snacks. Thank you to Jeanette O’Donald, Nadine Rentschler, Amy Rudd, and Sandy Weir for hosting this morning. The next available dates are January 4, 18, & 25. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.
Sunday Morning Bible Study
Join us this morning for a look at Idols We Never Knew We Had. We’ll answer the question “Are we really idolaters?” and explore some common idols within our society and perhaps our own experience. Please join us, and invite a friend! We meet at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall.
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. Meeting booklets are available at both church doors and in the Fellowship Hall.
Christmas for College Students!
Tonight is the TCM Christmas Party at 7:00 PM in the student center. 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!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.
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: Saturday
Our Grace-Vail members will be hosting a “Caroling in the Park” event this 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! Come sing with us and bring a friend!
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 Central Office
During the weeks of Christmas and New Years, the hours in the Grace Central Office will vary. If you need to come to the office, please call ahead to be sure someone will be there. Phone messages and email will continue to be checked regularly. Our normal office hours of 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM will resume again on Monday, January 5, 2026.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Christmas and other Greeting Cards
Boxed Christmas cards are available on the table next to the greeting card rack in the west end of the Fellowship Hall. All boxes are $5.00 unless otherwise marked. Singles are also available for just $0.50 each. While you’re there, check out the new all-occasion card additions in the greeting card rack. Money can be placed in the box on the table to the left of the card rack.
TUCSON
Today
This schedule is subject to change. Please watch your email for the most up-to-date information or call the Grace Central Office at (520)623-6633 if you have questions.
This Week at Grace December 14 - December 21
Worship Services 7:45a & 10:00a
Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Idols We Never Knew We Had 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: 1 Peter ................. 9:00a
Fellowship following worship
Mission to the Children Spanish Service & Meal 4:00p TCM Christmas Party 7:00p
Grow in Grace Class 5:15p Tuesday Pastors’ Staff Meeting.................................................... 9:00a English Classes 6:30p Wednesday Advent Worship Services................................10:00a & 7:00p Advent Supper 6:00p
Thursday
NO Women’s Bible Study (resumes January 15)
College Student Grow in Grace Class ......................... 11:30a NO Handbell Practice NO Worship Choir
Sunday, December 21
Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a
Children’s Bible Hour...................................................... 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Idols We Never Knew We Had 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: 1 Peter 9:00a Fellowship following worship
SAHUARITA
Adult Bible Study: Forgiveness for the Unforgivable 9:00a Children’s Sunday School...............................................9:00a Worship Service............................................................10:00a
Worship & Lunch 10:00a Sunday, December 21 Worship Service with communion ..................................7:30a
Adult Bible Study: Romans 8:45a Fellowship following worship
OFF-SITE
Saturday
Caroling in the Park 5:30p
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
Choir 11:15a
VAIL
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
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson).......................10:00a
Advent Worship Service (Tucson) 7:00p Sunday, December 21
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
One Church. Four Locations.
Proclaiming the love of Jesus in Southern Arizona since 1911.
Grace-Tucson and Central Office
830 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719 (520)623-6633 office@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Ronald G. Koehler III revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Nathan P. Kassulke revnpk@gracelutheransaz.org
Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org
Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail
Benson
451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602
Vail
Worshipping at Esmond Station Elementary 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, Tucson, AZ 85747
Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein revsas@gracelutheransaz.org Office at Civano 10501 E. Seven Generations Way, Tucson, AZ 85747 (520)848-4631
Prayer Group—Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Sahuarita
75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538
Pastor Ryan A. Heiman revrah@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center (520)848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com
Director—Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org
Assistant Director Jen Rickling jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center Mission Teachers
Caitlin Broehm, Toddlers cbroehm@gracelutheransaz.org
Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org
Theresa Pratt, Preschool tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org
Chris Leathers, After School Care cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org
Bible-Based Counselor Cinda Drescher Office Assistant Cora Stuhr cinda@gracelutheransaz.org office@gracelutheransaz.org (520)581-4714
Grace Lutheran Church is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), a group of nearly 400,000 men, women, and children in nearly 1,300 congregations across the United States and Canada united by a common faith in Christ's saving love. We are committed to a common calling encouraging each other in our faith and sharing God's gift of a Savior with the rest of the world.