THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
G E L C T , A D 15, 2024
Welcome to Grace!
Our mission at Grace is to teach the inspired and inerrant Word of God, to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Savior of the world, and to nurture believers for lives of Christian service.
Check out the GRACE WEBSITE at GraceLutheranSAZ.org
We are very pleased that you have joined us for worship today! We pray that this time will be a blessing for you as God comes to you with his Word and promises and as you offer him your thanks and praise.
The order of worship we will follow is printed in this worship folder for you to follow along and participate. You’ll notice that the service is a dialogue between God and us, his people. The pastor speaks to God along with the congregation and also speaks the Word of God to the people. LARGE PRINT worship folders are available at the entrances for those who desire them.
Today we are using elements from the Christian Worship (2021) hymnal. You will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each pew. You will be asked to open the hymnal to participate in parts of the service today. A vocalist will aid in our singing and will be recorded for our audio disks and video livestreaming.
There is no cost to park in our parking lot during Sunday morning worship services. If you receive a citation by mistake, please let our office staff know so it can be cleared.
OUR WORSHIP SERIES A REAL CHRISTMAS
A parent says, “I want to give my kids a real Christmas.” What do you think that parent means? Perhaps they are thinking of trimming a freshly cut tree or finding the perfect presents or spending the holidays with extended family. Perhaps they are thinking about all those things. “Then it will be a real Christmas!” Certainly, all those are wonderful things. However, none of them are what makes Christmas real. The sad truth is Christmas is the most beloved holiday of so many, yet so few know what Christmas is really about.
If you want a real Christmas, then you need to observe Advent. Advent is Latin for “coming.” In the season of Advent, Christians observe the connection between the first time the Son of God came into our world as the Savior and the second time he will come as the Judge. Advent prepares our minds and hearts, so that we might soon celebrate a real Christmas. Our worship in this season of Advent follows this path:
December 1 A Real Christmas Requires Remembering Why Christ Came
December 8 A Real Christmas Is Rooted in Repentance
December 15 A Real Christmas Results in Great Joy
December 22 A Real Christmas Will Lift Up the Lowly
OUR THEME FOR TODAY—A REAL CHRISTMAS RESULTS IN GREAT JOY
Multiple studies have proven that the holiday season exacerbates mental health issues. For some, the pressure to have “a perfect Christmas” can be overwhelming. For others, their loneliness is amplified. Such people need a real Christmas, one that results in great joy. But joy is not the same thing as happiness. It is infinitely better. Happiness is an emotion. Joyfulness is a condition. Happiness comes from your circumstances. Joyfulness comes from Christ assuring you of his abiding love and your glorious future. Therefore, happiness “holiday cheer” is fleeting. Joyfulness is enduring.
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.
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +
WELCOME
OPENING HYMN Lift Up Your Heads, You Mighty Gates Christian Worship 305
The choir will sing stanza 3.
Please stand
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
CONFESSION
God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Dear friends, the season of Advent is a time of preparation as we await Christ’s second coming on the Last Day. We prepare our hearts to meet him as we humbly seek his forgiveness.
Holy God, gracious Father, I am sinful by nature and have sinned against you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved others as I should. I deserve your punishment both now and forever. But Jesus, my Savior, paid for my sins with his innocent suffering and death. Trusting in him, I pray: God have mercy on me, a sinner.
Silence for meditation and reflection
If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness; therefore, you are feared.
PRESERVICE
O Rejoice, All Christians Loudly Anne Krentz Organ
Rejoice, the Lord Is King Jerry van der Pol
O Worship the King Victor Labenske
As our service begins, the minister speaks the words spoken at our baptisms and makes the sign of the cross, marking us anew as redeemed children of God. James 4:6, 10
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
Psalm 130:3-4
This hymn uses the words of Mary as recorded in Luke 1:46-55. We will use this hymn on Sundays throughout the Advent season.
ABSOLUTION
God’s promise to Abraham and his descendants was fulfilled in the coming of his Son. Jesus Christ humbled himself by submitting to God’s law. He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death on a cross. God promises to lift up the humble and fill the hungry with good things because of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 8:9
Though he was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor, so that we through his poverty might become rich.
Even as we await Christ’s second coming, he comes to us here and now in the words he gives his messengers to speak: I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
HYMN RESPONSE—My Soul Will Magnify the Lord Christian Worship 975
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
Text and tune: Stuart Townend Kristyn Getty, Keith Getty © 2005 Thankyou Music, admin. CapitolCMGPublishing,com. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
The lighting of candles in anticipation of Christ’s coming has a long tradition in the Christian Church. On each of the Sundays of Advent, a new candle is lit, dispelling the darkness, as the church moves forward to welcoming him who is the true Light of the world. Each year the privilege of lighting the Advent candles is given to the youth of our congregation.
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT 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.
HYMN RESPONSE My Soul Will Magnify the Lord Christian Worship 975
+ THE WORD +
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.
FIRST READING Zephaniah 3:14-17
14Sing out, daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, you daughter of Jerusalem. 15The L has removed the judgment against you. He has turned back your enemy. Israel’s king, the L , is in your midst! You no longer need to fear disaster. 16In that day Jerusalem will be told, “Do not be afraid, O Zion. Do not give up. 17The L your God is with you as a hero who will save you. He takes great delight in you. He will quiet you with his love. He will rejoice over you with singing.”
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
CHOIR ANTHEM—
Rejoice!
Rejoice, rejoice, a Savior is come, to God be glory. Goodwill toward men and peace on earth, for Christ the Lord is he. Wonderful Counselor, mighty God, these shall be his name. Eternal Father, Prince of Peace, with justice shall he reign.
Rejoice, rejoice, a virgin has borne a child most marvelous. The Scriptures tell “Emmanuel!” means God is with us. Wonderful Counselor, mighty God, these shall be his name. Eternal Father, Prince of Peace, with justice shall he reign.
Worship Choir
We can rejoice because the Lord has saved us and delights in us.
And he shall be great, he shall be great. And there shall be no end to his kingdom and he shall reign forevermore. Jesus Christ, the Lord.
Rejoice, rejoice, for he will save his people from their sins. And he shall bless with righteousness the soul that trusts in him. Wonderful Counselor, mighty God, these shall be his name. Eternal Father, Prince of Peace, with justice shall he reign.
And he shall be great, he shall be great. And there shall be no end to his kingdom and he shall reign forevermore. Jesus Christ, the Lord.
This anthem uses words and phrases from Isaiah 9:6-7.
What is the reason for our enduring joy? The Lord is near to us.
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King. The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Those who rejoice in the good news of salvation joyfully produce fruits of repentance. This reading continues on the next page. SECOND
4Rejoice in the Lord always! I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6Do not worry about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Please stand
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Matthew 11:10
Choir: I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.
Refrain (ALL)
7So John kept saying to the crowds who came out to be baptized by him, “You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
8Therefore produce fruits in keeping with repentance! Do not even think of saying to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ because I tell you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones.
9Even now the ax is ready to strike the root of the trees. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is going to be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
10The crowds began to ask him, “What should we do then?”
11He answered them, “Whoever has two shirts should share with the person who has none, and whoever has food should do the same.”
12Tax collectors also came to be baptized. They said, “Teacher, what should we do?”
13To them he said, “Collect no more than what you were authorized to.”
14Soldiers were also asking him, “And what should we do?” He told them, “Do not extort money from anyone by force or false accusation. Be satisfied with your wages.”
15The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might be the Christ. 16John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But someone mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17His winnowing shovel is in his hand, and he will thoroughly clean out his threshing floor. He will gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” 18Then with many other words, he appealed to them and was preaching good news to the people.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please be seated
Please stand
The Nicene Creed was first developed in 325 at the First Council of Nicea. It was written to reaffirm the Biblical teaching of the divinity of Jesus, God’s Son. Like the Apostles’ and Athanasian Creeds, the Nicene Creed is a confession of what the Bible teaches.
CONFESSION OF FAITH
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
Please be seated
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Gracious Lord, you sent your Son into our world to destroy the power of Satan and restore the human race as your children and heirs. Work in us during this Advent season so that we may rejoice in the coming of our Savior and long for his coming again.
Make us eager to receive the King who comes to save us.
Use the preaching of your holy law to rid us of all delusions that we can gain your love with our own efforts. Move us to realize how hopeless we are because of sin and to feel sorrow for what we have done wrong.
Lead us to be honest about our sinful status in your sight
Lift up our hearts to see the King who comes to save. Reveal to us his willingness to take on our human form and stand in our place. Show us the power he extends in his Word and sacraments to make us your children and keep us in faith. Thrill us with his promise to come and take us to our eternal home to live with you forever. Open our eyes to see and believe the wonders of the Savior’s love.
As we live with Christ and trust in him, move us to turn away from sin day after day with the strength your Holy Spirit provides. When we fall, forgive us and renew us to love and serve you and all people.
Empower us and guide us to walk with Christ by faith.
Protect us from the distractions that come at this time of the year. Even in gift-giving and celebrating, keep our hearts focused on Christ and his forgiving love. Give us joy at his coming at Christmas, his coming in the gospel, and his coming again.
Move us to share with others the most important gift of this season, the truth about Jesus. Even in busy times lead us to pray for those whose joy is diminished because of sickness, pain, or loss. Give us opportunities to provide help to those in need.
May others see the love of Christ in our words and actions.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
Loving Lord, work in us during this Advent season so that our joy may be genuine and may rest in the promises of the King who comes to save.
Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.
OFFERING
Members of Grace respond to their Savior’s love with offerings that are given joyfully, generously, regularly, and in a way that is proportionate to how the Lord has blessed them. Their cheerful gifts support the mission and ministry of our congregation. If you are a guest today, please know that we do not expect you to contribute to our congregation’s work. However, if you would like to give an offering to the Lord in response to his love to you, we are happy to receive it and put it to work in God’s kingdom. If you prefer, use your smart phone to give online by scanning this QR code:
Please fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder at the end of the row and pass it along. Thank you!
Please stand
OFFERTORY:
O Jesus, Grant Me Hope and Comfort Christian Worship 326
O Jesus, with thy advent quiet my restless soul and anxious mind. In true humility I welcome thee, Jesus Christ, my joy divine. My thoughts, desires, and all my longings I dedicate, O Christ to thee. O come, thou precious Sun most radiant, thy beams illumine my heart, my soul, O come, thou precious Sun most radiant, thy beams illumine my heart, my soul.
The Preface to the Sacrament is one of the oldest parts of the Christian liturgy, dating back to the first century. As we prepare to receive Holy Communion, we are united with the Body of Christ, in an unbroken bond with Christians through the millennia.
PREFACE
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
+ THE SACRAMENT +
Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, whose way John the Baptist prepared when he called people to repentance and pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song: HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
The Prophet Isaiah was given a vision of heaven, where seraphim praised God. In the Sanctus we welcome Jesus with our hosannas and praise.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Blessed are you, O Lord of heaven and earth. We praise and thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, and we remember the great acts of love through which he has ransomed us from sin, death, and the devil’s power.
By his incarnation, he became one with us. By his perfect life, he fulfilled your holy will.
By his innocent death, he overcame hell.
By his rising from the grave, he opened heaven.
Invited by your grace and instructed by your Word, we approach your table with repentant and joyful hearts. Strengthen us through Christ’s body and blood, and preserve us in the true faith until we feast with him and all his ransomed people in glory everlasting.
Amen.
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my (+) body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is my (+) blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
The peace of the Lord be with you always.
Amen.
Matthew 6 and Luke 11 record how Jesus taught his disciples to pray. We use his example prayer as part of our public worship, trusting that he will hear and answer our prayers.
As he speaks the Words of Institution, the minister both proclaims the words of Jesus to the congregation and sets apart the bread and wine for this special use. The sign of the cross reminds us of Christ’s death.
John the Baptist pointed to Jesus and said, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” We sing the Agnus Dei confident that Jesus has borne our sins and freely gives us forgiveness and peace in the Sacrament.
Please be seated
Gluten-free communion wafers and grape juice are available for those who for health or medical reason require it. Please see page 15 for more information.
DISTRIBUTION
The Bible teaches that the Lord’s Supper is a unique communion of Christ and the individual believer as well as a coming together of people who hold to the same beliefs. Because of these Scriptural truths, we practice Member Communion at Grace. Those who are confirmed members of Wisconsin Synod congregations (WELS) are invited to receive the Lord’s Supper with us.
If you are not a WELS member but have an interest in receiving Holy Communion, please speak with the pastor after church today or at another time. We are aware that there are a number of other teachings about Holy Communion, and we want it to be a blessing for you, so we would look forward to sharing with you what God says about this Sacrament.
COMMUNION MUSIC:
Lift Up Your Heads, You Mighty Gates
Matthew Machemer
Rejoice, the Lord Is King Austin C. Lovelace
Hymn to Joy Ludwig van Beethoven
PRAYER BEFORE COMMUNION (For private meditation)
Lord Jesus, you have invited me to come and receive your holy Sacrament. I believe that in the bread and wine you give me your true body and blood to eat and drink. Forgive my sins and nourish my faith through this precious meal. I long for the comfort that comes with your promises; I yearn for the assurance of your faithful love. Bless me now as I receive you by faith. Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION (For private meditation)
Thank you, dear Savior, for nourishing my faith with the Sacrament of your body and blood. Lift my heart with your forgiveness, renew my confidence in your grace, empower my love for others, and lead me to long for the eternal banquet of heaven. Amen.
Text: Michael D. Schultz © 2021 Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: Latin, 15th cent. Public domain.
+ THANKSGIVING +
SPOKEN RESPONSES
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures forever.
Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
CLOSING PRAYER
We give thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us with this saving gift. We pray that through it you will strengthen our faith in you and increase our love for one another. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
BLESSING
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace. Amen.
Please be seated ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLOSING HYMN Rejoice, the Lord Is King Christian Worship 524
Psalm 106:1 1 Corinthians 11:26
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: Joyful Jim Brickman
Holy Communion
We provide gluten-free communion wafers for those with wheat allergy, gluten-sensitivity, or celiac disease. These wafers are stored and handled separately to avoid cross-contamination. They are “bread” as Scripture requires and are consecrated along with the rest of the bread. For those requiring gluten-free wafers, please take one from the stand located at the front rail as you approach for communion. Simply hold it so that the pastor can see it at the time of distribution. Grape juice is available for those who for health or medical reason require it instead of wine. Please speak with a pastor about providing grape juice for you on future Sundays.
Today we are distributing Holy Communion in “tables.” The ushers will direct members forward by the side aisles. Groups of about ten will be guided toward the center aisle and will line up to receive the elements together. After each table communes, the pastor will offer a blessing and dismiss the group to return by the center aisle.
To aid in your personal preparation for Holy Communion, a list of Christian Questions can be found on pages 295-296 in the hymnal. These were prepared by Martin Luther for those intending to receive the Sacrament.
Altar Flowers
The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by Jeanette O’Donald in gratitude for all of God’s blessings.
If you would like to provide flowers for the altar, please call (520-623-6633) or email (office@gracelutheransaz.org) the Grace Central Office to reserve a Sunday. Upcoming available dates include January 12, 19, & 26. 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 Jeff & Jody Kosanke for hosting this morning. Upcoming available dates are December 29 and all the Sundays in January. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.
Those Assisting in Worship This Morning
Preacher
Pastor Nathan Kassulke
Worship Leader...................................................................................................
Pastor Ron Koehler
Accompanist Kathy Parra
Vocalist .........................................................................................................................Beth Kassulke
Choir Director Teri Guenther
Acolyte ............................................................... Katherine Holden (7:45 AM), Luke Cole (10:00 AM)
Greeters Donna Malchow, Audrey Nessinger (10:00 AM)
Communion Prep ...............................................................................Sally Littau, Cynthia Breitkreitz
Ushers Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM)
Dylan Guenther, Sam Kassulke, Ferdie Kramm, Rick Street (10:00 AM)
Sound and Recording Techs Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke
Sunday Morning Bible Study
Join us for our Sunday morning Bible Study! “Timely Topics” give us a chance to discuss the church and politics, intelligent design, global warming, and more from a biblical perspective. Today we will continue discussing whether Santa should be part of a Christian’s Christmas celebration. If you have not made Sunday morning Bible study a part of your routine, this would be a great time to start! We meet at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall.
Spanish Worship Service & Meal: Today
Mission to the Children is providing a Spanish worship service at Grace-Tucson today at 4:00 PM with a meal to follow in the Fellowship Hall. If you are interested in worshiping with Mexican refugees or in Spanish, please join us!
Campus Ministry Christmas Party: Tonight
The Tucson Campus Ministry Christmas Party is tonight. Students are welcome to join together for food, cookie decorating, games, and a Christmas movie at 7:00 PM in the Student Center, which is located in the lower level of the church here at Grace-Tucson.
High School Students—You’re invited to a Christmas Party!
High school students and youth leaders are invited to join our college group, WELS Tucson Campus Ministry, for the Christmas party in the announcement above! The college students would love for you to join them for an evening of fun at 7:00 PM tonight. The TCM Student Center is located in the lower level here at Grace-Tucson. The steps on the parking lot side of the church will take you there. Feel free to bring a friend! Contact TCM’s campus pastor, Pastor Koehler, if you have any questions: revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org.
Midweek Advent Service
Advent is a time of hopeful repentance as we prepare to celebrate Christmas. Join us on Wednesday for our final special midweek Advent worship service. Our theme for these services is “Christmas Trees” as we consider significant trees in the Bible that impact our preparation for and celebration of Christmas.
Grace-Benson 10:00 AM
Grace-Sahuarita 4:00 PM & 6:00 PM
Grace-Tucson 10:00 AM & 7:00 PM
You are also invited to join us for a light lunch following the service at Grace-Benson or a light supper at 5:00 PM at Grace-Sahuarita and 6:00 PM at Grace-Tucson.
Vicar in Mission Setting
Grace is once again requesting a Vicar in Missions to serve under Pastor Heiman at our Sahuarita location. The congregational cost is $25,000 for the 2025-2026 school year ($15,000 in 2025 and $10,000 in 2026). We are looking to cover this cost with special offerings. You will find envelopes for this purpose at each of the church doors and in the Fellowship Hall.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mission to the Children Giving Tree
Mission to the Children needs help to make the season brighter for the Hispanic families in our South Tucson mission! There is a Giving Tree in the west end of the Fellowship Hall. Take an ornament (or two) from the tree, purchase the gifts specified on the ornament, and return them (wrapped or unwrapped - your choice) to the labeled box near the Giving Tree. Our members' response has been great! We have added a tree for a second family and there is just ONE ornament left! Please have all donations in the box by THIS Friday, December 20. If anyone is interested in helping to deliver gifts to families, please reach out to Nicole Scheuerlein (520)820-2016 or info@missiontothechildren.org.
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 regular office hours of 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM will resume again on Monday, January 6, 2025.
New Year’s Eve Worship, Dinner, & Fellowship: December 31
Grace’s New Year’s Eve Service will be held at our Tucson 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 Fellowship Hall and courtyard for dinner and fellowship.
Please join us this Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of our Savior! There are invitation postcards at both church doors and in the Fellowship Hall to use for inviting your friends and family to join you in worship.
HOLIDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Midweek Advent Services
Wednesday: Dec 18
10:00 AM Grace-Benson (lunch following worship)
4:00 PM & 6:00 PM
Grace-Sahuarita (supper at 5:00 PM)
10:00 AM & 7:00 PM
Grace-Tucson (supper at 6:00 PM)
Tuesday, December 24
2:00 PM Benson Christmas Worship
4:00 PM Grace-Sahuarita
Children’s Christmas Service
5:30 PM Grace-Tucson
Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship
6:00 PM Grace-Vail
Christmas Candlelight Worship
7:00 PM Grace-Sahuarita
Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship
Tuesday, December 31
All-Site New Year’s Eve Worship
5:30 PM Grace-Tucson
Followed by dinner & fellowship
Christmas Day Worship
Wednesday, December 25
10:00 AM Grace-Sahuarita
10:00 AM Grace-Tucson
TUCSON
Today
This schedule is subject to change. Please watch your email for the most up-to-date information or call the Grace Central Office at (520)623-6633 if you have questions.
This Week at Grace December 15 - December 22
Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Big Questions.......9:00a Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a Fellowship following worship
Mission to the Children Spanish Service & Fellowship 4:00p TCM Christmas Party .....................................................7:00p Tuesday
SAHUARITA
Adult Bible Study: Large Catechism
Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service with communion................................ 10:00a Fellowship following worship
Choir Rehearsal following worship
Worship Services....................................4:00 & 6:00p
December 22
Choir Rehearsal following worship..........................................
Thursday NO Women’s Bible Study (resumes January 16) NO Worship Choir Practice
Sunday, December 22 Worship Services 7:45a & 10:00a
Bible Hour 8:45a Adult Bible Study ............................................................9:00a
Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Big Questions 9:00a Fellowship following worship
VAIL Today
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a Worship Service with communion.................................10:00a Fellowship following worship Vocal Group Rehearsal following worship
Saturday
Caroling in the Park 5:00p
Sunday, December 22
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a
Worship Service............................................................10:00a Fellowship following worship
Stay Up to Date
December 22
Hebrews 8:45a Fellowship following worship
ONLINE
The fastest and easiest way to keep Grace members and friends informed about what is happening at our four sites is through our weekly email update. This email is sent every Friday and at other times when special announcements are necessary. If you have not been receiving this email, but would like to, please email the Grace Central Office at office@gracelutheransaz.org and request to be added to our email list.
One Church. Four Locations.
Proclaiming the love of Jesus in Southern Arizona since 1911.
Grace-Tucson and Central Office
830 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719 (520)623-6633 office@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Ronald G. Koehler III revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Nathan P. Kassulke revnpk@gracelutheransaz.org
Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org
Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail
Benson 451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602
Vail
Worshipping at Esmond Station Elementary 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, Tucson, AZ 85747
Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein revsas@gracelutheransaz.org
Office at Civano 10501 E. Seven Generations Way, Tucson, AZ 85747 (520)848-4631
Prayer Group Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Sahuarita
75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538
Pastor Ryan A. Heiman revrah@gracelutheransaz.org
Vicar Noah Nordlie vicnpn@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center (520)848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com
Director Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org
Assistant Director—Jen Rickling jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center Mission Teachers
Maddie Nordlie, Toddlers mnordlie@gracelutheransaz.org
Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org
Theresa Pratt, Preschool tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org
Chris Leathers, Toddler/After School Care cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org
Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr cinda@gracelutheransaz.org office@gracelutheransaz.org (520)581-4714
Grace Lutheran Church is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), a group of nearly 400,000 men, women, and children in nearly 1,300 congregations across the United States and Canada united by a common faith in Christ's saving love. We are committed to a common calling encouraging each other in our faith and sharing God's gift of a Savior with the rest of the world. wels.net