12-18-22 Grace-Tucson Worship Folder

THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT

Welcome to Grace!

Our mission at Grace is to teach the inspired and inerrant Word of God, to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Savior of the world, and to nurture believers for lives of Christian service. Check out the GRACE WEBSITE at GraceLutheranSAZ.org

WORSHIP NOTES

We are very pleased that you have joined us for worship today! We pray that this time will be a blessing for you as God comes to you with his Word and promises, and as you offer him your thanks and praise.

The order of worship we will follow is printed in this worship folder for you to follow along and participate. You’ll notice that the service is a dialogue between God and us, his people. The pastor speaks to God along with the congregation and also speaks the Word of God to the people. LARGE PRINT worship folders are available at the entrances for those who desire them.

Today we are using elements from the Christian Worship (2021) hymnal. You will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each pew. You will be asked to open the hymnal to participate in parts of the service today. A vocalist will aid in our singing and will be recorded for our audio disks and video live-streaming.

OUR WORSHIP SERIES COME, LORD

JESUS!

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

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

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

COME, LORD JESUS!—AS IMMANUEL

At this time of year, it is so easy to get caught up in the beautiful trappings of Christmas and forget why this birth had to take place. Mankind fell into sin. Sin brings an awful burden. It brings hatred and oppression, suffering and pain, guilt and shame, and even the devastation of death. These are all consequences of sin. And what can we do about any of it? Nothing of substance. We can numb ourselves to pain, but we cannot avoid it. We can fill our lives with distractions trying to forget about our guilt, but our conscience is always nagging. And death? No one avoids that. We can do nothing to shake off the burden of sin. Therefore the Church prays that God would come in power to remove that burden for us. Since the Garden, there has been only one plan to do that: God would take on flesh and blood. To do what mankind could not do remove all the burdens of sin God became man. When you look into the manger, what do you see? A baby? Yes, a baby, but more than just a baby. This is Immanuel, “God-with-us.” The Son of God became Mary’s son so that he could do for us what we could not do for ourselves.

AS KING AS JUDGE AS MESSIAH AS IMMANUEL

+ ORDER OF WORSHIP + WELCOME

OPENING HYMN Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus Christian Worship 322

Please stand

INVOCATION

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

Congregation: Amen.

OPENING SENTENCES

PRESERVICE MUSIC:

What Child Is This?

Patricia Lou Harris

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel with Moonlight Sonata Tom Fettke

Psalm 51:15

Psalm 70:1

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

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

Please join in singing as much of this song as you are comfortable.

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

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

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES

We light four Advent candles remembering Jesus, the Son of God and Son of Mary. He came to share our humanity. We remember Jesus, whose name means Savior. He came to save his people from their sins.

We hear his call to give him a place in our hearts. We light four Advent candles as a sign of our joy and hope.

Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest. Through your Word and Spirit may our souls be blessed.

Four Advent candles are lit.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. Take away the burden of our sins, and make us ready for the celebration of your birth, that we may receive you in joy and serve you always; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen. Please be seated

The lighting of candles in anticipation of Christ’s coming has a long tradition in the Christian Church. On each of the four Sundays of Advent, a new candle is lit, dispelling the darkness, as the church moves forward to welcoming him who is the true Light of the world. Each year the privilege of lighting the Advent candles is given to the youth of our congregation.

+ THE WORD +

The Lord promised that deliverance would come through the gift of Immanuel. And how would we recognize him? He would be born of a virgin.

FIRST READING

Isaiah 7:10-14

10 The L spoke to Ahaz again. He said, 11 “Ask for a sign from the L your God. Ask for it either in the depths below or in the heights above.”

12 But Ahaz responded, “I will not ask. I will not test the L .”

13 So Isaiah said:

Listen now, you house of David. Is it not enough for you to test the patience of men? Will you test the patience of my God as well?

“Immanuel” means “God with us.”

14 Therefore the Lord himself will give a sign for all of you. Look! The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and name him Immanuel.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

After thousands of years of God’s promises, St. Paul sees them all fulfilled in Christ. Jesus is Immanuel, true God and true man.

SECOND READING

1

We stand out of respect for the words of Christ our King.

Romans 1:1-7

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised in advance through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures. 3 This gospel is about his Son who in the flesh was born a descendant of David, 4 who in the spirit of holiness was declared to be God’s powerful Son by his resurrection from the dead Jesus Christ, our Lord. 5 Through him we received grace and the call to be an apostle on behalf of his name, to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles, 6 including you, who were called by Jesus Christ.

7 To all those loved by God who are in Rome, called to be saints:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Please stand

HYMN—As Angels Joyed with One Accord Christian Worship 320

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Refrain (ALL):

Matthew 1:23

The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.

Vocalist: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel.

Refrain (ALL)

GOSPEL

18

Matthew 1:18-25

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ took place. His mother, Mary, was pledged in marriage to Joseph. Before they came together, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, her husband, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her. So he decided to divorce her privately. 20 But as he was considering these things, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

22

All this happened to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 “Look, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son. And they will name him Immanuel,” which means, “God with us.”

24 When Joseph woke up from his sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him. He took Mary home as his wife, 25 but he was not intimate with her until she gave birth to her firstborn son. And he named him Jesus.

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.

In faith, Joseph accepted that within the womb of his brideto-be was Immanuel the very Son of God, the promised Savior from sin.

“Jesus” means “the L saves.”

Isaiah 7:14

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

Please be seated

HYMN OF THE DAY O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

SERMON

Christian Worship 327

Isaiah 7:10-14

A Special Sign and A Special Savior SONG OF ZECHARIAH Benedictus

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

CONFESSION OF FAITH Nicene Creed

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.

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.

Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

Eternal Father, throughout the centuries you repeated and affirmed your promise to send the offspring of the woman to crush the serpent’s head. Through your prophets of old, you continually directed the eyes of your people to the advent of their Savior.

We praise you, O Lord, for keeping your promise and sending your Son to destroy the works of the devil.

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our King, use your mighty Word to shatter our pride and to rouse us from spiritual slumber and apathy.

Move us to take to heart the words of John: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

You sent your Son to redeem us from sin. Let this good news be our joy and strength. Use it to cheer the lonely, encourage the fearful, and give hope to the despairing. In these days before Christmas, spare us from the stress of deadlines and the frenzy of commercialism.

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

Direct our eyes not only to the manger but also to the skies, where we will see your Son coming again, not as a lowly child but as the Lord of lords.

Lift up our hearts in joyful anticipation of that day.

Hold in your care, Lord, those who are experiencing physical and emotional pain and all who are afflicted by disease or facing death. Pour out your compassion on the grieving and comfort the mourners who miss someone they loved.

Move us to pray for these brothers and sisters and to help when we can.

Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.

Silent prayer

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

OFFERING

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

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:

OFFERTORY:

O Come, Emmanuel Robert D. Vandall

This liturgical song comes from “The Service Setting 2” in the blue hymnal and can be found on page 184. We recently began using this song in our worship. Please join in singing as much of it as you are comfortable.

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

Tune: Marty Haugen © 1984, 1985 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

We give thanks to you, O God, through your dear Son, Jesus Christ, whom you sent to be our Savior, our Redeemer, and the messenger of your grace. Through him you made all things; in him you are well pleased. He is the incarnate Word, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. To fulfill your promises, he stretched out his hands on the cross and released from eternal death all who believe in you.

As we remember Jesus’ death and resurrection, we thank you that you have gathered us together to receive your Son’s body and blood. Send us your Spirit, unite us as one, and strengthen our faith so that we may praise you in your Son, Jesus Christ. Through him, we glorify and honor you, O God our Father, with the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This liturgical song also comes from “The Service Setting 2” in the blue hymnal and can be found on page 186. Please join in singing as much of this song as you are comfortable.

JESUS, LAMB OF GOD

Tune: Marty Haugen © 1984, 1985 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

Please be seated

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.

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.

Gluten-free communion wafers and grape juice are available for those who for health or medical reason require it. Please see page 19 for additional details.

Please stand

+ 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.

COMMUNION MUSIC:

As Angels Joyed with One Accord Valerie Floeter Who Is He in Yonder Stall? Benjamin Hanby

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

CLOSING PRAYER

O God the Father, source of all goodness, in your loving-kindness you sent your Son to share our humanity. We thank you that through him you have given us pardon and peace in this Sacrament. We also pray that you will not forsake us but will rule our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit so that we willingly serve you day after day; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

PRAYER RESPONSE

BLESSING

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

Larry Mytych

Paul Kassulke Acolytes Elsa Wiechmann (7:45 AM), Zach Miller (10:00 AM)

“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.

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. The prayers below may be used before and after receiving communion.

Altar Flowers

The flowers beautifying our altar today have been given by Norma Stevens in loving memory of her husband, Ron Stevens.

If you would like to provide flowers for the altar, please call (520-623-6633) or email (office@gracelutheransaz.org) the Grace Central Office to reserve a Sunday. Upcoming available Sundays are January 8, 15, 22, and 29. The cost for the 2 bouquets is $32.50. After the 10:00 AM service you may take the flowers home or leave them to be dropped off to one of our homebound members if a visit is being made.

Fellowship

Following the 10:00 AM service, you are invited to join us in the courtyard for drinks and snacks. We thank Nancy Miles and Sandy Weir for hosting this week. The next available dates include most of the Sundays in January and February. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

Sunday Morning Bible Study

We are currently working through “10 Lies About God.” Please join us at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall.

We will not hold class on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Class will resume on January 8.

Children’s Bible Hour: Today

All children, age 3 through 8th grade, are invited to attend Children’s Bible Hour this morning. Parents can meet their children after class at their classrooms or in the courtyard. We will not hold Children’s Bible Hour on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Classes will resume on January 8.

Lifeliners Campfire & Games: Today

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

Devotional Books

Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are at either door to church and in the Fellowship Hall. A new Grace Moments book with devotions beginning January 1 is now available.

Memorial Service: Friday

On December 12, the Lord called home to heaven the soul of Grace member Pat Nielsen. We rejoice with her family and friends that she is now at rest and enjoying the wonders of heaven. A memorial service will be held this Friday, December 23, at 10:00 AM at Grace-Tucson followed by a light reception.

HOLIDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE

Christmas Eve Services Saturday, December 24

Children’s Christmas Service

4:00 PM at Grace-Sahuarita

Christmas Eve Worship

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

7:00 PM at Grace-Sahuarita

Christmas Day Worship Sunday, December 25

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

New Year’s Eve Worship

All-Site Service Saturday, December 31

7:00 PM at Grace-Tucson Followed by food and fun!

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.

New Year’s Eve All-Site Service & Celebration

Grace’s New Year’s Eve Service will be held this year at our Tucson location. This ALL-SITE Service (there are no other services planned at the same time) will take place at 7:00 PM and will include a remembrance of departed members and the celebration of Holy Communion. Join us after worship for snacks and fellowship.

Memorial Service: January 7

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

Grace Night at the Tucson Roadrunners: January 10

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Youth Night: January 8

Are you in high school? Then join your Christian peers from across Tucson for our next Youth Night! We will play fun games, eat comfort food, praise our Lord, and discuss "A Night of Godpliments." Youth Night will be at Redeemer Lutheran Church (8845 N Silverbell Rd 85743) on Sunday, January 8, starting at 6:00 PM. Contact Pastor Patoka if you have questions or are interested in going.

Ladies’ Fellowship Group: January 19

The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet on Thursday, January 19, at 10:15 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall. They will be carpooling to brunch at Millie’s Pancake Haus in Trail Dust Town (6541 E. Tanque Verde Road). Please contact Lois Thornton at (520)323-8772 if you have any questions.

Men of His Word Rally: January 21

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

TCM Soup Supper & Gaslight Theater Fundraiser: February 4

Satisfy your hunger and slap your knees! WELS Tucson Campus Ministry (TCM) is hosting a Soup Supper and Gaslight Theatre Fundraiser on Saturday, February 4. Dine on home-cooked soup and sides from 6:30-7:30 PM in the TCM Student Center. Laugh it up at Gaslight Theatre’s "The Ballad of Two Gun McGraw" show that starts at 8:30 PM. Supper is a freewill donation and Gaslight tickets are $30 each. You can participate in one or both parts of this fundraiser. If you are interested in going, please contact Student Assistant Hailey Brandt (608-387-9319) or Campus Pastor Tim Patoka (540-623-1149) by January 17.

Divine Call Returned

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

Divine Calls Extended

At our Annual Meeting on Sunday, December 11, Grace extended three Divine Calls for Mission Teachers at our Child Learning Center. Calls were extended to:

Debra Bahlmann who currently serves Grace for Kids Learning Center in Prairie du Chien, WI.

Christine Leathers who currently serves Trinity Lutheran School in Kiel, WI

Theresa Pratt who currently serves Beautiful Savior Lutheran School in Cincinnati, OH

Please keep all of these ladies in your prayers as they deliberate whether to accept our call and to move their ministry here to southern Arizona or to decline our call and continue serving in their current locations. Feel free to communicate with them any information that you feel may be helpful in their deliberations.

Debra Bahlmann: graceforkids316@gmail.com or (608)476-2320

Christine Leathers: chleathers@trinitykiel.com or (920)286-6074

Theresa Pratt: tpratt@beautiful-savior.com or (920)344-6395

This Week at Grace Ÿ December 18 – December 25

TUCSON Today

Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a

Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a

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

Small Group Bible Study: God & Government 9:00a Fellowship following worship Lifeliners Campfire & Games 6:00-8:00p

Tuesday

Weekly Pastors’ Meeting 9:00a

NO English Classes (resumes January 10)

Wednesday

Handbell Rehearsal 5:30p Worship Choir 6:45p

Thursday

NO Women’s Bible Study (resumes January 12)

Friday

Memorial Service for Pat Nielsen 10:00a

Saturday

Christmas Eve Worship Services 4:00 & 7:00p

Next Sunday, December 25

Christmas Day Worship................................................10:00a

NO Children’s Bible Hour (resumes January 8)

NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 8) NO Lifeliners Bible Study (resumes January 8)

ONLINE Today

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

Saturday

Christmas Eve Children’s Worship (Sahuarita) 4:00p Christmas Eve Worship (Tucson and Sahuarita)...........7:00p

Next Sunday, December 25

Christmas Day Worship (Tucson and Sahuarita) 10:00a

Stay Up to Date

VAIL Today

Children’s Sunday School 9:00a

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

Thursday

NO Midweek Bible Study (resumes January 5)

Next Sunday, December 25

NO Children’s Sunday School NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 8) Christmas Day Worship 10:00a

BENSON Today

Worship Service with communion 7:30a Bible Study following worship: 1 Corinthians

Wednesday

NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 4)

Next Sunday, December 25 Christmas Day Worship 7:30a NO Bible Study (resumes January 8)

SAHUARITA Today

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

NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 4)

Next Sunday, December 25 NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 8)

NO Children’s Sunday School (resumes January 8) Christmas Day Worship 10:00a

The fastest and easiest way to keep Grace members and friends informed about what is happening at our four sites is through our weekly email update. This email is sent every Friday and at other times when special announcements are necessary. If you have not been receiving this email, but would like to, please email the Grace Central Office at office@gracelutheransaz.org and request to be added to our email list.

Grace

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

Pastor

Pastor

Pastor

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

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

Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein revsas@gracelutheransaz.org

Office at Civano

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

Prayer Group Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org

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

Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org

Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org

Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr office@gracelutheransaz.org

Grace Lutheran Church is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), a group of nearly 400,000 men, women, and children in nearly 1,300 congregations across the United States and Canada united by a common faith in Christ's saving love. We are committed to a common calling encouraging each other in our faith and sharing God's gift of a Savior with the rest of the world. For more information about our synod and what we believe visit: www.wels.net