12-24-23 Grace-Sahuarita Children's Christmas Service Worship Folder

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS SERVICE

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24, 2023 • 10:00 AM

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 worship service is printed in this worship folder for you to follow along and participate. You’ll notice that the service is a dialogue between God and us, his people. The pastor speaks to God along with the congregation and also speaks the Word of God to the people. Those wishing to leave an offering can do so at the exit today or give online at www.GraceLutheranSAZ.org/give. (You can also scan the QR code to the right to access the online giving page.)

OUR WORSHIP SERIES—GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY We live in a world with a 24-hour news cycle. Between the countless cable networks or online sources or social media posts, news is flying at us constantly. Most of it seems awful—bad news after more bad news. Our hearts grow heavy. Our minds grow anxious.

The world is starving for good news. And that is exactly what we get at Christmas. On that first Christmas Eve, the angel told the shepherds, “I bring you good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10). News is not advice. The angel had not come to give advice about how to cope in a messed-up world. News is simply a report of facts. The angel reported a fact—the birth of One who would make everything right again. This child would remove all our fears and fill our hearts with joy.

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+ ORDER OF WORSHIP + WELCOME

OPENING SONG—O Holy Night

PARENT MESSAGE—Good New/Great Joy

PROCESSIONAL SONG—What Child Is This?

CHILDREN’S SONG—Jesus Loves Me

CHILDREN’S DEVOTION—Love

1 John 4:7-12, 19

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Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love has not known God, because God is love. 9 This is how God’s love for us was revealed: God has sent his onlybegotten Son into the world so that we may live through him. 10 This is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, if God loved us so much, we also should love one another.

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No one has ever seen God. If we love one another, God remains in us and his love has been brought to its goal in us.

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We love because he first loved us.

CHILDREN’S SONG—God Loves Me Dearly

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CHILDREN’S DEVOTION—Announcement

Luke 2:1-14

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In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3And everyone went to register, each to his own town. 4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the town of Nazareth, into Judea, to the town of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was from the house and family line of David. 5He went to be registered with Mary, his wife, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child.

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And so it was that while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

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There were in the same country shepherds staying out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified! 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. For behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which will be for all people: 11 Today in the town of David, a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. 12And this will be a sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude from the heavenly army, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward mankind.”

SONG—Silent Night

CHILDREN’S DEVOTION—Spread the Word

Please sing along with the video

Luke 2:15-20

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When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Now let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they told others the message they had been told about this child. 18And all who heard it were amazed by what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

CHILDREN’S SONG—Away in a Manger

CHILDREN’S DEVOTION—Good News

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Clip Clop Poem

CHILDREN’S SONG—Joy to the World

CHRISTMAS EVE PRAYER Dear God, on this Christmas Eve, we want to think about the real reason for this happy season: Jesus’ birth. We’ll give and receive gifts to say how much we love each other, just like the three kings brought gifts to Jesus. But instead of thinking about what we might get for Christmas, help us to focus on what you give to us. We want our hearts to be ready so we can truly enjoy celebrating Jesus’ birthday and the peace and joy He came to give us.

Today we think about that special night long ago when a big, bright star shone in the sky along with an angel that frightened shepherds. And the good news given to those shepherds was for us, too: “Don’t be afraid. Tonight in Bethlehem a Savior has been born. This is the Messiah, the Son of God.” When we sing the Christmas carols at this time of year, may we join the angels’ song and so many others who are praising and thanking You for sending us Jesus. He is the very best gift You will ever give us. And today we want to thank You again for how much You love us, just as we are. Thank You for the way You care for us and will never leave us. In Jesus’ name, 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.

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.

CHILDREN’S SONG—Go Tell It on the Mountain

Parents, please come to the front of church to pick up your children.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS Thank you for joining us for worship on this Christmas Eve morning. We pray that God will continue to strengthen you in your faith through his Word, during this blessed season and beyond. If you are a guest with us today and do not have a church home, we would consider it a special privilege to share God’s Word with you on a regular basis. If you are interested in a class about what the Bible and our church teaches please speak with Pastor Heiman.

HOLIDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE Tonight Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship 7:00 PM Grace-Sahuarita & Tucson

Christmas Day Worship Monday, December 25

Sunday, December 31

7:30 AM Benson Worship

10:00 AM Grace-Sahuarita 10:00 AM Grace-Tucson

10:00 AM Sahuarita, Tucson and Vail Worship All-Site New Year’s Eve Worship 5:30 PM at Grace-Sahuarita Followed by dinner & fellowship

Divine Call Received

Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan has extended a Divine Call to Pastor Koehler to serve as their pastor. Immanuel is a church of about 160 members and is located across the street from Lake Superior State University. Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada is the twin city across the river. Pastor Koehler is learning more about the ministry there and will prayerfully consider the work they are calling him to do, along with his ministry here. He would appreciate your prayers and discussions of ministry as he works toward a decision.

Office Hours

The Grace Central Office located at our Tucson site will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Additionally, there will be no regular office hours from Tuesday, December 26, through Friday, December 29. If you need to come to the office, please call or email ahead of time to set up an appointment. Voicemail and email will be checked regularly. Our regular office hours, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays, will resume on Tuesday, January 2. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Our Child Learning Center will also be closed from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day before reopening on Tuesday, January 2.

Ministry Board Installation: January 7

We thank all the men who were willing to be nominated and to stand for election to positions on Grace’s Ministry Board. The Ministry Board for 2024 will be installed in worship services at all four sites on Sunday, January 7.

President: Eric Hanson Vice President: Jeff Weinstein Secretary: Jeremy Snavely Financial Manager: Jay Wiechmann CLC Chairman: Dave Neujahr 5

Benson Elder: Bill Warskow Sahuarita Elder: Chad Rickling Tucson Elder: Paul Kassulke Vail Elder: Ron Silver

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 24 - December 31 SAHUARITA Today NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 7) NO Children’s Sunday School (resumes January 7) Children’s Christmas Service ....................................... 10:00a Candlelight Worship Service........................................... 7:00p Tuesday– Friday Child Learning Center closed (reopens January 2) Wednesday NO Bible Study (resumes January 3) Next Sunday, December 31 NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 7) NO Children’s Sunday School (resumes January 7) Worship Service ............................................................ 10:00a Combined Choir Rehearsal ............................................ 4:30p New Year’s Eve Worship Service with communion ........ 5:30p Dinner and Fellowship .................................................... 6:30p

VAIL Today Choir practice .................................................................. 9:00a NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 7) Christmas Worship Service .......................................... 10:00a

TUCSON Today Christmas Eve Worship Service ................................... 10:00a NO Children’s Bible Hour (resumes January 7) NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 7) NO Grow in Grace Class (resumes January 7) NO Lifeliners (High School group-resumes January 7) Fellowship following worship ...................................................

Candlelight Worship Service........................................... 7:00p Monday Christmas Day Worship Service ................................... 10:00a Tuesday– Friday No regular Grace Central Office hours (resumes January 2) No Bible studies this week Next Sunday, December 31 Worship Service ............................................................ 10:00a NO Children’s Bible Hour (resumes January 7) NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 7) NO Grow in Grace Class (resumes January 7) NO Lifeliners (High School group-resumes January 7) Fellowship following worship ...................................................

Thursday NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 11) Next Sunday, December 31 NO Adult Bible Study Worship Service ............................................................ 10:00a BENSON Today Christmas Worship Service ............................................ 7:30a NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 7) Wednesday NO Bible Study (resumes January 10)

ONLINE Today Children’s Christmas Service (Sahuarita) ..................... 10:00a Worship Service (Tucson) ............................................ 10:00a Candlelight Service (Tucson).......................................... 7:00p Monday Christmas Day Worship Service (Tucson).................... 10:00a Next Sunday, December 31 Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson)....................... 10:00a New Year’s Eve Worship Service (All-Site) .................... 5:30p

Next Sunday, December 31 Worship Service ............................................................. 7:30a NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 7)

Stay Up to Date

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.

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One Church. Four Locations.

Proclaiming the love of Jesus in Southern Arizona since 1911.

Grace-Tucson and Central Office

Grace-Sahuarita

830 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719 (520)623-6633 office@gracelutheransaz.org

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

Pastor Ronald G. Koehler III revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org

Pastor Nathan P. Kassulke revnpk@gracelutheransaz.org

Pastor Timothy L. Patoka (Campus Ministry)

Pastor Ryan A. Heiman

revrah@gracelutheransaz.org

Child Learning Center

(520) 848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org www.GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com

Director—Laura Heiman

director@gracelutheransaz.org

revtlp@gracelutheransaz.org

Assistant Director—Jen Rickling

Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail

Child Learning Center Mission Teachers

Benson

451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602

Vail

jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org

Chris Leathers, 1-Year Olds cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org

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

Sam Anthon, 2-Year Olds

Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein

Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds

revsas@gracelutheransaz.org

vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org

Office at Civano

Theresa Pratt, Preschool

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

Prayer Group—Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org

santhon@gracelutheransaz.org

tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org

Katie Patoka, After School Care kpatoka@gracelutheransaz.org

Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher

Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke

cinda@gracelutheransaz.org (520)581-4714

music@gracelutheransaz.org

Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler

Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr

assistant@gracelutheransaz.org

office@gracelutheransaz.org

www.wels.net

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.