12-25-22 Grace-Tucson Christmas Day Worship Folder

CHRISTMAS DAY WORSHIP

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 livestreaming.

OUR WORSHIP SERIES—A SAVIOR IS BORN

The first Christmas sermon was preached to a small congregation consisting entirely of shepherds. The preacher was an angel. The message of his sermon? “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. ”

That is a heavy word: Savior. It says as much about us as it does about this child. If the angel had said “ a teacher has been born” or “a mentor has been born,” it would mean that within us exists the potential to fix all that is wrong with the world. It would mean we just need a bit of help: a coach, a mentor, a source of inspiration. But the angel said, “A Savior has been born.” If one needs saving, it means he is totally helpless completely lost doomed, without outside intervention. That is how God the Father viewed us: helpless, lost, doomed. So, he sent more than a coach. He sent his only Son to be our Savior.

After December 25 the secular world is done with Christmas. But for the Church, the season of Christmas has just begun. For twelve glorious days The Twelve Days of Christmas we ponder the nativity of the Son of God. We celebrate what that nativity means. A Savior is born!

Christmas Eve: A Savior Is Born to Change the World Christmas Day: A Savior Is Born to Dwell Among Us The First Sunday After Christmas (January 1): A Savior Is Born to Be the True Son Epiphany Sunday (January 8): A Savior Is Born for All the Nations

A SAVIOR IS BORN TO DWELL AMONG US

For centuries on Christmas Day the Church has read chapter one of St. John’s Gospel. There, in just a few simple words, Scripture describes the indescribable: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14). The word God had spoken in the Garden, promising to send a Savior who was part of mankind, came true. God himself became flesh and blood to be born under law, to suffer, and to die that he might redeem us.

The Greek word translated “made his dwelling” can also be translated “pitched his tent.” That word describes a temporary dwelling place. God came into our broken world to dwell for a time, so that one day we might go to God’s perfect home and dwell for all eternity.

Unlike those Christmas Eve shepherds, we cannot see Christ with our eyes. Yet still he dwells among us. For he is the Word made flesh. As we listen to the Word today, we truly are hearing the voice of Christ. When we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, we partake of his true body and blood. In Word and sacrament, still today, our Savior dwells among us, feeding our faith, preparing us for our true home.

WELCOME

CHOIR ANTHEM A Carol Celebration

Rejoice, it is Christmastime! Rejoice, it is Christmastime! Come lift your voice with jubilation. Now it is time to sing, O now it is time to sing a joyous carol celebration. (repeat)

O thou joyful, O thou wonderful, peace revealing Christmastide! Darkness disappearing, God’s own light now nearing; Peace and joy to all betide.

O thou joyful, O thou wonderful, love revealing Christmastide! Loud hosannas singing, and all praises bringing. Peace and joy to all abide.

Sing we now of Christmas, Noel sing we here!

Listen to our praises to the Babe so dear. Sing we Noel, the King is born, Noel! The King is born, the King is born, the King is born. Noel! Sing we now of Christmas. Noel sing we here! Listen to our praises to the Babe so dear, to the Babe so dear.

Rejoice, it is Christmastime! Rejoice, it is Christmastime! Let’s celebrate the birth of Jesus. Come now and worship Him, O come now and worship Him, Emmanuel, our “God is with us.”

Infant holy, Infant lowly, for His bed a cattle stall; Oxen lowing, little knowing Christ, the Babe, is Lord of all! Swift are winging angels singing, Noels ringing, tidings bringing: Christ, the Babe, is Lord of all! Christ, the Babe, is Lord of all!

O come, let us adore Him; O come, let us adore Him; O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant; O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem! Come and behold Him, born the King of angels! O come, let us adore Him; O come, let us adore Him; O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord. Rejoice, it is Christmastime! Rejoice, it is Christmastime! Rejoice! Rejoice!

Organ & Piano Duet O Come, All Ye Faithful Mark Hayes & Marvin Gaspard

Brass Quartet Concertato on Adeste Fidelis Austin C. Lovelace

Piano Duet Angels We Have Heard on High Jeffrey Blersch

Handbell Choir Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Sandra Eithun

Organ & Piano Duet O Come, All Ye Faithful Lani Smith

Based on traditional Christmas carols. Arranged: Tom Fettke © 2003 Alfred Publishing Company. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.

SPOKEN RESPONSES

Minister: Sing to the L a new song, for he has done marvelous things.

Congregation: His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.

The L has made his salvation known. He has revealed his righteousness to the eyes of the nations. He has remembered his mercy and his faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

SPOKEN RESPONSES

But who can endure the day when he comes? Who will remain standing when he appears?

If you, L , kept a record of guilt, O Lord, who could stand?

Restore us, O God who saves us. Put an end to your indignation with us. Show us your mercy, O L , and give us your salvation.

Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited us and prepared redemption for his people.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

Malachi 3:2

Psalm 130:3

Psalm 85:4, 7 Luke 1:68 Luke 1:46-47

HYMN RESPONSE—O Come, All Ye Faithful Christian Worship 343

Galatians 4:4-5

John 1:14 Luke 2:10, 11, 14

SPOKEN RESPONSES

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son to be born of a woman, so that he would be born under the law, in order to redeem those under the law, so that we would be adopted as sons.

The Word became flesh and dwelled among us. We have seen his glory, the glory he has as the only-begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Do not be afraid. For behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which will be for all people: Today in the town of David, a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward mankind.

HYMN RESPONSE—O Come, All Ye Faithful Christian Worship 343

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Almighty God, grant that the birth of your only Son in the flesh may set us free from our old bondage under the yoke of sin; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

HYMN RESPONSE—O Come, All Ye Faithful Christian Worship 343

Frederick

+ THE WORD +

The prophet foretold that the Lord would dwell among us, laying bare his arm, rolling up his sleeves and doing what was necessary to bring the good news of salvation to the ends of the earth.

FIRST READING

7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of a herald, who proclaims peace and preaches good news, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God is king!”

8

The voice of your watchmen they lift up their voices. Together they shout for joy, because with both eyes they will see it when the L returns to Zion.

9 Break out, shout for joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, because the L is comforting his people.

He is redeeming Jerusalem.

This hymn echoes the words of Psalm 98, which is the appointed Psalm for the Festival of Christmas.

Isaiah 52:7-10

10 The L lays bare his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation from our God.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

HYMN Joy to the World Christian Worship 353

1

Hebrews 1:1-9

In the past, God spoke to our forefathers by the prophets at many times and in many ways. 2 In these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact imprint of the divine nature. He sustains all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

4 The Son became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say:

You are my Son. Today I have begotten you?

And again: I will be his Father, and he will be my Son.

6 And again, when he brought his firstborn into the world, he said: Let all God’s angels worship him.

7 About the angels he says: He makes his messengers winds and his ministers flaming fire.

8 But about the Son he says:

God, your throne is forever and ever, and the scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom.

9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of joy beyond your companions.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

HYMN A Great and Mighty Wonder Christian Worship 349

The choir will sing stanzas 1 and 3. The congregation will sing stanzas 2, 4, and 5. Please stand

In the past God sent angels and prophets as messengers to his people. In these latter days, God speaks to us through his Son, who came to dwell among us.

Psalm 2:7

2 Samuel 7:14, 1 Chronicles 17:13

Deuteronomy 32:43, Psalm 97:7

Psalm 104:4 Psalm 45:6-7

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

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

GOSPEL

1

John 1:1-14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him everything was made, and without him not one thing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. 5 The light is shining in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6 There was a man, sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as an eyewitness to testify about the light so that everyone would believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but he came to testify about the light.

9 The real light that shines on everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to what was his own, yet his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who did receive him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

13 They were born, not of blood, or of the desire of the flesh, or of a husband’s will, but born of God.

14 The Word became flesh and dwelled among us. We have seen his glory, the glory he has as the only-begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

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

Please be seated

HYMN OF THE DAY Joy Has Dawned

The choir will sing stanza 1. Please join in singing the remainder of the hymn.

Christian Worship 352

SERMON

Hebrews 1:1-9

Please stand

Hear God’s Christmas Voice

CONFESSION OF FAITH

Excerpts from the Athanasian Creed

It is necessary for eternal salvation truly to believe that our Lord Jesus Christ also took on human flesh. Now this is the true Christian faith: We believe and confess that our Lord Jesus Christ, God’s Son, is both God and man.

He is God, eternally begotten from the nature of the Father, and he is man, born in time from the nature of his mother, fully God, fully man, with rational soul and human flesh, equal to the Father as to his deity, less than the Father as to his humanity;

and though he is both God and man, Christ is not two persons, but one, one, not by changing the deity into flesh, but by taking the humanity into God; one, indeed, not by mixture of the natures, but by unity in one person; for just as the rational soul and flesh are one human being, so God and man are one Christ.

He suffered for our salvation, descended into hell, rose the third day from the dead. He ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty, and from there will come to judge the living and the dead.

This is the true Christian faith. Whoever does not faithfully and firmly believe this cannot be saved.

Please be seated

Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

Eternal and gracious Lord, on this holy day, we rejoice with hearts and voices because you sent your one and only Son from his majestic glory to save us from the slavery of sin and the agonies of death. He took on our human flesh that he might reveal your divine glory. He became our brother that we might become your children forever.

Give us quiet time during these busy days to reflect on your love and ponder the miracle of our Savior’s incarnation. Help us look beyond our gift-giving and giftreceiving, and discover the greatest gift: the forgiveness of sins and life with you. Put the joys of Christmas into the perspective of our eternal celebration, and let music and art lift our hearts to Christ who is truly the center of the season.

Keep in your loving care all whose Christmas joys are diminished by sickness and sadness, by unhappy recollections and uncertain hopes. Comfort those who sense this Christmas may be their last, and raise their eyes to the brilliant lights of heaven. Soothe consciences that are troubled by guilt and regret, and show them the forgiving love of Christ.

We commend to your care all who proclaim the message of Christ during these holy days; all who care for people in hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons; and all who put themselves out to bring joy to others, especially children. Let the light of your grace shine through all ministries of mercy.

Send us your Holy Spirit, gracious Lord, that the proclamation of the Christmas gospel may lighten the load of guilt and fear and lift our hearts to confident faith and holy living. By the power of your Word, bring your light to hearts struggling to understand you and searching to find you that they may know the joys of this season as we do. Empower us to lead them to your love in our words and deeds.

All this we ask in the name of the newborn King, born in Bethlehem and now living and reigning forever in heaven. Amen.

OFFERTORY: Flute Duet

The First Noel Lloyd Larson

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!

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord God, Creator and Sustainer of the universe, we praise you for the special love you have shown us, your fallen and sinful creatures. You have kept your word and sent your Son to be born as the promised Savior and Redeemer. As through your Holy Spirit you have opened our eyes to see this child as the mighty God and Redeemer of the world, so also strengthen us to continue to live in his love and to share his good news with others. In Jesus’ name we pray, 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 L bless you and keep you. The L make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The L look on you with favor and give you peace. 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

Please be seated

ANNOUNCEMENTS

POSTLUDE MUSIC: Trumpet & Organ Gigue on Joy to the World

Sondra K. Tucker

CLOSING HYMN—Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Christian Worship 350

“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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Thank you for joining us for worship on this Christmas Day. 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. Please take a Guest Packet at the exit to learn more about our congregation. You can also find us online at GraceLutheranSAZ.org.

Altar Flowers

The flowers beautifying our altar today have been given by Paul & Kay Kassulke in thanks to God for the birth of our Savior and the gifts of our family and church family.

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.

Sunday Morning Bible Study & Children’s Bible Hour

Our regular Sunday morning Bible study and Children’s Bible Hour will not be held this morning or next Sunday, January 1. All classes will resume on Sunday, January 8.

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.

Grace Central Office Closed

The Grace Central Office located here at our Tucson site will be closed tomorrow, December 26, and Monday, January 2. Additionally, the hours the office is open during the week of December 26 will be sporadic. If you’d like to stop by, please call first to be sure someone is available. You may always call or email the office. Messages and email will be checked regularly.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Midweek Bible Studies

Our Midweek Bible studies normally held on Wednesday and Thursday will not meet this week or next. The Church History Bible study will resume again at 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM on January 11. The Women’s Bible study begins again at 9:00 AM on January 12.

New Year’s Eve All-Site Service & Celebration

Grace’s New Year’s Eve Service will be held this year here 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.

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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Chili Cook-Off at Grace Benson: January 28

The members at our Grace-Benson location are hosting an all-site chili-cook off on Saturday, January 28, at noon. If you would like, bring your best chili for some friendly competition! You may also bring a side dish or dessert to share. Please come out and join us for this fun event! If you have any questions, please contact Frances Lindquist at (520) 686-4152.

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 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

Grow in Grace Class

Would you like to learn more about our Newborn King, about the Bible that tells us about him, and about what Grace Lutheran Church believes and teaches? Our congregation offers a series of Biblebased lessons called Grow in Grace. Grow in Grace also serves as our membership class for those who may be interested in joining the church. If you would be interested in scheduling a Grow in Grace Class, please speak to one of the Pastors, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/ GIG.

This Week at Grace Ÿ December 25 – January 1

TUCSON

Today

NO Children’s Bible Hour (resumes January 8)

NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 8)

NO Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study (resumes January 8) Worship Service ...........................................................10:00a

Monday

Grace Central Office Closed

Tuesday

NO Weekly Pastors’ Meeting

NO English Classes (resumes January 10)

Wednesday

NO Church History Bible Study (resumes January 11)

Thursday

NO Women’s Bible Study (resumes January 12)

Saturday

New Year’s Eve All-Site Worship with communion 7:00p Fellowship following worship

Next Sunday, January 1

NO Children’s Bible Hour (resumes January 8)

NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 8)

NO Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study (resumes January 8) Worship Service with communion 10:00a

ONLINE

Today

Worship Services (Tucson and Sahuarita)................... 10:00a

Saturday

New Year’s Eve Worship Service (Tucson) 7:00p

Next Sunday, January 1 Worship Services (Tucson and Sahuarita) 10:00a

VAIL

Today

NO Children’s Sunday School (resumes January 8)

NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 8) Worship Service 10:00a

Thursday

NO Midweek Bible Study (resumes January 5)

Next Sunday, January 1

NO Children’s Sunday School (resumes January 8)

NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 8) Worship Service with communion 10:00a

BENSON

Today

Worship Service 7:30a

NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 8) Wednesday

NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 4)

Next Sunday, January 1 Worship Service with communion 7:30a

NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 8)

SAHUARITA

Today

NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 8)

NO Children’s Sunday School (resumes January 8) Worship Service 10:00a Monday Friday Child Learning Center Closed Wednesday

NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 4)

Next Sunday, January 1

NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 8)

NO Children’s Sunday School (resumes January 8) Worship Service with communion.................................10:00a

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.

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