THE
FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS
G E L C T , A D 29, 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 THE GIFT OF GOD
When a father puts gifts under the Christmas tree, it is not to compensate his children for doing their chores. That would make whatever is inside that wrapping paper a wage, not a gift. A gift is given voluntarily simply so the giver can show favor to the one receiving the gift, without any expectation of repayment. In the season of Christmas, we receive the gift of God. That does not simply mean we receive the gifts God gives. When we look into the manger, we see that God is the gift.
In the person of Jesus, God gave us himself. And because our God became true man and did everything necessary for our salvation, he is able to give us so many other Christmas gifts: forgiveness, hope, peace, a place in his family, eternal life in paradise. “That is too much!” you object. “I don’t deserve any of it!” True enough. However, none of these things are wages. We could not and need not earn them, because they are gifts, given by our gracious God to show us his favor.
In the season of Christmas, our worship follows this path:
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
First Sunday after Christmas
Epiphany of Our Lord
God Gives Heaven’s Best Gift in Earth’s Unlikeliest Place
God Gives Himself as One of Us
GodÊGivesÊBothÊSubstituteÊandÊSacrifice
The Gift of God Is for All People
OUR THEME FOR TODAY GOD GIVES BOTH SUBSTITUTE AND SACRIFICE
The Son of God took on flesh for two reasons: to be our substitute and our sacrifice. You see, when God created mankind in his image, his desire was that we would live holy lives, full of love for him and our fellow man. When mankind fell into sin, that became impossible. So, the heavenly Father sent Jesus. He is the only human being to keep all of God’s law perfectly. He did that as our substitute. Through faith, we claim his perfection as our own. But we needed another gift one who could pay for the sin we had committed. And so, the Son of God became human for another reason so that he might die as the sacrifice for our sins, removing that barrier between us and a holy God.
Understanding we needed both substitute and sacrifice helps us better understand Jesus’ saving work. That work includes more than Jesus’ death on the cross. Jesus’ saving work began the moment he was born under the law and obeyed it. This week, we thank God that Jesus served us in both these much-needed ways!
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +
WELCOME
Please stand
PRESERVICE
Ukrainian Bell Carol Mykola Leontovich Silent Night and The First Noel Margaret Goldston
See in Yonder Manger Low Valerie A. Floeter
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
HYMN RESPONSE—All My Heart Again Rejoices
Christian Worship 329
CONFESSION
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
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.
1 John 1:8-9
Let us confess our sins to the Lord.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”
James 5:16
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
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
Our gracious Father in heaven has been merciful to us. He sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, who gave his life as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the (+) Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
HYMN RESPONSE All My Heart Again Rejoices Christian Worship 329
PRAYER
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, in mercy you sent your one and only Son to take upon himself our human nature. By his gracious coming, deliver us from the corruption of our sin, and transform us into the likeness of his glory; 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 All My Heart Again Rejoices
Christian Worship 329
Please be seated (10:00 continue on page 6 with The First Reading)
Text: Paul Gerhardt, 1607–1676, abr., adapt.; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–1878, alt.; Tune: Johann Crüger, 1598–1662. Text and tune: Public domain.
Ephesians 4:12-13
+ RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS + Samantha Lawing
The minister addresses the new member:
Friend in Christ,
After a review and instruction in the simple teachings of the Bible and our Lutheran church, you have requested to become a member of this congregation. You have come to worship today to confess your unity with us and to take your place as a part of this faith community. I now ask you:
Do you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? If so, answer: I do. I do.
Do you believe that the teachings of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod and this congregation, as you have come to know them, are faithful to the Word of God? If so, answer: I do.
I do.
Do you desire to remain faithful to the teachings of Christ, be diligent in the use of God’s Word and sacraments, and lead a godly life as the Lord gives you strength? If so, answer: I do, and I ask God to help me.
I do, and I ask God to help me.
Is it your desire to join us in worship and mission and support this work with your prayers and gifts? If so, answer: It is, and I ask God to help me.
It is, and I ask God to help me.
With sincere joy we welcome you as a member of Grace Lutheran Church.
The minister addresses the congregation:
Brothers and sisters,
As we welcome Samantha to our Christian family, I encourage you in the name of Jesus to keep her in your minds, hold her in your hearts, and pray for her again and again. Show her the face of friendship and offer her a hand of support. Encourage her with your “works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
We pray.
Gracious Father, we thank you for leading Samantha to desire to become a member of our congregation and for giving her joy to confess her faith to us. Guide us with your wisdom as we worship and work together. Mold our minds and hearts in a single Christ-like will so that we may be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
The peace of Christ be with us all. Amen.
+ THE WORD +
FIRST READING
Isaiah 50:4-9
4 The L God gave me a tongue like the learned, an instructed tongue, so I know how to sustain the weary with a word. He wakes me up morning by morning. He wakes up my ears so that I listen like the learned.
5 The L God opened my ear, and I myself was not rebellious. I did not turn back.
6 I submitted my back to those who beat me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard. I did not hide my face from disgrace and from spit.
7 The L God will help me, so I will not be disgraced. Therefore I have made my face hard like flint. I know that I will not be put to shame.
8 The one who will acquit me is near! Who can accuse me? Let us take our stand. Who can pass judgment on me? Let him approach me.
9 Look, the L God will help me. Who then can declare me guilty? Look, all of them will wear out like a garment. A moth will consume them.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Romans 12:12
The Servant of the L spoke through the prophet Isaiah. As our substitute Jesus demonstrated perfect obedience and trust, even when his Father asked him to be the sacrifice for our sin.!
Through his suffering and sacrifice, Jesus has made us holy. He now calls us his brothers and sisters.
SECOND READING Hebrews 2:10-18
10Certainly it was fitting for God (the one for whom and through whom everything exists), in leading many sons to glory, to bring the author of their salvation to his goal through sufferings. 11For he who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified all have one Father. For that reason, he is not ashamed to call them brothers. 12He says:
Psalm 22:22
Isaiah 8:17
Isaiah 8:18
I will declare your name to my brothers. Within the congregation I will sing your praise.
13And again:
I will trust in him.
And again:
Here I am and the children God has given me.
14Therefore, since the children share flesh and blood, he also shared the same flesh and blood, so that through death he could destroy the one who had the power of death (that is, the Devil) 15and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death. 16For surely he was not concerned with helping angels but with helping Abraham’s offspring. 17For this reason, he had to become like his brothers in every way, in order that he would be a merciful and faithful high priest in the things pertaining to God, so that he could pay for the sins of the people. 18Indeed, because he suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.
Please stand
Luke 2:30-31
ALL:
Vocalist: For my eyes have seen your salvation, Which you have prepared in the sight of all nations.
Refrain
(ALL)
GOSPEL
Luke 2:41-52
41Every year his parents traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. 42When he was twelve years old, they went up according to the custom of the Festival. 43When the days had ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it.
44Since they thought he was in their group, they went a day's journey. Then they began to look for him among their relatives and friends.
45When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him.
46After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us this way? See, your father and I have been anxiously looking for you.”
49He said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be taking care of my Father's business?” 50They did not understand what he was telling them.
51He went down with them and came to Nazareth. He was always obedient to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. 52Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ.
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel. Even as a boy, Jesus was acting as our substitute, demonstrating obedience to the Heavenly Father and respect for God’s holy Word.
HYMN OF THE DAY The Boyhood of Christ Christian Worship
The vocalist will sing stanza 1. Please join in singing the remaining stanzas
Text: G. B. Timms, 1910–1997, in part based upon Divine crecebas puer, J. B. deSanteuil, 1630–1697 © 1986 The Canterbury Press Norwich. Tune: Christopher Dearnley, 1930–2000 © 1975 Oxford University Press. Used by permission: OneLicense no.710199
CONFESSION OF FAITH
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed
The Apostles’ Creed developed in the Early Christian Church as a personal confession of faith. It is so named because it confesses the faith taught by the Apostles of Jesus.
Please be seated
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Eternal and gracious Lord, 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.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
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:
O Jesus Christ, Thy Manger Is James Engel
OFFERING
Members of Grace respond to their Savior’s love with offerings that are given joyfully, generously, regularly, and in a way that is proportionate to how the Lord has blessed them. Their cheerful gifts support the mission and ministry of our congregation. If you are a guest today, please know that we do not expect you to contribute to our congregation’s work. However, if you would like to give an offering to the Lord in response to his love to you, we are happy to receive it and put it to work in God’s kingdom. If you prefer, use your smart phone to give online by scanning this QR code:
Please fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder at the end of the row and pass it along. Thank you!
HYMN O Jesus Christ, Your Manger Is
Christian Worship 342 stanzas 1-3
Please stand
CLOSING PRAYER
God of love and faithfulness, you showed favor to your people by sending your one and only Son to be our Savior. Help us to trust in him as our gracious Redeemer and so enjoy the peace he came to bring, who lives and reigns with you and 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.
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
THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING
Preacher...................................................................................... Pastor Nathan Kassulke
Worship Leader ............................................................. Pastor Ron Koehler (10:00 AM)
Accompanist............................................................................................... Beth Kassulke
Preservice Music Anna Kassulke (10:00 AM)
Vocalist..................................................................................................... Jay Wiechmann
Greeters................................................................................ DJ & Jenn Miller (10:00 AM)
Ushers......................................................................Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM)
Lucas Guenther, Justin Harris, Ferdie Kramm, Rick Street (10:00 AM)
Sound and Recording Techs...............Jeremy Snavely, Sam Kassulke, Danny Koehler
Banner Committee....................... Sandy Weir, Nadine Rentschler, Jeanette O'Donald
Acknowledgements:
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: Let Us All with Gladsome Voice James Engel
Altar Flowers
The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by Sean and Mary Brearcliffe in gratitude to God for another year of tremendous blessings and the promise of a joyous new year.
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 are 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 Sally Littau, Nancy Miles, and Lois Thornton for hosting this morning. Upcoming available dates include all the Sundays in January and February. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.
Sunday Morning Bible Study
Join us in our Adult Bible Study today for a look at “Christmas Miracles.” We’ll consider the purpose of miracles in general and some specific miracles in the events of the first Christmas and in our own lives. We meet at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall.
Tall Banners
We thank Stanley Mead and Tom & Marsha Phillips for sponsoring the Christmas banners used today. Please watch upcoming announcements for sponsorship opportunities for banners for Lent, Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, and Easter. You are always welcome to share your thoughts on this and other items with the Sanctuary Committee members: Justin Harris (chairman), Jim and Deb Bakken, Greg Grorud, Beth Kassulke, Paul Kassulke, and Pastor Koehler.
Daily Devotions
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 that begin January 1 is now available. These are great tools to use for your daily Bible study!
New Year’s Eve Worship, Dinner, & Fellowship: Tuesday
Grace’s New Year’s Eve Service will be held here 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.
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.
TUCSON
Today
Worship Services
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 29 - January 5
7:45a & 10:00a
Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Big Questions ...... 9:00a
Adult Bible Study: Christmas Miracles 9:00a Fellowship following worship
Office hours will vary this week. Please call ahead before stopping in.
Tuesday
All-Site New Year’s Eve Service & Meal........................ 5:30p
Sunday, January 5
Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a
Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: The Triumph of Grace ...................... 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........................................................... 10:00a Fellowship following worship
Sunday, January 5
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics.................................... 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship
ONLINE Today
Adult Bible Study (Tucson)............................................. 9:00a
Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Tuesday New Year’s Eve Service................................................. 5:30p
Grace Central Office
Worship Services
7:45a & 10:00a
Adult Bible Study: Large Catechism 9:00a
Children’s Sunday School...............................................9:00a Fellowship following worship
The Child Learning Center will be closed Monday through Wednesday. It will reopen on Thursday, January 2.
Sunday, January 5 Worship Services with communion................. 7:45a & 10:00a Adult Bible Study: Gospel of Mark.................................9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Fellowship following worship
BENSON
Worship Service..............................................................7:30a
Bible Study: Hebrews 8:45a Fellowship following worship Sunday, January 5 Worship Service..............................................................7:30a Adult Bible Study: Hebrews 8:45a Fellowship following worship SAHUARITA
Sunday, January 5
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
The hours in the Grace Central Office will vary this week. 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.
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.