12-2-23 Grace-Tucson Worship Folder

THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT

G

E T D

L ,A 3, 2023

C

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.

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 KING SHALL COME The Church Year begins with the season of Advent, which means “coming.” When someone is coming over, what do you do? It depends on who is coming and why they are coming. If it’s a good friend popping in for a quick visit, you don’t worry too much about how the house looks or serving a meal.

But imagine the governor is coming over for an evening to give you some sort of citizen’s award.

That’s a big deal. There is work to be done: deep cleaning, planning a menu, getting the yard looking its best, etc.

So, is Advent a big deal? It depends on who is coming and why they are coming. In this worship series, we get the answer to those questions. We see that the King shall come. We see why the King came on that first Christmas and why he shall come again on Judgment Day. In this season, we also cherish the way our King comes to us today in Word and sacrament, establishing his reign in our hearts.

Our worship will follow these themes: He Is Coming to Save Us Prepare to Meet Him He Is Bringing Perfect Joy

THEME FOR TODAY—HE IS COMING TO SAVE US Rulers plan and administrate and govern. They typically do not save. If your house is on fire, it will not be the mayor who shows up to save you from the flames. If America were attacked, the President would serve as the commander in chief of the armed forces. The President would not pick up a weapon, go to the front lines, and fight to save you from the enemy.

1

Jesus is different. He is both infinitely greater than all other rulers, yet also infinitely humbler. He does not consider it beneath his rank as King to risk his life for his subjects. He is willing to fight for us. He is willing to die for us. For King Jesus came into our world for one reason—to save us.

+ ORDER OF WORSHIP + WELCOME

OPENING HYMN—The Advent of Our King

Christian Worship 309

PRESERVICE MUSIC:

Variations on “Savior of the Nations, Come” Paul Manz John Behnke Dieterich Buxtehude James Engel Ronald Besemer J. S. Bach

Please stand

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

Congregation: Amen.

CONFESSION Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

Psalm 32:1-2

Blessed are they whose sin the Lord does not count against them.

Let us confess our sins to the Lord.

Almighty and merciful Father, we have strayed from your ways like lost sheep.

We have followed what we have devised and desired in our hearts.

We have offended you and sinned against your holy law.

We have done those things that we should not have done, and we have not done those things that we should have done.

Have mercy on us, Lord!

Spare us, forgive us, and restore us, according to your promises in Christ Jesus.

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16

Silence for meditation and reflection

God, our merciful Father, has forgiven all our sins. He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Redeemer and Savior. Jesus paid the penalty for our guilt by his death on the cross and freed us from death by his resurrection from the grave. We have peace with God now and forever.

Amen.

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

2

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

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE We light one Advent candle, remembering Jesus, who is coming again. He will come to gather his people from everywhere, both the living and the dead.

We remember Jesus, who will come at the end of time. None of us knows what day that will be.

We hear his call to watch.

We light one Advent candle as a sign of our watchfulness and waiting.

Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest.

Through your Word and Spirit may our souls be blessed.

One Advent candle is lit.

HYMN OF PRAISE—The King Shall Come

Christian Worship 495

The choir will sing stanza 1. Please join in singing the remaining stanzas.

This song continues on the next page.

3

Text: John Brownlie, 1859–1925, abr., alt. Tune: Irish. Text and tune: Public domain.

+ THE WORD + PRAYER OF THE DAY The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us pray.

Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. Protect us by your strength, and save us from the threatening dangers of our sins; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

Please be seated

FIRST READING 1

2

3

4

5

Oh, that you would rip open the heavens and come down.

Mountains then would quake because of your presence.

As fire ignites stubble and as fire makes water boil, make your name known to your adversaries.

Then nations would quake in your presence.

You did amazing things that we did not expect.

You came down. Mountains quaked because of your presence.

From ancient times no one has heard.

No ear has understood.

No eye has seen any god except you, who goes into action for the one who waits for him.

You meet anyone who joyfully practices righteousness, who remembers you by walking in your ways!

But you were angry because we sinned.

We have remained in our sins for a long time.

Isaiah 64:1-9

All of us have become unclean, tainted by sin.

So we needed our King to come and save us.

This reading continues on the next page.

4

6

7

8

9

Can we still be saved?

All of us have become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like a filthy cloth.

All of us have withered like a leaf, and our guilt carries us away like the wind.

There is no one who calls on your name, who rouses himself to take hold of you.

So you hid your face from us.

You made us melt by the power of our guilt.

But now, L , you are our father.

We are the clay, and you are our potter.

All of us are the work of your hand.

Do not be angry, L , without limit.

Do not remember our guilt forever.

Please look closely.

All of us are your people.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

CHOIR ANTHEM—The King Will Come at Age’s End

Christian Worship 489

The King will come at age’s end, the trumpets trill, the heavens rend, unveiling new Jerusalem. Alleluia!

The Book of Life will name its names, each bought by cross’s bitter pain, each inked in blood and sealed in flame. Alleluia!

All-glorious on his gleaming throne, the King will claim his saints, his own, and with them dwell and make a home. Alleluia!

And nights of tears, though late and long, will disappear in splendid dawn, and deeps of death will all be gone. Alleluia!

Amen, amen! Lord Jesus, come!

My Savior fair, come bear me home, for you are King of kings alone! Alleluia!

Text: Laurie F. Gauger, b. 1965. Tune: Joyce Schubkegel, b. 1937 © 2004 admin. Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.

5

SECOND READING 3

1 Corinthians 1:3-9

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

4

I always thank my God for you because of the grace of God given to you in Christ Jesus. 5 You were enriched in him in every way, in all your speaking and all your knowledge, 6 because the testimony about Christ was established in you. 7 As a result you do not lack any gift as you eagerly wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will also keep you strong until the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, who called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Our faithful God promises to enrich us with every spiritual gift so that we can stand firm as we wait for our King to come again on Judgment day.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Please stand

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Choir:

Revelation 22:20

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.

Refrain (ALL):

Tune: Tony E. Alonso © 2010 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.

6

On Palm Sunday Jesus rides into Jerusalem as a king. The crowd shouts, “Hosanna!” which means, “save us!”

GOSPEL

Mark 11:1-10

1

As they approached Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, on the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples 2 and told them, “Go into the village ahead of you. As soon as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it, and he will send it back here without delay.’”

4

They left and found a colt on the street, tied at a door; and they untied it. 5 Some who were standing there asked them, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6 The disciples answered them just as Jesus had instructed them, and the men let them go.

7

They brought the colt to Jesus, threw their garments on it, and Jesus sat on it. 8 Many people spread their garments on the road. Others spread branches that they had cut from the fields. 9 Those who went in front and those who followed were crying out, Psalm 118:25-26 10

Hosanna!

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!

Hosanna in the highest!

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise be to you, O Christ.

Please be seated

HYMN OF THE DAY—Savior of the Nations, Come

SERMON

Please stand

7

Christian Worship 301

Mark 11:1-10 Our King Is Coming to Save Us

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.

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.

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.

Please be seated

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH Gracious Lord, you sent your Son into our world to destroy the power of Satan and restore the human race as your children and heirs. Work in us during this Advent season so that we may rejoice in the coming of our Savior and to long for his coming again.

Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.

Make us eager to receive the King who comes to save us.

Use the preaching of your holy law to rid us of all delusions that we can gain your love with our own efforts. Move us to realize how hopeless we are because of sin and to feel sorrow for what we have done wrong.

Lead us to be honest about our sinful status in your sight.

8

Lift up our hearts to see the King who comes to save. Reveal to us his willingness to take on our human form and stand in our place. Show us the power he extends in his Word and sacraments to make us your children and keep us in faith. Thrill us with his promise to come and take us to our eternal home to live with you forever.

Open our eyes to see and believe the wonders of the Savior’s love.

As we live with Christ and trust in him, move us to turn away from sin day after day with the strength your Holy Spirit provides. When we fall, forgive us and renew us to love and serve you and all people.

Empower us and guide us to walk with Christ by faith.

Protect us from the distractions that come at this time of the year. Even in gift-giving and celebrating, keep our hearts focused on Christ and his forgiving love.

Give us joy at his coming at Christmas, his coming in the gospel, and his coming again.

Move us to share with others the most important gift of this season, the truth about Jesus. Even in busy times lead us to pray for those whose joy is diminished because of sickness, pain, or loss. Give us opportunities to provide help to those in need.

May others see the love of Christ in our words and actions.

Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.

Silent prayer

Loving Lord, work in us during this Advent season so that our joy may be genuine and may rest in the promises of the King who comes to save.

Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

OFFERTORY:

OFFERING

The Advent of Our King J. Wayne Kerr

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!

9

Please stand

+ THE SACRAMENT + PREFACE The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.

It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, whose way John the Baptist prepared when he called people to repentance and pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

Sanctus

Text: Michael D. Schultz © 2021 Northwestern Publishing House.

Used by permission: OneLicense no.

710199. Tune: Friedrich K. Anthes.

Public domain.

10

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Blessed are you, Lord God, eternal King and gracious Father. In love you made us the crown of your creation. In mercy you planned our salvation. In grace you sent your Son to redeem us from sin.

We remember and give you thanks that your eternal Son, Jesus Christ, became flesh and made his dwelling among us, that he willingly placed himself under law to redeem those under law, that he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death on a cross, that he has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Bless us as we receive your Son’s body and blood in this Sacrament. Forgive our sins, increase our faith, strengthen our fellowship, and deepen our longing for the day when Christ will welcome us to his eternal feast. Praise and thanks and honor and glory be to you, O God our Father, and to your Son and to the Holy Spirit, one God, 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.

LORD’S PRAYER

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.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

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.

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.

11

O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD

Agnus Dei

Text: Michael D. Schultz © 2021 Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: Latin, 15th cent. Public domain.

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.

Gluten-free communion wafers and grape juice are available for those who for health or medical reason require it. Please see page 14.

PRAYER BEFORE COMMUNION (For private meditation)

COMMUNION MUSIC:

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.

Variations on “The Advent of Our King” George Brandon Benjamin Culli Bruce Backer Healey Willan

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.

12

+ THANKSGIVING + Please stand

SPOKEN RESPONSES Psalm 106:1

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures forever.

1 Corinthians 11:26

Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup,

we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

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.

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

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 POSTLUDE MUSIC: Prepare the Royal Highway John Behnke

13

CLOSING HYMN—O Bride of Christ, Rejoice

Christian Worship 303

TODAY Holy Communion We provide gluten-free communion wafers for those with wheat allergy, gluten-sensitivity, or celiac disease. These wafers are stored and handled separately to avoid cross-contamination. They are “bread” as Scripture requires and are consecrated along with the rest of the bread. For those requiring gluten-free wafers, please take one from the stand located at the front rail as you approach for communion. Simply hold it so that the pastor can see it at the time of distribution. Grape juice is available for those who for health or medical reason require it instead of wine. Please speak with a pastor about providing grape juice for you on future Sundays.

Today we are distributing Holy Communion in “tables.” The ushers will direct members forward by the side aisles. Groups of about ten will be guided toward the center aisle and will line up to receive the elements together. After each table communes, the pastor will offer a blessing and dismiss the group to return by the center aisle.

To aid in your personal preparation for Holy Communion, a list of Christian Questions can be found on pages 295-296 in the hymnal. These were prepared by Martin Luther for those intending to receive the Sacrament.

Altar Flowers

The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by Pat Messer in memory of her mother, Lois Gault Allen, and with thanksgiving for the many undeserved blessings from our Lord and Savior.

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. The remainder of the Sundays this year have been filled, but all of the Sundays in January 2024 are open. 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. We thank Bill & Lisa Toben for hosting this week. Upcoming available dates are December 17 and 31. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

Those Assisting in Worship This Morning Preacher ........................................................................................................ Pastor Nathan Kassulke Worship Leader ................................................................................................... Pastor Ron Koehler Accompanist ..................................................................................................................... Jim Bakken Vocalist .................................................................................................................. Pastor Tim Patoka Choir Director ............................................................................................................... Paul Kassulke Acolytes ................................................................ Anna Kassulke (7:45 AM), Zach Miller (10:00 AM) Greeters................................................................ Jeanette O’Donald, Nadine Rentschler (10:00 AM) Ushers ......................................................................................... Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM) Jon Dongoske, Dylan Guenther, Ferdie Kramm, Rick Street (10:00 AM) Communion Prep ............................................................................... Sally Littau, Cynthia Breitkreitz Sound and Recording Techs ..................................Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke Banner Committee ............................................ Nadine Rentschler, Jeanette O’Donald, Sandy Weir Acknowledgements: Scripture readings are taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) © 2018 The Wartburg Project. All rights reserved. wartburgproject.org.

Created by Christian Worship: Service Builder © 2023 Concordia Publishing House. Software distributed in partnership with Northwestern Publishing House.

14

ANNOUNCEMENTS Sunday Morning Bible Study

Join us on Sunday mornings for a look at 1 John under the theme, “Living in the Light of God’s Love.” 1 John is a brief book nestled into the back of the Bible, but it is full of wisdom for Christians living in the light and joy of God’s love for them. If you have not made Sunday morning Bible study a part of your routine, this would be a great time to start! We meet at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall.

WELS Tucson Campus Ministry: Tonight

WELS Tucson Campus Ministry (TCM) invites all college-aged adults to join us for Bible study this evening on Christmas Traditions. We meet in the Student Center located in the basement at Grace-Tucson at 7:00 PM.

Daily Devotions

Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are at either door to church and in the Fellowship Hall. A new Meditations with devotions beginning today is available. These are great tools to use for your daily Bible study!

Greeting Cards

Christmas cards and a wide variety of Scripture-based greeting cards are available for purchase in the southwest corner of the Fellowship Hall. These cards are made available at cost by the Women of Grace and the prices are marked.

Mission to the Children

Mission to the Children (MttC) is asking for prayers for the people in the villages they serve in Mexico as they face some very dangerous and difficult times. Many are having to flee from the dangers currently threatening their way of life. If you would like to help with the aid to those still in Mexico as well as those who have come to Arizona with nothing but the clothes on their backs, please consider donating clothing, toiletries, or gift cards. Please contact MttC Office Manager, Nicole Scheuerlein (520)820-2016 or info@missiontothechildren.org, with any questions.

We will be gathering and sorting donations, as well as assembling Christmas boxes, here at GraceTucson in the Fellowship Hall TOMORROW, December 4, at 5:00 PM. Many hands are needed!

Please come help if you are able.

Midweek Advent Services

Advent is a time of preparation and repentance as we prepare to celebrate Christmas. Join us on Wednesdays, December 6 & 13, for two more special Advent midweek worship services. We are using the theme “Exiles” and are examining what it means to be far from home, and even more so, far from God. This series helps us ponder why we needed a way to be brought back together with our Creator and why it is so essential for the Messiah to bring us back from exile. Three weekly themes are rotating through the sites hosting our midweek services, so you are encouraged to pick one site at which to worship for these services.

Grace-Benson 10:00 AM Grace-Sahuarita 10:00 AM & 6:00 PM Grace-Tucson 10:00 AM & 7:00 PM You are also invited to join us for a light lunch following the service at Grace-Benson or a light supper at 6:00 PM at Grace-Tucson.

15

ANNOUNCEMENTS Advent Devotions Books

Martin Luther College (MLC), our WELS college of ministry, has published a series of 25 devotions for Advent meant to be used daily from December 1 to 25. These devotions are entitled “The Mysteries of Christmas—Many Millennia, Many Mysteries, One Messiah.” You may request that the devotions be emailed to you daily or view the entire booklet at mlc-wels.edu/publications/seasonaldevotions/. If you would like a paper copy, please contact the Grace Central Office at (520)623-6633 or office@gracelutheransaz.org.

Ladies’ Fellowship Group: Thursday

The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet at 10:30 AM this Thursday, December 7, in the GraceTucson Fellowship Hall for an Advent salad luncheon. You are asked to bring your favorite salad and a tasteful white elephant gift for a gift exchange. Dessert will be provided. Ladies will also join in an Advent devotion. Please contact Lois Thornton at (520)323-8772 or vthornto2@gmail.com with any questions. Ladies from all Grace sites are welcome to join in the celebration!

Carols in the Courtyard: Friday

This year’s Carols in the Courtyard event will take place this Friday, December 8, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM in the Grace-Tucson courtyard. Begin the Christmas season with your fellow Grace members, our friends from the neighborhood around GraceTucson, and the unchurched friends and family you invite to join you! This is both a fellowship event for Grace members from ALL sites and an outreach event. Sing along with favorite Christmas songs, enjoy some hot chocolate and homemade Christmas treats, and spend a fun evening in our decorated courtyard! We hope you can join us for all or just some of the evening! There are invitation cards available at both church doors and in the Fellowship Hall for you to use to invite your friends!

Grace members are asked to bring homemade Christmas cookies and treats (no cakes or pies please) for this event. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall or call the Grace Central Office at (520)623-6633.

Grace Annual Meeting: December 10

Our Annual Voters' Meeting will be held next Sunday, December 10, at noon in the Fellowship Hall at Grace-Tucson. Lunch will be provided. Ministry Board elections and the 2024 Ministry Spending Plan approval will be on the agenda. The Annual Meeting Booklet was in this past Friday’s email update and paper copies are available at each of the church doors and in the Fellowship Hall.

Christmas for Kids: December 16

Celebrate Jesus' birth at Christmas For Kids! Our Tucson site will host this outreach event on Saturday, December 16, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. This free, fun event will include songs, snacks, games, crafts, and more to show us God's Christmas gift: our Savior Jesus! Children aged 3 through grade 5 are invited. Older siblings are welcome to assist. Registration is available at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/C4K. Invite your unchurched friends and family! Contact Pastor Patoka (RevTLP@GraceLutheranSAZ.org) for more information. Invite your unchurched friends and family with a flier found at either church door or in the Fellowship Hall. Contact Pastor Patoka (RevTLP@GraceLutheranSAZ.org) for more information.

16

ANNOUNCEMENTS Handbells at Canoa Ranch: December 16

The Grace-Tucson handbell choir will be performing at Christmas at Canoa Ranch (5375 S. I-19 Frontage Road, Green Valley) on Saturday, December 16, from 5:00 to 6:00 PM. Listen to the handbells while you enjoy beautiful Christmas lights. Food will also be available for purchase. For more information about the Historic Canoa Ranch and Christmas at Canoa, please visit pima.gov/1253/Historic-Canoa-Ranch.

Funeral Service Planning Opportunity

Have you ever considered what comfort from God’s Word you want family and friends to hear when the Lord calls you home to heaven? What if you could suggest some readings or hymns for your funeral service? Are you interested in planning some things now so that it will be easier on your family and the pastor when that time comes? No matter your age, you are invited to meet with Pastor Koehler for a Funeral Service Planning session. Please contact him as soon as possible as he plans to hold a class on either an evening or during the day on an upcoming Friday. Call the church office (520-623-6633) or email him at RevRGK3@GraceLutheranSAZ.org.

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. Over the next several weeks, Pastor Koehler will learn more about the ministry there. He 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.

HOLIDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE Midweek Advent Services Wednesdays: December 6 & 13 10:00 AM Grace-Benson (lunch following worship) 10:00 AM & 6:00 PM Grace-Sahuarita 10:00 AM & 7:00 PM Grace-Tucson (supper at 6:00 PM)

Sunday, December 24 7:30 AM Benson Christmas Worship 10:00 AM Grace-Sahuarita Children’s Christmas Service

Christmas Day Worship Monday, December 25 10:00 AM Grace-Sahuarita 10:00 AM Grace-Tucson

10:00 AM Tucson Worship 10:00 AM Vail Christmas Worship Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship 7:00 PM Grace-Sahuarita & Tucson Sunday, December 31

Sunday Morning 7:30 AM Benson Worship 10:00 AM Sahuarita, Tucson, and Vail Worship

17

All-Site New Year’s Eve Worship 5:30 PM Grace-Sahuarita Followed by dinner & fellowship

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 3 - December 10 TUCSON Today Worship Services with communion ................. 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour ...................................................... 8:45a Adult Bible Study: Living in the Light of God’s Love ....... 9:00a Grow in Grace Class (Office Conference Room) ........... 9:00a Lifeliners (High School group) Bible Study ..................... 9:00a Fellowship following worship ...................................................

TCM Bible Study: Christmas Traditions .......................... 7:00p Monday Mission to the Children Packing Christmas Boxes ......... 5:00p Tuesday Weekly Pastors’ Meeting ................................................ 9:00a English Classes .............................................................. 6:30p Wednesday Advent Worship .............................................. 10:00a & 7:00p Advent Supper ................................................................ 6:00p

Thursday Women’s Bible Study: Prepared to Answer .................... 9:00a Ladies’ Fellowship Group ............................................. 10:30a Handbells ........................................................................ 5:30p Worship Choir ................................................................. 6:45p Friday Carols in the Courtyard ................................................... 6:00p Next Sunday, December 10 Worship Services ............................................ 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour ...................................................... 8:45a Adult Bible Study: Living in the Light of God’s Love ....... 9:00a Grow in Grace Class (Office Conference Room) ........... 9:00a Lifeliners (High School group) Bible Study ..................... 9:00a Fellowship following worship ...................................................

Grace Annual Meeting .................................................. 12:00p TCM Christmas Party ..................................................... 7:00p ONLINE Today Adult Bible Study (Tucson) ............................................. 9:00a Worship Service (Tucson) ............................................ 10:00a Wednesday Advent Worship (Tucson) ............................................... 7:00p Next Sunday, December 10 Adult Bible Study (Tucson) ............................................. 9:00a Worship Service (Tucson) ............................................ 10:00a

BENSON Today Worship Service with communion .................................. 7:30a Adult Bible Study: 1 Corinthians..................................... 8:45a

Wednesday Advent Worship & Lunch.............................................. 10:00a Next Sunday, December 10 Worship Service.. ........................................................... 7:30a Adult Bible Study: 1 Corinthians..................................... 8:45a

VAIL Today Adult Bible Study: The Gospel in the Psalms ................ 9:00a Youth Bible Study........................................................... 9:00a Worship Service with communion ................................ 10:00a

Thursday Adult Bible Study: Sanctification .................................... 6:30p Saturday Canvassing for Carols in the Park & Christmas........... 10:00a Next Sunday, December 10 Adult Bible Study: The Gospel in the Psalms ................ 9:00a Youth Bible Study........................................................... 9:00a Worship Service.. ..........................................................10:00a

SAHUARITA Today Adult Bible Study: God’s Will Is... ................................... 9:00a Children’s Sunday School .............................................. 9:00a Worship Service with communion ................................ 10:00a Adult Choir practice following worship .....................................

Wednesday Advent Worship ............................................... 10:00a & 6:00p Next Sunday, December 10 Adult Bible Study: God’s Will Is ...................................... 9:00a Children’s Sunday School .............................................. 9:00a Worship Service.. ......................................................... 10:00a Adult Choir practice following worship .....................................

18

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.