12-4-22 Grace-Tucson Worship Folder

THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT

Welcome to Grace!

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

Check out the GRACE WEBSITE at GraceLutheranSAZ.org

WORSHIP NOTES

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

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

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

OUR WORSHIP SERIES COME, LORD JESUS!

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

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

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

KING AS JUDGE AS MESSIAH AS IMMANUEL

COME, LORD JESUS!—AS JUDGE

When Jesus comes back as judge, everyone will face a binary outcome. Either they will be judged righteous and experience the peace and joys of Paradise or they will be judged wicked and suffer unquenchable fire.

John the Baptist's job was to point to the only way to prepare for a judgment, one where the stakes are that high. Repent! And look to the Lord Jesus. For when Jesus came into our world the first time, it was not as judge, but as Savior. All those whose faith is in Christ have already been judged righteous. Please, take these words to heart: the reign of God draws near, and his judgment is inevitable. As John the Baptist once said, “All people will see God's salvation.” The only question is if one sees Christ’s second coming with joy or regret. For those who fail to repent, the coming of the Judge brings certain doom. But his people will see that Judge like a banner on the hilltop, rallying us to his glorious side.

AS

Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit. Congregation: Amen. OPENING SENTENCES

PRESERVICE MUSIC:

Savior of the Nations, Come arr. Linda Moeller

Come, O King, Our Savior arr. Rachel Chapin

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus arr. Rachel Chapin

Psalm 51:15

Psalm 70:1

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

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

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

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

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

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES

We light two Advent candles remembering Jesus, who came in history. He came into a world of sin and death.

We remember Jesus, who came as the promised Messiah. John the Baptist prepared the way of the Lord.

We hear his call to repent. We light two Advent candles as a sign of our repentance and desire for renewal.

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

Two Advent candles are lit.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the way for your only Son. By his coming, give us strength in our conflicts, and shed light on our path through the darkness of this world; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

Please be seated

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

THE WORD +

From the family tree of Jesse, father of King David, another King would come to judge the world with righteousness and establish an everlasting kingdom.

FIRST READING

1

A shoot will spring up from the stump of Jesse, and a Branch from his roots will bear fruit.

2 The Spirit of the L will rest on him: the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the L .

3 He will be delighted with the fear of the L .

Isaiah 11:1 10

He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, nor will he render decisions based on what he hears with his ears,

4 but with righteousness he will judge the poor, and he will render fair decisions in favor of the oppressed on the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath from his lips he will put the wicked to death.

5 Righteousness will be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his hips.

6 The wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat, the calf, the young lion, and the fattened calf together, and a little child will lead them.

7 The cow and the bear will graze together, and their young ones will lie down together. The lion will eat straw like the cattle.

8 The nursing child will play near a cobra’s hole, and the weaned child will put his hand into a viper’s den.

9 They will not hurt or destroy anywhere on my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the L , as the waters cover the sea.

10 This is what will take place on that day. The peoples will seek the Root of Jesse, who will be standing like a banner for the peoples, and his resting place will be glorious.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

HYMN What Hope! An Eden Prophesied

Christian Worship 304

SECOND READING Romans 15:4-13

4 Indeed, whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that, through patient endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we would have hope. 5 And may God, the source of patient endurance and encouragement, grant that you agree with one another in accordance with Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one mind, in one voice, you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7 For this reason, accept one another as Christ also accepted you to the glory of God. 8 For I am saying that Christ became a servant of those who are circumcised for the sake of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs. 9 He also did this so that the Gentiles would glorify God for his mercy, as it is written:

For this reason I will praise you among the Gentiles, and I will sing to your name.

10

And again it says: Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.

11 And again: Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples give him praise.

12

And again Isaiah says: There will be a Root of Jesse, and he is the one who will rise up to rule the Gentiles; on him the Gentiles will place their hope.

13 Now may the God of hope fill you with complete joy and peace as you continue to believe, so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Please stand

God’s people face the coming judgment not with fear but with hope because God has raised up the Root of Jesse as our Savior.

Psalm 18:49 Deuteronomy 32:43

Psalm 117:1

Isaiah 11:10

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

The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Refrain (ALL):

To prepare us for the coming judgment, God sent John the Baptist, a voice in the wilderness, calling all to repent.

Isaiah 40:3

Vocalist: Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. And all people will see God’s salvation.

Refrain (ALL)

GOSPEL Matthew 3:1-12

1 In those days, John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, 2 “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven is near!”

3 Yes, this is he of whom this was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: A voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Prepare the way of the Lord. Make his paths straight.”

4 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem, all of Judea, and all the region around the Jordan were going out to him.

6 They were baptized by him in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins. 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism, he said to them, “You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Therefore produce fruit in keeping with repentance! 9 Do not think of saying to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones. 10 Already the ax is ready to strike the root of the trees. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 I baptize you with water for repentance. But the one who comes after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing shovel is in his hand, and he will thoroughly clean out his threshing floor. He will gather his wheat into the barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

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

HYMN OF THE DAY On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry Christian Worship 316

SERMON

Isaiah 11:1 10

A Shoot Springs Up for You SONG OF ZECHARIAH Benedictus

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

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

Please stand

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.

CONFESSION OF FAITH

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father.

Through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate.

He suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Please be seated

Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

Nicene Creed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lift up our hearts in joyful anticipation of that day.

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

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

Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.

Silent prayer

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

OFFERING

Members of Grace respond to their Savior’s love with offerings that are given joyfully, generously, regularly, and in a way that is proportionate to how the Lord has blessed them. Their cheerful gifts support the mission and ministry of our congregation. If you are a guest today, please know that we do not expect you to contribute to our congregation’s work. However, if you would like to give an offering to the Lord in response to his love to you, we are happy to receive it and put it to work in God’s kingdom. If you prefer, use your smart phone to give online by scanning this QR code:

Please fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder at the end of the row and pass it along. Thank you!

OFFERTORY:

On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry arr. Edward H. Meyer

Please stand 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:

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

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY Sanctus

This song continues on the next page.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

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

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

Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

Matthew 6 and Luke 11 record how Jesus taught his disciples to pray. We use his example prayer as part of our public worship, trusting that he will hear and answer our prayers.

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

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 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.

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

JESUS, LAMB OF GOD Agnus Dei

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

DISTRIBUTION

The Bible teaches that the Lord’s Supper is a unique communion of Christ and the individual believer as well as a coming together of people who hold to the same beliefs. Because of these Scriptural truths, we practice Member Communion at Grace. Those who are confirmed members of Wisconsin Synod congregations (WELS) are invited to receive the Lord’s Supper with us.

If you are not a WELS member but have an interest in receiving Holy Communion, please speak with the pastor after church today or at another time. We are aware that there are a number of other teachings about Holy Communion, and we want it to be a blessing for you, so we would look forward to sharing with you what God says about this Sacrament.

PRAYER BEFORE COMMUNION (For private meditation)

Lord Jesus, you have invited me to come and receive your holy Sacrament. I believe that in the bread and wine you give me your true body and blood to eat and drink. Forgive my sins and nourish my faith through this precious meal. I long for the comfort that comes with your promises; I yearn for the assurance of your faithful love. Bless me now as I receive you by faith. Amen.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION (For private meditation)

Thank you, dear Savior, for nourishing my faith with the Sacrament of your body and blood. Lift my heart with your forgiveness, renew my confidence in your grace, empower my love for others, and lead me to long for the eternal banquet of heaven. Amen.

Gluten free communion wafers and grape juice are available for those who for health or medical reason require it. Please see page 17 for additional details.

+ THANKSGIVING +

Please stand

SPOKEN RESPONSES

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

Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

COMMUNION MUSIC:

Jesus Christ, Our Blessed Savior and Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness arr. Mark Knickelbein

Psalm 106:1 1 Corinthians 11:26

The blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God’s people for over 3,500 years. The L said, “In this way they will put my name on [them], and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27

CLOSING PRAYER

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

Amen.

PRAYER RESPONSE

BLESSING

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

Altar Flowers

The flowers beautifying our altar today have been given by Pat Messer with praise and thanksgiving to our Lord for his many blessings and in memory of her loving mother, Lois, and Gisela Kittel, who was like a sister to her.

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

Fellowship

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

Sunday Morning Bible Study

“A God of Love Wouldn’t Send People to Hell.” “It Doesn’t Matter How God Made the World.” These and other popular statements might sound good, but do they really fit with what the Bible says? We are currently working through “10 Lies About God.” This study will help us respond to false teachings about God and to defend what the Bible teaches. Now would be an excellent time to make this study a part of your Sunday routine! Please join us at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall.

Children’s Bible Hour: TODAY

All children, age 3 through 8th grade, are invited to attend Children’s Bible Hour on Sunday mornings. The children will begin together in the main area of our Education Building at 8:45 AM for music and an opening devotion and from there will be divided into age-based classrooms. Parents can meet their children after class at their classrooms or in the courtyard. If you have any questions about Children’s Bible Hour, please contact Pastor Patoka.

Devotional Books

Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are at either door to church and in the Fellowship Hall. A new Meditations with devotions that began last Sunday is available.

Advent Devotion 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. Copies of these books are available at each of the church doors and in the Fellowship Hall. You may also request that the devotions be emailed to you daily or download a PDF copy of the entire book at mlc-wels.edu/publications/ seasonal devotions/.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Advent by Candlelight: Today

All ladies are invited to Advent by Candlelight this afternoon from 4:00 to 5:30 PM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall. You are encouraged to bring your friends to join in focusing on the true meaning of Christmas.

CLC Fundraiser at Panda Express: Monday

Our Child Learning Center at our Sahuarita site will be holding a fundraiser at Panda Express (750 S. Rancho Sahuarita Blvd. Sahuarita, AZ 85629) tomorrow, December 5, from 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM. 20% of event sales will be donated to the CLC! Our goal is to raise money for classroom supplies and grow our scholarship fund. You must bring in an event flyer (available on a table in the Fellowship Hall) or show it on your smartphone. If you are ordering online (PandaExpress.com or the App) use the fundraiser code 342141. We hope you can come and help support the Child Learning Center!

Midweek Advent Services

Advent is a time of preparation and repentance as we prepare to celebrate Christmas. Join us on the two remaining Wednesdays, December 7 and 14, for special Advent Midweek worship services. This year we are focusing on the question raised by one of our hymns, “O Lord, How Shall I Meet You?” Three weekly themes will rotate 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 and 6:00 PM Grace Tucson 10:00 AM and 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.

Carols in the Courtyard: Friday

Begin the coming Christmas season with your friends at Grace, our friends from the neighborhood around Grace Tucson, and the unchurched friends and family you invite to join you! Carols in the Courtyard 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 with friends in our decorated courtyard! We hope you can join us THIS Friday, December 9, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM in the Grace Tucson courtyard. There are invitation cards available at both church doors and in the Fellowship Hall for you to use to invite your friends!

Christmas For Kids: Saturday

This Saturday, December 10, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, Grace Tucson will host Christmas For Kids. This free, fun event will include songs, crafts, and other activities that will focus on God’s Christmas gift to us: our Savior Jesus! Adults and children are welcome to stick around for cake and fellowship as we celebrate Jesus’ birthday. Children age 3 through grade 5 are invited to attend. Older siblings are welcome to assist. Registration is available at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/C4K. You may pick up a handout from either church door or in the Fellowship Hall to use to invite your friends and family. Please contact Pastor Patoka (RevTLP@GraceLutheranSAZ.org) for more information.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Annual Meeting: December 11

Our Annual Voters' Meeting will be held next Sunday, December 11. This year's meeting will take place at our Grace Vail worship location (Esmond Station School) at noon. Lunch will be provided. Ministry Board elections, Ministry Spending Plan approval, and calling three CLC teachers will all be on the agenda. The agenda and reports were included in the email update this past Friday. Paper copies are available at both church doors and in the Fellowship Hall.

TCM Apacheland Mission Trip: Register by December 12

Tucson Campus Ministry is organizing a mission trip for college age adults on the San Carlos Apache Reservation from January 14-16. College-age adults are invited to join our Apache brothers and sisters in service and worship as we take in beautiful sights, enjoy cultural food, and make fun memories. All expenses are covered. Contact Campus Pastor Tim (welstcm@welstcm.com) by December 12 to register and for more information.

CLC Children’s Christmas Walk: December 16

The Child Learning Center at our Sahuarita location is hosting a “Children’s Christmas Walk to Meet Jesus” on Friday, December 16, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Part of the evening includes a Cookie Walk (cookie sale). If you like to bake Christmas cookies, we could use 4 5 dozen of your favorite recipe. They will be sold to CLC families and church members who might not have time or interest in baking. If you would like to volunteer to help at the Cookie walk, please contact Jen Rickling at (262) 366 5778. Cookies can be delivered to the CLC on December 15 or 16 or to the Grace Central Office at our Tucson location by 5:00 PM on December 15.

Caroling in the Park: December 17

Grace Vail will be hosting a “Caroling in the Park” event on Saturday, December 17, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Purple Heart Park in Rita Ranch (9800 E. Rita Road, Tucson 85747). Enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, and some of your favorite Christmas songs! Come for the music, stay for the fellowship! Please invite friends to join you.

Sahuarita Holiday Lights Parade:

December 17

Grace-Sahuarita is participating in the Sahuarita Holiday Lights Parade! Our float will leave the Child Learning Center at 4:00 PM, and the parade begins promptly at 5:30 PM. Singers are invited to join us as we share the message of Jesus from our float through song. If you would like to volunteer to sing at the Holiday Lights Parade, please contact Laura Heiman at (520)278-8793. We hope you can come out to watch the parade!

Lifeliners Campfire & Games: December 18

The Patoka family invites the Lifeliners (Grace's high school youth group) to their home on Sunday, December 18, for campfire fun from 6:00 to 8:00PM. We plan to enjoy s'mores and hot chocolate around their inviting fire pit and perhaps some games inside their warm home! Text Pastor Patoka (540 623 1149) to RSVP and for directions.

New Year’s Eve All-Site Service & Celebration

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

Men of His Word Rally: January 21, 2023

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.

Divine Call Updates

At our special Call meeting on Sunday, October 23, Grace extended two Divine Calls for Mission Teachers at our Child Learning Center. Mrs. Alison Moeri has declined our call and will continue to serve at Little Lambs Learning Center and Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Duluth, Minnesota. Mrs. Jennifer Rannow has also declined our call and will continue to serve at Precious Lambs Early Learning Center at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Raleigh, North Carolina.

We plan to extend new calls at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, December 11.

Divine Call Received

Pastor Kassulke was informed on November 10 that St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson, WI had voted to extend to him a Divine Call to serve as their outreach pastor. This means that he now holds two calls, one to Grace Tucson and one to St. Paul’s in Fort Atkinson. He is working to make a decision whether to accept the new Call and move his ministry to Wisconsin or to decline the Call and continue serving here. He will strive to make that decision with prayer and careful consideration where his particular gifts for ministry fit best.

Pastor Kassulke welcomes any input that the friends and members of Grace might wish to share with him. You can reach him by email at RevNPK@GraceLutheranSAZ.org or by phone at (520)260 4453. He also appreciates prayers offered on behalf of him and his family during this deliberation as well as for both congregations.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Grace Member Called to Heaven

Grace member Bernice Marsala was called to her Savior’s side 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 has been scheduled for 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 7, at Grace Tucson.

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.

Helping Hands

Sometimes you could just use a helping hand! Do you have a talent or service that you could offer to our fellow Grace members who could use some help (at a minimal cost or free)? Just a few ideas: outdoor work, computer work, sewing/mending, handyman, cooking, organizing, transportation to appointments, etc. We’re sure there are many more! If you would like to help, please fill out a Helping Hands card found on the bulletin board outside of the Library in the Fellowship Hall. These offers will then be posted on the bulletin board.

HOLIDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE

Midweek Advent Services

Wednesdays: Dec. 7, Dec. 14

10:00 AM at Grace Benson (lunch following worship)

10:00 AM & 6:00 PM at Grace Sahuarita

10:00 AM & 7:00 PM at Grace Tucson (supper at 6:00 PM)

Christmas Day Worship Sunday, December 25

7:30 AM at Grace Benson

10:00 AM at Grace-Vail

10:00 AM at Grace Sahuarita

10:00 AM at Grace Tucson

Christmas Eve Services Saturday, December 24

Children’s Christmas Service 4:00 PM at Grace Sahuarita

Christmas Eve Worship 4:00 PM at Grace Vail 4:00 & 7:00 PM at Grace Tucson 7:00 PM at Grace Sahuarita

New Year’s Eve Worship

All Site Service Saturday, December 31

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

This Week at Grace

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.

Ÿ

TUCSON

Today

December 4 – December 11

VAIL Today

Worship Services with communion .................7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour...................................................... 8:45a

Adult Bible Study: 10 Lies About God 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study 9:00a Small Group Bible Study: God & Government 9:00a Fellowship following worship...................................................

Women’s Advent by Candlelight 4:00p TCM Christmas Party 7:00p

Tuesday

Weekly Pastors’ Meeting 9:00a English Classes 6:30p

Wednesday

Advent Worship Services 10:00a & 7:00p Advent Supper 6:00p

Thursday

Women’s Bible Study: Prepared to Answer ................... 9:00a Handbell Rehearsal 5:30p Worship Choir 6:45p Friday Carols in the Courtyard 6:00p Saturday Christmas for Kids 10:00a

Next Sunday, December 11

Worship Services 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a

Adult Bible Study: 10 Lies About God ............................ 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study 9:00a NO Small Group Bible Study Fellowship following worship

ONLINE

Today

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

Wednesday

Advent Worship Service (Tucson) 7:00p

Next Sunday, December 4

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

Stay Up to Date

Children’s Sunday School...............................................9:00a

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

Thursday

NO Midweek Bible Study

Next Sunday, December 11

Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Adult Bible Study: Male & Female He Created Them ....9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship Grace’s Annual Meeting 12:00p

BENSON Today

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

Advent Worship Service & Lunch 10:00a

Next Sunday, December 11 Worship Service 7:30a Bible Study following worship: 1 Corinthians

SAHUARITA

Today

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

Advent Worship Services 10:00a & 6:00p

Next Sunday, December 11

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

OFF-SITE EVENT Monday

CLC Fundraiser at Panda Express

9:00a 8:30p

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