THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT
G E L C T , A D 7, 2025
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 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 SERIES THEME—IMMINENT ARRIVAL
Do you remember the feeling when someone important is about to arrive at your place? It’s a mixture of anticipation and excitement and nervousness. Did you make all the correct preparations? Will the person be happy to see you? When and how will the person arrive? Will there be any surprises?
During these weeks before Christmas, we anticipate the imminent arrival of Jesus. He’s an important person! We are about to celebrate his birth. He could return on judgment day at any time. But in worship we realize that he impacts our lives when the Bible is read and when the sacraments are administered. Suddenly we feel the excitement of an imminent arrival.
Our worship will follow this path:
First Sunday in Advent Imminent Arrival of the King
Second Sunday in Advent Imminent Arrival of the Judge
Third Sunday in Advent Imminent Arrival of the Messiah
Fourth Sunday in Advent Imminent Arrival of Emmanuel
OUR THEME FOR TODAY—IMMINENT ARRIVAL OF THE JUDGE
The judge is an important person. You stand when he enters the courtroom. What he says must be obeyed. If you are the one on trial, his determinations make a big difference in how your life will continue.
You might be quite nervous if the judge is about to arrive. John invited people to turn their nervousness to repentance. He says that the arrival of the Judge is imminent, and the kingdom of heaven is near! You are invited to hear John, repent, and believe the good news of the coming Savior.
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +
WELCOME
Please stand
PRESERVICE
Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness Rebecca R. Kramer
On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry Steven Wente
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
SUNG RESPONSE—O Come, Emmanuel
Vocalist: O come, Emmanuel, and into our hearts be born. Make ready his path with joyful praise, preparing the way of the Lord. O come, O Prince of Peace, for prophets did long foretell the one who will reign forevermore, O come, Emmanuel.
CONFESSION
The L is pleased with those who fear him, those who wait for his mercy.
Dear friends, the season of Advent is a time of preparation as we await Christ’s second coming on the Last Day. We prepare our hearts to meet him as we humbly seek his forgiveness.
Almighty God, merciful Father, I confess to you that I have not loved you with all my heart. In what I have done and left undone, I have pursued my ways instead of your ways. I have not loved others as you command. For this I deserve your punishment now and forever. I am sorry for my sins. I repent of them. I beg for your mercy.
Silence for meditation and reflection
If you, Lord, kept a record of guilt, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is pardon, so you are feared.
The words of the invocation remind us that the God we meet and worship is the true and triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Psalm 147:11
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
Psalm 130:3-4
SUNG RESPONSE—O Come, Emmanuel
ALL:
ABSOLUTION
I wait for the L . My soul waits, and in his word I have put my hope.
Wait confidently for the L , because with the L there is mercy.
With him there is abundant redemption. So he will redeem his people from all their guilt.
God’s promise to his people was fulfilled in the coming of his Son. Jesus Christ humbled himself by submitting to God’s law and by becoming obedient to death on a cross. Even as we await Christ’s second coming, he comes to us here and now in the words he gives his messengers to speak: I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
SUNG RESPONSE—O Come, Emmanuel
Vocalist: A herald’s voice is heard: “Make straight his way.”
All people will know of God’s glory in ev’ry age.
Refrain (ALL)—see page 3
LIGHTING
OF THE ADVENT WREATH
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 blest.
Two Advent candles are lit.
SUNG RESPONSE O Come, Emmanuel
Vocalist: O Christ, you are our Judge, we wait for you.
“Repent for the kingdom of heaven is drawing near.”
Refrain (ALL)—see page 3
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray.
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.
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.
Isaiah gives the credentials of the one who would come to judge.
SUNG RESPONSE—O Come, Emmanuel
Final Refrain (ALL):
This reading continues on the next page.
Please be seated
+ THE WORD +
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 .
Text and music: Mark Friedman and Janet Vogt © 2005 Mark Friedman and Janet Vogt, admin. OCP Publications. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
3 He will be delighted with the fear of the L 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.
10This 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—Dawning Light of Our Salvation
Christian Worship 311
The vocalist will sing verse 1 and the first refrain. Please join in singing the rest of the hymn.
SECOND READING Romans 15:4–13
4Indeed, 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. 5And may God, the source of patient endurance and encouragement, grant that you agree with one another in accordance with Christ Jesus, 6so that with one mind, in one voice, you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7For this reason, accept one another as Christ also accepted you to the glory of God. 8For 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. 9He also did this so that the Gentiles would glorify God for his mercy, as it is written:
God’s people face the coming judgment with hope, not fear.
This reading continues on the next page.
18:49
Deuteronomy 32:43
Psalm 117:1
Isaiah 11:10
For this reason I will praise you among the Gentiles, and I will sing to your name.
10And again it says:
Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.
11And again:
Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples give him praise.
12And 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.
13Now 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.
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King. The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Please stand
Vocalist: Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. And all people will see God’s salvation. Refrain (ALL)
Tune: Kermit G. Moldenhauer © 2002, 2021 Kermit G. Moldenhauer, admin. Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
3:1-12
1In those days, John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, 2“Repent, because the kingdom of heaven is near!”
3Yes, 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.”
4John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5Then Jerusalem, all of Judea, and all the region around the Jordan were going out to him.
6They were baptized by him in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins. 7But 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? 8Therefore produce fruit in keeping with repentance! 9Do 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. 10Already 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. 11I 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. 12His 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.
Please be seated
HYMN OF THE DAY On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry Christian Worship 316
John prepared people for the arrival of the Judge by emphasizing the nearness of the kingdom of God.
Isaiah 40:3
SERMON
Matthew 3:1-2
Prepare for the Judge’s Arrival
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
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!
Please stand
OFFERTORY:
There’s a Voice in the Wilderness Crying Christian Worship 308
The Preface to the Sacrament is one of the oldest parts of the Christian liturgy, dating back to the first century. As we prepare to receive Holy Communion, we are united with the Body of Christ, in an unbroken bond with Christians through the millennia.
PREFACE
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
+ THE SACRAMENT +
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.
The Prophet Isaiah was given a vision of heaven, where seraphim praised God. In the Sanctus we welcome Jesus with our hosannas 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
John the Baptist pointed to Jesus and said, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” We sing the Agnus Dei confident that Jesus has borne our sins and freely gives us forgiveness and peace in the Sacrament.
Please be seated
DISTRIBUTION
Gluten-free communion wafers and grape juice are available for those who for health or medical reason require it. Please see page 15 for more information.
COMMUNION MUSIC:
Savior of the Nations, Come Matthew Machemer
My Soul in Stillness Waits
Rebecca Kramer
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.
Text: Michael D. Schultz © 2021 Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: Cantionale Germanicum, Gochsheim, 1628. Public domain.
+ THANKSGIVING +
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.
CLOSING PRAYER
We give you thanks, O Lord, for the foretaste of the heavenly banquet you have given us in this Sacrament. Through this gift you have fed our faith, nourished our hope, and strengthened our love. By your Spirit, help us to live as your holy people until that day when you will receive us as your guests at the wedding supper of the Lamb, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
BLESSING
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.
Amen.
The blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God’s people for over 3,500 years. The L said, “In this way they will put my name on [them], and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27
Please be seated ANNOUNCEMENTS
MUSIC: Dawning Light of Our Salvation Christian Worship 311
POSTLUDE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Welcome Guests!
Are you a guest with us today? We invite you to pick up a Guest Packet at either church door. The packets include information about our congregation and what we believe. We’re so thankful you are here for worship today!
Altar Flowers
The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by Deb Sloyan and Linda Morris in honor of the birthdays of their mothers, Vera Hess and Verna Retberg.
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. All of the Sundays in January are available. 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 Deb Sloyan and Linda Morris for hosting this morning. The next available dates are January 4, 18, & 25. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.
Sunday Morning Bible Study
Join us this morning for a look at Idols We Never Knew We Had. We’ll answer the question “Are we really idolaters?” and explore some common idols within our society and perhaps our own experience. Please join us, and invite a friend! We meet at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall.
Christmas for College Students!
We have just a few things left for the semester. TONIGHT at 6:00 PM, help make Christmas joyful for kids by helping Mission to the Children wrap gifts for the children they serve. Meet in the Grace Fellowship Hall (enter through the courtyard) and enjoy dinner while you work! Following that at 7:00 PM in the Student Center, join in the last Bible study of the semester: Fact, Fiction, or Christmas Tradition? Pastor Koehler says you will absolutely not have all the answers to his annual Christmas trivia Bible study! Come prove him wrong or learn a few things you didn’t know. Next Sunday will be the TCM Christmas Party at 7:00 PM, and Josiah and Mark are talking prizes for the winners of the cookie decorating competition! Come for the Christmas music, food, and cookies! As always, you can invite friends for any of these things.
Those Assisting in Worship This Morning
Worship Leader Pastor Ron Koehler
Communion Assistant................................................................................. Pastor Nathan Kassulke
Accompanist Kathy Parra
Vocalist.......................................................................................................................Dylan Guenther
Acolyte David Kassulke
Greeters ......................................................................................
Bob & Nadine Kassulke (10:00 AM)
Ushers Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM)
Justin Harris, Ferdie Kramm, Zach Miller, Rick Street (10:00 AM)
Communion Prep Sally Littau, Cynthia Breitkreitz
Sound and Recording Techs...........................................................Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler
Acknowledgements:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mission to the Children Christmas Gift Wrapping: Today
This evening from 6:00 to 9:00 PM Mission to the Children volunteers will be meeting in the Fellowship Hall at Grace-Tucson to wrap Christmas gifts and assemble family hygiene packages. They need all the help they can get as they are prepping for 150+ children and about 85 families! Pizza and drinks will be provided for all who help! Please call or text Nicole Scheuerlein at (520)8202016 to let her know if you can make it.
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. These devotions are entitled “All Things New.” As we gather around the manger this year, we’ll ponder Jesus’ words in Revelation 21:5, “I am making everything new!” It’s not too late to request that the devotions be emailed to you daily or view the entire booklet at: mlc-wels.edu/publications/seasonal-devotions/.
Midweek Advent Services
Advent is a time of hopeful repentance as we prepare to celebrate Christmas. Join us on two more Wednesdays, December 10 & 17 for special midweek Advent worship services. Our theme for these services is “Bible Songs of Christmas” as we consider songs from the Bible that were sung to announce Christ’s birth. 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 4:00 & 6:00 PM
Grace-Tucson 10:00 AM & 7:00 PM
You are also invited to join us for lunch following the service at Grace-Benson or supper at 5:00 PM at Grace-Sahuarita and 6:00 PM at Grace-Tucson.
Advent Supper Host Needed: Wednesday
As mentioned above, a light supper is being held at 6:00 PM each Wednesday before our Advent service. Volunteers are needed to host these meals. THIS Wednesday, December 10, is still available! Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall. A Thrivent grant will be used for initial expenses and a free-will offering will be collected at each meal.
Ladies’ Fellowship Group: Thursday
The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet at 10:15 AM this Thursday, December 11, 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. Please contact Lois Thornton at (520)449-7552 or vthornto2@gmail.com with any questions. Ladies from all Grace sites are welcome to join in the celebration! Please RSVP to Lois by December 8.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Funeral Service: Saturday
Former Grace member Ken Potucek was called home to heaven on Sunday, November 2. A service will be held on Saturday, December 13, at 11:00 AM at Holy Cross Lutheran Church (241 N. Harrison Road). A light lunch will follow the service. Please keep Ken’s wife, Helen, and the rest of their family in your prayers during this difficult time.
Sahuarita Winterfest Light Parade: Saturday
Our Child Learning Center at Grace-Sahuarita is participating in the Sahuarita Winterfest Light Parade this Saturday, December 13. We hope you can come out to watch the parade at 5:30 PM and then enjoy the Town of Sahuarita’s Winterfest! There will be a tree lighting, local vendors for shopping, food trucks, and entertainment.
Grace Annual Meeting: December 14
Our Annual Voters’ Meeting will be held on Sunday, December 14, at noon at Esmond Station School, our worship location in Vail. Lunch will be provided. Ministry Board elections and the 2026 Ministry Spending Plan approval will be on the agenda. A link to the Annual Meeting Booklet was included in this past Friday’s email update. Paper copies are also available at the church doors and in the Fellowship Hall. It is highly recommended that all members take a look at this booklet before attending the Annual Voters’ Meeting.
Men of His Word Conference: January 31
Men of His Word equips Christian men to take a leadership role within their family, within their congregation, and in the community. The 5th annual Men of His Word conference is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026 at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. This year’s Men of His Word Conference will equip you to stand with “Courage Under Fire.” Through presentations grounded in God’s unchanging Word, you’ll be strengthened to lead your family, confess your faith boldly, resist temptation, and serve faithfully, even when the culture pushes back. There will be eight different breakout sessions of which you may choose three. Details on each session are on the website. To register go to https://www.menofhisword.org/phoenix registration.html. Early bird registration is available until December 31.
Christmas and other Greeting Cards
Boxed Christmas cards are available on the table next to the greeting card rack in the west end of the Fellowship Hall. All boxes are $5.00 unless otherwise marked. Singles are also available for just $0.50 each. While you’re there, check out the new all-occasion card additions in the greeting card rack. Money can be placed in the box on the table to the left of the card rack.
TUCSON Today
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 7 - December 14
Worship Services with communion.................7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Idols We Never Knew We Had 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: 1 Peter 9:00a Fellowship following worship....................................................
Mission to the Children Gift Wrapping ........................... 6:00p TCM Bible Study 7:00p Monday Grow in Grace Class.......................................................5:15p
Tuesday Pastors’ Staff Meeting 9:00a English Classes.............................................................. 6:30p Wednesday Advent Worship Services 10:00a & 7:00p Advent Supper ............................................................... 6:00p Thursday
Women’s Bible Study: More Prepared to Answer 9:00a College Student Grow in Grace Class 11:30a Handbell Practice........................................................... 5:30p
Worship Choir 6:45p
Sunday, December 14
Worship Services 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Idols We Never Knew We Had 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: 1 Peter ................. 9:00a Fellowship following worship
Mission to the Children Spanish Service & Meal 4:00p TCM Christmas Party 7:00p
ONLINE
Today Adult Bible Study (Tucson) .............................................9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson).......................10:00a
Wednesday Advent Worship Service (Tucson) 7:00p
Sunday, December 14
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
OFF-SITE
Monday
Pastors’ Circuit Meeting at Shepherd of the Hills ...........9:00a
Saturday
Ken Potucek Memorial Service at Holy Cross 11:00a
CLC Float in Holiday Lights Parade in Sahuarita ...........4:00p
SAHUARITA
Adult Bible Study: Forgiveness for the Unforgivable 9:00a
Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship ...................................................
Adult Choir 11:15a
Wednesday NO Grow in Grace Class (resumes December 17)
Advent Services.................................................. 4:00 & 6:00p
Supper 5:00p Thursday
Board Meeting........................................................9:00a NO Grow in Grace Class (resumes December 18)
in Grace Class 5:00p
Grow in Grace Class 8:00a Sunday, December 14 Adult Bible Study: Forgiveness for the Unforgivable 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a
Service 10:00a
following worship ...................................................
Choir 11:15a
BENSON Today Worship Service with communion...................................7:30a Adult Bible Study: Romans.............................................8:45a Fellowship following worship
Worship & Lunch..............................................10:00a
December 14
Service 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Romans 8:45a Fellowship following worship ...................................................
VAIL
Vail Vocal Group Rehearsal 9:15a Worship Service with communion.................................10:00a
Bible Study: Prayer..............................................11:15a Sunday, December 14 Worship Service 10:00a
Bible Study: Prayer..............................................11:15a
Annual Meeting & Lunch 12:00p
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
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
Caitlin Broehm, Toddlers cbroehm@gracelutheransaz.org
Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org
Theresa Pratt, Preschool tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org
Chris Leathers, 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.