+ THE WORD +

Prayer Of The Day

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Let us pray.

Lord God, in mercy receive the prayers of your people. Grant them the wisdom to know the things that please you and the grace and power always to accomplish them; 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

First Reading

2 Samuel 11:1-17;

1 Springtime arrived, the time when kings go out to war. David sent Joab out with his officers and with all Israel. They ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed in Jerusalem.

2 One evening David had gotten up from his couch and was walking around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very good looking. 3 David sent to inquire about the woman, and he was told, “Isn’t this Bathsheba daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?”

4 David sent messengers to bring her. She came to him, and he lay down with her. (She had been purifying herself from her ceremonial uncleanness.) She then returned to her house.

26-27

King David committed adultery first in his heart, then in the flesh. David’s example illustrates the danger of unrepentant sin. It is the antithesis of a holy life.

5 The woman became pregnant, so she sent a message and told David, “I am pregnant.”

6 David sent a message to Joab, “Send Uriah the Hittite to me.” So Joab sent Uriah to David, 7 and Uriah came to him.

David asked how Joab and the troops were doing, and how the war effort was going. 8 Then David said to Uriah, “Go down to your house and wash your feet.”

When Uriah went out from the palace, the king sent a gift to him. 9 But Uriah slept at the entrance to the palace with all the servants of his master. He did not go down to his own house.

10 David was informed, “Uriah has not gone down to his house.” So David said to Uriah, “Haven’t you come a long distance? Why didn’t you go down to your house?”

11 Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah are living in shelters, and my master Joab and the servants of my master are camped on the bare ground in the open countryside. Should I go to my house to eat and to drink and to lie down with my wife? By your life, as surely as you live, I will not do such a thing.”

12 Then David said to Uriah, “Stay here today also. Tomorrow I will send you back.” So Uriah remained in Jerusalem that day and the next.

13 David summoned him, and Uriah ate as his guest, and David got him drunk. But in the evening he went and slept on his mat where the servants of his master were. He did not go to his own house.

14 In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab, and he sent it in the hands of Uriah. 15 In the letter he wrote, “Station Uriah opposite the fiercest fighting. Then withdraw from behind him so that he will be struck down and die.”

16 So when Joab was besieging the city, he assigned Uriah to a place where he knew that the enemy’s strongest warriors were. 17 The men of the city came out and fought against Joab, and some of the troops of David fell. Uriah the Hittite also died.

26 The wife of Uriah the Hittite heard that her husband was dead, so she mourned for her husband. 27 When her mourning was completed, David sent for her and brought her to his house, and she became his wife. She gave birth to a son for him. But what David had done was evil in the eyes of the L .

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

L , I must praise you when I stand in wonder at your mighty works and splendor. There is no other God, no one above you, yet so close to those who love you.

O Lord, have mercy!

All your works declare your majesty in an endless grand doxology; even more would I praise your compassion, love, and grace.

O Lord, have mercy!

Nothing but good you give to those who fear you; ever near those who revere you. To you the hungry come for daily feeding, and the poor for justice pleading.

O Lord, have mercy!

All your deeds are honest and sincere; all your vows as true as they appear. Perfect love, rarest kind, all I need in you I find.

O Lord, have mercy!

You sent your people long-desired salvation, making us a blessed nation. You are the rock: on you our hopes are founded; safe we dwell, by love surrounded.

O Lord, have mercy!

Make us wise to follow in your ways, and receive our sacrifice of praise. We are yours, yours to use for your dream as you may choose.

O Lord, have mercy! Text:

Second Reading

1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

1 Therefore, beyond this, brothers, just as you received instruction from us about how you are to walk so as to please God (as indeed you are doing), we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus that you do so even more.

2 To be sure, you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 Indeed, this is God’s will: that you be sanctified, namely, that you keep yourselves away from sexual immorality. 4 He wants each of you to learn to obtain a wife for yourself in a way that is holy and honorable,

5 not in lustful passion like the heathen, who do not know God. 6 No one is to overstep and take advantage of his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, just as we said previously and solemnly testified to it. 7 For God did not call us for uncleanness, but in sanctification. 8 Consequently, whoever rejects this is not rejecting a man, but the God who gives you his Holy Spirit.

Christians sincerely desire to live for Christ, St. Paul explains how. We seek to control our body in a way that is holy.

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

9 Concerning brotherly love, there is no need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God, with the result that you love one another. 10 In fact, you are doing so toward all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we encourage you, brothers, to do this even more, 11 and to make it your ambition to live a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, just as we instructed you. 12 Do this so that you are conducting yourselves decently toward outsiders and are not lacking anything.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Please stand

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Ephesians 5:2

Alleluia. Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Alleluia.

What a high bar Jesus sets! He calls us to be holy in our relationships with our brothers, our adversaries, our bodies, our spouse, and our God.

GOSPEL Matthew 5:21-37

21 “You have heard that it was said to people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be subject to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will have to answer to the Sanhedrin. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of hell fire.

23 “So if you are about to offer your gift at the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother. Then come and offer your gift.

25 “If someone accuses you, reach an agreement with him quickly, while you are with him on the way. Otherwise your accuser may bring you to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 Amen I tell you: You will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ 28 but I tell you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to fall into sin, pluck it out and throw it away from you. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 If your right hand causes you to fall into sin, cut it off and throw it away from you. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

31 “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, causes her to be regarded as an adulteress. And whoever marries the divorced woman is regarded as an adulterer.

33 “Again you have heard that it was said to people long ago, ‘Do not break your oaths, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ 34 But I tell you, do not swear at all: not by heaven, because it is God’s throne; 35 and not by earth, because it is his footstool; and not by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King. 36 And do not swear by your own head, since you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 Instead, let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes,’ or ‘No, no.’ Whatever goes beyond these is from the Evil One.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise be to you, O Christ.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE & GREETING

While the children are coming forward please greet your neighbor and fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder in your row and pass it along. Thank you!

Please be seated

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.

During the singing of this hymn, children ages 1-8 are excused to attend Children’s Church in the CLC Building. Parents can pick-up their children there following the service.

5 Take my will and make it thine, it shall be no longer mine; take my heart, it is thine own, it shall be thy royal throne, it shall be thy royal throne.

6 Take my love, my Lord, I pour at thy feet its treasure store; take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for thee, ever, only, all for thee.

Confession Of Faith

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Prayer Of The Church

Apostles’ Creed

The Apostles’ Creed developed in the Early Christian Church as a personal confession of faith. It is so named because it confesses the faith taught by the Apostles of Jesus.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God and Mary’s Son, in the fullness of time you came into our world to save us from sin and death.

You ushered in the day of grace so long foretold.

Beloved Son of the Father, revered by the Magi, baptized by John, you came preaching and teaching, healing and comforting, forgiving and encouraging:

You brought the light of life to those walking in darkness, and the joy of salvation to those doomed to death.

Prince of peace, shine like a beacon for us and the people of our world. Let the good news of salvation be heard in the remotest corners of the earth. Open our own lips to speak your name to those around us who still live without faith or hope:

Arouse us and our missionaries to flood the world with the light of your gospel.

Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.

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

Lord of the Church, let your peace rule our hearts that we may use our gifts to serve you and each other in willing gratitude and joy. Watch over our loved ones near and far, that they may remember your love and rejoice in your salvation. Strengthen the faith of the sick and the disheartened. Give hope to those in despair and comfort those who mourn.

Be gracious to all and lead us to reflect your love in everything we say and do.

Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.

Silent prayer

Finally, bring us and all your believers to the heavenly home where we will stand in the full light of your glory and with all your saints and angels sing the everlasting song of triumph.

Amen.

Please stand

Closing Prayer

Blessed Lord, you have given us your Holy Scriptures for our learning. May we so hear them, read, learn, and take them to heart that, being strengthened and comforted by your holy Word, we may cling to the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, 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.

CLOSING HYMN Precious Lord, Take My Hand Christian Worship 835

Please open your hymnal to sing this hymn today.

THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING

Minister.............................................................................................

Accompanist

Pastor Ryan Heiman

Laura Heiman

Friendship Register

We would like to have a record of both members and guests who are worshiping with us. Please sign the red Friendship Register book located along the center aisle in the hymnal rack.

Children’s Church

Children ages 1-8 will be dismissed from our worship service today during the hymn before the sermon to attend Children’s Church. Parents, following worship, please pick your child up from the gymnasium in the CLC building.

Devotional Books

Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are on the desk in the entryway. A new Meditations book with devotions beginning February 26 is now available.

Sunday Morning Bible Study

“God just wants me to be happy.” “God helps those who help themselves.” These and other popular, positive, catchy statements might sound good, but do they really fit with what the Bible says? We are currently working through the Bible study, “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! Class is held at 9:00 AM in the CLC gymnasium.

Special Voter’s Meeting: Today

A Special Voters’ Meeting has been scheduled for TODAY at 12:00 PM here at our Sahuarita location. Lunch will be provided. This meeting will allow us the opportunity to call a Mission Teacher to fill our remaining vacancy at our Child Learning Center and also to discuss and vote on our mission request regarding an additional pastor at Grace-Sahuarita. The Grace Ministry Board is also recommending a change to the Grace bylaws to include the Chairman of the Child Learning Center (CLC) Board as a member of the Ministry Board.

Offering Envelope Delays

Many Grace members and friends receive a monthly mailing of offering envelopes that they use for their giving to support the ministry of our congregation. Unfortunately, we have learned the February envelopes were unable to be mailed out. The company that mails our envelopes has been experiencing difficulties, and they are working hard to handle the situation. They deeply apologize for this inconvenience and expect to be back on track with the March envelopes.

In the meantime, an offering placed in any envelope marked with your name and envelope number will be recorded. If needed, you will find envelopes to use on the desk in the entryway.

You may also contribute your offerings through online giving, accessed through our church website, www.GraceLutheranSAZ.org. Members and friends who set up automatic giving do not need to rely on the monthly envelope mailing, but are welcome to receive them for any additional or special gifts. If you have any questions, please contact the Grace Central Office (520-623-6633, office@gracelutheransaz.org) or our Financial Manager (finance@gracelutheransaz.org).

Divine Call Returned

Pastor Patoka, after prayerful consideration and deliberation, has declined the call to serve at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Menomonie, WI. He will continue to serve in his role as one of the pastors here at Grace in Southern Arizona. He would like to thank all those who shared their thoughts with him during the deliberation and who prayed for him and his family. He is also grateful that this time of deliberation allowed for many beneficial conversations about the gospel ministry we all share. Please continue to pray for our congregation and the many ways we proclaim forgiveness and salvation in Jesus to our communities!

Monday Evening Service

An evening worship service is held here at Grace-Sahuarita on Monday evenings at 6:00 PM, and they are scheduled to continue through the spring. This service provides another alternative for those who may not be able to worship on Sunday.

Wednesday Bible Study

The Bible Project: The 66 books of the Bible are a collection of history, poetry, prophesy and insights into the eternal history of God and his people. The focus of the entire Bible is God’s plan of salvation. However because of the sheer volume of the Bible, many people get bogged down trying to read it and understand it. This Bible Project is a study that quickly summarizes each book and give the student a quick overview of the Bible. Please join us on Wednesday 10:00 AM in Church Entryway.

Informational Meeting: Saturday

A small group of WELS members in Tucson have been considering the possibility of opening a Lutheran high school in Tucson. Currently, the closest WELS high school is Arizona Lutheran Academy (ALA) in Phoenix. This "Feasibility Committee" recently shared its findings with the pastors in this area. Since the pastors do not act independently of their congregations, they agreed that the Committee should share its report with the Tucson congregation members and leaders. The WELS churches in Tucson are scheduling opportunities to hear directly from some of the committee members. Anyone interested in learning more about the work of the committee and their findings is invited to join us at Grace-Tucson on Saturday, February 18, at 10:30 AM. We do not anticipate making any decisions at this meeting but would have the opportunity to ask questions and to consider the Committee's recommendations.

Midweek Lenten Services

Wednesday midweek services are being held at Grace-Benson, Grace-Sahuarita, and GraceTucson beginning with Ash Wednesday on February 22 and continuing through March 29.

The theme of our midweek services is “His Final Steps.” This series ponders the significance of the people and places on Jesus’ final steps to the cross and, three days later, his first steps from the tomb. The sermons and service themes will rotate among the various sites on the Wednesdays in March, so worshipers who attend more than one site could hear a sermon repeated. The Ash Wednesday services will all follow the theme “His Final Steps Led to a Tomb” and will include Holy Communion.

Grace-Benson 10:00 AM Lenten Worship

Grace-Sahuarita 10:00 AM & 6:00 PM Lenten Worship

Lunch to follow

Grace-Tucson 10:00 AM & 7:00 PM Lenten Worship 6:00 PM Light Supper

Time Out for Moms: February 25

Join us for Time Out for Moms on Saturday, February 25, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM in our Child Learning Center. Meet new friends while enjoying coffee, breakfast, and making a birthstone bracelet. Childcare is provided. Please RSVP to (520)848-4630 or receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org by February 21.

Ladies’ Fellowship Group: February 23

The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet on Thursday, February 23, at 11:00 AM at El Charro Restaurant in downtown Tucson for lunch. El Charro is located at 311 N. Court Avenue. There is paid parking available nearby. This is a date change from what was printed in the February newsletter. After lunch we plan to visit Old Town Artisans at 201 N. Court Avenue. If you would like to carpool, please contact Lois Thornton at (520)323-8772. Ladies from all Grace sites are welcome to join in the fun!

Women’s Bible Study to Resume on March 2

The Thursday morning Women’s Bible Study at Grace-Tucson has been unable to meet since the beginning of the year due to Pastor Koehler’s health. As he continues to deal with health concerns that are taking some time to resolve, he feels that it is best to plan for classes to begin again on Thursday, March 2. He looks forward to resuming the Prepared to Answer Bible Study at that time. He also appreciates your thoughts and prayers for patience and healing according to God’s good will.

Tucson Festival of Books: March 4 & 5

Once again Grace will have a booth at the Tucson Festival of Books. This event is on Saturday and Sunday, March 4 and 5, on the U of A Mall. The event runs from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM each day. If you are able and willing to take a shift in the booth to talk to others about Jesus, please let Paul Kassulke know when you are available. He can be reached at (520)850-5629.

Mexican Dinner: March 10

The annual all-site Mexican Dinner hosted by the Women of Grace is scheduled for Friday, March 10, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall. The meal will include sour cream enchilada casserole, tacos, and refried beans. Grace members are asked to bring a cake for dessert. If you are willing to make a casserole or help with the meal, please call the Grace Central Office at (520)623-6633. The recipe and ingredients will be available to pick up in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall on Sunday, March 5. We hope you can join us for this much-loved Grace tradition!

Grow in Grace Class

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

OFF-SITE EVENT

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 Ÿ February 12 – February 19

Stay Up to Date

The fastest and easiest way to keep Grace members and friends informed about what is happening at our four sites is through our weekly email update. This email is sent every Friday and at other times when special announcements are necessary. If you have not been receiving this email, but would like to, please email the Grace Central Office at office@gracelutheransaz.org and request to be added to our email list.