THE SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
G E L C T , A F 16, 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 WORSHIP SERIES EPIPHANY MOMENTS
“Epiphany” comes from a Greek word that means “reveal.” When someone has an epiphany, it’s not that reality changed. The way they see that reality is what changed, for a deeper truth has been revealed. An epiphany is an “ a-ha!” moment causing us to look at things very differently.
In the Church Year, Epiphany is the season where we see Jesus begin his ministry, revealing the reason the Son of God came to earth. In this season we will come to understand that when we have Jesus in our lives, it does not always mean our reality drastically changes. It simply means that we see reality differently (and better). Jesus always provides an abundance of epiphany moments. In this season, our worship is following this path:
January 12
Baptism Is the Cure for an Identity Crisis
January 19 God Delivers More than We Ask, Not Less
January 26
Rejection Is Not Proof of Failure
February 2 Popularity Is Not Proof of Success
February 9 The Least Qualified Are the First Sent
February 16 Blessings Are Cursed; Curses Are Blessed
February 23 Love Your Enemies, Overcoming Evil with Good March 2 Glory Is Hidden In order to Be Revealed
WELCOME
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +
OPENING HYMN The Will of God Is Always Best
Christian Worship 838
PRESERVICE MUSIC:
The Will of God Is Always Best Johann Pachelbel Day by Day
Linda Moeller
Variations on “I Am Trusting You, Lord Jesus”
Karen Phipps
Thomas Pearce
John Behnke
Please stand INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
CONFESSION
Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed are they whose sin the Lord does not count against them.
Let us confess our sins to the Lord.
Almighty and merciful Father, we have strayed from your ways like lost sheep.
We have followed what we have devised and desired in our hearts. We have offended you and sinned against your holy law. We have done those things that we should not have done, and we have not done those things that we should have done. Have mercy on us, Lord!
Spare us, forgive us, and restore us, according to your promises in Christ Jesus.
Silence for meditation and reflection
God, our merciful Father, has forgiven all our sins. He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Redeemer and Savior. Jesus paid the penalty for our guilt by his death on the cross and freed us from death by his resurrection from the grave. We have peace with God now and forever.
Amen.
As our service begins, the minister speaks the words spoken at our baptisms and makes the sign of the cross, marking us anew as redeemed children of God.
Psalm 32:1-2
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
Christ gave the authority to forgive the sins of penitent sinners to his church: “Whenever you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven.” John 20:23
Mark 10:47
Kyrie is the Greek word for Lord. The expression “Lord, have mercy” is one of the oldest worship responses in the Christian Church.
LORD, HAVE MERCY
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
Amen.
Luke 2:14
Christians praise God by proclaiming the great things he has done to accomplish our rescue from sin. “Glory to God in the Highest” has been a Christian song of worship since the fourth century.
GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST (Gloria)
Christian Worship 176
This song continues on the next page.
This song continues on the next page.
+ THE WORD + PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
O God of power and might, you know that we live in the midst of many great dangers, and in our frailty we cannot stand upright. Give us strength and protection to support us in all peril, and carry us through all temptations; 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
Tune: Marty Haugen © 1984 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
5 This is what the L says. Cursed is anyone who trusts in mankind, who seeks his strength from human flesh, and who turns his heart away from the L .
6 He will be like a juniper bush in the wasteland. He will not see good things when they come. He lives in a dry place in the wilderness, in a salty land where no one lives.
7 But blessed is anyone who trusts in the L , whose confidence is in him.
8 He will be like a tree planted by water. It sends out its roots to the stream.
It does not fear the heat when it comes. Its leaves will remain green.
It is not concerned about a time of drought. It does not stop producing fruit.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
CHOIR ANTHEM My Heart Is Filled with Thankfulness Worship Choir
My heart is filled with thankfulness to him who bore my pain, who plumbed the depths of my disgrace and gave me life again, who crushed my curse of sinfulness and clothed me in his light and wrote his law of righteousness with pow’r upon my heart.
My heart is filled with thankfulness to him who walks beside, who floods my weaknesses with strength and causes fear to fly, whose ev’ry promise is enough for ev’ry step I take, sustaining me with arms of love and crowning me with grace.
My heart is filled with thankfulness to him who reigns above, whose wisdom is my perfect peace, whose ev’ry thought is love. For ev’ry day I have on earth is given by the King. So I will give my life, my all, to love and follow him.
Text: Stuart Townend, b. 1963; Keith Getty, b. 1974 © 2003 Thankyou Music, admin. CapitolCMGPublishing,com. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
A blessed life is not connected to outward circumstances like health or wealth. Rather, the one who is blessed is the one who has been given the gift of faith, whose trust is in the L .
Paul had some infirmity he initially viewed as a weakness. He came to see it as a blessing as it forced him to rely on God’s strength.
SECOND
I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me, so that I would not become arrogant. 8Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that he would take it away from me. 9And he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, because my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will be glad to boast all the more in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may shelter me.
10That is why I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For whenever I am weak, then am I strong.
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
Choir: The L will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
(ALL)
17He went down with them and stood on a level place with a large crowd of his disciples, and a large number of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, as well as from the coastal area of Tyre and Sidon. These people came to listen to him and to be healed of their diseases. 18Those who were troubled by unclean spirits were also cured. 19The whole crowd kept trying to touch him, because power was going out from him and healing them all.
20He lifted up his eyes to his disciples and said: Blessed are you who are poor, because yours is the kingdom of God.
21 Blessed are you who hunger now, because you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, because you will laugh.
22 Blessed are you whenever people hate you, and whenever they exclude and insult you and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man.
23“Rejoice in that day and leap for joy because of this: Your reward is great in heaven! The fact is, their fathers constantly did the same things to the prophets.”
24 But woe to you who are rich, because you are receiving your comfort now.
25 Woe to you who are well fed now, because you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, because you will be mourning and weeping.
26 Woe to you when all people speak well of you, because that is how their fathers constantly treated the false prophets.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please be seated
HYMN OF THE DAY—Day by Day Christian Worship 803
Please join in singing stanzas 1 and 3. The choir will sing stanza 2.
In one of his most famous sermons, Jesus teaches that the good things we seek are found in places we would least expect.
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
Nicene Creed
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Loving God and Lord, you created the universe that surrounds us and the globe on which we live. You control all things through your Son, who sits at your right hand in glory.
Comfort us with the promise of your eternal presence.
Give your Word power as it works in our hearts and minds. Clear away our confusion, and demolish our doubts. Send your Spirit to strengthen both our confidence in your promises and our desire to live according to your will.
Take away our love of sinning, and restore us each day by your grace.
The signs of the times warn us that the end of time is near. Protect us from scoffers who sneer at your truth. Spare us and Christians around the world from all forms of hate and persecution.
Give us courage to carry the cross with patience and joy.
Instill in the hearts of our children a desire to follow you as they prepare for future days. Help them distinguish between what is passing and what is eternal, between instant thrills and lasting joy. Encourage more young people to prepare for service in the public ministry of the gospel.
Mold us and move us to be good examples for our youth.
Hold in your care, Lord, those who are experiencing physical or 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
Whether we pray together or alone, you have promised to hear and answer us. Give us patience to accept your blessings in whatever way you send them. In your love and wisdom, prepare us for the day when you will take us to be with you forever.
Hear us for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
OFFERTORY:
I Am Trusting You, Lord
Jesus James Engel
OFFERING
Members of Grace respond to their Savior’s love with offerings that are given joyfully, generously, regularly, and in a way that is proportionate to how the Lord has blessed them. Their cheerful gifts support the mission and ministry of our congregation. If you are a guest today, please know that we do not expect you to contribute to our congregation’s work. However, if you would like to give an offering to the Lord in response to his love to you, we are happy to receive it and put it to work in God’s kingdom. If you prefer, use your smart phone to give online by scanning this QR code:
Please fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder at the end of the row and pass it along. Thank you!
Please stand
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.
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, who lived among us as a human being and revealed his glory as your only Son, full of grace and truth. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:
The Prophet Isaiah was given a vision of heaven, where seraphim praised God. In the Sanctus we welcome Jesus with our hosannas and praise.
Tune: Marty Haugen © 1984, 1985 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
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.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Blessed are you, Lord God, eternal King and gracious Father. In love you made us the crown of your creation. In mercy you planned our salvation. In grace you sent your Son to redeem us from sin.
We remember and give you thanks that your eternal Son, Jesus Christ, became flesh and made his dwelling among us, that he willingly placed himself under law to redeem those under law, that he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death on a cross, that he has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
Bless us as we receive your Son’s body and blood in this Sacrament. Forgive our sins, increase our faith, strengthen our fellowship, and deepen our longing for the day when Christ will welcome us to his eternal feast. Praise and thanks and honor and glory be to you, O God our Father, and to your Son and to the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
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.
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.
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
Tune: Marty Haugen © 1984, 1985 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
Gluten-free communion wafers and grape juice are available for those who for health or medical reason require it. Please see page 17 for more information.
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.
COMMUNION MUSIC:
Here, O Lord, I See Thee Face to Face; Lord, to You I Make Confession; What Is This Bread?
Matthew Machemer
You Satisfy the Hungry Heart
Kevin Hildebrand
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.
Psalm 106:1
Please stand
1 Corinthians 11:26
SPOKEN RESPONSES
+ THANKSGIVING +
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
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.
BLESSING
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.
Amen. Please be seated
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLOSING HYMN—I Am Trusting You, Lord Jesus Christian Worship 816
THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING
Preacher..............................................................................................Pastor Ron Koehler
Worship Leader ......................................................................... Pastor Nathan Kassulke
Accompanist....................................................................................................Jim Bakken
Choir Director and Vocalist .................................................................... Teri Guenther
Greeters Paul & Kay Kassulke (10:00 AM)
Ushers......................................................................Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM)
Justin Harris, Sam Kassulke, Ferdie Kramm, Rick Street (10:00 AM)
Communion Prep.........................Audrey Nessinger, Jeanette O’Donald, Lauri Colton
Sound and Recording Techs...............Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke
Banner Committee... Sandy Weir, Jeanette O’Donald, Nadine Rentschler, Amy Rudd
Acknowledgements:
The blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God’s people for over 3,500 years. The L said, “In this way they will put my name on [them], and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27
Holy Communion
We provide gluten-free communion wafers for those with wheat allergy, gluten-sensitivity, or celiac disease. These wafers are stored and handled separately to avoid cross-contamination. They are “bread” as Scripture requires and are consecrated along with the rest of the bread. For those requiring gluten-free wafers, please take one from the stand located at the front rail as you approach for communion. Simply hold it so that the pastor can see it at the time of distribution. Grape juice is available for those who for health or medical reason require it instead of wine. Please speak with a pastor about providing grape juice for you on future Sundays.
Today we are distributing Holy Communion in “tables.” The ushers will direct members forward by the side aisles. Groups of about ten will be guided toward the center aisle and will line up to receive the elements together. After each table communes, the pastor will offer a blessing and dismiss the group to return by the center aisle.
To aid in your personal preparation for Holy Communion, a list of Christian Questions can be found on pages 295-296 in the hymnal. These were prepared by Martin Luther for those intending to receive the Sacrament.
Altar Flowers
The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by Sean and Mary Brearcliffe in thanks for our pastors and their families.
If you would like to provide flowers for the altar, please call (520-623-6633) or email (office@gracelutheransaz.org) the Grace Central Office to reserve a Sunday. Upcoming available dates are April 6 and 27. The cost for the 2 bouquets is $32.50. After the 10:00 AM service you may take the flowers home or leave them to be dropped off to one of our homebound members if a visit is being made.
Fellowship
Following the 10:00 AM service this morning, you are invited to join us in the courtyard and Fellowship Hall for drinks and snacks. Thank you to Sally Littau, Nancy Miles, and Lois Thornton for providing our treats this morning! Upcoming available dates are April 6 and 27. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.
Sunday Morning Bible Study
We are currently studying the first half of the book of Romans. The Apostle Paul wrote to Christians in that important city to reassure them and us that God triumphs over sin and sadness by his grace. Please join us for “The Triumph of Grace: The Book of Romans.” If you have not made Sunday morning Bible study a part of your routine, this would be a great time to start! We meet at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall.
Daily Devotions
Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are at either door to church and in the Fellowship Hall. A new Meditations book with devotions that begin March 1 is now available. These are great tools to use for your daily Bible study!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Spanish Worship Service & Meal: Today
Mission to the Children is providing a Spanish worship service at Grace-Tucson today at 4:00 PM with a meal to follow in the Fellowship Hall. If you are interested in worshiping with Mexican refugees or in Spanish, please join us!
Food Drive for Mission to the Children—Donate TODAY
Mission to the Children is collecting some essentials for the families they serve in South Tucson. The items will be distributed at their Spanish worship service this afternoon. Items needed are: rice, dry pinto beans, vegetable oil, tomato sauce, flour, sugar, toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, laundry soap, shampoo, floor cleaner, and Walmart gift cards for perishable items. Please get your items here before 4:00 PM today! You may leave them on the marked table in the west end of the Fellowship Hall. If you have any questions, please contact Nicole Scheuerlein at (520)820-2016. Let’s do our best to help out!
TCM Bible Study: Tonight
College students and non-students of college age—our Bible study is tonight at 7:00 PM in the Student Center. Our study will be Decisions, Decisions! You have a lot going on. You’re feeling pressure over some big decisions. Where do you turn, and how do you know what to do? This is the guide you need. We hope you will join us for this helpful study. If you don’t have the TCM app for schedule and other information, grab it from Apple or Google. Search WELS Tucson Campus Ministry.
Church History Bible Study: Wednesday
Join us on Wednesdays for our study of Church History. We are looking at the history of the Wisconsin Synod after World War I. Even if you haven’t attended this class before, you are always welcome! We study together in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall at 10:00 AM and repeat the same material at 7:00 PM. Join us for whichever time fits your schedule best!
Women’s Bible Study—The Apostle Peter: Thursday
All ladies are invited to join Pastor Koehler for a study of the life of the Apostle Peter on Thursdays at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. This is the last of the series on The 12 Apostles, but you do not need to have participated in previous classes to join this one–it is entirely new.
Ladies’ Fellowship Group: Thursday
Ladies from all sites are invited to join the Ladies’ Fellowship Group for lunch at BJ’s (4270 N. Oracle Rd.) this Thursday, February 20. They’ll meet there at 11:15 AM. Ladies are asked to RSVP to Lois Thornton, (520)323-8772 or vthornto2@gmail.com, by Tuesday, February 18, so a reservation can be made. She can also answer any questions you may have.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Memorial Service: Saturday
Grace member David Williams was recently called home to heaven. A memorial service will be held this Saturday, February 22, at 10:30 AM at our Grace-Tucson location. A light lunch will follow in the Fellowship Hall.
Grace Night at the Tucson Roadrunners: February 28
Join us for a fun night with the Tucson Roadrunners hockey team! We’ll attend the game together on Friday, February 28, at 7:00 PM. This is also Faith & Family Night! Tickets are $25 each and include a Faith & Family t-shirt. Our group will be recognized on the scoreboard and there will be a photo op on the ice following the game. Tickets can be purchased by using the QR code on the right, by contacting Eric Hanson (520-664-6626 or hansonee2@yahoo.com), or Jake Whorley with the Roadrunners (520-372-8532 or jacob.whorley@tucsonroadrunners.com). We hope to see you there!
Outdoor Workday: March 1
There will be a church workday on Saturday, March 1, beginning at 7:00 AM. We will be repainting the street curbs red and removing soil and debris around the church property. Please bring brooms, shovels, wheelbarrows, and gloves. Bagels will be provided! If you have any questions, please contact our Facilities Coordinator, Rick Street at (520)909-2126.
Additionally, if anyone would be interested in volunteering on some Saturdays to do yard work or small jobs on our property, please let Rick know. He will be happy to teach workers about landscaping and how to care for ours. With a property as large as ours, there is always work to be done!
Midweek Lenten Services
Midweek Lenten services will be held at Grace-Benson, Grace-Sahuarita, and Grace-Tucson beginning with Ash Wednesday on March 5. You are also invited to join us for a Lenten Supper each Wednesday here at Grace-Tucson at 6:00 PM.
Our Lenten series, “Reflections on Repentance”, explores the depths of our sinful depravity, the brokenness of our relationship with God, our dire need for rescue, and the good news of forgiveness, cleansing, and rejoicing in our restored relationship with God and the promise of eternal life through Jesus our Savior. The sermons and service themes are rotating among the various sites, so worshipers who attend more than one site could hear a sermon repeated.
Grace-Benson: 10 AM Lenten Worship
Lunch to follow
Grace-Tucson: 10 AM & 7 PM Lenten Worship 6 PM Light Supper
Grace-Sahuarita: 4 PM & 6 PM Lenten Worship 5 PM Supper
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Midweek Lenten Supper Hosts Needed
A light supper is held at 6:00 PM each Wednesday evening before our Lenten service. Individuals, families, or groups are invited to host! Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall. More detailed information is with the sign-up sheet. A Thrivent Action Team will cover initial expenses and a free-will offering will also be taken.
Tucson Festival of Books
Grace will once again have a booth at the Tucson Festival of Books being held on the University of Arizona campus on Saturday and Sunday, March 15 & 16. We are looking for volunteers to staff the booth in two-hour blocks from 8:30 to 5:30 each day. You will be handing out activity packets to kids, helping people sign up for our 3 raffle gift baskets, and be available to talk with people about our church. If you can help out with this, please see the sign-up sheet on the table in the Fellowship Hall or contact our Outreach Coordinator, Gary Kojo, at (520)888-0000 or info@instyonoracle.com.
ALA Gala & Auction: March 29
Arizona Lutheran Academy’s (our WELS high school in Phoenix) 14th annual Gala is on March 29, 2025! It’s a FIESTA and you are invited! The goal is to raise funds for our Building Tomorrow campaign. Visit ALAcoyotes.org/gala to learn more.
LWMS Spring Rally: April 5
Ladies, mark your calendars for the LWMS Grand Canyon East Circuit Spring Rally being held at Grace-Sahuarita on Saturday, April 5, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Lunch will be served at 1:00 PM. Presentations include Aaron Wakeman from Friends Network (formerly Friends of China and Friends of Vietnam) and Vicar Noah Nordlie who will explain the vicar program and what his responsibilities and opportunities have been at a home mission. For more information and to register online, please go to grandcanyonlwms.org. There are also registration forms on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall.
New Tall Banners
New tall banners are being planned for use during Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. If you are interested in sponsoring a banner, please contact the Grace Central Office. Priority for sponsorship is being given to those who have not yet had the opportunity to sponsor. Images of the proposed banners and their costs are posted on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall.
Vicar in Mission Setting
Grace is once again requesting a Vicar in Missions to serve under Pastor Heiman at our Sahuarita location. The congregational cost is $25,000 for the 2025-2026 school year ($15,000 in 2025 and $10,000 in 2026). We are looking to cover this cost with special offerings. You will find envelopes for this purpose at each of the church doors and in the Fellowship Hall.
ACSTO Donations for Grace Members
As you begin to work on your income taxes, please consider making use of the Arizona Tuition Tax Credit Program. Many Grace families and students who attend our Lutheran Schools (Redeemer and Arizona Lutheran Academy) appreciate your support in this way. Our schools partner with the Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization (ACSTO) to participate in this program. Through the tax credit, you can use money that you would otherwise spend on taxes to support Lutheran education.
You can find more information and even make a donation online through the ACSTO website, ACSTO.org. Remember that this option is available to all those who have state tax liability in Arizona. Grace member Jeff Weinstein (520-909-7649, JWeinstein@ACSTO.org) is also an employee of ACSTO. He is able to help answer questions you may have. Even if you have never made use of tuition tax credits before, we would be happy to help you figure it out!
Grace’s Bible-based Counselor
Cinda Drescher is Grace’s Bible-based Counselor. She is on staff at Grace and works in the counseling building located in the Grace-Tucson parking lot. She typically works at the counseling building two days each week. To schedule an appointment, it is easiest to text her at 520-581-4714 or email at Cinda@GraceLutheranSAZ.org. Because she is on staff at Grace and supported by the congregation’s Ministry Spending Plan, there is no charge for anyone who makes an appointment with her. She is happy to meet with anyone whether they are members of Grace/WELS or not. Cinda not only has a WELS Bible-based Therapist certification, she holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work, a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, along with certifications in Trauma and Domestic Violence.
Grow in Grace Class
Would you like to learn more about our Savior Jesus, about the Bible that tells us about him, and about what Grace Lutheran Church believes and teaches? Our congregation offers a series of Biblebased 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 one of the Pastors, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/ GIG.
God Bless Your Week!
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 February 16 - February 23
Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a
Children’s Bible Hour ......................................................8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Triumph of Grace 9:00a Grow in Grace Class (Office Conference Room) 9:00a
Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Big Questions 9:00a Fellowship following worship.................................................... Mission to the Children Spanish Service & Meal 4:00p TCM Bible Study 7:00 Tuesday
Staff Meeting 2:00p Ministry Board Meeting 6:15p English Classes 6:30p
Wednesday Adult Bible Study: Church History 10:00a & 7:00p
Thursday
Women’s Bible Study: Apostle Peter ..............................9:00a
Ladies’ Fellowship Group 11:15a NO Handbell Practice (resumes February 27)
Worship Choir 6:45p
Saturday Memorial Service for David Williams 10:30a
Sunday, February 23
Worship Services............................................7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Triumph of Grace 9:00a Grow in Grace Class (Office Conference Room) 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Big Questions.......9:00a Fellowship following worship TCM Bible Study 7:00p
BENSON
Today
Worship Service with communion 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Hebrews 8:45a Fellowship following worship....................................................
Wednesday
Adult Bible Study: Idol Worship 10:00a
Sunday, February 23
Worship Service 7:30a
Adult Bible Study: Hebrews 8:45a Fellowship following worship
SAHUARITA
Worship Services with communion 7:45 a & 10:00a
Adult Bible Study: Gospel of Mark.................................. 9:00a
Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Fellowship following worship
Tuesday NO Adult Open Gym (resumes February 25)
Wednesday
Adult Bible Study: Christians in Today’s World 10:00a
Sunday, February 23
Worship Services 7:45a & 10:00a
Adult Bible Study: Gospel of Mark 9:00a Children’s Sunday School ..............................................9:00a Fellowship following worship
VAIL
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship...................................................
Wednesday Adult Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 6:30p Thursday Site Ministry Team Meeting 6:30p
Sunday, February 23
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics....................................9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship Vocal Group Rehearsal 11:00a
ONLINE Today
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Sunday, February 23
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
One Church. Four Locations.
Proclaiming the love of Jesus in Southern Arizona since 1911.
Grace-Tucson and Central Office
830 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719 (520)623-6633 office@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Ronald G. Koehler III revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Nathan P. Kassulke revnpk@gracelutheransaz.org
Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org
Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail
Benson
451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602
Vail
Worshipping at Esmond Station Elementary 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, Tucson, AZ 85747
Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein revsas@gracelutheransaz.org Office at Civano 10501 E. Seven Generations Way, Tucson, AZ 85747 (520)848-4631
Prayer Group Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Sahuarita
75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538
Pastor Ryan A. Heiman revrah@gracelutheransaz.org
Vicar Noah Nordlie vicnpn@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center (520)848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com
Director—Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org
Assistant Director—Jen Rickling jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center Mission Teachers
Maddie Nordlie, Toddlers mnordlie@gracelutheransaz.org
Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org
Theresa Pratt, Preschool tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org
Chris Leathers, Toddler/After School Care cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org
Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr cinda@gracelutheransaz.org office@gracelutheransaz.org (520)581-4714
Grace Lutheran Church is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), a group of nearly 400,000 men, women, and children in nearly 1,300 congregations across the United States and Canada united by a common faith in Christ's saving love. We are committed to a common calling encouraging each other in our faith and sharing God's gift of a Savior with the rest of the world.