THE FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT
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18, 2024
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Welcome to Grace! Our mission at Grace is to teach the inspired and inerrant Word of God, to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Savior of the world, and to nurture believers for lives of Christian service. Check out the GRACE WEBSITE at GraceLutheranSAZ.org WORSHIP NOTES We are very pleased that you have joined us for worship today! We pray that this time will be a blessing for you as God comes to you with his Word and promises and as you offer him your thanks and praise. The order of worship we will follow is printed in this worship folder for you to follow along and participate. You’ll notice that the service is a dialogue between God and us, his people. The pastor speaks to God along with the congregation and also speaks the Word of God to the people. LARGE PRINT worship folders are available at the entrances for those who desire them. Today we are using elements from the Christian Worship (2021) hymnal. You will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each pew. You will be asked to open the hymnal to participate in parts of the service today. A vocalist will aid in our singing and will be recorded for our audio disks and video live-streaming. There is no cost to park in our parking lot during Sunday morning worship services. If you receive a citation by mistake, please let our office staff know so it can be cleared.
OUR WORSHIP SERIES—RETHINKING RELIGION Everyone has assumptions about God. Likewise, everyone has assumptions about religion. Increasingly, those assumptions are negative. Americans are walking away from Christianity in breathtaking numbers. How do those people know if their assumptions about religion are correct? Do they really understand Christianity at all? Do we? Do we truly understand this religion? In the season of Lent, as much as any other, Jesus teaches things that turn the world’s assumptions about religion completely upside down. We call it “Christianity.” So, in this holy season, let us go straight to Christ and let him replace assumptions with truth. Jesus, help us rethink religion! Our worship will follow these themes: Rethinking Trials, Tests, and Temptations Rethinking Suffering under the Cross Rethinking the Worth of Worship Rethinking the Solution to Sin Rethinking Devoted Commitment Rethinking Real Strength
THEME FOR TODAY—RETHINKING TRIALS, TESTS, AND TEMPTATIONS “If God loves us, why doesn’t he remove all the trials and tests and temptations that we face?” That question demonstrates the religious assumption that those things are bad. They aren’t. In the hands of a loving God, they are tools by which he refines our faith. He uses tests as a way to compel us to be less self-reliant, and instead trust in his strength. He uses trials to teach us that this broken world is not our true home. God even takes Satan’s temptations and uses them for our good. Trials, tests, and temptations are not exceptions to God’s love. That’s a false assumption! These are examples of God’s love. Proof is that God allowed his beloved Son Jesus to face trials and temptations, so that he might be our perfect savior and substitute.
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+ ORDER OF WORSHIP + WELCOME
PRESERVICE MUSIC:
I Leave All Things to God’s Direction Stephen R. Johnson It Is Well with My Soul Victor Labenske
OPENING HYMN—I Leave All Things to God’s Direction
Christian Worship 799
Please stand
The First Song of Isaiah with My Soul Finds Rest in God Alone Christian Worship 810 & 818
INVOCATION Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit. Congregation: Amen.
CONFESSION Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
Psalm 32:1-2
Blessed are they whose sin the Lord does not count against them. Let us confess our sins to the Lord. Almighty and merciful Father, we have strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed what we have devised and desired in our hearts. We have offended you and sinned against your holy law. We have done those things that we should not have done, and we have not done those things that we should have done. Have mercy on us, Lord! Spare us, forgive us, and restore us, according to your promises in Christ Jesus.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
Silence for meditation and reflection
God, our merciful Father, has forgiven all our sins. He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Redeemer and Savior. Jesus paid the penalty for our guilt by his death on the cross and freed us from death by his resurrection from the grave. We have peace with God now and forever. Amen.
Christ gave the authority to forgive the sins of penitent sinners to his church: “Whenever you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven.” John 20:23
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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. We will use this modern, hymn-based setting of the Kyrie throughout the Lenten season in our Sunday morning worship services. The vocalist will introduce much of this song for us today.
KYRIE—Lord, Have Mercy
Christian Worship 652
Vocalist: For what we have done and left undone we fall on your countless mercies. For sins that are known and those unknown we call on your name so holy. For envy and pride, for closing our eyes; for scorning our very neighbor. In thought, word, and deed we’ve failed you, our King; how deeply we need a Savior. Lord, have mercy, Christ, have mercy, Lord, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy, Christ, have mercy, Lord, have mercy on us. For what you have done, your life of love you perfectly lived, we praise you. Though tempted and tried, you fixed your eyes; you finished the work God gave you. And there on the tree, a King among thieves, you bled for a world’s betrayal. You loved to the end, our merciful friend; how pure and forever faithful. ALL (sung twice):
Text and tune: Matt Boswell, b. 1979; James Tealy, b. 1971; Aaron Keyes, b. 1978; Matt Papa, b. 1983 © Common Hymnal Publishing/10000 Fathers, admin. IntegratedRights.com. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199
The Gloria (Glory to God in the Highest), which we often sing following the Kyrie, is traditionally omitted during the season of Lent, as our rejoicing is more muted and quiet during this season. We look forward with joyful anticipation to Easter Day when our most jubilant songs of praise will return.
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+ THE WORD + PRAYER OF THE DAY The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. Mighty God and Father, our Lord Jesus walked into the wilderness to face the devil’s temptations, but he did not succumb to Satan’s lies or falter in his resolve to save the world from the prison of hell. Bolster our faith by his mighty victory that we may battle against the forces of evil with courage and confidence; 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 1
Genesis 22:1-18
Some time later God tested Abraham. He called to him, “Abraham!”
Abraham answered, “I am here.” 2
God gives Abraham a test which will demonstrate who Abraham loves and trusts most.
God said, “Now take your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains there, the one to which I direct you.” 3
Abraham got up early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, along with Isaac his son. Abraham split the wood for the burnt offering. Then he set out to go to the place that God had told him about. 4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5
Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go on over there. We will worship, and then we will come back to you.” 6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and loaded it on Isaac his son. He took the firepot and the knife in his hand. The two of them went on together. 7
Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father?”
He said, “I am here, my son.” He said, “Here are the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?”
This reading continues on the next page.
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Abraham said, “God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them went on together. 9 They came to the place that God had told him about. Abraham built the altar there. He arranged the wood, tied up Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar on top of the wood. 10 Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. 11
The Angel of the L Abraham!”
called to him from heaven, “Abraham,
Abraham said, “I am here.” 12
He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy. Do not do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” 13
Abraham looked around and saw that behind him there was a ram caught in the thicket by its horns. Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 Abraham called the name of that place “The L Will Provide.” So it is said to this day, “On the mountain of the L it will be provided.” 15
The Angel of the L called to Abraham a second time from heaven and said, “I have sworn by myself, declares the L , because you have done this thing and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will bless you greatly, and I will multiply your descendants greatly, like the stars of the sky and like the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the city gates of their enemies. 18 In your seed all the nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” 16
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
The proof of God’s love is not that he removes all our trouble. The proof of God’s love is that he gave us his Son. If he did that, nothing can separate us from God’s love. This reading continues on the next page.
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HYMN—The Lamb
Christian Worship 525
SECOND READING
Romans 8:31-39
31
What then will we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also graciously give us all things along with him? 33
Who will bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies! 34 Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus, who died and, more than that, was raised to life, is the one who is at God’s right hand and who is also interceding for us! 35 What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 Just as it is written:
Psalm 44:22
For your sake we are being put to death all day long. We are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. 37
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor rulers, neither things present nor things to come, nor powerful forces, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Please stand
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Hebrews 4:15
Vocalist: Glory, praise, and honor to you, Lord Jesus Christ. We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses; we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are— yet he did not sin.
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Refrain (ALL):
Tune: © 2021 Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
GOSPEL
Mark 1:12-15
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The Spirit immediately sent Jesus out into the wilderness. 13 He was in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels were serving him. 14
After John was put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. 15 “The time is fulfilled,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near! Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
Sometimes we fail to stand firm in trial and temptation. But by grace the kingdom of God is still ours because Jesus, as our substitute, perfectly overcame all of Satan’s temptations.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ. 6
Please be seated
HYMN OF THE DAY—Why Should Cross and Trial Grieve Me Christian Worship 831
SERMON
Genesis 22:1-18 The L Will Provide
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.
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CONFESSION OF FAITH
Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Please be seated
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH Gracious Father, after his baptism your Son faced the stern attacks of Satan who tried to derail his journey to the cross. On this day we rejoice in Jesus’ victory in the wilderness and praise him for his ultimate triumph over the works of the devil.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
Send us your Spirit that we may believe this truth and apply it in our lives. Satan and his followers seek to overturn our faith and love every day. Their goal is to separate us from your presence and destroy our relationship with your Son. Give us wisdom to be alert for their attacks and recognize the danger they bring. Protect us as we endure temptation. Keep us from becoming Satan’s victims. Forgive us and restore us when we give in to him. Make our faith stronger than it is now so that we might know more and more that Jesus matters most to us in life and death. Give us wisdom and power to follow him and do his will. Keep us from thinking that sins are harmless and cannot lead us away from him. According to your will, Lord, curb the influence of Satan in our world and society. Help people to grasp the appalling effects of his power and to refrain from doing wicked and harmful deeds. Come to the aid of those who are the objects of devilish power. Give us courage to warn those we love about the dangers of the devil’s temptations. Lead us to speak the truth in love so that family members and friends may discern evil and step back from error and sin. Move us to share the horror of Satan’s power honestly and to offer your forgiveness in love. Keep in your care all who are struggling with pain, battling with sickness, and facing death. Spare your people from Satan’s temptations in their difficult hours and strengthen them with the promise of your Son’s ultimate victory over sin, death, and the grave. Help us to support them when we can and to keep them in our prayers. Protect us, gracious God, from the power of Satan, the allure of the world, and the seduction of our sinful nature. Cause us to believe that we are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 8
OFFERTORY:
Still, My Soul, Be Still Christian Worship 834 These words are printed for your meditation: Still, my soul, be still and do not fear though winds of change may rage tomorrow. God is at your side; no longer dread the fires of unexpected sorrow. God, you are my God, and I will trust in you and not be shaken. Lord of peace, renew a steadfast spirit within me to rest in you alone. Still, my soul, be still; do not be moved by lesser lights and fleeting shadows. Hold on to his ways with shield of faith against temptation’s flaming arrows. God, you are my God, and I will trust in you and not be shaken. Lord of peace, renew a steadfast spirit within me to rest in you alone.
The minister will sing the italicized words. The congregation responds by singing the bolded lines.
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 SACRAMENT + PREFACE Minister: The Lord be with you. Congregation:
Lift up your hearts.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
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Christian Worship 165
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 brought the gift of salvation to all people by his death on the tree of the cross so that the devil, who overcame us by a tree, would in turn by a tree be overcome. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY (Sanctus)
Christian Worship 167
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.
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Matthew 6 and Luke 11 record how Jesus taught his disciples to pray. We use his example prayer as part of our public worship, trusting that he will hear and answer our prayers.
LORD’S PRAYER 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 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.
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.
O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD (Agnus Dei)
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Christian Worship 169
Please be seated
DISTRIBUTION The Bible teaches that the Lord’s Supper is a unique communion of Christ and the individual believer as well as a coming together of people who hold to the same beliefs. Because of these Scriptural truths, we practice Member Communion at Grace. Those who are confirmed members of Wisconsin Synod congregations (WELS) are invited to receive the Lord’s Supper with us. If you are not a WELS member but have an interest in receiving Holy Communion, please speak with the pastor after church today or at another time. We are aware that there are a number of other teachings about Holy Communion, and we want it to be a blessing for you, so we would look forward to sharing with you what God says about this Sacrament.
Gluten-free communion wafers and grape juice are available for those who for health or medical reason require it. Please see page 14.
PRAYER BEFORE COMMUNION (For private meditation)
COMMUNION MUSIC:
Lord Jesus, you have invited me to come and receive your holy Sacrament. I believe that in the bread and wine you give me your true body and blood to eat and drink. Forgive my sins and nourish my faith through this precious meal. I long for the comfort that comes with your promises; I yearn for the assurance of your faithful love. Bless me now as I receive you by faith. Amen.
Be Still, My Soul with Day by Day Kathy Parra Jesus, Still Lead On Joseph Herl
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.
Please stand
+ THANKSGIVING + SPOKEN RESPONSES Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
Psalm 106:1
his mercy endures forever. Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup,
1 Corinthians 11:26
we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 12
CLOSING PRAYER O God the Father, source of all goodness, in your loving-kindness you sent your Son to share our humanity. We thank you that through him you have given us pardon and peace in this Sacrament. We also pray that you will not forsake us but will rule our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit so that we willingly serve you day after day; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
The blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God’s people for over 3,500 years. The L said, “In this way they will put my name on [them], and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27
BLESSING The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace. Amen.
Please be seated
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLOSING HYMN—Jesus, Still Lead On
Christian Worship 842
POSTLUDE MUSIC: How Firm a Foundation Christian Worship 800
THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING Preacher ...................................................................................... Pastor Nathan Kassulke Worship Leader ................................................................................. Pastor Ron Koehler Accompanist ................................................................................................... Kathy Parra Vocalist ........................................................................................................ Beth Kassulke Greeters ......................................................................... Paul & Kay Kassulke (10:00 AM) Ushers ..................................................................... Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM) Jon Dongoske, Dylan Guenther, Sam Kassulke, Ferdie Kramm (10:00 AM) Communion Prep ........................ Audrey Nessinger, Jeanette O’Donald, Lauri Colton Sound and Recording Techs .............. Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke Banner Committee ...................... Nadine Rentschler, Jeanette O’Donald, Sandy Weir Acknowledgements: Scripture readings are taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) © 2018 The Wartburg Project. All rights reserved. wartburgproject.org. Created by Christian Worship: Service Builder © 2024 Concordia Publishing House. Software distributed in partnership with Northwestern Publishing House.
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TODAY Holy Communion We provide gluten-free communion wafers for those with wheat allergy, gluten-sensitivity, or celiac disease. These wafers are stored and handled separately to avoid cross-contamination. They are “bread” as Scripture requires and are consecrated along with the rest of the bread. For those requiring gluten-free wafers, please take one from the stand located at the front rail as you approach for communion. Simply hold it so that the pastor can see it at the time of distribution. Grape juice is available for those who for health or medical reason require it instead of wine. Please speak with a pastor about providing grape juice for you on future Sundays. Today we are distributing Holy Communion in “tables.” The ushers will direct members forward by the side aisles. Groups of about ten will be guided toward the center aisle and will line up to receive the elements together. After each table communes, the pastor will offer a blessing and dismiss the group to return by the center aisle. To aid in your personal preparation for Holy Communion, a list of Christian Questions can be found on pages 295-296 in the hymnal. These were prepared by Martin Luther for those intending to receive the Sacrament.
Altar Flowers
The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by David and Beth Williams in celebration of their anniversary and David’s birthday. If you would like to provide flowers for the altar, please call (520-623-6633) or email (office@gracelutheransaz.org) the Grace Central Office to reserve a Sunday. Upcoming available Sundays include April 7, 14, 21, and 28. The cost for the 2 bouquets is $32.50. After the 10:00 AM service you may take the flowers home or leave them to be dropped off to one of our homebound members if a visit is being made.
Fellowship
Following the 10:00 AM service this morning, you are invited to join us in the courtyard and Fellowship Hall for drinks and snacks. We thank Bill & Lisa Toben for hosting this week. Upcoming available dates are March 17 & 24 and April 7 & 14. Please sign up on the sheet in the 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 beginning March 3 is now available. These are great tools to use for your daily Bible study!
Sunday Morning Bible Study
On Sunday mornings we are studying the book of 1 John under the theme, “Living in the Light of God’s Love.” 1 John is a brief book nestled into the back of the Bible, but it is full of wisdom for Christians living in the light and joy of God’s love for them. We meet at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. If you have not made Sunday morning Bible study a part of your routine, this would be a great time to start! 14
ANNOUNCEMENTS Meet the Tucson Site Ministry Team
Each of our four sites at Grace has a “Site Ministry Team” to help coordinate volunteers for our events and activities. This also helps our Site Elders, who serve on Grace’s Ministry Board. Our Tucson Site Elder Paul Kassulke was installed on Sunday, January 7. The rest of the Site Ministry Team is made up of Jen Miller as our Member Ministry Coordinator, Rick Street as our Facilities Coordinator, and Dylan Guenther as our Spiritual Needs Coordinator. Join us in the courtyard after either service today to meet these team members, learn more about their areas, and even sign up to help! Justin Harris had agreed to serve as our Outreach Coordinator, but his work schedule has changed, and he will be kept away from Grace for some time.
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. Future services will be held on the third Sunday of each month at the same time. If you are interested in worshiping with Mexican refugees or in Spanish, please join us!
WELS Tucson Campus Ministry (TCM)
TCM Bible study is tonight! All college students and college-age individuals are welcome at 7:00 PM in the Student Center located in the basement here at Grace-Tucson. They will be covering many topics under the theme “Wise Like God.” TCM has an app for college-aged adults! Search “welstcm” to download it and learn how to join its spring semester activities like weekly Bible study in the TCM Student Center, weekly casual discussion on the UA campus, quarterly outings, and monthly events. Contact Campus Pastor Tim (welstcm@welstcm.com) for questions.
Divine Call Decision
Pastor Kassulke, after prayerful consideration and deliberation, has declined the call to serve at New Life Lutheran Church in Rockford, Illinois. 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 at Grace-Sahuarita
An evening worship service is held at Grace-Sahuarita on Monday evenings at 6:00 PM. This service provides another alternative for those who may not be able to worship on Sunday. Members who regularly worship at any Grace sites are welcome to make use of this weeknight service.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS Midweek Lenten Services
Wednesday midweek services are being held at Grace-Benson, Grace-Sahuarita, and Grace-Tucson through March 20. You are also invited to join us for a Lenten Supper each Wednesday here at Grace-Tucson at 6:00 PM. The theme of our midweek services is “God on Trial.” This series focuses on when God was literally put on trial in the person of Christ. In these inspired episodes, believers find a model and motivation for how to live as God’s people in Jesus. 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: Grace-Tucson: Grace-Sahuarita:
10 AM Lenten Worship 10 AM & 7 PM Lenten Worship 4 PM & 6 PM Lenten Worship
Lunch to follow 6 PM Light Supper 5 PM Supper
Midweek Lenten Supper Hosts Needed
A light supper is held at 6:00 PM each Wednesday evening before our Lenten service. Volunteers are needed to host on February 28 and March 20. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall. A free-will offering will be taken to help cover expenses.
Women’s Bible Study: Thursday
“I’ve been hurt and can’t let go of the anger.” “I struggle with wanting instant gratification.” “My faith has been tested with financial challenges and blessings.” “I’ve noticed that I’m not as sensitive to immoral things as I used to be.” Does any of this sound familiar? Pastor Koehler is leading a Bible study on Our Christian Response to Blessings and Challenges on Thursday mornings at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Make plans to join him for what promises to be a helpful and faith-strengthening study each week—and invite a friend to join you!
WELS Night with the Tucson Roadrunners: February 24
Enjoy a great night of hockey and fellowship with other WELS members on Saturday, February 24, at 7:00 PM at the Tucson Roadrunners hockey game. Tickets can be purchased for $20 (includes a Roadrunners hat) by contacting Kristin at (520)269-7962 or email Kristin.Brand@TucsonRoadrunners.com.
Tucson Festival of Books: March 9 & 10
The Tucson Festival of Books is held each year on the University of Arizona Mall. This event brings many guests, and Grace will once again have a booth at the fair. This allows us to meet people and invite them to join us for church. We need your help staffing the booth during the festival hours, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM both Saturday and Sunday. Jenn Miller is helping coordinate our volunteer times. Please find her in the courtyard today to learn more or sign up to help! You can also contact her at love4mickeymouse@gmail.com or (520)909-2115. 16
ANNOUNCEMENTS Arizona Lutheran Academy Gala: March 22
The 13th annual ALA Gala, Boots & Bling, will be held on Friday, March 22, beginning at 5:30 PM in the ALA Gymnasium. Enjoy a classic steakhouse dinner and dessert, online and live auctions, country tunes, line dancing, and more! The goal is to raise $70,000 to support campus enhancements, specifically to purchase furnishings for a planned expansion. Tickets are available until March 17 and can be purchased at ALACoyotes.org/Gala.
Grow in Grace Class
Would you like to learn more about our risen 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 one of the Pastors, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.
Sanctuary Committee
A Sanctuary Committee was put together last year to begin looking at our worship space with fresh eyes and to consider suggestions for updating it in an effort to glorify God, serve our members, and appeal to friends from our community who join us for worship. This is similar to what King David expressed when planning the Lord’s temple: The house to be built for the L will make his name very great and give him glory in all the lands” (1 Chronicles 22:5). Just as many of us do with our homes, we want to consider things like painting, lighting, decoration, comfort, etc. for God’s house. As with other committees, this group is asked to do research and present ideas and suggestions. This is not a decision-making body. Their research has included consulting with other members. This will continue as they do their work. Over the next months, the committee will be adding or removing items, particularly in the chancel and altar area, so that we can see what potential changes would look like. The committee is chaired by Justin Harris, formerly our site elder and now our outreach coordinator. He is joined by Jim and Deb Bakken, Greg Grorud, Beth Kassulke, Paul Kassulke, and Pastor Koehler. They look forward to your feedback!
ACSTO Donations for Grace Members
Thank you to the many members who have used the Arizona Tuition Tax Credit to support our students at Redeemer Lutheran School and Arizona Lutheran Academy! Many Grace families and students who attend our Lutheran Schools appreciate your making use of Arizona's Tuition Tax Credits to support their education. These 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! 17
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 18 - February 25 TUCSON Today Worship Services with communion ................. 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour ...................................................... 8:45a Adult Bible Study: Living in the Light of God’s Love ....... 9:00a Grow in Grace Class (Office Conference Room) ........... 9:00a Lifeliners (High School group) Bible Study ..................... 9:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... Spanish Worship Service & Fellowship .......................... 4:00p TCM Bible Study: Wise Like God ................................... 7:00p Tuesday Weekly Pastors’ Meeting ................................................ 9:00a English Classes .............................................................. 6:30p Wednesday Midweek Lenten Worship Services ................ 10:00a & 7:00p Lenten Supper ................................................................ 6:00p Thursday Women’s Bible Study...................................................... 9:00a Our Christian Response to Blessings & Challenges Handbells ........................................................................ 5:30p Worship Choir ................................................................. 6:45p
VAIL Today Adult Bible Study: The Gospel in the Psalms .................9:00a Youth Bible Study............................................................9:00a Worship Service with communion .................................10:00a Fellowship following worship.................................................... Thursday Adult Bible Study: Sanctification .....................................6:30p Next Sunday, February 25 Adult Bible Study: The Gospel in the Psalms .................9:00a Youth Bible Study............................................................9:00a Worship Service ............................................................10:00a Fellowship following worship.................................................... SAHUARITA Today Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics ....................................9:00a Children’s Sunday School ...............................................9:00a Worship Service ............................................................10:00a Adult Choir practice following worship ..................................... Fellowship following worship....................................................
Next Sunday, February 25 Worship Services ............................................ 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour ...................................................... 8:45a Adult Bible Study: Living in the Light of God’s Love ....... 9:00a NO Grow in Grace Class (Office Conference Room) Lifeliners (High School group) Bible Study ..................... 9:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... TCM Bible Study: Wise Like God ................................... 7:00p
Monday Grow in Grace Class .......................................................4:30p Worship Service ..............................................................6:00p
BENSON Today Worship Service with communion .................................. 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Holy Spirit .......................................... 8:45a Fellowship following worship ...................................................
Next Sunday, February 25 Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics ....................................9:00a Children’s Sunday School ...............................................9:00a Worship Service ............................................................10:00a Adult Choir practice following worship ..................................... Fellowship following worship....................................................
Wednesday Midweek Lenten Worship Service & Lunch .................. 10:00a Next Sunday, February 25 Worship Service .............................................................. 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Holy Spirit .......................................... 8:45a Fellowship following worship ................................................... OFF-SITE EVENT Thursday TCM Bible Discussion on UA Campus ........................... 7:00p Saturday WELS Night at the Roadrunners .................................... 7:00p
Tuesday Confirmation Class ..........................................................4:00p Wednesday Midweek Lenten Worship Services ................... 4:00p & 6:00p Lenten Supper .................................................................5:00p
ONLINE Today Adult Bible Study (Tucson)..............................................9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) .......................10:00a Wednesday Midweek Lenten Worship Service (Tucson) ...................7:00p Next Sunday, February 18 Adult Bible Study (Tucson)..............................................9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) .......................10:00a
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One Church. Four Locations. Proclaiming the love of Jesus in Southern Arizona since 1911. Grace-Tucson and Central Office
Grace-Sahuarita
830 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719 (520)623-6633 office@gracelutheransaz.org
75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538
Pastor Ronald G. Koehler III revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Nathan P. Kassulke revnpk@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Timothy L. Patoka (Campus Ministry)
Pastor Ryan A. Heiman
revrah@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center
(520) 848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com
Director—Laura Heiman
director@gracelutheransaz.org
revtlp@gracelutheransaz.org
Assistant Director—Jen Rickling
Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail
Child Learning Center Mission Teachers
Benson
451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602
Vail
jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org
Chris Leathers, 1-Year Olds cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org
Worshipping at Esmond Station Elementary 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, Tucson, AZ 85747
Sam Anthon, 2-Year Olds
Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein
Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds
revsas@gracelutheransaz.org
vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org
Office at Civano
Theresa Pratt, Preschool
10501 E. Seven Generations Way, Tucson, AZ 85747 (520)848-4631
Prayer Group—Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org
santhon@gracelutheransaz.org
tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org
Katie Patoka, After School Care kpatoka@gracelutheransaz.org
Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher
Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke
cinda@gracelutheransaz.org (520)581-4714
music@gracelutheransaz.org
Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler
Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr
assistant@gracelutheransaz.org
office@gracelutheransaz.org
wels.net
Grace Lutheran Church is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), a group of nearly 400,000 men, women, and children in nearly 1,300 congregations across the United States and Canada united by a common faith in Christ's saving love. We are committed to a common calling—encouraging each other in our faith and sharing God's gift of a Savior with the rest of the world.