+ FAREWELL TO ALLELUIA +

Brothers and sisters in Christ, when we next gather for worship, it will be Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. On that day we will begin our solemn journey to the Savior’s cross. While the joy of faith remains undiminished throughout the year, our rejoicing during Lent is muted and quiet. For centuries, therefore, Christian churches have omitted their most jubilant songs during this season, including the word alleluia, which means, “praise the Lord.”

Now for a time we say farewell to alleluia. We do this to prepare ourselves for the quieter days of Lent. The alleluias will return on Easter dawn as we gather to shout our praise to the risen Lord.

Closing

Song of Triumph Christian Worship 977

This hymn is not printed in the hymnal, but was included in some of the accompanying resources released with the hymnal.

Announcements

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. The prayers on page 12 may be used before and after receiving communion.

Altar Flowers

The flowers beautifying our altar today have been given in celebration of Pastor Mark Hallemeyer’s birthday and in thanks to God for 80 years of blessings.

If you would like to provide flowers for the altar, please call (520-623-6633) or email (office@gracelutheransaz.org) the Grace Central Office to reserve a Sunday. Upcoming available Sundays are March 26 and April 23 & 30. 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.

Chupala Lunch Today

Grace's high school youth group, the Lifeliners, invites you to join them following the 10:00 AM service today for their annual Chupala Lunch. Chupala is a delicious chicken and bean dish with southwestern spices that is served with tortillas or corn chips and toppings (lettuce, tomatoes, olives, cheese, etc.). The lunch after church is a great time to enjoy some fellowship.

The Chupala Lunch is also one of the ways that the Lifeliners raise funds for their activities. Donations are appreciated (checks may be made out to Grace), but you are welcome to eat even if you are unable to contribute. The funding for this event is sponsored by a Thrivent Action Team.

Those Assisting in Worship This Morning

Preacher................................................................................................................. Pastor Tim Patoka

Worship Leader Pastor Nathan Kassulke

Communion Assistants............................Pastor Ron Koehler, Pastor Mark Hallemeyer (10:00 AM)

Accompanist Kathy Parra

Vocalist.........................................................................................................................Beth Kassulke

Guitar Pastor Tim Patoka, Larry Mytych

Greeters.............................................................................................Jim & Elaine Goldie (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

Sunday Morning Bible Study

“I Don’t Need the Bible or Worship to Have a Relationship With God.” “God Doesn’t Judge Anyone, and Neither Should You.” These and other popular statements might sound good, but do they really fit with what the Bible says? This study will help us respond to false teachings about God and to defend what the Bible teaches. Now would be an excellent time to make this study a part of your Sunday routine! Please join us at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall.

Tucson Campus Ministry Bible Study: Tonight

Join us tonight at 7:00 PM in the Student Center here at Grace-Tucson for TCM’s Bible Study “Jesus, According to Mark.” We’ll see how Jesus compels the demons and discuss the Synoptic Problem along the way.

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 at each of the church doors. 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 Updates

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 Katie. 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!

At our special voters’ meeting on Sunday, February 12, a divine call was extended to Rebecca Gervais to serve as a mission teacher at the Child Learning Center at our Sahuarita location. Rebecca currently serves at Cornerstone Early Learning Center in Hugo, MN. Please keep her in your prayers and she considers where she can best use her gifts. She can be reached at (651)3192144 or RebeccaGervais@ChristLutheran.us.

Monday Evening Service

An evening worship service is held 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. Members who regularly worship at any Grace sites are welcome to make use of this weeknight service.

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

Midweek Lenten Supper Hosts Needed

A light supper will be held at 6:00 PM each Wednesday evening before our Lenten service. Volunteers are needed to host these meals beginning this Wednesday, February 22. 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

The Thursday morning Women’s Bible Study here 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.

Ladies’ Fellowship Group: Thursday

The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet this 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!

Time Out for Moms: February 25

Join us for Time Out for Moms this Saturday, February 25, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at our Child Learning Center in Sahuarita. 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.

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.

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 19 – February 26

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 sign up on the sheets in the Fellowship Hall or call the Grace Central Office at (520)623-6633. The recipe and ingredients will be available to pick up in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, March 5. We hope you can join us for this much-loved Grace tradition!