SEVENTH SUNDAY
G E L C S , A F 23, 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 worship service 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. Those wishing to leave an offering can do so at the exit today or give online at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/give. (You can also scan the QR code to the right to access the online giving page.)
Today we are using elements from the Christian Worship hymnal. If you would like to worship from a hymnal today, you will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each row; however, you do not need to use a hymnal if you so choose, as everything needed for worship is printed in this worship folder.
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
OPENING HYMN Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive Christian Worship 733
Please stand
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: 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.
Text: Rosamond E. Herklots, 1905–1987, alt. © 1969 Oxford University Press. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: A Supplement to Kentucky Harmony, Harrisonburg, 1820, ed. Ananias Davisson. Public domain.
1 John 1:8-9
CONFESSION
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Let us confess our sins to the Lord.
“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
Holy God, gracious Father, I am sinful by nature and have sinned against you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved others as I should. I deserve your punishment both now and forever. But Jesus, my Savior, paid for my sins with his innocent suffering and death.
Trusting in him, I pray: God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Silence for meditation and reflection
Our gracious Father in heaven has been merciful to us. He sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, who gave his life as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the (+) Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
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.
Kyrie
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.
GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST
Gloria
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.
Text: Michael D. Schultz © 2021 Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: William H. Monk. Public domain.
+ THE WORD +
PRAYER
OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, keep your family continually in true faith, so that those who rely only on the hope of your heavenly grace may be protected by your mighty power; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
The account of Joseph forgiving his brothers after they had sold him into slavery demonstrates that God overcomes evil with good.
Please be seated
This reading continues on the next page.
3Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?”
His brothers could not answer him, because they were terrified by his presence. 4Joseph said to his brothers, “Come closer to me, please.” They came closer. He said, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. 5Now do not be upset or angry with yourselves for selling me to this place, since God sent me ahead of you to preserve life. 6For two years now the famine has been in the land, and there are still five more years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. 7God sent me ahead of you to preserve you as survivors on the earth, and to keep you alive by a great act of deliverance. 8So it was not you who sent me here, but God, and he has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord over his entire household, and ruler over the whole land of Egypt. 9Hurry, go up to my father and tell him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: “God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me. Do not delay. 10You shall live in the land of Goshen, where you will be close to me you, your children, your grandchildren, your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. 11I will take care of you here, for there are still five years of famine. Otherwise you will come to ruin, you, and your household, and all that you have.”’
12Pay attention. Your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see that it is my mouth that speaks to you. 13You shall tell my father all about my position of honor in Egypt and about everything that you have seen. Hurry and bring my father down here.”
14He threw his arms around his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his shoulder. 15He kissed all his brothers and wept over them. After that his brothers talked with him.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
HYMN What God Ordains Is Always Good Christian Worship 844
–
Text: Samuel Rodigast, 1649
1708, abr.; tr. The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, alt. Tune: Severus Gastorius, 1646–1682. Text and tune: Public domain.
Paul lived in a Roman empire that operated on the principles of force and aggressing. Yet, he encourages believers to operate on the principles of grace, forgiveness, and humility.
Deuteronomy 32:35
Proverbs 25:21-22
SECOND READING
14Bless those who persecute you; bless, and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who are rejoicing; weep with those who are weeping. 16Have the same respect for one another. Do not be arrogant, but associate with the humble. Do not think too highly of yourselves.
17Do not pay anyone back evil for evil. Focus on those things that everyone considers noble. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, maintain peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20But:
If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For by doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.
21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
This hymn continues on the next page.
10:00: HYMN Oh, How Good It Is Christian Worship 731
The children’s choir will sing stanza 1 and the first refrain. Please join in singing the rest of the hymn.
Please stand
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Matthew 5:44-45
Alleluia. Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. Alleluia.
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King. The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Text and tune: Keith Getty, b. 1974; Kristyn Getty, b. 1980; Ross Holmes, b. 1984; Stuart Townend, b. 1963 © 2012 Getty Music Publishing (BMI), Parakeet Boots Music (ASCAP), Townend Songs, admin. MusicServices.org, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
In our interactions with others, Jesus calls us to disregard what people deserve. Instead, we are to show the same grace that God has shown to us.
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.
27“But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. 28Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who mistreat you. 29If someone strikes you on one cheek, offer the other too. If someone takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt. 30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes away your things, do not demand them back.
31“Treat others just as you would want them to treat you. 32If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? To be sure, even the sinners love those who love them. 33And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even the sinners do the same thing. 34If you lend to those from whom you expect to be repaid, what credit is that to you? Even the sinners lend to sinners in order to be paid back in full. 35Instead, love your enemies, do good and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the unthankful and the evil. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
37“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. In fact, the measure with which you measure will be measured back to you.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please greet those around you and then be seated
(10:00 AM) CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
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.
10:00 During the singing of this hymn, children ages 1-8 are excused to attend Children’s Church in the CLC Building. Parents can pick-up their children there following the service.
SERMON Genesis 45:3-8
Repaying Evil With Love
Text: Somerset T. C. Lowry, 1855–1932, abr., alt. Tune: The Revivalist, Troy, 1868, ed. Joseph Hillman. Text and tune: Public domain.
Please stand
The Apostles’ Creed developed in the Early Christian Church as a personal confession of faith. It is so named because it confesses the faith taught by the Apostles of Jesus.
CONFESSION OF FAITH
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
Please be seated
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Almighty God and Father, we thank you for all your mercies, especially for the gift of your Son, through whom you have revealed your gracious will. We praise you for the Holy Spirit and his working through the means of grace.
Plant your Word in our hearts, and cause it to produce fruit in our lives.
Strengthen and defend your Church, that by your Word and sacraments faith may grow and love toward all may increase.
Support all who spread the light of your truth throughout the world.
Keep our children in the grace of their baptisms. Enable their parents to train them in lives of faith.
Raise up Christians to serve you in the ministry of the Word and in all godly walks of life.
Preserve our nation in justice and honor. Guide and bless all who make, administer, and judge our laws.
Give them wisdom that they may promote justice and hinder evil.
Let your blessing rest on planting and harvest, commerce and industry, medicine and science, the arts and culture. Protect all who travel, and care for those whose work is difficult or dangerous.
Be with all who devote themselves to any useful task.
You have taught us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Move us past our natural animosity toward those who oppose us and make us mindful of their eternal welfare. You alone can change the heart.
Forgive those who have hurt us, hate us, and still wish us harm. Turn them away from their ill will toward us, and lead them to trust in you.
Comfort all who are in sorrow or need, sickness or adversity. Remember those who suffer persecution for the faith. Have mercy on those for whom death draws near.
Grant them your love, and take them into your tender care.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
We remember with thanksgiving those who have loved and served you, who now rest from their labors. Console those who are mourning or living with sadness. Keep us in the true faith, and bring us at last to the joys of heaven.
Grant us these things, Father, for the sake of Jesus, who died and rose again. Amen.
Text: Eliza S. Alderson, 1818–1889, alt. Tune: Rowland H. Prichard, 1811–1887. Text and tune: Public domain.
CLOSING PRAYER
Blessed Lord, you have given us your Holy Scriptures for our learning. May we so hear them, read, learn, and take them to heart that, being strengthened and comforted by your holy Word, we may cling to the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
7:45: BLESSING
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.
Amen.
The blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God’s people for over 3,500 years. The L said, “In this way they will put my name on [them], and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27
Please be seated
10:00: CHILDREN’S SONG
Oh, may the peace of God be with you evermore, and may the power of his great love your soul again restore, and may you always know his never-ending care and feel his gracious Spirit upon you everywhere.
THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING
Text: John Newton, 1725–1807. Tune: The Sacred Harp, Philadelphia, 1844. Text and tune: Public domain.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Friendship Register
We would like to have a record of both members and guests who are worshiping with us. Please sign the red Friendship Register book located along the center aisle in the hymnal rack.
Children’s Church
Children ages 1-8 will be dismissed from our 10:00 AM worship service today during the hymn before the sermon to attend Children’s Church. Parents, following worship, please pick your child up from the gymnasium in the CLC building.
Sunday Morning Bible Study
We are currently studying the Gospel of Mark. There are 4 Gospels in the New Testament. Each one has a story to tell and a way to tell it. Christians are drawn to the works and words of Jesus. This study will focus the readers on the unique aspects of Mark’s Gospel and apply it to their daily lives. Vicar Noah is leading this entire study on Sunday mornings. If you haven’t been to Bible study in a while, now is a great time to start. Please join us in the CLC gymnasium Sundays at 9:00 AM.
Daily Devotions
Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are on the Welcome Desk in the church entryway. A new Meditations book with devotions that begin March 1 is now available. These are great tools to use for your daily Bible study!
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 in the basement at Grace-Tucson. We will continue our study of 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.
New Giving Opportunity!
Grace-Sahuarita has been gifted $30,000 toward additional mesquite church furniture, tables and chairs for the gym, a shed to hold tables and chairs, and landscaping between the church and CLC. In order to complete all of these projects, we’d like to raise an additional $30,000 in special gifts. Envelopes and information are available in the church entryway.
Wednesday Bible Study
We recently began a new Bible study called “Christians in Today’s World.” We live in a world that is quickly changing. Attacks on our family structure, advances in technology, political unrest and open hostility to God’s people is now rampant in our country and around the world. Can we help but wonder what our grandchildren and great grandchildren will experience? The purpose of this study is to take an insightful look at six areas of deep concern to God’s people today. The sessions are meant to give Christians an opportunity to understand the problem, discover what God has to say, and go forward with renewed hope in the Lord’s sovereignty. Pastor Heiman is leading this study in the church entryway on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 AM.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Grace Night at the Tucson Roadrunners: Friday
Join us for a fun night with the Tucson Roadrunners hockey team! We’ll attend the game together this 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!
Midweek Lenten Services
Midweek Lenten services will be held at Grace-Benson, Grace-Sahuarita, and Grace-Tucson beginning with Ash Wednesday on March 5.
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
Sahuarita Teen Group: March 9
The Sahuarita Teen Group will be hitting the Top Golf links with students from St. Croix Lutheran High School after lunch at the CLC. Transportation to and from Top Golf will be provided as well as everything necessary for golf. Come and enjoy time hitting some golf balls and making new friends!
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 Welcome Table. Please register by March 31.
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 on the Welcome Table.
SAHUARITA
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 23 - March 2
Services 7:45 a & 10:00a Adult Bible Study: Gospel of Mark 9:00a
Sunday School 9:00a Fellowship following worship....................................................
7:00p
Adult Bible Study: Christians in Today’s World 10:00a Sunday, March 2
Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a
Adult Bible Study: Gospel of Mark 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Fellowship following worship
VAIL Today Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship Vocal Group Rehearsal.................................................11:00a
Wednesday Adult Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 6:30p Sunday, March 2
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship
ONLINE
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Sunday, March 2
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
OFF-SITE EVENT Friday
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.