2-5-23 Grace-Tucson Worship Folder

THE FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

WORSHIP NOTES

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.

OUR WORSHIP SERIES—THE SAVIOR’S SERMON

The Greek word epiphany means “appearance.” In the first half of this church season called Epiphany, we saw Jesus appear on the scene, beginning his ministry. He calls his disciples. It is not long before large crowds start following Jesus around Galilee. So, in the second part of this season Jesus is going to teach us what it means to be one of his followers.

Jesus does this through the most famous sermon of all time. It is not delivered while standing in a pulpit but while sitting on a hill. Elevated above the crowd, Jesus’ voice would carry through the air. His followers hung on his every word as the Christ talked about living an authentic Christian life. It is called the Sermon on the Mount.

Today: Trust in God’s Strength

February 12: You Are...So Be

TRUST IN GOD’S STRENGTH

Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount with a series of blessings. “Blessed are…” Jesus says, again and again. In the Latin Vulgate, these all begin with the word “beati” which translates as “blessed” or “happy.” Thus, this portion of the sermon is often called “The Beatitudes.” It had to give Jesus’ listeners pause. For what Jesus calls blessed, the world never would. The world praises the strong and the self-sufficient. Jesus calls blessed what others would see as weak or stupid. But, like any good preacher, Jesus is trying to drive home one crucial point. The weaker you are, the more ready you are to rely on God's strength. The more difficult your present circumstances, the likelier you are to yearn for future reward.

All the readings for today teach this truth. We have no real strength or wisdom of our own. But we don't need it. Because God's strength is enough to give the kingdom of heaven to the humble and poor in spirit.

+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +

OPENING HYMN Jesus Paid It All Christian Worship 562

Please stand

INVOCATION

Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.

Congregation: Amen.

CONFESSION OF SINS

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.

PRESERVICE MUSIC: How Deep the Father’s Love for Us arr.

Mark Hayes

Jesus Paid It All arr.

Lorie Line

This morning, we are using The Service Setting Three from the hymnal (p. 188 and following) as our order of worship.

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

Kyrie is the Greek word for Lord. The expression “Lord, have mercy” is one of the oldest worship responses in the Christian Church. The minister will sing the italicized words. The congregation responds by singing “Lord, have mercy” and with the final “Amen. Amen.”

Minister: In peace let us pray to the Lord.

Congregation:

For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

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.

For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.

Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.

GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST (Gloria) Christian Worship 190

Please join in singing the entire song this morning.

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.

This song continues on the next page.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Let us pray.

Almighty and everlasting God, look with mercy on our weaknesses, and in all our dangers and needs stretch out the right hand of your majesty to help and defend us; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

FIRST READING Zephaniah 2:3; 3:11-13

3 Seek the L , all you humble people of the earth who have carried out his commands. Seek righteousness. Seek humility. Maybe then you will be sheltered in the day of the L ’ s anger.

11 In that day you will no longer bear the shame of your rebellions against me. Then I will remove the proud boasters from among you, and you will never again be arrogant on my holy hill. 12 But I will leave among you the people who are humble and weak. They will seek refuge in the name of the L . 13 The Israelites who remain will no longer act unjustly. They will not lie, and a deceitful tongue will not be found in their mouth. Instead, they will graze peacefully like sheep and lie down. No one will terrify them.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The L promises that those who are humble, who trust in his strength rather than their own, will not be put to shame.

Please be seated

This psalm is not found in the hymnal. Rather, it was included in the Christian Worship Psalter which was released in connection with the new hymnal in late 2021.

5 How will they bear to stand before that judgment seat where all the saints at Christ’s right hand in full assembly meet?

6 God knows and he approves the way the righteous go, but sinners and their works shall meet a dreadful overthrow.

Text: Isaac Watts, alt. Tune: Trente quatre Pseaumes de David, Geneva, 1551, alt. Text and tune: Public domain.

26 Consider your call, brothers. Not many of you were wise from a human point of view, not many were powerful, and not many were born with high status. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to put to shame those who are wise. God chose the weak things of the world to put to shame the things that are strong, 28 and God chose the lowly things of the world and the despised things, and the things that are not, to do away with the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before God. 30 But because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us the wisdom from God, namely, our righteousness and sanctification and redemption. 31 God did this so that, just as it is written, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Please stand

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Please join in singing the refrains. The vocalist will sing the italicized verse.

Congregation:

Vocalist: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Paul points the Corinthians to themselves as an example of how God’s strength is made perfect in weakness.

Matthew 5:3

Jeremiah 9:24

The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.

Refrain (ALL)

In the Beatitudes Jesus shows us the outcome of a life that is lived trusting in God’s strength.

1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up onto a mountain. When he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 He opened his mouth and began to teach them. He said these things:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, because theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn, because they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the gentle, because they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, because they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful, because they will receive mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, because they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, because they will be called sons of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, because theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven. In fact, that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise be to you, O Christ.

Please be seated

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

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.

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.

Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.

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.

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

PREFACE Christian Worship 199

Minister:

Congregation:

The minister will sing the italicized words. The congregation responds by singing the bolded lines.

Lift up your hearts.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

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:

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY (Sanctus) Christian Worship 200

Please join in singing as much of this song as you are comfortable.

This song continues on the next page.

Tune: David Kauffman; William Gokelman © 2021 GFTSMUSIC Publishing Company, Inc., admin. Music Services. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

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.

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.

Matthew 6 and Luke

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.

LAMB OF GOD (Agnus Dei) Christian Worship 202

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. 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.

Please join in singing as much of this song as you are comfortable.

This song continues on the next page.

Gluten-free communion wafers and grape juice are available for those who for health or medical reason require it. Please see page 17 for additional details.

Please be seated

COMMUNION MUSIC:

Just As I Am Without One Plea arr. Zach Unke Lamb of God arr. Mark Hayes

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.

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.

Tune: David Kauffman; William Gokelman © 2010 GFTSMUSIC Publishing Company, Inc., admin. Music Services. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

SPOKEN RESPONSES

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

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. The prayers below may be used before and after receiving communion.

Altar Flowers

The flowers beautifying our altar today have been given by Jenn & DJ Miller in celebration of their son Jon’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 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.

Fellowship

Following the service this morning, you are invited to join us in the courtyard for drinks and snacks. We thank Sally Littau and Nancy Miles for hosting this week. The next available dates to host are April 2, 23, and 30. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

Those Assisting in Worship This Morning

Minister.................................................................................................................. Pastor Tim Patoka

Communion Assistant....................................Mark Hallemeyer (7:45 AM), Eric Hanson (10:00 AM)

Accompanist ...................................................................................................................Katie Patoka

Vocalists............................................................Deb Bakken (7:45 AM), Dylan Guenther (10:00 AM)

Greeters............................................................................................Eric & Erika Hanson (10:00 AM)

Communion Prep Audrey Nessinger, Jeanette O’Donald, Lauri Colton

Sound and Recording Techs ...........................................................Jeremy Snavely, Sam Kassulke

Banner Committee Nadine Rentschler, Jeanette O’Donald, Sandy Weir

Pastor Kassulke is attending the grade school basketball tournament in San Diego this weekend.

Sunday Morning Bible Study

This morning Jenn Miller, Ron Silver, and Holly Vaden will be giving a presentation on their experience at the WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership in Chicago. They will be sharing some highlights about what they learned at the conference.

Resuming next Sunday, February 12, is our “10 Lies About God” 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 next Sunday in the Fellowship Hall.

Tucson Campus Ministry Bible Study: TONIGHT & Wednesday

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 teaches with parables and discuss how to correctly understand how Jesus first spoke them.

Additional Bible Study: Join us this Wednesday for TCM’s Book Club. We are reading and discussing the book “3 Words That will Change Your Life.” We will meet at 6:30 PM in the Student Union Food Court by Fast Design. Gourmet donuts will be provided.

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 Received

Pastor Patoka was informed on January 12 that St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Menomonie, WI voted to extend to him a Divine Call to serve as their associate pastor. This means that he now holds two calls, one to Grace and one to St. Paul’s. He is working to make a decision whether to accept the new Call and move his ministry to Wisconsin or to decline the Call and continue serving here. He will strive to make that decision with prayer and careful consideration where his particular gifts for ministry fit best.

Pastor Patoka welcomes any input that the friends and members of Grace might wish to share with him. You can reach him by email at RevTLP@GraceLutheranSAZ.org or by phone at (520)6236633. He also appreciates prayers offered on behalf of him and Katie during this deliberation as well as for both congregations.

Czech Fundraiser Thank You

Members of Grace, thank you so much for all of your support during last week's fundraiser. Your generous gifts have helped me to reach my goals and have truly made the mission trip to the Czech Republic possible. I thank you for all your encouragement and support, especially your prayers for the work in the Czech Republic. I am confident that this trip will not only be beneficial for the people in the Czech Republic who we will share the gospel with but also beneficial for me in growing in my faith as I get an opportunity to worship with believers across the world. I look forward to one day sharing all about my experiences with you!

- Naomi Kassulke

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.

Church History Bible Study: Wednesday

Join us on Wednesdays for our study of Church History. We are currently studying the church during the French Revolution. Even if you haven’t attended this class before, this is an excellent time to join. 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 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.

Grow in Grace Class

Would you like to learn more about our Anointed Savior, 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.

Ladies’ Valentine’s Tea: Saturday

Ladies, please join us for the all-site Women of Grace Valentine’s Tea THIS Saturday, February 11, at 12:45 PM (new time) in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall. We host this event for all the WELS ladies in the Tucson area. Following lunch, Lori Hauser from Holy Cross will be giving a presentation on Mission to the Children. Grace ladies are invited to decorate and set a table and any theme is welcome. A few more table hostesses are needed. Grace members are encouraged to bring a brunch/lunch type food and dessert to share. Kitchen help is also needed. You are invited to sign up for any of these needs on the sheets in the Fellowship Hall. If you have any questions, please contact Adrienne Snavely at golong31@hotmail.com or 520-302-7840. We hope you can join us for this popular and fun event!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Memorial Service: Saturday

Redeemer member, Mrs. Ruth Moller, was called home to heaven on Thursday, January 26. A memorial service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church (8845 N. Silverbell Road) this Saturday, February 11, at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will follow in the Ministry Center. Memorials and donations can be made in Ruth’s honor to Redeemer Lutheran School.

Special Voter’s Meeting: February 12

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

TCM Horseback Riding: February 18

Tucson Campus Ministry (TCM) is organizing guided horseback riding for college-aged adults on the afternoon of Saturday, February 18. We will ride for 45 minutes in the gorgeous countryside around Vail. The cost for this event will be covered by TCM. If you are interested in coming, let Campus Pastor Tim know (welstcm@welstcm.com). Space is limited and additional information will be shared with our group of TCM cowboys and cowgirls.

Informational Meeting: February 18

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

Chupala Lunch: February 19

Grace's high school youth group, the Lifeliners, invites you to join them following the 10:00 AM worship service on Sunday, February 19, at Grace-Tucson 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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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. 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 “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, so worshipers who attend more than one site could hear a sermon repeated. See the schedule below for the Ash Wednesday services on February 22.

Grace-Benson 10 AM Lenten Worship “His Final Steps Led to Some Greeks” Lunch to follow

Grace-Sahuarita 10 AM & 6 PM Lenten Worship “His Final Steps Led to His Father’s House”

Grace-Tucson 10 AM & 7 PM Lenten Worship “His Final Steps Led to a Tomb”

6 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 on February 22. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall. A free-will offering will be taken to help cover expenses.

Ladies’ Fellowship Group: February 23

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

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.

Helping Hands

Sometimes you could just use a helping hand! Do you have a talent or service that you could offer to our fellow Grace members who could use some help (at a minimal cost or free)? Just a few ideas: outdoor work, computer work, sewing/mending, handyman, cooking, organizing, transportation to appointments, etc. We’re sure there are many more! If you would like to help, please fill out a Helping Hands card found on the bulletin board outside of the Library in the Fellowship Hall. The offers we have already received are posted on the bulletin board as well.

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 5 – February 12

Stay Up to Date

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

One Church. Four Sites.

Proclaiming the love of Jesus in Southern Arizona since 1911.

Grace-Sahuarita

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

Pastor Timothy L. Patoka (Campus Ministry) revtlp@gracelutheransaz.org

Grace-Benson

451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602

Grace-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

75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538

Pastor Ryan A. Heiman revrah@gracelutheransaz.org

Child Learning Center (520) 848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org www.GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com

Office Manager Jen Rickling Office Assistant Shirley Zanotti

Director Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org

Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher cinda@gracelutheransaz.org (520)405-3286

Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org

Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org

Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr office@gracelutheransaz.org

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.

For more information about our synod and what we believe visit: www.wels.net