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 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 www.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—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 is following 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 THE SOLUTION TO SIN
While not every religion uses the word “sin,” they all embrace the concept. Every religion acknowledges that mankind’s flawed attitudes or misguided actions are a source of pain, both now and potentially in eternity. So, every religion offers a solution: a set of laws, a moral code, a path to more enlightened behavior. What do they have in common? We are to solve sin through human effort. Be better! Try harder! This is the heart of every false religion. Those who correctly understand they will never overcome their sin are crushed by guilt. Those who ludicrously believe they have defeated their sin are killed by pride.
True religion offers a better way one that frees us from guilt and has no room for pride. Jesus teaches that the solution to our sin is not to work harder. It is to trust in the work he has done for us. Salvation comes through Spirit-wrought faith in Christ.
OPENING HYMN Jesus, Refuge of the Weary Christian Worship 409
The words of the invocation remind us that the God we meet and worship is the true and triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
1 John 1:8-9
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
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.
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
Christ gave the authority to forgive the sins of penitent sinners to his church:
“Whenever you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven.”
John 20:23
Mark 10:47
Kyrie is the Greek word for Lord. The expression “Lord, have mercy” is one of the oldest worship responses in the Christian Church.
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. LORD, HAVE MERCY Kyrie
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
Amen.
+ THE WORD +
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Grant, O merciful Lord, to your faithful people pardon and peace that they may be cleansed from all their sins and serve you with a quiet mind; 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
Numbers 21:4-9
4 They set out from Mount Hor along the road to the Red Sea to go around the land of Edom, but the people became very impatient along the way. 5 The people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? Look, there is no food! There is no water! And we are disgusted by this worthless food!”
6 The L sent venomous snakes among the people, and the snakes bit the people. As a result many people from Israel died. 7 The people went to Moses and said, “We have sinned, because we have spoken against the L and against you. Pray to the L to take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed on behalf of the people.
8 The L said to Moses, “Make a venomous snake and put it on a pole. If anyone who is bitten looks at it, he will live.” 9 Moses made a bronze snake and put it on the pole. If a snake had bitten anyone, if that person looked at the bronze snake, he lived.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
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.
The L promised a solution for the bite of venomous snakes. That solution perhaps seemed nonsensical. Yet, all those who trusted God’s promise lived.
God’s solution to sin is offered by grace and received through faith.
SECOND READING
This reading continues on the next page.
Ephesians 2:1-10
1 You were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked when you followed the ways of this present world. You were following the ruler of the domain of the air, the spirit now at work in the people who disobey.
3 Formerly, we all lived among them in the passions of our sinful flesh, as we carried out the desires of the sinful flesh and its thoughts. Like all the others, we were by nature objects of God’s wrath.
4 But God, because he is rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved! 6 He also raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. 7 He did this so that, in the coming ages, he might demonstrate the surpassing riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
8 Indeed, it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance so that we would walk in them.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Please stand
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
GOSPEL
John 3:14-21
14 “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 The one who believes in him is not condemned, but the one who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God. 19 This is the basis for the judgment: The light has come into the world, yet people loved the darkness rather than the light, because their deeds were evil. 20 In fact, everyone who practices wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, or else his deeds would be exposed. 21 But the one who does what is true comes toward the light, in order that his deeds may be seen as having been done in connection with God.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE & GREETING
While the children are coming forward please greet your neighbor and fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder in your row and pass it along. Thank you!
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel. Christ is the solution to sin. Whoever believes in Christ shall not perish but have eternal life.
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. 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.
Please be seated
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.
HYMN OF THE DAY God Loved the World So That He Gave Christian Worship 570
5 If you are sick, if death is near, this truth your troubled heart can cheer: Christ Jesus saves my soul from death; this is the anchor of my faith!
6 Glory to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Three in One! To you, O blessèd Trinity, be praise now and eternally!
SERMON
John 3:16
Does Being a Christian Require more than John 3:16?
Please stand
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.
Please be seated
Apostles’ Creed
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.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Heavenly Father, you loved the world and gave your Son to free us from sin and death by his obedient death on the cross.
We confess that without your love we are lost.
Lord of the Church, we thank you for the treasure of the gospel. By your Spirit, keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.
Strengthen our determination to do what pleases you, no matter what the danger or the cost.
Guard and guide those who carry a cross in the name of Christ and face ridicule and persecution for the sake of the kingdom: missionaries and chaplains, young people who stand up for what is right in the face of pressure to do what is wrong, and all who pay a high price for their faith and values as Christians.
By your Spirit, O Lord, grant them patience and endurance.
Keep in your care those who carry heavy burdens in life: the sick and the chronically ill, the depressed and the lonely, those torn by conflict in personal relationships, and those victimized by war and injustice. Comfort all who face the terrors of life with a heavy heart.
Grant them peace, O Lord, and in your mercy, be their guardian and friend, their comfort and hope.
Watch over those who care for others: pastors and counselors; physicians and nurses; social workers and caring friends; all who feed the hungry, comfort the hurting, and stand beside the dying.
Strengthen them in their work, O Lord, and do not let them become weary in doing good.
Hear us as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
Help us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Keep us faithful even to the point of death, that we may receive the crown of life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Please stand
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.
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
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Friendship Register
We are so thankful you have joined us today and 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.
Divine Call Received
Pastor Patoka was informed on March 5 that Our Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lancaster, CA voted to extend to him a Divine Call to serve as their pastor. This means that he now holds two calls, one to Grace and one to Our Shepherd. He is working to make a decision whether to accept the new Call and move his ministry to California 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 (540)623-1149. He also appreciates prayers offered on behalf of him and Katie during this deliberation as well as for both congregations.
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-Sahuarita at 5:00 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: 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
Grown Ups in the Garden: Friday
Come and enjoy the beautiful Art & Nature Garden here at Grace-Sahuarita! Have some coffee and treats while visiting with other Grace members and CLC parents this Friday, March 15, from 8:00 to 9:00 AM.
Memorial Service: March 23
Grace member Ted Malchow was called home to heaven on March 1. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 23, at 4:00 PM at Grace-Tucson. A light supper will follow the service. Please keep his wife, Donna, and his family in your prayers.
Holy Week Devotions - “The Savior We Need”
Holy Week devotions are being made available to us by Martin Luther College, our pastor and teacher training school in New Ulm, MN. There are devotions for each day of Holy Week, beginning with Palm Sunday, March 24. These devotions will show us that Jesus truly is the Savior we need. Beginning on March 22, you may request that the devotions be emailed to you daily at mlc-wels.edu/ publications/seasonal-devotions/#email. You may also read them in the online flipbook and use the link within each devotion to listen to the author’s audio recording. If you would like a paper copy of these devotions, please contact the Grace Central Office at (520)623-6633 or email office@GraceLutheranSAZ.org.
We pray that these devotions will comfort and strengthen you as you ponder the life and death of Jesus, who is truly the Savior we need.
Holy Week Schedule
Holy Thursday Worship
Thursday, March 28
10:00 AM & 7:00 PM at Grace-Tucson
10:00 AM at Grace-Benson
6:00 PM at Grace-Sahuarita
Good Friday Worship
Friday, March 29
6:00 PM at Grace-Vail
6:00 PM at Grace-Sahuarita
Tenebrae Service (Service of Darkness)
7:00 PM at Grace-Tucson
Worshipers are asked to leave this church service in silence, leaving in stillness and darkness until the dawn of a glorious Easter Day. Please visit with friends and family prior to entering church for worship.
Easter Sunday
Sunday, March 31
Grace-Benson
Worship 7:30 AM
Breakfast 8:30 AM
Grace-Sahuarita
Worship 8:00 & 10:00 AM
Breakfast 9:00 AM
Grace-Tucson
Sunrise Service 7:00 AM
Breakfast 8:00 AM
Concert 9:00 AM
Festival Service 10:00 AM
Grace-Vail
Breakfast 9:00 AM
Worship—10:00 AM
Invitations to our Easter celebration are available on the Welcome Desk in the church entryway. Please use them to invite your unchurched friends and neighbors.
Easter Breakfast
As seen in the schedule above, we will hold an Easter breakfast at 9:00 AM on Easter Sunday. Help is needed with this meal. Please see the sign-up sheet on the Welcome Desk in the church entryway if you are able to serve in this way.
CLC Golf Tournament: April 29
Do you enjoy golf? Join us on Monday, April 29, for the 5th annual CLC Charity Golf Tournament! Beginning at 1:00 PM golfers will participate in a 4-person scramble golf tournament at Desert Hills Private Golf Club in Green Valley. Our goal for this big event is to raise funds for the It Takes the Community Scholarship Fund to benefit our community families in need of child care. Go to ItTakestheCommunity.com to register for this event, either as a team ($400) or individual golfer ($125). If you know of any businesses that might be interested in sponsoring this event, please contact Jen Rickling at (262)366-5778 or jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org.
Vicar in Mission Setting
Grace is requesting a Vicar (Pastor intern) to further his studies while helping serve in our mission, primarily at our Sahuarita location. The congregational cost is $20,000 for the 2024/2025 school year. $10,000 has already been donated, and we are hoping to raise the remainder through a special offering. Please see the Vicar in Missions flyer and envelope on the Welcome Desk in the church entryway for more information.
Mission Teacher Resignation
Katie Patoka informed Grace Lutheran Church and Child Learning Center that she is resigning her Call to serve as the CLC Afterschool Care Teacher. Chris Leathers is moving from the toddler room to our Afterschool Care program to fill the teacher vacancy. The CLC Board is discussing how to fill the vacancies in the Infant and Toddler rooms. Please keep everyone in your prayers during this time of transition.
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.
Thursday
