THE SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT
G E L C S , A M 16, 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—OPEN DOOR POLICIES: God’s Surprising Strategies for Getting Sinners Back Home
When a wayward child wanders far from home, how does a loving parent pursue them without driving them further away? One thing that parent does is let the child know that there is an ongoing open-door policy. The child knows they will always be welcomed back home. Likewise, when we wander from God, he always keeps his door open for us. But God doesn’t just passively wait for us to return. He lovingly pursues sinners in ways that make them long for home.
In the Church Year, we have come to the season of Lent. The word Lent comes from an old English word for spring: “lengthen,” when the days grow longer. For over 1400 years the Church has set aside the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter as a time of repentance and renewal. In this 40-day journey to the cross and tomb, we will see the surprising strategies our heavenly Father uses for getting sinners back home, close to him and the loving care he offers.
In this season, our worship will follow this path:
March 9 One Stands; Everyone Else Sits
March 16 No Detours Allowed
March 23 Always Present, Always Patient
March 30 Grace Instead of Condemnation
April 6 Hiding Treasure in the Trash
OUR THEME FOR TODAY—NO DETOURS ALLOWED
The door to God and the glory he has prepared for us stands wide open. However, he has mapped out a very specific pathway to that door. It is not an easy one. As it did with Jesus, this route takes us through opposition, suffering, and even death. While our human nature may cause us to want to take a detour around these things, Jesus own life shows us that no detour is allowed. His cross came before his crown. The same path lies ahead of us. However, at the end of it, through the open door, we are offered a reward far superior to anything the world can offer.
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP + WELCOME
OPENING HYMN AfflictedÊSaint,ÊtoÊChristÊDrawÊNear
Christian Worship 867
Text (sts. 1–4): John Fawcett, 1740–1817, alt.; (Ref): Constance Dever, b. 1960. Tune: Constance Dever, b. 1960. Text and tune: © 2018 Sovereign Grace Praise, admin. Integrity Music. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199
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.
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
SPOKEN RESPONSES
When God’s children rebel and wander from his ways, he desires that they return to him for pardon and peace through his Son. The courts of heaven resound with joy when a single wayward child returns home.
Luke 15:10
2 Corinthians 6:2
There is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
Children of God, the time to turn to our Father for forgiveness is now. God made Christ our sin that we might become his righteousness. He implores us to be reconciled to him, promising:
In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.
CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION
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
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.
HYMN RESPONSE—TodayÊYourÊMercyÊCallsÊUs Christian Worship 916
“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
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 minds set on heavenly things, for hearts that long for heavenly glory, and for the will to bear our earthly crosses, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the gifts of humility and repentance, for faith that finds security in Christ and does not use God’s patience as an excuse for sin, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For perspective to see that, apart from Christ, gain is loss, and in Christ, loss is gain, and for the perseverance to press on and take hold of our heavenly prize, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
Amen. HYMN
+ THE WORD +
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, you see that we have no power to defend ourselves. Guard and keep us both outwardly and inwardly from all adversities that may happen to the body and all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; 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
READING Jeremiah 26:8-15
8When Jeremiah had finished saying everything the L had commanded him to say to all the people, then the priests, the prophets, and all the people seized him and said, “You must die! 9Why do you prophesy in the name of the L that this house will be like Shiloh and that this city will be desolate with no one living here?” All the people crowded around Jeremiah in the House of the L .
10When the officials of Judah heard about these things, they came up from the king’s house to the House of the L and sat in the entrance of the New Gate of the L ’s house.
11Then the priests and the prophets said to the officials and to all the people, “This man deserves the sentence of death because he has been prophesying against this city, as you heard with your own ears.”
12Then Jeremiah said to all the officials and to all the people, “The L sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the things that you have heard. 13Now reform your ways and your actions, and obey the L your God. Then the L will relent and not bring about the disaster he has pronounced against you. 14But as for me, look, I am in your hands. Do with me whatever seems good and right in your eyes. 15But you can be certain of this. If you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood on yourselves and on this city and on those who live here, for it is true that the L has sent me to you to speak all these words in your hearing.”
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Jeremiah knew the path the Lord had called him to walk calling the nation to repent might get him killed. In love for the Lord and for his nation, Jeremiah walked that path willingly.
SECOND READING
Philippians 3:17-4:1
17Brothers, join together in imitating me and in paying attention to those who are walking according to the pattern we gave you. 18To be sure, many walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. I told you about them often, and now I am saying it while weeping. 19Their end is destruction, their god is their appetite, and their glory is in their shame. They are thinking only about earthly things. 20But our citizenship is in heaven. We are eagerly waiting for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
21By the power that enables him to subject all things to himself, he will transform our humble bodies to be like his glorious body.
1So then, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, in this way keep standing firm in the Lord, my dear friends.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Please stand
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Philippians 2:7-8
When he was born in human likeness, and his appearance was like that of any other man, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death even death on a cross.
Paul explains that being a follower of Jesus means that our path in life will resemble his. Paul encourages us to not try and take detours as we journey toward heaven.
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King. The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Text: Martin M. Schalling, 1532–1608; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–1878, alt. Tune: Zwey Bücher . . . Tablatur, Strassburg, 1577. Text and tune: Public domain.
The Pharisees offer Jesus a detour around danger and a shortcut to safety. But Jesus was determined to continue down the path he was on for us and our salvation.
31In that very hour, some Pharisees came to him and said, “Leave, and go away from here, because Herod wants to kill you.”
32He said to them, “Go tell that fox, ‘Look, I am going to drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal. 33Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the next day, because it cannot be that a prophet would be killed outside Jerusalem!’
34“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I have wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!
35Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you will say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please greet those around you and then be seated
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.
(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.
Text: Erdmann Neumeister, 1671–1756; tr. The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, alt. Tune: Concentus novi, Augsburg, 1540, ed. Johann Kugelmann. Text and tune: Public domain.
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.
CONFESSION OF FAITH
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.
NiceneÊCreed
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
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.
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.
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
Silent prayer
The Preface to the Sacrament is one of the oldest parts of the Christian liturgy, dating back to the first century. As we prepare to receive Holy Communion, we are united with the Body of Christ, in an unbroken bond with Christians through the millennia.
PREFACE
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
+ THE SACRAMENT +
Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who brought the gift of salvation to all people by his death on the tree of the cross so that the devil, who overcame us by a tree, would in turn by a tree be overcome. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
The Prophet Isaiah was given a vision of heaven, where seraphim praised God. In the Sanctus we welcome Jesus with our hosannas and praise.
Sanctus Text: Michael D. Schultz © 2021 Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Lord God, you are worthy to receive thanks and praise from all people. You created the world and all who live in it, and in your mercy you saved us. We give thanks to you for the grace of your Son, Jesus Christ.
Though in very nature God, he took the nature of a servant and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. He offered himself as a sacrifice for sin and redeemed us from its curse and penalty. He rescued us from the terrors of death and restored eternal life with you. He conquered our enemies and gained for us the kingdom of grace and glory.
Bless us as we receive your Son’s body and blood, and lead us to remember his suffering, death, and resurrection. Forgive our sins and fill us with the hope of new life in heaven. Hear our praise and receive our thanks as we worship you the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
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
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.
John the Baptist pointed to Jesus and said, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” We sing the Agnus Dei confident that Jesus has borne our sins and freely gives us forgiveness and peace in the Sacrament.
Personal prayers for before and after communing are now available on printed labels on the inside cover of the hymnals.
Please be seated
DISTRIBUTION
The Bible teaches that the Lord’s Supper is a unique communion of Christ and the individual believer as well as a coming together of people who hold to the same beliefs. Because of these Scriptural truths, we practice MemberÊCommunionÊat 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.
Psalm 106:1
Please stand
1 Corinthians 11:26
SPOKEN RESPONSES
+ THANKSGIVING +
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
We give thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us with this saving gift. We pray that through it you will strengthen our faith in you and increase our love for one another. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
The blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God’s people for over 3,500 years. The L said, “In this way they will put my name on [them], and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27
BLESSING
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.
Amen.
THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.
Midweek Lenten Services
Midweek Lenten services are being held at Grace-Benson, Grace-Sahuarita, and Grace-Tucson through April 9. You are also invited to join us for a Lenten Supper each Wednesday at 5:00 PM between our services.
Our Lenten series is “Reflections on Repentance.” 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 Supper
Grace-Sahuarita: 4 PM & 6 PM Lenten Worship 5 PM Supper
LWMS Spring Rally: April 5
Ladies, the LWMS Grand Canyon East Circuit Spring Rally being held here 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 in the church entryway. Please register by March 31.
Fiesta Sahuarita: April 5
Grace will once again have a booth at Fiesta Sahuarita! This free event takes place from 2:00 to 8:00 PM on Saturday, April 5, at Anamax Recreation Center (17501 Camino De Las Quintas). Come out and enjoy over 100 vendors, food trucks, live music, an epic kids zone, and more! We are looking for volunteers to help with our booth. If you are interested, please leave your information on the sign up sheet on the Welcome Desk in the church entryway. If you have questions, please contact Pastor Heiman at (520)999-0245 or RevRAH@GraceLutheranSAZ.org.
Medication Bottle Collection
In connection with the LWMS Rally, we are collecting empty pill/medication bottles to send to the Central Africa Medical Mission. These bottles are then used by the medical staff to send creams, ointments, or syrups home with patients. Containers are requested in the following sizes: 4”x2”, 3¾”x1½”, 3”x1¼”, 3”x1½”, 3”x1”. Please remove all labels, and if there is adhesive remaining on the bottles, do not send those. Wash any used pill bottles. Bottles can be dropped off in the marked box in the church entryway or you may bring them to the LWMS Rally on April 5.
CLC Charity Golf Tournament: April 28
Do you enjoy golf? Join us on Monday, April 28, for the 6th 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 ($450) 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.
SAHUARITA
Today
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 March 16 - March 23
Worship Services with communion 7:45 a & 10:00a
Adult Bible Study: Gospel of Mark 9:00a Children’s Sunday School...............................................9:00a Fellowship following worship
Wednesday Midweek Lenten Services................................. 4:00p & 6:00p Lenten Supper 5:00p Festival Choir Rehearsal 7:00p Thursday CLC Board Meeting 9:00a
Sunday, March 23
Worship Services 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 with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship Vocal Group Rehearsal 11:00a
Thursday Adult Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 6:30p
Sunday, March 23
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics ....................................9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship Site Ministry Team Meeting 12:00p
ONLINE
Today
Adult Bible Study (Tucson).............................................9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson).......................10:00a
Wednesday Worship Service (Tucson) 7:00p
Sunday, March 23
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a
Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
OFF-SITE EVENT
Today
Booth at the Tucson Festival of Books on UA Mall 9:30a
TUCSON
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.