THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD
G E L C T , A M 2, 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 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.
There is no cost to park in our parking lot during Sunday morning worship services. If you receive a citation by mistake, please let our office staff know so it can be cleared.
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 has followed 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
WELCOME
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +
OPENING HYMN—Christ Begins
Christian Worship 385 stanzas 1-3
PRESERVICE
Beautiful Savior
Charles Ore
Robert Hobby
O Wondrous Type!
O Vision Fair
Ruth Machie
Kevin Hildebrand
Down from the Mount of Glory
Carl Nolte
Carl Ziebell
Please stand
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
DIALOGUE FOR TRANSFIGURATION SUNDAY
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples.
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon us.
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.
Genesis 1:1-4
John 1:1-5
When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.
The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear?
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 8:12
Matthew 17:2
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.
HYMN OF PRAISE—O Wondrous Type! O Vision Fair
Text: Latin hymn, 15th cent.; tr. John Mason Neale, 1818–1866, alt. Tune: English, 15th cent. Text and tune: Public domain.
Psalm 27:2-3 Psalm 27:1
+ THE WORD +
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
O God, in the glorious transfiguration of your only-begotten Son, you confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the testimony of Moses and Elijah, and in the voice that came from the bright cloud, you foreshadowed our adoption as your sons. In your mercy, make us co-heirs of glory with Jesus our King, and bring us at last to heaven; 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
Exodus 34:29-35
29When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hand as he came down from the mountain, Moses did not realize that the skin of his face was shining because he had been speaking with the L 30When Aaron and all the people of Israel saw Moses, they were amazed that the skin of his face was shining, so they were afraid to come close to him. 31Moses called to them, so Aaron and all the rulers of the community returned to him, and Moses spoke to them. 32Afterward, all the people of Israel came close to him, and he gave them all of the commands that the L had spoken to him on Mount Sinai. 33When Moses was finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face. 34But whenever Moses went in before the L to speak with him, he would take the veil off until he came out again. Then he would come out and tell the people of Israel what he had been commanded. 35Whenever the people of Israel saw Moses’ face, they would see that the skin of Moses’ face was shining. Then Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with the L again.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The glory of God was reflected in the twosided covenant of the law which God established through Moses. It made people afraid. Through Christ God would establish a new and greater covenant which would remove all our fears.
This anthem is based on the words of Psalm 8.
CHOIR ANTHEM—The Majesty and Glory of Your Name
When I gaze into the night skies and see the work of your fingers; the moon and stars suspended in space. Oh, what is man, that you are mindful of him?
You have given man a crown of glory and honor, and have made him a little lower than the angels. You have put him in charge of all creation: beasts of the field, the birds of the air, the fish of the sea. But what is man, that you are mindful of him?
O Lord, our God, the majesty and glory of your name transcends the earth and fills the heavens.
O Lord, our God, little children praise you perfectly, and so would we, and so would we.
Alleluia, alleluia! The majesty and glory of your name. Alleluia, alleluia! The majesty and glory of your name. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Paul declares that the glory of the New Covenant of grace far surpasses the glory of the Old Covenant of law. The glory of the New Covenant is hidden in the work of Christ and revealed through the work of the Holy Spirit.
SECOND READING
2 Corinthians 3:7-18
7If the ministry that brought death (which was engraved in letters on stone) came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look directly at the face of Moses because of the glory of his face (though it was fading), 8how will the ministry of the spirit not be much more glorious? 9For if the ministry that brought condemnation has glory, the ministry that brought righteousness has even more glory. 10In fact, in this case, what was glorious is no longer very glorious, because of the greater glory of that which surpasses it. 11Indeed, if what is fading away was glorious, how much more glorious is that which is permanent!
12Therefore, since we have this kind of hope, we act with great boldness.
13We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face, so that the Israelites could not continue to look at the end of the radiance, as it was fading away. 14In spite of this, their minds were hardened. Yes, up to the present day, the same veil remains when the Old Testament is read. It has not been removed because it is taken away only in Christ. 15Instead, to this day, whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their hearts. 16But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18But all of us who reflect the Lord’s glory with an unveiled face are being transformed into his own image, from one degree of glory to another. This too is from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Please stand
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Refrain (ALL):
Mark 9:7
Choir: A cloud covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
Refrain (ALL)
Tune: © 1982 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
GOSPEL
Luke 9:28-36
28About eight days after he said these words, Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29While he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothing became dazzling white. 30Just then, two men, Moses and Elijah, were talking with him!
31They appeared in glory and were talking about his departure, which he was going to bring to fulfillment in Jerusalem.
32Peter and those with him were weighed down with sleep, but when they were completely awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
33As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let’s make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not realize what he was saying.
34While he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them. They were afraid as they went into the cloud. 35Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
36After the voice had spoken, they found Jesus alone. They kept this secret and told no one in those days any of the things they had seen.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ.
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel. The glory of God, hidden in Christ, shines through on the Mount of Transfiguration.
Please be seated
HYMN OF THE DAY Down from the Mount of Glory Christian Worship 388
Please join in singing stanzas 1, 2, 3, and 5. The choir will sing stanza 4.
Please stand
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.
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.
Nicene Creed
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Eternal God and Father, we pray for the Church around the world. Always keep your people faithful to you. Lift the veil from our eyes and guide us to see Christ in the Word and sacraments. During all the distractions of life, help us set our sights on Jesus. Keep us safe and protect us from the tricks and treachery of the devil. Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
We pray that you move us to have compassion on those stumbling in the darkness and empower us to proclaim Christ to all who have no faith. Give us courage to be unashamed of the light you have given us and to carry it willingly with joy wherever we go and whatever we do. Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
Hear our prayers for Christians everywhere who are being persecuted because of the light they bear. Give them the strength to endure the hardships they are undergoing and give them the peace and hope of Christ as they battle on. Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
We pray that Christ reveals his gracious presence to all who suffer. We pray especially for our families and those in our circle of friends who are sick or in need and for everyone whose needs we hold in our hearts. Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
Be with us, Lord, as we think about the coming days of Lent. Let your law convince us that we indeed deserve your punishment and would be lost forever without Christ. As our hearts fill with sorrow and regret, lift us up to see the Savior’s sacrifice on the cross and give us hearts full of faith in him. Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
Lord God, hear the prayers we offer and let your grace and mercy flow to us and all for whom we pray. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, the Light of the world. Amen.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
OFFERTORY:
Beautiful Savior John Behnke
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
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 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:
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Blessed are you, O Lord of heaven and earth. We praise and thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, and we remember the great acts of love through which he has ransomed us from sin, death, and the devil’s power.
By his incarnation, he became one with us. By his perfect life, he fulfilled your holy will.
By his innocent death, he overcame hell. By his rising from the grave, he opened heaven.
Invited by your grace and instructed by your Word, we approach your table with repentant and joyful hearts. Strengthen us through Christ’s body and blood, and preserve us in the true faith until we feast with him and all his ransomed people in glory everlasting. Amen.
The Prophet Isaiah was given a vision of heaven, where seraphim praised God. In the Sanctus we welcome Jesus with our hosannas and praise.
Tune: Marty Haugen © 1984, 1985 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
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.
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.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
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.
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.
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.
JESUS, LAMB OF GOD (Agnus Dei)
Christian Worship 186
This song continues on the next page.
Tune: Marty Haugen © 1984, 1985 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
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 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.
Gluten-free communion wafers and grape juice are available for those who for health or medical reason require it. Please see page 15 for more information.
DISTRIBUTION HYMN—Beautiful Savior
Christian Worship 522
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.
COMMUNION MUSIC:
Variations on “Beautiful Savior” Robert Lau Kevin Hildebrand
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 you thanks, O Lord, for the foretaste of the heavenly banquet you have given us in this Sacrament. Through this gift you have fed our faith, nourished our hope, and strengthened our love. By your Spirit, help us to live as your holy people until that day when you will receive us as your guests at the wedding supper of the Lamb, 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.
Please be seated
+ FAREWELL TO ALLELUIA +
Brothers and sisters in Christ, when we next gather for worship, it will be Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. On that day we will begin our solemn journey to the Savior’s cross. While the joy of faith remains undiminished throughout the year, our rejoicing during Lent is muted and quiet. For centuries, therefore, Christian churches have omitted their most jubilant songs during this season, including the word alleluia, which means, “praise the Lord.”
Now for a time we say farewell to alleluia. We do this to prepare ourselves for the quieter days of Lent. The alleluias will return on Easter dawn as we gather to shout our praise to the risen Lord.
HYMN Alleluia, Song of Triumph Christian Worship 977
CLOSING
POSTLUDE MUSIC: Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven John Behnke
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.
Altar Flowers
The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by Donna Malchow in memory of loved ones.
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 dates are May 11 & 18 and most of the Sundays in June. 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 10:00 AM service this morning, you are invited to join us in the courtyard and Fellowship Hall for drinks and snacks. Thank you to Bill & Lisa Toben for providing our treats this morning! Upcoming available dates are April 27 and May 11. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.
Those Assisting in Worship This Morning
Preacher...............................................................................................................
Pastor Ron Koehler
Worship Leader Pastor Nathan Kassulke
Accompanist.....................................................................................................................Jim Bakken
Vocalist Teri Guenther
Choir Director...............................................................................................................Paul Kassulke
Choir Accompanist Teri Guenther
Greeters ....................................................................................Bob & Nadine Rentschler (10:00 AM)
Ushers Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM) Dylan Guenther, Lucas Guenther, Ferdie Kramm, Rick Street (10:00 AM)
Communion Prep Kay Kassulke, Erika Hanson
Sound and Recording Techs...........................................................Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler
Banner Committee Sandy Weir, Jeanette O’Donald, Nadine Rentschler, Amy Rudd Acknowledgements:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sunday Morning Bible Study
We are currently studying the first half of the book of Romans. The Apostle Paul wrote to Christians in that important city to reassure them and us that God triumphs over sin and sadness by his grace. Please join us for “The Triumph of Grace: The Book of Romans.” If you have not made Sunday morning Bible study a part of your routine, this would be a great time to start! We meet at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall.
Daily Devotions
Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are at either door to church and in the Fellowship Hall. A new Meditations book with devotions that begin today is now available. These are great tools to use for your daily Bible study!
TCM Bible Study: Tonight
College students and college-age non-students are invited for a seasonal Bible study/ trivia night this evening at 7:00 PM in the Student Center. Our student assistants, Josiah and Mark, have promised doughnuts too! If you don’t have the TCM app for schedule and other information, grab it from Apple or Google. Search WELS Tucson Campus Ministry.
Midweek Lenten Services
Midweek Lenten services will be held at Grace-Benson, Grace-Sahuarita, and Grace-Tucson beginning this week with Ash Wednesday. You are also invited to join us for a Lenten Supper each Wednesday here at Grace-Tucson at 6:00 PM.
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 Supper
Grace-Sahuarita: 4 PM & 6 PM Lenten Worship 5 PM Supper
Midweek Lenten Supper Hosts Needed
A light supper is held at 6:00 PM each Wednesday evening before our Lenten service. Individuals, families, or groups are invited to host! Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall. More detailed information is with the sign-up sheet. A Thrivent Action Team will cover initial expenses and a free-will offering will also be taken.
Women’s Bible Study—The Apostle Peter: Thursday
All ladies are invited to join Pastor Koehler as they continue their study of the life of the Apostle Peter on Thursdays at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. This is the last of the series on The 12 Apostles, but you do not need to have participated in previous classes to join this one–it is entirely new.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Tucson Festival of Books
Grace will once again have a booth at the Tucson Festival of Books being held on the University of Arizona campus on Saturday and Sunday, March 15 & 16. We are looking for volunteers to staff the booth in two-hour blocks from 8:30 to 5:30 each day. You will be handing out activity packets to kids, helping people sign up for our 3 raffle gift baskets, and be available to talk with people about our church. If you can help out with this, please see the sign-up sheet on the table in the Fellowship Hall or contact our Outreach Coordinator, Gary Kojo, at (520)888-0000 or info@instyonoracle.com.
Ladies’ Fellowship Group: March 20
Ladies from all sites are invited to join the Ladies’ Fellowship Group to visit the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures (4455 E. Camp Lowell Drive). They will meet at 9:30 AM on Thursday, March 20. Admission is $15 per adult and $13 for seniors (62+). After visiting the museum, the ladies will enjoy lunch at the nearby BZ’s Bistro (3225 N. Swan Road, Suite 105A). Ladies interested in carpooling from Grace-Tucson can contact Lois Thornton at (520)323-8772 to make arrangements. She can also answer any questions you may have.
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 bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall.
Help Needed for LWMS Rally
As mentioned in the previous announcement, Grace is hosting the April 5 LWMS Rally at GraceSahuarita. We are responsible for the continental breakfast and lunch. A planning meeting will be held on Sunday, March 9, immediately following the 10:00 AM worship service at Grace-Sahuarita. If you are unable to attend this meeting but would like to help with the rally, please call or text Pat Dent at (520)245-9056.
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 west end of the Fellowship Hall or you may bring them to the LWMS Rally on April 5.
Fellowship Hall Remodel
We are thankful for a generous gift that will allow us to do some upkeep and freshening up of the Fellowship Hall! You’re invited to stop in the Fellowship Hall after church today to take a look at the new flooring sample and paint colors. We are anticipating work to be done in May. Watch for opportunities to help as the time gets closer!
TUCSON 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 2 - March 9
Worship Services with communion.................7:45a & 10:00a
Children’s Bible Hour ..................................................... 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Triumph of Grace 9:00a
Grow in Grace Class (Office Conference Room) 9:00a
Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Big Questions 9:00a Fellowship following worship....................................................
TCM Bible Study 7:00
Tuesday
Wednesday Ash Wednesday Services 10:00a & 7:00p Lenten Supper 6:00p
Thursday
Women’s Bible Study: Apostle Peter 9:00a Handbell Practice........................................................... 5:30p Grow in Grace Class 6:00p Worship Choir 6:45p
Sunday, March 9
Worship Services 7:45a & 10:00a
Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Triumph of Grace 9:00a NO Grow in Grace Class (resumes March 30)
Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Big Questions 9:00a Fellowship following worship NO TCM Bible Study (resumes March 16)
BENSON Today
Worship Service with communion 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Hebrews.............................................8:45a Fellowship following worship Wednesday Ash Wednesday Service & Lunch 10:00a
Sunday, March 9
Worship Service 7:30a
Adult Bible Study: Hebrews 8:45a Fellowship following worship....................................................
Vicar in Mission Setting
SAHUARITA Today
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 Ash Wednesday Services 4:00p & 6:00p Lenten Supper 5:00p Festival Choir Rehearsal 7:00p
Sunday, March 9
Worship Services 7:45a & 10:00a
Adult Bible Study: Gospel of Mark 9:00a
Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Fellowship following worship Teen Group 11:30a
VAIL Today
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a Worship Service with communion.................................10:00a Fellowship following worship
Thursday
NO Adult Bible Study (resumes March 13)
Sunday, March 9
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship ...................................................
ONLINE Today
Adult Bible Study (Tucson).............................................9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson).......................10:00a
Sunday, March 9
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson).......................10:00a
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. As of January 31, $11,437.29 has been collected. You will find envelopes for this purpose at each of the church doors and in the Fellowship Hall.
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.