THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT
G E L C S , A M 30, 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 is following 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—GRACE INSTEAD OF CONDEMNATION
We assume people get what they deserve. We assume that what goes around comes around. We assume God helps those who help themselves. Those assumptions are false. God does not operate on the principle of merit but of grace. No one is beyond the reach of God's grace. God never turns it off. At the entrance of God’s open door is not a Father looking to condemn us, but a Father who has eagerly longed for our return. When we do, he takes us in his loving arms and assures us we are still his child. When the weight of our sin makes us fearful of God’s condemnation, he reveals his grace yet again.
Text and tune: Matt Boswell, b. 1979; Matt Papa, b. 1983 © 2016 Getty Music Songs, Messenger Hymns, and Love Your Enemies Publishing, admin. MusicServices.org.
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.
HYMN RESPONSE Today Your Mercy Calls Us Christian Worship 916
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—Today Your Mercy Calls Us 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.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, your mercies are new every morning; and though we deserve only punishment, you receive us as your children and provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant that we may heartily acknowledge your merciful goodness, give thanks for all your benefits, and serve you in willing obedience; 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 the 7:45 service will continue on page 8 with the First Lesson
Matthew 28:18-20
Mark 10:13-16
+ HOLY BAPTISM +
THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
Our Savior Jesus Christ commanded Baptism when he said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
In the Gospel of Mark we hear:
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.
All of us are born into this world with a deep need for Baptism. From our parents we inherit a sinful nature; we are without true fear of God and true faith in God and are condemned to eternal death. But while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. He took away our sin by giving his life on the cross. In Baptism, he clothes us with the robe of his righteousness and gives us a new life.
RITE OF BAPTISM
Presley James Kluball, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Receive the sign of the cross on the head and heart (+) to mark you as one redeemed by Christ the crucified.
The almighty God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given you the new birth of water and the Spirit and has forgiven all your sins. May he strengthen you with his grace all the days of your life. Peace be with you.
EXHORTATIONS
The minister addresses the parents: Matt and Izzy, our Lord Jesus Christ, in instituting Baptism, not only commanded that children should be baptized, but that they should be taught to obey everything he has commanded us. I therefore ask you:
Do you intend to bring up Presley in the way of the Lord and to instruct her in the truths of God’s saving Word so that he may grow in faith, serve God with a Christian life, and remain in her baptismal grace all the days of his life? If you are willing to do so, answer: “Yes, and I ask God to help me.”
Yes, and I ask God to help me.
The minister addresses the congregation: Brothers and sisters in Christ, this child has been baptized into the family of believers, the holy Christian Church. It is our privilege and responsibility to care for the children of our congregation, to remember them in our prayers, to encourage their parents in their God-given work, and to demonstrate a Christian life. If you are willing to do so, answer: “Yes, and we ask God to help us.”
Yes, and we ask God to help us.
PRAYER
Let us pray.
We give thanks, most merciful Father, that you have received Presley as your own child and made her a member of Christ’s body, the church. Now, we pray, grant to her and to all your church on earth that, being dead to sin, we may live to righteousness and, being buried with Christ into his death, we may also share in his resurrection, so that, with all your saints, we may inherit eternal life; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
+ THE WORD +
FIRST READING
1 In that day you will say: I will give thanks to you, L , for though you were angry with me, your anger has turned away, and you comfort me.
2 Surely God is my salvation. I will trust him and will not be afraid, because Yah, the L , is my strength and song, and he has become my salvation.
Isaiah 12:1-6
3 Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
4 In that day you will say: Give thanks to the L ! Proclaim his name. Declare among the peoples what he has done. Proclaim that his name is exalted!
5 Sing to the L , for he has done amazing things! Let this be known in all the earth!
6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, daughter of Zion, for the Holy One of Israel is great among you!
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
God’s grace turns the fear of our condemnation into the joy of our salvation.
The Hebrew uses both forms of the divine name, the short form Yah and the full form Yahweh, which EHV usually translates L
This hymn is a paraphrase of the words from our First Reading.
This hymn continues on the next page.
SECOND READING
Romans 8:1-10
1So then, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2For in Christ Jesus, the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3Indeed, what the law was unable to do, because it was weakened by the flesh, God did, when he sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to deal with sin. God condemned sin in his flesh, 4so that the righteous decree of the law would be fully satisfied in us who are not walking according to the flesh, but according to the spirit.
5To be sure, those who are in harmony with the sinful flesh think about things the way the sinful flesh does, and those in harmony with the spirit think about things the way the spirit does. 6Now, the way the sinful flesh thinks results in death, but the way the spirit thinks results in life and peace. 7For the mind-set of the sinful flesh is hostile to God, since it does not submit to God's law, and in fact, it cannot. 8Those who are in the sinful flesh cannot please God.
9But you are not in the sinful flesh but in the spirit, if indeed God's Spirit lives in you. And if someone does not have the Spirit of Christ, that person does not belong to Christ. 10But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, but your spirit is alive because of righteousness.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Please stand
In Christ Jesus, God has already condemned all sin. For us there is only grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
How does God respond to those who object to or are enraged by his grace? He responds with more grace.
This reading continues on the next page. GOSPEL
There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
GOSPEL
Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
1All the tax collectors and sinners were coming to Jesus to hear him. 2But the Pharisees and the experts in the law were complaining, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
3He told them this parable:
11Jesus said, “A certain man had two sons. 12The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all that he had and traveled to a distant country. There he wasted his wealth with reckless living. 14After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that country, and he began to be in need.
15He went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16He would have liked to fill his stomach with the carob pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
17“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, and I am dying from hunger! 18I will get up, go to my father, and tell him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ 20He got up and went to his father.
“While he was still far away, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, hugged his son, and kissed him. 21The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick, bring out the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us eat and celebrate, 24because this son of mine was dead and is alive again. He was lost and is found.’ Then they began to celebrate.
25“His older son was in the field. As he approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26He called one of the servants and asked what was going on. 27The servant told him, ‘Your brother is here! Your father killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’
28The older brother was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him.
29“He answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I’ve been serving you, and I never disobeyed your command, but you never gave me even a young goat so that I could celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours arrived after wasting your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’
31“The father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 32But it was fitting to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again. He was lost and is found.’”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please greet those around you and then be seated
(10:00 AM) CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
HYMN OF THE DAY Amazing Grace Christian Worship 576
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 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 (sts. 1–3): John Newton, 1725–1807, alt.; (st. 4): A Collection of Sacred Ballads, Richmond, 1790. Tune: Columbian Harmony, Cincinnati, 1829, ed. Benjamin Shaw; ed. Charles H. Spilman. Text and tune: Public domain.
Please stand
The Apostles’ Creed developed in the Early Christian Church as a personal confession of faith. It is so named because it confesses the faith taught by the Apostles of Jesus.
CONFESSION OF FAITH
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Please be seated
Apostles’ Creed
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Gracious Lord, according to your will and promise, you sent your Son into our world to atone for sin and restore eternal life. You planned his path to the cross, and he followed it perfectly. Your Spirit led him to endure the temptations of Satan, but he triumphed. Your own people rejected his message, but he persevered. He confronted the blindness of unbelief, the confusion of doubt, and the hurt of death but was not deterred as he proclaimed your kingdom to the least, the last, and the lost.
Guide us to follow Christ by faith as we walk the road of temptation and trial. Spare us from falling into Satan’s traps, and steel our resolve as his partners confront us. Teach us to use your Word as a weapon to fight against all devilish lies and deceptions. When we fall and we surely will lift us up again with your forgiveness and grace.
As we hear and contemplate the holy record of our Savior’s passion and death, use the sharp message of the law to empty us of pride and self-reliance. Humble us as we view the Savior in his humility, remembering and believing that he endured the cross so we might be freed from its horror. In his suffering show us our healing, in his grief show us our joy, and in his death show us our life.
Protect all who are bearing the cross of persecution and disdain. Supply your power to those fighting temptations and addictions. Watch over all who are sick and suffering in body, mind, and heart. We pray especially for children who are abused, forsaken, or ignored. Comfort all your troubled people with the sweet peace that only Jesus can bring.
Give wisdom and resolve to the leaders of our government that their rule may bring prosperity to our land and peace to our people. Supply insights to those who seek cures and invent devices to make our lives on earth better and safer. Inspire creative minds to touch our hearts in ways that reflect your creating love. You desire that we bask in the glory of your redemption; according to your will, may we also enjoy the wonders of your creation.
Hear our prayers, Lord, for the sake of Jesus, whose journey to the cross we remember during the days of Lent. Comfort and strengthen us by his life and death on our behalf, and thrill us as we look forward to celebrating his victory on Easter. Amen.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
The blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God’s people for over 3,500 years. The L said, “In this way they will put my name on [them], and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27
Please stand
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord, whenever we feel the crushing burden of our sin, show us again how blessed we are. You have lifted our transgressions from us. You have covered our sins with the robe of your Son’s righteousness. You no longer count our misdeeds against us. For this great deliverance, we rejoice and sing your saving name.
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.
Text: Kurt E. Reinhardt, b. 1969 © 2003 Kurt E. Reinhardt. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: Sammlung alter und neuer . . . Melodien, 1742. Public domain.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLOSING HYMN Joyously I’ll Praise My Savior Christian Worship 611
Text: Paul Gerhardt, 1607–1676, abr.; tr. Michael D. Schultz, b. 1963 © 2021 Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: Georg G. Boltze, 18th cent.Public domain.
Friendship Register
We would like to have a record of both members and guests who are worshiping with us. Please sign the red Friendship Register book located along the center aisle in the hymnal rack.
Children’s Church
Children ages 1-8 will be dismissed from our 10:00 AM worship service today during the hymn before the sermon to attend Children’s Church. Parents, following worship, please pick your child up from the gymnasium in the CLC building.
Sunday Morning Bible Study
We are currently studying the Gospel of Mark. There are 4 Gospels in the New Testament. Each one has a story to tell and a way to tell it. Christians are drawn to the works and words of Jesus. This study will focus the readers on the unique aspects of Mark’s Gospel and apply it to their daily lives. Vicar Noah is leading this entire study on Sunday mornings. If you haven’t been to Bible study in a while, now is a great time to start. Please join us in the CLC gymnasium Sundays at 9:00 AM.
College Students, Does God Have a Sense of Humor?
April Fool’s Day is just two days away, so you’re probably making plans. Okay, probably not. Have you ever considered, though, how God views humor? What does the Bible say about humor, laughter, joking, etc.? And why is it important for us to know? Tonight’s Bible study, Does God Have a Sense of Humor, will tackle all of that. Anyone college age is invited—7:00 PM in the Student Center located in the basement at Grace-Tucson.
Those Assisting in Worship This Morning
Preacher..............................................................................................................
Worship Leader
Pastor Ryan Heiman
Vicar Noah Nordlie
Accompanist.................................................................................................................. Jane Neujahr
Acknowledgements:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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
Women’s Bible Study: Thursday at Grace-Tucson
All ladies are invited to join Pastor Koehler for a study of the life of the Apostle Peter on Thursday at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. The next series of classes will begin on May 1 and will be a study of the book “More Prepared to Answer.”
LWMS Spring Rally: Saturday
Ladies, the LWMS Grand Canyon East Circuit Spring Rally is being held here at Grace-Sahuarita this 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 tomorrow, March 31.
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.
Items Needed for Rally
The LWMS Rally planning committee is looking for donations of teacups and matching saucers to be used as decorations/giveaways (you will not be getting them back). Also, each lady attending from Grace is asked to bring a salad share. Teacups and saucers can be given to Pat Dent. If you have any questions, please contact Pat Dent (520-245-9056, pattie11@hotmail.com) or Linda Morris (248 -763-8390, morristhewildcat@hotmail.com).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Fiesta Sahuarita: Saturday
Grace will once again have a booth at Fiesta Sahuarita! This free event takes place from 2:00 to 8:00 PM this 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.
Spanish Worship Service & Easter for Kids: April 13
You are welcome to join Mission to the Children for a Spanish worship service and Easter for Kids event at Grace-Tucson on Sunday, April 13, beginning at 4:00 PM. Your help is needed! They could use volunteers for face painting, serving food, helping with crafts, and set up & clean up. Also needed are donations of small, individually-wrapped candies for putting in plastic Easter eggs for an egg hunt. The candy can be dropped off in the marked box in the church entryway. To offer your assistance, or if you have any questions, please contact Nicole Scheuerlein at info@MissionToTheChildren.org or (520)820-2016.
Easter for Kids: April 19 at Grace-Vail
Our Grace-Vail location is holding an Easter for Kids event on Saturday, April 19, beginning at 9:00 AM at Esmond Station School. Children will hear the Easter story and enjoy crafts, music, snacks, and an Easter Egg Hunt! Bring your kids and join in the fun!
Holy Week Schedule
Holy Thursday Worship
Thursday, April 17
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, April 18
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, April 20
Grace-Benson
Worship 7:30 AM
Breakfast 8:45 AM
Grace-Sahuarita
Worship 7:45 & 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
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Holy Week Devotions - The Foolishness of the Cross
Holy Week devotions are once again 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, April 13. These devotions will help us see how the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. Beginning on April 7, you may request that the devotions be emailed to you daily at mlc-wels.edu/publications/ seasonal-devotions/#email. You will receive the written devotion and the link to an audio recording by the author. 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.
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.
Vicar in Mission Setting
Grace is once again requesting a Vicar in Missions to serve under Pastor Heiman here at our Sahuarita location. The congregational cost is $25,000 for the 2025-2026 school year ($15,000 in 2025 and $10,000 in 2026). We are looking to cover this cost with special offerings. You will find envelopes for this purpose at each of the church doors and in the Fellowship Hall.
Giving Opportunity!
Grace-Sahuarita has been gifted $30,000 toward additional mesquite church furniture, tables and chairs for the gym, a shed to hold tables and chairs, and landscaping between the church and CLC. In order to complete all of these projects, we’d like to raise an additional $30,000 in special gifts. Envelopes and information are available in the church entryway.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ACSTO Donations for Grace Members
As you work on your income taxes, please consider making use of the Arizona Tuition Tax Credit Program. Many Grace families and students who attend our Lutheran Schools (Redeemer and Arizona Lutheran Academy) appreciate your support in this way. Our schools partner with the Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization (ACSTO) to participate in this program. Through the tax credit, you can use money that you would otherwise spend on taxes to support Lutheran education.
You can find more information and even make a donation online through the ACSTO website, ACSTO.org. Remember that this option is available to all those who have state tax liability in Arizona. Grace member Jeff Weinstein (520-909-7649, JWeinstein@ACSTO.org) is also an employee of ACSTO. He is able to help answer questions you may have. Even if you have never made use of tuition tax credits before, we would be happy to help you figure it out!
Grow in Grace Class
Would you like to learn more about our Savior Jesus, 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 Pastor Heiman or Vicar Nordlie, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.
Grace’s Bible-based Counselor
Cinda Drescher is Grace’s Bible-based Counselor. She is on staff at Grace and works in the counseling building located in the Grace-Tucson parking lot. She typically works at the counseling building two days each week. To schedule an appointment, it is easiest to text her at 520-581-4714 or email at Cinda@GraceLutheranSAZ.org. Because she is on staff at Grace and supported by the congregation’s Ministry Spending Plan, there is no charge for anyone who makes an appointment with her. She is happy to meet with anyone whether they are members of Grace/WELS or not. Cinda not only has a WELS Bible-based Therapist certification, she holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work, a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, along with certifications in Trauma and Domestic Violence.
NPH EXTRA
Northwestern Publishing House (NPH) is our synod’s publishing house where you can purchase books on a wide variety of topics, bibles, bible study books for all ages, music, Christ-centered gifts, jewelry, and apparel. NPH EXTRA is a free program that lets you designate your church to receive 1 percent of the dollars you spend at NPH. Your purchases benefit you spiritually and help support how gospel ministry is carried out at your church! Learn more about this exciting program and sign up today at nph.net/extra.
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 30 - April 6
Worship Services 7:45 a & 10:00a
Adult Bible Study: Gospel of Mark 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Fellowship following worship Wednesday
& 6:00p
....................................................................9:00a Sunday, April 6
Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a
Adult Bible Study: Gospel of Mark 9:00a Children’s Sunday School...............................................9:00a Fellowship following worship
VAIL
Today
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Potluck following worship......................................................... Vocal Group Rehearsal 11:00a
Thursday
Adult Bible Study: 1 Corinthians .....................................6:30p
Sunday, April 6
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a ALA Presentation following worship ........................................ Fellowship following worship Vocal Group Rehearsal 11:45a
ONLINE Today
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a Wednesday Worship Service (Tucson) 7:00p
Sunday, April 6
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson).......................10:00a
TUCSON
Worship Services 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: Does God Have a Sense of Humor? 7:00p
Bible Study: Apostle Peter
6
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: Apologetics 9:00a Fellowship following worship TCM BBQ at Koehlers....................................................3:00p BENSON
Worship Service .............................................................7:30a
Bible Study: Hebrews 8:45a Fellowship following worship
Midweek Lenten Service & Lunch................................10:00a Sunday, April 6
Worship Service with communion 7:30a Adult Bible Study: ALA Presentation ..............................8:45a Fellowship following worship
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.