WORSHIP NOTES
Welcome to Grace!
Our mission at Grace is to teach the inspired and inerrant Word of God, to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Savior of the world, and to nurture believers for lives of Christian service.
Check out the GRACE WEBSITE at GraceLutheranSAZ.org
We are very pleased that you have joined us for worship today! We pray that this time will be a blessing for you as God comes to you with his Word and promises and as you offer him your thanks and praise.
The order of worship we will follow is printed in this worship folder for you to follow along and participate. You’ll notice that the service is a dialogue between God and us, his people. The pastor speaks to God along with the congregation and also speaks the Word of God to the people. LARGE PRINT worship folders are available at the entrances for those who desire them.
Today we are using elements from the Christian Worship (2021) hymnal. For ease of worship today, all of the hymns we are singing are printed for you in this worship folder. If you desire to sing the hymns from the hymnal, you can find these blue books in the hymnal racks in each pew. 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 RESURRECTION REALITY
St. Paul writes, “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:20). Big word: Indeed! Paul is stressing that we must not think of Jesus’ resurrection like a happy ending to another epic fable. The resurrection is not legend. It really happened. Easter is not just a holiday. Easter is history. On time’s infinite line, Jesus’ resurrection is the punctiliar moment that defines reality for us all. If Christ remained dead, he is a fraud and failure. But Christ has indeed been raised. So, the reality: Jesus is exactly what he claimed to be the Son of God, our Lord and Savior. If Christ remained dead, then the grave is the final, ugly, rotten end of us all. But Christ has indeed been raised. So, the reality is Jesus’ resurrection proves that “all will be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22).
The reality of the resurrection does not just change our future, but the way we look at life now.
The greatest theologian of the early church, Augustine, called the season of Easter “a joyful week of weeks” seven wonderful weeks, each seven glorious days long. In this glorious season, let us meditate upon the breath-taking implications of the resurrection reality.
Our worship over the next seven weeks will follow these themes:
Easter Sunrise
Easter Festival
Second Sunday of Easter
Without the Resurrection Faith Is Futile
All Will Be Made Alive
The Living Lord Gives Proof and Peace
Third Sunday of Easter We Have a Meaningful Message to Share
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Sixth Sunday of Easter
The Risen Savior Provides Good Shepherding
The Living Lord Produces Active Faith
Jesus’ Business Is Love; Therefore, So Is Ours
Ascension of Our Lord Christ’s Ascension Means He Is Closer Than Ever
The Festival of Pentecost Christ Has Not Left Us Alone
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +
We have come to the end of the quieter and reflective season of Lent with its absence of the word “Alleluia” in our worship. Then we focused on the suffering and death of Jesus; today the people of God erupt in joyful praise! “Alleluia” and “Hallelujah” fill our worship of Jesus, who conquered death (both words mean “Praise the Lord”). As we celebrate Easter, the resurrection of our Lord, we are participating in a festival that goes back to the earliest days of Christianity. It has been the highlight of the Christian church year since that time. We celebrate Jesus’ victory and his promise to all who put their faith in him: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even if he dies. And whoever lives and believes in me will never perish” (John 11:25-26).
WELCOME
OPENING HYMN Christ the Lord Is Risen Today; Alleluia Christian Worship 442
PRESERVICE MUSIC:
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Give Thanks and Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
Jacob Weber
I Know that My Redeemer Lives Jason D. Payne
HANDBELLS
I Know that My Redeemer Lives Michael Helman
Trumpet Tune on “The Day of Resurrection”
Jason D. Payne
Romans 4:25
Romans 5:1
Romans 8:1
Romans 8:37
1 Corinthians 15:54
1 Corinthians 15:57
1 Peter 1:3-4
EASTER DIALOGUE
Minister: Christ is risen!
Congregation: He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Jesus Christ was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God.
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. In all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Death has been swallowed up in victory.
Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade.
This inheritance is kept in heaven for us.
John 11:25-26
Job 19:25
Job 19:27
Colossians 3:1
Colossians 3:4
Luke 24:5-6
Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in him will live, even though they die.
And those who live by believing in him will never die.
I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.
I myself will see him with my own eyes I, and not another.
Since you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
When Christ, who is our life, appears, we will appear with him in glory.
Why do you look for the living among the dead?
He is not here; he has risen!
Psalm 118:24
This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, by the glorious resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, you conquered death and opened the gate to eternal life. Grant that we, who have been raised with him through Baptism, may walk in newness of life and ever rejoice in the hope of sharing his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be dominion and praise now and forever.
Amen. Please be seated
By faith Job knew that because the Redeemer lives, even though Job would die and his body would decay, he would see his God with his own eyes in the resurrection.
CHOIR ANTHEM—Christ Is Risen, He Is Risen Indeed! Worship Choir
They crucified my Lord, they crucified my Lord, and he never said a mumbalin’ word.
How can it be, the one who died, has borne our sin through sacrifice to conquer every sting of death? Sing, sing hallelu, sing hallelujah.
For joy awakes as dawning light when Christ’s disciples lift their eyes.
Alive he stands, their friend and king; Christ, Christ, he is risen.
Christ is risen, he is risen indeed! Oh, sing hallelujah.
Join the chorus, sing with the redeemed; Christ is risen, he is risen indeed.
Where doubt and darkness once had been, they saw him and their hearts believed.
But blessed are those who have not seen, yet, sing hallelujah.
The power that raised him from the grave, now works in us to powerfully save.
He frees our hearts to live his grace; go tell of his goodness.
Christ is risen, he is risen indeed! Oh, sing hallelujah.
Join the chorus, sing with the redeemed; Christ is risen, he is risen indeed.
Christ the Lord is risen today, sing, sing hallelujah.
All creation join to say, sing, sing hallelujah!
Christ is risen, he is risen indeed! Oh, sing hallelujah.
Join the chorus, sing with the redeemed; Christ is risen, he is risen indeed.
Christ is risen, risen indeed! O sing hallelujah.
Join the chorus, sing with the redeemed; Christ is risen, he is risen, he is risen, Christ is risen, he is risen indeed! Words and music: Keith
Oh how I wish that my words were written down. Oh how I wish that they were inscribed in bronze, 24 that they would be engraved in rock forever with an iron tool and letters filled with lead. 25
As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at the end of time he will stand over the dust.
26 Then, even after my skin has been destroyed, nevertheless, in my own flesh I will see God.
27 I myself will see him.
My own eyes will see him, and not as a stranger. My emotions are in turmoil within me.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Christ gives us hope in this life. But Christ’s resurrection gives us hope also for the eternal life that is to come.
19 If our hope in Christ applies only to this life, we are the most pitiful people of all.
20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came by a man, the resurrection of the dead also is going to come by a man. 22 For as in Adam they all die, so also in Christ they all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ as the firstfruits and then Christ’s people, at his coming. 24 Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, after he has done away with every other ruler and every other authority and power. 25 For he must reign “until he has put all his enemies under his feet.” 26 Death is the last enemy to be done away with.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Please stand
GOSPEL
1 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so they could go and anoint Jesus.
Mark 16:1-8
2 Very early on the first day of the week, at sunrise, they went to the tomb. 3 They were saying to each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance to the tomb for us?” 4 When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.
5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 6 He said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”
8 They went out and hurried away from the tomb, trembling and perplexed. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please be seated
Early Easter morning, an angel explains to the women why they won’t find Jesus’ corpse in the tomb.
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.
Apostles’ Creed
The Apostles’ Creed developed in the Early Christian Church as a personal confession of faith. It is so named because it confesses the faith taught by the Apostles of Jesus.
Please be seated
HYMN—I Know that My Redeemer Live
Christian Worship 441
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Almighty and merciful God, on this glorious day we rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Increase our faith that the message of the empty tomb may fill our lives and make us glad each day.
When we are weak, be our strength; when we are sad, be our song; and when we sin, be our salvation.
Remove the hurt of death from all who mourn. In moments of grief call believers through the voice of our Good Shepherd and embolden us to follow his promises. In their hopelessness of despair turn the faithless to trust in the only Way, Truth, and Life.
Wipe away tears born of death and give new birth to a living hope in the hearts of the lost and troubled. Use our witness as compassion and comfort for others in need of mercy.
King of kings and Lord of lords, destroy all dominion, authority, and power that stands against you, whether seen or unseen. Whatever evil exerts itself against your saving will false teaching or lukewarm faith, Satan’s lies or worldly pleasures, empty worship or futile religion rule it for the sake of the gospel’s free course.
Triumph over our enemies and empower the Church to fight the good fight to the end. Never leave us or forsake us.
Walk among our churches, O Living One, as the faithful witness and firstborn from the dead. As your angel sent women with news of the risen Christ, call women in our church to announce, “He is risen!” As you sent your disciples with the breath of the Spirit, call those in our church full of the Spirit and wisdom to administer the keys of the kingdom.
Wherever we live and whatever we do, help us to be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope that we have in Christ.
Heavenly Father keep the baptized united with your Son in his resurrection. Put to death the fleshly urges of those caught in addictions, clothe in your righteousness anyone ashamed of good intentions which have fallen short, and assure those searching for purpose that their eternal identity as your dear children is sealed.
Thank you for the power of baptism working in our lives, and for the certainty of its promises through the resurrection. Enrich us with everything we need for life and godliness.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
O Lord of life, you have done mighty things for us! We pray through him who is the Beginning and the End, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
His name is above every name, to the glory of God the Father! Amen.
OFFERING
Members of Grace respond to their Savior’s love with offerings that are given joyfully, generously, regularly, and in a way that is proportionate to how the Lord has blessed them. Their cheerful gifts support the mission and ministry of our congregation. If you are a guest today, please know that we do not expect you to contribute to our congregation’s work. However, if you would like to give an offering to the Lord in response to his love to you, we are happy to receive it and put it to work in God’s kingdom. If you prefer, use your smart phone to give online by scanning this QR code:
Please fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder at the end of the row and pass it along. Thank you!
HYMN—I Know that My Redeemer Live Christian Worship 441
OFFERTORY:
Christ the Lord Is
Risen Today
Tedd Smith
Don Hustad
Please stand
PRAYER
Blessed Lord, you have given us your Holy Scriptures for our learning. May we so hear them, read, learn, and take them to heart that, being strengthened and comforted by your holy Word, we may cling to the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
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. 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
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.
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
ANNOUNCEMENTS
POSTLUDE MUSIC:
Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
Dallas Blair
THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING
Preacher...................................................................................... Pastor Nathan Kassulke
Worship Leader .................................................................................Pastor Ron Koehler
Organ Jim Bakken
Piano...........................................................................................Jim Bakken, Deb Bakken
Vocalist Katie Patoka
Choir Director.............................................................................................Paul Kassulke
Brass Pastor Nathan Kassulke, Paul Kassulke, Cora Stuhr, Pastor Tim Patoka
Timpani......................................................................................................Danny Koehler
Handbell Director Beth Kassulke
Greeters....................................................................................................Jenn & DJ Miller
Ushers.................................................. Dylan Guenther, Danny Koehler, Ferdie Kramm DJ Miller, Jenn Miller, Rick Street
Sound and Recording Techs...............Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke
Banner Committee....................... Nadine Rentschler, Jeanette O’Donald, Sandy Weir
Acknowledgements:
Welcome Grace Guests!
If you are a guest at Grace today, we are very happy to have you worship with us! If you would like more information about Grace or have questions about becoming a member of our congregation, please pick up a Guest Packet at one of the church doors or in the Fellowship Hall or speak to one of our pastors.
Grace-Tucson
830 N. 1st Avenue, 85719
Regular Sunday Morning Schedule
7:45 AM Worship Service
8:45 AM Bible Studies for Adults and Children
10:00 AM Worship Service
Grace-Benson
451 W. Duane Street, 85602
Regular Sunday Morning Schedule
7:30 AM Worship Service
8:45 AM Adult Bible Study
Grow in Grace Class
Grace-Sahuarita
75 W. Sahuarita Rd., 85629
Regular Sunday Morning Schedule
9:00 AM Bible Studies for Adults and Children
10:00 AM Worship Service
Grace-Vail
9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, 85747 (Esmond Station Elementary)
Regular Sunday Morning Schedule
9:00 AM Bible Studies for Adults and Children
10:00 AM Worship Service
Would you like to learn more about our risen 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 Bible-based lessons called Grow in Grace. Grow in Grace also serves as our membership class for those who may be interested in joining the church. If you would be interested in scheduling a Grow in Grace Class, please speak to one of the Pastors, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.
Easter Lilies
Thank you to those who have beautified our Easter worship by providing lilies:
Mary Bennett In memory of her parents
Lauri Colton—In thanks to God for family and blessings
Sally Littau In thanks for her Christian parents and her Christian family
Nancy Miles Praise be to God for his many blessings
Audrey Nessinger In thanks to God for many blessings and in memory of Dick Street
Bob & Nadine Rentschler In thanksgiving for our Christian parents
Amy Rudd In thanks to God for all his blessings
Delene Sabol In thanks to God for her church family
Barb Tobiasson In thanks for her many blessings
Beth & David Williams In memory of their parents
For those of you who purchased lilies, please remember to take them home after the 10:00 AM service today. Thank you!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thank You!
We sincerely thank the many, many people who are involved in our Easter Celebration throughout this morning! Choir members, bell ringers, directors, vocalists, instrumentalists, breakfast hosts and servers, those who set up before and after services, sound techs if you were involved in any way we greatly appreciate you using your gifts and talents to serve our Risen Lord!
Divine Call Received
Pastor Patoka was informed on March 5 that Our Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lancaster, CA voted to extend to him a Divine Call to serve as their pastor. This means that he now holds two calls, one to Grace and one to Our Shepherd. He is working to make a decision whether to accept the new Call and move his ministry to California or to decline the Call and continue serving here. He will strive to make that decision with prayer and careful consideration where his particular gifts for ministry fit best.
Pastor Patoka welcomes any input that the friends and members of Grace might wish to share with him. You can reach him by email at RevTLP@GraceLutheranSAZ.org or (540)623-1149. He also appreciates prayers offered on behalf of him and Katie during this deliberation as well as for both congregations.
Vicar in Mission Setting
Grace is requesting a Vicar (Pastor intern) to further his studies while helping serve in our mission, primarily at our Sahuarita location. The congregational cost is $20,000 for the 2024/2025 school year. $10,000 has already been donated, and we are hoping to raise the remainder through a special offering. Please see the Vicar in Missions flyer and envelope on the table in the Fellowship Hall for more information.
Daily Devotions
Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are at either door to church and in the Fellowship Hall. A new Grace Moments book with devotions beginning tomorrow, April 1, is now available. These are great tools to use for your daily Bible study!
Sunday Morning Bible Study
When our Bible study resumes next Sunday, we will begin taking a look at Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer. This is a section of our Grow in Grace Class, which will give us an opportunity to learn and discuss much about what God has to say regarding prayer. 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.
Grace Central Office Closed Monday
The Grace Central Office located here at our Tucson site will be closed tomorrow, Monday, April 1. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, April 2. Regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. There is often someone available in the office later than 3:00. You may always call (520-623-6633) or email (office@GraceLutheranSAZ.org) the office. Phone messages and emails are checked regularly.
Midweek Bible Studies
Our midweek Bible studies will not be meeting this week. The Church History class will resume on Wednesday, April 10, at 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM. The women’s Bible study will meet again at 9:00 AM on Thursday, April 11. Please join us for either of these classes there’s always room for more!
