Easter Festival Worship April 1, 2018
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church 830 N. First Avenue, Tucson, AZ
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. We are very pleased that you have joined us for worship today at Grace-Tucson! 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.
Worship Notes The order of service we follow is printed out in this worship folder. 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.
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stand for a few moments in the entryway, sometimes that’s all that’s needed;
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go down the stairs to the left in the entryway—they will lead down to the Child Care Room where you will still be able to see and hear the service;
Hymns are found in our hymnal, Christian Worship, which is the red book in the pew rack in front of you.
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visit the private Mother’s Room across the courtyard in the women’s restroom—you will be able to hear the service there also.
Large print hymn sheets are available in the entryway. You may also ask an usher or greeter to get one for you. We believe that many blessings come from having families worship together and we love to have children in worship! If you need to calm a restless child, you may:
Printed copies of the sermon are available in the entryway. CDs of the entire worship service will be made upon request from the sound technician in the balcony. It only takes a few minutes to copy. You may also find sermons and services in print, audio and video on our website: www.GraceLutheranSAZ.org
A er subdued worship during the season of Lent, which focused on our Savior’s suffering and death, our Easter morning worship is full of Alleluias once again. “Alleluia” or “Hallelujah” means “Praise the Lord!”
PRESERVICE MUSIC
The Strife Is O’er the Ba le Done Arranged by Cindy Berry
Alleluia! The strife is o’er, the battle done; Now is the victor’s triumph won; Now be the song of praise begun. Alleluia!
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Alleluia! On the third morn he rose again Glorious in majesty to reign; Oh, let us swell the joyful strain! Alleluia!
WELCOME
ORDER OF WORSHIP HYMN Please stand for the final stanza of the hymn
Christ Has Arisen, Alleluia Christian Worship Supplement #719
Choir All Women Men Please stand All
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INVOCATION Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son ( ) and of the Holy Spirit. Congregation: Amen. M: Jesus Christ is risen! C: He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
CONFESSION OF SINS M: God invites us to come into his presence and worship him with humble and penitent hearts. Therefore, let us acknowledge our sinfulness and ask him to forgive us. C: Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful, and that I have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have done what is evil and failed to do what is good. For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity. But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner. M: God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given his only Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. With this sacrifice complete and acceptable to the Father, Jesus Christ rose victorious from the grave. Therefore, as a called servant of the Savior 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. C: Amen.
HYMN
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He’s Risen, He’s Risen Christian Worship #143 st. 1 & 4
PRAYER OF THE DAY M: 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 Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be dominion and praise now and forever. C: Amen.
Please be seated
FIRST LESSON On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine—the best of meats and the finest of wines. On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord
M: C:
Isaiah 25:6-9 will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The Lord has spoken. In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!
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PSALM 118 The choir will sing the verses of the psalm. The congregation is invited to join on the refrains and the final verse.
The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. “The LORD’S right hand is lifted high; the LORD’S right hand has done mighty things!” I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done. Refrain I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Refrain SECOND LESSON If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the M: C: 5
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!
1 Corinthians 15:19–26 firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
WORSHIP CHOIR
I Will Sing of My Redeemer
I will sing of my Redeemer and His wondrous love to me. On the cruel cross he suffered from the curse to set me free. I will tell the wondrous story, how, my lost estate to save, In His boundless love and mercy, He the ransom freely gave. REFRAIN: Yes, I’ll sing of my Redeemer, with His blood He purchased me. On the cross He sealed my pardon, paid the debt and made me free. I will praise my dear Redeemer. His triumphant power I’ll tell, How the victory that he gives me over sin and death and hell. I will sing of my Redeemer, and His heavenly love to me. He from death to life has brought me, Son of God, with Him to be. REFRAIN To sing the story of the Christ who died for me. Sing it with the saints in glory, gathered by the crystal sea. REFRAIN Praise God I am free to sing!
Please stand
GOSPEL LESSON When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe M: C:
Mark 16:1–8 sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 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.’ ” Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ!
Please be seated
HYMN
Jesus Christ Is Risen Today Christian Worship #157
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SERMON
Hebrews 7:23–27 Jesus Christ Is Our Eternal High Priest
Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest truly
meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.
Please stand
CONFESSION OF FAITH M: C: M: C: M: C: M: C:
Luther’s Explanation to the Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed
I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from all eternity, and also true man, born of the virgin Mary, is my Lord. He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil, not with gold or silver but with his holy precious blood and with his innocent suffering and death. All this he did that I should be his own, and live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as he has risen from death and lives and rules eternally. This is most certainly true. This is most certainly true.
Please be seated
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. Please fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder at the end of the row and pass it along. Thank You! If you prefer, use your smart phone to give online by scanning this QR code.
OFFERTORY MUSIC
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Come Let Us Sing By David Paxton
Please stand
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH M:
Thanks be to you, O Lord, for giving us the victory through your Son, Jesus Christ. Heavenly Father, you have not forsaken us or left us to our own destruction but kept your ancient promise to send a Savior. We praise you for his perfect life, his innocent death, and his glorious resurrection. Because of your faithfulness to your promises, today is a day of victory! Savior Jesus, we praise you for carrying out God’s plan of salvation. Your resurrection is undeniable evidence that you have triumphed over sin, death, hell, and the devil. Because of your resurrection, today is a day of victory! Holy Spirit, we praise you that through the gospel you have led us to know and believe that Jesus is our risen Savior. Today we say confidently, as did the angel, “He is not here. He has risen.” Preserve us in faith. Raise us to newness of life. Continue to lavish on us the blessings of this day of victory. Triune God, kindle in our hearts a love for all people. Equip us with both the will and the words to tell others that Jesus has indeed risen from the grave. Use us to share the message of the empty tomb, so that others also may rejoice in Jesus’ Easter victory. Lord of life, comfort all who stand at death’s door. Comfort all who mourn the loss of a loved one who has died in faith in the risen Savior. Comfort each of us with the assurance that because Jesus lives, we too will live. Remind us all that the death of a Christian is not a defeat. Because of Jesus, it is a day of victory.
Special prayers and intercessions may follow. M:
Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our private petitions.
Silent prayer. M:
Thanks be to you, O Lord, for giving us the victory through your Son, Jesus Christ.
C:
Amen.
LORD’S PRAYER C:
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.
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BLESSING M:
C:
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
CLOSING HYMN Stanza 1: Stanza 2: Interlude Stanza 3: Stanza 4:
All All All All
Stanza 5: Stanza 6: Stanza 7: Interlude Stanza 8:
Men Women Choir
I Know that My Redeemer Lives Christian Worship #152
All
POSTLUDE
To God All Glory Given By Rachel Sawyer
Those Assisting in Worship This Morning Worship Leader ............................................................................ Pastor Ron Koehler Preacher ............................................................................... Pastor Nathan Kassulke Accompanist...................................................................................... Teri Guenther Handbell Director ................................................................................ Beth Kassulke Worship Choir Director......................................................................... Teri Guenther Trumpet ........................................................ Pastor Nathan Kassulke, Pastor Ron Koehler Ushers ...................................................... Jon Dongoske, Dylan Guenther, Danny Koehler Dustin Pauley, Colton Watson Sound and Recording Tech ................................................................... Jeremy Snavely Greeters........................................................ Elaine Goldie, Nicole and Ronda McNamara Copyright Information: Christ Has Arisen, Alleluia: Words by Bernard Kyamanywa. Translation by Howard S. Olson. © 1977 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. He’s Risen, He’s Risen: Words by C.F.W. Walther. Translation by Anna M. Meyer. © 1941 Concordia Publishing House. Psalm 118: Music by Kermit Moldenhauer. © 2006 Northwestern Publishing House. I Will Sing of My Redeemer: Words by Philip Bliss and Francis Rowley. Music by David Schmidt. © 2012 Hal Leonard Corporation. Copyrighted material reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-710199.
We wish you a blessed Easter Day! If you do not currently have a church home, we invite you to join us for worship each week throughout the year. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about our church and invite you to speak with one of the pastors if you have an interest in becoming a member of Grace. 9
Regular Sunday Morning Schedule We will return to our regular Sunday morning schedule here at Grace-Tucson next week. Worship services are at 7:45 and 10:00 AM, and we offer Sunday School for the children beginning at 8:45 and Bible Studies for teens and adults starting at 9:00. See the calendar on the back page of this worship folder for the schedule at all of Grace’s sites.
Divine Call Declined After much prayer and careful deliberation, Pastor David Bivens has announced his decision to decline the Call extended to him to serve as Grace’s Mission Pastor to Benson and Vail. We wish him God’s blessings as he continues his service at Christ the Lord Lutheran in Houston, Texas. We trust that God will bless our congregation as we continue the calling process and await the man the Lord of the Church has in mind to serve us. Our next call meeting is scheduled for Sunday, April 15 at 2:00 PM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall.
Bible Study Opportunities Join us for a Bible study on the Book of Galatians on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall! This letter from Paul to the Christians in Galatia offers us a great deal of encouragement about what it means to be a Christian and to live as a Christian. The Wednesday Bible Study with Pastor Kassulke returns on April 11. We will continue our study of Church History at 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall. If you haven’t given Wednesday Bible Study a try or are out of the habit of attending, this would be a great time to jump in! Thursday morning women’s Bible Study with Pastor Koehler will not meet this week, but will resume on April 12 at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. We will study Key Bible Words like peace, hope, mercy, sin, grace and more! Whether the Bible is pretty new to you or you are a Bible Study veteran, you are guaranteed to learn things you did not know and you will enjoy this chance to learn things that will help make your Bible reading and worship more meaningful!
Easter Lilies Thank you to those who have beautified our Easter worship by providing lilies: Bob & Nadine Rentschler—In memory of our parents. Nicole Peterson—In thanksgiving for the birth of Lorenzo. Bob & Audrey Nessinger—In memory of Lynda Nessinger and Dick Street and in thanks for God’s many blessings. Colby & Carson Heinz—In memory of Grandpa Steve. Greg & Karen Grorud—In memory of our parents. Nancy Miles—All honor and glory to God. Robert & Kathy Parra—In thanksgiving for our new members. Helen Kwart—Thankful for God’s blessings for our son. Jeff & Stephanie Weinstein—In memory of loved ones. Debbie Koehler—In honor of my dear friend, Gisela, celebrating her first Easter in heaven! Amy Rudd—To the glory of God Richard & Victoria Ranck—To the glory of God For those of you who purchased lilies, please remember to take them home after the service today. Thank you! 10
Grace is one congregation at FOUR places! Enjoy worship, Bible study and activities at Grace locations in Benson, Sahuarita, Tucson and Vail.
This Week at Grace Apr 1 – Apr 8 TUCSON Today Sunrise Service (in the Courtyard) ............................. 7:00a Easter Breakfast (in the Fellowship Hall)................... 8:00a Easter Concert (in the Sanctuary) .............................. 9:00a Easter Festival Worship (in the Sanctuary) ............. 10:00a NO WELS TCM .......................................................................
Tuesday NO ESL Classes ...................................................................... Wednesday Handbell Choir ................................................................ 5:30p NO Wednesday Bible Study .................................................... Thursday NO Women’s Bible Study ........................................................
Monday Church Office Closed ............................................................ NO ESL Classes ..................................................................... SAHUARITA Today Outdoor Easter Festival Worship ............................... 9:00a Easter Breakfast ......................................................... 10:00a Wednesday NO Wednesday Bible Study .................................................... Sunday Worship Services ............................................. 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Sunday School .............................................. 9:00a Adult Bible Study: Is Genesis History? ........................... 9:00a Coffee Fellowship following worship ....................................... BENSON Today Easter Worship ............................................................. 7:30a Easter Breakfast ........................................................... 8:30a Sunday Worship Service ........................................................... 7:30a
Sunday Worship Services .............................................7:45a & 10:00a Coffee Fellowship following both services ............................... Children’s Sunday School .............................................. 8:45a Youth Confirmation Class ............................................... 8:45a Lifeliners: Deal with It—School Issues ........................... 9:00a Adult Bible Study: Galatians ........................................... 9:00a WELS TCM: He Is What? ............................................... 7:00p VAIL Today Easter Breakfast ........................................................... 9:00a Easter Festival Worship ............................................. 10:00a Wednesday NO Ministry Center Office Hours ............................................. NO Bible Study at Ministry Center........................................... Sunday Children’s Sunday School .............................................. 9:00a Youth Confirmation Class ............................................... 9:00a Adult Bible Study: Galatians ........................................... 9:00a Worship Service ........................................................... 10:00a Coffee Fellowship following worship .......................................
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
Pastors At Grace-Tucson
Central Office 830 N. 1st Avenue Tucson, Arizona 85719
Ronald G. Koehler, III Nathan P. Kassulke Timothy L. Patoka
Phone Fax
At Grace-Vail & Grace-Benson
623-6633 623-1514
Ronald G. Koehler, III
Bible-Based Counselor revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org revnpk@gracelutheransaz.org revtlp@gracelutheransaz.org
revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org
Administrative Assistants Beth Kassulke Missy Wiechmann office@gracelutheransaz.org
Music Coordinator Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org Phone 623-6633
Office Assistant Debbie Koehler
At Grace-Sahuarita Ryan A. Heiman
Cinda Drescher cinda@gracelutheransaz.org Phone 882-3773
assistant@gracelutheransaz.org
revrah@gracelutheransaz.org
Phone 623-6633