THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER
G E L C T , A A 12, 2026
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 livestreaming.
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 WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?
Life is full of either/or moments. Some of them are of little long-term consequence. I will have either the chicken or the fish. Some of them matter more. I will accept the new job offer or keep my current job. One either/or moment is life-changing for every human being. Either Jesus is still dead, or Jesus rose from the dead. Jesus claimed he would rise from the dead. “The Son of Man must suffer many things...be killed and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31). So if Jesus remains dead, he is both a failure and a fraud. If Christ has not been raised, we are still in our sin.
But Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! It makes all the difference! He lives! The season of Easter is a 50-day celebration of that fact.
In this season, our worship will follow this path:
Easter Dawn
Easter Day
Second Sunday of Easter
Third Sunday of Easter
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Ascension
Pentecost
He lives to dry my tears and take away my fears
He Lives to take me from death to life
He lives to give me proof and peace
He lives to restore my hope
He lives to be my Good Shepherd
He lives to be the only way to heaven
He lives to call me to live for him
He lives to rule all things for the Church
He lives to pour out his Spirit
OUR THEME FOR TODAY—HE LIVES TO GIVE ME PROOF AND PEACE
Without the resurrection of Jesus, I would have to wonder whether anything he said was true. Thomas had been taught and trained by Christ himself. He heard Jesus predict his death and resurrection. Even after hearing the eyewitness testimony of friends, Thomas still had doubts about the resurrection of Jesus.
But he lives, and it makes a difference. Today I have great comfort as someone with doubts about Christ’s promises in my life. Jesus engages me with continuing assurances in Word and sacrament. I have proof. I have peace.
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +
WELCOME
OPENING HYMN Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain Christian Worship 462
PRESERVICE MUSIC:
Christ Is Risen, He Is Risen Indeed Christian Worship 447
Jesus Christ
My Sure Defense
David von Kampen
The Strife Is O’er, The Battle Done
Cindy Berry
Please stand
Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain Charles Callahan
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
CONFESSION
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
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.
The words of the invocation remind us that the God we meet and worship is the true and triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
1 John 1:8-9
“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 (Kyrie)
Minister: In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Congregation:
The minister sings the italicized words.
The congregation responds by singing “Lord, have mercy” and with the final “Amen. Amen.”
For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
Vocalist: Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. You are seated at the right hand of the Father; receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Christians praise God by proclaiming the great things he has done to accomplish our rescue from sin. “Glory to God in the Highest” has been a Christian song of worship since the fourth century.
This song continues on the next page.
+ THE WORD +
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
O risen Lord, you came to your disciples and took away their fears with your word of peace. Come to us also by Word and sacrament, and banish our fears with the comforting assurance of your abiding presence; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Please be seated
Tune: David Kauffman; William Gokelman © 2010, 2021
14Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and spoke loudly and clearly to them:
22“Men of Israel, hear these words! Jesus the Nazarene was a man recommended to you by God with miracles, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know. 23This man, who was handed over by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, you killed by having lawless men nail him to a cross. 24He is the one God raised up by freeing him from the agony of death, because death was not able to hold him in its grip.
25“Indeed, David says concerning him:
I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
26 Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced. My flesh also will rest in hope,
27 because you will not abandon my life to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
28 You have made known to me the paths of life. You will fill me with joy in your presence.
29“Gentlemen, brothers, I can speak confidently to you about the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30Since he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath that he would seat one of his descendants on his throne, 31he saw what was coming and spoke about the resurrection of Christ, saying that he was neither abandoned to the grave nor did his flesh see decay.
32“This Jesus is the one God has raised up. We are all witnesses of that.”
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The living Lord appeared to many eyewitnesses so they could testify to the truth of Jesus’ resurrection.
Psalm 16:8-11
HYMN O Sons and Daughters of the King
Christian Worship 456 stanzas 1-3
St. Peter points to the resurrection as proof of the hope we have.
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King. The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he gave us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4into an inheritance that is undying, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. 5Through faith you are being protected by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed at the end of time.
6Because of this you rejoice very much, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various kinds of trials 7so that the proven character of your faith which is more valuable than gold, which passes away even though it is tested by fire may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
8Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not see him now, yet by believing in him, you are filled with a joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Please stand
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
ALL:
John 20:29
Vocalist: Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.
Refrain (ALL)
19On the evening of that first day of the week, the disciples were together behind locked doors because of their fear of the Jews. Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be with you!” 20After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
21Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you! Just as the Father has sent me, I am also sending you.” 22After saying this, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23Whenever you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven. Whenever you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
24But Thomas, one of the Twelve, the one called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25So the other disciples kept telling him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, and put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe.”
26After eight days, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 27Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands. Take your hand and put it into my side. Do not continue to doubt, but believe.”
28Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
29Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
30Jesus, in the presence of his disciples, did many other miraculous signs that are not written in this book. 31But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please be seated
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.
Apostles’ Creed
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
Please be seated
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Lord of life, fill our hearts with joy this day, for you have risen and conquered the grave. Imprint the message of victory on our hearts and implant it in our minds. Through the good news of your resurrection renew our hope and revive our faith. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
By baptizing us into your name, you have connected us to your death and rising. You have put our sin to death and have given us a new life. Enable us each day to think of ourselves as dead to sin and alive to you, so that we may walk in newness of life in all we do. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
In this fallen world, death and sorrow surround us. Touch the hearts of those who grieve the loss of a Christian they love. Direct their eyes to your empty tomb and ease their pain by reminding them that their loved ones will one day rise again. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Lord, many people grieve without hope. Let the message of resurrection reach them and awaken faith in their hearts. Use us as your instruments to bring the word of life to their souls and the message of hope to their hearts. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Stay by the side of all who are suffering. In your wise mercy, heal those who are sick, receiving treatment for illness, recovering from illness or surgery, or hurting in body or mind. Remind them that your victory over death is a fact, and comfort them with your promise to raise them and give them and all believers new, glorified bodies like yours. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
Risen Savior, feed our faith with the message of your resurrection. Come to us in your Word and in the feast of your Sacrament to sustain and strengthen us until we feast with you in eternal glory.
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!
OFFERTORY:
In Christ Alone
James Koerts
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
Please stand
Strife Is O’er,
CLOSING PRAYER
Our Savior Jesus Christ, after your resurrection from the dead, you strengthened the faith of your apostle Thomas, and he acknowledged you as Lord and God. We pray that you would also keep us steadfast in this true and saving faith and by your Word and sacrament banish every doubt; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
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:
The
The Battle Done Cindy Berry
Altar Flowers
The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by Lisa Callan in celebration of her mother Beth Williams’ birthday and in thanks to God for the tremendous blessing she is.”
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 include all of the Sundays in May. 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 Jody Kosanke and Cora Stuhr for hosting this morning. Upcoming available dates are May 24 & 31 and many of the Sundays in June. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.
Sunday Morning Bible Study
We are continuing our look at Romans 9-16 under the theme “The Triumph of Grace.” 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.
Church History Bible Study: Wednesday
When our study of Church History resumes on Wednesday, we will continue looking at the blessings and challenges in the Wisconsin Synod from 1950 to 1980. Even if you haven’t attended this class before, you are always welcome! We study together in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall at 10:00 AM and repeat the same material at 7:00 PM. Join us for whichever time fits your schedule best!
Women’s Bible Study: Thursday
All ladies are invited to join Pastor Koehler for study and discussion of the book More Prepared to Answer (yours to keep at no cost) by Pastor Mark Paustian on Thursdays from 9:00 to 10:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. We will start meeting again this week. Each week is an individual topic so you are able to jump in and out week-to-week as your schedule allows. Upcoming topics include All the church cares about is money. No one believes in sin anymore. I don’t care for organized religion. Our discussions will help us understand things better and be prepared to help others understand God’s answers.
Those Assisting in Worship This Morning
Minister......................................................................................................... Pastor Nathan Kassulke
Accompanist Kathy Parra
Vocalist.......................................................................................................................Courtney Kuehl
Greeters DJ & Zach Miller (10:00 AM)
Ushers..........................................................................................
Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM)
Justin Harris, Ferdie Kramm, Danny Koehler, Zach Miller (10:00 AM)
Sound and Recording Techs ..........................................................Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Men of Iron & Fire: Saturday
Men of Iron & Fire is for encouragement, brotherhood, and growth as we sharpen one another in God’s Word and live out our calling as leaders in our homes, our church, and our community. “Iron sharpens iron, and a man sharpens the insight of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17). Come be strengthened. Come be sharpened. Sunday, April 19, at 2:00 PM. We will meet at Civano in the upstairs boardroom (10501 E. Seven Generations way). You may contact Jeff Weinstein with any questions at (520)9097649.
LWMS Spring Rally: April 25
All ladies are invited to attend the LWMS Spring Rally on Saturday, April 25, beginning at 9:00 AM at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church here in Tucson. Registration is from 8:00 to 8:50 AM. Mission Counselor Tim Flunker who serves on the WELS Hispanic Outreach team will be presenting on his work and give updates on the mission work being done in Mexico and Southern Tucson. You may register online at grandcanyonlwms.org. Registration forms and information about Mission and Freewill offerings can be found on the bulleting board in the Fellowship Hall.
CLC Charity Golf Tournament: April 27
Do you enjoy golf? Join us on Monday, April 27, for the 7th 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 www.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 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org.
Upcoming Projects
Two new projects are going to be undertaken here at Grace-Tucson. The first will be the ordering of chairs to replace the ones in the Fellowship Hall. This project should complete the upgrading of the Fellowship Hall. The second project will be totally refinishing the front steps of the church. This will include filling the cracks and holes and then applying a concrete coating. If you would like to contribute to either of these projects (in addition to your regular offerings), you can put the offering in a plain envelope and designate it either “chairs” or “stairs.” If you have any questions, please contact Site Elder Paul Kassulke.
Monthly Newsletter Changes
Beginning with our May newsletter, we will be changing how you receive this publication. Instead of mailing it to our households, we will instead be sending it to individual email addresses. Paper copies will be available at each site for those who do not use email. We will also have copies of just the monthly calendar available. If you are homebound and do not have email, a copy will still be mailed to you. It is essential that we have a current email address for each of our members. If you are not sure that we have your email address, please send an email to: Office@GraceLutheranSAZ.org so we can update our records. We will be letting you know via worship folders the date the newsletter will be emailed to you so you know when to expect it.
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 April 12 - April 19
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 April 19)
Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: 1 Peter 9:00a Fellowship following worship TCM Activity to be announced
Tuesday
Pastors’ Staff Meeting 9:00a
Wednesday
Midweek Bible Study: Church History .............10:00a & 7:00p Altar Prep Training 11:00a & 6:00p
Thursday Women’s Bible Study: More Prepared to Answer 9:00a College Student Grow in Grace Class 2:00p Handbell Polishing 5:00p
Worship Choir & Handbell End-of-Season Meal 6:00p
Sunday, April 19
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: 1 Peter 9:00a Fellowship following worship................................................... TCM Bible Study 7:00p
SAHUARITA
Today
Worship Service 10:00a
Adult Bible Study: Angels & Demons ............................. 9:00a
Children’s Sunday School 9:00a
Fellowship following worship Grow in Grace Class 11:30a
Wednesday Oasis Group 10:00a
Sunday, April 19
Worship Service with communion ................................10:00a
Adult Bible Study: Angels & Demons 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Fellowship following worship Grow in Grace Class 11:30a
VAIL
Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship
Adult Bible Study: Angels & Demons 11:15a
Wednesday Grace-Vail Connections (Silver’s) 6:00p
Thursday Grace-Vail Connections (Kiepke’s)...............................11:00a Grace-Vail Connections (Erbe’s) 6:00p
Friday Site Ministry Team Meeting 6:30p
Sunday, April 19
Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship
Adult Bible Study: Angels & Demons............................11:15a Men of Iron & Fire at Civano 2:00p
BENSON Today
Worship Service..............................................................7:30a
Adult Bible Study: Epistle of James 8:45a Fellowship following worship
Wednesday Adult Bible Study: 10 Lies About God 10:00a Sunday, April 19
Worship Service with communion...................................7:30a
Adult Bible Study: Epistle of James ................................8:45a Fellowship following worship
ONLINE
Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a Sunday, April 19 Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson).......................10:00a
OFF-SITE
Pastors’ Circuit Meeting at Grace in Safford 9:00a
Grace Booth at Fiesta Sahuarita 2:00p
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-Sahuarita
75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538
Pastor Ryan A. Heiman revrah@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center (520)848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com
Director—Laura Heiman director@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
Child Learning Center Mission Teachers
Caitlin Broehm, Toddlers cbroehm@gracelutheransaz.org
Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org
Theresa Pratt, Preschool tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org
Chris Leathers, 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.