THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
G E L C T , A A 19, 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 is following 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 RESTORE MY HOPE
Without the resurrection of Jesus, I would have little hope for the future. That’s how the disciples felt after his death. “We hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel” (Luke 24:19). Their hope for a better life had died along with Jesus.
But he lives, and it makes a difference. My hope for the future is restored. I have victory over the feeling of hopelessness, because the one who heals me and gives me a better life is himself alive. He lives to restore my hope.
WELCOME
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +
OPENING HYMN Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen
Christian Worship 454
PRESERVICE MUSIC:
Alleluia, Jesus Is Risen Michael Burkhardt
Awake, My Heart, with Gladness Flor Peeters
Please stand
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
CONFESSION
Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed are they whose sin the Lord does not count against them.
Let us confess our sins to the Lord.
Almighty and merciful Father, we have strayed from your ways like lost sheep.
We have followed what we have devised and desired in our hearts. We have offended you and sinned against your holy law. We have done those things that we should not have done, and we have not done those things that we should have done. Have mercy on us, Lord! Spare us, forgive us, and restore us, according to your promises in Christ Jesus.
Silence for meditation and reflection
God, our merciful Father, has forgiven all our sins. He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Redeemer and Savior. Jesus paid the penalty for our guilt by his death on the cross and freed us from death by his resurrection from the grave. We have peace with God now and forever.
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. Psalm 32:1-2
“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.
GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST Gloria
ALL:
Choir: 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
ALL:
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 God, by the humiliation of your Son, you lifted up this fallen world from the despair of death. By his resurrection to life, grant your faithful people gladness of heart and the hope of eternal joys; 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
Tune: David Kauffman; William Gokelman © 2010, 2021 GFTSMUSIC Publishing Company, Inc., admin. Music Services. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
14Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and spoke loudly and clearly to them:
32“This Jesus is the one God has raised up. We are all witnesses of that.
33So, after he was exalted to the right hand of God and after he received the promised Holy Spirit from the Father, he poured out what you are now seeing and hearing.
34“For David did not ascend into heaven, and yet he says:
The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand,
35 until I make your enemies a footstool under your feet.’
36“Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
37Now when the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Gentlemen, brothers, what should we do?”
38Peter answered them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
40He testified solemnly with many other words and was appealing to them, saying, “Escape from this crooked generation.”
41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
The message of Christ crucified and risen gives the certain hope of forgiveness to sinners.
The Church sings Psalm 116 in services that celebrate the Lord delivering us from death.
PSALM OF THE DAY—I Will Walk in the Presence of God
Worship Choir
For the love of the One who has heard my cry: I will walk in the presence of God. God has heard my distress, and I shall not die: I will walk in the presence of God. I will walk in the presence of God in the land, in the land of the living.
For the love of the One who has heard my cry: I will walk in the presence of God.
In the cords of my death, I was tangled round: I will walk in the presence of God. Those who seek you in anguish shall not be bound: I will walk in the presence of God. I will walk in the presence of God in the land, in the land of the living.
For the love of the One who has heard my cry: I will walk in the presence of God.
God is mercy and grace and the simple are blest: I will walk in the presence of God. Raised me up in my pain, God my safety and rest: I will walk in the presence of God. I will walk in the presence of God in the land, in the land of the living.
For the love of the One who has heard my cry: I will walk in the presence of God.
God has raised up my soul from the gates of death: I will walk in the presence of God. God has dried all my tears and renewed my breath: I will walk in the presence of God. I will walk in the presence of God in the land, in the land of the living.
For the love of the One who has heard my cry: I will walk in the presence of God.
What return can I give for the gifts I claim? I will walk in the presence of God.
Lift the cup of salvation and praise your name: I will walk in the presence of God. I will walk in the presence of God in the land, in the land of the living.
For the love of the One who has heard my cry: I will walk in the presence of God.
Our hope and expectation is joining our Savior in the glory of heaven. Until that day, we live as pilgrims heading toward home.
17If you call on the Father who judges impartially, according to the work of each person, conduct yourselves during the time of your pilgrimage in reverence, 18because you know that you were redeemed from your empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, not with things that pass away, such as silver or gold, 19but with the precious blood of Christ, like a lamb without blemish or spot. 20He was chosen before the foundation of the world but revealed in these last times for your sake. 21Through him you are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.
Please stand
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
ALL:
Luke 24:32
Choir: Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?
Refrain (ALL)
Tune: © 2010, 2021 GFTSMUSIC Publishing Company, Inc., admin. Music Services. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
GOSPEL
Luke 24:13-35
13Now, on that same day, two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14They were talking with each other about all of these things that had happened. 15While they were talking and discussing this, Jesus himself approached and began to walk along with them. 16But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.
17He said to them, “What are you talking about as you walk along?” Saddened, they stopped.
18One of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
19“What things?” he asked them.
They replied, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet, mighty in deed and word before God and all the people.
20The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be condemned to death. And they crucified him. 21But we were hoping that he was going to redeem Israel. Not only that, but besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22Also some women of our group amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning. 23When they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24Some of those who were with us went to the tomb. They found it just as the women had said, but they did not see him.”
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Jesus restored the hope of two disciples as he explained the Scriptures. This reading continues on the next page.
This hymn continues on the next page.
25He said to them, “How foolish you are and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and to enter his glory?” 27Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28As they approached the village where they were going, he acted as if he were going to travel farther. 29But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, since it is almost evening, and the day is almost over.”
So he went in to stay with them. 30When he reclined at the table with them, he took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and began giving it to them. 31Suddenly their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. Then he vanished from their sight. 32They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was speaking to us along the road and while he was explaining the Scriptures to us?” 33They got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and those who were with them assembled together. 34They were saying, “The Lord really has been raised! He has appeared to Simon.” 35They themselves described what had happened along the road, and how they recognized him when he broke the bread.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please be seated
HYMN OF THE DAY—Who Are You Who Walk in Sorrow Christian Worship 980
The choir will sing stanza 1. Please join in singing the rest of the hymn.
Text: Herman G. Stuempfle, Jr., 1923–2007 © 2000 National Association of Pastoral Musicians, admin. GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
Tune: Columbian Harmony, Cincinatti, 1825, ed. William Moore. Public domain.
Please stand
The Nicene Creed was first developed in 325 at the First Council of Nicea. It was written to reaffirm the Biblical teaching of the divinity of Jesus, God’s Son. Like the Apostles’ and Athanasian Creeds, the Nicene Creed is a confession of what the Bible teaches.
CONFESSION OF FAITH
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Please be seated
Nicene Creed
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Almighty and merciful God, 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
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
OFFERTORY:
In Christ Alone
Brent Nolte
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!
Please stand
The minister sings the italicized words. The congregation sings each response as indicated.
The Preface to the Sacrament is one of the oldest parts of the Christian liturgy, dating back to the first century. As we prepare to receive Holy Communion, we are united with the Body of Christ, in an unbroken bond with Christians through the millennia.
PREFACE
Minister: Congregation:
+ THE SACRAMENT +
Lift up your hearts.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who by his willing sacrifice on the cross took away the sins of the world and by his glorious resurrection restored everlasting life. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
Sanctus
The Prophet Isaiah was given a vision of heaven, where seraphim praised God. In the Sanctus we welcome Jesus with our hosannas and praise.
Tune: David Kauffman; William Gokelman © 2010 GFTSMUSIC Publishing Company, Inc., admin. Music Services. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
Matthew 6 and Luke 11 record how Jesus taught his disciples to pray. We use his example prayer as part of our public worship, trusting that he will hear and answer our prayers.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Blessed are you, O Lord of heaven and earth. We praise and thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, and we remember the great acts of love through which he has ransomed us from sin, death, and the devil’s power.
By his incarnation, he became one with us.
By his perfect life, he fulfilled your holy will.
By his innocent death, he overcame hell.
By his rising from the grave, he opened heaven.
Invited by your grace and instructed by your Word, we approach your table with repentant and joyful hearts. Strengthen us through Christ’s body and blood, and preserve us in the true faith until we feast with him and all his ransomed people in glory everlasting.
Amen.
As he speaks the Words of Institution, the minister both proclaims the words of Jesus to the congregation and sets apart the bread and wine for this special use. The sign of the cross reminds us of Christ’s death.
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my (+) body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is my (+) blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
The peace of the Lord be with you always.
Amen.
John the Baptist pointed to Jesus and said, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” We sing the Agnus Dei confident that Jesus has borne our sins and freely gives us forgiveness and peace in the Sacrament.
Please be seated
DISTRIBUTION
The Bible teaches that the Lord’s Supper is a unique communion of Christ and the individual believer as well as a coming together of people who hold to the same beliefs. Because of these Scriptural truths, we practice Member Communion at Grace. Those who are confirmed members of Wisconsin Synod congregations (WELS) are invited to receive the Lord’s Supper with us.
If you are not a WELS member but have an interest in receiving Holy Communion, please speak with the pastor after church today or at another time. We are aware that there are a number of other teachings about Holy Communion, and we want it to be a blessing for you, so we would look forward to sharing with you what God says about this Sacrament.
Gluten-free communion wafers and grape juice are available for those who for health or medical reason require it. Please see page 19 for more information.
Tune: David Kauffman; William Gokelman © 2010 GFTSMUSIC Publishing Company, Inc., admin. Music Services. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
COMMUNION MUSIC:
Who Are You Who Walk in Sorrow
Jacob B. Weber
David Kidwell
I Come, O Savior, to Thy Table
Hugo Gehrke
PRAYER BEFORE COMMUNION (For private meditation)
Lord Jesus, you have invited me to come and receive your holy Sacrament. I believe that in the bread and wine you give me your true body and blood to eat and drink. Forgive my sins and nourish my faith through this precious meal. I long for the comfort that comes with your promises; I yearn for the assurance of your faithful love. Bless me now as I receive you by faith. Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION (For private meditation)
Thank you, dear Savior, for nourishing my faith with the Sacrament of your body and blood. Lift my heart with your forgiveness, renew my confidence in your grace, empower my love for others, and lead me to long for the eternal banquet of heaven. Amen.
Psalm 106:1
Please stand
1 Corinthians 11:26
SPOKEN RESPONSES
+ THANKSGIVING +
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures forever.
Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
CLOSING
PRAYER
We give you thanks, O Lord, for the foretaste of the heavenly banquet you have given us in this Sacrament. Through this gift you have fed our faith, nourished our hope, and strengthened our love. By your Spirit, help us to live as your holy people until that day when you will receive us as your guests at the wedding supper of the Lamb, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
The blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God’s people for over 3,500 years. The L said, “In this way they will put my name on [them], and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27
BLESSING
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace. Amen.
Please be seated
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLOSING HYMN—In Christ Alone
Christian Worship 510
POSTLUDE MUSIC: Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain Wilbur Held
THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING
Preacher..............................................................................................Pastor Ron Koehler
Worship Leader ......................................................................... Pastor Nathan Kassulke
Accompanist....................................................................................................Jim Bakken
Vocalists........................................................................... Beth Kassulke, Jeremy Snavely
Choir Director.............................................................................................Paul Kassulke
Greeters..........................................................................Paul & Kay Kassulke (10:00 AM)
Ushers......................................................................Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM)
DJ Miller, Jenn Miller, Jacob Miller, Zach Miller (10:00 AM)
Communion Prep.......................... Sally Littau, Cynthia Breitkreitz, Margie Lowrance
Sound and Recording Techs........................................Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler
Acknowledgements:
TODAY
Holy Communion
We provide gluten-free communion wafers for those with wheat allergy, gluten-sensitivity, or celiac disease. These wafers are stored and handled separately to avoid cross-contamination. They are “bread” as Scripture requires and are consecrated along with the rest of the bread. For those requiring gluten-free wafers, please take one from the stand located at the front rail as you approach for communion. Simply hold it so that the pastor can see it at the time of distribution. Grape juice is available for those who for health or medical reason require it instead of wine. Please speak with a pastor about providing grape juice for you on future Sundays.
Today we are distributing Holy Communion in “tables.” The ushers will direct members forward by the side aisles. Groups of about ten will be guided toward the center aisle and will line up to receive the elements together. After each table communes, the pastor will offer a blessing and dismiss the group to return by the center aisle.
To aid in your personal preparation for Holy Communion, a list of Christian Questions can be found on pages 295-296 in the hymnal. These were prepared by Martin Luther for those intending to receive the Sacrament.
Altar Flowers
The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by Sean and Mary Brearcliffe in thanks for all the work our volunteer sound and recording techs (Jeremy Snavely, Sam Kassulke, and Danny Koehler) do each week to make our services available online.
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 most 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 LaVerne Walsh 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.
Men of Iron & Fire: Today
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 today 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)909-7649.
TCM College Student Bible Study Tonight
The Lord’s Supper (or Holy Communion) is a mystery to some or comes with a lot of questions, especially because churches have different views of it. It is one of Christ’s most important gifts to us, so it is something we need to know about. We’ll see what the Bible says about it tonight from 7:00 to 8:00 PM in the Student Center.
Church History Bible Study: Wednesday
In our Church History study, 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. Each week is an individual topic so you are able to jump in and out week-toweek as your schedule allows. Upcoming topics include Can a loving god send people to hell? 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.
LWMS Spring Rally: Saturday
All ladies are invited to attend the LWMS Spring Rally this 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.
Voice Recital: Saturday
Grace member Naomi Kassulke, a Junior at Martin Luther College, will present a voice recital on Saturday, April 25, at 5:30 PM Arizona time. This recital will include a fellow voice student and accompanists and will be held in MLC’s Chapel of the Christ. You can view the recital live or watch later on MLC’s YouTube page, youtube.com/ @martinluthercollege1197/streams.
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.
Fellowship Hall Chairs
We are looking forward to finishing our Fellowship Hall refresh very soon. The last step is to get new chairs. We will be purchasing 100 chairs at $70 each, and a generous donor has offered to cover half of the cost. Can we match this amount together? If you would be willing to make a special donation (in addition to your regular offerings) to assist with completing this project, please indicate “Chairs” on your donation envelope.
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.
Old Forward in Christ & Devotion Books
Do you have old copies of the Forward in Christ magazine or the Meditations and Grace Moments devotion books? If you do and you would like to share them with others, please put them in the gray basket on the table next to the card rack in the Fellowship Hall. These will be given to Pastor Rautenberg on the Apache reservation to be distributed to members there.
Grow in Grace Class
Would you like to learn more about Jesus, our risen Savior, about the Bible that tells us about him, and about what we believe and teach at Grace? 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 Pastor Kassulke or Pastor Koehler, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.
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 19 - April 26
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 9:00a
Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: 1 Peter 9:00a Fellowship following worship TCM Bible Study ............................................................ 7:00p
Tuesday Pastors’ Staff Meeting 9:00a
Wednesday Midweek Bible Study: Church History 10:00a & 7:00p
Thursday Women’s Bible Study: More Prepared to Answer.......... 9:00a College Student Grow in Grace Class 2:00p
Sunday, April 26
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: 1 Peter 9:00a Fellowship following worship Mission to the Children Spanish Service & Meal 4:00p TCM Bible Study ............................................................ 7:00p
SAHUARITA Today
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
Wednesday Oasis Group 10:00a
Sunday, April 26
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
VAIL Today
Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship Adult Bible Study: Angels & Demons............................11:15a Men of Iron & Fire at Civano 2:00p
Wednesday Grace-Vail Connections (Silver’s)...................................6:00p
Thursday Grace-Vail Connections (Kiepke’s) 11:00a Grace-Vail Connections (Erbe’s) 6:00p Sunday, April 26
Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship Adult Bible Study: Angels & Demons............................11:15a
BENSON
Worship Service with communion 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 26 Worship Service 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Epistle of James 8:45a Fellowship following worship ...................................................
April 26
(Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Bible Study (Tucson).............................................9:00a
& Tucson).......................10:00a
LWMS Rally at Shepherd of the Hills, Tucson................9:00a
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.