4-2-23 Grace-Tucson Palm Sunday Worship Folder

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

WORSHIP NOTES

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 OUR GREATEST NEEDS

What do you really need right now? To answer that question, one must first define what a “need” is. We understand that a “need” is greater than a “want.” If you lack something you want, life goes on just fine. If you lack something you need, that presents a problem. Thus, to correctly answer that question, “What do you really need right now,” ultimately one must understand their greatest problems.

Mankind’s greatest problems are universal. We all live under the curse of sin. That sin makes us utterly helpless in our natural state. Natural man is confused, unable to make sense of life. Left in sin, man is doomed to death, and not just physical death. After one’s heart stops comes another type of death that is infinitely worse, an eternal nightmare.

Lent is the season of the Church Year where we wrestle with our greatest needs. Lent also demonstrates that in Christ, all our greatest needs are met. Here is what the Spirit makes clear this season. If you lack Christ, you have nothing. If you have Christ, you have everything you truly need.

OUR THEME FOR TODAY A GREATER TYPE OF KING

Pick any head of state: the president, a prime minister, a king. Hopefully, they care about the people over whom they have authority. But even if they care, they live and operate above the people. The British royals live in a palace, not a three-bedroom ranch. The President does not fly coach. He sits in a recliner on Air Force One. There’s nothing wrong with this. Those offices are worthy of high respect. The point is these rulers live and operate above us. If a thief is breaking into your home, call 911 and see if your governor shows up. Your governor doesn't even know your name! But, cut her some slack. She is only human.

Jesus is not. Jesus is the King of kings, God and man in one person. He knows you intimately. More! He is willing to do absolutely anything necessary to serve and protect you. We see that this Holy Week. It begins with Jesus riding a donkey colt into Jerusalem as the prophet foretold. As this week nears its end, Jesus is given a crown of thorns. He carries a cross out of Jerusalem and is nailed to it. Placed on his cross was this sign: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” The sign was partially right. Jesus is a king, just not of the Jews. He's our King, infinitely mightier than any ruler in history, while also being infinitely humbler. King Jesus has come to save us. Those other heads of state can serve as blessings. But this is the greater type of king that we need most.

+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +

The 7:45 AM service will begin on the next page.

All Glory, Laud and Honor Victor Labenske

(7:45 AM) Rejoice, the Lord Is King

John Darwall

Rejoice the Lord Is King Cindy Berry

10:00 AM service:

PROCESSION OF PALMS—Hear the Children Sing Worship Choir and Children

“Blessed is He! Blessed is He!” Hear the children sing “Blessed is He! Blessed is He! Hosanna to the King!”

Let not those royal feet touch the soil of the earth; Lay your coats on the ground before the King. “Blessed is He! Blessed is He!” With reverence and joy we greet the One who comes in the name of the Lord. Hear the children sing “Hosanna!”

“Blessed is He! Blessed is He!” Hear the children sing “Blessed is He! Blessed is He! Hosanna to the King!” Hear the children sing “Hosanna!”

Our 10:00 service begins with the children processing into our sanctuary carrying palm branches. This has been a long-time tradition at Grace-Tucson.

“Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

(Matthew 19:14)

WELCOME

EASTER FOR KIDS CHILDREN Look at the Stone

Look at the stone. It’s rolled away. Jesus rose on Easter Day. Run to the grave and look inside. No one’s there! He is alive!

Text: Lynn Groth © 2013 Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.

Our Easter for Kids event was held yesterday at which the children learned this song.

Text: Ruth Elaine Schram © 2007 The Lorenz Publishing Company, admin. Music Services. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.

Matthew 21:9

INVOCATION

Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.

Congregation: Amen.

GREETING

Dear friends in Christ, during the weeks of Lent we have been preparing to commemorate our Lord’s suffering, death, and resurrection. Today we come together to begin the solemn journey of Holy Week. Christ entered in triumph into his own city to complete his work as our Savior and to gain for us the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. We follow him in faith and praise him with joy.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!

HYMN RESPONSE All Glory, Laud, and Honor CW 412, stanza 1

CONFESSION OF SINS

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.

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

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

In peace let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

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.

Lord, have mercy.

For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.

Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Let us pray.

We praise you, O God, for the great acts of love by which you have redeemed us through your Son, Jesus Christ. As he was acclaimed by those who scattered their garments and branches of palms in his path, so may we always hail him as our King and follow him with perfect confidence; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!

The prophet Zechariah foretold of a Savior King who would rule with gentleness and bring peace to the ends of the earth.

Please be seated

+ THE WORD +

FIRST READING Zechariah 9:9-10

9 Rejoice greatly, Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! Look! Your King is coming to you. He is righteous and brings salvation. He is humble and is riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

10

I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem. The battle bow will be taken away, and he will proclaim peace to the nations. His kingdom will extend from sea to sea, from the River to the ends of the earth.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Text: tr. John Mason Neale, 1818–1866, alt.; Theodulph of Orleans, c. 762–821. Tune: Melchior Teschner, 1584–1635, alt. Text and tune: Public domain

HYMN—Exult Today, Jerusalem Christian Worship 415

The vocalist will sing stanza 1. Please join in the remaining stanzas.

Because we are singing selected stanzas of this hymn today, it is printed here for your convenience.

Text: Stephen P. Starke, b. 1955 © 2010 Stephen P. Starke, admin. Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

Tune: Scott M. Hyslop, b. 1961 © 2009 Selah Publishing Co., Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

SECOND

READING Philippians

6 Though he was by nature God, he did not consider equality with God as a prize to be displayed, 7 but he emptied himself by taking the nature of a servant. When he was born in human likeness, and his appearance was like that of any other man, 8 he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Please stand

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION John 12:23

Vocalist: The hour has come, the hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.

Tune: © 2010 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

GOSPEL

Matthew 21:1-11

1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 telling them, “Go to the village ahead of you. Immediately you will find a donkey tied there along with her colt. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you are to say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.”

4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

5 Tell the daughter of Zion: Look, your King comes to you, humble, and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

6 The disciples went and did just as Jesus commanded them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their outer clothing on them, and he sat on it. 8 A very large crowd spread their outer clothing on the road. Others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them out on the road. 9 The crowds who went in front of him and those who followed kept shouting,

Hosanna to the Son of David!

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!

10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, asking, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds were saying, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise be to you, O Christ.

Please be seated

Christian Worship

411

Look at how King Jesus humbly enters the royal city of Jerusalem. He comes in the name of the Lord to save us.

SERMON

Please stand

Zechariah 9:9

Matthew 21:1-11

Look, Your King Comes to You

Hosanna is a Hebrew word meaning “save us now.”

Psalm 118:25-26

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 Nicene Creed

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

Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

Lord Jesus, you are the King of heaven and earth. We join the first Palm Sunday worshipers in praising and glorifying you for coming to this earth to be our Savior. Though you are one with God the Father and Lord of all, you humbled yourself and became one with us. Thanks be to you for living a life of perfect conformity to God's holy law in our place.

Praise be to you for being obedient to death, even death on a cross, to redeem us from sin.

Cause our voices to blend with those who sang your praises as you rode into Jerusalem. Move us to confess you before others as our Lord. Help us proclaim the message of peace and forgiveness to people of all nations. Use us to assure all people that your blood has cleansed them from sin and set them free from slavery to sin, death, and the devil.

Move us to dedicate all we are and have to your glory.

Lord Jesus, you are King over all the earth. Bless the nations of this world with wise rulers and good government. Let peace prevail. Grant success to the businesses and industries of our land to serve for the common good. Cause all employers to be honest and fair-minded and all employees to be diligent and faithful. Look with favor on our nation's schools. Be with those who teach and those who learn.

Comfort the sick and the afflicted with the assurance of your care and protection, and strengthen the faith of the dying.

Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our private petitions.

Silent prayer

Dear Savior, as we walk with you this week toward Calvary, keep us focused on your purpose for coming into this world and on our calling to spread this wonderful message of salvation.

Hear us for your mercy's sake. 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:

Hosanna, Loud Hosanna Victor Labenske

Please stand

The minister will sing the italicized words. The congregation responds by singing the bolded lines.

Minister: The Lord be with you.

Congregation:

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 brought the gift of salvation to all people by his death on the tree of the cross so that the devil, who overcame us by a tree, would in turn by a tree be overcome. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Blessed are you, Lord God, eternal King and gracious Father. In love you made us the crown of your creation. In mercy you planned our salvation. In grace you sent your Son to redeem us from sin.

We remember and give you thanks that your eternal Son, Jesus Christ, became flesh and made his dwelling among us, that he willingly placed himself under law to redeem those under law, that he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death on a cross, that he has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Bless us as we receive your Son’s body and blood in this Sacrament. Forgive our sins, increase our faith, strengthen our fellowship, and deepen our longing for the day when Christ will welcome us to his eternal feast. Praise and thanks and honor and glory be to you, O God our Father, and to your Son and to 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

+ THANKSGIVING +

Please stand

SPOKEN RESPONSES

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.

Gluten-free communion wafers and grape juice are available for those who for health or medical reason require it. Please see page 18 for additional details.

COMMUNION MUSIC: Blessed Be Your Name with All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name and Be unto Your Name with Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty Carol Tornquist

I Hear the Voice of Jesus Say Lloyd Larson

Psalm 106:1

1 Corinthians 11:26

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

CLOSING PRAYER

O God the Father, source of all goodness, in your loving-kindness you sent your Son to share our humanity. We thank you that through him you have given us pardon and peace in this Sacrament. We also pray that you will not forsake us but will rule our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit so that we willingly serve you day after day; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, 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

POSTLUDE MUSIC:

Lead Me to Calvary

Victor Labenske

THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING

Preacher ......................................................................................Pastor Nathan Kassulke

Worship Leader...................................................................................Pastor Tim Patoka

Accompanist ...................................................................................................Kathy Parra

Vocalist .....................................................................................................Jay Wiechmann

Violin.............................................................................................Kate Holden (7:45 AM)

Clarinet................................................................................................ Missy Wiechmann

Worship Choir Director............................................................................ Paul Kassulke

Children’s Director....................................................................................... Deb Bakken

Choir Accompanist ........................................................................................ Jim Bakken

Greeters ............................................Jeanette O’Donald, Nadine Rentschler (10:00 AM)

Communion Prep .......Sally Littau, Cynthia Breitkreitz, Terry Kosanke, Vickie Bondy

Sound and Recording Techs .............. Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke

Banner Committee ...................... Nadine Rentschler, Jeanette O’Donald, Sandy Weir Acknowledgements:

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 today have been given by Sean and Mary Brearcliffe in thankfulness for 35 years of Christian marriage.

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 Sundays are May 21 and June 18 & 25. 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 service this morning, you are invited to join us in the courtyard for drinks and snacks. We thank Beth and David Williams for hosting this week. The next available dates to host are April 23 and May 21 & 28. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

Easter Lilies—Last Chance

If you would like to purchase an Easter lily to beautify worship on Easter Sunday (April 9), please sign up on the sheet in the side entrance to church or in the Fellowship Hall TODAY. You may also contact the Grace Central Office at (520)623-6633 or office@gracelutheransaz.org by THIS Tuesday, April 4. Each lily is $14 and can be taken home after the 10:00 AM service. Please make checks payable to “Grace Lutheran Church,” put it in an envelope marked “Easter Lily,” and place it in the offering plate or bring it to the church office.

Sunday Morning Bible Study

Grow In Grace is the name of our Bible Information Class, an overview of what the Bible teaches that we use as a course for adults who may be interested in membership at Grace. The young people in our Confirmation Classes learn the same material in a slightly different way. Is it time for a review? Do you have questions that you have been waiting to ask? Join us on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall as we consider portions of our Grow In Grace Class and look at why we teach what we do. The current focus of our class is the work of the Holy Spirit.

Please note: Class will NOT be held next Sunday, April 9, but will resume on April 16.

Devotional Books

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 that began yesterday is now available.

Tucson Campus Ministry Bible Study: TONIGHT

Who exactly is Jesus? Why does he deserve our utmost attention and devotion? Join us at TCM continues its “Who Is Jesus?” Bible study as we page through the Gospel of Mark. This Sunday, we’ll see how Jesus is Unjustly Dead. TCM Bible Study meets in the TCM Student Center at 7 PM. Snacks and drinks are provided.

Easter Invites

Do you have friends or family that you would like to invite to our Easter services on April 9? We have postcards available at both church doors and in the Fellowship Hall for you to use. Please take as many as you would like. It’s not too late to invite someone, but time is running out!

Easter Sunday Promotions

In these weeks leading up to Easter, Grace is reaching out to our neighbors through a Facebook ad campaign. If you are a Facebook user, please consider sharing Easter information from the Grace Facebook page. Our printed Easter invitations also direct people to our Easter webpage, where they can learn more about why Easter matters.

Divine Call Extended

At our Call meeting held on Sunday, March 26, a divine call was extended to Mrs. Hannah Kent to serve as a mission teacher at our Child Learning Center in Sahuarita. Hannah isn’t currently serving in a WELS school, but did graduate from Martin Luther College in 2019. She and her husband live in Thief River Falls, MN. If you would like to reach out to her, you may do so at kent.hannahmarie@gmail.com or (715)797-2294. Please keep Hannah and her husband in your prayers as she deliberates our call.

Thank You!

Jeanette O’Donald would like to thank the members of Grace for all their prayers, cards, phone calls, and support during her recovery from surgery.

Women’s Bible Study Update

The Thursday Women’s Bible Study held here at Grace-Tucson will be on a break until sometime after Easter. They plan to resume the Prepared to Answer book when classes begin again. Please watch for an announcement at that time about a start date.

Holy Week Schedule

Maundy Thursday Worship

Thursday, April 6

10:00 AM & 7:00 PM at Grace-Tucson

10:00 AM at Grace-Benson

6:00 PM at Grace-Sahuarita

Good Friday Worship

Friday, April 7

6:00 PM at Grace-Vail

6:00 PM at Grace-Sahuarita

Tenebrae Service (Service of Darkness)

7:00 PM at Grace-Tucson

Worshipers are asked to leave this church service in silence, leaving in stillness and darkness until the dawn of a glorious Easter Day. Please visit with friends and family prior to entering church for worship.

Fiesta Sahuarita: April 15

Easter Sunday

Sunday, April 9

Grace-Benson

Worship—7:30 AM

Breakfast 8:30 AM

Grace-Sahuarita

Worship 8:00 & 10:00 AM

Breakfast 9:00 AM

Grace-Tucson

Sunrise Service 7:00 AM

Breakfast 8:00 AM

Concert 9:00 AM

Festival Service 10:00 AM

Grace-Vail

Breakfast 9:00 AM

Worship 10:00 AM

Grace will once again have a booth at Fiesta Sahuarita! This free event takes place from 2:00 to 8:00 PM on Saturday, April 15, at Anamax Recreation Center (17501 Camino De Las Quintas). Come out and enjoy vendors, food trucks, live music, a kids water zone, and a drone show after dark! We are looking for volunteers to help with our booth. If you are interested, please contact Pastor Heiman at (520)999-0245 or RevRAH@GraceLutheranSAZ.org.

Youth Night Tucson: April 15

Are you in high school? Then join your Christian peers from across Tucson for our next Youth Night! We will play fun games, eat comfort food, praise our Lord, and discuss Dealing With Anxiety. Youth Night will be at Grace-Tucson (830 N. 1st Ave 85719) on Saturday, April 15, from 6:00 to 8:30 PM. Contact Pastor Patoka for more details or go to GraceLutheranSAZ.org/YouthNight.

Ladies’ Fellowship Group: April 20

The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet on Thursday, April 20, for lunch at Tohono Chul Park (7366 Paseo del Norte, Tucson 85704). They will meet in the Tohono Chul parking lot at 11:30 AM. If you need a ride or have any questions, please contact Lois Thornton at (520)323-8772 or vthornto2@gmail.com. Ladies from all Grace sites are welcome to join in the fun!

CLC Charity Golf Tournament April 24

Do you enjoy golf? Join us on Monday, April 24, for the 4th 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 ($400) or individual golfer ($125). If you know of any businesses that might be interested in sponsoring this event, please contact Connie Hiles at (763) 439-7577 or conniehiles@gmail.com.

Mission to the Children Informational Meeting: April 28

Mission to the Children (MttC) has been sharing the love of Christ and humanitarian aid with Mexican families in Sonora since 1989. Due to continued unrest in Mexico, MttC is expanding its focus to Spanish-speaking families in southern Tucson. We invite you to join us. If you have a heart for families, Hispanic ministry, or simply serving your needy neighbor, then come to MttC’s Informational Meeting at 6:00 PM on Friday, April 28, at Grace-Tucson (830 N 1st Ave Tucson, AZ 85719). Bilingual skills are not needed. Dinner will be provided. Questions? Call 520-934-2512 or email Info@MissiontotheChildren.org.

ALA Golf Classic: April 29

You’re invited to participate in the ALA Golf Classic on Saturday, April 29, at the beautiful Legacy Golf Club. This is a 4-person scramble tournament beginning with a shotgun start at 7:30 AM. 2023 will be our 29th ALA Golf Classic. God continues blessing the event as we raise the bar for fun and fundraising! We raised over $20,000 each of the last 2 years in support of our ALA athletic department. We are grateful for our golfers, sponsors, and volunteers who make this an amazing event. Please join us at Legacy Golf Course for a terrific day of golf, food, fun, and friends! To register, go to alacoyotes.org/support/golf-classic.

Grow in Grace Class

Would you like to learn more about our Savior, 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.

Helping Hands

Sometimes you could just use a helping hand! Do you have a talent or service that you could offer to our fellow Grace members who could use some help (at a minimal cost or free)? Just a few ideas: outdoor work, computer work, sewing/mending, handyman, cooking, organizing, transportation to appointments, etc. We’re sure there are many more! If you would like to help, please fill out a Helping Hands card found on the bulletin board outside of the Library in the Fellowship Hall. The offers we have already received are posted on the bulletin board as well.

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 Ÿ April 2 – April 9

Stay Up to Date

The fastest and easiest way to keep Grace members and friends informed about what is happening at our four sites is through our weekly email update. This email is sent every Friday and at other times when special announcements are necessary. If you have not been receiving this email, but would like to, please email the Grace Central Office at office@gracelutheransaz.org and request to be added to our email list.

One Church. Four Sites.

Proclaiming the love of Jesus in Southern Arizona since 1911.

Grace-Sahuarita

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

Pastor Timothy L. Patoka (Campus Ministry) revtlp@gracelutheransaz.org

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 www.GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com

Office Manager Jen Rickling Office Assistant Shirley Zanotti

Director Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org

Grace-Benson

451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602

Grace-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

Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher cinda@gracelutheransaz.org (520)405-3286

Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org

Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org

Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr office@gracelutheransaz.org

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.

For more information about our synod and what we believe visit: www.wels.net