G E L C T , A
A 20, 2025
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 live-streaming.
There is no cost to park in our parking lot during Sunday morning worship services. If you receive a citation by mistake, please let our office staff know so it can be cleared.
OUR WORSHIP SERIES—BECAUSE HE LIVES
It is easy to become so engrossed in the details of historical events who, when, where that we miss their significance. For example, consider World War II. There are many compelling stories. Lots of dates and data to remember. However, for a moment, set all that aside, and just imagine the Allies had lost. How would the world be different today? What would life be like for those of Jewish heritage? Would freedom exist in Europe? Would we be speaking German? With historical events, you miss out if you focus only on the details: who, when, where. You also need to focus what that historical event means. The Allies won. That means something!
In this season of Easter, it is good we review the details: who, when, where. That reminds us that the resurrection of Christ is not fairytale or fable. It is a historical event...the historical event. However, we do ourselves a disservice if we simply recall the historic details of Easter without thinking long and hard about Easter’s significance. Jesus won. That means something! It is our privilege and pleasure to use the fifty days of Easter to discuss this fact: because he lives, not only is our eternity secure, but we have abundant resources to face the present.
In this season, our worship follows 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
We Have a Whole New Identity
Death Has Lost Its Sting
We Have a Meaningful Mission
We Can See Things Clearly
We Know Jesus is Trustworthy and True
We Live Lives of Lavish Love
We Have Deep and Lasting Joy Ascension
He Reigns Over Everything for the Benefit of His Church Pentecost Christ Sends Us His Spirit
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +
We have come to the end of the quieter and reflective season of Lent with its absence of the word “Alleluia” in our worship. Then we focused on the suffering and death of Jesus; today the people of God erupt in joyful praise! “Alleluia” and “Hallelujah” fill our worship of Jesus, who conquered death (both words mean “Praise the Lord”). As we celebrate Easter, the resurrection of our Lord, we are participating in a festival that goes back to the earliest days of Christianity. It has been the highlight of the Christian church year since that time. We celebrate Jesus’ victory and his promise to all who put their faith in him: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even if he dies. And whoever lives and believes in me will never perish (John 11:25-26).”
WELCOME
HYMN Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands
Christian Worship 440 stanzas 1-3
I Know That My Redeemer Lives Kevin Hildebrand
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
Lani Smith
Handbell Choir: Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
Barbara B. Kinyon
In Know That My Redeemer Lives
Robert Hobby
Please stand
EASTER RESPONSES
Minster: Christ is risen!
Congregation: He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Christ is alive and victorious over death! Alleluia to our living Lord!
Christ has won the battle over evil and has reunited us with God. Alleluia to our saving Lord!
Christ is present with us and proclaiming peace and joy. Alleluia to our loving Lord!
Christ is in power forever and ruling now in glory and grace. Alleluia to our reigning Lord! Amen.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
CONFESSION OF SINS
We are reminded of the need for our victorious Savior as we confess our sins:
Dearest Jesus, we humbly bow before you today confessing our many sins of thoughts, words, and actions. We have not and do not always live as your people. Forgive us as we place whole-hearted trust in your death on the cross and on your glorious resurrection victory.
ABSOLUTION
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
Having confessed our sins and professed our trust in Christ, we can be sure of God’s forgiveness. It is with great joy that I announce that you are indeed a forgiven child of God, in the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit. In view of God’s love and mercy, go and live as a child of the resurrection.
Amen.
This hymn continues on the next page.
Text: Charles Wesley, 1707–1788. Tune: Lyra Davidica, London, 1708. Text and tune: Public domain.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray.
Almighty God, by the glorious resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, you conquered death and opened the gate to eternal life. Grant that we, who have been raised with him through Baptism, may walk in newness of life and ever rejoice in the hope of sharing his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be dominion and praise now and forever.
Amen.
The Lord has taken away our disgrace, torn up the shroud of death, and promised us an eternal feast of joy.
Please be seated
Christ is risen, so death has lost its sting.
FIRST READING
+ THE WORD +
6 On this mountain the L of Armies will prepare for all peoples a banquet of rich food, a banquet of aged wines, with the best cuts of meat, and with the finest wines.
7 On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that covers all peoples, the burial cloth stretched over all nations.
Isaiah 25:6-9
8 He has swallowed up death forever! The L God will wipe away the tears from every face. He will take away the shame of his people throughout the earth. For the L has spoken.
9 On that day it will be said, “Look, here is our God! We waited for him, and he saved us! This is the L ! We waited for him. Let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation!”
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
This reading continues on the next page.
51Look, I tell you a mystery. We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, 52in a moment, in the blink of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53For this perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54But once this perishable body has put on imperishability, and this mortal body has put on immortality, then what is written will be fulfilled:
Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 Death, where is your sting? Grave, where is your victory?
56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
CHOIR ANTHEM—Thine Is the Glory Worship Choir
Thine is the glory, risen, conquering Son; endless is the victory thou o’er death hath won. Angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away, kept the folded graveclothes where thy body lay.
Thine is the glory, risen conquering Son; endless is the victory thou o’er death hath won. Lo! Jesus meets us, risen from the tomb; lovingly he greets us, scatters fear and gloom. Let his church with gladness hymns of triumph sing, for her Lord now liveth: death hath lost its sting.
Thine is the glory, risen, conquering Son; endless is the victory thou o’er death hath won! No more we doubt thee, glorious Prince of Life! Life is naught without thee: aid us in our strife. Make us more than conquerors, through thy deathless love: bring us safe through Jordan to thy home above!
Thine is the glory, risen, conquering Son; endless is the victory thou o’er death hath won! Alleluia! Alleluia, Amen!
Please stand
Text: Edmund L. Budry. Tr. Richard Birch Hoyle. Public domain.
1On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women went to the tomb, carrying the spices they had prepared. 2They found that the stone had been rolled away from the tomb. 3When they went in, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothing. 5The women were terrified and bowed down with their faces to the ground.
The men said to them, “Why are you looking for the living among the dead? 6He is not here, but has been raised! Remember how he told you while he was still in Galilee 7that the Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again?” 8Then they remembered his words.
9When they returned from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. 10It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles. 11Yet these words seemed to them like nonsense, and they did not believe them. 12But Peter got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over to look in, he saw only the strips of linen cloth. He went home, amazed at what had happened.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please be seated
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.
Please be seated
HYMN—In Christ Alone
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Apostles’ Creed
The Apostles’ Creed developed in the Early Christian Church as a personal confession of faith. It is so named because it confesses the faith taught by the Apostles of Jesus.
Christian Worship 510
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.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
OFFERTORY:
With High Delight
Let Us Unite
Kevin Hildebrand
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 your 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!
Please stand
PRAYER
Almighty God, grant to your Church the Holy Spirit and the wisdom that comes from above. Let nothing hinder your Word from being freely proclaimed to the joy and edifying of Christ’s holy people, so that we may serve you in steadfast faith and confess your name as long as we live, through Jesus Christ, our risen Lord, who lives and reigns with you 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
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, “So I will put my name on [them], and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27 POSTLUDE
Welcome Grace Guests!
If you are a guest at Grace today, we are very happy to have you worship with us! If you would like more information about Grace or have questions about becoming a member of our congregation, please pick up a Guest Packet at one of the exits or speak to one of our pastors.
You’re invited to worship with us at any of our four sites:
Grace-Tucson 830 N. 1st Avenue, 85719
Regular Sunday Morning Schedule
7:45 AM Worship Service
8:45 AM Children’s Bible Hour
9:00 AM Adult Bible Study
10:00 AM Worship Service
Grace-Benson 451 W. Duane Street, 85602
Regular Sunday Morning Schedule
7:30 AM Worship Service
8:45 AM Adult Bible Study
Grow in Grace Class
Grace-Sahuarita 75 W. Sahuarita Rd., 85629
Regular Sunday Morning Schedule
9:00 AM Bible Studies for Adults and Children
10:00 AM Worship Service
Grace-Vail 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, 85747 (Esmond Station Elementary)
Regular Sunday Morning Schedule
9:00 AM Bible Studies for Adults and Children 10:00 AM Worship Service
Would you like to learn more about 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.
Thank You!
We sincerely thank the many, many people who are involved in our Easter Celebration throughout this morning! From choir members, bell ringers, directors, vocalists, instrumentalists, breakfast hosts and servers, those who set up before and after services, sound techs if you were involved in any way we greatly appreciate you using your gifts and talents to serve our Risen Lord!
Banner Thank You
The Easter banners used this morning were sponsored by Jeanette O’Donald and Sandy Weir in remembrance of their husbands, Bill & Russ, who are now celebrating Easter with Jesus.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Easter Lilies
Thank you to those who have beautified our Easter worship by providing lilies!
Lauri Colton In memory of loved ones
Bryan & Teri Guenther In loving memory of Jon & Sharon Guenther celebrating Easter in heaven and in honor of Ferdie & Diane Kramm’s wedding anniversary
Nancy Miles—In thanks to God for his abundant blessings
Mary Muljadi In thanks to God for our church and our country
Audrey Nessinger—In thanks to God for his blessing of family
Bob & Nadine Rentschler In thanksgiving for our Christian parents
Amy Rudd In thanks to God for Easter blessings
Delene Sabol In thanks to God for her church family
Kristy Sands—In thanks to God for all her blessings
Barb Tobiasson In memory of loved ones
Ron & Ferol Wegner—In thanks to God for the blessings of family and friends
Beth Williams In thanks to God for the blessing of her Grace family and in memory of loved ones
Please remember to take your lilies home after the 10:00 AM service today. Thank you!
Sunday Morning Bible Study
When our Bible study resumes next Sunday, we will continue studying the first half of the book of Romans. The Apostle Paul wrote to Christians in that important city to reassure them and us that God triumphs over sin and sadness by his grace. Please join us for “The Triumph of Grace: The Book of Romans.” If you have not made Sunday morning Bible study a part of your routine, this would be a great time to start! We meet at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall.
Grace Central Office Closed Monday
The Grace Central Office located here at our Tucson site will be closed tomorrow, Monday, April 21. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, April 22. Regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. There is often someone available in the office later than 3:00. You may always call (520-623-6633) or email (office@GraceLutheranSAZ.org) the office. Phone messages and emails are checked regularly.
Those Assisting in Worship This Morning
Minister.................................................................................................................Pastor Ron Koehler
Organist and Choir Director Jim Bakken
Pianists.............................................................................................................................Deb Bakken
Vocalist and Choir Accompanist Teri Guenther
Instrumentalists...................... Pastor Nathan Kassulke, Paul Kassulke, Cora Stuhr, Danny Koehler Beth Kassulke, Missy Wiechmann
Greeters.....................................................................................................................Jenn & DJ Miller
Ushers Sam Kassulke, Ferdie Kramm, DJ Miller, Jenn Miller, Zach Miller, Rick Street
Sound and Recording Techs.................................Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke
Acknowledgements:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Church History Bible Study: Wednesday
Our study of Church History resumes this week. We will look at the history of the Wisconsin Synod during the Great Depression and the World War II years. 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!
Ladies’ Fellowship Group: Thursday
Ladies from all sites are invited to join the Ladies’ Fellowship Group as they enjoy a visit to the Tucson Botanical Gardens! They will meet there (2150 N. Alvernon Way) this Thursday, April 24, at 9:00 AM. Tickets can be purchased on site and are $19 (age 18-61) and $15 (age 62 and above). There is a possibility of having lunch afterwards. Please contact Lois Thornton at (520)323-8772 if you have any questions.
TCM Bible Study on The Little Johns!
Here’s your chance to knock out a study of three entire books of the Bible in our Sunday night Bible studies! We are finishing out the year with a three-part study on The Little Johns the three small letters of the apostle John tucked away near the end of the Bible. We will continue our study on April 27 and May 4. Anyone college-age, student or not, is invited 7:00 PM down in the Student Center. Things can be especially busy at this time of the year so we will keep it to an hour.
CLC Charity Golf Tournament: April 28
Do you enjoy golf? Join us on Monday, April 28, for the 6th 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 Jen Rickling at 262-366-5778 or jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org.
Redeemer Golf Tournament: May 3
Join us on Saturday, May 3, for a fun day of golf at Quarry Pines Golf Club (8480 N. Continental Links Dr.)! Check-in is at 6:00 AM and a shotgun start at 7:00 AM. Registration is $150 per golfer or $550 for a foursome (includes lunch, 2 drink tickets, and golf cart). All proceeds will provide updated technology in the classrooms. Please email Kendra Sewell at kendra.sewell@redeemertucson.com to register.
Youth Confirmation: May 4
Grace will be welcoming two young ladies into communicant membership through Youth Confirmation in May. Anna Kassulke and Leah Wiechmann will be confirmed during the 10:00 AM service on May 4. The congregation is invited to celebrate with the confirmands with a cake reception following the worship service. The families of the confirmands also invite Grace members and friends to an Open House in the Fellowship Hall from noon to 2:00 PM on the same day. Lunch will be served.
Open Gym: May 13 & 20
Our Open Gym at Grace-Sahuarita begins again on Tuesday, May 13! We will enjoy some basketball beginning at 7:00 PM and then on May 20 we will meet again to play volleyball. Come for some friendly competition and bring a friend!
TUCSON
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 20 - April 27
SAHUARITA
Bible Study: Church History.............10:00a & 7:00p Thursday NO Women’s Bible Study (resumes May 1)
Sunday, April 27
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 Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Apologetics 9:00a Fellowship following worship TCM Bible Study: The Little Johns 7:00p
BENSON
Worship Service.................................................. 7:30a
NO Midweek Bible Study (resumes April 30)
Bible Study: The Best Gift Ever 10:00a
April 27
Bible Study: Gospel Motivation for Life 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service............................................................10:00a Fellowship following worship
Breakfast.............................................................9:00a
Worship Service 10:00a
NO Midweek Bible Study (resumes May 1) Sunday, April 27 Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a
Concert (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a Sunday, April 27 Adult Bible Study (Tucson).............................................9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson).......................10:00a
OFF-SITE EVENTS
Fellowship Hall Refresh
As you are probably aware, we are in the midst of refreshing the Fellowship Hall. Painting is currently being done and flooring will be installed at the beginning of May. Your patience is appreciated while all of this is going on and the space is in disarray. We all look forward to enjoying the updated space! Thanks to all who have been working on this!
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-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
Grace-Sahuarita
75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538
Pastor Ryan A. Heiman revrah@gracelutheransaz.org
Vicar Noah Nordlie vicnpn@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center (520)848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com
Director Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org
Assistant Director Jen Rickling jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center Mission Teachers
Maddie Nordlie, Toddlers mnordlie@gracelutheransaz.org
Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org
Theresa Pratt, Preschool tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org
Chris Leathers, Toddler/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.