THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
WORSHIP NOTES
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 worship service 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. Those wishing to leave an offering can do so at the exit today or give online at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/give. (You can also scan the QR code to the right to access the online giving page.)
Today we are using elements from the Christian Worship hymnal. If you would like to worship from a hymnal today, you will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each row; however, you do not need to use a hymnal if you so choose, as everything needed for worship is printed in this worship folder.
OUR WORSHIP SERIES—RESURRECTION REALITY
St. Paul writes, “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:20). Big word: Indeed! Paul is stressing that we must not think of Jesus’ resurrection like a happy ending to another epic fable. The resurrection is not legend. It really happened. Easter is not just a holiday. Easter is history. On time’s infinite line, Jesus’ resurrection is the punctiliar moment that defines reality for us all. If Christ remained dead, he is a fraud and failure. But Christ has indeed been raised. So, the reality: Jesus is exactly what he claimed to be the Son of God, our Lord and Savior. If Christ remained dead, then the grave is the final, ugly, rotten end of us all. But Christ has indeed been raised. So, the reality is Jesus’ resurrection proves that “all will be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22). The reality of the resurrection does not just change our future, but the way we look at life now.
The greatest theologian of the early church, Augustine, called the season of Easter “a joyful week of weeks” seven wonderful weeks, each seven glorious days long. In this glorious season, let us meditate upon the breath-taking implications of the resurrection reality.
Our worship during this season is following these themes:
Second Sunday of Easter
Third Sunday of Easter
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Ascension of Our Lord
The Festival of Pentecost
The Living Lord Gives Proof and Peace
We Have a Meaningful Message to Share
The Risen Savior Provides Good Shepherding
The Living Lord Produces Active Faith
Jesus’ Business Is Love; Therefore, So Is Ours
Christ’s Ascension Means He Is Closer Than Ever
Christ Has Not Left Us Alone
WELCOME
OPENING HYMN The Lord’s My Shepherd
Christian Worship 554
The vocalist will sing stanza 1 alone. Please join in singing stanzas 2 and 3.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
EASTER ACCLAMATION
Christ is risen!
He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!
CONFESSION OF SINS
Dear friends, let us approach God with a true heart and confess our sins, asking him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to forgive us.
Lord of life, I confess that I am by nature dead in sin. For faithless worrying and selfish pride, For sins of habit and sins of choice,
For the evil I have done and the good I have failed to do, You should cast me away from your presence forever.
O Lord, I am sorry for my sins. Forgive me, for Jesus’ sake.
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)
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. In his great mercy, God made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in our sins. Hear the word of Christ through his called servant:
I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
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.
For the well-being of all people everywhere, that they may receive from you all they need to sustain body and life, hear our prayer, O Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the spread of your life-giving gospel throughout the world, that all who are lost in sin may be brought to faith in you, hear our prayer, O Christ.
Christ, have mercy.
For patience and perseverance in this life, that we may not lose the hope of heaven as we await your return, hear our prayer, O Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord of life, live in us that we may live for you.
Amen.
HYMN OF PRAISE—Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds
Christian Worship 471
During this season of Easter, God’s people erupt in joyful praise!
“Alleluia” fills our worship of Jesus, who conquered death.
(“Alleluia” means “Praise the Lord.”)
The Good Shepherd asks his sub-shepherds to keep watch over the flock.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
O Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Good Shepherd who laid down your life for the sheep. Lead us now to the still waters of your life-giving Word that we may abide in your Father’s house forevermore; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Please be seated
FIRST READING
28
Acts 20:28-32
“Always keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock in which the Holy Spirit has placed you as overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood. 29 I know that after my departure savage wolves, who will not spare the flock, will come in among you. 30 Even from your own group men will rise up, twisting the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore be always on the alert! Remember that for three years, night and day, I never stopped warning each one of you with tears.
32 “And now I entrust you to God and to the word of his grace, which has power to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING
1
1 John 4:1-6
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit who does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard is coming and is already in the world. 4 You are from God, dear children, and you have overcome the false prophets, because the one in you is greater than the one in the world. 5 They are from the world. That is why they speak from a worldly perspective and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God. The one who knows God listens to us, but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. That is how we can distinguish between the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
This hymn is a paraphrase of Psalm 23, which is the appointed Psalm for this Sunday of the Church Year.
St. John encourages us to test all those who claim to have a spiritual message. Not all such individuals have been sent by God.
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Please stand
Jesus explains why he is the Good Shepherd.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia. I am the Good Shepherd.
I know my sheep and my sheep know me. Alleluia.
John 10:14
GOSPEL
John 10:11-18
11 “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired man, who is not a shepherd, does not own the sheep. He sees the wolf coming, leaves the sheep, and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the sheep and scatters them. 13 Because he works for money, he does not care about the sheep.
14 “I am the Good Shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me
15 (just as the Father knows me and I know the Father). And I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I also have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd. 17 This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life so that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have the authority to lay it down, and I have the authority to take it up again. This is the commission I received from my Father.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE & GREETING
While the children are coming forward please greet your neighbor and fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder in your row and pass it along. Thank you!
Please be seated
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.
HYMN OF THE DAY—I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb Christian Worship 804
SERMON
John 10:11-18
Jesus is the Good Shepherd
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.
During the singing of this hymn, children ages 1-8 are excused to attend Children’s Church in the CLC Building. Parents can pick-up their children there following the service.
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.
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
Nicene Creed
Loving Shepherd of the sheep, fill us with contentment and confidence during this season as we celebrate your Easter victory. You laid down your life for the sheep and then rose again to assure us that you give us eternal life.
Good Shepherd, save us.
Strengthen our faith to follow where you lead, to the green pastures of your Word, the quiet waters of our baptism, and the gracious table of your body and blood where our cup overflows with your forgiving love. Guide us to find in you the gate that leads to safety and good pastures.
Good Shepherd, lead us.
Guard and protect us from those who want to lead us astray and snatch us out of your hand. Give us courage to fight against the devil and wisdom to recognize false teachers. Lead us to honor and follow those you have called to shepherd your flock, the Church.
Good Shepherd, guide us.
Let your rod and your staff comfort us and all your sheep in times of sickness and sadness and especially when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. May we find in your redemption and your Father’s resolve the unbreakable promise that we will dwell in your house forever.
Good Shepherd, console us.
Move us to reach out to sheep who are not yet a part of our sheep pen but whom you have claimed as your own. Give us your passion to search for the sheep who are lost and lead us to rejoice when they have been found.
Good Shepherd, inspire us.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
We thank you for all the blessings we have gained from your goodness: family and friends, wealth and health, work and leisure. Give us wisdom to long for and cherish your more precious gifts, your Word and sacraments, so that your goodness and love may follow us all the days of our life.
Good Shepherd, hear us. Amen.
Please stand
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
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:
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. 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.
O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD (Agnus Dei)
Christian Worship 169
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.
Personal prayers for before and after communing are now available on printed labels on the inside cover of the hymnals.
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.
Psalm 106:1
Please stand +
SPOKEN RESPONSES
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures forever.
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
Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
CLOSING PRAYER
We give thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us with this saving gift. We pray that through it you will strengthen our faith in you and increase our love for one another. We ask this in the name of 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
5 You spread a table in my sight, a banquet here bestowing; your oil of welcome, my delight; my cup is overflowing!
6 And so through all the length of days your goodness fails me never; Good Shepherd, may I sing your praise within your house forever!
Friendship Register
We would like to have a record of both members and guests who are worshiping with us. Please sign the red Friendship Register book located along the center aisle in the hymnal rack.
Children’s Church
Children ages 1-8 will be dismissed from our worship service today during the hymn before the sermon to attend Children’s Church. Parents, following worship, please pick your child up from the gymnasium in the CLC building.
Sunday Morning Bible Study
Timely Topics Every day the news shares something controversial that might spark conversations among Christians and non-Christians. What does God say about these topics? This Bible study will look at what is being said by society and what God says about 6 timely topics like Global Warming, Gender Identity and Politics. If you haven’t been to Bible study in a while, now is a great time to join this study on current events. Please join us in the CLC gymnasium on Sundays at 9:00 AM.
WELS Tucson Campus Ministry (TCM)
TCM Bible study is tonight! All college students and college-age individuals are welcome at 7:00 PM in the Student Center located in the basement at Grace-Tucson. They will be covering many topics under the theme “How to Practice My Faith.”
Divine Call Decision & Open House
After much prayer and deliberation, Pastor Patoka has accepted the Call to serve as pastor at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lancaster, CA. Please keep him and his wife, Katie, in your prayers as they prepare to move to a new place to serve in God's kingdom. Pray also for the ministry here at Grace.
The Patokas’ final Sunday at Grace will be May 12. A farewell Open House for them will be held the same day from 12:00 to 4:00 PM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall. Lunch will be served. We hope you can join us to say thank you and goodbye to Pastor and Katie!
Mission to the Children Toy Drive
Mission to the Children is holding a toy drive to collect toys for handing out to the children during our Dia del Niño fiesta at the end of April! Please consider donating small, non-wrapped toys (up to $10) for boys & girls. We also need candy donations for making bags of candy to hand out to the children. There is a donation box available for the toys. The boxes will be picked up April 24 so please get your donations in by then. If you have any questions or would like to help at our event, contact Nicole Scheuerlein (520)820-2016 or info@missiontothechildren.org.
Vicar in Mission Setting
Grace is requesting a Vicar (Pastor intern) to further his studies while helping serve in our mission, primarily at our Sahuarita location. The congregational cost is $20,000 for the 2024/2025 school year. $10,000 has already been donated, and we are hoping to raise the remainder through a special offering. Please see the Vicar in Missions flyer and envelope on the Welcome Desk in the entryway.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sahuarita Wednesday Bible Study
What are the differences between Catholic, Lutheran, and Baptist churches? If you don’t understand the differences between churches, this study walks through what various church bodies officially teach about the Bible, Jesus, salvation, the sacraments, and morality. Please join us on Wednesdays at 10:00 AM in the church entryway.
Arizona Lutheran Academy (ALA) Drama Performance: April 26-28
This year’s ALA’s Spring Production is Anastasia by Terrence McNally. It will be presented on Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27, at 7:00 PM and Sunday April 28, at 3:00 PM. Grace member Emma Miller is part of the cast along with several other students from our Tucson area churches! Tickets are available at the door. Adults - $10, Students (K-12) - $6, children under 5 are free.
Stephen Bautista at Grace-Tucson: April 28
WELS musician Stephen Bautista, who has previously sung at all of Grace’s sites, will be joining us for worship at Grace-Tucson next Sunday, April 28. Stephen is not only a singer, he also writes his own music and plays guitar. You can learn more about Stephen and his music at stephenbautistamusic.com. There will be opportunities to purchase recordings and to donate to support Stephen’s work after our worship services.
NEW Women’s Bible Study at Grace-Tucson: May 2
Women’s Bible will not meet this Thursday, April 25. A new study on the Twelve Apostles will begin on May 2. What do we know about the 12 men Jesus chose to follow him and then sent out to share the gospel after his ascension into heaven? What does the Bible say? What do historical accounts tell us about them? Get to know “The 12” as you never have before, and learn valuable lessons about your life of following Jesus. Pastor Koehler will lead this study on Thursday mornings at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall. Make plans to join him, and invite a friend to join you!
Wine and Awareness Event: May 10
Ladies, save Friday, May 10, at 5:30 PM in your schedule for a special event at Grace-Tucson sponsored by Pints 4 Pink, a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded by a member of Grace following his treatment for breast cancer. Ladies will engage in a wine discussion led by a local expert and enjoy some tasting. A speaker from the Arizona Cancer Center is also being planned. Ladies are encouraged to invite friends to join them. The purposes of this event are to enjoy some fellowship, sample delicious wines, and raise money for cancer research. Although not required, those attending will be encouraged to donate generously to Pints 4 Pink, so that those gifts can be used in our community to support cancer research efforts at the Arizona Cancer Center, our state’s only research facility recognized by the National Cancer Institute.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Truth in Love Ministries Workshop: May 11
All members are invited to a workshop on Saturday, May 11, at Grace-Benson. Pastor Mark Parsons of Truth in Love Ministries (TILM) will show us how to more effectively share the Gospel with members of the LDS and others. This “new” approach has been recently developed by TILM based on feedback from former LDS (Latter Day Saints) members and other new Christians on what approach(es) proved most effective in drawing them to the TRUE Gospel. The workshop runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and lunch will be provided. If you are interested in attending, please phone or text Bill Warskow at (480)363-4859 or wlwarskow@ezlink.com.
Ranger Backpacking Trip: June 3-7
This Lutheran Pioneer/Ranger activity is open to boys 14 years of age and older and is a challenging and exciting activity. It will take place from June 3 to 7 through parts of the 45-mile long Paria Canyon of Arizona and Utah. This trip involves backpacking over long distances, hiking through slot canyons, crossing the Paria River many times, and in hot temperatures. Preparation including leg conditioning and hiking with a 50 pound pack, preferably in sand, is crucial. Hiker cost is $210 per hiker and covers the permit expenses and all meals during the trip and basecamp meals before and after the trip. There is a limited number of hikers allowed per permit so registration is first-come, first-serve and is due by May 1. To register or ask questions, please contact Bryan or Teri Guenther at (520)235-1177 or TeriGuen@msn.com. God’s beautiful creation is truly outstanding and on full display on this trip!
GOLF OPPORTUNITIES
ALA 30th Golf Classic: Saturday
You’re invited to participate in the ALA Golf Classic this Saturday, April 27, at the beautiful Legacy Golf Club in Phoenix. This is a 4-person scramble tournament beginning with a shotgun start at 7:30 AM. 2024 is our 30th ALA Golf Classic. God continues blessing the event as we raise the bar for fun and fundraising! We raised over $25,000 last year 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.
Grace Child Learning Center (CLC) Golf Tournament: April 29
Do you enjoy golf? Join us on Monday, April 29, for the 5th 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 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 Jen Rickling at (262)366-5778 or jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org.
Redeemer Lutheran School Golf Tournament: May 4
Join us for a fun day of golf at Quarry Pines Golf Club for Redeemer Lutheran School’s 4th annual golf tournament. Registration is $150 per golfer or $550 for a foursome. Fee includes golf with a cart, lunch, and two drinks. Check-in is at 6:15 AM and tee time is 7:00 AM. There will be over 25 raffle baskets available and raffle tickets can be purchased ahead of time - open to non-golfers as well! Registration forms for golf and raffle tickets can be found in the Fellowship Hall on the bulletin board outside the library. Funds raised at this event will help provide updated technology for the classrooms. Questions can be directed to Kendra Sewell at kendra.sewell@redeemertucson.com.
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 21 - April 28
-SITE EVENTS
