THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER

G E L C S , A A 27, 2025

G E L C S , A A 27, 2025
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 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 Day
Death Has Lost Its Sting
Second Sunday of Easter We Have a Meaningful Mission
Third Sunday of Easter We Can See Things Clearly
Fourth Sunday of Easter We Know Jesus is Trustworthy and True
Fifth Sunday of Easter We Live Lives of Lavish Love
Sixth Sunday of Easter We Have Deep and Lasting Joy Ascension He Reigns Over Everything for the Benefit of His Church Pentecost Christ Sends Us His Spirit
OPENING HYMN Christ the Lord Is Risen Today; Alleluia Christian Worship 442
Please stand
Our order of service for today is Morning Prayer, which is a revision of the historic Order of Matins. Matins was the monastic service marking the beginning of a new day.
The minister sings the lines in regular print. Please respond with the bolded lines.
Psalm 51:15
Psalm 70:1
This response is followed immediately by the song of praise printed below.
This song of praise is commonly referred to as the Venite because of its opening word in Latin. These words are a paraphrase of Psalm 95.
Please join in singing the entire song.
Refrain:
This song continues on the next page.
Text: Marty Haugen © 1995, 1996 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed!
+ THE WORD
The apostles were not going to let opposition and persecution prevent them from fulfilling their meaningful mission of telling others about Christ’s death and resurrection.
Let us pray.
O risen Lord, you came to your disciples and took away their fears with your word of peace. Come to us also by Word and sacrament, and banish our fears with the comforting assurance of your abiding presence; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
This reading continues on the next page.
Please be seated
12Many signs and wonders were done among the people through the hands of the apostles. With one mind, they all continued meeting in Solomon’s Colonnade.
17The high priest rose up, along with his associates (that is, the party of the Sadducees), because they were filled with envy. 18They arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. 19But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison, brought them out, and said, 20“Go, stand in the temple and keep on telling the people the whole message about this life.” 21After they heard this, they entered the temple courts at daybreak and began to teach.
When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin (that is, the whole council of elders of the people of Israel). Then they sent orders to the jail to have the apostles brought in. 22But when the officers arrived, they did not find them in the prison. They returned and reported, 23“We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside!” 24When the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard these words, they were puzzled about them, wondering what could have happened.
25Then someone came and reported to them, “Look! The men you put in prison are standing in the temple courts and teaching the people.”
26Then the captain went with the officers and brought the apostles in without force, because they were afraid that the people might stone them. 27After they brought them in, they had them stand before the Sanhedrin. The high priest asked them, 28“Did we not give you strict orders not to teach in this name? Look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you are determined to bring this man’s blood down on us!”
29But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. 30The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you arrested and killed by hanging him on a cross. 31God exalted him to his right hand as Ruler and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and the forgiveness of sins.
32We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
HYMN RESPONSE O Sons and Daughters of the King Christian Worship 456
SECOND READING
4John,
Revelation 1:4–18
To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is, who was, and who is coming, and from the seven spirits that are before his throne, 5and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his own blood 6and made us a kingdom and priests to God his Father to him be the glory and the power forever. Amen.
The risen Savior promises to be with his churches as they carry out the meaningful mission of sharing the light of the gospel.
This reading continues on the next page.
This hymn response continues on the next page.
7 Look, he is coming with clouds, and every eye will see him, including those who pierced him. And all the nations of the earth will mourn because of him. Yes. Amen.
8“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, the one who is, and who was, and who is coming, the Almighty.
9I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingship and patient endurance in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony about Jesus.
10I was in spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard a loud voice behind me, like a trumpet, 11saying, “Write what you see on a scroll and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”
12I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me. When I turned, I saw seven gold lampstands, 13and among the lampstands was one like a son of man. He was clothed with a robe that reached to his feet, and around his chest he wore a gold sash. 14His head and his hair were white, like white wool or like snow. His eyes were like blazing flames. 15His feet were like polished bronze being refined in a furnace. His voice was like the roar of many waters. 16He held seven stars in his right hand. A sharp two-edged sword was coming out of his mouth. His face was shining as the sun shines in all its brightness.
17When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He placed his right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last 18the Living One. I was dead and, see, I am alive forever and ever! I also hold the keys of death and hell.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
19On the evening of that first day of the week, the disciples were together behind locked doors because of their fear of the Jews. Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be with you!” 20After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
21Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you! Just as the Father has sent me, I am also sending you.” 22After saying this, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23Whenever you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven. Whenever you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
24But Thomas, one of the Twelve, the one called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25So the other disciples kept telling him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, and put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe.”
26After eight days, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 27Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands. Take your hand and put it into my side. Do not continue to doubt, but believe.”
28Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
29Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
30Jesus, in the presence of his disciples, did many other miraculous signs that are not written in this book. 31But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Jesus lovingly deals with our doubts and provides us with peace so that we might be empowered to carry out the meaningful mission of sharing Christ’s forgiveness.
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.
Please greet those around you and then be seated
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.
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.
HYMN RESPONSE O Sons and Daughters of the King Christian Worship 456
The minister will sing the refrain the first time. The congregation immediately repeats the refrain and then sings it after each verse.
This song of praise is commonly referred to as the Te Deum because of its opening words in Latin. The Te Deum is often used as a confession of faith. It has ancient roots within the Christian Church.
The minister sings the first part of each line. The congregation responds with the words in bold.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
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.
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.
Please stand
The minister sings the lines in regular print. Please respond with the bolded lines.
O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to this new day. Defend us with your mighty power, and grant that this day we neither fall into sin nor run into any kind of danger. And in all we do, direct us to what is right in your sight; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.
This closing prayer section of the service begins with a cry for mercy to the Lord (Kyrie) in the morning hours as we begin our day in Christ.
This salutation (historically referred to as the Benedicamus) is often used at the end of worship as a call to praise and blessing.
This blessing is referred to as the Aaronic Blessing because is uses the words Aaron first spoke over God’s people given as a command from the Lord himself in Numbers 6:24-26. In this sung version of the Blessing, God’s people respond with a triple Amen, reminding us of the Triune nature of our God.
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 ages 1-8 will be dismissed from our 10:00 AM 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.
This morning we started a new Bible study topic! Pastor Heiman is teaching a class about God’s will for our lives. Our lives of service are guided by the Savior’s sacrifice. Please join us for “Gospel Motivation for Life” on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM in the CLC gymnasium. If you haven’t been to Bible study in a while, now is a great time to start.
It’s not too late to sign up for a Grace Oasis Group in the entryway of church. Groups are formed around common interests or similar places in life. You are free to change groups this time around too. You don’t need to be an expert in the Bible, nor do you need to make every study. This is a 6 week series starting today. The Sunday Sermons Studies will be available for each group to discuss throughout the week. Please check out the sign-ups in the back of church to see which group might be a fit for you.
Here’s your chance to knock out a study of three entire books of the Bible in our last Sunday night TCM Bible studies on The Little Johns—the three small letters of the apostle John tucked away near the end of the Bible. We’ll meet tonight and next Sunday, May 4, for those and then enjoy an end of the year Finals Stress Relief Party on May 11. Anyone college-age, student or not, is invited 7:00 PM down in the Student Center at Grace-Tucson. Things can be especially busy at this time of the year so we will keep it to an hour.
Preacher.................................................................................................................Vicar Noah Nordlie
Worship Leader
Pastor Ryan Heiman
Accompanist.................................................................................................................Laura Heiman
Acknowledgements:
Last Wednesday we began a new Bible study called “The Best Gift Ever.” Vicar Nordlie is leading the class through the greatest gift that God has given us through his Son; the gift of salvation. Please join us in the church entryway on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 AM.
Our study of Church History continues this week. We are looking 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!
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, beginning on May 1. Each week is an individual topic so you are able to jump in and out week-to-week as your schedule allows. Topics include Where was God when I needed him? How can there be a good God when the world is such a bad place? Why should I believe the Bible? This will help us understand things better and be prepared to help others understand God’s answers.
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 at Grace-Tucson on May 4. The congregation is invited to celebrate with the confirmands at 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.
On Easter Sunday afternoon, April 20, our Lord in his infinite wisdom called to rest the soul of former Grace member Mrs. Barbara Buchholz. Our prayers, Christian sympathies, and support extend to all who mourn. Barbara’s memorial service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church (8845 N. Silverbell Rd.) on Saturday, May 10, at 11:00 AM with a luncheon served immediately following the service.
Our Open Gym here 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!
Grace learned recently that we will not have a Vicar in Mission Setting assigned to serve in Southern Arizona for the 2025-2026 school year. Thank you to all who have donated toward our portion of the costs for a vicar. Those donations may be applied to a future vicar application. A vicar is a student in his third year at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary who serves for an entire year under an experienced pastor. This is something like an internship or apprenticeship. A Vicar in Mission Setting serves at a congregation actively reaching out, and the synod pays for a portion of the costs of having a vicar that is otherwise covered by a vicar’s congregation. Vicar Noah Nordlie currently serves under Pastor Heiman, primarily at our Sahuarita location, and Grace’s voters approved applying for another Vicar in Mission Setting whose service would have begun when Vicar Nordlie returns to the seminary in August.
Grace-Sahuarita has been gifted $30,000 toward additional mesquite church furniture, tables and chairs for the gym, a shed to hold tables and chairs, and landscaping between the church and CLC. In order to complete all of these projects, we’d like to raise an additional $30,000 in special gifts. Envelopes and information are available in the church entryway.
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 Heiman or Vicar Nordlie, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.
Cinda Drescher is Grace’s Bible-based Counselor. She is on staff at Grace and works in the counseling building located in the Grace-Tucson parking lot. She typically works at the counseling building two days each week. To schedule an appointment, it is easiest to text her at 520-581-4714 or email at Cinda@GraceLutheranSAZ.org. Because she is on staff at Grace and supported by the congregation’s Ministry Spending Plan, there is no charge for anyone who makes an appointment with her. She is happy to meet with anyone whether they are members of Grace/WELS or not. Cinda not only has a WELS Bible-based Therapist certification, she holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work, a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, along with certifications in Trauma and Domestic Violence.
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.
Adult Bible Study: Gospel Motivation for Life 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service........................................................... 10:00a
Fellowship following worship
Wednesday Midweek Bible Study: The Best Gift Ever .................... 10:00a
Sunday, May 4
Adult Bible Study: Gospel Motivation for Life 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship
VAIL Today
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship.................................................... Site Ministry Team Meeting 12:00p
Thursday Midweek Bible Study: 1 Corinthians............................... 6:30p
Saturday Church in a Box Trailer TLC Day 9:00a
Sunday, May 4
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics.................................... 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship Site Ministry Team Meeting.......................................... 12:00p ONLINE
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a Sunday, May 4 Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Monday
CLC Golf Tournament at Desert Hills, Green Valley 1:00p
Saturday Redeemer Golf Tournament at Quarry Pines 7:00a
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
Bible Study: Church History .............10:00a & 7:00p
Bible Study: More Prepared to Answer 9:00a Worship Choir Party & Rehearsal 6:00p
Sunday, May 4 Youth Confirmation Sunday Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a
Bible Hour 8:45a
Bible Study: Triumph of Grace.............................. 9:00a NO Grow in Grace Class Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Apologetics 9:00a Fellowship following worship Confirmation Party........................................................ 12:00p TCM Bible Study: The Little Johns 7:00p BENSON
Bible Study: Romans ............................................ 8:45a
following worship...................................................
Midweek Bible Study: Idol Worship 10:00a
Sunday, May 4
Worship Service with communion 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Romans 8:45a Fellowship following worship...................................................
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.