4-28-24 Grace-Sahuarita Worship Folder

THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

S , A A 28, 2024

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:

Easter Sunday All Will Be Made Alive

Second Sunday of Easter The Living Lord Gives Proof and Peace

Third Sunday of Easter We Have a Meaningful Message to Share

Fourth Sunday of Easter The Risen Savior Provides Good Shepherding

Fifth Sunday of Easter The Living Lord Produces Active Faith

Sixth Sunday of Easter Jesus’ Business Is Love; Therefore, So Is Ours

Ascension of Our Lord Christ’s Ascension Means He Is Closer Than Ever

The Festival of Pentecost Christ Has Not Left Us Alone

+ ORDER OF WORSHIP + WELCOME

OPENING HYMN Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen Christian Worship 454

The vocalists will sing stanzas 1 and 2. Please join in singing the remainder of the hymn.

Text: Herbert F. Brokering, 1926–2009 © 1995 Augsburg Fortress. Tune: David N. Johnson, 1922–1987 © 1968 Augsburg Publishing House, admin. Augsburg Fortress.

Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.

“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) 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.

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.

LORD, HAVE MERCY

In peace let us pray to the Lord.

Kyrie

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.”)

Text: Paul Z. Strodach, 1876–1947, alt. © 1958 Service Book and Hymnal, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199 Tune: Geistliche Kirchengesäng, Köln, 1623. Public domain.

In the early church, as the apostles preached the resurrection of Christ, the living Lord produced the fruits of unity and generosity.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Let us pray. O God, you form the minds of your faithful people into a single will. Make us love what you command and desire what you promise, that among the many changes of this world, our hearts may ever yearn for the lasting joys of heaven; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

Please be seated

FIRST READING

32 The whole group of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they held everything in common. 33 The apostles continued to testify about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ with great power, and abundant grace was on all of them. 34 There was not a needy person among them. For from time to time those who were owners of lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds received from what was sold, 35 and laid it at the apostles’ feet. It was distributed to each one according to what anyone needed.

36 Joseph, who was called Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated “son of encouragement”), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him. He brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

SECOND READING

1 John 3:18-24

18 Dear children, let us love not only with word or with our tongue, but also in action and truth.

19 This is how we know that we are of the truth and how we will set our hearts at rest in his presence: 20 If our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 21 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God. 22 We also receive from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commands and do what is pleasing in his sight. 23 This then is his command: that we believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and that we love one another just as he commanded us. 24 The one who keeps his commands remains in God and God in him. This is how we know that he remains in us: We know it from the Spirit, whom he has given to us.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Please stand

St. John encourages us to demonstrate living faith in loving words and actions.

Text: James Quinn, SJ, 1919–2010, alt. © 1969 James Quinn, SJ, admin. OCP Publications. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: Gaelic, 19th cent. Public domain.

The Gospel

Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION John 15:5

Alleluia. I am the Vine; you are the branches.

The one who remains in me and I in him is the one who bears much fruit. Alleluia.

Jesus is the vine who give us, his branches, the ability to produce fruits of faith.

GOSPEL

1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, he is going to cut off. And he prunes every branch that does bear fruit, so that it will bear more fruit.

3 “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.

4 Remain in me, and I am going to remain in you. A branch cannot bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Likewise, you cannot bear fruit unless you remain in me.

5 “I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him is the one who bears much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers. Such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this: that you continue to bear much fruit and prove to be my disciples.

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!

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 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.

SERMON

John 15:1-8

Jesus is the Vine

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.

Please stand

CONFESSION OF FAITH

Apostles’ Creed

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.

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.

Text: Timothy Dudley-Smith, b. 1926 © 1984 Hope Publishing Co. Tune: Ralph C. Schultz, b. 1932 © 1980 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.

Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.

Please be seated

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

Almighty God and Father, we thank you for all your mercies, especially for the gift of your Son, through whom you have revealed your gracious will. We praise you for the Holy Spirit and his working through the means of grace.

Plant your Word in our hearts, and cause it to produce fruit in our lives.

Strengthen and defend your Church, that by your Word and sacraments faith may grow and love toward all may increase.

Support all who spread the light of your truth throughout the world.

Keep our children in the grace of their baptisms. Enable their parents to train them in lives of faith.

Raise up Christians to serve you in the ministry of the Word and in all godly walks of life.

Preserve our nation in justice and honor. Guide and bless all who make, administer, and judge our laws.

Give them wisdom that they may promote justice and hinder evil.

Let your blessing rest on planting and harvest, commerce and industry, medicine and science, the arts and culture. Protect all who travel, and care for those whose work is difficult or dangerous.

Be with all who devote themselves to any useful task.

Comfort all who are in sorrow or need, sickness or adversity. Remember those who suffer persecution for the faith. Have mercy on those for whom death draws near.

Grant them your love, and take them into your tender care.

Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.

Silent prayer

We remember with thanksgiving those who have loved and served you, who now rest from their labors. Console those who are mourning or living with sadness.

Keep us in the true faith, and bring us at last to the joys of heaven.

Grant us these things, Father, for the sake of Jesus, who died and rose again. Amen.

HYMN—Chief of Sinners Though I Be

Please stand

CLOSING PRAYER

Almighty God, we thank you for teaching us the things you want us to believe and do. Help us by your Holy Spirit to keep your Word in pure hearts that we may be strengthened in faith, guided in holiness, and comforted in life and in death, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Text: William McComb, 1793–1873, alt. Tune: Richard Redhead, 1820–1901. Text and tune: Public domain.

The blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God’s people for over 3,500 years. The L said, “In this way they will put my name on [them], and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27

BLESSING

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.

Amen.

Please be seated

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CLOSING HYMN Christ, the Word of God Incarnate

Text: Steven P. Mueller, b. 1964 © 2001 Steven P. Mueller. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.

Tune: Columbian Harmony, Cincinatti, 1825, ed. William Moore. Public domain.

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 & Open House

Pastor Patoka is preparing for his move to begin his new call 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.

Pastor Patoka's 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!

Vicar in Mission Setting

Grace has been approved to participate in the Vicar in Missions program! This means that a vicar (pastor intern) will be assigned to continue his education while helping with the work at Grace, primarily at Sahuarita under Pastor Heiman. The synod subsidizes the total cost of this vicar year, with Grace contributing $20,000 to the effort. You may recall that an early donation covered half of the congregational cost. We have since raised $4,285 toward the goal of covering the rest. Thank you for your generous gifts! A member has offered to match the next $1,000 in donations. Can we meet the challenge of raising the full amount by Sunday, May 5? Envelopes are available for this special offering on the Welcome Desk in the church entryway.

Those Assisting in Worship This Morning

Minister...............................................................................................................

Pastor Ryan Heiman

Accompanist Jane Neujahr

Vocalists....................................................................................................... Erin Pigeon, Steve Hiles

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.

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. Speaker from the Arizona Cancer Center are 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.

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 still interested in attending, please phone or text Bill Warskow at (480)363-4859 or email wlwarskow@ezlink.com.

GOLF OPPORTUNITIES

Grace Child Learning Center (CLC) Golf Tournament: April 29

Do you enjoy golf? There are still openings available for the 5th annual CLC Charity Golf Tournament tomorrow! Beginning at 1:00 PM golfers will participate in a 4person 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). Sign up this afternoon!

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. Space is still available! 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 timeopen 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.

SAHUARITA

Today

This schedule is subject to change. Please watch your email for the most up-to-date information or call the Grace Central Office at (520)623-6633 if you have questions.

This Week at Grace Ÿ April 28 - May 5

Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a

Children’s Sunday School 9:00a

Worship Service 10:00a

Fellowship following worship ...................................................

Monday

Grow in Grace Class 4:30p

Tuesday

Confirmation Class 4:00p

Wednesday

Adult Bible Study: 10:00a

Why Are There Different Churches?

Grow in Grace Class 4:30p

Thursday

Grow in Grace Class.......................................................5:00p

Sunday, May 5

Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a

Children’s Sunday School...............................................9:00a

Worship Service with communion.................................10:00a

Fellowship following worship

BENSON

NO Adult Bible Study (resumes May 5)

following worship

Spirit..........................................8:45a Fellowship following worship

VAIL

Today

Adult Bible Study: The Way Lutherans Worship 9:00a

Youth Bible Study 9:00a

Worship Service 10:00a

Fellowship following worship ...................................................

Thursday

Adult Bible Study: Hebrews 6:30p

Sunday, May 5

Adult Bible Study: The Way Lutherans Worship 9:00a

Youth Bible Study 9:00a

Worship Service with communion 10:00a

Fellowship following worship ...................................................

TUCSON

Fellowship following worship

ONLINE

OFF-SITE EVENTS

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

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

Grace-Sahuarita

75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538

Pastor Ryan A. Heiman revrah@gracelutheransaz.org

Child Learning Center (520) 848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com

Director Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org

Assistant Director Jen Rickling jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org

Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail

Benson

451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602

Vail

Worshipping at Esmond Station Elementary 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, Tucson, AZ 85747

Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein revsas@gracelutheransaz.org

Office at Civano 10501 E. Seven Generations Way, Tucson, AZ 85747 (520)848-4631

Prayer Group Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org

Child Learning Center Mission Teachers

Sam Anthon, 2-Year Olds santhon@gracelutheransaz.org

Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org

Theresa Pratt, Preschool tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org

Chris Leathers, After School Care cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org

Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke cinda@gracelutheransaz.org music@gracelutheransaz.org (520)581-4714

Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr assistant@gracelutheransaz.org 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.