SPECIAL SONG SERVICE




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.
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.
We thank WELS musician Stephen Bautista and his daughter Marissa Renée for leading our worship music today. Stephen travels the country with his Christian music ministry and seeks to enlighten the lost and encourage the found with original, Christ-centered music. Marissa is Stephen’s second oldest daughter and has been singing with him since she was 16 years old. She is not only a talented singer, but also a gifted artist. Baskets are available at each exit if you are able to give a donation in support of their ministry. You are also encouraged to stop at the table in the narthex to purchase CDs of Stephen’s music. You can also visit stephenbautistamusic.com to donate, purchase digital downloads of his albums, and learn more about his music ministry.
Next week we will return to our worship series “Resurrection Reality.” Next Sunday, three youth confirmands will also be confirmed in our 10:00 AM service.
Our worship during this season is following these themes:
Easter Sunrise Without the Resurrection Faith Is Futile
Easter Festival 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 Special Service Featuring Stephen Bautista
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
Praise to you, O God, maker of all things. You gave me life and breath. You sent your Son to cleanse me from sin and your Spirit to make me glad. Thank you for providing me with all that I need to live. To you be honor and glory and praise now and forever. Amen.
Worship the L with gladness; come before him with joyful songs!
The warm subtle hues of a delicate bloom
And a song bird that greets the new morning
A cascading stream flowing through fields of green
And the mountains that rise up before them
In oh so many ways
The beauty of life has shined on my face
And yet I know of one thing
That surpasses by far the beauty I’ve seen
(Chorus) The most beautiful thing I know
Is the cross with a Savior who died for us all
And the blood that flowed
From His hands and feet
And the wounds He bore
So that we’d be redeemed
This is the most beautiful thing
I’ve stood on the edge of a grand precipice
Overwhelmed by the span of creation
Then sat teary eyed while the sun paints the sky
As it settles beyond the horizon
And I’m still so amazed
At the beauty that life has shined on my face
But one thing stands alone
Unrivaled and incomparable (Chorus)
And I’m still so amazed
At the beauty that life has shined on my face
But one thing stands alone
Unrivaled and incomparable
Bautista.As baptized children of God, we are invited to approach him in worship in the name of the triune God.
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
Psalm 30:4
Psalm 57:7
Psalm 57:9-10
Psalm 57:11
Psalm 98:3
Psalm 98:4-6
Sing to the L , you saints of his; praise his holy name! I will sing and make music!
I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Shout for joy to the L , all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music. Make music to the L with the harp and the sound of singing, shout for joy before the L , the King.
Psalm 19:1
Psalm 148:1
Psalm 139:14
Psalm 145:3
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Praise the L from the heavens, praise him in the heights above.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Great is the L and most worthy of praise!
CONGREGATIONAL HYMN How Great Thou Art Christian Worship 612
Please stand
We have come into the presence of God, who created us to love and serve him as his dear children. But we have disobeyed him and deserve only his wrath and punishment. Therefore, let us confess our sins to him and plead for his mercy.
Merciful Father in heaven, I am altogether sinful from birth. In countless ways I have sinned against you and do not deserve to be called your child. But trusting in Jesus, my Savior, I pray: Have mercy on me according to your unfailing love. Cleanse me from my sin, and take away my guilt.
God, our heavenly Father, has forgiven all your sins. By the perfect life and innocent death of our Lord Jesus Christ, he has removed your guilt forever. You are his own dear child. May God give you strength to live according to his will.
Amen.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
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) This is often referred to as the public use of the keys.
Sometimes I feel so heavy laden
From a lifetime of sin and regret
And all the guilt that I’ve been dragging Only adds more weight to every step Yearning for a refuge and shelter from the storm
There’s just one place I know that I can go
(Chorus) There is peace beyond my understanding
There is hope that washes over me
And when I turn to the cross and fall on my knees I will find it there at Jesus’ feet
There, I hear my Savior calling Come just as you are with no regrets Take the burdens you have carried Lay them down and I will give you rest I will be your refuge and shelter from the storm And my grace will hold you close for evermore (Chorus)
And I will rest in the refuge of my God and King
And I will sing songs of praises to the one who set me free (Chorus)
Text and music: Stephen Bautista. Used by permission.For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.
When you made the universe Formed the heavens and the earth When you planned eternity Did you really think of me?
When you breathed that living breath Made us into your likeness When you said that you were pleased Did you really think of me?
And on the day That we rebelled Was I in your thoughts As your tears fell
When you left your mighty throne To fix the damage we had done When you became the least of these Did you really think of me?
When you were betrayed by a kiss And felt the nails go through your wrist When you suffered agony Did you really think of me?
And the moment when You left the grave Was I on your mind As the debt was paid You wrote your word upon my heart To say you knew me from the start And that you planned out everything All because you thought of me
This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
I never fully understood Why you agreed to save us When you knew the price you had to pay Was pain beyond endurance
I know if I were in your shoes I wouldn’t hesitate To leave this world of fools
Chorus: But you never did You never budged an inch You never did You never even flinched You could’ve left us all And wrote us off as a lost cause But you never did
You freely took that heavy cross When you could’ve easily left it You let them pierce your mighty hands When you had the power to stop them You could’ve flown at lightning speed When they challenged you To come down off that tree (Chorus)
You stuck through all the pain And endured our guilt and shame When you really could have left us You really could have left us (Chorus)
You really could have left us But you never did
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.
There’s a sound rising up through the air
Drowning out the bitter cry of despair
Bellowing over the voice of fear
It’s the sound of hope
Resonating out where the hurting are It echoes through the walls a broken heart Penetrating down through the deepest scar
It’s the sound of hope
Chorus: It’s the sweet sweet sound of a sinner’s praise When their wayward soul is found As they sing a song of amazing grace
All their voices rise In a sweet sweet sound
It wells up to the tops of cathedral halls
Reverberating out through chapel walls Ringing in the streets like a distant call
It’s the sound of hope
It beckons to the hearts of a world in need Telling them the story of the redeemed Proclaiming that Jesus has set them free It’s the sound of hope (Chorus)
A sweet sweet sound
A sweet sweet sound
It’s a sweet sweet sound
When we sing our praises
In the name of Jesus And our hallelujahs ring
In a sweet sweet sound
A sweet sweet sound (Chorus twice)
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
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!
He said lay down your nets and “come follow me”
Without regard for what lies ahead
And we should never look back, just trust and believe
That he’ll lead us to the promise land
And as we take his hand and go
On the path to heaven’s home
We may venture out into the unknown
Chorus: But there is joy in the journey an amazing life to live
When we’re called by the Savior to come and follow him
Though we hope for the future and the glory that awaits
Let us live in this moment and embrace each step we take
When we follow in His footsteps there is joy in the journey
And there’ll be days when we find that we’re too tired and worn
To carry on and take one more step
But our strength is in Christ and we cling to the hope
That soon we will be at heaven’s gate
And what a glorious day when
We’ll be at our journey’s end
And our own eyes will finally see heaven (Chorus)
When we live a life of gratitude for the new life that He gave
When we fill our voice in thankfulness for the price he had to pay
When we join our hearts to worship him and praise the Holy One
When we lift Him up to all the world and tell what he has done (Chorus)
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
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.
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.
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.
CONGREGATIONAL HYMN Amazing Grace Christian Worship 576
Please stand
We pray together:
Almighty God, I am humbled and amazed that you loved me so much that you chose me from eternity, sent your Son to pay the price for my sins, and found me while I was a lost and wayward sinner. Help me now to live a life of gratitude for all you have done for me. Give me a caring heart to love and seek the lost, and share my hope of salvation with those who have no hope. Make me faithful in my daily life so that all I say and do may glorify you. Amen.
Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness.
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—In Christ Alone Christian Worship 510
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
If you would like to provide flowers for the altar, please call (520-623-6633) or email (office@gracelutheransaz.org) the Grace Central Office to reserve a Sunday. Upcoming available Sundays include May 19 and June 9, 16, 23, & 30. The cost for the 2 bouquets is $32.50. After the 10:00 AM service you may take the flowers home or leave them to be dropped off to one of our homebound members if a visit is being made.
Following the 10:00 AM service this morning, you are invited to join us in the courtyard and Fellowship Hall for drinks and snacks. We thank Sally Littau and Nancy Miles for hosting this morning. Upcoming available dates are May 19 and June 9, 16, 23, & 30. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.
Join us on Sundays for a look at Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer. We are working through a section of our Grow in Grace Class, which will give us an opportunity to learn and discuss much about what God has to say regarding prayer. 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.
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 here at Grace-Tucson. They will be covering many topics under the theme “How to Practice My Faith.”
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 table in the Fellowship Hall.
Minister Pastor Ron Koehler
Guest Musicians..........................................................................Stephen & Marissa Renée Bautista
Greeters
Ushers
Bill & Lisa Toben (10:00 AM)
Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM)
Jon Dongoske, Sam Kassulke, Ferdie Kramm, Rick Street (10:00 AM)
Sound and Recording Techs..................................
Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke
Banner Committee Nadine Rentschler, Jeanette O’Donald, Sandy Weir
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!
Join us on Wednesdays for our study of Church History. We are learning about the early years of the WELS. Even if you haven’t attended this class before, this is an excellent time to join. 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!
Grace-Tucson member Naomi Kassulke is a student at Martin Luther College (MLC) in New Ulm, MN. She sent a “Message Home” to thank our congregation for our support through the Congregational Partner Grant Program (CPGP). Her sign says “Thank you Grace Lutheran SAZ for all your love, encouragement, prayers, and financial support! Love & Miss You!” MLC Day celebrates and promotes ministerial education. Celebrate with MLC by praying for the students and consider donating to Grace’s “Called Workers Scholarship Fund” which provides a scholarship to active Grace members at MLC. This amount is matched through the CPGP program. We pray for God’s blessings on Naomi and she finishes her first year at MLC.
A new study on the Twelve Apostles begins this Thursday, 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 Fellowship Hall. Make plans to join him, and invite a friend to join you!
Next Sunday, May 5, is youth confirmation Sunday for three eighth graders here at Grace-Tucson. The congregation is invited to an Open House that afternoon from 12:30 to 2:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. This is hosted by the families of Carson Heinz, Zach Miller, and Elsa Wiechmann to celebrate their children’s confirmations. A taco lunch will be provided. This Open House is in addition to the cake fellowship that immediately follows our 10:00 AM service.
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. Speakers 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.
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.
The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet on Thursday, May 16, at 10:15 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall. The ladies will enjoy a salad bar lunch. Ladies are asked to bring a cold salad of their choosing or an ingredient for a green salad. Please contact Lois Thornton at (520)323-8772 or vthornto2@gmail.com with any questions. Ladies from all Grace sites are welcome to attend.
Grace children have been invited to participate in Vacation Bible School at our sister congregation, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, from June 3 to 7. The theme is “Celebrate the Savior: Jesus Gives Us Joy” and runs from 9:00 to 11:30 AM each morning. You may register children age 3 (potty trained) through 6th grade at https://soth.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/136/responses/new. Grace is not holding a VBS this summer so this is a great opportunity for your children!
Northwestern Publishing House (NPH) is our synod’s publishing house where you can purchase books on a wide variety of topics, Bibles, Bible study books for all ages, music, Christ-centered gifts, jewelry, and apparel. NPH EXTRA is a free program that lets you designate your church to receive 1 percent of the dollars you spend at NPH. Your purchases benefit you spiritually and help support how gospel ministry is carried out at your church! Learn more about this exciting program and sign up today at nph.net/extra.
Grace
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 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). Sign up this afternoon!
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.
TUCSON
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.
Worship Services with Stephen Bautista........ 7:45a & 10:00a
Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Prayer & The Lord’s Prayer 9:00a
Grow in Grace Class (Office Conference Room) 9:00a
Lifeliners (High School group) Bible Study.....................9:00a
Fellowship following worship
TCM Bible Study: How to Practice My Faith 7:00p
Tuesday
Weekly Pastors’ Meeting 9:00a
English Classes 6:30p
Wednesday
Midweek Bible Study: Church History ............ 10:00a & 7:00p
Thursday
Women’s Bible Study: 12 Apostles 9:00a
NO Handbells
Worship Choir 6:45p
Sunday, May 5
Worship Services with Youth Confirmation 7:45a & 10:00a
Children’s Bible Hour......................................................8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Prayer & The Lord’s Prayer 9:00a
Grow in Grace Class (Office Conference Room) 9:00a
NO Lifeliners (High School group resumes May 12.....9:00a
Confirmation Fellowship following worship..............................
Confirmation Open House 12:30-2:30p
TCM Finals Party 7:00p
Adult Bible Study (Tucson).............................................9:00a
Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
April 28
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson).......................10:00a
OFF-SITE EVENTS
Today ALA Drama Performance: Anastasia 3:00p
Monday
CLC Golf Tournament & Dinner ...................................12:00p
Saturday
Redeemer Golf Tournament 7:00a
Adult Bible Study (resumes May 5)
following worship
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
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.