4-30-23 Grace-Tucson Worship Folder

THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

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

WORSHIP NOTES

We are very pleased that you have joined us for worship today! We pray that this time will be a blessing for you as God comes to you with his Word and promises, and as you offer him your thanks and praise.

The order of worship we will follow is printed in this worship folder for you to follow along and participate. You’ll notice that the service is a dialogue between God and us, his people. The pastor speaks to God along with the congregation and also speaks the Word of God to the people. LARGE PRINT worship folders are available at the entrances for those who desire them.

Today we are using elements from the Christian Worship (2021) hymnal. You will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each pew. You will be asked to open the hymnal to participate in parts of the service today. A vocalist will aid in our singing and will be recorded for our audio disks and video livestreaming.

There is no cost to park in our parking lot during Sunday morning worship services. If you receive a citation by mistake, please let our office staff know so it can be cleared.

OUR WORSHIP SERIES—HE LIVES

Life is full of either/or moments where you face an unavoidable choice between two alternatives. Some of those moments are relatively insignificant. Either I have the chicken, or I have the fish. Other times, they shape the course of your life. Either I accept this new job offer, or I keep my current job for the remainder of my career. Either I accept his marriage proposal, or… Some either/or moments are bigger than others.

Here is the biggest either/or of them all. Either Jesus is still dead, or Jesus rose. One might ask, “How does that either/or affect me?” Because Jesus claimed to be the Son of God and Savior from sin. He said the proof is that he would rise from the dead. “The Son of Man must suffer many things...be killed and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31). Thus, if Jesus remains dead, he is both failure and fraud. However, if Jesus rose from the dead, he proves he is who he claimed to be the Messiah. And he did what he came to do save us.

Either Jesus is still dead, or Jesus rose. That means, either Jesus is a complete waste of your time, or he is your only hope for salvation. If Jesus is still dead, it is completely logical that you should want nothing to do with him. If Jesus rose, it is only logical that he becomes the center and greatest priority of your life. Either Jesus is still dead, or Jesus rose. This season of Easter is a 50-day-long celebration of the fact that the Holy Spirit has answered that either/or for us. We believe this life-changing truth. Christ is risen! He lives! Throughout this season, we explore what that means.

He Lives to Take Me from Death to Life

He Lives to Give Me Proof and Peace

He Lives to Restore My Hope

He Lives to Be My Good Shepherd

He Lives to Be the Only Way to Heaven

He Lives and Calls Me to Live for Him

He Lives to Rule All Things for the Church

He Lives to Pour Out His Spirit

We hope you will continue to join us for worship on Sundays during this Easter season as we praise our Risen Lord! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +

WELCOME

Please stand

INVOCATION

Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.

Congregation: Amen.

HYMN RESPONSE—Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds Christian Worship 471

PRESERVICE MUSIC:

The Lord’s My Shepherd arr. Larry Shackley

My Shepherd, You Supply My Need arr. Jerry van der Pol

Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us with He Leadeth Me arr. Cindy Berry

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

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 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.

LORD, HAVE MERCY Kyrie

In peace let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord. Amen.

HYMN RESPONSE Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds Christian Worship 471

Kyrie is the Greek word for Lord. The expression “Lord, have mercy” is one of the oldest worship responses in the Christian Church.

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.

HYMN RESPONSE Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds Christian Worship 471

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.

FIRST READING Acts 2:42-47

42 They continued to hold firmly to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of the bread, and to the prayers. 43 Awe came over every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They were selling their possessions and property and were distributing the proceeds according to what anyone needed.

46 Day after day, with one mind, they were devoted to meeting in the temple area, as they continued to break bread in their homes. They shared their food with glad and sincere hearts, 47 as they continued praising God and being viewed favorably by all the people. Day after day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

HYMN—The Lord’s My Shepherd Christian Worship 554

The vocalist will sing verse 1 and the first refrain. Please join in singing the remainder of the hymn.

SECOND READING

1

Peter 2:19-25

The early Church was marked by devotion to apostolic teaching and genuine love for one another. And the Good Shepherd’s flock grew.

This modern hymn is a setting of Psalm 23 which is the appointed Psalm for today.

19

For this is favorable: if a person endures sorrows while suffering unjustly because he is conscious of God. 20 For what credit is it to you if you receive a beating for sinning and patiently endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and endure it, this is favorable with God.

21 Indeed, you were called to do this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example so that you would follow in his steps. 22 He did not commit a sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. 23 When he was insulted, he did not insult in return. When he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself carried our sins in his body on the tree so that we would be dead to sins and alive to righteousness. By his wounds you were healed. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but you are now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

St. Peter calls us to follow our Shepherd and Overseer, even if it means that we suffer for doing good.

The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.

Please stand

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Refrain (ALL):

John 10:14

Vocalist: I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.

Refrain (ALL) Tune:

Jesus is not only our Good Shepherd. He is the gate through which we enter into the green pastures of salvation.

1 “Amen, Amen, I tell you: Anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the door, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The doorkeeper opens the door for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own sheep, he walks ahead of them. The sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 They will never follow a stranger, but will run away from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.”

6 Jesus used this illustration in speaking to the people, but they did not understand what he was telling them.

7 So Jesus said again, “Amen, Amen, I tell you: I am the door for the sheep. 8 All who came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. Whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.

10 “A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise be to you, O Christ.

HYMN OF THE DAY The King of Love My Shepherd Is Christian Worship 552

SERMON

Suffering for Doing Good

1. The Good Shepherd Shows the Way

2. The Sheep Follow the Good Shepherd

1 Peter 2:19-25

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.

Please be seated

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.

Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

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.

OFFERING

Members of Grace respond to their Savior’s love with offerings that are given joyfully, generously, regularly, and in a way that is proportionate to how the Lord has blessed them. Their cheerful gifts support the mission and ministry of our congregation. If you are a guest today, please know that we do not expect you to contribute to our congregation’s work. However, if you would like to give an offering to the Lord in response to his love to you, we are happy to receive it and put it to work in God’s kingdom. If you prefer, use your smart phone to give online by scanning this QR code:

Please fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder at the end of the row and pass it along. Thank you!

Please stand

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.

Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

BLESSING

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace. Amen.

Please be seated

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CLOSING HYMN—Jesus, Shepherd of the Sheep Christian Worship 551

OFFERTORY:

I Look to the Shepherd Walt Harrah

Matthew 6 and Luke 11 record how Jesus taught his disciples to pray. We use his example prayer as part of our public worship, trusting that he will hear and answer our prayers.

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

POSTLUDE MUSIC: Sheep May Safely Graze by J. S. Bach, arr. Sylvia Oines

Altar Flowers

The flowers beautifying our altar today have been given by Katrina McClure in thanks to God for teaching her to know him and his will for her and allowing her to see him at work in her life.

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 are June 25 and July 2 & 9. 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.

Fellowship

Following the service this morning, you are invited to join us in the courtyard for drinks and snacks. We thank Cora Stuhr and Missy Wiechmann for hosting this week. The next available dates to host are May 21 & 28. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

Sunday Morning Bible Study

Grow In Grace is the name of our Bible Information Class, an overview of what the Bible teaches that we use as a course for adults who may be interested in membership at Grace. The young people in our Confirmation Classes learn the same material in a slightly different way. Is it time for a review? Do you have questions that you have been waiting to ask? Join us on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall as we consider portions of our Grow In Grace Class and look at why we teach what we do. We will be studying the Third Article of the Apostles Creed, concerning the resurrection, the holy Christian Church, and confessions of faith.

Tucson Campus Ministry Bible Study: Tonight

Who exactly is Jesus? Why does he deserve our utmost attention and devotion? Join us as TCM concludes its “Who Is Jesus?” Bible study as we page through the Gospel of Mark. Tonight we’ll study how Jesus is finally ID’d. TCM Bible Study meets in the TCM Student Center in the basement here at Grace-Tucson at 7:00 PM. Snacks and drinks are provided.

Lost & Found

There are Lost & Found items on a table in the west end of the Fellowship Hall. Please stop by to see if anything belongs to you. After today, unclaimed items will be donated or tossed.

Those Assisting in Worship This Morning

Preacher Pastor Ron Koehler

Worship Leader.....................................................................................................Pastor Tim Patoka

Accompanist Teri Guenther

Vocalist .......................................................................................................................Dylan Guenther

Greeters Jim and Elaine Goldie (10:00 AM)

Sound and Recording Techs..................................Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke

Banner Committee Nadine Rentschler, Jeanette O’Donald, Sandy Weir

Pastor Kassulke is preaching at Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail this morning.

Arizona Pastors’ Conference

Grace’s pastors will be attending the Arizona Pastors’ Conference in Albuquerque, NM on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. The conference includes pastors from Arizona, New Mexico, and El Paso, TX. “I Will Sing of Your Strength” (Psalm 59:16) is the guiding passage for the conference. If you are in need of pastoral assistance while the pastors are gone, please contact the Grace Central Office.

Church History Bible Study

Our Wednesday Church History study will not be meeting this week due to Pastors’ conference. Our Church history study will resume next Wednesday, May 10. We are looking at the church during the American Revolution. 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!

Stam Retirement Celebration: Saturday

Redeemer teachers Greg and Carol Stam are retiring from the teaching ministry, and you are invited to celebrate with them! A Retirement Luau will take place this Saturday, May 6, beginning at 4:00 PM in the Redeemer Ministry Center (8845 N. Silverbell Road). Food, fun, and memories will be provided. For more information and to RSVP please go to signupgenius.com/go/stamrsvp or contact Jana Etzenhouser at 520-909-1397 or saetzenhouser@comcast.net.

Youth Confirmation: May 7 and 14

Grace will be welcoming four young men into communicant membership through Youth Confirmation in May. Jacob Cole, Sam Kassulke, and Mason Scholle will be confirmed at Grace-Tucson next Sunday, May 7, during the 10:00 AM service. Ryan Horn will be confirmed at Grace-Vail on May 14 during the 10:00 AM service. The congregation is invited to celebrate with the confirmands on these days with a cake reception following the worship service.

Grace members and friends are also invited to an Open House for Sam Kassulke and Ryan Horn on Sunday, May 14, in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall from 3:00 to 6:00 PM.

Women’s Bible Study begins May 11

“There are things I’ll never be able to forgive.” “With so many interpretations and denominations, who can say who is right?” “I’ll let my kids decide for themselves.”

“Whatever happened to tolerance?” “Religion is a crutch for the weak.” We hear these kinds of things and may even wonder about them ourselves. These and more are addressed in Pastor Mark Paustian’s book, “Prepared to Answer.” The book is provided at no cost for everyone in the class, and each question is handled in just a handful of pages, so it is easy to jump into the study at any time, even if you can’t make it each week. Invite a friend and join Pastor Koehler for this study which is helpful for us and for those we have discussions with about such things. This class returns on May 11 and meets on Thursdays at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall.

Ladies’ Fellowship Group: May 18

The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet on Thursday, May 18, following the Women’s Bible class. They will enjoy lunch at Scordato’s Pizzeria (4911 N. Stone Avenue, 85704). Ladies may meet at the restaurant at 11:00 or, if you would like to carpool, at church after Bible study. If you have any questions, please contact Lois Thornton at (520)323-8772 or lathornto@gmail.com. Ladies from all Grace sites are welcome to join in the fun!

Time Out for Moms: May 20

Bloom Where God Plants You! Come and enjoy spending time with other moms on Saturday, May 20, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at Grace Sahuarita in the CLC gym! We will be serving coffee and a light breakfast, planting succulents to take home, and hearing God’s Word with Pastor Ryan. Please sign up by emailing receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org. Childcare will be provided.

Back to Jerusalem Vacation Bible School: June 19-23

Travel back in time with us as we go Back to Jerusalem at Vacation Bible School! We will turn back the clock in Jerusalem and Jericho, at Golgotha, on a Lonely Road, and in Athens and discover the Bible’s truths through songs, games, crafts, snacks, and lessons. Time travelers entering preschool through grade 5 are invited to attend from 9:00 to 11:30 AM from June 19 to 23 at Grace-Tucson. Visit GraceLutheranSAZ.org/VBS for more information and registration.

Summer Fun Nights

Summer Fun Nights are returning soon! They will be held at Grace-Tucson and begin at 6:30 PM on the following Fridays: June 2, June 16, July 7, July 21, and August 4. Last summer these evenings of fun and fellowship were enjoyed by all ages! If you are interested in hosting one of these nights, please contact Grace Member Ministry Coordinator Jenn Miller at (520)909-2115 or love4mickeymouse@gmail.com. More details will be coming soon!

ALA Summer Sports Camps

Registration is now open for the Arizona Lutheran Academy summer sports camps that take place the first three weeks of June at ALA (6036 S. 27th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85041). Camps include baseball, softball, volleyball, and basketball. All boys and girls are welcome to attend. Coyote Summer Sports Camps offer excellent, affordable instruction, with opportunities to learn fundamentals and time to practice them. The camp directors are ALA teachers and coaches who are experienced in working with children of all ages. For more information and to register go to ALAcoyotes.org/camps

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 30 – May 7

OFF-SITE EVENTS

Stay Up to Date

The fastest and easiest way to keep Grace members and friends informed about what is happening at our four sites is through our weekly email update. This email is sent every Friday and at other times when special announcements are necessary. If you have not been receiving this email, but would like to, please email the Grace Central Office at office@gracelutheransaz.org and request to be added to our email list.

One Church. Four Sites.

Proclaiming the love of Jesus in Southern Arizona since 1911.

Grace-Sahuarita

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

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 www.GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com

Office Manager Jen Rickling Office Assistant Shirley Zanotti

Director Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org

Grace-Benson

451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602

Grace-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

Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher cinda@gracelutheransaz.org (520)405-3286

Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org

Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org

Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr 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.

For more information about our synod and what we believe visit: www.wels.net