THE FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT
G E L C T , A A 6, 2025
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 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 OPEN DOOR POLICIES: God’s Surprising Strategies for Getting Sinners Back Home
When a wayward child wanders far from home, how does a loving parent pursue them without driving them further away? One thing that parent does is let the child know that there is an ongoing open-door policy. The child knows they will always be welcomed back home. Likewise, when we wander from God, he always keeps his door open for us. But God doesn’t just passively wait for us to return. He lovingly pursues sinners in ways that make them long for home.
In the Church Year, we have come to the season of Lent. The word Lent comes from an old English word for spring: “lengthen,” when the days grow longer. For over 1400 years the Church has set aside the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter as a time of repentance and renewal. In this 40-day journey to the cross and tomb, we will see the surprising strategies our heavenly Father uses for getting sinners back home, close to him and the loving care he offers.
In this season, our worship has been following this path:
March 9 One Stands; Everyone Else Sits
March 16 No Detours Allowed
March 23 Always Present, Always Patient
March 30 Grace Instead of Condemnation
April 6 Hiding Treasure in the Trash
OUR THEME FOR TODAY HIDING TREASURE IN THE TRASH
This week we see how our Father makes the treasures of his house available to any and all. He places them in the last place we’d expect the trash. In God’s family, the things the world prizes and pursues are counted as worthless. Conversely, what the world rejects and discards is considered priceless and worth pursuing.
The best example of this is Jesus Christ himself. The Father sent his greatest treasure God the Son to earth. And many considered Jesus to be a trash that needed to be taken out a troublemaker that needed to be killed. In truth, Christ is the precious cornerstone that God used to build his house, the one with the open door.
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +
WELCOME
OPENING HYMN When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Christian Worship 407
PRESERVICE
Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing Brian Henkelmann
Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me Thomas E. Lock
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Victor Labenske
Please stand
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
SPOKEN RESPONSES
When God’s children rebel and wander from his ways, he desires that they return to him for pardon and peace through his Son. The courts of heaven resound with joy when a single wayward child returns home.
There is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
Children of God, the time to turn to our Father for forgiveness is now. God made Christ our sin that we might become his righteousness. He implores us to be reconciled to him, promising:
In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.
As our service begins, the minister speaks the words spoken at our baptisms and makes the sign of the cross, marking us anew as redeemed children of God. Luke 15:10
2 Corinthians 6:2
CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION
Let us confess our sins to the Lord.
“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
Holy God, gracious Father, I am sinful by nature and have sinned against you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved others as I should. I deserve your punishment both now and forever. But Jesus, my Savior, paid for my sins with his innocent suffering and death. Trusting in him, I pray: God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Silence for meditation and reflection
Our gracious Father in heaven has been merciful to us. He sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, who gave his life as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, 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 Kyrie
In peace let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For minds set on heavenly things, for hearts that long for heavenly glory, and for the will to bear our earthly crosses, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For the gifts of humility and repentance, for faith that finds security in Christ and does not use God’s patience as an excuse for sin, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For perspective to see that, apart from Christ, gain is loss, and in Christ, loss is gain, and for the perseverance to press on and take hold of our heavenly prize, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord. Amen.
Mark 10:47
Kyrie is the Greek word for Lord. The expression “Lord, have mercy” is one of the oldest worship responses in the Christian Church.
+ THE WORD + PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, by your great goodness, mercifully look upon your people that we may be governed and preserved evermore in body and soul; 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
Text: Oswald Allen, 1816–1878, alt. Tune: Friedrich K. Anthes, 1812–after 1857. Text and tune: Public domain.
16 This is what the L says, who makes a road through the sea and a path through mighty waters,
17 who brings out the chariot and the horses, the army and the strong warrior. They will all lie down together. They will not get up. They are extinguished. Like a wick they go out.
18 Do not remember the former things. Do not keep thinking about ancient things.
19 Watch, I am about to do a new thing. Now it will spring up. Don’t you know about it? Indeed I will make a road in the wilderness. In the wasteland I will make rivers.
20 The wild animals, the jackals and ostriches, will honor me, because I am providing water in the wilderness, rivers in a parched wasteland, water for my chosen people to drink.
21 This people that I formed for myself will declare my praise.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Isaiah prophesied that the nation of Babylon would trash Judah and carry them into captivity. Isaiah also prophesied that this would produce the treasure of spiritual renewal.
This setting of Psalm 73 does not appear in the hymnal. Rather, it was included in the Christian Worship Psalter which was released in 2021 in connection with the blue hymnal.
St. Paul views as trash what most consider to be treasure and treasures what most consider to be trash.
This reading continues on the next page.
If anyone else thinks that he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6in regard to zeal, persecuting the church; in regard to the righteousness that is in the law, blameless.
7But, whatever things were a profit for me, these things I have come to consider a loss because of Christ. 8But even more than that, I consider everything to be a loss because of what is worth far more: knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord. For his sake, I have lost all things and consider them rubbish, so that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, which comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness that comes from God by faith. 10I do this so that I may know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death, 11in the hope that in some way I may arrive at the resurrection from the dead.
Text: Psalter, 1912, alt. Tune: Carl G. Gläse. Text and tune: Public domain.
12Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus also took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it yet, but there is one thing I do: Forgetting the things that are behind and straining toward the things that are ahead, 14I press on toward the goal, for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Please stand
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Refrain (ALL):
Vocalist: The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
Refrain (ALL) Tune: © 2010, 2021 GFTSMUSIC Publishing Company, Inc., admin. Music Services. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
Psalm 118:22
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
God the Father sent his Son into the world knowing the world would consider Jesus trash, even though Jesus is the precious cornerstone upon which God builds his house.
9He began to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard, leased it to some tenant farmers, and went away on a journey for a long time. 10When it was the right time, he sent a servant to the tenants to collect his share of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenant farmers beat the servant and sent him away empty-handed. 11The man went ahead and sent yet another servant, but they also beat him, treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed. 12He then sent yet a third. They also wounded him and threw him out. 13The owner of the vineyard said, ‘What should I do? I will send my son, whom I love. Perhaps they will respect him.’
14“But when the tenant farmers saw him, they talked it over with one another. They said, ‘This is the heir. Let’s kill him, so that the inheritance will be ours.’ 15They threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. So what will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16He will come and destroy those tenant farmers and give the vineyard to others.” When they heard this, they said, “May it never be!”
Psalm 118:22
17But he looked at them and said, “Then what about this that is written: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
18“Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush the one on whom it falls.”
19That very hour the chief priests and the experts in the law began looking for a way to lay hands on him, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please be seated HYMN
Knowing Christ Is Worth Far More
Please stand
CONFESSION OF FAITH
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Please be seated
The Nicene Creed was first developed in 325 at the First Council of Nicea. It was written to reaffirm the Biblical teaching of the divinity of Jesus, God’s Son. Like the Apostles’ and Athanasian Creeds, the Nicene Creed is a confession of what the Bible teaches.
Nicene Creed
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Heavenly Father, you loved the world and gave your Son to free us from sin and death by his obedient death on the cross.
We confess that without your love we are lost.
Lord of the Church, we thank you for the treasure of the gospel. By your Spirit, keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.
Strengthen our determination to do what pleases you, no matter what the danger or the cost.
Guard and guide those who carry a cross in the name of Christ and face ridicule and persecution for the sake of the kingdom: missionaries and chaplains, young people who stand up for what is right in the face of pressure to do what is wrong, and all who pay a high price for their faith and values as Christians.
By your Spirit, O Lord, grant them patience and endurance.
Keep in your care those who carry heavy burdens in life: the sick and the chronically ill, the depressed and the lonely, those torn by conflict in personal relationships, and those victimized by war and injustice. Comfort all who face the terrors of life with a heavy heart.
Grant them peace, O Lord, and in your mercy, be their guardian and friend, their comfort and hope.
Watch over those who care for others: pastors and counselors; physicians and nurses; social workers and caring friends; all who feed the hungry, comfort the hurting, and stand beside the dying.
Strengthen them in their work, O Lord, and do not let them become weary in doing good.
Hear us as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
Help us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Keep us faithful even to the point of death, that we may receive the crown of life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
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!
OFFERTORY:
HANDBELL CHOIR:
Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing Patricia Hurlbutt
Please stand
PREFACE
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
+ THE SACRAMENT +
Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who brought the gift of salvation to all people by his death on the tree of the cross so that the devil, who overcame us by a tree, would in turn by a tree be overcome. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:
The Preface to the Sacrament is one of the oldest parts of the Christian liturgy, dating back to the first century. As we prepare to receive Holy Communion, we are united with the Body of Christ, in an unbroken bond with Christians through the millennia.
The Prophet Isaiah was given a vision of heaven, where seraphim praised God. In the Sanctus we welcome Jesus with our hosannas and praise.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
We give thanks to you, O God, through your dear Son, Jesus Christ, whom you sent to be our Savior, our Redeemer, and the messenger of your grace. Through him you made all things; in him you are well pleased. He is the incarnate Word, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. To fulfill your promises, he stretched out his hands on the cross and released from eternal death all who believe in you.
As we remember Jesus’ death and resurrection, we thank you that you have gathered us together to receive your Son’s body and blood. Send us your Spirit, unite us as one, and strengthen our faith so that we may praise you in your Son, Jesus Christ. Through him, we glorify and honor you, O God our Father, with the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Text: Michael D. Schultz © 2021 Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: Gesangbuch der Herzogl. Ho apelle, Württemberg, 1784. Public domain.
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.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my (+) body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is my (+) blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
The peace of the Lord be with you always. Amen.
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. As he speaks the Words of Institution, the minister both proclaims the words of Jesus to the congregation and sets apart the bread and wine for this special use. The sign of the cross reminds us of Christ’s death.
Please be seated
John the Baptist pointed to Jesus and said, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” We sing the Agnus Dei confident that Jesus has borne our sins and freely gives us forgiveness and peace in the Sacrament.
LAMB OF GOD Agnus Dei
Text: Michael D. Schultz © 2021 Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: Friedrich Filitz. Public domain.
Gluten-free communion wafers and grape juice are available for those who for health or medical reason require it. Please see page 17 for more information.
DISTRIBUTION
The Bible teaches that the Lord’s Supper is a unique communion of Christ and the individual believer as well as a coming together of people who hold to the same beliefs. Because of these Scriptural truths, we practice Member Communion at Grace. Those who are confirmed members of Wisconsin Synod congregations (WELS) are invited to receive the Lord’s Supper with us.
If you are not a WELS member but have an interest in receiving Holy Communion, please speak with the pastor after church today or at another time. We are aware that there are a number of other teachings about Holy Communion, and we want it to be a blessing for you, so we would look forward to sharing with you what God says about this Sacrament.
COMMUNION MUSIC:
HANDBELL CHOIR: Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord Bill Ingram
Our Great Savior Melody Bober
‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus Phillip Keveren Psalm 106:1
PRAYER BEFORE COMMUNION (For private meditation)
Lord Jesus, you have invited me to come and receive your holy Sacrament. I believe that in the bread and wine you give me your true body and blood to eat and drink. Forgive my sins and nourish my faith through this precious meal. I long for the comfort that comes with your promises; I yearn for the assurance of your faithful love. Bless me now as I receive you by faith. Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION (For private meditation)
Thank you, dear Savior, for nourishing my faith with the Sacrament of your body and blood. Lift my heart with your forgiveness, renew my confidence in your grace, empower my love for others, and lead me to long for the eternal banquet of heaven. Amen.
1 Corinthians 11:26
Please stand
+ THANKSGIVING +
SPOKEN RESPONSES
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures forever.
Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
CLOSING PRAYER
O God the Father, source of all goodness, in your loving-kindness you sent your Son to share our humanity. We thank you that through him you have given us pardon and peace in this Sacrament. We also pray that you will not forsake us but will rule our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit so that we willingly serve you day after day; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
BLESSING
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.
Amen.
Please be seated
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLOSING HYMN Jesus, Your Boundless Love to Me Christian Worship 714 stanzas 1-3
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: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Kathy Parra
Holy Communion
We provide gluten-free communion wafers for those with wheat allergy, gluten-sensitivity, or celiac disease. These wafers are stored and handled separately to avoid cross-contamination. They are “bread” as Scripture requires and are consecrated along with the rest of the bread. For those requiring gluten-free wafers, please take one from the stand located at the front rail as you approach for communion. Simply hold it so that the pastor can see it at the time of distribution. Grape juice is available for those who for health or medical reason require it instead of wine. Please speak with a pastor about providing grape juice for you on future Sundays.
Today we are distributing Holy Communion in “tables.” The ushers will direct members forward by the side aisles. Groups of about ten will be guided toward the center aisle and will line up to receive the elements together. After each table communes, the pastor will offer a blessing and dismiss the group to return by the center aisle.
To aid in your personal preparation for Holy Communion, a list of Christian Questions can be found on pages 295-296 in the hymnal. These were prepared by Martin Luther for those intending to receive the Sacrament.
Altar Flowers
The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by Sean Brearcliffe in thanks for his beloved wife, Mary, and the blessings of 37 years of Christian marriage.
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 dates are May 11 and June 8, 15, & 29. 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 10:00 AM service this morning, you are invited to join us in the courtyard and Fellowship Hall for drinks and snacks. Thank you to the Kassulke family for hosting this morning! Upcoming available dates are May 11 and a number of Sundays in June. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.
Those Assisting in Worship This Morning
Preacher ........................................................................................................Pastor Nathan Kassulke
Worship Leader Pastor Ron Koehler
Accompanist ....................................................................................................................Kathy Parra
Vocalist Dylan Guenther
Handbell Choir Director...............................................................................................Beth Kassulke
Greeters
Bob & Nadine Rentschler (10:00 AM)
Communion Prep............................................................................... Sally Littau, Cynthia Breitkreitz
Ushers Rusty King, Stanley Mead (7:45 AM) Lucas Guenther, Justin Harris, Ferdie Kramm, Rick Street (10:00 AM)
Sound and Recording Techs Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler
Acknowledgements:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thank You
Thank you to Aaron Wakeman, the Executive Director of Friends Network, for sharing information with us about this unique ministry in places like the Philippines, Thailand, and more. Join us in the Fellowship Hall this morning from 9:00 until 9:45 to hear about the eternal friendships being built throughout the world!
College Student BBQ TODAY!
Plan to relax and enjoy some great food with your friends at PK’s Backyard BBQ! Meet at Pastor Koehler’s house today any time after 3:00 PM. Chicken, ribs, pulled pork, and brisket will come off the smokers so that we can eat at about 5:00 PM. You are welcome to invite a friend too! You are invited even if you haven’t been able to be involved with Sunday night Bible studies. Please RSVP using the QR code. Sunday night Bible study continues next week as we finish out the year with a three-Sunday study on The Little Johns—the three small letters of the apostle John tucked away near the end of the Bible.
Midweek Lenten Services
Our final Midweek Lenten services will be held at Grace-Benson, Grace-Sahuarita, and GraceTucson this Wednesday, April 9. You are also invited to join us for a Lenten Supper at 6:00 PM.
Grace-Benson: 10 AM Lenten Worship Lunch to follow
Grace-Tucson: 10 AM & 7 PM Lenten Worship 6 PM Light Supper
Grace-Sahuarita: 4 PM & 6 PM Lenten Worship 5 PM Supper
Spanish Worship Service & Easter for Kids: April 13
You are welcome to join Mission to the Children for a Spanish worship service and Easter for Kids event at Grace-Tucson on Sunday, April 13, beginning at 4:00 PM. Your help is needed! They could use volunteers for face painting, serving food, helping with crafts, and set up & clean up. Also needed are donations of small, individually-wrapped candies for putting in plastic Easter eggs for an egg hunt. The candy can be dropped off in the marked box in the west end of the Fellowship Hall. To offer your assistance, or if you have any questions, please contact Nicole Scheuerlein at info@MissionToTheChildren.org or (520)820-2016.
Easter for Kids: April 19 at Grace-Vail
Our Grace-Vail location is holding an Easter for Kids event on Saturday, April 19, beginning at 9:00 AM at Esmond Station School. Children will hear the Easter story and enjoy crafts, music, snacks, and an Easter Egg Hunt!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Easter Lilies
If you would like to purchase an Easter lily to beautify worship on Easter Sunday (April 20), please sign up on the sheet in the side entrance to church or in the Fellowship Hall by next Sunday, April 13. You may also contact the Grace Central Office at (520)623-6633 or office@gracelutheransaz.org. Each lily is $14 and can be taken home after the 10:00 AM service. Please make checks payable to “Grace Lutheran Church,” put it in an envelope marked “Easter Lily,” and place it in the offering plate or bring it to the church office.
Holy Week Devotions - The Foolishness of the Cross
Holy Week devotions are once again being made available to us by Martin Luther College, our pastor and teacher training school in New Ulm, MN. There are devotions for each day of Holy Week, beginning with Palm Sunday, April 13. These devotions will help us see how the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. Beginning tomorrow, April 7, you may request that the devotions be emailed to you daily at mlc-wels.edu/ publications/seasonal-devotions/#email. You will receive the written devotion and the link to an audio recording by the author. Unfortunately, printed copies of these devotions are not available. We pray that these devotions will comfort and strengthen you as you ponder the life and death of Jesus, who is truly the Savior we need.
Holy Week Schedule
Holy Thursday Worship
Thursday, April 17
10:00 AM & 7:00 PM at Grace-Tucson
10:00 AM at Grace-Benson
6:00 PM at Grace-Sahuarita
Good Friday Worship
Friday, April 18
6:00 PM at Grace-Vail
6:00 PM at Grace-Sahuarita
Tenebrae Service (Service of Darkness)
7:00 PM at Grace-Tucson
Worshipers are asked to leave this church service in silence, leaving in stillness and darkness until the dawn of a glorious Easter Day. Please visit with friends and family prior to entering church for worship.
Easter Sunday
Sunday, April 20
Grace-Benson
Worship 7:30 AM
Breakfast 8:45 AM
Grace-Sahuarita
Worship 7:45 & 10:00 AM
Breakfast 9:00 AM
Grace-Tucson
Sunrise Service 7:00 AM
Breakfast 8:00 AM
Concert 9:00 AM
Festival Service 10:00 AM
Grace-Vail
Breakfast—9:00 AM
Worship 10:00 AM
Invitations to our Easter celebration are available at the church doors and in the Fellowship Hall. Please use them to invite your unchurched friends and neighbors.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ladies’ Fellowship Group: April 24
Ladies from all sites are invited to join the Ladies’ Fellowship Group as they enjoy a visit to the Tucson Botanical Gardens! They will meet there (2150 N. Alvernon Way) on Thursday, April 24, at 9:00 AM. Tickets can be purchased on site and are $19 (age 18-61) and $15 (age 62 and above). There is a possibility of having lunch afterwards. Please contact Lois Thornton at (520)323-8772 if you have any questions.
Painters Needed!
Painters, now is your chance to take part in the refreshing of the Fellowship Hall! We plan on doing this project in stages, so we need to know the times you are available. If you are willing to help, please email or text Paul Kassulke (paulkassulke76@gmail.com or 520-850-5629). Let him know if you are available during the day, evenings, or on the weekends.
Vicar in Mission Setting
Grace is once again requesting a Vicar in Missions to serve under Pastor Heiman at our Sahuarita location. The congregational cost is $25,000 for the 2025-2026 school year ($15,000 in 2025 and $10,000 in 2026). We are looking to cover this cost with special offerings. You will find envelopes for this purpose at each of the church doors and in the Fellowship Hall.
GOLF OPPORTUNITIES
ALA Golf Classic: April 26
Join us for the 31st annual ALA Golf Classic on Saturday, April 26, at Legacy Golf Club in Phoenix! Enjoy a day of friendly competition while supporting ALA student-athletes. Sponsorship opportunities and registration at ALAcoyotes.org/golf.
CLC Charity Golf Tournament: April 28
Do you enjoy golf? Join us on Monday, April 28, for the 6th annual CLC Charity Golf Tournament! Beginning at 1:00 PM, golfers will participate in a 4-person scramble golf tournament at Desert Hills Private Golf Club in Green Valley. Our goal for this big event is to raise funds for the It Takes the Community Scholarship Fund to benefit our community families in need of child care. Go to www.ItTakestheCommunity.com to register for this event, either as a team ($450) or individual golfer ($125). If you know of any businesses that might be interested in sponsoring this event, please contact Jen Rickling at 262-366-5778 or jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org.
Redeemer Golf Tournament: May 3
Join us on Saturday, May 3, for a fun day of golf at Quarry Pines Golf Club (8480 N. Continental Links Dr.)! Check-in is at 6:00 AM and a shotgun start at 7:00 AM. Registration is $150 per golfer or $550 for a foursome (includes lunch, 2 drink tickets, and golf cart). All proceeds will provide updated technology in the classrooms. Please email Kendra Sewell at kendra.sewell@redeemertucson.com to register.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Grow in Grace Class
Would you like to learn more about our Savior Jesus, about the Bible that tells us about him, and about what Grace Lutheran Church believes and teaches? Our congregation offers a series of Biblebased 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 one of the Pastors, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/ GIG.
Grace’s Bible-based Counselor
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.
Helping Hands
Sometimes you could just use a helping hand! Do you have a talent or service that you could offer to our fellow Grace members who could use some help (at a minimal cost or free)? Just a few ideas: outdoor work, computer work, sewing/mending, handyman, cooking, organizing, transportation to appointments, etc. We’re sure there are many more! If you would like to help, please fill out a Helping Hands card found on the bulletin board outside of the Library in the Fellowship Hall. These offers will then be added to the list posted on the bulletin board.
ACSTO Donations for Grace Members
As you are working on your income taxes, please consider making use of the Arizona Tuition Tax Credit Program. Many Grace families and students who attend our Lutheran Schools (Redeemer and Arizona Lutheran Academy) appreciate your support in this way. Our schools partner with the Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization (ACSTO) to participate in this program. Through the tax credit, you can use money that you would otherwise spend on taxes to support Lutheran education.
You can find more information and even make a donation online through the ACSTO website, ACSTO.org. Remember that this option is available to all those who have state tax liability in Arizona. Grace member Jeff Weinstein (520-909-7649, JWeinstein@ACSTO.org) is also an employee of ACSTO. He is able to help answer questions you may have. Even if you have never made use of tuition tax credits before, we would be happy to help you figure it out!
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.
This Week at Grace April 6 - April 13
Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Friends Network Presentation...........9:00a
Grow in Grace Class (Office Conference Room) 9:00a
Lifeliners (High School group) attend Adult Bible Study Fellowship following worship TCM BBQ at Koehlers ....................................................3:00p
Tuesday Pastors’ Staff Meeting 9:00a English Classes ..............................................................6:30p
Wednesday Midweek Lenten Services 10:00a & 7:00p Lenten Supper ................................................................6:00p
Thursday NO Women’s Bible Study (resumes May 1) Handbell Practice 5:30p Worship Choir .................................................................6:45p
Sunday, April 13
Worship Services 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour......................................................8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Triumph of Grace ..............................9:00a Grow in Grace Class (Office Conference Room) 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Apologetics 9:00a Fellowship following worship ...................................................
MTTC Spanish Service & Easter for Kids.......................4:00p TCM Bible Study 7:00p BENSON Today
Worship Service with communion 7:30a Adult Bible Study: ALA Presentation 8:45a Fellowship following worship
Wednesday Midweek Lenten Service & Lunch 10:00a
Sunday, April 13
Worship Service..............................................................7:30a
Adult Bible Study: Hebrews 8:45a Fellowship following worship
OFF-SITE EVENT
Saturday
Vail Easter Canvassing 8:00a
SAHUARITA Today
Worship Services
7:45 a & 10:00a
Adult Bible Study: Gospel of Mark 9:00a Children’s Sunday School ..............................................9:00a Fellowship following worship
Monday Pastors’ Circuit Meeting..................................................9:00a Wednesday
Midweek Lenten Services 4:00p & 6:00p Lenten Supper 5:00p
Festival Choir Rehearsal................................................7:00p Thursday CLC Board Meeting 9:00a
Sunday, April 13
Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a
Adult Bible Study: Gospel of Mark 9:00a Children’s Sunday School ..............................................9:00a Fellowship following worship...................................................
VAIL Today
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics....................................9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a ALA Presentation following worship Fellowship following worship Vocal Group Rehearsal................................................11:45a
Thursday Adult Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 6:30p
Sunday, April 13
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics....................................9:00a
Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship
ONLINE Today
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) ......................10:00a
Wednesday Worship Service (Tucson) 7:00p
Sunday, April 13
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
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
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.