THE SECOND OF EASTER
WORSHIP NOTES
Welcome to Grace!
Our mission at Grace is to teach the inspired and inerrant Word of God, to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Savior of the world, and to nurture believers for lives of Christian service.
Check out the GRACE WEBSITE at GraceLutheranSAZ.org
We are very pleased that you have joined us for worship today! We pray that this time will be a blessing for you as God comes to you with his Word and promises and as you offer him your thanks and praise.
The 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 live-streaming.
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 RESURRECTION REALITY
St. Paul writes, “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:20). Big word: Indeed! Paul is stressing that we must not think of Jesus’ resurrection like a happy ending to another epic fable. The resurrection is not legend. It really happened. Easter is not just a holiday. Easter is history. On time’s infinite line, Jesus’ resurrection is the punctiliar moment that defines reality for us all. If Christ remained dead, he is a fraud and failure. But Christ has indeed been raised. So, the reality: Jesus is exactly what he claimed to be the Son of God, our Lord and Savior. If Christ remained dead, then the grave is the final, ugly, rotten end of us all. But Christ has indeed been raised. So, the reality is Jesus’ resurrection proves that “all will be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22). The reality of the resurrection does not just change our future, but the way we look at life now.
The greatest theologian of the early church, Augustine, called the season of Easter “a joyful week of weeks” seven wonderful weeks, each seven glorious days long. In this glorious season, let us meditate upon the breath-taking implications of the resurrection reality.
Our worship during this season is following these themes:
Easter Sunrise
Easter Festival
Second Sunday of Easter
Third Sunday of Easter
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Ascension of Our Lord
Without the Resurrection Faith Is Futile
All Will Be Made Alive
The Living Lord Gives Proof and Peace
We Have a Meaningful Message to Share
The Risen Savior Provides Good Shepherding
The Living Lord Produces Active Faith
Jesus’ Business Is Love; Therefore, So Is Ours
Christ’s Ascension Means He Is Closer Than Ever
The Festival of Pentecost Christ Has Not Left Us Alone
WELCOME
OPENING HYMN Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain Christian Worship 462
Now the Vault of Heaven Resounds
John Ferguson
Jan Bender
Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain
Richard Hillert
Theodore Beck
Please stand
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
EASTER ACCLAMATION
Christ is risen!
He is risen, indeed!
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.
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)
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.
LORD, HAVE MERCY Kyrie
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
For the well-being of all people everywhere, that they may receive from you all they need to sustain body and life, hear our prayer, O Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the spread of your life-giving gospel throughout the world, that all who are lost in sin may be brought to faith in you, hear our prayer, O Christ.
Christ, have mercy.
For patience and perseverance in this life, that we may not lose the hope of heaven as we await your return, hear our prayer, O Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord of life, live in us that we may live for you.
During this season of Easter, God’s people erupt in joyful praise!
“Alleluia” fills our worship of Jesus, who conquered death.
(“Alleluia” means “Praise the Lord.”)
Amen. HYMN OF PRAISE—Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds Christian Worship 471
This song continues on the next page.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
O risen Lord, you came to your disciples and took away their fears with your word of peace. Come to us also by Word and sacrament, and banish our fears with the comforting assurance of your abiding presence; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Please be seated
FIRST READING
1 After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.
Acts 18:1-11
2 There he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them. 3 Because he had the same occupation, he stayed and worked with them, for they were tentmakers by trade. 4 Every Sabbath he led a discussion in the synagogue, trying to persuade both Jews and Greeks.
The promised presence of the living Lord gave Paul the courage to keep on speaking the gospel, even when Paul was facing harsh persecution.
This reading continues on the next page.
St. John reminds us that there were witnesses who saw and touched Jesus raised from the dead. This resurrection serves as proof that eternal life is ours.
5 When Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was entirely devoted to preaching the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. 6 But when they opposed Paul and slandered him, he shook out his clothes and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on, I will go to the Gentiles!”
7 He left that place and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshipper of God, whose house was next door to the synagogue.
8 Crispus, the synagogue leader, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians, when they heard, believed and were baptized.
9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid, but keep on speaking, and do not be silent. 10 For I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to harm you, because I have many people in this city.” 11 He stayed there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God. HYMN
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have observed and our hands have touched regarding the Word of Life 2 the life appeared, and we have seen it. We testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We are proclaiming what we have seen and heard also to you, so that you may have fellowship with us. Our fellowship is with the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. 4 We write these things to you so that our joy may be complete.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God. HYMN
GOSPEL
John 20:19-31
19 On the evening of that first day of the week, the disciples were together behind locked doors because of their fear of the Jews. Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you! Just as the Father has sent me, I am also sending you.” 22 After saying this, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 Whenever you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven. Whenever you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
24 But Thomas, one of the Twelve, the one called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples kept telling him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, and put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe.”
26 After eight days, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands. Take your hand and put it into my side. Do not continue to doubt, but believe.”
28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
30 Jesus, in the presence of his disciples, did many other miraculous signs that are not written in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ.
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.
SERMON
Please stand
The Presence of Jesus Brings Proof and Peace
CONFESSION OF FAITH Nicene Creed
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
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Lord of life, fill our hearts with joy during this season, for you have risen and conquered the grave. Imprint the message of victory on our hearts and implant it in our minds. Through the good news of your resurrection renew our hope and revive our faith. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
By baptizing us into your name, you have connected us to your death and rising. You have put our sin to death and have given us a new life. Enable us each day to think of ourselves as dead to sin and alive to you, so that we may walk in newness of life in all we do. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
In this fallen world, death and sorrow surround us. Touch the hearts of those who grieve the loss of a Christian they love. Direct their eyes to your empty tomb and ease their pain by reminding them that their loved ones will one day rise again. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Lord, many people grieve without hope. Let the message of the your resurrection reach them and awaken faith in their hearts. Use us as your instruments to bring the word of life to their souls and the message of hope to their hearts. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Stay by the side of all who are suffering. In your wise mercy, heal those who are sick, receiving treatment for illness, recovering from illness or surgery, or hurting in body or mind. Remind them that your victory over death is a fact, and comfort them with your promise to raise them and give them and all believers new, glorified bodies like yours. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
Risen Savior, feed our faith with the message of your resurrection. Come to us in your Word and in the feast of your Sacrament to sustain and strengthen us until we feast with you in eternal glory.
Amen.
OFFERTORY:
Crown Him with Many Crown
Kim Kondal PattersonOFFERING
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
+ THE SACRAMENT +
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
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 by his willing sacrifice on the cross took away the sins of the world and by his glorious resurrection restored everlasting life. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY—Sanctus
The vocalist sings the first line:
Christian Worship 944
The congregation repeats:
The vocalist sings:
The congregation responds:
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Blessed are you, O Lord of heaven and earth. We praise and thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, and we remember the great acts of love through which he has ransomed us from sin, death, and the devil’s power.
By his incarnation, he became one with us.
By his perfect life, he fulfilled your holy will.
By his innocent death, he overcame hell.
By his rising from the grave, he opened heaven.
Invited by your grace and instructed by your Word, we approach your table with repentant and joyful hearts. Strengthen us through Christ’s body and blood, and preserve us in the true faith until we feast with him and all his ransomed people in glory everlasting.
Amen.
Tune: Deutsche Messe, Franz Schubert, 1797–1828; adapt. Richard Proulx, 1937–2010 © 1985, 1989 GIA Publications, Inc. adapt. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Text: Public domain.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.
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
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.
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.
The vocalist will sing this song once by himself. The congregation will immediately repeat the song.
Please be seated
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.
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.
Gluten-free communion wafers and grape juice are available for those who for health or medical reason require it. Please see page 14 for additional details.
COMMUNION MUSIC:
O Sons and Daughters of the King Gerhard Krapp
Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness and Your Table I Approach
J. Wayne Kerr
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.
Psalm 106:1
1 Corinthians 11:26
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
CLOSING PRAYER
We give you thanks, O Lord, for the foretaste of the heavenly banquet you have given us in this Sacrament. Through this gift you have fed our faith, nourished our hope, and strengthened our love. By your Spirit, help us to live as your holy people until that day when you will receive us as your guests at the wedding supper of the Lamb, 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
POSTLUDE MUSIC:
Crown Him with Many Crowns
Donald BusarowTHOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING
Preacher ............................................................................................. Pastor Ron Koehler
Worship Leader..........................................................................Pastor Nathan Kassulke
Accompanist ............................................................................................... Beth Kassulke
Vocalist ..................................................................................................... Jay Wiechmann
Greeters .................................................................................Bob and Nadine Rentschler
Ushers..................................................................... Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM)
Jon Dongoske, Dylan Guenther, Ferdie Kramm, Rick Street (10:00 AM)
Communion Prep .........................................................Sally Littau, Cynthia Breitkreitz
Sound and Recording Techs ...............Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke
Banner Committee .......................Nadine Rentschler, Jeanette O’Donald, Sandy Weir
Acknowledgements:
TODAY
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 and Mary Brearcliffe in thanks to God for 36 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 Sundays include April 21 & 28 and May 19. 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. We thank Mark & Julyd Hallemeyer and Audrey Nessinger for hosting this morning. Upcoming available dates are May 19 and 26. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.
Sunday Morning Bible Study
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.
WELS Tucson Campus Ministry (TCM)
TCM Bible study is tonight! All college students and college-age individuals are welcome at 7:00 PM in the Student Center located in the basement here at Grace-Tucson. They will be covering many topics under the theme “How to Practice My Faith.”
Daily Devotions
Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are at either door to church and in the Fellowship Hall. A new Grace Moments book with devotions that began recently, is available. These are great tools to use for your daily Bible study!
Divine Call Decision
After much prayer and deliberation, Pastor Patoka has accepted the Call to serve 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. Information will be shared once plans are made regarding Pastor Patoka's final Sunday and farewell.
Did You Like the Good Friday Banners?
The Sanctuary Committee and pastors have received many positive comments on the tall banners used in the Good Friday service, along with offers to assist in the purchase of others. We are considering sets for Pentecost, Reformation, Christmas, Easter, and perhaps others. The approximate cost for a set is $600. More information is coming soon on how to donate toward the purchase of other banners to enhance our worship.
Vicar in Mission Setting
Grace is requesting a Vicar (Pastor intern) to further his studies while helping serve in our mission, primarily at our Sahuarita location. The congregational cost is $20,000 for the 2024/2025 school year. $10,000 has already been donated, and we are hoping to raise the remainder through a special offering. Please see the Vicar in Missions flyer and envelope on the table in the Fellowship Hall for more information.
Church History Bible Study
Join us on Wednesdays for our study of Church History. We are learning about the founding 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!
Women’s Bible Study: Thursday
“I’ve noticed that I’m not as sensitive to immoral things as I used to be.” For the next two weeks, the topic will be moral desensitization as Pastor Koehler leads a Bible study on Our Christian Response to Blessings and Challenges. The study and discussion will take place in the Fellowship Hall on Thursdays at 9:00 AM.
LWMS Spring Rally: Saturday
The Grand Canyon Circuit East Fall Rally will be held this Saturday, April 13, at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Cibecue, AZ (25 Cromwell Road). There will be presentations on Mission to the Children and WELS Campus Ministry. Registration forms can be found on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall. The $15 fee includes lunch. You may also register online at GrandCanyonLWMS.org.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Voters’ Meeting: April 14
A Voters’ Meeting will be held at Grace-Sahuarita at noon next Sunday, April 14. Lunch will be provided. All voting members of the congregation are encouraged to attend. Items to be discussed and voted on include the calling of a mission teacher for the Child Learning Center and proposals for the installation of solar panels at Sahuarita, funding for members to attend the WELS Worship Conference, and the renewal of Grace’s CEF Loan.
Redeemer’s Great Exchange: April 15-17
Our sister congregation, Redeemer Lutheran Church, is holding an event called the Great Exchange on Monday & Tuesday, April 15 & 16, from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Wednesday, April 17, from 7:00 to 10:00 AM. Information on donating items and shopping can be found on the flyer in the “office” courtyard display case.
Ladies’ Fellowship Group: April 18
The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet on Thursday, April 18, at 10:15 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall. From there they will head to the Tucson Botanical Gardens. Please contact Lois Thornton at (520)323-8772 or vthornto2@gmail.com with any questions. Ladies from all Grace sites are welcome to attend.
Mini Golf Fellowship Event: April 20
Fore! All are invited to play mini golf at Golf N' Stuff on Saturday, April 20, at 7:00 PM. Putt putt on both of their 18-hole courses set in whimsical and fantastical landscape, sink a hole-in-one under the lights, and do it all for free! RSVPs are required and can be sent to Pastor Patoka by April 17.
Mission to the Children Toy Drive
Mission to the Children is holding a toy drive to collect toys for handing out to the children during our Dia del Nino fiesta at the end of April! Please consider donating small, non-wrapped toys (up to $10) for boys & girls. We also need candy donations for making bags of candy to hand out to the children. There is a donation box in the Fellowship Hall for the toys. The boxes will be picked up April 24 so please get your donations in by then. If you have any questions or would like to help at our event, contact Nicole Scheuerlein (520)820-2016 or info@missiontothechildren.org.
Arizona Lutheran Academy (ALA) Drama Performance: April 26-28
This year’s ALA’s Spring Production is Anastasia by Terrence McNally. It will be presented on Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27, at 7:00 PM and Sunday April 28, at 3:00 PM. Grace member Emma Miller is part of the cast along with several other students from our Tucson area churches! Tickets are available at the door. Adults - $10, Students (K-12) - $6, children under 5 are free.
Stephen Bautista at Grace-Tucson: April 28
WELS musician Stephen Bautista, who has previously sung at all of Grace’s sites, will be joining us for worship at Grace-Tucson on Sunday, April 28. Stephen is not only a singer, he also writes his own music and plays guitar. You can learn more about Stephen and his music at stephenbautistamusic.com. There will be opportunities to purchase recordings and to donate to support Stephen’s work after our worship services.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ALA Summer 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 entering grades 4-8 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.
Truth in Love Ministries Workshop: May 11
All members are invited to a workshop on Saturday, May 11, at Grace-Benson. Pastor Mark Parsons of Truth in Love Ministries (TILM) will show us how to more effectively share the Gospel with members of the LDS and others. This “new” approach has been recently developed by TILM based on feedback from former LDS 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 interested in attending, please phone or text Bill Warskow at (480)363-4859 or wlwarskow@ezlink.com by April 20.
GOLF OPPORTUNITIES
ALA 30th Golf Classic: April 27
You’re invited to participate in the ALA Golf Classic on Saturday, April 27, at the beautiful Legacy Golf Club. This is a 4-person scramble tournament beginning with a shotgun start at 7:30 AM. 2024 is our 30th ALA Golf Classic. God continues blessing the event as we raise the bar for fun and fundraising! We raised over $25,000 last year in support of our ALA athletic department. We are grateful for our golfers, sponsors, and volunteers who make this an amazing event. Please join us at Legacy Golf Course for a terrific day of golf, food, fun, and friends! To register, go to alacoyotes.org/ support/golf-classic.
Grace Child Learning Center (CLC) Golf Tournament: April 29
Do you enjoy golf? Join us on Monday, April 29, for the 5th 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 ItTakestheCommunity.com to register for this event, either as a team ($400) 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 Lutheran School Golf Tournament: May 4
Join us for a fun day of golf at Quarry Pines Golf Club for Redeemer Lutheran School’s 4th annual golf tournament. 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 time - open 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.
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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 7 - April 14
