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. For ease of worship today, all of the hymns we are singing are printed for you in this worship folder. If you desire to sing the hymns from the hymnal, you can find these blue books in the hymnal racks in each pew. 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—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 +
We have come to the end of the quieter and reflective season of Lent with its absence of the word “Alleluia” in our worship. Then we focused on the suffering and death of Jesus; today the people of God erupt in joyful praise! “Alleluia” and “Hallelujah” fill our worship of Jesus, who conquered death (both words mean “Praise the Lord”). As we celebrate Easter, the resurrection of our Lord, we are participating in a festival that goes back to the earliest days of Christianity. It has been the highlight of the Christian church year since that time. We celebrate Jesus’ victory and his promise to all who put their faith in him: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even if he dies. And whoever lives and believes in me will never perish” (John 11:25-26).
WELCOME
Please stand
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
EASTER RESPONSES
Jesus Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
HYMN RESPONSE I Know That My Redeemer Lives Christian Worship 441
Joyful, Joyful, We
Adore Thee
Lani Smith
Resurrection Day!
(Handbells)
Lloyd Larson
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
Lani Smith
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.
RESPONSIVE READING FROM PSALM 118
Give thanks to the L , for he is good; his love endures forever.
The L is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.
The L ’s right hand is lifted high; the L ’s right hand has done mighty things!
I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the L has done.
I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.
The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the L has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
The L has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.
You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you.
Give thanks to the L , for he is good; his love endures forever.
Psalm 118 is used by the Church during services that celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Martin Luther said, “Psalm 118 is my favorite. It is a psalm of thanks, and it prophesies about Christ, the rejected cornerstone. It also prophesies about Christians, who thank God daily and unceasingly for all of his kindness and goodness.”
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, by the glorious resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, you conquered death and opened the gate to eternal life. Grant that we, who have been raised with him through Baptism, may walk in newness of life and ever rejoice in the hope of sharing his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be dominion and praise now and forever.
Amen.
+ HOLY BAPTISM +
Our Savior Jesus Christ commanded Baptism when he said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
All of us are born into this world with a deep need for Baptism. From our parents we inherit a sinful nature; we are without true fear of God and true faith in God and are condemned to eternal death. But while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. He took away our sin by giving his life on the cross. In Baptism, he clothes us with the robe of his righteousness and gives us a new life. We recall what Baptism means for our daily lives:
Baptism means that the Old Adam in us should be drowned by daily contrition and repentance, and that all its evil deeds and desires be put to death. It also means that a new person should daily arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.
The Gospel according to St. Mark:
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.
Hudson Izaak Ramirez, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Receive the sign of the cross on the head and heart (+) to mark you as one redeemed by Christ the crucified.
The almighty God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given you the new birth of water and the Spirit and has forgiven all your sins. May he strengthen you with his grace all the days of your life. Peace be with you.
The minister addresses the parent:
Jenna, our Lord Jesus Christ, in instituting Baptism, not only commanded that children should be baptized, but that they should be taught to obey everything he has commanded us. I therefore ask you:
Do you intend to bring up Hudson in the way of the Lord and to instruct him in the truths of God’s saving Word so that he may grow in faith, serve God with a Christian life, and remain in his baptismal grace all the days of his life? If you are willing to do so, answer: “Yes, and I ask God to help me.”
Yes, and I ask God to help me.
The minister addresses the congregation: Brothers and sisters in Christ, this child has been baptized into the family of believers, the holy Christian Church. It is our privilege and responsibility to care for the children of our congregation, to remember them in our prayers, to encourage their parents in their God-given work, and to demonstrate a Christian life. If you are willing to do so, answer: “Yes, and we ask God to help us.”
Yes, and we ask God to help us.
Let us pray.
We give thanks, most merciful Father, that you have received Hudson as your own child and made him a member of Christ’s body, the Church. Now, we pray, grant to him and to all your Church on earth that, being dead to sin, we may live to righteousness and, being buried with Christ into his death, we may also share in his resurrection, so that, with all your saints, we may inherit eternal life; through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
2 He said the following: In my distress I called to the L , and he answered me. From the belly of the grave I cried out, and you heard my voice.
3 You threw me into the depths, into the heart of the seas. The currents swept around me. All your breakers and your waves swept over me.
4 I said, “I have been driven away from your sight. Nevertheless, I will once again look toward your holy temple.”
5 Waters engulfed me so that I was near death. The deep surrounded me. Seaweed was wrapped around my head.
6 To the roots of the mountains I sank down. The earth locked me behind its bars forever. But you brought my life up from the pit, O L , my God.
7 When my life was ebbing away, I remembered the L . My prayer came to you, to your holy temple.
8 Those who cling to worthless idols forsake the mercy that is theirs.
9 But I, with a shout of thanksgiving, will indeed sacrifice to you. What I have vowed, I will certainly pay in full. Salvation belongs to the L !
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Jesus compared himself to only one Old Testament prophet, the one who escaped certain death after three days in the belly of a fish.
Choir: ALL:
Choir: ALL:
Text: tr. Richard Massie, 1800–1887, alt.; Martin Luther, 1483–1546. Public domain.
Tune: Kermit G. Moldenhauer, b. 1949 © 2005 Kermit G. Moldenhauer, admin. Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199
1 Brothers, I am going to call your attention to the gospel that I preached to you. You received it, and you took your stand on it. 2 You are also being saved by that gospel that was expressed in the words I preached to you, if you keep your hold on it unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,
4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,
5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve.
6 After that he appeared to over five hundred brothers at the same time, most of whom are still alive, but some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, and then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, he appeared also to me, the stillborn child, so to speak. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, and I am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted God’s church. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not ineffective. On the contrary, I worked more than all of them (and yet it wasn’t my doing, but it was the grace of God, which was with me, that did it). 11 So whether it is I or they, that is what we preach, and that is what you believed.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
CHOIR ANTHEM—The Tomb Stands Open Wide Worship Choir
It was early Sunday morning as they went to the tomb, the women mourned the death of Christ with hearts of gloom. But an angel of the Lord said, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus; come and see where he lay.”
The tomb stands open wide, Jesus lives today!
The stone’s been rolled aside, and the Lord’s been raised!
Lift up your voice and sing to Christ the risen King!
The tomb stands open wide, Jesus lives today!
Go quickly and proclaim the news that Jesus now lives! Go celebrate the eternal hope this victory gives. So they ran to spread the news of Christ, the living King. Death is conquered, He is risen! Let your alleluias ring!
The tomb stands open wide, Jesus lives today!
The stone’s been rolled aside, and the Lord’s been raised!
Lift up your voice and sing to Christ the risen King!
The tomb stands open wide, Jesus lives today!
For God to take us from death to life, Jesus needed to be resurrected. Anything else would mean our faith was in vain.
Cephas is the Aramaic name for Peter. Both Cephas and Peter mean “rock.”
The words of this anthem are based on the Gospel for today.
Alleluia, alleluia! Hearts to heaven and voices raise: sing to God a hymn of gladness, sing to God a hymn of praise; he who on the cross a victim for the world’s salvation bled, Jesus Christ, the King of Glory, now is risen from the dead!
The tomb stands open wide, Jesus lives today! The stone’s been rolled aside, and the Lord’s been raised! Alleluia! The Lord’s been raised! And the tomb stands open wide!
The women go to Jesus’ tomb, hearts full of disappointment. A dead Jesus does no one any good. But they would learn from the angel that Jesus had crossed over from death to life.
1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 Suddenly, there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, and going to the tomb, he rolled away the stone and was sitting on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4 The guards were so terrified of him that they shook and became like dead men. 5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here. He has risen, just as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 Go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead! And look, he is going ahead of you to Galilee. There you will see him.’ See, I have told you!”
8 They hurried away from the tomb, with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!”
They approached, took hold of his feet, and worshipped him.
10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go, tell my brothers that they should go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please be seated
SERMON
Please stand
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.
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
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Almighty and merciful God, on this glorious day we rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Increase our faith that the message of the empty tomb may fill our lives and make us glad each day.
When we are weak, be our strength; when we are sad, be our song; and when we sin, be our salvation.
Remove the hurt of death from all who mourn. In moments of grief call believers through the voice of our Good Shepherd and embolden us to follow his promises. In their hopelessness of despair turn the faithless to trust in the only Way, Truth, and Life.
Wipe away tears born of death and give new birth to a living hope in the hearts of the lost and troubled. Use our witness as compassion and comfort for others in need of mercy.
King of kings and Lord of lords, destroy all dominion, authority, and power that stands against you, whether seen or unseen. Whatever evil exerts itself against your saving will false teaching or lukewarm faith, Satan’s lies or worldly pleasures, empty worship or futile religion rule it for the sake of the gospel’s free course.
Triumph over our enemies and empower the Church to fight the good fight to the end. Never leave us or forsake us.
Walk among our churches, O Living One, as the faithful witness and firstborn from the dead. As your angel sent women with news of the risen Christ, call women in our church to announce, “He is risen!” As you sent your disciples with the breath of the Spirit, call those in our church full of the Spirit and wisdom to administer the keys of the kingdom.
Wherever we live and whatever we do, help us to be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope that we have in Christ.
Heavenly Father keep the baptized united with your Son in his resurrection. Put to death the fleshly urges of those caught in addictions, clothe in your righteousness anyone ashamed of good intentions which have fallen short, and assure those searching for purpose that their eternal identity as your dear children is sealed.
Thank you for the power of baptism working in our lives, and for the certainty of its promises through the resurrection. Enrich us with everything we need for life and godliness.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
O Lord of life, you have done mighty things for us! We pray through him who is the Beginning and the End, Jesus Christ, our Lord. His name is above every name, to the glory of God the Father! 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:
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
Kevin Hildebrand
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.
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord Jesus, you are the stone the builders rejected that has become the cornerstone. We praise you for facing the fury of your enemies undaunted. Because you overcame death itself, we will not die but live, and we will always proclaim your marvelous deeds; for you live and rule with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
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
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
Welcome Grace Guests!
If you are a guest at Grace today, we are very happy to have you worship with us! If you would like more information about Grace or have questions about becoming a member of our congregation, please pick up a Guest Packet at one of the church doors or in the Fellowship Hall or speak to one of our pastors.
Grace-Tucson
830 N. 1st Avenue, 85719
Regular Sunday Morning Schedule
7:45 AM Worship Service
8:45 AM Bible Studies for Adults and Children
10:00 AM Worship Service
Grace-Benson 451 W. Duane Street, 85602
Regular Sunday Morning Schedule
7:30 AM Worship Service
8:45 AM Adult Bible Study
Grow in Grace Class
Grace-Sahuarita
75 W. Sahuarita Rd., 85629
Regular Sunday Morning Schedule
9:00 AM Bible Studies for Adults and Children
10:00 AM Worship Service
Grace-Vail
9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, 85747 (Esmond Station Elementary)
Regular Sunday Morning Schedule
9:00 AM Bible Studies for Adults and Children
10:00 AM Worship Service
Would you like to learn more about our risen 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 Bible-based 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.
Those Assisting in Worship This Morning
Preacher................................................................................................................. Pastor Tim Patoka
Worship Leader Pastor Ron Koehler
Organ ................................................................................................................................ Jim Bakken
Piano Jim and Deb Bakken
Choir Director...............................................................................................................Paul Kassulke
Vocalist Jeff Weinstein
Brass.................................. Pastor Nathan Kassulke, Paul Kassulke, Cora Stuhr, Pastor Tim Patoka
Timpani Danny Koehler
Greeters.................................................................................................................Jenn and DJ Miller
Sound and Recording Techs Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke
Banner Committee............................................ Nadine Rentschler, Jeanette O’Donald, Sandy Weir
Easter Lilies
Thank you to those who have beautified our Easter worship by providing lilies:
Marie Chandler In thanks to God for her Aunt Bernadine
Lauri Colton In memory of loved ones
Karen & Greg Grorud In loving memory of Kent Bogott
Sally Littau—In thanks to God for Christian parents
Katrina McClure In thanks to God for our homebound members’ strength of faith
Nancy Miles In thanks to God for his countless blessings
Audrey Nessinger—In memory of her parents, Dick Street, and Bob Nessinger
Jeanette O’Donald In thanks to God for her blessings
Tom & Marcia Phillips In loving memory of their parents
Bob & Nadine Rentschler—In thanksgiving for their Christian parents
Amy Rudd In thanks to God for all her blessings
Delene Sabol—In thanksgiving for her church family
Jeff & Stephanie Weinstein In thanks for the many blessings they have received
Beth & David Williams In thanks to God for his continuing grace
For those of you who purchased lilies, please remember to take them home after the 10:00 AM service today. Thank you!
Thank You!
We sincerely thank the many, many people who are involved in our Easter Celebration throughout this morning! Choir members, bell ringers, directors, vocalists, instrumentalists, breakfast hosts and servers, those who set up before and after services, sound techs if you were involved in any way we greatly appreciate you using your gifts and talents to serve our Risen Lord!
Divine Call Extended
At our Call meeting held on Sunday, March 26, a divine call was extended to Mrs. Hannah Kent to serve as a mission teacher at our Child Learning Center in Sahuarita. Hannah isn’t currently serving in a WELS school, but did graduate from Martin Luther College in 2019. She and her husband live in Thief River Falls, MN. If you would like to reach out to her, you may do so at kent.hannahmarie@gmail.com or (715)797-2294. Please keep Hannah and her husband in your prayers as she deliberates our call.
Grace Central Office Closed: Monday
The Grace Central Office located here at our Tucson site will be closed tomorrow, Monday, April 10. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, April 11. Regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. There is often someone available in the office later than 3:00. You may always call (520-623-6633) or email (office@GraceLutheranSAZ.org) the office. Phone messages and emails are checked regularly.
Church History Bible Study
Our Wednesday Church History study will resume on April 19. We will look 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!
