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—BECAUSE HE LIVES
It is easy to become so engrossed in the details of historical events who, when, where that we miss their significance. For example, consider World War II. There are many compelling stories. Lots of dates and data to remember. However, for a moment, set all that aside, and just imagine the Allies had lost. How would the world be different today? What would life be like for those of Jewish heritage? Would freedom exist in Europe? Would we be speaking German? With historical events, you miss out if you focus only on the details: who, when, where. You also need to focus on what that historical event means. The Allies won. That means something!
In this season of Easter, it is good we review the details: who, when, where. That reminds us that the resurrection of Christ is not fairytale or fable. It is a historical event...the historical event. However, we do ourselves a disservice if we simply recall the historic details of Easter without thinking long and hard about Easter’s significance. Jesus won. That means something! It is our privilege and pleasure to use the fifty days of Easter to discuss this fact: because he lives, not only is our eternity secure, but we have abundant resources to face the present.
In this season, our worship follows this path:
Easter Dawn
We Have a Whole New Identity
Easter Day Death Has Lost Its Sting
Second Sunday of Easter
Third Sunday of Easter
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Sixth Sunday of Easter
We Have a Meaningful Mission
We Can See Things Clearly
We Know Jesus is Trustworthy and True
We Live Lives of Lavish Love
We Have Deep and Lasting Joy Ascension He Reigns Over Everything for the Benefit of His Church
Pentecost Christ Sends Us His Spirit
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +
WELCOME
OPENING HYMN Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds Christian Worship 471
PRESERVICE MUSIC:
The Lord My Shepherd Guards Me Well John Carter My Shepherd Will Supply My Need John Carter Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds Valerie A. Floeter
Please stand
OPENING SENTENCES
The minister sings the lines in regular print. Please respond with the bolded lines.
Our order of service for today is Morning Prayer, which is a revision of the historic Order of Matins. Matins was the monastic service marking the beginning of a new day.
Psalm 51:15 Psalm 70:1
Tune: Marty Haugen © 1995, 1996 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
This song of praise is commonly referred to as the Venite because of its opening word in Latin. These words are a paraphrase of Psalm 95.
COME, O COME, LET US SING TO THE LORD
Please join in singing the entire song.
Refrain:
Text: Marty Haugen © 1995, 1996 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
Psalm 2:7
Isaiah 55:3
Psalm 16:10
32“We are preaching to you the good news about the promise that was made to our fathers. 33God has fulfilled this promise for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm:
You are my Son. Today I have begotten you.
34“That God would raise him from the dead never again to be subject to decay, God said in this way:
I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.
35“Therefore he also says in another place:
You will not let your Holy One see decay.
36“For David, after he had served God's purpose in his own generation, fell asleep, was laid to rest with his fathers, and saw decay. 37But the One God raised did not see decay.
38“So, gentlemen, brothers, let it be known to you that through this Jesus forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed to you, also forgiveness from everything from which you could not be justified through the law of Moses. 39In this Jesus, everyone who believes is justified.”
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
God’s promise to lead all believers from great tribulation to the green pastures of heaven is trustworthy and true. St. John sees that promise fulfilled through the work of the Lamb.
This reading continues on the next page.
9After these things I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing in front of the throne and of the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and with palm branches in their hands. 10They called out with a loud voice and said:
Salvation comes from our God, who sits on the throne, and from the Lamb.
11All the angels stood around the throne, the elders, and the four living creatures. They fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped God, 12saying:
Amen. Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and might belong to our God forever and ever. Amen.
13One of the elders spoke to me and said, “These people dressed in white robes, who are they and where did they come from?”
14And I answered him, “Sir, you know.”
And he said to me:
These are the ones who are coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15 Because of this they are in front of the throne of God, and they serve him day and night in his temple.
He who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them.
16 They will never be hungry or thirsty ever again.
The sun will never beat upon them, nor will any scorching heat,
17 for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd. He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Please stand
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION John
Refrain (ALL):
Vocalist: I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me. Refrain (ALL)
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Because our Good Shepherd is trustworthy and true, we eagerly listen to his voice.
22Then the Festival of Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23and Jesus was walking in the temple area in Solomon's Colonnade.
24So the Jews gathered around Jesus, asking, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.”
25Jesus answered them, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I am doing in my Father's name testify about me. 26But you do not believe, because you are not my sheep, as I said to you. 27My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. 28I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand.
29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30I and the Father are one.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please be seated
Please stand
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
Please be seated
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Loving Shepherd of the sheep, fill us with contentment and confidence during this season as we celebrate your Easter victory. You laid down your life for the sheep and then rose again to assure us that you give us eternal life.
Good Shepherd, save us.
Strengthen our faith to follow where you lead, to the green pastures of your Word, the quiet waters of our baptism, and the gracious table of your body and blood where our cup overflows with your forgiving love. Guide us to find in you the gate that leads to safety and good pastures.
Good Shepherd, lead us.
Guard and protect us from those who want to lead us astray and snatch us out of your hand. Give us courage to fight against the devil and wisdom to recognize false teachers. Lead us to honor and follow those you have called to shepherd your flock, the Church.
Good Shepherd, guide us.
Let your rod and your staff comfort us and all your sheep in times of sickness and sadness and especially when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. May we find in your redemption and your Father’s resolve the unbreakable promise that we will dwell in your house forever.
Good Shepherd, console us.
Move us to reach out to sheep who are not yet a part of our sheep pen but whom you have claimed as your own. Give us your passion to search for the sheep who are lost and lead us to rejoice when they have been found.
Good Shepherd, inspire us.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
We thank you for all the blessings we have gained from your goodness: family and friends, wealth and health, work and leisure. Give us wisdom to long for and cherish your more precious gifts, your Word and sacraments, so that your goodness and love may follow us all the days of our life.
Good Shepherd, hear us. Amen
OFFERING
Members of Grace respond to their Savior’s love with offerings that are given joyfully, generously, regularly, and in a way that is proportionate to how the Lord has blessed them. Their cheerful gifts support the mission and ministry of our congregation. If you are a guest today, please know that we do not expect you to contribute to our congregation’s work. However, if you would like to give an offering to the Lord in response to his love to you, we are happy to receive it and put it to work in God’s kingdom. If you prefer, use your smart phone to give online by scanning this QR code:
Please fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder at the end of the row and pass it along. Thank you!
Please stand
LORD, HAVE MERCY Kyrie
The minister sings the lines in regular print. Please respond with the bolded lines.
OFFERTORY:
This closing prayer section of the service begins with a cry for mercy to the Lord (Kyrie) in the morning hours as we begin our day in Christ.
Tune: Kermit G. Moldenhauer © 2002 Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
Sheep My Safely Graze
J. S. Bach, arr. Sylvia Oines
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.
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord Jesus Christ, Shepherd of the Church, in the waters of Baptism you have given us new life, and at your table you nourish us with the food of salvation. Lead us along safe paths through the darkness of this world, dispel the terrors of death, and bring us at last to your house, where you dwell with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
This salutation (historically referred to as the Benedicamus) is often used at the end of worship as a call to praise and blessing.
BLESSING
This blessing is referred to as the Aaronic Blessing because is uses the words Aaron first spoke over God’s people given as a command from the Lord himself in Numbers 6:24-26. In this sung version of the Blessing, God’s people respond with a triple Amen, reminding us of the Triune nature of our God.
Please be seated
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLOSING HYMN I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb Christian Worship 804
The vocalists will sing stanza 2.
THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING
Preacher..............................................................................................Pastor Ron Koehler
Worship Leader ...................................................... Pastor Nathan Kassulke (10:00 AM)
Accompanist............................................................................................... Teri Guenther
Vocalists........................................................................................ Jay & Elsa Wiechmann
Greeters.................................................................. Sally Littau, Nancy Miles (10:00 AM)
Ushers......................................................................Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM)
...........................Dylan Guenther, Justin Harris, Ferdie Kramm, Rick Street (10:00 AM)
Sound and Recording Techs...............Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke
Acknowledgements:
Text: Marty Haugen. Text and tune: © 1995, 1996, 1997 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
POSTLUDE MUSIC: I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb Phillip Magness
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Altar Flowers
The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by Delene Sabol in thanks to God for his many blessings.
Fellowship
Following the 10:00 AM service this morning, you are invited to join us in the courtyard for drinks and snacks. Thank you to Sally Littau and Nancy Miles for hosting this morning. Upcoming available dates are June 22 & 29. Please sign up on the sheet near the serving table.
Sunday Morning Bible Study
We are currently studying the first half of the book of Romans. The Apostle Paul wrote to Christians in that important city to reassure them and us that God triumphs over sin and sadness by his grace. Please join us for “The Triumph of Grace: The Book of Romans.” If you have not made Sunday morning Bible study a part of your routine, it’s always a great time to start! This morning we will meet at 9:00 AM in the church sanctuary
TCM Finals Stress-Relief Party
College students, we’ll get together one last time this semester for a Finals Stress-Relief Party this evening at 6:00 PM in the Student Center. Please come even if you haven’t been able to make it on Sunday evenings. Take a break, grab a burger or brat, hang out a little or get right back at it!
Open Gym: May 13 & 20
Our Open Gym at Grace-Sahuarita begins again this Tuesday, May 13! We will enjoy some basketball beginning at 7:00 PM and then on May 20 we will meet again to play volleyball. Come for some friendly competition and bring a friend!
Women’s Bible Study: Thursday
All ladies are invited to join Pastor Koehler for study and discussion of the book More Prepared to Answer (yours to keep at no cost) by Pastor Mark Paustian on Thursdays from 9:00 to 10:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall, on Thursdays. Each week is an individual topic so you are able to jump in and out weekto-week as your schedule allows. Topics include How can there be a good God when the world is such a bad place? You’re saying God is a man? Why should I believe the Bible? This will help us understand things better and be prepared to help others understand God’s answers.
Ladies’ Fellowship Group: May 15
Ladies from all sites are invited to join the Ladies’ Fellowship Group for a salad luncheon and games this Thursday, May 15, beginning at 10:15 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall. Ladies, please bring a salad to share and your favorite card or board game. Please contact Lois Thornton at (520)449-7552 if you have any questions.
Graduation Party: May 25
You are cordially invited to a Graduation Party celebrating Emma Miller on May 25 from 3:00 to 5:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall here at Grace-Tucson. Please RSVP to Jenn at 520-909-2115 or DJ at 520-9091594 by May 21. We hope you can make it to celebrate Emma's amazing years at Arizona Lutheran Academy.
Summer Fun Nights
Summer Fun Nights are returning! Members from all sites are welcome to join in these fun gatherings! Mark your calendars for the following Friday evenings: June 13 at 7:00 PM for BINGO, July 11 at 6:00 PM for an Independence Day celebration, and August 8 at 7:00 PM for Trivia Night. All events will be held in the Fellowship Hall here at Grace-Tucson. Watch for more details as each date draws closer.
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 May 11 - May 18
Worship Services ............................................7:45a & 10:00a
Children’s Bible Hour ..................................................... 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Triumph of Grace 9:00a Grow in Grace Class 9:00a
Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Apologetics 9:00a
Fellowship following worship....................................................
TCM Finals Stress-Relief Party 6:00p
Tuesday Pastors’ Staff Meeting.................................................... 9:00a
Wednesday NO Midweek Bible Study (resumes May 28)
Thursday Women’s Bible Study: More Prepared to Answer 9:00a Ladies’ Fellowship Group 10:15a
Sunday, May 18
Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Triumph of Grace 9:00a
Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Apologetics .......... 9:00a Fellowship following worship Mission to the Children Spanish Service & Meal 4:00p
BENSON Today
Worship Service............................................................. 7:30a
Adult Bible Study: Romans 8:45a Fellowship following worship
Wednesday Midweek Bible Study: Book of Jonah........................... 10:00a
Sunday, May 18
Worship Service with communion 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Romans ............................................ 8:45a Fellowship following worship
Fellowship Hall Renovation
SAHUARITA
Adult Bible Study: Gospel Motivation for Life .................9:00a Children’s Sunday School...............................................9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship
Study: Hebrews 10:00a Sunday, May 18
Bible Study: Gospel Motivation for Life 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service with communion.................................10:00a Lunch & Preschool Graduation following worship
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics ....................................9:00a Worship Service with communion.................................10:00a Fellowship following worship
Wednesday Grow in Grace Class at Civano ......................................6:00p Thursday Midweek Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 6:30p Sunday, May 18 Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship
ONLINE
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson).......................10:00a
Sunday, May 11
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
The Fellowship Hall flooring project is coming along! Thanks so much for being patient during this process! Work has not yet been completed, but we are expecting it to be finished this Tuesday. We are scheduling a cleaning for Wednesday morning at 9:30 AM to get the tile dust off the walls and the kitchen cabinets & counters. Please bring CLEAN mops to do the walls, a bucket, and a few rags. With many hands this won’t take too long!
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.