THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
G E L C S , A M 18, 2025
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 worship service 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. Those wishing to leave an offering can do so at the exit today or give online at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/give. (You can also scan the QR code to the right to access the online giving page.)
Today we are using elements from the Christian Worship hymnal. If you would like to worship from a hymnal today, you will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each row; however, you do not need to use a hymnal if you so choose, as everything needed for worship is printed in this worship folder.
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 Day
Second Sunday of Easter
Death Has Lost Its Sting
We Have a Meaningful Mission
Third Sunday of Easter We Can See Things Clearly
Fourth Sunday of Easter We Know Jesus is Trustworthy and True
Fifth Sunday of Easter We Live Lives of Lavish Love
Sixth Sunday of Easter We Have Deep and Lasting Joy Ascension He Reigns Over Everything for the Benefit of His Church Pentecost Christ Sends Us His Spirit
OPENING HYMN This Is My Will
Christian Worship 728
Text: James Quinn, SJ, 1919–2010, alt. © 1969 James Quinn, SJ, admin. OCP Publications. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: Gaelic, 19th cent. Public domain.
INVOCATION
Minister: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.
Congregation: And also with you.
CONFESSION OF SINS
God invites us to come into his presence and worship him with humble and penitent hearts. Therefore, let us acknowledge our sinfulness and ask him to forgive us.
Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have done what is evil and failed to do what is good. For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity. But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.
FORGIVENESS OF SINS
God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given his only Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 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.
34“A new commandment I give you: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, so also you are to love one another. 35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
+ CHILDREN’S SERVICE +
Child Learning Center 3-Year Olds and Preschoolers will be in front the remainder of the service.
DEVOTION 1 Corinthians 13:1–7, 13
1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and know all the mysteries and have all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3If I give away everything I own, and if I give up my body that I may be burned but do not have love, I gain nothing.
4Love is patient. Love is kind. Love does not envy. It does not brag. It is not arrogant. 5It does not behave indecently. It is not selfish. It is not irritable. It does not keep a record of wrongs. 6It does not rejoice over unrighteousness but rejoices with the truth. 7It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
13So now these three remain: faith, hope, and love and the greatest of these is love.
Text: August Rische, 1819–1906; tr. Composite. Tune: German. Text and tune: 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.
CHILDREN’S SONG—Alleluia
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
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.
DEVOTION 1 John 4:7-11
7Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8The one who does not love has not known God, because God is love. 9This is how God’s love for us was revealed: God has sent his only-begotten Son into the world so that we may live through him. 10This is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11Dear friends, if God loved us so much, we also should love one another.
APOSTLE’S 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.
CHILDREN’S SONG—Jesus Loves Me
Jesus loves me! This I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to him belong; they are weak, but he is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
DEVOTION
John 13:34–35
34“A new commandment I give you: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, so also you are to love one another. 35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
PRAYER
CHILDREN’S SONG I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb
I am Jesus’ little lamb; ever glad at heart I am, for my Shepherd gently guides me, knows my need and well provides me, loves me ev’ry day the same, even calls me by my name.
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.
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
Please be seated
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Text and tune: Keith Getty, b. 1974; Kristyn Getty, b. 1980; Ross Holmes, b. 1984; Stuart Townend, b. 1963 © 2012 Getty Music Publishing (BMI), Parakeet Boots Music (ASCAP), Townend Songs, admin. MusicServices.org, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Friendship Register
We are so thankful you have joined us today and would like to have a record of both members and guests who are worshiping with us. Please sign the red Friendship Register book located at the end of your row in the hymnal rack.
CLC Preschool Graduation: Today
The preschoolers at our Child Learning Center will celebrate their graduation this morning! We are thankful for the opportunity to be a part of their education and more importantly for the opportunity to share the good news of Jesus with them and their families. Join us for lunch in the gymnasium following our worship service and then stay for the graduation at noon!
Sunday Morning Bible Study
Pastor Heiman is teaching a class about God’s will for our lives. Our lives of service are guided by the Savior’s sacrifice. Please join us for “Gospel Motivation for Life” on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM in the CLC gymnasium. If you haven’t been to Bible study in a while, now is a great time to start.
Open Gym: Tuesday
At our Open Gym here at Grace-Sahuarita this Tuesday, May 20, we will play volleyball. Come for some friendly competition and bring a friend!
NEW Midweek Bible Study: Wednesday
Last Wednesday Vicar Noah began a Bible study on the book of Hebrews. The author to the Hebrew Christians wanted to make something clear: Jesus Christ is Superior. That theme runs through the entire book of Hebrews. As Christians today, we have the same comforts given to us as the Hebrew people were given. This comfort is found in Jesus Christ and the new covenant he created with us, a covenant which Jesus fulfilled on the cross for us. Join us the next several Wednesdays at 9:00 AM in the church entryway as we study that covenant in our lives!
Those
Assisting in Worship This Morning
Minister...............................................................................................................
Pastor Ryan Heiman
Accompanist.................................................................................................................Teri Guenther
Acknowledgements:
Church History Bible Study at Grace-Tucson
Our study of Church History has been on a break. When we meet again next Wednesday, May 28, we will continue looking at the history of the Wisconsin Synod during the Great Depression and the World War II years. Even if you haven’t attended this class before, you are always welcome! 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 at Grace-Tucson
The Women’s Bible study will not be meeting this week. Class will resume next Thursday, May 29, at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall for study and discussion of the book More Prepared to Answer.
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 at Grace-Tucson. Watch for more details as each date draws closer.
Father’s Day Barbeque: June 15
The fathers and kids of Grace Lutheran Church and the Child Learning Center are invited to a Father’s Day celebration on Sunday, June 15! A BBQ here at our Grace-Sahuarita location will begin at 11:30 AM. We will be honoring dads with a variety of smoked, grilled, and bbq’d meats as well as sides, paired with flights of beer and/or bourbon. There will also be a bounce house for the kids! If you would like to attend, please sign up in the church entryway to participate and/or help out or email pastor Heiman at revrah@gracelutheransaz.org
Grow in Grace Class
Would you like to learn more about Jesus, our risen Savior, about the Bible that tells us about him, and about what we believe and teach at Grace? 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 Pastor Heiman or Vicar Nordlie, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.
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 18 - May 25
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
Tuesday Pastors’ Staff Meeting 9:00a
Wednesday NO Midweek Bible Study (resumes May 28)
Thursday NO Women’s Bible Study (resumes May 29)
Grace Central Office Closes at Noon
Friday
Grace Central Office Closed
Sunday, May 25
Worship Services 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 Graduation Party for Emma Miller 3:00-5:30p
BENSON
Today
Worship Service with communion.................................. 7:30a
Adult Bible Study: Romans ............................................ 8:45a Fellowship following worship
Wednesday
Midweek Bible Study: Book of Jonah 10:00a
Sunday, May 25
Worship Service 7:30a
Adult Bible Study: Romans 8:45a Fellowship following worship....................................................
OFF-SITE EVENTS
Thursday ALA Commencement Concert 7:00p
Friday ALA Graduation Service 1:00p
SAHUARITA
Today
Adult Bible Study: Gospel Motivation for Life 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service............................................................10:00a Lunch & Preschool Graduation following worship
Tuesday Open Gym Volleyball ...................................................7:00p
Wednesday Midweek Bible Study: Hebrews 10:00a
Sunday, May 25
Adult Bible Study: Gospel Motivation for Life 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship ...................................................
VAIL
Today
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 25
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics ....................................9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship
ONLINE
Today
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Sunday, May 25
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.