5-21-23 Grace-Tucson Worship Folder

THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD

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. You will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each pew. You will be asked to open the hymnal to participate in parts of the service today. A vocalist will aid in our singing and will be recorded for our audio disks and video livestreaming.

There is no cost to park in our parking lot during Sunday morning worship services. If you receive a citation by mistake, please let our office staff know so it can be cleared.

OUR WORSHIP SERIES—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 +

The Festival of The Ascension of Our Lord commemorates Jesus going up into heaven 40 days after he rose on Easter Sunday. Since the date of Easter changes from year to year, so does the celebration of Ascension. The date of The Festival of the Ascension this year was Thursday, May 18. Grace has regularly celebrated this festival on the following Sunday. While Jesus removed his visible presence from his disciples, he assured them that he would remain always with them. Our celebration reminds us of that truth and that we, too, will one day join Jesus in the heaven he has prepared for us.

WELCOME

OPENING HYMN—AcrossÊtheÊLands Christian Worship 549

TheÊvocalistÊ(7:45)ÊorÊchildrenÊ(10:00)ÊwillÊsingÊstanzaÊ1ÊandÊtheÊfirstÊrefrain. PleaseÊjoinÊinÊsingingÊtheÊremainderÊofÊtheÊhymn.

Please stand

INVOCATION

Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.

Congregation: Amen.

DIALOGUE FOR ASCENSION

Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above.

Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts.

How majestic is the Lord’s name in all the earth! He has set his glory above the heavens.

For the Lord is the Most High over all the earth. He is exalted far above all gods.

God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.

The Lord reigns, let the nations tremble.

He sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake.

Lord,ÊBeÊGlorified

By Bob Kilpatrick

Arr. Mark Hayes

Victor

Labenkse

and Rachel W.

Gieseke

Keith

Psalm 45:6 Psalm 148:13

The throne of our God will last forever and ever.

This song of praise is often used in place of the Gloria during the Easter season. It is based on songs of praise that are sung by the saints in heaven giving glory to Jesus, the Lamb who was slain, but who now lives and reigns for all eternity (Revelation 5:12-13 and 19:5-9).

Praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted. His splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

SONG OF PRAISE—ThisÊIsÊtheÊFeast Christian Worship 938

PleaseÊjoinÊinÊsingingÊtheÊentireÊsongÊtogether.

Text: Richard W. Hillert, 1923–2010; John W. Arthur, 1922–1980 © 1978

Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

Tune: Richard W. Hillert, 1923–2010 © 1975, 1988 Richard W. Hillert. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

A scepter of justice will be the scepter of his kingdom.

+ THE WORD +

PRAYER OF THE DAY

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus, King of glory, on this day you ascended far above the heavens, and at God’s right hand you rule the nations. Leave us not alone, we pray, but grant us the Spirit of truth that, at your command and by your power, we may be your witnesses in all the world; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

FIRST READING Acts 1:1-11

1 I wrote my first book, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began doing and teaching 2 until the day he was taken up, after he had given instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.

3 After he had suffered, he presented himself alive to the apostles with many convincing proofs. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and told them things about the kingdom of God.

4 Once, when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for what the Father promised, which you heard from me. 5 For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

6 So when they were together with him, they asked, “Lord, is this the time when you are going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

9 After he said these things, he was taken up while they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 They were looking intently into the sky as he went away. Suddenly, two men in white clothes stood beside them. 11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing here looking up into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Jesus tells his disciples that although he is going to ascend, they will not be left alone. He promises to send the Holy Spirit to them and to us.

Please be seated

St. Paul teaches that Jesus ascended so that he might fill all creation with his presence and his power. Nothing is outside his control.

SECOND READING Ephesians 1:15-23

15 This is why, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I never stop giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep praying that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, will give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in knowing Christ fully. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope to which he has called you, just how rich his glorious inheritance among the saints is, 19 and just how surpassingly great his power is for us who believe. 20 It is as great as the working of his mighty strength, which God worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule, authority, power, and dominion, and above every name that is given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 God also placed all things under his feet and made him head over everything for the church. 23 The church is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Please stand

The Gospel

Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

RefrainÊ(ALL):

Matthew 28:20

Vocalist: Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

RefrainÊ(ALL)

44 He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.”

45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 He said to them, “This is what is written and so it must be: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 Look, I am sending you what my Father promised. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

50 He led them out as far as the vicinity of Bethany. He lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 And while he was blessing them, he parted from them and was taken up into heaven. 52 So they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 They were continually in the temple courts, praising and blessing God. Amen.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise be to you, O Christ.

SERMON

Jesus ascends, and instead of being sad, his disciples are filled with joy. They understand that Christ’s ascension marked his coronation as the King.

Please stand

The Living Christ Rules!

1. He Rules in Our Hearts

2. He Rules for His Church

1:15-23

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.

CONFESSION OF FAITH NiceneÊCreed

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

Confident of our Lord’s return, let us approach our Father’s throne of mercy on behalf of the Church and of all people.

Gracious Lord God, amid shouts of joy we celebrate your Son’s ascension into heaven where he is now seated in majesty at your right hand. Grant your Church steadfastness in these gray and latter days that she may hold to the truth and boldly confess the saving name of Jesus.

As the devil, the world, and our sinful nature seek to silence our witness, grant us courage to believe and confess that Jesus is Lord.

Even as your beloved Son intercedes on behalf of his Church, so has he commanded us to pray for others.

Hear us, O Lord, as we implore you to show mercy to those in need:

to the sick, the lonely, and the depressed grant relief; to the dying and those who mourn bring comfort; to the hungry, the homeless, and the unemployed send your help; to the elderly, give joy for living life to the full; to the young, send patience to wait for the fuller life to come; to husbands and wives and their families and to single parents who raise their children alone grant wisdom and strength.

Bestow your blessings to all who depend on your power and grace.

Almighty Father, you are the good Giver of all that we have. In your mercy continue to grant us daily bread, supplying us with what we need before we even ask.

Teach us to be thankful and content, whether we have plenty or are in need.

Come with your guidance, O Lord, and pour out your blessings on all who have gathered here to proclaim your love in speech, song, and symbol. May our worship enrich us so that our work for others adorns your love among them.

Lead us to praise you as we joyfully wait for your return.

O Lord, heavenly Father, we remember the sufferings and death of your dear Son, Jesus Christ, for our salvation. Praising his victorious resurrection from the dead, we draw strength from his ascension before you, where he always intercedes for us as our own high priest. Gather us together, we pray, from the ends of the earth to celebrate with all the faithful the marriage feast of the Lamb in his kingdom which has no end. Graciously receive our prayers, deliver and preserve us.

Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.

Silent prayer

To you alone, O Father, be all glory, honor, and worship, with the Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

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!

+ THE SACRAMENT +

Please stand

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:

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: Kermit G. Moldenhauer © 2002 Kermit G. Moldenhauer, admin. Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

Matthew 6 and Luke 11 record how Jesus taught his disciples to pray. We use his example prayer as part of our public worship, trusting that he will hear and answer our prayers.

As he speaks the Words of Institution, the minister both proclaims the words of Jesus to the congregation and sets apart the bread and wine for this special use. The sign of the cross reminds us of Christ’s death.

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my (+) body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is my (+) blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

The peace of the Lord be with you always. Amen.

This song continues on the next page.

O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD AgnusÊDei

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 MemberÊCommunionÊat 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-freeÊ communionÊwafers and grapeÊjuiceÊare available for those who for health or medical reason require it. Please see page 14 for additional details.

COMMUNION MUSIC: SingÊtoÊtheÊKing

Billy J. Foote, Charles Sylvester Horne

Arr. Carol Tornquist

AllÊWhoÊAreÊThirsty

Brenton Brown, Glenn Robertson

Arr. Carol Tornquist

Tune: Kermit G. Moldenhauer © 2002 Kermit G. Moldenhauer, admin. Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

Please be seated

Psalm 106:1

Please stand

SPOKEN RESPONSES

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures forever.

1 Corinthians 11:26

Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

CLOSING PRAYER

O God the Father, source of all goodness, in your loving-kindness you sent your Son to share our humanity. We thank you that through him you have given us pardon and peace in this Sacrament. We also pray that you will not forsake us but will rule our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit so that we willingly serve you day after day; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

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

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

POSTLUDE MUSIC: HailÊtheÊDayÊthat SeesÊHimÊRise

Arr. Cindy Berry

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 today have been given by Vickie Bondy in loving memory of her husband, Ray, and her son, Nick.

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 are July 2, 9, 23, & 30. 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 service this morning, you are invited to join us in the courtyard for drinks and snacks. We thank the Pat Messer and Nancy Miles for hosting this week. The next available dates to host are June 4, 11, 18, and 25. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

Daily Devotions

Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are at either door to church and in the Fellowship Hall. A new Meditations book with devotions beginning May 28 is now available.

Those Assisting in Worship This Morning

Preacher Pastor Ron Koehler

Worship Leader ............................................................................................Pastor Nathan Kassulke

Accompanist Teri Guenther

Vocalist....................................................................................................................... Dylan Guenther

Greeters

Bill & Lisa Toben (10:00 AM)

Communion Prep........................................................ Karen Grorud, Elaine Goldie, Barb Tobiasson

Sound and Recording Techs Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke

Banner Committee.............................................Nadine Rentschler, Jeanette O’Donald, Sandy Weir

Sunday Morning Bible Study

Grow In Grace is the name of our Bible Information Class, an overview of what the Bible teaches that we use as a course for adults who may be interested in membership at Grace. The young people in our Confirmation Classes learn the same material in a slightly different way. Is it time for a review? Do you have questions that you have been waiting to ask? Join us on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall as we consider portions of our Grow In Grace Class and look at why we teach what we do. We will be studying the Third Article of the Apostles Creed, concerning the resurrection, the holy Christian Church, and confessions of faith.

Church History Bible Study: No class Wednesday

Our study of Church History will not meet this Wednesday, May 24, due to the Redeemer 8th grade graduation (see announcement below). We will resume on May 31 and are currently studying 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!

Redeemer Lutheran School Graduation: Wednesday

Redeemer Lutheran School will hold a special eighth grade graduation service this Wednesday, May 24, at 6:30 PM. Two members of Grace, Ryan Horn and Sam Kassulke, are among the eight students graduating this year. The graduates have asked Pastor Jason Schmidt from Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church to preach for their service.

Women’s Bible Study: Thursday

“There are things I’ll never be able to forgive.” “With so many interpretations and denominations, who can say who is right?” “I’ll let my kids decide for themselves.” “Whatever happened to tolerance?” “Religion is a crutch for the weak.” We hear these kinds of things and may even wonder about them ourselves. These and more are addressed in Pastor Mark Paustian’s book, “Prepared to Answer.” The book is provided at no cost for everyone in the class, and each question is handled in just a handful of pages, so it is easy to jump into the study at any time, even if you can’t make it each week. Invite a friend and join Pastor Koehler for this study which is helpful for us and for those we have discussions with about such things. This class meets on Thursdays at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall.

ALA Commencement Concert & Graduation: Thursday & Friday

The annual Arizona Lutheran Academy Commencement Concert will take place this Thursday, May 25, at 7:00 PM in the ALA gymnasium (6036 S. 27th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ). Several students from Grace will participate in this concert. The musical selections will feature Disney tunes, with performances by ALA’s music ensembles, individual performers, and of course, the alumni finale. All are invited to this free concert!

On Friday, May 26, ALA will graduate the class of 2023. The service will begin at 1:00 PM with the graduation ceremony immediately following. Grace members Connor Farley and Naomi Kassulke are graduating. Naomi will be one of the class speakers and Pastor Kassulke will preach for the graduation service.

Go to www.youtube.com/@ArizonaLutheranAcademy to watch a live stream of these events.

Graduation Celebration: May 28

Grace members and friends are invited to celebrate the high school graduation of Naomi Kassulke at an Open House in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall and Courtyard on Sunday, May 28 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM.

St. Marcus Students: June 2

Grace is hosting a group of 7th grade students from St. Marcus Lutheran School (WELS) in Milwaukee. They are arriving in Tucson on Friday, June 2, through the program “Discover America” which rewards students based on their academic performance and behavior. Each student raised a portion of the expenses to come on the trip.

If you would like to make a donation to help cover our expenses, please drop it in the offering plate in an envelope marked “St. Marcus” or bring it to the church office.

We could use volunteers to help serve dinner on Friday, breakfast on Saturday, and prep sack lunches for Saturday. Please see the sign-up sheets in the Fellowship Hall. If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Koehler in the Grace Central Office at (520)623-6633.

Summer Fun Night: June 2

In conjunction with hosting the students from St. Marcus, we are also having a Summer Fun Night so members can visit with the students and enjoy dinner and some games of BINGO with them! In previous years, members have greatly enjoyed spending time with these students. Please join us in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall beginning at 6:00 PM on June 2.

Additional Summer Fun Nights will be held on June 16, July 7, July 21, and August 4. Watch for event details soon along with postcard invites to give to your friends!

English Classes Summer Volunteers

Grace's English Classes have been blessed to share Christ's love with a weekly average of 15 adult students and 5 children from the English-learning community since January. Could you help Grace offer these Tuesday evening classes (6:30 to 8:30 PM) throughout summer? If you are interested in teaching English (training and books provided) or playing with children ages 3-10 (games, toys, and crafts provided), contact Pastor Patoka (RevTLP@GraceLutheranSAZ.org).

Back to Jerusalem Vacation Bible School: June 19-23

Travel back in time with us as we go Back to Jerusalem at Vacation Bible School! We will turn back the clock in Jerusalem and Jericho, at Golgotha, on a Lonely Road, and in Athens and discover the Bible’s truths through songs, games, crafts, snacks, and lessons. Time travelers entering preschool through grade 5 are invited to attend from 9:00 to 11:30 AM from June 19 to 23 at Grace-Tucson. Visit GraceLutheranSAZ.org/VBS for more information and registration.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ALA Summer Sports 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 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

Vail Food Drive

Our members at Grace-Vail are organizing a food drive for the Vail Food Bank during the month of June. The Vail Food Bank donations tend to slow down during the summer months and this can lead to shortages, especially with kids who normally receive meals at school being home for the summer. We are hoping to provide some relief from this shortage. Specific items needed include: peanut butter, cereal, rice & pasta, and canned items - meats (tuna, salmon, chicken etc.), beans, tomato sauce or diced tomatoes, soup, fruit, and vegetables. Donation boxes will be available on a table in the west end of the Fellowship Hall beginning next Sunday.

Good Shepherd Bible Camp: July 9 to 15

For over 50 years, Good Shepherd Bible Camp has been providing the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and Christian fellowship to kids from 4th to 10th grade. It’s a full week (6 nights/days) of fun in the California mountains from July 9 to 15. You’ll experience the chance to have fun while you apply God’s Word to your life. Activities include devotions and Bible study, hiking, swimming, archery, canoeing, sports, crafts, nightly campfire, and more! Meals are included in the registration fee. For more information and to register (by June 30), go to goodshepherdbiblecamp.com.

Grow in Grace Class

Would you like to learn more about our risen Savior, about the Bible that tells us about him, and about what Grace Lutheran Church believes and teaches? Our congregation offers a series of Biblebased lessons called Grow in Grace. Grow in Grace also serves as our membership class for those who may be interested in joining the church. If you would be interested in scheduling a Grow in Grace Class, please speak to one of the Pastors, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/ GIG.

Helping Hands

Sometimes you could just use a helping hand! Do you have a talent or service that you could offer to our fellow Grace members who could use some help (at a minimal cost or free)? Just a few ideas: outdoor work, computer work, sewing/mending, handyman, cooking, organizing, transportation to appointments, etc. We’re sure there are many more! If you would like to help, please fill out a Helping Hands card found on the bulletin board outside of the Library in the Fellowship Hall. The offers we have already received are posted on the bulletin board as well.

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 Ÿ May 21 – May 28

Grace Central Office Closed: May 26 & 29

The Grace Central Office located here at our Tucson site will be closed this Friday, May 26, due to office staff attending the ALA Commencement Service. It will also be closed on Monday, May 29, in observance of Memorial Day. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, May 30. 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.

One Church. Four Sites.

Proclaiming the love of Jesus in Southern Arizona since 1911.

Grace-Sahuarita

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

Pastor Timothy L. Patoka (Campus Ministry) revtlp@gracelutheransaz.org

75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538

Pastor Ryan A. Heiman revrah@gracelutheransaz.org

Child Learning Center (520) 848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org www.GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com

Office Manager Jen Rickling Office Assistant Shirley Zanotti

Director Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org

Grace-Benson

451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602

Grace-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

Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher cinda@gracelutheransaz.org (520)405-3286

Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org

Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org

Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr office@gracelutheransaz.org

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.

For more information about our synod and what we believe visit: www.wels.net