THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

G E L C S , A M 4, 2025

WORSHIP NOTES
G E L C S , A M 4, 2025
WORSHIP NOTES
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
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.
The minister sings the lines in regular print. Please respond with the bolded lines.
Psalm 51:15
Psalm 70:1
Please join in singing the entire song.
Refrain:
Venite
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.
To get his attention, Jesus struck Saul blind. Then he not only restored Saul’s physical sight but also gave Saul spiritual sight. Saul was given faith in the One who had risen from the dead.
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
This reading continues on the next page.
Christ is risen!
He is risen, indeed!
Let us pray.
O God, by the humiliation of your Son, you lifted up this fallen world from the despair of death. By his resurrection to life, grant your faithful people gladness of heart and the hope of eternal joys; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Please be seated
Acts 9:1-22
1Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord. He went to the high priest 2and asked him for letters to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he might bring them to Jerusalem as prisoners.
3As he went on his way and was approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
5He asked, “Who are you, Lord?” He replied, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you need to do.”
7The men traveling with him stood there speechless. They heard the voice but did not see anyone.
8They raised Saul up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes, he could not see anything. They took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. 9For three days he could not see, and he did not eat or drink.
10There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
He answered, “Here I am, Lord.”
11The Lord told him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. In fact, at this very moment he is praying. 12In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he can regain his sight.”
13Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many people about this man and how much harm he did to your saints in Jerusalem. 14And he has authority here from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name. ”
15The Lord said to him, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the people of Israel.
16Indeed, I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
17Ananias left and entered the house. Laying his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, whom you saw on your way here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
18Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized. 19And after taking some food, he regained his strength.
Saul stayed with the disciples in Damascus for several days.
20Immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”
21All who heard him were amazed and said, “Isn’t this the one who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? Didn't he come here for this very purpose: to bring them as prisoners to the chief priests?” 22But Saul continued to get stronger and kept confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
11And I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels who were around the throne and around the living creatures and the elders. Their number was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands upon thousands.
12With a loud voice they were saying:
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.
13I also heard every creature that is in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:
To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever.
14The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders bowed down and worshipped.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Please stand
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
2 Timothy 1:10
Alleluia. Christ Jesus has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. Alleluia.
GOSPEL
While in exile on the island of Patmos, St. John was given special sight, the ability to see the sacrificial Lamb who is worthy of our worship and praise.
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
John 21:1–14
1After this, Jesus showed himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. This is how he showed himself: 2Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3Simon Peter said to them, “I'm going fishing.”
They replied, “We'll go with you.”
Many of the disciples first met Jesus while fishing near the Sea of Galilee. At the time they were spiritually blind, not realizing who Jesus was. The resurrected Jesus now appears again to these disciples while they are fishing, and this time they see him clearly through eyes of faith.
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.
They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
4Early in the morning, Jesus was standing on the shore, but the disciples did not know it was Jesus.
5Jesus called to them, “Boys, don’t you have any fish?” “No!” they answered.
6He told them, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” So they cast the net out. Then they were not able to haul it in because of the large number of fish.
7The disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard, “It is the Lord!” he tied his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the sea. 8But the other disciples came in the little boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about one hundred yards. 9When they stepped out on land, they saw some bread and a charcoal fire with fish on it.
10Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.”
11So Simon Peter climbed aboard and hauled the net to land, full of large fish, 153 of them. Yet even with so many, the net was not torn.
12Jesus said to them, “Come, eat breakfast.”
None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord.
13Jesus came, took the bread, and gave it to them, and also the fish. 14This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please greet those around you and then be seated
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
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.
During the singing of this hymn, children ages 1-8 are excused to attend Children’s Church in the CLC Building. Parents can pick-up their children there following the service.
John 21:14
Jesus' Discples Saw Him and Believed
This song of praise is commonly referred to as the Te Deum because of its opening words in Latin. The Te Deum is often used as a confession of faith. It has ancient roots within the Christian Church.
The minister will sing the refrain the first time. The congregation immediately repeats the refrain and then sings it after each verse.
The minister sings the first part of each line. The congregation responds with the words in bold.
Lord of life, fill our hearts with joy, for you have risen and conquered the grave. Imprint the message of victory on our hearts and implant it in our minds. Through the good news of your resurrection renew our hope and revive our faith. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
By baptizing us into your name, you have connected us to your death and rising. You have put our sin to death and have given us a new life. Enable us each day to think of ourselves as dead to sin and alive to you, so that we may walk in newness of life in all we do. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
In this fallen world, death and sorrow surround us. Touch the hearts of those who grieve the loss of a Christian they love. Direct their eyes to your empty tomb and ease their pain by reminding them that their loved ones will one day rise again. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Lord, many people grieve without hope. Let the message of resurrection reach them and awaken faith in their hearts. Use us as your instruments to bring the word of life to their souls and the message of hope to their hearts. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Stay by the side of all who are suffering. In your wise mercy, heal those who are sick, receiving treatment for illness, recovering from illness or surgery, or hurting in body or mind. Remind them that your victory over death is a fact, and comfort them with your promise to raise them and give them and all believers new, glorified bodies like yours. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
Risen Savior, feed our faith with the message of your resurrection. Come to us in your Word and in the feast of your Sacrament to sustain and strengthen us until we feast with you in eternal glory.
Amen.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
The Preface to the Sacrament is one of the oldest parts of the Christian liturgy, dating back to the first century. As we prepare to receive Holy Communion, we are united with the Body of Christ, in an unbroken bond with Christians through the millennia.
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:
The Prophet Isaiah was given a vision of heaven, where seraphim praised God. In the Sanctus we welcome Jesus with our hosannas and praise.
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.
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.
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.
John the Baptist pointed to Jesus and said, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” We sing the Agnus Dei confident that Jesus has borne our sins and freely gives us forgiveness and peace in the Sacrament.
Personal prayers for before and after communing are available on printed labels on the inside cover of the hymnals.
Please be seated
The Bible teaches that the Lord’s Supper is a unique communion of Christ and the individual believer as well as a coming together of people who hold to the same beliefs. Because of these Scriptural truths, we practice Member Communion at Grace. Those who are confirmed members of Wisconsin Synod congregations (WELS) are invited to receive the Lord’s Supper with us.
If you are not a WELS member but have an interest in receiving Holy Communion, please speak with the pastor after church today or at another time. We are aware that there are a number of other teachings about Holy Communion, and we want it to be a blessing for you, so we would look forward to sharing with you what God says about this Sacrament.
Please stand
This closing 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.
The minister sings the lines in regular print. Please respond with the bolded lines.
We give thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us with this saving gift. We pray that through it you will strengthen our faith in you and increase our love for one another. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you 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.
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
We would like to have a record of both members and guests who are worshiping with us. Please sign the red Friendship Register book located along the center aisle in the hymnal rack.
Children ages 1-8 will be dismissed from our worship service today during the hymn before the sermon to attend Children’s Church. Parents, following worship, please pick your child up from the gymnasium in the CLC building.
We recently started a new Bible study topic! 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.
Grace is welcoming Anna Kassulke and Leah Wiechmann into communicant membership through Youth Confirmation at Grace-Tucson this morning. The families of the confirmands invite Grace members and friends to an Open House in the Fellowship Hall from noon to 2:00 PM to celebrate with the confirmands. Lunch will be served.
We’ll meet tonight to complete our study of “The Little Johns” the three small letters of the apostle John tucked away near the end of the Bible. The following Sunday, May 11, please join us for a Finals Stress Relief Party! That will be the last time we meet this school year. We hope you can take an hour study break and join us for some food and fun! Anyone college-age, student or not, is invited 7:00 PM down in the Student Center at Grace-Tucson.
Preacher
Pastor Ryan Heiman
Worship Leader.....................................................................................................Vicar Noah Nordlie
Accompanist ..................................................................................................................Jane Neujahr
Our Wednesday morning Bible class will not meet this week due to Pastors’ Conference. When we meet again on May 14, Vicar Nordlie will continue with the class “The Best Gift Ever” the greatest gift that God has given us through his Son; the gift of salvation. Please join us in the church entryway on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 AM.
Our study of Church History is taking a three-week break. When we meet again on 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!
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. Due to the flooring installation in the Fellowship Hall, this Thursday we will meet in the church sanctuary. Each week is an individual topic so you are able to jump in and out week-to-week as your schedule allows. Topics include Where was God when I needed him? How can there be a good God when the world is such a bad place? Why should I believe the Bible? This will help us understand things better and be prepared to help others understand God’s answers.
On Easter Sunday afternoon, April 20, our Lord in his infinite wisdom called to rest the soul of former Grace member Mrs. Barbara Buchholz. Our prayers, Christian sympathies, and support extend to all who mourn. Barbara’s memorial service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church (8845 N. Silverbell Rd.) this Saturday, May 10, at 11:00 AM with a luncheon served immediately following the service.
Our Open Gym here at Grace-Sahuarita begins again on 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!
Ladies from all sites are invited to join the Ladies’ Fellowship Group for a salad luncheon and games on 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) 323-8772 if you have any questions.
Grace learned recently that we will not have a Vicar in Mission Setting assigned to serve in Southern Arizona for the 2025-2026 school year. This could be due to several factors, such as the lower number of vicars available at the moment. Regardless, it was not in God's plan at this time. We do plan on re-applying for a vicar next year if the congregation approves. This also brings up the issue of the contributions given to us for this purpose. We were blessed to raise $18,300 through March. We plan to hold these funds for our vicar efforts next year. If you would like to redirect your contributions, please contact our Financial Manager at finance@gracelutheransaz.org. Thank you very much for your generosity towards this process, and we pray that God will continue to lead us in the right direction.
It’s not too late to sign up for a Grace Oasis Group in the entryway of church. Groups are formed around common interests or similar places in life. You are free to change groups this time around too. You don’t need to be an expert in the Bible, nor do you need to make every study. The Sunday Sermons Studies will be available for each group to discuss throughout the week. Please check out the sign-ups in the back of church to see which group might be a fit for you.
Thank you so much to everyone who participated in and helped out with our Child Learning Center It Takes a Community golf tournament last week! A great time was had by all, and together we raised about $5,000 for our scholarship fund. To God be the glory!
Cinda Drescher is Grace’s Bible-based Counselor. She is on staff at Grace and works in the counseling building located in the Grace-Tucson parking lot. She typically works at the counseling building two days each week. To schedule an appointment, it is easiest to text her at 520-581-4714 or email at Cinda@GraceLutheranSAZ.org. Because she is on staff at Grace and supported by the congregation’s Ministry Spending Plan, there is no charge for anyone who makes an appointment with her. She is happy to meet with anyone whether they are members of Grace/WELS or not. Cinda not only has a WELS Bible-based Therapist certification, she holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work, a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, along with certifications in Trauma and Domestic Violence.
Check out wels.net for an abundance of online resources to deepen your connection to Christ and to your fellow believers! You can find devotional materials for personal study, family devotions, for teens, and for married couples. There are worship helps for each Sunday, articles from Forward in Christ, WELS Connection videos, podcasts (devotions, Bible readings, technology, and parenting), mission and ministry updates from across the country and around the globe, and much more! You can also pull up wels.net on your smartphone and then download the WELS app.
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.
SAHUARITA 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.
Adult Bible Study: Gospel Motivation for Life 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service with communion................................ 10:00a Fellowship following worship Sahuarita Teen Group 11:00a
Wednesday NO Midweek Bible Study (resumes May 14)
Thursday CLC Board Meeting 9:00a
Sunday, May 11
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
Thursday Midweek Bible Study: 1 Corinthians............................... 6:30p
Sunday, May 11
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 11
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Tuesday & Wednesday Pastors’ Conference in Prescott, AZ
Saturday Memorial Service for Barbara Buchholz
Today—Youth Confirmation Sunday
& 10:00a
Bible Study: Triumph of Grace ..............................9:00a
Cake Fellowship following worship
Bible Study: The Little Johns 7:00p
Tuesday NO Pastors’ Meeting Wednesday NO Midweek Bible Study (resumes May 28) Thursday
May 11
(High School) Bible Study: Apologetics...........9:00a
following worship ...................................................
Finals Stress Relief Party 6:00p
BENSON
Service with communion 7:30a
Bible Study: Romans.............................................8:45a
following worship ................................................... Wednesday NO Midweek Bible Study (resumes May 14)
May 11
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.