5-5-24 Grace-Tucson Worship Folder

THE SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

G E L C T , A M 5, 2024

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 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 RESURRECTION REALITY

St. Paul writes, “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:20). Big word: Indeed! Paul is stressing that we must not think of Jesus’ resurrection like a happy ending to another epic fable. The resurrection is not legend. It really happened. Easter is not just a holiday. Easter is history. On time’s infinite line, Jesus’ resurrection is the punctiliar moment that defines reality for us all. If Christ remained dead, he is a fraud and failure. But Christ has indeed been raised. So, the reality: Jesus is exactly what he claimed to be the Son of God, our Lord and Savior. If Christ remained dead, then the grave is the final, ugly, rotten end of us all. But Christ has indeed been raised. So, the reality is Jesus’ resurrection proves that “all will be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22). The reality of the resurrection does not just change our future, but the way we look at life now.

The greatest theologian of the early church, Augustine, called the season of Easter “a joyful week of weeks” seven wonderful weeks, each seven glorious days long. In this glorious season, let us meditate upon the breath-taking implications of the resurrection reality.

Our worship during this season is following these themes:

Easter Sunrise Without the Resurrection Faith Is Futile

Easter Festival

Second Sunday of Easter

Third Sunday of Easter

Fourth Sunday of Easter

All Will Be Made Alive

The Living Lord Gives Proof and Peace

We Have a Meaningful Message to Share

The Risen Savior Provides Good Shepherding

Fifth Sunday of Easter Special Service Featuring Stephen Bautista

Sixth Sunday of Easter Jesus’ÊBusinessÊIsÊLove;ÊTherefore,ÊSoÊIsÊOurs

Ascension of Our Lord Christ’s Ascension Means He Is Closer Than Ever

The Festival of Pentecost Christ Has Not Left Us Alone

+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +

WELCOME

OPENING HYMN Jesus, Your Boundless Love to Me Christian Worship 714

The choir will sing stanza 1. Please join in singing the remaining stanzas.

Please stand INVOCATION

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

Congregation: Amen.

EASTER ACCLAMATION

Christ is risen!

He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!

CONFESSION OF SINS

Dear friends, let us approach God with a true heart and confess our sins, asking him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to forgive us.

Lord of life, I confess that I am by nature dead in sin. For faithless worrying and selfish pride, For sins of habit and sins of choice, For the evil I have done and the good I have failed to do, You should cast me away from your presence forever. O Lord, I am sorry for my sins. Forgive me, for Jesus’ sake.

Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. In his great mercy, God made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in our sins. Hear the word of Christ through his called servant:

I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

PRESERVICE MUSIC:

Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me

Thomas E. Lock

How Firm a Foundation

Penny Rodriguez

He Leadeth Me/Lead on, O King Eternal

Penny Rodriguez

As baptized children of God, we are invited to approach him in worship in the name of the triune God.

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16

Christ gave the authority to forgive the sins of penitent sinners to his church: “Whenever you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven.” (John 20:23)

During this season of Easter, God’s people erupt in joyful praise! “Alleluia” fills our worship of Jesus, who conquered death. (“Alleluia” means “Praise the Lord.”)

Text: Paul Z. Strodach, 1876–1947, alt. © 1958 Service Book and Hymnal, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

Tune: Geistliche Kirchengesäng, Köln, 1623. Public domain.

+ THE WORD +

PRAYER OF THE DAY

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Let us pray.

O God, you are the giver of everything good. Inspire us, your humble servants, to long for what is right and, through your gracious guidance, accomplish it to your glory; 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

FIRST READING Acts 9:36-42

36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was always doing good deeds and acts of charity. 37 At that time she became sick and died. After they had washed her, they laid her in an upstairs room. 38 Since Lydda is near Joppa, when the disciples heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, who urged him, “Come to us without delay!”

39 Peter got up and went with them. When he arrived, they led him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing him the robes and clothing that Dorcas made while she was still with them.

40 After Peter sent them all outside, he got down on his knees and prayed. Then he turned toward the body and said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 He gave her his hand and helped her stand up. After he called the saints and the widows, he presented her to them alive.

42 This became known all over Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Because Tabitha loved Jesus, she was always helping the poor in the town of Joppa. Because Jesus loved the people of Joppa, he had Peter raise Tabitha from the dead.

This song is based on the words of Ephesians 5: “Be imitators of God as his dearly loved children. And walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself for us...For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light.”

CHOIR ANTHEM—Live in Light, Live in Love

Light of the ages, light of the world, bring us from darkness to the light, and lead us in the path of right, that in your brightness we might live.

Love everlasting, love so divine, you came to earth from heaven above; sent to redeem us by your love, that in your promise, we might live.

Live in light, live in love. Children of light, live in love as Christ has loved. Live in light, live in love. Give him the honor. Give him glory. Live in Christ!

Light of salvation, shine down, we pray. Teach us to love as you have loved; to live in light from heaven above, that in your image we might live.

Live in light, live in love. Children of light, live in love as Christ has loved. Live in light, live in love. Give him the honor. Give him the glory. Give him the honor. Give him glory. Live in Christ. Live in Christ.

Friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

SECOND READING

1 John 4:7-11, 19-21

7 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love has not known God, because God is love. 9 This 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. 10 This 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. 11 Dear friends, if God loved us so much, we also should love one another.

19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For how can anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, love God, whom he has not seen? 21 This then is the command we have from him: The one who loves God should also love his brother.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Please stand

9 “As the Father has loved me, so also I have loved you. Remain in my love. 10 If you hold on to my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have held on to my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that my joy would continue to be in you and that your joy would be complete.

12 “This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than this: that someone lays down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you continue to do the things I instruct you. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything that I heard from my Father, I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will endure, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17 These things I am instructing you, so that you love one another.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise be to you, O Christ.

Please be seated

HYMN OF THE DAY This Is My Will

Christian Worship 728

The living Lord gives us this command. Remain in his love so that we might also love each other.

SERMON

Please stand

Love One Another

1. As Jesus Loves Us

2. As Jesus’ Friends

John 15:9-17

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

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

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.

Loving God and Lord, you created the universe that surrounds us and the globe on which we live. You control all things through your Son, who sits at your right hand in glory.

Comfort us with the promise of your eternal presence.

Give your Word power as it works in our hearts and minds. Clear away our confusion, and demolish our doubts. Send your Spirit to strengthen both our confidence in your promises and our desire to live according to your will. Take away our love of sinning, and restore us each day by your grace.

The signs of the times warn us that the end of time is near. Protect us from scoffers who sneer at your truth. Spare us and Christians around the world from all forms of hate and persecution.

Give us courage to carry the cross with patience and joy.

Instill in the hearts of our children a desire to follow you as they prepare for future days. Help them distinguish between what is passing and what is eternal, between instant thrills and lasting joy. Encourage more young people to prepare for service in the public ministry of the gospel.

Mold us and move us to be good examples for our youth.

Hold in your care, Lord, those who are experiencing physical or emotional pain and all who are afflicted by disease or facing death. Pour out your compassion on the grieving, and comfort the mourners who miss someone they loved.

Move us to pray for these brothers and sisters and to help when we can.

Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.

Silent prayer

Whether we pray together or alone, you have promised to hear and answer us. Give us patience to accept your blessings in whatever way you send them. In your love and wisdom, prepare us for the day when you will take us to be with you forever.

Hear us for Jesus’ sake. 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 7:45 service will continue with The Sacrament on page 13.

OFFERTORY:

Have Thine Own Way

Adelaide A. Pollard, Charles Kirby

The words to this song are printed below for your silent meditation:

Have thine own way, Lord, have thine own way. Thou art the potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me after thy will, while I am waiting, yielded and still.

Have thine own way, Lord, have thine own way. Hold o’er my being absolute sway. Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see Christ only, always, living in me.

+ YOUTH CONFIRMATION +

HYMN RESPONSE O Gracious Lord, with Love Draw Near Christian Worship 693

The confirmands’ essays serve as an expression of their knowledge of and faith in God and his Word, and they also benefit us all as a review of some fundamental truths of Scripture.

ESSAY What Is God Like?

HYMN RESPONSE—O Gracious Lord, with Love Draw Near Christian Worship 693

ESSAY—What Does God Say to Me?

Zach Miller

Carson Heinz

HYMN RESPONSE—O Gracious Lord, with Love Draw Near Christian Worship 693

ESSAY What Does God Do for My Faith?

Elsa Wiechmann

HYMN RESPONSE O Gracious Lord, with Love Draw Near Christian Worship 693

The pastor speaks to those being confirmed:

My dear young friends, when you were baptized, your gracious Lord forgave all your sins and covered you with the robe of Christ’s righteousness. Through water and Word he created faith in your hearts and adopted you into the family of believers. As you matured and heard and studied the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit enlightened your minds and preserved you as children of God.

Text: Stephen P. Starke, b. 1955 © 2003 Stephen P. Starke, admin. Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: English. Public domain.

4:13

You have expressed the desire to confess the truths you believe before your Savior, your family and friends, and this congregation. You are ready to say with St. Paul, “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” You have learned to examine your thoughts, words, and actions in the light of God’s law, and you have experienced the comfort of forgiveness in the Savior’s gospel. With this preparation you are eager to receive the Savior’s body and blood in the sacrament.

As we worship with you on this day, we are filled with joy as we see how the Lord has grown your faith and love. We are bringing our prayers to the Savior’s throne of grace and imploring him to keep you faithful to him and his Word until you join us and all believers in the glories of heaven.

I now ask you:

Are you ready and willing to confess your faith before the triune God and those who are worshiping with you today?

I am.

Do you believe in God the Father?

Yes, I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

Yes, 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.

Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

Yes, 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.

Do you reject the devil along with all his lies and empty promises?

I do reject him.

Do you believe that all the books of the Bible are the inspired and inerrant Word of God? I do.

Do you believe that the teachings of Grace Lutheran Church and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, as you have learned to know them from Luther’s Small Catechism, are faithful and true to the Word of God? I do.

Is it your sincere prayer and desire to remain faithful to your Lord Jesus and his Word all the days of your life?

Yes, and I ask God to help me.

Is it your sincere prayer and desire to live a life that pleases God, to value his Word and sacraments, and to witness to your Savior wherever you go?

Yes, and I ask God to help me.

The pastor speaks to the congregation:

Friends in Christ, the Word of God urges us to pray for one another and especially for the youth of the church. On this special day, it is fitting that we bring our prayers before God, firmly believing that he alone is able to strengthen us by the power of the Holy Spirit and keep us faithful to the Savior until we die. Let us pray.

Gracious Father, in Holy Baptism you created faith in the hearts of these young people and gave them a new birth as members of your family. Help them remember their baptisms every day and find comfort in your promise that you will never leave them or forsake them. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give them strength to put down and drown the sinful nature that lives within them so that each day their faith may triumph in their living and loving and in their words and actions. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lead them to see and believe that in the word of the gospel they find forgiveness for their sins and relief for their guilt. Use the remembrance of your commandments to drive them to the comfort of the gospel and then to guide them as they live for you and others. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Protect them from Satan when he tempts them to be careless with your Word and sacrament, to make plans for this life and not for the life to come, or to find popular theories more appealing than your truth. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Empower them by the gospel of your Son to live in their world with kindness, humility, and patience that others may see their good works and glorify their Father in heaven. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Help us provide fitting examples of faithfulness to your Word and sacraments. Lead us to encourage and admonish them in wisdom and love even after they have left our homes and made new homes for themselves. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

When the end comes and we all stand before the judgment seat of Christ, have compassion on us despite our sins and accept us as eternal dwellers in your royal rooms, through the merits of Jesus our Savior, who became sin for us so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.

The pastor speaks to those being confirmed:

Now receive a blessing from the Lord and a word of encouragement from the Scriptures.

The pastor speaks a blessing and reads a passage from Scripture for each confirmand.

The grace of our Lord (+) Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Amen.

Please stand

+ THE SACRAMENT +

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:

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY—Sanctus

Please join in singing after a brief introduction:

Christian Worship 944

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Lord God, you are worthy to receive thanks and praise from all people. You created the world and all who live in it, and in your mercy you saved us. We give thanks to you for the grace of your Son, Jesus Christ.

Though in very nature God, he took the nature of a servant and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. He offered himself as a sacrifice for sin and redeemed us from its curse and penalty. He rescued us from the terrors of death and restored eternal life with you. He conquered our enemies and gained for us the kingdom of grace and glory.

Tune: Deutsche Messe, Franz Schubert, 1797–1828; adapt. Richard Proulx, 1937–2010 © 1985, 1989 GIA Publications, Inc. adapt. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Text: 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.

Bless us as we receive your Son’s body and blood, and lead us to remember his suffering, death, and resurrection. Forgive our sins and fill us with the hope of new life in heaven. Hear our praise and receive our thanks as we worship you the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

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.

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.

JESUS, LAMB OF GOD—Agnus Dei

Please join in singing after a brief introduction:

Christian Worship 946

Please be seated

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 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.

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-free communion wafers and grape juice are available for those who for health or medical reason require it. Please see page 18 for additional details.

COMMUNION MUSIC:

Lead Me Lord Christian Worship 926

Borning Cry John Ylvisaker

May We Thy Precepts, Lord, Fulfill Victor C. Johnson

Please stand

Tune: Deutsche Messe, Franz Schubert, 1797–1828; adapt. Richard Proulx, 1937–2010 © 1985, 1989 GIA Publications, Inc. adapt. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199 Text: Public domain.

+ THANKSGIVING +

SPOKEN RESPONSES

Psalm 106:1

1 Corinthians 11:26

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

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

POSTLUDE MUSIC:

Go, My Children, with My Blessing

Hal H. Hopson, Mark Albrecht

CLOSING HYMN May We Your Precepts, Lord, Fulfill Christian Worship 697

TODAY

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 this morning were given by the families of today’s confirmands. 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 include May 19 and June 9, 16, 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.

Youth Confirmation Fellowship

The confirmands and their families invite members and friends of Grace to celebrate this special occasion with them. A cake reception in the Fellowship Hall and courtyard will follow the 10:00 AM service this morning.

Those Assisting in Worship This Morning

Minister Pastor Tim Patoka

Communion Assistant Pastor Nathan Kassulke

Accompanist ....................................................................................................................Kathy Parra

Vocalist and Clarinet Beth Kassulke

Choir Director Paul Kassulke

Choir Accompanist.......................................................................................................... Jim Bakken

Greeters

Jeanette O’Donald & Nadine Rentschler (10:00 AM)

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

Ushers..........................................................................................Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM)

Jon Dongoske, Dylan Guenther, Ferdie Kramm, Rick Street (10:00 AM)

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

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

Acknowledgements:

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sunday Morning Bible Study

Join us on Sundays for a look at Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer. We are working through a section of our Grow in Grace Class, which will give us an opportunity to learn and discuss much about what God has to say regarding prayer. If you have not made Sunday morning Bible study a part of your routine, this would be a great time to start! We meet at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall.

Confirmation Open House: Today

The congregation is invited to an Open House in the Fellowship Hall this afternoon from 12:30 to 2:30 PM hosted by the parents of Carson Heinz, Zach Miller, and Elsa Wiechmann to celebrate their children’s confirmations. Snacks and drinks will be served. This Open House is in addition to the cake fellowship that immediately follows our 10:00 AM service.

WELS Tucson Campus Ministry (TCM)

TCM will close out the semester with a Finals Party tonight! All college students and college-age individuals are welcome at 7:00 PM in the Student Center located in the basement here at GraceTucson.

Teacher Resignation

Ms. Sam Anthon, one of our Mission Teachers at our Child Learning Center (CLC) in Sahuarita, has announced her resignation effective May 10. We thank Sam for her service to our congregation and the families and students with whom she worked. We also wish her God's blessing as she not only transitions away from this ministry but also addresses back pain that led to this decision. As our congregation recently approved the submission of a request for a graduate of Martin Luther College to be assigned to serve at our CLC for a different vacancy, our Ministry Board has approved the submission of a second request. Assignments will be announced in a special worship service at MLC in New Ulm, MN, on Saturday, May 18.

Vicar in Mission Setting

Grace has been approved to participate in the Vicar in Missions program! This means that a vicar (pastor intern) will be assigned to continue his education while helping with the work at Grace, primarily at Sahuarita under Pastor Heiman. The synod subsidizes the total cost of this vicar year, with Grace contributing $20,000 to the effort. You may recall that an early donation covered half of the congregational cost. We have since raised $4,285 toward the goal of covering the rest. Thank you for your generous gifts! A member has offered to match the next $1,000 in donations. Can we meet the challenge of raising the full amount by today? Envelopes are available for this special offering on the table in the Fellowship Hall.

Arizona Pastors’ Conference

Grace’s pastors will be attending the Arizona Pastors’ Conference at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Mesa, AZ on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. The conference includes pastors from Arizona, New Mexico, and El Paso, TX. If you are in need of pastoral assistance while the pastors are gone, please contact the Grace Central Office.

Church History Bible Study

Due to the above-mentioned Pastors’ Conference, there will be no Church History classes on Wednesday. Our study will resume on May 15. We are learning about the early years of the WELS. Even if you haven’t attended this class before, you are welcome to join us. 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!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEW Women’s Bible Study: Thursday

A new study on the Twelve Apostles began last week. What do we know about the 12 men Jesus chose to follow him and then sent out to share the gospel after his ascension into heaven? What does the Bible say? What do historical accounts tell us about them? Get to know “The 12” as you never have before, and learn valuable lessons about your life of following Jesus. Pastor Koehler will lead this study on Thursday mornings at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Make plans to join him, and invite a friend to join you!

Wine and Awareness Event: Friday

Ladies, make plans to join us this Friday, May 10, at 5:30 PM for a special event at Grace-Tucson sponsored by Pints 4 Pink, a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded by a member of Grace following his treatment for breast cancer. Ladies will engage in a wine discussion led by a local expert and enjoy some tasting. A speaker from the Arizona Cancer Center is also being planned. Ladies are encouraged to invite friends to join them. The purposes of this event are to enjoy some fellowship, sample delicious wines, and raise money for cancer research. Although not required, those attending will be encouraged to donate generously to Pints 4 Pink, so that those gifts can be used in our community to support cancer research efforts at the Arizona Cancer Center, our state’s only research facility recognized by the National Cancer Institute.

Truth in Love Ministries Workshop: Saturday

All members are invited to a workshop this Saturday, May 11, at Grace-Benson. Pastor Mark Parsons of Truth in Love Ministries (TILM) will show us how to more effectively share the Gospel with members of the LDS and others. This “new” approach has been recently developed by TILM based on feedback from former LDS (Latter Day Saints) members and other new Christians on what approach(es) proved most effective in drawing them to the TRUE Gospel. The workshop runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and lunch will be provided. If you are interested in attending, please phone or text Bill Warskow at (480)363-4859 or wlwarskow@ezlink.com.

Farewell Open House: May 12

Pastor Patoka is preparing for his move to begin his new call as pastor at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lancaster, CA. Please keep him and his wife, Katie, in your prayers as they prepare to move to a new place to serve in God's kingdom. Pray also for the ministry here at Grace.

Pastor Patoka's final Sunday at Grace will be next Sunday, May 12. A farewell Open House for them will be held the same day from 12:00 to 4:00 PM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall. Lunch will be served. We hope you can join us to say thank you and goodbye to Pastor and Katie!

Ladies’ Fellowship Group: May 16

The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet on Thursday, May 16, at 10:15 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall. The ladies will enjoy a salad bar lunch. Ladies are asked to bring a cold salad of their choosing or an ingredient for a green salad. Please contact Lois Thornton at (520)323-8772 or vthornto2@gmail.com with any questions. Ladies from all Grace sites are welcome to attend.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

VBS Opportunity: June 3-7

Grace children have been invited to participate in Vacation Bible School at our sister congregation, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, from June 3 to 7. The theme is “Celebrate the Savior: Jesus Gives Us Joy” and runs from 9:00 to 11:30 AM each morning. You may register children age 3 (potty trained) through 6th grade at https://soth.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/136/responses/new. Grace is not holding a VBS this summer so this is a great opportunity for your children!

ALA Summer 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 entering grades 4-8 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.

Ranger Backpacking Trip: June 3-7

This Lutheran Pioneer/Ranger activity is open to boys 14 years of age and older and is a challenging and exciting activity. It will take place from June 3 to 7 through parts of the 45-mile long Paria Canyon of Arizona and Utah. This trip involves backpacking over long distances, hiking through slot canyons, crossing the Paria River many times, and in hot temperatures. Preparation including leg conditioning and hiking with a 50 pound pack, preferably in sand, is crucial. Hiker cost is $210 per hiker and covers the permit expenses and all meals during the trip and basecamp meals before and after the trip. There is a limited number of hikers allowed per permit so registration is first-come, first-serve and is due by May 1. To register or ask questions, please contact Bryan or Teri Guenther at (520)235-1177 or TeriGuen@msn.com. God’s beautiful creation is truly outstanding and on full display on this trip!

Grace’s Bible-based Counselor

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)58104714 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.

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 Bible-based lessons called Grow in Grace. Grow in Grace also serves as our membership class for those who may be interested in joining the church. If you would be interested in scheduling a Grow in Grace Class, please speak to one of the Pastors, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.

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 Ÿ May 5 - May 12

Worship Services with communion .................7:45a & 10:00a

Children’s Bible Hour......................................................8:45a

Adult Bible Study: Prayer & The Lord’s Prayer 9:00a Grow in Grace Class (Office Conference Room) 9:00a NO Lifeliners (High School group) Bible Study Confirmation Fellowship following worship..............................

Confirmation Open House 12:30-2:30p TCM Finals Party 7:00p

Tuesday NO Pastors’ Meeting English Classes 6:30p

Wednesday NO Midweek Bible Study (resumes May 15)

Thursday

Women’s Bible Study: 12 Apostles 9:00a Handbells........................................................................5:30p Worship Choir 6:45p

Friday Ladies Pints for Pink Wine & Awareness Event.............5:30p

Sunday, May 12

Worship Services 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a

Adult Bible Study: Prayer & The Lord’s Prayer ..............9:00a Grow in Grace Class (Office Conference Room) 9:00a Lifeliners (High School group) Bible Study 9:00a Fellowship following worship Patoka Farewell Open House 12:00-4:00p

Worship Service with communion ..................................7:30a

Adult Bible Study: Holy Spirit..........................................8:45a Fellowship following worship

Wednesday NO Adult Bible Study (resumes May 15)

Saturday Truth in Love Ministries Presentation 9:00a

Sunday, May 12

Worship Service 7:30a

Adult Bible Study: Holy Spirit 8:45a Fellowship following worship

OFF-SITE EVENT

VAIL Today

Adult Bible Study: The Way Lutherans Worship ............ 9:00a

Youth Bible Study........................................................... 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship

Thursday

Adult Bible Study: Hebrews 6:30p

Sunday, May 12

Adult Bible Study: The Way Lutherans Worship 9:00a Youth Bible Study........................................................... 9:00a

Worship Service 10:00a

Fellowship following worship

SAHUARITA Today

Adult Bible Study: Large Catechism 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service with communion................................ 10:00a Fellowship following worship

Monday Grow in Grace Class 4:30p

Tuesday NO Confirmation Class (resumes May 14)

Wednesday NO Adult Bible Study (resumes May 15) Grow in Grace Class 4:00p

Thursday Grow in Grace Class...................................................... 5:00p

Friday Grown Ups in the Garden! 8:00a Sunday, May 12

Adult Bible Study: Large Catechism 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship...................................................

May 12

(Tucson)............................................. 9:00a

Tuesday & Wednesday

Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson)...................... 10:00a BENSON Today

AZ Pastors’ Conference at Pilgrim in Mesa, AZ

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

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

Grace-Sahuarita

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 GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com

Director Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org

Assistant Director Jen Rickling jrickling@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

Child Learning Center Mission Teachers

Sam Anthon, 2-Year Olds santhon@gracelutheransaz.org

Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org

Theresa Pratt, Preschool tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org

Chris Leathers, After School Care cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org

Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke cinda@gracelutheransaz.org music@gracelutheransaz.org (520)581-4714

Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr assistant@gracelutheransaz.org office@gracelutheransaz.org

wels.net

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.