THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
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 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 www.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—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!
WELCOME
OPENING HYMN Christ the Eternal Lord Christian Worship 521
Please stand
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
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
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.
Mark 10:47
Kyrie is the Greek word for Lord. The expression “Lord, have mercy” is one of the oldest worship responses in the Christian Church.
LORD, HAVE MERCY Kyrie
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
Amen.
+ THE WORD +
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
O God, you form the minds of your faithful people into a single will. Make us love what you command and desire what you promise, that among the many changes of this world, our hearts may ever yearn for the lasting joys of heaven; 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
St. Peter told the Jewish leaders that the man they had crucified was raised to life and therefore is the only man in whom salvation is found.
Psalm 118:22
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel, 9 if we are being questioned today for a kind act that was done for the lame man, as to how this man has been healed,
10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that it was by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead! By him this man stands before you healed. 11 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you builders, which has become the cornerstone.
12 “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.”
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING
1 Peter 2:4-10
4 As you come to him, the Living Stone, rejected by men but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, like living stones, are being built as a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, in order to bring spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it says in Scripture:
See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who believes in him will certainly not be put to shame.
7 Therefore, for you who believe, this is an honor. But for those who do not believe:
The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,
The claim that Jesus is the only way to heaven is like a stone over which unbelievers stumble. But that truth is the cornerstone on which Christ builds his Church.
Isaiah 28:16
Psalm 118:22
Isaiah 8:14
and, a stone over which they stumble and a rock over which they fall.
Because they continue to disobey the word, they stumble over it. And that is the consequence appointed for them.
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, the people who are God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
10 At one time you were not a people, but now you are the people of God. At one time you were not shown mercy, but now you have been shown mercy.
Jesus teaches that the only way to draw near to God the Father is through God the Son.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Please stand GOSPEL John 14:1-
1 “Do not let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to be with me, so that you may also be where I am. 4 You know where I am going, and you know the way. ”
5 “Lord, we don’t know where you are going,” Thomas replied, “so how can we know the way?”
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. 7 If you know me, you would also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
8 “Lord,” said Philip, “show us the Father, and that is enough for us.”
9 “Have I been with you so long,” Jesus answered, “and you still do not know me, Philip? The one who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I am telling you I am not speaking on my own, but the Father who remains in me is doing his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father is in me. Or else believe because of the works themselves.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE & GREETING
While the children are coming forward please greet your neighbor and fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder in your row and pass it along. Thank you!
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.
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.
HYMN OF THE DAY—You Are the Way; Through You Alone Christian Worship 514
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.
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 Nicene Creed
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.
in a fitting place.
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Almighty and merciful God, we rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Increase our faith that the message of the empty tomb may fill our lives and make us glad each day.
When we are weak, be our strength; when we are sad, be our song; and when we sin, be our salvation.
Remove the hurt of death from all who mourn. In moments of grief call believers through the voice of our Good Shepherd and embolden us to follow his promises. In their hopelessness of despair turn the faithless to trust in the only Way, Truth, and Life.
Wipe away tears born of death and give new birth to a living hope in the hearts of the lost and troubled. Use our witness as compassion and comfort for others in need of mercy.
Heavenly Father keep the baptized united with your Son in his resurrection. Put to death the fleshly urges of those caught in addictions, clothe in your righteousness anyone ashamed of good intentions which have fallen short, and assure those searching for purpose that their eternal identity as your dear children is sealed. Thank you for the power of baptism working in our lives, and for the certainty of its promises through the resurrection. Enrich us with everything we need for life and godliness.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
O Lord of life, you have done mighty things for us! We pray through him who is the Beginning and the End, Jesus Christ, our Lord. His name is above every name, to the glory of God the Father! 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:
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.
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.
O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD Agnus Dei
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.
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.
Please stand
SPOKEN RESPONSES
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
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.
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
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
Friendship Register
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’s Church
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.
Sunday Morning Bible Study
We are currently studying “Pray, Praise, and Give Thanks.” It is a study on selected Psalms like 1, 23, 46, etc. It will help us appreciate the Old Testament “hymnal” for its words of teaching, comfort, praise and thanksgiving. Now would be an excellent time to make this study a part of your Sunday routine! Class is held at 9:00 AM in the CLC gymnasium.
Youth Confirmation: Today and May 14
This morning we are welcoming three young men into communicant membership through Youth Confirmation at Grace-Tucson Jacob Cole, Sam Kassulke, and Mason Scholle. Next Sunday, May 14, Ryan Horn will be confirmed at Grace-Vail during the 10:00 AM service.
Grace members and friends are invited to an Open House for Sam Kassulke and Ryan Horn on Sunday, May 14, in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall from 3:00 to 6:00 PM.
Tucson Campus Ministry Finals Party: Tonight
Take a break from finals stress and enjoy a fun evening with your friends at TCM! TCM is hosting a finals party tonight at 7:00 PM in the student center located in the basement at Grace-Tucson. We will enjoy a taco bar dinner, relaxing games, and a cake to celebrate the end of the semester. Information will also be available for helping you remain connected to your Savior during the summer. Bring a friend or just yourself! It’s sure to be fun!
Redeemer Pastor Installation: Today
Redeemer’s new associate pastor, John Hartmann, will be installed this afternoon at 4:00 PM at Redeemer Lutheran Church (8845 N. Silverbell Road). All are invited to attend the installation and the reception dinner that follows the service.
Wednesday Bible Study
The Bible Project: The 66 books of the Bible are a collection of history, poetry, prophesy and insights into the eternal history of God and his people. The focus of the entire Bible is God’s plan of salvation. However because of the sheer volume of the Bible, many people get bogged down trying to read it and understand it. This Bible Project is a study that quickly summarizes each book and give the student a quick overview of the Bible. Please join us on Wednesdays at 10:00 AM in Church Entryway.
Women’s Bible Study: Thursday at Grace-Tucson
“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.
Martin Luther College Commencement & Call Services: Saturday
This Saturday, May 13, Commencement and Call services will be held at Martin Luther College. Grace is requesting a graduate be assigned as a mission teacher to our Child Learning Center in Sahuarita. Alexander Heiman, son of Pastor & Laura Heiman, will also be graduating from MLC and then continue his pastoral studies in the fall at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. The commencement service begins at 8:00 AM Tucson time followed by the Call Service at 12:30 PM Tucson time. You may watch a live-stream at: livestream.com/mlc-streams. Please pray for all these graduating teachers, staff ministers, and pastoral candidates as they prepare to go out into the mission field.
Ladies’ Fellowship Group: May 18
The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet on Thursday, May 18, following the Ladies’ Bible class. They will enjoy lunch at Scordato’s Pizzeria (4911 N. Stone Avenue, 85704). Ladies may meet at the restaurant at 11:00 or, if you would like to carpool, in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall after Bible study. If you have any questions, please contact Lois Thornton at (520)323-8772 or lathornto@gmail.com. Ladies from all Grace sites are welcome to join in the fun!
Time Out for Moms: May 20
Bloom Where God Plants You! Come and enjoy spending time with other moms on Saturday, May 20, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM here at Grace Sahuarita in the CLC gym! We will be serving coffee and a light breakfast, planting succulents to take home, and hearing God’s Word with Pastor Ryan. Please sign up on the Welcome Desk in the Child Learning Center or by emailing receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org. Childcare will be provided.
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. Naomi is graduating from Arizona Lutheran Academy on May 26 at 1:00 PM. Naomi will be one of the class speakers and Pastor Kassulke will preach for the graduation service. Those interested in watching may do so online at www.youtube.com/@ArizonaLutheranAcademy.
This schedule is subject to change. Please watch your email for the most up-to-date information or call the Grace Central Office at (520)623-6633 if you have questions.
This Week at Grace May 7 – May 14
OFF-SITE EVENTS
Stay Up to Date
The fastest and easiest way to keep Grace members and friends informed about what is happening at our four sites is through our weekly email update. This email is sent every Friday and at other times when special announcements are necessary. If you have not been receiving this email, but would like to, please email the Grace Central Office at office@gracelutheransaz.org and request to be added to our email list.
