5-7-23 Grace-Tucson Worship Folder

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 order of worship we will follow is printed in this worship folder for you to follow along and participate. You’ll notice that the service is a dialogue between God and us, his people. The pastor speaks to God along with the congregation and also speaks the Word of God to the people. LARGE PRINT worship folders are available at the entrances for those who desire them.

Today we are using elements from the Christian Worship (2021) hymnal. You will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each pew. You will be asked to open the hymnal to participate in parts of the service today. A vocalist will aid in our singing and will be recorded for our audio disks and video livestreaming.

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

OUR WORSHIP SERIES—HE LIVES

Life is full of either/or moments where you face an unavoidable choice between two alternatives. Some of those moments are relatively insignificant. Either I have the chicken, or I have the fish. Other times, they shape the course of your life. Either I accept this new job offer, or I keep my current job for the remainder of my career. Either I accept his marriage proposal, or… Some either/or moments are bigger than others.

Here is the biggest either/or of them all. Either Jesus is still dead, or Jesus rose. One might ask, “How does that either/or affect me?” Because Jesus claimed to be the Son of God and Savior from sin. He said the proof is that he would rise from the dead. “The Son of Man must suffer many things...be killed and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31). Thus, if Jesus remains dead, he is both failure and fraud. However, if Jesus rose from the dead, he proves he is who he claimed to be the Messiah. And he did what he came to do save us.

Either Jesus is still dead, or Jesus rose. That means, either Jesus is a complete waste of your time, or he is your only hope for salvation. If Jesus is still dead, it is completely logical that you should want nothing to do with him. If Jesus rose, it is only logical that he becomes the center and greatest priority of your life. Either Jesus is still dead, or Jesus rose. This season of Easter is a 50-day-long celebration of the fact that the Holy Spirit has answered that either/or for us. We believe this life-changing truth. Christ is risen! He lives! Throughout this season, we explore what that means.

He Lives to Take Me from Death to Life

He Lives to Give Me Proof and Peace

He Lives to Restore My Hope

He Lives to Be My Good Shepherd

He Lives to Be the Only Way to Heaven

He Lives and Calls Me to Live for Him

He Lives to Rule All Things for the Church

He Lives to Pour Out His Spirit

We hope you will continue to join us for worship on Sundays during this Easter season as we praise our Risen Lord! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +

WELCOME

PRESERVICE MUSIC:

Variations on “Take My Life and Let It Be”

Camil Van Hulse

Carl Zabell

Theodore Beck

Benjamin Culli

Albert Beck

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.

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.

FIRST READING Acts 4:8-12

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.

HYMN You Are the Way; Through You Alone Christian Worship 514

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

Please be seated

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

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:

Psalm 118:22

Isaiah 8:14

The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, 8 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.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Please stand

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.

Please be seated

Jesus teaches that the only way to draw near to God the Father is through God the Son.

HYMN OF THE DAY Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled Christian Worship 809

The vocalist will sing the first refrain and the verses. Please join in singing the remaining refrains.

SERMON John 14:1-11

Believe in Jesus

1. He is the Way and the Truth and the Life

2. He Shows You the Father

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.

Please be seated

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!

7:45 OFFERTORY:

God’s Word Is Our Great Heritage

Sandra Eithun

10:00 AM OFFERTORY This Is My Word Worship Choir

As the snow falls from heaven as it comes in swirling showers from the sky, so is my Word.

As the rains bring the water to the earth that is thirsty and dry, so is my Word. And the Word of my mouth, it shall not return empty; it will bless the earth wherever it is heard. This is my Word.

As the rains bring renewal and the tender buds begin to come alive, so is my Word. Giving seed to the sower, and the bread to the hungry ‘til they thrive, so is my Word, so is my Word.

And the Word of my mouth, it shall not return empty, it will bless the earth wherever it is heard, this is my Word, this is my Word.

O Lord, when I am weary, when I feel the days I’m living are in vain, my God, help me be faithful to the Word you have given to proclaim.

Proclaim the Word, and you will go out in joy and be led forth in peace, and the hills will break before you into song.

So be faithful, brave, and true, for I will go before you. And when your earthly journey here is done, I’ll say well done, well done!

As the snow falls from heaven and the rain comes in showers from the sky, this is my Word.

Words and music: Pepper Choplin © 1999 Harold Flammer, a div. of Shawnee Press, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.

The words of this anthem are based on Isaiah 55:10-12.

Brief intercessory prayers may be added 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.

The 7:45 service will continue with The Sacrament on page 15.

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 Jacob Cole

HYMN RESPONSE—Lord, Bless Your Word to All the Young CW(2021) #762

ESSAY Why Do I Still Treasure My Baptism? Mason Scholle

HYMN RESPONSE Lord, Bless Your Word to All the Young CW(2021) #762

ESSAY How Do I Properly Receive Holy Communion?

Samuel Kassulke

HYMN RESPONSE Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s Head

CW(2021) #861

2 Corinthians 4:13

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.

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.

+ THE SACRAMENT +

Please stand

PREFACE

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.

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.

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.

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.

Please be seated

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.

Gluten-free communion wafers and grape juice are available for those who for health or medical reason require it. Please see page 19 for additional details.

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.

DISTRIBUTION HYMN Take and Eat Christian Worship 676

The vocalist will sing the verses. The congregation may sing the refrains as they desire.

COMMUNION MUSIC:

Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face to Face and Lord Jesus Christ, Life-Giving Bread

Jeffrey Blersch

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.

+ THANKSGIVING +

Please stand

SPOKEN RESPONSES

Psalm 106:1

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

1 Corinthians 11:26

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

CLOSING PRAYER

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

CLOSING HYMN—

Christ Be the Way in Whom We Walk Christian Worship 516

The vocalist will sing stanza 1. Please join in the remainder of the hymn.

POSTLUDE MUSIC: DIADEMATA

Michael Burkhardt

THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING

Preacher............................................................................................... Pastor Tim Patoka

Worship Leader Pastor Nathan Kassulke (7:45 AM) Pastor Ron Koehler (10:00 AM)

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

Vocalist Jay Wiechmann Instrumentalists..........................................................Katie Patoka, Missy Wiechmann

Choir Director Paul Kassulke (10:00 AM)

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 have been given by the families of the confirmands in celebration of their sons’ confirmation today.

If you would like to provide flowers for the altar, please call (520-623-6633) or email (office@gracelutheransaz.org) the Grace Central Office to reserve a Sunday. Upcoming available Sundays are June 25 and July 2 & 9. 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.

Sunday Morning Bible Study

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

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 here 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.

Church History Bible Study: Wednesday

Join us on Wednesdays for our study of Church History. We are currently studying the church during the American Revolution. Even if you haven’t attended this class before, this is an excellent time to join. We study together in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall at 10:00 AM and repeat the same material at 7:00 PM. Join us for whichever time fits your schedule best!

Women’s Bible Study: Thursday

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

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.

Youth Confirmation: Today and May 14

This morning we are welcoming three young men into communicant membership through Youth Confirmation here 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.

Ladies’ Fellowship Group: May 18

The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet on Thursday, May 18, following the Women’s 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, at church 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!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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 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 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

English Classes Summer Volunteers

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

Back to Jerusalem Vacation Bible School: June 19-23

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

Summer Fun Nights

Summer Fun Nights are returning soon! They will be held at Grace-Tucson and begin at 6:30 PM on the following Fridays: June 2, June 16, July 7, July 21, and August 4. Last summer these evenings of fun and fellowship were enjoyed by all ages! If you are interested in hosting one of these nights, please contact Grace Member Ministry Coordinator Jenn Miller at (520)909-2115 or love4mickeymouse@gmail.com. More details will be coming soon!

ALA Summer Sports Camps

Registration is now open for the Arizona Lutheran Academy summer sports camps that take place the first three weeks of June at ALA (6036 S. 27th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85041). Camps include baseball, softball, volleyball, and basketball. All boys and girls are welcome to attend. Coyote Summer Sports Camps offer excellent, affordable instruction, with opportunities to learn fundamentals and time to practice them. The camp directors are ALA teachers and coaches who are experienced in working with children of all ages. For more information and to register go to ALAcoyotes.org/camps

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 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.

One Church. Four Sites.

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 www.GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com

Office Manager Jen Rickling Office Assistant Shirley Zanotti

Director Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org

Grace-Benson

451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602

Grace-Vail

Worshipping at Esmond Station Elementary 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, Tucson, AZ 85747

Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein revsas@gracelutheransaz.org

Office at Civano

10501 E. Seven Generations Way, Tucson, AZ 85747 (520)848-4631

Prayer Group Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org

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

Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org

Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org

Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr office@gracelutheransaz.org

Grace Lutheran Church is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), a group of nearly 400,000 men, women, and children in nearly 1,300 congregations across the United States and Canada united by a common faith in Christ's saving love.

We are committed to a common calling encouraging each other in our faith and sharing God's gift of a Savior with the rest of the world.

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