THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD
G E L C T , A J 1, 2025
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—BECAUSE HE LIVES
It is easy to become so engrossed in the details of historical events who, when, where that we miss their significance. For example, consider World War II. There are many compelling stories, lots of dates and data to remember. However, for a moment, set all that aside, and just imagine the Allies had lost. How would the world be different today? What would life be like for those of Jewish heritage? Would freedom exist in Europe? Would we be speaking German? With historical events, you miss out if you focus only on the details: who, when, where. You also need to focus on what that historical event means. The Allies won. That means something!
In this season of Easter, it is good we review the details: who, when, where. That reminds us that the resurrection of Christ is not fairytale or fable. It is a historical event...the historical event. However, we do ourselves a disservice if we simply recall the historic details of Easter without thinking long and hard about Easter’s significance. Jesus won. That means something! It is our privilege and pleasure to use the fifty days of Easter to discuss this fact: because he lives, not only is our eternity secure, but we have abundant resources to face the present.
In this season, our worship follows this path:
Easter Dawn
Easter Day
Second Sunday of Easter
Third Sunday of Easter
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Ascension
We Have a Whole New Identity
Death Has Lost Its Sting
We Have a Meaningful Mission
We Can See Things Clearly
We Know Jesus is Trustworthy and True
We Live Lives of Lavish Love
We Have Deep and Lasting Joy
HeÊReignsÊOverÊEverythingÊforÊtheÊBenefitÊofÊHisÊChurch Pentecost Christ Sends Us His Spirit
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +
The Festival of The Ascension of Our Lord commemorates Jesus going up into heaven 40 days after he rose on Easter Sunday. Since the date of Easter changes from year to year, so does the celebration of Ascension. The date of The Festival of the Ascension this year was Thursday, May 29. Grace has regularly celebrated this festival on the following Sunday. While Jesus removed his visible presence from his disciples, he assured them that he would remain always with them. Our celebration reminds us of that truth and that we, too, will one day join Jesus in the heaven he has prepared for us.
WELCOME
Please stand
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
HYMN RESPONSE Rejoice, the Lord Is King Christian Worship 524
PRESERVICE
Rejoice, the Lord Is King Cindy Berry
A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing Jeffrey Blersch Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise Cindy Berry
The words of the invocation remind us that the God we meet and worship is the true and triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Psalm 148:1-2
DIALOGUE FOR ASCENSION
Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
Psalm 8:1
Psalm 97:9
Psalm 47:5 & 8
How majestic is the Lord’s name in all the earth! He has set his glory above the heavens.
For the Lord is the Most High over all the earth. He is exalted far above all gods.
God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets.
God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.
Psalm 99:1
The Lord reigns, let the nations tremble.
He sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake.
Psalm 45:6
Psalm 148:13
The throne of our God will last forever and ever. A scepter of justice will be the scepter of his kingdom.
Praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted. His splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
HYMN RESPONSE—Rejoice, the Lord Is King Christian Worship 524
CONFESSION
Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed are they whose sin the Lord does not count against them.
Let us confess our sins to the Lord.
Almighty and merciful Father, we have strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed what we have devised and desired in our hearts. We have offended you and sinned against your holy law. We have done those things that we should not have done, and we have not done those things that we should have done. Have mercy on us, Lord! Spare us, forgive us, and restore us, according to your promises in Christ Jesus.
Silence for meditation and reflection
God, our merciful Father, has forgiven all our sins. He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Redeemer and Savior. Jesus paid the penalty for our guilt by his death on the cross and freed us from death by his resurrection from the grave. We have peace with God now and forever.
Amen.
HYMN RESPONSE Rejoice, the Lord Is King Christian Worship 524
Psalm 32:1-2
“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
Jesus ascends to rule over all things as his Church serves as his witnesses.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Lord Jesus, King of glory, you ascended far above the heavens, and at God’s right hand you rule the nations. Leave us not alone, we pray, but grant us the Spirit of truth that, at your command and by your power, we may be your witnesses in all the world; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
This reading continues on the next page.
HYMN RESPONSE Rejoice, the Lord Is King
Christian Worship 524
Please be seated
+ THE WORD +
FIRST READING Acts 1:1-11
1I wrote my first book, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began doing and teaching 2until the day he was taken up, after he had given instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.
3After he had suffered, he presented himself alive to the apostles with many convincing proofs. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and told them things about the kingdom of God.
Text: Charles Wesley, 1707–1788, alt. Tune: John Darwall, 1731–1789. Text and tune: Public domain.
4Once, when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for what the Father promised, which you heard from me. 5For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
6So when they were together with him, they asked, “Lord, is this the time when you are going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7He said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
9After he said these things, he was taken up while they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10They were looking intently into the sky as he went away. Suddenly, two men in white clothes stood beside them. 11They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing here looking up into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
On Christ’s Ascension I Now Build Christian Worship 476
SECOND READING Revelation 19:11–16
11I saw heaven standing open, and there was a white horse! Its rider is called Faithful and True, and he judges and makes war in righteousness.
12His eyes are like blazing flames, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him, which no one knows except he himself. 13He is also clothed in a garment that had been dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14The armies in heaven, which were clothed with white, clean, fine linen, were following him on white horses. 15Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. He will shepherd them with an iron staff. He himself is going to trample the winepress of the fierce anger of the Almighty God. 16On his garment and on his thigh this name is written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
St. John sees the ascended Lord as a warrior riding on a white horse fighting against all those who oppose Christ’s gospel and his Church.
HYMN
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King. The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Please stand
Before he ascends, Jesus promises to send the disciples power from on high to carry out the mission of the Church.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Refrain (ALL):
Matthew 28:20
Vocalist: Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Refrain (ALL)
44He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.”
45Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46He said to them, “This is what is written and so it must be: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of these things. 49Look, I am sending you what my Father promised. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”
50He led them out as far as the vicinity of Bethany. He lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51And while he was blessing them, he parted from them and was taken up into heaven. 52So they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53They were continually in the temple courts, praising and blessing God. Amen.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please be seated
SERMON Revelation 19:11-16
An Open Heaven Reveals the Ascended Lord
Please stand
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.
Nicene Creed
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.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
Please be seated
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Ascended Lord, seated at the right hand of the Father, we rejoice in your rule. In wisdom you govern the kingdoms of this world. Bless all those in positions of authority. Lead them to confess that all power comes from you. Continue to work all things together for the good of your kingdom, and guard and protect us from all harm and danger.
When you ascended on high, you gave good gifts to us. We thank you for sending the apostles and evangelists to record your words and explain them in Scripture. Continue to provide pastors and teachers to guide and equip your people. Empower us to share your gospel with all nations.
Direct us always to you for grace that will help us in our time of need. As our High Priest, continue to intercede for us with the Father when we pray in your name.
Lord Jesus, as you humbled yourself even to death on the cross before you were exalted on high, lead us through all our trials in patient and humble faith until you lift us up on high where you have gone to prepare a place for us.
On this festival day, we join the angels in rejoicing that you completed the work of salvation and returned to your glory. With those who gazed up toward heaven, lift up our hearts as we await your return. Come quickly and redeem our bodies as you have redeemed our souls. We praise and bless you, our victorious Savior. Amen.
OFFERTORY:
Before the Throne of God Above
Zach Unke
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!
Please stand
PREFACE
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
+ THE SACRAMENT +
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
The Preface to the Sacrament is one of the oldest parts of the Christian liturgy, dating back to the first century. As we prepare to receive Holy Communion, we are united with the Body of Christ, in an unbroken bond with Christians through the millennia.
The Prophet Isaiah was given a vision of heaven, where seraphim praised God. In the Sanctus we welcome Jesus with our hosannas and praise.
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.
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.
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.
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.
John the Baptist pointed to Jesus and said, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” We sing the Agnus Dei confident that Jesus has borne our sins and freely gives us forgiveness and peace in the Sacrament. Gluten-free communion wafers and grape juice are available for those who for health or medical reason require it. Please see page 14 for more information.
COMMUNION
MUSIC:
Our Father Who Art in Heaven
Carlos Rosas Austin Theriot
Text: Michael D. Schultz © 2021 Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: George J. Elvey. Public domain.
Psalm 106:1
Please stand
Corinthians 11:26
SPOKEN RESPONSES
+ THANKSGIVING +
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:
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
Greg Bottomley
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 Bob and Nadine Rentschler in thanks to God for all his blessings on their 61st wedding anniversary.
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. The next available dates include most of the Sundays in August. The cost for the 2 bouquets is $32.50. After the 10:00 AM service you may take the flowers home or leave them to be dropped off to one of our homebound members if a visit is being made.
Fellowship
Following the 10:00 AM service this morning, you are invited to join us in the courtyard and Fellowship Hall for drinks and snacks. Thank you to Eric & Erika Hanson for hosting this morning. Upcoming available dates are June 22 & 29. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.
Those Assisting in Worship This Morning
Preacher Pastor Ron Koehler
Worship Leader.............................................................................................Pastor Nathan Kassulke
Accompanist.................................................................................................................Teri Guenther
Vocalist
Jay Wiechmann
Greeters Bob & Nadine Rentschler (10:00 AM)
Communion Prep...............................................Audrey Nessinger, Jeanette O’Donald, Lauri Colton
Ushers Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM)
Lucas Guenther, Justin Harris, Ferdie Kramm, Rick Street (10:00 AM)
Sound and Recording Tech Jeremy Snavely
Acknowledgements:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sunday Morning Bible Study
We are currently studying the first half of the book of Romans. The Apostle Paul wrote to Christians in that important city to reassure them and us that God triumphs over sin and sadness by his grace. Please join us for “The Triumph of Grace: The Book of Romans.” 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.
Summer Sunday School begins TODAY
Calling all kids! Have you ever wondered what the grossest, messiest Bible stories are? Join us this summer as we take a look at some yucky Bible accounts and learn that God can use even the messiest moments of life to teach us some important things. Each week we will have crafts, games, an interesting lesson, snacks and a whole lot of fun in a full-group setting. Sunday School meets from 8:45 to 9:45 in the Education Building every Sunday morning. You hope you can join us! Friends are welcome too!
Open Gym: Tuesday
At our Open Gym at Grace-Sahuarita this Tuesday, June 3, we will play basketball. Come for some friendly competition and bring a friend!
Church History Bible Study: Wednesday
Join us this Wednesday, June 4, as we continue our study of Church History. We are looking at the history of the Wisconsin Synod during the Great Depression and the World War II years. Even if you haven’t attended this class before, you are always welcome! We study together in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall at 10:00 AM and repeat the same material at 7:00 PM. Join us for whichever time fits your schedule best! We’ll be off on Wednesdays, June 11 & 18, but back for Wednesday, June 25, and following!
Women’s Bible Study: Thursday
All ladies are invited to join Pastor Koehler for study and discussion of the book More Prepared to Answer (yours to keep at no cost) by Pastor Mark Paustian on Thursdays from 9:00 to 10:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Each week is an individual topic so you are able to jump in and out week-toweek as your schedule allows. Topics include There are many paths to God, Why should I believe the Bible? Isn’t religion discredited by science? I can’t handle your outdated view of sex.” This will help us understand things better and be prepared to help others understand God’s answers.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Summer Fun Night: June 13
Summer Fun Nights are returning! Members from all sites are welcome to join in these fun gatherings! Our first fun night is on Friday, June 13, at 7:00 PM. We’ll meet in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall for BINGO! Snacks and drinks will be provided. Join us for what has previously been a really fun evening!
Additional Summer Fun Nights will take place on July 11 at 6:00 PM for an Independence Day celebration and August 8 at 7:00 PM for Trivia Night. Watch for more details as these dates draw closer.
Father’s Day Barbeque: June 15 at Grace-Sahuarita
The fathers and kids of Grace Lutheran Church and the Child Learning Center are invited to a Father’s Day celebration on Sunday, June 15! A BBQ at our GraceSahuarita location will begin at 11:30 AM. We will be honoring dads with a variety of smoked, grilled, and bbq’d meats as well as sides, paired with flights of beer and/or bourbon. There will also be a bounce house for the kids! If you would like to attend, please email Pastor Heiman at revrah@gracelutheransaz.org.
Ladies’ Fellowship Group: June 19
Ladies from all sites are invited to join the Ladies’ Fellowship Group for a “Birthday Party” on Thursday, June 19, beginning at 10:15 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall. Ladies, please bring a nice, wrapped gift ($10-$15) for our gift exchange and your choice of a fruit or vegetable. Birthday cake will be provided. Please contact Lois Thornton at (520)449-7552 if you have any questions.
Trivia for Two - Marriage Enhancement Seminar: June 27 at Grace-Sahuarita
Married couples! On Friday, June 27, from 6:00 to 8:30 PM, Grace in Sahuarita will be hosting a marriage enhancement seminar. The goal of this event is to provide a fun environment for married couples to discuss some Biblical principles about marriage, build relationships with other couples, and compete against other couples in trivia! Dinner will be provided as well as childcare. If you are interested, reach out to Vicar Noah Nordlie at 248-693-0374 or vicnpn@gracelutheransaz.org.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Vail Food Drive
As June begins, so does our 3rd annual food drive for the Vail Resources Food Bank. In the past, summer has brought donation shortages. Our goal is to provide some relief from these shortages and to help those families in need. Last year we collected over 475 lbs of food. Some specific items needed include: peanut butter, cereal, rice & pasta, and canned items - meats (tuna, salmon, chicken etc.), beans, soup, fruit, and vegetables. A box is available in the west end of the Fellowship Hall to collect our donations.
New Teacher assigned to the CLC!
Our Child Learning Center received great news that we were assigned a teacher at the Call Service at Martin Luther College on May 17. Miss Caitlin Broehm is from Appleton, WI, and will arrive in Arizona in June or July. Miss Broehm will be the Lead Teacher in the Toddler room. She will also be in the Director Training Program while she teaches. We would like to welcome Caitlin to Grace with an abundance of gift cards! Please drop them off at the reception desk at the CLC, in the Grace Central Office, or give them to any of the pastors. We are so thankful God has blessed us with a new teacher!
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 520-581-4714 or email at Cinda@GraceLutheranSAZ.org. Because she is on staff at Grace and supported by the congregation’s Ministry Spending Plan, there is no charge for anyone who makes an appointment with her. She is happy to meet with anyone whether they are members of Grace/WELS or not. Cinda not only has a WELS Bible-based Therapist certification, she holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work, a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, along with certifications in Trauma and Domestic Violence.
Grow in Grace Class
Would you like to learn more about Jesus, our risen Savior, about the Bible that tells us about him, and about what we believe and teach at Grace? Our congregation offers a series of Bible-based lessons called Grow in Grace. Grow in Grace also serves as our membership class for those who may be interested in joining the church. If you would be interested in scheduling a Grow in Grace Class, please speak to Pastor Kassulke or Pastor Koehler, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.
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 June 1 - June 8
Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Triumph of Grace 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Apologetics ..........9:00a Fellowship following worship
Tuesday Pastors’ Staff Meeting 2:00p Wednesday Midweek Bible Study: Church History 10:00a & 7:00p Thursday Women’s Bible Study: More Prepared to Answer ..........9:00a
Sunday, June 8
Worship Services 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour......................................................8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Triumph of Grace 9:00a Grow in Grace Class (Office Conference Room) 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Apologetics 9:00a Fellowship following worship ...................................................
VAIL Today
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a Worship Service with communion ................................10:00a Fellowship following worship
Wednesday Grow in Grace Class at Civano......................................6:00p
Thursday Midweek Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 6:30p
Sunday, June 8
SAHUARITA Today
Adult Bible Study: Gospel Motivation for Life 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship...................................................
Tuesday Open Gym Basketball 7:00p Wednesday NO Midweek Bible Study (resumes June 11)
Sunday, June 8
Adult Bible Study: Gospel Motivation for Life 9:00a Children’s Sunday School.............................................. 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship
Midweek Bible Study: Book of Jonah........................... 10:00a Sunday, June 8 Worship Service 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Psalms .............................................. 8:45a Fellowship following worship
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship ONLINE Today
Adult Bible Study (Tucson)............................................. 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Sunday, June 1
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson)...................... 10:00a
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 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
Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org
Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail
Benson
451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602
Vail
Worshipping at Esmond Station Elementary 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, Tucson, AZ 85747
Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein revsas@gracelutheransaz.org
Office at Civano 10501 E. Seven Generations Way, Tucson, AZ 85747 (520)848-4631
Prayer Group—Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Sahuarita
75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538
Pastor Ryan A. Heiman revrah@gracelutheransaz.org
Vicar Noah Nordlie vicnpn@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center (520)848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com
Director Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org
Assistant Director Jen Rickling jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center Mission Teachers
Maddie Nordlie, Toddlers mnordlie@gracelutheransaz.org
Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org
Theresa Pratt, Preschool tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org
Chris Leathers, Toddler/After School Care cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org
Bible-Based Counselor Cinda Drescher Office Assistant Cora Stuhr cinda@gracelutheransaz.org office@gracelutheransaz.org (520)581-4714
Grace Lutheran Church is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), a group of nearly 400,000 men, women, and children in nearly 1,300 congregations across the United States and Canada united by a common faith in Christ's saving love. We are committed to a common calling encouraging each other in our faith and sharing God's gift of a Savior with the rest of the world.