6-16-24 Grace-Tucson Worship Folder

THE

FOURTH

SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

G E L C T , A J 16, 2024

WORSHIP NOTES

Welcome to Grace!

Our mission at Grace is to teach the inspired and inerrant Word of God, to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Savior of the world, and to nurture believers for lives of Christian service.

Check out the GRACE WEBSITE at GraceLutheranSAZ.org

We are very pleased that you have joined us for worship today! We pray that this time will be a blessing for you as God comes to you with his Word and promises and as you offer him your thanks and praise.

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

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

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

OUR WORSHIP SERIES A TOP-DOWN FAITH (Truths about God Too Good to Make Up)

The phrase “from the top down” is often used to denote a hierarchical system of management or governance. The will and beliefs and directives of those “at the top” are imposed sometimes aggressively, sometimes even oppressively on those below. From the top down.

We have entered the second half of the Church Year, the half that focuses on the teachings of the Christian faith. We will see that Christianity is very much a top-down faith. Christian teachings come “from the top down,” but not in the sense that those teachings are oppressively imposed on us. When we call Christianity a “top-down faith,” we mean that it tells us things about God that are so beautiful and good teachings that couldn’t possibly have originated from human thinking. The Christian faith contains teachings that are so wonderful that we would never even believe them unless God himself revealed their truthfulness to us. So, God sent his Spirit from heaven to earth from the top down to empower his children to believe that which would otherwise be totally unbelievable.

Our worship during this series will follow these themes:

Holy Trinity Sunday

Only a Triune God Can Deliver What Only a (First Sunday after Pentecost) Triune God Can Offer

Second Sunday after Pentecost Rest Is a Gift, Not Something to be Earned

Third Sunday after Pentecost The Devil Does His Worst, Yet Jesus Always Wins

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost From the Tiniest Seed Grows the Largest Kingdom

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Our Gracious God Is with Us through All the Storms of Life

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost The Living Lord Completely Changes Our View of Death

+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +

WELCOME

OPENING HYMN Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast Christian Worship 644

PRESERVICE

On What Has Now Been Sown

Austin C. Lovelace

Ancient Words with How Firm a Foundation

Lynn Deshazo

Arr. Carol Tornquist

Speak, O Lord

Stuart Townend

Keith Getty

Please stand

INVOCATION

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

Congregation: Amen.

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.

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

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

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.

Luke 2:14

Christians praise God by proclaiming the great things he has done to accomplish our rescue from sin. “Glory to God in the Highest” has been a Christian song of worship since the fourth century.

GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST

This song continues on the next page.

Gloria

+ THE WORD +

PRAYER OF THE DAY

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Let us pray.

Almighty God, we thank you for planting in us the seed of your Word. By your Holy Spirit, help us to receive it with joy and bring forth fruits in faith, hope, and love; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

Please be seated

FIRST READING Ezekiel 17:22-24

22This is what the L God says. I myself will take part of the tip of the cedar and plant it. From the topmost of its shoots I will pluck off a tender sprig, and I myself will plant it on a high and lofty mountain. 23On the high mountain of Israel I will plant it. It will produce branches, bear fruit, and become a magnificent cedar. Flying birds of every kind will live under it. In the shelter of its branches they will nest. 24Then all the trees in the countryside will know that I, the L , bring down the high tree and raise up the low tree, that I make the green tree dry up, and I make the dried-up tree blossom. I, the L , have spoken, and I will carry it out.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Through the prophet Ezekiel, the L promised that the kingdom of God would grow large and strong and provide safety and shelter for God’s people.

Text: Michael A. Perry © 1982 Hope Publishing Co. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: The Sacred Harp, Philadelphia, 1844. Public domain.

We thank God that the seed of the gospel is producing fruit throughout the whole world.

SECOND READING

3We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the saints 5because of the hope that is stored up for you in heaven. You have already heard about this in the word of truth, the gospel 6that is present with you now. The gospel is bearing fruit and growing in the entire world, just as it also has been doing among you from the day you heard it and came to know the grace of God in truth. 7You learned this from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf. 8He is the one who told us about your love in the Spirit.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Please stand

Text: Delores Dufner, b. 1939 © 2011 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: Christian F. Witt, 1660–1716. Public domain.

2 Peter 3:18

Refrain (ALL):

Vocalist: Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

Refrain (ALL)

Tune: © 2010 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.

GOSPEL

Mark 4:26-34

26He said, “The kingdom of God is like this: A man scatters seed on the ground, 27and while he sleeps and rises, night and day, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28The ground produces fruit on its own: first the blade, then the head, then the full grain in the head.

29When the crop is ready, he swings the sickle without delay, because the harvest has come.”

30Then he said, “To what should we compare the kingdom of God? Or with what parable may we picture it? 31It is like a mustard seed, which when sown on the ground is one of the smallest of all the seeds planted in the ground. 32Yet when it is planted, it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches so that the birds of the sky can nest under its shade.”

33With many similar parables he continued to speak the word to them, as much as they were able to hear. 34He did not speak to them without a parable. But when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise be to you, O Christ.

Please be seated

The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel. The kingdom grows when the seed is sown. The Word works.

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.

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

SERMON

Mark 4:26-34

God Grows His Kingdom His Way

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.

Please be seated

Nicene Creed

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

Eternal Lord, give us peace as we ponder the good news that you forgive our sins in Christ. Lead us to see clearly the path you have laid out for us.

Work in us so that we believe and live the Word we have heard today.

Provide courage and compassion to all who preach and teach your Word. Fill them with a love like yours as they proclaim your grace to us and all people.

Move us to love all ministers of the Word wherever they serve.

Guard and guide the families of our congregation. Lead husbands and wives to love each other with commitment, respect, and patience. Help parents to grasp the eternal value of keeping their children close to Jesus all their lives. Grant joy to those who are single, and make them a blessing to others.

Protect us from the temptations that surround us; give us pure hearts and minds.

Provide wisdom and insight to those who make laws and set policies. Give us respect for those who protect us from crime. Lead us to value the rights of our fellow citizens and to defend those who cannot defend themselves.

Bless our land with peace and prosperity so that the gospel may be proclaimed to all.

Give us passion to share the story of your love with our family and friends. Overcome unbelief, and open the hearts of people everywhere to believe the good news that Jesus has forgiven their sins and opened the gates of heaven.

Fill us with joy over every sinner who repents and comes to trust in you.

Extend your healing power to those who are sick and suffering in body or mind. Give patience and compassion to all who care for the sick and dying.

Lift the eyes of the distressed to your love in Christ.

Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.

Silent prayer

Gracious God, you govern and direct all things and you love all people. Hear our prayers, spoken and silent, and answer them in your wisdom and grace.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.

OFFERTORY:

This Is My Word Pepper Choplin

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.

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 promised that wherever two or three come together in his name, there he is with them to shepherd his flock until he comes again in glory. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:

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.

Text: Michael D. Schultz © 2021 Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: Lowell Mason. Public domain.

Matthew 6 and Luke 11 record how Jesus taught his disciples to pray. We use his example prayer as part of our public worship, trusting that he will hear and answer our prayers.

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.

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.

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

Text: Michael D. Schultz © 2021

DISTRIBUTION

The Bible teaches that the Lord’s Supper is a unique communion of Christ and the individual believer as well as a coming together of people who hold to the same beliefs. Because of these Scriptural truths, we practice Member Communion at Grace. Those who are confirmed members of Wisconsin Synod congregations (WELS) are invited to receive the Lord’s Supper with us.

If you are not a WELS member but have an interest in receiving Holy Communion, please speak with the pastor after church today or at another time. We are aware that there are a number of other teachings about Holy Communion, and we want it to be a blessing for you, so we would look forward to sharing with you what God says about this Sacrament.

PRAYER BEFORE COMMUNION (For private meditation)

Lord Jesus, you have invited me to come and receive your holy Sacrament. I believe that in the bread and wine you give me your true body and blood to eat and drink. Forgive my sins and nourish my faith through this precious meal. I long for the comfort that comes with your promises; I yearn for the assurance of your faithful love. Bless me now as I receive you by faith. Amen.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION (For private meditation)

Thank you, dear Savior, for nourishing my faith with the Sacrament of your body and blood. Lift my heart with your forgiveness, renew my confidence in your grace, empower my love for others, and lead me to long for the eternal banquet of heaven. Amen.

Gluten-free communion wafers and grape juice are available for those who for health or medical reason require it. Please see page 14.

Please stand

+ THANKSGIVING +

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.

COMMUNION MUSIC:

Here I Am, Lord Daniel L. Schutte Arr. Tom Fettke

MISSIONARY

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.

POSTLUDE MUSIC: On What Has Now Been Sown Cindy Berry

Please be seated

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CLOSING HYMN On What Has Now Been Sown

Christian Worship 925

THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING

Preacher ............................................................................................. Pastor Ron Koehler

Worship Leader Pastor Nathan Kassulke

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

Vocalist Teri Guenther

Greeter................................................................................... Debbie Koehler (10:00 AM)

Ushers ..................................................................... Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM) Jon Dongoske, Dylan Guenther, Ferdie Kramm, Rick Street (10:00 AM)

Communion Prep ........................ Audrey Nessinger, Jeanette O’Donald, Lauri Colton

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

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

Acknowledgements:

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 Audrey Nessinger in loving memory of Dick Street and Bob Nessinger. If you would like to provide flowers for the altar, please call (520-623-6633) or email (office@gracelutheransaz.org) the Grace Central Office to reserve a Sunday. Upcoming available Sundays include July 7 & 14 and all 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. We thank Cora Stuhr and Missy Wiechmann for hosting this morning. Upcoming available dates are July 14 and 28. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

Sunday Morning Bible Study

Join us on Sundays for a look at Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. We are working through a section of our Grow in Grace Class, which gives us an opportunity to learn and discuss much about what God has to say regarding these topics. 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 Fellowship Hall.

Children’s Bible Hour

Children ages 3 through those entering 8th grade are invited to join us at 8:45 AM on Sunday mornings during the summer months for Children's Bible Hour. We are taking a closer look at the 10 Commandments under the theme "Doughnuts." Each week we enjoy crafts, games, a lesson, discussion, and other fun activities where we will discover that the 10 Commandments are not just a list of DO-NOTS, but guidance from God intended to make life sweeter for us and others!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sahuarita Father’s Day BBQ: Today

The fathers and kids of Grace Lutheran Church and the Child Learning Center are invited to a Father’s Day celebration TODAY. After worship head down to our Grace-Sahuarita location for a BBQ that begins 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!

Spanish Worship Service & Meal: Today

Mission to the Children is providing a Spanish worship service here at Grace-Tucson today at 4:00 PM with a meal to follow in the Fellowship Hall. If you are interested in worshiping with Mexican refugees or in Spanish, please join us!

Church History Bible Study

We will not meet for Church History class in June. Plan to join us on Wednesdays resuming July 3 for our study of Church History. We have been learning about the early years of the Wisconsin Synod. Even if you haven’t attended this class before, we hope that you’ll join us beginning in July. 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

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

Ladies’ Fellowship Group: Thursday

The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet this Thursday, June 20, at 10:15 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall. The ladies will learn about beading and try their hands at this craft. If you have beading materials, please bring those along, but if you don’t, there will be plenty to go around. Please also bring a snack to share, and wear red, white, and blue to commemorate Memorial Day, Flag Day, and the Fourth of July. Please contact Lois Thornton at (520)323-8772 or vthornto2@gmail.com with any questions. Ladies from all Grace sites are welcome to attend.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

LWMS Convention: June 27-30

The Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS) will be holding their 61st Annual Convention in Sioux Falls, South Dakota from June 27 to 30. This is a great opportunity for both long-time members and newly interested women to get involved. You will meet missionaries and their families, attend missionary and speaker talks, learn more in workshops, and fellowship with your sisters and brothers in Christ. Go to lwms.org for more information.

Summer Fun Night Independence Day Celebration: July 5

Join us for some fun at our all-site Independence Day Celebration on Friday, July 5, at 6:30 PM at Grace-Tucson. Brats, hot dogs, watermelon, games, and sparklers will be provided. This celebration is part of our “Summer Fun Nights” series of events taking place throughout the summer. Each event will be a different theme and is designed for all ages. Members from ALL sites are encouraged to attend! This is an excellent opportunity to invite your unchurched friends and family so they can get to know us in a relaxed setting. Additional Summer Fun Nights are scheduled for Friday, July 19, and Sunday evening, August 4. Watch for event details as each date gets closer.

Memorial Service: July 13

Grace member Dorothy Lietha was called home to her Savior’s side on Thursday, June 6. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 13, at 3:00 PM at Grace-Tucson. A light meal will follow in the Fellowship Hall. Please keep Dorothy’s family and friends in your prayers.

Save the Date!

Ladies, mark your calendars for the LWMS Fall Retreat from October 4 through October 6. The retreat will take place at Emmanuel Pines Camp in Prescott, AZ. Online registration and payment is already available at grandcanyonlwms.org. The fee includes two nights lodging, two breakfasts, one lunch, and two dinners. Share in devotional and Bible study time with other WELS women from Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Speakers include Gary & Beth Evans from Central Africa Medical Mission and Erik & Staci Landwehr. All ladies are welcome!

Vail Food Drive

Our members at Grace-Vail are organizing a food drive for the Vail Food Bank during the month of June. We hope to provide some relief from summer donation shortages and continue to help those families in need. Some specific items needed include: peanut butter, cereal, rice & pasta, canned items, meats (tuna, salmon, chicken, etc.), beans, tomato sauce or diced tomatoes, soup, fruit, and vegetables. Please check the expiration date of your items! Expired food will not be accepted. A box for donations is in the west end of the Fellowship Hall. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

Church Library

Grace has a library from which you can borrow a wide variety of books! If it has been a while since you’ve visited our library or if you have never been in there, now is a great time to stop by! Our library is located at the west end of the Fellowship Hall.

Recently added titles include: “3 Words That Will Change Your Life” by Mike Novotny, “Clearing a Path for the Gospel” by Arthur Eggert, “One Race One Blood” by Ken Ham & A Charles Ware, and “Luther the Reformer” by James M. Kittelson. You will find check-out instructions on the wall above the desk. If you have previously checked out books and forgotten to return them, please drop them on the desk in the library when you are finished. Questions can be directed to our librarian, Katrina, at Library@GraceLutheranSAZ.org or catch her at church (on Sundays).

Helping Hands

Sometimes you could just use a helping hand! Do you have a talent or service that you could offer to our fellow Grace members who could use some help (at a minimal cost or free)? Just a few ideas: outdoor work, computer work, sewing/mending, handyman, cooking, organizing, transportation to appointments, etc. We’re sure there are many more! If you would like to help, please fill out a Helping Hands card found on the bulletin board outside of the Library in the Fellowship Hall. The offers we have already received are posted on the bulletin board as well.

Grow in Grace Class

Would you like to learn more about our risen Savior, about the Bible that tells us about him, and about what Grace Lutheran Church believes and teaches? Our congregation offers a series of Bible-based lessons called Grow in Grace. Grow in Grace also serves as our membership class for those who may be interested in joining the church. If you would be interested in scheduling a Grow in Grace Class, please speak to one of the pastors, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.

TUCSON

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 June 16 - June 23

Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a Adult Bible Study: Baptism & Lord’s Supper 9:00a Grow in Grace Class (office conference room)..............9:00a Fellowship following worship................................................... Mission to the Children Spanish Service & Dinner 4:00p Tuesday Weekly Pastors’ Meeting................................................9:00a

Midweek Bible Study (resumes July 3) Grow in Grace Class (office conference room)..............6:30p

Sunday, June 23

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

Adult Bible Study: Baptism & Lord’s Supper 9:00a Grow in Grace Class (office conference room)..............9:00a Fellowship following worship...................................................

VAIL

Today

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

Thursday Adult Bible Study: Hebrews 6:30p

Sunday, June 23

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

Worship Service ...........................................................10:00a Fellowship following worship

Stay Up to Date

Worship Service with communion 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Ephesians Fellowship following worship Wednesday Adult Bible Study: Song of Songs 10:00a

Sunday, June 23 Worship Service..............................................................7:30a Adult Bible Study: Ephesians..........................................8:45a Fellowship following worship

SAHUARITA

Adult Bible Study: Large Catechism 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service with communion................................ 10:00a Father’s Day Celebration following worship Tuesday Confirmation Class......................................................... 4:00p Wednesday Adult Bible Study 10:00 Why are There Different Churches? Thursday Grow in Grace Class 5:00p Sunday, June 23

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

Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a Sunday, June 23 Adult Bible Study (Tucson)............................................. 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a

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

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

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

wels.net

Grace Lutheran Church is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), a group of nearly 400,000 men, women, and children in nearly 1,300 congregations across the United States and Canada united by a common faith in Christ's saving love. We are committed to a common calling encouraging each other in our faith and sharing God's gift of a Savior with the rest of the world.