THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Welcome to Grace!
Our mission at Grace is to teach the inspired and inerrant Word of God, to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Savior of the world, and to nurture believers for lives of Christian service.
Check out the GRACE WEBSITE at GraceLutheranSAZ.org
WORSHIP NOTES
We are very pleased that you have joined us for worship today! We pray that this time will be a blessing for you as God comes to you with his Word and promises, and as you offer him your thanks and praise.
The worship service is printed in this worship folder for you to follow along and participate. You’ll notice that the service is a dialogue between God and us, his people. The pastor speaks to God along with the congregation and also speaks the Word of God to the people. Those wishing to leave an offering can do so at the exit today or give online at www.GraceLutheranSAZ.org/give. (You can also scan the QR code to the right to access the online giving page.)
Today we are using elements from the Christian Worship hymnal. If you would like to worship from a hymnal today, you will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each row; however, you do not need to use a hymnal if you so choose, as everything needed for worship is printed in this worship folder.
OUR WORSHIP SERIES THE HOLY MINISTRY
“Ministry” simply means “service.” Throughout history, God has called individuals to serve God’s people by sharing God’s Word. Many today feel they do not need to be part of a church, do not need Christian preaching and teaching. “I can be a believer without any of that.” Well, if that is true, then why does Jesus bother to keep calling ministers to share his gospel: pastors, teachers, missionaries, etc.? Clearly, Jesus himself believes ministry is necessary. He knows what we need better than we do.
We call it “holy ministry” because the Holy Spirit does his work through his ministers. As ministers proclaim God’s Word, the Spirit unleashes his power. We also call it “holy ministry” because through gospel ministry our faith is sustained, which is what makes us holy in God’s eyes. Our worship during this series follows this path:
The Holy Ministry Is Filled with Sinners Called by God
The Holy Ministry Demonstrates Compassion for God’s People
The Holy Ministry Preaches Christ Despite Persecution
OUR THEME FOR TODAY—THE HOLY MINISTRY DEMONSTRATES COMPASSION FOR GOD’S PEOPLE
“When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion on them.” (Matthew 9:36) The Greek word translated “compassion” refers to a type of love that almost overwhelms one’s emotions. Imagine a father looking at his little girl lying in a hospital bed near death. The father’s heart aches. That father would allow the surgeon to cut any organ out of him, without anesthesia, and transplant it into his daughter, if that’s what it took to save his little girl’s life. That’s the idea behind the Greek word for “compassion.” Jesus looks at the people and is willing to do anything for them to make any sacrifice, even the ultimate one at the cross.
In that same compassion, the Lord of the church raises up ministers. As those ministers share his grace and mercy, Christ saves eternal lives. More, he fills those ministers with his Spirit, so that they also feel compassion for God’s people.
OPENING HYMN Oh, Blest the House Christian Worship 760
Please stand
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
Psalm 70:1
SPOKEN RESPONSES
Hasten to save me, O God.
O Lord, come quickly to help me.
Psalm 148:1
Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above.
Psalm 149:1
Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of his faithful people.
Psalm 150:1
Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.
Psalm 28:9
Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance. Govern and uphold them now and always.
Day by day we bless you. We praise your name forever.
Keep us today, Lord, from all sin. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
Lord, show us your love and mercy, for we have put our trust in you.
In you, Lord, is our hope: let us never be put to shame.
CONFESSION OF SINS
This rite of confession incorporates questions and answers from Luther’s Small Catechism in the section on confession.
What is confession?
Confession has two parts. The one is that we confess our sins; the other, that we receive absolution or forgiveness from the pastor as from God himself, not doubting but firmly believing that our sins are thus forgiven before God in heaven.
What sins should we confess?
Before God we should plead guilty of all sins, even those we are not aware of, as we do in the Lord’s Prayer. But before the pastor we should confess only those sins which we know and feel in our hearts.
People of God, let us consider our sinfulness: How can we recognize these sins?
Consider your place in life according to the Ten Commandments. Are you a father, mother, son, daughter, employer, or employee? Have you been disobedient, unfaithful, or lazy? Have you hurt anyone by word or deed? Have you been dishonest, careless, wasteful, or done other wrong?
Silence for meditation
Let us confess our sins to God and ask for his forgiveness.
Almighty God, merciful Father, I confess to you that I have not loved you with all my heart. In what I have done and left undone, I have pursued my ways instead of your ways. I have not loved others as you command. For this I deserve your punishment now and forever. I am sorry for my sins. I repent of them. I beg for your mercy.
God, who is rich in mercy, loved us even when we were dead in sin and made us alive together with Christ. By grace you have been saved.
How will the pastor assure a penitent sinner of forgiveness?
He will say, “By the authority of Christ, I forgive you your sins in the name of the Father and of the (+) Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Amen.
In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord:
HYMN RESPONSE Father, We Praise You
Christian Worship 778
Christ gave the authority to forgive the sins of penitent sinners to his Church: “Whenever you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven.”
John 20:23Moses’ life and ministry were coming to an end. God, in compassion for his people, had Moses appoint Joshua to take his place.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
Almighty, eternal God, in the Word of your apostles and prophets, you have proclaimed to us your saving will. Grant us faith to believe your promises that we may receive eternal salvation; 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 Numbers 27:15-23
15 Moses spoke to the L , 16 “May the L , the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the community, 17 who will go out before them and come in before them, who will lead them out and bring them in, so that the community of the L will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”
18 The L said to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and place your hand on him. 19 Have him stand in front of Eleazar the priest and the entire community. You will commission him in their sight. 20 You will give some of your authority to him so that the entire Israelite community will listen to him. 21 He will stand before Eleazar the priest, who will inquire for him before the L with the decision of the Urim. He and all the Israelites with him, the entire community, will go out at his command and come in at his command.”
22 Moses did just as the L commanded him. He took Joshua and had him stand in front of Eleazar the priest and the entire community. 23 He placed his hands on him and commissioned him, just as the L spoke through Moses.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING
1 Corinthians 4:1-7
1 This is the way a person should think of us: as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. 2 In this connection, moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 3 But it is a trivial matter to me if I am evaluated by you or by a day in a human court. Why, I do not even evaluate myself. 4 I do not in fact know of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this; rather, the one who evaluates me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing ahead of time, until the Lord comes. He will bring to light whatever is hidden in darkness and also reveal the intentions of hearts. Then there will be praise for each person from God.
congregation in Corinth was troubled and divided. Paul wrote them, not out of anger, but out of compassion not to shame them, but to warn them.
6 Brothers, I turned these things into a lesson using myself and Apollos as examples. I did this for your benefit, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written. Then you will not be arrogant, favoring one person over the other. 7 For who makes you so special? And what do you have that you did not receive? But if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God. Please stand
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel. Jesus had compassion on the people, and he appointed the twelve to demonstrate compassion through their holy ministry.
Alleluia. Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest field.
35 Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness.
36 When he saw the crowds, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were troubled and downcast, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. 38 Therefore pray that the Lord of the harvest will send out workers into his harvest.”
1 Jesus called his twelve disciples to himself and gave them authority to drive out unclean spirits and to heal every disease and every sickness.
2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James the son of Zebedee and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
5 Jesus sent these twelve out and commanded them, “Do not go among the Gentiles, and do not enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go instead to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near!’ 8 Heal the sick. Raise the dead. Cleanse lepers. Drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE & GREETING
While the children are coming forward please greet your neighbor and fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder in your row and pass it along. Thank you!
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
HYMN OF THE DAY—Take My Life and Let It Be Christian Worship 695
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.
During the singing of this hymn, children ages 1-8 are excused to attend Children’s Church in the CLC Building. Parents can pick up their children there following the service.
5 Take my will and make it thine, it shall be no longer mine; take my heart, it is thine own, it shall be thy royal throne.
6 Take my love, my Lord, I pour at thy feet its treasure store; take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for thee.
A Trust Given By God
The Apostles’ Creed developed in the Early Christian Church as a personal confession of faith. It is so named because it confesses the faith taught by the Apostles of Jesus.
CONFESSION OF FAITH Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
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.
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.
Please stand
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
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.
On this Father’s Day, bless all earthly fathers as they seek to fulfill the calling you have entrusted to them. Give them loving hearts and sound judgment to exercise godly family leadership. Help them to bring up their children in the training and instruction of the Lord. In loving Christian fathers, may children see reflections of you, the Father whose love for us is perfect and complete; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
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.
CLOSING PRAYER
Blessed Lord, you have given us your Holy Scriptures for our learning. May we so hear them, read, learn, and take them to heart that, being strengthened and comforted by your holy Word, we may cling to the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
BLESSING
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us.
May God bless us still, so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.
Psalm 67:1
Psalm 67:7
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Friendship Register
We would like to have a record of both members and guests who are worshiping with us. Please sign the red Friendship Register book located along the center aisle in the hymnal rack.
Children’s Church
Children ages 1-8 will be dismissed from our worship service today during the hymn before the sermon to attend Children’s Church. Parents, following worship, please pick your child up from the gymnasium in the CLC building.
Sunday Morning Bible Study
We are currently studying “Pray, Praise, and Give Thanks.” It is a study on selected Psalms like 1, 23, 46, etc. It will help us appreciate the Old Testament “hymnal” for its words of teaching, comfort, praise and thanksgiving. Now would be an excellent time to make this study a part of your Sunday routine! Class is held at 9:00 AM in the CLC gymnasium.
Sahuarita Father’s Day BBQ: Today
Fathers of Grace Lutheran Church and the Child Learning Center are invited to a Father’s Day celebration immediately following worship this morning! 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 few fun activities for dads to do with their children after lunch. We hope you will join us!
Lifeliners F3: Today
The Lifeliners (our high school youth group) will be getting together this summer on select Sunday evenings for Food, Faith, & Fun (F3) in the Grace-Tucson Student Center! Our next Lifeliners F3 will be TONIGHT from 6:00 to 8:30 PM. We’ll enjoy a pasta dinner, Bible study on Proverbs 11 (Taker or Giver?), and fun games. RSVPs are appreciated and can be sent to Pastor Patoka.
Divine Call Received
Pastor Kassulke was informed on June 12 that Salem Lutheran Church in Owosso, Michigan voted to extend to him a Divine Call to serve as their pastor. This means that he now holds two calls, one to Grace and one to Salem. He is working to make a decision whether to accept the new Call and move his ministry to Michigan or to decline the Call and continue serving here. He will strive to make that decision with prayer and careful consideration where his particular gifts for ministry fit best.
Pastor Kassulke welcomes any input that the friends and members of Grace might wish to share with him. You can reach him by email at RevNPK@GraceLutheranSAZ.org or by phone at (520)6236633. He also appreciates prayers offered on behalf of him and his family during this deliberation as well as for both congregations.
No Midweek Bible Studies at Grace-Tucson
The midweek Bible studies normally held on Wednesday and Thursday at Grace-Tucson will not be meeting this week because of Vacation Bible School.
The Church History class will resume again on Wednesday, June 28, at 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM. The Women’s Bible study will be held again on Thursday, June 29, at 9:00 AM. Both of these classes are held in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall.
Midweek Bible Study: Wednesday
The Bible Project: The 66 books of the Bible are a collection of history, poetry, prophecy and insights into the eternal history of God and his people. The focus of the entire Bible is God’s plan of salvation. However because of the sheer volume of the Bible, many people get bogged down trying to read it and understand it. This Bible Project is a study that quickly summarizes each book and give the student a quick overview of the Bible. Please join us on Wednesdays at 10:00 AM in the Church Entryway.
Vail Food Drive
Our members at Grace-Vail are organizing a food drive for the Vail Food Bank during the month of June. The Vail Food Bank donations tend to slow down during the summer months and this can lead to shortages, especially with kids who normally receive meals at school being home for the summer. We are hoping to provide some relief from this shortage. Specific items needed include: peanut butter, cereal, rice & pasta, and canned items - meats (tuna, salmon, chicken etc.), beans, tomato sauce or diced tomatoes, soup, fruit, and vegetables. Please check the expiration dates on your donations! Expired food will not be accepted. A donation box is available in the church entryway. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Family Fun Night—Independence Day Celebration: July 7
Join us for some family fun at our all-site Independence Day Celebration on Friday, July 7 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 on select Friday nights throughout the summer. Each Friday 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. There are invitation postcards available for you to use in the church entryway
Baby Shower: July 9
All ladies are invited to a baby shower for Nicole Scheuerlein (wife of Pastor Seth Scheuerlein) on Sunday, July 9, at 1:30 PM. The shower will be held in the Civano Community Rotunda (10501 E. Seven Generations Way). Pastor and Nicole are having a boy and are registered on Amazon and at Target. If you would like, please bring a pack of baby wipes or diapers in any size to win a special prize. We hope you will join us to celebrate this precious gift from God! RSVP’s to Stephanie Weinstein are appreciated. She can be reached at stephawein@gmail.com or (520)909-8022 (call or text).
Grace Child Learning Center and Fry’s
Our Child Learning Center (CLC) is enrolled in the Community Rewards Program at Fry’s. This program allows a percentage of your spending to be donated to the CLC. We would greatly appreciate it if you could create an account and link it to our organization. The link is: https:// www.frysfood.com/account/communityrewards and our organization code is CV025. If you have any questions, please contact the CLC office at (520)848-4630. Feel free to share this with friends who are not members of Grace too!
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 18 – June 25
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.
