6-23-24 Grace-Tucson Worship Folder

THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

G E L C T , A J 23, 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

Third Sunday after Pentecost

Rest Is a Gift, Not Something to be Earned

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

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Our Gracious God Is with Us through All the Storms of Life

The Living Lord Completely Changes Our View of Death

+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +

WELCOME

OPENING HYMN We Sing the Almighty Power of God Christian Worship 504

PRESERVICE MUSIC:

Fairest Lord Jesus

Dallas Weekley

Nancy Argenbright

There Is a Redeemer

John Carter

Let All Things Now Living

Sid Richardson

Please stand

INVOCATION

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

Congregation: Amen.

CONFESSION

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Let us confess our sins to the Lord.

Holy God, gracious Father, I am sinful by nature and have sinned against you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved others as I should. I deserve your punishment both now and forever. But Jesus, my Savior, paid for my sins with his innocent suffering and death. Trusting in him, I pray: God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Silence for meditation and reflection

Our gracious Father in heaven has been merciful to us. He sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, who gave his life as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the (+) Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O God, Our Help in Ages Past Molly Ijames

The words of the invocation remind us that the God we approach in worship is the true and triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 1 John 1:8-9

“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.

O Lord our God, so govern the nations on earth and direct the affairs of this world that your church may worship you in peace and joy; 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

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

Job questioned why God had allowed trouble to befall him. Out of a storm the L spoke to Job, explaining that no mere man has the capacity to understand the wonderful ways God works.

1Then the L responded to Job out of a violent storm. He said:

2 Who is this who spreads darkness over my plans with his ignorant words?

3 Get ready for action like a man!

Then I will ask you questions, and you will inform me.

4 Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you understand anything about it.

5 Who determined its dimensions? I am sure you know. Who stretched out the surveying line over it?

6 What supports its foundation? Who set its cornerstone in place,

7 when the morning stars sang loud songs together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

8 Who locked up the sea behind doors when it burst out of the womb?

9 When I clothed the sea with clouds, when I wrapped it with thick darkness as its swaddling cloths,

10 when I broke its power with my decree, when I locked it up behind barred, double doors,

11 I said, “You may come this far, but no farther. Here is the barrier for your proud waves.”

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

HYMN It Is Well with My Soul

Christian Worship 850

13When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they could carry out their plan. They raised the anchor and sailed close to the shore of Crete.

14But before long, a hurricane-like wind, called the “northeaster,” rushed down from the island. 15Since the ship was caught in it and could not head into the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. 16As we sailed on the sheltered side of a small island called Cauda, we were barely able to secure the skiff. 17After hoisting it on board, the men tied ropes around the ship to reinforce it. Then, fearing that they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and in this way were driven along. 18Because we were tossed around so violently by the storm, the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. 19On the third day, they threw the ship's gear overboard with their own hands. 20When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the violent storm kept pressing down on us, finally all hope that we would be saved was disappearing.

21After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have followed my advice and not set sail from Crete and avoided this damage and loss. 22But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because there will be no loss of life among you. Only the ship will be lost. 23In fact, last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me 24and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar. And surely God has graciously given you all those who are sailing with you.’ 25So keep up your courage, men, because I believe God that it will be exactly the way I have been told. 26However, we must run aground on some island.”

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Please stand

St. Paul and others were on a boat in the middle of a hurricane. God did not calm the storm. Yet, he was with them in the storm, accomplishing his good and gracious work.

We stand out of respect for the words of Christ our King.

The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.

Refrain (ALL):

Vocalist: They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and waves obey him.”

Refrain (ALL)

Even the winds and the waves must obey Jesus Christ.

35On that day, when evening came, Jesus said to them, “Let's go over to the other side.” 36After leaving the crowd behind, the disciples took him along in the boat, just as he was. Other small boats also followed him.

37A great windstorm arose, and the waves were splashing into the boat, so that the boat was quickly filling up. 38Jesus himself was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. They woke him and said, “Teacher, don't you care that we are about to drown?”

39Then he got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” The wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still lack faith?”

41They were filled with awe and said to one another, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey him!”

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.

Please be seated

The

Please stand

Even the Wind and the Sea Obey Him

CONFESSION OF FAITH

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.

Apostles’ Creed

Please be seated

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

Loving God and Lord, you created the universe that surrounds us and the globe on which we live. You control all things through your Son, who sits at your right hand in glory.

Comfort us with the promise of your eternal presence.

Give your Word power as it works in our hearts and minds. Clear away our confusion, and demolish our doubts. Send your Spirit to strengthen both our confidence in your promises and our desire to live according to your will.

Take away our love of sinning, and restore us each day by your grace.

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. Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.

OFFERTORY:

Evening and Morning

Donald Busarow

The signs of the times warn us that the end of time is near. Protect us from scoffers who sneer at your truth. Spare us and Christians around the world from all forms of hate and persecution.

Give us courage to carry the cross with patience and joy.

Instill in the hearts of our children a desire to follow you as they prepare for future days. Help them distinguish between what is passing and what is eternal, between instant thrills and lasting joy. Encourage more young people to prepare for service in the public ministry of the gospel.

Mold us and move us to be good examples for our youth.

Hold in your care, Lord, those who are experiencing physical or emotional pain and all who are afflicted by disease or facing death. Pour out your compassion on the grieving, and comfort the mourners who miss someone they loved.

Move us to pray for these brothers and sisters and to help when we can.

Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.

Silent prayer

Whether we pray together or alone, you have promised to hear and answer us. Give us patience to accept your blessings in whatever way you send them. In your love and wisdom, prepare us for the day when you will take us to be with you forever.

Hear us for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

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

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.

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

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

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.

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

Please be seated

How Firm a Foundation

Molly Ijames

POSTLUDE MUSIC:

TODAY

Altar Flowers

The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by Jim and Deb Bakken in thanksgiving to God for 45 years of marriage. Happy 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. Upcoming available Sundays are 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 Jenn & DJ Miller and family for hosting this morning. Upcoming available dates are July 14 and 28 along with several dates in August. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

Daily Devotions

Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are at either door to church and in the Fellowship Hall. A new Grace Moments book with devotions that begin July 1 is available. These are great tools to use for your daily Bible study!

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 will give 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 will be taking a closer look at the 10 Commandments under the theme “Doughnuts.” Each week we will have 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!

Those Assisting in Worship This Morning

Minister Pastor Nathan Kassulke

Accompanists

Jim and Deb Bakken

Vocalist Beth Kassulke

Greeters..............................................................................................Bill and Lisa Toben (10:00 AM)

Ushers Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM)

Jon Dongoske, Sam Kassulke, Danny Koehler, Rick Street (10:00 AM)

Sound and Recording Techs Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke

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

Acknowledgements:

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lifeliners attending Youth Rally!

The WELS International Youth Rally is being held this week from June 25 to 28 at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO. 2,800 teens and leaders from across the country will gather at the foot of the Rocky Mountains to explore the many messages God delivers “From the Mountaintops” of Scripture. Five teens and two chaperones from our high school group, the Lifeliners, are attending the rally! We pray you have a safe and fantastic time!

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!

English Classes Planning Meeting: June 30

Members of Grace have taught English to the people in our community for 24 years! Seeking to “do good to all people” (Galatians 6:10), we have helped to meet a need for people who live and work in our area. It has also given our congregation the opportunity to share our Savior and our church. We have typically needed people to serve snacks, watch children, and teach classes (no foreign language skills necessary). On Sunday, June 30, Pastor Koehler will meet with anyone who may be interested in serving in this unique area of ministry, which begins in September. The meeting will take place in the office conference room at 11:30. We will make every effort to finish this introductory meeting by noon.

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

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 from Peridot, AZ. All ladies are welcome!

Mission to the Children School Supplies

Mission to the Children is holding a school supply drive! They will not be making a trip to Mexico this year due to the violence but will instead provide supplies to the families in South Tucson who are attending the July 21 Spanish worship service. Items needed include: crayons, markers, colored pencils, scissors, glue sticks or small bottles of glue, rulers, wide-ruled notebooks, and folders. They are also requesting $25 Walmart or Target gift cards to help each child purchase new clothes or shoes. There is a donation box in the west end of the Fellowship Hall.

NPH EXTRA

Northwestern Publishing House (NPH) is our synod’s publishing house where you can purchase books on a wide variety of topics, bibles, bible study books for all ages, music, Christ-centered gifts, jewelry, and apparel. NPH EXTRA is a free program that lets you designate your church to receive 1 percent of the dollars you spend at NPH. Your purchases benefit you spiritually and help support how gospel ministry is carried out at your church! Learn more about this exciting program and sign up today at nph.net/extra.

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

Today

Worship Services

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 23 - June 30

7:45a & 10:00a

Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a

Adult Bible Study: Baptism & Lord’s Supper ..................9:00a Fellowship following worship

Tuesday NO Pastors’ Meeting Ministry Board Meeting...................................................6:15p

Wednesday NO Midweek Bible Study (resumes July 3) Grow in Grace Class (office conference room) ..............6:30p

Thursday Women’s Bible Study: 12 Apostles 9:00a

Sunday, June 30

Worship Services

7:45a & 10:00a

Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a

Adult Bible Study: Baptism & Lord’s Supper 9:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... English Classes Planning Meeting 11:30a Private Event in Fellowship Hall 12:00p-5:00p

Bible Study: The Way Lutherans Worship 9:00a

Bible Study 9:00a

Service

Bible

Bible Study: Hebrews 6:30p

Site Ministry Team Meeting 6:00p

Sunday, June 30

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

NO Confirmation Class (resumes July 2) Wednesday NO Adult Bible Study (resumes July 3) Sunday, June 30 Adult Bible Study: Large Catechism............................... 9:00a

ONLINE

Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a

June 30

(Tucson)

(Sahuarita &

OFF-SITE EVENT

Tuesday Friday WELS International Youth Rally in Fort Collins, CO

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.