THE FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
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 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 for this three-week series has followed 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 PREACHES CHRIST DESPITE PERSECUTION
From its birth the New Testament Church has been persecuted. The religious leaders in Jerusalem tried to stamp it out, but they only succeeded in spreading Christianity throughout Judea and Samaria. The Roman Empire persecuted Christians with stakes and lions, yet God’s Church exploded with growth in those early centuries. In Martin Luther’s day, both pope and emperor sought to stop the gospel movement that was spreading from Germany. But God was a mighty fortress for the Church. Still today the Church is persecuted. Every day thirteen Christians worldwide are killed because of their faith. Another twelve are arrested or imprisoned simply because they profess faith in Christ Jesus. In the U.S. we have freedom of religion enshrined as a constitutional right, but that is no guarantee for a life free of persecution. Until Judgment Day, some will attempt to shut down the truth of Christ. We will be persecuted. That won't stop us. The holy ministry preaches Christ despite persecution. Christ never promised his Church that ministry would operate unopposed. But he did promise to give courage to his witnesses.
Psalm 70:1
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit. Congregation: Amen.
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
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.
This rite of confession incorporates questions and answers from Luther’s Small Catechism in the section on confession.
In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord:
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+ THE WORD +
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
O God, because your abiding presence always goes with us, keep us aware of your daily mercies that we may live secure and content in your eternal 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
7 You persuaded me, L , and I agreed to it. You are stronger than I am, and you won out. I have become a laughingstock all day long, and everyone is mocking me.
8 Whenever I speak, I cry out. I cry out, “Violence and destruction!” But the word of the L has brought scorn on me. I am mocked all day long.
9 If I say, “I will not mention him or speak in his name anymore,” then there is a burning fire in my heart, shut up in my bones, and I am weary of holding it in. I cannot!
10 I hear many whispering, “Terror on every side!”
All my close friends, those who are watching for my fall, say, “Denounce him! Let’s denounce him. Perhaps he can be pressured into making a mistake. Then we will have the upper hand against him, and we will take our revenge on him.”
11 But the L is with me like a terrifying warrior. So my persecutors will stumble, and they will not gain the upper hand. They will be put to shame completely, because they have not been successful. Their eternal disgrace will never be forgotten.
12 L of Armies, you test the righteous. You see the heart and the mind. Let me see your vengeance on them, for I have laid out my case before you.
13 Sing to the L !
Praise the L , for he has delivered the life of the needy from the hand of the wicked.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
For prophesying God’s truth Jeremiah had been beaten and put in stocks. Yet Jeremiah refused to remain silent.
Paul taught that many people in this world cannot bear sound doctrine. Instead, they persecute it.
SECOND READING
1 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom: 2 Preach the word. Be ready whether it is convenient or not. Correct, rebuke, and encourage, with all patience and teaching.
3 For there will come a time when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, because they have itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in line with their own desires. 4 They will also turn their ears away from the truth and will turn aside to myths.
5 As for you, keep a clear head in every situation. Bear hardship. Do the work of an evangelist. Fulfill your ministry.
6 You see, I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. 8 From now on, there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will give it to me on that day, and not only to me but also to everyone who loved his appearing.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia. My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Alleluia.
2 Corinthians 12:9
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
GOSPEL Matthew 10:5, 21-33
5 Jesus sent these twelve out and commanded them,
21 “Brother will hand over his brother to death, and a father will do the same with his child. Children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. 22 You will be hated by all people because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved. 23 And when they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. Amen I tell you: You will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor is a servant above his master.
25 It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher and the servant like his master. If the master of the house was called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!
26 “So do not be afraid of them, because there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known.
27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops. 28 Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, fear the one who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
29 “Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground without the knowledge and consent of your Father.
30 And even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.
32 “Everyone who confesses me before others, I will also confess before my Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies me before others, I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please be seated
Jesus guaranteed that when we carry out gospel ministry in his name, there will be many that hate us for it.
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.
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.
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.
This hymn continues on the next page.
SERMON Matthew 10:21-25
Stand Firm in the Faith Even When Persecuted
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.
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.
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us that his ways may be known on earth, his salvation among all nations.
Loving Lord, your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, has given gifts to the Church in the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. According to your will, raise up more workers and send them into harvest fields in our land and around the world. By the power of your gospel, strengthen them so that they do not become discouraged but continue in the course you have set before them.
Pour out your wisdom on us, O Lord, through the working of your Spirit, as we train and prepare those who proclaim the everlasting gospel in their own communities and cultures. Help us to point them to the authority of your Word and to look for success in the witness of your love. Let them see us as their partners in ministry as we work together around the world.
Lord God, King of the universe, direct the governments of the world so that we may live quiet and peaceful lives. Protect us from disease, crime, and war. Let freedom of religion flourish so that the gospel may be preached freely throughout the world. Cast down rulers who oppress their people, and remove governments that oppose the gospel. Bring relief to Christians who are persecuted and ridiculed.
Move us to reach out to the sick and the sad, the lonely and the poor, not only in our family and circle of friends but also to others as we have opportunity. Turn our smile into a word and then a witness so that sadness and fear might become confidence and joy.
Wherever we go, near or far, move us to share the gospel with eagerness and joy. Give us grace to be models to all so that our brothers and sisters might see our good works and glorify you. Plant in the hearts of your people a deeper desire to share the gospel with their lips and their gifts so that many more may come to know and believe the love of your Son.
May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. Amen.
Psalm 67:1
Psalm 67:7
CLOSING PRAYER
Almighty God, we thank you for teaching us the things you want us to believe and do. Help us by your Holy Spirit to keep your Word in pure hearts that we may be strengthened in faith, guided in holiness, and comforted in life and in death, 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.
Please be seated
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Text: tr. The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, alt.; Paul Gerhardt, 1607–1676. Public domain. Tune: Kurt J. Eggert, 1923–1993 © 1993 Kurt J. Eggert, admin. Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199
THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING
Minister
Pastor Ryan Heiman
Laura Heiman
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.
Daily Devotion
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 beginning July 1 is now available.
NEW Sunday Morning Bible Study
Amazing Grace, A Mighty Fortress, and On Eagles Wings might be a few of your favorite hymns, but do you know who wrote them, why they were written, or what section of scripture they were based on? Our new Sunday morning Bible Study series discovers the answers to those questions and more as we learn about our favorite hymns and how they open up the scriptures for our learning. Now would be an excellent time to make Sunday morning Bible study a part of your routine! Class is held at 9:00 AM in the CLC gymnasium.
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.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Midweek Bible Study: No class Wednesday
Our midweek Bible study on the Bible Project will NOT meet this Wednesday, June 28. Please join us for this class again on Wednesday, July 5, at 10:00 AM in the Church Entryway.
Church History Bible Study: Wednesday at Grace-Tucson
Our Wednesday Church History begins again this Wednesday! We are looking at the church during the American Revolution. Even if you haven’t attended this class before, this is an excellent time to join. We study together in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall at 10:00 AM and repeat the same material at 7:00 PM. Join us for whichever time fits your schedule best!
Women’s Bible Study: Thursday at Grace-Tucson
“There are things I’ll never be able to forgive.” “With so many interpretations and denominations, who can say who is right?” “I’ll let my kids decide for themselves.” “Whatever happened to tolerance?” “Religion is a crutch for the weak.” We hear these kinds of things and may even wonder about them ourselves. These and more are addressed in Pastor Mark Paustian’s book, “Prepared to Answer.” The book is provided at no cost for everyone in the class, and each question is handled in just a handful of pages, so it is easy to jump into the study at any time, even if you can’t make it each week. Invite a friend and join Pastor Koehler for this study which is helpful for us and for those we have discussions with about such things. This class meets on Thursdays at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall.
Vail Food Drive
Our food drive for the Vail Food Bank is coming to an end! Please bring your donations by this Friday, June 30. 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 date on your items! Expired food will not be accepted. A donation box is available in the church entryway. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Summer Fun Night—Independence Day Celebration: July 7
Join us for some 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 on the desk 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/Activity Room (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).
Vail School Supply Drive
Our Vail members are organizing a school supply drive for the teachers and students at Esmond Station School, our worship location in Vail. This is a great way to show our support and generosity! Here are some of the many items needed: dry erase markers & erasers, highlighters, #2 pencils, Sharpie markers (thin or regular tip), disinfecting wipes, boxes of tissues, band aids, Ziploc bags in all sizes, and paper of all types - wide-ruled loose leaf, multi-colored construction, printer/copy, and graph. A complete list of requested items can be found here: https://app.teacherlists.com/schools/131747-esmond-station-school. If you would like to donate any of these items, a donation box will be available in the church entryway beginning next Sunday, July 2.
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 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 Biblebased 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 Heiman, 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 25 - July 2
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.
