THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

G E L C S , A J 29, 2025

G E L C S , A J 29, 2025
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 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.
We live in a world where a thousand things are competing for our attention. There is the real danger that we focus on the frivolous and ignore the indispensable. As a result, we often talk about the importance of being “free from distraction.” But the stakes are higher than that. We need to be freed from distraction. We need the spiritual power to give our undivided attention to that which truly makes a difference, not only here and now, but also in eternity. A life focused on all the right things is only possible because of a Savior who is always focuses on us. On the Day of Pentecost, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to give his followers power and focus. Still today, through his Word, Jesus grants those gifts to his disciples.
We have come to the second half of the Church Year. In the first half, we focused on the life of Christ. In this second half, we turn our attention to all the teachings of Christ. May we give them our undivided attention.
Our worship is following this path:
First Sunday after Pentecost (Holy Trinity)
Second Sunday after Pentecost
Third Sunday after Pentecost
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
On the Majesty and Mystery of Our God
On the Mission Right Before Us
On Christ’s Call for Commitment
On the Want for Workers
On a Neighbor in Need
On the One Thing Needed
On the Privilege and Purpose of Prayer
On Useful Resources
On Heavenly Treasure
The words of the invocation remind us that the God we meet and worship is the true and triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST Gloria
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.
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
O God, you have prepared joys beyond understanding for those who love you. Pour into our hearts such love for you that, loving you above all things, we may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Elisha commits himself completely to the work to which the Lord had called him, leaving family and wealth behind.
Please be seated
FIRST READING
1 Kings 19:19-21
19So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. Elisha was doing the plowing with twelve teams of oxen in front of him, and he himself was driving the twelfth team. Elijah crossed over to him and threw his cloak over him. 20Then Elisha left the oxen and ran after Elijah. He said, “Let me kiss my father and my mother good-bye! Then I will follow you.”
Then Elijah said, “Go back! For what have I done to you?”
21So Elisha turned back from following him. Then he took the team of oxen and slaughtered them. Using the equipment from the oxen as fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he got up, followed Elijah, and served him.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
hymn is a paraphrase of Psalm 62 which is the appointed Psalm for today.
Christ had shown grace to Paul. That grace moved Paul to be committed to Christ, no matter the personal cost.
However bold anyone might be (I am speaking in a foolish way), I am going to be bold too. 22Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham’s seed? So am I. 23Are they ministers of Christ? (I am speaking in a crazy way.) I am even more. I've done more hard work, been in prisons more often, been whipped far more, and I've been close to death many times. 24Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods. One time I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. I have spent a night and a day on the open sea. 26I have often been on journeys, in danger from rivers, in danger from robbers, in danger from my own people, in danger from Gentiles, in danger in the city, in danger in the wilderness, in danger on the sea, in danger among false brothers. 27I have worked hard and struggled. I've spent many sleepless nights. I’ve been hungry and thirsty. I’ve gone without food many times. I’ve been cold and lacked clothing.
28Besides those external matters, there is the daily pressure on me of my concern for all the churches. 29Who is weak without my being weak? Who falls into sin without my being distressed?
30If it is necessary that I boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King. The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Please stand
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Mark 8:34
Alleluia. If anyone wants to follow me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. Alleluia.
51When the days were approaching for him to be taken up, Jesus was determined to go to Jerusalem. 52He sent messengers ahead of him. They went and entered a Samaritan village to make preparations for him.
53But the people did not welcome him, because he was determined to go to Jerusalem. 54When his disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?”
55But he turned and rebuked them. “You don't know what kind of spirit is influencing you. 56For the Son of Man did not come to destroy people’s souls, but to save them.” Then they went to another village.
57As they went on the way, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”
58Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
59He said to another man, “Follow me!”
But he said, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
60Jesus told him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
61Another man also said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say good-bye to those at my home.”
62Jesus told him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please greet those around you and then be seated
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
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.
Jesus teaches that following him means leaving this world behind.
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.
SERMON 1 Kings 19:19-21 What Does it Mean to Follow Christ?
Please stand
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 be seated
The teacher elect approaches the altar. The minister speaks to the congregation: Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ said to his church: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
The Savior loves children and desires to share all his promises with them. Our early childhood ministry provides believers with a unique opportunity to reach out to families in our community and nourish the faith of children that they may walk with Christ throughout their lives.
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.
2 Corinthians 3:5
The minister speaks to the teacher:
Dear friend,
Grace Lutheran Church has called you to serve as a teacher in the public ministry of the gospel.
As a servant of Christ, you are to carry out all your activities in the light of God’s Word and lead our students to know God’s holy law and saving gospel. You are to keep them in your prayers and guide and guard their spiritual growth.
You are to set aside time for personal study of the Scriptures so that you may grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. You are to strive to be an example of Christian faith and life so that others may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
You are to be prepared to witness to Christ to the parents of your children so that the message of law and gospel may be consistent in their home and school. You are to serve alongside the other workers in this ministry with love, patience, and respect.
In all your tasks and responsibilities, our Lord Jesus equips you with the gospel of the forgiveness of sins, the gift that makes you truly competent as a servant of Christ. St. Paul wrote: “Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.”
The minister asks the teacher:
In keeping with the Word and will of the Lord, I ask you before God and his people:
Do you believe that the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired and inerrant Word of God and the only source of truth for faith and ministry? I do.
Do you accept the three Ecumenical Creeds the Apostles’, the Nicene, and the Athanasian as faithful testimonies to the truth of the Holy Scriptures, and do you reject all the errors that they condemn?
I do.
Do you solemnly promise that all your service in its various forms will conform to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions?
I do.
Will you endeavor to live a life that reflects the love God has for you so that all may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven?
I will, and I ask God to help me.
Are you willing to carry out this work according to the grace that God gives?
I am, and I ask God to help me.
The minister speaks to the congregation:
Friends in Christ, you have heard the promises spoken by the one you have called. I encourage you to receive her with joy and remember what the Word of God calls you to do.
Work together with her for the benefit of the Lord’s kingdom, so that your shared service may bring spiritual blessings to the Savior’s people. Support her as she teaches the young, so that they may be won for Christ and brought up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Keep her and her work in your prayers, so that her ministry may be blessed and that she might carry out her work with joy. Provide for her physical needs, for the Savior says, “The worker deserves his wages.” Honor and love her, as St. Peter urges: “All of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”
I now ask you in the presence of God:
Are you willing to receive your teacher as a servant of Christ? Will you show her love and honor and support her with your gifts and prayers? If so, answer: We will, and we ask God to help us.
We will, and we ask God to help us.
The almighty and merciful God strengthen you to do what you have promised.
Laying his right hand on the head of the teacher, the minister says:
Caitlin Broehm, I install you as teacher at Grace Lutheran Child Learning Center in the name of the Father and of the (+) Son and of the Holy Spirit.
The Lord pour out on you his Holy Spirit for the work you have been called to do that you may faithfully carry out all your duties and responsibilities with the Word of God as your confidence and guide.
Let us pray. Almighty God, source of all wisdom, we thank you for the opportunity we have to reach out in our community with our early childhood ministry. May your lifegiving Word be the center of all teaching and every activity so that little children and their families may come to know and believe your holy law and saving gospel. Equip our new teacher with spiritual wisdom that she may faithfully carry out the duties of her call. Give us zeal to add our own efforts to the goals of this ministry so that many more may come to serve you throughout their lives and finally inherit eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The minister says to the teacher:
The Lord bless you and make your ministry a blessing to others.
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.
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.
Please stand
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
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
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.
Amen.
Please be seated
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.
We are so thankful you have joined us today and would like to have a record of both members and guests who are worshiping with us. Please sign the red Friendship Register book located at the end of your row in the hymnal rack.
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.
Pastor Heiman is teaching a class about God’s will for our lives. Our lives of service are guided by the Savior’s sacrifice. Please join us for “Gospel Motivation for Life” on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM in the CLC gymnasium. Even if you haven’t been to Bible study in a while, you are always welcome!
This morning during our 10:00 AM service, Miss Caitlin Broehm will be installed as the Lead Teacher in the Toddler room at our Child Learning Center. She will also be in the Director Training Program while she teaches. We are so thankful God has blessed us with a new teacher! Please keep Caitlin in your prayers as she settles in Arizona and begins her teaching ministry. You are also invited to stay for lunch following our service.
At our Open Gym here at Grace-Sahuarita this Tuesday, July 1, we will enjoy playing basketball beginning at 7:00 PM. Come for some friendly competition and bring a friend!
We are studying the book of Hebrews in our midweek Bible study. The author to the Hebrew Christians wanted to make something clear: Jesus Christ is Superior. That theme runs through the entire book of Hebrews. As Christians today, we have the same comforts given to us as the Hebrew people were given. This comfort is found in Jesus Christ and the new covenant he created with us, a covenant which Jesus fulfilled on the cross for us. Join us on Wednesdays at 10:00 AM in the church entryway as we study that covenant in our lives!
The Women’s Bible study will not be meeting this week. Class will meet again on Thursday, July 10. We’ll pick up where we left off with our current topic, Why should I believe the Bible?, from the book More Prepared to Answer by Pastor Mark Paustian. We meet at 10:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall.
Our next Summer Fun Night is on Friday, July 11, at 6:00 PM. We’ll meet in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall for an Independence Day celebration! Food and drinks will be provided. Our last Summer Fun Night will take place on August 8 at 7:00 PM. Join us for a Trivia Night!
Ladies from all sites are invited to join the Ladies’ Fellowship Group on Thursday, July 17, beginning at 10:15 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall to watch the movie “I Can Only Imagine.” The inspiring and unknown true story behind MercyMe's beloved, chart-topping song that brings ultimate hope to so many is a gripping reminder of the power of true forgiveness. Ladies will also enjoy root beer floats. If you would like, bring yourself a snack or sack lunch. Please contact Lois Thornton at (520)449-7552 if you have any questions.
Mission to the Children is holding a school supply drive! They will provide supplies to the families in South Tucson who are attending the July 20 Spanish worship service held at Grace-Tucson. 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 gift cards to help each child purchase new clothes or shoes. There is a donation box in the entryway for these items.
Are you a Thrivent member? Did you know that as a member, you have a special opportunity to support events and activities at Grace? Through the Thrivent Action Team program, you can access valuable resources - including up to $250 - to help support our congregation’s ministry and mission work.
Applying for these resources takes just a little time, and we’re here to help make the process quick and easy. If you’re a Thrivent member interested in using your membership to further support Grace, we’d love to assist you!
You may talk to any of our pastors or contact the Grace Central Office.
Our Heavenly Father, in his infinite wisdom, called home to his side our sister in Christ, Teri Guenther, this past Wednesday. While we mourn her passing, we are comforted knowing she is in heaven with Jesus. Please keep Teri’s family and friends in your prayers during this very difficult time. A memorial service will be held at Grace-Tucson on Saturday, July 12, at 11:00 AM. Lunch will follow in the Fellowship Hall.
Those who have sung in a choir with Teri or under her direction are invited to participate in a choir for the memorial service on July 12. The choir will rehearse at Grace-Tucson on two Thursdays, July 3 and 10, at 6:30 PM. If you are interested in singing in the choir, please inform Grace’s Worship Coordinator, Beth Kassulke, by emailing Music@GraceLutheranSAZ.org or calling the central office at (520)623-6633.
SAHUARITA
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.
TUCSON Today
Friday, July 4
Child Learning Center Closed
Sunday, July 6
8:00a
(resumes July 9)
Adult Bible Study: Gospel Motivation for Life 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship.................................................... ONLINE Today Adult Bible Study (Tucson)............................................. 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Sunday, July 6
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson)...................... 10:00a
Worship Services 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Triumph of Grace 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Galatians ..............9:00a Fellowship following worship
Tuesday Pastors’ Staff Meeting.....................................................9:00a
Wednesday Midweek Bible Study: Church History 10:00a & 7:00p
Thursday NO Women’s Bible Study (resumes July 10)
Memorial Choir Rehearsal 6:30p
Friday, July 4
Grace Central Office Closed
Sunday, July 6
Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour......................................................8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Triumph of Grace 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Galatians 9:00a Fellowship following worship ...................................................
VAIL
Today
Adult Bible Study: My Vocation in Christ ........................9:00a Worship Service 10:00a
Wednesday NO Grow in Grace Class at Civano (resumes July 9)
Thursday NO Midweek Bible Study (resumes July 10)
Sunday, July 6
Adult Bible Study: My Vocation in Christ ........................9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship
Proclaiming the love of Jesus in Southern Arizona since 1911.
Grace-Tucson and Central Office
830 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719 (520)623-6633 office@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Ronald G. Koehler III revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Nathan P. Kassulke revnpk@gracelutheransaz.org
Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org
Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail
Benson
451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602
Vail
Worshipping at Esmond Station Elementary 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, Tucson, AZ 85747
Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein revsas@gracelutheransaz.org
Office at Civano 10501 E. Seven Generations Way, Tucson, AZ 85747 (520)848-4631
Prayer Group—Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Sahuarita
75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538
Pastor Ryan A. Heiman revrah@gracelutheransaz.org
Vicar Noah Nordlie vicnpn@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center (520)848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com
Director Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org
Assistant Director Jen Rickling jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center Mission Teachers
Maddie Nordlie, Toddlers mnordlie@gracelutheransaz.org
Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org
Theresa Pratt, Preschool tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org
Chris Leathers, Toddler/After School Care cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org
Bible-Based Counselor Cinda Drescher Office Assistant Cora Stuhr cinda@gracelutheransaz.org office@gracelutheransaz.org (520)581-4714
Grace Lutheran Church is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), a group of nearly 400,000 men, women, and children in nearly 1,300 congregations across the United States and Canada united by a common faith in Christ's saving love. We are committed to a common calling encouraging each other in our faith and sharing God's gift of a Savior with the rest of the world.