THE SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
G E L C S , A J 30, 2024
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 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—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 has followed 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
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Rest Is a Gift, Not Something to be Earned
The Devil Does His Worst, Yet Jesus Always Wins
The Living Lord Completely Changes Our View of Death
From the Tiniest Seed Grows the Largest Kingdom
Our Gracious God Is with Us through All the Storms of Life
Next Sunday we will begin a five-week series on Meaningful Ministry.
OPENING HYMN We Sing the Almighty Power of God Christian Worship 504
Text: Isaac Watts, 1674–1748, alt. Tune: English; adapt. and harm. Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872–1958, alt. Text and tune: Public domain.
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.
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
CONFESSION
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.
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.
Kyrie
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.
Text: Michael A. Perry © 1982 Hope Publishing Co. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: The Sacred Harp, Philadelphia, 1844. Public domain.
+ 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.
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.
Please be seated
FIRST READING
1Then the L responded to Job out of a violent storm. He said:
Job 38:1–11
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.
Text: Horatio G. Spafford, 1828–1888, alt. Tune: Philip P. Bliss, 1838–1876. Text and tune: Public domain.
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.
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.
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 4:41 Alleluia. They were filled with awe and said to one another, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey him!” Alleluia.
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.
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!
Even the winds and the waves must obey Jesus Christ.
Please be seated
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.
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.
HYMN OF THE DAY—Evening and Morning
The vocalist will sing stanza 1. Please join in singing the remaining stanzas.
permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
Tune: Johann G. Ebeling, 1637–1676. Text: Paul Gerhardt, 1607–1676; (sts. 1–2): tr. Richard Massie, 1800–1887, alt. Public domain; (st. 3): tr. Hermann H. M. Brueckner, 1866–1942, alt. © 1930, 2006 Augsburg Fortress; (st. 4): tr. Michael D. Schultz, b. 1963 © 2021 Northwestern Publishing House. Used by
Please stand
CONFESSION OF FAITH
Even the Wind and the Sea Obey Him
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.
Pleasebe seated
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
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 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.
Please stand
Text: William Whiting, 1825–1878, alt.(sts. 2–3): © 1940 The Church Pension Fund. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199; (sts. 1, 4) Public domain. Tune: John B. Dykes, 1823–1876. Public domain.
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.
The blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God’s people for over 3,500 years. The L said, “In this way they will put my name on [them], and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27
BLESSING
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.
Amen.
Please be seated
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING
Minister Pastor Nathan Kassulke
Accompanists
Jim and Deb Bakken
Vocalist Erin Pigeon
Acknowledgements:
Text: tr. William J. Schaefer, 1891–1976, alt.; Andreas Gryphius, 1616–1664, abr. © 1941 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199 Tune: Leonhart Schröter, c. 1532–c. 1601. Public domain.
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
Luther’s Large Catechism is a short summary and epitome of the entire Holy Scriptures. Luther encourages all Christians to daily exercise themselves in the Catechism. With that encouragement, we are looking at the Large Catechism in our Sunday morning Bible study. If you haven’t been to Bible study in a while, now is a great time to start. Please join us in the CLC gymnasium on Sundays at 9:00 AM.
Daily Devotions
Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are on the Welcome Desk in the church entryway. A new Grace Moments book with devotions that begin tomorrow is now available. These are great tools to use for your daily Bible study!
Midweek Bible Study: Wednesday
What are the differences between Catholic, Lutheran, and Baptist churches? If you don’t understand the differences between churches, this study walks through what various church bodies officially teach about the Bible, Jesus, salvation, the sacraments, and morality. Please join us on Wednesdays at 10:00 AM in the church entryway.
Church History Bible Study: Wednesday at Grace-Tucson
Our Church History Bible study begins again this week! We are studying the Wisconsin Synod’s involvement in the Synodical Conference founded in 1872 and the blessings and challenges of church fellowship. 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!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Women’s Bible Study at Grace-Tucson
The Women’s Bible Study will not be meeting for a few weeks. They will resume their study on the 12 Apostles on Thursday, July 25, at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship. Make plans to join Pastor Koehler for this study, and invite a friend to join you!
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.
Ron Kwart Memorial Service: July 13
Former Grace member Ron Kwart was called home to heaven on June 22. A memorial service will be held at Heritage Lutheran Church in Gilbert, AZ (421 E. Ray Road) on Saturday, July 13, at 1:30 PM. Please keep Ron’s family in your prayers.
Ladies’ Fellowship Group: July 18
The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet Thursday, July 18, at 10:15 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall. The ladies will enjoy playing some games! Please bring a snack to share along with your favorite card or board game. Please contact Lois Thornton at (520)323-8772 or vthornto2@gmail.com with any questions. Ladies from all Grace sites are welcome to attend.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Summer Fun Night: July 19
Join us for a Summer Fun Game Night on Friday, July 19, at 6:30 PM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall! We will enjoy snacks and drinks and various card and board games including Bible Taboo. Members from all Grace sites are welcome to attend and encouraged to bring a friend!
Vicar Installation & Welcome
Our vicar, Noah Nordlie, and his wife Maddie will be arriving in Arizona at the end of July. Vicar Nordlie will be serving for one year here at our Sahuarita location under Pastor Heiman, and Maddie will be teaching at the Child Learning Center. They will be installed into their positions during the 10:00 AM service at Grace-Sahuarita on August 4 with a lunch to follow in the CLC gymnasium. We would like to welcome them to Grace with a variety of gift cards! Gift cards can be given to Pastor and Laura Heiman or dropped off at the CLC Reception desk.
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 entryway.
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 Pastor Heiman, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.
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.
This Week at Grace June 30 - July 7
TUCSON
Worship Services ............................................7:45a & 10:00a
Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Baptism & Lord’s Supper 9:00a Fellowship following worship Private Event in Fellowship Hall.........................12:00p-5:00p
Tuesday Weekly Pastors’ Meeting 9:00a
are there Different Churches?
Thursday & Friday Child Learning Center Closed
Sunday, July 7 Adult Bible Study: Large Catechism 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship
BENSON Today
Worship Service..............................................................7:30a Adult Bible Study: Ephesians Fellowship following worship Wednesday NO Adult Bible Study (resumes July 10).................................
Sunday, July 7
Worship Service with communion 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Ephesians .........................................8:45a Fellowship following worship
ONLINE
Today
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Sunday, July 7
Adult Bible Study (Tucson).............................................9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Stay Up to Date
Wednesday
Midweek Bible Study: Church History .............10:00a & 7:00p Grow in Grace Class (office conference room) 6:30p
Thursday July 4 Holiday Grace Central Office Closed NO Women’s Bible Study (resumes July 25)
Friday Summer Fun Night......................................................... 6:30p
Sunday, July 7
Worship
VAIL
Adult Bible Study: The Way Lutherans Worship 9:00a
10:00a
following worship................................................... Thursday—July 4 Holiday NO Adult Bible Study (resumes July 11)
July 7 Adult Bible Study: The Way Lutherans Worship 9:00a Youth Bible Study 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a
The fastest and easiest way to keep Grace members and friends informed about what is happening at our four sites is through our weekly email update. This email is sent every Friday and at other times when special announcements are necessary. If you have not been receiving this email, but would like to, please email the Grace Central Office at office@gracelutheransaz.org and request to be added to our email list.
One Church. Four Locations.
Proclaiming the love of Jesus in Southern Arizona since 1911.
Grace-Tucson and Central Office
830 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719 (520)623-6633 office@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Ronald G. Koehler III revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Nathan P. Kassulke revnpk@gracelutheransaz.org
Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org
Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail
Benson
451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602 Vail
Worshipping at Esmond Station Elementary 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, Tucson, AZ 85747
Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein revsas@gracelutheransaz.org Office at Civano
10501 E. Seven Generations Way, Tucson, AZ 85747 (520)848-4631
Prayer Group Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Sahuarita
75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538
Pastor Ryan A. Heiman revrah@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center (520) 848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com
Director Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org
Assistant Director Jen Rickling jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center Mission Teachers
Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org
Theresa Pratt, Preschool tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org
Chris Leathers, Toddler/After School Care cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org
Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher
Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr cinda@gracelutheransaz.org office@gracelutheransaz.org (520)581-4714
wels.net
Grace Lutheran Church is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), a group of nearly 400,000 men, women, and children in nearly 1,300 congregations across the United States and Canada united by a common faith in Christ's saving love. We are committed to a common calling encouraging each other in our faith and sharing God's gift of a Savior with the rest of the world.