6-4-23 Grace-Tucson Worship Folder

Welcome to Grace!

Our mission at Grace is to teach the inspired and inerrant Word of God, to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Savior of the world, and to nurture believers for lives of Christian service.

Check out the GRACE WEBSITE at GraceLutheranSAZ.org

WORSHIP NOTES

We are very pleased that you have joined us for worship today! We pray that this time will be a blessing for you as God comes to you with his Word and promises, and as you offer him your thanks and praise.

The 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 THEME FOR TODAY GOD IN THREE PERSONS, BLESSED TRINITY

In the first half of the Church Year (Advent through Pentecost) we look at the life of Christ his birth, ministry, death, resurrection, ascension, and the sending of the Holy Spirit. In the second half of the year, we look at the teachings of Christ. We begin by looking at one of the most mindblowing truths: that God is triune.

Already in the very first chapter of the Bible we read, “Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image…’” (Genesis 1:26). Note the singular “God” and the plural “us.” Scripture teaches us that there is only one God but that he exists as three persons Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is triune (three -in-one). This teaching is not some logical exercise or philosophical excursion. The doctrine of the Trinity is central to our salvation. The triune God is our Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier. Lose this doctrine, and as the Athanasian Creed says, you lose it all. A Jesus who is less than God is also less than a Savior.

So often, when life gets hard, we get frustrated. We don't understand how God is working always for our good. But the doctrine of the Trinity teaches us we cannot even comprehend God's existence. How then, could we ever comprehend all his workings? On this Holy Trinity Sunday, let it be enough to know that all three persons Father, Son, and Spirit love us with an everlasting love.

We invite you to join us again next week as we begin a three-week series on The Holy Ministry:

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

WELCOME

PRESERVICE MUSIC:

Glory Be to God the Father

Arr. Jim Vyhanek

Be unto Your Name

w/ Holy, Holy, Holy!

L. Deshazo & G. Sadler

Arr. Carol Tornquist

OPENING HYMN Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty Christian Worship 483

Please stand

INVOCATION

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

Congregation: Amen.

We ask the Triune God Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to bless our worship.

DIALOGUE FOR TRINTIY SUNDAY

I believe that God created me and all that exists, and that he gave me my body and soul, eyes, ears and all my members, my mind and all my abilities.

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

God still preserves me by richly and daily providing clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and home, spouse and children, land, cattle, and all I own, and all I need to keep my body and life.

The Lord makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate bringing forth food from the earth.

I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the virgin Mary, is my Lord.

When the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.

The words the minister speaks come from Luther’s Explanation to the Apostles’ Creed as found in the Small Catechism.

Hebrews 11:3

Psalm 104:14

Galatians 4:4-5

Matthew 20:28

Christ has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, purchased and won me from all sins, from death and from the power of the devil, not with gold or silver, but with his holy, precious blood and with his innocent suffering and death.

The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

I believe that I cannot by my own thinking or choosing believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to him. But the Holy Spirit has called me by the gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.

John 3:5-6

No one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.

Ephesians 4:4-6

In the same way, the Holy Spirit calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Romans 11:33 & 36

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! From him and through him and for him are all things.

To him be the glory forever! Amen.

This short hymn (often referred to as The Doxology) calls on all of creation, in heaven and on earth, to praise the Holy Trinity for all the good things which come from him.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Let us pray.

Almighty God and Father, dwelling in majesty and mystery, filling and renewing all creation by your eternal Spirit, and manifesting your saving grace through our Lord Jesus Christ, in mercy cleanse our hearts and lips that, free from doubt and fear, we may ever worship you, one true, immortal God, with your Son and the Holy Spirit, living and reigning, now and forever.

Amen.

FIRST READING

Genesis 1:1-2:3

1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was undeveloped and empty. Darkness covered the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.

3 God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good. He separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” There was evening and there was morning the first day.

6 God said, “Let there be an expanse between the waters, and let it separate the water from the water.” 7 God made the expanse, and he separated the water that was below the expanse from the water that was above the expanse, and it was so. 8 God called the expanse “sky.” There was evening and there was morning the second day.

9 God said, “Let the waters under the sky be gathered together to one place, and let the dry ground appear,” and it was so. The waters under the sky gathered to their own places, and the dry land appeared. 10 God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathering places of the waters he called “seas.” God saw that it was good. 11 God said, “Let the earth produce plants vegetation that produces seed, and trees that bear fruit with its seed in it each according to its own kind on the earth,” and it was so. 12 The earth brought forth plants, vegetation that produces seed according to its own kind, and trees that bear fruit with its seed in it, each according to its own kind, and God saw that it was good. 13 There was evening and there was morning the third day.

14 God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to divide the day from the night, and let them serve as signs markers to indicate seasons,

The triune God demonstrates his power at Creation.

This reading continues on the next page.

Please be seated

days, and years. 15 Let them serve as lights in the expanse of the sky to give light to the earth,” and it was so. 16 God made the two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He also made the stars. 17 God set these lights in the expanse of the sky to provide light for the earth, 18 to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. God saw that it was good. 19 There was evening and there was morning the fourth day.

20 God said, “Let the waters swarm with living creatures, and let birds and other winged creatures fly above the earth in the open expanse of the sky.”

21 God created the large sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their own kind, and every winged bird according to its own kind. God saw that it was good. 22 God blessed them when he said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the waters of the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” 23 There was evening and there was morning the fifth day.

24 God said, “Let the earth produce living creatures according to their kind, livestock, creeping things, and wild animals according to their own kind,” and it was so. 25 God made the wild animals according to their kind, and the livestock according to their kind, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its own kind. God saw that it was good.

26 God said, “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that crawls on the earth.”

27 God created the man in his own image. In the image of God he created him. Male and female he created them.

28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 29 God said, “Look, I have given you every plant that produces seed on the face of the whole earth, and every tree that bears fruit that produces seed. It will be your food.

30 To every animal of the earth, and to every bird of the sky, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so.

31 God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. There was evening and there was morning the sixth day.

1 The heavens and the earth were finished, along with everything in them.

2 On the seventh day God had finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had been doing. 3 God blessed the seventh day and set it apart as holy, because on it he rested from all his work of creation that he had done.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

PSALM OF THE DAY—O Lord, Our Lord, How Majestic CW Psalter 8E

The vocalist will sing the first verse and an additional line near the end of the song (as noted on the next page):

This modern hymn is a paraphrase of Psalm 8, which is the appointed Psalm for this Sunday of the Church Year.

This song continues on the next page.

Vocalist: Hallelujah! Hallelujah! O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.

ALL:

11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Set things in order. Be encouraged. Agree with one another. Be at peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13 All the saints greet you.

14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

HYMN RESPONSE—Holy, Holy, Holy Christian Worship 944

Please join in singing as indicated:

Vocalist: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of pow’r and might,

ALL:

Vocalist: heaven and earth are full, full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest.

ALL:

By sharing his grace, love, and fellowship, the Trinity gives us unity and peace.

Please stand

The words to this hymn echo the words of the appointed Gospel Acclamation for this Sunday: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory. (Isaiah 6:3).

, Franz

Jesus calls us to do ministry in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

16 The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshipped him, but some hesitated because they were uncertain. 18 Jesus approached and spoke to them saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and gather disciples from all nations by baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and by teaching them to keep all the instructions I have given you. And surely I am with you always until the end of the age.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise be to you, O Christ.

This creed is named for St. Athanasius, a staunch defender of the Christian faith in the fourth century. It was written over a century after the death of Athanasius to combat two errors that undermined key scriptural teachings. One error denied that God’s Son and the Holy Spirit are of one being or Godhead with the Father. The other error denied that Jesus Christ is true God and true man in one person.

SERMON

2 Corinthians 13:14 Benediction Blessings

CONFESSION OF FAITH Athanasian Creed

Whoever wishes to be saved must, above all else, hold to the true Christian faith. Whoever does not keep this faith pure in all points will certainly perish forever.

Now this is the true Christian faith:

We worship one God in Trinity and Trinity in Unity, without mixing the persons or dividing the divine being.

For each person the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is distinct, but the deity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is one, equal in glory and coeternal in majesty.

What the Father is, so is the Son, and so is the Holy Spirit.

The Father is uncreated, the Son uncreated, the Holy Spirit uncreated; the Father is infinite, the Son infinite, the Holy Spirit infinite;

the Father is eternal, the Son eternal, the Holy Spirit eternal;

Please be seated

HYMN OF THE DAY—Alleluia! Let Praises Ring Christian Worship 481

yet they are not three who are eternal, but there is one who is eternal, just as they are not three who are uncreated, nor three who are infinite, but there is one who is uncreated and one who is infinite.

In the same way the Father is almighty, the Son is almighty, the Holy Spirit is almighty;

yet they are not three who are almighty, but there is one who is almighty. So the Father is God, the Son is God, the Holy Spirit is God; yet they are not three Gods, but one God.

So the Father is Lord, the Son is Lord, the Holy Spirit is Lord; yet they are not three Lords, but one Lord.

For just as Christian truth compels us to confess each person individually to be God and Lord, so the true Christian faith forbids us to speak of three Gods or three Lords. The Father is neither made nor created nor begotten of anyone. The Son is neither made nor created, but is begotten of the Father alone. The Holy Spirit is neither made nor created nor begotten, but proceeds from the Father and the Son.

So there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons; one Holy Spirit, not three Holy Spirits.

And within this Trinity none comes before or after; none is greater or inferior; but all three persons are coequal and coeternal, so that in every way, as stated before, the Trinity in Unity and Unity in Trinity is to be worshiped. Whoever wishes to be saved must have this conviction of the Trinity. It is furthermore necessary for eternal salvation that one faithfully believe that our Lord Jesus Christ also took on human flesh.

Now this is the true Christian faith: We believe and confess that our Lord Jesus Christ, God’s Son, is both God and man.

He is God, eternally begotten from the nature of the Father, and he is man, born in time from the nature of his mother,

fully God, fully man, with rational soul and human flesh; equal to the Father as to his deity, less than the Father as to his humanity; and though he is both God and man, Christ is not two persons but one: one, not by changing the deity into flesh, but by taking the humanity into God; one, indeed, not by mixture of the natures, but by unity in one person; for just as the rational soul and flesh is one human being, so God and man is one Christ.

He suffered for our salvation, descended into hell, rose the third day from the dead.

The Athanasian Creed continues to serve the Christian Church as a standard of the truth. It declares that whoever rejects the doctrine of the Trinity and the doctrine of Christ is without the saving faith.

The creed also briefly speaks of the necessity of good works in the life of the Christian. The good works God produces in us and through us are the natural consequence of the faith hidden in the heart. The creed’s reference to doing good calls to mind Jesus’ words in John 5:28-29 and his declaration to the sheep and the goats on judgment day in Matthew 25:31-46. Good works do not contribute to our salvation. However, good works demonstrate our faith in Christ and testify to others that we are Christians.

He ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, and from there will come to judge the living and the dead.

At his coming all people will rise with their own bodies to answer for their personal deeds.

Those who have done good will enter eternal life, but those who have done evil will go into eternal fire.

This is the true Christian faith. Whoever does not faithfully and firmly believe this cannot be saved.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

Triune God, you are the one eternal God, whose name we praise forever. We would not have known you if you had not revealed yourself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three persons, yet one God. Remove from us all doubt and grant us humble faith as we contemplate this high and holy mystery.

Enlighten and empower us to worship you as the triune God, the holy Trinity.

God our Father, whatever good is in us, whatever good things we have, and whatever good we do comes from you alone. In you we live and move and have our being.

Open our eyes to see the gifts you provide every day purely out of your own love and care.

Lord Jesus our Savior, you came into our world to make the Father known to us. You joined yourself to us by taking on our humanity and brought us back to God by shedding your blood. In love you walked the way of suffering and carried the wrath of God that we deserved because of our sins. Help us believe that all you did and all you endured you did to rescue us and set us free.

In the bright new hope of your resurrection teach us to offer our lives in praise to God and love to our neighbor.

Creator Spirit, you breathed into us new life by the power of the gospel, opened our eyes to see the light of your grace, and filled our minds with the clear sound of your voice. Through Word and sacrament lead us to understand more completely how broad and deep and high is the love of God in Christ Jesus. Firm up our resolve to do battle with Satan and sin.

In every weakness be our strength, that we may show ourselves to be God’s children: faithful in prayer, constant in hope, and fervent in love.

Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.

Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.

Holy Trinity, you are the God of glory, the God of grace, and the God of all comfort.

We rejoice to call you Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and praise your holy name forever. 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!

+ THE SACRAMENT +

Please stand

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give him thanks and praise.

It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns forever in perfect unity with you and the Holy Spirit as one God and one Lord. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:

OFFERTORY:

We Will Tell

Kathy Parra

This song was inspired by the words of Psalm 145:11-12: “They will tell of the glory of your kingdom...so that all may know of your mighty acts.”

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Lord God, you are worthy to receive thanks and praise from all people. You created the world and all who live in it, and in your mercy you saved us. We give thanks to you for the grace of your Son, Jesus Christ.

Though in very nature God, he took the nature of a servant and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. He offered himself as a sacrifice for sin and redeemed us from its curse and penalty. He rescued us from the terrors of death and restored eternal life with you. He conquered our enemies and gained for us the kingdom of grace and glory.

Bless us as we receive your Son’s body and blood, and lead us to remember his suffering, death, and resurrection. Forgive our sins and fill us with the hope of new life in heaven. Hear our praise and receive our thanks as we worship you the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Tune: Kermit G. Moldenhauer © 2002 Kermit G. Moldenhauer, admin. Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

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.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my (+) body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is my (+) blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

The peace of the Lord be with you always.

Amen.

As he speaks the Words of Institution, the minister both proclaims the words of Jesus to the congregation and sets apart the bread and wine for this special use. The sign of the cross reminds us of Christ’s death.

This song continues on the next page.

Matthew 6 and Luke

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.

Gluten-free communion wafers and grape juice are available for those who for health or medical reason require it. Please see page 17 for additional details.

Please be seated

DISTRIBUTION

The Bible teaches that the Lord’s Supper is a unique communion of Christ and the individual believer as well as a coming together of people who hold to the same beliefs. Because of these Scriptural truths, we practice Member Communion at Grace. Those who are confirmed members of Wisconsin Synod congregations (WELS) are invited to receive the Lord’s Supper with us.

If you are not a WELS member but have an interest in receiving Holy Communion, please speak with the pastor after church today or at another time. We are aware that there are a number of other teachings about Holy Communion, and we want it to be a blessing for you, so we would look forward to sharing with you what God says about this Sacrament.

COMMUNION MUSIC:

Be Exalted, O God with Holy, Holy Lord

Brent Chambers

Jimmy Owens

Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord of Hosts

Nolene Prince

Sing Praise to Our Creator

Healey Willan

PRAYER BEFORE COMMUNION (For private meditation)

Lord Jesus, you have invited me to come and receive your holy Sacrament. I believe that in the bread and wine you give me your true body and blood to eat and drink. Forgive my sins and nourish my faith through this precious meal. I long for the comfort that comes with your promises; I yearn for the assurance of your faithful love. Bless me now as I receive you by faith. Amen.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION (For private meditation)

Thank you, dear Savior, for nourishing my faith with the Sacrament of your body and blood. Lift my heart with your forgiveness, renew my confidence in your grace, empower my love for others, and lead me to long for the eternal banquet of heaven. Amen.

Tune: Kermit G. Moldenhauer © 2002 Kermit G. Moldenhauer, admin. Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

SPOKEN RESPONSES

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures forever.

Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

CLOSING PRAYER

We give thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us with this saving gift. We pray that through it you will strengthen our faith in you and increase our love for one another. We ask this in the name of 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

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

Holy Communion

We provide gluten-free communion wafers for those with wheat allergy, gluten-sensitivity, or celiac disease. These wafers are stored and handled separately to avoid cross-contamination. They are “bread” as Scripture requires and are consecrated along with the rest of the bread. For those requiring gluten-free wafers, please take one from the stand located at the front rail as you approach for communion. Simply hold it so that the pastor can see it at the time of distribution. Grape juice is available for those who for health or medical reason require it instead of wine. Please speak with a pastor about providing grape juice for you on future Sundays.

Today we are distributing Holy Communion in “tables.” The ushers will direct members forward by the side aisles. Groups of about ten will be guided toward the center aisle and will line up to receive the elements together. After each table communes, the pastor will offer a blessing and dismiss the group to return by the center aisle.

To aid in your personal preparation for Holy Communion, a list of Christian Questions can be found on pages 295-296 in the hymnal. These were prepared by Martin Luther for those intending to receive the Sacrament.

Altar Flowers

The flowers beautifying our altar today have been given by Pastor & Debbie Koehler and Robert & Kathy Parra in celebration of their 30th wedding anniversaries this week!

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 23 & 30 and August 6 & 13. 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 service this morning, you are invited to join us in the courtyard for drinks and snacks. We thank Beth Kassulke and Debbie Koehler for hosting this week. The next available dates to host are June 11, 18, and 25. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

Those Assisting in Worship This Morning

Preacher Pastor Ron Koehler

Worship Leader......................................................................................................Pastor Tim Patoka

Accompanist Kathy Parra

Vocalist.......................................................................................................Beth and Naomi Kassulke

Greeters

Eric & Erika Hanson (10:00 AM)

Communion Prep...............................................Audrey Nessinger, Jeanette O'Donald, Lauri Colton

Sound and Recording Techs Jeremy Snavely, Sam Kassulke

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

Sunday Morning Bible Study

Today Naomi Kassulke is sharing her experience of a mission trip to the Czech Republic and Germany. Join us next week at 9:00 AM as we resume our study of the Ten Commandments.

Daily Devotions

Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are at either door to church and in the Fellowship Hall. A new Meditations book with devotions that began last Sunday is available.

Lifeliners F3: Today

The Lifeliners (our high school youth group) will be getting together this summer on select Sunday evenings for Food, Faith, & Fun (F3) in the Grace-Tucson Student Center! Our first Lifeliners F3 will be TODAY from 6:00 to 8:30 PM. We’ll enjoy an orange chicken dinner, Bible study on Proverbs 6 (being productive), and laugh-out-loud fun with Pastor Patoka’s SuperFight game. RSVPs are appreciated and can be sent to Pastor Patoka.

Church History Bible Study: Wednesday

Join us on Wednesdays for our study of Church History. We are currently studying 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

“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.

ALA Summer Sports Camps

Registration is still open for the Arizona Lutheran Academy summer sports camps that take place the first three weeks of June at ALA (6036 S. 27th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85041). Camps include baseball, softball, volleyball, and basketball. All boys and girls are welcome to attend. Coyote Summer Sports Camps offer excellent, affordable instruction, with opportunities to learn fundamentals and time to practice them. The camp directors are ALA teachers and coaches who are experienced in working with children of all ages. For more information and to register go to ALAcoyotes.org/camps.

English Classes Summer Volunteers

Grace's English Classes have been blessed to share Christ's love with a weekly average of 15 adult students and 5 children from the English-learning community since January. Could you help Grace offer these Tuesday evening classes (6:30 to 8:30 PM) throughout summer? If you are interested in teaching English (training and books provided) or playing with children ages 3-10 (games, toys, and crafts provided), contact Pastor Patoka (RevTLP@GraceLutheranSAZ.org).

Me, an Usher?

Ushering for church services is a simple, yet important way to serve. Confirmed men and women who have an interest in ushering or who would simply like to hear what is involved are invited to join Pastor Koehler for an Usher Training Session between church services on either June 11 or June 25. It will start at 9:00 AM in church. Those who have attended in the past are encouraged to come for a refresher!

Ladies’ Fellowship Group: June 15

The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet at Grace-Tucson on Thursday, June 15, at 10:15 AM following the Women’s Bible class. They will head down to the Student Center in the church basement to watch a movie and enjoy lunch and ice cream sundaes. Please bring a sack lunch and your favorite ice cream topping. If you have any questions, please contact Lois Thornton at (520)323 -8772 or vthornto2@gmail.com. Ladies from all Grace sites are welcome to join in the fun!

“Happiest Place on Earth” Summer Fun Night: June 16

Join us for a Summer Fun Night that is sure to be a great time! Our Disney-themed “Happiest Place on Earth” is coming up on Friday, June 16, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. We’ll play Disney-themed games including Disney trivia (review your movies and songs!) and some outdoor games. If possible, please wear your favorite Disney attire! Snacks and drinks will be provided.

Additional Summer Fun Nights will be held on July 7 & 21 and August 4. If you would like to invite friends to join you for these fun events, there are informational postcards for you to use at each church door and in the Fellowship Hall.

Back to Jerusalem Vacation Bible School: June 19-23

Travel back in time with us as we go Back to Jerusalem at Vacation Bible School! We will turn back the clock in Jerusalem and Jericho, at Golgotha, on a Lonely Road, and in Athens and discover the Bible’s truths through songs, games, crafts, snacks, and lessons. Time travelers entering preschool through grade 5 are invited to attend from 9:00 to 11:30 AM from June 19 to 23 at Grace-Tucson. Visit GraceLutheranSAZ.org/VBS for more information and registration.

Vail Food Drive

Our members at Grace-Vail are organizing a food drive for the Vail Food Bank during the month of June. The Vail Food Bank donations tend to slow down during the summer months and this can lead to shortages, especially with kids who normally receive meals at school being home for the summer. We are hoping to provide some relief from this shortage. Specific items needed include: peanut butter, cereal, rice & pasta, and canned items - meats (tuna, salmon, chicken etc.), beans, tomato sauce or diced tomatoes, soup, fruit, and vegetables. A donation box is available on a table in the west end of the Fellowship Hall.

Good Shepherd Bible Camp: July 9 to 15

For over 50 years, Good Shepherd Bible Camp has been providing the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and Christian fellowship to kids from 4th to 10th grade. It’s a full week (6 nights/days) of fun in the California mountains from July 9 to 15. You’ll experience the chance to have fun while you apply God’s Word to your life. Activities include devotions and Bible study, hiking, swimming, archery, canoeing, sports, crafts, nightly campfire, and more! Meals are included in the registration fee. For more information and to register (by June 30), go to goodshepherdbiblecamp.com.

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 520-405-3286 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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Church Library

Grace has a library from which you can borrow a wide variety of books! If it has been a while since you’ve visited our library or if you have never been in there, now is a great time to stop by! Our library is located at the west end of the Fellowship Hall. Recently added titles include: “Bible Difficulties and Seeming Contradictions,” “In the Fullness of Time: A Historian Looks at Christmas, Easter, and the Early Church,” and “Evidence That Demands a Verdict: Life-Changing Truth for a Skeptical World.” You will find check-out instructions on the wall above the desk. If you have previously checked out books and forgotten to return them, please drop them on the desk in the library when you are finished. Questions can be directed to our librarian, Katrina, at Library@GraceLutheranSAZ.org or catch her at church (on Sundays).

Helping Hands

Sometimes you could just use a helping hand! Do you have a talent or service that you could offer to our fellow Grace members who could use some help (at a minimal cost or free)? Just a few ideas: outdoor work, computer work, sewing/mending, handyman, cooking, organizing, transportation to appointments, etc. We’re sure there are many more! If you would like to help, please fill out a Helping Hands card found on the bulletin board outside of the Library in the Fellowship Hall. The offers we have already received are posted on the bulletin board as well.

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 one of the Pastors, 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.

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.

One Church. Four Sites.

Proclaiming the love of Jesus in Southern Arizona since 1911.

Grace-Sahuarita

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

Pastor Timothy L. Patoka (Campus Ministry) revtlp@gracelutheransaz.org

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 www.GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com

Office Manager Jen Rickling Office Assistant Shirley Zanotti

Director Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org

Grace-Benson

451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602

Grace-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

Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher cinda@gracelutheransaz.org (520)405-3286

Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org

Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org

Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr office@gracelutheransaz.org

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.

For more information about our synod and what we believe visit: www.wels.net