THE EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
G E L C T , A J 14, 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 order of worship we will follow is printed in this worship folder for you to follow along and participate. You’ll notice that the service is a dialogue between God and us, his people. The pastor speaks to God along with the congregation and also speaks the Word of God to the people. LARGE PRINT worship folders are available at the entrances for those who desire them.
Today we are using elements from the Christian Worship (2021) hymnal. You will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each pew. You will be asked to open the hymnal to participate in parts of the service today. A vocalist will aid in our singing and will be recorded for our audio disks and video live-streaming.
There is no cost to park in our parking lot during Sunday morning worship services. If you receive a citation by mistake, please let our office staff know so it can be cleared.
OUR WORSHIP SERIES—MEANINGFUL MINISTRY
“Ministry” is one of those churchy words that is often used, yet perhaps not fully understood. Ministry comes from the Latin word for “service.” Ministry involves serving others with love, compassion, and empathy. Helping someone with physical needs is sometimes called “compassion ministry.” Helping someone with their spiritual needs, sharing the good news of Christ, is generally called “gospel ministry.” We misunderstand ministry if we think of it as something only ministers do. While pastors are called to perform gospel ministry on behalf of others, ultimately every believer is called by God to reflect Christ-like love and share the message of salvation as God provides those opportunities.
In this worship series we will see our efforts to meet the needs of those God brings into our sphere of influence as meaningful ministry. In our service to them, those people see God’s love and God sees our faith.
OUR THEME FOR TODAY SENT WITH GOD’S OWN AUTHORITY
When a child asks a sibling to do something there isn’t much certainty as to the results. The sibling might simply ignore the request. However, if that same child goes to a brother or sister with “Dad said so,” it’s a very different story! Now the father’s authority is behind the child’s request.
As believers carry out gospel ministry, encouraging others to turn to Christ in repentance, people might push back. “What gives you the right?” Maybe we ask that question ourselves. “I'm far from perfect. So, what gives me the right to talk about things like sin?” This week we are given the answer to that question. “Dad said so.” When our God calls us to do ministry, he also gives us authority. In calling us to ministry, God isn’t asking us to share our advice or our opinion or even our values. We are sharing God’s own authoritative Word. Gospel ministry is conducted by believers but with God’s own authority behind the effort.
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP + WELCOME
OPENING HYMN Lord Jesus Christ, Our Savior King Christian Worship 899
Send Me
Valerie A. Floeter
Here I Am, Lord
Daniel L. Schutte
John Carter
Lift High the Cross Sydney Hugo Nicholson; John Carter
Please stand
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
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.
Text: Johnold J. Strey, b. 1975 © 2001 Johnold J. Strey, admin. Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: Henry K. Oliver, 1800–1885. Public domain.
1 John 1:8-9
CONFESSION
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Let us confess our sins to the Lord.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
Christ gave the authority to forgive the sins of penitent sinners to his church:
“Whenever you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven.”
John 20:23
Mark 10:47
Kyrie is the Greek word for Lord. The expression “Lord, have mercy” is one of the oldest worship responses in the Christian Church.
Holy God, gracious Father, I am sinful by nature and have sinned against you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved others as I should. I deserve your punishment both now and forever. But Jesus, my Savior, paid for my sins with his innocent suffering and death.
Trusting in him, I pray: God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Silence for meditation and reflection
Our gracious Father in heaven has been merciful to us. He sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, who gave his life as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the (+) Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
LORD, HAVE MERCY
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Kyrie
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
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: Joseph Barnby. Public domain.
+ THE WORD +
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
O Lord, you granted your prophets strength to resist the temptations of the devil and courage to proclaim repentance. Give us pure hearts and minds to follow your Son faithfully even into suffering and death; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Wicked Amaziah questions the prophet’s right to rebuke the king. Amos explains that he has authority only because the L told him to speak on God’s behalf.
Please be seated
READING Amos 7:10-15
10Then Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, sent a message to Jeroboam king of Israel:
Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel. The land is not able to endure all of his words. 11This is what Amos says: “Jeroboam will die by the sword, and Israel will certainly go into exile away from its own soil.”
12Then Amaziah said to Amos, “You seer, get out of here! Flee to the land of Judah. You may eat food and prophesy there. 13But you must never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the sanctuary of the king and the national temple.”
14Then Amos responded to Amaziah: I was not a prophet, nor was I a son of a prophet. Rather, I was a sheep breeder and I took care of sycamore fig trees. 15But the L took me from tending flocks, and the L said to me, “Go, prophesy to my people Israel.”
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING
Titus 1:5-9
5The reason I left you in Crete was so that you would set in order the things that were left unfinished and appoint elders in every city, as I directed you. 6Such a man is to be blameless, the husband of only one wife, and to have believing children who are not open to a charge of wild living or disobedience. 7Indeed an overseer, since he is God's steward, must be blameless, not arrogant, not quick-tempered, not a drunkard, not violent, not eager for dishonest gain. 8Instead, he must be hospitable, loving what is good, self-controlled, upright, devout, and disciplined. 9He must cling to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he will be able both to encourage people by the sound teaching and also to correct those who oppose him.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
St. Paul establishes qualifications for those who serve in public ministry and stresses that their authority comes from holding firmly to God’s Word.
Please stand
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Vocalist: For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
Refrain (ALL)
Before Jesus sends the Twelve out to do ministry, he gives them his authority.
7Jesus called the Twelve and began to send them out two by two. He gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8He instructed them to take nothing for their journey except a staff no bread, no bag, no money in their money belts. 9They were to put on sandals but not to wear two coats. 10He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that area. 11Any place that will not receive you or listen to you, as you leave there, shake off the dust that is under your feet as a testimony against them.”
12They went out and preached that people should repent. 13They also drove out many demons. They anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please be seated
CONFESSION OF FAITH
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed
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.
Please be seated
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Eternal God and Father, we thank you for the blessings we share as members of your holy Church, for your gracious Word and sacraments, for opportunities to worship and to grow in faith and knowledge, for occasions to serve and be served, and for fellowship with believers in our congregation and our synod.
Help us rejoice in these blessings, dear Lord, and use them faithfully.
Jesus Christ, Lord of the Church, you give grace to your people by calling us to be your witnesses in the world. Open our eyes to see the great and noble mission that lies before us. In the hurting eyes of the lonely, in the pained eyes of the sick, and in the searching eyes of the lost, help us to see your face, Lord Jesus, and to serve others as we would serve you.
Awaken us to opportunities to proclaim your message of love.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
OFFERTORY:
I Love to Tell the Story/Tell Me The Story of Jesus Lorie Line
Holy Spirit, giver of life, through Word and sacrament bestow on us the wisdom and power we need to witness clearly and to act boldly. Help us to speak the truth in love, to give the reason for the hope we have, and to conduct ourselves with gentleness and respect.
Set our hearts on fire as we work and witness for Christ.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray for a family member, a neighbor, or a friend who does not believe in you, or whose faith is weak or troubled.
Silent prayer
Keep in your care those who are enduring chronic pain and incessant unhappiness, those enduring rejection and struggling with poverty, those mourning the loss of someone they loved. Bring healing and help and comfort and calm to everyone in distress.
Move us to act alone or join with others to provide help and support.
Bless the Church with men and women who are willing to proclaim your Word in places where we cannot go. Keep them and their loved ones in your care and let nothing hinder their work. By the power of the gospel, restore their spirits each day, so that they do not lose heart as they serve us and others.
Move us to support them with our sincere prayers and generous offerings.
Wherever your Word is proclaimed, O Lord, grant it success. Let your kingdom come to us and others, so that we and many more might join the assembly of saints and angels to sing your praise forever.
Savior of all, hear our prayer and help us in our mission. Amen.
OFFERING
Members of Grace respond to their Savior’s love with offerings that are given joyfully, generously, regularly, and in a way that is proportionate to how the Lord has blessed them. Their cheerful gifts support the mission and ministry of our congregation. If you are a guest today, please know that we do not expect you to contribute to our congregation’s work. However, if you would like to give an offering to the Lord in response to his love to you, we are happy to receive it and put it to work in God’s kingdom. If you prefer, use your smart phone to give online by scanning this QR code:
Please fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder at the end of the row and pass it along. Thank you!
Please stand
CLOSING PRAYER
O almighty God, you have always given your church faithful shepherds to feed and nourish your flock. Grant that all pastors may rightly preach your Word and administer your sacraments that your people may be guided in the way that leads to eternal life; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
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.
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. The blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God’s people for over 3,500 years. The L said, “In this way they will put my name on [them], and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27
Please be seated
POSTLUDE MUSIC:
God’s Word Is Our Great Heritage Sandra Eithun
TODAY
Altar Flowers
The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by Mary Brearcliffe in celebration of Sean’s 60th birthday.
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 include August 11, 18, & 25. The cost for the 2 bouquets is $32.50. After the 10:00 AM service you may take the flowers home or leave them to be dropped off to one of our homebound members if a visit is being made.
Fellowship
Following the 10:00 AM service this morning, you are invited to join us in the courtyard and Fellowship Hall for drinks and snacks. We thank Beth and David Williams for hosting this morning. Upcoming available dates are August 18 and 25. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.
Sunday Morning Bible Study
Join us as we begin a new Bible series! “Timely Topics,” will give us a chance to discuss the church and politics, intelligent design, global warming, and more from a biblical perspective. If you have not made Sunday morning Bible study a part of your routine, this would be a great time to start! We meet at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall.
Children’s Bible Hour
Children ages 3 through those entering 8th grade are invited to join us at 8:45 AM on Sunday mornings during the summer months for Children's Bible Hour. We are taking a closer look at the 10 Commandments under the theme “Doughnuts.” Each week we enjoy crafts, games, a lesson, discussion, and other fun activities where we will discover that the 10 Commandments are not just a list of DO-NOTS, but guidance from God intended to make life sweeter for us and others!
Those Assisting in Worship This Morning
Minister
Pastor Nathan Kassulke
Accompanist Teri Guenther
Vocalist
Naomi Kassulke
Greeter Donna Malchow (10:00 AM)
Ushers
Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM)
Jon Dongoske, Dylan Guenther, Ferdie Kramm, Rick Street (10:00 AM)
Sound and Recording Techs........................................................... Jeremy Snavely, Sam Kassulke
Banner Committee............................................ Nadine Rentschler, Jeanette O’Donald, Sandy Weir
Acknowledgements:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Church History Bible Study: Wednesday
Join us on Wednesdays for our study of Church History. 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!
Women’s Bible Study
The Women’s Bible Study will not be meeting this week. They will resume their study on the 12 Apostles next week 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!
Ladies’ Fellowship Group: Thursday
The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet this 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.
Ned Stageberg Memorial Service: Friday
Grace member Ned Stageberg was called home to his Savior’s side on Saturday, July 6. A memorial service will be held this Friday, July 19, at 10:00 AM. Please keep Ned’s family and friends in your prayers.
Summer Fun Night: Friday
Join us for a Summer Fun Game Night this 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!
Memorial Service: Saturday
A memorial service will be held for Holy Cross member Marge Manning (Karen Manning’s mother) at Holy Cross Lutheran Church (241 N. Harrison Road) on Saturday, July 20, at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will follow. Please keep Karen and her family in your prayers.
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 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 Debbie Koehler or Pastor and Beth Kassulke. You may also drop them off in the church office.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mission to the Children School Supplies
Mission to the Children is holding a school supply drive! They will not be making a trip to Mexico this year due to the violence but will instead provide supplies to the families in South Tucson who are attending the July 21 Spanish worship service. Items needed include: crayons, markers, colored pencils, scissors, glue sticks or small bottles of glue, rulers, wide-ruled notebooks, and folders. They are also requesting $25 Walmart or Target gift cards to help each child purchase new clothes or shoes. There is a donation box in the west end of the Fellowship Hall.
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. All ladies are welcome!
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: “3 Words That Will Change Your Life” by Mike Novotny, “Clearing a Path for the Gospel” by Arthur Eggert, “One Race One Blood” by Ken Ham & A Charles Ware, and “Luther the Reformer” by James M. Kittelson. 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 Bible-based lessons called Grow in Grace. Grow in Grace also serves as our membership class for those who may be interested in joining the church. If you would be interested in scheduling a Grow in Grace Class, please speak to one of the pastors, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.
TUCSON
Today
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 July 14 - July 21
Worship Services 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a Fellowship following worship ...................................................
Tuesday NO Weekly Pastors’ Meeting
Wednesday
Midweek Bible Study: Church History 10:00a & 7:00p NO Grow in Grace Class (resumes July 24)
Thursday NO Women’s Bible Study (resumes July 25) Ladies’ Fellowship Group 10:15a
Friday Memorial Service for Ned Stageberg............................10:00a
Fun Night 6:30p
Sunday, July 21
Worship Services with communion................. 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a Fellowship following worship MTTC Spanish Service & Meal.......................................4:00p
BENSON
Worship Service 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Ephesians Fellowship following worship....................................................
Wednesday Adult Bible Study: Song of Songs 10:00a
Sunday, July 21
Worship Service with communion 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Ephesians 8:45a Fellowship following worship
Stay Up to Date
VAIL Today
Adult Bible Study: The Way Lutherans Worship 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship
Thursday
Adult Bible Study: Hebrews 6:30p
Sunday, July 21
Adult Bible Study: The Way Lutherans Worship ............9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship
SAHUARITA
Today Adult Bible Study: Large Catechism 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service ...........................................................10:00a Tuesday NO Youth Confirmation Class (resumes July 23)
Wednesday NO Adult Bible Study (resumes July 24)
Sunday, July 21
Adult Bible Study: Large Catechism............................... 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship
ONLINE
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) ......................10:00a Sunday, July 21 Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 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.