THE NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
G E L C S , A J 21, 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. You will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each row. Most of the worship service is printed in this worship folder. You will be asked to open your hymnal to sing the final hymn today.
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—JESUS MODELS A COMPASSIONATE SHEPHERD’S HEART
In the ancient Middle East, a shepherd needed certain skills to do his job well: knowledge of edible grasses, ability to trim hooves, capacity to fend off predators, competency to birth lambs. However, the greatest qualification of a shepherd is much simpler. A good shepherd needed to care for his sheep. Without that, none of those other skills would be fully utilized.
In Scripture meaningful ministry is often pictured as a compassionate shepherd caring for his sheep: Jesus’ care for us; a spiritual leader’s care for his “flock.” Certainly, gospel ministry requires specific skills: ability to actively listen to people, aptitude for applying the gospel to someone’s situations, etc. But ultimately, meaningful ministry requires a compassionate heart a profound caring for others. An individual might know God’s Word backwards and forwards. But if they lack compassion, they will not fully perform meaningful ministry. Today, we ask the Spirit to show us how Jesus models a compassionate shepherd’s heart so that we might be filled with that same compassion.
OPENING HYMN All People That on Earth Do Dwell Christian Worship 601
Please stand
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
Text: William Kethe, d. c. 1594, alt. Tune: Trente quatre Pseaumes de David, Geneva, 1551, ed. Louis Bourgeois. Text and tune: Public domain.
Psalm 32:1-2
CONFESSION
Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed are they whose sin the Lord does not count against them.
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.
Almighty and merciful Father, we have strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed what we have devised and desired in our hearts. We have offended you and sinned against your holy law. We have done those things that we should not have done, and we have not done those things that we should have done. Have mercy on us, Lord! Spare us, forgive us, and restore us, according to your promises in Christ Jesus.
Silence for meditation and reflection
God, our merciful Father, has forgiven all our sins. He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Redeemer and Savior. Jesus paid the penalty for our guilt by his death on the cross and freed us from death by his resurrection from the grave. We have peace with God now and forever.
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.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
Amen.
Kyrie
+ THE WORD +
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
O God, the strength of all who trust in you, mercifully hear our prayers. Be gracious to us in our weakness, and give us strength to keep your commandments in all we say and do; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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 L chastises spiritual shepherds for not bestowing care and compassion on their flock and promises to raise up good shepherds who would tend God’s people.
Please be seated
This hymn echoes the words of Psalm 23.
Jeremiah 23:1-6
1Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! declares the L .
2Therefore, this is what the L , the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who shepherd my people. You have scattered my flock. You have driven them away. You have not taken care of them, but I will certainly take care of you, because of the evil things you have done, declares the L
3 I will gather what is left of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their pastures. They will be fruitful and multiply.
4 I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them. They will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing, declares the L
5 Listen, the days are coming, declares the L , when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, who will reign wisely as king and establish justice and righteousness on earth.
6 In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will dwell securely. This is his name by which he will be called: The L Our Righteousness. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
This song continues on the next page.
SECOND READING
Hebrews 13:7-8, 17-21
7Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Carefully consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
17Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls as men who will give an account. Obey them, so that they may do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no benefit to you.
18Pray for us, because we are sure that we have a good conscience, and because in everything we want to conduct ourselves in an honorable way. 19I urge you to do this even more, so that I may be restored to you quickly.
20Now may the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, in connection with his blood, which established the eternal testament 21may he equip you with every good thing to do his will, as he works in us what is pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Please stand
In the first reading, the Lord promised to raise up faithful shepherds. That promise is kept when the Lord provides spiritual leaders who point us to the great Shepherd. We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia. Jesus had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Alleluia.
Mark 6:34
Jesus is filled with compassion for those who go through life like sheep without a shepherd.
GOSPEL
Mark 6:30-34
30The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all that they had done and taught. 31He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” For there were so many people coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat. 32They went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. 33But many people saw them leave and knew where they were going. They ran there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. 34When Jesus stepped out of the boat, he saw a large crowd. His heart went out to them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. He began to teach them many things.
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!
Please be seated
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.
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
During the singing of this hymn, children ages 1-8 are excused to attend Children’s Church in the CLC Building. Parents can pick-up their children there following the service.
SERMON
Hebrews 13:7-8, 17-21
Endure with Patience the Work Given You By Christ
Text: Henry Cook, 1788–1868, alt. Tune: Friedrich Filitz, 1804–1876. Text and tune: Public domain.
The Nicene Creed was first developed in 325 at the First Council of Nicea. It was written to reaffirm the Biblical teaching of the divinity of Jesus, God’s Son. Like the Apostles’ and Athanasian Creeds, the Nicene Creed is a confession of what the Bible teaches.
CONFESSION OF FAITH
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
Eternal Lord, give us peace as we ponder the good news that you forgive our sins in Christ. Lead us to see clearly the path you have laid out for us.
Work in us so that we believe and live the Word we have heard today.
Provide courage and compassion to all who preach and teach your Word. Fill them with a love like yours as they proclaim your grace to us and all people.
Move us to love all ministers of the Word wherever they serve.
Guard and guide the families of our congregation. Lead husbands and wives to love each other with commitment, respect, and patience. Help parents to grasp the eternal value of keeping their children close to Jesus all their lives. Grant joy to those who are single, and make them a blessing to others.
Protect us from the temptations that surround us; give us pure hearts and minds.
Provide wisdom and insight to those who make laws and set policies. Give us respect for those who protect us from crime. Lead us to value the rights of our fellow citizens and to defend those who cannot defend themselves.
Bless our land with peace and prosperity so that the gospel may be proclaimed to all.
Give us passion to share the story of your love with our family and friends. Overcome unbelief, and open the hearts of people everywhere to believe the good news that Jesus has forgiven their sins and opened the gates of heaven. Fill us with joy over every sinner who repents and comes to trust in you.
Extend your healing power to those who are sick and suffering in body or mind. Give patience and compassion to all who care for the sick and dying.
Lift the eyes of the distressed to your love in Christ.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
Gracious God, you govern and direct all things and you love all people. Hear our prayers, spoken and silent, and answer them in your wisdom and grace.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
+ HOLY BAPTISM
+
THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
Our Savior Jesus Christ commanded Baptism when he said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20
All of us are born into this world with a deep need for Baptism. From our parents we inherit a sinful nature; we are without true fear of God and true faith in God and are condemned to eternal death. But while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. He took away our sin by giving his life on the cross. In Baptism, he clothes us with the robe of his righteousness and gives us a new life.
Kai and Brooklyn, so that you may give a public testimony of your faith and express your desire to be baptized, I now ask you:
Do you believe that you were born in sin and therefore eternally lost?
Yes, I believe.
Do you believe that the triune God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit planned and carried out your salvation?
Yes, I believe.
Do you believe that God grants you the forgiveness of sins in Holy Baptism?
Yes, I believe.
Do you desire to be baptized into the Christian faith? Yes, I do.
RITE OF BAPTISM
[Name], I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Receive the sign of the cross on the head and heart (+) to mark you as one redeemed by Christ the crucified.
The almighty God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given you the new birth of water and the Spirit and has forgiven all your sins. May he strengthen you with his grace all the days of your life. Peace be with you.
PRAYER
Let us pray.
We give thanks, most merciful Father, that you have received Kai and Brooklyn as your own children and made them members of Christ’s body, the church. Now, we pray, grant to them and to all your church on earth that, being dead to sin, we may live to righteousness and, being buried with Christ into his death, we may also share in his resurrection, so that, with all your saints, we may inherit eternal life; through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
+ YOUTH CONFIRMATION +
The pastor speaks to those being confirmed:
My dear young friends, when you were baptized, your gracious Lord forgave all your sins and covered you with the robe of Christ’s righteousness. Through water and Word he created faith in your hearts and adopted you into the family of believers. As you matured and heard and studied the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit enlightened your minds and preserved you as children of God.
You have expressed the desire to confess the truths you believe before your Savior, your family and friends, and this congregation. You are ready to say with St. Paul, “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” You have learned to examine your thoughts, words, and actions in the light of God’s law, and you have experienced the comfort of forgiveness in the Savior’s gospel. With this preparation you are eager to receive the Savior’s body and blood in the sacrament.
As we worship with you on this day, we are filled with joy as we see how the Lord has grown your faith and love. We are bringing our prayers to the Savior’s throne of grace and imploring him to keep you faithful to him and his Word until you join us and all believers in the glories of heaven.
I now ask you: Are you ready and willing to confess your faith before the triune God and those who are worshiping with you today?
I am.
Do you believe in God the Father?
Yes, I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
Yes, 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.
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
Yes, 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.
Do you reject the devil along with all his lies and empty promises? I do reject him.
Do you believe that all the books of the Bible are the inspired and inerrant Word of God?
I do.
Do you believe that the teachings of Grace Lutheran Church and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, as you have learned to know them from Luther’s Small Catechism, are faithful and true to the Word of God?
I do.
Is it your sincere prayer and desire to remain faithful to your Lord Jesus and his Word all the days of your life?
Yes, and I ask God to help me.
Is it your sincere prayer and desire to live a life that pleases God, to value his Word and sacraments, and to witness to your Savior wherever you go?
Yes, and I ask God to help me.
The pastor speaks to the congregation:
Friends in Christ, the Word of God urges us to pray for one another and especially for the youth of the church. On this special day, it is fitting that we bring our prayers before God, firmly believing that he alone is able to strengthen us by the power of the Holy Spirit and keep us faithful to the Savior until we die. Let us pray.
Gracious Father, in Holy Baptism you created faith in the hearts of these young people and gave them a new birth as members of your family. Help them remember their baptisms every day and find comfort in your promise that you will never leave them or forsake them. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Give them strength to put down and drown the sinful nature that lives within them so that each day their faith may triumph in their living and loving and in their words and actions. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lead them to see and believe that in the word of the gospel they find forgiveness for their sins and relief for their guilt. Use the remembrance of your commandments to drive them to the comfort of the gospel and then to guide them as they live for you and others. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Protect them from Satan when he tempts them to be careless with your Word and sacrament, to make plans for this life and not for the life to come, or to find popular theories more appealing than your truth. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Empower them by the gospel of your Son to live in their world with kindness, humility, and patience that others may see their good works and glorify their Father in heaven. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Help us provide fitting examples of faithfulness to your Word and sacraments. Lead us to encourage and admonish them in wisdom and love even after they have left our homes and made new homes for themselves. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
When the end comes and we all stand before the judgment seat of Christ, have compassion on us despite our sins and accept us as eternal dwellers in your royal rooms, through the merits of Jesus our Savior, who became sin for us so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.
The pastor speaks to those being confirmed: Now receive a blessing from the Lord and a word of encouragement from the Scriptures.
The pastor speaks a blessing and reads a passage from Scripture for each confirmand.
The grace of our Lord (+) Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
Youth Confirmands: Kyleigh Acevedo Kade Valentin Brooklyn Valentin
Please stand
+ THE SACRAMENT + PREFACE
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.
The Preface to the Sacrament is one of the oldest parts of the Christian liturgy, dating back to the first century. As we prepare to receive Holy Communion, we are united with the Body of Christ, in an unbroken bond with Christians through the millennia.
The Prophet Isaiah was given a vision of heaven, where seraphim praised God. In the Sanctus we welcome Jesus with our hosannas 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 promised that wherever two or three come together in his name, there he is with them to shepherd his flock until he comes again in glory. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Blessed are you, O Lord of heaven and earth. We praise and thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, and we remember the great acts of love through which he has ransomed us from sin, death, and the devil’s power.
By his incarnation, he became one with us.
By his perfect life, he fulfilled your holy will.
By his innocent death, he overcame hell.
By his rising from the grave, he opened heaven.
Invited by your grace and instructed by your Word, we approach your table with repentant and joyful hearts. Strengthen us through Christ’s body and blood, and preserve us in the true faith until we feast with him and all his ransomed people in glory everlasting.
Amen.
Text: Michael D. Schultz © 2021 Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: Welsh. Public domain.
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.
O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD Agnus Dei
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.
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.
John the Baptist pointed to Jesus and said, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” We sing the Agnus Dei confident that Jesus has borne our sins and freely gives us forgiveness and peace in the Sacrament.
Personal prayers for before and after communing are now available on printed labels on the inside cover of the hymnals.
D.
Psalm 106:1
Please stand
1 Corinthians 11:26
SPOKEN RESPONSES
+ THANKSGIVING +
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.
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
Text: Eliza S. Alderson, 1818–1889, alt. Tune: Rowland H. Prichard, 1811–1887. Text and tune: 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.
Spanish Worship Service & Meal: Today
Mission to the Children is providing a Spanish worship service at Grace-Tucson today at 4:00 PM with a meal to follow in the Fellowship Hall. If you are interested in worshiping with Mexican refugees or in Spanish, please join us!
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.
Those Assisting in Worship This Morning
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Church History Bible Study: Wednesday at Grace-Tucson
Join us on Wednesdays for our study of Church History. We are studying the development of the Wisconsin Synod in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Even if you haven’t attended this class before, this is an excellent time to join. We study together in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall at 10:00 AM and repeat the same material at 7:00 PM. Join us for whichever time fits your schedule best!
Women’s Bible Study: Thursday at Grace-Tucson
What do we know about the 12 men Jesus chose to follow him and then sent out to share the gospel after his ascension into heaven? What does the Bible say? What do historical accounts tell us about them? Get to know “The 12” as you never have before, and learn valuable lessons about your life of following Jesus. Pastor Koehler leads this study on Thursday mornings at 9:00 AM in the GraceTucson Fellowship Hall. Make plans to join him, and invite a friend to join you!
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 Laura Heiman or dropped at the CLC Reception Desk.
Summer Fun Night: August 4
Our final Summer Fun Night will take place on Sunday, August 4, beginning at 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall at Grace-Tucson. Our theme is “Back to School.” Come test your knowledge with games of trivia on all different topics. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Members from all sites are encouraged to attend and bring a friend!
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!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Event/Party Space Available
The Art & Nature Garden and the gymnasium here at our Grace-Sahuarita location are available for hosting events and parties. Right now the spaces are only available for our congregation members and Child Learning Center families. For additional details or if you are interested in using one of these spaces, please contact the CLC Assistant Director, Jen Rickling, at (520)848-4630 or jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org.
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.
Grace’s Bible-based Counselor
Cinda Drescher is Grace’s Bible-based Counselor. She is on staff at Grace and works in the counseling building located in the Grace-Tucson parking lot. She typically works at the counseling building two days each week. To schedule an appointment, it is easiest to text her at (520)581-4714 or email at Cinda@GraceLutheranSAZ.org. Because she is on staff at Grace and supported by the congregation’s Ministry Spending Plan, there is no charge for anyone who makes an appointment with her. She is happy to meet with anyone whether they are members of Grace/WELS or not. Cinda not only has a WELS Bible-based Therapist certification, she holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work, a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, along with certifications in Trauma and Domestic Violence.
NPH EXTRA
Northwestern Publishing House (NPH) is our synod’s publishing house where you can purchase books on a wide variety of topics, bibles, bible study books for all ages, music, Christ-centered gifts, jewelry, and apparel. NPH EXTRA is a free program that lets you designate your church to receive 1 percent of the dollars you spend at NPH. Your purchases benefit you spiritually and help support how gospel ministry is carried out at your church! Learn more about this exciting program and sign up today at nph.net/extra.
Thank You
Pat Dent and her family would like to thank everyone who helped with and attended the memorial service for her sister, Dorothy Lietha. They also thank you for your prayers and support during the weeks before and after Dorothy’s passing
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 July 21 - July 28
TUCSON Today Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a
Bible Hour 8:45a
Bible Study: Timely Topics.................................... 9:00a Fellowship following worship
Study
Why are there Different Churches? Sunday, July 28 Adult Bible Study: Large Catechism 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... VAIL
Adult Bible Study: The Way Lutherans Worship 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... Thursday Adult Bible Study: Hebrews 6:30p Friday Site Ministry Team Meeting 6:00p
Sunday, July 28
Adult Bible Study: The Way Lutherans Worship.............9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship
Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a
Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a Sunday, July 28
Bible Study (Tucson).............................................9:00a
Stay Up to Date
Women’s Bible Study: 12 Apostles ................................ 9:00a Sunday, July 28 Worship Services 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour...................................................... 8:45a
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.