THE SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
G E L C S , A J 27, 2025
Welcome to Grace!
Our mission at Grace is to teach the inspired and inerrant Word of God, to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Savior of the world, and to nurture believers for lives of Christian service.
Check out the GRACE WEBSITE at GraceLutheranSAZ.org
We are very pleased that you have joined us for worship today! We pray that this time will be a blessing for you as God comes to you with his Word and promises, and as you offer him your thanks and praise.
The worship service is printed in this worship folder for you to follow along and participate. You’ll notice that the service is a dialogue between God and us, his people. The pastor speaks to God along with the congregation and also speaks the Word of God to the people. Those wishing to leave an offering can do so at the exit today or give online at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/give. (You can also scan the QR code to the right to access the online giving page.)
Today we are using elements from the Christian Worship hymnal. If you would like to worship from a hymnal today, you will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each row; however, you do not need to use a hymnal if you so choose, as everything needed for worship is printed in this worship folder.
OUR WORSHIP SERIES—UNDIVIDED ATTENTION
We live in a world where a thousand things are competing for our attention. There is the real danger that we focus on the frivolous and ignore the indispensable. As a result, we often talk about the importance of being “free from distraction.” But the stakes are higher than that. We need to be freed from distraction. We need the spiritual power to give our undivided attention to that which truly makes a difference, not only here and now, but also in eternity. A life focused on all the right things is only possible because of a Savior who is always focuses on us. On the Day of Pentecost, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to give his followers power and focus. Still today, through his Word, Jesus grants those gifts to his disciples.
We have come to the second half of the Church Year. In the first half, we focused on the life of Christ. In this second half, we turn our attention to all the teachings of Christ. May we give them our undivided attention.
Our worship is following this path:
First Sunday after Pentecost (Holy Trinity)
Second Sunday after Pentecost
Third Sunday after Pentecost
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
On the Majesty and Mystery of Our God
On the Mission Right Before Us
On Christ’s Call for Commitment
On the Want for Workers
On a Neighbor in Need
On the One Thing Needed
On the Privilege and Purpose of Prayer
On Useful Resources
On Heavenly Treasure
OPENING HYMN With the Lord Begin Your Task Christian Worship 776
Please stand
Text: Morgen- und Abend-segen, Waldenburg, 1734, abr.; tr. W. Gustave Polack, 1890–1950, alt. © 1941 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
Tune: Peter Frank, 1616–1675. Public domain.
The words of the invocation remind us that the God we meet and worship is the true and triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
CONFESSION
1 John 1:8-9
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Let us confess our sins to the Lord.
Holy God, gracious Father, I am sinful by nature and have sinned against you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved others as I should.
I deserve your punishment both now and forever. But Jesus, my Savior, paid for my sins with his innocent suffering and death. Trusting in him, I pray: God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Silence for meditation and reflection
Christ gave the authority to forgive the sins of penitent sinners to his church:
“Whenever you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven.”
John 20:23
Mark 10:47
Kyrie is the Greek word for Lord. The expression “Lord, have mercy” is one of the oldest worship responses in the Christian Church.
Our gracious Father in heaven has been merciful to us. He sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, who gave his life as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the (+) Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
LORD, HAVE MERCY
In peace let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
Kyrie
For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
Amen.
GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST Gloria
Luke 2:14 Christians praise God by proclaiming the great things he has done to accomplish our rescue from sin. “Glory to God in the Highest” has been a Christian song of worship since the fourth century.
Text: Michael A. Perry © 1982 Hope Publishing Co. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: Repository of Sacred Music, Part Second, Harrisburg, 1813. Public domain.
Abraham prays on the basis of what he knows about the L : that the L is a just judge, that the L shows mercy, and that the L invites us to be bold in our prayers.
+ THE WORD + PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
O Lord, your ears are always open to the prayers of your humble servants who come to you in Jesus’ name. Teach us always to ask according to your will that we may never fail to obtain the blessings you have promised; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Please be seated
FIRST READING Genesis 18:20-32
20So the L said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very flagrant, 21I will go down now and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has come to me. If not, I will know.”
22The two men turned from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the L . 23Abraham approached him and said, “Will you really sweep away the righteous along with the wicked?
24What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep them away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous who are in it? 25You would never do such a thing, killing the righteous along with the wicked, treating the righteous the same as the wicked. You would never do such a thing. The Judge of all the earth should do right, shouldn’t he?”
26The L said, “If I find fifty righteous people within the city of Sodom, then I will spare the entire place for their sake.”
27Abraham answered, “See now, I who am but dust and ashes have taken it on myself to speak to my Lord. 28What if there are five fewer than fifty righteous? Will you destroy the entire city if the number is five short?”
He said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.”
29He spoke to him yet again and said, “What if only forty are found there?”
He said, “I will not do it for the sake of the forty.”
This reading continues on the next page.
30He said, “Please, do not be angry, my Lord, but I will speak again. What if thirty are found there?”
He said, “I will not do it if I find thirty there.”
31He said, “See now, I have taken it upon myself to speak to my Lord. What if there are twenty found there?” He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of the twenty.”
32He said, “Please, do not be angry, my Lord, but I will speak just once more. What if ten are found there?”
He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten.”
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
HYMN Lord, Teach Us How to Pray
Christian Worship 719
1First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2for kings and all those who are in authority, in order that we might live a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and dignity. 3This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. 7For this testimony, I was appointed a herald and an apostle I speak the truth; I am not lying a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Paul teaches us that the ultimate purpose for everything we ask is that God’s will would be done.
Text: Herman G. Stuempfle, Jr., 1923
Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no.
Tune: Aaron Williams, 1731
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Please stand
Jesus teaches us how to pray and how our Father will answer.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Luke 11:9
Alleluia. Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep seeking, and you will find. Keep knocking, and it will be opened to you. Alleluia.
GOSPEL
Luke 11:1–13
1On another occasion, Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.”
2He said to them, “When you pray, say, ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 3Give us each day our daily bread. 4Forgive us our sins, as we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’”
5He said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and tell him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6because a friend of mine who is on a journey has come to me, and I do not have anything to set before him.’ 7And the one inside replies, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give it to you.’ 8I tell you, even if he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his bold persistence, he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
9“I tell you, keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep seeking, and you will find. Keep knocking, and it will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives. The one who seeks finds. And to the one who knocks, it will be opened.
11“What father among you, if your son asks for bread, would give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, would give him a snake instead of a fish?
12Or if he asks for an egg, would give him a scorpion? 13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please greet those around you and then be seated
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
HYMN OF THE DAY Hear Us, Father, When We Pray Christian Worship 725
Matthew 6 and Luke 11 record how Jesus taught his disciples to pray. We use his example prayer as part of our public worship, trusting that he will hear and answer our prayers. During the singing of this hymn, children ages 1-8 are excused to attend Children’s Church in the CLC Building. Parents can pick-up their children there following the service.
Text: Chad L. Bird, b. 1970 © 2001 Chad L. Bird. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: Geist-reiches Gesang-Buch, Halle, 1704, ed. Johann A. Freylinghausen. Public domain.
Please stand
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.
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
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
Please be seated
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
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.
Lord Jesus, our Good Shepherd, we thank you for blessing our congregation through the faithful service of Noah and Maddie Nordlie and nurturing the faith of your flock through their ministries to our congregation and our Child Learning Center. We ask that you richly bless Noah as he returns to the seminary to complete his pastoral training and that you bless Maddie as she begins a new teaching position at Atonement Lutheran School in Milwaukee.
Encourage and sustain these servants with the promise that you will be with them wherever they go.
Guard and guide the families of our congregation. Lead husbands and wives to love each other with commitment, respect, and patience. Help parents to grasp the eternal value of keeping their children close to Jesus all their lives. Grant joy to those who are single, and make them a blessing to others.
Protect us from the temptations that surround us; give us pure hearts and minds.
Provide wisdom and insight to those who make laws and set policies. Give us respect for those who protect us from crime. Lead us to value the rights of our fellow citizens and to defend those who cannot defend themselves.
Bless our land with peace and prosperity so that the gospel may be proclaimed to all.
Give us passion to share the story of your love with our family and friends. Overcome unbelief, and open the hearts of people everywhere to believe the good news that Jesus has forgiven their sins and opened the gates of heaven.
Fill us with joy over every sinner who repents and comes to trust in you.
Extend your healing power to those who are sick and suffering in body or mind. Give patience and compassion to all who care for the sick and dying.
Lift the eyes of the distressed to your love in Christ.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
Gracious God, you govern and direct all things and you love all people. Hear our prayers, spoken and silent, and answer them in your wisdom and grace.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Please stand
CLOSING PRAYER
O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to this new day. Defend us with your mighty power, and grant that this day we neither fall into sin nor run into any kind of danger. And in all we do, direct us to what is right in your sight; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.
Text: Gregory J. Wismar, b. 1946 © 2004 Gregory J. Wismar. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: Swedish. Public domain.
BLESSING
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.
Amen.
Please be seated ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLOSING HYMN What a Friend We Have in Jesus Christian Worship 721
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
Text: Joseph M. Scriven, 1819–1886, alt. Tune: Charles C. Converse, 1832–1918. Text and tune: Public domain.
Friendship Register
We are so thankful you have joined us today and would like to have a record of both members and guests who are worshiping with us. Please sign the red Friendship Register book located at the end of your row in the hymnal rack.
Children’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
This morning we conclude our Bible study on the liturgy, "Why do we worship the way that we do?" Have you ever wondered why we always sing certain songs every Sunday? Why do we always end worship with the same blessing? Why are there always three Scripture readings? These questions, along with others, will be answered as we grow in our appreciation for the worship service and learn more about why we do the things that we do in church. Please join us on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM in the CLC gymnasium. If you haven’t been to Bible study in a while, now is a great time to start. Next Sunday we will resume our Gospel Motivation for Life study.
Vicar Farewell Today
Today is Vicar and Maddie’s final Sunday at Grace and vicar is preaching for the final time here at Grace-Sahuarita. There will be a farewell lunch in the CLC gymnasium following the service. We hope you can stay to say goodbye to Vicar and Maddie and wish them well! We thank both of them for their faithful service to God’s kingdom during their year in Southern Arizona. May God bless Vicar Nordlie as he continues his studies for a final year at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and Maddie as she works in the early childhood ministry of Atonement Lutheran Church in Milwaukee.
Midweek Bible Study: Wednesday
Wednesday Bible study One by One a Bible study based on the personal stories from Pastor Rosenau’s years of experience as both a detective and a parish pastor. This video series will help Christians understand the importance of each soul. We will talk about how we can invest time and energy into sharing the gospel with each individual we encounter. We will learn techniques and tips for sharing our faith with those around us. Join us on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 AM in the church entryway.
Summer Fun Night: August 8
Grace’s final Summer Fun Night is on Friday, August 8, beginning at 6:00 PM with supper. We will enjoy burgers, brats, hotdogs, sides, and dessert. Trivia will begin at 7:00 PM. Put on your thinking caps, bring a friend, and join in the fun in the Fellowship Hall at Grace-Tucson.
Thank You
I want to thank you for the outpouring of love and generosity you showed me in my first month being here. I greatly appreciate the gift cards that you collected on my behalf. I am all moved in and adjusting well to living in Arizona. I look forward to meeting more of you and truly making this my home. Your sister in Christ, Caitlin Broehm
SAHUARITA
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 27 - August 3
Adult Bible Study............................................................ 9:00a
Why Do We Worship the Way That We Do?
Children’s Sunday School 9:00a
Worship Service 10:00a
Fellowship following worship....................................................
Wednesday
Midweek Bible Study: One by One 10:00a
Thursday Grow in Grace Class 8:00a
Sunday, August 3
Adult Bible Study: Gospel Motivation for Life................. 9:00a Children’s Sunday School.............................................. 9:00a Worship Service (no communion) 10:00a Fellowship following worship
TUCSON
Today
Worship Services ............................................7:45a & 10:00a
Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Triumph of Grace 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Galatians 9:00a Fellowship following worship....................................................
Tuesday Pastors’ Staff Meeting 9:00a Ministry Board Meeting 6:15p
Wednesday
Midweek Bible Study: Church History 10:00a & 7:00p
Thursday Women’s Bible Study: More Prepared to Answer 9:00a
Sunday, August 3
Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour ..................................................... 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Triumph of Grace 9:00a
Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Galatians 9:00a Fellowship following worship
VAIL
Adult Bible Study: My Vocation in Christ 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Site Ministry Team Meeting 12:00p
Thursday Midweek Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 6:30p
Sunday, August 3
Adult Bible Study: My Vocation in Christ 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship
BENSON
Worship Service 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Romans 8:45a Fellowship following worship
Wednesday Midweek Bible Study: Book of Jonah 10:00a
Sunday, August 3
Worship Service with communion...................................7:30a Adult Bible Study: Romans 8:45a Fellowship following worship
ONLINE Today
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Sunday, August 3
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Those Assisting in Worship This Morning
Minister
Vicar Noah Nordlie Accompanist..................................................................................................................Jane Neujahr
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
Vicar Noah Nordlie vicnpn@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center (520)848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com
Director Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org
Assistant Director Jen Rickling jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center Mission Teachers
Maddie Nordlie & Caitlin Broehm, Toddlers mnordlie@gracelutheransaz.org cbroehm@gracelutheransaz.org
Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org
Theresa Pratt, Preschool tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org
Chris Leathers, Toddler/After School Care cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org
Bible-Based Counselor Cinda Drescher Office Assistant Cora Stuhr cinda@gracelutheransaz.org office@gracelutheransaz.org (520)581-4714
Grace Lutheran Church is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), a group of nearly 400,000 men, women, and children in nearly 1,300 congregations across the United States and Canada united by a common faith in Christ's saving love. We are committed to a common calling encouraging each other in our faith and sharing God's gift of a Savior with the rest of the world.