THE TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

G E L C T , A J 28, 2024

G E L C T , A J 28, 2024
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.
“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.
King David explains, “The earth is the L ’s and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1). That word “everything” doesn't leave any wiggle room, does it? That word “everything” means that your home and all its furnishings, your vehicle and all that’s in the trunk, your bank account, the twenty-eight dollars in your wallet, the wallet itself, and the pocket in which you carry your wallet all belong to God. Everything you have was given to you by your good and gracious Father. We need to understand that.
But it is just as important that we understand why God provides for our physical needs. As we have seen throughout this worship series, God has called us to ministry. He asks us to reflect his love in meeting the physical and spiritual needs of others. Believers want to serve others in those ways. By providing for us, God meets our need to meet others’ needs. This week Jesus promises that he will provide the resources necessary to conduct meaningful ministry.
OPENING HYMN Across the Lands
Christian Worship 549
The vocalist will sing stanza 1. Please join in singing the remaining stanzas.
Please stand
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
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
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.
PRESERVICE MUSIC:
Let All Things Now Living Cindy Berry Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service Greg Bottomley For the Beauty of the Earth Zach Unke
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. 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
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.
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.
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.
This song continues on the next page.
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, though we do not deserve your goodness, still you provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant us your Holy Spirit that we may acknowledge your gifts, give thanks for all your benefits, and serve you in willing obedience; 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
L graciously and miraculously provides for the physical needs of the children of Israel.
1On the fifteenth day of the second month after they had left the land of Egypt, the entire Israelite community set out from Elim and came to the Wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai. 2The entire Israelite community grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. 3The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the L 's hand in the land of Egypt, when we sat around pots of meat and ate as much food as we wanted, but now you have brought us out into this wilderness to have this whole community die of hunger.”
4Then the L said to Moses, “Watch what I will do. I will rain down bread from heaven for you, and the people will go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test whether they will follow my instructions or not. 5On the sixth day they will prepare what they bring in, and it will be twice as much as they gather on the other days.”
6So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “At evening you will know that it was the L who brought you out of the land of Egypt, 7and in the morning you will see the Glory of the L , because he has heard your constant grumbling against the L . Who are we that you should grumble against us?”
8Moses said, “Now the L will give you meat to eat in the evening and as much bread as you want in the morning, because the L has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we? Your grumbling is not against us but against the L .”
9Then Moses said to Aaron, “Tell the entire Israelite community, ‘Come before the L , because he has heard your grumbling.’” 10As Aaron spoke to the entire Israelite community, they turned toward the wilderness, and suddenly the Glory of the L appeared in the cloud.
11The L spoke to Moses: 12“I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Say to them, ‘At evening you will eat meat, and in the morning you will eat bread until you are full. Then you will know that I am the L your God.’”
13So in the evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning a layer of dew surrounded the camp. 14When the layer of dew was gone, there were thin flakes on the surface of the wilderness, thin as frost on the ground. 15When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” because they did not know what it was.
Moses said to them, “This is the bread which the L has given to you as food to eat”
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING 2 Corinthians 9:8-11
8God is able to make all grace overflow to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will overflow in every good work.
9As it is written: He scattered. He gave to the poor. His righteousness remains forever.
10And he who provides seed to the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed for sowing, and will increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11You will be made rich in every way so that you may be generous in every way, which produces thanksgiving to God through us.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Please stand
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Psalm 145:15-16 ALL:
Vocalist: The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
Paul teaches that God blesses us abundantly so that we have the resources to abound in every good work, generously helping others in all their needs.
Psalm 112:9
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
to people by sharing the good news of salvation and by providing for their physical needs.
35It was already late in the day when his disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already very late. 36Send them away so they can go into the surrounding country and villages and buy themselves something to eat.”
37But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” They asked him, “Should we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give them something to eat?”
38He said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go see.”
When they found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.”
39He directed everyone to sit down in groups on the green grass. 40They sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41Jesus took the five loaves and the two fish, looked up to heaven, and blessed the loaves and broke them. Then he kept giving pieces to his disciples to set in front of them. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42They all ate and were satisfied. 43Then they picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44There were five thousand men who ate the loaves.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please be seated
Please stand
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.
Please be seated
Lord God, from whom all blessings flow, we praise you for everything you provide to sustain our lives. Lead us every day to be thankful for your gifts and content with what you have given. Today we pray that you would guide us to manage your blessings wisely for the good of your kingdom.
As we use your gifts to meet our needs, move us also to support the ministry of the gospel with our offerings.
Before your Son ascended to your throne, he called us to preach the good news to every creature. In grace you created the public ministry so that we may answer his call by sending others in our place. Impress on us the immense importance of the task you have given us to proclaim your Word to the world.
In our words and in our offerings, move us to be faithful witnesses of your grace.
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. Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
OFFERTORY:
Across the Lands
Stuart Townend
Keith Getty
James Koerts
Work in our hearts so that our gifts do more than support a cause or meet a need. Move us to give out of love for you, our King and Redeemer.
Lead us to bring our gifts first to honor you, the Giver of all things.
Teach us to give as an ongoing part of life since the work of the gospel continues every day. Forgive us for the sins of apathy and carelessness and for giving that reacts only to urgent pleas or crises.
Help us see the wisdom of planning our offerings as a regular routine of our faith.
Teach us to determine our offerings in view of your blessings to us. The widow’s coins were meager, but they were all she had. Move us to believe that to whom much is given, much is also expected.
Give us courage to bring gifts that reflect your gifts to us.
Teach us to give our offerings as a cheerful response of our faith in you and your Son. Spare us all feelings of obligation or resentment as we give. Help us to see our offerings as the vehicle that carries the gospel to the lost, and lead us to rejoice with the angels of heaven over every sinner who repents.
Help us to balance our duty to give with the joy of giving.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
Precious Lord, all our blessings come from you. Lead us again and again to thank you and then move us to be wise and faithful stewards of your gifts. May our gifts and offerings bring souls here and far away to the gracious gift of Jesus and his love. Lord, hear us and grant us this blessing. Amen.
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
Almighty God, we thank you for teaching us the things you want us to believe and do. Help us by your Holy Spirit to keep your Word in pure hearts that we may be strengthened in faith, guided in holiness, and comforted in life and in death, through 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.
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.
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.
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:
Go, My Children, with My Blessing Valerie A. Floeter
The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by Adrienne and Jeremy Snavely in celebration of their 20th wedding anniversary.
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.
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 Bill and Lisa Toben for hosting today. Upcoming available dates include NEXT SUNDAY, August 4, along with August 25 and September 1. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.
Join us for our Sunday morning Bible study! “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 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!
Minister ................................................................................................................ Pastor Ron Koehler
Accompanist Teri Guenther
Vocalist.......................................................................................................................Dylan Guenther
Greeters Kay Kassulke, Erika Hanson (10:00 AM)
Ushers......................................................................................... Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM) Ferdie Kramm, DJ Miller, Jenn Miller, Rick Street (10:00 AM)
Sound and Recording Techs...........................................................Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler
Banner Committee............................................ Nadine Rentschler, Jeanette O’Donald, Sandy Weir
Acknowledgements:
This week ten Grace members will be attending the National Conference on Worship, Music, and the Arts at Carthage College in Kenosha, WI. The theme of the conference is “Sing a New Song to the Lord.” Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in many different presentations, six worship services, and in Festival and Children’s Choirs.
Due to the above mentioned Worship Conference, our Wednesday Bible study will not meet this week. Join us on again on August 7 for our study of Church History. We are studying the development of the Wisconsin Synod in the early 1900s, including a federation and then merger with the synods of Minnesota and Michigan. 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!
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 Fellowship Hall. Make plans to join him, and invite a friend to join you!
Our vicar, Noah Nordlie, and his wife Maddie arrived in Arizona late last week. 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 next Sunday, 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.
Our final Summer Fun Night will take place next Sunday, August 4, beginning at 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. 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!
Jean Lorenzen, member of Redeemer and friend to many at Grace, was called to her heavenly home on July 3, 2024. A viewing will be held at Adair Funeral Home Dodge Chapel (1050 N. Dodge Blvd.) on Monday, August 5, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. A funeral service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church (8845 N. Silverbell Rd.) on Tuesday, August 6, at 10:00 AM followed by a light lunch. A final committal ceremony will be held at East Lawn Cemetery (5801 E Grant Rd.) beginning at 1:30 PM. Please keep Jean’s family in your prayers.
The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet Thursday, August 15, at 10:15 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall. They will watch the movie “Alison’s Choice.” Please bring a snack to share.
When the ladies meet in September, they will be discussing the book “A Skeleton in God’s Closet” by Paul L. Maier. You are asked to have the book read beforehand. The book is available in our church library as well as from Amazon (paperback $11.59 or Kindle $6.73) and Concordia Publishing House ($12.99). Contact Lois Thornton at (520)323-8772 or vthornto2@gmail.com with any questions. Ladies from all Grace sites are welcome to attend.
Ladies, mark your calendars for the LWMS Fall Retreat from October 4 through October 6. The retreat will take place at Emmanuel Pines Camp in Prescott, AZ. Online registration and payment is already available at grandcanyonlwms.org. The fee includes two nights lodging, two breakfasts, one lunch, and two dinners. Share in devotional and Bible study time with other WELS women from Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Speakers include Gary & Beth Evans from Central Africa Medical Mission and Erik & Staci Landwehr from Peridot, AZ. All ladies are welcome!
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).
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.
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.
Worship Services............................................ 7:45a & 10:00a
Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a Fellowship following worship
Tuesday Weekly Pastors’ Meeting 9:00a
Wednesday
NO Midweek Bible Study (resumes August 7)
Grow in Grace Class (office conference room) 6:30p
Thursday Women’s Bible Study: 12 Apostles.................................9:00a
Sunday, August 4
Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a
Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics ....................................9:00a Fellowship following worship Summer Fun Night 6:30p
BENSON
Worship Service..............................................................7:30a
Adult Bible Study: Ephesians Fellowship following worship
Wednesday Adult Bible Study: Song of Songs.................................10:00a
Sunday, August 4
Worship Service with communion 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Ephesians..........................................8:45a Fellowship following worship
OFF-SITE EVENT
Tuesday Friday
WELS National Conference on Worship, Music, and the Arts
Adult Bible Study: Baptism .............................................9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship
Thursday
Adult Bible Study: Hebrews............................................6:30p
Sunday, August 4
Adult Bible Study: Baptism 9:00a Worship Service with communion................................10:00a Fellowship following worship
Adult Bible Study: Large Catechism 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a
Wednesday
Adult Bible Study 10:00 Why are there Different Churches?
Sunday, August 4
Adult Bible Study: Large Catechism 9:00a
Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service with communion................................10:00a Fellowship following worship...................................................
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a Sunday, August 4 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.
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
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.