THE SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
G E L C T , A J 7, 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 NOT GLEE AND GRATITUDE, BUT REJECTION AND RESENTMENT
If ministry involves serving others with love and compassion, you would think that people would respond only with glee and gratitude for the help they received. Sometimes, but not always. If you offer to help a family member who is having trouble paying his bills, he might be offended, wondering if you are implying that he is not a good provider, Likewise, if you try and share the gospel with someone, he might resent the message that he is a sinner in need of salvation. You are trying to minister to this man’s greatest need. Your intentions are loving. Yet he responds with rejection and resentment.
When our ministry efforts are met not with glee and gratitude but rejection and resentment, we are in good company. The prophets, apostles, and even Jesus himself all had those who responded negatively to their ministries. When that happens to us, it doesn’t mean our ministry is no longer meaningful. For if others do not appreciate our efforts to serve them, God still appreciates our efforts to serve him.
WELCOME
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +
OPENING HYMN Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus
Please stand for the final stanza.
INVOCATION
Christian Worship 872
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
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.
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.
PRESERVICE MUSIC:
Variations on “This Is My Will”
Cheryl Nolte
Bruce Backer
Variations on “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus”
Donna Robertson
Albert Beck
George Webb
John Behnke
Psalm 32:1-2
“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.
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.
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.
GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST
This song continues on the next page.
Gloria
+ THE WORD +
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
Almighty, eternal and righteous God, you revealed your divine Word to teach us what we should do and what we should avoid. Strengthen and lead us by your Holy Spirit that we serve you in new obedience here until we come to complete holiness before you in that life to come; 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
Ezekiel 2:1-7
1He said to me, “Son of man, stand up on your feet, and I will speak with you.” 2The Spirit entered into me as he spoke to me and brought me up to my feet. Then I heard him speaking to me.
3He said to me, “Son of man, I am sending you to the people of Israel, to disloyal nations, who have been disloyal to me. They and their fathers have rebelled against me to this very day. 4These children of mine are brazenfaced and hard-hearted. I am sending you to them, and you are to tell them that this is what the L God says. 5Then, whether they listen or do not listen for they are a rebellious house then they will know that a prophet has been among them. 6But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them, and do not be afraid of their words. Even though briers and thorns surround you and you are living with scorpions, do not be afraid of their words, and do not be intimidated by the look on their faces, for they are a rebellious house. 7You are to speak my words to them whether they listen or they do not, for they are rebellious.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
The L sends Ezekiel to prophesy to the Israelites, knowing that most will not be grateful for the prophet’s message but resentful.
Text: Michael A. Perry © 1982 Hope Publishing Co. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: Joseph Barnby. Public domain.
St. Paul’s ministry resulted in him being chained like a criminal.
Yet God’s Word cannot be chained.
SECOND READING
1You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2Entrust the things you heard from me, in the presence of many witnesses, to faithful men who will also be able to teach others.
3Share hardships as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the affairs of everyday life. If he does, he will not please the one who enlisted him. 5Also, if someone competes as an athlete, he does not receive a crown unless he competes according to the rules. 6The hardworking farmer should receive a share of the crops first. 7Think about what I am saying, because the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
8Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, a descendant of David, in accordance with my gospel, 9for which I am suffering, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained.
10For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, along with eternal glory. 11This saying is trustworthy:
Indeed, if we have died with him, we will also live with him;
12 If we endure, we will also reign with him; If we deny him, he will also deny us;
13 If we are faithless, he remains faithful, because he cannot deny himself.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Please stand
Vocalist: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Refrain (ALL):
1Jesus left there and went to his hometown. His disciples followed him.
2When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue. Many who heard him were amazed. They asked, “Where did this man learn these things? What is this wisdom that has been given to this man? How is it that miracles such as these are performed by his hands? 3Isn't this the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And aren't his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.
4Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and among his own relatives and in his own house.” 5He could not do any miracles there except to lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6He was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went around the villages teaching.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please be seated
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.
Please be seated
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
Almighty God, we acknowledge with thanks that all we have and enjoy is a gift from your gracious hand. We come before you today in heartfelt appreciation for our nation and its people.
We thank you for enabling us to worship you in freedom and to serve you without fear.
You have enriched us with the bounties of farm and factory, the beauty of forest and mountain, and the marvels of medicine and science.
For all these blessings, we praise and glorify you.
Look with favor upon our nation and preserve our cherished liberties. Enable our leaders to govern with wisdom, honesty, courage, and justice. Protect those who serve in the armed forces and those who maintain peace and safety in our communities.
Give us willingness to obey our nation’s laws and to work for the common good.
Keep our financial institutions secure and our economy strong. Bless our fields that they may produce abundant harvests. Guard us from calamities of nature and accident and spare our land from the ravages of disease and epidemic.
Teach us not to worry but to cast all our cares on you.
Strengthen the homes of our nation. By your Spirit lead husbands and wives to love each other, parents to nurture their children, young adults to assume responsibility, and children to show respect.
Lead the citizens of our land to honor the useful foundations of society.
Care for those who are sick or have been injured. Calm those who are disappointed and depressed. Provide guidance to those who care for people in trouble or in need.
Lead us to provide help when we can and to pray at all times.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
To you, O Lord, we bring our thanks and our requests.
Hear our prayers for Jesus’ sake. 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
OFFERTORY:
Preach You the Word
Steven Wente
The Prophet Isaiah was given a vision of heaven, where seraphim praised God. In the Sanctus we welcome Jesus with our hosannas and praise.
PREFACE
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
+ THE SACRAMENT +
Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who 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 Sanctus
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
We give thanks to you, O God, through your dear Son, Jesus Christ, whom you sent to be our Savior, our Redeemer, and the messenger of your grace. Through him you made all things; in him you are well pleased. He is the incarnate Word, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. To fulfill your promises, he stretched out his hands on the cross and released from eternal death all who believe in you.
As we remember Jesus’ death and resurrection, we thank you that you have gathered us together to receive your Son’s body and blood. Send us your Spirit, unite us as one, and strengthen our faith so that we may praise you in your Son, Jesus Christ. Through him, we glorify and honor you, O God our Father, with 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Please be seated
DISTRIBUTION
Gluten-free communion wafers and grape juice are available for those who for health or medical reason require it. Please see page 13.
The Bible teaches that the Lord’s Supper is a unique communion of Christ and the individual believer as well as a coming together of people who hold to the same beliefs. Because of these Scriptural truths, we practice Member Communion at Grace. Those who are confirmed members of Wisconsin Synod congregations (WELS) are invited to receive the Lord’s Supper with us.
If you are not a WELS member but have an interest in receiving Holy Communion, please speak with the pastor after church today or at another time. We are aware that there are a number of other teachings about Holy Communion, and we want it to be a blessing for you, so we would look forward to sharing with you what God says about this Sacrament.
COMMUNION MUSIC:
Now the Silence; Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord; For the Bread Which You Have Broken; Your Table I Approach
PRAYER BEFORE COMMUNION (For private meditation)
Lord Jesus, you have invited me to come and receive your holy Sacrament. I believe that in the bread and wine you give me your true body and blood to eat and drink. Forgive my sins and nourish my faith through this precious meal. I long for the comfort that comes with your promises; I yearn for the assurance of your faithful love. Bless me now as I receive you by faith. Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION (For private meditation)
Thank you, dear Savior, for nourishing my faith with the Sacrament of your body and blood. Lift my heart with your forgiveness, renew my confidence in your grace, empower my love for others, and lead me to long for the eternal banquet of heaven. Amen.
+ THANKSGIVING +
SPOKEN RESPONSES
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures forever.
Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
CLOSING PRAYER
We give you thanks, O Lord, for the foretaste of the heavenly banquet you have given us in this Sacrament. Through this gift you have fed our faith, nourished our hope, and strengthened our love. By your Spirit, help us to live as your holy people until that day when you will receive us as your guests at the wedding supper of the Lamb, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
BLESSING
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.
Amen.
Please be seated
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLOSING HYMN God Bless Our Native Land Christian Worship 774
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
POSTLUDE MUSIC: My Country, ‘Tis of Thee Erinn Jarrell Schwarz
Holy Communion
We provide gluten-free communion wafers for those with wheat allergy, gluten-sensitivity, or celiac disease. These wafers are stored and handled separately to avoid cross-contamination. They are “bread” as Scripture requires and are consecrated along with the rest of the bread. For those requiring gluten-free wafers, please take one from the stand located at the front rail as you approach for communion. Simply hold it so that the pastor can see it at the time of distribution. Grape juice is available for those who for health or medical reason require it instead of wine. Please speak with a pastor about providing grape juice for you on future Sundays.
Today we are distributing Holy Communion in “tables.” The ushers will direct members forward by the side aisles. Groups of about ten will be guided toward the center aisle and will line up to receive the elements together. After each table communes, the pastor will offer a blessing and dismiss the group to return by the center aisle.
To aid in your personal preparation for Holy Communion, a list of Christian Questions can be found on pages 295-296 in the hymnal. These were prepared by Martin Luther for those intending to receive the Sacrament.
Altar Flowers
The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by Sean and Mary Brearcliffe in memory of their friend in Christ, Dorothy Lietha.
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 Jenn & DJ Miller and family for hosting this morning. Upcoming available dates are NEXT Sunday, July 14, and August 11, 18, & 25. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.
Those Assisting in Worship This Morning
Minister Pastor Ron Koehler
Communion Assistant.................................................................................................Paul Kassulke
Accompanist Jim Bakken
Vocalist..........................................................................................................................Teri Guenther
Greeters Jeanette O’Donald, Nadine Rentschler (10:00 AM)
Ushers Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM)
Jon Dongoske, Sam Kassulke, Ferdie Kramm (10:00 AM)
Communion Prep...................................................................................Kay Kassulke, Erika Hanson
Sound and Recording Techs............................................................. Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke
Banner Committee............................................ Nadine Rentschler, Jeanette O’Donald, Sandy Weir
BIBLE STUDIES
Sunday Morning Bible Study
Join us as we conclude our look at the Lord’s Supper based on our Grow in Grace Class. After that, we’ll be starting a series on “Timely Topics,” which 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!
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 for a few weeks. They will resume their study on the 12 Apostles on 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!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ron Kwart Visitation & Graveside Service: Thursday
Former Grace member Ron Kwart was called home to heaven on June 22. Grace members are invited to a visitation here in Tucson at Adair Funeral Home-Dodge Chapel this Thursday, July 11, at 10:00 AM. A brief graveside service will follow at 11:30 AM at South Lawn cemetery. A memorial service will then be held at Heritage Lutheran Church in Gilbert, AZ (421 E. Ray Road) this Saturday, July 13, at 1:30 PM. Please keep Ron’s family in your prayers.
Dorothy Lietha Memorial Service: Saturday
Grace member Dorothy Lietha was called home to her Savior’s side on Thursday, June 6. A memorial service will be held this Saturday, July 13, at 3:00 PM at Grace-Tucson. A light meal will follow in the Fellowship Hall. Please keep Dorothy’s family and friends in your prayers.
Ladies’ Fellowship Group: July 18
The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet 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.
Summer Fun Night: July 19
Join us for a Summer Fun Game Night on 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: July 20
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
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!
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.
WELS Online Resources
Check out wels.net for an abundance of online resources to deepen your connection to Christ and to your fellow believers! You can find devotional materials for personal study, family devotions, for teens, and for married couples. There are worship helps for each Sunday, articles from Forward in Christ, WELS Connection videos, podcasts (devotions, Bible readings, technology, and parenting), mission and ministry updates from across the country and around the globe, and much more! You can also pull up wels.net on your smart phone and then download the WELS app.
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.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.
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 7 - July 14
Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a
Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Lord’s Supper 9:00a Fellowship following worship ...................................................
Tuesday Weekly Pastors’ Meeting 9:00a
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)
Ron Kwart Visitation at Adair-Dodge Chapel 10:00a
Ron Kwart Graveside Service at South Lawn 11:30a
Saturday Memorial Service & Meal for Dorothy Lietha 3:00p
Sunday, July 14
Worship Services............................................ 7:45a & 10:00a
Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Lord’s Supper/Timely Topics 9:00a Fellowship following worship ...................................................
VAIL
Today
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
Sunday, July 14
Adult Bible Study: The Way Lutherans Worship 9:00a Worship Service............................................................10:00a Fellowship following worship ...................................................
Stay Up to Date
Worship Service with communion 7:30a
Adult Bible Study: Ephesians Fellowship following worship
Wednesday Adult Bible Study: Song of Songs 10:00a Sunday, July 14 Worship Service............................................................. 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Ephesians 8:45a Fellowship following worship SAHUARITA Today
Adult Bible Study: Large Catechism 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service with communion................................ 10:00a Tuesday Confirmation Class 4:00p
Wednesday Adult Bible Study 10:00a Why are there Different Churches?
Sunday, July 14
Adult Bible Study: Large Catechism 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship...................................................
ONLINE
Today
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson)...................... 10:00a
July 14 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.