THE SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

Worship Notes

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 www.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 Define Christian

Ask ten different people to define the word Christian and you may get ten different answers. One might say, “A Christian is someone who believes in Jesus.” Okay. But the demons believe that Jesus exists and is the Son of God. So is that definition adequate? Another person might have a more negative view. He says, “A Christian is someone who believes he is better than others.” Is that completely false? And if you aren’t humble, does that mean you aren’t Christian?

In this worship series Christ himself defines the term Christian and describes what Christians do. We will be struck by how often we do not do all those things. There likely are times when people could look at our behavior and assume we were unbelievers. Yet throughout this series Jesus will demonstrate that ultimately a Christian is one who runs to Christ for forgiveness precisely because he has failed to live like what he is a Christian. As we receive the mercy of Christ, it moves us to strive with all our being to better fit Christ’s beautiful definition, doing all the things Jesus says that Christians do. Our worship series will follow this path:

The Christian Loves God above All

The Christian Finds Rest in Jesus

The Christian Is Planted by the Word

The Christian Lives as Wheat among Weeds

The Christian Seeks Spiritual Wealth

The Christian Trusts God to Provide

The Christian Answers

Doubt with Faith

OPENING HYMN How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds Christian Worship 541

Please stand

INVOCATION

Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.

Congregation: Amen.

Spoken Responses

I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”

How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty!

Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.

Psalm 122:1

Psalm 84:1

Psalm 84:4

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end.

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

Prayer

Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness, come to my relief.

Spare us, Lord, from the lies of the devil and the attacks of our conscience. Comfort and save us in your patient compassion.

Have mercy on us, Jesus.

Guide us, Lord, to the wisdom of your Word and the power of your promises. Take away our confusion and doubt.

Have mercy on us, Jesus.

Hear us, Lord, when we come to you in prayer. Make us confident to take you at your word and to follow you in faith.

Have mercy on us, Jesus.

Empower us, Lord, to walk in your ways and live in your truth. Fill us with your love, that we may love you and one another.

Have mercy on us, Jesus.

Lord, we confess our sins to you and plead for your mercy. We acknowledge that sin runs too deep in our nature for us ever to rid ourselves of it, but we thank you that Jesus has done what we could not do, washing us clean of every stain. We plead that your Spirit would give us the strength to live a new life; through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

+ THE WORD +

Prayer Of The Day

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Let us pray.

Gracious God, our heavenly Father, your mercy attends us all our days. Be our strength and support amid the wearisome changes of this world, and at life’s end, grant us your promised rest and the full joys of your salvation; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

First Reading

Exodus 33:12-23

12 Moses said to the L , “Look, you yourself have been telling me, ‘Lead this people up,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.’ 13 So now if I have found favor in your sight, please show me your ways, so that I may know you, so that I may find favor in your sight. Consider that this nation is your people.”

The Lord gives Moses spiritual rest by promising that his Presence will go with Israel and allowing Moses to see a glimpse of his glory.

14 The L said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

15 Moses said to him, “If your Presence is not going to go with me, do not send us up from here. 16 After all, how would people know that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Isn’t it in this way: that you go with us, so that we are distinguished, I and your people, from all the people who are on the face of the earth?”

17 The L said to Moses, “I will also do this thing that you have said, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.”

18 Then Moses said, “Please show me your glory.”

19 The L said, “I will make all my goodness pass in front of you, and I will proclaim the name of the L in your presence. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will show mercy to whom I will show mercy.” 20 He said, “You cannot see my face, for no human may see me and live.”

21 The L also said, “Look, there is a place next to me, where you shall stand on the rock. 22 It will happen that, while my glory passes by, I will put you in a crevice in the rock. I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will take away my hand, and you will see my back. But my face will not be seen.”

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

15 For I do not understand what I am doing, because I do not keep doing what I want. Instead, I do what I hate. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 But now it is no longer I who am doing it, but it is sin living in me. 18 Indeed, I know that good does not live in me, that is, in my sinful flesh. The desire to do good is present with me, but I am not able to carry it out. 19 So I fail to do the good I want to do. Instead, the evil I do not want to do, that is what I keep doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who am doing it, but it is sin living in me.

21 So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is present with me. 22 I certainly delight in God’s law according to my inner self, 23 but I see a different law at work in my members, waging war against the law of my mind and taking me captive to the law of sin, which is present in my members. 24 What a miserable wretch I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Please stand

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Matthew 11:28

Alleluia. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Alleluia.

GOSPEL Matthew 11:25-30

25 At that time, Jesus continued, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from clever and learned people and have revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, because this was pleasing to you. 27 Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wants to reveal him.

28 “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Jesus Christ gives spiritual rest to the one who wants to do what is good yet cannot carry it out.

The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel. Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to come to him for rest.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise be to you, O Christ.

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.

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!

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.

Christ Gives His People Rest

CONFESSION OF FAITH Apostles’ Creed

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 stand

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.

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.

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.

Closing Prayer

Blessed Lord, you have given us your Holy Scriptures for our learning. May we so hear them, read, learn, and take them to heart that, being strengthened and comforted by your holy Word, we may cling to the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

The almighty and merciful Lord the Father, the (+) Son, and the Holy Spirit bless us and keep us.

Amen.

Please be seated

CLOSING HYMN I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say Christian Worship 703 Text:

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.

Daily Devotions

Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are on the desk in the church entryway. Be sure to pick a NEW Grace Moments with devotions that began recently!

Sunday Morning Bible Study

Amazing Grace, A Mighty Fortress, and On Eagles Wings might be a few of your favorite hymns, but do you know who wrote them, why they were written, or what section of Scripture they were based on? Our Sunday morning Bible Study series discovers the answers to those questions and more as we learn about our favorite hymns and how they open up the Scriptures for our learning. Now would be an excellent time to make Sunday morning Bible study a part of your routine! Class is held at 9:00 AM in the CLC gymnasium.

Divine Calls Received

Pastor Kassulke was informed on June 12 that Salem Lutheran Church in Owosso, Michigan voted to extend to him a Divine Call to serve as their pastor.

Pastor Heiman was informed on June 25 that Zion Lutheran Church in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin voted to extend to him a Divine Call to serve as their pastor.

This means that Pastors Kassulke and Heiman each hold two Calls, one to Grace and one to the church that has called each of them. Each is working to make a decision whether to accept the new Call and move or to decline the Call and continue serving at Grace. They will strive to make that decision with prayer and careful consideration where their particular gifts for ministry fit best.

Pastor Kassulke and Pastor Heiman welcome any input that the friends and members of Grace might wish to share with them. They can be reached at:

Pastor Kassulke: RevNPK@GraceLutheranSAZ.org or (520)623-6633

Pastor Heiman: RevRAH@GraceLutheranSAZ.org or (520)999-0245

They would both appreciate prayers offered on behalf of them and their families during this deliberation as well as for all the congregations involved.

Baby Shower: Today

All ladies are invited to a baby shower for Nicole Scheuerlein (wife of Pastor Seth Scheuerlein) this afternoon at 1:30 PM. The shower will be held in the Civano Community Rotunda/Activity Room (10501 E. Seven Generations Way). Pastor and Nicole are having a boy and are registered on Amazon and at Target. If you would like, please bring a pack of baby wipes or diapers in any size to win a special prize. We hope you will join us to celebrate this precious gift from God!

Midweek Bible Study: Wednesday

The Bible Project: The 66 books of the Bible are a collection of history, poetry, prophecy and insights into the eternal history of God and his people. The focus of the entire Bible is God’s plan of salvation. However because of the sheer volume of the Bible, many people get bogged down trying to read it and understand it. This Bible Project is a study that quickly summarizes each book and gives the student a quick overview of the Bible. Please join us on Wednesdays at 10:00 AM in the Church Entryway.

Church History Bible Study: Wednesday at Grace-Tucson

In the Wednesday Church History class we are looking at the church during the American Revolution. 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

“There are things I’ll never be able to forgive.” “With so many interpretations and denominations, who can say who is right?” “I’ll let my kids decide for themselves.” “Whatever happened to tolerance?” “Religion is a crutch for the weak.” We hear these kinds of things and may even wonder about them ourselves. These and more are addressed in Pastor Mark Paustian’s book, “Prepared to Answer.” The book is provided at no cost for everyone in the class, and each question is handled in just a handful of pages, so it is easy to jump into the study at any time, even if you can’t make it each week. Invite a friend and join Pastor Koehler for this study which is helpful for us and for those we have discussions with about such things. This class meets on Thursdays at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall.

Announcements

Lifeliners F3: July 16

The Lifeliners (our high school youth group) are getting together this summer on select Sunday evenings for Food, Faith, & Fun (F3) in the Grace-Tucson Student Center! Our next Lifeliners F3 will be next Sunday, July 16, from 6:00 to 8:30 PM. We’ll enjoy a taco/nacho bar, Bible study on Proverbs 17 (Gossip), and fun games. RSVPs are appreciated and can be sent to Pastor Patoka.

Vail School Supply Drive

Our members here at Grace-Vail are organizing a school supply drive for the teachers and students at Esmond Station School, our worship location in Vail. This is a great way to show our support and generosity! Here are some of the many items needed: dry erase markers & erasers, highlighters, #2 pencils, Sharpie markers (thin or regular tip), disinfecting wipes, boxes of tissues, band aids, Ziploc bags in all sizes, and paper of all types - wide-ruled loose leaf, multi-colored construction, printer/copy, and graph. A complete list of requested items can be found here: https://app.teacherlists.com/schools/131747-esmond-station-school. If you would like to donate any of these items, a donation box will be available through July 30.

Ladies’ Fellowship Group: July 20

The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet at Grace-Tucson on Thursday, July 20, at 11:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall for a tea luncheon. Please bring a cup & saucer, your favorite tea packets, and a salad to share. Desserts will be provided. Please RSVP to Lois Thornton at (520)323 -8772 or vthornto2@gmail.com. Ladies from all Grace sites are welcome to join in the fun!

Summer Fun Night - Pictionary: July 21

Grace members and friends are invited to our next Summer Fun Night on Friday, July 21. We will meet in the Fellowship Hall at Grace-Tucson and enjoy some Pictionary competition! Snacks and drinks will be provided. We hope you can join us for this fun game for all ages! Invite friends to join you using the postcards on the Welcome Table.

TCM Event - Showing & Discussion of “A Single Life to Live”: July 23

What does the Bible have to say about living the single life? Whether marriage is a part of your future or not, God has directions and promises for living as a single person now. All interested young adults are invited to join us as WELS Tucson Campus Ministry views a presentation by Hannah Schermerhorn, author of “A Single Life to Live.” We’ll discuss how the single life is worth living and worth living well. Join us Sunday, July 23, at 7:00 PM in the Grace-Tucson Student Center. Snacks will be provided. Contact Campus Pastor Tim (540-623-1149) with questions.

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 Ÿ July 9 - July 16

OFF-SITE EVENTS

Parking Lot Repair and Sealing: July 25-27

The parking lot at Grace-Tucson will be repaired and resealed from Tuesday, July 25, through Thursday, July 27. Because parking will be unavailable on those days, the Church History classes on Wednesday and the Thursday Ladies Bible study will NOT be held. The parking lot will reopen on Friday, July 28. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.