THE NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
G E L C S , A A 10, 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 Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Christian Worship 602
Text: Thomas O. Chisolm, 1866–1960. Tune: William M. Runyan, 1870–1957. Text and tune: 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.
+ THE WORD +
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray and willing to give far more than we either desire or deserve. Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask except through the merits and mediation of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
In faith, Abram treasured all the L ’s gracious promises.
Please be seated
1After these events the word of the L came to Abram in a vision. He said, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”
2Abram said, “L God what can you give me, since I remain childless, and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3Abram also said, “Look, you have given me no offspring, so a servant born in my house will be my heir.”
4Just then, the word of the L came to him. God said, “This man will not be your heir, but instead one who will come out of your own body will be your heir.” 5The L then brought him outside and said, “Now look toward the sky and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” He said to Abram, “This is what your descendants will be like.” 6Abram believed in the L , and the L credited it to him as righteousness.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Text and tune: Aaron Keyes, b. 1978; Stuart Townend, b. 1963 © 2007 Thankyou Music, admin. CapitolCMGPublishing,com. Used by permission: CCLI no. 3095236.
The gift of faith allows us to see the treasure that is found in the city whose architect and builder is God.
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King. The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
1Faith is being sure about what we hope for, being convinced about things we do not see. 2For by this faith the ancients were commended in Scripture.
3By faith we know that the universe was created by God's word, so that what is seen did not come from visible things.
8By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go to a place that he was going to receive as an inheritance, and he left without knowing where he was going.
9By faith he lived as a stranger in the Promised Land, as if it did not belong to him, dwelling in tents along with Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
11By faith Abraham also received the ability to conceive children, even though Sarah herself was barren and he was past the normal age, because he considered him faithful who made the promise. 12And so from one man, and he as good as dead, descendants were born as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand along the seashore.
13One by one, all of these died in faith, without having received the things that were promised, but they saw and welcomed them from a distance. They confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
14Indeed, people who say things like that make it clear that they are looking for a land of their own. 15And if they were remembering the land they had come from, they would have had an opportunity to return.
16Instead, they were longing for a better land a heavenly one. For that reason, God is not ashamed to be called their God, because he prepared a city for them.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Please stand
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Luke 12:32 Alleluia. Do not be afraid, little flock, because your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Alleluia.
22Jesus said to his disciples, “For that reason I tell you, stop worrying about your life, about what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. 23Certainly life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. 24Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap; they have no warehouse or barn; and yet God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than birds! 25And who of you by worrying can add a single moment to his lifespan? 26Since you are not able to do this little thing, why do you worry about the rest? 27Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. But I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory was dressed like one of these. 28If this is how God clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will he clothe you, you of little faith? 29Do not constantly chase after what you will eat or what you will drink. Do not be worried about it. 30To be sure, the nations of the world chase after all of these things, but your Father knows that you need them. 31Instead, continue to seek the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you. 32Do not be afraid, little flock, because your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions and give to the needy. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not become old, a treasure in the heavens that will not fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
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.
Jesus assures us that we have a Father in heaven who knows what we need better than we do.
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 (sts. Ref–3) and tune: Marty Haugen, b. 1950 © 2000 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
Text (st. 4): Michael D. Schultz, b. 1963 © 2006 Michael D. Schultz, admin. Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
Seek the Kingdom Of God
Please stand
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.
Please be seated
Apostles’ Creed
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.
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
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.
–
–
–
Please stand
Text: Andächtige Haus-Kirche, Nürnberg, 1676; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827
1878, alt. Tune: Johann Löhner, 1645
1705; adapt. Johann Balthasar König, 1691
1758. Public domain.
CLOSING PRAYER
Eternal God, you counsel us not to be anxious about earthly things. Keep alive in us a proper yearning for those heavenly treasures awaiting all who trust in your mercy, that we may daily rejoice in your salvation and serve you with constant devotion; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
The blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God’s people for over 3,500 years. The L said, “In this way they will put my name on [them], and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27
BLESSING
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.
Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please be seated
Text: Carolina Sandell Berg, 1832–1903; tr. Robert Leaf, 1936–2005 © 1992 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. . Tune: Oskar Ahnfelt, 1813–1882. Public domain.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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
Pastor Heiman is teaching a class about God’s will for our lives. Our lives of service are guided by the Savior’s sacrifice. Please join us for “Gospel Motivation for Life” on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM in the CLC gymnasium. Even if you haven’t been to Bible study in a while, you are always welcome!
Divine Call Received
Pastor Kassulke was informed on July 27 that Grace Lutheran Church in South St. Paul, Minnesota voted to extend to him a Divine Call to serve as their pastor. This means that he now holds two calls, one to Grace in Southern Arizona and one to Grace in South St. Paul. He is working to make a decision whether to accept the new Call and move his ministry to Minnesota or to decline the Call and continue serving here. He will strive to make that decision with prayer and careful consideration where his particular gifts for ministry fit best.
Pastor Kassulke welcomes any input that the friends and members of Grace might wish to share with him. You can reach him by email at RevNPK@GraceLutheranSAZ.org or (520)260-4453. He also appreciates prayers offered on behalf of him and his family during this deliberation as well as for both congregations.
Those Assisting in Worship This Morning
Minister
Accompanist
Pastor Ryan Heiman
Laura Heiman
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.
Church History Bible Study: Wednesday at Grace-Tucson
Join us on Wednesday for our study of Church History. We are looking at the history of the Wisconsin Synod during World War II and then the events which led to the split with the Missouri Synod. Even if you haven’t attended this class before, you are always welcome! 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
All ladies are invited to join Pastor Koehler for study and discussion of the book More Prepared to Answer (yours to keep at no cost) by Pastor Mark Paustian on Thursdays from 9:00 to 10:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Each week is an individual topic so you are able to jump in and out week-toweek as your schedule allows. Upcoming topics include: Don’t you condemn homosexuals? Your amazing grace just seems too easy. I’ll deal with all this later. This will help us understand things better and be prepared to help others understand God’s answers.
Grace History Items Available: August 17
While cleaning out some storage areas at Grace-Tucson, we have found a rather sizable amount of Grace’s 50th and 100th Anniversary items. These include wall plaques and clocks (complete with a picture of Grace on them), commemorative plates, cookbooks, Grace history books, anniversary ornaments, and lots of old picture directory booklets. These will all be available to anyone who would like one (or more) NEXT Sunday, August 17, in the courtyard between services and after late service at Grace-Tucson. Any leftover items will be discarded soon after. If you are interested in these items, but are not available on August 17, please contact the Grace Central Office.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ladies’ Fellowship Group: August 21
Ladies from all sites are invited to join the Ladies’ Fellowship Group on Thursday, August 21, beginning at 10:15 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall. The ladies will enjoy rock painting. Please bring rocks to paint. They should be washed with soap, rinsed, and thoroughly dried. Paint, other materials, and samples will be provided. Please contact Delene Sabol at (520)661-2676 if you have any questions.
WELS Tucson Campus Ministry Kickoff Party: August 24
College students and non-students who are college-age are invited to a beginning of the school year Kickoff Party. Come to hear about the Sunday night Bible studies and other upcoming events, get signed up for parking in the Grace lot, and get a 24/7 access code to the Student Center and there will be food! We begin at 6:00 PM on Sunday, August 24, in the Student Center, located in the lower level of the church at Grace-Tucson. The stairs below the TCM sign on the parking lot side of the church will take you there. If you have any questions, contact our campus pastor, Pastor Koehler: revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org or (520)4042620. For more information download the TCM app in the App Store or Play Store (search for WELS Tucson Campus Ministry).
Thrivent Member Opportunity
Are you a Thrivent member? Did you know that as a member, you have a special opportunity to support events and activities at Grace? Through the Thrivent Action Team program, you can access valuable resources - including up to $250 - to help support our congregation’s ministry and mission work.
Applying for these resources takes just a little time, and we’re here to help make the process quick and easy. If you’re a Thrivent member interested in using your membership to further support Grace, we’d love to assist you!
You may talk to any of our pastors or contact the Grace Central Office.
Grow in Grace Class
Would you like to learn more about Jesus, our risen Savior, about the Bible that tells us about him, and about what we believe and teach at Grace? Our congregation offers a series of Bible-based lessons called Grow in Grace. Grow in Grace also serves as our membership class for those who may be interested in joining the church. If you would be interested in scheduling a Grow in Grace Class, please speak to Pastor Heiman, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.
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 August 10 - August 17
SAHUARITA Today Adult Bible Study: Gospel Motivation for Life 9:00a
Sunday School 9:00a
Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship
Wednesday NO Bible Study (resumes August 20)
Thursday NO Grow in Grace Class (resumes August 21)
Sunday, August 17
Adult Bible Study: Gospel Motivation for Life 9:00a Children’s Sunday School ..............................................9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship
VAIL
Adult Bible Study: My Vocation in Christ ........................9:00a Worship Service............................................................10:00a Fellowship following worship
Sunday, August 17
Adult Bible Study: My Vocation in Christ ........................9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship
ONLINE Today
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson).......................10:00a
Sunday, August 17
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
OFF-SITE
Friday
Mike Aaron Memorial Service 9:00 at Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery
Stay Up to Date
TUCSON
August 17
Services with communion................. 7:45a & 10:00a
Bible Hour 8:45a
Bible Study: Triumph of Grace 9:00a
(High School) Bible Study: Galatians 9:00a
following worship ...................................................
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
Caitlin Broehm, Toddlers 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
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.