THE ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
G E L C S , A A 24, 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 WOUNDS THAT HEAL
Not all wounds are bad. A skilled surgeon takes a deadly sharp scalpel and cuts through flesh and muscle. The result of that wound: not harm, but healing. In the same way, we often say that words cut us to the heart. Words can wound. Sometimes, however, those painful words provide the very healing we need.
“Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem” (Luke 13:22). Jesus knows that when he gets to Jerusalem, he is going to die. So, with a sense of extreme urgency, Jesus shares truths we need to hear, even though it hurts to hear them. In this series, we might not like everything that Jesus says. Yet, to ignore what Jesus teaches is to court eternal death. Hard as it may be, let us listen and take all that Jesus says to heart. For while Jesus speaks words that wound us, his intent is to heal our very soul.
Our worship will follow this path:
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
God’s Word Divides
The Door Is Very Narrow
Those Who Exalt Themselves Will Be Humbled
Count the Cost
The Found are Left; the Lost are Found
No One Can Serve Two Masters
What Helps In Life Fails in Death
Increased Faith Increases Duty
OPENING HYMN Jerusalem the Golden Christian Worship 889
Text: Bernard of Cluny, 12th cent., abr.; tr. John Mason Neale, 1818–1866, alt. Tune: Gustav Holst, 1874–1934. 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: The Christian Lyre, New York, 1831. Public domain.
+ THE WORD +
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, give us an increase of faith, hope, and love; and that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; 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
Many of those closest to God’s saving acts will reject them and perish. Meanwhile, many who seemed to be far from the kingdom will hear of God’s grace, believe, and be saved.
FIRST READING Isaiah 66:18-24
18 As for me, because of their works and their thoughts, the time is coming for me to gather people from all nations and all languages. They will come, and they will see my glory.
19 Then I will set up a sign among them, and I will send out survivors from among them to the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, to those who are archers, to Tubal and Javan, to the distant coastlands, who have not heard my message and have not seen my glory. Then they will declare my glory among the nations.
20Then they will bring all your brothers from all the nations as an offering to the L . They will bring them on horses and chariots and wagons and mules and dromedaries to my holy mountain Jerusalem, says the L , in the same way that the people of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel to the L ’s house. 21Even from among these people I will take priests and Levites, says the L .
22For just as the new heavens and the new earth that I am making will remain standing before me, declares the L , in the same way your offspring and your name will stand. 23As often as one new moon follows another and one Sabbath follows another, all flesh will come to worship before me, says the L .
24They will go out, and they will see the corpses of the ones who were rebelling against me, for their worm will not die, and their fire will not be quenched, and all flesh will be horrified by them.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING Hebrews 12:18–24
18You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and to burning fire, to darkness, to gloom, to a raging storm, 19to the sound of a trumpet, and to a voice that spoke. Those who heard the voice asked that not one more word be added, 20because they could not endure what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.” 21The sight was so terrifying that even Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”
Entering the narrow door into eternal life has nothing to do with keeping the Law of Moses. It has everything to do with Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant, who paid for our sin with his blood.
This reading continues on the next page.
Text: William McComb, 1793–1873, alt. Tune: Richard Redhead, 1820–1901. Text and tune: Public domain.
22Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, the city of the living God; to the heavenly Jerusalem; to tens of thousands of angels in joyful assembly; 23to the church of the firstborn whose names are written in heaven; to God, who is the judge of all; to the spirits of righteous people who have been made perfect; 24to Jesus, the mediator of a new testament; and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better message than the blood of Abel.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Please stand
Jesus urges, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door.”
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia. People will come from east and west, from north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God. Alleluia. GOSPEL
Luke 13:29
22He went on his way from one town and village to another, teaching, and making his way to Jerusalem. 23Someone said to him, “Lord, are only a few going to be saved?”
He said to them, 24“Strive to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. 25Once the master of the house gets up and shuts the door, you will begin to stand outside and knock on the door, saying, ‘Lord, open for us!’ He will tell you in reply, ‘I don't know you or where you come from.’ 26Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ 27And he will say, ‘I don't know where you come from. Depart from me, all you evildoers.’ 28There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown outside. 29People will come from east and west, from north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God. 30And note this: Some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please greet those around you and then be seated
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
HYMN OF THE DAY Seek Where You May to Find a Way Christian Worship 698
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: Georg Weissel, 1590–1635, abr.; tr. Arthur P. Voss, 1899–1955, alt. © 1941 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: Johann Stobäus, 1580–1646. Public domain.
Please stand
Why Would Jesus Make the Door Narrow to Heaven?
The Apostles’ Creed developed in the Early Christian Church as a personal confession of faith. It is so named because it confesses the faith taught by the Apostles of Jesus.
CONFESSION OF FAITH
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Please be seated
Apostles’ Creed
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.
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.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
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.
Text: Horatius Bonar, 1808–1889, alt. Tune: Samuel S. Wesley, 1810–1876. Text and tune: Public domain.
BLESSING
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.
Amen. Please be seated
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLOSING HYMN God Who Made the Earth and Heaven Christian Worship 787
The blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God’s people for over 3,500 years. The L said, “In this way they will put my name on [them], and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27
Text (st. 1): Reginald Heber, 1783–1826, alt.; (sts. 2, 4): William Mercer, 1811–1873, alt.; (st. 3): Richard Whately, 1787–1863, alt. Tune: Welsh, 18th cent. Public domain.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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!
WELS Tucson Campus Ministry Kickoff Party: Today
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 TONIGHT, 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).
Divine Call Declined
Pastor Kassulke, after prayerful consideration and deliberation, has declined the call to serve at Grace Lutheran Church in South Saint Paul, Minnesota. He will continue to serve as one of the pastors here at Grace in Southern Arizona. Pastor Kassulke would like to thank all those who shared their thoughts with him during the deliberation and who prayed for him and his family. He is also grateful that this time of deliberation allowed for many beneficial conversations about the gospel ministry we all share. Please continue to pray for our congregation and the many ways we proclaim forgiveness and salvation in Jesus to our communities!
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.
Volleyball at the CLC
Do you enjoy playing volleyball? Join fellow players every Wednesday beginning September 3 at 7:00 PM in the gymnasium at our Child Learning Center in Sahuarita. All skill levels are welcome. Join in the fun and bring a friend!
Memorial Service & Lunch: September 27
On Saturday, August 9, the Lord called Grace member Pat Dent home to heaven. A memorial service will be held at Grace-Tucson on Saturday, September 27, at 11:00 AM. A light lunch will follow in the Fellowship Hall. Please keep Pat’s family and friends in your prayers.
Daily Devotions
Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are on the Welcome Desk in the entryway. A new Meditations book with devotions that begin next Sunday, August 31, is now available. These are great tools to use for your daily Bible study!
SAHUARITA
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 24 - August 31
Adult Bible Study: Gospel Motivation for Life..................9:00a Children’s Sunday School...............................................9:00a Worship Service 10:00a
TUCSON
Bible Study: Triumph of Grace 9:00a
(High School) Bible Study: Galatians ..............9:00a
August 31
Adult Bible Study: Gospel Motivation for Life 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service............................................................10:00a Fellowship following worship
Adult Bible Study: My Vocation in Christ 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship
Sunday, August 31
Adult Bible Study: My Vocation in Christ 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a 5th Sunday Potluck & Trivia following worship ........................
ONLINE Today
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Sunday, August 31
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Bible Study: Idols We Never Knew We Had 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Galatians 9:00a
following worship ...................................................
TCM Bible Study (resumes September 7)
BENSON
Bible Study: Book of Jonah ...........................
Those Assisting in Worship This Morning Minister Pastor Ryan Heiman Accompanist
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, After School Care cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org
Bible-Based Counselor Cinda Drescher Office Assistant Cora Stuhr cinda@gracelutheransaz.org office@gracelutheransaz.org (520)581-4714
Grace Lutheran Church is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), a group of nearly 400,000 men, women, and children in nearly 1,300 congregations across the United States and Canada united by a common faith in Christ's saving love. We are committed to a common calling encouraging each other in our faith and sharing God's gift of a Savior with the rest of the world.