THE THIRTEENTH 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.
Personal prayers for worship are now available on printed labels located in the inside cover of each hymnal. These include prayers for before and after worship.
OUR WORSHIP SERIES—THE CHURCH GOD WANTS
“I want a church that…” How would you complete that statement? Would you focus on size big or small? Would you think more about style formal versus laid back? Do certain desired church programs come to mind? What exactly do you want in a church?
In our worship series, we see that this is not the right question. Scripture says Jesus bought the Church with his blood. So the right question becomes: what does God want in a church? You might find a church that runs all the youth programs you want or has a vibe that you enjoy or is in your ideal location. But if that church is not doing what Christ wants it to do, then it really is not a spiritually healthy place to be. So let us think about the church God wants. What does it look like? What are its priorities? What does it do? Our worship is following this path:
A Church for All People
A Church That Really Knows Jesus
A Church That Takes Up Its Crosses
A Church Willing to Say Hard Things
A Church That’s Quick to Forgive
THEME FOR TODAY A CHURCH THAT REALLY KNOWS JESUS
Jesus asked, “Who do you say that I am?” Make no mistake. That is the most important question in the world. And it is a question every human must answer. A complimentary answer can still be dead wrong. Some in Jesus’ day thought he was John the Baptist or the prophet Elijah come back from the dead. Complimentary, but dead wrong. Today plenty of people believe Jesus existed. They believe he was just a wise teacher or a role model for love. Complimentary, but dead wrong.
Jesus is both Lord and Savior, the Messiah, the Son of the living God. This truth is the core of saving faith. It is the central message God has called our church to proclaim. What does God want in a church? He wants a church that really knows Jesus.
HYMN RESPONSE Blessed Jesus, at Your Word
Christian Worship 919
Please stand
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
The words of the invocation remind us that the God we meet and worship here is the true and triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
“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 Kyrie
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.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, whom to know is everlasting life, grant us to know your Son, Jesus, to be the way, the truth, and the life that we may boldly confess him to be the Christ and steadfastly walk in the way that leads to life eternal; 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
God proclaimed to Moses what he was like. Likewise, the Church’s job is to proclaim to the world who Christ is and what he is like.
5 The L came down in the cloud. He took his stand there with Moses and proclaimed the name of the L . 6 The L passed by in front of him and proclaimed: “The L , the L , the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, and overflowing with mercy and truth,
7 maintaining mercy for thousands, forgiving guilt and rebellion and sin. He will by no means clear the guilty. He calls their children and their children’s children to account for the guilt of the fathers, even to the third and the fourth generation.”
8 Moses quickly bowed to the ground and worshipped. 9 He said, “If I have now found favor in your sight, Lord, please let the Lord go along with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, pardon our guilt and our sin, and accept us as your possession.”
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING Romans 10:5-13
5 Indeed, Moses writes this about the righteousness that comes by the law: “The one who does these things will live by them.” 6 But the righteousness that comes by faith speaks like this: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down)
7 “ or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith that we are proclaiming.
9 Certainly, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and it is with the mouth that a person confesses, resulting in salvation. 11 For Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”
12 So there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, because the same Lord is Lord of all, who gives generously to all who call on him. 13 Yes, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Leviticus 18:5
Deuteronomy 30:12
Deuteronomy 30:13
Deuteronomy 30:14
St. Paul teaches that those who know in their heart that Jesus is both Lord and Savior will be saved. They really know Jesus.
Isaiah 28:16
Joel 2:32
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
GOSPEL
Alleluia. Lord, to whom will we go? You have the words of eternal life. Alleluia.
GOSPEL Matthew 16:13-
The truth upon which God builds his Church is this: Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God.
13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
14 They said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 He said to them, “But you, who do you say that I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not overpower it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
20 Then he commanded the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please be seated
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!
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.
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.
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 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 be seated
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Almighty God and Father, we thank you for all your mercies, especially for the gift of your Son, through whom you have revealed your gracious will. We praise you for the Holy Spirit and his working through the means of grace.
Plant your Word in our hearts, and cause it to produce fruit in our lives.
Strengthen and defend your Church, that by your Word and sacraments faith may grow and love toward all may increase.
Support all who spread the light of your truth throughout the world.
Keep our children in the grace of their baptisms. Enable their parents to train them in lives of faith.
Raise up Christians to serve you in the ministry of the Word and in all godly walks of life.
Preserve our nation in justice and honor. Guide and bless all who make, administer, and judge our laws.
Give them wisdom that they may promote justice and hinder evil.
Let your blessing rest on planting and harvest, commerce and industry, medicine and science, the arts and culture. Protect all who travel, and care for those whose work is difficult or dangerous.
Be with all who devote themselves to any useful task.
Comfort all who are in sorrow or need, sickness or adversity. Remember those who suffer persecution for the faith. Have mercy on those for whom death draws near.
Grant them your love, and take them into your tender care.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
We remember with thanksgiving those who have loved and served you, who now rest from their labors. Console those who are mourning or living with sadness. Keep us in the true faith, and bring us at last to the joys of heaven.
Grant us these things, Father, for the sake of Jesus, who died and rose again. Amen.
The blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God’s people for over 3,500 years. The L said, “In this way they will put my name on [them], and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27
Please stand 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. 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
CLOSING HYMN Onward, Christian Soldiers
Christian Worship 869
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.
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.
WELS Tucson Campus Ministry: Tonight
WELS Tucson Campus Ministry (TCM) invites all college-aged adults to grow closer to God and their peers in the fall semester through a number of ways. These include Sunday evening Bible studies, special events, Student Center access, and parking privileges. Visit WELSTCM.com to register and learn more.
Join us this evening at 7:00 PM for our Kickoff Party in the Student Center located in the basement at Grace-Tucson.
Daily Devotions
Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are on the Welcome Desk in the church entryway. New Meditations books with devotions beginning today is available. These are great tools to use for your daily Bible study!
English Classes Information Meeting: Tuesday at Grace-Tucson
Grace-Tucson’s English Classes will begin on Tuesday, September 5, and could use your help! Show Christ’s love to those learning and improving their English skills by teaching classes (training provided), playing with children, partnering in conversation, or serving snacks. An informational meeting will be held this Tuesday, August 29 at 6:30 PM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall. Classes are held in that same location on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. If you are interested, contact Pastor Patoka at (520)623-6633 or RevTLP@GraceLutheranSAZ.org.
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
The Wednesday Church History class is studying Lutheranism in America. 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
“The church of history has done terrible things.” “Jesus never claimed to be God.” “I want to feel good about myself.” “There’s no such thing as truth.” “Do last-minute confessions get people into heaven?” 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
Divine Call Received
Pastor Patoka was informed on August 20 that Messiah Lutheran Church in Green Bay, Wisconsin voted to extend to him a Divine Call to serve as an associate pastor. This means that he now holds two calls, one to Grace and one to Messiah. He is working to make a decision whether to accept the new Call and move his ministry to Wisconsin 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 Patoka welcomes any input that the friends and members of Grace might wish to share with him. You can reach him by email at RevTLP@GraceLutheranSAZ.org or (540)623-1149. He also appreciates prayers offered on behalf of him and Katie during this deliberation as well as for both congregations.
Foodie Club at Esmond Station School—New Items Needed!
Last year, teachers at Esmond Station School (our worship location in Vail) started an after-school “Foodie Club” for the students to teach them about different cultural meals. We would like to continue to help out and sponsor this group! Some new items are needed paper towels, pot holders, dish rags, dish soap, vegetable peelers, and a hand mixer. Food supplies such as sugar, flour, and seasonings along with VISA or grocery store gift cards are always welcome. Items can be dropped off in the Grace Central office. If you have any questions, please contact Laura Hodgson at irish_mom@live.com or call/text her at (520)780-1743.
MttC Outreach Event - Independence Day Fiesta: September 16
Mission to the Children (MttC) invites you to help share Christ's love with bilingual families in southern Tucson. MttC is hosting an Independence Day Fiesta on Saturday, September 16, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Kennedy Park in Ramada #5 (Mission and Ajo). If you are interested in canvassing, decorating, setting up, taking down, serving food, face painting, making new friends, running carnival-style games, playing with children, or making a donation, contact MttC Office Manager Nicole Scheuerlein at (520)934-2512 or info@missiontothechildren.org.
All-Site Picnic & CLC 3rd Birthday Party: September 23
Grace-Sahuarita will be hosting a special celebration on Saturday, September 23, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. There will be carnival games, bounce houses, a pastor dunk tank, a corn hole tournament, a picnic lunch, and an Icee Truck! We will also hold the grand opening of the Art & Nature Garden. We’d love to have all members of Grace celebrate with us on this special day in Sahuarita!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Crafters Needed!
The Women of Grace will host a craft fair in conjunction with the all-site Roast Beef Dinner this fall. Anyone interested in donating hand-made crafts, please let Joyce Long know at (520)405-5133 or hopalong47@gmail.com. This year’s dinner and craft fair will be held on Saturday, November 11, in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall. Please keep all items at home until directed to bring them to the Tucson Fellowship Hall. Watch for additional details as the date gets closer.
LWMS Rally: October 14
Ladies, mark your calendars for the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS) Fall Rally on Saturday, October 14, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bylas, AZ (295 W. US Highway 70). Pastors Eric Hartzell and John Hartmann will be speaking to us about past and current mission work. Registration is due by October 9 and can be completed online at grandcanyonlwms.org. Paper copies of the registration form can be obtained from Pat Dent.
Grace Child Learning Center and Fry’s
Our Child Learning Center (CLC) is enrolled in the Community Rewards Program at Fry’s. This program allows a percentage of your spending to be donated to the CLC. We would greatly appreciate it if you could create an account and link it to our organization. The link is: https:// www.frysfood.com/account/communityrewards and our organization code is CV025. If you have any questions, please contact the CLC office at (520)848-4630. Feel free to share this with friends who are not members of Grace too!
We have some great all-site events coming up this year! Don’t miss out on the following activities! Watch for more details as each date draws closer.
Saturday, October 7: Spanferkelfest (Pig Roast)
Saturday, October 21: Booth at Vailfest
Sunday, October 29: Area Reformation Service
Friday, November 10: Men’s Pints 4 Pink Fundraiser
Saturday, November 11: Roast Beef Dinner & Craft Fair
Friday, December 8: Carols in the Courtyard
Saturday, December 16: Caroling in the Park (Vail)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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 Pastor Heiman, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.
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)58104714 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.
Prayer Group
God invites us to pray to him about all sorts of things in our lives, and he promises to hear and to answer. Grace has a Prayer Group that is facilitated by Grace member Laura Hodgson. If any Grace member would like to be a part of this group, please contact her at (520)780-1743 or PrayerGroup@GraceLutheranSAZ.org.
Anyone desiring a special prayer may also contact Laura to give her the details of the prayer request. She will relay the request to the members of the Prayer Group, who will then pray specifically about the request. May God continue to bless this group and cause more prayer to be brought to him through it.
WELS Online Resources
Check out www.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 www.wels.net on your smart phone and then download the WELS web app.
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 27 - September 3
Stay Up to Date
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.
