THE TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
G E L C T , A A 31, 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 order of worship we will follow is printed in this worship folder for you to follow along and participate. You’ll notice that the service is a dialogue between God and us, his people. The pastor speaks to God along with the congregation and also speaks the Word of God to the people. LARGE PRINT worship folders are available at the entrances for those who desire them.
Today we are using elements from the Christian Worship (2021) hymnal. You will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each pew. You will be asked to open the hymnal to participate in parts of the service today. A vocalist will aid in our singing and will be recorded for our audio disks and video live-streaming.
There is no cost to park in our parking lot during Sunday morning worship services. If you receive a citation by mistake, please let our office staff know so it can be cleared.
OUR WORSHIP SERIES—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 God’s Word Divides
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost The Door Is Very Narrow
Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost Those Who Exalt Themselves Will Be Humbled
Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost Count the Cost
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost The Found are Left; the Lost are Found
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost No One Can Serve Two Masters
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost What Helps In Life Fails in Death
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost Increased Faith Increases Duty
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +
WELCOME
OPENING HYMN Lord, Help Us Walk Your Servant Way Christian Worship 737
PRESERVICE
Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service
Timothy Shaw
Come, Praise the Lord! Hallelujah Christian Worship Psalter 112B
Blest Are They Michael Burkhardt
Please stand
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
CONFESSION
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
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.
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. 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
Christ gave the authority to forgive the sins of penitent sinners to his church: “Whenever you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven.” John 20:23
Mark 10:47
Kyrie is the Greek word for Lord. The expression “Lord, have mercy” is one of the oldest worship responses in the Christian Church.
LORD, HAVE MERCY
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord. Amen.
Luke 2:14
Christians praise God by proclaiming the great things he has done to accomplish our rescue from sin. “Glory to God in the Highest” has been a Christian song of worship since the fourth century.
GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST
This song continues on the next page.
Gloria
+ THE WORD +
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
O Lord of grace and mercy, teach us by your Holy Spirit to follow the example of your Son in true humility, that we may withstand the temptations of the devil and with pure hearts and minds avoid ungodly pride; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Please be seated
FIRST READING Proverbs 25:6-7
6 Do not honor yourself in a king’s presence. Do not stand in a place reserved for great people,
7 because it is better to be told, “Come up here,” than for you to be humiliated before a ruler whom your eyes have seen.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Solomon provides common sense about humility and pride.
Text: Michael A. Perry © 1982 Hope Publishing Co. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: The Christian Lyre, New York, 1831. Public domain.
This Psalm is the appointed Psalm for this Sunday of the church year.
PSALM OF THE DAY—
Come, Praise the Lord!
Hallelujah
The vocalist will sing the opening refrain. The congregation immediately repeats the refrain and sings is again as indicated.
The vocalist will sing the first verse. Please join in singing the second verse.
Text and music: Eric Wyse © 2011 Vine Ridge Music, admin. Fox Music, a division of Classic Fox Records Ltd.
Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
SECOND READING James 2:1–13
1My brothers, have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ without showing favoritism. 2For example, suppose a man enters your worship assembly wearing gold rings and fine clothing, and a poor man also enters wearing filthy clothing. 3If you look with favor on the man wearing fine clothing and say, “Sit here in this good place,” but you tell the poor man, “Stand over there” or “Sit down here at my feet,” 4have you not made a distinction among yourselves and become judges with evil opinions? 5Listen, my dear brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom, which he promised to those who love him? 6But you dishonored the poor man. Don’t the rich oppress you, and don’t they drag you into court? 7Aren’t they the ones who blaspheme the noble name that was pronounced over you? 8However, if you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. 9But if you show favoritism, you are committing a sin, since you are convicted by this law as transgressors.
10In fact, whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles in one point has become guilty of breaking all of it. 11For the one who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not commit murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12So speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law of freedom. 13For there will be judgment without mercy on the one who has not shown mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Please stand
James teaches that showing favoritism to those we think can provide us with upward mobility shows a lack of mercy and puts us at risk of God’s judgment.
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Refrain (ALL):
Vocalist: For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Refrain (ALL)
Jesus teaches some ways to demonstrate humility and promises that those who humble themselves will be exalted.
1One Sabbath day, when Jesus went into the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat bread, they were watching him closely.
7When he noticed how they were selecting the places of honor, he told the invited guests a parable. 8“When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline in the place of honor, or perhaps someone more distinguished than you may have been invited by him.
9The one who invited both of you may come and tell you, ‘Give this man your place.’ Then you will begin, with shame, to take the lowest place.
10“But when you are invited, go and recline in the lowest place, so that when the one who invited you comes, he will tell you, ‘Friend, move up to a higher place.’ Then you will have honor in the presence of all who are reclining at the table with you.
11“Yes, everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
12He also said to the one who had invited him, “When you make a dinner or a supper, do not invite your friends, or your brothers, or your relatives, or rich neighbors, so that perhaps they may also return the favor and pay you back.
13“But when you make a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. Certainly, you will be repaid in the resurrection of the righteous.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please
HYMN OF THE DAY Son of God, Eternal Savior
Christian Worship 729
SERMON
Luke 14:1, 7-14
Whoever Humbles Himself Will Be Exalted
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
Eternal God, you are the Father of all whom you have made and you protect and preserve all your human creatures. You create the times and places in which people live, you cause the sun to shine and the rain to fall on the just and unjust, you bid us to hold in our hearts not only those we know and love, but all people in all places and circumstances.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray.
Lead us to see in the lives of all people the working of your eternal plan. Preserve us from an arrogance that elevates our service and sacrifice above that of others. Lead us to appreciate the gifts you give to all people and to give you thanks with our acceptance and humility.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray.
For all the descendants of Adam and Eve, for all peoples and nations, those in lands far away from us, those who differ from us in race, language, and culture, that in some way they might come to see the light of your Son;
For these we pray, O Lord.
For those who bring food from the earth, who tend flocks and herds, who cultivate the ground, who find food in the sea, and who bake our daily bread, that they may know you, as we do, to be the giver of every good and perfect gift;
For these we pray, O Lord.
For those who help us in times of trouble, for lawyers, doctors, emergency workers, counselors, funeral directors, and all whose life interests focus on difficult times, that they may see themselves as those who extend your divine hand to the hurting;
For these we pray, O Lord.
For all who support us day by day, often without our notice, janitors and maids, cooks and servers, secretaries and technicians, and so many more, that they may enjoy the grateful thanks we children of God owe them;
For these we pray, O Lord.
For people who live in great poverty or endure war and political unrest or experience oppression and tyranny, that their quest for security might lead them to search where you may be found.
For these we pray, O Lord.
For those who endure physical and mental afflictions every day and those who are tortured by disease and tormented by fears. Let them find in us Christ-like compassion and meaningful help;
For these we pray, O Lord.
For all in our congregation who work hard each day to gain their daily bread and then work hard again to support and participate in the gospel ministry, that they may be spared fatigue and frustration as they use their leisure time for the sake of your Son;
For these we pray, O Lord.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
Eternal Father, give us a sense of purpose as we live our lives in the roles you have designed for each of us. Help us to see your divine plan in our calling and make us content as we carry out our tasks. Give us joy to know that we live for you and for others as the servants of Christ Jesus.
In his name we pray. Amen.
OFFERING
Members of Grace respond to their Savior’s love with offerings that are given joyfully, generously, regularly, and in a way that is proportionate to how the Lord has blessed them. Their cheerful gifts support the mission and ministry of our congregation. If you are a guest today, please know that we do not expect you to contribute to our congregation’s work. However, if you would like to give an offering to the Lord in response to his love to you, we are happy to receive it and put it to work in God’s kingdom. If you prefer, use your smart phone to give online by scanning this QR code:
Please fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder at the end of the row and pass it along. Thank you!
Christian Worship 690
OFFERTORY:
Make Me a Servant Kelly Willard
Please stand
HYMN Blest Are They
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.
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
CLOSING PRAYER
Eternal God, cleanse our hearts of sinful pride, lest we suppose we can live without your grace. Cleanse our minds of arrogance, lest we suppose we are better than others. Show us the example of your Son: fill us with humility that bows to your will and that serves others in selfless love.
Amen. LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
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
POSTLUDE MUSIC: Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing Christian Worship 927 Acknowledgements:
THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING
Preacher
Pastor Nathan Kassulke
Worship Leader..............................................................Pastor Ron Koehler (10:00 AM)
Accompanist Kathy Parra
Vocalist ........................................................................................................ Beth Kassulke
Greeters Paul & Kay Kassulke (10:00 AM)
Ushers ..................................................................... Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM)
Justin Harris, Ferdie Kramm, Zach Miller, Rick Street (10:00 AM)
Sound and Recording Techs .............. Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Altar Flowers
The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by Chuck and Beth Johnson in loving memory of their parents.
If you would like to provide flowers for the altar, please call (520-623-6633) or email (office@gracelutheransaz.org) the Grace Central Office to reserve a Sunday. Upcoming available dates are September 21 & 28 and many Sundays in October. The cost for the 2 bouquets is $32.50. After the 10:00 AM service you may take the flowers home or leave them to be dropped off to one of our homebound members if a visit is being made.
Fellowship
Following the 10:00 AM service this morning, you are invited to join us in the courtyard and Fellowship Hall for drinks and snacks. Thank you to Nancy Miles and LaVerne Walsh for hosting this morning. The next available dates are October 26 and all the Sundays in November. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.
NEW Sunday Morning Bible Study
Join us this morning for a look at Idols We Never Knew We Had. We’ll answer the question “Are we really idolaters?” and explore some common idols within our society and perhaps our own experience. A new topic provides a great opportunity to get started with Bible study. Please join us, and invite a friend! We meet at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall.
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!
Daily Devotions
Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are at either door to church and in the Fellowship Hall. A new Meditations book with devotions that begin today is now available. These are great tools to use for your daily Bible study!
Church History Bible Study: Wednesday
Join us on Wednesday for our study of Church History. We are looking at the history of the Wisconsin Synod leading 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!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Volleyball at the CLC: Wednesday
Do you enjoy playing volleyball? Join fellow players every Wednesday 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!
Women’s Bible Study: Thursday
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 from 9:00 to 10:00 AM on Thursdays 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: Your amazing grace just seems too easy. I’ll deal with all this later. I believe in reincarnation. This will help us understand things better and be prepared to help others understand God’s answers.
Ladies’ Fellowship Group: September 18
Ladies from all sites are invited to join the Ladies’ Fellowship Group on Thursday, September 18, beginning at 10:15 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall. The ladies will watch the movie “God Bless the Broken Road.” Please bring a sack lunch. Contact Lois Thornton at (520)449-7552 if you have any questions.
Choir and Handbells: September 18
Have you ever been interested in ringing a handbell? Do you enjoy singing? Please consider joining us on Thursday evenings beginning September 18! Handbells will rehearse from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. Worship Choir will rehearse from 6:45 to 8:00 PM. Both groups meet in the church sanctuary. No experience is needed! Our directors and experienced members are eager to help and teach you what you need to know! Both of these groups welcome members who are 12-years-old or older. If you are unsure about participating, please come to the first rehearsal and give it a try! There is no commitment to continue. If you have any questions, please contact our worship coordinator, Beth Kassulke (music@gracelutheransaz.org).
Outreach Workshop: September 21
We are holding an Outreach Workshop at Grace-Tucson on Sunday, September 21, beginning at 11:30 AM. Lunch will be provided. We look forward to encouraging each other as we prepare to reach out to our friends and neighbors and welcome guests to church.
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.
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 Kassulke or Pastor Koehler, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.
TUCSON
Today
Worship Services
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 31 - September 7
SAHUARITA
7:45a & 10:00a
Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Idols We Never Knew We Had 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Galatians..............9:00a
Fellowship following worship NO TCM Bible Study (resumes September 7)
Monday Labor Day
Grace Central Office Closed
Tuesday Pastors’ Staff Meeting ....................................................9:00p
Wednesday
Midweek Bible Study: Church History 10:00a & 7:00p
Thursday Women’s Bible Study: More Prepared to Answer ..........9:00a
Sunday, September 7
Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a
Children’s Bible Hour......................................................8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Idols We Never Knew We Had 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Galatians 9:00a Fellowship following worship
TCM Bible Study.............................................................7:00p
BENSON
Today
Worship Service..............................................................7:30a
Adult Bible Study: Romans 8:45a Fellowship following worship
Wednesday
Midweek Bible Study: 10 Lies About God ....................10:00a
Sunday, September 7
Worship Service with communion 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Romans.............................................8:45a Fellowship following worship
Stay Up to Date
Adult Bible Study: Gospel Motivation for Life 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship...................................................
Monday—Labor Day Child Learning Center Closed Wednesday Bible Study: Oasis Group 10:00a Volleyball at the CLC 7:00p Thursday Grow in Grace Class 9:00a
Sunday, September 7
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 Today
Adult Bible Study: My Vocation in Christ 9:00a Worship Service........................................................... 10:00a 5th Sunday Potluck & Trivia following worship
Sunday, September 7
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, September 7
Adult Bible Study (Tucson)............................................. 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
The fastest and easiest way to keep Grace members and friends informed about what is happening at our four sites is through our weekly email update. This email is sent every Friday and at other times when special announcements are necessary. If you have not been receiving this email, but would like to, please email the Grace Central Office at office@gracelutheransaz.org and request to be added to our email list.
One Church. Four Locations.
Proclaiming the love of Jesus in Southern Arizona since 1911.
Grace-Tucson and Central Office
830 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719 (520)623-6633 office@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Ronald G. Koehler III revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Nathan P. Kassulke revnpk@gracelutheransaz.org
Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org
Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail
Benson
451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602
Vail
Worshipping at Esmond Station Elementary 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, Tucson, AZ 85747
Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein revsas@gracelutheransaz.org Office at Civano 10501 E. Seven Generations Way, Tucson, AZ 85747 (520)848-4631
Prayer Group—Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Sahuarita
75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538
Pastor Ryan A. Heiman revrah@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center (520)848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com
Director—Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org
Assistant Director Jen Rickling jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center Mission Teachers
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.