8-7-22 Grace-Tucson Worship Folder

THE NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

G

E T A

L ,A 7, 2022

C

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 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 new Christian Worship 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. We hope this will help our members and friends become better acquainted with these new books. A vocalist will aid in our singing and will be recorded for our audio disks and video live-streaming.

OUR WORSHIP SERIES—FOCUSED A unique feature of Luke’s Gospel is the section in the middle often called “the travel narrative.”

This lengthy section began in chapter 9 when Luke told us that Jesus “resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” While there are many events and side trips that occur during this travel narrative, Luke regularly stresses that nothing is going to dissuade Jesus from going to Jerusalem where he will fulfill his life’s mission. Jesus was very focused.

Jesus’ mission and the purpose of this journey was not to gain an earthly crown. Throughout this travel narrative, Jesus makes clear that this world was not his real home. He teaches that this world is not our real home either. Jesus is focused on heaven. His mission is to get us there by going to Jerusalem and making the ultimate sacrifice to pay for our sin. Nothing would stop him. “He set his face like flint,” Isaiah tells us. Jesus was focused.

As we watch the focused actions of our Savior—as we focus carefully on his words—something wonderful happens. Jesus gives focus to our lives. We finally see things clearly: how to love our neighbor, the true purpose of worship, what is treasure (and what is not). In this series, as Christ speaks to us through his Word, may he make us properly focused.

Focused Love Finds a Neighbor Rather Than Avoiding One Focused Worship Seeks Service from Jesus More than Service for Jesus Focused Living Properly Values Earthly Wealth Focused Living Properly Values Heavenly Treasure Last week Jesus warned us against overvaluing earthly wealth. This week Jesus warns against undervaluing heavenly treasure. This is the final week of our “Focused” series. Please join us again next week as we begin a new series which will look at some of the hard truths that Jesus taught.

1

+ ORDER OF WORSHIP + WELCOME

PRESERVICE MUSIC: I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus Kenneth T. Kosche Faith Jim Brickman

OPENING HYMN—Children of the Heavenly Father

Christian Worship 502

Children of the Heavenly Father with Day by Day Jonathan W. Lee

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.

CONFESSION OF SINS Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

Psalm 32:1-2

Blessed are they whose sin the Lord does not count against them.

Let us confess our sins to the Lord.

Almighty and merciful Father, we have strayed from your ways like lost sheep.

We have followed what we have devised and desired in our hearts.

We have offended you and sinned against your holy law.

We have done those things that we should not have done, and we have not done those things that we should have done.

Have mercy on us, Lord!

Spare us, forgive us, and restore us, according to your promises in Christ Jesus.

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16

Silence for meditation and reflection

God, our merciful Father, has forgiven all our sins. He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Redeemer and Savior. Jesus paid the penalty for our guilt by his death on the cross and freed us from death by his resurrection from the grave. We have peace with God now and forever.

Amen.

2

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

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.

Luke 2:14

GLORY BE TO GOD Please join in singing the response below following a brief introduction.

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 D. Schultz © 2021 Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

3

Gloria in Excelsis

+ THE WORD + This greeting has deep roots in Christian worship and marks the beginning of the Word section and the Sacrament section of the service.

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.

Please be seated

FIRST READING

Genesis 15:1-6

1

After 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.”

In faith, Abram treasured all of the L ’s gracious promises.

2

Abram said, “L God what can you give me, since I remain childless, and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 Abram also said, “Look, you have given me no offspring, so a servant born in my house will be my heir.”

4

Just 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.” 5 The 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.” 6 Abram believed in the L , and the L credited it to him as righteousness.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

4

The words of this hymn echo the words found in our Gospel for today. This hymn is included in the hymnal. It is printed here today for your convenience.

HYMN—Where Your Treasure Is

Christian Worship 828

TheÊvocalistÊwillÊsingÊtheÊfirstÊrefrainÊandÊtheÊverses.

PleaseÊjoinÊinÊsingingÊtheÊremainingÊrefrainsÊasÊindicated.

Vocalist: What do you gain from all your worry, what you should eat or what to wear?

There is no peace in stress or hurry.

Do you not know that you are held within God’s care?

Refrain (ALL) Vocalist: Look at the ravens high above you.

They do not work their whole life through, and yet God feeds them and protects them.

So how much more will God protect and care for you?

Refrain (ALL) Vocalist: Behold the lilies in their splendor.

In grace and beauty are they dressed, and yet so soon their bloom is faded.

So how much more will those who look to God be blessed?

Refrain (ALL) Text (st. 4): Michael D. Schultz, b.

1963 © 2006 Michael D. Schultz, admin. Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199 Text (sts. Ref–3) and tune: Marty Haugen, b. 1950 © 2000 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

5

Vocalist: O little flock, do not be frightened; yours is the kingdom of the Lord.

Give your possessions to the needy; obtain a treasure in God’s heaven safely stored.

Refrain (ALL)

SECOND READING

Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16

1

Faith is being sure about what we hope for, being convinced about things we do not see. 2 For by this faith the ancients were commended in Scripture.

3

By faith we know that the universe was created by God’s word, so that what is seen did not come from visible things.

The gift of faith allows us to see the true treasure that is found in the city whose architect and builder is God.

8

By 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.

9

By 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. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11

By 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. 12 And 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.

13

One 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. 14 Indeed, people who say things like that make it clear that they are looking for a land of their own. 15 And if they were remembering the land they had come from, they would have had an opportunity to return. 16 Instead, 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

6

The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Luke 12:32

The vocalist will sing the first refrain and the italicized verse.

Please join in singing the refrain after the verse.

Vocalist: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

RefrainÊ(ALL)

Tune: © 2021 Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

Jesus assures us we have a Father in heaven who knows what we need better than we do.

GOSPEL 22

Jesus 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. 23 Certainly life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. 24 Consider 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! 25 And who of you by worrying can add a single moment to his lifespan? 26 Since you are not able to do this little thing, why do you worry about the rest? 27 Consider 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. 28 If 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? 29 Do not constantly chase after what you will eat or what you will drink. Do not be worried about it. 30 To be sure, the nations of the world chase after all of these things, but your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, continue to seek the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you. 32 Do not be afraid, little flock, because your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell 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. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

7

Luke 12:22–34

Praise be to you, O Christ.

Please be seated

HYMN OF THE DAY—How Firm a Foundation

Christian Worship 800

SERMON

Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 Commendable Faith 1. Is Convinced of God’s Unseen Promises 2. Longs for Heaven’s Better Land

Please stand

CONFESSION OF FAITH

Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father.

Through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became truly human.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate.

He suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures.

He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

The Nicene Creed was first developed in 325 at the First Council of Nicea. It was written to reaffirm the Biblical teaching of the divinity of Jesus, God’s Son. Like the Apostles’ and Athanasian Creeds, the Nicene Creed is a confession of what the Bible teaches.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

8

Please be seated

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.

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.

9

OFFERING

OFFERTORY:

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:

I Lift My Eyes (Psalm 121) Hal H. Hopson

Please fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder at the end of the row and pass it along. Thank you!

+ THE SACRAMENT + Please stand

PREFACE The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.

It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who promised that wherever two or three come together in his name, there he is with them to shepherd his flock until he comes again in glory. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:

10

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

Sanctus

Please join in singing the response below following a brief introduction.

Text: Michael D. Schultz. © 2021 Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING We give thanks to you, O God, through your dear Son, Jesus Christ, whom you sent to be our Savior, our Redeemer, and the messenger of your grace. Through him you made all things; in him you are well pleased. He is the incarnate Word, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. To fulfill your promises, he stretched out his hands on the cross and released from eternal death all who believe in you.

As we remember Jesus’ death and resurrection, we thank you that you have gathered us together to receive your Son’s body and blood. Send us your Spirit, unite us as one, and strengthen our faith so that we may praise you in your Son, Jesus Christ. Through him, we glorify and honor you, O God our Father, with the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

11

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.

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.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my (+) body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is my (+) blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

The peace of the Lord be with you always.

Amen.

O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD

As he speaks the Words of Institution, the minister both proclaims the words of Jesus to the congregation and sets apart the bread and wine for this special use. The sign of the cross reminds us of Christ’s death.

Agnus Dei

Please join in singing the response below following a brief introduction.

Text: Michael D. Schultz. © 2021 Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

Please be seated

12

Gluten-free communion wafers and grape juice are available for those who for health or medical reason require it. Please see page 15 for additional details.

DISTRIBUTION

COMMUNION MUSIC:

PRAYER BEFORE COMMUNION (For private meditation)

Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared Jonathan Kohrs

Lord Jesus, you have invited me to come and receive your holy Sacrament. I believe that in the bread and wine you give me your true body and blood to eat and drink. Forgive my sins and nourish my faith through this precious meal. I long for the comfort that comes with your promises; I yearn for the assurance of your faithful love. Bless me now as I receive you by faith. Amen.

The Bible teaches that the Lord’s Supper is a unique communion of Christ and the individual believer as well as a coming together of people who hold to the same beliefs. Because of these Scriptural truths, we practice Member Communion at Grace. Those who are confirmed members of Wisconsin Synod congregations (WELS) are invited to receive the Lord’s Supper with us.

If you are not a WELS member but have an interest in receiving Holy Communion, please speak with the pastor after church today or at another time. We are aware that there are a number of other teachings about Holy Communion, and we want it to be a blessing for you, so we would look forward to sharing with you what God says about this Sacrament.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION (For private meditation) Thank you, dear Savior, for nourishing my faith with the Sacrament of your body and blood. Lift my heart with your forgiveness, renew my confidence in your grace, empower my love for others, and lead me to long for the eternal banquet of heaven. Amen.

+ THANKSGIVING + Please stand

SPOKEN RESPONSES Psalm 106:1

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures forever.

1 Corinthians 11:26

Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

CLOSING PRAYER We give thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us with this saving gift. We pray that through it you will strengthen our faith in you and increase our love for one another. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

13

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.

Please be seated

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CLOSING HYMN—Day by Day

Christian Worship 803

POSTLUDE MUSIC: How Firm a Foundation Cindy Berry

THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING Preacher ............................................................................................... Pastor Tim Patoka Service Leader ............................................................................ Pastor Nathan Kassulke Communion Assistants ....................... Pastor Ron Koehler, Jeff Weinstein (10:00 AM) Accompanist ............................................................................................... Teri Guenther Vocalists ........... Katie Patoka (7:45 & 10:00 AM), Dylan and Teri Guenther (10:00 AM) Greeters ............................................ Jeanette O’Donald, Nadine Rentschler (10:00 AM) Sound and Recording Techs ............... Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke Communion Prep ............................................................... Erika Hanson, Kay Kassulke Banner Committee ....................... Nadine Rentschler, Jeanette O’Donald, Sandy Weir Acknowledgements: Scripture readings are taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) © 2018 The Wartburg Project. All rights reserved. wartburgproject.org.

Created by Christian Worship: Service Builder © 2022 Concordia Publishing House. Software distributed in partnership with Northwestern Publishing House.

14

TODAY Holy Communion We provide gluten-free communion wafers for those with wheat allergy, gluten-sensitivity, or celiac disease. These wafers are stored and handled separately to avoid cross-contamination. They are “bread” as Scripture requires and are consecrated along with the rest of the bread. For those requiring gluten-free wafers, please take one from the stand located at the front rail as you approach for communion. Simply hold it so that the pastor can see it at the time of distribution. Grape juice is available for those who for health or medical reason require it instead of wine. Please speak with a pastor about providing grape juice for you on future Sundays.

Today we are distributing Holy Communion in “tables.” The ushers will direct members forward by the side aisles. Groups of about ten will be guided toward the center aisle and will line up to receive the elements together. After each table communes, the pastor will offer a blessing and dismiss the group to return by the center aisle.

To aid in your personal preparation for Holy Communion, a list of Christian Questions can be found on pages 295-296 in the hymnal. These were prepared by Martin Luther for those intending to receive the Sacrament. The prayers below may be used before and after receiving communion.

Altar Flowers

The flowers beautifying our altar today have been given by Adrienne & Jeremy Snavely in celebration of their 18th wedding anniversary and Jeremy’s birthday.

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. The next available dates are September 25 and October 2. 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, you are invited to join us in the courtyard for drinks and snacks. We thank DJ & Jenn Miller and family for hosting this week. The next available dates are October 2 & 9. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

Children’s Bible Hour Summer Session: TODAY

Calling all investigators! Children ages 3-12 and invited to join us this morning for our final special Summer Bible Hour called “Faith Case: Fruit of the Spirit.” This fastpaced, video-based program has been teaching us how our “fruits” show that we have Jesus in our hearts. Parents can drop-off their children in the Education Building at 8:45 and pick-them up again at 9:45. All of the children will remain together in a large group together. Older children are invited to come help with the games and activities.

Beginning next Sunday, August 14, regular Sunday School (children age 3 through grade 5) will resume with Unit 1 of “Enduring Faith,” which is part of a year-long overview of the entire Bible. Our youth Confirmation Class (grades 6-8) will also begin with a study on the Creed and the Sacraments.

15

ANNOUNCEMENTS NEW Sunday Morning Bible Study

“God just wants me to be happy.” “God helps those who help themselves.” These and other popular, positive, catchy statements might sound good, but do they really fit with what the Bible says? Today we are starting a brand new Bible Study topic, “10 Lies About God.” This study will help us respond to false teachings about God and to defend what the Bible teaches. Now would be an excellent time to make this study a part of your Sunday routine! Please join us at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall.

Church History Bible Study: Wednesday

Our Church History Bible Study will meet on Wednesday at 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM in the GraceTucson Fellowship Hall. We hope you will join us as we continue discussing the Church during the Enlightenment (approximately 1650 - 1800 A.D.).

Women’s Bible Study: Thursday

“The Precious Position of a Woman of God” study will be ending soon. We will then be working through a book called “Prepared to Answer” by Pastor Mark Paustian, a professor at Martin Luther College. Common questions and viewpoints that come from non-Christians (and even Christians) will be addressed in a handful of pages each and provide ways we can be prepared to answer them.

Here is a small sampling of subjects from the book: “Do you really believe in miracles?” “But I’m prochoice” “There are no moral absolutes” “There are things I’ll never be able to forgive” “With so many interpretations and denominations, who can say who is right?” “Why doesn’t he answer my prayers?” The book for the study is provided at no cost to you and is yours to keep. Watch for a start date and plan to join Pastor Koehler for what should be a very helpful study for us and for those we have discussions with about such things. You are always welcome to bring friends, including those who are not Grace members. This class meets on Thursday at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall.

Summer Fun Night: August 12

Join us for some family fun at our Back to School Trivia Night THIS Friday, August 12, at 6:30 PM at Grace-Tucson. Come for some friendly competition and test your knowledge in various games of trivia. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Members from ALL sites are encouraged to attend! This is an excellent opportunity to invite your unchurched friends and family so they can get to know us in a relaxed setting.

There are invitation postcards available for you to use at each door to church and in the Fellowship Hall. This evening concludes our “Summer Fun Nights” series of events that were held throughout the summer. We hope you have enjoyed these events as much as we loved organizing them!

16

ANNOUNCEMENTS Ladies’ Fellowship Group: August 18

The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will be meeting on Thursday, August 18, at 10:15 AM (following the Women’s Bible Study) in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall. They will enjoy the movie “Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus.” This movie investigates the archeological evidence supporting the Exodus. Discussion and fellowship will follow. Please bring drinks and a sack lunch. Ladies from ALL sites are welcome to join in the fun! Please contact Lois Thornton at (520)323-8772 if you have any questions.

In September the group will discuss the book, “The Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel. Please read or listen to an audio version of this book before we gather on September 15. There are two copies available in Grace’s church library.

Service Opportunity: English Classes

Grace-Tucson’s English Classes will begin again on Tuesday, September 13, 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 on Tuesday, September 6 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 in learning more or serving, contact Pastor Patoka at (520)623-6633 or RevTLP@GraceLutheranSAZ.org.

Everyone Outreach: September 17 & 18

Our congregation is participating in an exciting new program called “Everyone Outreach.” The program will help us build a culture of outreach so that every ministry and every member is encouraged and equipped to reach the lost in our community. “Everyone Outreach” kicks off with an interactive workshop on Saturday, September 17, (8:00 AM to 12:00 PM) and Sunday, September 18, (12:30 PM to 4:30 PM) here at Grace-Tucson. This " Everyone Outreach" workshop is produced by our WELS Commission on Evangelism and will be led by facilitator, Pastor Jonathan Klein. Childcare, lunches, and snacks will be provided, allowing as many members as possible to attend.

Register TODAY for the workshop at http://www.gracelutheransaz.org/rsvp. If you do not have internet access, please call the Grace Central Office at (520)623-6633 and we will help you register.

Questions? Contact Tucson Outreach Coordinator, Holly Vaden, (208)922-9884. We encourage every member of our congregation to attend the workshop!

LWMS Fall Retreat: October 7-9

Ladies, mark your calendars for the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society Fall Retreat at Camp Shadow Pines in Heber, AZ. This retreat is for both of Arizona’s circuits and is hosted by the Grand Canyon-West Circuit. All ladies are invited to attend this three-day event beginning on Friday evening, October 7, and concluding with a Sunday worship service on October 9. Additional information and registration forms can be found on the bulletin board in the east end of the Fellowship Hall.

17

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 7 – August 14 TUCSON Today Worship Services with communion ................. 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour ...................................................... 8:45a Adult Bible Study: 10 Lies About God ............................ 9:00a Grow in Grace Class ...................................................... 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study ............................... 9:00a Tuesday Weekly Pastors’ Meeting ................................................ 9:00a Wednesday Midweek Bible Study: Church History ............. 10:00a & 7:00p Thursday Women’s Bible Study: Deborah ..................................... 9:00a Friday Summer Fun Night ......................................................... 6:30p Next Sunday, August 14 Worship Services............................................. 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour ...................................................... 8:45a Adult Bible Study: 10 Lies About God ............................ 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study ............................... 9:00a SAHUARITA Today Adult Bible Study: Book of Revelation ............................ 9:00a Children’s Sunday School .............................................. 9:00a Worship Service with communion ................................ 10:00a Wednesday Midweek Bible Study .................................................... 10:00a The Precious Position of a Woman of God Grow in Grace Class ......................................... 3:00p & 5:00p Next Sunday, August 14 Adult Bible Study: Book of Revelation ............................ 9:00a Children’s Sunday School .............................................. 9:00a Worship Service ........................................................... 10:00a

BENSON Today Worship Service with communion ................................... 7:30a Bible Study following worship: 1 Corinthians ...........................

Wednesday Midweek Bible Study: The Large Catechism ................ 10:00a Next Sunday, August 14 Worship Service .............................................................. 7:30a Bible Study following worship: 1 Corinthians ...........................

VAIL Today Children’s Sunday School ............................................... 9:00a Member Feedback Meeting ............................................ 9:00a Worship Service with communion ................................. 10:00a Fellowship following worship....................................................

Thursday Midweek Bible Study: 10 Lies About God ....................... 6:30p Next Sunday, August 14 Children’s Sunday School ............................................... 9:00a Member Feedback Meeting ............................................ 9:00a Worship Service ............................................................ 10:00a Fellowship following worship....................................................

ONLINE Today Adult Bible Study (Tucson) ............................................. 9:00a Worship Services (Tucson and Sahuarita) ................... 10:00a Next Sunday, August 14 Adult Bible Study (Tucson) ............................................. 9:00a Worship Services (Tucson and Sahuarita) ................... 10:00a

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.

18

One Church. Four Sites.

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

Grace-Sahuarita 75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538

Pastor Ryan A. Heiman revrah@gracelutheransaz.org

revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org

Child Learning Center

Pastor Nathan P. Kassulke revnpk@gracelutheransaz.org

(520) 848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org www.GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com

Pastor Timothy L. Patoka (Campus Ministry)

Office Manager—Jenna Dietrich Office Assistant—Shirley Zanotti

revtlp@gracelutheransaz.org

Director—Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org

Grace-Benson 451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602

Grace-Vail Worshipping at Esmond Station Elementary 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, Tucson, AZ 85747

Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein

Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher cinda@gracelutheransaz.org (520)405-3286

Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org

revsas@gracelutheransaz.org

Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke

Office at Civano

music@gracelutheransaz.org

10501 E. Seven Generations Way, Tucson, AZ 85747 (520)848-4631

Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr

Prayer Group—Laura Hodgson

office@gracelutheransaz.org

prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org

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.

For more information about our synod and what we believe visit: www.wels.net