THE FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
G E L C S , A S 14, 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 is following 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
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost Increased Faith Increases Duty
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost What Helps In Life Fails in Death
This Sunday is being taken out of order to accommodate a preaching rotation.
WELCOME
OPENING HYMN Come Unto Me, Ye Weary
Christian Worship 706
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 is the true and triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Text: William C. Dix, 1837–1898, alt. Tune: Friedrich K. Anthes, 1812–after 1857. Text and tune: Public domain.
1 John 1:8-9
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.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
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.
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.
Kyrie
+ THE WORD +
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
Lord, we pray that your mercy and grace may always go before and follow after us that, loving you with undivided hearts, we may be ready for every good and useful work; 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
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. Tune: Lowell Mason. Public domain.
The L called the prophet Hosea to seek his adulterous wife and love her again. This served as an object lesson, showing our God is a God who seeks and redeems those who are lost.
FIRST READING
1The L said to me, “Go again. Show love to a woman who is loved by another man, a woman who keeps committing adultery. Show love just as the L loves the people of Israel, even though they keep turning to other gods and loving the raisin cakes.”
2So I bought her for myself for fifteen pieces of silver and nine bushels of barley. 3I said to her, “You will stay with me for many days. You must not be promiscuous. You must not be with any other man, and I will also be for you.”
4So the people of Israel will live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred memorial stones, and without the special vest or family idols. 5Afterward the people of Israel will return and seek the L their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the L and to his goodness in the latter days.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
This hymn continues on the next page.
Worship
HYMN—He Will Hold Me Fast Christian
permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
SECOND READING 2 Corinthians 2:5–11
5Now if anyone has caused sorrow, he has not done it to me, but to all of you to some extent (not to overstate it). 6This punishment inflicted on such a person by the majority is enough, 7so that instead you should rather forgive and comfort him, or else such a person could be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8For that reason, I urge you to reaffirm your love for him. 9In fact, this was also the purpose of my writing: I wanted to know the result of your being tested, that is, if you are obedient in all things.
10If you forgive anyone anything, I do too. To be sure, if I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven it in the presence of Christ for your sake, 11 so that Satan would not take advantage of us. We are certainly not unaware of his schemes.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Please stand
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Luke 15:10
Alleluia. There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. Alleluia.
A member of the church in Corinth had been lost in sin, but through loving church discipline, had been moved to repent. Paul encourages the members to joyfully welcome him back. We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King. The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Text (sts. 1–2): Ada Habershon, 1861–1918, public domain.
Text (sts 1-2, alt. Ref, 3) and tune: Matt Merker, b. 1984 © 2013 Getty Music Publishing and Matt Merker, admin. MusicServices.org. Used by
Through two parables, Jesus rebukes those who consider themselves already found and not in need of repentance.
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.
1All the tax collectors and sinners were coming to Jesus to hear him. 2But the Pharisees and the experts in the law were complaining, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
3He told them this parable: 4“Which one of you, if you had one hundred sheep and lost one of them, would not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that was lost until he finds it? 5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6and goes home. Then he calls together his friends and his neighbors, telling them, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my lost sheep!’ 7I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who do not need to repent.
8“Or what woman who has ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, would not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?
9And when she finds it, she calls together her friends and neighbors and says, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found the lost coin.’ 10In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
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.
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 and tune: Matt Boswell, b. 1979; Matt Papa, b. 1983 © 2016 Getty Music Songs, Messenger Hymns, and Love Your Enemies Publishing, admin. MusicServices.org.
Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199
Please stand
Why Is There More Rejoicing in Heaven Over The Lost?
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 God and Father, we pray for the Church around the world. Always keep your people faithful to you. Lift the veil from our eyes and guide us to see Christ in the Word and sacraments. During all the distractions of life, help us set our sights on Jesus. Keep us safe and protect us from the tricks and treachery of the devil. Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
We pray that you move us to have compassion on those stumbling in the darkness and empower us to proclaim Christ to all who have no faith. Give us courage to be unashamed of the light you have given us and to carry it willingly with joy wherever we go and whatever we do. Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
Hear our prayers for Christians everywhere who are being persecuted because of the light they bear. Give them the strength to endure the hardships they are undergoing and give them the peace and hope of Christ as they battle on. Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
We pray that Christ reveals his gracious presence to all who suffer. We pray especially for our families and those in our circle of friends who are sick or in need and for everyone whose needs we hold in our hearts. Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
Let your law convince us that we indeed deserve your punishment and would be lost forever without Christ. As our hearts fill with sorrow and regret, lift us up to see the Savior’s sacrifice on the cross and give us hearts full of faith in him. Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
Lord God, hear the prayers we offer and let your grace and mercy flow to us and all for whom we pray. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, the Light of the world. Amen.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
Text and tune: Twila Paris, b. 1958 © 1985 Mountain Spring/Straightway Music, admin. CapitolCMGPublishing,com. Used by permission: CCLI no. 3095236.
Please stand CLOSING 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 Amazing Grace Christian Worship 576
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 (sts. 1–3): John Newton, 1725–1807, alt.; (st. 4): A Collection of Sacred Ballads, Richmond, 1790. Tune: Columbian Harmony, Cincinnati, 1829, ed. Benjamin Shaw; ed. Charles H. Spilman. Text and tune: Public domain.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Friendship Register
We are so thankful you have joined us today and would like to have a record of both members and guests who are worshiping with us. Please sign the red Friendship Register book located at the end of your row in the hymnal rack.
Children’s Church
Children ages 1-8 will be dismissed from our worship service today during the hymn before the sermon to attend Children’s Church. Parents, following worship, please pick your child up from the gymnasium in the CLC building.
Sunday Morning Bible Study
Pastor Heiman is teaching a class about God’s will for our lives. Our lives of service are guided by the Savior’s sacrifice. Please join us for “Gospel Motivation for Life” on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM in the CLC gymnasium. Even if you haven’t been to Bible study in a while, you are always welcome!
Wednesday Midweek Bible Study
The Sahuarita midweek Bible study has moved to an Oasis Group. Pastor is facilitating the group for the next couple weeks. If you would like to learn more, please join us on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 AM in the church entryway. The goal of all Oasis Groups is to dig into the sermon during the week and build stronger relationships with fellow members. Our other Oasis groups will be meeting at various times throughout the week. Please sign up in the entryway.
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!
Ladies’ Fellowship Group: Thursday
Ladies from all sites are invited to join the Ladies’ Fellowship Group this 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.
CLC Birthday Carnival: Saturday
Celebrate our Child Learning Center’s 5th birthday!! A fun carnival will be held this Saturday, September 20, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Child Learning Center here at Grace-Sahuarita. Come and enjoy lunch, games, bounce houses, and much more!
Outreach Workshop : September 21
We are holding an Outreach Workshop at Grace-Tucson next 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.
This Week at Grace September 14 - September 21
TUCSON
5:00p
Saturday Child Learning Center Birthday Celebration ................ 10:00a
Sunday, September 21
Adult Bible Study: Gospel Motivation for Life 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship ONLINE Today Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a
Services (Sahuarita & Tucson)...................... 10:00a
September 21 Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Those Assisting in Worship This Morning
VAIL
(High School) Bible Study: Galatians 9:00a
Adult Bible Study: My Vocation in Christ 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship
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.