THE FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

G E L C T , A S 14, 2025

G E L C T , A S 14, 2025
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.
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
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost What Helps In Life Fails in Death
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost Increased Faith Increases Duty
OPENING HYMN Come Unto Me, Ye Weary
Please stand
Christian Worship 706
PRESERVICE MUSIC:
Jesus Sinners Does Receive
Jacob B. Weber
He Will Hold Me Fast Christian Worship 813
Amazing Grace Susan W. Henry
Lamb of God
Phillip Keveren
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. FIRST
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.
HYMN—He Will Hold Me Fast
The vocalist will sing the first verse and refrain. Please join in singing the rest of the hymn.
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
Refrain (ALL):
Luke 15:10
Vocalist: There is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
Refrain (ALL)
Tune: © 2002, 2021 Kermit G. Moldenhauer, admin. Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission:
GOSPEL
Luke 15:1-10
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.
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Through two parables, Jesus rebukes those who consider themselves already found and not in need of repentance.
Please be seated
HYMN OF THE DAY Jesus Sinners Does Receive Christian Worship 654 stanzas 1-4
Please stand
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.
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
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.
OFFERTORY:
Amazing Grace Charles Callahan
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
POSTLUDE MUSIC: Amazing Grace Jim Brickman
Preacher..............................................................................................Pastor Ron Koehler
Worship Leader Pastor Nathan Kassulke (10:00 AM)
Accompanist................................................................................................... Kathy Parra
Vocalist Beth Kassulke
Greeters....................................................Linda Morris & Audrey Nessinger (10:00 AM)
Ushers......................................................................Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM)
Justin Harris, Dylan Guenther, Zach Miller, Rick Street (10:00 AM)
Sound and Recording Techs.......................................... Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke
Acknowledgements:
The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by Pat Messer in thankfulness to God for the blessings of her four sons and in gratefulness to Grace members for all of their prayers. 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 NEXT Sunday, September 21, and October 5 & 19. 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.
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 Sally Littau 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.
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.
College students and college-age non-students are invited to our WELS Tucson Campus Ministry Bible study tonight. We’ll continue discussing What Does God Really Say About Giving to the Poor? We meet from 7:00 to 8:00 PM in the TCM Student Center in the lower level of the church. The stairs at the back of the church will take you there. If you haven’t already downloaded the WELS Tucson Campus Ministry app from Apple or Google, please do that so you can keep up with all that is going on and offered to you.
Join us on Wednesday for our study of Church History. We are looking at the history of WELS expansion into all 50 states. 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!
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!
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: I believe in reincarnation. I’m supposed to believe in the devil? I live for this world, not a world to come.” This will help us understand things better and be prepared to help others understand God’s answers.
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.
Have you ever been interested in ringing a handbell? Do you enjoy singing? Please consider joining us on Thursday evenings beginning THIS Thursday! 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).
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 at Grace-Sahuarita. Come and enjoy lunch, games, bounce houses, and much more!
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.
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.
The LWMS Grand Canyon East Fall Rally will be held on Saturday, October 11, at Open Bible Lutheran Church in Whiteriver, AZ. Registration begins at 8:00 AM with the rally being held from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The $20 registration fee includes lunch. Rally speakers are Ruth Westphal from New Beginnings A Home for Mothers and Don Empie from Kingdom Workers. Please register online at grandcanyonlwms.org by October 3. Registration forms are also available on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall.
Former Grace member Jim Goldie was called home to heaven on September 3. His memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 11, at 11:00 AM at Redeemer Lutheran Church (8845 N.Silverbell Road). A luncheon will follow in the Ministry Center. Please keep his family and friends in your prayers.
A Craft Fair will be held in conjunction with our Roast Beef Dinner on Friday, November 14. Begin your projects now! All items will be offered that evening for a donation. If you have any questions, please contact Adrienne Snavely at (520)302-7840.
Are you a Thrivent member? Did you know that as a member, you have a special opportunity to support events and activities at Grace? Through the Thrivent Action Team program, you can access valuable resources - including up to $250 - to help support our congregation’s ministry and mission work.
Applying for these resources takes just a little time, and we’re here to help make the process quick and easy. If you’re a Thrivent member interested in using your membership to further support Grace, we’d love to assist you!
You may talk to any of our pastors or contact the Grace Central Office.
Do you have old copies of the Forward in Christ magazine or the Meditations and Grace Moments devotion books? If you do and you would like to share them with others, please put them in the gray basket on the table next to the card rack in the Fellowship Hall. These will be given to Pastor Rautenberg on the Apache reservation to be distributed to members there.
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
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.
Worship Services 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 Site Ministry Team Meeting 11:30a TCM Bible Study 7:00p
Tuesday
Pastors’ Staff Meeting 2:00p Nominating Committee Meeting 5:00p Ministry Board Meeting 6:15p English Classes 6:30p
Wednesday
Midweek Bible Study: Church History 10:00a & 7:00p
Thursday
Women’s Bible Study: More Prepared to Answer 9:00a Ladies’ Fellowship Group 10:15a
Handbell Practice............................................................5:30p
Worship Choir 6:45p
Sunday, September 21
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 Outreach Training 11:30a Mission to the Children Spanish Service & Meal 4:00p TCM Bible Study 7:00p
VAIL
Today
Adult Bible Study: My Vocation in Christ 9:00a Worship Service............................................................10:00a Fellowship following worship
Sunday, September 21
Adult Bible Study: My Vocation in Christ 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship
Adult Bible Study: Gospel Motivation for Life 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship................................................... Wednesday Bible Study: Oasis Group 10:00a Volleyball at the CLC 7:00p Thursday Grow in Grace Class 9:00a Friday Grow in Grace Class 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
BENSON Today
Worship Service 7:30a
ONLINE Today
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Sunday, September 21
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.
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
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.