9-17-23 Grace-Tucson Worship Folder

THE SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Welcome to Grace!

Our mission at Grace is to teach the inspired and inerrant Word of God, to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Savior of the world, and to nurture believers for lives of Christian service.

Check out the GRACE WEBSITE at GraceLutheranSAZ.org

WORSHIP NOTES

We are very pleased that you have joined us for worship today! We pray that this time will be a blessing for you as God comes to you with his Word and promises, and as you offer him your thanks and praise.

The 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 THE CHURCH GOD WANTS

“I want a church that…” How would you complete that statement? Would you focus on size big or small? Would you think more about style formal versus laid back? Do certain desired church programs come to mind? What exactly do you want in a church?

In this worship series, we see that this is not the right question. Scripture says Jesus bought the Church with his blood. So the right question becomes: what does God want in a church? You might find a church that runs all the youth programs you want or has a vibe that you enjoy or is in your ideal location. But if that church is not doing what Christ wants it to do, then it really is not a spiritually healthy place to be. So let us think about the church God wants. What does it look like? What are its priorities? What does it do? Our worship has been following this path:

A Church for All People

A Church That Really Knows Jesus

A Church That Takes Up Its Crosses

A Church Willing to Say Hard Things

A Church That’s Quick to Forgive

THEME FOR TODAY A CHURCH THAT’S QUICK TO FORGIVE

“Pay it forward.” That phrase means that when someone does something for you, instead of paying that person back directly, you pass along kindness to another person instead. Doing something kind for someone else is a way of thanking the person who originally did something kind for you.

Today God applies that concept to forgiveness. God forgave our countless sins. He was willing to pay an incomprehensible price the death of his Son. Obviously, we will never have occasion do the same for God. We will never have to forgive God because everything he does for us shows perfect love and care. God never wrongs us. But others may do us wrong. Others may cause us pain. And when we are quick to forgive, it is one way we thank God for being so quick to forgive us. This is what God wants in his church people who, like him, are quick to forgive.

OPENING HYMN His Mercy Is More Christian Worship 579

PRESERVICE

Where Charity and Love Prevail

Anne Krentz Organ

His Mercy Is More Christian Worship 579 Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive

James L. Brauer

Please stand

INVOCATION

Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.

Congregation: Amen.

CONFESSION

Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 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.

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.

Psalm 32:1-2

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

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.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Let us pray.

Lord God, heavenly Father, you graciously forgive us all our sins and abundantly provide for all our needs of body and soul. Give us confidence in your mercy, and teach us also to be merciful to our neighbor, that we willingly forgive all people, and judging only ourselves, lead blessed lives to your glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

FIRST READING Genesis 50:15-21

15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and will pay us back in full for all of the evil that we did to him.”

16 They sent the following message to Joseph: “Before he died your father commanded us, 17 ‘You are to tell Joseph, “Please forgive the offense of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ Now, please forgive the offense of the servants of the God of your father.”

Joseph wept when they spoke to him.

18 His brothers also came and fell down in front of him, and they said, “See now, we are your servants.”

19 Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God?

20 You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring this to pass and to keep many people alive, as it is this day. 21 Now therefore, do not be afraid. I will nourish you and your little ones.” He comforted them and spoke to them in a kind way.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Joseph’s brothers had treated him badly. Joseph was quick to forgive them and free them from the prison of their past.

Amen.

Please be seated

This setting of Psalm 103 was not included in the blue Christian Worship hymnal. Rather it was included in the Christian Worship Psalter which was released in connection with the hymnal in 2021.

Text: Henry F. Lyte. Tune: John Goss. Public domain.

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come from your mouths. Say only what is beneficial when there is a need to build up others, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear. 30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of every kind of bitterness, rage, anger, quarreling, and slander, along with every kind of malice. 32 Instead, be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ has forgiven us.

1 Therefore, be imitators of God as his dearly loved children. 2 And walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Please stand

ALL:

Vocalist: Bear with each other and forgive one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Refrain (ALL)

St. Paul teaches that kindness, compassion, and forgiveness are marks of God’s Church.

The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.

Through a parable Jesus teaches that the ability to forgive others comes when the Spirit enables us to understand how much God has forgiven us.

21 Then Peter came up and asked Jesus, “Lord, how many times must I forgive my brother when he sins against me? As many as seven times?”

22 Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but I tell you as many as seventyseven times. 23 For this reason the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began to settle them, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him.

25 Because the man was not able to pay the debt, his master ordered that he be sold, along with his wife, children, and all that he owned to repay the debt.

26 “Then the servant fell down on his knees in front of him, saying, ‘Master, be patient with me, and I will pay you everything!’ 27 The master of that servant had pity on him, released him, and forgave him the debt.

28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him one hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began choking him, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’

29 “So his fellow servant fell down and begged him, saying, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back!’ 30 But he refused. Instead he went off and threw the man into prison until he could pay back what he owed.

31 “When his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were very distressed. They went and reported to their master everything that had taken place.

32 “Then his master called him in and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt when you begged me to. 33 Should you not have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had mercy on you?’ 34 His master was angry and handed him over to the jailers until he could pay back everything he owed.

35 “This is what my heavenly Father will also do to you unless each one of you forgives his brother from his heart.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise be to you, O Christ.

Please be seated

The Example of Joseph Inspires Us

1. To Forgive as God Forgives You

2. To Extend Comfort and Kindness

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.

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.

Please be seated 10:00 AM please continue on page 10 with the Prayer of the Church.

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.

Ephesians 4:12-13

+ RECEPTION OF A NEW MEMBER +

Marie Chandler

The new member approaches the altar and the minister addresses them: Dear friend in Christ, after a review and instruction in the simple teachings of the Bible and our Lutheran church, you have requested to become a member of this congregation. You have come to worship today to confess your unity with us and to take your place as a part of this faith community. I now ask you:

Do you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? If so, answer: I do. I do.

Do you believe that the teachings of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod and this congregation, as you have come to know them, are faithful to the Word of God? If so, answer: I do. I do.

Do you desire to remain faithful to the teachings of Christ, be diligent in the use of God’s Word and sacraments, and lead a godly life as the Lord gives you strength? If so, answer: I do, and I ask God to help me.

I do, and I ask God to help me.

Is it your desire to join us in worship and mission and support this work with your prayers and gifts? If so, answer: It is, and I ask God to help me.

It is, and I ask God to help me.

With sincere joy we welcome you as a member of Grace Lutheran Church.

The minister addresses the congregation: Brothers and sisters, as we welcome Marie to our Christian family, I encourage you in the name of Jesus to keep her in your minds, hold her in your hearts, and pray for her again and again. Show her the face of friendship and offer her a hand of support. Encourage her with your “works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

PRAYER

We pray: Gracious Father, we thank you for leading Marie to desire to become a member of our congregation and for giving her joy to confess her faith to us. Guide us with your wisdom as we worship and work together. Mold our minds and hearts in a single Christ-like will so that we may be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

BLESSING

The peace of Christ be with us all. Amen.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

Eternal Lord, give us peace as we ponder the good news that you forgive our sins in Christ. Lead us to see clearly the path you have laid out for us. Work in us so that we believe and live the Word we have heard today.

Provide courage and compassion to all who preach and teach your Word. Fill them with a love like yours as they proclaim your grace to us and all people. Move us to love all ministers of the Word wherever they serve.

Guard and guide the families of our congregation. Lead husbands and wives to love each other with commitment, respect, and patience. Help parents to grasp the eternal value of keeping their children close to Jesus all their lives. Grant joy to those who are single, and make them a blessing to others.

Protect us from the temptations that surround us; give us pure hearts and minds.

Provide wisdom and insight to those who make laws and set policies. Give us respect for those who protect us from crime. Lead us to value the rights of our fellow citizens and to defend those who cannot defend themselves.

Bless our land with peace and prosperity so that the gospel may be proclaimed to all.

Give us passion to share the story of your love with our family and friends. Overcome unbelief, and open the hearts of people everywhere to believe the good news that Jesus has forgiven their sins and opened the gates of heaven.

Fill us with joy over every sinner who repents and comes to trust in you.

Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.

OFFERTORY:

Oh, How Good It Is Christian Worship 731

Extend your healing power to those who are sick and suffering in body or mind. Give patience and compassion to all who care for the sick and dying.

Lift the eyes of the distressed to your love in Christ.

Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.

Silent prayer

Gracious God, you govern and direct all things and you love all people. Hear our prayers, spoken and silent, and answer them in your wisdom and grace.

In Jesus’ 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!

Please stand

+ THE SACRAMENT +

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:

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY Sanctus

This setting of the Sanctus comes from The Service Setting Three, which can be found on page 200 in the hymnal.

Tune: David Kauffman; William

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Please be seated

This setting also comes from The Service Setting Three and can be found on page 202 in the hymnal.

Tune: David Kauffman; William Gokelman © 2010 GFTSMUSIC Publishing Company, Inc., admin. Music Services. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

Gluten-free communion wafers and grape juice are available for those who for health or medical reason require it. Please see page 17.

DISTRIBUTION

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.

COMMUNION MUSIC:

Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared Jonathan Kohrs

God Loved the World So That He Gave

Valerie A. Floeter

Draw Near Christian Worship 662

PRAYER BEFORE COMMUNION (For private meditation)

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.

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.

Psalm 106:1 1 Corinthians 11:26

Please stand

+ THANKSGIVING +

SPOKEN RESPONSES

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

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.

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

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 HYMN Oh, How Good It Is Christian Worship 731

POSTLUDE MUSIC: In Unity and Peace Christian Worship 732

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.

Altar Flowers

The flowers beautifying our altar today have been given by Barb Tobiasson in thanks for her children and her many blessings.

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 Sundays are September 24 and October 1, 8, 15, & 22. 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 service this morning, you are invited to join us in the courtyard and Fellowship Hall for drinks and snacks. We thank Jenn & DJ Miller and family for hosting this week. Upcoming available dates to host include next Sunday, September 24, and many Sundays in October. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

Those Assisting in Worship This Morning

Sunday Morning Bible Study

Join us on Sunday mornings for a look at 1 John under the theme, “Living in the Light of God’s Love.” 1 John is a brief book nestled into the back of the Bible, but it is full of wisdom for Christians living in the light and joy of God’s love for them. If you have not made Sunday morning Bible study a part of your routine, this would be a great time to start! We meet at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall.

Children’s Bible Hour

All children, ages 3 8th grade, are invited to attend Children’s Bible Hour on Sunday mornings. The children will begin all together in the main area of our Education Building at 8:45 AM for music and an opening devotion and from there will be divided into age-based classrooms. Parents can meet their children after class at their classrooms or in the courtyard. If you have any questions about Children’s Bible Hour, please contact Pastor Patoka.

Lifeliners Topgolf Outing: Today

What do you get when you combine a driving range, fun games, delicious food, and people who may not golf well? A great time at Topgolf! Grace’s high school youth group (Lifeliners) is going to Topgolf to eat lunch and play games like Quick 9, Top Score, and Angry Birds after the 10:00 AM worship service this morning.

WELS Tucson Campus Ministry: Tonight

WELS Tucson Campus Ministry (TCM) invites all college-aged adults to join us for Bible study this evening on Seven Deadly Sins: Envy. We meet in the Student Center located in the basement at Grace-Tucson at 7:00 PM.

Free Thrivent Shirts!

We have a large quantity of Thrivent shirts that are free for the taking! Sizes range from kids (S, M, L) to adult (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3 XL). The majority of the shirts are black but there are a few other colors mixed in and few different styles. Stop at the table in the courtyard and help yourself to as many as you would like!

Divine Call Decision

Pastor Patoka, after prayerful consideration and deliberation, has declined the call to serve at Messiah Lutheran Church in Green Bay, WI. He will continue to serve as one of the pastors here at Grace in Southern Arizona. He would like to thank all those who shared their thoughts with him during the deliberation and who prayed for him and Katie. Please continue to pray for our congregation and the many ways we proclaim forgiveness and salvation in Jesus to our communities!

THIS WEEK

Church History Bible Study: Wednesday

Our Wednesday Church History class is studying Lutheranism in America. If you haven’t attended this class before, this is an excellent time to join. We study together in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall at 10:00 AM and repeat the same material at 7:00 PM. Join us for whichever time fits your schedule best!

Memorial Service: Wednesday

Helen Kwart, a long-time Grace member who moved to Gilbert in the past year, was called home to heaven recently. Her family is honoring Helen's desire to have a memorial service at Grace-Tucson, this Wednesday, September 20, at 1:30 PM followed by a light reception in the Fellowship Hall. Please keep Helen's husband, Ron, and the rest of her family in your prayers.

No Women’s Bible Study

The women’s Bible class that usually meets on Thursday mornings at 9:00 AM will not be meeting this week or next. We will continue our study of the book Prepared to Answer on Thursday, October 5, at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall.

Ladies’ Fellowship Group: Thursday

The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall this Thursday, September 21, at 10:15 AM for a “Pink Birthday Bash.” Ladies should bring a nice, wrapped gift ($5 to $10), a baby picture of themselves, a sack lunch, and games they would enjoy playing. A birthday cake and ice cream will be provided. Please contact Lois Thornton at (520)323-8772 or vthornto2@gmail.com with any questions. Ladies from all Grace sites are welcome to join in the fun!

Handbells & Worship Choir: Thursday

Handbells and Worship Choir began last Thursday but we still have room for more participants! Handbells rehearses from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. Worship Choir rehearses from 6:45 to 8:00 PM. Both groups meet in the church sanctuary. All members ages 12 and up are welcome to join no experience is necessary! Come and give it a try! If you have any questions, please contact our Worship Coordinator, Beth Kassulke (music@gracelutheransaz.org).

All-Site Picnic & CLC 3rd Birthday Party: Saturday

Grace-Sahuarita will be hosting a special celebration this Saturday, September 23, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. There will be carnival games, bounce houses, a pastor dunk tank, a corn hole tournament, a picnic lunch, and an Icee Truck! We will also hold the grand opening of the Art & Nature Garden. We’d love to have all members of Grace celebrate with us on this special day in Sahuarita!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Spanferkelfest Canvassing: September 23

This Saturday, September 23, we are dropping off Spanferkelfest invitations to homes in the neighborhoods around Grace-Tucson. Do you have an hour or two to come help us? We will meet in the Fellowship Hall at 9:00 AM and should be able to finish around noon - still enough time to head to Sahuarita for the picnic! For additional information, please contact Paul Kassulke at (520)8505629 or paulkassulke76@gmail.com.

Spanferkelfest: October 7

Grace members from all sites are invited to attend the 3nd Annual Spanferkelfest Outreach Event being held on Saturday, October 7, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Grace -Tucson. This Friendship Evangelism event is a great opportunity to invite your unchurched friends and/or neighbors for an afternoon of fun. There are invitations for you to use at each of the church doors and in the Fellowship Hall. There will be roasted pork, activities for kids, a bounce house, music, raffles, and great fellowship. If you are interested in helping with the event, contact Paul Kassulke at (520)850-5629.

LWMS Rally: October 14

Ladies, mark your calendars for the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS) Fall Rally on Saturday, October 14, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bylas, AZ (295 W. US Highway 70). Pastors Eric Hartzell and John Hartmann will be speaking to us about past and current mission work. Registration is due by October 9 and can be completed online at grandcanyonlwms.org. Paper copies of the registration form can be found on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall.

Crafters Needed!

The Women of Grace will host a craft fair in conjunction with the all-site Roast Beef Dinner this fall. Anyone interested in donating hand-made crafts, please let Joyce Long know at (520)405-5133 or hopalong47@gmail.com. This year’s dinner and craft fair will be held on Saturday, November 11, in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall. Please keep all items at home until directed to bring them to the Tucson Fellowship Hall. Watch for additional details as the date gets closer.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Foodie Club at Esmond Station School - New Items Needed!

Last year, teachers at Esmond Station School (our worship location in Vail) started an after-school “Foodie Club” for the students to teach them about different cultural meals. We would like to continue to help out and sponsor this group! Some new items are needed: paper towels, pot holders, dish rags, dish soap, vegetable peelers, and a hand mixer. Food supplies such as sugar, flour, and seasonings, along with VISA or grocery store gift cards, are always welcome. Items can be dropped off in the Grace Central Office. If you have any questions, please contact Laura Hodgson at irish_mom@live.com or call/text her at (520)780-1743.

Church Library

Grace has a library from which you can borrow a wide variety of books! If it has been a while since you’ve visited our library or if you have never been in there, now is a great time to stop by! Our library is located at the west end of the Fellowship Hall. Recently added titles include: “Bible Difficulties and Seeming Contradictions,” “In the Fullness of Time: A Historian Looks at Christmas, Easter, and the Early Church,” and “Evidence That Demands a Verdict: Life-Changing Truth for a Skeptical World.” You will find check-out instructions on the wall above the desk. If you have previously checked out books and forgotten to return them, please drop them on the desk in the library when you are finished. Questions can be directed to our librarian, Katrina, at Library@GraceLutheranSAZ.org or catch her at church (on Sundays).

Grow in Grace Class

Would you like to learn more about our risen Savior, about the Bible that tells us about him, and about what Grace Lutheran Church believes and teaches? Our congregation offers a series of Bible-based lessons called Grow in Grace. Grow in Grace also serves as our membership class for those who may be interested in joining the church. If you would be interested in scheduling a Grow in Grace Class, please speak to one of the Pastors, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.

We have some great events coming up this year! Don’t miss out on the following activities! Watch for more details as each date draws closer.

Saturday, October 21: Booth at Vailfest

Sunday, October 29: Area Reformation Service

Friday, November 10: Men’s Pints 4 Pink Fundraiser

Saturday, November 11: Roast Beef Dinner & Craft Fair

Friday, December 8: Carols in the Courtyard

Saturday, December 16: Caroling in the Park (Vail)

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 Ÿ

September 17 - September 24

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.

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

Pastor Timothy L. Patoka (Campus Ministry) revtlp@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 www.GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com

Director—Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org

Assistant Director—Jen Rickling jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org

Assistant Office Manager—Shirley Zanotti

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

Child Learning Center Mission Teachers

Chris Leathers, 1-Year Olds cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org

Sam Anthon, 2-Year Olds santhon@gracelutheransaz.org

Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds tsmith@gracelutheransaz.org

Theresa Pratt, Preschool tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org

Katie Patoka, After School Care kpatoka@gracelutheransaz.org

Bible-Based Counselor Cinda Drescher Worship Coordinator Beth Kassulke cinda@gracelutheransaz.org music@gracelutheransaz.org (520)581-4714

Administrative Assistant Debbie Koehler Office Assistant Cora Stuhr assistant@gracelutheransaz.org office@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.