THE SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
G E L C S , A S 28, 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.
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +
Text and tune: Keith Getty, b. 1974; Kristyn Getty, b. 1980; Ross Holmes, b. 1984; Stuart Townend, b. 1963 © 2012 Getty Music Publishing (BMI), Parakeet Boots Music (ASCAP), Townend Songs, admin. MusicServices.org, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
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.
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit. Congregation: Amen.
CONFESSION
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
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.
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.
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.
2:14
Christians praise God by proclaiming the great things he has done to accomplish our rescue from sin.
“Glory to God in the Highest” has been a Christian song of worship since the fourth century.
+ THE WORD +
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, in your bountiful goodness, keep us safe from every evil of body and soul. Make us ready, with cheerful hearts, to do whatever pleases you; 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
Text: Michael D. Schultz © 2021 Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: Lowell Mason. Public domain.
FIRST READING 1 Chronicles 29:1-2, 10-18
1King David said this to the whole assembly: My son Solomon, the one God has chosen, is young and inexperienced. The work is great because this citadel is not for a man. It is for the L God. 2According to all my strength, I have provided these things for the house of my God: gold for the gold items, silver for the silver items, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron, wood for the wooden, onyx stones and settings, antimony, stones of many different colors, every kind of precious stone, and alabaster in abundance.
10David blessed the L in the presence of the entire assembly. He said:
Blessed are you, L , the God of Israel, our father, from eternity to eternity. 11To you, O L , belong greatness, power, glory, victory, and majesty, because everything in the heavens and on the earth belongs to you. You, L , are exalted as head above everything. The kingdom belongs to you. 12Riches and honor come from you. You are ruling over everything. In your hand are power and strength. It is in your power to make anyone great and strong. 13Now, our God, we are thanking you and praising your glorious name.
14Who am I? Who are my people that we are able to offer willingly like this? For everything comes from you. What we have given to you came from your hand. 15We are aliens and temporary residents before you, as were all our fathers. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no hope of staying.
16 L , our God, all this abundance, which we have provided for building a house for you, for your holy name, is from your hand. This abundance belongs to you.
17I know, my God, that you test the heart, and you take pleasure in uprightness. In the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things. Now with joy I see your people, who are present here to bring the offering freely to you.
18 L , the God of our fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, preserve forever this purpose and way of thinking in the heart of your people. Direct their heart to you.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
In faith, the people of Israel understood that all their wealth came from the L . So, they joyfully embraced the privilege of donating generously to the construction of the L ’s temple.
Text and tune: Aaron Keyes, b. 1978; Stuart Townend, b. 1963 © 2007 Thankyou Music,
1Paul, Silas, and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
2Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3We are always obligated to thank God for you, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love that each and every one of you has for one another is increasing. 4So we ourselves boast about you in God’s churches in regard to your patient endurance and faith in all your persecutions and in the trials that you are enduring.
5This is evidence of God’s righteous verdict that resulted in your being counted worthy of God's kingdom, for which you also suffer.
11For this reason, we are always praying for you, that our God will make you worthy of your calling and use his power to fulfill every good desire and work of your faith, 12so that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you and you in him, in keeping with the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Please stand
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION 1 Chronicles 29:14
Alleluia. Who am I? Who are my people that we are able to offer willingly like this? Alleluia.
St. Paul thanks God for increasing the faith of the Thessalonians, enabling them to better love one another and to persevere even during persecution.
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King. The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
With the apostles, we pray, “Lord, increase our faith,” then joyfully embrace the opportunities to serve that come along with that blessing.
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.
1Jesus said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! 2It would be better for that person if a millstone would be hung around his neck and he would be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. 3Watch yourselves.
“If your brother sins, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him. 4Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to you and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.”
5The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”
6The Lord said, “If you had faith like a mustard seed, you could tell this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. 7Which one of you who has a servant plowing or taking care of sheep will say to him when he comes in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at the table’? 8Won't the master tell him instead, ‘Prepare my supper, and after you are properly dressed, serve me while I eat and drink. After that you may eat and drink’? 9He does not thank the servant because he did what he was commanded to do, does he? 10So also you, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants. We have only done what we were supposed to do.’”
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.
SERMON Lule 17:4-6;10 Why Do The Duties of a Christian Need Increased Faith?
Please stand
Text: Henry Bateman, 1802–1872. Tune: Repository of Sacred Music, Part Second, Harrisburg, 1813, ed. John Wyeth. Text and tune: Public domain.
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
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
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.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
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
Please stand
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord, help me put my trust in you. When I am tempted to trust in wealthy or influential people instead, remind me that you made the heavens and the earth. Give me confidence that everything I am and have comes from you; through Christ my Savior.
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.
Text: Edward Osler, 1789
1863, alt. Tune: Lowell Mason, 1792
1872. Text and tune: Public domain.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLOSING HYMN Afflicted Saint, to Christ Draw Near Christian Worship 867
Text (sts. 1–4): John Fawcett, 1740–1817, alt.; (Ref): Constance Dever, b. 1960. Tune: Constance Dever, b. 1960. Text and tune: © 2018 Sovereign Grace Praise, admin. Integrity Music. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
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
Forgiveness is a key teaching of the Bible. The application of forgiveness in our daily living can be complex and difficult. Forgiveness for the Unforgivable will walk us through what God says about forgiveness, how we are to forgive, and how we can apply this to our lives. Please join us 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!
Daily Devotions
Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are on the desk in the entryway. A new Grace Moments book with devotions that begin October 1 is now available. These are great tools to use for your daily Bible study!
College Student Bible Study Tonight!
College students and college-age non-students are invited to our WELS Tucson Campus Ministry Bible study tonight. We will continue our Donkeys & Donuts topic! We meet from 7:00 to 8:00 PM in the TCM Student Center in the lower level of the church at Grace-Tucson. 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.
Those Assisting in Worship This Morning
Minister
Accompanist
Pastor Ryan Heiman
Jane Neujahr Acknowledgements:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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!
LWMS Rally: October 11
All ladies are invited to attend the LWMS Grand Canyon East Fall Rally 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.
Memorial Service: October 11
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.
Adult Choir Beginning October 12
Our Adult Choir will begin rehearsing again on October 12. We will rehearse after worship on October 12, 19, and 26 to prepare music for Reformation. We also plan to sing for Thanksgiving. All adults are invited to join us, even if you haven’t participated in the past. If you have any questions, please speak with Laura Heiman.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Spanferkelfest (Pig Roast): October 18
Grace members from all sites are invited to the annual Spanferkelfest Outreach Event being held on Saturday, October 18, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Grace-Tucson. Come and enjoy some delicious roasted pork, side dishes & desserts! This Friendship Evangelism event is a great opportunity to invite your unchurched friends and/or neighbors for an evening of fun.
Arizona Lutheran Academy Sunday: October 26
On Sunday, October 26, the A Cappella Choir from Arizona Lutheran Academy will provide music in both services at Grace-Tucson. Ben Priebe, Director of Mission Advancement, from AZ Lutheran will give a presentation during our Adult Bible Class. Please plan to join us for this special Sunday! To express our thanks to the AZ Lutheran choir, a door offering will be collected that they will use to help defray their travel costs. Grace member Sam Kassulke is a member of this choir, which tries to visit each of the federation churches once every three years.
Area Reformation Service: October 26
You are invited to join with your brothers and sisters in Christ from all of the WELS congregations in the Tucson area for a special Reformation Service on Sunday, October 26, at 4:00 PM. The service will be held at our Tucson location (830 N 1st Ave) and will be followed by a time of fellowship and refreshments. The service will include music from a children’s choir, a joint adult choir and instruments, and a message from guest preacher, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Professor Joel Otto. Professor Otto has been leading the committee for the celebration of the 175th anniversary of the Wisconsin Synod.
Craft Fair
A Craft Fair will be held in conjunction with our Roast Beef Dinner on Friday, November 14, at Grace -Tucson. 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.
Grow in Grace Class
Would you like to learn more about Jesus, our risen Savior, about the Bible that tells us about him, and about what we believe and teach at Grace? Our congregation offers a series of Bible-based lessons called Grow in Grace. Grow in Grace also serves as our membership class for those who may be interested in joining the church. If you would be interested in scheduling a Grow in Grace Class, please speak to Pastor Heiman, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.
SAHUARITA
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.
This Week at Grace September 28 - October 5
Adult Bible Study: Forgiveness for the Unforgivable 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a
Worship Service ........................................................... 10:00a
Fellowship following worship
Wednesday
Bible Study: Oasis Group 10:00a Grow in Grace Class ...................................................... 5:00p Volleyball at the CLC 7:00p
Friday
NO Grow in Grace Class (resumes October 10)
Sunday, October 5
Adult Bible Study: Forgiveness for the Unforgivable 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a
Worship Service with communion................................ 10:00a Fellowship following worship
VAIL Today
Adult Bible Study: Prayer 9:00a
Worship Service ........................................................... 10:00a
Fellowship following worship...................................................
Vocal Group Rehearsal following worship
Sunday, October 5
Adult Bible Study: Prayer ............................................... 9:00a
Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship
ONLINE Today
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Sunday, October 5
Adult Bible Study (Tucson)............................................. 9:00a
Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Stay Up to Date
TUCSON Today
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
following worship TCM Bible Study 7:00p
Bible Study: More Prepared to Answer 9:00a
The fastest and easiest way to keep Grace members and friends informed about what is happening at our four sites is through our weekly email update. This email is sent every Friday and at other times when special announcements are necessary. If you have not been receiving this email, but would like to, please email the Grace Central Office at office@gracelutheransaz.org and request to be added to our email list.
One Church. Four Locations.
Proclaiming the love of Jesus in Southern Arizona since 1911.
Grace-Tucson and Central Office
830 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719 (520)623-6633 office@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Ronald G. Koehler III revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Nathan P. Kassulke revnpk@gracelutheransaz.org
Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org
Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail
Benson
451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602
Vail
Worshipping at Esmond Station Elementary 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, Tucson, AZ 85747
Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein revsas@gracelutheransaz.org Office at Civano 10501 E. Seven Generations Way, Tucson, AZ 85747 (520)848-4631
Prayer Group—Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Sahuarita
75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538
Pastor Ryan A. Heiman revrah@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center (520)848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com
Director—Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org
Assistant Director Jen Rickling jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center Mission Teachers
Caitlin Broehm, Toddlers cbroehm@gracelutheransaz.org
Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org
Theresa Pratt, Preschool tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org
Chris Leathers, After School Care cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org
Bible-Based Counselor Cinda Drescher Office Assistant Cora Stuhr cinda@gracelutheransaz.org office@gracelutheransaz.org (520)581-4714
Grace Lutheran Church is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), a group of nearly 400,000 men, women, and children in nearly 1,300 congregations across the United States and Canada united by a common faith in Christ's saving love. We are committed to a common calling encouraging each other in our faith and sharing God's gift of a Savior with the rest of the world.