9-3-23 Grace-Sahuarita Worship Folder by gracelutheransaz

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 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 www.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.

Personal prayers for worship are now available on printed labels located in the inside cover of each hymnal. These include prayers for before and after worship as well as prayers for before and after communing

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 is 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 TAKES UP ITS CROSSES

Some churches teach that if we follow God, God responds by granting prosperity and peace. Today Jesus reminds us that this is nonsense. The Son of God tells us that if we are his disciples, if we are part of his Church, we will have to bear crosses. Believers will suﬀer in this world, oftentimes for no other reason than that they are believers. It is painful to struggle against the temptations and priorities of this world. It can be agonizing to face the same scorn and ridicule Jesus faced.

Why bother? We carry our crosses in gratitude for Jesus carrying his cross, one too heavy for us to bear because it was weighted down with our sin. We carry our crosses because we know that in those moments of struggle, we are forced to turn to Christ and rely on his strength. The church takes up its crosses because this is the Christian path, the one Jesus himself walked: ﬁrst the cross, then the crown.

OPENING HYMN—God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It

Christian Worship 679

2 +

OF WORSHIP + WELCOME

ORDER

The words of the invocation remind us that the God we meet and worship here is the true and triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

INVOCATION

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

CONFESSION

Matthew

28:18-20

Our Savior Jesus Christ commanded Baptism when he said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

All of us are born into this world with a deep need for Baptism. From our parents we inherit a sinful nature; we are without true fear of God and true faith in God and are condemned to eternal death. But while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. He took away our sin by giving his life on the cross. In Baptism, he clothes us with the robe of his righteousness and gives us a new life. We recall what Baptism means for our daily lives:

Baptism means that the sinful nature in us should be drowned by daily sorrow and repentance, and that all its evil deeds and desires be put to death. It also means that a new person should daily arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

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

As baptized children of God, we confess our sins: 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

God saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit and united us to the death and resurrection of Jesus. Every day God forgives your sins, removes your guilt, and strengthens you to defeat Satan’s power. His promise is for you and your children, and he will never forsake you. Your sins are forgiven. You are clothed with Christ. You are at peace with God now and forever. Amen.

These words come from Luther’s Small Catechism.

The Rite of Baptism continues at the font.

THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

The Gospel according to St. Mark: People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

Wyatt Cole Downes, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Receive the sign of the cross on the head and heart (+) to mark you as one redeemed by Christ the cruciﬁed.

The almighty God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given you the new birth of water and the Spirit and has forgiven all your sins. May he strengthen you with his grace all the days of your life. Peace be with you.

EXHORTATIONS

The minister addresses the parents:

Mike and Ashley, our Lord Jesus Christ, in instituting Baptism, not only commanded that children should be baptized, but that they should be taught to obey everything he has commanded us. I therefore ask you:

Do you intend to bring up Wyatt in the way of the Lord and to instruct him in the truths of God’s saving Word so that he may grow in faith, serve God with a Christian life, and remain in his baptismal grace all the days of his life? If you are willing to do so, answer: “Yes, and we ask God to help us.”

Yes, and we ask God to help us.

The minister addresses the congregation:

Brothers and sisters in Christ, this child has been baptized into the family of believers, the holy Christian Church. It is our privilege and responsibility to care for the children of our congregation, to remember them in our prayers, to encourage their parents in their God-given work, and to demonstrate a Christian life. If you are willing to do so, answer: “Yes, and we ask God to help us.”

Yes, and we ask God to help us.

Mark 10:13-16 4 + RITE OF BAPTISM +

PRAYER

Let us pray.

We give thanks, most merciful Father, that you have received Wyatt as your own child and made him a member of Christ’s body, the church. Now, we pray, grant to him and to all your church on earth that, being dead to sin, we may live to righteousness and, being buried with Christ into his death, we may also share in his resurrection, so that, with all your saints, we may inherit eternal life; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS +

The minister addresses the new members:

Dear Friends in Christ,

After a review and instruction in the simple teachings of the Bible and our Lutheran church, you have requested to become members 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 members of Grace Lutheran Church.

The minister addresses the congregation:

Brothers and sisters,

As we welcome Mike and Ashley to our Christian family, I encourage you in the name of Jesus to keep them in your minds, hold them in your hearts, and pray for them again and again. Show them the face of friendship and oﬀer them a hand of support. Encourage them 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 Mike and Ashley to desire to become members of our congregation and for giving them joy to confess their 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.

The peace of Christ be with us all. Amen.

RESPONSE Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken Christian Worship 694 6 Ephesians 4:12-13

HYMN

PRAYER OF THE DAY

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us pray.

Almighty God, your Son willingly endured the agony and shame of the cross for our redemption. Grant us courage to take up our cross daily and follow him wherever he leads; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

7 + THE WORD +

HYMN RESPONSE—Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken Christian Worship 694

15 O L , you understand. Remember me and care for me. Take vengeance for me on those who persecute me. You are slow to anger. Do not take me away. Keep in mind that for your sake I bear disgrace.

16 Your words came to me, and I devoured them. Your words became my joy, the delight of my heart, because I bear your name, O L God of Armies.

17 I did not sit with the band of partygoers, nor did I celebrate with them. I sat alone, because your hand was upon me. You ﬁlled me with indignation.

18 Why is my pain unending? Why is my wound incurable, refusing to heal? Will you be as deceptive as an intermittent stream to me, like a source of water that a person can’t depend on?

19 Therefore this is what the L says. If you repent, I will take you back, so that you may stand before me. If what you say is worthwhile and not worthless, you will be my spokesman. They must turn to you, but you must not turn to them.

20 I will make you like a bronze wall to this people. They will ﬁght against you, but they will not overcome you, because I am with you to save you and to rescue you, declares the L .

21 I will rescue you from the hand of the wicked, and I will deliver you from the grasp of the ruthless.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

When the prophet Jeremiah grew tired of carrying his cross and complained, the Lord called on him to repent and promised salvation.

FIRST READING Jeremiah 15:15-21

St. Paul teaches God’s Church that no cross can compare with the crown of glory that is waiting.

SECOND READING Romans 8:18-

For I conclude that our suﬀerings at the present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. 19 In fact, creation is waiting with eager longing for the sons of God to be revealed. 20 For creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in the hope 21 that even creation itself will be set free from slavery to corruption, in order to share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.

For we know that all of creation is groaning with birth pains right up to the present time. 23 And not only creation, but also we ourselves, who have the ﬁrstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we eagerly await our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. 24 Indeed, it was for this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he already sees?

25 But if we hope for something we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patient endurance.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

HYMN RESPONSE—Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken Christian Worship 694

alt.

H. Prichard,

–

Text and tune: Public domain.

Text: Henry Francis Lyte, 1793–1847, abr.,

Tune: Rowland

1811

1887.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Mark 8:34

Alleluia. Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Alleluia.

GOSPEL Matthew 16:21-26

21 From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he had to go to Jerusalem and suﬀer many things from the elders, chief priests, and experts in the law, and be killed, and on the third day be raised again.

22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “May you receive mercy, Lord! This will never happen to you.”

23 But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a snare to me because you are not thinking the things of God, but the things of men.”

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wants to follow me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. 25 In fact whoever wants to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will ﬁnd it. 26 After all, what will it beneﬁt a person if he gains the whole world, but forfeits his soul? Or what can a person give in exchange for his soul?”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise be to you, O Christ.

Please be seated

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE & GREETING

While the children are coming forward please greet your neighbor and ﬁll out the Friendship Register located in the red folder in your row and pass it along. Thank you!

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.

The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.

Jesus calls his Church to walk in his path: ﬁrst comes the cross, then comes the crown.

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.

10 Please stand

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.

HYMN OF THE DAY—Aﬄicted Saint, to Christ Draw Near Christian Worship 867

–

Text (sts. 1 4): John Fawcett, 1740

–

Refuge in Christ Through the Church

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.

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.

12 SERMON Romans 8:18-25

Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a ﬁtting place.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

Loving God and Lord, you created the universe that surrounds us and the globe on which we live. You control all things through your Son, who sits at your right hand in glory.

Comfort us with the promise of your eternal presence.

Give your Word power as it works in our hearts and minds. Clear away our confusion, and demolish our doubts. Send your Spirit to strengthen both our conﬁdence in your promises and our desire to live according to your will.

Take away our love of sinning, and restore us each day by your grace.

The signs of the times warn us that the end of time is near. Protect us from scoﬀers who sneer at your truth. Spare us and Christians around the world from all forms of hate and persecution.

Give us courage to carry the cross with patience and joy.

Instill in the hearts of our children a desire to follow you as they prepare for future days. Help them distinguish between what is passing and what is eternal, between instant thrills and lasting joy. Encourage more young people to prepare for service in the public ministry of the gospel.

Mold us and move us to be good examples for our youth.

Hold in your care, Lord, those who are experiencing physical or emotional pain and all who are aﬄicted by disease or facing death. Pour out your compassion on the grieving, and comfort the mourners who miss someone they loved.

Move us to pray for these brothers and sisters and to help when we can.

Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.

Silent prayer

Whether we pray together or alone, you have promised to hear and answer us. Give us patience to accept your blessings in whatever way you send them. In your love and wisdom, prepare us for the day when you will take us to be with you forever.

Hear us for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Please stand

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.

This song continues on the next page.

14 + THE SACRAMENT +

PREFACE

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Lord God, you are worthy to receive thanks and praise from all people. You created the world and all who live in it, and in your mercy you saved us. We give thanks to you for the grace of your Son, Jesus Christ.

Though in very nature God, he took the nature of a servant and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. He oﬀered himself as a sacriﬁce for sin and redeemed us from its curse and penalty. He rescued us from the terrors of death and restored eternal life with you. He conquered our enemies and gained for us the kingdom of grace and glory.

Bless us as we receive your Son’s body and blood, and lead us to remember his suﬀering, death, and resurrection. Forgive our sins and ﬁll us with the hope of new life in heaven. Hear our praise and receive our thanks as we worship you the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

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.

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 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.

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

Personal prayers for before and after communing are now available on printed labels on the inside cover of the hymnals.

16 LAMB OF GOD Agnus Dei

Psalm 106:1

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

O God the Father, source of all goodness, in your loving-kindness you sent your Son to share our humanity. We thank you that through him you have given us pardon and peace in this Sacrament. We also pray that you will not forsake us but will rule our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit so that we willingly serve you day after day; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

The blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God’s people for over 3,500 years. The L said, “In this way they will put my name on [them], and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27

BLESSING

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.

Amen.

Please be seated

1 Corinthians 11:26

+ THANKSGIVING +

Please stand

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING

Minister.............................................................................................

Pastor Ryan Heiman

Accompanist Jane Neujahr

Acknowledgements:

18 CLOSING HYMN—Why Should Cross

Grieve

and Trial

Me Christian Worship 831

Text: Paul Gerhardt, 1607–1676, abr.; (sts. 1–3): tr. Christian Worship, 1993, public domain; (st. 4): tr. Stephen P. Starke, b. 1955 © 2004 Stephen P. Starke, admin. Concordia Publishing House; (st. 5): tr. Harlyn J. Kuschel, b. 1945 © 1993 Harlyn J. Kuschel, admin. Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: Johann G. Ebeling, 1637

–

1676. Public domain.

Scripture readings are taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) © 2018 The Wartburg Project. All rights reserved. wartburgproject.org. Created by Christian Worship: Service Builder © 2022 Concordia Publishing House. Software distributed in partnership with Northwestern Publishing House.

Friendship Register

We would like to have a record of both members and guests who are worshiping with us. Please sign the red Friendship Register book located along the center aisle 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

Amazing Grace, A Mighty Fortress, and On Eagles Wings might be a few of your favorite hymns, but do you know who wrote them, why they were written, or what section of Scripture they were based on? Our Sunday morning Bible Study series discovers the answers to those questions and more as we learn about our favorite hymns and how they open up the Scriptures for our learning. Now would be an excellent time to make Sunday morning Bible study a part of your routine! Class is held at 9:00 AM in the CLC gymnasium.

Daily Devotions

Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are on the Welcome Desk in the church entryway. New Meditations books with devotions that began last week is available. These are great tools to use for your daily Bible study!

Birth & Baptism

Congratulations to Pastor Seth and Nicole Scheuerlein on the birth of their son, Asher Don Scheuerlein! Asher was born last Sunday, August 27, and is being made a redeemed child of God through Holy Baptism this morning at Grace-Vail. We pray for God’s richest blessings on Asher and the Scheuerlein family.

Grace Central Office & CLC Closed Monday

The Grace Central Office located at our Tucson site and the Child Learning Center here in Sahuarita will be closed tomorrow, September 4, in observance of Labor Day. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, September 5.

ANNOUNCEMENTS 19

Divine Call Received

Pastor Patoka was informed on August 20 that Messiah Lutheran Church in Green Bay, Wisconsin voted to extend to him a Divine Call to serve as an associate pastor. This means that he now holds two calls, one to Grace and one to Messiah. He is working to make a decision whether to accept the new Call and move his ministry to Wisconsin or to decline the Call and continue serving here. He will strive to make that decision with prayer and careful consideration where his particular gifts for ministry fit best.

Pastor Patoka welcomes any input that the friends and members of Grace might wish to share with him. You can reach him by email at RevTLP@GraceLutheranSAZ.org or (540)623-1149. He also appreciates prayers offered on behalf of him and Katie during this deliberation as well as for both congregations.

Midweek Bible Study: Wednesday

The Bible Project: The 66 books of the Bible are a collection of history, poetry, prophecy and insights into the eternal history of God and his people. The focus of the entire Bible is God’s plan of salvation. However because of the sheer volume of the Bible, many people get bogged down trying to read it and understand it. This Bible Project is a study that quickly summarizes each book and gives the student a quick overview of the Bible. Please join us on Wednesdays at 10:00 AM in the Church Entryway.

Church History Bible Study: Wednesday at Grace-Tucson

The 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!

Women’s Bible Study: Thursday at Grace-Tucson

“The church of history has done terrible things.” “Jesus never claimed to be God.” “I want to feel good about myself.” “There’s no such thing as truth.” “Do last-minute confessions get people into heaven?” We hear these kinds of things and may even wonder about them ourselves. These and more are addressed in Pastor Mark Paustian’s book, “Prepared to Answer.” The book is provided at no cost for everyone in the class, and each question is handled in just a handful of pages, so it is easy to jump into the study at any time, even if you can’t make it each week. Invite a friend and join Pastor Koehler for this study which is helpful for us and for those we have discussions with about such things. This class meets on Thursdays at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall.

Pastor Installation at Redeemer: September 10

Grace members are invited to attend the installation service of Pastor David Clark at Redeemer Lutheran Church (8845 N. Silverbell Road) next Sunday, September 10, at 4:00 PM and the meal that follows in the Ministry Center.

ANNOUNCEMENTS 20

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ladies’ Fellowship Group: September 21

The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall on 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!

All-Site Picnic & CLC 3rd Birthday Party: September 23

Grace-Sahuarita will be hosting a special celebration on 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!

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 obtained from Pat Dent.

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.

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

Saturday, October 7: Spanferkelfest (Pig Roast)

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 September 3 - September 10

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.

TUCSON Today Worship Services with communion.................7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour...................................................... 8:45a Adult Bible Study: Living in the Light of God’s Love 9:00a Grow in Grace Class (Office Conference Room) 9:00a Fellowship following worship NO TCM Bible Study Monday—Labor Day Grace Central Office Closed Tuesday Weekly Pastors’ Meeting 9:00a English Classes 6:30p Wednesday Midweek Bible Study: Church History 10:00a & 7:00p Thursday Women’s Bible Study: Prepared to Answer 9:00a Next Sunday, September 10 Worship Services 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a Adult Bible Study: Living in the Light of God’s Love ...... 9:00a Grow in Grace Class (Office Conference Room) 9:00a Fellowship following worship Everyone Outreach Follow Up 11:30a TCM Bible Study: Seven Deadly Sins: Pride ................. 7:00p OFF-SITE EVENT Next Sunday, September 10 Pastor Clark Installation at Redeemer 4:00p ONLINE Today Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Tucson) 10:00a Next Sunday, September 10 Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Tucson) 10:00a VAIL Today Adult Bible Study: Lifestyle Witnessing 9:00a Youth Bible Study 9:00a Worship Service with communion ................................10:00a Wednesday (NEW DAY) Midweek Bible Study: The Triumph of Grace 6:30p Next Sunday, September 10 Adult Bible Study: Lifestyle Witnessing 9:00a Youth Bible Study 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a SAHUARITA Today Adult Bible Study: Favorite Hymns .................................9:00a Children’s Sunday School...............................................9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Wednesday Midweek Bible Study: The Bible Project.......................10:00a Saturday Sahuarita Work Day 8:00a Next Sunday, September 10 Adult Bible Study: Favorite Hymns 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a BENSON Today Worship Service with communion 7:30a NO Adult Bible Study (resumes September 10) Wednesday Midweek Bible Study: The Large Catechism 10:00a Next Sunday, September 10 Worship Service 7:30a Adult Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 8:45a

9-3-23 Grace-Sahuarita Worship Folder

THE FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Welcome to Grace!

WORSHIP NOTES

OUR WORSHIP SERIES THE CHURCH GOD WANTS

THEME FOR TODAY A CHURCH THAT TAKES UP ITS CROSSES

Christian Worship 679

INVOCATION

CONFESSION

Silence for meditation and reﬂection

THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

EXHORTATIONS

PRAYER

+ RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS +

Brothers and sisters,

PRAYER

PRAYER OF THE DAY

SECOND READING Romans 8:18-

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Mark 8:34

GOSPEL Matthew 16:21-26

Please be seated

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE & GREETING

LORD’S PRAYER

Refuge in Christ Through the Church

CONFESSION OF FAITH Nicene Creed

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

Please be seated DISTRIBUTION

SPOKEN RESPONSES

CLOSING PRAYER

BLESSING

THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING

Friendship Register

Children’s Church

Sunday Morning Bible Study

Daily Devotions

Birth & Baptism

Grace Central Office & CLC Closed Monday

Divine Call Received

Midweek Bible Study: Wednesday

Church History Bible Study: Wednesday at Grace-Tucson

Women’s Bible Study: Thursday at Grace-Tucson

Pastor Installation at Redeemer: September 10

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ladies’ Fellowship Group: September 21

All-Site Picnic & CLC 3rd Birthday Party: September 23

LWMS Rally: October 14

Crafters Needed!

This Week at Grace  September 3 - September 10

Stay Up to Date

One Church. Four Locations.

Proclaiming the love of Jesus in Southern Arizona since 1911.

Child Learning Center Mission Teachers

This Week at Grace September 3 - September 10