THE SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
G E L C S , A S 8, 2024
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 its entirety 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 blue Christian Worship hymnal. If you would like to worship out of a hymnal today, you will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each row; however you do not need a hymnal to participate, as everything needed for the service is printed in this folder.
OUR WORSHIP SERIES—THE NEED FOR FOLLOWERSHIP
“We need better leadership!” Have you ever said that? Perhaps you were frustrated with the direction being taken by some elected official or by management at your workplace or by the coach of your favorite team. You were frustrated because you know that no matter how many resources an organization has, it will flounder if leaders do not lead well: providing direction, training, motivation, coordination, encouragement, and even grace. Leadership is extremely important. And so, there are times we lament, “We need better leadership!”
Jesus Christ is the leader of our congregation, our home, our lives. And his leadership is perfect in every way. Therefore, when things are amiss in any of those arenas, what is needed is not better leadership, but better followership. In this series, we ask Christ to empower us with his Spirit so that we might better follow his lead. May we better reflect the beauty of his life, better make his priorities our own, and better serve our God and neighbor. Our worship during this series will follow this path:
September 1 Followers of Christ Obey His Law from the Heart
September 8 Followers of Christ See the True Purpose of His Power
September 15 Followers of Christ Are Armed for Battle
September 22 Followers of Christ Are Humble Servants
September 29 Followers of Christ Have Powerful Allies
October 6 Followers of Christ Know How to Love Their Families
October 13 Followers of Christ Maintain Proper Priorities
Octobers 20 Followers of Christ Make Selfless Sacrifices
+
WELCOME
OPENING HYMN All Praise to God Who Reigns Above Christian Worship 603
Please stand
Text: tr. composite; Johann Jacob Schütz, 1640–1690, abr. Tune: Melchior Vulpius, c. 1570-1615. Text and tune: Public domain.
As our service begins, the minister speaks the words spoken at our baptisms and makes the sign of the cross, marking us anew as redeemed children of God.
1 John 1:8-9
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
CONFESSION
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Let us confess our sins to the Lord.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
Christ gave the authority to forgive the sins of penitent sinners to his church:
“Whenever you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven.”
John 20:23
Mark 10:47
Kyrie is the Greek word for Lord. The expression “Lord, have mercy” is one of the oldest worship responses in the Christian Church.
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
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.
Kyrie
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.
GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST
Gloria
Luke 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.
This song continues on the next page.
Tune: David Kauffman; William Gokelman © 2010, 2021
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
O God, you reveal your mighty power chiefly in showing mercy and kindness. Grant us the full measure of your grace that we may obtain your promises and become partakers of your heavenly glory; 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
+ RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS +
The new members approach the altar. The pastor addresses them: Friends in Christ,
After discussions about 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 Evangelical Lutheran Church and this congregation 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 pastor greets each new member by name.
Paulette Janikowski has transferred her membership from Peace Lutheran Church in Sun Praire, Wisconsin. Carol Steficek is being received by Profession of Faith. We welcome them to the Christian family at Grace!
Ephesians 4:12-13
The pastor speaks to the congregation: Brothers and sisters,
As we welcome Paulette and Carol 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
Romans 12:12
Gracious Father, we thank you for leading Paulette and Carol 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 Christlike 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.
+ THE WORD +
Through the prophet Isaiah God promised that he would come, making the blind see and the lame leap. But the ultimate purpose of his coming was to save us.
Isaiah 35:4-7
4 Tell those who have a fearful heart: Be strong. Do not be afraid. Look! Your God will come with vengeance. With God's own retribution, he will come and save you.
5 Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf will be unplugged.
6 The crippled will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing for joy. Waters will flow in the wilderness, and streams in the wasteland.
7 The burning sand will become a pool, and in the thirsty ground there will be springs of water.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING
Acts 3:1-10
1Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, an hour of prayer. 2A certain man who was lame from birth was carried there every day and placed at the temple gate, which is called Beautiful, so that he could beg for donations from those entering the temple. 3When he saw Peter and John about to enter the temple, he asked them for a donation.
4Peter looked directly at him, as did John. Peter said, “Look at us.” 5So the man paid close attention to them, expecting to receive something from them.
The ninth hour would be 3:00 PM. This reading continues on the next page.
Text: Paul Gerhardt, 1607–1676, abr.; tr. Michael D. Schultz, b. 1963 © 2021 Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199
Tune: Georg G. Boltze, 18th cent. Public domain.
Christ gave his follower Peter the power to heal a man who was lame from birth. When healed, the man does not go first to family and friends but to the temple to praise God.
6But Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I will give you. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” 7Peter took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately the man’s feet and ankles were made strong. 8Jumping up, he stood and began to walk. He entered the temple courts with them, walking, jumping, and praising God.
9All the people saw him walking and praising God. 10They recognized him as the one who used to sit begging for money at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Please stand
Jesus uses his power not to elicit praise from the crowd but to demonstrate his love for a man who was deaf and mute.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia. Look, here is our God! We waited for him, and he saved us!
Let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation! Alleluia.
Isaiah 25:9
31Jesus left the region of Tyre again and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, within the region of the Decapolis.
32They brought a man to him who was deaf and had a speech impediment. They pleaded with Jesus to place his hand on him. 33Jesus took him aside in private, away from the crowd. He put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. 34After he looked up to heaven, he sighed and said, “Ephphatha!” (which means “Be opened!”) 35Immediately the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was set free, and he began to speak plainly.
36Jesus gave the people strict orders to tell no one, but the more he did so, the more they kept proclaiming it. 37They were amazed beyond measure and said, “He has done everything well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak!”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ.
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.
HYMN OF THE DAY Your Hand, O Lord, in Days of Old Christian Worship 769
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. 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.
The Power of Christ is Purpose not Performance
Please stand
The Apostles’ Creed developed in the Early Christian Church as a personal confession of faith. It is so named because it confesses the faith taught by the Apostles of Jesus.
CONFESSION OF FAITH
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Please be seated
Apostles’ Creed
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Eternal 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.
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.
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
Blessed Lord, you have given us your Holy Scriptures for our learning. May we so hear them, read, learn, and take them to heart that, being strengthened and comforted by your holy Word, we may cling to the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen. BLESSING
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.
Amen. Please be seated
Text: Charles Wesley, 1707–1788, alt. Tune: Carl G. Gläser, 1784–1829. Text and tune: Public domain.
THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING
Text (sts. 1–3): John Newton, 1725–1807, alt.; (st. 4): A Collection of Sacred Ballads, Richmond, 1790. Tune: Columbian Harmony, Cincinnati, 1829, ed. Benjamin Shaw; ed. Charles H. Spilman. Text and tune: Public domain.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Friendship Register
We 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
Luther’s Large Catechism is a short summary and epitome of the entire Holy Scriptures. Luther encourages all Christians to daily exercise themselves in the Catechism. With that encouragement, we are looking at the Large Catechism in our Sunday morning Bible study. If you haven’t been to Bible study in a while, now is a great time to start. Please join us in the CLC gymnasium on Sundays at 9:00 AM.
WELS Online Teen Bible Study: Today
As announced at this summer’s youth rally, the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) is hosting an online Bible study for teens. Because it is online, it can bring together teens from all around the county. The study will include interacting with smaller breakout groups. Pastor Phil Huebner will be leading the first such online Bible study this afternoon at 4:00 PM Tucson time. Any teens who are interested are invited to sign up at https://gf.wels.net/teen-bible-study.
TCM Bible Study: Tonight
WELS Tucson Campus Ministry Bible study will begin TONIGHT with What Exactly is the Bible & Can I Trust It? It will be the first of a two-part study and discussion. College students and college-age non-students are invited to join Pastor Koehler at 7:00 PM in the Student Center, which is located in the lower level of the church at Grace-Tucson. The stairs below the TCM sign on the parking lot side of the church will take you there. If you’d like to share your name and contact info with Pastor Koehler, download the WELS Tucson Campus Ministry app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Divine Call Declined
Pastor Kassulke, after prayerful consideration and deliberation, has declined the call to serve at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Saginaw, Michigan. He will continue to serve in his role 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 his family. He is also grateful that this time of deliberation allowed for many beneficial conversations about the gospel ministry we all share. Please continue to pray for our congregation and the many ways we proclaim forgiveness and salvation in Jesus to our communities!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
10-Year Multi-Site Anniversary for Grace
September is a big anniversary month for our congregation. It was on September 17, 1911 that Grace held its first worship service as a congregation in Tucson. For the church’s 100th anniversary in 2011, Grace began a mission site in Vail to thank God for his blessings to us and to reach a new community with the gospel. In September 2014 Grace merged with Peace Lutheran in Sahuarita (September 8) and Bethlehem Lutheran in Benson (September 29) forming a four-site congregation. Our congregation and we as individual members have been blessed by God in so many ways over the years! Our communities have also been blessed as we have shared our Savior with them. As we celebrate our 10-year anniversary as a four-location, multi-site congregation, give thanks to the Lord! From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. John 1:16
Grace Oasis Groups Sign-Ups
This week you can sign up for a Grace Oasis Group in the entryway of church. Groups are formed around common interests or similar places in life. You don’t need to be an expert in the Bible, nor do you need to stay in a group forever. This is a 10-week series on the Sunday sermons that each group will spend time discussing and studying each week. Please check out the sign-ups in the back of church to see which group might be a fit for you.
Open Gym: Tuesday
Do you enjoy playing basketball and/or volleyball? Test your skills during our adults only, open gym on Tuesdays from 7:00 to 9:00 PM here in our Child Learning Center gymnasium! We will be alternating between basketball and volleyball. This Tuesday, September 10, will be volleyball. Come for some friendly competition and bring a friend!
NEW Midweek Bible Study: Wednesday
Our new midweek Bible study, “Hard Sayings of Jesus” will be taught by Vicar Nordlie. This study examines numerous difficult sayings of our Savior. Sometimes the sayings are hard to understand, other times they are hard to interpret, and other times they are hard to believe. Students will become equipped to wrestle with God’s Word and understand the hard sayings of Jesus. Please join us on Wednesdays at 10:00 AM in the church entryway.
Church History Bible Study: Wednesday at Grace-Tucson
Join us on Wednesdays for our study of Church History. We are studying the development of the Wisconsin Synod in the early 1900s, including a federation and then merger with the synods of Minnesota and Michigan. Even 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
What do we know about the 12 men Jesus chose to follow him and then sent out to share the gospel after his ascension into heaven? What does the Bible say? What do historical accounts tell us about them? Get to know “The 12” as you never have before, and learn valuable lessons about your life of following Jesus. Pastor Koehler leads this study on Thursday mornings at 9:00 AM in the GraceTucson Fellowship Hall. Make plans to join him, and invite a friend to join you!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLC Clean Up & Work Day: Saturday
Do you have a couple hours to lend a helping hand? A clean up and work day will be held at the Child Learning Center this Saturday, September 14, from 8:00 to 10:00 AM. Everything needed will be provided—including DONUTS!
Mission to the Children Celebration: September 15
Mission to the Children will be celebrating Mexican Independence Day with food, games, crafts, and a worship service next Sunday, September 15, at Grace-Tucson. Festivities will begin at 2:00 PM. The Spanish worship service will be held at 4:00 PM followed by a meal in the Fellowship Hall. They could use some assistance with this event, so if you have a little time to help, it would be greatly appreciated. If you are interested in celebrating with them and worshiping with Mexican refugees or in Spanish, please join us! Contact Nicole Scheuerlein at (520)820-2016 or darling44nikki@gmail.com if you are able to help out or have questions.
Ladies’ Fellowship Group: September 19
The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet Thursday, September 19, at 10:15 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall. They will be discussing the book “A Skeleton in God’s Closet” by Paul L. Maier. You are asked to have the book read beforehand. The book is available in our church library at GraceTucson as well as from Amazon (paperback $11.59 or Kindle $6.73) and Concordia Publishing House ($12.99). Please bring a snack to share. Contact Lois Thornton at (520)323-8772 or vthornto2@gmail.com with any questions. Ladies from all Grace sites are welcome to attend.
CLC Birthday Carnival: September 21
Celebrate our Child Learning Center’s 4th birthday!! A fun carnival will be held on the CLC’s actual birthday, Saturday, September 21, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Come and enjoy lunch, games, bounce houses, a dunk tank, and much more!
Pictorial History of the Wisconsin Synod
In 2025 the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) will celebrate 175 years of God’s grace! “Christ Through Us” is a limited edition hardcover book exploring the complete history of WELS from 1850 to 2025 in seven fascinating chapters and approximately 260 pages. Step back in time with captivating historical photographs. See how God has richly blessed WELS gospel ministry at home and abroad over 175 years! Read inspiring stories of WELS families throughout the past and up to the present. To guarantee availability and save 20% off the cover price, this book can be ordered through September 22 for $25. Please see the order form on the Welcome Desk in the church entryway or contact the Grace Central Office at (520)623-6633 or office@gracelutheransaz.org. Payment may be made by cash or check (payable to Grace Lutheran Church) and given to Pastor Kassulke or the Grace Central Office.
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 8 - September 15
TUCSON
VAIL
Today Adult Bible Study: Baptism .............................................9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship
Wednesday Adult Bible Study: 1 Corinthians.....................................6:30p
Sunday, September 15
Adult Bible Study: Baptism 9:00a Worship Service with communion................................10:00a Fellowship following worship
One Church. Four Locations.
Proclaiming the love of Jesus in Southern Arizona since 1911.
Grace-Tucson and Central Office
830 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719 (520)623-6633 office@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Ronald G. Koehler III revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Nathan P. Kassulke revnpk@gracelutheransaz.org
Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org
Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail
Benson 451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602
Vail
Worshipping at Esmond Station Elementary 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, Tucson, AZ 85747
Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein revsas@gracelutheransaz.org
Office at Civano 10501 E. Seven Generations Way, Tucson, AZ 85747 (520)848-4631
Prayer Group Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Sahuarita
75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538
Pastor Ryan A. Heiman revrah@gracelutheransaz.org
Vicar Noah Nordlie vicnpn@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
Maddie Nordlie, Toddlers mnordlie@gracelutheransaz.org
Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org
Theresa Pratt, Preschool tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org
Chris Leathers, Toddler/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. wels.net