THE SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
G E L C T , 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 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 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
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +
OPENING HYMN O Son of God, In Galilee
Please stand
Christian Worship 765
PRESERVICE MUSIC:
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
Richard W. Gieseke
Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
James Engel Psalm 146B
CW Psalter
In Christ Alone
Keith Getty & Stuart Townend, arr. Richard Kingsmore
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.
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.
“No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me; from life’s first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny. No power of hell, no scheme of man can ever pluck me from His hand; till he returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.”
Text: © 2002 Thankyou Music, admin. CapitolCMGPublishing.com. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
1 John 1:8-9
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
Christ gave the authority to forgive the sins of penitent sinners to his church: “Whenever you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven.” John 20:23
Mark 10:47
Kyrie is the Greek word for Lord. The expression “Lord, have mercy” is one of the oldest worship responses in the Christian Church.
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.
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.
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.
GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST
ALL:
This song continues on the next page.
Gloria
Vocalist: Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. You are seated at the right hand of the Father; receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father. Amen. ALL:
Tune: David Kauffman; William Gokelman © 2010, 2021 GFTSMUSIC Publishing Company, Inc., admin. Music Services. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
+ THE WORD +
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.
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.
Please be seated FIRST READING
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.
PSALM OF THE DAY—As Long As I Live
Christian Worship Psalter 146B
The vocalist sings the refrain once alone. The congregation immediately repeats it and sings it again as indicated.
Vocalist: Put not your trust in princes, mortal men, who cannot save. Blessed is he whose hope is in the L , the God of Jacob.
Refrain (ALL)
Vocalist: The L gives food to the hungry, the L sets prisoners free. He gives sight to the blind and lifts up those who are bowed down.
Refrain (ALL)
Vocalist: God watches over the outcast and sustains the widow and the orphan. God will reign forever; he is L to all generations.
Refrain (ALL)
This psalm of praise focuses on the protecting power of the Lord, which raises the lowly, frees the prisoners, and gives sight to the blind. It draws to mind the dramatic way the Lord did this through the ministry of Jesus (see the Gospel for today). His ministry reminds us that the greatest gifts are not natural food, physical healing, and political freedom, but spiritual food that gives eternal life, healing that frees us from sin and death and freedom which will endure forever. For these blessings we praise the Lord now and forever.
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.
(The ninth hour would be 3:00 PM.)
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.
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.
Please stand
GOSPEL
ALL:
Isaiah 25:9
Vocalist: Surely this is our God; we trusted him, and he saved us. Let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.
Refrain
(ALL) Tune: © 2010, 2021 GFTSMUSIC Publishing Company, Inc., admin. Music Services. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
GOSPEL
Mark 7:31-37
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.
Please be seated
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Jesus uses his power not to elicit praise from the crowd but to demonstrate his love for a man who was deaf and mute.
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.
HYMN OF THE DAY—Your Hand, O Lord, in Days of Old Christian Worship
The vocalist will sing stanza 1. Please join in singing the remaining stanzas.
SERMON
Mark 7:31-37
See the Purpose of Jesus’ Power
Please stand
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.
OFFERTORY:
How Great Thou Art
Stuart K. Hine arr. Victor Labenske
“And when I think that God, his Son not sparing, sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in, that on the cross my burden gladly bearing he bled and died to take away my sin; Then sings my soul, my Savior-God, to thee, How great thou art! How great thou art! Then sings my soul, my Savior-God to thee, How great thou art! How great thou art!”
Text: © 1949, 1953 The Stuart Hine Trust, admin. Hope Publishing Company. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
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!
HYMN—Word of God, Come Down on Earth
Christian Worship 537
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 be seated
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLOSING HYMN Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing Christian Worship 520
POSTLUDE MUSIC:
His Mercy Is More Matt Boswell and Matt Papa
“What riches of kindness he lavished on us; his blood was the payment, his life was the cost. We stood 'neath a debt we could never afford; our sins they are many, his mercy is more. Praise the Lord! His mercy is more! Stronger than darkness, new every morn; our sins they are many, his mercy is more!”
THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING
Preacher..............................................................................................Pastor Ron Koehler
Worship Leader...................................................... Pastor Nathan Kassulke (10:00 AM)
Accompanist .................................................................................................. Kathy Parra
Vocalist .....................................................................................................Jay Wiechmann
Greeter ...........................................................................................Cora Stuhr (10:00 AM)
Ushers ..................................................................... Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM) Jon Dongoske, Dylan Guenther, Lucas Guenther, Ferdie Kramm (10:00 AM)
Sound and Recording Techs .............. Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Altar Flowers
The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given in by Pat Messer in celebration of her sons’ birthdays—Darrell Bossert (September 9) and Bill Messer (September 14), with praise and thanksgiving for God’s many blessings through the years. To God be the glory!
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 22 and October 6, 13, & 20. 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 10:00 AM 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 morning. Upcoming available dates are September 22 and October 20 & 27. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.
Tall Banners
After the outpouring of positive feedback regarding the tall banners used during this past spring, the Sanctuary Committee is planning to purchase several additional sets of tall banners. We thank Eric and Erika Hanson for sponsoring the banners used today. Please see the bulletin board near the kitchen in the Fellowship Hall for more information about this project and how you can support it. You are always welcome to share your thoughts on this and other items with the committee members: Justin Harris (chairman), Jim and Deb Bakken, Greg Grorud, Beth Kassulke, Paul Kassulke, and Pastor Koehler.
Sunday Morning Bible Study
Join us for our Sunday morning Bible Study! “Timely Topics” give us a chance to discuss the church and politics, intelligent design, global warming, and more from a biblical perspective. Today we are beginning the topic of global warming. 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 Fellowship Hall.
NEW Grow in Grace Class Starting
If you would like to become acquainted with the basic teachings of the Bible or are interested in membership at Grace, Grow in Grace classes are for you! Pastor Koehler is beginning a new series of these classes this morning. Classes will take place in the church office conference room from 9:00 to 9:45 AM on Sundays. Let pastor know you are interested: RevRGK3@GraceLutheranSAZ.org or text: (520)404-2620 or call: (520)623-6633
Daily Devotions
Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are at either door to church and in the Fellowship Hall. A new Meditations book with devotions that began last Sunday is available. These are great tools to use for your daily Bible study!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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!
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
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Service Opportunity: English Classes
We have a nice team of people assembled to help people in our community learn English, but we could still use a little help. If you are interested in teaching beginners, being a substitute teacher, or helping to care for the children of the students, please contact the program coordinator, Ron Silver, at (520)221-1216 or ronaldsilver3@gmail.com. Classes will be held in the Fellowship Hall from 6:30 to 8:00 PM on Tuesday evenings beginning this Tuesday, September 10. This is a unique way to show the love of Christ to those in our community!
Open Gym: Tuesday at Grace-Sahuarita
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 at our Child Learning Center gymnasium in Sahuarita! We will be alternating between basketball and volleyball. This Tuesday, September 10, will be volleyball. Come for some friendly competition and bring a friend!
Church History Bible Study: Wednesday
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
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 Fellowship Hall. Make plans to join him, and invite a friend to join you!
Choir and Handbells: Thursday
Have you ever been interested in ringing a handbell? Do you enjoy singing? Please consider joining us on Thursday evenings beginning this week! Handbells will rehearse from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. Worship Choir will rehearse from 6:45 to 8:00 PM. Both groups meet in the church sanctuary. No experience is needed! Our directors and experienced members are eager to help and teach you what you need to know! Both of these groups welcome members who are 12 years old or older. If you are unsure about participating, please come to the first rehearsal and give it a try! There is no commitment to continue. If you have any questions, please contact our worship coordinator, Beth Kassulke (music@gracelutheransaz.org).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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, here 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 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!
Homebound Volunteer Meeting: September 22
We have a great opportunity for you to serve your fellow Grace members! People are needed to call, write, email, or personally visit our Grace homebound members. Please come to hear about this ministry on Sunday, September 22, following the late service in the Fellowship Hall. These homebound members very much appreciate having a connection to fellow members!
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 table in the Fellowship Hall 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.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Evangelism Workshop: September 29
Save the date for an Evangelism Workshop here at Grace-Tucson on Sunday, September 29, following our 10:00 AM service. Exact details are being worked out, but we look forward to encouraging each other as we prepare to reach out to our friends and neighbors and welcome guests to church.
LWMS Fall Retreat: October 4-6
All ladies are invited to come enjoy fellowship and activities at the LWMS Fall Retreat taking place in the beautiful Prescott National Forest at Emmanuel Pines Camp in Prescott, AZ from October 4 through October 6. Online registration and payment is available at grandcanyonlwms.org. Registration forms are also available on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall. The fee includes two nights lodging, two breakfasts, one lunch, and two dinners. Share in devotional and Bible study time with other WELS women from Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Speakers include Gary & Beth Evans from Central Africa Medical Mission and Erik & Staci Landwehr from Peridot. All ladies are welcome!
Shepherd of the Hills Anniversary Celebration: October 13
Our sister WELS church in Tucson, Shepherd of the Hills, will be celebrating 50 years as a congregation with a special service on Sunday, October 13, at 4:00 PM. A meal will follow the service. You are invited to join them in celebrating 50 years of preaching and teaching and reaching the lost. 50 years of grace. 50 years of training children. We join together to celebrate God’s perfect shepherding, leadership, and direction. To help with planning, please RSVP by September 22 to https://soth.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/154/responses/new. Shepherd of the Hills is located at 8799 N. Northern Ave., 85704.
Grace’s Bible-based Counselor
Cinda Drescher is Grace’s Bible-based Counselor. She is on staff at Grace and works in the counseling building located in the Grace-Tucson parking lot. She typically works at the counseling building two days each week. To schedule an appointment, it is easiest to text her at (520)581-4714 or email at Cinda@GraceLutheranSAZ.org. Because she is on staff at Grace and supported by the congregation’s Ministry Spending Plan, there is no charge for anyone who makes an appointment with her. She is happy to meet with anyone whether they are members of Grace/WELS or not. Cinda not only has a WELS Bible-based Therapist certification, she holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work, a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, along with certifications in Trauma and Domestic Violence.
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.
TUCSON
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
Worship Services 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a Grow in Grace Class (office conference room) 9:00a Lifeliners (High School Group) Bible Study: Romans 9:00a
Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a
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
Midweek Bible Study: Church History ............ 10:00a & 7:00p Grow in Grace Class (office conference room) 6:30p Thursday Women’s Bible Study: 12 Apostles.................................9:00a Handbell Practice 5:30p Worship Choir Practice 6:45p Saturday
Sunday, September 15
Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour......................................................8:45a Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a Grow in Grace Class (office conference room) 9:00a Lifeliners (High School Group) Bible Study: Romans 9:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... MTTC Spanish Service & Celebration 2:00p TCM Bible Study 7:00p
Adult Bible Study: Large Catechism............................... 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a
Adult Open Gym Volleyball.......................................... 7:00p
Adult Bible Study: Hard Sayings of Jesus 10:00a
CLC Clean Up & Work Day 8:00a Sunday, September 15
Adult Bible Study: Large Catechism............................... 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship
BENSON
Worship Service 7:30a
Adult Bible Study: Ephesians Fellowship following worship
Bible Study: Song of Songs 10:00a
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Sunday, September 15
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a
Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Grow in Grace Class.................................................... 10:00a
September 15 Worship Service with communion 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Ephesians 8:45a 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