04-26-26 Grace-Tucson Worship Folder

THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

G E L C T , A A 26, 2026

WORSHIP NOTES

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 WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?

Life is full of either/or moments. Some of them are of little long-term consequence. I will have either the chicken or the fish. Some of them matter more. I will accept the new job offer or keep my current job. One either/or moment is life-changing for every human being. Either Jesus is still dead, or Jesus rose from the dead. Jesus claimed he would rise from the dead. “The Son of Man must suffer many things...be killed and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31). So if Jesus remains dead, he is both a failure and a fraud. If Christ has not been raised, we are still in our sin.

But Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! It makes all the difference! He lives! The season of Easter is a 50-day celebration of that fact.

In this season, our worship is following this path:

Easter Dawn

Easter Day

Second Sunday of Easter

Third Sunday of Easter

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Ascension

Pentecost

He lives to dry my tears and take away my fears

He Lives to take me from death to life

He lives to give me proof and peace

He lives to restore my hope

He lives to be my Good Shepherd

He lives to be the only way to heaven

He lives to call me to live for him

He lives to rule all things for the Church

He lives to pour out his Spirit

OUR THEME FOR TODAY—HE LIVES TO BE MY GOOD SHEPHERD

Without the resurrection of Jesus, I would have to choose my own direction in life. I would be terrible at it, because, like a sheep, I can generally see only what’s in front of me at the moment, and I get myself into trouble. It is especially difficult for me to look far into my future as planned by Jesus. If he had not risen from the dead, I would be on my own.

But he lives, and it makes a difference. I have the reliable direction of the Good Shepherd. He feeds us with his Word. He protects us from the roaring lion, Satan. He is leading us into the green pastures of eternal life. For centuries, the Church has observed this Fourth Sunday of Easter to celebrate that Jesus lives to be our Good Shepherd.

+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +

WELCOME

OPENING HYMN Jesus, Shepherd of the Sheep Christian Worship 551

PRESERVICE MUSIC:

The Lord’s My Shepherd with The King of Love My Shepherd Is Christian Worship 552 & 553

Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us with He Leadeth Me Cindy Berry

Please stand

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.

The Lord’s My Shepherd, I’ll Not Want Jeffrey Blersch

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

Minister: In peace let us pray to the Lord.

Congregation:

The minister sings the italicized words.

The congregation responds by singing “Lord, have mercy” and with the final “Amen. Amen.”

For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

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.

For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.

Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.

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.

+ THE WORD +

PRAYER OF THE DAY

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us pray.

O Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Good Shepherd who laid down your life for the sheep. Lead us now to the still waters of your life-giving Word that we may abide in your Father’s house forevermore; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

Please be seated

FIRST READING

Acts 2:42-47

42They continued to hold firmly to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of the bread, and to the prayers. 43Awe came over every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45They were selling their possessions and property and were distributing the proceeds according to what anyone needed.

46Day after day, with one mind, they were devoted to meeting in the temple area, as they continued to break bread in their homes. They shared their food with glad and sincere hearts, 47as they continued praising God and being viewed favorably by all the people. Day after day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

HYMN—The Lord’s My Shepherd, I’ll Not Want

Christian Worship 555

The Good Shepherd’s flock grew as people devoted themselves to the apostolic teaching.

This hymn is a paraphrase of Psalm 23. The Church sings Psalm 23 in services that honor Jesus as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep.

St. Peter calls on us to follow our Shepherd and Overseer even if it means we will suffer for doing good.

SECOND READING

19For this is favorable: if a person endures sorrows while suffering unjustly because he is conscious of God. 20For what credit is it to you if you receive a beating for sinning and patiently endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and endure it, this is favorable with God.

21Indeed, you were called to do this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example so that you would follow in his steps. 22He did not commit a sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. 23When he was insulted, he did not insult in return. When he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24He himself carried our sins in his body on the tree so that we would be dead to sins and alive to righteousness. By his wounds you were healed. 25For you were like sheep going astray, but you are now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

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

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

ALL:

John 10:14

Vocalist: I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.

Refrain (ALL)

John 10:1-10

1“Amen, Amen, I tell you: Anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the door, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2The one who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3The doorkeeper opens the door for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4When he has brought out all his own sheep, he walks ahead of them. The sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5They will never follow a stranger, but will run away from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.”

6Jesus used this illustration in speaking to the people, but they did not understand what he was telling them.

7So Jesus said again, “Amen, Amen, I tell you: I am the door for the sheep. 8All who came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9I am the door. Whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.

10“A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.

Please be seated

SERMON

Please stand

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is the gate through which we enter the green pastures of salvation.

John 10:1-10

Know the Voice of Your Shepherd

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.

Apostles’ Creed

Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.

Please be seated

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

Loving Shepherd of the sheep, fill us with contentment and confidence during this season as we celebrate your Easter victory. You laid down your life for the sheep and then rose again to assure us that you give us eternal life.

Good Shepherd, save us.

Strengthen our faith to follow where you lead, to the green pastures of your Word, the quiet waters of our baptism, and the gracious table of your body and blood where our cup overflows with your forgiving love. Guide us to find in you the gate that leads to safety and good pastures.

Good Shepherd, lead us.

Guard and protect us from those who want to lead us astray and snatch us out of your hand. Give us courage to fight against the devil and wisdom to recognize false teachers. Lead us to honor and follow those you have called to shepherd your flock, the Church.

Good Shepherd, guide us.

Let your rod and your staff comfort us and all your sheep in times of sickness and sadness and especially when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. May we find in your redemption and your Father’s resolve the unbreakable promise that we will dwell in your house forever.

Good Shepherd, console us.

Move us to reach out to sheep who are not yet a part of our sheep pen but whom you have claimed as your own. Give us your passion to search for the sheep who are lost and lead us to rejoice when they have been found.

Good Shepherd, inspire us.

Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.

Silent prayer

We thank you for all the blessings we have gained from your goodness: family and friends, wealth and health, work and leisure. Give us wisdom to long for and cherish your more precious gifts, your Word and sacraments, so that your goodness and love may follow us all the days of our life.

Good Shepherd, hear us. Amen

OFFERING

Members of Grace respond to their Savior’s love with offerings that are given joyfully, generously, regularly, and in a way that is proportionate to how the Lord has blessed them. Their cheerful gifts support the mission and ministry of our congregation. If you are a guest today, please know that we do not expect you to contribute to our congregation’s work. However, if you would like to give an offering to the Lord in response to his love to you, we are happy to receive it and put it to work in God’s kingdom. If you prefer, use your smart phone to give online by scanning this QR code:

Please fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder at the end of the row and pass it along. Thank you!

OFFERTORY:

My Shepherd Will Supply My Need

Michael Ware

These words are printed for your silent meditation:

My shepherd will supply my need Jehovah is his name. In pastures fresh he makes me feed beside the living stream. He brings my wandering spirit back when I forsake his ways and leads me, for his mercy's sake, in paths of truth and grace.

HYMN—Christ, the Word of God Incarnate

Christian Worship 528 stanzas 1, 4, and 6

The sure provisions of my God attend me all my days; oh, may his house be my abode and all my work be praise. There would I find a settled rest while others go and come, no more a stranger or a guest but like a child at home.

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.

Please stand

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

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord Jesus Christ, Shepherd of the Church, in the waters of Baptism you have given us new life, and at your table you nourish us with the food of salvation. Lead us along safe paths through the darkness of this world, dispel the terrors of death, and bring us at last to your house, where you dwell with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

POSTLUDE MUSIC:

Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us

Victor Labenske

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.

Please be seated

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Altar Flowers

The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by Theresa & Juan Bacalski in celebration of their 8th wedding anniversary and in thanks to God for their many blessings.

If you would like to provide flowers for the altar, please call (520-623-6633) or email (office@gracelutheransaz.org) the Grace Central Office to reserve a Sunday. Upcoming available dates include May 17, 24, & 31. 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. Thank you to Eric and Erika Hanson for hosting this morning. There are many upcoming available dates. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

Sunday Morning Bible Study

We are continuing our look at Romans 9-16 under the theme “The Triumph of Grace.” If you have not made Sunday morning Bible study a part of your routine, this would be a great time to start! We meet at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall.

TCM College Bible Study Tonight!

It is disappointing and often confusing that there are so many different views on what the Bible says and so many different kinds of Christian churches. Certainly God is looking for all to believe his truth. Since that is not the case, is it proper for churches to do joint ministry? How do those different beliefs affect our relationships with individual Christians? Join the discussion tonight from 7:00 to 8:00 PM in the Student Center. SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, May 10 Barks, Burgers & Brats! Bring your dog to the TCM end of year party in the Grace Courtyard! It will be a 6:00 PM start.

Those Assisting in Worship This Morning

Preacher........................................................................................................ Pastor Nathan Kassulke

Worship Leader.................................................................................Pastor Ron Koehler (10:00 AM)

Accompanist ....................................................................................................................Kathy Parra

Vocalist Courtney Kuehl

Cello...............................................................................................................................Joshua Vierra

Greeters...............................................................

Jeanette O’Donald, Nadine Rentschler (10:00 AM)

Ushers Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM)

Sam Kassulke, Danny Koehler, Ferdie Kramm, Rick Street (10:00 AM)

Sound and Recording Techs Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke

Acknowledgements:

Divine Calls Received

Pastor Heiman was informed on April 19 that Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN voted to extend to him a Divine Call to serve as their pastor. This means that he now holds two calls, one to Grace in Southern Arizona and one to Pilgrim in Minneapolis. He is working to make a decision whether to accept the new Call and move his ministry to Minnesota or to decline the Call and continue serving here.

Child Learning Center teacher Chris Leathers received a call on April 15 to teach Kindergarten at Carlsbad Christian Academy in Carlsbad, California, a ministry of Beautiful Saviour Lutheran Church. She is working to make a decision whether to accept the new Call or remain here at Grace.

They will both strive to make their decisions with prayer and careful consideration where their particular gifts for ministry fit best.

Both Pastor Heiman and Chris Leathers welcome any input that the friends and members of Grace might wish to share with them. You can reach them at:

Pastor Heiman: (520)999-0245 or RevRAH@GraceLutheranSAZ.org

Chris Leathers: (920)762-0574 or CLeathers@GraceLutheranSAZ.org

Your prayers are appreciated during these deliberations.

Church History Bible Study: Wednesday

In our Church History study, we will continue looking at the blessings and challenges in the Wisconsin Synod from 1950 to 1980. Even if you haven’t attended this class before, you are always welcome! 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

All ladies are invited to join Pastor Koehler for study and discussion of the book More Prepared to Answer (yours to keep at no cost) by Pastor Mark Paustian on Thursdays from 9:00 to 10:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Each week is an individual topic so you are able to jump in and out week-toweek as your schedule allows. Upcoming topics include No one believes in sin anymore. I don’t care for organized religion. Can a loving God send people to hell? Our discussions will help us understand things better and be prepared to help others understand God’s answers.

Fellowship Hall Chairs

We are looking forward to finishing our Fellowship Hall refresh very soon. The last step is to get new chairs. We will be purchasing 100 chairs at $70 each, and a generous donor has offered to cover half of the cost. Can we match this amount together? If you would be willing to make a special donation (in addition to your regular offerings) to assist with completing this project, please indicate “Chairs” on your donation envelope.

Monthly Newsletter Changes

Beginning with our May newsletter, we will be changing how you receive this publication. Instead of mailing it to our households, we will instead be sending it to individual email addresses. Paper copies will be available at each site for those who do not use email. We will also have copies of just the monthly calendar available. If you are homebound and do not have email, a copy will still be mailed to you. It is essential that we have a current email address for each of our members. If you are not sure that we have your email address, please send an email to: Office@GraceLutheranSAZ.org so we can update our records. We are anticipating emailing the May newsletter on Wednesday of this week.

This schedule is subject to change. Please watch your email for the most up-to-date information or call the Grace Central Office at (520)623-6633 if you have questions.

This Week at Grace Ÿ April 26 - May 3

SAHUARITA

Worship Services 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour...................................................... 8:45a Adult Bible Study: Triumph of Grace 9:00a Grow in Grace Class 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: 1 Peter 9:00a Fellowship following worship...................................................

Mission to the Children Spanish Service & Meal 4:00p TCM Bible Study 7:00p Tuesday

Staff Meeting 2:00p Ministry Board

6:15p

Midweek Bible Study: Church History 10:00a & 7:00p Thursday Women’s Bible Study: More Prepared to Answer 9:00a College Student Grow in Grace Class ........................... 2:00p

Sunday, May 3

Worship Services with communion .................7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a

Adult Bible Study: Triumph of Grace 9:00a Grow in Grace Class (office conference room) 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: 1 Peter ................. 9:00a Fellowship following worship TCM Bible Study 7:00p BENSON

Sunday, May 3

-Vail Connections (Silver’s) 6:00p

Grace-Vail Connections (Kiepke’s) 11:00a Grace-Vail Connections (Erbe’s) 6:00p Sunday, May 3 Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship

Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) ...................... 10:00a

OFF-SITE Monday CLC Golf Tournament.................................................... 1:00p ONLINE Today Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) ...................... 10:00a

Service 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Epistle of James ................................8:45a Fellowship following worship

Adult Bible Study: 10 Lies About God 10:00a

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-Sahuarita

75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538

Pastor Ryan A. Heiman revrah@gracelutheransaz.org

Child Learning Center (520)848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com

Director—Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org

Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail

Benson

451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602

Vail

Worshipping at Esmond Station Elementary 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, Tucson, AZ 85747

Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein revsas@gracelutheransaz.org

Office at Civano 10501 E. Seven Generations Way, Tucson, AZ 85747 (520)848-4631

Prayer Group—Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org

Child Learning Center Mission Teachers

Caitlin Broehm, Toddlers cbroehm@gracelutheransaz.org

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

Theresa Pratt, Preschool tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org

Chris Leathers, After School Care cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org

Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr cinda@gracelutheransaz.org office@gracelutheransaz.org (520)581-4714

Grace Lutheran Church is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), a group of nearly 400,000 men, women, and children in nearly 1,300 congregations across the United States and Canada united by a common faith in Christ's saving love. We are committed to a common calling encouraging each other in our faith and sharing God's gift of a Savior with the rest of the world.