05-17-26 Grace-Sahuarita Worship Folder

THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD

G E L C S , A M 17, 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 worship service is printed in this worship folder for you to follow along and participate. You’ll notice that the service is a dialogue between God and us, his people. The pastor speaks to God along with the congregation and also speaks the Word of God to the people. Those wishing to leave an offering can do so at the exit today or give online at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/give. (You can also scan the QR code to the right to access the online giving page.)

Today we are using elements from the Christian Worship hymnal. If you would like to worship from a hymnal today, you will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each row; however, you do not need to use a hymnal if you so choose, as everything needed for worship is printed in this worship folder.

OUR WORSHIP SERIES—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 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 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 RULE ALL THINGS FOR THE CHURCH

Without the resurrection of Jesus, we would have to wonder who oversees the world. At times the world seems so chaotic. People claim to be in charge but they have limited power and strange ideas. Many of the ideas are harmful for Christians. Leaders seem to lead without acknowledging Jesus.

But he lives, and it makes a difference. Jesus is head over everything for the Church. At the time of Ascension, he takes his proper place. The Festival of the Ascension is one of the oldest and most joyful celebrations in the Christian Church. It will be observed by Christians until Christ returns to take us to be with him.

OPENING HYMN Alleluia! Sing to Jesus

Christian Worship 606

Please stand

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

INVOCATION

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

Congregation: Amen.

DIALOGUE FOR ASCENSION

Psalm 148:1-2

Psalm 8:1

Psalm 97:9

Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts.

How majestic is the Lord’s name in all the earth! He has set his glory above the heavens.

For the Lord is the Most High over all the earth. He is exalted far above all gods.

Psalm 47:5 & 8

Psalm 99:1

Psalm 45:6

God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.

The Lord reigns, let the nations tremble.

He sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake.

The throne of our God will last forever and ever. A scepter of justice will be the scepter of his kingdom.

Psalm 148:13

This hymn continues on the next page.

Praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted. His splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

+ THE WORD +

PRAYER OF THE DAY

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus, King of glory, you ascended far above the heavens, and at God’s right hand you rule the nations. Leave us not alone, we pray, but grant us the Spirit of truth that, at your command and by your power, we may be your witnesses in all the world; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

Please be seated

witnesses.

This hymn continues on the next page.

1I wrote my first book, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began doing and teaching 2until the day he was taken up, after he had given instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.

3After he had suffered, he presented himself alive to the apostles with many convincing proofs. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and told them things about the kingdom of God.

4Once, when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for what the Father promised, which you heard from me. 5For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

6So when they were together with him, they asked, “Lord, is this the time when you are going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

7He said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

9After he said these things, he was taken up while they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10They were looking intently into the sky as he went away. Suddenly, two men in white clothes stood beside them. 11They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing here looking up into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

HYMN RESPONSE—A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing Christian Worship 472

Text: The Venerable Bede, 673–735, abr.; tr. composite. Tune: Geistliche Kirchengesäng, Köln, 1623. Text and tune: Public domain.

SECOND READING Ephesians 1:15-23

15This is why, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16I never stop giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17I keep praying that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, will give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in knowing Christ fully. 18I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope to which he has called you, just how rich his glorious inheritance among the saints is, 19and just how surpassingly great his power is for us who believe. 20It is as great as the working of his mighty strength, which God worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21far above all rule, authority, power, and dominion, and above every name that is given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22God also placed all things under his feet and made him head over everything for the church. 23The church is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Please stand

Jesus ascended to fill all creation with his presence and power for a very specific purpose. We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.

The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel. Before he ascends, Jesus promises to send the disciples power from on high to carry out the mission of the Church.

Alleluia. Surely I am with you always until the end of the age. Alleluia.

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.

GOSPEL Luke 24:44-53

44He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.”

45Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46He said to them, “This is what is written and so it must be: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of these things. 49Look, I am sending you what my Father promised. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

50He led them out as far as the vicinity of Bethany. He lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51And while he was blessing them, he parted from them and was taken up into heaven. 52So they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53They were continually in the temple courts, praising and blessing God. Amen.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise be to you, O Christ.

Please greet those around you and then be seated

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

5 Still for us he intercedes, his atoning death he pleads. He, the first of all our race, near himself prepares a place.

6 There we shall with him remain, partners in his endless reign, there his face unclouded see, live with him eternally.

During the singing of this hymn in the 10:00 AM service, 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 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.

CONFESSION OF FAITH

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.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.

Ascended Lord, seated at the right hand of the Father, we rejoice in your rule. In wisdom you govern the kingdoms of this world. Bless all those in positions of authority. Lead them to confess that all power comes from you. Continue to work all things together for the good of your kingdom, and guard and protect us from all harm and danger.

When you ascended on high, you gave good gifts to us. We thank you for sending the apostles and evangelists to record your words and explain them in Scripture. Continue to provide pastors and teachers to guide and equip your people. Empower us to share your gospel with all nations.

Direct us always to you for grace that will help us in our time of need. As our High Priest, continue to intercede for us with the Father when we pray in your name.

Lord Jesus, as you humbled yourself even to death on the cross before you were exalted on high, lead us through all our trials in patient and humble faith until you lift us up on high where you have gone to prepare a place for us.

On this festival day, we join the angels in rejoicing that you completed the work of salvation and returned to your glory. With those who gazed up toward heaven, lift up our hearts as we await your return. Come quickly and redeem our bodies as you have redeemed our souls. We praise and bless you, our victorious Savior. Amen.

Please stand

PREFACE

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

+ THE SACRAMENT +

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 by his willing sacrifice on the cross took away the sins of the world and by his glorious resurrection restored everlasting life. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:

The Preface to the Sacrament is one of the oldest parts of the Christian liturgy, dating back to the first century. As we prepare to receive Holy Communion, we are united with the Body of Christ, in an unbroken bond with Christians through the millennia.

The Prophet Isaiah was given a vision of heaven, where seraphim praised God. In the Sanctus we welcome Jesus with our hosannas and praise.

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.

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.

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.

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.

John the Baptist pointed to Jesus and said, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” We sing the Agnus Dei confident that Jesus has borne our sins and freely gives us forgiveness and peace in the Sacrament.

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

+ THANKSGIVING +

Psalm 106:1

Please stand

1 Corinthians 11:26

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

We give thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us with this saving gift. We pray that through it you will strengthen our faith in you and increase our love for one another. We ask this in the name of 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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Friendship Register

We are so thankful you have joined us today and would like to have a record of both members and guests who are worshiping with us. Please sign the red Friendship Register book located at the end of your row in the hymnal rack.

Children’s Church

Children ages 1-8 will be dismissed from our worship service today during the hymn before the sermon to attend Children’s Church. Parents, following worship, please pick your child up from the gymnasium in the CLC building.

Sunday Morning Bible Study

Our world today seems fascinated sometimes even obsessed with angels and demons. In this Bible study, we’ll turn from speculation and popular culture to God’s Word itself, exploring what Scripture truly teaches about both good and fallen angels. As we dig into the Bible, we’ll be reminded of God’s complete power over evil and his gracious use of heavenly angels for our good. Above all, this study offers comfort and confidence for every Christian, grounded in the promises of our mighty and loving Lord. Even if you have not made Sunday morning Bible study a part of your routine, you are welcome to study with us on Sunday mornings in the CLC gymnasium at 9:00 AM.

Daily Devotions

Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are in the church entryway. A new Meditations book with devotions that begin May 31 is now available. These are great tools to use for your daily Bible study!

Church

History Bible Study: Wednesday at Grace-Tucson

Join us on Wednesdays for our study of Church History. We are considering the history of the Wisconsin Synod from the late 1970s to early the 1990s. 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 at Tucson

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 Can a loving god send people to hell? No one believes in sin anymore. I don’t care for organized religion. Our discussions will help us understand things better and be prepared to help others understand God’s answers.

Milling and Paving

Milling and paving operations have begun in Tucson's West University Neighborhood, where GraceTucson is located. This means that old, failing asphalt is being removed and replaced with new. The work started several blocks west of us but will be moving in our direction. If you are heading to Grace-Tucson during the week, you may wish to leave a few extra minutes of travel time. We look forward to the project being complete and our neighborhood having fresh, smooth, new streets. This work is also being done alongside adding, replacing, and improving sidewalk ramps. All the ramps at our intersection have been completed.

Men of Iron & Fire: May 31

Men of Iron & Fire is for encouragement, brotherhood, and growth as we sharpen one another in God’s Word and live out our calling as leaders in our homes, our church, and our community. “Iron sharpens iron, and a man sharpens the insight of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17). Come be strengthened. Come be sharpened. Sunday, May 31, at 2:00 PM. We will meet at Civano in the upstairs boardroom (10501 E. Seven Generations Way). You may contact Jeff Weinstein with any questions at (520)909-7649.

Grow in Grace Class

Would you like to learn more about our Savior Jesus, about the Bible that tells us about him, and about what we believe and teach at Grace? Our congregation offers a series of Bible-based lessons called Grow in Grace. Grow in Grace also serves as our membership class for those who may be interested in joining the church. If you would be interested in scheduling a Grow in Grace Class, please speak to Pastor Heiman or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Grace’s Counseling Services

Do you feel discouraged about your life or anxious about something - even if you aren’t sure what it is? Are you mourning the loss of friends or family members who have moved away or left this earth? Are you dealing with chronic pain or illness? Grace has a WELS certified Bible-based therapist on staff, and she would love to help you. She works two days a week in the counseling building at Grace-Tucson. To schedule an appointment with Cinda, it is best to text her at 520-581-4714 or email her 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. Along with a certification in trauma, an area of specialty is in relationships. Cinda also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work and a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology.

Thrivent Member Opportunity

Are you a Thrivent member? Did you know that as a member, you have a special opportunity to support events and activities at Grace? Through the Thrivent Action Team program, you can access valuable resources - including up to $250 - to help support our congregation’s ministry and mission work.

Applying for these resources takes just a little time, and we’re here to help make the process quick and easy. If you’re a Thrivent member interested in using your membership to further support Grace, we’d love to assist you!

You may talk to any of our pastors or contact the Grace Central Office.

Donations for Sunday School at Grace-Tucson

Our Summer Sunday School session will begin in June and we would use some help! If you have a typewriter, alphabet stamps, or other word printing supplies you would be willing to lend to the children for June and July, please contact Beth Kassulke at music@gracelutheransaz.org. We are also looking for donations of newspaper and LEGOs.

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 May 17 - May 24

VAIL

Worship Service with communion 10:00a Adult Bible Study: Angels & Demons 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Fellowship following worship................................................... NO Grow in Grace Class (resumes May 24) Wednesday Oasis Group 10:00a NO Grow in Grace Class (resumes May 27)

Sunday, May 24

Worship Service 10:00a Adult Bible Study: Angels & Demons ............................. 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a

Fellowship following worship Grow in Grace Class 11:30a

Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship Adult Bible Study: Angels & Demons 11:15a Site Ministry Team Meeting............................................1:00p

Grace-Vail Connections (Silver’s) 6:00p

-Vail Connections (Kiepke’s) 11:00a

-Vail Connections (Erbe’s) 6:00p

May 24

Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship

Bible Study: Angels & Demons 11:15a

TUCSON

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

Worship Service with communion.................................. 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Epistle of James 8:45a Fellowship following worship Wednesday Adult Bible Study: 10 Lies About God .......................... 10:00a Sunday, May 24

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

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

Sunday, May 24

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

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 Tuesday Pastors’ Staff Meeting 9:00a Wednesday Midweek Bible Study: Church History 10:00a & 7:00p

Thursday Women’s Bible Study: More Prepared to Answer ..........9:00a

Sunday, May 24

Worship Services............................................ 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

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.