THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
G E L C S , A J 14, 2026
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—SAY IT OUT LOUD
The season after Pentecost features what Christ teaches, and Christians in every vocation are encouraged to say it out loud. The truths of God’s Word are good for the soul, useful for life, and more reliable than anything else in the world. Watch out for false teachers who come with wise sounding words and pious promises, but who do not base everything on the Word of God! Give thanks to the Lord for faithful servants in the ministry of the gospel and those who support them!
In this season, our worship is following this path:
First Sunday after Pentecost God is Triune
Second Sunday after Pentecost God Loves Sinners
Third Sunday after Pentecost Jesus Leads Us*
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Keep the Faith*
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Love God Above All
OUR THEME FOR TODAY JESUS LEADS US
The Law was given through Moses. He was a marvelous leader of his people, but he could not take them to the Promised Land. The Law can never get God’s people to the promised land. Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Joshua, the successor of Moses, defeated the enemies of the people and led them into the Promised Land. Jesus defeats our enemies and shepherds us as his flock. The gracious Gospel of forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus is the only way to the promised land of heaven. Jesus leads us all the way there.
OPENING HYMN Lord, Open Now My Heart to Hear Christian Worship 632
Please stand
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
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.
Tune: Geistliche Lieder zu Wittemberg, Wittenberg, 1543, ed. Joseph Klug. Text (sts. 1, 3): Johannes Olearius, 1611–1684; tr. Matthias Loy, 1828–1915. Public domain. Text (st. 2): Mark A. Jeske, b. 1952 © 1993 Mark A. Jeske, admin. Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
1 John 1:8-9
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.
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”
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
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.
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.
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.
RESPONSE—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.
SUNG
Text: Michael A. Perry © 1982 Hope Publishing Co. Tune: Marty Haugen © 1987 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
+ THE WORD +
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
Almighty, eternal God, in the Word of your apostles and prophets, you have proclaimed to us your saving will. Grant us faith to believe your promises that we may receive eternal salvation; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
As Moses’ life and ministry were coming to an end, God had Moses appoint Joshua to take his place.
Please be seated
15Moses spoke to the L , 16“May the L , the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the community, 17who will go out before them and come in before them, who will lead them out and bring them in, so that the community of the L will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”
18The L said to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and place your hand on him. 19Have him stand in front of Eleazar the priest and the entire community. You will commission him in their sight. 20You will give some of your authority to him so that the entire Israelite community will listen to him. 21He will stand before Eleazar the priest, who will inquire for him before the L with the decision of the Urim. He and all the Israelites with him, the entire community, will go out at his command and come in at his command.”
22Moses did just as the L commanded him. He took Joshua and had him stand in front of Eleazar the priest and the entire community. 23He placed his hands on him and commissioned him, just as the L spoke through Moses.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING
1 Corinthians 4:1–7
1This is the way a person should think of us: as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. 2In this connection, moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 3But it is a trivial matter to me if I am evaluated by you or by a day in a human court. Why, I do not even evaluate myself. 4I do not in fact know of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this; rather, the one who evaluates me is the Lord. 5Therefore judge nothing ahead of time, until the Lord comes. He will bring to light whatever is hidden in darkness and also reveal the intentions of hearts. Then there will be praise for each person from God.
6Brothers, I turned these things into a lesson using myself and Apollos as examples. I did this for your benefit, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written. Then you will not be arrogant, favoring one person over the other. 7For who makes you so special? And what do you have that you did not receive? But if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The Church sings Psalm 100 in services that give thanks to God for his many blessings, especially the gospel and its ministers. Paul wrote to a troubled congregation to call them to repentance and to reveal the mystery of the gospel.
Text: William Kethe, alt. Tune: Trente quatre Pseaumes de David, Geneva, 1551. Public domain.
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 demonstrates compassion and leadership by appointing the twelve to ministry.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Matthew 9:38 Alleluia. Pray that the Lord of the harvest will send out workers into his harvest Alleluia.
GOSPEL
Matthew 9:35 10:8
35Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness.
36When he saw the crowds, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were troubled and downcast, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. 38Therefore pray that the Lord of the harvest will send out workers into his harvest.”
1Jesus called his twelve disciples to himself and gave them authority to drive out unclean spirits and to heal every disease and every sickness.
2These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James the son of Zebedee and his brother John; 3Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
5Jesus sent these twelve out and commanded them, "Do not go among the Gentiles, and do not enter any town of the Samaritans. 6Go instead to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near!’ 8Heal the sick. Raise the dead. Cleanse lepers. Drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please greet those around you and then be seated
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
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—Lord Jesus, You Have Come
Christian Worship 897
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.
Text: Eberhard L. Fischer, 1695–1773, abr.; tr. composite. Tune: Neu-vermehrtes . . . Gesangbuch, 3rd ed., Meiningen, 1693. Text and tune: Public domain.
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
Loving Lord, your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, has given gifts to the Church in the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. According to your will, raise up more workers and send them into harvest fields in our land and around the world.
By the power of your gospel, strengthen them so that they do not become discouraged but continue in the course you have set before them.
Pour out your wisdom on us, O Lord, through the working of your Spirit, as we train and prepare those who proclaim the everlasting gospel in their own communities and cultures. Help us to point them to the authority of your Word and to look for success in the witness of your love.
Let them see us as their partners in ministry as we work together around the world.
Lord God, King of the universe, direct the governments of the world so that we may live quiet and peaceful lives. Protect us from disease, crime, and war. Let freedom of religion flourish so that the gospel may be preached freely throughout the world. Cast down rulers who oppress their people, and remove governments that oppose the gospel.
Bring relief to Christians who are persecuted and ridiculed.
Move us to reach out to the sick and the sad, the lonely and the poor, not only in our family and circle of friends but also to others as we have opportunity.
Turn our smile into a word and then a witness so that sadness and fear might become confidence and joy.
Wherever we go, near or far, move us to share the gospel with eagerness and joy. Give us grace to be models to all so that our brothers and sisters might see our good works and glorify you. Plant in the hearts of your people a deeper desire to share the gospel with their lips and their gifts so that many more may come to know and believe the love of your Son.
May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. Amen.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
Text: Herman G. Stuempfle, Jr., 1923–2007 © 1993 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: English; adapt. Franklin L. Sheppard, 1852–1930. Public domain.
Please stand
CLOSING PRAYER
Almighty God, we thank you for teaching us the things you want us to believe and do. Help us by your Holy Spirit to keep your Word in pure hearts that we may be strengthened in faith, guided in holiness, and comforted in life and in death, 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
CLOSING HYMN—Precious Lord, Take My Hand
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
Text and tune: Thomas A. Dorsey, 1899–1993 © 1974 Harold Flammer, a division of Shawnee Press, admin. Hal Leonard LLC. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
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.
NEW Wednesday Morning Bible Study: 19 Minute Study of Jesus’ Sayings
These Bible studies were originally written to be a quick 19 minute overview of Jesus’ parables or “I Am” statements. While designed to go only 19 minutes, we will spend extra time digging into the deeper questions and meanings of Jesus’ words. Join us on Wednesday mornings in the Church entryway at 10:00 AM to grow in your faith.
Father’s Day Barbeque: June 21
The fathers and kids of Grace Lutheran Church and the Child Learning Center are invited to a Father’s Day celebration on Sunday, June 21! A BBQ here at our Grace-Sahuarita location will begin at 11:30 AM. We will be honoring dads with a variety of smoked, grilled, and bbq’d meats as well as sides, paired with flights of beer and/or bourbon. There will also be a bounce house for the kids! If you would like to attend, please sign up in the church entryway to participate and/or help out or email Pastor Heiman at revrah@gracelutheransaz.org.
Grow in Grace Class
Would you like to learn more about Jesus, our risen Savior, 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 let us know online at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.
Those Assisting in Worship This Morning
Minister.................................................................................................................
Pastor Ron Koehler
Accompanists
Jim and Deb Bakken Acknowledgements:
SAHUARITA
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 June 14 - June 21
Service 10:00a Adult Bible Study: Paul’s Pastoral Letters...................... 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Fellowship following worship NO Grow in Grace Class (resumes June 21) Wednesday Midweek Bible Study: Jesus’ Sayings 10:00a NO Grow in Grace Class (resumes June 24)
Sunday, June 21
Worship Service with communion 10:00a Adult Bible Study: Paul’s Pastoral Letters 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Fathers’ Day BBQ 11:30a
TUCSON Today
Worship Services............................................ 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Triumph of Grace 9:00a
NO Grow in Grace Class (resumes June 28)
Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: 1 Peter..................9:00a Fellowship following worship
Tuesday NO Pastors’ Staff Meeting
Wednesday Midweek Bible Study: Church History............. 10:00a & 7:00p
Thursday Women’s Bible Study: More Prepared to Answer 9:00a
Sunday, June 21
Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a
Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Triumph of Grace ..............................9:00a
NO Grow in Grace Class (resumes June 28)
Service 10:00a
following worship................................................... Adult Bible Study: Hard Sayings of Jesus 11:15a Sunday, June 21
Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship
Adult Bible Study: Hard Sayings of Jesus 11:15a
Adult Bible Study (Tucson)............................................. 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) ...................... 10:00a
Sunday, June 21
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a
Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) ...................... 10:00a
Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: 1 Peter 9:00a Fellowship following worship
BENSON Today
Worship Service 7:30a
Adult Bible Study: Epistle of James 8:45a Fellowship following worship
Wednesday NO Adult Bible Study (resumes July 1)
Sunday, June 21
Worship Service with communion...................................7:30a
Adult Bible Study: Epistle of James ................................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-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
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.