07-26-26 Grace-Sahuarita Worship Folder

THE EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

G E L C S , A J 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 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 MAKES CHRISTIANS DIFFERENT

The Bible says Christians are different. Christians are people who believe in Jesus as their Savior. But they often look the same as those who do not believe in Jesus. How are Christians different? The answer is often something internal, attitudes or perspectives that come only from the work of the Holy Spirit in Word and sacrament. Ultimately, Christians are people who run to Christ for forgiveness because they have failed to live perfect lives. As we receive the mercy of Christ, it moves us to strive with all our being to do all the things that Jesus says Christians do, things that make Christians different.

In this series, our worship is following this path:

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Christians Live in Two Kingdoms

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost Christians Are Planted by the Word

*Ninth Sunday after Pentecost Christians Seek Spiritual Wealth

*Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Christians Live as Wheat Among Weeds

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost Christians Trust God to Provide

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost Christians Answer Doubt With Faith

These Sundays are being taken out of order to accommodate a preaching rotation.

OUR THEME FOR TODAY—CHRISTIANS LIVE AS WHEAT AMONG WEEDS

The wheat that grows in the Middle East is a variety that looks much like wild grass or weeds. It is difficult to tell wheat and weeds apart until shortly before harvest time, when the wheat stalks develop a head containing the kernels of grain. Pulling the weeds out of a wheat field could lead to accidentally pulling up a fair amount of wheat. People need to wait for the harvest to separate wheat from weeds. Jesus uses that image to illustrate life this side of heaven. What makes Christians different? They are wheat planted by the Lord. Unbelieving evildoers are pictured as weeds. We might want God to take care of evil now, pulling up all the weeds. But he tells us to wait for the harvest of judgment day. So we live as wheat among weeds, being faithful, fruitful, and mindful of the coming harvest.

WELCOME

OPENING HYMN God Has Spoken By His Prophets Christian Worship 639

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.

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.

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16

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

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

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.

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.

+ THE WORD +

PRAYER OF THE DAY

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Let us pray.

O God, so rule and govern our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit that, ever mindful of your final judgment, we may be stirred up to holiness of living here and dwell with you in perfect joy hereafter; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

Please be seated

Like wheat among weeds, Christians live surrounded by evil in this world.

6 This is what the L , the King of Israel, Israel’s Redeemer, the L of Armies, says. I am the first, and I am the last. Except for me there is no god.

7 For who is like me? Let him declare it. Let him recite in order for me the things that took place since the time I established an ancient people. Or let them declare what is yet to come, and what is going to take place.

8 Do not tremble, and do not be frightened. Did I not announce this to you, and declare it already long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any god except me?

There is no other Rock. I am not aware of any other.

9 All those who form an idol are good for nothing. All the things which delight them provide no benefit. As for their witnesses they do not see. They know nothing, so they will be ashamed.

10Who is this who forms a god or casts a metal image that can provide no profit? 11Look at him! All his associates will be ashamed. The craftsmen are merely men. Let them all gather themselves and take a stand. They will be terrified and ashamed together.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

SECOND READING

18Indeed, God’s wrath is being revealed from heaven against all the ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who try to suppress the truth by unrighteousness.

19This happens because what can be known about God is evident among them, because God made it evident among them. 20In fact, his invisible characteristics his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, because they are understood from the things he made. As a result, people are without excuse, 21because, even though they knew God, they did not honor him or give him thanks as God. Instead, their thinking became nonsense, and their senseless heart was darkened.

22Although they claim to be wise, they have become fools 23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human, or like birds, four-footed animals, and crawling things. 24So, as they followed the sinful desires of their hearts, God handed them over to the impurity of degrading their own bodies among themselves. 25Such people have traded the truth about God for the lie, worshipping and serving the creation rather than the Creator, who is worthy of praise forever. Amen.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

God is not ambivalent about evil in the world. But his wrath will be fully revealed only at judgment day.

We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King. The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.

Please stand

The Lord has a plan to separate wheat and weeds at the final harvest.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Romans 11:33

Alleluia. Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how untraceable his ways! Alleluia.

GOSPEL Matthew 13:24–30, 36-43

24He presented another parable to them: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25But while people were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. 26When the plants sprouted and produced heads of grain, the weeds also appeared. 27The servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where did the weeds come from?’ 28He said to them, ‘An enemy did this.’ The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and gather up the weeds?’ 29‘No,’ he answered, ‘because when you gather up the weeds, you might pull up the wheat along with them. 30Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “First, gather up the weeds, bind them in bundles, and burn them. Then, gather the wheat into my barn.”’”

36Then Jesus sent the people away and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”

37He answered them, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38The field is the world. The good seeds are the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the Evil One. 39The enemy who sowed them is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the world. The reapers are angels. 40Therefore, just as the weeds are gathered up and burned with fire, so it will be at the end of the world. 41The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will pull out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and those who continue to break the law.

42The angels will throw them into the fiery furnace where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear.”

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.

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.

Please stand

The Apostles’ Creed developed in the Early Christian Church as a personal confession of faith. It is so named because it confesses the faith taught by the Apostles of Jesus.

CONFESSION OF FAITH

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Please be seated

Apostles’ Creed

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

Eternal Lord, give us peace as we ponder the good news that you forgive our sins in Christ. Lead us to see clearly the path you have laid out for us.

Work in us so that we believe and live the Word we have heard today.

Provide courage and compassion to all who preach and teach your Word. Fill them with a love like yours as they proclaim your grace to us and all people.

Move us to love all ministers of the Word wherever they serve.

Guard and guide the families of our congregation. Lead husbands and wives to love each other with commitment, respect, and patience. Help parents to grasp the eternal value of keeping their children close to Jesus all their lives. Grant joy to those who are single, and make them a blessing to others.

Protect us from the temptations that surround us; give us pure hearts and minds.

Provide wisdom and insight to those who make laws and set policies. Give us respect for those who protect us from crime. Lead us to value the rights of our fellow citizens and to defend those who cannot defend themselves.

Bless our land with peace and prosperity so that the gospel may be proclaimed to all.

Give us passion to share the story of your love with our family and friends. Overcome unbelief, and open the hearts of people everywhere to believe the good news that Jesus has forgiven their sins and opened the gates of heaven.

Fill us with joy over every sinner who repents and comes to trust in you.

Extend your healing power to those who are sick and suffering in body or mind. Give patience and compassion to all who care for the sick and dying.

Lift the eyes of the distressed to your love in Christ.

Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.

Silent prayer

Gracious God, you govern and direct all things and you love all people. Hear our prayers, spoken and silent, and answer them in your wisdom and grace.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.

HYMN Your Kingdom, O God, Is My Glorious Treasure Christian Worship

Please sing this hymn as indicated below:

Vocalist: Your kingdom, O God, is my glorious treasure, my pearl of incomp’rable worth. Its value exceeds ev’ry standard of measure, surpassing the wealth of the earth. Lord, give me your grace and the pow’r of the Spirit to value this treasure aright that, never allured by the world, I inherit your kingdom of glory and light.

ALL:

CLOSING PRAYER

Blessed Lord, you have given us your Holy Scriptures for our learning. May we so hear them, read, learn, and take them to heart that, being strengthened and comforted by your holy Word, we may cling to the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

BLESSING

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.

Amen.

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

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

The Apostle Paul wrote 3 letters to young pastors about ministering among God’s people. The words in these books are especially useful for pastors, but all Christians will find encouragement for godly living from Paul too. Even if you have not made Sunday morning Bible study a part of your routine, you are welcome to attend any time! Join us on Sunday mornings in the CLC gymnasium at 9:00 AM to grow in your faith.

Men of Iron & Fire: Today

“Iron sharpens iron, and a man sharpens the insight of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17).

This afternoon we will meet in the boardroom at Civano at 2:00 PM to continue our Bible study entitled “A Man of Character,” considering what Timothy can teach us about trust, studying the Word, teachability, relationships, and models for faith. Come be strengthened. Come be sharpened. You may contact Jeff Weinstein with any questions at (520)909-7649.

Those Assisting in Worship This Morning

Minister

Accompanists

Pastor Ron Koehler

Naomi Kassulke, Jane Neujahr Vocalist

Naomi Kassulke

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

Church History Bible Study: Wednesday at Grace-Tucson

In the Wednesday Church History class we will continue to consider the Wisconsin Synod’s transition from the Twentieth Century into the Twenty-First. We meet together at 10:00 AM on Wednesdays and repeat the same material at 7:00 PM. Join us in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall at whichever time works best for you!

Women’s Bible Study: Thursday at Grace-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 Are Christians Really Happier? Religion Only Puts Barriers Between People. What is God Up to in the World? Our discussions will help us understand things better and be prepared to help others understand God’s answers.

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 let us know online at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

There are many events coming up this fall!

Don’t miss out on the following activities! Watch for more details as each date draws closer.

Sunday, August 30: Outreach Workshop at Grace-Tucson

Friday, September 12: Movie Night at Grace-Tucson

September 14-16: Redeemer’s Great Exchange

Saturday, October 3: Spanferkelfest (Pig Roast) at Grace-Tucson

Saturday, October 10: LWMS Rally in Glendale, AZ

Sunday, October 25: Area Reformation Service at Grace-Tucson

Saturday, November 21: Grace-Tucson Community Open House

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.

Event/Party Space Available

The Art & Nature Garden and the gymnasium here at our Grace-Sahuarita location are available for hosting events and parties. The spaces are available for our congregation members and Child Learning Center families. For additional details or if you are interested in using one of these spaces, please contact the CLC at (520)848-4630.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

Grace Child Learning Center and Fry’s

Our Child Learning Center (CLC) is enrolled in the Community Rewards Program at Fry’s. This program allows a percentage of your spending to be donated to the CLC. We would greatly appreciate it if you could create an account and link it to our organization. The link is: https:// www.frysfood.com/account/communityrewards and our organization code is CV025. If you have any questions, please contact the CLC office at (520)848-4630. Feel free to share this with friends who are not members of Grace too!

Connecting WELS Members

Connection is more important now than ever. The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod offers many ways for members to connect through social media. Join the WELS online community at facebook.com/welslutherans, instagram.com/welslutherans, and vimeo.com/wels.

Grace Library

Did you know that Grace has a library from which you can borrow a wide variety of books? A few topics are: Bible History, Christian Living, Commentary (all books and subjects from the People’s Bible), Devotional, Theology, and many more! Some titles include “3 Words That Will Change Your Life” by Mike Novotny, “Clearing a Path for the Gospel” by Arthur Eggert, “One Race One Blood” by Ken Ham & A. Charles Ware, and “Luther the Reformer” by James M. Kittelson.

Even though our library is located at Grace-Tucson, members from all sites are able to check out books! If there is a specific book or topic you are interested in, email our librarian at library@gracelutheransaz.org. If the library has what you are looking for, the book will be transported to your site. If you have any questions, please call the Grace Central Office at (520)623-6633.

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 July 26 - August 2

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 Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Acts 9:00a Fellowship following worship

Bible Study: Jesus’ Sayings.......................... 10:00a Grow in Grace Class 5:00p Sunday, August 2

following

Adult Bible Study: Hard Sayings of Jesus 11:15a Men of Iron & Fire Bible Study at Civano 2:00p

Sunday, August 2

Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship

Adult Bible Study: Hard Sayings of Jesus 11:15a

Pastors’ Staff Meeting 2:00p Ministry Board Meeting .................................................. 6:15p Wednesday 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 11:00a

Sunday, August 2

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: Acts 9:00a Fellowship following worship

BENSON Today

Worship Service 7:30a Adult Bible Study: How the Bible Came to Be ............... 8:45a Fellowship following worship

Wednesday

Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a

Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a Sunday, August 2 Adult Bible Study (Tucson)............................................. 9:00a

Adult Bible Study: Book of Daniel 10:00a

Sunday, August 2

Worship Service with communion 7:30a Adult Bible Study: How the Bible Came to Be 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.