07-26-26 Grace-Tucson Worship Folder

THE NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

G E L C T , 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 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 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

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Christians Live as Wheat Among Weeds

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost Christians Seek Spiritual Wealth

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost Christians Trust God to Provide

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost Christians Answer Doubt With Faith

OUR THEME FOR TODAY CHRISTIANS SEEK SPIRITUAL WEALTH

What do you consider your life’s top priorities? Many people start with family and friends. Financial security and health follow closely. Reputation and recreation make the cut. How about faith? Is it the top priority? What if other priorities must be sacrificed to keep faith the top priority?

The Bible helps Christians keep worldly wealth in perspective. It can buy things of this world, things that rust and decay, but there is something more valuable. True wealth is spiritual wealth. It can be found only in God and his eternal blessings for us in Christ.

+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +

WELCOME

OPENING HYMN God of Grace and God of Glory Christian Worship 770

PRESERVICE MUSIC:

God of Grace and God of Glory

James Marriott

My Worth Is Not in What I Own

Christian Worship 753

Your Kingdom, O God, Is My Glorious Treasure Christian Worship 859

Fairest Lord Jesus

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.

Ruth Elaine Schram

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

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.

+ THE WORD +

PRAYER OF THE DAY

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Let us pray.

O God, you reveal your mighty power chiefly in showing mercy and kindness. Grant us the full measure of your grace that we may obtain your promises and become partakers of your heavenly glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

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.

When the Lord offered Solomon anything he wanted, Solomon chose spiritual wealth.

Please be seated

FIRST READING

5The L appeared to Solomon in Gibeon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

6Solomon said, “You have shown great mercy and faithfulness to your servant, my father David, just as he walked before you in truth, righteousness, and uprightness of heart toward you. You have shown this great mercy and faithfulness to him and have given him a son who is seated on his throne to this very day. 7O L my God, now you have made your servant king in the place of my father David, but I am a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. 8And I, your servant, am among your people whom you have chosen, a great people, who cannot be counted or numbered because they are so many. 9Now give to your servant a perceptive heart to judge your people, to distinguish between good and evil, for who is able to judge this great people of yours?”

10In the eyes of the L , Solomon’s request was good. 11So God said to him, “Because you have asked for this, and you have not asked for a long life, nor have you asked for riches, nor have you asked for the lives of your enemies, but you have asked for discernment to reach just verdicts, 12therefore I will act according to your words. Yes, I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you before you, nor will anyone like you rise up after you.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

You will find the Psalms printed in the opening pages of your hymnal.

The Church sings Psalm 63 in services that emphasize a saving connection to God as the most important aspect of life.

PSALM OF THE DAY—In the Morning I Will Sing Christian Worship 63

Please join in singing the refrains each time. The vocalists will sing the verses.

17Instruct those who are rich in this present age not to be arrogant or to put their hope in the uncertainty of riches, but rather in God, who richly supplies us with all things for our enjoyment. 18Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share. 19In this way they are storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

20O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, turning away from godless, empty talk and the contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge.” 21By professing it, some have veered away from the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Please stand

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

ALL:

Colossians 3:1-2

Vocalist: Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Refrain (ALL)

Paul warns against arrogance and false hope, sins that commonly go with worldly wealth. We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.

The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.

about the value of spiritual wealth.

44“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid again. In his joy, he goes away and sells all that he has and buys that field.

45“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls. 46When he found one very valuable pearl, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

47“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. 48When the net was filled, they pulled it onto the shore. They sat down and gathered the good fish into containers, but threw the bad ones away. 49That is how it will be at the end of the world. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous who are among them. 50And they will throw the wicked into the fiery furnace where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 51Jesus said to them, “Did you understand all these things?” They answered him, “Yes.”

52He said to them, “Therefore every expert in the law who has been trained as a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his treasure both new things and old things.” The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.

Please be seated

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

Please be seated

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

Loving God and Lord, you created the universe that surrounds us and the globe on which we live. You control all things through your Son, who sits at your right hand in glory.

Comfort us with the promise of your eternal presence.

Give your Word power as it works in our hearts and minds. Clear away our confusion, and demolish our doubts. Send your Spirit to strengthen both our confidence in your promises and our desire to live according to your will.

Take away our love of sinning, and restore us each day by your grace.

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. Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.

OFFERTORY:

O the Riches of My Savior Witness Lee John Robson Sweney

The words printed below are for your silent meditation: O the riches of my Savior, so unsearchable, immense; all the fulness of the Godhead I may now experience. O the riches, O the riches, Christ my Savior has for me! How unsearchable their measure, yet my full reality!

May I know these boundless riches, Christ experience in full; and with others may I share them in their content bountiful.

Text: Witness Lee © 2014 Living Stream Ministry.

The signs of the times warn us that the end of time is near. Protect us from scoffers who sneer at your truth. Spare us and Christians around the world from all forms of hate and persecution.

Give us courage to carry the cross with patience and joy.

Instill in the hearts of our children a desire to follow you as they prepare for future days. Help them distinguish between what is passing and what is eternal, between instant thrills and lasting joy. Encourage more young people to prepare for service in the public ministry of the gospel.

Mold us and move us to be good examples for our youth.

Hold in your care, Lord, those who are experiencing physical or emotional pain and all who are afflicted by disease or facing death. Pour out your compassion on the grieving, and comfort the mourners who miss someone they loved.

Move us to pray for these brothers and sisters and to help when we can.

Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.

Silent prayer

Whether we pray together or alone, you have promised to hear and answer us. Give us patience to accept your blessings in whatever way you send them. In your love and wisdom, prepare us for the day when you will take us to be with you forever.

Hear us for Jesus’ sake. 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!

HYMN Your Kingdom, O God, Is My Glorious Treasure

Christian Worship 859

stanzas 1-2

Please stand

CLOSING PRAYER

Keep us from trusting in wealth, O God. It cannot save us from death, and when we die, we cannot take it with us. Only you, Lord, can ransom us from death. So be our greatest treasure the One who gives our lives inestimable value; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

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.

While we sang this hymn last week, we sing two stanzas again today as they express themes from our Gospel reading and remind us to value our spiritual treasure.

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.

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. 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

POSTLUDE MUSIC: Take the World, but Give Me Jesus Christian Worship 699

TODAY

Guest Packets

Are you a guest with us today? You are welcome to pick up a Guest Packet at either church door. The packets include information about our congregation and what we believe. We’re so thankful you were here for worship today!

Altar Flowers

The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by Paul and Kay Kassulke in celebration of their 50th 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. The next available dates are August 23 and all the Sundays in September and October. 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 Audrey Nessinger and Rick & Molly Street for hosting today! Upcoming available dates include many of the Sundays in August and September. 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.

Those Assisting in Worship This Morning

Minister Pastor Nathan Kassulke

Accompanist

Vocalists

Greeters

Ushers

Sound and Recording Techs

Kathy Parra

Cindy Schmidt (7:45 AM), Anna & Beth Kassulke (10:00 AM)

DJ & Jenn Miller (10:00 AM)

Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM)

DJ Miller, Jenn Miller, Zach Miller, Dylan Guenther (10:00 AM)

Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Summer Sunday School

Today we wrap up our theme “The Rest of the Story” by learning how Joseph forgave his brothers not once, but twice (Genesis 50:15-21) and seeing how God extends grace upon grace to us (John 1:16). Sunday School meets from 8:45 to 9:45 in the Education Building every Sunday morning.

Beginning next week, we will start a new unit called “Block Party” where we will learn the joy of building on a firm foundation. Each week we will enjoy a fun lesson, engaging discussion, a snack and a building challenge! We hope you can join us! Friends are welcome too!

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.

Church History Bible Study: Wednesday

In our 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

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. We have two topics left: Religion only puts barriers between people and 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.

Angie Seefeld Memorial Service

The Lord called Angie Seefeld to her eternal home on July 17, 2026. This Thursday, July 30, there will be a viewing and visitation time at Adair Funeral Home (1050 N. Dodge Blvd) from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. A brief memorial service will follow there at 5:00 PM.

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

Old Forward in Christ & Devotion Books

Do you have old copies of the Forward in Christ magazine or the Meditations and Grace Moments devotion books? If you do and you would like to share them with others, please put them in the gray basket on the table next to the card rack in the Fellowship Hall. These will be given to Pastor Rautenberg on the Apache reservation to be distributed to members there.

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.

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 Kassulke or Pastor Koehler or let us know online at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/ GIG.

TUCSON

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

This Week at Grace Ÿ July 26 - August 2

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

Tuesday 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

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

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

SAHUARITA

Worship 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

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

Worship Service with communion 10:00a Adult Bible Study: Paul’s Pastoral Letters.......................9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Fellowship following worship Grow in Grace Class 11:30a

Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship 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

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

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.