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THE ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

L ,A

9, 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 WORSHIP NOTES 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 has followed this path: Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Seventh Sunday after Pentecost *Ninth Sunday after Pentecost *Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Tenth Sunday after Pentecost Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

Christians Live in Two Kingdoms Christians Are Planted by the Word Christians Seek Spiritual Wealth Christians Live as Wheat Among Weeds Christians Trust God to Provide Christians Answer Doubt With Faith

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

OUR THEME FOR TODAY—CHRISTIANS ANSWER DOUBT WITH FAITH Wherever faith clings to the promises of God, doubt is always lingering. Doubt asks the serpent’s garden question, "Did God really say?" People doubt God’s care, God’s promises, or God’s providence. The answer to doubt is not found in loud, dramatic demonstrations. The true answer to doubt is found in the still small voice of our Savior God whispering to us in his Word. Through Word and sacrament, Christ reaches out to us with nail-scarred hands, proof of his great love. Jesus gently says, "Why did you doubt?" Our faith is restored. Christians answer doubt with faith.

+ ORDER OF WORSHIP + WELCOME

OPENING HYMN—He Will Hold Me Fast

Christian Worship 813

Text: Ada Habershon, 1861–1918, alt. Public domain. Text and music: Matt Merker, b. 1984 © 2013 Getty Music Publishing and Matt Merker, admin. MusicServices.org. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.

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.

CONFESSION 1 John 1:8-9

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 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.

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.

LORD, HAVE MERCY In peace let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

Kyrie

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.

SUNG 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. Almighty and most merciful God, preserve us from all harm and danger that we, being ready in both body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish what you want done; 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

The Lord answers Elijah’s doubt with the gentle whisper of a gracious promise.

FIRST READING 9

1 Kings 19:9–18

He came to a cave and spent the night there.

Then the word of the L here, Elijah?”

suddenly came to him, saying, “Why are you

He said, “I have been very zealous for the L , the God of Armies, but the people of Israel have abandoned your covenant. They have torn down your altars and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking to take my life.” 11

Then the L said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the L , for the L is passing by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains and shattered rocks before the L but the L was not in the wind. After the wind came an earthquake, but the L earthquake. 12

After the earthquake there was a ﬁre, but the L

was not in the

was not in the ﬁre.

After the ﬁre there was a soft, whispering voice. 13

When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak, and he went out and stood at the entrance to the cave. Then a voice came to him and said, “Why are you here, Elijah?” 14

Then the L said to him, “Go back the way you came and go to the Wilderness of Damascus. When you get there, you are to anoint Hazael 5

as king over Aram. 16You will also anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah as prophet in your place. 17Whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, Jehu will kill, and whoever escapes the sword of Jehu, Elisha will kill. 18But I have preserved in Israel seven thousand whose knees have not bent to Baal and whose lips have not kissed him.” The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

HYMN—Be Still, My Soul

Christian Worship 847

Text: Catharina A. von Schlegel, 1697 –1752, abr.; tr. Jane L Borthwick, 1813 –1897, alt. Tune: Jean Sibelius, 1865– 1957, adapt. Text and tune: Public domain.

In all times, good or bad, God carries out his perfect plan for his glory and our salvation.

SECOND READING

Romans 8:28–39

We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose, 29because those God foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those he predestined, he also called. Those he called, he also justified. And those he justified, he also glorified. 31

What then will we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also graciously give us all things along with him? 33

Who will bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the one who justiﬁes! 34Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus, who died and, more than that, was raised to life, is the one who is at God’s right hand and who is also interceding for us! 35What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36Just as it is written: For your sake we are being put to death all day long. We are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. 37

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor rulers, neither things present nor things to come, nor powerful forces, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.

Please stand

The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Alleluia. Faith is being sure about what we hope for, being convinced about things we do not see. Alleluia.

Hebrews 11:1

GOSPEL

Matthew 14:22–33

Immediately Jesus urged the disciples to get into the boat and to go ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23After he had dismissed the crowd, he went up onto the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. 24By then the boat was quite a distance from shore, being pounded by the waves because the wind was against it. 25In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came toward them, walking on the sea. 26When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terriﬁed and cried out in fear, “It’s a ghost!” 27But Jesus spoke to them at once, saying, “Take heart! It is I! Do not be afraid.”

In the account of Peter walking on water, we see how quickly doubts arise, and how graciously Jesus answers them.

Peter answered him and said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29

Jesus said, “Come!”

Peter stepped down from the boat, walked on the water, and went toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the strong wind, he was afraid. As he began to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31

Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. 33Those who were in the boat worshipped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God!”

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.

HYMN OF THE DAY—A Vicious Storm, a Raging Sea

A boat, a storm, adrift again, they marshaled all their strength in vain. They saw the Lord; “A ghost!” they cried, and, sinking fast, one almost died. But he who walked out on the sea saved them from great catastrophe.

Lord Jesus Christ, when storms arise on you alone I’ll ﬁx my eyes. Through Word and water, bread and wine, I hear you saying, “You are mine!” Your promises are strong to quell all fear of harm and death and hell.

Christian Worship 984

SERMON

Romans 8:28-39

Please stand

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.

Apostles’ Creed

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.

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

Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a ﬁtting place.

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 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.

HYMN—In You Is Gladness

Christian Worship 513

Text: Johann Lindemann, 1549–1631; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–1878, alt. Tune: Giovanni Giacomo Gastoldi, c. 1556–c. 1622. Text and tune: Public domain.

Please stand

CLOSING PRAYER O Lord, you promise that in all things you work for the good of those who love you. Help me see your loving hand in this time of trouble. Save me from doubt, relieve my distress, and lead me through dark days with the light of your presence. 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

CLOSING HYMN—Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me

Christian Worship 849

Text: Julie K. Hausmann, 1825–1901; tr. Lutheran Book of Worship, 1978 © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: P. Friedrich Silcher, 1789-1860. Public domain.

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. If you have not made Sunday morning Bible study a part of your routine, this is a great time to start! Join us on Sunday mornings in the CLC gymnasium at 9:00 AM to grow in your faith.

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.

Basketball at the CLC: Wednesday

Do you enjoy playing basketball? Join fellow players every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:00 PM in the gymnasium at our Child Learning Center in Sahuarita. All skill levels are welcome. Join in the fun and bring a friend!

Those Assisting in Worship This Morning Minister .............................................................................................................. Pastor Ryan Heiman Accompanist .................................................................................................................... Deb Bakken Acknowledgements: Scripture readings are taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) © 2018 The Wartburg Project. All rights reserved. wartburgproject.org. Created by Christian Worship: Service Builder © 2026 Concordia Publishing House. Software distributed in partnership with Northwestern Publishing House.

ANNOUNCEMENTS TCM Kickoff: August 23

College students and non-students who are college-age are invited to a beginning of the school year Kickoff Party. Come to hear about the Sunday night Bible studies and other upcoming events, get signed up for parking in the Grace lot, and get a 24/7 access code to the Student Center—and there will be food! We begin at 6:00 PM on Sunday, August 23, in the Student Center, located in the lower level of the church at Grace-Tucson. The stairs below the TCM sign on the parking lot side of the church will take you there. If you have any questions, contact our campus pastor, Pastor Koehler: revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org or (520)404-2620. For more information download the TCM app in the App Store or Play Store (search for WELS Tucson Campus Ministry).

Men of Iron & Fire: August 30

“Iron sharpens iron, and a man sharpens the insight of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17). Men of Iron & Fire is a group just for men that meets monthly for Bible study and occasionally for a fellowship event. All men of the congregation are invited to attend. On Sunday, August 30, they will meet in the boardroom at Civano at 2:00 PM to continue their 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.

Save the Date - LWMS Rally: October 10

Our next LWMS Fall Rally is a joint retreat hosted by our sisters in the LWMS Grand Canyon West circuit. It will be held on Saturday, October 10, at Grace Lutheran Church in Glendale, AZ. Our presenters will be Pastor Paul Horn, National Civilian Chaplain to the Military and Jason Jonkers, Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. You may register online at www.gcwlwms.org.

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 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.

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 Saturday, September 12: Movie Night at Grace-Tucson September 14-16: Redeemer’s Great Exchange Saturday, September 19: CLC Birthday Party at Grace-Sahuarita 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

Event/Party Space Available

The Art & Nature Garden and the gymnasium 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 or jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org.

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 August 9 - August 16 SAHUARITA Today Adult Bible Study: Paul’s Pastoral Letters ...................... 9:00a Children’s Sunday School .............................................. 9:00a Worship Service ........................................................... 10:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... Grow in Grace Class .................................................... 11:30a Wednesday CLC Board Meeting ........................................................ 8:00a Midweek Bible Study: Jesus’ Sayings .......................... 10:00a Basketball at the CLC ..................................................... 6:30p Sunday, August 16 Adult Bible Study: Paul’s Pastoral Letters ...................... 9:00a Children’s Sunday School .............................................. 9:00a Worship Service with communion ................................ 10:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... Grow in Grace Class .................................................... 11:30a VAIL Today Worship Service ........................................................... 10:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... Adult Bible Study: Hard Sayings of Jesus .................... 11:15a Sunday, August 16 Worship Service with communion ................................ 10:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... Adult Bible Study: Hard Sayings of Jesus .................... 11:15a ONLINE Today Adult Bible Study (Tucson) ............................................. 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) ...................... 10:00a Sunday, August 16 Adult Bible Study (Tucson) ............................................. 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) ...................... 10:00a

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 August 16) Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Acts ...................... 9:00a Fellowship following worship .................................................... Tuesday Pastors’ Staff Meeting .................................................... 9:00a Wednesday NO Midweek Bible Study (resumes August 19) Thursday NO Women’s Bible Study (resumes September 3) Sunday, August 16 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 .................................................... Site Ministry Team Meeting.......................................... 11:30a BENSON Today Worship Service ............................................................. 7:30a Adult Bible Study: How the Bible Came to Be ............... 8:45a Fellowship following worship .................................................... Wednesday Adult Bible Study: Book of Daniel ................................ 10:00a Sunday, August 16 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

Grace-Sahuarita

830 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719 (520)623-6633 office@gracelutheransaz.org

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

Pastor Ronald G. Koehler III revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org

Pastor Nathan P. Kassulke revnpk@gracelutheransaz.org

Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler

Pastor Ryan A. Heiman

revrah@gracelutheransaz.org

Child Learning Center

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

Director—Laura Heiman

director@gracelutheransaz.org

assistant@gracelutheransaz.org

Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org

Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail Benson

451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602

Vail

Child Learning Center Mission Teachers Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds

vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org

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

Theresa Pratt, Preschool

Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein

Chris Leathers, After School Care

revsas@gracelutheransaz.org

tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org

cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org

Office at Civano

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

Prayer Group—Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org

Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher

Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr

cinda@gracelutheransaz.org (520)581-4714

office@gracelutheransaz.org

wels.net

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.