THE FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
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30, 2026
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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—UNEXPECTED TRUTHS The opening lines of the United States Declaration of Independence boldly assert that certain truths are “self-evident”—truths accessible to human reason and widely recognized by observation of the world. Among these are that all people are created equal and possess unalienable rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The founders appealed to principles they believed reasonable people could recognize simply by reflecting on human nature and justice. These truths were meant to be obvious, clear to the mind, and persuasive in the public square. Lutherans, however, note that the most important truths revealed in the Bible are not self-evident at all. In fact, they frequently appear surprising or even contrary to human expectations. Scripture teaches that humanity is not naturally good but deeply sinful. It declares that salvation cannot be achieved through human effort but comes entirely by God’s grace. Most unexpected of all is the message that God brings forgiveness and eternal life through the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. Biblical truth is revealed by God rather than discovered by reason alone. While some truths may seem obvious to human judgment, the truths of the Bible are often unexpected. In this series, our worship is following this path: Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost 1
The Church Is for All People The Son of Man Is God Cross Comes Before Crown I Am My Brother’s Keeper Forgiveness Is for Me Grace Is Amazing Real Repentance Looks Different
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP + WELCOME
OPENING HYMN—AfflictedÊSaint,ÊtoÊChristÊDrawÊNear
Christian Worship 867
Text (sts. 1–4): John Fawcett, 1740–1817, alt.; (Ref): Constance Dever, b. 1960. Tune: Constance Dever, b. 1960. Text and tune: © 2018 Sovereign Grace Praise, admin. Integrity Music. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
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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
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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
KyrieÊ
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.
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.
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.
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Luke 2:14
SUNG RESPONSE—GloryÊtoÊGodÊinÊtheÊHighest
Gloria
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.
Text: Michael D. Schultz © 2021 Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: William H. Monk. Public domain.
+ THE WORD + PRAYER OF THE DAY The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. Almighty God, your Son willingly endured the agony and shame of the cross for our redemption. Grant us courage to take up our cross daily and follow him wherever he leads; 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
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FIRST READING 15
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OL , you understand. Remember me and care for me. Take vengeance for me on those who persecute me. You are slow to anger. Do not take me away. Keep in mind that for your sake I bear disgrace. Your words came to me, and I devoured them. Your words became my joy, the delight of my heart, because I bear your name, OL God of Armies. I did not sit with the band of partygoers, nor did I celebrate with them. I sat alone, because your hand was upon me. You filled me with indignation.
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Why is my pain unending? Why is my wound incurable, refusing to heal? Will you be as deceptive as an intermittent stream to me, like a source of water that a person can’t depend on?
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Therefore this is what the L says. If you repent, I will take you back, so that you may stand before me. If what you say is worthwhile and not worthless, you will be my spokesman. They must turn to you, but you must not turn to them. I will make you like a bronze wall to this people. They will fight against you, but they will not overcome you, because I am with you to save you and to rescue you, declares the L . I will rescue you from the hand of the wicked, and I will deliver you from the grasp of the ruthless.
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Jeremiah 15:15-21
When Jeremiah complained about carrying his cross, the Lord called on him to repent and promised salvation.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
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HYMN—LetÊUsÊEverÊWalkÊwithÊJesus
Christian Worship 704
Text: Sigmund von Birken, 1626–1681; tr. J. Adam Rimbach, 1871–1941, alt. Tune: Georg G. Boltze, 18th cent. Text and tune: Public domain.
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SECOND READING
Romans 8:18–25
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For I conclude that our sufferings at the present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. 19In fact, creation is waiting with eager longing for the sons of God to be revealed. 20 For creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in the hope 21that even creation itself will be set free from slavery to corruption, in order to share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.
No cross can compare with the crown of glory that is waiting.
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For we know that all of creation is groaning with birth pains right up to the present time. 23And not only creation, but also we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we eagerly await our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. 24Indeed, it was for this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he already sees? 25But if we hope for something we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patient endurance. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.
Please stand
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Mark 8:34
Alleluia. If anyone wants to follow me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. Alleluia.
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
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Jesus calls his Church to walk in his path. First comes the cross, then comes the crown.
GOSPEL
Matthew 16:21-26
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From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he had to go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and experts in the law, and be killed, and on the third day be raised again. 22
Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “May you receive mercy, Lord! This will never happen to you.” 23
But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a snare to me because you are not thinking the things of God, but the things of men.” 24
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wants to follow me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. 25In fact whoever wants to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26After all, what will it benefit a person if he gains the whole world, but forfeits his soul? Or what can a person give in exchange for his soul?” The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please greet those around you and then be seated
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
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.
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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.
HYMN OF THE DAY—Jesus,ÊIÊMyÊCrossÊHaveÊTaken
Christian Worship 694
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: Henry Francis Lyte, 1793–1847, abr., alt. Tune: Rowland H. Prichard, 1811–1887. Text and tune: Public domain.
SERMON
Romans 8:18-25
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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
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Apostles’ÊCreed
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.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
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.
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HYMN—WhyÊShouldÊCrossÊandÊTrialÊGrieveÊMe
Christian Worship 831
Tune: Johann G. Ebeling, 1637–1676. Public domain. Text: Paul Gerhardt, 1607–1676, abr.; (sts. 1–3): tr. Christian Worship, 1993, public domain; (st. 4): tr. Stephen P. Starke, b. 1955 © 2004 Stephen P. Starke, admin. Concordia Publishing House; (st. 5): tr. Harlyn J. Kuschel, b. 1945 © 1993 Harlyn J. Kuschel, admin. Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
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. 13
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—InÊtheÊCrossÊofÊChristÊIÊGlory
Christian Worship 529
Text: John Bowring, 1792–1872. Tune: Ithamar Conkey, 1815–1867. Text and tune: Public domain.
THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING Minister .............................................................................................Pastor Ryan Heiman Accompanist ............................................................................................... Laura Heiman 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.
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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.
Men of Iron & Fire: Today
“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. This afternoon, 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.
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.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS 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 here at our Child Learning Center in Sahuarita. All skill levels are welcome. Join in the fun and bring a friend!
Grace Oasis Groups Coming in September
Oasis Groups are small group gatherings (6-12 people) that meet once a week to discuss what they heard in Sunday’s sermon as well as opportunities to build deeper friendships with each other. We are hoping to start numerous groups beginning in early September. Groups will be free to rotate the homes at which they meet each week and when they choose to meet. The 60-90 minute gatherings will offer time to grow, learn, eat, and enjoy Christian fellowship. Check your email inbox for invitations and information.
Service Opportunity: English Classes at Grace-Tucson
We are working to assemble a team of volunteers to help people in our community learn English, and we could still use some help. We are currently in need of three teachers. If you are interested in serving in this way or would like to be involved in a different capacity, please contact the program coordinator, Ron Silver, at (520)221-1216 or ronaldsilver3@gmail.com. You are also invited to attend a Volunteer Meeting this Tuesday, September 1, at 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall at GraceTucson. English Classes will be held in the Fellowship Hall on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 PM beginning September 8. This is a unique way to show the love of Christ to those in our community!
Movie Night in the Courtyard at Grace-Tucson
Get ready for a “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” kind of movie night on Saturday, September 12 beginning at 6:30 PM. It will be a baseball-themed evening complete with hot dogs, Cracker Jack, and other stadium-type treats. You can even get your picture taken with “Babe Ruth!” A movie that is a favorite of people of all ages, The Sandlot, will be showing on the big screen in the courtyard. Dig out your favorite baseball/softball jersey to wear! Find a picture of you in your playing days for our Hall of Fame display—you can email your picture to the Grace Central office or bring it in to have it scanned! And of course, think about a friend who might like to join you! Pick up a ticket if you plan to be there and pick them up for the friends who will join you. The number of tickets taken will help us know the number of people to plan for. Bring your ticket with you when you come to the event to be included in the raffle, which includes Arizona Diamondbacks tickets! Tickets are available in the church entryway. 16
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. Saturday, September 12: Movie Night at Grace-Tucson September 14-16: Redeemer’s Great Exchange Saturday, September 19: CLC Birthday Party Saturday, October 3: Spanferkelfest (Pig Roast) at Grace-Tucson Saturday, October 10: LWMS Rally in Glendale, AZ Friday, October 16: Women’s Paint & Sip at the CLC Friday, October 23: Guys’ Event at the CLC Sunday, October 25: Area Reformation Service at Grace-Tucson Friday, November 6: Fire Pit Soup Fellowship at Grace-Sahuarita Saturday, November 21: Grace-Tucson Community Open House
CLC Birthday Party: September 19
Celebrate our Child Learning Center’s 6th birthday!! A fun carnival will be held on Saturday, September 19, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at our Child Learning Center at Grace-Sahuarita. Come and enjoy lunch, games, bounce houses, and much more!
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. Registration sheets are available in the church entryway or 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 Heiman or let us know online at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG. 17
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 30 - September 6 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 Midweek Bible Study: Jesus’ Sayings .......................... 10:00a Basketball at the CLC ..................................................... 6:30p Sunday, September 6 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 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, September 6 Worship Service with communion .................................. 7:30a Adult Bible Study: How the Bible Came to Be................ 8:45a Fellowship following worship ................................................... ONLINE Today Adult Bible Study (Tucson) ............................................. 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) ...................... 10:00a Sunday, August 30 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 Grow in Grace Class (office conference room)...............9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Acts .......................9:00a Fellowship following worship.................................................... Outreach Workshop ......................................................11:30a TCM Bible Study .............................................................7:00p Tuesday Pastors’ Staff Meeting .....................................................2:00p English Class Volunteer Meeting ....................................6:30p Wednesday Midweek Bible Study: Church History ............. 10:00a & 7:00p
Thursday Women’s Bible Study: 1, 2, & 3 John ..............................9:00a Sunday, September 6 Worship Services with communion ................. 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour ......................................................8:45a Breakfast at Bible Study..................................................9:00a Grow in Grace Class (office conference room)...............9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: Acts .......................9:00a Fellowship following worship.................................................... NO TCM Bible Study (resumes September 13)
VAIL Today Worship Service ............................................................ 10:00a NO Adult Bible Study (resumes 9-6) BBQ Potluck following worship Men of Iron & Fire Bible Study at Civano........................ 2:00p Sunday, September 6 Worship Service with communion................................. 10:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... Adult Bible Study: Hard Sayings of Jesus .................... 11:15a
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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.