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THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

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11, 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 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—IDENTITY REVEALED “Epiphany” comes from a Greek word that means “reveal.” It is the season when you see Jesus begin his public ministry, revealing the reason the Son of God came to earth. During Epiphany, you will come to understand that when the true identity of Jesus is revealed, you realize your own true identity as well. In this season, our worship will follow this path: January 11 January 18 January 25 February 1 February 8 February 15

First Sunday after Epiphany Second Sunday after Epiphany Third Sunday after Epiphany Fourth Sunday after Epiphany Fifth Sunday after Epiphany Transﬁguration of Our Lord

Jesus Is the Christ, the Anointed One Jesus Is the Lamb of God Jesus Is the Light Jesus Calls You Blessed Jesus Calls You Salt and Light Jesus Is the Son of God in Glory

OUR THEME FOR TODAY—JESUS IS THE CHRIST, THE ANOINTED ONE “Christ” is not the family name of Jesus. It is a title. The Greek word “Christ” and the Hebrew word “Messiah” both mean the same thing: “The Anointed One.” Anointing was the practice of pouring liquid over the head of someone to signify selection for some special task. When the Lord had someone anointed, he also poured his Spirit over them. It was the fulﬁllment of promises made over centuries.

+ ORDER OF WORSHIP + PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP Thank you, loving Lord, for cleansing me of my sins and adopting me into your family through the miracle of Holy Baptism. As I worship today, help me remember what my baptism means to me. Lead me to feel genuine sorrow for my sins and empower me to put down the sinful nature that still lives in me. Lift me up as I hear your promise of forgiveness and give me strength to live a life pleasing to you. In your name I pray, Amen.

PRESERVICE MUSIC:

Christ, Your Footprints Through the Desert Dennis W. Zimmer A Noble Theme Inspires My Heart Psalm 45 As with Gladness Men of Old Justin K. Reeve

WELCOME

Please stand

INVOCATION Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit. Congregation: Amen.

As our service begins, the minister speaks the words spoken at our baptisms and makes the sign of the cross, marking us anew as redeemed children of God.

HYMN RESPONSE—Baptized into Your Name Most Holy

SPOKEN RESPONSES John 3:5-6

I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to ﬂesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.

Psalm 51:5 I Corinthians 6:11

Surely we were sinful at birth, sinful from the time our mothers conceived us. But we were washed, we were sanctiﬁed, we were justiﬁed in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

HYMN RESPONSE—Baptized into Your Name Most Holy

CONFESSION As baptized children of God, we confess our sins. “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16

Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have done what is evil and failed to do what is good. For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity. But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.

HYMN RESPONSE—Baptized into Your Name Most Holy

ABSOLUTION Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 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.

Ephesians 5:25-27

Amen.

HYMN RESPONSE—Baptized into Your Name Most Holy

Text: tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–1878, alt.; Johann J. Rambach, 1693–1735, abr. Tune: Johann B. Konig, 1691–1758. Text and tune: Public domain.

+ THE WORD + PRAYER OF THE DAY The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. Father in heaven, at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan, you proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit. Keep us who are baptized into Christ faithful in our calling as your children, and make us heirs with him of everlasting life; 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 L promises to put his Spirit on the Messiah.

FIRST READING 1

Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight. I am placing my Spirit on him. He will announce a just verdict for the nations.

He will not cry out. He will not raise his voice. He will not make his voice heard in the street. A bent reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not snuﬀ out. He will faithfully bring forth a just verdict. He will not burn out, and he will not be broken, until he establishes justice on the earth. The coastlands will wait for his law. This is what the true God says, the L who creates the heavens and stretches them out, who spreads out the earth and everything that it produces, who gives breath to the people on it and life to those who walk on it.

This reading continues on the next page.

Isaiah 42:1-7

I am the L . I have called you in righteousness. I will hold on to your hand, and I will guard you. I will appoint you to be a covenant for the people, to be a light for the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring the prisoners out from the dungeon, and to bring those who sit in darkness out of prison.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

PSALM OF THE DAY—A Noble Theme Inspires My Heart

SECOND READING

Christian Worship 45

The Psalms are found in the opening pages of the hymnal. Psalm 45 is used in services that honor Christ, the anointed King.

Acts 10:34-38

The Holy Spirit was poured out onto Peter’s listeners as he told them how God anointed Jesus.

Then Peter began to speak: “Now I really am beginning to understand that God does not show favoritism, 35but in every nation, anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36He sent his word to the people of Israel, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37

“You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached. 38God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the Devil, because God was with him. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Please stand

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

The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Mark 1:11

Refrain (ALL):

Vocalist: You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.

In the waters of the Jordan River, Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power.

GOSPEL

Matthew 3:13-17

Then Jesus came from Galilee to be baptized by John at the Jordan. But John tried to stop him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you come to me?” 14

But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, because it is proper for us to fulﬁll all righteousness.” Then John let him. 16After Jesus was baptized, he immediately went up out of the water. Suddenly, the heavens were opened for him! He saw the Spirit of God, descending like a dove and landing on him, 17and a voice out of the heavens said, “This is my Son, whom I love. I am well pleased with him.” The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.

Please be seated

HYMN OF THE DAY—To Jordan’s River Came Our Lord

SERMON

Christian Worship 377

Matthew 3:13-17 Revelations at the River

+ REMEMBRANCE OF BAPTISM + Holy Baptism is the priceless means of grace by which our Father in heaven connects us with Christ in his life, death, and resurrection. The apostle Paul wrote: “All of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death. We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Again Paul wrote: “All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”

Romans 6:3-4

Galatians 3:27

In Holy Baptism, God takes away our sins and gives us new life. We reject the devil and confess that we believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. I ask you: Do you reject the devil along with all his lies and empty promises?

Yes, and I ask God to help me. Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty? Yes, I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

Today, we confess our faith with a remembrance of our own baptisms. This rite includes the words of the Apostles’ Creed.

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son? Yes, 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. Do you believe in the Holy Spirit? Yes, 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. Is it your sincere prayer and desire to remain faithful to your Lord Jesus, to value the Word and sacraments, and to live a life that pleases God? Yes, and I ask God to help me. May the eternal God, who saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, bless you and keep you to everlasting life. Amen. 8

Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a ﬁtting place.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH Gracious Father, in Christ Jesus and through faith in him, we approach you with freedom and confidence. Mercifully hear our prayer. As you caused your light to shine that first Epiphany, shine in the darkness of our hearts. Drive far from us all our fears and all our doubts. Give us a new confidence each day to live as children of the light. Bless the work of your church here and throughout the world. By your Holy Spirit, make known far and wide the mystery of Christ Jesus. Give strength to all workers in your gospel ministry, and bless the Word they proclaim. Bring those living in darkness into the light of life. Remember missionaries and mission workers who bring the light of Christ to distant lands. Provide for their families and all their needs. Bless their work and continue to gather for yourself people from the four corners of the world to live as children of the light. Renew our joy and give us new opportunities to make known the light of Christ. Give guidance and wisdom and strength and health to our government officials. Direct their rule for our good as it is pleasing to you. Give us hearts and lips that honor and respect those you have placed in authority over us. Loving Father, lead us to rejoice every day as we remember our baptism. When we sin against you and others, give us power to put down the sinful nature that was drowned in the water of baptism. When we doubt your love, cause us to remember the promises you made when we came to the font. When we feel weak, invigorate us with the hope of eternal life that awaits all who are baptized and believe in you.

Mark 16:16

Comfort us with the promise of Jesus that “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” Keep in your care all our brothers and sisters who are suﬀering in sickness, enduring hardship, carrying a cross, or mourning the death of someone they love. Let them also return to their baptism and remember the blessings you bestowed on them through the water and the Word. Keep all the baptized in your care and bring us at last to the river of the water of life in heaven. Amen.

OFFERING

OFFERTORY:

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:

Brightest and Best James Harding

Please ﬁll out the Friendship Register located in the red folder at the end of the row and pass it along. Thank you!

HYMN—Christ, Your Footprints Through the Desert

“Shall we not yield him in costly devotion rarest of fragrances, tribute divine, gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean, myrrh from the forest and gold from the mine?”

Christian Worship 379

Please stand

CLOSING PRAYER Almighty Father, by the waters of Baptism you have clothed us in the robe of your Son’s righteousness and have given us a new heart to hate sin. Preserve us in this faith, and hear us as we lift our voices in songs of praise for your unfailing power and love; through Jesus. 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.

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

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—Cling Tightly to the Word of God

Christian Worship 707 stanzas 1-4

POSTLUDE MUSIC: Christ Begins Christian Worship 385

THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING Preacher ............................................................................................. Pastor Ron Koehler Worship Leader .......................................................Pastor Nathan Kassulke (10:00 AM) Accompanist ................................................................................................... Kathy Parra Vocalist .....................................................................................................Dylan Guenther Greeters ...................................................... Linda Morris, Audrey Nessinger (10:00 AM) Ushers ..................................................................... Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM) Justin Harris, Ferdie Kramm, Zach Miller, Rick Street (10:00 AM) Sound and Recording Techs .............. Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke 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 Welcome Guests!

Are you a guest with us today? We invite you 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 are here for worship today!

Altar Flowers

The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by Beth Williams in loving memory of her husband David. 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 January 25 and all the Sundays in February. 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 Laverne Walsh and Nancy Miles for hosting fellowship this morning. The next available dates are January 18 & 25 and all the Sundays in February. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

Sunday Morning Bible Study

Join us on Sunday mornings for a look at Idols We Never Knew We Had. We’ll answer the question “Are we really idolaters?” and explore some common idols within our society and perhaps our own experience. Please join us, and invite a friend! We meet at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall.

Church History Bible Study: Wednesday

Join us on Wednesday for our study of Church History. We are considering the blessings and challenges in the Wisconsin Synod from 1950 to 1980. Even if you haven’t attended this class before, you are always welcome! We study together in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall at 10:00 AM and repeat the same material at 7:00 PM. Join us for whichever time fits your schedule best!

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 from 9:00 to 10:00 AM on Thursdays 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: Who can really say what death means? I want my freedom from all your rules. Christianity is so antiwoman. These discussions will help us understand things better and be prepared to help others understand God’s answers. 12

ANNOUNCEMENTS Ladies’ Fellowship Group: Thursday

The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet at 10:15 AM this Thursday, January 15, in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall to watch the movie “God Bless the Broken Road.” Please bring a salad to share. Hot tea will be provided. Contact Lois Thornton at (520)449-7552 or vthornto2@gmail.com with any questions. Ladies from all Grace sites are welcome to attend.

Memorial Service: Saturday

Our Lord called home to heaven the soul of Grace member Terry Kosanke on December 8. A memorial service for Terry will be held this Saturday, January 17 at 11:00 AM. A meal will follow the service in the Fellowship Hall. Please keep the family and friends of Terry in your prayers.

Men of His Word Conference: January 31

Men of His Word equips Christian men to take a leadership role within their family, within their congregation, and in the community. The 5th annual Men of His Word conference is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026 at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. This year’s Men of His Word Conference will equip you to stand with “Courage Under Fire.” Through presentations grounded in God’s unchanging Word, you’ll be strengthened to lead your family, confess your faith boldly, resist temptation, and serve faithfully, even when the culture pushes back. There will be eight different breakout sessions of which you may choose three. Details on each session are on the website. To register go to https://www.menofhisword.org/phoenix--registration.html. Registration forms are also available in the Grace Central Office.

ACSTO Donations for Grace Members

As you begin to work on your income taxes, please consider making use of the Arizona Tuition Tax Credit Program. Many Grace families and students who attend our Lutheran Schools (Redeemer and Arizona Lutheran Academy) appreciate your support in this way. Our schools partner with the Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization (ACSTO) to participate in this program. Through the tax credit, you can use money that you would otherwise spend on taxes to support Lutheran education. You can find more information and even make a donation online through the ACSTO website, ACSTO.org. Remember that this option is available to all those who have state tax liability in Arizona. Grace member Jeff Weinstein (520-909-7649, JWeinstein@ACSTO.org) is also an employee of ACSTO. He is able to help answer questions you may have. Even if you have never made use of tuition tax credits before, we would be happy to help you figure it out!

AZ Lutheran 2026 Gala

Arizona Lutheran Academy’s 2026 “Game Show” Gala is a festive evening that includes dinner, games, and both silent and live auctions. The event benefits our students from across the state of Arizona, two Apache reservations, and four foreign countries. Our goal for this event is to raise $100,000 for our campus branding and improvements. Your investment will make a visible difference as we grow and expand! We hope you can join us on Saturday, March 28. Learn more at ALAcoyotes.org/gala. 13

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 January 11 - January 18 TUCSON Today Worship Services ............................................ 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour ...................................................... 8:45a Adult Bible Study: Idols We Never Knew We Had .......... 9:00a Grow in Grace Class (office conference room)............... 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: 1 Peter .................. 9:00a Fellowship following worship.................................................... Site Ministry Team Meeting .......................................... 11:30a Monday NO Grow in Grace Class (resumes January 19) Tuesday NO Pastors’ Staff Meeting (resumes January 20) Wednesday Midweek Bible Study: Church History ............. 10:00a & 7:00p

Thursday Women’s Bible Study: More Prepared to Answer ........... 9:00a Ladies’ Fellowship Group .............................................. 10:15a Handbell Choir ................................................................ 5:30p Worship Choir ................................................................. 6:45p Saturday Terry Kosanke Memorial Service & Lunch ................... 11:00a Sunday, January 18 Worship Services with communion ................. 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour ...................................................... 8:45a Adult Bible Study: Idols We Never Knew We Had .......... 9:00a Grow in Grace Class (office conference room)............... 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: 1 Peter .................. 9:00a Fellowship following worship.................................................... Mission to the Children Spanish Service & Meal ............ 4:00p BENSON Today Worship Service ............................................................. 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Romans ............................................ 8:45a Fellowship following worship .................................................... Wednesday Midweek Bible Study: 10 Lies About God .................... 10:00a Grow in Grace Class ...................................................... 5:30p Sunday, January 18 Worship Service with communion .................................. 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Romans ............................................ 8:45a Fellowship following worship ....................................................

SAHUARITA Today Worship Services ............................................ 7:45a & 10:00a Adult Bible Study: Forgiveness for the Unforgivable ...... 9:00a Children’s Sunday School ............................................... 9:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... Grow in Grace Class ..................................................... 11:30a Wednesday Oasis Group .................................................................. 10:00a Grow in Grace Class ....................................................... 1:00p Sunday, January 18 Worship Services with communion ................. 7:45a & 10:00a Adult Bible Study: Forgiveness for the Unforgivable ...... 9:00a Children’s Sunday School ............................................... 9:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... Grow in Grace Class ..................................................... 11:30a

VAIL Today Worship Service ............................................................ 10:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... Adult Bible Study: Prayer .............................................. 11:15a Grow in Grace Class ....................................................... 1:30p Sunday, January 18 Worship Service with communion................................. 10:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... Adult Bible Study: Prayer .............................................. 11:15a Grow in Grace Class ....................................................... 1:30p

ONLINE Today Adult Bible Study (Tucson) ............................................. 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) ...................... 10:00a Sunday, January 18 Adult Bible Study (Tucson) ............................................. 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) ...................... 10:00a OFF-SITE Monday & Tuesday Pastors’ Institute at Redeemer, Tucson ......................... 9:00a

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 Caitlin Broehm, Toddlers

cbroehm@gracelutheransaz.org

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

Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds

Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein

Theresa Pratt, Preschool

revsas@gracelutheransaz.org

tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org

Office at Civano

Chris Leathers, After School Care

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

vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org

cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org

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.