THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

G E L C T , A J 25, 2026

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G E L C T , A J 25, 2026

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—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.
During this season, our worship is following this path:
January 11
First Sunday after Epiphany
January 18 Second Sunday after Epiphany
January 25 Third Sunday after Epiphany
February 1 Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
February 8 Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
February 15 Transfiguration of Our Lord
OUR THEME FOR TODAY—JESUS IS THE LIGHT
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
The prophet Isaiah vividly described humanity as “people walking in darkness.” Then he foretold that a light would shine on them. Enveloped by sin, suffering, and death, we find our minds and hearts clouded. But Jesus is revealed as the promised light. He shines his light by preaching repentance and the good news of the kingdom. Our Savior is the Light of the world, and we reflect his light onto everyone around us.
OPENING HYMN The People Who in Darkness Walked Christian Worship 381
PRESERVICE
The People Who in Darkness Sat Brian L. Hanson
O Christ, Our True and Only Light Michael Burkhardt
Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness Zach Unke
Please stand
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
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.
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.
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.
HYMN RESPONSE
Is the World’s Light




The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, you sent your Son to proclaim your kingdom and teach with authority. Anoint us with the power of your Spirit that we too may bring good news to the afflicted, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captive; 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
FIRST READING
Isaiah 8:19-9:4
19When they tell you, “Consult the mediums and the spiritists, who whisper and mutter,” shouldn’t a people consult their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living? 20To the law and to the testimony! If people do not speak according to this word, there will be no dawn for them. 21They will pass through the land, distressed and starving, but when this takes place and they are starving, they will be frustrated, and they will curse their king and their God. They will turn their faces upward, 22and then they will look down to the ground, but I tell you, they will see only distress, darkness, and the gloom that brings anguish. They will be banished into thick darkness.
1Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for the land that was in anguish. In former times, he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will cause it to be glorious, along the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, in Galilee of the Gentiles.
2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. For those living in the land of the shadow of death, the light has dawned.
3 You have multiplied the nation. You have increased its joy. They rejoice before you like the joy at harvest time, like the celebration when people divide the plunder.
4 For you have shattered the yoke that burdened them. You have broken the bar on their shoulders and the rod of their oppressor, as you did in the day of Midian.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The prophet foretold that people walking in darkness would see a great light.
The Church sings Psalm 27 in services that emphasize the victory of the light of the Lord over darkness and unbelief, false gods, and false doctrine.
PSALM—The L Is My Light and My Salvation Christian Worship Psalter 27C
Please join in singing the refrain each time:



The vocalist will sing the italicized lines. The congregation sings the bolded lines:
Hear my voice when I / call, L ; be merciful to me and / answer me. Do not hide your / face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my / helper. Do not reject me or for- / sake me, God my / Savior.
Refrain (ALL)
Though my father and mother for- / sake me, the L will re- / ceive me. I remain confi- / dent of this: I will see the goodness of the L in the land of the / living. Wait / for the L ; be strong and take heart and wait / for the L .
Glory be to the Father and / to the Son and to the Holy / Spirit, as it was in the be- / ginning, is now, and will be forever. / Amen.
Refrain (ALL)
Refrain: David Haas © 1983 GIA Publications, Inc. Tone: Kermit G. Moldenhauer © 1993 Kermit G. Moldenhauer, admin. Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
3This is how we know that we have known him: if we keep his commands. 4The one who says, “I know him,” but does not keep his commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5If anyone keeps God’s word, the love of God is truly made complete in him. This is how we know that we are in him: 6The one who says he remains in him should walk as Jesus walked.
7Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one that you have had since the beginning. The old command is the message you heard. 8At the same time, the command I am writing is new it is true in Jesus and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. 9The one who says he is in the light and yet hates his brother is still in the darkness. 10The one who loves his brother remains in the light, and nothing causes him to stumble. 11The one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Please stand
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Isaiah 9:2
God’s children walk in the light of Christ by living in love for God and for one another.
Refrain (ALL):


Vocalist: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
Refrain (ALL)
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King. The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
preached the light of the gospel to a world in the darkness of unbelief.
12When Jesus heard that John was put in prison, he withdrew into Galilee. 13He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. 14He did this to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
15 Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, along the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles,
16 the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and on those dwelling in the region and the shadow of death a light has dawned.
17From that time, Jesus began to preach: “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven is near.”
18As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, since they were fishermen. 19He said to them, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
20They immediately left their nets and followed him. 21Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. Jesus called them. 22Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
23Jesus traveled throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please be seated
SERMON Matthew 4:12-23 Jesus is the Light of the World
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 (7:45 AM Please continue on page 10 with the Prayer of the Church)
The minister addresses the new member:
Friend in Christ,
After a review and instruction in the simple teachings of the Bible and our Lutheran church, you have requested to become a member of this congregation. You have come to worship today to confess your unity with us and to take your place as a part of this faith community. I now ask you:
Do you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? If so, answer: I do. I do.
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.
Ephesians 4:12-13
Do you believe that the teachings of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod and this congregation, as you have come to know them, are faithful to the Word of God? If so, answer: I do.
I do.
Do you desire to remain faithful to the teachings of Christ, be diligent in the use of God’s Word and sacraments, and lead a godly life as the Lord gives you strength? If so, answer: I do, and I ask God to help me.
I do, and I ask God to help me.
Is it your desire to join us in worship and mission and support this work with your prayers and gifts? If so, answer: It is, and I ask God to help me.
It is, and I ask God to help me.
With sincere joy we welcome you as a member of Grace Lutheran Church. The minister blesses the new member and reads a Scripture passage chosen for their encouragement.
The minister addresses the congregation: Brothers and sisters,
As we welcome Joshua to our Christian family, I encourage you in the name of Jesus to keep him in your minds, hold him in your hearts, and pray for him again and again. Show him the face of friendship and offer him a hand of support. Encourage him with your “works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
We pray.
Romans 12:12
Gracious Father, we thank you for leading Joshua to desire to become a member of our congregation and for giving him joy to confess his faith to us. Guide us with your wisdom as we worship and work together. Mold our minds and hearts in a single Christ-like will so that we may be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The peace of Christ be with us all.
Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God and Mary’s Son, in the fullness of time you came into our world to save us from sin and death.
You ushered in the day of grace so long foretold.
Beloved Son of the Father, revered by the Magi, baptized by John, you came preaching and teaching, healing and comforting, forgiving and encouraging:
You brought the light of life to those walking in darkness, and the joy of salvation to those doomed to death.
Prince of peace, shine like a beacon for us and the people of our world. Let the good news of salvation be heard in the remotest corners of the earth. Open our own lips to speak your name to those around us who still live without faith or hope:
Arouse us and our missionaries to flood the world with the light of your gospel.
Lord of the Church, let your peace rule our hearts that we may use our gifts to serve you and each other in willing gratitude and joy. Watch over our loved ones near and far, that they may remember your love and rejoice in your salvation. Strengthen the faith of the sick and the disheartened. Give hope to those in despair and comfort those who mourn.
Be gracious to all and lead us to reflect your love in everything we say and do.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
Finally, bring us and all your believers to the heavenly home where we will stand in the full light of your glory and with all your saints and angels sing the everlasting song of triumph.
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!
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
OFFERTORY:
Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness Kathy Parra

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 stand
POSTLUDE MUSIC:
Shine, Jesus, Shine Graham Kendrick
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.
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.
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
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!
The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given in thanks to Nancy Miles for her years of faithful service in the church kitchen.

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 March 22, 29, and many of the Sundays in April. 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.
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 Eric & Erika Hanson for hosting this morning! The next available dates are February 8, 15, & 22 and many of the Sundays in March. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

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.
Welcome back to classes, Sunday night TCM Bible study, and other campus ministry activities! We’ll get TCM things started TONIGHT, with our Welcome Back Party at 7:00 PM. Come to hear about the Sunday night Bible studies and other upcoming events Those with Parking Privileges for the Grace lot or 24/7 Student Center Access Codes need to attend to renew. Others can get those for the first time that night also. And there will be food! The Student Center is located in the lower level of the church at Grace-Tucson (830 N. 1st Avenue). The stairs below the TCM sign on the parking lot side of the church will take you there. If you have any questions or would like to be added to the TCM contact list, reach out to 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).

Preacher................................................................................................................Pastor Ron Koehler
Worship Leader Pastor Nathan Kassulke (10:00 AM)
Accompanist
Kathy Parra Vocalist Craig Lipke
Greeters
Nancy Miles, Lois Thornton (10:00 AM)
Ushers Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM)
Dylan Guenther, Justin Harris, Ferdie Kramm, Rick Street (10:00 AM)
Sound and Recording Techs Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke
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!
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: Christianity is so antiwoman. You just need life to mean something...and it doesn’t. You’re going to want me to evangelize? These discussions will help us understand things better and be prepared to help others understand God’s answers.
In his infinite wisdom, our heavenly Father called home to heaven the soul of Grace member Bob Rentschler on Monday, January 19. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 7, at 11:00 AM at Grace-Tucson. A lunch will follow in the Fellowship Hall. Please keep Bob’s wife Nadine and their family in your prayers.


Ladies from all Grace sites are invited to attend the Women of Grace Valentine’s Tea on Saturday, February 14, at 11:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall. We host this event for all the WELS ladies in Tucson. Our speaker will be Sharon Hartmann from Redeemer. She will tell us about her experiences in our mission in Africa before coming to Tucson. Grace ladies are invited to decorate and set a table, and any theme is welcome. We need ten tables set for 6-8 people. We also provide a large array of brunch/lunch type food and desserts, and kitchen help is also needed. You are invited to sign up for any of these needs on the sheets in the Fellowship Hall. If you have any questions, please contact Adrienne Snavely at golong31@hotmail.com or 520-302-7840. We hope you can join us for this popular and fun event!
Please note that this year’s all-site Chili Cook-Off will now be held on Saturday, February 21, beginning at noon at our Benson location. Perfect your best chili recipe for the chance to be named the favorite! You may also bring a side dish or a dessert to share. Plan to join us for a fun afternoon of great food, fellowship, and friendly competition. Whether you’re bringing a pot of chili or just your appetite, everyone is welcome!

We have a special event coming up in March! The College Choir from Martin Luther College (our pastor/teacher/staff minister training college in New Ulm, MN) will be visiting Grace-Tucson on their upcoming spring tour! They will be with us for our worship service on Sunday, March 8, at 10:00 AM. Please note - we will have only one service at Grace-Tucson that day. Grace member Naomi Kassulke is a member of the choir.
The choir will perform their full concert titled “We Believe/The Nicene Creed in Song” on Saturday, March 7, at 7:00 PM at Redeemer Lutheran Church (8845 N. Silverbell Road). The program will include settings of familiar hymns, as well as selections by choral music composers representing a variety of musical styles. You are invited to attend.
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.
Services............................................ 7:45a & 10:00a
Bible Hour......................................................8:45a
Bible Study: Idols We Never Knew We Had 9:00a Grow in Grace Class (office conference room) 9:00a
Bible Study: Church History 10:00a & 7:00p
Women’s Bible Study: More Prepared to Answer 9:00a College Student Grow in Grace Class 3:00p Handbell Choir 5:30p Worship Choir.................................................................6:45p
Sunday, February 1
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 TCM Bible Study 7:00p BENSON
Service 7:30a
Bible Study: Romans 8:45a Fellowship following worship
Midweek Bible Study: 10 Lies About God 10:00a Grow in Grace Class 5:30p
Sunday, February 1
Worship Service with communion 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Romans 8:45a Fellowship following worship
SAHUARITA
Worship Services 7:45a & 10:00a Adult Bible Study: Jonah 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Fellowship following worship...................................................
Oasis Group 10:00a Grow in Grace Class 4:00p Sunday, February 1 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
Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship................................................... Adult Bible Study: Prayer 11:15a Grow in Grace Class 1:30p Thursday Oasis Group 11:00a Oasis Group 6:00p
Sunday, February 1
Worship Service with communion ................................10:00a Fellowship following worship Adult Bible Study: Prayer 11:15a Grow in Grace Class 1:30p
February 1
Men of His Word Conference in Phoenix

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
Caitlin Broehm, Toddlers cbroehm@gracelutheransaz.org
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.