Issuu

THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD

L ,A

7, 2024

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 www.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. Personal prayers for worship are now available on printed labels located in the inside cover of each hymnal. These include prayers for before and after worship as well as prayers for before and after communing.

OUR WORSHIP SERIES—GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY We live in a world with a 24-hour news cycle. Between the countless cable networks or online sources or social media posts, news is flying at us constantly. Most of it seems awful—bad news after more bad news. Our hearts grow heavy. Our minds grow anxious. The world is starving for good news. And that is exactly what we get at Christmas. On that first Christmas Eve, the angel told the shepherds, “I bring you good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10). News is not advice. The angel had not come to give advice about how to cope in a messed-up world. News is simply a report of facts. The angel reported a fact—the birth of One who would make everything right again. This child would remove all our fears and fill our hearts with joy. Our worship has followed this path: Christmas Eve First Sunday after Christmas Epiphany of Our Lord

A Savior Has Been Born to Us Peace on Earth For All People

THEME FOR THIS MORNING—FOR ALL PEOPLE On Christmas Eve the angel told the shepherds, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10). One wonders if those words struck those Jewish shepherds as odd. For centuries, God had given special attention to one nation—Israel. There were Jewish religious leaders who taught that only members of that special people would be saved. Not according to the Christmas angel! The birth of the Savior was good news for all people. Today we celebrate the Epiphany of our Lord. Epiphany comes from a Greek word meaning “reveal.” When the Savior was born, he was ﬁrst revealed to Israelites: the shepherds, Simeon, Anna. But today, the Lord miraculously guides foreigners across countless miles, so the Savior could be revealed to them as well. How did the magi respond? “They were overjoyed” (Matthew 2:10). Epiphany is sometimes known as “The Gentiles’ Christmas.” We Gentiles (non-Jews) rejoice in the good news that this Jewish baby is not just the Savior of Jews. He is for all people—the Savior of the world.

+ ORDER OF WORSHIP + WELCOME

Please stand

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

HYMN RESPONSE—Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun

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.

Christian Worship 380

DIALOGUE FOR EPIPHANY In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

Genesis 1:1-4

God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.

Genesis 3:6

See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples.

Isaiah 60:2

Isaiah 9:2, 6

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 60:1

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon us.

Psalm 27:2-3

When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be conﬁdent.

Psalm 27:1

The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?

John 1:1-5

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 8:12 Matthew 2:2

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.

HYMN RESPONSE—Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun

PRAYER OF THE DAY The Lord be with you. And also with you. 3

Christian Worship 380

Let us pray. Lord God, by the leading of a star, you once made known to the nations your one and only Son. Guide us, also, who know him now by faith to come at last to the perfect joy of your heavenly glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

HYMN RESPONSE—Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun

Christian Worship 380

Text: Isaac Watts, 1674–1748, abr., alt. Tune: attr. John C. Hatton, 1710–1793. Text and tune: Public domain.

Please be seated

+ THE WORD + FIRST READING 15

Numbers 24:15-17

Balaam took up his oracle and said: The declaration of Balaam son of Beor, the declaration of the man whose eye is open, the declaration of the one who hears the words of God, who receives knowledge from the Most High, who sees the vision of the Almighty, who is falling down, but his eyes are wide open: I see him, but not now. I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob. A scepter will rise up out of Israel.

God compels the heathen magician Balaam to prophesy that out of the nation of Israel would come one who would shine like a star for all peoples to see.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

HYMN—What Child Is This

Christian Worship 344

Text: William C. Dix, 1837–1898, alt. Tune: English, 16th cent. Text and tune: Public domain.

Paul writes about his passion for sharing the good news with all people.

This reading continues on the next page.

SECOND READING

Romans 11:13-15, 28-32

I am speaking to you Gentiles. For as long as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I am going to speak highly of my ministry. 14 Perhaps I may make my own people jealous, and so save some of them. 15 For if their rejection meant the reconciliation of the world, what does their acceptance mean other than the dead coming to life? 28

In regard to the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But, in regard to election, they are especially dear for the sake of the patriarchs, 29 because God’s gracious gifts and call are not regretted. 30 For just as you were once

disobedient to God, but now have been shown mercy due to their disobedience, 31 so also now they have become disobedient, so that by the mercy shown to you they may be shown mercy too. 32 For God imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may show mercy to all. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Please stand

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Matthew 2:2

Alleluia. Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him. Alleluia.

GOSPEL

Matthew 2:1-12

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, when Herod was king, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem. They asked, 2 “Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was alarmed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 He gathered together all the people’s chief priests and experts in the law. He asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, because this was written through the prophet: 6

You, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are certainly not least among the rulers of Judah: because out of you will come a ruler, who will shepherd my people, Israel.”

The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.

Magi from the east are miraculously led to their Savior, and they worship him.

Micah 5:2

Then Herod secretly summoned the Wise Men and found out from them exactly when the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you ﬁnd him, report to me, so that I may also go and worship him.” 9

After listening to the king, they went on their way. Then the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them, until it stood still over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with overwhelming joy. 11 After they went into the house and saw the child with Mary, his mother, they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and oﬀered him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 Since they had been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another route. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ. 6

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE & GREETING While the children are coming forward please greet your neighbor and ﬁll out the Friendship Register located in the red folder in your row and pass it along. Thank you!

Please be seated

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.

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—As with Gladness Men of Old 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: William C. Dix, 1837–1898, alt. Tune: Conrad Kocher, 1786–1872, alt. Text and tune: Public domain.

Christian Worship 372

SERMON

Matthew 2:1-12 The Star for All People

Please stand

CONFESSION OF FAITH

Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became truly human. For our sake he was cruciﬁed under Pontius Pilate. He suﬀered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

The Nicene Creed was ﬁrst developed in 325 at the First Council of Nicea. It was written to reaﬃrm the Biblical teaching of the divinity of Jesus, God’s Son. Like the Apostles’ and Athanasian Creeds, the Nicene Creed is a confession of what the Bible teaches.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and gloriﬁed, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Please be seated

+ INSTALLATION OF MINISTRY BOARD + Those being installed approach the altar.

Dear friends, In Holy Baptism, our Lord Jesus Christ set you free from sin and death and made you members of his body, the church. Through Word and sacrament, the Holy Spirit has nurtured your faith and increased your love.

Romans 12:6-8

1 Corinthians 4:2

You have been elected to serve our Lord on behalf of this congregation. The Lord has entrusted you with responsibilities that you are to carry out according to his Word. St. Paul wrote concerning service in the church: “We have diﬀerent gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” St. Paul spoke to all who serve the Savior: “It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” The Lord has promised to be with you and give you the gifts you will need to carry out the work entrusted to you. As servants of Jesus Christ and workers in this congregation, you are to set aside time for study of the Scriptures so that you may grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. You are to strive to be an example of Christian faith and life so that others may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. So that the congregation may be assured of your willingness to serve, I ask you in the presence of God and this congregation: Will you diligently and faithfully carry out the work entrusted to you, according to the ability which God gives you? If so, answer: I will, and I ask God to help me. I will, and I ask God to help me.

INSTALLATION I install you as members of the Ministry Board at Grace Lutheran Church in the name of the Father and of the (+) Son and of the Holy Spirit. The Lord pour out on you his Holy Spirit for the work you have been called to do that you may faithfully carry out all your duties and responsibilities with the Word of God as your conﬁdence and guide. The minister shakes the hand of each Ministry Board member, addressing him by name and title. The minister speaks to the congregation:

Brothers and sisters in Christ, I urge you to regard these fellow believers as servants of Jesus Christ and God’s gifts to his church. Pray for them and support them in their service so that believers may be strengthened in faith and many others may come to know the Savior and the eternal hope he gives. 9

PRAYER Let us pray. Gracious God, you bless your church through the willing work and special gifts of so many people. We ask you to send your Holy Spirit to the servants we are installing today that they may carry out their duties with diligence, wisdom, and humility. Encourage them to seek guidance from your Word and lead them to pray for your direction. Help them to be good examples to others and support the work of the gospel ministry in this congregation. Keep them in your care and encourage them by your grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

BLESSING The Lord bless you and make your service a blessing to others. The minister thanks those who served in the past year:

We sincerely thank those who in the past year have served the Lord and his people with their time and abilities. May the Lord graciously bless you and those you have served. Ministry Board members return to their places.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH 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.

Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a ﬁtting place.

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.

CHOIR ANTHEM—Beside Thy Cradle I kneel beside thy cradle here, O Jesus, meek and mild, To see my Lord and Savior dear, the Father’s holy Child. In humble adoration too the wise men bow the knee, To bring thee gold and treasure now, thy holy face to see. Ah dearest Jesus, holy Child, receive my homage true, And make my bed soft, undeﬁled, beside thy cradle too. By Karl Markworth (1913-1991) and Carl Wacker (1912-1998).

Please stand

+ THE SACRAMENT + PREFACE The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. 11

It is right to give him thanks and praise.

It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lived among us as a human being and revealed his glory as your only Son, full of grace and truth. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

Sanctus

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING We give thanks to you, O God, through your dear Son, Jesus Christ, whom you sent to be our Savior, our Redeemer, and the messenger of your grace. Through him you made all things; in him you are well pleased. He is the incarnate Word, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. To fulﬁll your promises, he stretched out his hands on the cross and released from eternal death all who believe in you. As we remember Jesus’ death and resurrection, we thank you that you have gathered us together to receive your Son’s body and blood. Send us your Spirit, unite us as one, and strengthen our faith so that we may praise you in your Son, Jesus Christ. Through him, we glorify and honor you, O God our Father, with the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 12

As he speaks the Words of Institution, the minister both proclaims the words of Jesus to the congregation and sets apart the bread and wine for this special use. The sign of the cross reminds us of Christ’s death.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my (+) body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is my (+) blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” The peace of the Lord be with you always. Amen.

O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD

Agnus Dei

Please be seated

DISTRIBUTION Personal prayers for before and after communing are now available on printed labels on the inside cover of the hymnals.

The Bible teaches that the Lord’s Supper is a unique communion of Christ and the individual believer as well as a coming together of people who hold to the same beliefs. Because of these Scriptural truths, we practice Member Communion at Grace. Those who are conﬁrmed members of Wisconsin Synod congregations (WELS) are invited to receive the Lord’s Supper with us. If you are not a WELS member but have an interest in receiving Holy Communion, please speak with the pastor after church today or at another time. We are aware that there are a number of other teachings about Holy Communion, and we want it to be a blessing for you, so we would look forward to sharing with you what God says about this Sacrament.

+ THANKSGIVING + Please stand

SPOKEN RESPONSES Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

Psalm 106:1

his mercy endures forever.

Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup,

1 Corinthians 11:26

we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

CLOSING PRAYER O God the Father, source of all goodness, in your loving-kindness you sent your Son to share our humanity. We thank you that through him you have given us pardon and peace in this Sacrament. We also pray that you will not forsake us but will rule our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit so that we willingly serve you day after day; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

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.

The blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God’s people for over 3,500 years. The L said, “In this way they will put my name on [them], and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27

Please be seated

ANNOUNCEMENTS 14

CHOIR ANTHEM—Go Tell It on the Mountain Go, and tell it! Tell it on the mountain! Go, and tell it! Tell it on the mountain! Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere. Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born. Go, and tell it! Tell it on the mountain! Go, and tell it! Tell it on the mountain! Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere. Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born. While shepherd kept their watching o’er silent ﬂocks by night, Behold, throughout the heavens there shone a holy light. Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere. Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born. The shepherds feared and trembled when, lo! above the earth Rang out the angel chorus that hailed our Savior’s birth. Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere. Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born. Down in a lowly manger the humble Christ was born, And God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn. Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere. Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born. Go now and tell the news that Jesus Christ, the Savior is born! Go, and tell it! Tell it on the mountain! Jesus Christ is born! Traditional Spiritual, arr. by Lloyd Larson © 1999, 2017 CandelaWorks Music, a div. of Jubilate Music Group, LLC. Used by permission: CCLI no. 3095236.

Minister ............................................................................................ Pastor Ryan Heiman Accompanist and Choir Director .............................................................. Jane Neujahr 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 © 2024 Concordia Publishing House. Software distributed in partnership with Northwestern Publishing House.

ANNOUNCEMENTS God’s blessings on those being installed today in areas of leadership at Grace! 2024 MINISTRY BOARD President .................................................................................................................................... 1 Eric Hanson Vice President ......................................................................................................................... 4 Jeff Weinstein Secretary .............................................................................................................................. 1 Jeremy Snavely Financial Manager................................................................................................................ 1 Jay Wiechmann Tucson Site Elder.................................................................................................................... 1 Paul Kassulke Sahuarita Site Elder ................................................................................................................. 2 Chad Rickling Benson Site Elder ..................................................................................................................... 3 Bill Warskow Vail Site Elder ................................................................................................................................ 4 Ron Silver Child Learning Center Board Chairman ................................................................................. 2 Dave Neujahr 1

Installed at Grace-Tucson this morning. Installed at Grace-Sahuarita this morning.

Installed at Grace-Benson this morning. Installed at Grace-Vail this morning.

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 along the center aisle 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

“God’s Will is…” In the Bible, God’s Will is described in 5 different ways. This study examines each will of God for us and our lives. If you haven’t been to Bible Study in a while, now is a great time to join this study on the doctrine of God’s Will. Please join us in the CLC gymnasium on Sundays at 9:00 AM.

Divine Call Declined

Pastor Koehler appreciated your prayers, discussions of ministry, and your counsel over the last weeks as he deliberated the Call extended to him by Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. After considering where he feels he fits best at this time, he has declined that Call and will continue serving the Lord and you here at Grace. Please offer prayers on behalf of the people at Immanuel who await a pastor to serve them.

Monday Evening Service

An evening worship service is held at Grace-Sahuarita on Monday evenings at 6:00 PM beginning tomorrow, January 8, through March 18. This service provides another alternative for those who may not be able to worship on Sunday. Members who regularly worship at any Grace sites are welcome to make use of this weeknight service.

Midweek Bible Study: Wednesday

What are the differences between Catholic, Lutheran, and Baptist churches? If you don’t understand the differences between churches, this study walks through what various church bodies officially teach about the Bible, Jesus, salvation, the sacraments, and morality. Please join us on Wednesdays at 10:00 AM in the church entryway. 16

ANNOUNCEMENTS Church History Bible Study: Wednesday at Grace-Tucson

The Wednesday Church History class resumes this week! We will be learning about the founding of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Even if you haven’t attended this class before, this is an excellent time to join. 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!

Time Out for Moms: January 13

We are hosting a Time Out for Moms on Saturday, January 13, beginning at 9:00 AM. Under the theme “Let Your Light Shine,” they will have a light breakfast, a devotion by Pastor Heiman, and will be making mason jar lanterns. All moms are welcome to enjoy a relaxing morning!

Ladies’ Fellowship Group: January 18

The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet at 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 18, at Scordato’s Pizzeria (4911 N. Stone Ave.) for lunch. Please contact Lois Thornton at (520)323-8772 or vthornto2@gmail.com with any questions. Ladies from all Grace sites are welcome to join in the fun! Please RSVP to Lois by January 16.

Grown Ups in the Garden: January 19

Come and enjoy the beautiful new Art & Nature Garden here at our Grace-Sahuarita location! Have some coffee and treats while visiting with other Grace members and CLC parents on Friday, January 19, from 8:00 to 9:00 AM.

Men of His Word Conference: January 20, 2024

WELS men of all ages are invited to this one-day event on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix. The theme of this year’s conference is “Built to Serve” based on Galatians 5:13. Keynote speaker Mark Neumann will speak on “Built to Serve in Every Walk of Life.” Breakout session topics include “The Man God is Building You to Be” (for teens and young adults), “Built to Serve While Working in an Unchristian Workplace,” “Built to Serve by Leading in Your Congregation,” and four more. You may register and find all the information about the conference at MenOfHisWord.org/phoenix. Please register by January 14. Grace will plan to assist with carpooling arrangements for those who are interested.

All-Site Chili Cook-Off: January 27

This year’s all-site Chili Cook-Off will be held on Saturday, January 27, 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. All are welcome to enjoy this fun event!

Grow in Grace Class

Would you like to learn more about our Savior, about the Bible that tells us about him, and about what Grace Lutheran Church believes and teaches? 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 register your interest 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 January 7 - January 14 SAHUARITA Today Adult Bible Study: God’s Will Is... ................................... 9:00a Children’s Sunday School............................................... 9:00a Worship Service with communion ................................ 10:00a NO Adult Choir practice (resumes January 28)

Monday Worship Service with communion .................................. 6:00p

TUCSON Today Worship Services with communion ................. 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour...................................................... 8:45a Adult Bible Study: Living in the Light of God’s Love ...... 9:00a Grow in Grace Class (Office Conference Room)........... 9:00a Lifeliners (High School group) Bible Study..................... 9:00a Fellowship following worship ...................................................

Tuesday Grow in Grace Class ....................................................... 4:30p

Tuesday Weekly Pastors’ Meeting ................................................ 9:00a English Classes .............................................................. 6:30p

Wednesday Midweek Bible Study: ................................................... 10:00a Why Are There Different Churches?

Wednesday Midweek Bible Study: Church History ............. 10:00a & 7:00p

Saturday Time Out for Moms ......................................................... 9:00a Next Sunday, January 14 Adult Bible Study: God’s Will Is... ................................... 9:00a Children’s Sunday School............................................... 9:00a Worship Service ............................................................ 10:00a NO Adult Choir practice (resumes January 28) VAIL Today Adult Bible Study: The Gospel in the Psalms ................. 9:00a Youth Bible Study ........................................................... 9:00a Worship Service with communion ................................ 10:00a Thursday Adult Bible Study: Sanctification ..................................... 6:30p Next Sunday, January 14 Adult Bible Study: The Gospel in the Psalms ................. 9:00a Youth Bible Study ........................................................... 9:00a Worship Service ............................................................ 10:00a BENSON Today Worship Service with communion .................................. 7:30a Adult Bible Study: 1 Corinthians ..................................... 8:45a Wednesday Bible Study: The Large Catechism ............................... 10:00a Next Sunday, January 14 Worship Service .............................................................. 7:30a Adult Bible Study: 1 Corinthians ..................................... 8:45a

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Thursday Women’s Bible Study ..................................................... 9:00a Our Christian Response to Blessings & Challenges Handbells ....................................................................... 5:30p Worship Choir................................................................. 6:45p Friday Funeral Service Planning Session ................................. 9:00a Saturday Lifeliners Paintball Outing............................................. 10:00a Next Sunday, January 14 Worship Services ............................................ 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour...................................................... 8:45a Adult Bible Study: Living in the Light of God’s Love ...... 9:00a Grow in Grace Class (Office Conference Room)........... 9:00a Lifeliners (High School group) Bible Study..................... 9:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... ONLINE Today Adult Bible Study (Tucson)............................................. 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) ...................... 10:00a

Next Sunday, January 14 Adult Bible Study (Tucson)............................................. 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) ...................... 10:00a OFF-SITE EVENTS Monday Pastors’ Circuit Meeting at Grace, Safford ..................... 9:00a Thursday TCM Bible Discussion on UA Campus........................... 7:00p

The fastest and easiest way to keep Grace members and friends informed about what is happening at our four sites is through our weekly email update. This email is sent every Friday and at other times when special announcements are necessary. If you have not been receiving this email, but would like to, please email the Grace Central Office at office@gracelutheransaz.org and request to 18 be added to our email list.

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

Pastor Timothy L. Patoka (Campus Ministry)

Pastor Ryan A. Heiman

revrah@gracelutheransaz.org

Child Learning Center

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

Director—Laura Heiman

director@gracelutheransaz.org

revtlp@gracelutheransaz.org

Assistant Director—Jen Rickling

Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail

Child Learning Center Mission Teachers

Benson

451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602

Vail

jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org

Chris Leathers, 1-Year Olds cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org

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

Sam Anthon, 2-Year Olds

Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein

Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds

revsas@gracelutheransaz.org

vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org

Office at Civano

Theresa Pratt, Preschool

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

Prayer Group—Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org

santhon@gracelutheransaz.org

tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org

Katie Patoka, After School Care kpatoka@gracelutheransaz.org

Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher

Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke

cinda@gracelutheransaz.org (520)581-4714

music@gracelutheransaz.org

Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler

Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr

assistant@gracelutheransaz.org

office@gracelutheransaz.org

www.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.