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SUNDAY MORNING CHRISTMAS WORSHIP

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24, 2023 • 10:00 AM

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—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 will follow this path: Christmas Eve Morning God Keeps His Promise Christmas Eve Candlelight A Savior Has Been Born to Us Christmas Day God Became Man First Sunday after Christmas (Dec. 31) Peace on Earth Epiphany of Our Lord (Jan. 7) For All People THEME FOR THIS MORNING—GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISE In Eden, mankind fell into sin, bringing death and despair to Paradise. God immediately promised to send a Savior who would undo that devastation. This Savior would be a descendant of Adam and Eve—a human being. Century after century, through the prophets, God reiterated and expanded upon that promise of a Savior-King. In a manger in Bethlehem, on that first Christmas, God’s promise was fulfilled. 1

+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +

PRESERVICE MUSIC:

Adoration Mark Hayes How Great Our Joy Sandra Eithun

WELCOME

Good Christian Friends, Rejoice Mark Hayes

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES Minister:

We light four Advent candles remembering Jesus, the Son of God and Son of Mary. He came to share our humanity.

Congregation:

We remember Jesus, whose name means Savior. He came to save his people from their sins.

We hear his call to give him a place in our hearts. We light four Advent candles as a sign of our joy and hope. Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest. Through your Word and Spirit may our souls be blessed. Four Advent candles are lit.

Handbells: Christmas Meditation Jason W. Krug All the Earth Rejoices Mark Hayes The lighting of candles in anticipation of Christ’s coming has a long tradition in the Christian Church. On each of the Sundays of Advent, a new candle is lit, dispelling the darkness, as the church moves forward to welcoming him who is the true Light of the world. Each year the privilege of lighting the Advent candles is given to the youth of our congregation.

PRAYER Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. Take away the burden of our sins, and as you have made us ready for the celebration of your birth, grant that we may receive you in joy and serve you always; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

It is believed that this HYMN RESPONSE—From Heaven Above to Earth I Come 15-stanza Christmas hymn was written by Martin Luther for his family’s Christmas Eve celebration. The first ALL: five verses were to be ALL: sung by a man dressed Vocalist: as an angel. Then stanza 6 would be sung by the entire family. The children responded to the angel by singing stanzas 7 through 14 and the final stanza was sung by the entire group. The song was a play on a popular singing game of the time.

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Please stand

CHRISTMAS DIALOGUE Psalm 98:1-3

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Malachi 3:2

But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears?

Psalm 130:3

If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?

Psalm 85:4, 7

Restore us again, O God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us. Show us your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.

Luke 1:68

Luke 1:46-47

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.

My soul gloriﬁes the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

When the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.

Galatians 4:4-5

The Word became ﬂesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:10, 11, 14

Glory to God in the highest!

PRAYER Almighty God, you have ﬁlled us with the new light of the Word who became ﬂesh and lived among us. Let the light of our faith shine in all that we do; 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

HYMN RESPONSE—From Heaven Above to Earth I Come

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Men: Choir ALL:

The L promised King David that one of his descendants would establish an everlasting kingdom.

FIRST READING 8

2 Samuel 7:8-16

You are also to say the following to my servant David.

This is what the L of Armies says. I took you from the pasture, from following sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel. 9 I have been with you wherever you went. I have cut off all your enemies from before you. I will make your reputation great, like that of the great ones on the earth. 10 I will set up a place for my people Israel, and I will plant them there. They will dwell there, and they will not be disturbed again. Violent men will not afflict them again as they did at the beginning 11 and ever since the day I appointed judges over my people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies. The L also declares to you that the L himself will make a house for you. 12 When your days are complete and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up after you your seed, who will come from your own body. I will establish his kingdom. 13 He will build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he sins, I will discipline him with a rod used by men and with blows of the sons of men. 15 My faithful mercy will not depart from him as I removed it from Saul, whom I removed to make room for you. 16 Your house will stand firm, and your kingdom will endure forever before you. Your throne will be established forever. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

HYMN RESPONSE—From Heaven Above to Earth I Come

ALL: ALL: Choir:

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SECOND READING 25

Romans 16:25-27

Now to him who is able to strengthen you— according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was veiled in silence for long ages past, 26 but now has been revealed through the prophetic Scriptures and made known to all the Gentiles, in keeping with the command of the eternal God, resulting in the obedience of faith—

The prophetic writings about King Jesus prove that God keeps his promises.

to God, who alone is wise, be glory forever through Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

HYMN RESPONSE—From Heaven Above to Earth I Come

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ALL: ALL: Choir:

Please stand

GOSPEL

Luke 1:26-38

In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin pledged in marriage to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women.”

This reading continues on the next page.

God In the womb of the virgin Mary, God kept his promise to send a Savior who would establish an everlasting kingdom.

But she was greatly troubled by the statement and was wondering what kind of greeting this could be. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, because you have found favor with God. 31 Listen, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will never end.” 34

Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Listen, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age even though she was called barren, and this is her sixth month. 37 For nothing will be impossible for God.” 38

Then Mary said, “See, I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.

Please be seated

HYMN RESPONSE—From Heaven Above to Earth I Come

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Vocalist: Women: ALL:

Text: Martin Luther, 1483–1546; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–1878, alt. Tune: Geistliche lieder, Leipzig, 1539, ed. Valten Schumann. Public domain.

SERMON

Luke 1:26-38 “You Have Found Favor with God”

Please stand

CONFESSION OF FAITH

Luther’s Explanation to the Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed

I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from all eternity, and also true man, born of the virgin Mary, is my Lord. He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil, not with gold or silver but with his holy precious blood and with his innocent suﬀering and death. All this he did that I should be his own, and live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as he has risen from death and lives and rules eternally. This is most certainly true.

Please be seated

HYMN—Of the Father’s Love Begotten

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During the singing of this hymn, the Christ Candle will be lit.

Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a ﬁtting place.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH Gracious Father, when the time had fully come, you sent your Son to carry out your plan to save the world from the tyranny of sin, the threat of death, and the power of Satan. Strengthen our faith as we ponder the depth of your divine love. Lead us to quiet awe as we remember your gracious compassion. Impress on us the poverty and pain your Son endured in our place, how he willingly set aside his power and place and assumed the weakness of an infant and the starkness of a stable. Lead us to acknowledge the sins which compelled his humiliation and the love which accepted his lowliness. Forgive us and move us to trust in his mission to save us. Take away our fears and fright and fill us with joy as we hear the message that Jesus was born for us and that he came to restore peace with you and mend the bond broken by sin. Move us to sing our carols and hymns not with passing pleasure but with the depth of praise for his extraordinary love. Let our songs and hymns reflect our faith in the redemption gained by Christ. Lead us to kneel at his manger with hearts of faith and to see there the God-man who takes away the sins of the world. Guide and guard us so that the happiness shared with family and friends does not delay or discourage our journey to his holy crib. Make the birth of Christ our highest priority and deepest pleasure. Fill us with an eager joy that moves us to share the good news with others, especially those who may have forgotten or dismissed the love of God in Christ. Give us faithfilled maturity to recognize that the best gift we can give to children is the story of Jesus who was born as a baby and died on a cross to save them for heaven. Move us to tell the good news we have seen and heard.

Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence. Silent prayer

During this hectic holiday, provide us with quiet times to remember what the birth of Jesus really means for us and all people, that he came to free us from the evil forces that separated us from your love, that he lived and died to forgive our sins, and that he rose in triumph to prepare a place where we will live with you forever. Move us to sing with hearts of faith, “Glory to God in the highest!” 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:

What Child Is This? Lloyd Larson

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

HYMN—Away in a Manger

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CHRISTMAS GOSPEL

Luke 2:1–20

Minister:

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.

Congregation:

This was the ﬁrst census taken while Quirinius was governing Syria.

Minister:

And everyone went to register, each to his own town.

MEN:

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the town of Nazareth, into Judea, to the town of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was from the house and family line of David.

WOMEN:

He went to be registered with Mary, his wife, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child.

Minister:

And so it was that while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.

Congregation:

And she gave birth to her ﬁrstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Minister:

There were in the same country shepherds staying out in the ﬁelds, keeping watch over their ﬂock at night.

MEN:

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terriﬁed!

WOMEN:

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. For behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which will be for all people:

Congregation:

Today in the town of David, a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord.

Minister:

And this will be a sign for you:

Congregation:

You will ﬁnd a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

Minister:

Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude from the heavenly army, praising God and saying,

Congregation:

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward mankind.”

Minister:

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another,

Congregation:

“Now let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”

Minister:

So they hurried oﬀ and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

Congregation:

When they had seen him, they told others the message they had been told about this child.

MEN:

And all who heard it were amazed by what the shepherds said to them.

WOMEN:

But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.

ALL:

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

CLOSING PRAYER Lord Jesus, on the night of your birth, the glory of the Lord burst upon our world. Move us to proclaim your glory to all people. Let us tell them of your marvelous deeds so that when you come again to judge them in righteousness, they may be outﬁtted with the righteousness you have established for them. Amen.

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

BLESSING The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace. Amen.

CLOSING HYMN—Once in Royal David’s City

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POSTLUDE MUSIC: Gloria in Excelsis Deo Mark Hayes

THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING Minister ...................................................................................... Pastor Nathan Kassulke Accompanist .............................................................................................. Teri Guenther Vocalist..................................................................................................... Dylan Guenther Handbell Director ...................................................................................... Beth Kassulke Choir Director............................................................................................. Paul Kassulke Instrumentalists............................... Beth Kassulke, Paul Kassulke, Pastor Tim Patoka Jeremy Snavely, Cora Stuhr, Missy Wiechmann Acolyte.......................................................................................................... Carson Heinz Greeters ............................................................................................ Paul & Kay Kassulke Ushers ................................... Jon Dongoske, Ferdie Kramm, Stanley Mead, Rick Street Sound and Recording Techs .............. Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke Banner Committee ...................... Nadine Rentschler, Jeanette O’Donald, Sandy Weir 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 © 2023 Concordia Publishing House. Software distributed in partnership with Northwestern Publishing House.

“Chrismons” Christ-Monograms

Chrismons are symbols that proclaim Jesus’ name and his works of salvation for us. Here are explanations for the Chrismons you see on our Christmas trees. THE ANCHOR CROSS represents our certain hope of salvation anchored in Christ. THE BUDDED CROSS with its trefoil ends emphasizes the Trinity.

THE CELTIC CROSS has a circle in the middle symbolizing eternity. Because it has ancient ties to Christians in Ireland, Iona, and Scotland, it is also called the Irish or Iona Cross. THE CROSS WITH ORB symbolizes the world united under Christ, as the Lord cares for heaven and earth. THE GREEK CROSS has four arms of equal length. Early Greek artists used this cross. IHS is the acrostic of the first three letters of Jesus’ name in Greek ( ). Various meanings have been attached to each letter. The horizontal line that forms the cross is the sign for an abbreviation. THE IOTA CROSS is the first letter of “Jesus” in Greek ( =IOTA) combined with the first letter of “Christ” in Greek ( =CHI). THE JERUSALEM CROSS (also known as the CRUSADER’S CROSS) represents the city of peace. The 5 crosses represent the 5 wounds of our Lord. The 4 smaller crosses are also said to represent the spread of the gospel to the 4 corners of the earth. THE MALTESE CROSS is comprised of 4 arms shaped like spear-heads. Each points to the center, with the broad end having 2 points. The 8 points in all represent the beatitudes (Matt. 5:3-10). This is the emblem of John the Baptist. The cross was the emblem of the Knights of St. John, who were driven from Rhodes to the island of Malta by the Turks. Malta is the island where St. Paul was shipwrecked. THE ROMAN CROSS consists of the Latin Cross and the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, the alpha ( ) and omega ( ) symbolizing Jesus as the Eternal One: the ‘First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.’ Though he died on the cross, he reigns in glory forever. THE STAR (NATAL) CROSS reminds us of the star that marked our Savior’s birth.

THE TAU CROSS, shaped like the Greek letter (tau), depicts the type of cross Moses is believed to have raised in the desert with the serpent on it. It is also the traditional sign that Israelites made with lamb's blood on their doorposts in Egypt on the night of Passover. Therefore this is the cross of penitence and prophecy.

CHALICE AND WAFER represent the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.

THREE INTERLACING CIRCLES represent the three distinct persons of the Holy Trinity, yet just one God. THE DESCENDING DOVE symbolizes the Holy Spirit, remembering the baptism of Jesus when he descended in the form of a dove. THE TABLET OF STONE is a symbol of the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses on Mt. Sinai. THE BUTTERFLY brings to mind our Lord’s resurrection from the dead and reminds us that all believers in Christ will also rise to eternal life. The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, the alpha ( ) and omega ( ) are sometimes added to signify the eternal life enjoyed by those who die in the Lord. THE CROSS CROWN is a symbol of the Kingship of our Lord, reminding us that he is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. It also reminds us of the crown of life given to believers for their lives of faith.

THE CHI-RHO is a monogram consisting of the first two Greek letters of ‘Christ’,

and .

THE FISH is the most ancient symbol of Christ. Christians drew the image of the fish to identify each other in times of persecution. The Greek word for fish is (ichthus). The acrostic represents this meaning: =Jesus =Christ =God’s =Son =Savior.

THE 5-POINTED STAR/EPIPHANY STAR represents the star of Bethlehem and is shaped roughly like a human being representing Christ’s incarnation. THE 6-POINTED STAR/CREATOR’S STAR/STAR OF DAVID symbolizes creation. Each point refers to a day of God’s creating work.

THE TREFOIL AND TRIANGLE is a symbol of the Holy Trinity showing both the unity of the Godhead as well as the diversity of the Persons.

May these Christian symbols enrich your worship and ll your Christmas celebration with even more meaning and joy! 14

TODAY Thank you for joining us for worship on this Christmas Eve morning. We pray that God will continue to strengthen you in your faith through his Word, during this blessed season and beyond. If you are a guest with us today and do not have a church home, we would consider it a special privilege to share God’s Word with you on a regular basis. Please take a Guest Packet at the exit to learn more about our congregation. You can also find us online at GraceLutheranSAZ.org.

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 one of the Pastors, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.

Altar Flowers

The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by Paul and Kay Kassulke who would like to wish everyone in the Grace family a very Merry Christmas! 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. Upcoming available dates are January 14, 21, and 28. 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 worship service this morning, you are invited to join us in the courtyard and Fellowship Hall for drinks and snacks. We thank Jody Kosanke, Cora Stuhr, Missy Wiechmann, and Jenn Miller for hosting this week. Upcoming available dates are January 14 and 21. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

Sunday Morning Bible Study

On Sunday mornings we have been studying the book of 1 John under the theme, “Living in the Light of God’s Love.” 1 John is a brief book nestled into the back of the Bible, but it is full of wisdom for Christians living in the light and joy of God’s love for them. This class did not meet this morning and will not meet next Sunday, December 31. We will resume our study on January 7 at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. If you have not made Sunday morning Bible study a part of your routine, this would be a great time to start!

Daily Devotions

Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are at either door to church and in the Fellowship Hall. A new Grace Moments with devotions beginning January 1 is available. These are great tools to use for your daily Bible study! 15

ANNOUNCEMENTS HOLIDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE Tonight Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship 7:00 PM Grace-Sahuarita & Tucson

Christmas Day Worship Monday, December 25 10:00 AM Grace-Sahuarita 10:00 AM Grace-Tucson

Sunday, December 31 7:30 AM Benson Worship 10:00 AM Sahuarita, Tucson and Vail Worship All-Site New Year’s Eve Worship 5:30 PM at Grace-Sahuarita Followed by dinner & fellowship

Divine Call Received

Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan has extended a Divine Call to Pastor Koehler to serve as their pastor. Immanuel is a church of about 160 members and is located across the street from Lake Superior State University. Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada is the twin city across the river. Pastor Koehler is learning more about the ministry there and will prayerfully consider the work they are calling him to do, along with his ministry here. He would appreciate your prayers and discussions of ministry as he works toward a decision.

Grace Central Office Hours

The Grace Central Office will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Additionally, there will be no regular office hours from Tuesday, December 26, through Friday, December 29. If you need to come to the office, please call or email ahead of time to set up an appointment. Voicemail and email will be checked regularly. Our regular office hours, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays, will resume on Tuesday, January 2. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Midweek Bible Studies

Our Midweek Bible studies normally held on Wednesday and Thursday will not meet this week or next. The Church History Bible study will resume again at 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM on January 10. The Women’s Bible study begins again at 9:00 AM on January 11.

New Year’s Eve Worship, Dinner, & Fellowship: December 31

Grace’s New Year’s Eve Service will be held this year at our Sahuarita location. This ALL-SITE Service (there are no other services planned for New Year’s Eve) will take place at 5:30 PM and will include a remembrance of departed members and the celebration of Holy Communion. Following worship, join us for dinner, fellowship (including watching the football game), and fireworks.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Ministry Board Installation: January 7

We thank all the men who were willing to be nominated and to stand for election to positions on Grace’s Ministry Board. The Ministry Board for 2024 will be installed in worship services at all four sites on Sunday, January 7. President: Eric Hanson Vice President: Jeff Weinstein Secretary: Jeremy Snavely Financial Manager: Jay Wiechmann CLC Chairman: Dave Neujahr

Benson Elder: Bill Warskow Sahuarita Elder: Chad Rickling Tucson Elder: Paul Kassulke Vail Elder: Ron Silver

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. Registration is open and is discounted through December 30. You may register and find all the information about the conference at MenOfHisWord.org/phoenix. Grace will plan to assist with carpooling arrangements for those who are interested.

Spanish Speakers Needed

Mission to the Children is asking for prayers for the people in the villages they serve in Mexico as they face some very dangerous and difficult times. About 20 families from Sasabe, Mexico (one of the villages they serve) have escaped the violence and are here in the Tucson area. Mission to the Children volunteers are looking for individuals who speak Spanish and who would be willing to help interpret when visits are made with these families. If you have any questions or are able to help, please contact Karen Manning at karensjourney1865@gmail.com. You may also speak with Pastor Patoka, the Spiritual Advisor for Mission to the Children.

Grace’s Bible-based Counselor

Cinda Drescher is Grace’s Bible-based Counselor. She is on staff at Grace and works in the counseling building located in the Grace-Tucson parking lot. She typically works at the counseling building two days each week. To schedule an appointment, it is easiest to text her at (520)581-7414 or email at Cinda@GraceLutheranSAZ.org. Because she is on staff at Grace and supported by the congregation’s Ministry Spending Plan, there is no charge for anyone who makes an appointment with her. She is happy to meet with anyone whether they are members of Grace/WELS or not. Cinda not only has a WELS Bible-based Therapist certification, she holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work, a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, along with certifications in Trauma and Domestic Violence.

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 December 24 - December 31 TUCSON Today Christmas Eve Worship Service ...................................10:00a NO Children’s Bible Hour (resumes January 7) NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 7) NO Grow in Grace Class (resumes January 7) NO Lifeliners (High School group-resumes January 7) Fellowship following worship .................................................... Candlelight Worship Service ...........................................7:00p Monday Christmas Day Worship Service ...................................10:00a Tuesday– Friday No regular Grace Central Office hours (resumes January 2) No Bible studies this week Next Sunday, December 31 Worship Service ............................................................10:00a NO Children’s Bible Hour (resumes January 7) NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 7) NO Grow in Grace Class (resumes January 7) NO Lifeliners (High School group-resumes January 7) Fellowship following worship ....................................................

ONLINE Today Children’s Christmas Service (Sahuarita) .....................10:00a Worship Service (Tucson) .............................................10:00a Candlelight Service (Tucson) ..........................................7:00p Monday Christmas Day Worship Service (Tucson) ....................10:00a Next Sunday, December 31 Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) .......................10:00a New Year’s Eve Worship Service (All-Site) .................... 5:30p

VAIL Today Choir practice ................................................................. 9:00a NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 7) Christmas Worship Service .......................................... 10:00a Thursday NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 11) Next Sunday, December 31 NO Adult Bible Study Worship Service ........................................................... 10:00a SAHUARITA Today NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 7) NO Children’s Sunday School (resumes January 7) Children’s Christmas Service ....................................... 10:00a Candlelight Worship Service .......................................... 7:00p Tuesday– Friday Child Learning Center closed (reopens January 2) Wednesday NO Bible Study (resumes January 3) Next Sunday, December 31 NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 7) NO Children’s Sunday School (resumes January 7) Worship Service ........................................................... 10:00a Combined Choir Rehearsal ............................................ 4:30p New Year’s Eve Worship Service with communion ....... 5:30p Dinner and Fellowship .................................................... 6:30p BENSON Today Christmas Worship Service ............................................ 7:30a NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 7) Wednesday NO Bible Study (resumes January 10) Next Sunday, December 31 Worship Service ............................................................. 7:30a NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 7)

Stay Up to Date

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 be added to our email list. 18

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.