CHRISTMAS DAY
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L ,A 25, 2025
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Welcome to Grace! Our mission at Grace is to teach the inspired and inerrant Word of God, to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Savior of the world, and to nurture believers for lives of Christian service. Check out the GRACE WEBSITE at GraceLutheranSAZ.org WORSHIP NOTES We are very pleased that you have joined us for worship today! We pray that this time will be a blessing for you as God comes to you with his Word and promises and as you offer him your thanks and praise. The order of worship we will follow is printed in this worship folder for you to follow along and participate. LARGE PRINT worship folders are available at the entrances for those who desire them. You will be asked to open the hymnal to participate in parts of the service today. You will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each pew. There is no cost to park in our parking lot during worship services. If you receive a citation by mistake, please let our office staff know so it can be cleared. OUR WORSHIP SERIES—CHRIST THE SAVIOR IS BORN “Silent Night” was written originally in German by Joseph Mohr, with music composed by Franz Gruber. The carol was first performed on Christmas Eve in 1818 at St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf, Austria. Legend says the church organ was broken, prompting Gruber to compose a simple guitar accompaniment. Subsequently accompanied by many instruments and translated into many languages, the text paints the picture of the incarnation. The last phrase is repeated, so in the second stanza we hear it twice: “Christ the Savior is born!” Every word of that phrase is significant, and every line of the Christmas carol describes a bible truth. We use the beloved hymn to ponder the profound message of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Our worship will follow this path: Christmas Eve Christmas Day First Sunday after Christmas (Dec. 28) Epiphany of Our Lord (Jan. 4)
Heavenly Hosts Sing Alleluia Holy Infant So Tender and Mild Son of God Love’s Pure Light Beams from Thy Holy Face
OUR THEME FOR THIS MORNING—HOLY INFANT SO TENDER AND MILD From eternity, Jesus has been God, holy and majestic. When we look tenderly at the holy infant, we are looking at the same God who once told the prophet Moses, “No one may see me and live.” Yet, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds all saw their holy God and survived. How? God became human, hiding his glory within flesh, so that he could come to us without instilling fear or dread. A famous theologian once said, “We are to think of the Lord’s birth, where the Word became flesh, not as a past event which we recall, but as a present reality on which we gaze.” It’s not that Christ the Savior was born. It’s that Christ the Savior is born.
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+ ORDER OF WORSHIP + PROCLAMATION OF THE BIRTH OF CHRIST The Proclamation of the Birth of Christ announces to the world not only that the birth of Jesus happened in history but also that history is what prepared the world for this moment. The wording used in our service is based on a proclamation more than four centuries old. While the precise dating of the birth of Christ is not definite, this proclamation uses various historical references and systems that have recorded the approximate date of this event.
Today, the twenty-fifth day of December, we celebrate:
PRESERVICE MUSIC:
In the Bleak Midwinter Stephen DeCesare Christmas Angels Lloyd Larson Lord, You Were Rich Beyond All Splendor Sondra Tucker O Come, All Ye Faithful Mark Hayes Marvin Gaspard
many ages after God created the heavens and the earth, when man and woman were formed in his image; long after the great flood, when God set the rainbow in the sky as a sign of the covenant; twenty-one centuries from the birth of Abraham, fifteen centuries from the exodus of the people of Israel out of Egypt, one thousand years from the enthronement of David as king, in the one hundred ninety-fourth Olympiad,
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in the seven hundred and fifty-second year from the founding of the city of Rome, in the forty-second year of the reign of Caesar Augustus, in the sixth age of the earth,1 at a time when the whole world was at peace,2 it pleased God to send his only begotten Son and eternal Word to the world to become man and to teach us God’s love, to suffer, die, and rise from the dead for our salvation. Today we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, God made flesh. To God Incarnate, to the Infant who humbled himself and took our form, becoming a child of man to make children of God; to the One who later walked among us to teach us the way of salvation and who loved us so much as to give his life for us: to him be glory, honor, and adoration forever and ever. O come, let us adore him!
OPENING HYMN—O Come, All Ye Faithful
Christian Worship 354
The early Christians considered the world to have seven ages: The First Age—From Adam to the Flood; The Second Age—From the Flood to Abraham; The Third Age—From Abraham to David; The Fourth Age— From David to the Captivity; The Fifth Age—From the Captivity to the Advent of Christ; The Sixth Age—The Coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ; The Seventh Age—The New Heavens and New Earth. 2
More than the Pax Romana (Roman Peace), though that was part of the great preparation, this reference comes from the vision of Zechariah (1:11), the angels’ report of the reconnoitering of the world. “We have patrolled the earth, and lo, the whole earth remains at peace.” The restoration of Judah and Jerusalem is at hand.
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Please stand
CHRISTMAS DIALOGUE Psalm 98:1
Minister: Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. Congregation: His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.
Psalm 98:2
The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations.
Psalm 98:3
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
Restore us again, O God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us.
Psalm 85:7
Show us your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.
Luke 1:68
Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.
Luke 1:46-47
Galatians 4:4-5
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.
John 1:14
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.
Luke 2:10-11 Luke 2:14
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My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. Glory to God in the highest!
SUNG RESPONSE—Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Christian Worship 350
We rejoice with the angels—“Glory to the newborn King!”
Text: Charles Wesley, 1707–1788, alt. Tune: Felix Mendelssohn, 1809–1847. Text and tune: Public domain.
PRAYER OF THE DAY Almighty God, grant that the birth of your only Son in the flesh may set us free from our old bondage under the yoke of sin; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please be seated
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+ THE WORD + The prophet foretold that the Lord would dwell among us and do what was necessary to bring the good news of salvation to the ends of the earth.
FIRST READING 7
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Isaiah 52:7-10
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of a herald, who proclaims peace and preaches good news, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God is king!” The voice of your watchmen—they lift up their voices. Together they shout for joy, because with both eyes they will see it when the L returns to Zion. Break out, shout for joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, because the L is comforting his people. He is redeeming Jerusalem. The L lays bare his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation from our God.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
The Church sings Psalm 98 in services that praise God for bringing righteousness and salvation to people across the world.
The Psalm continues on the next page.
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PSALM OF THE DAY—All the Ends of the Earth
Christian Worship 98A
The choir sings the refrain the first time. The congregation immediately repeats the refrain and sings it again as indicated.
The choir sings the first line. The congregation responds with the second bolded lines.
Sing to the L a / new song, for he has done / marv’lous things; his right hand and his / holy arm have worked salvation / for him. The L has made his sal- / vation known and revealed his righteousness to the / nations. Refrain (ALL) Shout for joy to the L , / all the earth, burst into jubilant song with / music. Let the rivers / clap their hands, let the mountains sing together / for joy;
let them sing be- / fore the L , for he comes to / judge the earth. He will judge the world in / righteousness and the peoples with / equity. ALL: 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) Text and tune (refrain): David Hass; Marty Haugen © 1983 GIA Publications, Inc. Psalm tone: Kermit G. Moldenhauer © 1993 Kermit G. Moldenhauer, admin. Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
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In the past God sent angels and prophets as messengers to his people. Now God speaks to us directly through his Son.
SECOND READING
Hebrews 1:1–9
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In the past, God spoke to our forefathers by the prophets at many times and in many ways. 2In these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact imprint of the divine nature. He sustains all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high. 4
The Son became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. 5For to which of the angels did God ever say: You are my Son. Today I have begotten you?
Psalm 2:7
And again: I will be his Father, and he will be my Son.
2 Samuel 7:14 6
And again, when he brought his firstborn into the world, he said:
Psalm 97:7
Let all God’s angels worship him. 7
About the angels he says:
Psalm 104:4
He makes his messengers winds and his ministers flaming fire. 8
But about the Son he says:
Psalm 45:6-7 9
God, your throne is forever and ever, and the scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of joy beyond your companions.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
CHOIR ANTHEM—Lord, You Were Rich Beyond All Splendor
Worship Choir
Lord, you were rich beyond all splendor, yet, for love’s sake, became so poor; leaving your throne in glad surrender, sapphire-paved courts for stable floor. Lord, you were rich beyond all splendor, yet, for love’s sake, became so poor. You are our God beyond all praising, yet, for love’s sake, became a man; stooping so low, but sinners raising heav’nward by your eternal plan. You are our God beyond all praising, yet, for love’s sake, became a man. Lord, you are love beyond all telling; Savior and King, we worship you. Emmanuel, within us dwelling, make us and keep us pure and true. Lord, you are love beyond all telling; Savior and King, we worship you. Text: Frank Houghton, 1894–1972 © OMF International, admin. Music Services, Inc. Used by permission: CCLI no. 3095236.
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Please stand
GOSPEL
John 1:1-14
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In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him everything was made, and without him not one thing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. 5The light is shining in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
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There was a man, sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as an eyewitness to testify about the light so that everyone would believe through him. 8He was not the light, but he came to testify about the light. 9
The real light that shines on everyone was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not recognize him. 11He came to what was his own, yet his own people did not accept him. 12But to all who did receive him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. 13They were born, not of blood, or of the desire of the flesh, or of a husband's will, but born of God. 14
The Word became flesh and dwelled among us. We have seen his glory, the glory he has as the only-begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please be seated
HYMN OF THE DAY—Of the Father’s Love Begotten
SERMON
Christian Worship 358
John 1:1-14 Holy Infant So Tender and Mild
Please stand
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This creed is named for St. Athanasius, a staunch defender of the Christian faith in the fourth century. It was written over a century after the death of Athanasius to combat two errors that undermined key scriptural teachings. One error denied that God’s Son and the Holy Spirit are of one being or Godhead with the Father. The other error denied that Jesus Christ is true God and true man in one person.
CONFESSION OF FAITH
portion of the Athanasian Creed
It is necessary for eternal salvation that one faithfully believe that our Lord Jesus Christ took on human flesh. Now this is the true Christian faith: We believe and confess that our Lord Jesus Christ, God’s Son, is both God and man. He is God, eternally begotten from the nature of the Father, and he is man, born in time from the nature of his mother, fully God, fully man, with rational soul and human flesh; equal to the Father as to his deity, less than the Father as to his humanity; and though he is both God and man, Christ is not two persons but one: one, not by changing the deity into flesh, but by taking the humanity into God; one, indeed, not by mixture of the natures, but by unity in one person; for just as the rational soul and flesh is one human being, so God and man is one Christ. He suffered for our salvation, descended into hell, rose the third day from the dead. He ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, and from there will come to judge the living and the dead. At his coming all people will rise with their own bodies to answer for their personal deeds. Those who have done good will enter eternal life, but those who have done evil will go into eternal fire. This is the true Christian faith. Whoever does not faithfully and firmly believe this cannot be saved.
Please be seated
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
Eternal Father, we give you thanks and praise on this holy day for sending your one and only Son to share our humanity, carry our guilt, and become for us the perfect Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. Lord, we praise you.
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Keep our faith in your Son alive and strong. Nourish us with your Word and sacraments and by your Holy Spirit give us strength to overcome Satan’s power and empty promises. Help us to withstand the temptations the world and our sinful nature put on our path. Give us faith and courage. Remember ministers of the gospel throughout the world who on this day are proclaiming that a Savior has been born. We especially commend to your care the missionaries we have called as members of the Wisconsin Synod. Since they cannot enjoy the fellowship of their extended families this Christmas, grant to them the inner joy that comes with service in your kingdom.
Protect all those who proclaim the gospel in our place. We pray for our city and countryside, for our neighborhoods and subdivisions, and for all who live and work and find delight here. Give to the leaders of government wisdom to make and uphold laws that promote the good of society. Grant our nation peace, health, and prosperity that we may have the opportunity and resources to spread the good news to all people. Govern and prosper your people. Fill us with kindness and arouse us to do good to all people, especially those who are less fortunate than we. Bring your healing to those who are sick or diseased in body or mind and comfort those who are mourning the death of someone they love. We especially pray for brothers and sisters who are setting aside their celebration today to care for the sick and stand at the side of the dying. Sustain those who endure the troubles of life. Be a source of strength to all your people and fill them with your power and peace. If any are among us today who have lost the true meaning of this festival, let them rediscover the joy that comes from Christ alone. Let your peace reign in the hearts of all. Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence. Silent prayer
As you sent your Son to bring peace to all people on earth, so we pray for all people, those known and those unknown to us. We pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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OFFERTORY:
Of the Father’s Love Begotten Wilbur Held
OFFERING We offer our gifts to our God who has given us more than we could ever ask for and far more than we deserve—the promise of forgiveness and eternal life by faith in Jesus Christ, our Savior. If you are our guest today and do not wish to give an offering, please do not feel compelled to do so. 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!
HYMN—Now Sing We, Now Rejoice
Christian Worship 363
Please stand
PRAYER This prayer comes from the hymn “I Stand beside Your Manger Here.” It is found in our hymnal as Hymn 334.
I stand beside your manger here, O Jesus, life from heaven. The gifts I bring as I draw near are what to me you’ve given: my spirit, courage, mind, and heart—take all I am, take ev’ry part; in mercy let it please you. One thing I hope; my Savior, hear; bestow on me this blessing, that I may ever hold you near, you as my own possessing. So let my heart your manger be; come, holy Child, lie down in me with all your joyful treasures. Amen. Text: Paul Gerhardt, 1607-1676, abr.; tr. Michael D. Schultz, b. 1963 © 2021 Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
Matthew 6 and Luke 11 record how Jesus taught his disciples to pray. We use his example prayer as part of our public worship, trusting that he will hear and answer our prayers.
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LORD’S PRAYER Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
The blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God’s people for over 3,500 years. The L said, “In this way they will put my name on [them], and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27
BLESSING The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace. Amen.
Please be seated
CLOSING HYMN—Joy to the World
Christian Worship 353
POSTLUDE MUSIC: Now Sing We, Now Rejoice Wilbur Held
THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING Minister ....................................................................................... Pastor Nathan Kassulke Accompanists ............................................................................ Jim Bakken, Deb Bakken Vocalist ........................................................................................................ Jeff Weinstein Choir Director ............................................................................................. Paul Kassulke Saxophone ................................................................................................. Jeremy Snavely Flute ............................................................................................................ Donna Bakken Clarinet ....................................................................................................... Beth Kassulke Trumpet ......................................................................... Nathan Kassulke, Paul Kassulke Timpani ...................................................................................................... Danny Koehler Greeters ......................................................................................Sally Littau, Nancy Miles Ushers...................................................................................... Sam Kassulke, Zach Miller Sound and Recording Techs ............... Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke Acknowledgements: Scripture readings are taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) © 2018 The Wartburg Project. All rights reserved. wartburgproject.org. Created by Christian Worship: Service Builder © 2025 Concordia Publishing House. Software distributed in partnership with Northwestern Publishing House.
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Thank you for joining us for worship on this Christmas Day. 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. You’re invited to worship with us at any of our four sites: Grace-Tucson 830 N. 1st Avenue, 85719
Grace-Sahuarita 75 W. Sahuarita Rd., 85629
Regular Sunday Morning Schedule 7:45 AM Worship Service 8:45 AM Bible Studies for Adults and Children 10:00 AM Worship Service
Regular Sunday Morning Schedule 9:00 AM Bible Studies for Adults and Children 10:00 AM Worship Service
Grace-Benson 451 W. Duane Street, 85602
Grace-Vail 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, 85747 (Esmond Station Elementary)
Regular Sunday Morning Schedule 7:30 AM Worship Service 8:45 AM Adult Bible Study
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Regular Sunday Morning Schedule 10:00 AM Worship Service 11:15 AM Bible Studies for Adults and Children
ANNOUNCEMENTS Grace Central Office
During the weeks of Christmas and New Years, the hours in the Grace Central Office will vary. If you need to come to the office, please call ahead to be sure someone will be there. Phone messages and email will continue to be checked regularly. Our normal office hours of 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM will resume again on Monday, January 5, 2026.
New Year’s Eve Worship, Dinner, & Fellowship: December 31
Grace’s New Year’s Eve Service will be held at our Sahuarita location. This all-site service 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 in the CLC gymnasium for dinner and fellowship.
Memorial Services
Our Lord called home to heaven the soul of Grace member Pat Messer on December 6. He also called to his side Grace member Terry Kosanke on December 8. Memorial services for each of them will be held in January at Grace-Tucson. Pat’s service will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 10, and Terry’s will be on Saturday, January 17, also at 11:00 AM. A meal will follow each service in the Fellowship Hall. Please keep the family and friends of Pat and Terry in your prayers.
Grace Night with the Tucson Roadrunners: January 9
Join us for a fun night with the Tucson Roadrunners hockey team! We’ll attend the game together on Friday, January 9, at 7:00 PM. This is also Faith & Family Night and tickets are $25 each. Tickets can be purchased by using the QR code on the right or by contacting Eric Hanson (520-664-6626 or hansonee2@yahoo.com). We hope to see you there!
Men of His Word Conference: January 31
Men of His Word equips Christian men to take a leadership role within their family, within their congregation, and in the community. The 5th annual Men of His Word conference is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026 at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. This year’s Men of His Word Conference will equip you to stand with “Courage Under Fire.” Through presentations grounded in God’s unchanging Word, you’ll be strengthened to lead your family, confess your faith boldly, resist temptation, and serve faithfully, even when the culture pushes back. There will be eight different breakout sessions of which you may choose three. Details on each session are on the website. To register go to https://www.menofhisword.org/phoenix--registration.html. Early bird registration is available until December 31. Registration forms are also available in the Grace Central Office.
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One Church. Four Locations. Proclaiming the love of Jesus in Southern Arizona since 1911. Grace-Tucson and Central Office
Grace-Sahuarita
830 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719 (520)623-6633 office@gracelutheransaz.org
75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538
Pastor Ronald G. Koehler III revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Nathan P. Kassulke revnpk@gracelutheransaz.org
Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Ryan A. Heiman
revrah@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center
(520)848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com
Director—Laura Heiman
director@gracelutheransaz.org
Assistant Director—Jen Rickling jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org
Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail Benson
451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602
Vail
Child Learning Center Mission Teachers Caitlin Broehm, Toddlers
cbroehm@gracelutheransaz.org
Worshipping at Esmond Station Elementary 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, Tucson, AZ 85747
Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds
Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein
Theresa Pratt, Preschool
revsas@gracelutheransaz.org
tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org
Office at Civano
Chris Leathers, After School Care
10501 E. Seven Generations Way, Tucson, AZ 85747 (520)848-4631
vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org
cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org
Prayer Group—Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org
Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher
Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr
cinda@gracelutheransaz.org (520)581-4714
office@gracelutheransaz.org
wels.net
Grace Lutheran Church is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), a group of nearly 400,000 men, women, and children in nearly 1,300 congregations across the United States and Canada united by a common faith in Christ's saving love. We are committed to a common calling—encouraging each other in our faith and sharing God's gift of a Savior with the rest of the world.