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THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

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31, 2023

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, 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.

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 is following this path: Christmas Eve First Sunday after Christmas Epiphany of Our Lord (Jan. 7)

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

THEME FOR THIS MORNING—PEACE ON EARTH On Christmas Eve a choir of angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” So, where is this peace on earth? Between nations? There are always wars going on somewhere. In our country? Disagreements have only grown more contentious, one group screaming angrily at another group. We might not even have perfect peace in our homes! So, what were the angels singing about?

They were singing about peace between a holy God who hates sin and human beings who sin every day. Because of what Christ did as our Savior, there is no hostility between us and God, only peace and love. We have the peace of salvation in our hearts. As we draw near the end of life, like elderly Simeon or Anna, we have the peace of knowing of the glorious eternal life that is to come. As this peace with God ﬁlls our hearts, it moves us to live in peace with each other too.

+ ORDER OF WORSHIP + WELCOME

OPENING HYMN—God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen

Christian Worship 356

Text: English, 18th cent. Tune: English. Text and tune: Public domain.

Please stand

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

CHRISTMAS DIALOGUE Luke 1:68

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

Luke 2:14

Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.

Luke 1:51-53

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has ﬁlled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.

Luke 2:30-31

Our eyes have seen his salvation, which he prepared in the sight of all nations.

Isaiah 11:2-3

The Spirit of the L will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord,

and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. Isaiah 9:6-7

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. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.

Philippians 2:6-8

Being in very nature God, he did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!

2 Corinthians 8:9

Though he was rich, yet for our sake he became poor, so that we through his poverty might become rich.

Philippians 2:9-11

God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

1 Timothy 1:17

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

HYMN OF PRAISE—Angels from the Realms of Glory

Christian Worship 347

Text (sts. 1–2): James Montgomery, 1771–1854, alt. Tune: Henry T. Smart, 1813–1879. Text and tune: Public domain.

+ THE WORD + PRAYER OF THE DAY The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. Almighty God, in mercy you sent your one and only Son to take upon himself our human nature. By his gracious coming, deliver us from the corruption of our sin, and transform us into the likeness of his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Please be seated

FIRST READING King Solomon dedicates the temple, a place where the glory of the L would be revealed as the peace of salvation was proclaimed.

1 Kings 8:6-13

The priests brought the Ark of the Covenant of the L to its place in the inner sanctuary of the house, to the Most Holy Place, under the wings of the cherubim, 7 for the cherubim were spreading their wings over the place for the ark, so that the cherubim covered the ark and its poles with their wings. 8 The poles were so long that the ends of the poles could be seen from the Holy Place in front of the inner sanctuary, but they could not be seen from outside. They are there to this day. 9

There was nothing in the ark except the two stone tablets, which Moses had placed there at Horeb, where the L made a covenant with the people of Israel when they came out of the land of Egypt. 10

When the priests came out from the Holy Place, the cloud ﬁlled the House of the L . 11 The priests were not able to take their positions to minister in the presence of the cloud, because the Glory of the L had ﬁlled the House of the L . 12

Then Solomon said, “The L has said that he dwells in thick 13 darkness. I have truly built a majestic house for you, a place for you to dwell forever.”

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

HYMN RESPONSE—He Whose Praise the Shepherds Sounded

CW 351

SECOND READING

Colossians 3:12-17

Therefore, as God’s elect, holy and loved, clothe yourselves with heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Bear with one another and forgive each other if anyone has a complaint against anyone else. Forgive, just as Christ forgave you. 14 And, in addition to all these things, put on love, which ties things together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ control your hearts, to which you were also called, in one body. And be thankful.

As the peace of Christ rules our hearts, we are moved to live in peace.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And everything you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Please stand

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Luke 2:30-31

Alleluia. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations. Alleluia.

GOSPEL

Luke 2:22-40

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. 23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male will be called holy to the Lord.”) 24 And they came to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

God allows elderly Simeon and Anna to see their Savior with their own eyes. This ﬁlls them with peace. Exodus 13:2, 12, 15 Leviticus 12:8

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, waiting for the comfort of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 Moved by the Spirit he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what was customary according to the law, 28 Simeon took him into his arms and praised God. He said,

29 30

31 32

Lord, you now dismiss your servant in peace, according to your word, because my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.

Joseph and the child’s mother were amazed at the things that were spoken about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Listen carefully, this child is appointed for the falling and rising of many in Israel and for a sign that is spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 36

Anna, a prophetess, was there. She was a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old. She had lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, 37 and then she was a widow of eightyfour years. She did not leave the temple complex, since she was worshipping with fasting and prayers night and day. 38 Standing nearby at that very hour, she gave thanks to the Lord. She kept speaking about the child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had accomplished everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town, Nazareth. 40 The child grew and became strong. He was ﬁlled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.

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—Peace Came to Earth

Christian Worship 330

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: Jaroslav J. Vajda, 1919–2008 © 1984 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199 Tune: arr. Mark Kellner, 1959–2015, alt.; Richard Jeﬀrey, b. 1952 © 2000 MorningStar Music Publishers, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

SERMON

Luke 2:29-33 Seeing Salvation Brings Peace

Please stand

The Apostles’ Creed developed in the Early Christian Church as a personal confession of faith. It is so named because it confesses the faith taught by the Apostles of Jesus.

CONFESSION OF FAITH

Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suﬀered under Pontius Pilate, was cruciﬁed, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Please be seated

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a ﬁtting place.

Eternal and gracious Lord, we rejoice with hearts and voices because you sent your one and only Son from his majestic glory to save us from the slavery of sin and the agonies of death. He took on our human ﬂesh that he might reveal your divine glory. He became our brother that we might become your children forever. Give us quiet time during these busy days to reﬂect on your love and ponder the miracle of our Savior’s incarnation. Help us look beyond our gift-giving and giftreceiving, and discover the greatest gift: the forgiveness of sins and life with you. Put the joys of Christmas into the perspective of our eternal celebration, and let music and art lift our hearts to Christ who is truly the center of the season. Keep in your loving care all whose Christmas joys are diminished by sickness and sadness, by unhappy recollections and uncertain hopes. Comfort those who sense this Christmas may be their last, and raise their eyes to the brilliant lights of heaven. Soothe consciences that are troubled by guilt and regret, and show them the forgiving love of Christ.

We commend to your care all who proclaim the message of Christ during these holy days; all who care for people in hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons; and all who put 9

themselves out to bring joy to others, especially children. Let the light of your grace shine through all ministries of mercy. Send us your Holy Spirit, gracious Lord, that the proclamation of the Christmas gospel may lighten the load of guilt and fear and lift our hearts to conﬁdent faith and holy living. By the power of your Word, bring your light to hearts struggling to understand you and searching to ﬁnd you that they may know the joys of this season as we do. Empower us to lead them to your love in our words and deeds. All this we ask in the name of the newborn King, born in Bethlehem and now living and reigning forever in heaven. Amen.

HYMN—Let All Together Praise Our God

He serves that I a lord may be— a great exchange indeed! Could Jesus’ love do more for me to help me in my need, to help me in my need?

For us he opens wide the door of paradise today. The angel guards the gate no more; to God our thanks we pay, to God our thanks we pay.

Christian Worship 355

Tune: Nicolaus Herman, c. 1480–1561. Public domain. Text: Nicolaus Herman, c. 1480-1561, abr.; (sts. 1–3, 5–6): tr. August Crull, 1845–1923, alt. Public domain; (st. 4): tr. F. Samuel Janzow, 1913–2001, © 1969 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.

Please stand

PRAYER Lord Jesus, you are the right hand and holy arm that have worked salvation for our God. In love you reached out to this fallen world, and now your salvation extends to the ends of the earth. Inspire us to join all creatures in heaven and on earth in an unending song of praise, for you have done marvelous things! 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

ANNOUNCEMENTS CLOSING HYMN—Lord, Bid Your Servant Go in Peace

Tune: American. Public domain. Text (sts. 1–2): James Quinn, SJ, 1919–2010 © 1969, 1989 James Quinn, SJ, admin. OCP Publications; (st. 3): Henry V. Gerike, b. 1948 © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.

Christian Worship 950

ANNOUNCEMENTS 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. This class will resume next Sunday, January 7, at 9:00 AM in the CLC gymnasium. If you haven’t been to Bible study in a while, that would be a great time to join this study on the doctrine of God’s Will.

Daily Devotions

Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are on the Welcome Desk in the church entryway. A new Grace Moments with devotions beginning January 1 is available. These are great tools to use for your daily Bible study!

New Year’s Eve Worship, Dinner, & Fellowship: Tonight

Grace’s New Year’s Eve Service will be held this year here 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 tonight 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.

Grace Central Office & CLC Hours

The Grace Central Office, located at the Tucson site, and the Child Learning Center here in Sahuarita will be closed tomorrow, New Year’s Day. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, January 2.

THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING Minister ........................................................................................................................ Pastor Ryan Heiman Accompanist ............................................................................................................................. 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 © 2023 Concordia Publishing House. Software distributed in partnership with Northwestern Publishing House.

ANNOUNCEMENTS 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.

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.

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 next 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

Time Out for Moms: January 13

Grace-Sahuarita is 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. 13

Grace will plan to assist with carpooling arrangements for those who are interested.

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 31 - January 7 SAHUARITA Today 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

TUCSON Today 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 ...................................................

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

Monday Grace Central Office Closed

Next Sunday, January 7 Adult Bible Study: God’s Will Is... ................................... 9:00a Children’s Sunday School............................................... 9:00a Worship Service with communion ................................ 10:00a Adult Choir practice following worship .....................................

BENSON Today Worship Service .............................................................. 7:30a NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 7) Wednesday NO Bible Study (resumes January 10) Next Sunday, January 7 Worship Service with communion .................................. 7:30a Adult Bible Study: 1 Corinthians ONLINE Today Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) ....................... 10:00a New Year’s Eve Worship Service (All-Site) .................... 5:30p

Next Sunday, January 7 Adult Bible Study (Tucson) ............................................. 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) ....................... 10:00a

Wednesday & Thursday No Bible studies this week Next Sunday, January 7 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 ...................................................

VAIL Today NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 7) Worship Service ........................................................... 10:00a Thursday NO Adult Bible Study (resumes January 11) Next Sunday, January 7 Adult Bible Study: The Gospel in the Psalms ................ 9:00a Youth Bible Study ........................................................... 9:00a Worship Service with communion ................................ 10:00a

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. 14

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.