THE FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

G E L C S , A F 1, 2026

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G E L C S , A F 1, 2026

Our mission at Grace is to teach the inspired and inerrant Word of God, to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Savior of the world, and to nurture believers for lives of Christian service.
Check out the GRACE WEBSITE at GraceLutheranSAZ.org
We are very pleased that you have joined us for worship today! We pray that this time will be a blessing for you as God comes to you with his Word and promises, and as you offer him your thanks and praise.
The 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 GraceLutheranSAZ.org/give. (You can also scan the QR code to the right to access the online giving page.)

Today we are using elements from the Christian Worship hymnal. If you would like to worship from a hymnal today, you will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each row; however, you do not need to use a hymnal if you so choose, as everything needed for worship is printed in this worship folder.
OUR WORSHIP SERIES—IDENTITY REVEALED
“Epiphany” comes from a Greek word that means “reveal.” It is the season when you see Jesus begin his public ministry, revealing the reason the Son of God came to earth. During Epiphany, you will come to understand that when the true identity of Jesus is revealed, you realize your own true identity as well.
During this season, our worship is following this path:
January 11
January 18
January 25
February 1
February 8
First Sunday after Epiphany
Second Sunday after Epiphany
Third Sunday after Epiphany
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
February 15 Transfiguration of Our Lord
OUR THEME FOR TODAY JESUS CALLS YOU BLESSED
Jesus Is the Christ, the Anointed One
Jesus Is the Lamb of God
Jesus Is the Light
Jesus Calls You Blessed
Jesus Calls You Salt and Light
Jesus Is the Son of God in Glory
You may not feel blessed when you are hungry or insulted or mourning the death of a loved one. You may not be in the mood to boast when you feel foolish, weak, or lowly. But knowing your difficulties, Jesus still chose you to be his own. He gives you many gifts, and he calls you blessed.
OPENING HYMN Praise the Almighty; My Soul, Adore Him Christian Worship 619






As our service begins, the minister speaks the words spoken at our baptisms and makes the sign of the cross, marking us anew as redeemed children of God.
Psalm 32:1-2
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed are they whose sin the Lord does not count against them.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
Let us confess our sins to the Lord.
Almighty and merciful Father, we have strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed what we have devised and desired in our hearts. We have offended you and sinned against your holy law. We have done those things that we should not have done, and we have not done those things that we should have done. Have mercy on us, Lord! Spare us, forgive us, and restore us, according to your promises in Christ Jesus.
Silence for meditation and reflection
Christ gave the authority to forgive the sins of penitent sinners to his church: “Whenever you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven.”
John 20:23
Mark 10:47
Kyrie is the Greek word for Lord. The expression “Lord, have mercy” is one of the oldest worship responses in the Christian Church.
God, our merciful Father, has forgiven all our sins. He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Redeemer and Savior. Jesus paid the penalty for our guilt by his death on the cross and freed us from death by his resurrection from the grave. We have peace with God now and forever.
Amen.
In peace let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
Amen.
HYMN RESPONSE—Christ Is the World’s Light Christian Worship 515




The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, look with mercy on our weaknesses, and in all our dangers and needs stretch out the right hand of your majesty to help and defend us; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever . Amen.
The Lord promises that those who trust him will not be put to shame.
Please be seated
3Seek the L , all you humble people of the earth who have carried out his commands. Seek righteousness. Seek humility. Maybe then you will be sheltered in the day of the L ’ s anger.
11In that day you will no longer bear the shame of your rebellions against me. Then I will remove the proud boasters from among you, and you will never again be arrogant on my holy hill. 12But I will leave among you the people who are humble and weak. They will seek refuge in the name of the L . 13The Israelites who remain will no longer act unjustly. They will not lie, and a deceitful tongue will not be found in their mouth. Instead, they will graze peacefully like sheep and lie down. No one will terrify them.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.


Frances R. Havergal, 1836–1879, alt. Tune: Henry W. Baker, 1821–1877. Text and tune: Public domain.
SECOND READING
1 Corinthians 1:26-31
26For example, consider your call, brothers. Not many of you were wise from a human point of view, not many were powerful, and not many were born with high status. 27But God chose the foolish things of the world to put to shame those who are wise. God chose the weak things of the world to put to shame the things that are strong, 28and God chose the lowly things of the world and the despised things, and the things that are not, to do away with the things that are, 29so that no one may boast before God. 30But because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us the wisdom from God, namely, our righteousness and sanctification and redemption. 31God did this so that, just as it is written, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Please stand
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia. Blessed are the poor in spirit, because theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Alleluia.
Matthew 5:3
God changes how we view ourselves by connecting us to Christ Jesus.
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King. The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
In the Beatitudes, our Savior turns the ideas of the world upside down.
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.
1When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up onto a mountain. When he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2He opened his mouth and began to teach them. He said these things.
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, because theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn, because they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the gentle, because they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, because they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful, because they will receive mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, because they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, because they will be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, because theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven. In fact, that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please greet those around you and then be seated
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
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.






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.
Matthew 5:1-12
The Nicene Creed was first developed in 325 at the First Council of Nicea. It was written to reaffirm the Biblical teaching of the divinity of Jesus, God’s Son. Like the Apostles’ and Athanasian Creeds, the Nicene Creed is a confession of what the Bible teaches.
Please stand
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Please be seated
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
Almighty God and Father, we thank you for all your mercies, especially for the gift of your Son, through whom you have revealed your gracious will. We praise you for the Holy Spirit and his working through the means of grace.
Plant your Word in our hearts, and cause it to produce fruit in our lives.
Strengthen and defend your Church, that by your Word and sacraments faith may grow and love toward all may increase.
Support all who spread the light of your truth throughout the world.
Keep our children in the grace of their baptisms. Enable their parents to train them in lives of faith.
Raise up Christians to serve you in the ministry of the Word and in all godly walks of life.
Preserve our nation in justice and honor. Guide and bless all who make, administer, and judge our laws.
Give them wisdom that they may promote justice and hinder evil.
Let your blessing rest on planting and harvest, commerce and industry, medicine and science, the arts and culture. Protect all who travel, and care for those whose work is difficult or dangerous.
Be with all who devote themselves to any useful task.
Comfort all who are in sorrow or need, sickness or adversity. Remember those who suffer persecution for the faith. Have mercy on those for whom death draws near. Grant them your love, and take them into your tender care.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
We remember with thanksgiving those who have loved and served you, who now rest from their labors. Console those who are mourning or living with sadness.
Keep us in the true faith, and bring us at last to the joys of heaven.
Grant us these things, Father, for the sake of Jesus, who died and rose again. Amen.
Please stand
The Preface to the Sacrament is one of the oldest parts of the Christian liturgy, dating back to the first century. As we prepare to receive Holy Communion, we are united with the Body of Christ, in an unbroken bond with Christians through the millennia.
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lived among us as a human being and revealed his glory as your only Son, full of grace and truth. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:
The Prophet Isaiah was given a vision of heaven, where seraphim praised God. In the Sanctus we welcome Jesus with our hosannas and praise.
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY




Lord God, you are worthy to receive thanks and praise from all people. You created the world and all who live in it, and in your mercy you saved us. We give thanks to you for the grace of your Son, Jesus Christ.
Though in very nature God, he took the nature of a servant and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. He offered himself as a sacrifice for sin and redeemed us from its curse and penalty. He rescued us from the terrors of death and restored eternal life with you. He conquered our enemies and gained for us the kingdom of grace and glory.
Bless us as we receive your Son’s body and blood, and lead us to remember his suffering, death, and resurrection. Forgive our sins and fill us with the hope of new life in heaven. Hear our praise and receive our thanks as we worship you the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my (+) body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is my (+) blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
The peace of the Lord be with you always.
Amen.
As he speaks the Words of Institution, the minister both proclaims the words of Jesus to the congregation and sets apart the bread and wine for this special use. The sign of the cross reminds us of Christ’s death.



Personal prayers for before and after communing are available on printed labels on the inside cover of the hymnals.
Please be seated
The Bible teaches that the Lord’s Supper is a unique communion of Christ and the individual believer as well as a coming together of people who hold to the same beliefs. Because of these Scriptural truths, we practice Member Communion at Grace. Those who are confirmed members of Wisconsin Synod congregations (WELS) are invited to receive the Lord’s Supper with us.
If you are not a WELS member but have an interest in receiving Holy Communion, please speak with the pastor after church today or at another time. We are aware that there are a number of other teachings about Holy Communion, and we want it to be a blessing for you, so we would look forward to sharing with you what God says about this Sacrament.
Please stand
Psalm 106:1
1 Corinthians 11:26
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures forever.
Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
O God the Father, source of all goodness, in your loving-kindness you sent your Son to share our humanity. We thank you that through him you have given us pardon and peace in this Sacrament. We also pray that you will not forsake us but will rule our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit so that we willingly serve you day after day; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
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
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.






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 at the end of your row in the hymnal rack.
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.
Jonah is one of the more interesting prophets of the Bible. Jonah is most famous for spending 3 days in the belly of a fish, but there was so much more to Jonah’s ministry. This study will walk us through the events of Jonah’s life recorded in scripture and ways that we can learn from the reluctant prophet. Please join us on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM in the CLC gymnasium. Even if you haven’t been to Bible study in a while, you are always welcome!
Sometimes it’s hard to answer people’s questions about God and faith. We’ll be discussing some of those difficult subjects tonight, at the request of several students. We meet from 7:00 to 8:00 PM in the Student Center at Grace-Tucson. The stairs below the TCM sign on the parking lot side of the church will take you there. If you have any questions or would like to be added to the TCM contact list, reach out to our campus pastor, Pastor Koehler: revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org or (520) 404-2620. For more information download the TCM app in the App Store or Play Store (search for WELS TCM).

One of our midweek Oasis Groups meets on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 AM in the church entryway. The goal of all Oasis Groups is to dig into the sermon during the week and build stronger relationships with fellow members. Our other Oasis Groups meet at various times throughout the week. Please sign up in the entryway.
Minister
Pastor Ryan Heiman Accompanist Laura Heiman Acknowledgements:
Join us on Wednesday for our study of Church History. We are considering the blessings and challenges in the Wisconsin Synod from 1950 to 1980. Even if you haven’t attended this class before, you are always welcome! We study together in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall at 10:00 AM and repeat the same material at 7:00 PM. Join us for whichever time fits your schedule best!
All ladies are invited to join Pastor Koehler for study and discussion of the book More Prepared to Answer (yours to keep at no cost) by Pastor Mark Paustian from 9:00 to 10:00 AM on Thursdays in the Fellowship Hall. Each week is an individual topic so you are able to jump in and out week-toweek as your schedule allows. Upcoming topics include: You just need life to mean something...and it doesn’t. You’re going to want me to evangelize? Why go through the motions of prayer and worship? These discussions will help us understand things better and be prepared to help others understand God’s answers.
In his infinite wisdom, our heavenly Father called home to heaven the soul of Grace member Bob Rentschler. A memorial service will be held this Saturday, February 7, at 11:00 AM at GraceTucson. A lunch will follow in the Fellowship Hall. Please keep Bob’s wife Nadine and their family in your prayers.
Please join us on Friday, February 13, at 6:00 PM for a Family Date Night at our Child Learning Center! We will enjoy dinner and make memories doing a family activity and having fun in a photo booth! Don’t miss this great family opportunity!


Ladies from all Grace sites are invited to attend the Women of Grace Valentine’s Tea on Saturday, February 14, at 11:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall. We host this event for all the WELS ladies in Tucson. Our speaker will be Sharon Hartmann from Redeemer. She will tell us about her experiences in our mission in Africa before coming to Tucson. Grace ladies are invited to decorate and set a table, and any theme is welcome. We need ten tables set for 6-8 people. We also provide a large array of brunch/lunch type food and desserts, and kitchen help is also needed. If you would like to help with any of these needs, please contact Adrienne Snavely at golong31@hotmail.com or 520-302-7840. We hope you can join us for this popular and fun event!
Wednesday midweek services will be held at Grace-Benson, Grace-Sahuarita, and Grace-Tucson beginning with Ash Wednesday on February 18 and continuing through March 25. You are also invited to join us for a Lenten Supper each Wednesday here at Grace-Sahuarita at 5:00 PM.
The theme of our midweek services is “It Is Finished.” This series explores the prophecies of Zechariah, offering an enriching look at our Savior Jesus, particularly as these prophecies relate to the events of Jesus’ Holy Week passion, death, and resurrection. The sermons and service themes will rotate among the various sites, so worshipers who attend more than one site could hear a sermon repeated.
Grace-Benson: 10 AM Lenten Worship Lunch to follow
Grace-Tucson: 10 AM & 7 PM Lenten Worship 6 PM Supper
Grace-Sahuarita: 4 PM & 6 PM Lenten Worship 5 PM Supper
This year’s all-site Chili Cook-Off will be held on Saturday, February 21, beginning at noon at our Benson location. Perfect your best chili recipe for the chance to be named the favorite! You may also bring a side dish or a dessert to share. Plan to join us for a fun afternoon of great food, fellowship, and friendly competition. Whether you’re bringing a pot of chili or just your appetite, everyone is welcome!

We have a special event coming up in March! The College Choir from Martin Luther College (our pastor/teacher/staff minister training college in New Ulm, MN) will be visiting Grace-Tucson on their upcoming spring tour! They will be with us for our worship service on Sunday, March 8, at 10:00 AM. Please note - we will have only one service at Grace-Tucson that day. Grace member Naomi Kassulke is a member of the choir.
The choir will perform their full concert titled “We Believe/The Nicene Creed in Song” on Saturday, March 7, at 7:00 PM at Redeemer Lutheran Church (8845 N. Silverbell Road). The program will include settings of familiar hymns, as well as selections by choral music composers representing a variety of musical styles. You are invited to attend.
Arizona Lutheran Academy’s 2026 “Game Show” Gala is a festive evening that includes dinner, games, and both silent and live auctions. The event benefits our students from across the state of Arizona, two Apache reservations, and four foreign countries. Our goal for this event is to raise $100,000 for our campus branding and improvements. Your investment will make a visible difference as we grow and expand! We hope you can join us on Saturday, March 28. Learn more at ALAcoyotes.org/gala.
Today

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.
Worship Services with communion.................7:45a & 10:00a
Adult Bible Study: Jonah 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a
Fellowship following worship Grow in Grace Class.....................................................11:30a
Wednesday Oasis Group 10:00a Grow in Grace Class 4:00p
Sunday, February 8
Worship Services 7:45a & 10:00a
Adult Bible Study: Forgiveness for the Unforgivable 9:00a Children’s Sunday School...............................................9:00a
Fellowship following worship
Grow in Grace Class 11:30a
VAIL
Today
Worship Service with communion 10:00a
Fellowship following worship
Adult Bible Study: Prayer ..............................................11:15a Grow in Grace Class 1:30p
Thursday
Oasis Group..................................................................11:00a Oasis Group....................................................................6:00p
Sunday, February 8
Worship Service 10:00a
Fellowship following worship....................................................
Adult Bible Study: Prayer 11:15a
Grow in Grace Class 1:30p
ONLINE Today
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Sunday, February 8
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) .............................................9:00a
Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
TUCSON Today
Worship Services with communion .................7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Idols We Never Knew We Had 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: 1 Peter 9:00a Fellowship following worship................................................... TCM Bible Study 7:00p Monday Grow in Grace Class 5:15p Tuesday Pastors’ Staff Meeting 9:00p Wednesday Midweek Bible Study: Church History .............10:00a & 7:00p Thursday Women’s Bible Study: More Prepared to Answer 9:00a College Student Grow in Grace Class............................2:00p Handbell Choir 5:30p Worship Choir 6:45p Saturday Bob Rentschler Memorial Service & Lunch 11:00a
Sunday, February 8 Worship Services 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Idols We Never Knew We Had 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: 1 Peter .................9:00a Fellowship following worship NO TCM Bible Study (resumes February 15)
BENSON Today Worship Service with communion 7:30a
Bible Study: Romans 8:45a Fellowship following worship...................................................
Midweek Bible Study: 10 Lies About God 10:00a Grow in Grace Class ......................................................5:30p
Sunday, February 8 Worship Service 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Romans 8:45a Fellowship following worship...................................................

Proclaiming the love of Jesus in Southern Arizona since 1911.
Grace-Tucson and Central Office
830 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719 (520)623-6633 office@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Ronald G. Koehler III revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Nathan P. Kassulke revnpk@gracelutheransaz.org
Administrative Assistant Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org
Worship Coordinator Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Sahuarita
75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538
Pastor Ryan A. Heiman revrah@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center (520)848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com
Director—Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail
Benson
451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602
Vail
Worshipping at Esmond Station Elementary 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, Tucson, AZ 85747
Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein revsas@gracelutheransaz.org
Office at Civano 10501 E. Seven Generations Way, Tucson, AZ 85747 (520)848-4631
Prayer Group—Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org
Caitlin Broehm, Toddlers cbroehm@gracelutheransaz.org
Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org
Theresa Pratt, Preschool tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org
Chris Leathers, After School Care cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org
Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr cinda@gracelutheransaz.org office@gracelutheransaz.org (520)581-4714

Grace Lutheran Church is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), a group of nearly 400,000 men, women, and children in nearly 1,300 congregations across the United States and Canada united by a common faith in Christ's saving love. We are committed to a common calling encouraging each other in our faith and sharing God's gift of a Savior with the rest of the world.