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The Sixth Sunday after Epiphany

Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church Sahuarita, Arizona

February 13, 2022

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 its entirety 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 new Christian Worship hymnal. You will find these new 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. We hope this will help our members and friends become better acquainted with these new books. Our Epiphany Series—Uncovered We are in the season of the church year called Epiphany, a Greek word that means “to appear.” Salvation has appeared in the person of Jesus Christ. In Epiphany, the church explores everything that Christ makes apparent about God. You see, we need God to appear to us and make himself known to us. For not only is God beyond our understanding, his works and ways are contrary to mankind’s natural assumptions about him. In other words, the truth of God cannot possibly be discovered by us. Rather, it needs to be uncovered for us. That’s what the Spirit is doing for us during this season of Epiphany. Week after week, surprising truths about Jesus our King and life in his kingdom will be uncovered. ANOINTING UNCOVERED: What the eye sees differs from what God decrees DELIGHT UNCOVERED: God delivers more than we ask, not less RECEPTION UNCOVERED: Rejection is not the exception but the rule AGENDA UNCOVERED: What must be said, not what others want to hear UNCOVERED MESSENGERS: The least qualified are the first sent DEFINITIONS UNCOVERED: Blessings are cursed; curses are blessed REACTIONS UNCOVERED: Love your enemies; overcome evil with good GLORY UNCOVERED: When it is most hidden, it is most on display

Our Theme for Today—DEFINITIONS UNCOVERED: Blessings are cursed; curses are blessed When someone is new to something, there is a period of orientation. For example, when someone takes up a new game or sport, they need to first learn the rules. Likewise, when someone is a new disciple of Jesus, a period of orientation follows. It's necessary, because by nature we assume that Jesus' kingdom works the same way the world works. The truth that is uncovered this week is that the principles on which Jesus' kingdom runs are the exact opposite of the principles of the world. That which the world considers to be a blessing can often be a curse. And that which the world calls bad, God always uses for the good of those he loves.

ORDER OF WORSHIP WELCOME OPENING HYMN

Afflicted Saint, to Christ Draw Near Christian Worship #867 The minister and vocalist will sing stanzas 1 and 2 followed by the refrain. Then the congregation will join in singing stanza 3 (with refrain) and stanza 4 (with refrain).

The order of service we are following today comes from Setting 3, which can be found on page 188 in the hymnal.

Please stand

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

Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed are they whose sin the Lord does not count against them.

M: C:

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.

Psalm 32:1-2

Silence for meditation and reflection

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.

LORD, HAVE MERCY M: C:

In peace let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

M: C:

For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

Kyrie

“Kyrie” is the Greek word for “Lord.” The expression “Lord, have mercy” is one of the oldest worship responses in the Christian Church.

M: C: M:

Please join in singing this song this morning. Christians praise God by proclaiming the great things he has done to accomplish our rescue from sin. The “Gloria in Excelsis,” Latin for “Glory to God in the Highest,” has been a Christian song of worship since the 4th century. It echoes the words the angels proclaimed to the shepherds in Luke 2:14.

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.

M: C:

Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord. Amen.

GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST

Gloria in Excelsis Christian Worship 191

THE WORD PRAYER OF THE DAY M: C:

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.

Please be seated

A blessed life is not connected to outward circumstances like physical health or wealth. Rather, the one who is blessed is the one who has been given the gift of faith, whose trust is in the Lord.

FIRST READING 5

7 8

This is what the Lord says. Cursed is anyone who trusts in mankind, who seeks his strength from human flesh, and who turns his heart away from the Lord. He will be like a juniper bush in the wasteland. He will not see good things when they come. He lives in a dry place in the wilderness, in a salty land where no one lives. But blessed is anyone who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by water. It sends out its roots to the stream. It does not fear the heat when it comes. Its leaves will remain green. It is not concerned about a time of drought. It does not stop producing fruit.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Jeremiah 17:5-8

HYMN

Blest Are They Christian Worship #690

SECOND READING

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me, so that I would not become arrogant. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that he would take it away from me. 9 And he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, because my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will be glad to boast all the more in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may shelter me.

Paul had some infirmity he initially viewed as a weakness. He came to see it as a blessing as it forced him to rely on God’s strength.

That is why I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For whenever I am weak, then am I strong. M: C:

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Please stand

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Psalm 121:8

Please join in singing the Refrain (Alleluias). The minister will sing the italicized verse.

The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.

Minister: The L will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Refrain (ALL) Tune: © 2010, 2021 GFTSMUSIC Publishing Company, Inc., admin. Music Services. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199

In one of his most famous sermons Jesus teaches that the good things we seek are found in places we would least expect.

GOSPEL

Luke 6:17-26

He went down with them and stood on a level place with a large crowd of his disciples and a large number of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, as well as from the coastal area of Tyre and Sidon. These people came to listen to him and to be healed of their diseases. 18 Those who were troubled by unclean spirits were also cured. 19 The whole crowd kept trying to touch him, because power was going out from him and healing them all. 20

He lifted up his eyes to his disciples and said: Blessed are you who are poor, because yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, because you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, because you will laugh. Blessed are you whenever people hate you, and whenever they exclude and insult you and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man.

“Rejoice in that day and leap for joy because of this: Your reward is great in heaven! The fact is, their fathers constantly did the same things to the prophets.” 24 But woe to you who are rich, because you are receiving your comfort now. 25 Woe to you who are well fed now, because you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, because you will be mourning and weeping. 26 Woe to you when all people speak well of you, because that is how their fathers constantly treated the false prophets. M: C:

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

Please be seated

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Please fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder in your row and pass it along. Thank you!

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

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.

Day by Day Christian Worship #803

SERMON Luke 6:17-26 Uncovered: Why are blessings the woes the opposite of our expecations?

Please stand

CONFESSION OF FAITH C:

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.

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.

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

M: Eternal Lord, give us peace as we ponder the good news that you forgive our sins in Christ. Lead us to see clearly the path you have laid out for us. C: Work in us so that we believe and live the Word we have heard today. M: Provide courage and compassion to all who preach and teach your Word. Fill them with a love like yours as they proclaim your grace to us and all people. C: Move us to love all ministers of the Word wherever they serve. M: Guard and guide the families of our congregation. Lead husbands and wives to love each other with commitment, respect, and patience. Help parents to grasp the eternal value of keeping their children close to Jesus all their lives. Grant joy to those who are single, and make them a blessing to others. C: Protect us from the temptations that surround us; give us pure hearts and minds. M: Provide wisdom and insight to those who make laws and set policies. Give us respect for those who protect us from crime. Lead us to value the rights of our fellow citizens and to defend those who cannot defend themselves. C: Bless our land with peace and prosperity so that the gospel may be proclaimed to all. M:

C: M:

Give us passion to share the story of your love with our family and friends. Overcome unbelief, and open the hearts of people everywhere to believe the good news that Jesus has forgiven their sins and opened the gates of heaven. Fill us with joy over every sinner who repents and comes to trust in you.

Extend your healing power to those who are sick and suffering in body or mind. (Pour out your special blessing on…) Give patience and compassion to all who care for the sick and dying. Lift the eyes of the distressed to your love in Christ.

Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.

Silent prayer M: C:

Gracious God, you govern and direct all things and you love all people. Hear our prayers, spoken and silent, and answer them in your wisdom and grace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Please stand

CLOSING PRAYER

Almighty God, we thank you for teaching us the things you want us to believe and do. Help us by your Holy Spirit to keep your Word in pure hearts that we may be strengthened in faith, guided in holiness, and comforted in life and in death, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

BLESSING M:

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

Amen.

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

Please be seated

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CLOSING HYMN

How Firm a Foundation Christian Worship #800

We Thank Those Assisting in Worship This Morning: Minister ..................................................................................... Pastor Ryan Heiman Accompanist and Vocalist ................................................................. Teri Guenther Greeters .............................................................................................. Erdmann/Hiles Ushers ................................................................................................. Erdmann/Hiles Church Cleaning ......................................................................................... Huebner Sound and Recording Tech ................................................................... Bob Breiler Acknowledgements: Setting Three from Christian Worship. Scripture readings are taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) © 2018 The Wartburg Project. All rights reserved. wartburgproject.org. Copyrighted music reprinted with permission under One License #A-710199. All rights reserved. Created by Christian Worship: Service Builder © 2022 Concordia Publishing House. Software distributed in partnership with Northwestern Publishing House.

TODAY Children’s Church

Children ages 1-8 will be dismissed from our worship service today following the Lord’s Prayer to attend Children’s Church. Parents, following worship, please pick your child up from the gymnasium in the CLC building.

Friendship Register

We 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 isle in the hymnal rack.

Fellowship

Please join us in the entryway for drinks and snacks following our worship service. If you would like to host this fellowship on a future Sunday, please sign the sheet in the entryway.

Sunday Morning Bible Study

We have begun a new Bible Study on the Book of Judges. A theme throughout the book of Judges is: “Everyone did evil in the eyes of the Lord.” While this book is about the time of the judges, which was almost 4000 years ago, we can see many comparisons to our time. Today many people still “do evil in the eyes of the Lord.” We will learn about the hope and deliverance God offered to his people through the judges then and in his word now. Plan to join us on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM in the CLC gymnasium.

Devotional Books

Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are available to pick up on the Welcome Desk in the entryway. A new Meditations book with devotions that begin on February 27 is available.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Monday Evening Services

Our 6:00 PM Monday evening worship services here at Grace-Sahuarita are scheduled to continue through the spring. This service provides another alternative for those who may not be able to worship on Sunday. Members who regularly worship at any Grace sites are welcome to make use of this weeknight service.

Wednesday Bible Study

We are currently studying the Book of Philippians. The congregation in Philippi struggled with selfcenteredness. Paul explains his situation in prison as an example of sacrifice. He then encourages the believers to act out of love for one another and in the hope that Christ gives them. This book has many applications to a modern Christian’s life. Please join us on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 AM in the church entryway!

Women’s Bible Study: Thursday

It might surprise some to know how highly God speaks of women in the Bible and how much he prizes them. The secular world certainly does not characterize Christianity and the Bible that way. Perhaps you have not always felt that women are precious to God or have been uncertain about the God-given roles for men and women. All ladies are invited to join Pastor Koehler for a comprehensive look at the many things God has to say about the importance and value of women and get to know some of the Bible’s notable women. This class, The Precious Position of a Woman of God, will meet on Thursday at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall.

Ladies’ Valentine’s Tea: February 19

Ladies from all Grace sites are invited to join together for fun and fellowship at the Women of Grace Valentine’s Tea THIS Saturday, February 19 at 11:30 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall! Ladies from our sister WELS congregations are invited as well. Grace ladies are asked to provide brunch/lunch type food and dessert. Please contact Adrienne Snavely at golong31@hotmail.com or (520)3027840 to let her know what you would like to bring. Plan now to join us for this popular and fun event!

ANNOUNCEMENTS Arizona Lutheran Academy Gala: March 26

Our area Lutheran high school, Arizona Lutheran Academy (ALA), is hosting its 11th annual Gala on Saturday, March 26. The goal is to support ALA students by raising funds for campus improvements. The evening will include outdoor dining, entertainment, and a silent and live auction Please consider how you might support ALA’s students by contributing to Arizona Lutheran Academy’s 2022 Gala and auction. Your donation of a service or hand-crafted item would be welcome! Do you own a timeshare? Are you a season ticket holder? Join with friends in your Bible study to purchase gift cards to popular tourist spots near you! Your gift of any new item will support the students at Arizona Lutheran Academy. Would you prefer to give a cash gift directly to campus improvements? Your gift will support ALA students. Visit ALAcoyotes.org/gala to donate or learn more.

Apacheland Mission Trip: March 5-6

Tucson Campus Ministry is hosting a weekend mission trip to the San Carlos Reservation of Apacheland for all college and college-age individuals. Exact details are still pending, but the basic idea is we’ll leave on Saturday morning, drive the two hours to the mission field and spend the day doing our project. After bunking for the night, we will attend worship at one of Grace’s sister churches on the reservation before returning to Tucson on Sunday evening. This still allows UA students to enjoy their spring break from March 7-13. If you have any questions or would already like to RSVP, email Campus Pastor Tim.

Mission Trip: June

This is YOUR opportunity to share the gospel! We are looking for members who would like to join Grace-Tucson Outreach Coordinator, Holly Vaden, to witness to Mormons with Truth In Love Ministries this June in Salt Lake City, Utah on a one week mission trip. Space is filling up! If you would like to know more or to reserve your spot, please call or text Holly at (208)922-9884 or email at holence1@yahoo.com.

ACSTO Donations for Grace Members

Thank you to the many members who make use of the Arizona Tuition Tax Credit to support our students at Redeemer Lutheran School and Arizona Lutheran Academy! It has been especially helpful to have donations recommended for a specific student at one of these schools. The Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization (ACSTO) has made it even easier to help our member students specifically. While recommendations cannot be guaranteed (by law), you can recommend that your donation be used to support “Grace Lutheran Southern AZ” members. ACSTO will use that recommendation in the process of directing funds, and will have the full list of Grace members attending schools where they are eligible to receive the awards. You can even find this option in the drop-down menu of the online donation form at the ACSTO website, www.ACSTO.org. Remember that this option is available to those who have state tax liability in Arizona and allows them to receive a tax credit up to the full amount of their donation. Grace member Jeff Weinstein (520-909-7649, JeffWeinstein@ACSTO.org) is also an employee of ACSTO. He is able to help answer questions you may have.

This schedule is subject to change. Please watch your email for the most up-to-date information or call the church office at (520)623-6633 if you have questions.

This Week at Grace February 13 - February 20 SAHUARITA Today Adult Bible Study: Book of Judges ................................. 9:00a Children’s Sunday School............................................... 9:00a Worship Service ............................................................ 10:00a Monday Worship Service .............................................................. 6:00p Wednesday Midweek Bible Study: Philippians ................................. 10:00a Next Sunday Adult Bible Study: Book of Judges ................................. 9:00a Children’s Sunday School............................................... 9:00a Worship Service with communion................................. 10:00a VAIL Today Children’s Sunday School............................................... 9:00a Adult Bible Study ............................................................ 9:00a Worship Service ............................................................ 10:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... Thursday Midweek Bible Study: The Means of Grace ................... 6:00p Next Sunday Children’s Sunday School............................................... 9:00a Adult Bible Study ............................................................ 9:00a Worship Service with communion................................. 10:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... BENSON Today Worship Service.............................................................. 7:30a Bible Study following worship: Galatians ................................. Wednesday NO Midweek Bible Study Next Sunday Worship Service with communion .................................. 7:30a Bible Study following worship: Galatians ................................. OFF-SITE EVENT Monday Pastors’ Circuit Meeting at Holy Cross, Tucson ............. 9:00a

TUCSON Today Worship Services............................................. 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour ...................................................... 8:45a Little Lambs .................................................................... 9:00a Adult Bible Study: Here We Stand ................................. 9:00a Grow in Grace Class ............................................................... Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study ............................... 9:00a Fellowship following 10:00a service ........................................ NO TCM Bible Study Monday Church Office Closed ....................................... 10:00a-12:00p English Classes .............................................................. 6:30p Tuesday Weekly Pastors’ Meeting ................................................ 9:00a Ministry Board Meeting ................................................... 6:15p English Classes .............................................................. 6:30p Wednesday Midweek Bible Study: Church History ............. 10:00a & 7:00p Thursday Women’s Bible Study ..................................................... 9:00a The Precious Position of a Woman of God Handbell Choir ................................................................ 5:30p Worship Choir ................................................................. 6:45p Saturday Campus Ministry Committee Meeting .................. 8:00a-5:00p Ladies’ Valentine Tea ................................................... 11:30a Next Sunday Worship Services with communion ................. 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour ...................................................... 8:45a Adult Bible Study: Campus Ministry Presentation .......... 9:00a Grow in Grace Class ...................................................... 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study ............................... 9:00a Fellowship following 10:00a service TCM Bible Study: Student’s Choice ............................... 7:00p ONLINE Today Adult Bible Study: Here We Stand ................................. 9:00a Worship Service (Tucson and Sahuarita)..................... 10:00a Next Sunday Adult Bible Study: Campus Ministry Presentation .......... 9:00a Worship Services (Tucson and Sahuarita)................... 10:00a

One Church. Four Sites. 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

revrah@gracelutheransaz.org

revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org

Pastor Ryan A. Heiman Child Learning Center

revnpk@gracelutheransaz.org

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

Pastor Timothy L. Patoka (Campus Ministry)

Director—Laura Heiman

Pastor Nathan P. Kassulke

revtlp@gracelutheransaz.org

Grace-Benson 451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602

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

Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein

director@gracelutheransaz.org

Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher cinda@gracelutheransaz.org (520)405-3286

Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org

revsas@gracelutheransaz.org

Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke

Office at Civano

music@gracelutheransaz.org

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

Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr

Prayer Group—Laura Hodgson

office@gracelutheransaz.org

prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org

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.

For more information about our synod and what we believe visit: www.wels.net