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Ash Wednesday February 14, 2018 7:00 PM

Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church Tucson, Arizona

Season of Lent The Lenten Season is observed during the six weeks prior to Easter. The traditional goal of Lent is to prepare believers for a proper celebration of the events of Holy Week, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The purple color of the altar paraments and vestments remind us that Lent is also a season of repentance. The Bible tells us that repentance is always the divine work of the Holy Spirit through the Law and the Gospel. The Law crucifies the old Adam, the sinful nature within us, and the Gospel raises up the new man, the new creation in us. For us, the Lenten focus on the cross and suffering of Jesus is not aimed at an emotional response. It is a pointed proclamation and confession of the Law and the Gospel, a preaching of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Lent is properly a season of repentance when it brings the cross to sinners and sinners to the cross of Christ as the fountain and source of forgiveness, life, and salvation. When we speak or preach from the “Passion of Christ,” we are speaking or preaching about Christ’s suffering and death on Calvary’s cross for the sins of the world. Yes, the Passion is about the purple robe and the crown of thorns; Christ carrying his cross; the soldiers with their hammers, the nails, and the spear; and Christ’s words from the cross. But more than the objects and events, the Passion is about Jesus taking on himself the sins of the world and then experiencing to the fullest degree the Father’s just wrath upon that sin. It is about forgiveness and salvation graciously offered in view of the shed blood of Calvary.

Ash Wednesday Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent. Ashes were used by God’s people to show repentance. The day derives its name from the practice of repentant people receiving ashes on their forehead. This practice goes back to at least the 8th century A.D.

Parts of the service designated "L" are for the Leader (Pastor). The Congregation is invited to join in the parts marked "G" for "Group."

WELCOME TO WORSHIP

Please stand

CONFESSION OF SINS L: Our help is in the name of the Lord, G: who made heaven and earth. L: Let us confess our sins in the presence of God and of one another.

Silence for self-examination

L: G:

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we have sinned against you in our thoughts, in our words, in our deeds, and in all that we have not done. Forgive us in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Deliver and restore us, that we may rest in peace. By the mercy of God we are redeemed by Jesus Christ, and in him we are forgiven. Let us rest in his peace until the rising of the sun when we shall serve him in newness of life. Amen.

Please be seated

HYMN

FIRST LESSON The Lord sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, “There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him. Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him.” David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, “As surely as the Lord lives, the man who did this must die! He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.” Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I

Enslaved by Sin and Bound in Chains Christian Worship #102

2 Samuel 12:1-13 delivered you from the hand of Saul. I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you all Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’ This is what the Lord says: ‘Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity on you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will sleep with your wives in broad daylight. You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.’” Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.”

RESPONSIVE READING FROM PSALM 51 L: G:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love.

L: G:

Wash away all my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

L: G:

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.

L: G:

Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight.

L: G:

Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

L: G:

Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquity.

L: G:

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

PSALM PRAYER L: G:

Almighty and merciful Father, you freely forgive those who, as David of old, acknowledge and confess their sins. Create in us pure hearts, and wash away all our sins in the blood of your dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

SECOND LESSON Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. Then some young

Acts 5:1-11 men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.” Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

Please stand

GOSPEL To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

Luke 18:9-14 But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Please be seated

HYMN

Lord, to You I Make Confession Christian Worship #302

SERMON

Hebrews 1:1-3 Jesus Christ Is Our Great High Priest

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s

glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

Please stand

SERMON RESPONSE

Please be seated

OFFERING Members of Grace respond to their Savior’s love with offerings that are given joyfully, generously, regularly, and in a way that is proportionate to how the Lord has blessed them. Their cheerful gifts support the mission and ministry of our congregation. If you are a guest tonight, please know that we do not expect you to contribute to our congregation’s work. However, if you would like to give an offering to the Lord in response to his love to you, we are happy to receive it and put it to work in God’s kingdom. Please fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder at the end of the pew and pass it along. Thank You! If you prefer, use your smart phone to give online by scanning this QR code.

Please stand

PRAYER

G G

G 6

LORD'S PRAYER

THE LORD'S SUPPER Tonight we celebrate the Lord's Supper. Jesus urges all who receive it to do so in a worthy manner in order to receive the blessings he promises. He also gives warning that no one receive it to their judgment. If you are a guest at Grace tonight and not a member of another Wisconsin Synod congregation, we would ask that you speak with one of the pastors about a time to discuss what exactly God says about Holy Communion before you come to the Lord's table. We look forward to that opportunity!

WORDS OF INSTITUTION L:

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.

Please be seated

DISTRIBUTION

Please stand

GOSPEL CANTICLE: SONG OF SIMEON

BLESSING L: G:

The almighty and merciful Lord—the Father, the Son, ( ) and the Holy Spirit—bless us and keep us. Amen.

Please be seated

CLOSING HYMN

Jesus, My Great High Priest Christian Worship #359 8

Those Assisting in Worship this Evening Worship Leader ............................................................................ Pastor Ron Koehler Communion Assistant ................................................................ Pastor Nathan Kassulke Accompanist ....................................................................................... Elaine Goldie Ushers .................................... Danny Koehler, Dylan Guenther, Ferdie Kramm, Ed Ethington Sound and Recording Tech .................................................................. Jeremy Snavely Altar Prep ............................................ Lauri Colton, Audrey Nessinger, Jeanette Oâ€™Donald

Grace-Tucson Office: 520-623-6633 Email: office@gracelutheransaz.org www.GraceLutheranSAZ.org 9

Lenten Services Wednesday midweek services will be held at Grace-Benson, GraceSahuarita, and Grace-Tucson every Wednesday through March 21. The theme for our services is “Jesus Christ Is Our Great High Priest.” The sermons and service themes will rotate among the various sites, so worshipers who attend more than one site could hear a sermon repeated. See the schedule below for next week. February 21 Grace-Benson

6 PM 7 PM

Supper Lenten Worship

“Jesus Our Great High Priest Makes Us Priests”

Grace-Sahuarita 10 AM Lenten Worship 6 PM Supper 7 PM Lenten Worship

“Jesus Is Our Self-Sacrificing High Priest”

Grace-Tucson

“Jesus Is Our Perfect High Priest”

10 AM Lenten Worship 6 PM Supper 7 PM Lenten Worship

“Jesus Is Our Self-Sacrificing High Priest”

“Jesus Is Our Perfect High Priest”

We need volunteers to host the meals at Grace-Tucson (individuals, families, groups, or any combination). There is a sign-up sheet posted in the Fellowship Hall as well as an information sheet which explains how to host one of these meals. You may also contact the church office at 623-6633 if you’re interested in helping.

Holy Week Schedule Maundy Thursday

Easter Sunday

Thursday, March 29

Sunday, April 1

10:00 AM & 7:00 PM at Grace-Tucson 7:00 PM at Grace-Benson 7:00 PM at Grace-Sahuarita

Grace-Benson Sunrise Worship—7:30 AM Easter Breakfast—8:30 AM

Good Friday

Grace-Sahuarita Outdoor Festival Worship—9:00 AM Easter Breakfast—10:00 AM

Friday, March 30 7:00 PM at Grace-Sahuarita Tenebrae Service (Service of Darkness) 7:00 PM at Grace-Tucson Worshippers are asked to leave this church service in silence, leaving in stillness and darkness until the dawn of a glorious Easter Day. Please visit with friends and family prior to entering church for worship.

Grace-Tucson Sunrise Worship—7:00 AM Easter Breakfast—8:00 AM Easter Concert—9:00 AM Festival Worship—10:00 AM Grace-Vail Easter Breakfast—9:00 AM Festival Worship—10:00 AM

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 callingâ€”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