THE FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT
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18, 2024
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Welcome to Grace! Our mission at Grace is to teach the inspired and inerrant Word of God, to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Savior of the world, and to nurture believers for lives of Christian service. Check out the GRACE WEBSITE at GraceLutheranSAZ.org WORSHIP NOTES We are very pleased that you have joined us for worship today! We pray that this time will be a blessing for you as God comes to you with his Word and promises, and as you offer him your thanks and praise. The 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 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—RETHINKING RELIGION Everyone has assumptions about God. Likewise, everyone has assumptions about religion. Increasingly, those assumptions are negative. Americans are walking away from Christianity in breathtaking numbers. How do those people know if their assumptions about religion are correct? Do they really understand Christianity at all? Do we? Do we truly understand this religion? In the season of Lent, as much as any other, Jesus teaches things that turn the world’s assumptions about religion completely upside down. We call it “Christianity.” So, in this holy season, let us go straight to Christ and let him replace assumptions with truth. Jesus, help us rethink religion! Our worship will follow these themes: Rethinking Trials, Tests, and Temptations Rethinking Suffering under the Cross Rethinking the Worth of Worship Rethinking the Solution to Sin Rethinking Devoted Commitment Rethinking Real Strength
THEME FOR TODAY—RETHINKING TRIALS, TESTS, AND TEMPTATIONS “If God loves us, why doesn’t he remove all the trials and tests and temptations that we face?” That question demonstrates the religious assumption that those things are bad. They aren’t. In the hands of a loving God, they are tools by which he refines our faith. He uses tests as a way to compel us to be less self-reliant, and instead trust in his strength. He uses trials to teach us that this broken world is not our true home. God even takes Satan’s temptations and uses them for our good.
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Trials, tests, and temptations are not exceptions to God’s love. That’s a false assumption! These are examples of God’s love. Proof is that God allowed his beloved Son Jesus to face trials and temptations, so that he might be our perfect savior and substitute.
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP + WELCOME
OPENING HYMN—I Leave All Things to God’s Direction
Christian Worship 799
Text: tr. August Crull, 1845–1923, alt.; Salomo Franck, 1659–1725, abr. Tune: Georg C. Neumark, 1621–1681. 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. 2
CONFESSION Psalm 32:1-2
Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed are they whose sin the Lord does not count against them. Let us confess our sins to the Lord.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
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.
LORD, HAVE MERCY
Kyrie
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.
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PRAYER OF THE DAY The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. Mighty God and Father, our Lord Jesus walked into the wilderness to face the devil’s temptations, but he did not succumb to Satan’s lies or falter in his resolve to save the world from the prison of hell. Bolster our faith by his mighty victory that we may battle against the forces of evil with courage and confidence; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
The Gloria (Glory to God in the Highest), which we often sing following the Kyrie, is traditionally omitted during the season of Lent, as our rejoicing is more muted and quiet during this season. We look forward with joyful anticipation to Easter Day when our most jubilant songs of praise will return.
Amen.
Please be seated
+ HOLY BAPTISM + THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Our Savior Jesus Christ commanded Baptism when he said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20
In the Gospel of Mark we hear:
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.
Mark 10:13-16
All of us are born into this world with a deep need for Baptism. From our parents we inherit a sinful nature; we are without true fear of God and true faith in God and are condemned to eternal death. But while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. He took away our sin by giving his life on the cross. In Baptism, he clothes us with the robe of his righteousness and gives us a new life. 4
RITE OF BAPTISM Christiano Jaime, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Receive the sign of the cross on the head and heart (+) to mark you as one redeemed by Christ the crucified. The almighty God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given you the new birth of water and the Spirit and has forgiven all your sins. May he strengthen you with his grace all the days of your life. Peace be with you.
EXHORTATIONS The minister addresses the parents:
Mark and Alexa, our Lord Jesus Christ, in instituting Baptism, not only commanded that children should be baptized, but that they should be taught to obey everything he has commanded us. I therefore ask you: Do you intend to bring up Christiano in the way of the Lord and to instruct him in the truths of God’s saving Word so that he may grow in faith, serve God with a Christian life, and remain in his baptismal grace all the days of his life? If you are willing to do so, answer: “Yes, and I ask God to help me.” Yes, and I ask God to help me. The minister addresses the congregation:
Brothers and sisters in Christ, this child has been baptized into the family of believers, the holy Christian Church. It is our privilege and responsibility to care for the children of our congregation, to remember them in our prayers, to encourage their parents in their God-given work, and to demonstrate a Christian life. If you are willing to do so, answer: “Yes, and we ask God to help us.” Yes, and we ask God to help us.
PRAYER Let us pray. We give thanks, most merciful Father, that you have received Christiano as your own child and made him a member of Christ’s body, the church. Now, we pray, grant to him and to all your church on earth that, being dead to sin, we may live to righteousness and, being buried with Christ into his death, we may also share in his resurrection, so that, with all your saints, we may inherit eternal life; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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+ RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS + The minister addresses the new members:
Friends in Christ, After a review and instruction in the simple teachings of the Bible and our Lutheran church, you have requested to become members of this congregation. You have come to worship today to confess your unity with us and to take your place as a part of this faith community. I now ask you: Do you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? If so, answer: I do. I do. Do you believe that the teachings of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod and this congregation, as you have come to know them, are faithful to the Word of God? If so, answer: I do. I do. Do you desire to remain faithful to the teachings of Christ, be diligent in the use of God’s Word and sacraments, and lead a godly life as the Lord gives you strength? If so, answer: I do, and I ask God to help me. I do, and I ask God to help me. Is it your desire to join us in worship and mission and support this work with your prayers and gifts? If so, answer: It is, and I ask God to help me. It is, and I ask God to help me. With sincere joy we welcome you as members of Grace Lutheran Church. The minister addresses the congregation:
Brothers and sisters, As we welcome Mark and Alexa to our Christian family, I encourage you in the name of Jesus to keep them in your minds, hold them in your hearts, and pray for them again and again. Show them the face of friendship and offer them a hand of support. Encourage them with your “works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
Ephesians 4:12-13
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PRAYER We pray. Gracious Father, we thank you for leading Mark and Alexa to desire to become members of our congregation and for giving them joy to confess their faith to us. Guide us with your wisdom as we worship and work together. Mold our minds and hearts in a single Christ-like will so that we may be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The peace of Christ be with us all.
Amen.
+ THE WORD + God gives Abraham a test which will demonstrate who Abraham loves and trusts most.
FIRST READING 1
Genesis 22:1-18
Some time later God tested Abraham. He called to him, “Abraham!”
Abraham answered, “I am here.” 2
God said, “Now take your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains there, the one to which I direct you.” 3
Abraham got up early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, along with Isaac his son. Abraham split the wood for the burnt offering. Then he set out to go to the place that God had told him about. 4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5
Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go on over there. We will worship, and then we will come back to you.” 6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and loaded it on Isaac his son. He took the firepot and the knife in his hand. The two of them went on together. 7
Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father?”
He said, “I am here, my son.” He said, “Here are the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” 8
This reading continues on the next page.
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Abraham said, “God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them went on together. 9 They came to the place that God had told him about. Abraham built the altar there. He arranged the wood, tied up Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar on top of the wood. 10 Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son.
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The Angel of the L Abraham!”
called to him from heaven, “Abraham,
Abraham said, “I am here.” 12
He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy. Do not do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” 13
Abraham looked around and saw that behind him there was a ram caught in the thicket by its horns. Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 Abraham called the name of that place “The L Will Provide.” So it is said to this day, “On the mountain of the L it will be provided.” 15
The Angel of the L called to Abraham a second time from heaven and said, “I have sworn by myself, declares the L , because you have done this thing and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will bless you greatly, and I will multiply your descendants greatly, like the stars of the sky and like the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the city gates of their enemies. 18 In your seed all the nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” 16
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
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HYMN—Lamb of God
Christian Worship 550
Please join in singing this hymn with the Children’s Choir.
Text and tune: Twila Paris, b. 1958 © 1985 Mountain Spring/Straightway Music, admin. CapitolCMGPublishing,com. Used by permission: CCLI no. 3095236.
The proof of God’s love is not that he removes all our trouble. The proof of God’s love is that he gave us his Son. If he did that, nothing can separate us from God’s love.
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SECOND READING 31
Romans 8:31-39
What then will we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also graciously give us all things along with him?
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Who will bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies! 34 Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus, who died and, more than that, was raised to life, is the one who is at God’s right hand and who is also interceding for us! 35 What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 Just as it is written: Psalm 44:22
For your sake we are being put to death all day long. We are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. 37
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor rulers, neither things present nor things to come, nor powerful forces, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Please stand
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Hebrews 4:15
We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses; we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
GOSPEL
Mark 1:12-15
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The Spirit immediately sent Jesus out into the wilderness. 13 He was in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels were serving him. 14
After John was put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. 15 “The time is fulfilled,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near! Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Sometimes we fail to stand firm in trial and temptation. But by grace the kingdom of God is still ours because Jesus, as our substitute, perfectly overcame all of Satan’s temptations.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ. 10
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—Why Should Cross and Trial Grieve Me Christian Worship 831 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.
This hymn continues on the next page.
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Tune: Johann G. Ebeling, 1637–1676. Text: Paul Gerhardt, 1607–1676, abr. English translation: (sts. 1–3) Christian Worship, 1993. Public domain. (st. 4) Stephen P. Starke, b. 1955 © 2004 Stephen P. Starke, admin. Concordia Publishing House; (st. 5): tr. Harlyn J. Kuschel, b. 1945 © 1993 Harlyn J. Kuschel, admin. Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
SERMON
Mark 1:12-15 Does Being a Christian Mean Tests and Trials?
CONFESSION OF FAITH
Nicene Creed
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.
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.
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. 12
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH Gracious Father, after his baptism your Son faced the stern attacks of Satan who tried to derail his journey to the cross. On this day we rejoice in Jesus’ victory in the wilderness and praise him for his ultimate triumph over the works of the devil. Send us your Spirit that we may believe this truth and apply it in our lives. Satan and his followers seek to overturn our faith and love every day. Their goal is to separate us from your presence and destroy our relationship with your Son. Give us wisdom to be alert for their attacks and recognize the danger they bring. Protect us as we endure temptation. Keep us from becoming Satan’s victims. Forgive us and restore us when we give in to him. Make our faith stronger than it is now so that we might know more and more that Jesus matters most to us in life and death. Give us wisdom and power to follow him and do his will. Keep us from thinking that sins are harmless and cannot lead us away from him. According to your will, Lord, curb the influence of Satan in our world and society. Help people to grasp the appalling effects of his power and to refrain from doing wicked and harmful deeds.
Come to the aid of those who are the objects of devilish power. Give us courage to warn those we love about the dangers of the devil’s temptations. Lead us to speak the truth in love so that family members and friends may discern evil and step back from error and sin. Move us to share the horror of Satan’s power honestly and to offer your forgiveness in love. Keep in your care all who are struggling with pain, battling with sickness, and facing death. Spare your people from Satan’s temptations in their difficult hours and strengthen them with the promise of your Son’s ultimate victory over sin, death, and the grave. Help us to support them when we can and to keep them in our prayers. Protect us, gracious God, from the power of Satan, the allure of the world, and the seduction of our sinful nature. Cause us to believe that we are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Please stand
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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. 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—Jesus, Still Lead On
Christian Worship 842
Text: tr. Jane L. Borthwick, 1813–1897, alt.; Nicolaus L. von Zinzendorf, 1700–1760, adapt. Tune: Adam Drese, 1620–1701. Text and tune: Public domain.
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TODAY 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
Timely Topics…Every day the news shares something controversial that might spark conversations among Christians and non-Christians. What does God say about these topics? This Bible study will look at what is being said by society and what God says about 6 timely topics like Global Warming, Gender Identity and Politics. If you haven’t been to Bible study in a while, now is a great time to join this study on current events. Please join us in the CLC gymnasium on Sundays at 9:00 AM.
Daily Devotions
Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are on the Welcome Desk in the church entryway. A new Meditations book with devotions beginning March 3 is now available. These are great tools to use for your daily Bible study!
WELS Tucson Campus Ministry (TCM)
TCM Bible study is tonight! All college students and college-age individuals are welcome at 7:00 PM in the Student Center located in the basement at Grace-Tucson. They will be covering many topics under the theme “Wise Like God.” TCM has an app for college-aged adults! Search “welstcm” to download it and learn how to join its spring semester activities like weekly Bible study in the TCM Student Center, weekly casual discussion on the UA campus, quarterly outings, and monthly events. Contact Campus Pastor Tim (welstcm@welstcm.com) with questions.
Those Assisting in Worship This Morning Minister ............................................................................................................... Pastor Ryan Heiman Accompanist................................................................................................................... Katie Patoka Children’s Choir Director ............................................................................................. Theresa Pratt 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 © 2024 Concordia Publishing House. Software distributed in partnership with Northwestern Publishing House.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS Divine Call Decision
Pastor Kassulke, after prayerful consideration and deliberation, has declined the call to serve at New Life Lutheran Church in Rockford, Illinois. He will continue to serve in his role as one of the pastors here at Grace in Southern Arizona. He would like to thank all those who shared their thoughts with him during the deliberation and who prayed for him and his family. He is also grateful that this time of deliberation allowed for many beneficial conversations about the gospel ministry we all share. Please continue to pray for our congregation and the many ways we proclaim forgiveness and salvation in Jesus to our communities!
Monday Evening Service at Grace-Sahuarita
An evening worship service is held here at Grace-Sahuarita on Monday evenings at 6:00 PM. 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.
Midweek Lenten Services
Wednesday midweek services are being held at Grace-Benson, Grace-Sahuarita, and Grace-Tucson through March 20. 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 “God on Trial.” This series focuses on when God was literally put on trial in the person of Christ. In these inspired episodes, believers find a model and motivation for how to live as God’s people in Jesus. The sermons and service themes are rotating among the various sites, so worshipers who attend more than one site could hear a sermon repeated. Grace-Benson: Grace-Tucson: Grace-Sahuarita:
10 AM Lenten Worship 10 AM & 7 PM Lenten Worship 4 PM & 6 PM Lenten Worship
Lunch to follow 6 PM Light Supper 5 PM Supper
Midweek Lenten Supper Hosts Needed
A light supper is being held at 5:00 PM each Wednesday evening between our Lenten services. Volunteers are needed to host these meals. Please sign up on the sheet in the church entryway. A free-will offering will be taken to help cover expenses.
WELS Night with the Tucson Roadrunners: February 24
Enjoy a great night of hockey and fellowship with other WELS members on Saturday, February 24, at 7:00 PM at the Tucson Roadrunners hockey game. Tickets can be purchased for $20 (includes a Roadrunners hat) by contacting Kristin at (520)269-7962 or email Kristin.Brand@TucsonRoadrunners.com.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS Soup Lunch: March 3
A soup lunch will be held for members and guests on Sunday, March 3, following the worship service. Volunteers are needed to provide soups and desserts and to help with set up and clean up. Please sign up on the sheets in the church entryway.
Arizona Lutheran Academy Gala: March 22
The 13th annual ALA Gala, Boots & Bling, will be held on Friday, March 22, beginning at 5:30 PM in the ALA Gymnasium. Enjoy a classic steakhouse dinner and dessert, online and live auctions, country tunes, line dancing, and more! The goal is to raise $70,000 to support campus enhancements, specifically to purchase furnishings for a planned expansion. Tickets are available until March 17 and can be purchased at ALACoyotes.org/Gala.
ACSTO Donations for Grace Members
Thank you to the many members who have used the Arizona Tuition Tax Credit to support our students at Redeemer Lutheran School and Arizona Lutheran Academy! Many Grace families and students who attend our Lutheran Schools appreciate your making use of Arizona's Tuition Tax Credits to support their education. These schools partner with the Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization (ACSTO) to participate in this program. Through the tax credit, you can use money that you would otherwise spend on taxes to support Lutheran education. You can find more information and even make a donation online through the ACSTO website, ACSTO.org. Remember that this option is available to all those who have state tax liability in Arizona. Grace member Jeff Weinstein (520-909-7649, JWeinstein@ACSTO.org) is also an employee of ACSTO. He is able to help answer questions you may have. Even if you have never made use of tuition tax credits before, we would be happy to help you figure it out!
Grow in Grace Class
Would you like to learn more about our Savior, about the Bible that tells us about him, and about what Grace Lutheran Church believes and teaches? Our congregation offers a series of Bible-based lessons called Grow in Grace. Grow in Grace also serves as our membership class for those who may be interested in joining the church. If you would be interested in scheduling a Grow in Grace Class, please speak to Pastor Heiman, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.
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. 17
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 February 18 - February 25 SAHUARITA Today Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics .................................... 9:00a Children’s Sunday School............................................... 9:00a Worship Service ............................................................ 10:00a Adult Choir practice following worship ..................................... Fellowship following worship ................................................... Monday Grow in Grace Class ....................................................... 4:30p Worship Service .............................................................. 6:00p Tuesday Confirmation Class ......................................................... 4:00p Wednesday Midweek Lenten Worship Services .................. 4:00p & 6:00p Lenten Supper ................................................................ 5:00p Next Sunday, February 25 Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics .................................... 9:00a Children’s Sunday School............................................... 9:00a Worship Service ............................................................ 10:00a Adult Choir practice following worship ..................................... Fellowship following worship ...................................................
TUCSON Today 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.................................................... Spanish Worship Service & Fellowship ..........................4:00p TCM Bible Study: Wise Like God ....................................7:00p Tuesday Weekly Pastors’ Meeting.................................................9:00a English Classes...............................................................6:30p Wednesday Midweek Lenten Worship Services ................. 10:00a & 7:00p Lenten Supper.................................................................6:00p Thursday Women’s Bible Study ......................................................9:00a Our Christian Response to Blessings & Challenges Handbells ........................................................................5:30p Worship Choir .................................................................6:45p
Next Sunday, February 25 Worship Services ............................................ 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour ......................................................8:45a VAIL Adult Bible Study: Living in the Light of God’s Love .......9:00a Today NO Grow in Grace Class (Office Conference Room) Adult Bible Study: The Gospel in the Psalms ................. 9:00a Lifeliners (High School group) Bible Study .....................9:00a Youth Bible Study ........................................................... 9:00a Fellowship following worship.................................................... Worship Service with communion ................................ 10:00a TCM Bible Study: Wise Like God ....................................7:00p Fellowship following worship ................................................... Thursday BENSON Adult Bible Study: Sanctification ..................................... 6:30p Today Worship Service with communion ...................................7:30a Next Sunday, February 25 Adult Bible Study: Holy Spirit ..........................................8:45a Adult Bible Study: The Gospel in the Psalms ................. 9:00a Fellowship following worship.................................................... Youth Bible Study ........................................................... 9:00a Worship Service............................................................ 10:00a Wednesday Fellowship following worship Midweek Lenten Worship Service & Lunch ..................10:00a
ONLINE Today Adult Bible Study (Tucson) ............................................. 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) ....................... 10:00a Wednesday Midweek Lenten Worship Service (Tucson) ................... 7:00p Next Sunday, February 18 Adult Bible Study (Tucson) ............................................. 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) ....................... 10:00a
Next Sunday, February 25 Worship Service ..............................................................7:30a Adult Bible Study: Holy Spirit ..........................................8:45a Fellowship following worship.................................................... OFF-SITE EVENT Thursday TCM Bible Discussion on UA Campus ...........................7:00p Saturday WELS Night at the Roadrunners.....................................7:00p
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One Church. Four Locations. Proclaiming the love of Jesus in Southern Arizona since 1911. Grace-Tucson and Central Office
Grace-Sahuarita
830 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719 (520)623-6633 office@gracelutheransaz.org
75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538
Pastor Ronald G. Koehler III revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Nathan P. Kassulke revnpk@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Timothy L. Patoka (Campus Ministry)
Pastor Ryan A. Heiman
revrah@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center
(520) 848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org 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
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.