2-22-26 Grace-Sahuarita Worship Folder

THE FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT

G E L C S , A F 22, 2026

WORSHIP NOTES

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

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 EXACTLY WHAT I NEED

“I didn’t know I needed that” is a common expression of surprise and realization. It suggests that something, whether it’s a piece of information, a lesson learned, or a newfound understanding, has come to light and is now recognized as being essential or valuable, even if it wasn’t previously apparent.

Lent is the season of the Church Year when I recognize my greatest needs. During Lent, I realize that in Christ all my greatest needs are met. God knows what I need even when I don’t have any idea. The Holy Spirit makes it clear, week after week, that if I lack Christ, I have nothing. But if I have Christ, I have exactly what I need.

During this season, our worship will follow this path:

February 22

March 1

March 8

March 15

March 22

First Sunday in Lent A Champion

Second Sunday in Lent Faith

Third Sunday in Lent Water

Fourth Sunday in Lent Sight

Fifth Sunday in Lent Life

OUR THEME FOR TODAY—EXACTLY WHAT I NEED—A CHAMPION

I recognize my inability to defend myself against spiritual enemies. The world is against me, but I look for ways to imitate it. I try to master my own sinful flesh, but I recognize desires in myself that war against my soul. And when it comes to the devil, I fall into temptation again and again. My impending death proves that I have sinned.

I realize that what I really need is a champion. God the Father realized it too. He sent his Son to be my Savior. Through the obedience of the Son of God, I have victory over my enemies.

WELCOME

OPENING HYMN—Come, Behold the Wondrous Mystery Christian Worship 535

Please stand INVOCATION

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

Congregation: Amen.

The words of the invocation remind us that the God we meet and worship is the true and triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

1 John 1:8-9

OPENING SENTENCES

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

CONFESSION

Let us confess our sins to the Lord.

Holy God, gracious Father, I am sinful by nature and have sinned against you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved others as I should. I deserve your punishment both now and forever. But Jesus, my Savior, paid for my sins with his innocent suffering and death. Trusting in him, I pray: God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Silence for meditation and reflection

Our gracious Father in heaven has been merciful to us. He sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, who gave his life as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the (+) Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16

HYMN RESPONSE Lord, to You I Make Confession

Christian Worship 653

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

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. Amen.

Please be seated (7:45 please continue on page 8 with the First Reading)

+ HOLY BAPTISM AND RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS +

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.”

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.

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.

Johnnie and Fei, in coming to be baptized, you are doing what is God-pleasing. We are reminded of how Ananias said to the apostle Paul after his conversion to faith, “Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away.” By the power of the Word, the Holy Spirit has led you to believe that new life in Christ is yours. Now in Holy Baptism the Lord Jesus assures you of your salvation. That you may give public testimony of your faith, I therefore ask you:

Do you believe that you were born in sin and therefore eternally lost?

Yes, I believe.

Do you believe that the triune God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit planned and carried out your salvation?

Yes, I believe.

Do you believe that God grants you the forgiveness of sins in Holy Baptism?

Yes, I believe.

Do you reject the devil along with all his lies and empty promises? Yes, I do.

Do you desire to be baptized into the Christian faith?

Yes, I do.

Ephesians 4:12-13

[Name], 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.

Johnnie and Fei, you have come to believe that the teachings of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod and this congregation are faithful to the Word of God. Do you desire to become a member of this congregation so that you may enjoy the blessings of the means of grace and the fellowship of believers?

Yes, I do.

With sincere joy we welcome you as members of Grace Lutheran Church.

EXHORTATIONS

The minister addresses the parents: Johnnie and Fei, 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 Christina in the way of the Lord and to instruct her in the truths of God’s saving Word so that she may grow in faith, serve God with a Christian life, and remain in her 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, as we welcome these friends 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.”

And as 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.

Let us pray.

We give thanks, most merciful Father, that you have received Johnnie, Fei, and Christina as your own children and made them members of Christ’s body, the church. Now, we pray, grant to them 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.

+ THE WORD +

FIRST READING

Genesis 3:1-15

1 Now the serpent was more clever than any wild animal which the L God had made. He said to the woman, “Has God really said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees of the garden, 3 but not from the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden. God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it. You shall not touch it, or else you will die.’”

4 The serpent said to the woman, “You certainly will not die. 5 In fact, God knows that the day you eat from it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

6 When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was appealing to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took some of its fruit and ate. She gave some also to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 The eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized that they were naked. They sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for their waists. 8 They heard the voice of the L God, who was walking around in the garden during the cooler part of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the L God among the trees of the garden.

9 The L God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”

10 The man said, “I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself.”

11 God said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree from which I commanded you not to eat?”

12 The man said, “The woman you gave to be with me she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”

13 The L God said to the woman, “What have you done?”

God promised to send a champion to do what I could not, defeating my greatest enemy.

The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

14 The L God said to the serpent: Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all the livestock, and more than every wild animal. You shall crawl on your belly, and you shall eat dust all the days of your life.

15 I will put hostility between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. He will crush your head, and you will crush his heel.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

5 As by one man all mankind fell and, born in sin, was doomed to hell, so by one Man, who took our place, we all were justified by grace.

6. We thank you, Christ; new life is ours, new light, new hope, new strength, new pow’rs. This grace our ev’ry way attend until we reach our journey’s end.

12 So then, just as sin entered the world through one man and death through sin, so also death spread to all people because all sinned. 13 For even before the law was given, sin was in the world. Now, sin is not charged to one’s account if there is no law, 14 and yet death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those whose sin was not like the transgression of Adam, who is a pattern of the one who was to come.

15 But the gracious gift is not like Adam’s trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of this one man, it is even more certain that God’s grace, and the gift given by the grace of the one man Jesus Christ, overflowed to the many!

16 And the gift is not like the effect of the one man’s sin, for the judgment that followed the one trespass resulted in a verdict of condemnation, but the gracious gift that followed many trespasses resulted in a verdict of justification.

17 Indeed, if by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through the one man, it is even more certain that those who receive the overflowing grace of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ!

18 So then, just as one trespass led to a verdict of condemnation for all people, so also one righteous verdict led to life-giving justification for all people. 19 For just as through the disobedience of one man the many became sinners, so also through the obedience of one man the many will become righteous.

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 sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet was without sin.

Adam’s defeat meant death for me. Christ’s victory means life for me.

We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King. The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.

The champion of demons and the champion of mankind do battle. Jesus wins.

Deuteronomy 8:3

Psalm 91:11-12

Deuteronomy 6:16

Deuteronomy 6:13

1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil. 2 After he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The Tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become bread.”

4 But Jesus answered, “It is written: Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.”

5 Then the Devil took him into the holy city. He placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and he said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: He will command his angels concerning you. And they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”

7 Jesus said to him, “Again, it is written: You shall not test the Lord your God.”

8 Again the Devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 He said to him, “I will give you all of these things, if you will bow down and worship me.”

10 Then Jesus said to him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”

11 Then the Devil left him, and just then angels came and served him.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise be to you, O Christ.

Please greet those around you and then 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.

10:00—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.

HYMN OF THE DAY A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

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.

Please stand

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

CONFESSION OF FAITH

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

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

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Please be seated

Apostles’ Creed

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.

Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.

Please stand CLOSING

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, whenever the devil, the world, and our flesh throw our lives into tumult, show us the fortress walls with which you have surrounded us. Lead us to drink from the delightful streams of your Word. Calm our spirits with the reassuring tones of your voice as you say, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Amen.

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

Nicolaus L. von

1700–1760, adapt.; tr. Jane L. Borthwick, 1813–1897, alt. Tune: Adam Drese, 1620–1701. Text and tune: Public domain.

THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING

Minister.............................................................................................Pastor Ryan Heiman

Accompanist................................................................................................. Jane Neujahr

Acknowledgements:

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Friendship Register

We are so thankful you have joined us today and would like to have a record of both members and guests who are worshiping with us. Please sign the red Friendship Register book located at the end of your row 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

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!

Sahuarita Adult Choir Begins Today!

Our Adult Choir will begin rehearsing our Easter music TODAY following worship at 11:15 AM. Even if you haven’t sung with us before, you are welcome to join us! Child care will be provided for children 2 and older. If you have any questions, please talk to director Laura Heiman.

Midweek Lenten Services

Wednesday midweek services are being held at Grace-Benson, Grace-Sahuarita, and GraceTucson through March 25. You are also invited to join us for a Lenten supper each Wednesday here at Grace-Sahuarita at 5:00 PM. Please see the sign-up sheets in the entryway.

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

Martin Luther College Choir

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.

SAHUARITA

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 Ÿ February 22 - March 1

Worship Services............................................7:45a & 10:00a Adult Bible Study: Jonah 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Fellowship following worship Adult Choir Rehearsal...................................................11:15a Grow in Grace Class 11:30a

Oasis Group..................................................................10:00a Lenten Worship Services 4:00p & 6:00p Lenten Supper 5:00p

Sunday, March 1

Worship Services with communion.................7:45a & 10:00a Adult Bible Study: Jonah 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Fellowship following worship

Adult Choir Rehearsal...................................................11:15a Grow in Grace Class 11:30a

VAIL Today

Vocal Group Rehearsal 9:15a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship....................................................

Adult Bible Study: Angels & Demons 11:15a Grow in Grace Class 1:30p

Sunday, March 1

Worship Service with communion.................................10:00a Fellowship following worship

ONLINE Today

Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a

Lenten Service (Tucson) 7:00p

Sunday, March 1

Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a

TUCSON

&

March 1

Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a

BENSON

Bible Study: Epistle of James 8:45a Fellowship following worship...................................................

Worship Service & Lunch 10:00a Grow in Grace Class ......................................................5:30p

March 1 Worship Service with communion 7:30a

One Church. Four Locations.

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

Child Learning Center Mission Teachers

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.