THE SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT
G E L C T , A M 1, 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 order of worship we will follow 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. LARGE PRINT worship folders are available at the entrances for those who desire them.
Today we are using elements from the Christian Worship (2021) hymnal. You will find these blue 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. A vocalist will aid in our singing and will be recorded for our audio disks and video live-streaming.
There is no cost to park in our parking lot during Sunday morning worship services. If you receive a citation by mistake, please let our office staff know so it can be cleared.
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
First Sunday in Lent A Champion
Second Sunday in Lent Faith
March 8 MLC Sunday (Special Service)
March 15
March 22
Fourth Sunday in Lent Sight
Fifth Sunday in Lent Life
OUR THEME FOR TODAY EXACTLY WHAT I NEED: FAITH
I recognize that I need to be saved. When Jesus said, "No one can enter the kingdom of God," that included me. I do not deserve God’s blessing. But long ago, God declared that I would be blessed by a descendant of Abraham who turned out to be Jesus. The blessing is salvation. I receive that salvation by faith in Jesus as my Savior. The good news is that faith is also God’s gift, imparted to me through the gospel.
WELCOME
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +
OPENING HYMN—The God of Abraham Praise
Christian Worship 613
The choir will sing stanza 1. Please join in singing the rest of the hymn.
Please stand
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
OPENING SENTENCE
Because we are all sons and daughters of the Lord, we are called by him to repent of our sins. Let us go before our God and ask for his forgiveness.
SUNG RESPONSE
—
Lord, We Confess Our Numerous Faults
Choir: Lord, we confess our num’rous faults, how great our guilt has been, How vain and foolish all our thoughts, how deeply stained with sin.
CONFESSION
The Apostle John declares, “If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Together, we confess our sins.
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you only have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight. Cleanse me and I will be clean. Wash me and I will be whiter than snow. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
PRESERVICE MUSIC:
Kyrie
Girolamo Frescobaldi
God Loved the World So That He Gave
Theodore Beck
Fantasia
Johann Pachelbel
My Faith Looks Up to Thee
Theodore Beck
God Loved the World So That He Gave
Bruce Backer
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.
Silence for meditation and reflection
1 John 1:9 Psalm 51
1 John 1:7; 2:12; 5:11
SUNG RESPONSE—Lord, We Confess Our Numerous Faults
Choir: It’s not by works of righteousness which our own hands have done, But we are saved by God’s free grace abounding through his Son.
ABSOLUTION
Having confessed your sins, hear the good news of our salvation, “the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. Dear children, your sins have been forgiven on
1Now the L said to Abram, “Get out of your country and away from your relatives and from your father’s house and go to the land that I will show you. 2I will make you a great nation. I will bless you and make your name great. You will be a blessing. 3I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse anyone who dishonors you. All of the families of the earth will be blessed in you.”
4So Abram went, as the L had told him. Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. 5Abram took Sarai his wife, Lot his brother’s son, and all the possessions they had accumulated and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to travel to the land of Canaan. Eventually they arrived in the land of Canaan. 6Abram passed through the land until he came to the Oak of Moreh at the place called Shechem. The Canaanites were in the land at that time.
7The L appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your descendants.” Abram built an altar there to the L , who had appeared to him.
8He moved on from there to the hill country east of Bethel and pitched his tent there, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the L and proclaimed the name of the L
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
CHOIR ANTHEM—Psalm 121: I Lift My Eyes
I lift my eyes up to the hills; from where does my help come? My help comes from the maker of the heavens and the earth. He will not let my foot be moved; he keeps my journey safe.
He is the shade at my right hand, my shelter in the storm; no sun by day, nor moon by night shall ever bring me harm. He will not slumber, will not sleep; he watches all my ways.
O my soul, praise the Lord most high; strong to save, he upholds my life. Forevermore he will be my light; I lift my eyes up to the Lord most high.
I lift my eyes up to the hills; from where does my help come? My help comes from the maker of the heavens and the earth. The God of Israel is my guide wherever I may go; and in his strength I will abide until he leads me home.
O my soul, praise the Lord most high; strong to save, he upholds my life. Forevermore he will be my light; I lift my eyes up to the Lord most high.
The Lord gave Abram the gift of faith to believe the promise that one of his descendants would be a gift for the whole world.
Worship Choir
The Church sings Psalm 121 in services that celebrate the value of faith in God regardless of our circumstances.
Abraham is an example of how salvation is received as a gift through faith.
SECOND
1What then will we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered according to the flesh? 2If indeed Abraham had been justified by works, he would have had a reason to boast but not before God. 3For what does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
4Now to a person who works, his pay is not counted as a gift but as something owed. 5But to the person who does not work but believes in the God who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited to him as righteousness.
13Indeed, the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not given to Abraham or his descendants through the law, but through the righteousness that is by faith. 14To be sure, if people are heirs by the law, faith is empty and the promise is nullified. 15For law brings wrath. (Where there is no law, there is no transgression.) 16For this reason, the promise is by faith, so that it may be according to grace and may be guaranteed to all of Abraham’s descendants not only to the one who is a descendant by law, but also to the one who has the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.”
In the presence of God, Abraham believed him who makes the dead alive and calls non-existing things so that they exist.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King. The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Please stand
(ALL):
Choir: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Refrain (ALL)
1There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2He came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these miraculous signs you are doing unless God is with him.”
3Jesus replied, “Amen, Amen, I tell you: Unless someone is born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
4Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?”
5Jesus answered, “Amen, Amen, I tell you: Unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God! 6Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh. Whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7Do not be surprised when I tell you that you must be born from above. 8The wind blows where it pleases. You hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
9“How can these things be?” asked Nicodemus.
10“You are the teacher of Israel,” Jesus answered, “and you do not know these things? 11Amen, Amen, I tell you: We speak what we know, and we testify about what we have seen. But you people do not accept our testimony. 12If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13No one has ascended into heaven, except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man, who is in heaven.
14“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15so that everyone who believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
16“For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please be seated
By sharing the good news of God’s love for the world, Jesus gave the gift of faith.
The congregation will sing stanzas 1, 2, 4, and 6. The choir will sing stanzas 3 and 5. SERMON Genesis 12:1-8
Consider Abram as a Model for Your Faith
Please stand
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.
CONFESSION OF FAITH
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Nicene Creed
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Heavenly Father, you loved the world and gave your Son to free us from sin and death by his obedient death on the cross.
We confess that without your love we are lost.
Lord of the Church, we thank you for the treasure of the gospel. By your Spirit, keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.
Strengthen our determination to do what pleases you, no matter what the danger or the cost.
Guard and guide those who carry a cross in the name of Christ and face ridicule and persecution for the sake of the kingdom: missionaries and chaplains, young people who stand up for what is right in the face of pressure to do what is wrong, and all who pay a high price for their faith and values as Christians.
By your Spirit, O Lord, grant them patience and endurance.
Keep in your care those who carry heavy burdens in life: the sick and the chronically ill, the depressed and the lonely, those torn by conflict in personal relationships, and those victimized by war and injustice. Comfort all who face the terrors of life with a heavy heart.
Grant them peace, O Lord, and in your mercy, be their guardian and friend, their comfort and hope.
Watch over those who care for others: pastors and counselors; physicians and nurses; social workers and caring friends; all who feed the hungry, comfort the hurting, and stand beside the dying.
Strengthen them in their work, O Lord, and do not let them become weary in doing good.
Hear us as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
Help us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Keep us faithful even to the point of death, that we may receive the crown of life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
OFFERTORY:
My Faith Looks Up to Thee
Edward Meyer
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 today, 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. If you prefer, use your smart phone to give online by scanning this QR code:
Please fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder at the end of the row and pass it along. Thank you!
Please stand
The Preface to the Sacrament is one of the oldest parts of the Christian liturgy, dating back to the first century. As we prepare to receive Holy Communion, we are united with the Body of Christ, in an unbroken bond with Christians through the millennia.
PREFACE
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
+ THE SACRAMENT +
Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who brought the gift of salvation to all people by his death on the tree of the cross so that the devil, who overcame us by a tree, would in turn by a tree be overcome. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
We give thanks to you, O God, through your dear Son, Jesus Christ, whom you sent to be our Savior, our Redeemer, and the messenger of your grace. Through him you made all things; in him you are well pleased. He is the incarnate Word, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. To fulfill your promises, he stretched out his hands on the cross and released from eternal death all who believe in you.
As we remember Jesus’ death and resurrection, we thank you that you have gathered us together to receive your Son’s body and blood. Send us your Spirit, unite us as one, and strengthen our faith so that we may praise you in your Son, Jesus Christ. Through him, we glorify and honor you, O God our Father, with the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
The Prophet Isaiah was given a vision of heaven, where seraphim praised God. In the Sanctus we welcome Jesus with our hosannas and praise.
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.
As he speaks the Words of Institution, the minister both proclaims the words of Jesus to the congregation and sets apart the bread and wine for this special use. The sign of the cross reminds us of Christ’s death.
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.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
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.
John the Baptist pointed to Jesus and said, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” We sing the Agnus Dei confident that Jesus has borne our sins and freely gives us forgiveness and peace in the Sacrament.
Amen. O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD
Agnus Dei
DISTRIBUTION
The Bible teaches that the Lord’s Supper is a unique communion of Christ and the individual believer as well as a coming together of people who hold to the same beliefs. Because of these Scriptural truths, we practice Member Communion at Grace. Those who are confirmed members of Wisconsin Synod congregations (WELS) are invited to receive the Lord’s Supper with us.
If you are not a WELS member but have an interest in receiving Holy Communion, please speak with the pastor after church today or at another time. We are aware that there are a number of other teachings about Holy Communion, and we want it to be a blessing for you, so we would look forward to sharing with you what God says about this Sacrament.
PRAYER
BEFORE COMMUNION (For private meditation)
Lord Jesus, you have invited me to come and receive your holy Sacrament. I believe that in the bread and wine you give me your true body and blood to eat and drink. Forgive my sins and nourish my faith through this precious meal. I long for the comfort that comes with your promises; I yearn for the assurance of your faithful love. Bless me now as I receive you by faith. Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION (For private meditation)
Thank you, dear Savior, for nourishing my faith with the Sacrament of your body and blood. Lift my heart with your forgiveness, renew my confidence in your grace, empower my love for others, and lead me to long for the eternal banquet of heaven. Amen.
Gluten-free communion wafers and grape juice are available for those who for health or medical reason require it. Please see page 14 for more information.
COMMUNION MUSIC:
Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord Donald Busarow
Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Steven Wente
I Come, O Savior, to Your Table
Ralph C. Schultz
Jesus Christ, Our Blessed Savior Theodore Beck
Please stand
+ THANKSGIVING +
SPOKEN RESPONSES
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures forever.
Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Psalm 106:1 1 Corinthians 11:26
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
CLOSING PRAYER
We give you thanks, O Lord, for the foretaste of the heavenly banquet you have given us in this Sacrament. Through this gift you have fed our faith, nourished our hope, and strengthened our love. By your Spirit, help us to live as your holy people until that day when you will receive us as your guests at the wedding supper of the Lamb, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
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
POSTLUDE MUSIC:
Be Thou My Vision
Victor Labenske
CLOSING HYMN—By Faith Christian Worship 868
THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING
Preacher ............................................................................................. Pastor Ron Koehler
Worship Leader..........................................................................Pastor Nathan Kassulke
Accompanist .................................................................................................. Deb Bakken
Vocalist ............................................................................................................ Craig Lipke
Choir Director ............................................................................................ Paul Kassulke
Choir Accompanist ........................................................................................ Jim Bakken
Greeters ............................................Nadine Rentschler, Jeanette O’Donald (10:00 AM)
Communion Prep .................................... Kay Kassulke, Erika Hanson, Anna Kassulke
Ushers ..................................................................... Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM) Dylan Guenther, Justin Harris, Ferdie Kramm, Rick Street (10:00 AM)
Sound and Recording Techs ....................................... Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler
Acknowledgements:
TODAY
Welcome Guests!
Are you a guest with us today? We invite you to pick up a Guest Packet at either church door. The packets include information about our congregation and what we believe. We’re so thankful you are here for worship today!
Holy Communion
We provide gluten-free communion wafers for those with wheat allergy, gluten-sensitivity, or celiac disease. These wafers are stored and handled separately to avoid cross-contamination. They are “bread” as Scripture requires and are consecrated along with the rest of the bread. For those requiring gluten-free wafers, please take one from the stand located at the front rail as you approach for communion. Simply hold it so that the pastor can see it at the time of distribution. Grape juice is available for those who for health or medical reason require it instead of wine. Please speak with a pastor about providing grape juice for you on future Sundays.
Today we are distributing Holy Communion in “tables.” The ushers will direct members forward by the side aisles. Groups of about ten will be guided toward the center aisle and will line up to receive the elements together. After each table communes, the pastor will offer a blessing and dismiss the group to return by the center aisle.
To aid in your personal preparation for Holy Communion, a list of Christian Questions can be found on pages 295-296 in the hymnal. These were prepared by Martin Luther for those intending to receive the Sacrament.
Altar Flowers
The flowers beautifying our altar this morning were given by Amy and David Rudd in celebration of their daughter Emily’s birthday.
If you would like to provide flowers for the altar, please call (520-623-6633) or email (office@gracelutheransaz.org) the Grace Central Office to reserve a Sunday. The next available dates include many of the Sundays in April and May. The cost for the 2 bouquets is $32.50. After the 10:00 AM service you may take the flowers home or leave them to be dropped off to one of our homebound members if a visit is being made.
Fellowship
Following the 10:00 AM service this morning, you are invited to join us in the courtyard and Fellowship Hall for drinks and snacks. Thank you to Mark & Julyd Hallemeyer and Sally Littau for hosting this morning! The next available dates are March 22 & 29 and most of the Sundays in April. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.
Sunday Morning Bible Study
Join us on Sunday mornings as we conclude our look at Idols We Never Knew We Had. We’ve seen that we are all idolaters who have been forgiven in Jesus, and we’ve explored some common idols within our society and our own experience. We meet at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall. Reminder: We will not hold Bible study, next Sunday, March 8. Join us on again March 15 as we consider Romans 9-16 under the theme “The Triumph of Grace.”
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Tucson Campus Ministry Bible Study
Tonight, we’ll continue to talk about how to understand and answer this challenge: “If God is loving and powerful, why is there suffering in the world?” We meet from 7:00 to 8:00 PM in the TCM Student Center and, of course, there will be food! The stairs below the TCM sign on the parking lot side of the church will take you there. If you have any questions or would like to be added to the TCM contact list, reach out to Pastor Koehler: revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org or (520) 404-2620. Download the TCM app in the App Store or Play Store (search for WELS TCM).
Divine Call Received
Pastor Kassulke was informed on February 22 that Christ Lutheran Church, a two-site congregation in North St. Paul and Hugo, MN voted to extend to him a Divine Call to serve as their pastor. This means that he now holds two calls, one to Grace in Southern Arizona and one to Christ in North St. Paul & Hugo. He is working to make a decision whether to accept the new Call and move his ministry to Minnesota or to decline the Call and continue serving here. He will strive to make that decision with prayer and careful consideration where his particular gifts for ministry fit best.
Pastor Kassulke welcomes any input that the friends and members of Grace might wish to share with him. You can reach him by email at RevNPK@GraceLutheranSAZ.org or (520)260-4453. He also appreciates prayers offered on behalf of him and his family during this deliberation as well as for both congregations.
Midweek Lenten Services
Wednesday midweek services are being held at Grace-Benson, Grace-Sahuarita, and GraceTucson through March 25.
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
Midweek Lenten Supper Host Needed
Supper is being held at 6:00 PM each Wednesday evening before our Lenten service. Individuals, families, or groups are invited to host! We have one more open date March 25. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall. More detailed information is with the sign-up sheet. A Thrivent Action Team and free-will offerings will cover expenses.
Women’s Bible Study: Thursday
All ladies are invited to join Pastor Koehler for study and discussion of the book More Prepared to Answer (yours to keep at no cost) by Pastor Mark Paustian from 9:00 to 10:00 AM on Thursdays in the Fellowship Hall. Each week is an individual topic so you are able to jump in and out week-toweek as your schedule allows. Upcoming topics include: All the church cares about is money. No one believes in sin anymore. I don’t care for organized religion. These discussions will help us understand things better and be prepared to help others understand God’s answers.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Martin Luther College Choir
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 NEXT 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” this 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.
Grace members have an opportunity to host 2 or more students overnight on Saturday. You are asked to pick up your choir members after the concert at 8:50 PM on March 7 and provide them with lodging, breakfast, and on-time return to Redeemer at 7:40 AM the next morning OR directly to Grace at 8:20 AM. You may sign up at this link: https://tinyurl.com/MLCstudenthost.
We Need Your Help!
We are seeking some volunteer help with hosting the MLC choir next week. Come help in the kitchen preparing lunch to be served to the choir as they depart. Share some treats before the service with those who come early to hear the choir. Help out with serving lunch. Be a part of the cleanup crew when everything wraps up. See the sign up sheet in the Fellowship Hall for more information and to sign up. Remember, there is just one 10:00 service next week with no regular Sunday School or Bible Study.
Mexican Dinner: March 13
This year’s all-site Mexican Dinner hosted by the Women of Grace is scheduled for Friday, March 13, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall. The meal will include sour cream enchilada casserole, tacos, and refried beans. Grace members are asked to bring a cake for dessert. If you are willing to make a casserole or help with the meal, please call Adrienne Snavely at (520)302-7840. The enchilada casserole recipe and ingredients will be available to pick up in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, March 8. We hope you can join us for this much-loved Grace tradition!
Men of Iron & Fire: March 20
A new men’s growth group and Bible study is being started by Keith Erbe (Vail Site Elder), Pastor Scheuerlein, and Jeff Weinstein! Their first gathering will be on Friday, March 20, at the Scheuerlein residence (12159 E. Becker Drive, Vail). They will start at 7:00 PM, but feel free to arrive anytime after 6:30. Dinner will be provided. Please RSVP to Jeff Weinstein at 520-909-7649 or vicepresident@gracelutheransaz.org so they can have enough food and materials for everyone. Men from ALL sites are welcome!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
AZ Lutheran 2026 Gala
Arizona Lutheran Academy’s 2026 “Game Show” Gala is a festive evening that includes dinner, games, and both silent and live auctions. The event benefits our students from across the state of Arizona, two Apache reservations, and four foreign countries. Our goal for this event is to raise $100,000 for our campus branding and improvements. Your investment will make a visible difference as we grow and expand! We hope you can join us on Saturday, March 28. Learn more at ALAcoyotes.org/gala.
LWMS Spring Rally: April 25
All ladies are invited to attend the LWMS Spring Rally on Saturday, April 25, beginning at 9:00 AM at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church here in Tucson. Registration is from 8:00 to 8:50 AM. Mission Counselor Tim Flunker who serves on the WELS Hispanic Outreach team will be presenting on his work and give updates on the mission work being done in Mexico and Southern Tucson. You may register online at grandcanyonlwms.org. Registration forms and information about Mission and Freewill offerings can be found on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall.
ACSTO Donations for Grace Members
As you work on your income taxes, please consider making use of the Arizona Tuition Tax Credit Program. Many Grace families and students who attend our Lutheran Schools (Redeemer and Arizona Lutheran Academy) appreciate your support in this way. Our 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. It is especially helpful for our students if you choose the option to support Grace members ("Church Group: Grace Lutheran Southern AZ Members"), which guarantees that one or more of our member students will benefit from your donation. 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 Jesus, about the Bible that tells us about him, and about what we believe and teach at Grace? 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 Kassulke or Pastor Koehler or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.
TUCSON Today
This schedule is subject to change. Please watch your email for the most up-to-date information or call the Grace Central Office at (520)623-6633 if you have questions.
This Week at Grace March 1 - March 8
Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a
Adult Bible Study: Idols We Never Knew We Had..........9:00a Grow in Grace Class (office conference room) 9:00a
Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: 1 Peter 9:00a Fellowship following worship TCM Bible Study.............................................................7:00p Tuesday
& 7:00p Lenten Supper 6:00p
Thursday Women’s Bible Study: More Prepared to Answer 9:00a
College Student Grow in Grace Class 2:00p
Handbell Choir 5:30p
Worship Choir .................................................................6:45p
Sunday, March 8 MLC Choir Here
Worship Service 10:00a ONLY
NO Children’s Bible Hour (resumes March 15)
NO Adult Bible Study (resumes March 15)
Grow in Grace Class (office conference room)...............9:00a NO Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study (resumes March 15)
Fellowship following worship NO Bible Study (resumes March 15)
BENSON Today
Worship Service with communion 7:30a
Adult Bible Study: Epistle of James 8:45a Fellowship following worship ................................................... Wednesday Lenten Worship Service & Lunch 10:00a Sunday, March 8
Worship Service 7:30a
Adult Bible Study: Epistle 8:45a Fellowship following worship
OFF-SITE
Saturday
Martin Luther College Choir Concert at Redeemer 7:00p
SAHUARITA
Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a Adult Bible Study: Angels & Demons 9:00a
Sunday School...............................................9:00a
following worship
Choir Rehearsal 11:15a
in Grace Class 11:30a
Lenten Worship Services 4:00p & 6:00p Lenten Supper 5:00p Sunday, March 8 Worship Services 7:45a & 10:00a Adult Bible Study: Angels & Demons 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... Adult Choir Rehearsal 11:15a
VAIL
Worship Service with communion.................................10:00a
following worship
Bible Study: Angels & Demons 11:15a
in Grace Class 1:30p Sunday, March 8 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
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.