THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT

G E L C S , A M 15, 2026

WORSHIP NOTES
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G E L C S , A M 15, 2026

WORSHIP NOTES
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 is following this path:
February 22
First Sunday in Lent A Champion
March 1 Second Sunday in Lent Faith
March 8 Third Sunday in Lent Water
March 15 Fourth Sunday in Lent Sight
March 22 Fifth Sunday in Lent Life
OUR THEME FOR TODAY EXACTLY WHAT I NEED: SIGHT
I recognize that I am spiritually blind when I don’t know Jesus. I cannot see the world as it really is. I am tempted to see what is harmful as good, and what is good as meaningless. I cannot see the danger that lurks behind every temptation. I realize that Jesus gave physical sight to the blind. But he also gives me spiritual vision. He said, “I am the light of the world.” He comes to shine his light into my darkened eyes so that I see him and live.
OPENING HYMN Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness Christian Worship 517





Rusty Edwards, b. 1955, alt. © 1987 Hope Publishing Co. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199. Tune: The Sacred Harp, Philadelphia, 1844. Public domain.
Please stand
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.
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit. Congregation: Amen.
HYMN RESPONSE—Lord, to You I Make Confession Christian Worship 653



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



The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
O Lord Jesus Christ, by your almighty power you opened the eyes of the blind and showed yourself to them. Turn our eyes away from worthless things, and lead us to love you sincerely; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.



Please be seated
FIRST READING
Isaiah 42:14-21
14 I have been silent for a long time. I have kept still. I have restrained myself. But now, like a woman giving birth, I will scream. I will gasp and pant.
15 I will dry up mountains and hills. I will make all their grass wither. I will turn rivers into islands. I will dry up pools.
16 I will lead the blind on a way they do not know. Along paths they do not know I will direct them. Ahead of them I will turn darkness into light and rough places into level ground. These are the things I will accomplish for them. I will not abandon them.
17 They will be turned back and completely disgraced those who trust in an idol, those who say to molten images, “You are our gods.”
18 You deaf ones, listen! You blind ones, watch carefully so that you can see!
19 Who is as blind as my servant? Who is as deaf as my messenger whom I sent? Who is as blind as my associate, as blind as the servant of the L ?
20 You, Israel, see many things, but you do not observe. Israel opens his ears, but he does not hear.
21 Because of his own righteousness, the L was pleased to make his law great and glorious.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Once I have seen the light of Christ, I strive to leave deeds of darkness behind.




8For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, 9for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. 10Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord, 11and do not participate in fruitless deeds of darkness. Instead, expose them. 12For it is shameful even to mention the things that are done by people in secret. 13But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes things visible. 14Therefore it is said, “Awake, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.
Please stand
Hebrews 12:2
Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who is the author of our faith and the one who brings it to its goal.
John 9:1-7, 13-17, 34-39
1As Jesus was passing by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
3Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that God's works might be revealed in connection with him. 4I must do the works of him who sent me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work. 5As long as I am in the world, I am the Light of the World.”
6After saying this, Jesus spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and spread the mud on the man's eyes. 7“Go,” Jesus told him, “wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”). So he went and washed, and came back seeing.
13They brought this man who had been blind to the Pharisees. 14Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 15So the Pharisees also asked him how he received his sight.
“He put mud on my eyes,” the man told them. “I washed, and now I see.”
16Then some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God because he does not keep the Sabbath.” Others were saying, “How can a sinful man work such miraculous signs?”
There was division among them, 17so they said to the blind man again, “What do you say about him, because he opened your eyes?”
The man replied, “He is a prophet.”
34They answered him, “You were entirely born in sinfulness! Yet you presume to teach us?” And they threw him out.
35Jesus heard that they had thrown him out. When he found him, he asked, “Do you believe in the Son of God?”
36“Who is he, sir,” the man replied, “that I may believe in him?”
37Jesus answered, “You have seen him, and he is the very one who is speaking with you.”
38Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” and he knelt down and worshipped him.
39Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, in order that those who do not see will see, and those who do see will become blind.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ.
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Jesus enables a man who had been born blind to see him both physically and spiritually.
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.
During the singing of this hymn in the 10:00 AM service, 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 greet those around you and then be seated
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.
Worship 904



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.
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.
Gracious Lord, according to your will and promise, you sent your Son into our world to atone for sin and restore eternal life. You planned his path to the cross, and he followed it perfectly. Your Spirit led him to endure the temptations of Satan, but he triumphed.
Your own people rejected his message, but he persevered.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
He confronted the blindness of unbelief, the confusion of doubt, and the hurt of death but was not deterred as he proclaimed your kingdom to the least, the last, and the lost.
Guide us to follow Christ by faith as we walk the road of temptation and trial.
Spare us from falling into Satan’s traps, and steel our resolve as his partners confront us. Teach us to use your Word as a weapon to fight against all devilish lies and deceptions.
When we fall and we surely will lift us up again with your forgiveness and grace.
As we hear and contemplate the holy record of our Savior’s passion and death, use the sharp message of the law to empty us of pride and self-reliance. Humble us as we view the Savior in his humility, remembering and believing that he endured the cross so we might be freed from its horror.
In his suffering show us our healing, in his grief show us our joy, and in his death show us our life.
Protect all who are bearing the cross of persecution and disdain. Supply your power to those fighting temptations and addictions. Watch over all who are sick and suffering in body, mind, and heart. We pray especially for children who are abused, forsaken, or ignored.
Comfort all your troubled people with the sweet peace that only Jesus can bring.
Give wisdom and resolve to the leaders of our government that their rule may bring prosperity to our land and peace to our people. Supply insights to those who seek cures and invent devices to make our lives on earth better and safer. Inspire creative minds to touch our hearts in ways that reflect your creating love.
You desire that we bask in the glory of your redemption; according to your will, may we also enjoy the wonders of your creation.
Hear our prayers, Lord, for the sake of Jesus, whose journey to the cross we remember during the days of Lent.
Comfort and strengthen us by his life and death on our behalf, and thrill us as we look forward to celebrating his victory on Easter. Amen.
Please stand
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
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:





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.
The Prophet Isaiah was given a vision of heaven, where seraphim praised God. In the Sanctus we welcome Jesus with our hosannas and praise.
Lord God, you are worthy to receive thanks and praise from all people. You created the world and all who live in it, and in your mercy you saved us. We give thanks to you for the grace of your Son, Jesus Christ.
Though in very nature God, he took the nature of a servant and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. He offered himself as a sacrifice for sin and redeemed us from its curse and penalty. He rescued us from the terrors of death and restored eternal life with you. He conquered our enemies and gained for us the kingdom of grace and glory.
Bless us as we receive your Son’s body and blood, and lead us to remember his suffering, death, and resurrection. Forgive our sins and fill us with the hope of new life in heaven. Hear our praise and receive our thanks as we worship you the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
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.
Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my (+) body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is my (+) blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
The peace of the Lord be with you always.
Amen.
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.




Please be seated
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.
Personal prayers for before and after communing are available on printed labels on the inside cover of the hymnals.
Please stand
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.
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
O God the Father, source of all goodness, in your loving-kindness you sent your Son to share our humanity. We thank you that through him you have given us pardon and peace in this Sacrament. We also pray that you will not forsake us but will rule our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit so that we willingly serve you day after day; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
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
CLOSING HYMN—Amazing Grace
Christian Worship



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.
Our world today seems fascinated—sometimes even obsessed—with angels and demons. In this Bible study, we’ll turn from speculation and popular culture to God’s Word itself, exploring what Scripture truly teaches about both good and fallen angels. As we dig into the Bible, we’ll be reminded of God’s complete power over evil and his gracious use of heavenly angels for our good. Above all, this study offers comfort and confidence for every Christian, grounded in the promises of our mighty and loving Lord. Even if you have not made Sunday morning Bible study a part of your routine, you are welcome to study with us on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM in the CLC gymnasium.
Bible study tonight for college students and college age non-students is from 7:00 to 8:00 PM in the Student Center located in the basement at Grace-Tucson. We’ll be addressing a tough question: “Is God Fair to Those Who Have Never Heard the Gospel?” Next Sunday, March 22, will be the 2nd Annual PK’s Backyard BBQ starting at 3:00 PM. If you plan to be there, let Pastor Koehler know ASAP so he can get all the brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and ribs we’ll need! More details tonight at Bible study, in the TCM emails, or reach out to him personally by text, email, or in person: 520-4042620, revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org
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.
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!
Minister
Pastor Ryan Heiman Accompanist
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 have been rotating 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
Holy Week devotions are once again being made available to us by Martin Luther College, our pastor, teacher, and staff minister training school in New Ulm, MN. There are devotions for each day of Holy Week, beginning with Palm Sunday, March 29. These devotions will walk us through one of the Christian church’s earliest creeds ever written, 1 Corinthians 15:3-11. Beginning March 23, you may request that the devotions be emailed to you daily at mlc-wels.edu/publications/seasonaldevotions/. You will receive the written devotion and the link to an audio recording by the author.
Join us as we explore the truths that anchor our faith, truths that comfort our consciences, truths that prepare our hearts for the cross and empty tomb, truths of first importance.
Holy Thursday Worship
Thursday, April 2
10:00 AM & 7:00 PM at Grace-Tucson 10:00 AM at Grace-Benson 6:00 PM at Grace-Sahuarita
Good Friday Worship
Friday, April 3
6:00 PM at Grace-Vail 6:00 PM at Grace-Sahuarita
Tenebrae Service (Service of Darkness)
7:00 PM at Grace-Tucson

Worshipers are asked to leave this church service in silence, leaving in stillness and darkness until the dawn of a glorious Easter Day. Please visit with friends and family prior to entering church for worship.
Easter Sunday
Sunday, April 5
Grace-Benson
Worship 7:30 AM
Breakfast 8:45 AM
Grace-Sahuarita
Worship 7:45 & 10:00 AM
Breakfast & Egg Hunt 9:00 AM
Grace-Tucson
Sunrise Service 7:00 AM
Breakfast 8:00 AM
Concert 9:00 AM
Festival Service 10:00 AM
Grace-Vail
Worship 10:00 AM
Brunch 11:00 AM
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.
Worship Services with communion.................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 Grow in Grace Class 11:30a
Wednesday Lenten Worship Services..................................4:00p & 6:00p Lenten Supper 5:00p
Sunday, March 22
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 Grow in Grace Class.....................................................11:30a
VAIL
Today
Vocal Group Rehearsal 9:15a Worship Service with communion 10:00a Fellowship following worship
Adult Bible Study: Angels & Demons 11:15a
Friday Men of Iron & Fire 6:30p
Saturday Easter Canvassing
Sunday, March 22
Vocal Group Rehearsal...................................................9:15a
Worship Service 10:00a
Fellowship following worship
Adult Bible Study: Angels & Demons 11:15a
Adult Bible Study (Tucson) .............................................9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Service (Tucson) 7:00p Sunday, March 22 Adult Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Worship Services with communion 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour......................................................8:45a
Bible Study: Idols We Never Knew We Had 9:00a Grow in Grace Class (office conference room) 9:00a
(High School) Bible Study: 1 Peter 9:00a
More Prepared to Answer
Services 7:45a & 10:00a
Bible Hour 8:45a
Bible Study: Idols We Never Knew We Had .........9:00a
in Grace Class (office conference room) 9:00a
(High School) Bible Study: 1 Peter 9:00a
following worship TCM BBQ at Koehler's ...................................................3:00p

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
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.