4-12-26 Grace-Sahuarita Worship Folder

THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER

G E L C S , A A 12, 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 WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?

Life is full of either/or moments. Some of them are of little long-term consequence. I will have either the chicken or the fish. Some of them matter more. I will accept the new job offer or keep my current job. One either/or moment is life-changing for every human being. Either Jesus is still dead, or Jesus rose from the dead. Jesus claimed he would rise from the dead. “The Son of Man must suffer many things...be killed and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31). So if Jesus remains dead, he is both a failure and a fraud. If Christ has not been raised, we are still in our sin.

But Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! It makes all the difference! He lives! The season of Easter is a 50day celebration of that fact.

In this season, our worship will follow this path:

Easter Day

Second Sunday of Easter

Third Sunday of Easter

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Ascension

Pentecost

He Lives to take me from death to life

He lives to give me proof and peace

He lives to restore my hope

He lives to be my Good Shepherd

He lives to be the only way to heaven

He lives to call me to live for him

He lives to rule all things for the Church

He lives to pour out his Spirit

OUR THEME FOR TODAY—HE LIVES TO GIVE ME PROOF AND PEACE

Without the resurrection of Jesus, I would have to wonder whether anything he said was true. Thomas had been taught and trained by Christ himself. He heard Jesus predict his death and resurrection. Even after hearing the eyewitness testimony of friends, Thomas still had doubts about the resurrection of Jesus.

But he lives, and it makes a difference. Today I have great comfort as someone with doubts about Christ’s promises in my life. Jesus engages me with continuing assurances in Word and sacrament. I have proof. I have peace.

+ ORDER OF WORSHIP

WELCOME

OPENING HYMN Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain Christian Worship 462

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.

INVOCATION

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

Congregation: Amen.

CONFESSION

1 John 1:8-9

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

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.

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

Christ gave the authority to forgive the sins of penitent sinners to his church: “Whenever you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven.”

John 20:23

Mark 10:47

Kyrie is the Greek word for Lord. The expression “Lord, have mercy” is one of the oldest worship responses in the Christian Church.

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.

LORD, HAVE MERCY

In peace let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord. Amen.

HYMN RESPONSE Alleluia, Alleluia! Hearts to Heaven Christian Worship 460

PRAYER OF THE DAY

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Let us pray. O risen Lord, you came to your disciples and took away their fears with your word of peace. Come to us also by Word and sacrament, and banish our fears with the comforting assurance of your abiding presence; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Please be seated

Ephesians 4:12-13

+ RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS +

The minister addresses the new members:

Friends in Christ,

After a review and instruction in the simple teachings of the Bible and our Lutheran church, you have requested to become members of this congregation. You have come to worship today to confess your unity with us and to take your place as a part of this faith community. I now ask you:

Do you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? If so, answer: I do. I do.

Do you believe that the teachings of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod and this congregation, as you have come to know them, are faithful to the Word of God? If so, answer: I do.

I do.

Do you desire to remain faithful to the teachings of Christ, be diligent in the use of God’s Word and sacraments, and lead a godly life as the Lord gives you strength? If so, answer: I do, and I ask God to help me.

I do, and I ask God to help me.

Is it your desire to join us in worship and mission and support this work with your prayers and gifts? If so, answer: It is, and I ask God to help me.

It is, and I ask God to help me.

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

The minister addresses the congregation: Brothers and sisters,

As we welcome Lisa, John, and Robin 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.”

We pray.

Gracious Father, we thank you for leading Lisa, John, and Robin to desire to become members of our congregation and for giving them joy to confess their faith to us. Guide us with your wisdom as we worship and work together. Mold our minds and hearts in a single Christ-like will so that we may be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

The peace of Christ be with us all.

Amen.

+ THE WORD +

FIRST READING

Acts 2:14, 22-32

14Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and spoke loudly and clearly to them:

22“Men of Israel, hear these words! Jesus the Nazarene was a man recommended to you by God with miracles, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know. 23This man, who was handed over by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, you killed by having lawless men nail him to a cross. 24He is the one God raised up by freeing him from the agony of death, because death was not able to hold him in its grip.

25“Indeed, David says concerning him: I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

26 Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced. My flesh also will rest in hope,

27 because you will not abandon my life to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.

28 You have made known to me the paths of life. You will fill me with joy in your presence.

29“Gentlemen, brothers, I can speak confidently to you about the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30Since he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath that he would seat one of his descendants on his throne, 31he saw what was coming and spoke about the resurrection of Christ, saying that he was neither abandoned to the grave nor did his flesh see decay.

Roman 12:12

The living Lord appeared to many eyewitnesses so they could testify to the truth of Jesus’ resurrection.

Psalm 16:8-11

This reading continues on the next page.

32

“This Jesus is the one God has raised up. We are all witnesses of that.”

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

HYMN—I Am Content! My Jesus Lives Again

3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he gave us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4into an inheritance that is undying, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. 5Through faith you are being protected by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed at the end of time.

6Because of this you rejoice very much, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various kinds of trials 7so that the proven character of your faith which is more valuable than gold, which passes away even though it is tested by fire may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

8Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not see him now, yet by believing in him, you are filled with a joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

to the resurrection as proof of the hope we have.

John 20:19-31

19On the evening of that first day of the week, the disciples were together behind locked doors because of their fear of the Jews. Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be with you!” 20After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.

21Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you! Just as the Father has sent me, I am also sending you.” 22After saying this, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23Whenever you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven. Whenever you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

24But Thomas, one of the Twelve, the one called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25So the other disciples kept telling him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, and put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

26After eight days, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 27Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands. Take your hand and put it into my side. Do not continue to doubt, but believe.”

28Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”

29Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

30Jesus, in the presence of his disciples, did many other miraculous signs that are not written in this book. 31But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.

Please greet those around you and then be seated

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.

Jesus gave the proof that led to peace for Thomas.

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, 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.

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.

OF THE DAY It Is Well with My Soul Christian Worship 850

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.

Apostles’ Creed

Please be seated

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

Lord of life, fill our hearts with joy this day, for you have risen and conquered the grave. Imprint the message of victory on our hearts and implant it in our minds. Through the good news of your resurrection renew our hope and revive our faith. Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

By baptizing us into your name, you have connected us to your death and rising. You have put our sin to death and have given us a new life. Enable us each day to think of ourselves as dead to sin and alive to you, so that we may walk in newness of life in all we do. Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

In this fallen world, death and sorrow surround us. Touch the hearts of those who grieve the loss of a Christian they love. Direct their eyes to your empty tomb and ease their pain by reminding them that their loved ones will one day rise again. Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

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. Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.

This hymn continues on the next page.

Lord, many people grieve without hope. Let the message of resurrection reach them and awaken faith in their hearts. Use us as your instruments to bring the word of life to their souls and the message of hope to their hearts. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Stay by the side of all who are suffering. In your wise mercy, heal those who are sick, receiving treatment for illness, recovering from illness or surgery, or hurting in body or mind. Remind them that your victory over death is a fact, and comfort them with your promise to raise them and give them and all believers new, glorified bodies like yours. Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.

Silent prayer

Risen Savior, feed our faith with the message of your resurrection. Come to us in your Word and in the feast of your Sacrament to sustain and strengthen us until we feast with you in eternal glory.

Amen.

–

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–

Please stand

CLOSING PRAYER

Our Savior Jesus Christ, after your resurrection from the dead, you strengthened the faith of your apostle Thomas, and he acknowledged you as Lord and God. We pray that you would also keep us steadfast in this true and saving faith and by your Word and sacrament banish every doubt; for you live and reign with the Father 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

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

4 Once bound by fear, now bold in faith, they preached the truth and pow’r of grace and pouring out their lives they gained life, life everlasting. (Refrain)

5 The pow’r that raised him from the grave now works in us to pow’rf’lly save. He frees our hearts to live his grace; go, tell of his goodness. (Refrain)

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

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 in the CLC gymnasium at 9:00 AM..

Wednesday Midweek Bible Study

Beginning this week, one of our midweek Oasis Groups will meet on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 AM in the church entryway. The goal of all Oasis Groups is to dig into the sermon during the week and build stronger relationships with fellow members. Our other Oasis Groups meet at various times throughout the week. Please sign up in the entryway.

Fiesta Sahuarita: Saturday

Grace will once again have a booth at Fiesta Sahuarita! This free event takes place from 2:00 to 8:00 PM this Saturday, April 18, at Anamax Recreation Center (17501 Camino De Las Quintas). Come out and enjoy over vendors, food trucks, live music, kids’ activities, a drone show and more! We are looking for volunteers to help with our booth. If you are interested, please leave your information on the sign up sheet in the church entryway. If you have questions, please contact Pastor Heiman at (520)999-0245 or RevRAH@GraceLutheranSAZ.org.

Those Assisting in Worship This Morning

Minister

Accompanist

Pastor Ryan Heiman

Deb Bakken

Men of Iron & Fire: April 19

Men of Iron & Fire is for encouragement, brotherhood, and growth as we sharpen one another in God’s Word and live out our calling as leaders in our homes, our church, and our community. “Iron sharpens iron, and a man sharpens the insight of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17). Come be strengthened. Come be sharpened. Sunday, April 19, at 2:00 PM. We will meet at Civano in the upstairs boardroom (10501 E. Seven Generations way). You may contact Jeff Weinstein with any questions at (520)9097649.

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 in the church entryway.

CLC Charity Golf Tournament: April 27

Do you enjoy golf? Join us on Monday, April 27, for the 7th annual CLC Charity Golf Tournament! Beginning at 1:00 PM, golfers will participate in a 4-person scramble golf tournament at Desert Hills Private Golf Club in Green Valley. Our goal for this big event is to raise funds for the It Takes the Community Scholarship Fund to benefit our community families in need of child care. Go to www.ItTakestheCommunity.com to register for this event, either as a team ($450) or individual golfer ($125). If you know of any businesses that might be interested in sponsoring this event, please contact receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org.

Monthly Newsletter Changes

Beginning with the May newsletter, we will be changing how you receive this publication. Instead of mailing it to our households, we will instead be sending it to individual email addresses. Paper copies will be available at each site for those who do not use email. We will also have copies of just the monthly calendar available. If you are homebound and do not have email, a copy will still be mailed to you. It is essential that we have a current email address for each of our members. If you are not sure that we have your email address, please send an email to: Office@GraceLutheranSAZ.org so we can update our records. We will be letting you know via worship folders the date the newsletter will be emailed to you so you know when to expect it.

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 April 12 - April 19

Worship Service 10:00a

Adult Bible Study: Angels & Demons 9:00a Children’s Sunday School.............................................. 9:00a Fellowship following worship Grow in Grace Class 11:30a Wednesday Oasis Group ................................................................. 10:00a

Sunday, April 19

Worship Service with communion 10:00a

Adult Bible Study: Angels & Demons ............................. 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Fellowship following worship Grow in Grace Class .................................................... 11:30a

TUCSON Today

Worship Services 7:45a & 10:00a

Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a

Adult Bible Study: Triumph of Grace 9:00a NO Grow in Grace Class (resumes April 19)

Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: 1 Peter 9:00a Fellowship following worship TCM Activity to be announced

Tuesday Pastors’ Staff Meeting 9:00a

Wednesday

Midweek Bible Study: Church History .............10:00a & 7:00p Altar Prep Training 11:00a & 6:00p

Thursday

Women’s Bible Study: More Prepared to Answer 9:00a College Student Grow in Grace Class ........................... 2:00p Handbell Polishing 5:00p

Worship Choir & Handbell End-of-Season Meal 6:00p

Sunday, April 19

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

Children’s Bible Hour 8:45a

Adult Bible Study: Triumph of Grace.............................. 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

OFF-SITE

Circuit Meeting at Grace in Safford...................9:00a

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.