THE SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
G
E
L ,A
S J
24, 2022
C
Welcome to Grace! Our mission at Grace is to teach the inspired and inerrant Word of God, to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Savior of the world, and to nurture believers for lives of Christian service. Check out the GRACE WEBSITE at GraceLutheranSAZ.org
Worship Notes We are very pleased that you have joined us for worship today! We pray that this time will be a blessing for you as God comes to you with his Word and promises, and as you offer him your thanks and praise. The worship service is printed worship folder for you to follow along and participate. You’ll notice that the service is a dialogue between God and us, his people. The pastor speaks to God along with the congregation and also speaks the Word of God to the people. Those wishing to leave an offering can do so at the exit today or give online at www.GraceLutheranSAZ.org/give. (You can also scan the QR code to the right to access the online giving page.) Today we are using elements from the new Christian Worship hymnal. You will find these blue worship books in the hymnal pocket in each row. You will be asked to open the hymnal to participate in parts of the service today. We hope this will help our members and friends become better acquainted with these new books. OUR WORSHIP SERIES—FOCUSED A unique feature of Luke’s Gospel is the section in the middle often called “the travel narrative.” This lengthy section began in chapter 9 when Luke told us that Jesus “resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” While there are many events and side trips that occur during this travel narrative, Luke regularly stresses that nothing is going to dissuade Jesus from going to Jerusalem where he will fulfill his life’s mission. Jesus was very focused. Jesus’ mission and the purpose of this journey was not to gain an earthly crown. Throughout this travel narrative, Jesus makes clear that this world was not his real home. He teaches that this world is not our real home either. Jesus is focused on heaven. His mission is to get us there by going to Jerusalem and making the ultimate sacrifice to pay for our sin. Nothing would stop him. “He set his face like flint,” Isaiah tells us. Jesus was focused.
As we watch the focused actions of our Savior—as we focus carefully on his words—something wonderful happens. Jesus gives focus to our lives. We finally see things clearly: how to love our neighbor, the true purpose of worship, the blessing of prayer, what is treasure (and what is not). In this series, as Christ speaks to us through his Word, may he make us properly focused. Focused Love Finds a Neighbor Rather Than Avoiding One Focused Worship Seeks Service from Jesus More than Service for Jesus Focused Prayer Claims What God Wants for Us, Not What We Want from Him Focused Living Properly Values Earthly Wealth Focused Living Properly Values Heavenly Treasure
1
Today, we will see that while prayer may come naturally to us, we need focus when it comes to the content of our prayers. Our Father invites us to pray specifically for the things he wants to give us. We say with the disciples, “Lord, teach us to pray.” Please join us each week as we ask Jesus to help us focus on what is meaningful and what is eternal.
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP + WELCOME
Please stand
INVOCATION Minster: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit. Congregation: Amen.
HYMN RESPONSE—Our Father, Throned in Heaven Above Christian Worship 720
The words of the invocation remind us that the God we meet and worship here is the true and triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Our opening hymn responses focus our attention on the words of the Lord’s Prayer.
2
CONFESSION OF SINS 1 John 1:8-9
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.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
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
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.
HYMN RESPONSE—Our Father, Throned in Heaven Above Christian Worship 720
3
LORD, HAVE MERCY
Kyrie
In peace let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
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.
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.
4
HYMN RESPONSE—Our Father, Throned in Heaven Above Christian Worship 720
PRAYER OF THE DAY The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. God of all power and might, you are the giver of all that is good. Help us love you with all our heart, strengthen us in true faith, provide us with all we need, and keep us safe in your care; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
5
HYMN RESPONSE—Our Father, Throned in Heaven Above Christian Worship 720
Text: tr. composite; Martin Luther, 1483–1546. Tune: attr. Martin Luther, 1483–1546. Text and tune: Public domain
Please be seated
+ THE WORD + FIRST READING
Genesis 18:20–32
20
So the L said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very flagrant, 21 I will go down now and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has come to me. If not, I will know.” 22
The two men turned from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the L . 23 Abraham approached him and said, “Will you really sweep away the righteous along with the wicked? 24 What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep them away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous who are in it? 25 You would never do such a thing, killing the righteous along with the wicked, treating the righteous the same as the wicked. You would never do such a thing. The Judge of all the earth should do right, shouldn’t he?” 26
The L said, “If I find fifty righteous people within the city of Sodom, then I will spare the entire place for their sake.”
Abraham prays on the basis of what he knows about the L : that the L is a just judge, that the L shows mercy, and that the L invites us to be bold in our prayers.
This reading continues on the next page.
6
27
Abraham answered, “See now, I who am but dust and ashes have taken it on myself to speak to my Lord. 28 What if there are five fewer than fifty righteous? Will you destroy the entire city if the number is five short?” He said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.” 29
He spoke to him yet again and said, “What if only forty are found there?” He said, “I will not do it for the sake of the forty.” 30
He said, “Please, do not be angry, my Lord, but I will speak again. What if thirty are found there?” He said, “I will not do it if I find thirty there.” 31
He said, “See now, I have taken it upon myself to speak to my Lord. What if there are twenty found there?” He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of the twenty.” 32
He said, “Please, do not be angry, my Lord, but I will speak just once more. What if ten are found there?” He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten.” The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Paul teaches us that the ultimate purpose for everything we ask is that God’s will would be done.
SECOND READING 1
First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all those who are in authority, in order that we might live a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. 7 For this testimony, I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I speak the truth; I am not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Please stand
7
1 Timothy 2:1–7
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Luke 11:9
Alleluia. Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Alleluia.
GOSPEL
Luke 11:1–13
1
Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.”
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Jesus teaches us how to pray and how our Father will answer.
2
He said to them, “When you pray, say, ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 Forgive us our sins, as we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’” 5
He said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and tell him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6 because a friend of mine who is on a journey has come to me, and I do not have anything to set before him.’ 7 And the one inside replies, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give it to you.’ 8 I tell you, even if he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his bold persistence, he will get up and give him as much as he needs. 9
“I tell you, keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep seeking, and you will find. Keep knocking, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives. The one who seeks finds. And to the one who knocks, it will be opened. 11
“What father among you, if your son asks for bread, would give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, would give him a snake instead of a fish? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, would give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please be seated
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Please fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder in your row and pass it along. Thank you!
8
Matthew 6 and Luke 11 record how Jesus taught his disciples to pray. We use his example prayer as part of our public worship, trusting that he will hear and answer our prayers.
LORD’S PRAYER
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.
HYMN OF THE DAY—With the Lord Begin Your Task
The Apostles’ Creed developed in the Early Christian Church as a personal confession of faith. It is so named because it confesses the faith taught by the Apostles of Jesus.
CONFESSION OF FAITH
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.
SERMON
Luke 11:1-10 Focus on Prayer and God’s Answer
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Please stand
9
Christian Worship 776
Apostles’ Creed
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH Loving God and Lord, you created the universe that surrounds us and the globe on which we live. You control all things through your Son, who sits at your right hand in glory.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
Comfort us with the promise of your eternal presence. Give your Word power as it works in our hearts and minds. Clear away our confusion, and demolish our doubts. Send your Spirit to strengthen both our confidence in your promises and our desire to live according to your will. Take away our love of sinning, and restore us each day by your grace. The signs of the times warn us that the end of time is near. Protect us from scoffers who sneer at your truth. Spare us and Christians around the world from all forms of hate and persecution. Give us courage to carry the cross with patience and joy. Instill in the hearts of our children a desire to follow you as they prepare for future days. Help them distinguish between what is passing and what is eternal, between instant thrills and lasting joy. Encourage more young people to prepare for service in the public ministry of the gospel.
Mold us and move us to be good examples for our youth. Hold in your care, Lord, those who are experiencing physical or emotional pain and all who are afflicted by disease or facing death. Pour out your compassion on the grieving, and comfort the mourners who miss someone they loved. Move us to pray for these brothers and sisters and to help when we can. Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence. Silent prayer Whether we pray together or alone, you have promised to hear and answer us. Give us patience to accept your blessings in whatever way you send them. In your love and wisdom, prepare us for the day when you will take us to be with you forever. Hear us for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
10
CLOSING PRAYER Almighty God, we thank you for teaching us the things you want us to believe and do. Help us by your Holy Spirit to keep your Word in pure hearts that we may be strengthened in faith, guided in holiness, and comforted in life and in death, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
The blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God’s people for over 3,500 years. The L said, “In this way they will put my name on [them], and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27
BLESSING The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace. Amen.
Please be seated
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLOSING HYMN—What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Christian Worship 721
THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING Minister ............................................................................................ Pastor Ryan Heiman Accompanist ................................................................................................. Jane Neujahr Greeters .................................................................................................. Kennaugh/Logue Ushers ..................................................................................................... Kennaugh/Logue Sound and Recording Tech ........................................................................... Bob Breiler Church Cleaning ....................................................................................................Clough Acknowledgements: Scripture readings are taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) © 2018 The Wartburg Project. All rights reserved. wartburgproject.org. Created by Christian Worship: Service Builder © 2022 Concordia Publishing House. Software distributed in partnership with Northwestern Publishing House.
11
ANNOUNCEMENTS 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.
Friendship Register
We would like to have a record of both members and guests who are worshiping with us. Please sign the red Friendship Register book located along the center aisle in the hymnal rack.
Potluck Lunch Today
All are welcome to join us in the CLC gymnasium following our worship service today for a potluck lunch! Come and enjoy some fellowship time with your church family.
Sunday Morning Bible Study
Our Sunday morning Bible Study is on the Book of Revelation. This is the most requested Bible Study year after year because of the complex pictures and the many misunderstandings about the final book of the Bible. This study is designed to walk you through the book of Revelation in great detail while keeping the main theme of Jesus’ victory at the forefront of every lesson. Even if you haven’t joined us for Bible Study in the past, you may want to join us for this study. Class is held at 9:00 AM in the CLC gymnasium.
Quarterly Offering Statements
Those who use the offering envelopes or Simply Giving for their giving to the Lord should have received a quarterly offering statement in the mail recently. We hope you’ll appreciate the opportunity to check for any recording errors we may have made and perhaps use it to review your gifts of love to your Savior. If you have any questions, please contact the Grace Central Office at (520)623-6633.
Wednesday Bible Study
Our midweek Bible study topic is entitled The Precious Position of a Woman of God. It might surprise some to know how highly God speaks of women in the Bible and how much he prizes them. The secular world certainly does not characterize Christianity and the Bible that way. Perhaps you have not always felt that women are precious to God or have been uncertain about the God-given roles for men and women. All are invited to join Pastor Heiman for a comprehensive look at the many things God has to say about the importance and value of women and get to know some of the Bible’s notable women. Please join us on Wednesday at 10:00 AM in the church entryway.
Grow in Grace Class
Would you like to learn more about our risen Savior Jesus, about the Bible that tells us about him, and about what Grace Lutheran Church believes and teaches? Our congregation offers a series of Bible-based lessons called Grow in Grace. Grow in Grace also serves as our membership class for those who may be interested in joining the church. If you would be interested in scheduling a Grow in Grace Class, please speak to Pastor Heiman, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/ GIG. 12
ANNOUNCEMENTS Summer Fun Night: July 29
Join us for some family fun at our Go for the Gold competition on Friday, July 29, at 6:30 PM in the Grace-Tucson Student Center located in the church basement. We will enjoy competitions in basketball, foosball, ping pong, pool, and Pictionary. Pizza and drinks will be provided. This celebration is part of our “Summer Fun Nights” series of events taking place on select Friday nights throughout the summer. Each Friday will be a different theme and is designed for all ages. Members from ALL sites are encouraged to attend! This is an excellent opportunity to invite your unchurched friends and family so they can get to know us in a relaxed setting. There are invitation postcards available for you to use on the Welcome Desk in the entryway.
CLC Preschool Graduation: July 31
Please join us next Sunday, July 31, for lunch in the CLC gymnasium followed by our preschool graduation! All members are welcome to attend.
Lifeliners F3: July 31
The Lifeliners (our high school youth group) have been getting together this summer on select evenings for Food, Faith, & Fun (F3) in the Grace-Tucson Student Center! Our last Lifeliners F3 will be next Sunday, July 31, from 6:00-8:30 PM where we’ll enjoy Eegee’s, a Bible Study called “Looking Up” about worship, and the award-winning party game “Wits & Wagers.” RSVPs are appreciated and can be sent to Pastor Patoka.
Grace Child Learning Center and Fry’s
Our Child Learning Center (CLC) is now enrolled in the Community Rewards Program at Fry’s. This program allows a percentage of your spending to be donated to the CLC. We would greatly appreciate it if you could create an account and link it to our organization. The link is: https:// www.frysfood.com/account/communityrewards and our organization code is CV025. If you have any questions, please contact the CLC office at (520)848-4630. Feel free to share this with friends who are not members of Grace too!
AmazonSmile
Thank you to those who use AmazonSmile to benefit Grace with their online shopping! Currently, our congregation has received $1,703.85 in AmazonSmile donations. For those unfamiliar with the program, AmazonSmile allows Amazon shoppers to designate a charity to receive a portion of their sales (0.5%). Everything else is the same as shopping with Amazon (the same products, prices, and service). To use this program, simply start your shopping at smile.amazon.com. You can find Grace by searching for “Grace Lutheran Church Tucson.” You can also use Grace’s start page to sign in: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/86-0133394. This is a simple way to support Grace without any additional spending. Thank you for your support!
13
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 July 24 – July 31 SAHUARITA Today Adult Bible Study: Book of Revelation ............................ 9:00a Children’s Sunday School .............................................. 9:00a Worship Service ........................................................... 10:00a Potluck lunch following worship............................................... Wednesday Midweek Bible Study ...................................................... 10:00 The Precious Position of a Woman of God Grow in Grace Class ......................................... 3:00p & 5:00p Next Sunday, July 31 Adult Bible Study: Book of Revelation ............................ 9:00a Children’s Sunday School .............................................. 9:00a Worship Service ........................................................... 10:00a Lunch following worship .......................................................... CLC Preschool Graduation .......................................... 12:00p VAIL Today Children’s Sunday School .............................................. 9:00a Adult Bible Study: Gospel Gems from Isaiah ................. 9:00a Worship Service ........................................................... 10:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... Thursday Midweek Bible Study: Ten Lies About God .................... 6:30p Next Sunday, July 31 Children’s Sunday School .............................................. 9:00a Adult Bible Study: Gospel Gems from Isaiah ................. 9:00a Worship Service ........................................................... 10:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... ONLINE Today Adult Bible Study (Tucson) ............................................. 9:00a Worship Services (Tucson and Sahuarita) ................... 10:00a Next Sunday, July 31 Adult Bible Study (Tucson) ............................................. 9:00a Worship Services (Tucson and Sahuarita)................... 10:00a
TUCSON Today Worship Services ............................................ 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour ...................................................... 8:45a Adult Bible Study: Grow in Grace ................................... 9:00a NO Grow in Grace Class Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study................................ 9:00a Summer Bible Camp Picnic following 10:00 AM service ......... Tuesday Weekly Pastors’ Meeting ................................................ 9:00a Wednesday NO Midweek Bible Study (resumes August 3) Thursday Women’s Bible Study ...................................................... 9:00a The Precious Position of a Woman of God Friday Summer Fun Night: “Go for the Gold” ............................. 6:30p Next Sunday, July 31 Worship Services ............................................ 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour ...................................................... 8:45a Adult Bible Study: Grow in Grace ................................... 9:00a Grow in Grace Class ....................................................... 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study................................ 9:00a Lifeliners F3..................................................................... 6:00p
BENSON Today Worship Service .............................................................. 7:30a Bible Study following worship: Galatians ................................. Wednesday Midweek Bible Study: The Large Catechism ................ 10:00a Next Sunday, July 31 Worship Service .............................................................. 7:30a Bible Study following worship: Galatians .................................
Stay Up to Date
The fastest and easiest way to keep Grace members and friends informed about what is happening at our four sites is through our weekly email update. This email is sent every Friday and at other times when special announcements are necessary. If you have not been receiving this email, but would like to, please email the Grace Central Office at office@gracelutheransaz.org and request to be added to our email list. 14
One Church. Four Sites. 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
Grace-Sahuarita 75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538
Pastor Ryan A. Heiman revrah@gracelutheransaz.org
revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center
Pastor Nathan P. Kassulke revnpk@gracelutheransaz.org
(520) 848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org www.GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com
Pastor Timothy L. Patoka (Campus Ministry)
Office Manager—Jenna Dietrich Office Assistant—Shirley Zanotti
revtlp@gracelutheransaz.org
Director—Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Benson 451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602
Grace-Vail Worshipping at Esmond Station Elementary 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, Tucson, AZ 85747
Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein
Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher cinda@gracelutheransaz.org (520)405-3286
Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org
revsas@gracelutheransaz.org
Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke
Office at Civano
music@gracelutheransaz.org
10501 E. Seven Generations Way, Tucson, AZ 85747 (520)848-4631
Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr
Prayer Group—Laura Hodgson
office@gracelutheransaz.org
prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org
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.
For more information about our synod and what we believe visit: www.wels.net