Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost - Online Worship - October 18, 2020
“Glory, glory,
Hallelujah!
Since I laid my
Burden down.
Glory, glory,
Hallelujah!
Since I laid my
Burden down.
Feel like shouting,
“Hallelujah!”
Since I laid my
Burden down.
Feel like shouting,
“Hallelujah!”
Since I laid my
Burden down.
Glory, glory,
Hallelujah!
Since I laid my
Burden down.
Glory, glory,
Hallelujah!
Since I laid my
Burden down.
Since I laid my
Burden down.”
Today, we celebrate, we sing glory, glory, hallelujah; we trust anew every sign of love is yours, gracious God, entrusted into our care, as you bless and grace us, so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen.
People of God: All other gods of the people are idols; The Lord alone made the heavens and the earth. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we have failed to love first The One who has his name on everything.
(silence for reflection)
Friends in Christ: Trust anew the One who blesses you with signs of love in the grace of these words: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. Great is the Lord! Trust anew the One who has His name on you! This is our Father’s world!
Almighty and loving God, we thank you and praise you, for all good gifts around us, are sent from heaven above. By your Holy Spirit and grace, we love the Lord with all our heart, and we trust anew, we are entrusted with every sign of love you place into our care. Give us faith to follow Jesus, to see your name alone is on everything, to see your name is on each of us, one and all, for you are the truest and most faithful Sign of love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then Jesus said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away. (NRSV)
ISAIAH 45:1-7; 1 THESSALONIANS 1:1-10; MATTHEW 22:15-22
“It’s mine, mine, mine!” Our world, our lives, often tell us to put our name on our possessions. We can get caught up measuring what people have. Once we have something, we usually try to protect it. Sometimes there is a fine line between protecting and sharing, or keeping it all for ourselves. Names and identifying marks tell us what belongs to who. The Pharisees ask, `Is it right to pay taxes?' Jesus replies, `Give to those what belongs to them.' What Jesus teaches here is radically different from anyone else - `Everything comes from heaven. It is created there and originates there! Everything is God’s, God’s, God’s!' When we want everything to be ours, ours, ours; we fall short. As the Holy Spirit fills us to trust every sign of love is entrusted to us, further trust the Holy Spirit is revealing to us what belongs to God: Everything! Celebrate and trust all God is doing with every sign of love, for God’s identifying mark is on it all, God's name and grace are on us all!
The world, our egos, our desires, our humanness, all encourage us, tempt us, and invite us to claim as much as possible for ourselves.
The Pharisees and the Herodians wanted to get, get, get; they wanted to win, win, win. Matthew 22:15-17,22
Jesus forces the Pharisees and the Herodians to hear the clear message.
Matthew 22:21This text is about far more than just money.
`What belongs to this world and what belongs to God.'
Isaiah 45:3,7; Matthew 22:21 It is radical for us to move from:
the material, to the spiritual; to trust all entrusted to us, and what is central and life-giving to our core.
private to public; secular to sacred; self to neighbor; one to all; me to Kingdom; earth to heaven; stuff to signs of love.
Do we see God’s name and claim on everything? Anything? And yet, we are blessed to trust every sign of love God has entrusted to us!
God has his name on everything – everything is God’s!
Isaiah 45:4; Matthew 22:21-22How do we not render to God what is rightfully God’s – namely our lives, our devotion, and our discipleship?
Wanting it all, wanting our name on most of it, is only human. That is why the beyond-human act of the cross was needed, to make us, keep us, save us, as God’s!
God made sure what was God's would always be God's.
God has made us, one and all, God's, God's, God's! Isaiah 45:1-4
Look for God’s identifying mark! As individuals and as a congregation, as the people of God, as Lord of Life, we are God’s:
1 Thessalonians 1:4 - signs of love, His chosen ones!
1 Thessalonians 1:5 - given Word and Power!
1 Thessalonians 1:6 - imitators, in spite of persecution!
1 Thessalonians 1:7 - examples!
1 Thessalonians 1:8 - in faith!
1 Thessalonians 1:9 - messengers to welcome others!
1 Thessalonians 1:10 - witnesses waiting for Christ's return.
God's love has freely entrusted much to us and to our care. God is the owner, God gives it to us to take care of, since every sign of love, is God’s, God’s, God’s!!
What Jesus teaches here is radically different from anyone or anything else - `Everything comes from heaven. It is created there, originates there!’ When we want it all to be ours; we fall short. His name is on us! Look for God's identifying mark, on what is most important to our God! Trust we are entrusted with every sign of love, by The One whose name is on us, one and all: God’s, God’s, God’s! Isaiah 45:3-5; Matthew 22:21-2.
Links to Stories Mentioned in Today’s Sermon
Meet TikTok's Nathan Apodaca, The Man Responsible For the Revival of Fleetwood Mac—And Ocean Spray
This is the story of Nathan Apodaca who had his car break down on his way to work. He hopped on his long board, started drinking some Ocean Spray, lip-synced to “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac, and unintentionally created a new TikTok challenge, the #DreamsChallenge. Wow, some cool responses and things have come his way.
'Generous' Va. Teen Builds Free Desks for Kids in Need and Says Giving Is a 'Golden Moment'
This of Colby Samide who has a love and a skill for crafting woodwork. He started making desks for those who do not have them, as more and more children attend school remotely.
This mom donated her lottery winnings to a wounded police officer. Now the community is paying her back.
Here is story about a single mom and daughter who were really struggling, had every right to think of themselves, and yet, when even a little good fortune came their way, they thought of others.
Offering is available for our indoor services. Find a Lord of Life with a volunteer bucket to deposit offering in person as you leave worship today. If you find yourself wanting to offer your gifts to Lord of Life, you can do so online using the link below. You can also drop offering at anytime in our secure mailbox at Lord of Life located in the parking lot.
“This is my Father’s world,
And to my list’ning ears,
All nature sings,
And round me rings,
The music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world;
I rest me in the thought,
Of rocks and trees,
Of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought.
vs. 2
This is my Father’s world;
The birds their carols raise;
The morning light,
The lily white,
Declare their maker’s praise
.This is my Father’s world;
He shines in all that’s fair.
In the rustling grass,
I hear him pass;
He speaks to me ev’rywhere.
vs. 3
This is my Father’s world;
Oh, let me not forget,
That, though the wrong
Seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world;
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King,
Let the heavens ring;
God reigns,
Let the earth be glad!”
...as we pray to you, Jesus,
We trust anew in your signs of love and grace.
All these things and whatever else you see we need, grant to us we pray, for into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Holy Communion will take place after the singing of “Better Is One Day.” If you are not worshipping with us in person but would like to receive Communion, we will be offering Drive Through Communion at our building at 16200 Dodd Lane, Lakeville, Minnesota, following our indoor service. Drive Through Communion will be available between 10:15am & 10:30am.
In order to better serve you in this troubling times, the way we receive Communion has changed slightly. You will be offered a self-contained Communion serving. Each capsule has two layers. The first layer is a thin, clear, cellophane layer which reveals the host. Under the second layer you will find the alcohol free juice. Volunteers will be happy to take you waste after you receive Communion.
The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us;
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
Forever and ever. Amen.
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace, as you trust anew every sign of God’s love, in the grace of Jesus Christ. In the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Let us go in the peace of Christ, celebrating the love of God, blessed to be God’s people and God’s Church, together serving The Lord of life.
Thanks be to God!
“My life is in You, Lord,
My strength is in You, Lord,
My hope is in You, Lord,
In You, it’s in You;
My life is in You, Lord,
My strength is in You, Lord,
My hope is in You, Lord,
In You, it’s in You.
I will praise You
With all of my life,
I will praise You
With all of my strength;
With all of my life,
With all of my strength.
All of my hope
Is in You.
My life is in You, Lord,
My strength is in You, Lord,
My hope is in You, Lord,
In You, it’s in You;
My life is in You, Lord,
My strength is in You, Lord,
My hope is in You, Lord,
In You, it’s in You,
In You.”
At this time we will transition to offering Holy Communion. As a reminder, to better serve you in this troubling times, the way we receive Communion has changed slightly. You will be offered a self-contained Communion serving. Each capsule has two layers. The first layer is a thin, clear, cellophane layer which reveals the host. Under the second layer you will find the alcohol free juice. Volunteers will be happy to take you waste after you receive Communion.
Upon leaving your seats and receiving Communion, we ask that you please leave the building and return to your vehicles.
For your safety and the safety of our community, we ask that once you leave your seated area and return to your vehicles that you avoid congregating near your vehicles.
We will continue to sing songs during Communion, and you are welcome to leave at any time. Drive Through Communion will begin at 10:15 and run until 10:30.
“vs. 1”
I have decided
To follow Jesus,
I have decided
To follow Jesus,
I have decided
To follow Jesus,
No turning back,
No turning back!
”vs. 2”
Though no one joins me,
Still I will follow,
Though no one joins me,
Still I will follow,
Though no one joins me,
Still I will follow,
No turning back,
No turning back!
”vs. 3”
The world behind me,
The cross before me,
The world behind me,
The cross before me,
The world behind me,
The cross before me,
No turning back,
No turning back!
(repeat first verse)”
“Over the mountains and the sea
Your river runs with love for me,
And I will open up my heart,
And let the Healer set me free.
I’m happy to be in the truth,
And I will daily lift my hands,
For I will always sing
Of when Your love came down.
refrain:
I could sing of Your love forever,
I could sing of Your love forever,
I could sing of Your love forever,
I could sing of Your love forever.
(repeat entire song)”
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Follow us on facebook to watch our services live on Lord of Life LIVE! Watch with us live at 9:30am on Sundays, or rewatch at your own convenience!
Join us next Sunday, October 25, as we celebrate Reformation Sunday Worship, “Signs of Love … Change Everything!” Wear something red to share in the spirit of this festive day! Worship to include a Children’s Message and a Sermon from Pastor Jamie! Worship to be 30 minutes, and to conclude with Holy Communion!
As we share worship in this new way, we are seeking volunteers to assist with greeting, ushering, serving communion,
live streaming, AV ministry, set up, clean up, worship leaders, and more! You can access details and ways to sign up on our website and Facebook page! Thank you!
Friends, today as always, all who proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, are welcome to God’s table of grace as we share Holy Communion. Communion will be offered to you following the closing song as you exit the sanctuary, as we share pre-packaged single servings of communion, including a wafer and grape juice. Carefully pull back the first tab to expose the host, the body of Christ, given for you; then pull back the second tab to expose the blood of Christ, shed for you! Please ask for assistance or clarification as you are served!
For those sharing their generosity today, we thank you for your faithful giving! Offering is collected in baskets by the ushers as you exit the sanctuary. For those who wish to volunteer to serve on future Sundays, please see the Signup Genius links in the LINK, and on our Facebook page. Thank you for giving in this blessed way!
For those who are not able to join us for worship, you are invited to receive drive-through communion, available Sundays, 10:15-10:30 a.m. at the front curb near the church entrance.
We hope having the service provided for you in this way, will touch you, comfort you, reassure you, and grace you in some way! If you believe others you know would be blessed to receive this bulletin, the sermon notes, or our live stream links, please forward these to them.
In this time of social distancing, please trust that we are committed to doing everything possible to slow the spread of the coronavirus, and yet, please also trust that we are equally committed to keeping us socially and spiritually connected! On behalf of the Kingdom of God, thank you for the ways you make God and neighbor first!
A most holy and blessed Sunday to each of you and your loved ones! From everyone on every level of leadership and service, please know during these days, days filled with new opportunities, possibilities, information to process and evaluate, and yet, still so many questions, we continue to pray for you and to give thanks to God for each of you! Please contact Pastor Jamie if he can serve you in any way: jamie.thompson@lordoflifemn.org
We pray The Holy Spirit breathes anew on us to be God’s people and to be God’s Church, as together we make known and we trust anew
God’s gifts of hope, peace, justice, clarity, calm, and comfort forever break forth in new ways for you and your loved ones, today, and as we share every sign of God’s love and grace!
Acknowledgments for today’s service include:
Litany Trusting God’s Signs of Love – written based on Psalm 96. “This Is My Father’s World” © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW) and With One Voice Hymnal Supplement © 1995 Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis & Board of Publication, Lutheran Church In America, Philadelphia; and Evangelical Lutheran Worship © 2006 by Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis, MN. Used with permission. “Prayer of The Day,” “Lord’s Prayer,” “Post-Communion Blessing, Prayer, & Benediction,” based on the LBW. “Glory, Glory Hallelujah” © 1999 This Far by Faith; An African American Resource for Worship, Augsburg Fortress, All rights reserved. Used with permission. “My Life Is In You, Lord” © 1986, this arrangement © 1992 by Integrity’s Hosanna! Music CCLI #17315 “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” © 2002 Agnes Day Music CCLI #4599973 “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever” © 1994 Curious? Music UK CCLI #1043199 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.