The First Sunday in Advent - Online Worship - November 29, 2020
“vs. 1
Oh, come, Oh, come,
Emmanuel,
And ransom captive
Israel,
That mourns in lonely
Exile here,
Until the Son of God
Appear.
refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel,
Shall come to you,
O Israel.
vs. 4
Oh, come, blest Day-spring,
Come and cheer,
Our spirits by your
Advent here;
Disperse the gloomy
Clouds of night,
And death’s dark shadows
Put to flight.
(refrain twice)”
Today, we rejoice, we trust, all that is a sign for us, in the hope, in the arrival, in the promised advent and return of Emmanuel, Who comes to us, so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen.
People of God: As we pray and wait for The Christ to break into our world and hearts again, let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we have failed to trust the signs of his presence and his promised return.
(silence for reflection)
Friends in Christ: The One who was born in a manger, who died for you, and rose again, and who will come again to this world, graces us in these words; Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. We are his new Jerusalem. This will be a sign for you, so let us light one candle and trust anew in Messiah, the One who banishes all darkness, the One who fulfills every promise!
Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. Protect us always, and save us from the threatening dangers of our sins. During the seasons of Advent and Christmas, increase in us the gift of faith to rejoice, to see first, the blessed signs of your holy presence, power and faithfulness. On this First Sunday in Advent, open our eyes and hearts to the signs and promises of The One who now shines; build us up as your disciples and prophets to believe anew, your Kingdom has already come near, as we await the glory of your promised return. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
“vs. 1
Light one candle
To watch for Messiah:
Let the light banish
Darkness.
He shall bring
Salvation to Israel,
God fulfills the promise.”
Jesus quoted the prophet Isaiah, saying, “‘But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heaven will be shaken.’ Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in the clouds’ with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. From the fig tree, learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake – for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”
(NRSV)
ISAIAH 64:1-9; 1 CORINTHIANS 1:3-9; MARK 13:24-37
Do you have a list of things you are hoping to receive for Christmas this year? What is on your list? What are the chances you receive the things on your list? For many parents, `tis the season of responding to children with dreams of sugar plums dancing in their heads, to children with hope bursting from their eyes; the response from parents likely heard echoing through the malls and stores, out car windows, across dinner tables, at the foot of beds, at bedroom doors are these important words: “We’ll see.” As believers, we celebrate Advent and Christmas thanks to all that was a sign for us, long ago, The Sign of God’s grace as promised! As Jesus tells us to stay awake, we stay awake, keep alert, for the next signs of grace given and promised, while we wait, trust and hope for this sign, for Jesus, God’s promised grace, to come again. Will God’s grace come completely again one day? Can we really trust the sign of grace promised by the prophets and Jesus, himself? Is the best Jesus can do for us now, is to answer, “We’ll see”? No way! `Tis the season to believe anew! God’s grace is promised! And this will be a sign for you: God’s grace is coming again and again!
1. God’s grace is a sign promised, giving us hope to trust and to celebrate the word spoken by the prophets and the words of Jesus Christ are truth. This sign of grace promised gives us hope in the return of Christ, a promise that will be kept. For now we stay awake looking for every sign of grace, looking for The Christ! Mark 13:35-37
A. Stay awake, anticipate, every sign of God’s grace promised, a promise that is holy, prophesied, set apart from all the others. Anticipate, set apart the signs of grace from all else this season! Isaiah 64:4; Mark 13:29
B. Stay awake, watch for, every sign of God’s grace promised, promises that give real hope and overcome all that overwhelms us. Watch for every sign that calms and reassures! 1 Corinthians 1:7; Mark 13:26-27
C. Stay awake, be awed by, every sign of God’s grace promised, promises foretold and kept, promises that will be kept again. Share the awe of the promise!
Isaiah 64:5; 1 Corinthians 1:6; Mark 13:33
D. Stay awake, these are Kingdom promises, signs of God’s grace promised, promises foretold from above, promises kept, promises that will be kept again; promises different from this world! Isaiah 64:1-2; 1 Corinthians 1:7-9; Mark 13:32-33
E. Stay awake for every eternal sign of God’s grace promised; promises from Emmanuel are eternal. The Christ is from eternity for eternity. The signs of grace are eternal, make you eternal indeed! God’s promises, God’s grace, are forever! Isaiah 64:9; Mark 13:32
2. In the midst all you are hoping for this Advent and Christmas, stay awake, do not let the routine, become routine, do not let the common, become common; expect, anticipate, watch for, be awed by, receive, see, take hold, believe, these will be Kingdom promises, eternal promises, signs of God’s grace ... forever promised!
Isaiah 64:1-3; 1 Corinthians 1:4,9; Mark 13:33,35-37
A. Stay awake and you will receive a sign of all you are promised, a sign of what you are waiting for, hoping for, longing for - whether or not you have it on your list.
B. Trust when you ask God for a sign of God’s grace, “We’ll see” will not be
the response you hear. You will hear, “Stay awake!” `Tis the season to believe anew! Look and listen, expect and anticipate, receive every sign of God’s grace, forever promised!
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.
“All who are thirsty,
All who are weak,
Come to the fountain.
Dip your heart in
The stream of life.
Let the pain and the sorrow
Be wash’d away
In the waves of His mercy
As deep cries
Out to deep.
We sing:
Come, Lord Jesus,
Come.
Come, Lord Jesus,
Come.
Come, Lord Jesus,
Come.
Come, Lord Jesus,
Come.
(repeat entire song)
”
...as we pray to you, Jesus,
We trust your signs; our hope is in your promise and your 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 await and trust God’s every sign 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, trusting anew every sign promised in God’s grace, and serving The Lord of life.
Thanks be to God!
“vs. 1
Rejoice, rejoice, believers,
And let your lights appear;
The evening is advancing,
And darker night is near.
The bridegroom is arising,
And soon is drawing nigh.
Up, pray and watch and wrestle;
At midnight comes the cry.
vs. 4
Our hope and expectation,
O Jesus, now appear;
Arise, O Sun so longed for,
O’er this benighted sphere.
With hearts and hands uplifted,
We plead, O Lord, to see,
The day of earth’s redemption,
That sets your people free!”
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
Of the Father’s love begotten,
Ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega,
He the source, the ending he,
Of the things that are, that have been,
And that future years shall see,
Evermore, and evermore.
vs.3
This is he whom seers in old time,
Chanted of with one accord,
Whom the voices of the prophets,
Promised in their faithful word;
Now he shines, the long-expected;
Let creation praise its Lord,
Evermore and evermore.
vs.4
Let the heights of heav’n adore him;
Angel hosts, his praises sing;
Pow’rs, dominions, bow before him,
And extol our God and King;
Let no tongue on earth be silent,
Ev’ry voice in concert ring,
Evermore and evermore.”
“vs. 1
I wonder as I wander,
Out under the sky,
How Jesus the Savior
Did come for to die,
For poor ord’n’ry people
Like you and like I.
I wonder as I wander,
Out under the sky.
vs. 2
When Mary birthed Jesus,
All in a cow’s stall,
Came wise men and farmers
And shepherds and all,
And high from the heavens
A star’s light did fall;
The promise of the ages
It then did recall.
vs. 3
If Jesus had wanted
For any wee thing,
A star in the sky
Or a bird on the wing.
Or all of God’s angels
In heav’n for to sing,
He surely could have had it
‘Cause he was the King.
vs. 4
I wonder as I wander,
Out under the sky,
How Jesus the Savior
Did come for to die,
For poor ord’n’ry people
Like you and like I.
I wonder as I wander,
Out under the sky.”
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Join us next Sunday, December 6, as we share and celebrate The Second Sunday In Advent! “And This Will Be A Sign For You … A Sign Made Ready!” 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 SignUpGenius 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 way 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 of Hope In The Signs of Jesus’ Promised Return – written based on Psalm 122. “Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel” “Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah” “Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers” “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” “I Wonder As I Wander” © 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. “All Who Are Thirsty” © 1998 Vineyard Songs CCLI #2489542 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.