The Second Sunday After Epiphany - Online Worship - January 17, 2021

vs. 1
He became sin,
Who knew no sin;
That we might become
His righteousness;
He humbled Himself,
And carried the cross.
Love so amazing,
Love so amazing.

refrain:
Jesus, Messiah;
Name above all names;
Blessed Redeemer;
Emmanuel.
The Rescue for sinners,
The Ransom from heaven;
Jesus, Messiah, Lord of all.

bridge:
All our hope is in You,
All our hope is in You;
All the glory to You, God,
The Light of the world.
(refrain)

Jesus, Messiah, Lord of all.
The Lord of all! The Lord of all.

Friends, today we trust anew, Jesus, Messiah, Lord of all, sees us first, blessing us with a new epiphany in The Bright New Light of God’s grace so we worship, in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.

Amen.

People of God: The Lord knows everything about us. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we have failed to trust the epiphanies of God’s bright new light and grace.

(silence for reflection)

Dear friends, receive a new epiphany today, The Bright New Light, blesses us with new sight, to receive God’s grace in these words; Jesus saves, and Jesus forgives you all your sins. May our spirits be renewed by God’s light and grace, as we trust anew the One who forever sees us first, blesses us in The Spirit, so Jesus is our clearest, truest vision, now and forever, O Ruler of all!

Almighty and loving God, you made yourself known to us as The Word became flesh to come and see us first, to find us, to know our name, our every thought, word and deed, and still you are faithful. By your Holy Spirit, give us a new epiphany to receive new sight, to see The Bright New Light of your grace, to believe and to follow anew. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, Jesus said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” And Jesus said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

(NRSV)

1 SAMUEL 3:1-10; JOHN 1:43-51

Oh, what fine memories of `hide and go seek' many of us must have. The idea of trying to find, trying to see all the others first.  In our faith walk, there are times when it feels God is at a distance.  Where is he?  When will we see him?  Where will we find him?  John’s Gospel reminds us, like the first disciples, we can be excited to find the Savior, and yet it is when we see and find the Christ, that we quickly see it is Jesus who saw us first!  This bright new sight, is an epiphany for us.  Jesus found and came to people in their day to day activities, and he beckoned to them.  Jesus told Nathanael that he saw Nathanael while he was under the fig tree.  Where does Jesus see you first?  As we share this season of Epiphany, let us celebrate The Bright New Light in Christ that reveals to us just who Jesus is, the bight new sight, to believe, Jesus sees us first!

1. The gift of Christmas is God comes to us.  The gift of Epiphany is we are given a bright new sight, to see anew, just when we think we are seeking Jesus, Jesus comes to us and sees us first.

A. Jesus decided to go to Galilee.  Jesus sees us first and comes to our Galilee, too.  The voice of The Lord came to Samuel.  The Lord sees us and breaks into our places of sleeping and waking.  1 Samuel 3:1-10; John 1:43-51

B. As Jesus first saw the early disciples in the midst of their daily routine and activities, trust Jesus sees you first from the time you wake up, through those things you do without thinking about, all day, and all through the night.  John 1:43-48

C. Jesus calls to us.  Jesus could have found anyone and called anyone, and he finds us and calls out to us, and he saves us!  Jesus sees us, knows how to overcome all our excuses and obstacles, to follow him.  1 Samuel 3:10; John 1:43,47,48,50

D. Jesus sees us first, like no one else has ever seen us.  Jesus sees us under the fig tree, knows where we are, knows all about us, what we like to do, want to do.  "Come and see."  John 1:46-48

E. Along with seeing you first, Jesus wants to see us looking to see him.  The bright new sight of Epiphany, opens our eyes and our hearts to see: If we do not look for him, we may not see how often Jesus sees us first.  1 Samuel 3:4-10

2. As God saw and called Samuel, and as Jesus saw and called the disciples to follow him, God sees us and calls to each of us as well.  God in Jesus gives us a bright new sight, to see The Bright New Light, to see what God saw first!  

A. Wherever you first saw Jesus, wherever you continue to see him most clearly, Jesus sees you first.

i. God in Jesus first sees you from heaven, `in the beginning.' 

ii. God in Jesus sees us first from a stable; `for to you is born this day in the City of David, a Savior.'

iii. God in Jesus first sees us from a cross with compassion; `Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.'

iv. And just like Mary, God in Jesus sees us first in Easter; as he calls us by name again.

B. The Bright New Light of Christ, will give you power to see what you have never seen before!  John 1:49

C. In your day to day walk, as you look for Christ to enter your midst and to amaze you and to call you, trust Jesus and his light give you a bright new sight, to see Who is already watching you, passing along, walking beside you, and never passing you by, forever seeing you first!

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.

vs. 1
Be thou my vision,
O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me,
Save that thou art:
Thou my best thought
By day and by night,
Waking or sleeping,
Thy presence my light.

vs. 2
Be thou my wisdom,
And thou my true word;
I ever with thee
And thou with me, Lord.
Thou my soul’s shelter,
Thou my high tow’r,
Raise thou me heav’nward,
O Pow’r of my pow’r.

vs. 4
Light of my soul,
After victory won,
May I reach heaven’s joys,
O heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart,
Whatever befall,
Still be my vision,
O Ruler of all.  

... as we pray to you, Jesus,

Give us a new epiphany, in your bright new light 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 closing Benediction. 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, for you are blessed with The Bright New Light of God’s saving grace in 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 epiphany in The Bright New Light, and serving The Lord of life.

Thanks be to God!

vs. 1
You are not alone
If you are lonely.
When you feel afraid,
You’re not the only.
We are all the same,
In need of mercy,
To be forgiven and be free.
It’s all you got to lean on,
But thank God, it’s all you need.

refrain:
And all the people said, “Amen.”
Oh, and all the people said, “Amen.”
Give thanks to the Lord,
For His love never ends.
And all the people said, “Amen.”

vs. 2
If you’re rich or poor,
Well, it don’t matter.
Weak or strong,
You know love is what we’re after.
We’re all broken,
But we’re all in this together.
God knows we stumble and fall,
And He so loved the world,
He sent His Son to save us all.
(refrain)

vs. 3
Blessed are the poor in spirit
Who are torn apart.
Blessed are the persecuted
And the pure in heart.
Blessed are the people hungry
For another start,
For theirs is the kingdom,
The kingdom of God.
(refrain twice)

And all the people said, “Amen.”

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.

In this world of darkness,
We are given light,
Hope for all the dying.
How will they know?
How will they know that Jesus loves them,
And He died to save them?

Carry the Light,
Carry the Light.
Go and tell the children, 
They are precious in His sight.
Carry the Light,
Carry the Light.
Go and preach the gospel
‘Til there is no more night.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Carry the Light.

Count them by the millions,
Blinded slaves to sin.
Inside they are dying.
How will they know?
How will they know,
That Jesus loves them,
And His heart is breaking?

Carry the Light,
Carry the Light.
Go and tell the children, 
They are precious in His sight.
Carry the Light,
Carry the Light.
Go and preach the gospel
‘Til there is no more night.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Carry the Light, the Light.
Carry the Light.

Ev’ry nation sees the glory
Of a star that pierced the night.
As we tell the wondrous story,
We are bathed in radiant light.
Star sent forth from highest heaven,
Dancing light of God’s design,
Shine upon the gift that’s given:
Word made flesh now born in time.

Surely the presence
Of the Lord is in this place;
I can feel His mighty power
And his grace.
I can hear the brush of angels’ wings;
I see glory on each face.
Surely the presence
Of the Lord is in this place.

Liking posts like this one helps get the word out about Lord of Life! Consider sharing posts like this with friends who may be missing their faith-based communities. Leave a comment and let us know what you liked or what moved you this week!

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, January 24, 9:30 a.m., as we share and celebrate The Third Sunday After Epiphany, “The Bright New Leader!” Worship to include a Children’s Message and a Sermon from Pastor Jamie! Worship to be 30 minutes, and to conclude with Holy Communion! Join us in-person or via our live stream efforts!

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 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 when we are committed to safety and social distancing, please trust 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!

From everyone on every level of leadership and service, 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 gift of God’s light, love and grace!

Acknowledgments for today’s service include:

 Litany Trusting a New Epiphany In Grace & The Bright New Light, written based on Psalm 139 © 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 Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis, MN. Used with permission. “Prayer of The Day,” “Lord’s Prayer,” “Post-Communion Blessing, Prayer, & Benediction,” based on the LBW. “Just As I Am” © 2009 CCTB Music CCLI #5635850 “The Summons” © 1987 WGRG CCLI #1040329 “Jesus Messiah” © 2008 sixsteps Music CCLI #5183443 “Jesus Loves Me” Music & Lyrics Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “Be Thou My Vision” Music & Lyrics Public Domain, CCLI #30639 “All The People Said Amen” © 2013 Universal Music CCLI #6518275 “Epiphany Carol” © 2002 GIA Publications, Inc., OneLic #08700 “Surely The Presence of The Lord” © 1977 Lanny Wolfe Music CCLI #7909 “Carry The Light” © 1989 Ariose Music CCLI #126402 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.