The Third Sunday After Epiphany - Online Worship - January 24, 2021
refrain:
Lead me, guide me,
Along the way;
For if you lead me,
I cannot stray.
Lord, let me walk
Each day with thee.
Lead me, O Lord,
Lead me.
vs. 1
I am weak and I need
Thy strength and pow’r
To help me over
My weakest hour.
Help me through the darkness
Thy face to see.
Lead me, O Lord,
Lead me.
(refrain)
vs. 3
I am lost if you take
Your hand from me,
I am blind without
Thy light to see.
Lord, just always let me
Thy servant be.
Lead me, O Lord,
Lead me.
(refrain)
Friends, today, trust anew the One who leads us and guides us, is forever walking with us, here and now, 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.
Though evil is all around us, Christ is faithfully leading us, in God’s light and grace. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we have failed to drop our nets and to follow.
(silence for reflection)
Dear friends, receive a new epiphany today in the grace of The Bright New Light; Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. Jesus walks right into our day, calling one and all. We live in the house of the Lord, in God’s goodness and light, thanks to the One who forever summons us and graces us to come and follow!
Almighty and loving God, you sent your Son to proclaim your kingdom, to call us by name, to lead us anew in The Bright New Light. By your Holy Spirit, give us a new epiphany to see this is only the beginning to so much more, as you come to us, as you break into our daily lives, as you grace us to drop what we are doing and to follow you anew. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea – for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed Jesus.
(New Revised Standard Version)
JONAH 3:1-5, 10; 1 CORINTHIANS 7:29-31; MARK 1:14-20
Leaders. Oh, how we need them. Oh, how we wish there were more of them. Oh, how we wish we could trust them. Oh, how we wish we believed they would be faithful. Leading is not easy. Following is not easy either. Who do you follow these days? Who do you trust? What keeps you from dropping what you are doing? It has been said, `the best leaders have the best followers.’ It has also been said, `the best leaders, began by being the best followers!’ How are you at following? How are you at following Jesus? In our Gospel today, Jesus, as The Bright New Leader comes to the first disciples, and they follow, and they follow immediately, and they follow taking action, and they follow believing. As we follow The One who first comes to us, who calls us to follow, let us trust, let us surrender, let us boldly answer the call, believing what we have seen, believing it before we ever see it, believing The Kingdom of God has come near, has faithfully come to us; to keep us faithful, to lead us, to save us, to grace us, in The Bright New Light of Jesus Christ!
The Bright New Leader comes to us ... personally inviting one and all! Jesus came to the disciples, in the middle of their daily routine. Trust Jesus is still coming to you, personally inviting you, counting on you! Mark 1:14-20
The Bright New Leader comes to us ... putting his whole self in, to put our self in, completely, turning us around, that is what grace, The Kingdom, salvation, truth, hope, power are all about! Jonah 3:10
The Bright New Leader comes to us ... that we might know The Way! Jesus came to lead us, to begin anew, to change our path, to change our direction, to change our heart, to change our life. Mark 1:14-15
The Bright New Leader comes to us ... sending us even when we are not sure how or where to go! Following The Leader, means following his lead, going when and where, even when unsure. Jonah 3:1-5
The Bright New Leader comes to us ... calling us to drop what we are doing! In the midst of all we have our hands on, all we could do, we are to drop it, leave it, and follow Jesus first! Mark 1:17,19
The Bright New Leader comes to us ... to take action, now, no waiting! Jesus came with urgency, every moment matters, every person matters, there may not be a tomorrow, or another opportunity. 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
The Bright New Leader comes to us ... empowering each and every step! Going to Nineveh, leaving our boats, requires us to believe, to be bold, even when we do not see each step. Jonah 3:1-5; Mark 1:20
The Bright New Leader comes to us ... to believe it, and to see it! Our calling, our path, our journey, our spirit, often must see it to believe it. As we follow, as we surrender completely, we will be given faith, to first believe it, and then to see it: The Christ, The Spirit, hope, confidence, purpose, God’s grace! Mark 1:14-15
The Bright New Leader comes to us ... gracing us to make history! Whether like Jonah, Paul, Peter, Andrew, James, John, trust The Bright New Leader is making history, here, in you, through you, thanks to you, beyond you, believing in you! Jonah 3, Mark 1
The Bright New Leader comes to us ... This is how God leads, this is what God does, this is how God is God, in each new epiphany, in The Bright New Light of Jesus Christ!
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
Will you come and follow me
If I but call your name?
Will you go where you don’t know
And never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown?
Will you let my name be known,
Will you let my life be grown
In you and you in me?
vs. 2
Will you leave yourself behind
If I but call your name?
Will you care for cruel and kind
And never be the same?
Will you risk the hostile stare
Should your life attract or scare?
Will you let me answer prayer
In you and you in me?
vs. 5
Lord, your summons echoes true
When you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you
And never be the same.
In Your company I’ll go where
Your love and footsteps show.
Thus I’ll move and live and grow
In you and you in me.
... 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!
refrain:
Ev’rywhere I go,
On this road high and low
Where I go, I go with You.
So I won’t be afraid,
This is my hope, come what may
Where I go I go with You.
Where I go I go with You.
vs. 1
There’s a city that calls me by name
There’s a city that calls me by name
Yes as I run this race
I am cheered by the saints
There’s a city that calls me by name
vs. 2
There’s a future that runs through my veins
There’s a future that runs through my veins
And there’s nothing on earth
That can stand in the way
There’s a future that runs through my veins
(refrain)
bridge:
Your breath upon these bones
Your fire in my soul
Your Kingdom is my home,
And I don’t walk alone.
Ev’rywhere I go,
On this road high and low
Where I go, I go with You.
So I won’t be afraid,
This is my hope, come what may
Where I go, I go with You.
Ev’rywhere I go,
On this road high and low
Where I go, I go with You.
So I won’t be afraid,
This is my hope, come what may
Where I go, I go with You.
Where I go, I go with 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.
Where You go, I’ll go;
Where You stay, I’ll stay;
When You move, I’ll move.
I will follow.
All Your ways are good,
All Your ways are sure;
I will trust in You alone.
Higher than my sight,
High above my life;
I will trust in You alone.
refrain:
Where You go, I’ll go;
Where You stay, I’ll stay;
When You move, I’ll move.
I will follow You.
Whom You love, I’ll love;
How You serve, I’ll serve;
If this life I lose,
I will follow You, yeah.
I will follow You, yeah.
bridge:
In You, there’s life everlasting.
In You, there’s freedom for my soul.
In You, there’s joy, unending joy;
And I will follow.
(refrain)
I will follow You, yeah.
I will follow You, yeah.
vs. 1
Blessed be Your name
In the land that is plentiful,
Where Your streams of abundance flow,
Blessed be Your name.
vs. 2
Blessed be Your name
When I’m found in the desert place,
Though I walk through the wilderness,
Blessed be Your name.
Ev’ry blessing
You pour out
I’ll turn back to praise.
When the darkness
Closes in, Lord,
Still I will say,
(refrain)
refrain:
“Blessed be the name of the Lord,
Blessed be Your name.
Blessed be the name of the Lord,
Blessed be Your glorious name.”
vs. 3
Blessed be Your name
When the sun’s shining down on me,
When the world’s “all as it should be.”
Blessed be Your name.
vs. 4
Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering,
Though there’s pain in the offering,
Blessed be Your name.
Every blessing You pour out
I’ll turn back to praise.
When the darkness closes in,
Lord, still I will say,
(refrain)
bridge:
You give and take away,
You give and take away.
My heart will choose to say,
“Lord, blessed be Your name.”
(repeat and then refrain)
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Join us next Sunday, January 31, 9:30 a.m., as we share and celebrate The Fourth Sunday After Epiphany, “The Bright New Teacher!” 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 27. “Prayer of The Day,” “Lord’s Prayer,” “Post-Communion Blessing, Prayer, & Benediction,” based on the LBW. © 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. “What Star Is This?” Words Public Domain, Music © 2009 Hope Publishing, CCLI #5632468 “You Are Holy (Du Ar Helig) © 1990 Augsburg Fortress, OL #00877 “Lead Me, Lord” © 1994 New Spring, CCLI #1609045, “The King of All of Me” © 2003 Universal Music, CCLI #4646747. “Lead Me, Guide Me” © 1953 Doris M. Akers, Chappell & Co., OL #92251 “Jesus Loves Me” Music & Lyrics Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “The Summons” © 1987 WGRG, CCLI #1040329 “Everywhere I Go” © All Essential Music, CCLI #7050066 “I Will Follow” © 2010 SHOUT! Music Publishing, CCLI #5806878 “Blessed Be Your Name” © 2002 Thankyou Music, CCLI #3798438 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.