The Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost - Online Worship - October 3, 2021

vs.1
May our homes be filled with dancing,
May our streets be filled with joy,
May injustice bow to Jesus,
As the people turn to pray.

refrain:
From the mountains to the valleys,
Hear our praises rise to You,
From the heavens to the nations,
Hear our singing fill the air!

vs.2
May Your light shine in the darkness,
As we walk before the cross,
May Your glory fill the whole earth,
As the water o’er seas.

(refrain)

Today, we celebrate we are blessed to see and to believe we are anew in God’s glory and grace; from the mountains to the valleys, we raise our praises for all to hear, so we worship, in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen.

People of God: The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we have failed to love the Lord with all our heart, to see and to believe God’s glory and grace.

(silence for reflection)

Friends in Christ: As God’s beloved, once again, we receive God’s glory and grace in these words: Jesus saves, and Jesus forgives you all your sins. See and believe God’s every blessing like never before. His compassion has made you new. Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place!

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.

Friends in Christ: One generation shall pass on the Lord’s majesty and love to another. Trust you are loved first, blessed first, graced first. See, believe, and live anew in God’s glory and grace, for the presence of the Lord is surely in this place!

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.

Almighty and loving God, you alone faithfully take us as your children into your arms, you lay your hands on us, and you bless us in countless ways. Open our hearts and our spirits to experience and to feel, to see and to believe anew in your glory and grace, trusting all good gifts are sent from heaven above, placed into our care. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by the Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. ... Now God did not subject the coming world, about which we are speaking, to angels. But someone has testified somewhere, “What are human beings that you are mindful of them, or mortals, that you care for them? You have made them for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned them with glory and honor, subjecting all things under their feet.” Now in subjecting all things to them, God left nothing outside their control. As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to them, but we do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, in the midst of the congregation I praise you.”

(New Revised Standard Version)

Be sure to join us in person, or on facebook for Lord of Life LIVE for this special music from our new pianist Kyle Dacon!

People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.  

(New Revised Standard Version)

As God’s children, we trust God the good steward and God’s grace first love us and then fill us with countless blessings. In thanks to God’s faithfulness, we believe and we see anew, and we now boldly proclaim our faith, making God and our neighbors first.

God who sits upon the throne says, “Behold, I make all things new. Write these words for they are trustworthy and true. It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the fountain the water of life without payment. They who conquer shall have their heritage, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.” Amen.

GENESIS 2:18-24; HEBREWS 1:1-4; 2:5-12; MARK 10:13-16

What things do you carry in your arms?  To cradle something in your arms is far different than simply carrying it in your hands.  Things of value get carried with two hands.  Things that are priceless may be taken into our arms, cradled with great care.  Today in Mark’s Gospel, we hear Jesus taking children up into his arms, blessing them, telling his disciples to welcome children in his name.  As we begin our annual giving emphasis at Lord of Life, we celebrate God has been cradling us in his arms from the very beginning.  We hear God telling us to serve and to welcome others in his name.  As God takes us into his arms and lays his hands on us, let us trust we will believe and we will see like never before, God’s glory and grace in our midst!  As God takes us into his arms and blesses us, let us trust we are precious and priceless to the Lord who will hold onto us and never let us go!

1. The Lord has been taking his children in his arms, holding them close in his glory and grace for a long time, and he is not about to stop.
Hebrews 2:10; Mark 10:16 

2. The Lord has been laying his hands on his children in our midst, leading us to see his glory and grace, guiding us, strengthening us, empowering us, equipping us, calling us since the beginning of time, the beginning of our lives, the beginning of our ministry and he is not about to stop.
Mark 10:16 

3. God's children are still looking for a place to come where they will be welcomed, touched and blessed, and not turned away; where they, too, will see and feel His glory and grace, and he is not about to stop!
Hebrews 2:7-9; Mark 10:13,14-15

A. The circle is growing and we are blessed by all who come and witness; making God and our neighbors first, trusting God first, loving God first!

B. We are blessed to bless and to touch and to welcome others who are still looking, to see what we see, to believe what we believe: God’s glory and grace!

i. Many are looking for a place, a safe place, a place to belong, to grow in spirit, thanks to The Spirit! 

ii. Many have shared their faith, that others may know Lord of Life is a place that explores and acknowledges and builds on our net worth of hospitality, welcome, authenticity, creating community for one and all!

4. As we believe anew, we will see anew we are God’s children!  We will see the glory and grace of God bless us to bless others, to point others to our trust and faith in the One who holds us in his arms, who holds us in glory and grace, and he is not about to stop!
Hebrews 1:2-3; 2:11; Psalm 8; Mark 10:16; John 11:40

A. We are being spoken to and sanctified by the Son, our Savior, to be blessed to see and to believe even more.

B. We are called to see and to believe God’s glory and grace.  

C. The Spirit will allow us to balance the gifts of the majestic Creator with our call to celebrate and to share God’s glory and grace placed into our care.

D. We will not be alone! Jesus, who welcomes us first to welcome others, will be forever holding us in his arms, blessing us all the way, and He will never let us go!

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
Children of the heav’nly Father,
Safely in his bosom gather;
Nestling bird or star in heaven,
Such a refuge ne’er was given.

vs. 2
God his own doth tend and nourish,
In his holy courts they flourish.
From all evil things he spares them,
In his mighty arms he bears them.

vs. 3
Neither life nor death shall ever,
From the Lord his children sever;
Unto them his grace he showeth,
And their sorrows all he knoweth.

vs. 4
Though he giveth or he taketh,
God his children, ne’er forsaketh;
His the loving purpose solely,
To preserve them pure and holy.

...as we pray to you, Jesus, ...
Bless us, to believe and to see anew, all your glory 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 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.

In the night in which he was betrayed our Lord Jesus took bread and gave thanks; broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat, this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the 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.

vs. 1
My soul cries out with a joyful shout
That the God of my heart is great,
And my spirit sings of the wondrous things
That you bring to the ones who wait.
You fixed your sight on your servant’s plight,
And my weakness you did not spurn,
So from east to west shall my name be blest.
Could the world be about to turn?

refrain:
My heart shall sing of the day you bring.
Let the fires of your justice burn.
Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near,
And the world is about to turn.

vs. 2
Though I am small, my God, my all,
You work great things in me,
And your mercy will last from the depths of the past
To the end of the age to be.
Your very name puts the proud to shame,
And to those who would for you yearn,
You will show your might, put the strong to flight,
For the world is about to turn.

(refrain)

vs. 3
From the halls of pow’r to the fortress tow’r,
Not a stone will be left on stone.
Let the king beware for your justice tears
Ev’ry tyrant from his throne.
The hungry poor shall weep no more,
For the food they can never earn;
There are tables spread, ev’ry mouth be fed,
For the world is about to turn.

(refrain)

vs. 4
Though the nations rage from age to age,
We remember who holds us fast:
God’s mercy must deliver us
From the conqueror’s crushing grasp.
This saving word that our forebears heard
Is the promise which holds us bound,
‘Til the spear and rod can be crushed by God,
Who is turning the world around.

(refrain)

The body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, strengthen you and keep you in his grace, this day, and on into life everlasting.
Amen.

Let us pray.
Pour out upon us the spirit of your love, O Lord, and unite the wills of those whom you have fed with one heavenly food; through Jesus Christ, The Lord of life. 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 live anew in the grace of all God is. 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, and serving the Lord of life.
Thanks be to God!

vs. 1
How lovely is Your dwelling place,
O Lord almighty!
My soul doth long, and even faints for You.
For here my heart is satisfied,
Within Your presence.
I sing beneath the shadow of Your wings.

refrain:
Better is one day in Your courts,
Better is one day in Your house,
Better is one day in Your courts,
Than thousands elsewhere!
Better is one day in Your courts,
Better is one day in Your house,
Better is one day in Your courts,
Than thousands elsewhere!

bridge:
My heart and flesh cry out,
To You the living God!
Your Spirit’s water to my soul.
I’ve tasted and I’ve seen;
Come once again to me,
I will draw near to You,
I will draw near to You

(refrain 2x)

Than thousands elsewhere.

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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!

An informational meeting for 10th & 11th grade students and their parents, follows worship today at 10:30 a.m. AND Confirmation Class for 7th grade students meets at 11 a.m. Parents are asked to join us for the first 15 minutes!

Join us next Sunday, October 10, The Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost “First Things First, In Glory And Grace!” Worship includes a Children’s Message, a Sermon, and Holy Communion! Join us in-person or via our live stream efforts on our Facebook page, under “videos.”

As we share worship in this 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!

All who proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, are welcome to God’s table of grace as we share Holy Communion. Communion is now offered once again during worship, 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 building.

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 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 Seeing & Believing God’s Glory & Grace, written based on Psalm 145. “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. “Hear Our Praises”© 1998 Hillsong Music, CCLI #2543402 “Surely The Presence of The Lord” © 1977 Lanny Wolfe Music CCLI #7909 “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” Words & Music by Helen Lemmel, Public Domain, & this arr. © 1988 by Cindy Berry “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “Children of the Heavenly Father” Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #98028 “Canticle of the Turning” © 1990 GIA Publications, Inc., OL #00762 “Better Is One Day” © 1995 Thankyou Music CCLI #1097451 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.