The Fifth Sunday of Easter - Online Worship - May 2, 2021

The Lord is risen!
The Lord is risen indeed!

Christ is risen!
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!

vs. 1
This is a call to all
The dead and disappointed,
The ones who feel like
They are done;
This a word to all
The ones who feel forgotten,
But you are not.

refrain:
We’re alive, alive, alive,
And we’re singin’.
We’re alive, alive, alive,
And we’re shakin’.
We’re alive, alive, alive,
Alive in You.

vs. 2
We are soaked in all
The grace that we’ve been given,
Unchained from all that
We have done.
Your mercy’s risin’
Like the sun on the horizon,
And we’re comin’ home.
Oh, you know that we’re comin’ home.

(refrain twice)

Today we celebrate Jesus is alive; we are alive and anew in all the living grace that we’ve been given, to abide in the true vine and to grow in The Risen Christ, so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son and of The Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Friends, of our living God: Let us take a moment of silence to share with the Lord, sins of our failure to trust him as The Living Vine at the center of our lives, and our failure to be his living branches in the world.

(silence for reflection)

Friends, today we are reminded Jesus is upright and faithful. Be alive and anew in God’s living grace raising you up in these words: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. Believe anew, be alive in new ways; the steadfast love of The Risen and Living Vine endures forever!

Loving God, we thank you for the gift of faith to believe in Easter, to be alive and anew in your living grace, to believe in what seems so impossible: Jesus Christ is risen indeed, and he alone is The Living Vine. By your Holy Spirit, call us again to be your faithful branches, to go and bear fruit, to make God and our neighbors first through hope, growth and togetherness.  In The Risen Christ, we pray. Amen.

Jesus continued to teach his followers, saying, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine and you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.

(New Revised Standard Version)

ACTS 8:26-40; 1 JOHN 4:7-21; JOHN 15:1-8

Do you have trees and shrubs and bushes in your yard?  Do you have a garden, where you watch life come to life?  Spring is a great time to witness new growth.  Where will a flower blossom next?  Where will a new shoot on the tree begin?  Where will the vine branch off to?  As we continue the glory and power of the resurrection, we are reminded that Easter is not Easter without those who followed and those who believed.  The Good News is final in and of itself; and yet, the Good News means more for those who hear it, know it, believe it, and live by it.  The Holy Spirit is alive everywhere.  Jesus arose so that we would know `he is with us always, even to the close of the age.'  And yet, Jesus tells Mary, `be a living branch,' go and tell.  In Acts, we hear Philip is told, `to be alive, to be a living branch.'  Being a living branch for Jesus Christ is not easy.  May we be alive and anew, to grow in the living grace of The Risen Christ, to go out on a limb trusting The One who says, `I am the vine, you are the branches, abide in me, grow, be alive and anew, now and forever!'  

1. God raises Jesus from the dead to raise us up to be alive and anew, to grow in the living grace of The One who says, "I am the vine, you are the branches."  Let us trust we are alive and anew to grow, to go out on a limb, and to be branches of the vine.  John 15:5

A. We are alive and anew in The Risen Christ, to grow, to be a branch, to go out on a limb, and to bear fruit.
Acts 8:29-34; 1 John 4:7, 11, 19-21; John 15:2

B. We are alive and anew in The Risen Christ, to grow, to be a branch, to go out on a limb, to be a healthy branch, which might require some pruning.
John 15:2

C. We are alive and anew in The Risen Christ, to grow, to be a branch, to go out on a limb, and yet, to stay attached, to abide in the vine.
Acts 8:35-38; 1 John 4:16-18; John 15:4,6-7

D. We are alive and anew in The Risen Christ, to grow, to be a branch, to go out on a limb, and to live for the vine, as the vine lives for the branches.
Acts 8:35; John 15:1, 8

2. God raises Jesus from the dead to raise us up to be alive and anew, and to grow in the living grace of The One who says, "I am the vine and you are the branches."  Let us be raised up to trust we are alive and we are not now, and not ever, on our own.  John 15:5  

A. We are alive and anew, to be branches.  We do not need to be vines; only branches, simply branches, powerful branches, blessed branches, of The Greatest Vine.  Let us trust we are alive, to grow, to go out on a limb, trusting the vine.
John 15:1

B. Thanks be to God, the vine is faithful, and going nowhere. The vine is faithful and will keep us alive and strong. This vine is faithful, and these vine's branches, you, are alive and anew; you will live forever, for Christ is risen, risen indeed! Alleluia!
1 John 4:8-9, 19; John 15:1, 5

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
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, living Jesus,
Risen Savior, raise us to live anew, in your living hope and peace 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 Risen Lord and Savior.
Amen.

The peace of The Risen Christ be with you always.
And also with you.

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.

The Risen Lord bless you and keep you. The Risen Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Risen Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace, for you are alive and anew, right here, in the living grace of Jesus Christ. In the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Christ is risen!
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Let us go in the peace of the living Christ, alive and anew, celebrating the love of God, and serving The Risen Lord of life.
Thanks be to God! Alleluia!

Worthy is the
Lamb who was slain.
Holy, holy is He.
Sing a new song
To Him who sits on
Heaven’s mercy seat.

(repeat)

refrain:
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty,
Who was and is, and is to come.
With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of kings.
You are my everything,
And I will adore You.

Clothed in rainbows
Of living color,
Flashes of lightning,
Rolls of thunder.
Blessing and honor,
Strength and glory
And power be,
To You, the only wise King.

(refrain)

Filled with wonder,
Awestruck wonder,
At the mention of
Your name.
Jesus, Your name is power,
Breath and living water,
Such a marv’lous mystery.

(refrain)

Everyone needs compassion,
A love that’s never failing.
Let mercy fall on me.
Everyone needs forgiveness,
The kindness of a Savior,
The hope of nations.

refrain:
Savior,
He can move the mountains.
My God is mighty to save.
He is mighty to save.
Forever,
Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave.
Jesus conquered the grave.

So take me as You find me,
All my fears and failures;
Fill my life again.
I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in.
Now, I surrender.
Yes, I surrender.

(refrain)

Shine your light and let the whole world see,
We’re singing for the glory of the risen King.
Jesus, Shine your light and let the whole world see,
We’re singing for the glory of the risen King.

(refrain)

You’re my Savior;
You can move the mountains.
God, You are mighty to save.
You are mighty to save.
Forever,
Author of salvation,
You rose and conquered the grave.
Yes, You conquered the grave.
You are mighty to save.

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Join us next Sunday, May 9, 9:30 a.m., as we celebrate, The Sixth Sunday of Easter, “Alive And Anew, In Unconditional Living Grace!” 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 on our Facebook page, under “videos.”

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!

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 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 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 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 Alive & Anew, To Grow In Living Grace, written based on Psalm 33. “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. “Come, Now Is the Time to Worship” © 1998 Vineyard Songs CCLI #2430948 “Forever” © 2001 worshiptogether.com Songs CCLI #3148428 “Alive” © 2011 Integrity’s Alleluia! Music CCLI #5881082 “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “This Is My Father’s World” Words and Music Public Domain, OL #97777 “Revelation Song” © 2004 Gateway Create Publishing CCLI #4447960 “Mighty to Save” © 2006 Hillsong Publishing CCLI # 4591782 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.