The Day of Pentecost - Online Worship - May 23, 2021

refrain:
Awake, awake, awake my soul.
God, resurrect these bones.
From death to life for You alone.
Awake my soul.

vs. 1
Breathe on me, breath of God,
Breathe on me.
Breathe on me, breath of God,
Breathe on me.
I come alive;
I’m alive when You breathe on me.
I come alive;
I’m alive when You breathe on me.

(refrain)

vs. 2
Speak to me, Word of God,
Speak to me.
Speak to me, Word of God,
Speak to me.
I come alive;
I’m alive when You speak to me.
I come alive;
I’m alive when You speak to me.

(refrain)

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came the sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability. 

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs – in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.” But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist.

The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”  (NRSV)

refrain:
Awake, awake, awake my soul.
God, resurrect these bones.
From death to life for You alone.
Awake my soul.

(repeat)

Today we celebrate we are awake, The Spirit breathes on us like the rush of The Wind, to be God’s people, as God’s Church to live in grace so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit. 

Amen.

Friends of The Church of Jesus Christ: Jesus is the sure foundation, yet at times, the stone we have rejected is the head of the corner. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins, and our failure to live in grace guarding Christ’s holy Church.

(silence for reflection)

Friends, you are The Church of Jesus Christ: Live in grace, receive The Holy Spirit! “There is one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Take a deep breath, feel the rush of The Wind, in the grace of these words: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. Be God’s Church! Your souls have been awakened! In the ever moving Spirit, each and every day, is truly a day full of grace!

Loving God, you alone are the source of blessing and power in our lives. Today we thank you for the gift of The Church. Like the rush of the wind, fill our lives and hearts, with your grace. By your Holy Spirit, keep us faithful to be The Church of Jesus Christ, to make you and our neighbors first. Be our One and Only, Sure and True Foundation, so everyone in every place may be one in you, living in the Holy Spirit, trusting Jesus as the Lord of life. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Jesus taught the disciples, saying, “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning. ... “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned. I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”

(New Revised Standard Version)

ACTS 2:1-21; ROM. 8:22-27; JOHN 15:26-27; 16:4B-15

Do you ever feel like the wind is always blowing against you?  Does it ever feel like a constant battle?  How good does it feel when the wind is finally at your back?  Today as we celebrate Pentecost, we celebrate the birthday of the Christian Church.  The Church begins when the `rush of a violent wind fills the entire house.'  The Holy Spirit, the rush of the wind, the very breath of God comes into their midst and blows all else away.  As we share the season of spring, as we anticipate - and grow weary waiting - for the gentle breezes of summer; we do not need to wait for The Spirit of God and for the breath of God to refresh us, to calm us, to direct us, to grace us, to feel the rush of The Wind.  As we celebrate the birthday of God's Holy Church, let us serve as God's Holy People and let us be assured and motivated and fulfilled this summer and all our days, for The Spirit of God is in our midst; feel the rush of The Wind!

1. The Spirit of God is like breath and wind, in the midst of our personal discipleship, and in the midst of God's Holy Church.
Acts 2:2-4; John 15:26

A. Breath.  We need air and breath.  We need to breathe.  We need the breath of God.  
Acts 2:17; Romans 8:26-27; John 15:26-27  

i. Without air, without the ability to breathe, we would die.

ii. Without the breath of God, without the spirit of God in our midst, we would die, and so would The Church.  May The Church feel the rush The Wind!

B. The gentle breezes of summer refresh us and give us direction.  The Spirit of God is a tough wind to go up against.  Let us trust and feel the rush of The Wind, for The Spirit guides us and renews us.
Acts 2:2,4,21; Romans 8:22-25; John 16:4b-15

i. We know how hard it is to work against the wind.

ii. It is such a blessing to go forward feeling the rush of The Wind, feeling The Spirit of God at our backs.  

iii. We are all looking forward to summer, and yet we all know how weary we can get in the midst of all we do.

iv. The bottom line is this:  It is impossible to get anywhere without The Holy Spirit.  May we feel the rush of The Wind, saving us along the way!

2. The breath of God is unending.  It is a wind violently at times rushing through our presence, destroying all that is not of The Spirit.  The Spirit stirs up our spirit.  As The Wind moves all things into place, into new places, trust and feel the breath of God filling The Church, God’s people, gracing our hearts and moving our spirits.  `Receive The Holy Spirit,' feel the rush of The Wind, the very power and breath of God!
Acts 2:2-4; Romans 8:24-27; John 15:26-27; John 16:13-15

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
O day full of grace that now we see, 
Appearing on earth’s horizon,
Bring light from our God that we may be,
Replete in his joy this season.
God, shine for us now in this dark place;
Your name on our hearts emblazon.

vs. 4
God came to us then at Pentecost,
His Spirit new life revealing,
That we might no more from him be lost, 
All darkness for us dispelling.
His flame will the mark of sin efface, 
And bring to us all his healing.

...as we pray to you, Jesus, ...
By your Holy Spirit, let us feel your presence 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.

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 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 feel the rush of The Wind in God’s saving grace. 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!

refrain:
Listen,
Listen, God is calling,
Through the Word inviting,
Offering forgiveness,
Comfort, and joy.

(repeat)

vs. 1
Jesus gave his mandate:
Share the good news
That he came to save us
And set us free.

(refrain with repeat)

vs. 2
Let none be forgotten
Throughout the world.
In the triune name of God
Go and baptize.

(refrain with repeat)

vs. 3
Help us to be faithful,
Standing steadfast,
Walking in your precepts,
Led by your Word.

(refrain with repeat)

There’s nothing worth more
That will ever come close.
No thing can compare;
You’re our living hope.
Your Presence, Lord.

I’ve tasted and seen
Of the sweetest of loves,
Where my heart becomes free
And my shame is undone,
In Your Presence, Lord.

Holy Spirit,
You are welcome here;
Come flood this place
And fill the atmosphere;
Your glory, God,
Is what our hearts long for,
To be overcome
By Your presence, Lord.
Your presence, Lord.

bridge:
Let us become
More aware
Of Your Presence;
Let us experience
The glory of
Your goodness.

(repeat bridge 3x)

Holy Spirit,
You are welcome here;
Come flood this place
And fill the atmosphere;
Your glory, God,
Is what our hearts long for,
To be overcome
By Your presence, Lord.

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, May 30, 9:30 a.m., as we celebrate, Holy Trinity Sunday, “Feel The Rush of The Wind At Your Side!” 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! To access today’s Pentecost video:  https://bit.ly/PentecostMultipleLang It is also available on our website.

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 Celebrating The Church, Feeling The Rush of The Wind, written based on 1 Cor. 3:11, Acts 4:11, Eph. 4:4-5, Acts 1:8, 1 Cor. 12:27. “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. “Come Alive (Dry Bones)” © 2012 Wordspring Music LLC CCLI #6573588 “Send Down The Fire” © 1989 GIA Publications, Inc., OL #00144

“Awake My Soul” © 2012 S.D.G. Publishing, CCLI #6453172 “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “O Day Full of Grace” © 1978 Augsburg Fortress, OL #06668 “Listen, God Is Calling” © 1993 Augsburg Fortress, OL #05497 “Holy Spirit” © 2011 Jesus Culture, CCLI #6087919 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.