The Eighth Sunday After Pentecost - Online Worship - July 18, 2021

vs. 1
Lord I come, I confess,
Bowing here, I find my rest.
Without You, I fall apart,
You’re the one that guides my heart.

refrain:
Lord, I need You, oh I need You;
Every hour, I need You.
My one defense, my righteousness,
Oh God, how I need You!

vs. 2
Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more.
Where grace is found is where You are.
And where You are, Lord I am free;
Holiness is Christ in me!

(refrain)

You’re my one defense,
My righteousness,
Oh God, how I need You!
My one defense, my righteousness,
Oh God, how I need You!

Today we trust anew the One we so clearly need is forever faithful, here, filling us with the rush of The Wind, with far more than we first thought, so we worship, in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Friends, our God is majestic. His works are filled with wonder and splendor. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and the times we have failed to trust the overflowing grace and mercy of our God.

(silence for reflection)

Friends of Jesus: Today feel the rush of The Wind, call on our Savior’s righteousness once again. Jesus alone satisfies your hunger for reconciliation. Receive more grace than you first thought in these words: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. May one and all be filled anew; may one and all come, to the hungry feast!

Loving God, you provide us with every blessing, so we come, forever seeking you first. When we crave living together in harmony, when we hunger for hope, when we yearn to rediscover our mission and purpose, when we starve to trust you change our hearts; by your Spirit, rush in like The Wind. As you fed the 5000 that day long ago; feed us, fill us, and satisfy us again and again, with more than we first thought possible. Filled to overflowing, in Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “Six months wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated, so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.” When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself. When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. But Jesus said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going.

(New Revised Standard Version)

2 KINGS 4:42-44; EPHESIANS 3:14-21; JOHN 6:1-21

What are you hungry for today?  If you could feast on anything, what would it be?  What if what you are craving is not available?  Would you be willing to try something else?  What if all that was available to snack on, to munch on, to nibble on, to take the edge off, to fill your plate with, was something that did not sound very enticing at first?  Would you wait, try to catch something later on your own, or would you welcome the hand reaching out to you?  What if as you try this simplest of gifts, it tasted better than you first thought it would?  Would you reach for some more?  What if it tasted so good, you began to worry if there would be enough to go around, enough for you?  In our reading from John today, Jesus is on the beach with 5000 people who are hungry; hungry for food, hungry for a prophet, hungry for a king, hungry for a provider of signs and miracles.  Are they hungry for more than they first thought; for a Savior?  In the rush of The Wind, God makes known to us in Jesus, the One who satisfies us again and again, with more than we first thought!

1. What are you hungry for?  Do you know what would satisfy you and your spiritual hunger?  What if in the rush of The Wind, all the simple gifts Jesus gave you as daily bread suddenly tasted better than you first thought, suddenly filled you up more than you first thought, suddenly were made real to you, more than you first thought?

A. When it comes to serving others, we are `blessed to be a blessing’ more than we first thought!
John 6:5

i. Do not be surprised to hear Jesus tell you to give the hungry people something to eat.

ii. Do not be surprised to discover this `this little light of mine,’ is brighter and more than you first thought!

B. When it comes to wondering if we have enough, we soon see every little morsel is more than we first thought!
John 6:8-9,12-13

i. When we put aside our first reaction of `what are they,’ every bite and gift will become more than we first thought.

ii. Do not let any of what God offers go to waste, for even the littlest left over has more value than we first thought.

C. When it comes to being the body of Christ, staying together near the Christ is more than we first thought!
John 6:2-3,10

i. How many people on the beach that day must have looked at the five loaves and two fish and left?

ii. How many who had every right to care for self, were fed by being together, sharing what was given to them?

D. When it comes to trusting Jesus, calm and hope are more than we first thought!
John 6:16-21

i. The disciples were on the water, terrified once again.  The disciples were hungry for calm, craving safety, and starving for peace.  Jesus took them to the other side.

ii. `Trust it is I;’ Jesus provides more than you first thought.

E. When it comes to being filled, we are blessed to be more satisfied than we first thought!
2 Kings 4:42-44; Ephesians 3:18-19; John 6:11

i. The people received as much as they wanted.

ii. Is this not more than we first thought: `to be filled with all the fullness of God’?  

2. In the rush of The Wind, Jesus is more than we first thought!  Trust Jesus is still hungering to be more than we first thought!  May our hunger for Jesus be more than we first thought!  May we forever be filled and satisfied by God’s grace!
Ephesians 3:20-21; John 6:14-15

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
We come to the hungry feast,
Hungry for a word of peace.
To hungry hearts unsatisfied,
The love of God is not denied.
We come, we come
To the hungry feast.

vs. 2
We come to the hungry feast,
Hungry for a world released,
From hungry folk of ev’ry kind,
The poor in body, poor in mind.
We come, we come
To the hungry feast.

vs. 3
We come to the hungry feast,
Hungry that the hunger cease,
And knowing, though we eat our fill,
The hunger will stay with us still.
We come, we come
To the hungry feast.

...as we pray to you, Jesus, ...
Let us feel the rush of The Wind, in your Spirit, 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.

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.

refrain:
Take and eat this bread.
Take and drink this cup.
This is my body and my blood.
When you eat this bread,
When you drink this cup,
You live in me and I in you.

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.”

refrain:
Take and eat this bread.
Take and drink this cup.
This is my body and my blood.
When you eat this bread,
When you drink this cup,
You live in me and I in you.

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.”

refrain:
Take and eat this bread.
Take and drink this cup.
This is my body and my blood.
When you eat this bread,
When you drink this cup,
You live in me and I in you.

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
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)

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 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!

vs. 1
Come set Your rule and reign
In our hearts again.
Increase in us, we pray.
Unveil why we’re made.
Come set our hearts ablaze with hope,
Like wildfire in our very souls;
Holy Spirit, come, invade us now.
We are Your church;
We need Your pow’r in us.

vs. 2
We seek Your kingdom first.
We hunger and we thirst;
Refuse to waste our lives,
For You’re our joy and prize.
To see the captives’ hearts released;
The hurt, the sick, the poor, at peace.
We lay down our lives
For heaven’s cause.
We are Your church;
We pray, revive this earth.

refrain:
Build Your kingdom here;
Let the darkness fear.
Show Your mighty hand;
Heal our streets and land.
Set Your church on fire;
Win this nation back.
Change the atmosphere;
Build Your kingdom here,
We pray!

vs. 3
Unleash Your kingdom’s pow’r,
Reaching the near and far.
No force of hell can stop
Your beauty, changing hearts.
You made us for much more than this;
Awake the kingdom seed in us.
Fill us with the strength
And love of Christ.
We are Your church;
We are the hope on earth.

(refrain)

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Join us next Sunday, August 1, The Tenth Sunday After Pentecost, “In The Rush of The Wind, Please Pass The …!” 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 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 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 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 Rush of The Wind In Power & Grace, written based on Psalm 45. “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. “Peace, Be Not Anxious” Text © 2002 Music © 2007 Both GIA Publications, Inc. OL #17388 “Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ” Words by Fred Kaan, Music Jamaican Folk Tune, adapted by Doreen Potter © 1975 Hope Publishing Company, CCLI #178577 “Lord, I Need You” © 2011 sixsteps Music, CCLI #5925687 “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “We Come to the Hungry Feast” © 1982 Ray Makeever, admin. Augsburg Fortress, OL #85920 “Take and Eat This Bread” © 2000 GIA Publications, Inc. OL #00955 “Better Is One Day” © 1995 Thankyou Music CCLI #1097451 “Build Your Kingdom Here” © 2011 Thankyou Music CCLI #6186078All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.