The Ninth Sunday After Pentecost - Online Worship - July 25, 2021
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.
Your presence, Lord.
Today we celebrate, we and The Spirit are so welcome here; we feel the rush of The Wind, trusting God’s unmistakable grace, so we worship, in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen.
People of God: Those who wait upon the Lord will not be put to shame; they will be set free. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we make mistakes by failing to make God and our neighbors first.
(silence for reflection)
Friends in Christ: Today, feel the rush of The Wind, and make no mistake about God’s grace in these words: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you of all your sins. Trust anew, there is no mistake about your identity, you are each forever, children of our heavenly Father!
Loving God, in a world where it is easy to make mistakes about who we are, about who you are; let us make no mistake when it comes to trusting your grace, to loving the Lord, to following Jesus, to making God and our neighbors first. By your Spirit, stir us up to feel the rush of The Wind, to hear all you make known through your Word, to trust our identity is in you, and then use us to touch the world with your love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.” But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.” And he solemnly swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the baptizer.” Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.
(New Revised Standard Version)
AMOS 7:7-15; EPHESIANS 1:3-14; MARK 6:14-29
Have you ever experienced a case of mistaken identity? Maybe someone thought you were someone else? Maybe you saw someone from a distance, you came closer for a better look, only to find out you were wrong? Mark's story today is filled with mistaken identity. People are getting to know Jesus. Many say who they think he is; but they are mistaken. Herod had an idea who Jesus was, who John the Baptist was, and who he himself was; he was mistaken. Herod allows his daughter to ask for John's head. Vowing to keep his word and promise, Herod gives in, rather than using his power and position. We have times like this, too. We make mistakes about who Jesus is in our life. We make mistakes about the power we have as his disciples. Today as we come closer, let us make no mistake as we trust and feel all God makes known in the rush of The Wind. God makes no mistake, making us who we are - the saved, grace-filled, spirit-led children of God in Jesus Christ!
1. We make mistakes at times about who other people are. We also make mistakes about who we are. Like those who followed Jesus, we may be mistaken about the rush of The Wind, and we may even make mistakes about who Jesus is.
Ephesians 1:5,11-13; Mark 6:14-15
A. The people experienced their case of mistaken identity when they tried to identify Jesus. We make mistakes, too.
B. The people were trying to say who Jesus was, and yet they were mistaken. The people had ideas about Jesus, and yet they limited who he was.
C. We are mistaken if we limit who Jesus is, and if we limit who we are, and who others are in the rush of The Wind, in the power and grace of Jesus Christ.
2. We are mistaken if we limit our identity in Christ. Make no mistake about who we are in the rush of The Wind, in the power and grace of Christ.
Amos 7:8,13-15; Ephesians 1:5-8,13-14; Mark 6:16-28
A. Herod experienced his case of mistaken identity when he gave in to others. We give in, too, and we forget what matters most.
i. Herod tried to figure out John and Jesus, not himself.
ii. Herod had all kinds of power, and he gave in to others.
B. As we try to make God and neighbors first, others will try to take away our power, and we may even want to give it away at times. Let us make no mistake about who we are as we follow Jesus.
i. Like Amos, we have a "plumb line" to help us make fewer mistakes, to keep us in balance and on course.
ii. Let us not be deeply grieved! Even when we feel pressures to give up our identity in Christ, we can find hope and strength in the body of Christ!
3. When it comes to being saved; when it comes to God sending his Son to save us and the world; when it comes to adopting us, and naming us as his children; feel the rush of The Wind, God in Jesus Christ makes no mistake!
Amos 7:8; Ephesians 1:4-8,11-14; Mark 6:20
A. Let us come a little closer and see more clearly who Jesus is and who we are. Make no mistake, our identity, hope and strength are secured in Christ; through water and Word, all we know about Jesus, and all we still do not yet know completely.
B. Make no mistake about your own identity, for God makes it all clear:
`I have made you who you are. You are saved, grace-filled, and spirit led to know exactly who you are in 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
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, ...
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.
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
This is My body, given for you,
This is the cup that holds
The blood of a new covenant.
This is forgiveness, simple and true,
This is the way that I have made for you.
refrain:
Before you eat,
Before you drink,
Take a long look inside,
And tell Me what you see,
He said do this in remembrance of Me,
Do this in remembrance of Me.
vs. 2
This is the bread of life, broken for you,
This is the cup that holds
The wine of a new covenant.
This is the love of Christ,
Poured out anew,
This is the Son of God who died for you.
(refrain)
bridge:
I will remember the cross
That You bore for me.
I will remember the crown
That You wore for me.
I will remember the reason
You suffered and died.
vs. 3
This is My body, given for you,
This is the cup that holds
The blood of a new covenant.
This is forgiveness, simple and true,
This is the way that I have made
For you. I am the way,
This is the way that I have made for you.
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
Great is Your faithfulness, oh God.
You wrestle with the sinner’s restless heart.
You lead us by still waters into mercy,
And nothing can keep us apart.
So remember Your people, remember Your children,
Remember your promise, oh God.
ref 1:
Your grace is enough,
Your grace is enough,
Your grace is enough for me.
Your grace is enough,
Your grace is enough,
Your grace is enough for me.
bridge:
So remember Your people,
Remember Your children,
Remember your promise, oh God.
refrain 2:
Your grace is enough,
Your grace is enough,
Your grace is enough for me.
Your grace is enough,
Heaven reaches out to us.
Your grace is enough for me.
God I see Your grace is enough;
I’m covered in Your love,
Your grace is enough for me, for me.
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Join us next Sunday, July 18, The Eighth Sunday After Pentecost, “Recognizing The Obvious, In The Rush of The Wind!” Worship to include a Children’s Message and a Sermon from Pastor Jamie! 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 Celebrating The Rush of The Wind In Power & Grace, written based on Psalm 25. “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. “The King of Love My Shepherd Is” Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #1037600 “Holy Spirit” © 2011 Jesus Culture, CCLI #6087919 “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “Children of the Heavenly Father” Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #98028 “In Remembrance of Me” © 1996 Sparrow Song CCLI #1849290 “Your Grace Is Enough” © 2003 Thankyou Music CCLI #4477026 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.
