The Tenth Sunday After Pentecost - Online Worship - August 1, 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 trust anew, from the mountains to the valleys, from the heavens to the nations, we fill the air, and sing praises; and we feel the rush of The Wind, passing among us all God’s grace in The Bread of Life, so we worship, in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.

Amen.

People of God: We need only fear those troubling times when we trust our wealth, and boast of our abundance apart from the Lord. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we cling to and feed on riches other than the blessings of God’s grace.

(silence for reflection)

Friends in Christ: Feel the rush of The Wind as God feeds you and fills you with his grace in these words: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. Truly there is no ransom we can pay for our life. Come, let us eat; Jesus is feeding us, filling us anew, passing to us again and again, faith, calling, and grace!

Come, let us eat,
For now the feast is spread,
Come, let us eat,
For now the feast is spread.

Our Lord’s body
Let us take together,
Our Lord’s body
Let us take together.

Friends of Jesus: If we are pleased with earthly possessions, we are like wandering sheep. Thanks be to God, the Lord renews us, passing grace to us again and again! Come, let us drink, for now the wine is poured!

Come, let us drink,
For now the wine is poured,
Come, let us drink,
For now the wine is poured.
Jesus’ blood poured
Let us drink together,
Jesus’ blood poured
Let us drink together.

People of Faith: Discover again the blessings the Lord passes our way every day! See in the midst of wanting more, God gives us more grace than we ever dreamed. Trust anew! In his presence, we today, and forever, meet and rest!

In his presence
Now we meet and rest,
In his presence
Now we meet and rest.
In the presence
Of our Lord we gather,
In the presence
Of our Lord we gather.

Loving God, we thank you for passing to us, grace upon grace, filling us to be sealed and sent with your countless blessings. In the rush of The Wind, Bread of Life, Bread of Heaven, feed us and nourish us, and begin anew good works in each of us. As you make known your power and faithfulness, bless us anew, keep us hungry for your priceless gifts of faith and grace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” Then the Lord said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instructions or not.” ... Then Moses said to Aaron, “Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites, ‘Draw near to the Lord, for he has heard your complaining.’ ” And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked toward the wilderness, and the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. The Lord spoke to Moses and said, “I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’” In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.” (New Revised Standard Version)

So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus. When they found Jesus on the side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.” Then they said to him, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” So they said to him, “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘he gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” Then Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

(New Revised Standard Version)

EXODUS 16:2-4,9-15; EPHESIANS 4:1-16; JOHN 6:24-35

Smorgasbords, picnics and potlucks offer all kinds of choices.  Everyone is not always in the mood for the same thing.  At times, though, we get our stomach, our appetite, our mind made up.  We may be looking for one thing and one thing only.  We may fill up on only what we know.  We may like how it all looks, and yet, not try anything new or different.  We may go back for seconds, only to find what we were eating is gone.   We may decide to stop and remain somewhat hungry, rather than find something else just as good or better to further satisfy us.  The people in today’s readings, are hungry and in search of instant gratification.  They know God is faithful, but they long for God to provide exactly as God has done before.  In the rush of The Wind, just when we ask God to please pass a sign or two, The Bread of Life comes to us, The Bread of Heaven comes down.  Trust as God asks us to please pass the faith, the belief, the hope; God cannot wait to pass us grace and salvation!

1. Even in the rush of The Wind, the people led out of slavery are growing tired and hungry.  God is there for them, and still they ask: `Please pass the hope, assurance: `God, please get us through all of this.”
Exodus 16:3-4,11-15

A. The people were set free, led across The Red Sea; they were headed for The Promised Land.  Still they were hungry to be sure!

B. God offers the people a heaping of “Trust Me” and a full serving of “Assurance”.  “I will rain manna from heaven!”

C. If we are not careful, we may miss out on the rush of The Wind, the every day miracles God is clearly passing our way, the provisions of daily bread, raining down like dew from heaven; the only place the truest blessings come from!

2. In the rush of The Wind, Paul writes about filling our plates with all that satisfies.  Paul knows we are tired and empty, we are longing to ask: `Please pass the strength, the endurance, the perseverance: God, please pass more, than `Let me just get by.”
Ephesians 4:4-7,8-10,11-16

A. Paul proclaims and makes the items on the menu known, reviewing the daily specials offered each and every day.

B. Jesus encourages us to leave room on our plates, in our lives, for calling, community, growth, Spirit, grace, and more.

C. Grace is a gift that serves up faith to trust we need not go looking for something else.  The Bread of Life, The Bread of Heaven comes to us in one Lord, one faith, one baptism.  The One who descends to usher in hope, truth, forgiveness and life now and still to come, is the One who has ascended!

3. In the rush of The Wind, people are trying to chase after Jesus.  Like those pursuing Jesus, we can keep asking, “Please pass the loaves, a few more signs of your grace, ... The Savior!”
John 6:24-35

A. Jesus tells us to take a few signs along the way, but to leave room for salvation, satisfaction, nourishment, fulfillment.

B. Jesus says, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”  `Fill up on faith!  Please pass the trust, faith, belief, hope, and surrender!’

C. Signs may entice, tease, and fill us like appetizers, with no room for what really fills us.  We may overlook what is tasty and satisfying ... Jesus!  In the rush of the wind, do not look to fill up so much on what Jesus offers or does, that you forget to first ask, “Please pass, Jesus!” “Please pass The Bread of Life, The Bread of Heaven!”

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.

This is the air I breathe,
This is the air I breathe,
Your holy presence
Living in me.
This is my daily bread,
This is my daily bread,
Your very Word
Spoken to me.

And I,
I’m desp’rate for You.
And I,
I’m lost without You.

(repeat)

And I,
I’m desp’rate for You.
And I,
I’m lost without You.

This is the air I breathe,
This is the air I breathe.

...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.

You were the Word at the beginning, 
One with God the Lord Most High.
Your hidden glory in creation,
Now revealed in You, our Christ.
What a beautiful Name it is,
What a beautiful Name it is,
The Name of Jesus Christ, my King.
What a beautiful Name it is,
Nothing compares to this.
What a beautiful Name it is,
The Name of Jesus.

You didn’t want heaven without us, 
So Jesus, You brought heaven down.
My sin was great, Your love was greater;
What could separate us now?
What a wonderful Name it is,
What a wonderful Name it is, 
The Name of Jesus Christ, my King.
What a wonderful Name it is,
Nothing compares to this.
What a wonderful Name it is,
The Name of Jesus.
What a wonderful Name it is,
The Name of Jesus.

Death could not hold You,
The veil tore before You.
You silence the boast of sin and grave.
The heavens are roaring
The praise of Your glory
For You are raised to life again.

You have no rival,
You have no equal.
Now and forever God, You reign.
Yours is the Kingdom,
Yours is the glory, 
Yours is the Name above all names.

What a powerful Name it is,
What a powerful Name it is,
The Name of Jesus Christ, my King.
What a powerful Name it is,
Nothing can stand against
What a powerful Name it is,
The Name of Jesus.

What a powerful Name it is,
The Name of Jesus.
What a powerful Name it is,
The Name of Jesus.

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!

refrain:
Ev’rywhere I go,
On this road high and low
Where I go, I go with You.
So I won’t be afraid,
This is my hope, come what may
Where I go I go with You.
Where I go I go with You.

vs. 1
There’s a city
That calls me by name
There’s a city
That calls me by name
Yes as I run this race
I am cheered by the saints
There’s a city
That calls me by name

vs. 2
There’s a future
That runs through my veins
There’s a future
That runs through my veins
And there’s nothing on earth
That can stand in the way
There’s a future
That runs through my veins

(refrain)

bridge:
Your breath upon these bones
Your fire in my soul
Your Kingdom is my home,
And I don’t walk alone.

Ev’rywhere I go,
On this road high and low
Where I go, I go with You.
So I won’t be afraid,
This is my hope,
Come what may
Where I go I go with You.

Ev’rywhere I go,
On this road high and low
Where I go, I go with You.
So I won’t be afraid,
This is my hope,
Come what may
Where I go I go with You.
Where I go I go with You.

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Join us next Sunday, August 8, The Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost, “Everyone Have Seconds, In The Rush of The Wind!” 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:

Acknowledgments for today’s service include: Litany Celebrating The Rush of The Wind In Power & Grace, written based on Psalm 49. “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. “I Am The Bread of Life” Words & Music by Suzanne Toolan © 1966, 1970, 1986, 1993 GIA Publications, Inc., OL #00044m “Hear Our Praises”© 1998 Hillsong Music, CCLI #2543402 “Come, Let Us Eat” © Lutheran World Federation, 1972 Lutheran Church in America, OL #19641 “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “Breathe” © 1995 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing CCLI #1874117 “What a Beautiful Name” © 2016 Hillsong Music Publishing CCLI #1380826 “Everywhere I Go” © All Essential Music, CCLI #7050066 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.