The Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost - Online Worship - August 22, 2021

Light of the World,
You stepped down into darkness,
Opened my eyes,
Let me see.
Beauty that made
This heart adore You, 
Hope of a life spent with you.

refrain:
Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You’re my God.
You’re altogether lovely,
Altogether worthy,
Altogether wonderful to me.

King of all days,
Oh so highly exalted,
Glorious in heaven above.
Humbly, You came
To the earth You created,
All for love’s sake
Became poor.

(refrain)

And I’ll never know
How much it cost,
To see my sin
Up on that cross.
And I’ll never know
How much it cost,
To see my sin
Up on that cross.

(refrain)

Friends, today we are here to bow down, to say that our God is God, for The Bread of Life fills us with grace in the rush of The Wind, so here we are to worship, in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.

Amen.

People of God: Jesus feeds us, renews us, in his presence and grace. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we have failed to hunger for the Lord and his faithfulness.

(silence for reflection)

Friends in Christ: In the rush of The Wind, your appetite for hope and new life is forever satisfied, in the grace of these words: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. When we say, “O Lord, I pray, save my life,” there is no question, The Bread of Life is gracious and merciful. Let us sing of our love in the Lord!

I love you, Lord,
And I lift my voice,
To worship you,
O my soul rejoice.
Take joy, my King,
In what you hear,
May it be a sweet,
Sweet sound,
In your ear.

Friends fed and filled: Let us have an appetite for one thing: To grow in faith, to call on God’s power, to love the Lord. Trust anew, Jesus’ appetite is not satisfied until he saves us; and our souls rejoice!

I love you, Lord,
And I lift my voice,
To worship you,
O my soul rejoice.
Take joy, my King,
In what you hear,
May it be a sweet,
Sweet sound,
In your ear.

Loving God, today we give you thanks, you have an appetite to call and save and grace each of us; you hunger for us. Give us an appetite, a craving, to savor making you and our neighbors first in our lives. In the rush of The Wind, by your Holy Spirit, may The Bread of Life, may The Bread of Heaven, forever feed our spirits, to serve you, to lift our voices, to tell others you alone satisfy our hunger for truth and hope and grace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against the enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.

(New Revised Standard Version)

Jesus said, “Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.” He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum. When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, “Does this offend you? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But among you there are some who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.” Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”

(New Revised Standard Version)

JOSHUA 24:1-2A,14-18; EPHESIANS 6:10-20; JOHN 6:56-69

Does you appetite change from day to day?  Do you have those times when you are really hungry?  Do you have times when anything would be fine?  Do you have times when you are not very hungry?  Are you ever not sure what you are hungry for?  Do you get specific cravings?  As we continue to reflect on Jesus as The Bread Of Life, we hear of those who had a hard time accepting this teaching.  In our spiritual walk, even we can struggle with Jesus and his teachings at times.  Our appetite for who he is, and for his teaching, and to follow, can change along the way.  In the rush of The Wind, God reveals again God’s appetite for us, and Jesus’ hunger and craving for us.  Trust Jesus has the `words of eternal life' to satisfy his appetite to forever call you, to save you, to grace you!

1. In the rush of The Wind, how is your appetite when it comes to following and feasting on Jesus, The Bread Of Life?

A. Are you ever not sure what you are hungry for?

i. Many are still searching to be satisfied.  Some do not know what they are looking for.  Too many `take it or leave it,' `are not sure,' `say it doesn't matter.'

ii. John 6:60-61, 66 - Many people found Jesus' teachings to be difficult, hard to accept.  Others find it offensive, and go looking for something or someone else.

iii. Ephesians 6:18-20 - Like Paul, pray.  Ask God to increase your hunger for him, to find in Christ what will satisfy you.

B. Are you one who has a real hunger, a real hunger for Jesus?

i. Many know they are hungry.  Many know only Jesus can satisfy their hunger.  Many want it all, and then some more, and then some more.

ii. Joshua 24:15,18 - `As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord ...We also will serve the Lord, for He is our God.'

C. Are you one who at times has specific cravings, a specific appetite, when it comes to your spiritual life?

i. Some of us have very specific needs or cravings such as words and experiences which we look for from others, the Bible, the church, and Jesus to satisfy.

ii. Ephesians 6:13-17 - Whatever you crave, the Lord provides.

a. Eph. 6:13 - If you crave protection, put on The Armor of God.

b. Ephesians 6:14 - If you crave truth, fasten the belt.

c. Eph. 6:14 - If you crave righteousness, put on the breastplate

d. Ephesians 6:15 -If you crave witness, put on the shoes.

e. Ephesians 6:16 - If you crave faith, take up the shield.

f. Eph. 6:17 - If you crave The Spirit and The Word, take up the sword.

g. Ephesians 6:17-If you crave salvation, take the helmet.

D. Are you one who feels starvation?

i. Life can steal us of our appetite, and leave us starving for purpose and meaning, for what matters most.

ii. John 6:68-69 - Like Peter, we know Jesus will calm our starvation for eternity and faith - `to whom else can we go, only Jesus has the words of eternal life, and we have come to believe and know Jesus as the holy one of God.'

2. Feel the rush of The Wind, trust God’s appetite and hunger for you is unending – the Living Bread came down from heaven to give you eternal life.  God in Jesus knows what he wants.  He craves each one of us.  God was starving for you; empty without you.  Thanks be to God, in grace, God sent Jesus to satisfy his own appetite and hunger to guide you, to forgive you, to love you and to save you!

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.

refrain:
Just a closer walk with thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea;
Daily walking close to thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

vs. 1
I am weak but thou art strong:
Jesus, keep me from all wrong;
I’ll be satisfied as long as I walk,
Let me walk close to thee.

(refrain)

vs. 2
Through this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but thee, dear Lord, none but thee.

(refrain)

Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

...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.

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.

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!

Blessed be the name of the Lord,
Blessed be the name of the Lord,
Blessed be the name of the Lord,
Most High.
Blessed be the name of the Lord,
Blessed be the name of the Lord,
Blessed be the name of the Lord,
Most High.

Glory to the name of the Lord,
Glory to the name of the Lord,
Glory to the name of the Lord,
Most High.
Glory to the name of the Lord,
Glory to the name of the Lord,
Glory to the name of the Lord,
Most High.

The name of The Lord is
A strong tower,
The righteous run into it,
And they are saved.
The name of The Lord is
A strong tower,
The righteous run into it,
And they are saved.

Holy is the name of the Lord,
Holy is the name of the Lord,
Holy is the name of the Lord,
Most High.
Holy is the name of the Lord,
Holy is the name of the Lord,
Holy is the name of the Lord,
Most High.

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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, August 29, The Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost, “Tradition! Tradition! 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.

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 66. “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. “Change My Heart, O God” © 1982 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing CCLI #1565 “Grace Alone” © 1998 Maranatha! Music, CCLI #2335524 “Here I Am To Worship” © 2000 Thankyou Music CCLI #3266032 “I Love You, Lord” © 1978 & 1980 House of Mercy Music CCLI #25266 “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” © Words and Music Public Domain, OL #95172 “Mighty to Save” © 2006 Hillsong Publishing CCLI # 4591782 “The Name of The Lord (Blessed Be)” © 1989 & this arr. © 1997 Polygram International Publishing, Inc. CCLI #265239 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.