The Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost - Online Worship - October 2, 2022
Upcoming Events:
Sunday Worship
Sunday, October 2, 2022, 9:30am
Prelude, Prayer Cross & Words of Greeting
All are welcome, encouraged to visit the Prayer Cross as moved to do so.
Gathering In Glory & Grace
The Lord is My Light
Bouknight
vs. 1
The Lord is my light and my salvation
The Lord is my light and my salvation
The Lord is my light and my salvation
Whom shall I fear
refrain:
Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
The Lord is the strength
Of my life
Whom shall I fear
vs. 3
Wait on the Lord and be of good courage
Oh wait on the Lord and be of good courage
Wait on the Lord and be of good courage
He shall strengthen thy heart
(refrain)
Litany Trusting God’s Grace Blesses Us to Be a Blessing
based on Psalm 107
Today we trust anew, the Lord is our Light, we are blessed to be a blessing, to be truly alive, to be awed by though never surprised by, faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains, can move each of us; so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for the Lord’s steadfast love endures forever. Our God has gathered us in from all the lands that we might trust in him.
People of God: At times we wander in the desert like children, losing our way. Like children, our souls hunger and thirst to be satisfied. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins, and those times we have failed to trust we are blessed to be a blessing.
(silence for reflection)
Children of God: God’s glory and grace bless us to be a blessing in these words: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. Celebrate and trust; believe anew, be awed by, though never surprised by, the One who blesses you, is so very good!
Song of Faith Anew
God Is So Good
Maki
God is so good
God is so good
God is so good
He’s so good to me
Though the winds of each day can be mighty, and though stormy waters surprise us, you take us in your arms to bless us. Today, let us rest in you, in your glory and grace, once again.
Pastor: Friends in Christ: Call on the Lord in the midst of the congregation. You are blessed to be a blessing! Jesus never fails to surprise us, to awe us, to give us faith to hold fast to this truth: The steadfast love of the Lord is so good, and endures forever!
Song of Faith Anew
God Is So Good
Maki
God loves me so
God loves me so
God loves me so
He’s so good to me
Almighty and loving God, we praise you. By your Holy Spirit, forever bless us to be a blessing. Give us faith, to see it does not take much faith; give us faith, so we are not surprised; give us faith, to make you and our neighbors first; give us faith, to trust your grace is complete in Jesus Christ. Surround us, shower us with your goodness, bless us to be a blessing, for the sake of mission, ministry, discipleship and your glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Old Testament Lesson
Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4
The oracle that the prophet Habakkuk saw. O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not listen? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save? Why do you make me see wrongdoing and look at trouble? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. So the law becomes slack and justice never prevails. The wicked surround the righteous – therefore judgment comes forth perverted. ... I will stand at my watchpost, and station myself on the rampart; I will keep watch to see what he will say to me, and what he will answer concerning my complaint. Then the Lord answered me and said: Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it. For there is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end, and does not lie. If it seems to tarry, wait for it; for it will surely come, it will not delay. Look at the proud! Their spirit is not right in them, but the righteous live by their faith.
(New Revised Standard Version)
Song Anew In Calling & Faith
Listen, God Is Calling
Tanzanian Traditional
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. 3
Help us to be faithful
Standing steadfast
Walking in your precepts
Led by your Word
(refrain with repeat)
Gospel
Luke 17:5-10
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” The Lord replied, “If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here at once and take your place at the table’? Would you not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink’? Do you thank the servant for doing what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, ‘We are worthless servants; we have done only what we ought to have done!’”
(New Revised Standard Version)
God’s Son who was born in a manger, who went forward in obedience to make us all one through his death and resurrection; he will come again. While we wait for Jesus’ return, let us speak boldly of all we confirm and affirm and believe.
God who sits upon the throne says, “Behold, I make all things new. Write these words for they are trustworthy and true. It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the fountain the water of life without payment. They who conquer shall have their heritage, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.” Amen.
Do Not Be Surprised!
HABAKKUK 1:1-4,2:1-4; 2 TIMOTHY 1:1-14; LUKE 17:5-10
The gift of faith is an awesome blessing. And yet, questions remain - Why did Jesus die for me, since I so often have those days when I look in every direction but his? How is it, though I try so hard to rely on my faith to get me through, there is still so much tragedy and evil in this world? I believe in an after life, but what good does that do me in the here and now? In a world and life full of choices, why would I trust the gift of faith, and choose Jesus above all else? In all creation, why would Jesus grace me? These are good and difficult questions, yet, faith should not surprise us. When we ask in the spirit of the psalmist or like our prophet Habakkuk, we see The Holy Spirit bless questions asked in God’s name. Even in our searching, we can ask like the apostles for The Lord to `increase our faith,' and then trust we will not be surprised, for we are blessed to be blessing with pure, powerful, and permanent faith.
1. Do not be surprised when you cry for the Lord to increase your faith, you are blessed to be a blessing with a faith that is pure. Faith by definition is pure, 100% genuine.
2 Timothy 1:8-10; Luke 17:6
A. A seed is alive, takes root, and grows.
B. The amount of faith we have is not important. Easy to doubt the foundation of all we believe, when we see others with what we think is more faith.
C. Faith by nature is pure, genuine, confident, trustworthy, total dependence. If we had faith like this, we too could speak to the trees and have them obey. God has faith like this in us.
D. More important: We could and would speak to God. Let us talk to him, cry out to him, and let us hear him talk back to us.
2. Don't be surprised to see the power of faith in your life. Faith blesses us to be a blessing to be graced with the power of The Almighty.
Habakkuk 1 & 2
2 Timothy 1:5-6, 14
Luke 17:1-4, 7-10
A. Faith is powerful enough to forgive, even when no one else will. Sin is not ok or accepted, but it is forgiven through confession, repentance, and faith.
B. Faith is powerful enough to transform, what was, into what is, and all that was created to be and to spring forth.
C. Faith is powerful enough to give hope. God wants us to come to him in the midst of our struggles. To trust God alone!
D. Faith is powerful enough to give us strength. Like Paul, we can be strengthened by the faith of others, family and friends. Like Timothy, we can be touched by family; we can touch and minister to another. Their faith can rekindle the gift that is already in us, a spirit of power, love and self-discipline.
E. Faith is powerful enough to help do as we are called. Don't be surprised when faith and servanthood and witness are passed along to you, as they were passed along to Timothy from Paul.
3. Don't be surprised to see this gift of faith is permanent! What it is, pure; what it gives, power; and who gives it, God - are all permanent! Celebrate and trust, you are purely, powerfully, permanently blessed to be a blessing!
A. Jesus stood ready throughout his ministry. Jesus is forever in your midst filling you, sending you, gracing you, blessing you to be a blessing! Be ready to be blessed each and every day!
B. Jesus is the one who is faithfully blessing your life and our ministry; granting - direction, forgiveness, hope, strength, call, obedience; transforming and increasing your faith! Do not be surprised! Jesus is faithful, in the midst of our questions, struggles and stumblings. Do not let his faithfulness and his grace ever surprise 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.
Song Anew In Faith & Grace
Just a Closer Walk With Thee
Traditional Gospel
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)
...as we pray to you, Jesus, ...
Bless us to be a blessing, in your power and hope 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 during our service. 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.
The Words of Institution
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.
Song During Holy Communion
Once Again
Redman
vs. 1 & 2
Jesus Christ
I think upon Your sacrifice
You became nothing
Poured out to death
Many times
I’ve wondered at Your gift of life
And I’m in that place once again
I’m in that place once again
Once again I look upon
The cross where you died
I’m humbled by Your mercy
And I’m broken inside
Once again I thank You
Once again I pour out my life
(repeat)
Thank You for the cross
Thank You for the cross
Thank You for the cross my Friend
Thank You for the cross
Thank You for the cross
Thank You for the cross my Friend
vs. 3
Now You are
Exalted to the highest place
King of the heavens
Where one day I’ll bow
But for now
I marvel at this saving grace
And I’m full of praise once again
I’m full of praise once again
Once again I look upon
The cross where you died
I’m humbled by Your mercy
And I’m broken inside
Once again I thank You
Once again I pour out my life
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.
Almighty God, you gave your Son both as a sacrifice for sin and a model of the godly life. Enable us to receive him always with thanksgiving, and to conform our lives to his, 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 trust you are blessed to be a blessing in the saving grace of Jesus Christ. 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!
Going In Light & Grace
This Little Light of Mine
African American Spiritual
vs. 1
This little light of mine
I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shine
vs. 2
Ev’rywhere I go
I’m gonna let it shine
Ev’rywhere I go
I’m gonna let it shine
Ev’rywhere I go
I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shine
vs. 3
Jesus gave it to me
I’m gonna let it shine
Jesus gave it to me
I’m gonna let it shine
Jesus gave it to me
I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shine
(repeat first verse)
Let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shine
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Today, Sunday, October 2nd, we celebrate The Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost! “Blessed To Be A Blessing … Do Not Be Surprised!”
Today, Sunday, October 2nd, our Faith Quest Sunday School ministry resumes!
Today, Sunday, October 2nd, 7th Grade Confirmation Class meets at 11 a.m.!
Thank you to those who have supported our efforts through, “God’s Work. Our Hands!” as we share in numerous ways to support our neighbors!
Join us next Sunday, October 9th, as we celebrate The Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost! “Blessed To Be A Blessing … Do We Really Notice!”
Next Sunday, October 9th, our Faith Quest Sunday School ministry meets!
Please note, Pastor Jamie will be traveling this week, October 6-October 12.
As we continue to share worship in this way, we are seeking more 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!
Friends, today as always, all who proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, are welcome to God’s table of grace as we share Holy Communion.
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 sanctuary.
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.
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 Trusting God’s Grace Blesses Us To Be A Blessing – written based on Psalm 107. “Listen, God Is Calling,” “Just A Closer Walk With Thee,” © 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 by Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis, MN. Used with permission. “Prayer of The Day,” “Lord’s Prayer,” “Post-Communion Blessing, Prayer, & Benediction,” based on the LBW. “The Lord Is My Light” © 1980 Savgos Music, Inc., CCLI #315103 “God Is So Good” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI # 4956994 “Listen, God Is Calling” © 1993 Augsburg Fortress, OL #05497 “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” © Words and Music Public Domain, OL #95172 “Once Again” © 1995 Thankyou Music CCLI #1564362 “This Little Light of Mine” © Words and Music Public Domain, this arr. © Horace Clarence Boyer, OL #01998 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.