Reformation Sunday - Online Worship - October 30, 2022
Upcoming Events:
Sunday Worship
Sunday, October 30, 2022, 9:30am
Faith Quest resumes this week!
9th Grade Confirmation meets this week as well, following worship at 11am
Prelude, Prayer Cross & Words of Greeting
All are welcome, encouraged to visit the Prayer Cross as moved to do so.
Gathering In Glory & Grace
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Luther
vs. 1
A mighty fortress is our God
A sword and shield victorious
He breaks the cruel oppressor’s rod
And wins salvation glorious
The old satanic foe
Has sworn to work us woe
With craft and dreadful might
He arms himself to fight
On earth he has no equal
vs. 2
No strength of ours can match his might
We would be lost rejected
But now a champion comes to fight
Whom God himself elected
You ask who this may be
The Lord of hosts is he
Christ Jesus mighty Lord
God’s only Son adored
He holds the field victorious
vs. 4
God’s Word forever shall abide
No thanks to foes who fear it
For God himself fights by our side
With weapons of the Spirit
Were they to take our house
Goods honor child or spouse
Though life be wrenched away
They cannot win the day
The Kingdom’s ours forever
Litany Believing God’s Glory & Grace Bless Us to Be a Blessing
based on Psalm 46
Today, we celebrate God’s faithfulness; our Mighty Fortress, blesses us to be a blessing, transforms us, reforms us, changes us, one and all once again in God’s saving glory and grace, so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Friends, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. We will not fear. Though the earth changes, the mountains shake and tremble, the waters roar, our faith rests in the river whose stream is God! We forever live in Christ alone!
Living & Believing Anew
In Christ Alone
Getty & Townend
In Christ alone
My hope is found
He is my light my strength
My song
This cornerstone
This solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought
And storm
What heights of love
What depths of peace
When fears are stilled
When strivings cease
My Comforter
My all in all
Here in the love of Christ
I stand
The nations are in uproar and the kingdoms totter. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we have failed to trust the unchanging grace of Christ alone.
(silence for reflection)
Friends in faith: Sing anew, trust anew, live anew; for your light and life are forever in the grace of God’s Almighty Word!
Living & Believing Anew
God, Whose Almighty Word
Marriott
vs. 1
God whose almighty word
Chaos and darkness heard
And took their flight
Hear us we humbly pray
And where the Gospel day
Sheds not its glorious ray
Let there be light
Friends in Christ: live anew; trust anew, God’s grace changes everything in these words: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. The Son has made you free; you are free indeed. God is in our midst; we will not be shaken. We are reformed and transformed: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty!
Living & Believing Anew
Praise to the Lord
Neander/Bennett
vs. 1
Praise to the Lord the Almighty
The King of creation
O my soul praise him for
He is your health and salvation
Let all who hear
Now to his temple draw near
Joining in glad adoration
Friends reformed in grace: God is exalted among the nations and in all the earth. God has changed what was, into what is. By the Holy Spirit, we are forever changed, thanks to the One we know is our God! Believe anew; live anew, in God’s grace alone!
Living & Believing Anew
Grace Alone
Brown/Nelson
Ev’ry promise we can make
Ev’ry prayer and step of faith
Ev’ry diff’rence we will make
Is only by His grace
Ev’ry mountain we will climb
Ev’ry ray of hope we shine
Ev’ry blessing left behind
Is only by His grace
refrain:
Grace alone
Which God supplies
Strength unknown
He will provide
Christ in us
Our Cornerstone
We will go forth
In grace alone
Gracious God, we thank you and praise you, for all good gifts around us, are sent from heaven above. As we celebrate The Reformation of your Church, give us faith to believe and to see you are The One in glory and grace who blesses us to be a blessing; you change us, you change salvation, you change everything. By your Spirit, we trust perhaps like never before, in you is the greatest reformation of all; and we love because you first loved us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Old Testament Lesson
Jeremiah 31:31-34
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt – a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the Lord,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.
(New Revised Standard Version)
New Testament Lesson
Romans 3:19-28
Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For “no human being will be justified in his sight” by deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin. But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus. Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. By what law? By that of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law.
(New Revised Standard Version)
Song of Grace Anew
Change My Heart, O God
Espinosa
Change my heart O God
Make it ever true
Change my heart O God
May I be like You
You are the Potter
I am the clay
Mold me and make me
This is what I pray
Change my heart O God
Make it ever true
Change my heart O God
May I be like You
Gospel
John 8:31-36
Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”
(New Revised Standard Version)
I believe that I cannot by my own understanding or effort, believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to him.
But the Holy Spirit has called me through the Gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, and sanctified and kept me in true faith.
In the same way, he calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth, and keeps it united with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.
In this Christian Church day after day he fully forgives my sins and the sins of all believers.
On the last day he will raise me and all the dead and give me and all believers in Christ eternal life.
This is most certainly true. Amen.
Unchanging Grace Changes Everything
JEREMIAH 31:31-34; ROMANS 3:19-28; JOHN 8:31-36
What do you know about grace? What do you believe about grace, even though it makes no sense to you, even though you cannot explain it, even though it is radically different from our world? Grace is God’s gift that changes everything, God’s perfect love beyond our understanding, but not beyond our grasp. Grace is redemption and forgiveness, perfected by God alone. Grace is acceptance of who you are, imperfect in nature, perfected by The One who created you. Grace is a covenant kept by God, you cannot keep, or break, even if you try. Grace is an eternal love. As we share this Reformation Sunday, the changes experienced by God’s Church, we celebrate God’s unchanging gift of grace blesses us to be a blessing, to change everything, everyone, for now and for all time!
1. Grace is what God gives, it is God’s gift.
Romans 3:24,28; John 8:36
A. Grace can only be given by God and in his spirit.
B. Grace is believing what God is doing, can do, will do, and trusting God will do it again and again.
C. Our unchanging God gives the gift that changes and reforms, His Church, His people, everyone, blessing us to be a blessing.
2. Grace is what God does, it is God’s redemption and forgiveness.
Jeremiah 31:34; Romans 3:20-25; John 8:36
A. Grace is God’s gift of buying us back.
B. Grace is God blessing us to be a blessing and seeing us justified, “just-as-if-I’d” never sinned.
3. Grace is knowing we are God’s and accepted by God for who we are.
Jeremiah 31:33; Romans 3:19-28; John 8:32
A. Grace is God’s gift through the Spirit to accept, and to trust and to surrender.
B. Grace is accepting and knowing you do not need to know what grace is, to know and believe you have it; you are blessed to be a blessing.
4. Grace is who God is, blessing us to be a blessing!
Jeremiah 31:31-32; John 8:31-32
A. God’s covenant is established with you forever!
B. You cannot keep your part of the covenant with God, even if you try!
C. God graces you, blessing you to be a blessing in a covenant you cannot break even if you try!
5. Grace is how long God is God, blessing you to be a blessing!
John 8:35
A. Grace is God’s eternal love and power.
B. God’s grace changes everyone; God’s grace never changes, forever blessing us to be a blessing!
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 of Grace Anew
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)
Tomlin
vs. 1
Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see
vs. 2
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
refrain:
My chains are gone
I’ve been set free
My God my Savior
Has ransomed me
And like a flood
His mercy rains
Unending love
Amazing grace
(repeat refrain)
...as we pray to you, Jesus, ...
Changes us, reform us, 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.
Songs During Holy Communion
We Believe
Fike/Collins/Hooper
We believe in God the Father
We believe in Jesus Christ
We believe in the Holy Spirit
And He’s given us new life
We believe in the crucifixion
We believe that He conquered death
We believe in the resurrection
And He’s coming back again
Let the lost be found
And the dead be raised
In the here and now
Let love invade
Let the Church live loud
Our God will save
We believe
We believe
And the gates of hell
Will not prevail
For the pow’r of God
Has torn the veil
Now we know Your love
Will never fail
We believe
We believe
We believe in God the Father
We believe in Jesus Christ
We believe in the Holy Spirit
And He’s given us new life
We believe in the crucifixion
We believe that He conquered death
We believe in the resurrection
And He’s coming back
He’s coming back again
He’s coming back again
We believe
We believe
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 unchanging grace of Jesus Christ, that changes everything. 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 Anew In Life & Grace
Forever
Tomlin
Give thanks to the Lord
Our God and King
His love endures forever
For He is good
He is above all things
His love endures forever
Sing praise
Sing praise
With a mighty hand
And outstretched arm
His love endures forever
For the life
That’s been reborn
His love endures forever
Sing praise
Sing praise
Sing praise
Sing praise
refrain:
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever
Forever
From the rising to
The setting sun
His love endures forever
And by the grace of God
We will carry on
His love endures forever
Sing praise
Sing praise
Sing praise
Sing praise
(refrain)
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Today, Sunday, October 30th, we celebrate, Reformation Sunday, “Blessed To Be A Blessing … Unchanging Grace Changes Everything!” Today, Sunday, October 30th, our Faith Quest Sunday School ministry resumes! 9th Grade Confirmation Class meets today, Sunday, October 30th at 11 a.m.!
Join us next Sunday, November 6th, as we celebrate, All Saints’ Sunday, “Blessed To Be A Blessing … With All The Saints!” Next Sunday we share a special time remembering loved ones who have gone before us! Email Pastor Jamie with names of loved ones you wish to remember: Jamie.Thompson@lordoflifemn.org Next Sunday, November 6th, our Faith Quest Sunday School ministry meets! 7th Grade Confirmation Class meets next Sunday, November 6th, at 11 a.m.!
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. 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 Believing God’s Glory & Grace Bless Us To Be A Blessing, written based on Psalm 46. “A Mighty Fortress,” “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. “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #2184098 “In Christ Alone” © 2002 Thankyou Music CCLI #3350395 “God, Whose Almighty Word” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #1771942 “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #43073 “Grace Alone” © 1998 Maranatha! Music, CCLI #2335524 “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “Change My Heart, O God” © 1982 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing CCLI #1565 “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” © 2006 sixsteps Music CCLI # 4768151 “We Believe” © Integrity Worship Music, CCLI #6367165 “Forever” © 2001 worshiptogether.com Songs CCLI #3148428 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.