Second Sunday in Advent - Online Worship - March 13, 2022

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Today as we share our Lenten journey we pray our peace is renewed in the heart and grace of Christ alone, so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.

Amen. I love you, O Lord, you are my strength, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer; in you I take refuge; you are my shield, my stronghold, my salvation. In you, grace is made known!

In my distress, I called upon the Lord; for power and peace, for grace and hope. From his temple he heard my voice, my cry reached his ears. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins, and those times we have failed to call on Christ alone, the Rock of our salvation.

(silence for reflection)

The Lord has reached down from the heavens and taken hold of us. Take hold of the power and peace of Christ in the grace of these words: Jesus saves; Jesus, forgives you, of all your sins. The Lord takes delight in us. Be still! You are delivered! Let our souls rejoice, for the Holy One is here!

vs. 1
Be still for the presence of the Lord
The Holy One is here
Come bow before Him now
With reverence and fear
In Him no sin is found
We stand on holy ground
Be still for the presence of the Lord
The Holy One is here

The Lord lights my lamp, even when all else is so dark. Grace and hope are revealed in the faithfulness and saving purpose of The Lord’s grace alone in my life! Blessed be my Rock! Exalted be the God of my salvation! The Lord delivers me! I am forever calm! I can truly be still and be at peace! The Lord is moving in this place!

vs. 3
Be still for the power of the Lord
Is moving in this place
He comes to cleanse and heal
To minister His grace
No work too hard for Him
In faith receive from Him
Be still for the power of the Lord
Is moving in this place

Almighty and loving God, it is your glory to bless us with the peace and hope given in your power and grace. During this Lenten season, keep our hearts on you. You know our daily lives are often so unsettled. We are surrounded and consumed with worry, stress, fear and uncertainty. We long for peace, real peace, in Christ alone. Give us peaceful hearts, to trust your Word and grace. In our longing for peaceful hearts, take us under the shadow of your wings, and we will return to The Lord with all our heart. In the peace of Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Paul quoted Moses and the law, saying, “The word is near, on your lips and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

(New Revised Standard Version)

vs 1
The King of love my shepherd is
Whose goodness faileth never
I nothing lack if I am his
And he is mine forever

vs 2
Where streams of living water flow
My ransomed soul he leadeth
And where the verdant pastures grow
With food celestial feedeth

vs 6
And so through all the length of days
Thy goodness faileth never
Good Shepherd may I sing thy praise
Within thy house forever

At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” Jesus said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’ Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’”

(New Revised Standard Version)

I love the Lord because he has heard my voice 
and my supplications. Because he inclined his ear to me,
Therefore, I will call on him as long as I live.
The snares of death encompassed me;
The pangs of Sheol laid hold on me;
I suffered distress and anguish.
Then I called on the name of the Lord:
“O Lord, I beseech thee, save my life!”
Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful.
The Lord preserves the simple; 
When I was brought low, he saved me.
Return, O my soul, to your rest;
For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.
For you have delivered my soul from death, 
My eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling;
I walk before the Lord in the land of the living.
I kept my faith, even when I said, “I am greatly afflicted”;
Even when I said in fear, “No one can be trusted.” Amen.

GENESIS 15:1-12,17-18; PHILIPPIANS 3:17-4:1; LUKE 13:31-35

How do you define `peace’ in your life?  A quiet moment?  Being all caught up?  A few minutes alone?  Good news?  A worry resolved?  Financial security?  Restored health?  A conflict free society?  The “war to end all wars” concluded?  Lent can be an unsettling season.  Being at peace in our heart is not easy.  Lent is God’s grace, springing up life, hope, peace, for God keeps our hearts on The One who has his heart on us, even when so much globally, socially, personally, spiritually is unsettled.  Peace, real peace; puts our heart at peace!  Our peace is like the peace Abram was given, waiting for an heir, no longer on his own with Sarai, now with the blessing of God.  Our peace is like the peace Paul was filled with, writing words from prison, assuring our hope.  Our peace is believing Jesus gathers us under his wings, when others hide elsewhere.  Return to The Lord your God with all your heart, trust anew The One who forever keeps his heart on you, blesses you with grace, filling you and your heart with peace, in Christ alone!

1. The One who is Peace, gives us and blesses us with peaceful hearts, hearts full of peace, real peace!
Luke 13:32-34

A. In Jesus, our hearts and spirits and souls are blessed with protection and peace, real peace!
Genesis 15:1; Luke 13:34

i. Protection is trusting The Known in the midst of the unknown.

ii. Protection is living each day in the peace of the hand and peaceful heart that forever have hold of us. 

B. In Jesus, our hearts and our journey, are blessed with the empathy of peace, real peace!
Philippians 3:17,4:1; Luke 13:33-34

i. Empathy is trusting The One who really knows how you feel.

ii. Empathy is living each day in this peace: You are not alone.

C. In Jesus, our hearts are blessed with the assurance of peace, real peace!
Genesis 15:4-6; Luke 13:31-32

i. Assurance is calling on The Absolute, trusting Who will not fail, going forward in Who and All as promised.
ii. Assurance is living each day in the peace of Who is certain.

D. In Jesus, our hearts are blessed with the conviction of peace, real peace!
Philippians 3:19-4:1; Luke 13:35

i. Conviction is that which is not questioned, that which is firm.

ii. Conviction is living each day in peace that will not waiver.

E. In Jesus, our hearts are blessed with real endless peace!
Genesis 15:17-18; Philippians 4:1,7; Luke 13:34

i. Peace is not peace unless it is forever!

ii. Peace, real peace, is living each day, every day, forever!

2. Real peace is in The One who forever keeps our hearts, on the peace and heart of God’s grace alone!  The real peace given to Abram, the real peace proclaimed by Paul, the real peace in Christ is ours in the crucified and risen and present Savior.  When so much feels unsettled, hope is restored, faith is celebrated, and hearts are filled with peace, real peace!
Genesis 15:18; Philippians 3:20,4:1; Luke 13:32,35

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.

All who are thirsty
All who are weak
Come to the fountain
Dip your heart in the stream of life
Let the pain and the sorrow
Be wash’d away
In the waves of His mercy
As deep cries out to deep
We sing

Come Lord Jesus come
Come Lord Jesus come
Come Lord Jesus come
Come Lord Jesus come

(repeat entire song)

(Including sung response, “The Spirit Intercedes For Us” by Olson)

As God’s people, gifted to trust and to call on God’s peace and grace in Jesus Christ, let us pray for the needs of all God’s people. 

... as we pray to you, Jesus,

The Spirit intercedes for us
With sighs too deep
For words to express
Oh oh oh

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 & 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 hearts, and our lives to his, through Jesus Christ, the Lord of life. Amen.

Friends, return to The Lord your God with all your heart; trust anew The One who keeps his heart on you! 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 his peace! In the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen.

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

refrain 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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Today we celebrate and share, The Second Sunday In Lent, “Peaceful Hearts, In Christ Alone!” Faith Quest Sunday School meets today!

Join us during Lent as we share and provide our Lenten Midweek Worship each Wednesday on Facebook!

Join us next Sunday, March 20, 9:30 a.m., as we share The Third Sunday In Lent, “Overflowing Hearts, In Christ Alone!” Faith Quest Sunday School meets next Sunday! Join us in-person or via our live stream efforts on Facebook!

As we continue 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. Communion will be offered to you following the closing song 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 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.

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 Trusting The Peaceful Heart & Grace In Christ Alone, written based on Psalm 18. “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.  “Be Still” © 1986 Thankyou Music CCLI# 120824 “The King of Love My Shepherd Is” Words and Music Public Domain. “All Who Are Thirsty” © 1998 Vineyard Songs CCLI #2489542 “Once Again” © 1995 Thankyou Music CCLI #1564362 “Your Grace Is Enough” © 2003 Thankyou Music CCLI #4477026 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.