The Seventh Sunday of Easter - Online Worship - May 29, 2022

 
 

Prelude & Words of Greeting

 

The Lord is risen!
The Lord is risen indeed!

Christ is risen!
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!

The peace of The Risen Christ be with you always.
And also with you.

 

Opening Song Gathering in The Spirit

Glory, Glory Hallelujah

African American

Glory glory hallelujah
Since I laid my burden down
Glory glory hallelujah
Since I laid my burden down

I feel better so much better
Since I laid my burden down
I feel better so much better
Since I laid my burden down

Feel like shouting “Hallelujah”
Since I laid my burden down
Feel like shouting “Hallelujah”
Since I laid my burden down

Glory glory hallelujaha
Since I laid my burden down
Glory glory hallelujah
Since I laid my burden down

Since I laid my burden down

 

Litany Alive & Anew In Prayer & Hope In The Risen Christ

Psalm 5

Today we trust and sing anew, glory, glory, hallelujah; we lay our burdens down, and we feel so much better, for we are given Easter hearts, alive and anew in prayer and grace in The Risen Christ, so we worship in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen. Give ear to my words, O Lord. Listen to the cry of my voice, my God and my King, for to you I pray. O Lord, in the morning, when evening comes, all my days; hear my voice.

Friends in faith: In the glory of Easter, Jesus is alive to listen to our every cry. Let us take a moment of silence to share with the Lord our sins and those times we have failed to turn to him in prayer.

(silence for reflection)

Friends of the Savior: Trust God’s power and grace as you live in The Risen Christ: In the abundance of his steadfast love, Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. Trust the Lord hears his children praying. Worship him in awe!

 

Song of Hope

Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying

Medema

Lord
Listen to your children praying
Lord
Send your Spirit in this place
Lord
Listen to your children praying 
Send us love
Send us pow’r
Send us grace

Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness. Make your way straight before me. Pray for me; I am often tempted. Keep me strong, that I may call on you and take refuge in your great name.

Friends of our Risen Savior: Rejoice in The Good News of Easter, for we are alive and anew in The Lord. God alone protects and covers us with his favor. Let us trust the Lord hears his children praying. Exult his holy name!

Song of Hope

Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying

Medema

Lord
Listen to your children praying
Lord
Send your Spirit in this place
Lord
Listen to your children praying 
Send us love
Send us pow’r
Send us grace

 

Loving faithful God, Jesus prayed the world might know him, and his followers might be one in unity. As Jesus prayed on our behalf, help us fold our hands to share with you the needs of others. As the Easter season concludes this week, continue to raise us up to new life. Give us Easter hearts, for we are yours, alive and anew in your grace, to carry the message of your love and living presence. In The Risen Christ, we pray. Amen.

 

The First Lesson

Acts 16:16-34

One day, as we were going to the place of prayer, we met a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners a great deal of money by fortune-telling. While she followed Paul and us, she would cry out, “These men are slaves of the Most High God, who proclaim to you a way of salvation.” She kept doing this for many days. But Paul, very much annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I order you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour. But when her owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the authorities. When they had brought them before the magistrates, they said, “These men are disturbing our city; they are Jews and are advocating customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to adopt or observe.” The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates had them stripped of their clothing and ordered them to be beaten with rods. After they had given them a severe flogging, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to keep them securely. Following these instructions, he put them in the innermost cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, since he supposed that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted in a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” The jailer called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them outside and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They answered, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” They spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. At the same hour of the night, he took them and washed their wounds; then he and his entire family were baptized without delay. He brought them into the house and set food before them; and he and his entire household rejoiced that he had become a believer in God.

(New Revised Standard Version)

 

Song Acclamation

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Scriven & Converse

vs.1
What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
What a privilege to carry
Ev’rything to God in prayer
Oh what peace we often forfeit
Oh what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Ev’rything to God in prayer

vs. 2
Have we trials and temptations
Is there trouble anywhere
We should never be discouraged –
Take it to the Lord in prayer
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share
Jesus knows our ev’ry weakness –
Take it to the Lord in prayer

vs. 3
Are we weak and heavy-laden
Cumbered with a load of care
Precious Savior still our refuge –
Take it to the Lord in prayer
Do your friends despise forsake you
Take it to the Lord in prayer
In his arms he’ll take and shield you
You will find a solace there

 

Gospel

John 17:20-26

Jesus prayed for his disciples, saying, “I ask you not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

(New Revised Standard Version)

 

Based on Revelation 21:5-7

God’s Son 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, with Easter hearts, we trust and believe, we are alive and anew, in the grace of The Risen Christ.

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.

 
 

Easter Hearts Alive and Anew, In Prayer

ACTS 16:16-34; REVELATION 22:12-14, 16-17; JOHN 17:20-26

Through The Great Fifty days of Easter, we have been celebrating, trusting, growing, springing forth with Easter hearts, alive and anew, in The Risen Christ.  As we enter the final week of the Easter season, we may wonder, how to keep the celebration, hope, power springing forth, how to keep our Easter heart alive, anew, beating in grace?  Who can we talk to about hope, trust, support, sin, worry, stress, today, tomorrow?  How do we tell Jesus what we and others are feeling?  How do we let Jesus know we are so thankful; and we so need him?  As we hear in John’s Gospel today, Jesus is praying on behalf of his disciples.  Prayer is God’s gift to us to talk to him, to stay connected.  The good news of Easter is, even when we do not know how to talk to Jesus, Jesus is already talking to us, already talking to the Father on our behalf.  Let us with an Easter heart, be alive and anew, spring forth, celebrate and believe we can forever talk to The Christ who is risen, and risen indeed - Alleluia!

1. Prayer, prayer and talking, prayer and talking with our God with an Easter heart, alive and anew in faith, is often better than only talking to those we usually call first.
Acts 16:16; Revelation 22:16-21; John 17:22

A. Who would you call first with news?  Big news?  Good news?  Great news?  Frightening news?  Sad news?  News of hope?

B. If you are looking for someone to talk to, someone who will always pick up, always listen, someone you can call as often as needed, why not call on Jesus?  Why not tell others about Jesus, how we can all talk to Jesus?

2. The grace of an Easter heart alive, springing forth, talking to Jesus, reassures us, as Jesus prays on our behalf.
Acts 16:17-18; John 17:20-21

A. We can ask others to pray on our behalf.

B. We can pray on behalf of others.

C. We can talk to those we trust, even those who are in full glory, closest to Jesus.

D. We can talk directly to Jesus, and ask him to pray even more on our behalf, to keep alive our confidence, hope, strength, faith!

3. The gift of prayer is a real gift of faith.  One blesses the other, depends on the other, builds up the other.
Acts 16:25-34; John 17:22,25-26

A. Do you tell those you do not trust things that matter most, that which is deepest in your heart, soul and spirit?

B. Why would we pray, if we did not trust or believe?

C. If we believe, even a little, even in the midst of questions and doubts, why not pray even more, about anything, about everything?  Let us talk to Jesus, more and more!

4. Thanks be to God in the glory, hope and promise of Easter, we have Easter hearts, alive, anew, springing forth, to talk with each other, to talk with our Savior!  The grace of The Risen Christ, is we have One who believes in us, keeps us alive, anew, springing forth, making us one, and is forever in relationship with us.  Let us keep the good news, hope, and grace of Easter going and going, for Jesus is already talking to us and to The Father on our behalf.  Let us trust The One who prays on our behalf is risen, and risen indeed!  Alleluia!
John 17:20-21

Here are a few things you may be thinking about, you may be talking to others about, which you may or may not already be praying about; talking to Jesus about.  Jesus already knows all this!  Jesus would simply want you to know you can talk to him about all this and more!

People you care about:

The sorrow or grief you experience, due to the death of people close to you, recently, or through many ongoing years:

Things which cause you worry or stress:

Things you are sad about:

Things you are angry about:

Things you are sorry about:

Places, circumstances, you are calling on God’s daily power, daily miracles to break forth:

Things you are hopeful about:

Things you are joyful about:

Things you are thankful for:

Things you praise God for:

Other:

 

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 Hope & Life Anew

Once Again

Redman

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

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

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

 

… as we pray to you, Jesus, ...

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

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy through your Son, Jesus Christ our Risen Lord and Savior.

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 Communion

America the Beautiful

Bates & Ward

vs. 1
O beautiful for spacious skies
For amber waves of grain
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain
America America
God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea

vs. 2
O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness
America America
God mend thy every flaw
Confirm thy soul in self-control
Thy liberty in law

vs. 3
O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life
America America
May God thy gold refine 
‘Til all success be nobleness
And every gain divine

vs. 4
O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears
America America
God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea

 

The body and blood of our Risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, strengthen you and keep you in the living grace of The Risen Christ, this day, this most blessed and holy morning, 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 Risen Lord of life. Amen.

The Risen Lord bless you and keep you. The Risen Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Risen Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace, for you are alive and anew, in the living grace of Jesus Christ. In the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Christ is risen!
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!

With Easter hearts, let us go in the peace of Christ, alive and anew, celebrating the love of God, and serving The Risen Lord of life.
Thanks be to God! Alleluia!

 

Going Anew In Grace

The Name of The Lord (Blessed Be)

Utterbach

God bless America
Land that I love
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night
With the light from above
From the mountains to the prairies
To the oceans
White with foam
God bless America
My home sweet home
God bless America
My home sweet home

(repeat)

 

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Today we celebrate The Seventh Sunday Of Easter, as The Great Fifty Days end this week,“Easter Hearts, Alive And Anew, In Prayer!” Today we share a special time remembering loved ones who served our country!A blessed Memorial Day Weekend to one and all!

Join us next Sunday, June 5, as we celebrate Pentecost Sunday, The Birthday Of The Church! “Take A Breath, Take A Deep, Fresh Breath, In The Grace Of Jesus Christ!” Wear something red to join the festive celebration!

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. 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 Alive & Anew In Prayer & Hope In The Grace of The Risen Christ – written based on Psalm 5. “Lord,Listen To Your Children Praying,” “What A Friend We Have In Jesus,” © 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. “Glory, Glory Hallelujah” © 1999 This Far by Faith; An African American Resource for Worship, Augsburg Fortress, All rights reserved. Used with permission. “Glory, Glory, Hallelujah!” © Words and Music Public Domain, this arr. © 1992 Carl Haywood “Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying” © 1973 Hope Publishing, CCLI #22829 “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “Once Again” © 1995 Thankyou Music CCLI #1564362 “The Spirit Intercedes For Us” © 1989 Dakota Road Music, OL #62627 “America the Beautiful” © 1956 Fred Bock Music Company CCLI #1881629 “God Bless America” © 1938, 1939 Irving Berlin  All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.