The Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost - Online Worship - September 18, 2022
Upcoming Events:
Sunday Worship
Sunday, September 18, 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 Spirit & Grace
Blessed Be Your Name
Redman
vs. 1
Blessed be Your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
vs. 2
Blessed be Your name
When I’m found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be Your name
Ev’ry blessing You pour out I’ll
Turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in Lord
Still I will say
(refrain)
refrain:
“Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name”
bridge:
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
“Lord blessed be Your name”
(repeat and then refrain)
Litany Trusting God’s Faithfulness In a New Beginning
based on Psalm 111
Today, we celebrate and trust anew, blessed be the name of the Lord; the One who blesses us with a new beginning in God’s wisdom and grace; so we worship, in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen. Praise the Lord! I give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart in the midst of God’s people who celebrate and glorify his name. I follow the Lord, for great are his works, and his grace.
People of God: The Lord’s work is full of honor and majesty. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we thought we were so clever, and have failed to put our trust in God’s saving grace. (silence for reflection) Friends in Christ: Today, share a new beginning in the grace of these words: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. God is more clever than we are, more gracious than we imagine, blessing us with wisdom and power, grace and mercy; so we come, just as we are!
Song of Grace Anew
Just As I Am, Without One Plea
Elliott & Bradbury
vs. 1
Just as I am without one plea
But that thy blood was shed for me
And that thou bidd’st me come to thee
O Lamb of God I come
I come
Today we again celebrate and make Christ known in his mighty works. The Lord makes us faithful in a little, that we might follow, to be faithful in so much more. Thanks be to God, God’s wisdom and grace, cleverly hold fast, and persevere forever!
Friends, the Lord established you and his covenant forever! Trust anew; Christ in grace saves God’s people. Holy and awesome is the One who is truly clever, to welcome, pardon, cleanse, and relieve; so we come, just as we are!
Song of Grace Anew
Just As I Am, Without One Plea
Elliott & Bradbury
vs. 5
Just as I am thou wilt receive
Wilt welcome pardon cleanse relieve
Because thy promise I believe
O Lamb of God I come
I come
Loving God, today we confess, we often try to cleverly serve two masters; you, our God, and all the other demands and desires on our heart. We are sorry, so much gets in our way of making you, our God, and our neighbors, first. By your Holy Spirit, reveal your wisdom, and make us forever faithful in every little miracle, that we would be faithful in so much more still to come. As you give us a new beginning today, renew our passion, commitment, and faith to live in your grace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Old Testament Lesson
Amos 8:4-7
Hear this, you that trample on the needy, and bring to ruin the poor of the land, saying, “When will the new moon be over so that we may sell grain; and the Sabbath, so that we may offer wheat for sale? We will make the ephah small and the shekel great, and practice deceit with false balances, buying the poor for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, and selling the sweepings of the wheat.” The Lord has sworn by the pride of Jacob; Surely I will never forget any of their deeds.
(New Revised Standard Version)
New Testament Lesson
1 Timothy 1:12-17
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself as a ransom for all – this was attested at the right time. For this I was appointed a herald and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
(New Revised Standard Version)
Song of Trust of Grace
He Is Exalted
Paris
He is exalted the King is exalted on high
I will praise Him
He is exalted forever exalted
And I will praise His name
He is the Lord
Forever His truth shall reign
Heaven and earth
Rejoice in His holy name
He is exalted
The King is exalted on high
(repeat)
He is exalted the King is exalted on high
Gospel
Luke 16:1-13
Then Jesus said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was squandering his property. So he summoned him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Give me an accounting of your management, because you cannot be my manager any longer.’ Then the manager said to himself, ‘What will I do, now that my master is taking the position away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. I have decided what to do, so that, when I am dismissed as manager, people may welcome me into their homes.’ So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ He answered, ‘A hundred jugs of olive oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it fifty.’ Then he asked another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ He replied, ‘A hundred containers of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill and make it eighty.’ And his master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light. And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into eternal homes. Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. If then you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own? No servant can serve two masters; for a servant will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”
(New Revised Standard Version)
God’s Word in grace gave Saul a new beginning to become the Apostle Paul. Paul’s words build up our faith, too, to share a new beginning, so we boldly state our faith.
What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Be Anew … You Who Think You Are So Clever!”
AMOS 8:4-7; 1 TIMOTHY 2:1-7; LUKE 16:1-13
While most of us can relate to that old saying, "It's better to be lucky than good," we know in the end it doesn't hurt to be good. Sometimes we try to be good at what we do, and sometimes we try to be clever or cute or creative. Nothing pays off like discipline and hard work. Jesus reminds us today, when it comes to our spiritual journey, we are called to be faithful. We are called to be faithful with those blessings we have here and now, so God can trust us with all that is still to come. When we forget about obedience and lean on being clever, we are in trouble. There is no fooling our God. God is the one who is both the committed and The Clever One. And when we grow concerned about our walk and future in the kingdom of God, we can trust that old saying has no place. Luck has nothing to do with eternal life. Being good has nothing to do with salvation. Trust The One who graces us with a new beginning is clever and wise, faithful and true, to renew and save us every day!
1. We think we are so clever. When our backs are against the wall, when time is running out, we often fall short of our calling. Let us cleverly tell others Who is far more clever than us!
1 Timothy 2:3-4; Luke 16:3-4
A. We may not think we are “shrewd” like the manager in Jesus’ parable today. Do any of these words sound better? Resourceful, quick thinking, cunning, discerning.
B. We think we are so clever; we often think, `this might work,’ `this might just save me.’
C. We are our most clever when we point others to God. God is so good at being clever, wise. His power works. He saves us.
2. God in Christ is forever cleverly questioning, are we willing to be faithful in a little, not yet knowing the potential all God’s faithfulness will provide?
Amos 8:4-7; 1 Timothy 2:7; Luke 16:7,10-13
A. We cleverly cut corners, even along our spiritual journey. We rationalize, justify, why we do what we do. Jesus is forever asking us, if we are not faithful with the blessings already in our hands, why would he give us more? Nothing clever here.
B. What would happen if we would long to realize our potential, our spiritual potential; if we would long for God’s grace to keep us faithful in a little, not yet knowing all God will do?
C. What would happen if we would trust God’s overflowing cleverness and wisdom, God’s overflowing truth and power!
3. God graces us with a new beginning in wise and clever faithfulness, and so much more still to come.
1 Timothy 2:5-6; Luke 16:10-13
A. It is great for us to always be thinking but we must be careful. Do we really think we can out think The Master?
B. God is The Faithful One who is always thinking! God in grace is The Clever Wise One, gracing us to simply believe!
i. God cleverly calls us and uses us to be his stewards.
ii. God is the clever and wise owner, providing worship, Sacraments, the people of God, study, prayer, fellowship, support, service, spirit, hope, grace, new beginnings, and so much more still to come!
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 Life & Grace
Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling
Thompson
vs. 1
Softly and tenderly
Jesus is calling
Calling for you and for me
See on the portals
He’s waiting and watching
Watching for you and for me
(refrain)
refrain:
“Come home come home
All who are weary come home”
Earnestly tenderly Jesus is calling
Calling “O sinner come home”
vs. 3
Oh for the wonderful
Love he has promised
Promised for you and for me
Though we have sinned
He has mercy and pardon
Pardon for you and for me
(refrain)
...as we pray to you, Jesus, ...
Give us a new beginning 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
I Will Follow
Tomlin
Where You go I’ll go
Where You stay I’ll stay
When You move I’ll move
I will follow
All Your ways are good
All Your ways are sure
I will trust in You alone
Higher than my sight
High above my life
I will trust in You alone
refrain:
Where You go I’ll go
Where You stay I’ll stay
When You move I’ll move
I will follow You
Whom You love I’ll love
How You serve I’ll serve
If this life I lose
I will follow You yeah
I will follow You yeah
Light unto the world
Light unto my life –
I will live for You alone
You’re the One I seek
Knowing I will find
All I need in You alone
In You alone
(refrain)
bridge:
In You there’s life everlasting
In You there’s freedom for my soul
In You there’s joy unending joy
And I will follow
Where You go I’ll go
Where You stay I’ll stay
When You move I’ll move
I will follow
Whom You love I’ll love
How You serve I’ll serve
If this life I lose
I will follow
(refrain)
I will follow You
Yeah
I will follow You
Yeah
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 trust each new beginning in the living, life-changing 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 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, September 18th, we celebrate The Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost! “Be Anew … You Who Think You Are So Clever!” Today we continue our month long emphasis across the ELCA, “God’s Work. Our Hands!” as we share in numerous ways to support our neighbors!
Join us next Sunday, September 25th, as we celebrate The Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost! “Confirmed Anew, Each And Every Day!” Next Sunday, our service includes The Rite of Confirmation, The Affirmation of Baptism! Plan now to join us on October 2 as our Faith Quest Sunday School ministry resumes!
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 is offered during the service, 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.
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 Faithfulness In A New Beginning – written based on Psalm 111. “Just As I Am,” “Softly And Tenderly,” © 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. “Blessed Be Your Name” © 2002 Thankyou Music, CCLI #3798438 “Just as I Am, without One Plea” Words & Music Public Domain, CCLI #23206 “Be Still” © 1986 Thankyou Music CCLI# 120824 “Children of the Heavenly Father” Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #98028 “He Is Exalted” © 1985 Mountain Spring Music CCLI #17827 “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “I Will Follow” © 2010 SHOUT! Music Publishing, CCLI #5806878 “Forever” © 2001 worshiptogether.com Songs CCLI #3148428 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.