The Third Sunday After Epiphany - Online Worship - January 22, 2023

Lord of Life LIVE - The Third Sunday After Epiphany

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Sunday Worship - The Fourth Sunday After Epiphany
”A New Kingdom…Is Only The Beginning”
Sunday, January 22, 2023, 9:30am
Join us for our first Lord of Life LIVE on YouTube!
Faith Quest meets during worship!

All are welcome, encouraged to visit the Prayer Cross as moved to do so.

Gathering in Glory & Grace

Hear Our Praises

Morgan

vs. 1
May our homes be filled with dancing
May our streets be filled with joy
May injustice bow to Jesus
As the people turn to pray

refrain:
From the mountains
To the valleys
Hear our praises
Rise to You
From the heavens
To the nations
Hear our singing
Fill the air

vs. 2
May Your light shine in the darkness
As we walk before the cross
May Your glory fill the whole earth
As the water o’er seas

(refrain)

A New Epiphany is Only the Beginning in God’s Grace & Light

based on Psalm 27

Friends, today, trust anew, from the mountains to the valleys, the One who leads us, blesses us with a new epiphany that is only the beginning in God’s grace; so we worship, in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.

Amen. The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is my light. His kingdom is my stronghold!

Though evil is all around us, the light and grace of God are only the beginning to so much more; Christ is faithfully leading us. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we have failed to drop our nets and to follow.

(silence for reflection)

Dear friends, receive a new epiphany in the grace of these words: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. Trust anew, as the Lord leads you, be still, for the Holy One is here!

Song of Light & Spirit

Be Still

Evans

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 will not turn from us in anger, he will not cast us off, or forsake us; for The Lord is our salvation. The light of his grace is only the beginning, keeping us strong in God’s grace.

The Lord calls us by name, gives us courage to see this is only the beginning, to follow his lead, to be still, and to then go as we are sent in the grace of the One who is moving in this and every place!

Song of Light & Spirit

Be Still

Evans

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, you sent your Son to proclaim your kingdom, to call us by name, to lead us anew in your goodness and light. By your Spirit, give us a new epiphany to see this is only the beginning to so much more, as you come to us, as you break into our daily lives, as you grace us, to be still, to drop what we are doing, to go into the world, and to follow you anew. In Jesus’ name alone, we pray. Amen.

Old Testament Lesson

Isaiah 9:1-4

But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt that land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.

(New Revised Standard Version)

New Testament Lesson

1 Corinthians 1:10-18

Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. What I mean is that each of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Peter,” or “I belong to Christ.” Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one can say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanus; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power. For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

(New Revised Standard Version)

Song Trusting Anew The One True Light

What Star is This?

Coffin & Nascitur

vs. 1
What star is this with beams so bright
More lovely than the noonday light
‘Tis sent to announce a newborn king
Glad tidings of our God to bring

vs. 5
To God Creator heav’nly light
To Christ revealed in earthly night
To God the Spirit blest we raise
An endless song of thankful praise

Gospel

Matthew 4:12-23

Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across from Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles – the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea – for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for all people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and Jesus called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.

(New Revised Standard Version)

based on Hebrews 11-12:2

Long ago witnesses wrote words to proclaim Jesus as the Treasured Light fulfilling the coming of the promised Messiah, that his power and grace were only the beginning, and were sufficient to the Hebrew Christians considering returning to Judaism. Let us share our faith using these same words.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible. ...Without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. ...Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Amen.

Faith Quest meets following today’s Children’s Message!

A New Leader … Is Only the Beginning

ISAIAH 9:1-4; 1 CORINTHIANS 1:10-18; MATTHEW 4:12-23

Leaders.  What do you look for in a good leader?  Do you look for vision and direction; goals and strategies; communication skills; self sacrifice; confidence; one’s track record; loyalty; the “bottom line”?  People look for different things from their leaders.  One universal criteria for a leader’s effectiveness is her or his followers.  If no one follows, then no one is really leading.  Do people follow this leader?  Are they loyal, committed, faithful?  Today we share a new epiphany, we see our Lord and Master and Leader, leading our way, walking in our midst, calling us to clearly follow.  When it comes to tasks and positions in the flesh of this world, look to the leaders of your choice.  When it comes to the demands of the world, when it comes to your soul and spirit, clearly look to no other, look to the Christ!  As Jesus leads us, may we pray for God’s grace to clear our eyes, that we might see following Jesus is only the beginning.  As you surrender to and answer Jesus, how do you know if the Lord is effective, powerful, faithful?  Look how many are following!  Look how faithful God is!  May we each hear his call, drop what we are doing, take our place, and follow a new leader, the best leader, The One who is only the beginning to so much more!        

1. Today we share a new epiphany, as we see our Lord and Master and Leader, leading our way, walking in our midst, calling us to follow The One who is only the beginning.  When it comes to the demands of the world, when it comes to your soul and spirit, look to no other, look to the Christ!
Isaiah 9:2; Matthew 4:18, 23

A. In Christ, we have a leader who is only the beginning, who is not afraid to lead, no matter what others say, or do, no matter the adversaries, no matter if not everyone follows.
Isaiah 9:3

B. In Christ, we have a new leader who is only the beginning!  We do not have to wait and see what our leader is going to do next, neither does he wait to see how we will answer.
Matthew 4:13-16

C. In Christ, we have a leader who is only the beginning, who has come to call one and all.
1 Corinthians 1:10, 13; Matthew 4:19

D. In Christ, we have a leader who is only the beginning, who holds us accountable; we are not allowed to rationalize positions, callings, points of the law.  We are to drop what we are doing and follow.
1 Corinthians 1:17; Matthew 4:17,20,22

E. In Christ, we have a leader who is only the beginning, who leads by example - comes to us, walks with us, drops what he was doing, The Word became flesh, to live among us, to know what we need, to offer himself as a sacrifice, to lead us to the cross.
Matthew 4:18-23

F. In Christ, we have a leader who is only the beginning, a leader who has given us a faith to help us surrender to The One who gives us courage for daily living, The One who brings in The Kingdom, to trust anew, to trust forever, how he loves!
Isaiah 9:2; 1 Corinthians 1:18; Matthew 4:20,22

2. As Jesus leads us, may we pray for a new epiphany in God’s grace, that we might see following Jesus is only the beginning!  As you surrender to and answer Jesus, trust and believe, a new leader is only the beginning! Look how many are following!  Look how faithful God is!  May we each hear his call, drop what we are doing, take our place, and follow a new leader, the best leader, The One who is only the beginning to so much more!
Isaiah 9:2; Matthew 4:18,21,23

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 Light & Grace

Be Thou My Vision

Byme

vs. 1
Be thou my vision
O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me
Save that thou art
Thou my best thought
By day and by night
Waking or sleeping
Thy presence my light

vs. 2
Be thou my wisdom
And thou my true word
I ever with thee
And thou with me Lord
Thou my soul’s shelter
Thou my high tow’r
Raise thou me heav’nward
O Pow’r of my pow’r

vs. 4
Light of my soul after
Victory won
May I reach heaven’s joys
O heaven’s Sun
Heart of my own heart
Whatever befall
Still be my vision
O Ruler of all

(repeat vs. 1)

... as we pray to you, Jesus,
Give us a new epiphany, give us a new beginning, in your light and your 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.

For those worshiping with us in person, we receive communion through intinction; that is, you will receive the bread, the host, then dip into the glass of choice, either a red wine in the chalice closest to the host, or in a light colored non-alcoholic grape juice. All are welcome.

We also offer gluten free and pre-packaged options. Please take these options before arriving at the host to receive a blessing.

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

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

(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 are blessed with only the beginning in every epiphany of God’s saving grace in 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 Light & Grace

Everywhere I Go

Timmons

refrain:
Ev’rywhere I go
On this road high and low
Where I go I go with You
So I won’t be afraid
This is my hope come what may
Where I go I go with You
Where I go I go with You

vs. 1
There’s a city
That calls me by name
There’s a city
That calls me by name
Yes as I run this race
I am cheered by the saints
There’s a city
That calls me by name

vs. 2
There’s a future
That runs through my veins
There’s a future
That runs through my veins
And there’s nothing on earth
That can stand in the way
There’s a future
That runs through my veins

(refrain)

bridge:
Your breath upon these bones
Your fire in my soul
Your Kingdom is my home
And I don’t walk alone

Ev’rywhere I go
On this road high and low
Where I go I go with You
So I won’t be afraid
This is my hope come what may
Where I go I go with You

Ev’rywhere I go
On this road high and low
Where I go I go with You
So I won’t be afraid
This is my hope come what may
Where I go I go with You
Where I go I go with You

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Today we celebrate The Third Sunday After Epiphany “A New Leader … Is Only The Beginning!” Faith Quest, Sunday School meets today!

Next Sunday, January 29, we celebrate The Fourth Sunday After Epiphany, 9:30 a.m. “A New Kingdom … Is Only The Beginning!” Faith Quest, Sunday School meets next Sunday!

As we continue to share the ministry God places in our care, we are seeking more volunteers! 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. 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 A New Epiphany Is Only The Beginning In God’s Grace & Light, written based on Psalm 27. “What Star Is This,” “Be Thou My Vision,” © 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. “Prayer of The Day,” “The Lord’s Prayer,” “Post-Communion Blessing,  & Benediction based on the LBW.  “Hear Our Praises” © 1998 Hillsong Music, CCLI #2543402 “Be Still” © 1986 Thankyou Music, CCLI #120824 “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “I Will Follow” © 2010 SHOUT! Music Publishing CCLI #5806878 “Everywhere I Go” © All Essential Music CCLI #7050066 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.