The Fifth Sunday of Easter - Online Worship - May 7, 2023
Lord of Life LIVE - The Fifth Sunday of Easter
This week’s service will not be live streamed due to a scheduling conflict of our volunteer. If you are interested in learning more about live streaming, or any other volunteer opportunities, please click the link below!
Upcoming Services
Sunday Worship - The Sixth Sunday of Easter - Mother’s Day
”Alive, Anew, In Faith, Right Here”
May 14, 2023, 7:00PM
Join us as we celebrate Mother’s Day!
Join us in person or on YouTube for Lord of Life LIVE!
All are welcome, encouraged to visit the Prayer Cross as moved to do so.
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 in The Spirit
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
(repeat refrain)
Litany Alive in God’s Grace Right Here In The Risen Christ
based on Psalm 33
Today we celebrate blessed be the name of the Lord; we are alive, right here; a perfect place has been prepared, right here, in the grace of The Risen Christ; so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen. Rejoice in the Lord always, and praise his name. Let us make melody and sing to him a new song that we might give thanks for the love and grace and faithfulness of our Savior.
Friends, our God is an all-loving God. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins, and to share with the Lord our failure to take our place, to love him and to love one another, as we are perfectly loved in God’s grace alive, right here, in The Risen Christ.
(silence for reflection)
Friends of our loving Lord: Jesus, The One who is upright and faithful, is The Way, The Truth, and The Life! You have a perfect place in the grace of these words: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. Trust anew, the steadfast love of the Lord! Be still, for the presence of the Holy One is here!
Song of Assuring Presence
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
Today we are given our perfect place in God’s faithfulness and grace. The Risen Christ blesses us to live anew, right here. Jesus is the living vine and we are his branches. Let us stand in awe!
Friends who love the Lord: The Good News of Easter is Jesus is alive. His steadfast love endures forever. Trust the Lord is right here! Be still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place!
Song of Assuring Presence
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
Loving God, as the Easter celebration continues, we thank you for the gift of faith to believe in what seems so impossible; Jesus is risen indeed, to prepare for one and all a most perfect place for all eternity in our Father’s house. By your Spirit, alive and living, right here, help us to be still, to trust anew, you are the way, the truth and the life. In The Risen Christ, we pray. Amen.
The First Lesson
Acts 7:55-60
But filled with the Holy Spirit, Stephen gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he died. And Saul approved of their killing him.
(New Revised Standard Version)
The Second Lesson
1 Peter 2:2-10
Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation – if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in scripture: “See, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” To you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the very head of the corner,” and a “Stone that makes them stumble, and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
(New Revised Standard Version)
Song of Grace Anew
Children of The Heavenly Father
Sandell, Berg
vs. 1
Children of the heav’nly Father
Safely in his bosom gather
Nestling bird or star in heaven
Such a refuge ne’er was given
vs. 2
God his own doth tend and nourish
In his holy courts they flourish
From all evil things he spares them
In his mighty arms he bears them
vs. 3
Neither life nor death shall ever
From the Lord his children sever
Unto them his grace he showeth
And their sorrows all he knoweth
vs. 4
Though he giveth or he taketh
God his children ne’er forsaketh
His the loving purpose solely
To preserve them pure and holy
Gospel
John 14:1-14
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am going, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.”
(New Revised Standard Version)
based on Revelation 21:5-7
As we hear The Easter Gospel, and believe anew The Risen Christ is right here raising one and all to new life, let us today boldly state our faith, trusting our God’s faithfulness and living grace will never fail us.
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.
Faith Quest meets following the Children’s Sermon
Alive, In a Perfect Place, Right Here!
ACTS 7:55-8:1; 1 PETER 2:2-10; JOHN 14:1-14
Have you ever had someone want to put you in your place; only the place they wanted to put you, was a perfect place? They wanted you to know how important you were? They wanted you to feel something you had never felt before? In life there are no guarantees, nothing is perfect. Even as God’s people, we long for God to make perfect, all that is imperfect, all that is not perfect, in us, and around us. As we celebrate The Resurrection Of Our Lord, as God’s people, let us give glory to God for God’s perfect faithfulness. As we consider, pray about, trust, believe the Risen Christ is alive, and anew, right here, may we forever give thanks to God for putting us in our place, in our perfect place!
1. How would you describe the perfect place? How does God reveal to us the perfect places prepared for us, to be alive, anew, right here, in grace?
A. A perfect place in grace, right here, offers protection.
Acts 7:55-8:1; John 14:1
i. Even while being stoned, Stephen trusted he was not alone, he was protected, he was safe, he was secure.
ii. Trust God is alive, right here, in the midst of all you face; you are not alone.
B. A perfect place in grace, right here, is determined by location.
Acts 7:55; 1 Peter 2:9-10; John 14:2
i. Many people try to put us in our place to meet their needs.
ii. Trust Christ is alive, right here, to put you in your place, your perfect place.
iii. “In my Father’s house...” There is no better location!
C. A perfect place in grace, right here, is blessed with atmosphere.
Acts 7:56-8:1; John 14:6, 12
i. The spirit we share is one of faith, confidence, support, encouragement, trust, welcome, hope, and more.
ii. Trust the Risen Christ blesses us in the way, truth, and life!
D. A perfect place in grace, right here, comes with a cost.
1 Peter 2:6-8; John 14:2-3
i. Every place has a cost - The perfect vacation, the perfect home, even the perfect trail or climb, costs to get there.
ii. `The stone the builders rejected, is now the corner.’
iii. Trust the preparation is complete, the cost has been paid!
E. A perfect place in grace, right here, endures.
Acts 7:55; 1 Peter 2:10; John 14:1-2
i. The best places endure through the times.
ii. Trust your perfect place is timeless, everlasting, eternal!
iii. Trust The Risen Christ is alive, right here, to endure forever!
2. Today we give special thanks to God for God’s faithfulness, alive, right here, leading the imperfect us, to share an imperfect ministry, led to imperfectly make God and our neighbors first, trusting the One who blesses us with perfect grace, to see all God has made perfect even in this place!
3. As the Easter celebration continues, as we go anew, alive, right here, in perfect grace, let us trust God’s faithfulness will reveal all that is good and perfect, and will only get better and better, thanks to the power and grace, right here; for Christ is risen, Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
John 14:14
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 & 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,
Risen Savior, raise us to live anew, right here, in your living 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 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.
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.
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 Can Only Imagine
Millard
I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk by your side
I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When your face is before me
I can only imagine
refrain:
Surrounded by your glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus
Or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing Hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself standing in the Son
I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever forever worship you
I can only imagine
(refrain twice)
I can only imagine
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, right here, 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, right here, celebrating the love of God, and serving The Risen Lord of life.
Thanks be to God! Alleluia!
Going Anew In Light & Grace
The Little Light of Mine
African American Spiritual
vs. 1
This little light of mine
I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shine
vs. 2
Ev’rywhere I go
I’m gonna let it shine
Ev’rywhere I go
I’m gonna let it shine
Ev’rywhere I go
I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shine
vs. 3
Jesus gave it to me
I’m gonna let it shine
Jesus gave it to me
I’m gonna let it shine
Jesus gave it to me
I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shine
(repeat first verse)
Let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shine
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A most holy and blessed Easter season to each of you and your loved ones! Friends, every day is Easter! For Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Today, we celebrate as The Great Fifty Days Of Easter continue:
Sunday, May 7, The Fifth Sunday Of Easter “Alive, In A Perfect Place, Right Here, In The Risen Christ!” Today we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Sunday and the last Sunday of our Faith Quest ministry for the season!
Join us next Sunday, as The Great Fifty Days Of Easter continue:
Next Sunday, May 14, The Sixth Sunday Of Easter “Alive, Anew, In Faith, Right Here!” Join us next Sunday as we celebrate Mother’s Day!
As we share our worship, we give thanks for every volunteer as you bless our ministry, greeting, ushering, nursery, serving communion, live streaming, AV ministry, set up, clean up, fellowship, 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.
We hope our worship 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.
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 In God’s Grace Right Here In The Risen Christ – written based on Psalm 33. “Children of the Heavenly Father” “This Little Light of Mine” “Prayer of The Day,” “The Lord’s Prayer,” “Post-Communion Blessing, Prayer, & Benediction,” based on the Lutheran Book of Worship. © 1978 Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis & Board of Publication, Lutheran Church In America, Philadelphia. Used with permission. “Blessed Be Your Name” © 2002 Thankyou Music, CCLI #3798438 “Be Still” © 1986 Thankyou Music CCLI# 120824 “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” © 2006 sixsteps Music CCLI # 4768151 “I Can Only Imagine,” © 1999 Simpleville Music, CCLI #2978857 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.