The Day of Pentecost - Online Worship - May 28, 2023

 

Lord of Life LIVE - The Day of Pentecost, Pentecost Sunday - Memorial Day Weekend 2023

Upcoming Services

Sunday Worship - Holy Trinity Sunday
”A Gentle Breeze, All, Together, Now!”
June 4, 2023, 9:30AM
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.

 

Opening Song in The Spirit

Awake My Soul

Tomlin

refrain:
Awake awake awake my soul
God resurrect these bones
From death to life for You alone
Awake my soul

vs. 1
Breathe on me
Breath of God
Breathe on me
Breathe on me
Breath of God
Breathe on me
I come alive
I’m alive
When You breathe on me
I come alive
I’m alive
When You breathe on me

(refrain)

 

The Pentecost Reading

Acts 2:1-21

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came the sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability. 

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs – in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.” But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist.

The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

(New Revised Standard Version)

Opening Song in The Spirit

Awake My Soul

Tomlin

refrain:
Awake awake awake my soul
God resurrect these bones
From death to life for You alone
Awake my soul

 

Litany Celebrating The Church, Living Only in the Grace of Christ

Today we celebrate, our souls are awakened, The Spirit breathes on us, moving in our midst like a gentle breeze, making us one as God’s people, as God’s Church, in grace alone, so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.

Amen. No one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; and that foundation is Jesus Christ.

Friends of God’s Church: Jesus is the sure foundation, yet at times, the stone we have rejected is the head of the corner. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins, our failure to live in grace alone, guarding the foundation of Christ’s holy Church.

(silence for reflection)

Friends, you are The Church of Jesus Christ: Live in grace, receive the gentle, powerful, transforming breeze of The Holy Spirit! “There is one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Take a deep breath in grace. You are the living body of Christ; Jesus saves, Jesus forgives you all your sins. Celebrate God makes us one. Faithfully be God’s Church; be His living sanctuary!

Song of Call & Hope

Sanctuary

Flaishler / Moulden

Lord prepare me
To be a sanctuary
Pure and holy
Tried and true
With thanksgiving
I’ll be a living
Sanctuary
For you

Jesus, we thank you and praise you for your faithfulness to your Church. We feel your presence in every gentle breeze. Renew our spirit, to go and declare your grace to the ends of the earth!

Friends of Jesus: Today we celebrate Pentecost, the birthday of the Church. Feel the gentle breeze of The Holy Spirit; take a fresh breath in God’s grace: We are a living sanctuary in The Spirit. We “are the body of Christ, and individually members of it.”

Song of Call & Hope

Sanctuary

Flaishler / Moulden

Lord prepare me
To be a sanctuary
Pure and holy
Tried and true
With thanksgiving
I’ll be a living
Sanctuary
For you

 

Loving God, today, we join with our brothers and sisters around the world, and we thank you for the gift of the Church. Let us feel you in this very room; fill us with your Holy Spirit; awake our souls; bless us to feel the gentle breeze of your grace as you open our hearts, as you make us one, as we make you our God and our neighbors first in new ways. May we trust anew, every day is a day full of grace. Restore us once again to boldly answer your call, to be the body of Christ, and individually members of it.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. 

 

The Lesson

1 Corinthians 12:3b-13

No one can say, “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses. For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – Jews or Greeks, slaves or free – and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

(New Revised Standard Version)

 

Song of Grace & Calling

O Day Full of Grace

Danish Folk Hymn

vs. 1
O day full of grace that now we see 
Appearing on earth’s horizon
Bring light from our God that we may be
Replete in his joy this season
God shine for us now in this dark place
Your name on our hearts emblazon

vs. 4
God came to us then at Pentecost
His Spirit new life revealing
That we might no more from him be lost 
All darkness for us dispelling
His flame will the mark of sin efface 
And bring to us all his healing

 

Gospel

John 20:19-23

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, Jesus showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When Jesus had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

(New Revised Standard Version)

 

“Luther’s Explanation of the Third Article of The Apostles’ Creed”

I believe that I cannot by my own understanding or effort believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to him.

But the Holy Spirit has called me through the Gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, and sanctified and kept me in true faith.

In the same way, he calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth, and keeps it united with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.

In this Christian Church day after day he fully forgives my sins and the sins of all believers.  

On the last day he will raise me and all the dead and give me and all believers in Christ eternal life. This is most certainly true. Amen.

 
 

Sharing Gentle Breezes in God’s Grace!

ACTS 2:1-21; 1 CORINTHIANS 12:3b-13; JOHN 20:19-23

Do you ever feel like the wind is always blowing against you?  Does it ever feel like a constant battle?  How good does it feel when the wind is finally at your back?  Today as we celebrate Pentecost, we celebrate the birthday of the Christian Church.  The Church begins when the `rush of a violent wind fills the entire house.'  The Holy Spirit, the rush of the wind, the very breath of God comes into their midst and blows all else away.  As we share the season of spring, as we anticipate, the gentle breezes of summer; we do not need to wait for the Spirit of God and for the gentle breath of God to refresh us, to calm us, to direct us.  Let us celebrate the birthday of God's Holy Church, let us serve as God's Holy People and let us be assured and motivated and fulfilled this summer and all our days, as the Spirit of God is the gentle breeze of God’s grace in our midst!

1. The spirit of God is like breath and wind, in the midst of our personal discipleship, and in the midst of God's Holy Church.

A. Breath.  We need air and breath.  We need to breathe.  We need the breath of God.
John 20:22

i. Without air, without the ability to breathe, we would die.

ii. Without the breath of God, without the spirit of God in our midst, we would die, so would The Church.
Acts 2:17

B. The gentle breezes of summer refresh us and give us direction.  The Spirit of God is a tough wind to go up against, and it is also a gentle breeze that guides us and renews us.
Acts 2:2

i. We know how hard it is to work against the wind.

ii. It is such a blessing to go forward feeling the wind, feeling the Spirit of God at our backs.
John 20:19, 21, 23

iii. We are all looking forward to summer, and yet we all know how weary we can get in the midst of all we do.
Acts 2:2; John 20:21

iv. The bottom line is this:  It is impossible to get anywhere without God’s grace, without God’s people, without the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:4

2. The breath of God is unending.  It is a wind violently at times rushing through our presence, destroying all that is not of the Spirit.  It is a spirit that stirs us up.  As the wind moves things around, the breath of God fills our hearts and moves our spirits.  `Receive the Holy Spirit,' and feel the gentle breezes of God’s grace in our midst!
John 20:22

 

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 The Spirit

Listen, God Is Calling

Tanzanian Traditional

refrain:
Listen
Listen God is calling
Through the Word inviting
Offering forgiveness
Comfort and joy

(repeat)

vs. 1
Jesus gave his mandate
Share the good news
That he came to save us
And set us free

(refrain with repeat)

vs. 2
Let none be forgotten
Throughout the world
In the triune name of God
To and baptize

(refrain with repeat)

vs. 3
Help us to be faithful
Standing steadfast
Walking in your precepts
Led by your Word

(refrain with repeat)

 

...as we pray to you, Jesus, ...
By your Holy Spirit, let us feel the gentle breeze of your saving 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.

 

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

Holy Spirit

Torwalt

There’s nothing worth more
That will ever come close
No thing can compare
You’re our living hope
Your Presence Lord

I’ve tasted and seen
Of the sweetest of loves
Where my heart becomes free
And my shame is undone
In Your Presence Lord

Holy Spirit
You are welcome here
Come flood this place
And fill the atmosphere
Your glory God
Is what our hearts long for
To be overcome
By Your presence Lord
Your presence Lord

bridge:
Let us become
More aware
Of Your Presence
Let us experience
The glory of
Your goodness

(repeat bridge 3x)

Holy Spirit
You are welcome here
Come flood this place
And fill the atmosphere
Your glory God
Is what our hearts long for
To be overcome
By Your presence Lord

 

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 feel the gentle breeze of The Spirit and God’s saving grace. 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, blessed to be God’s people and God’s Church, together serving The Lord of life.
Thanks be to God!

 

Blessed to Go & Live Anew

God Bless America

Berlin

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, Sunday, May 28, we celebrate Pentecost Sunday! “Sharing Gentle Breezes, In The Grace Of Jesus Christ!” Today we also share in Memorial Day Weekend Worship, and we join our nation in remembering and giving thanks for those who have served and who have gone before us, and those who have given the ultimate sacrifice!

Join us next Sunday, June 4, as we celebrate Holy Trinity Sunday! “A Gentle Breeze, All, Together, Now!”

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 Celebrating The Church, Living Only In The Grace Of Christ – written based on 1 Cor. 3:11, Acts 4:11, Eph. 4:4-5, Acts 1:8, 1 Cor. 12:27. “O Day Full of Grace” “Listen, God Is Calling” © 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. “Awake My Soul” © 2012 S.D.G. Publishing, CCLI #6453172 “Sanctuary” © 1982 Full Armor Publishing & Whole Armor Publishing CCLI #24140 “O Day Full of Grace” © 1978 Augsburg Fortress, OL #06668 “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “Listen, God Is Calling” © 1993 Augsburg Fortress, OL #05497 “Holy Spirit” © 2011 Jesus Culture, CCLI #6087919 “God Bless America” © 1938, 1939 Irving Berlin All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.