The Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost - Online Worship - August 20, 2023
Lord of Life LIVE - The Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost
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Sunday Worship - The Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost
”In Every Gentle Breeze … Time For A Lesson In Geology!”
August 27, 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.
Gathering In Spirit & Grace
Open the Eyes of My Heart
Baloche
Open the eyes of my heart Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
Open the eyes of my heart Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see you
To see You high and lifted up
Shining in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
As we sing holy holy holy
(repeat)
Holy holy holy
Holy holy holy
Holy holy holy
I want to see You
(repeat)
Litany Trusting the Gentle Breeze of God’s Faithfulness & Grace
Based on Psalm 66
Today, we believe anew in The One who opens the eyes of our heart, who in the grace of every gentle breeze, is better than we ever imagined, so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen. Sing aloud to God, our strength. Let us shout for joy and come just as we are, to worship on this blessed day.
People of God: The Lord invites us to follow his voice, to trust him above all else. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we have failed to trust the gift of faith, to believe all that is even better than this.
(silence for reflection)
Friends in Christ, feel the gentle breeze of God’s grace in these words: Jesus saves, Jesus forgives you all your sins. Nothing is better than this: God in his Son, Jesus, restores us, renews hope, and calls us to come, just as we are!
Song Anew In Grace
Just as I Am
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
The Spirit makes me new. I will listen to The Lord always. I come to him, just as I am, no longer relying on other gods.
Friends of Jesus: The Lord your God is exalting you again today. Nothing is better than this! No longer are there outcasts and foreigners. We are one in Christ. Let us sing and believe, for the Lord promises to receive us just as we are.
Just as I Am
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, even when we turn away, or feel far away from you, The Lamb of God, you help us come to you, just as we are. By the gentle breeze of your Spirit and grace, give us faith to believe anew, to hear your Word, to take our place in your presence, to feast on all you provide, to surrender to you, to tell others, you and your grace, are more than we ever dreamed. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Old Testament Lesson
Isaiah 56:1, 6-8
Thus says the Lord: Maintain justice, and do what is right, for soon my salvation will come, and my deliverance be revealed. ... And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants, all who keep the sabbath, and do not profane it, and hold fast my covenant – these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. Thus says the Lord God, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, I will gather others to them besides those already gathered.
(New Revised Standard Version)
New Testament Lesson
Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. ... For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all.
(New Revised Standard Version)
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. 3
Help us to be faithful
Standing steadfast
Walking in your precepts
Led by your Word
(refrain with repeat)
Gospel
Matthew 15:10-28
Then Jesus called the crowd to him and said to them, “Listen and understand: It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.” Then the disciples approached and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?” He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit.” But Peter said to him, “Explain this parable to us.” Then Jesus said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person, but to eat without clean hands does not defile.” Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” Jesus answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
(New Revised Standard Version)
based on Psalm 89
As we share gentle breezes of The Spirit this summer, let us share our faith and speak boldly of all we believe, trusting the living breath of The Spirit and God’s saving grace.
I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations. I declare that your steadfast love is established forever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens. You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to my servant David: ‘I will establish your descendants forever, and build your throne for all generations.’” Let the heavens praise your wonders, O Lord, your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the sky can be compared to the Lord? Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord, great and awesome above all that are around him? O Lord, God of hosts, who is as mighty as you? Blessed be the Lord forever. Amen and Amen.
Ready, For Even Better Than This!
ISAIAH 56:1,6-8; ROMANS 11:1-2A,29-32; MATTHEW 15:10-28
Do you like to day dream, to wish, to pray? Do you like when God reveals to you what is already before you? Have you ever considered even with all God has blessed you, there might be still more? Could there be even more than this? What could be better than this, than what we already know? Today as we read about Jesus’ encounter with a Canaanite woman, we feel the gentle breeze of faith. Faith assures us; though once outcasts, we have a place; though once hungry, we are filled with the very best; though once in the midst of questions, we know where every crumb originates; though once willing and obedient, now we are humbled to trust, believe, surrender completely. Could there really be more than this? Absolutely, thanks to every gentle breeze of grace, the One who renews our pneuma, spirit, breath and soul, gets us ready to believe anew and so much more!
1. What could be better than this, than to be an outsider, and to feel every gentle breeze, welcoming us, blessing us with a perfect place in grace?!
Isaiah 56:6-8; Romans 11:1-2a; Matthew 15:24
A. Each of us, at one time or another, have felt like we were on the outside looking in, like we did not belong, like there was not room for us, like others were part of the inner circle, and at best we were at the outer rings.
B. We are all looking for a place, where we can be who we are, accepted for who we are, where we belong, where there is room for us. In Christ we have such a place.
C. Thanks to every gentle breeze of grace, we know we belong, and we have a place that gets better each and every day, and one day will amaze us!
2. What could be better than feeling the gentle breeze of God’s grace, filling the hunger deep in our soul?!
Matthew 15:22, 25-27
A. Each of us has been so empty at one time or another, that even a few simple tasty crumbs have filled us beyond comparison.
B. To be filled, to have hunger cease, one must know what one hungers for and what will satisfy you.
C. Every gentle breeze of grace fills us like no other; trust there is more still to come, and it gets even better than this!
3. What could be better than to feel every gentle breeze of grace, and to believe where the crumbs come from?! Enough said!
Isaiah 56:6; Romans 11:2, 29-32; Matthew 15:27
4. What could be better for Christ, than to be in the presence of a believer, one who feels every gentle breeze of grace, one who is hungry, one who knows the menu, one who believes what fills and sustains, one who surrenders to Who saves?!
Matthew 15:11,13,18,28
A. You and I trusting, surrendering, believing anew in the One who renews our pneuma, spirit, breath, and soul, are what God longs for! Trust there is still more to come!
B. You and I making a difference, believing, surrendering, trusting more today than yesterday, still more tomorrow - this is what Christ longs for, this is what gets better and better, when we already thought this was the best it could be!
5. What could be better than knowing a merciful God? A God who comes to save us! What could be better than knowing Christ in our heart today? Giving Christ even more of our heart tomorrow! How is this possible, how could this be, that all of this, keeps getting better and better? Thanks to every gentle breeze of grace, believe anew, you have a place, you are filled, you know where each crumb comes from, your pneuma, spirit and soul are alive, and there is much more still to come!
Matthew 15:22,25
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 True Hope & Grace
I Have Decided To Follow Jesus
Singh & Reynolds
vs. 1
I have decided
To follow Jesus
I have decided
To follow Jesus
I have decided
To follow Jesus
No turning back
No turning back
vs. 2
Though no one joins me
Still I will follow
Though no one joins me
Still I will follow
Though no one joins me
Still I will follow
No turning back
No turning back
vs. 3
The world behind me
The cross before me
The world behind me
The cross before me
The world behind me
The cross before me
No turning back
No turning back
(repeat first verse)
...as we pray to you, Jesus, ...
Let us feel the gentle breeze of your Spirit 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.
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
God of Wonders
Hindalong & Byrd
Lord of all creation
Of water earth and sky
The heavens are Your tabernacle
Glory to The Lord on high
refrain:
God of Wonders beyond our galaxy
You are holy holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy holy
Lord of heaven and earth
Lord of heaven and earth
Early in the morning
I will celebrate the light
When I stumble in the darkness
I will call Your name by night
(refrain)
Hallelujah
To the Lord of heaven and earth
Hallelujah
To the Lord of heaven and earth
Hallelujah
To the Lord of heaven and earth
(refrain)
Lord of heaven and earth
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!
Going Anew In Grace
My Life Is In You, Lord
Gardner
My life is in You Lord
My strength is in You Lord
My hope is in You Lord
In You it’s in You
My life is in You Lord
My strength is in You Lord
My hope is in You Lord
In You it’s in You
I will praise You with all of my life
I will praise You with all of my strength
With all of my life with all of my strength
All of my hope is in You
My life is in You Lord
My strength is in You Lord
My hope is in You Lord
In You it’s in You
My life is in You Lord
My strength is in You Lord
My hope is in You Lord
In You it’s in You
In You
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Today, Sunday, August 20, we celebrate The Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost! “Ready For Even Better Than This … In Every Gentle Breeze!”
Join us next Sunday, August 27, as we celebrate The Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost! “In Every Gentle Breeze … Time For A Lesson In Geology!”
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 Trusting The Gentle Breeze Of God’s Faithfulness And Grace – written based on Psalm 66. “Just As I Am,” “Listen, God Is Calling,” Words and Music Public Domain, © 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. “Open the Eyes of My Heart,” © 1997 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music, CCLI #2298355 “Listen, God Is Calling” © 1993 Augsburg Fortress, OL #05497 “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” © 2002 Agnes Day Music CCLI #4599973 “God of Wonders” © 2000 New Spring Publishing, Inc. CCLI #3118757 “My Life Is In You, Lord” © 1986, this arrangement © 1992 By Integrity’s Hosanna! Music CCLI #17315 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.