The Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost - Online Worship - August 27, 2023
Lord of Life LIVE - The Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost
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Sunday Worship - The Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost
”Thanks To Every Gentle Breeze … Don’t Get In My Way!”
September 3, 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
Here I Am to Worship
Hughes
Light of the World
You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes
Let me see
Beauty that made
This heart adore You
Hope of a life
Spent with you
refrain:
Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say
That You’re my God
You’re altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether
Wonderful to me
And I’ll never know
How much it cost
To see my sin
Up on that cross
And I’ll never know
How much it cost
To see my sin
Up on that cross
(refrain)
Litany Trusting the Gentle Breeze of God’s Faithfulness & Grace
Based on Psalm 66
Today, we trust anew, the gentle breeze of the Spirit graces us, like Peter, to boldly announce Jesus is the Son of the living God, so here we are to worship, in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen. I love the Lord, my rock and my salvation; he has heard my voice. The Lord listens to me, and strengthens me in my searching, therefore I will call on his name as long as I live.
People of God: God’s commitment in Christ is firm. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we have not stood firm on the Rock, proclaiming Jesus, as the Son of the living God.
(silence for reflection)
Friends, feel the gentle breeze of the Spirit, and build on this rock solid truth in God’s grace: Jesus saves, Jesus forgives you all your sins. When we say, “O Lord, I pray, save my life,” trust the Lord is gracious and merciful; the Spirit is here, tried and true, blessing us to be a 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
The Lord loves me and protects me. Jesus has saved my life. Though at times I question the gift of faith, I stand rock solid in grace, I stand rock solid in the Son of the living God!
Friends in Christ: The Spirit is sent to build you up again and again in faith. In Christ, you are rock solid. Come, stand firm, live anew; you are a 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
Loving God, like your disciples long ago, we question how solid our faith is, how to build on our devotion to make you and our neighbors first in new ways. Keep coming to us. Keep sending your Spirit to us. Keep revealing to us, what flesh and blood cannot. By the gentle breeze of your grace, make us a living sanctuary; give us a rock solid faith. Help us stand firm, to trust you alone as the Rock of our salvation. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Old Testament Lesson
Isaiah 51:1-6
Listen to me, you that pursue righteousness, you that seek the Lord. Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug. Look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who bore you; for he was but one when I called him, but I blessed him and made him many. For the Lord will comfort Zion; he will comfort all her waste places, and will make her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song. Listen to me, my people, and give heed to me, my nation; for a teaching will go out from me, and my justice for a light to the peoples. I will bring near my deliverance swiftly, my salvation has gone out and my arms will rule the peoples; the coastlands wait for me, and for my arm they hope. Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and those who live on it will die like gnats; but my salvation will be forever, and my deliverance will never be ended.
(New Revised Standard Version)
New Testament Lesson
Romans 12:1-8
I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.
(New Revised Standard Version)
Song of Grace Anew
Beautiful Savior
Townend
vs. 1
Beautiful Savior
King of creation
Son of God
And Son of Man
Truly I’d love thee
Truly I’d serve thee
Light of my soul
My joy my crown
vs. 3
Fair is the sunshine
Fair is the moonlight
Bright the sparkling
Stars on high
Jesus shines brighter
Jesus shines purer
Than all the angels
In the sky
vs. 4
Beautiful Savior
Lord of the nations
Son of God
And Son of Man
Glory and honor
Praise adoration
Now and forevermore
Be thine
Gospel
Matthew 16:13-20
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” Jesus said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
(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.
Time for a Lesson in Geology
ISAIAH 51:1-6; ROMANS 12:1-8; MATTHEW 16:13-20
How much do you know about rocks? Yes, they are hard; but what else? People collect them; for many reason! Rocks can slide and rocks can fall; so you better watch out! People climb them; some for sport, some for personal reasons. Rocks are hard to alter or break. To be rock steady, to be rock solid, is something we long for. If you want to learn more about rocks it might be helpful to take a lesson in geology. What is geology? Not just the study of rocks, but the study of the earth and creation, as recorded in the rocks, in the formation of the rocks. Today we hear again words of a personal faith confession as Jesus asks the disciples who they say he is, and Peter replies, “You are The Messiah, The Son of The Living God.” Jesus announces, `Upon this rock I will build my church.’ Upon what rock, Peter or Peter’s faithful confession? As we study a few rocks, our own faith, who we say Christ is, trust God graces us, renews our pneuma, our spirit and soul, to count on us, build on us, and our rock solid faith. Feel the gentle breeze of The Rock of our salvation, collect and treasure it all, fall and slide along the way only to get up and climb some more, all the while trusting The Holy Spirit’s gift of faith to forever be rock solid!
1. What do you know about rocks? Can you tell one from another? How do you know when you have found one that is special? Feel the gentle breeze of God’s grace to keep your faith rock solid!
A. Identifying rocks is not easy. Some people though know exactly what they are looking for.
Matthew 16:13-15
i. Is the rock in this story, Peter?
ii. Is the rock in this story Peter’s confession, Peter’s faith, which flesh and blood have not revealed, which has been made known by our Father in heaven?
iii. Is the rock in this story, Jesus, The Messiah?
B. To have a rock solid, rock steady, faith is a gift. Jesus knows what a find Peter’s confession is! This is indeed a precious stone, a priceless gem!
Isaiah 51:1-2; Romans 12:2; Matthew 16:15-18
i. The formation of devotion and discipleship are recorded in the layers of faith developing over time.
ii. Every day as we answer who The Christ is for us, we see our faith go to another level, get more and more rock solid, as we trust The One True Rock!
2. One rocky caution and one rock steady invitation. Believe anew The Spirit will keep you rock solid!
Romans 12:4-8; Matthew 16:13-15,19
A. When needed, we must be cautious; we can experience rocks falling and rock slides. At times, our faith can feel like it is slipping, like our desire to make God and neighbor first is falling. It didn’t take long for Peter to fall, it doesn’t take long for us either.
B. Rock climbing can be adventurous, risky, rewarding, powerful. Give it a try. What is the worst that can happen? That you will have to try again? That someone will have to tell you where to step or grab next? That someone will catch you?
3. One final lesson for today: The most solid gift of grace, given to us by the Holy Spirit, in the name of The Messiah, The Son of The Living God, is this: We have been altered, we have been changed, by The Rock! Thanks to the gentle breeze of The Holy Spirit, our pneuma, our spirit, and our soul, are renewed; our faith is rock solid and rock steady because we have been hewn, shaped in and shaped by God’s grace for us in Jesus Christ: The Messiah, The Son of The Living God, The Rock of our salvation!
Isaiah 51:1,6; Romans 12:2; Matthew 16:16-17
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 Faith & Grace
Grace Alone
Nelson & Brown
Ev’ry promise we can make
Ev’ry prayer and step of faith
Ev’ry diff’rence we will make
Is only by His grace
Ev’ry mountain we will climb
Ev’ry ray of hope we shine
Ev’ry blessing left behind
Is only by His grace
Grace alone
Which God supplies
Strength unknown
He will provide
Christ in us
Our Cornerstone
We will go forth
In grace alone
We will go forth
In grace alone
...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
Here I Am, Lord
Schutte
I the Lord of sea and sky
I have heard my people cry
All who dwell in dark and sin
My hand will save
I who made the stars of night
I will make their darkness bright
Who will bear my light to them
Whom shall I send
refrain:
Here I am Lord
Is it I Lord
I have heard
You calling in the night
I will go Lord
If you lead me
I will hold
Your people in my heart
I the Lord of snow and rain
I have borne my people’s pain
I have wept for love of them
They turn away
I will break their hearts of stone
Give them hearts for love alone
I will speak my word to them
Whom shall I send
(refrain)
I the Lord of wind and flame
I will tend the poor and lame
I will set a feast for them
My hand will save
Finest bread I will provide
‘Til their hearts be satisfied
I will give my life to them
Whom shall I send
(refrain)
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 Glory & Grace
Lord Reign in Me
Brown
vs. 1
Over all the earth
You reign on high
Ev’ry mountain stream
Ev’ry sunset sky
But my one request
Lord my only aim
Is that You’d reign in me again
refrain:
Lord reign in me
Reign in Your pow’r
Over all my dreams
In my darkest hour
You are the Lord
Of all I am
So won’t you reign in me again
vs. 2
Over ev’ry thought
Over ev’ry word
May my life reflect
The beauty of my Lord
‘Cause You mean more to me
Than any earthly thing
So won’t You reign in me again
(refrain twice)
Won’t You reign in me again
Won’t You reign in me again
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Today, Sunday, August 27, we celebrate The Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost! “In Every Gentle Breeze … Time For A Lesson In Geology!”
Join us next Sunday, September 3, as we celebrate The Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost! “Thanks To Every Gentle Breeze … Don’t Get In My Way!”
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. “Beautiful Savior,” “Here I Am, Lord,” 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. “Here I Am To Worship,” © 2000 Thankyou Music CCLI #3266032 “Sanctuary” © 1982 Full Armor Publishing & Whole Armor Publishing CCLI #24140 “Beautiful Savior” Words and Music Public Domain, OL #83398 “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “Grace Alone” © 1998 Maranatha! Music, CCLI #2335524 “I, the Lord of Sea and Sky (Here I Am, Lord)” © 1981 Daniel L. Schutte & New Dawn Music, OL # 80670 “Lord, Reign In Me” © 1998 Vineyard Songs CCLI #2490706 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.