Affirmation of Baptism - The Rite of Confirmation - The Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost - Online Worship - September 24, 2023
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Sunday Worship - The Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost
”Signs of Love…Wisdom Every Day”
October 1st, 2023, 9:30AM
Join us in person as we resume Faith Quest, our Sunday School ministry
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.
Song In Glory & Grace
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 2x)
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
Litany Trusting a New Beginning in God’s Faithfulness & Grace
Based on Psalm 25
Today we celebrate the Holy Spirit is so welcome here, gathering us in, affirming new beginnings in one and all, as we confirm our faith and God’s saving grace, so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen. The Lord walks paths of steadfast love and faithfulness. He leads the humble in what is right. The Lord will not remember our sins. He remembers us according to his grace and mercy.
People of God: Jesus knows our transgressions; our sins are ever before him. Against Jesus alone have we sinned, yet, The Lord is mindful of his steadfast love. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we fail to confirm all God is.
(silence for reflection)
Friends in Christ: The Word confirmed through God’s grace for daily living, for our affirmed and transformed lives is this: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. Let us confirm we live anew each day and for all eternity in more grace than we expect, as we, go into the world; and affirm, the Lord is our God, and we are his people!
Song Confirming Our Calling
Go Ye, Go Ye, Into the World
Sleeth
Go ye go ye into the world
And make disciples of all the nations
Go ye go ye into the world
And I will be with you there
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; you have not let me be put to shame. As you affirm your call for me to go into the world, I go confirmed in your grace, for you go with me.
Brothers and sisters in faith: Even when we fail to confirm God’s power in our life, God showers upon us more grace than expected. As God's people, turn to the Lord; be reconciled; be made new; go into the world!
Song Confirming Our Calling
Go Ye, Go Ye, Into the World
Sleeth
Go ye go ye into the world
And make disciples of all the nations
Go ye go ye into the world
And I will be with you there
Almighty God, confirm us again today as your children, as your disciples, of every age. Give us faith, teach us your path, help us each day to affirm the power of your saving grace in Jesus Christ!
Friends in Christ: The friendship of the Lord is so much more than expected. Celebrate and affirm all God is! Go into the world! God has confirmed in us a living covenant that can never be broken!
Song Confirming Our Calling
Go Ye, Go Ye, Into the World
Sleeth
Go ye go ye into the world
And make disciples of all the nations
Go ye go ye into the world
And I will be with you there
Loving God, as we affirm you as our Lord and Savior, increase our faith, bless us anew with more grace than expected, each and every day. Let now be the time your saving grace is confirmed anew in us. By your Holy Spirit, we say ‘yes’ to your call and we boldly confirm, God is Who God is. Affirm a new beginning in each of us today, as we go where we are sent, as we care for what you give us, as we share your every blessing, as we make you, our God, and our neighbors first, confirming for one and all your presence, power and grace. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
New Testament Lesson
Philippians 1:21-30
For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again. Only, live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them, this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well – since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
(New Revised Standard Version)
Song Affirming Truth
He Who Began a Good Work in You
Mohr
He who began a good work in you
He who began a good work in you
Will be faithful to complete it
He’ll be faithful to complete it
He who started the work
Will be faithful to complete it in you
(repeat)
Gospel
Matthew 20:1-16
Jesus said, “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
(New Revised Standard Version)
based on Revelation 21:5-7
God’s Son who was born in a manger, who went forward in obedience to make us all one through his death and resurrection; he will come again. While we wait for Jesus’ return, let us speak boldly of all we confirm and affirm and believe.
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.
Children are invited to return to their seats with their family and friends.
We are excited to resume Faith Quest, our Sunday School Ministry, on October 1st!
Confirmed, Affirmed, More Than Expected
PHILIPPIANS 1:21-30; MATTHEW 20:1-16
Opportunities come our way every day. What do you do about them? How do you choose to respond? Which ones do you act on? Which ones do you let pass? What determines what you do? In our spiritual walk, we have opportunities each day as well. What convinces us of God’s presence and promise and power? What calls us to step forward to make a difference? To not walk on by? What clearly points us to God’s path? What causes our ears and our hearts and souls to listen? What compels us to confirm and to affirm our faith? At the heart of Jesus’ words in Luke today, we hear again the call not to wait. As followers, as believers, now is the time, we are to make the most of every day. We must not wait until it is too late to trust God, to be convinced, to make God and our neighbors first. As believers let us trust by the grace of God, every day is a new beginning in the grace of Jesus Christ; God does not wait to make the most of each day, to confirm us, to save us, each and every day!
1. Confirm each and every day God’s way in your life.
1 Timothy 6:6; Luke 16:19-21
2. Confirm each and every day the direction God gives.
Luke 16:29
3. Confirm each and every day God’s call in your life.
1 Timothy 6:18
4. Confirm each and every day God’s opportunities, God’s gifts and blessings and grace for you.
Luke 16:22-26
5. Confirm, believe, trust, affirm, witness each and every day God has saved you!
1 Timothy 6:12; Luke 16:27-29
6. God in grace does not wait to give you a new beginning in grace! God, right now, confirms God’s way before you, giving you direction, helping you answer the call, giving you new opportunities, confirming you and your faith and your salvation, affirming his covenant and promises to you, each and every day for all eternity!
Luke 16:31
A Few Affirming And Confirming Thoughts From Those God Confirms Each & Every Day - The Confirmation Class Of 2023
Lord Of Life Lutheran Church - Lakeville, Minnesota
Todd
Christianity offers a moral compass by which to navigate dilemmas and make choices aligned with Christian values. Christianity represents an opportunity for personal transformation and growth. The message of kindness and forgiveness offers a path to healing and renewal. … The teachings of Jesus provide answers to questions about the nature of human existence, suffering, and the pursuit of a higher purpose which tells me a lot about the purpose of life. It is important to recognize that the reasons for embracing Christianity are as diverse as the individuals themselves who seek answers to their questions, and to have something to believe in. Whether seeking spiritual fulfillment, a sense of belonging, moral guidance, or personal transformation, people are drawn to Christianity for a multitude of reasons.
Joshua
Being a Christian matters to me because by Jesus loving me and saving me, I understand that I have a purpose in life. Over the years of being a Christian, I have realized that if I fall, God will be there to help me up, if I fail at something, God will be there to help me learn, and if I do something unacceptable God will forgive me. These thoughts have led me to believe that everything will work out; giving me the hope that God always has a plan. Being a Christian means more than just being part of a community that gathers every Sunday. It means that through the course of my life, it will give me opportunities and show me different perspectives. It’s taught me how to grow as an individual, that I am not alone and that the Lord will always be at my side.
Jack
Believing in God means somebody always being there with me through the ups and downs and in hard times. …. I have had some sports injuries that have challenged me both physically and mentally. I believe God has helped me heal and provided me with opportunities to play and be even better than I was before my injuries. As a result, I have been more grateful, joyful, and appreciative of what I get to do, both on and off the field/court. …I wear a cross on my necklace to have God and Jesus with me and as a way to be closer to Him. I wear it close to my chest to have a deeper connection with God and I also wear it proudly for others to see and know what I believe in. … Philippians 4:13 helps me to continue believing and striving to have a strong relationship with God as he supports me in all that I do.
Logan
When you pour your heart into God’s grace, it’s like your soul is allowed a safety net. … One of the fundamental reasons of my Christian faith is the personal relationship I have developed with God. … The teachings of Jesus Christ offer profound wisdom and insight into living a purposeful and meaningful life. To believe in a loving God who is always present, and willing to offer forgiveness and grace, provides me a source of hope and strength in times of adversity. … The teachings of Jesus emphasize love, compassion, forgiveness and justice … As a Christian, I believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every human being, which motivates me to promote the well-being and dignity of others. … The sense of belonging and support I have found within my church family has been invaluable.
Peyton
We all have different ways in which Christianity benefits us, and different ways in which we perceive that. For me, being a Christian helps me to know I always have someone that has my back, and someone who understands me. God is there for me through thick and thin, and he never fails to show me his love and support Knowing God’s presence is always with me through the good and bad times, brings me comfort and closure in every situation I must overcome. … I am very grateful that he can pull me under his wing and help guide me through life, being able to learn great lessons along the way. Everyone of his children are different in our own ways, but what we have in common is that we all have the same idea of being able to connect through our love of God. … Every day He makes me realize how special I am in his life, and he helps me to know my own worth.
Olivia
To me, Confirmation means taking my next step in faith so that I can be even closer to God. It means I am affirming my love and devotion to him. That I will be able to strengthen my bond with God and Jesus and be more deeply connected with this amazing community. Being a follower of Christ is so much more than what it sounds like. It reassures me that I will always have someone to rely on and confide in, no matter what the world throws at me. In my deepest bouts of sorrow, he is there to comfort me, and in my greatest moments of joy, he is there to cheer me on. … He is always there … I know this will never change, no matter how bad or good I am, he will always be there with his unending love and understanding … God encourages me to have strength and courage, … God is always with us, and he will never forsake us … We must remember, we are never alone!
Eli
The sacrificial act of Jesus willingly dying for everyone else’s sins when it had no direct impact on him, deeply moves me from within my heart. Jesus didn’t only die for our sins, he also died for eternal life for everyone, giving me peace and spiritual fulfillment. The thought that through his sacrifice, Jesus grants us with the gift of eternal life fills my heart with hope and reassurance. … I am not just a random living being in God’s masterpiece, but a purposeful creation in God’s plan. As a Christian, I find my purpose in following God’s teachings, spreading love, compassion and grace to others, and helping better our world. This connection, between faith, and the universe, helps me discover my purpose in life. … My faith has brought clarity and meaning to the creation of the universe, transforming it from a random occurrence into a purposeful masterpiece … When following Christ, I find not just answers, but a path paved by faith and purpose.
Makenzie
I am blessed with many things that matter to me. For a year or so, I have had a cat, Willow, and we share a very special bond. My family matters so much to me. We truly try our best to be there for each other. I would be so sad and empty if those things that matter to me were no longer in my life. When it comes to Jesus, I am so grateful that he is always there for me. He helps me. I can pray to him. He helps me grow, and transforms and changes my life, and supports me in everything in my life, so I can overcome all that comes my way. I have an inner strength, thanks to the One who keeps me strong. I love Jesus for loving me. He has made my life so much better. I know Jesus is forever there for me, forever here with me! Jesus and I share a most priceless bond!
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 Confirming Glory & Grace
This 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
The Apostle’s Creed
Pastor: Do you believe in God The Father?
Candidates: I believe in God, The Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
Pastor: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, The Son of God?
Candidates: I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Pastor: Do you believe in God The Holy Spirit?
Candidates: I believe in The Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Amen.
Prayers For Those Affirming Their Baptism
Pastor: ...Lord, in your mercy,
All: Hear our prayer.
The Affirmation Blessing On Those Confirming Their Faith & Baptism
Pastor: Father in heaven, for Jesus’ sake, stir up in (name) the gift of your Holy Spirit; confirm his/her faith, guide his/her life, empower him/her in his/her serving, give him/her patience in suffering, and bring him/her to everlasting life.
Candidate: Amen.
Sharing & Affirming The Peace Of The Lord
Pastor: The peace of The Lord be with you always.
All: And also with you.
(You are invited to greet those near you as we sing, “This Little Light Of Mine”)
Song Confirming Glory & Grace
This 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
(Those who have come forward are invited to greet and congratulate their loved ones and then to return to their seats.)
...as we pray to you, Jesus, ...
Affirm in us, and confirm us anew, each and every day, in your Spirit 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 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
We Believe
Fike/Collins/Hooper
vs. 1
In this time of desperation
When all we know is doubt and fear
There is only one foundation
We believe we believe
refrain 1:
We believe in God the Father
We believe in Jesus Christ
We believe in the Holy Spirit
And He’s given us new life
We believe in the crucifixion
We believe that He conquered death
We believe in the resurrection
And He’s coming back again
vs. 2
So let our faith be more than anthems
Greater than the songs we sing
And in our weakness and temptations
We believe we believe
(refrain 1 then bridge)
bridge:
Let the lost be found
And the dead be raised
In the here and now
Let love invade
Let the Church live loud
Our God will save
We believe
We believe
And the gates of hell
Will not prevail
For the pow’r of God
Has torn the veil
Now we know Your love
Will never fail
We believe
We believe
(refrain 2)
refrain 2:
We believe in God the Father
We believe in Jesus Christ
We believe in the Holy Spirit
And He’s given us new life
We believe in the crucifixion
We believe that He conquered death
We believe in the resurrection
And He’s coming back
He’s coming back again
He’s coming back again
We believe
We believe
Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters
Duck & White
vs. 1
Wash O God our
Sons and daughters
Where your cleansing
Waters flow
Number them
Among your people
Bless as Christ blessed
Long ago
Weave them garments
Bright and sparkling
Compass them with
Love and light
Fill anoint them
Send your Spirit
Holy dove and
Heart’s delight
vs. 2
We who bring them
Long for nurture
By your milk may
We be fed
Let us join your
Feast partaking
Cup of blessing
Living bread
God renew us
Guide our footsteps
Free from sin
And all its snares
One with Christ in
Living dying
By your Spirit
Children heirs
vs. 3
Oh how deep your
Holy wisdom
Unimagined
All your ways
To your name be
Glory honor
With our lives we
Worship praise
We your people
Stand before you
Water-washed and
Spirit-born
By your grace our
Lives we offer
Re-create us
God transform
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 go, blessed with a new beginning, affirmed and confirmed anew, in 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, and serving the Lord of life.
Thanks be to God!
Going Anew in Spirit & 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 share The Affirmation of Baptism, The Rite of Confirmation!
We pray God’s blessings on these friends in faith and their families!
Todd Ryan Anderson – Romans 15:13
Joshua Ryan Boche – Deuteronomy 31:6
Jack Ryan Burke – Philippians 4:13
Logan Esteban Eads – Philippians 4:13
Peyton Marie Lecher – Romans 8:38-39
Olivia MinAe Morrisey – Deuteronomy 31:6
Eli Paul Nelson – Romans 8:28
Makenzie Grace Wratz – Joshua 1:9
Today, Sunday, September 24th, we celebrate The Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost! “Confirmed, Affirmed, More Than Expected!” Today, our service includes The Rite of Confirmation, The Affirmation of Baptism! Today we continue, and conclude, our emphasis across the ELCA, “God’s Work. Our Hands!” as we share in numerous ways to support our neighbors!
Join us next Sunday, October 1st, as we celebrate The Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost! “Signs Of Love … Wisdom Every Day!” Join us next Sunday, October 1st, as our Faith Quest Sunday School ministry resumes!
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 And Affirming God’s Saving Grace – written based on Psalm 25. “Wash, O God, Our Sons And Daughters,” © 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. “Holy Spirit” © 2011 Jesus Culture, CCLI #6087919 “Go Ye, Go Ye, Into the World” © 1979 Choristers Guild CCLI #195945 “He Who Began A Good Work In You” © 1987 Birdwing Music CCLI #15238 “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “This Little Light Of Mine” © Words and Music Public Domain, this arr. © Horace Clarence Boyer, OL #01998 “We Believe” © Integrity Worship Music, CCLI #6367165 “Everywhere I Go” © All Essential Music, CCLI #7050066 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.