Reformation Sunday - Online Worship - October 29, 2023

Lord of Life LIVE - Reformation Sunday

Upcoming Events

Sunday Worship - All Saints’ Sunday
”Signs of Love … Set Apart”
November 5, 2023, 9:30AM

Join us in person, this service will not be live streamed!

All are welcome, encouraged to visit the Prayer Cross as moved to do so.

Gathering in Glory & Grace

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

Luther

vs. 1
A mighty fortress is our God
A sword and shield victorious
He breaks the cruel oppressor’s rod
And wins salvation glorious
The old satanic foe
Has sworn to work us woe
With craft and dreadful might
He arms himself to fight
On earth he has no equal

vs. 2
No strength of ours can match his might
We would be lost rejected
But now a champion comes
To fight whom God himself elected
You ask who this may be
The Lord of hosts is he
Christ Jesus mighty Lord
God’s only Son adored
He holds the field victorious

vs. 4
God’s Word forever shall abide
No thanks to foes who fear it
For God himself fights by our side
With weapons of the Spirit
Were they to take our house
Goods honor child or spouse
Though life be wrenched away
They cannot win the day
The Kingdom’s ours forever

Litany Trusting God’s Signs of Love

Based on Psalm 46

Today, we celebrate God’s faithfulness; our Mighty Fortress, transforms us, reforms us, changes us, one and all, to once again be signs of love, in God’s saving glory and grace, so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Friends, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. We will not fear. Though the earth changes, the mountains shake and tremble, the waters roar, our faith rests in the river whose stream is God! We forever live in Christ alone!

Living & Believing Anew

In Christ Alone

Getty & Townend

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light my strength
My song
This cornerstone this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought
And storm
What heights of love what depths of peace
When fears are stilled when strivings cease
My Comforter my all in all
Here in the love of Christ I stand

People of God: The nations are in an uproar and the kingdoms totter. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we have failed to trust the unchanging grace of Christ alone.

(silence for reflection)

Friends in faith: Sing anew, trust anew, live anew; for your light and life are forever in the grace of God’s Almighty Word!

Living & Believing Anew

God, Whose Almighty Word

Marriott

vs. 1
God whose almighty word
Chaos and darkness heard
And took their flight
Hear us we humbly pray
And where the Gospel day
Sheds not its glorious ray
Let there be light

Friends in Christ: live anew; trust anew, God’s grace changes everything in these words: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. The Son has made you free; you are free indeed. God is in our midst; we will not be shaken. We are reformed and transformed: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty!

Living & Believing Anew

Praise to The Lord

Neander/Benett

vs. 1
Praise to the Lord the Almighty
The King of creation
O my soul praise him for
He is your health and salvation
Let all who hear
Now to his temple draw near
Joining in glad adoration

Friends reformed in grace: God is exalted among the nations and in all the earth. God has changed what was, into what is. By the Holy Spirit, we are forever changed, thanks to the One we know is our God! Believe anew; live anew, in God’s grace alone!

Living & Believing Anew

Grace Alone

Brown/Nelson

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

refrain:
Grace alone
Which God supplies
Strength unknown
He will provide
Christ in us
Our Cornerstone
We will go forth
In grace alone

Gracious God, we thank you and praise you, for all good gifts around us, are sent from heaven above.  As we celebrate The Reformation of your Church, give us faith to believe and to see you are The One in glory and grace who blesses us to be your signs of love; you change us, you change salvation, you change everything. By your Spirit, we trust perhaps like never before, in you is the greatest reformation of all; and we love because you first loved us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Children are invited to return to attend Faith Quest for the remainder of today’s service.

Old Testament Lesson

Jeremiah 31:31-34

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt – a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the Lord,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.

(New Revised Standard Version)

New Testament Lesson

Romans 3:19-28

Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For “no human being will be justified in his sight” by deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin. But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus. Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. By what law? By that of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law.

(New Revised Standard Version)

Song of Grace Anew

Change My Heart, O God

Espinosa

Change my heart O God
Make it ever true
Change my heart O God
May I be like You

You are the Potter
I am the clay
Mold me and make me
This is what I pray

Change my heart O God
Make it ever true
Change my heart O God
May I be like You

Gospel

John 8:31-36

Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” 

(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.

For Atlas Nathaniel & Aspen Rae Bell

Song of Life & Grace Anew

I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry

Ylvisaker

I was there to hear your borning cry
I’ll be there when you are old
I rejoiced the day you were baptized
To see your life unfold

Stating Our Faith in God

The Apostles’ Creed

Do you believe in God The Father?
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, The Son of God?
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.

Do you believe in God The Holy Spirit?
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.

Welcoming the Newly Baptized

Through Holy Baptism, God has made Atlas Nathaniel and Aspen Rae a new brother member and a new sister member of the priesthood we all share in Christ Jesus, that we may proclaim the praise of God and bear his creative and redeeming word to all the world.
We welcome you into the Lord’s family. We receive you as fellow members of the body of Christ, children of the same heavenly Father, and workers with us in the kingdom of God. Amen.

Song of Life & Grace Anew

I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry

Ylvisaker

I was there to hear your borning cry
I’ll be there when you are old
I rejoiced the day you were baptized
To see your life unfold

Celebrating & Sharing Signs of Love!

Signs of Love … Change Everything

JEREMIAH 31:31-34; ROMANS 3:19-28; JOHN 8:31-36 

Some things change all the time.  The time is now for a change.  Long ago, the time was now for a change as well; a change in how God’s Church, did Church, was Church.  God has never changed.  There has never been a change in God’s gift of freedom, in God’s Word as truth, in the hope of mercy and salvation, or in God’s grace.  God’s grace changes everything, and yet, God’s grace never changes.  How God’s promise and power and presence come to us is done in ever changing ways.  Freedom, truth, mercy and salvation, and even God’s treasured grace used to come in The Law.  As God witnessed his people struggling, God decided to reform, to change, how he gave his signs of love.  Jesus dies, rises again, graces us, saves us, changes us, reforms us, transforms us, completely, eternally.  God’s Son, his perfect Sign Of Love, changes us, setting us free, free indeed, in God’s saving grace!

1. God’s grace, his signs of love, change The Church.  God’s Church needs God’s grace. God’s Church is called to trust we are entrusted with signs of love, with God’s grace!
Romans 3:24,27-28; John 8:36

A. God’s grace, his signs of love, invite us to see God forever reforming God’s Church, God’s ministries, God’s people!

B. God’s grace, his signs of love, call, empower, reform, free, give and equip God’s Church, God’s people, to give, to proclaim, to be bold, to welcome all who long to be free, to be free indeed!

2. God’s grace, his signs of love, change God’s people, God’s Church.  God’s grace, his signs of love, change us, reform us, one and all, to change everything in grace!
Jeremiah 31:31-34; Romans 3:27-28; John 8:33-36

A. God’s grace, his signs of love, reform us, restore us, redeem us, renew us, reconcile us.  We are Jesus’ neighbors, his brothers and sisters.  We love because God first loved us!

B. God’s grace, his signs of love, change us, to be signs of love, to be change, to love The Lord and our neighbor.

i. God’s grace changes us to think anew, to act anew, to believe anew, to trust anew, all God’s grace entrusts to us!

ii. God’s grace is moving in us and through us, with the power of one believer, one encounter, at a time.

C. God’s grace, his signs of love, free us.  God in grace is counting on us, to be change, to let our light, The Light, shine before others!

3. Long ago, The Reformation changed how people lived out life in The Church.  From eternity, for eternity, God’s grace, his signs of love, continue to reform, reshape, change God’s people and God’s Church.  God loving us has changed everything!  The Holy Spirit and God’s grace have forever changed us, one and all!
Jeremiah 31:31-34; Romans 3:23-24; John 8:31-36

A. God’s grace is never changing, yet, Jesus Christ, God’s perfect sign of love, God’s grace, changed bondage into freedom, sin into forgiveness, death into life, weakness into power, helplessness into hope, changing forever the gift of salvation!

B. God’s grace, his signs of love, have forever changed you!  Trust God’s grace, passion, devotion, and desire for you will never, ever, change!

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 Abundant Grace

Just As I Am, I Come Broken

Cottrell

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

vs. 2
Just as I am and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot
To thee whose blood can cleanse each spot
O Lamb of God I come I come

refrain:
I come broken to be mended
I come wounded to be healed
I come desperate to be rescued
I come empty to be filled
I come guilty to be pardoned
By the blood of Christ the Lamb
And I’m welcomed with open arms
Praise God just as I am

...as we pray to you, Jesus, ...
Changes us, reform us, to be signs of your love 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 Communion

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)

Newton & 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

vs. 3
The Lord has promised good to me
His Word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

(refrain twice)

vs. 4
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine

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.
Almighty God, you gave your Son both as a sacrifice for sin and a model of the godly life. Enable us to receive him always with thanksgiving, and to conform our lives to his, 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 trust anew every sign of God’s unchanging love changes everything, each of us, in the saving grace of Jesus Christ. In the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Let us go in the reforming peace of Christ, celebrating the transforming love of God, and serving in new ways the Lord of life.
Thanks be to God!

Going Anew in Life & Grace

Forever

Tomlin

Give thanks to the Lord
Our God and King
His love endures forever
For He is good
He is above all things
His love endures forever
Sing praise
Sing praise

With a mighty hand
And outstretched arm
His love endures forever
For the life
That’s been reborn
His love endures forever
Sing praise
Sing praise
Sing praise
Sing praise

refrain:
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever
Forever

From the rising to
The setting sun
His love endures forever
And by the grace of God
We will carry on
His love endures forever
Sing praise
Sing praise
Sing praise
Sing praise

(refrain)

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Follow us on facebook to watch our services live on Lord of Life LIVE now on YouTube! Watch with us live at 9:30am on Sundays, or rewatch at your own convenience!

Today, Sunday, October 29th, we celebrate Reformation Sunday! “Signs Of Love … Change Everything!” Today, Sunday, October 29th, our Faith Quest Sunday School ministry meets!

Through The Sacrament Of Holy Baptism, today we welcome Atlas Nathaniel and Aspen Rae Bell into the Christian family. Atlas and Aspen are the son and daughter of Austin and Emily. We pray God’s blessings on Atlas and Aspen every day as they each walk in the light and promise of Jesus Christ! Atlas’ sponsors and Godparents are Dahlton & Leah Bell, and Beth Donnelly, and Aspen’s sponsors and Godparents are Ashley & Markas Dahl, and Tyler & Gina Engel.

Join us next Sunday, November 5th, as we celebrate All Saints’ Sunday! “Signs Of Love … Set Apart!” All are invited to share the names of loved ones who have gone before us that you wish to have remembered and celebrated, forever, with all the saints! Next Sunday, November 5th, our Faith Quest Sunday School ministry meets!

For those sharing their generosity today, we thank you for your faithful giving! Offering is collected in baskets as you exit the building.

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 God’s Signs Of Love, written based on Psalm 46. “A Mighty Fortress,” “God Whose Almighty Word,” “Praise To The Lord The Almighty,” “I Was There To Hear Your Borning Cry,” “Prayer of The Day,” “Lord’s Prayer,” “Post-Communion Blessing, Prayer, & Benediction,” based on the LBW. © 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 Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis, MN. Used with permission. “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #2184098 “In Christ Alone” © 2002 Thankyou Music CCLI #3350395 “God, Whose Almighty Word” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #1771942 “Praise To The Lord, The Almighty” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #43073 “Grace Alone” © 1998 Maranatha! Music, CCLI #2335524 “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “Change My Heart, O God” © 1982 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing CCLI #1565 “Just As I Am” © 2009 CCTB Music CCLI #5635850 “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” © 2006 sixsteps Music CCLI # 4768151 “Forever” © 2001 worshiptogether.com Songs CCLI #3148428 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.