The Second Sunday of Easter - Online Worship - April 7, 2023
Lord of Life LIVE - The Second Sunday of Easter
Upcoming Services
Join us next Sunday, as The Great Fifty Days Of Easter continue!
Sunday Worship - The Third Sunday of Easter
”Alive & Anew, Filled with Living Grace”
April 14, 2024, 9:30AM
Faith Quest Sunday School meets during worship!
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.
The Lord is risen!
The Lord is risen indeed!
Christ is risen!
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
The peace of The Risen Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
Song of Promise & New Life
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)
vs. 2
Speak to me
Word of God
Speak to me
Speak to me
Word of God
Speak to me
I come alive
I’m alive
When You speak to me
I come alive
I’m alive
When You speak to me
(refrain twice)
Litany Trusting Peace Is Here In The Risen Christ
based on Psalm 40
Today we celebrate God’s grace is alive, we are alive and anew in the living peace, hope and grace in The Risen Christ, so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen. I waited patiently for the Lord. He turned to me and he heard my cry. The Lord lifted me out of destruction. He stood me on a rock and made my feet steady.
Friends, in the living grace of the resurrection, Jesus is here with us and puts a new song in our mouth. Hope and peace are truly alive and anew. A new dawn breaks, Jesus is risen and we shall arise!
Song of New Hope
Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen!
Brokering/Johnson
vs. 1
Alleluia
Jesus is risen
Trumpets resounding
In glorious light
Splendor the Lamb
Heaven forever
Oh what a miracle
God has in sight
refrain:
Jesus is risen
And we shall arise
Give God the glory
Alleluia
Happy are all who trust the Lord. Happy are we whose peace is not found in false gods, for we announce the great deeds of the Lord, whose power and grace are alive, here in our hearts.
Today, celebrate the Lord will not hold back his mercy. Today, let us take time to silently confess our sins; those things we have done, and left undone, which keep our hearts from seeing and believing the peace alive in The Risen Christ.
(silence for reflection)
Friends in Christ: You are alive and anew, raised up in God’s living grace in these words: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. Trust The Risen Christ is right here, springing forth for you a living hope, a living peace. Celebrate, lift up your voice and sing, “Alleluia! Jesus is risen, and we shall arise!”
Song of New Hope
Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen!
Brokering/Johnson
vs. 2
Walking the way
Christ in the center
Telling the story
To open our eyes
Breaking our bread
Giving us glory
Jesus our blessing
Our constant surprise
refrain:
Jesus is risen
And we shall arise
Give God the glory
Alleluia
Loving God, we celebrate with joy the resurrection of our Lord. Raise us up in new life, to be alive and anew, in your power and peace and grace, right here, in The Risen Christ. By your Holy Spirit, put every one of our doubts aside, awake our souls, and give us faith to see and to believe anew you are alive in our midst. Break this morning wide open once again to trust you, Jesus, have risen and we shall arise, in the living peace and grace of your presence. In The Risen Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Faith Quest meets following the Children’s Sermon
The First Lesson
Acts 4:32–35
Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
(New Revised Standard Version)
The Second Lesson
1 John 1:1–2:2
We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life – this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us – we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
(New Revised Standard Version)
Song of Peace & Hope Anew
He Is Exalted
Paris
He is exalted
The King is exalted on high
I will praise Him
He is exalted
Forever exalted
And I will praise His name
He is the Lord
Forever His truth shall reign
Heaven and earth
Rejoice in His holy name
He is exalted
The King is exalted on high
(repeat)
He is exalted
The King is exalted on high
Gospel
John 20:19-31
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.” But Thomas, who was called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But Thomas said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” A week later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and My God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
(New Revised Standard Version)
based on Revelation 21:5-7
God’s Son 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, we boldly share our faith, for we are alive and anew in The Risen Christ, raising all to new life.
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.
Alive & Anew in Living Peace
ACTS 4:32-35; 1 JOHN 1:1-2:2; JOHN 20:19-31
Have you ever seen the wind blowing through the trees, crashing the waves against the shore, and suddenly everything goes still? Have you ever watched someone you love rushing around the house or overcome with concern and emotion, and suddenly the one you love is calm? Have you ever been outside, walking down the street, out in the woods, out for a day on the water, or maybe you have been in the office or house, and you cannot hear a sound? The disciples were uneasy and full of fear that first Easter night in the upper room. The Risen Christ gave them, gives us, what we need the most, - new peace, real peace, living peace! When your busy life and pounding heart fills you with pace, worry, brokenness, and demands keep crashing, banging and breaking your spirit; trust The Risen Christ breaks into your midst, too, to raise you up, for you are alive and anew in peace, real peace, living peace in the grace of The Risen Christ!
1. We all know what worry, fear, stress sound like. Thanks to the grace of The Risen Christ, we are alive and anew in grace and living peace.
Acts 4:32; 1 John 1:5; John 20:19-20, 25-26, 30-31
A. Have you ever been quieted by the peace on another’s face when peace did not seem possible?
B. May The Risen Christ calm you and quiet you, and raise you up, to be alive and anew in peace, living peace in the grace of Christ!
2. We all know what brokenness, sin, despair and helplessness sound like. Thanks to the grace of The Risen Christ, we are alive and anew in peace, restored and living peace.
1 John 1:6-10; John 20:19-23, 26-29
A. You know what calm and quiet sound like when all else is crashing.
B. May you hear the hope, power, peace of The One who hears you and speaks peace, The One who is peace, to restore us to be alive and anew in the living peace and grace of The Risen Christ!
3. We all know what it is like to try and hold onto peace. Thanks to the grace of The Risen Christ, we are raised to be alive, anew in peace, held by The One who is living peace.
Acts 4:33; 1 John 2:1-2; John 20:20-23
A. You know when others have the peace you are longing for.
B. Peace, true peace, is being held by The One who is living peace, being held in the grace of The Risen Christ!
4. Have you ever known the unrest of trying to tell another about The Risen Christ? Have you ever tried to tell another about the peace you know? Have you ever wished you could share the power and grace you live in, that you could find the secret to telling them the living peace we live in, is no secret?
Acts 4:33; 1 John 1:2-3; John 20:25, 28, 30-31
A. You are witnesses to the peace of witnessing, the peace of telling another The Good News, being alive and anew in Christ!
B. Peace, new peace, real peace, living peace, being alive and anew in the peace of God’s grace has been spoken, for Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
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 Hope & Life Anew
Lord I Need You
Maher
vs. 1
Lord I come I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart
You’re the one that guides my heart
refrain:
Lord I need You oh I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense my righteousness
Oh God how I need You
vs. 2
Where sin runs deep Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me
(refrain)
You’re my one defense my righteousness
Oh God how I need You
My one defense my righteousness
Oh God how I need You
Litany For Seeking Peace & Calm in the Midst of an Uncertain World
Lord, you know what consumes our hearts these days, and yet, we join the words of old,
"Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer from the ends of the earth. I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you are my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy."
Loving God, life’s events often open our hearts to how vulnerable and fragile life is. Life is uncertain for us and our loved ones. Today we share the words God spoke through the prophet, “Comfort, o comfort my people.” God still sends words of comfort and hope.
We trust God says to us again today, “Do not fear. I have created you and formed you, and I have called you by name. You are mine and I am with you.”
Friends, God says, “I will make with them a covenant of peace. I will make them and the region one of blessing. They shall be secure, and I will break the bars of their yoke, and save them from the hands that hurt them. They shall live in safety and, no one shall make them afraid.” Trust Jesus Christ is risen, and lives to fulfill the covenant!
But Lord we are afraid. We wait and pray for your promises to be fulfilled. At times our voices join those of the psalmist, those of our Savior, and we too, cry out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning? My God, I cry to you by day, but you do not answer; I cry to you by night, and I find no rest.”
Lord, in the midst of our anger and fear, keep us calm, comforted and assured, for the psalm continues: “In you alone our ancestors put their trust, and you delivered them. To you alone they cried, and they were saved, and in you alone they trusted, and they were not disappointed.”
Lord, your power alone rules all creation, yet at times we weep, and we cry out the words of long ago, “I lift my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?” Trusting in you alone, we announce with unwavering conviction, “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
Lord, when confidence is shaken, when we are not sure where to turn, what to do, what to hold onto, speak to us, assure us as you did Paul, “Your grace is sufficient; your power is made perfect in weakness.”
As we search to hold onto peace and order, increase in us such faith to trust what is true; “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness will not ever overcome it.”
Creator of life and peace: Give us faith and courage to trust you when you say, “The day is coming when swords will be beaten into plowshares, and spears into pruning hooks, and nation will no longer lift up sword against nation, and war will be no more.”
Give us the peace only you can give, that all might see and realize and hold fast to your promised Word, for “the wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.”
At times we feel alone or isolated. Today we give thanks, Lord, you are the tie that binds us together. We trust Jesus continues “to pray on our behalf that all people may be one people.”
Even in times of despair, Jesus, you are faithful, and we remember you “are with us always, to the close of the age.”
Stating Our Faith in God’s Faithfulness
Written Based on Romans 8:31-39
As we hear God's Word which restores us and gives us hope, we remember how God restored and called the Apostle Paul. Paul wrote words of great conviction, even in the midst of trials and uncertainties. Let us state our faith today, trusting and announcing the foundation of faith we hold onto and the promises of God, neither of which will ever fail us.
"What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ..... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Amen.
Sharing Words of Prayer for One and All
Though the world reminds us we are vulnerable, The Risen Jesus invites us to live today in confidence and hope. “Do not worry about your life. If God clothes the grass of the field, will He not much more clothe you?” And “not one sparrow falls to the ground apart from The Father. Do not be afraid, for you are of more value to him than the sparrows.” When we are troubled, “God gives us peace that passes all understanding, he keeps our hearts guarded and our minds in Christ Jesus.” Therefore, “let us love one another as he has loved us” for peace comes in knowing “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that all who believe would not die, but have eternal life.” In grace and peace and hope, we pray anew the prayer of St. Francis:
Lord, make us instruments of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let us sow love;
where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union;
where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.
Grant that we would not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
...as we pray to you, Jesus,
Risen Savior, raise us to live anew, in your living hope 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 Risen Lord and Savior.
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.
The Words of Institution
In the night in which he was betrayed our Lord Jesus took bread and gave thanks; broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat, this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
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
It Is Well With My Soul
Spafford & Bliss
vs. 1
When peace like a river
Attendeth my way
When sorrows
Like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot
Thou hast taught me to say
It is well it is well
With my soul
refrain:
It is well
With my soul
It is well it is well
With my soul
vs. 3
My sin – O the bliss
Of this glorious thought
My sin – not in part
But the whole
Is nailed to the cross
And I bear it no more
Praise the Lord praise the Lord
O my soul
(refrain)
vs. 4
And Lord haste the day
When my faith shall be sight
The clouds be rolled back
As a scroll
The trumpet shall sound
And the Lord shall descend
Even so – it is well
With my soul
(refrain)
The body and blood of our Risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, strengthen you and keep you in the living grace of The Risen Christ, this day, this most blessed and holy morning, 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 Risen Lord of life. Amen.
The Risen Lord bless you and keep you. The Risen Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Risen Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace, for you are alive and anew, in the living grace of Jesus Christ. In the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Christ is risen!
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
With Easter hearts; let us go in the peace of Christ, alive and anew, celebrating the love of God, and serving The Risen Lord of life.
Thanks be to God! Alleluia!
Going Anew in Life & Grace
The Name of the Lord (Blessed Be)
Utterbach
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Most High
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Most High
Glory to the name of the Lord
Glory to the name of the Lord
Glory to the name of the Lord
Most High
Glory to the name of the Lord
Glory to the name of the Lord
Glory to the name of the Lord
Most High
The name of The Lord is
A strong tower
The righteous run into it
And they are saved
The name of The Lord is
A strong tower
The righteous run into it
And they are saved
Holy is the name of the Lord
Holy is the name of the Lord
Holy is the name of the Lord
Most High
Holy is the name of the Lord
Holy is the name of the Lord
Holy is the name of the Lord
Most High
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A most holy and blessed Easter season to each of you and your loved ones! Friends, every day is Easter! For Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Today, we celebrate The Great Fifty Days Of Easter continue: Sunday, April 7, The Second Sunday Of Easter “Alive And Anew, In Living Peace!” Faith Quest Sunday School meets today! Our service this morning includes a special Litany of Peace!
Join us next Sunday, as The Great Fifty Days Of Easter continue: Next Sunday, April 14, The Third Sunday Of Easter “Alive And Anew, Filled With Living Grace!” Faith Quest Sunday School meets next Sunday!
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 Alive & Anew In The Peace Of The Risen Christ – written based on Psalm 40. “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. “Awake My Soul” © 2012 S.D.G. Publishing, CCLI #6453172 “Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen” Music © 1969 Contemporary Worship 1, Text © 1995 Augsburg Fortress OL #01600 “He Is Exalted” © 1985 Mountain Spring Music CCLI #17827 “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “Lord, I Need You” © 2011 sixsteps Music, CCLI #5925687 “When Peace, Like a River (It Is Well with My Soul)” Words and Music Public Domain “Let There Be Peace on Earth” © 1955, Renewed 1983 Jan-Lee Music CCLI #93690 “The Name of The Lord (Blessed Be)” © 1989 & this arr. © 1997 Polygram International Publishing, Inc. CCLI #265239 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.
* * * * * * * * *
Litany For Seeking Peace & Calm In The Midst Of An Uncertain World based on Psalm 61, Isaiah 40, Isaiah 43, Ezekiel 34, Psalm 22, Psalm 121, 2 Corinthians 12, John 1, Ephesians 2, Micah 4, Isaiah 11, John 17, Matthew 28, Matthew 11, Matthew 10, Philippians 4, John 3, John 15.