The Fifth Sunday of Easter - Online Worship - April 28, 2024
Lord of Life LIVE - The Fifth Sunday of Easter
Upcoming Services
Join us next Sunday, as The Great Fifty Days Of Easter continue!
Sunday Worship - The Sixth Sunday of Easter
”Alive And Anew, In Unconditional Living Grace”
May 5, 2024, 9:30AM
Faith Quest Sunday School meets during worship!
Next Sunday we celebrate and share the last Sunday of Faith Quest for this school year, and we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Sunday!
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.
Call to Worship
Ode to Joy
Beethoven
Instrumental, Featuring:
Avery Ehlers, Rhett House, Jack Pietila, Logan Vaudt
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 in Hope & Life Anew
Blessed Be Your Name
Redman
vs. 1
Blessed be Your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
vs. 2
Blessed be Your name
When I’m found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be Your name
Ev’ry blessing You pour out I’ll
Turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in Lord
Still I will say
(refrain)
refrain:
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
(repeat refrain)
Litany Alive & Anew, In the Living Grace of The Risen Christ
based on Psalm 33
Today we celebrate, blessed be the name of the Lord; we are alive and anew, to abide in the true vine and to grow in the living grace of The Risen Christ, so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen. Rejoice in the Lord always, and praise his name. Let us make melody and sing to him a new song that we might give thanks for the love and grace and faithfulness of our Savior.
Friends, of our living God: Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins, and those times we fail to trust Jesus as The Living Vine at the center of our lives, and our failure to be his living branches in the world.
(silence for reflection)
Friends, Jesus is upright and faithful. Be alive and anew in God’s living grace raising you up in these words: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. Believe anew, be still, for the steadfast love of The Living Vine endures forever; the Holy One is here!
Song of Assuring Presence
Be Still
Evans
vs. 1
Be still for the presence of the Lord
The Holy One is here
Come bow before Him now
With reverence and fear
In Him no sin is found
We stand on holy ground
Be still for the presence of the Lord
The Holy One is here
Today we are alive and anew in The Word of The Lord. He is the giver of life. Jesus, The Living Vine, calls us to be his living branches. Let one and all, stand in awe!
Friends, The Good News of Easter is, Jesus is alive; his love for us endures forever. Be alive and anew; be still; grow in new ways; the Lord is moving in this and every place!
Song of Assuring Presence
Be Still
Evans
vs. 3
Be still for the power of the Lord
Is moving in this place
He comes to cleanse and heal
To minister His grace
No work too hard for Him
In faith receive from Him
Be still for the power of the Lord
Is moving in this place
Loving God, we thank you for the gift of faith to believe in Easter, to be alive and anew in your living grace, to believe in what seems so impossible: Jesus Christ is risen indeed, and he alone is The Living Vine. By your Holy Spirit, help us to be still, call us again to be your faithful branches, to grow anew, to go and bear fruit, to make God and our neighbors first through hope, growth and togetherness. In The Risen Christ, we pray. Amen.
Special Music
How Can I Keep From Singing?
Lowry
Featuring:
Rosie Pietila and Logan Vaudt
Faith Quest meets following the Children’s Sermon
Special Music
I’m Gonna Sing
Hunter
Featuring:
Faith Quest Children
The First Lesson
Acts 8:26-40
Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a wilderness road.) So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to this chariot and join it.” So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” He replied, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth. In his humiliation, justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.” The eunuch asked Philip, “About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?” He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.
(New Revised Standard Version)
The Second Lesson
1 John 4:7–21
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world. God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because he first loved us. Those who say, “I love God,” and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.
(New Revised Standard Version)
Song of Hope & Life
This is My Father’s World
Babcock & Sheppard
vs. 1
This is my Father’s world
And to my list’ning ears
All nature sings and round me rings
The music of the spheres
This is my Father’s world
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees
Of skies and seas
His hand the wonders wrought
vs. 2
This is my Father’s world
The birds their carols raise
The morning light the lily white
Declare their maker’s praise
This is my Father’s world
He shines in all that’s fair
In the rustling grass
I hear him pass
He speaks to me ev’rywhere
vs. 3
This is my Father’s world
Oh let me not forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong
God is the ruler yet
This is my Father’s world
Why should my heart be sad
The Lord is King
Let the heavens ring
God reigns let the earth be glad
Gospel
John 15:1–8
Jesus continued to teach his followers, saying, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine and you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.
(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, to Grow in Living Grace
ACTS 8:26-40; 1 JOHN 4:7-21; JOHN 15:1-8
Do you have trees and shrubs and bushes in your yard? Do you have a garden, where you watch life come to life? Spring is a great time to witness new growth. Where will a flower blossom next? Where will a new shoot on the tree begin? Where will the vine branch off to? As we continue the glory and power of the resurrection, we are reminded that Easter is not Easter without those who followed and those who believed. The Good News is final in and of itself; and yet, the Good News means more for those who hear it, know it, believe it, and live by it. The Holy Spirit is alive everywhere. Jesus arose so that we would know `he is with us always, even to the close of the age.' And yet, Jesus tells Mary, `be a living branch,' go and tell. In Acts, we hear Philip is told, `to be alive, to be a living branch.' Being a living branch for Jesus Christ is not easy. May we be alive and anew, to grow in the living grace of The Risen Christ, to go out on a limb trusting The One who says, `I am the vine, you are the branches, abide in me, grow, be alive and anew, now and forever!'
1. God raises Jesus from the dead to raise us up to be alive and anew, to grow in the living grace of The One who says, "I am the vine, you are the branches." Let us trust we are alive and anew to grow, to go out on a limb, and to be branches of the vine.
John 15:5
A. We are alive and anew in The Risen Christ, to grow, to be a branch, to go out on a limb, and to bear fruit.
Acts 8:29-34; 1 John 4:7, 11, 19-21; John 15:2
B. We are alive and anew in The Risen Christ, to grow, to be a branch, to go out on a limb, to be a healthy branch, which might require some pruning.
John 15:2
C. We are alive and anew in The Risen Christ, to grow, to be a branch, to go out on a limb, and yet, to stay attached, to abide in the vine.
Acts 8:35-38; 1 John 4:16-18; John 15:4,6-7
D. We are alive and anew in The Risen Christ, to grow, to be a branch, to go out on a limb, and to live for the vine, as the vine lives for the branches.
Acts 8:35; John 15:1, 8
2. God raises Jesus from the dead to raise us up to be alive and anew, and to grow in the living grace of The One who says, "I am the vine and you are the branches." Let us be raised up to trust we are alive and we are not now, and not ever, on our own.
John 15:5
A. We are alive and anew, to be branches. We do not need to be vines; only branches, simply branches, powerful branches, blessed branches, of The Greatest Vine. Let us trust we are alive, to grow, to go out on a limb, trusting the vine.
John 15:1
B. Thanks be to God, the vine is faithful, and going nowhere. The vine is faithful and will keep us alive and strong. This vine is faithful, and these vine's branches, you, are alive and anew; you will live forever, for Christ is risen, risen indeed! Alleluia!
1 John 4:8-9, 19; John 15:1, 5
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 Growing in Grace Anew
Revelation Song
Riddle
Worthy is the
Lamb who was slain
Holy holy is He
Sing a new song
To Him who sits on
Heaven’s mercy seat
(repeat)
refrain:
Holy holy holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was and is and is to come
With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of kings
You are my everything
And I will adore You
Clothed in rainbows
Of living color
Flashes of lightning rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor strength and
Glory and power be
To You the only wise King
(refrain)
Filled with wonder
Awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your name
Jesus Your name is power
Breath and living water
Such a marv’lous mystery
(refrain)
...as we pray to you, living Jesus,
Risen Savior, raise us, to be alive and 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.
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
Mighty to Save
Fielding & Morgan
Everyone needs compassion
A love that’s never failing
Let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Savior
The hope of nations
refrain:
Savior
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever
Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave
So take me as You find me
All my fears and failures
Fill my life again
I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in
Now I surrender
Yes I surrender
(refrain)
Shine your light and
Let the whole world see
We’re singing for the glory
Of the risen King
Jesus Shine your light and
Let the whole world see
We’re singing
For the glory of the risen King
(refrain)
You’re my Savior
You can move the mountains
God You are mighty to save
You are mighty to save
Forever
Author of salvation
You rose and conquered the grave
Yes You conquered the grave
You are mighty to save
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
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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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 28, The Fifth Sunday Of Easter “Alive And Anew, To Grow In Living Grace!” Faith Quest Sunday School meets today!
Join us next Sunday, as The Great Fifty Days Of Easter continue: Next Sunday, May 5, The Sixth Sunday Of Easter “Alive And Anew, In Unconditional Living Grace!” Faith Quest Sunday School meets next Sunday! Next Sunday we celebrate and share the last Sunday of Faith Quest for this school year, and we celebrate Teacher Appreciation 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 Living Grace Of The Risen Christ – written based on Psalm 33. “This Is My Father’s World” “Prayer of The Day,” “The Lord’s Prayer,” “Post-Communion Blessing, Prayer, & Benediction,” based on the Lutheran Book of Worship. © 1978 Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis & Board of Publication, Lutheran Church In America, Philadelphia. Used with permission. “Blessed Be Your Name” © 2002 Thankyou Music, CCLI #3798438 “Be Still” © 1986 Thankyou Music CCLI# 120824 “Jesus Loves Me”© Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “This Is My Father’s World” Words and Music Public Domain, OL #97777 “Revelation Song” © 2004 Gateway Create Publishing CCLI #4447960 “Mighty to Save” © 2006 Hillsong Publishing CCLI # 4591782 “Lord, Reign In Me” © 1998 Vineyard Songs CCLI #2490706 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.