The Third Sunday After Epiphany - Online Worship - January 26, 2025
The Third Sunday After Epiphany
Join us next Sunday!
Sunday Worship - The Fourth Sunday After Epiphany
”Treasured Identity! Treasured Calling!”
February 2, 2025 - 9:30AM
Faith Quest Sunday School resumes next Sunday!
All are welcome, encouraged to visit the Prayer Cross as moved to do so.
Gathering In Light & 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
refrain:
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
(repeat refrain)
Treasuring a New Epiphany in God’s Light & Grace
BASED ON PSALM 27
Friends, today we celebrate and trust anew, The Holy Spirit is so welcome here, in our presence, thanks to the One who treasures us first in every epiphany of light and grace, so we worship in the name of The Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen. The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is my light and his kingdom is my stronghold; of whom shall I be afraid?
In God's light and grace, though evil is all around us, we are blessed with God’s treasured presence. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we have failed to trust the Lord’s grace fulfilled in our midst.
(silence for reflection)
Friends, receive a new epiphany, God’s power and presence fulfill all we long for, in the One who treasures us first; Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. Jesus is here; surely, the presence of the Lord, is in this, and every place!
Song Revealing Grace
Surely The Presence of The Lord
Wolfe
Surely the presence
Of the Lord is in this place
I can feel His mighty power
And his grace
I can hear the brush of angels’ wings
I see glory on each face
Surely the presence
Of the Lord is in this place
The Lord will not turn from us in anger, he will not cast us off, or forsake us; for The Lord is our salvation. The light of his grace calling out to us, keeps us strong and sure in the presence of the Lord.
Dear friends: The Lord gives us courage, and teaches us his ways. As the Lord fulfills his light and grace in our hearing, receive anew, surely, the treasured presence of the Lord, is in this, and every place!
Song Revealing Grace
Surely The Presence of The Lord
Wolfe
Surely the presence
Of the Lord is in this place
I can feel His mighty power
And his grace
I can hear the brush of angels’ wings
I see glory on each face
Surely the presence
Of the Lord is in this place
Almighty and loving God, you sent your Son to proclaim your Word, to reveal your kingdom, to bring light to our darkness. By your grace, give us a new epiphany each and every day, as you come to us, as your treasured presence breaks into the midst of our daily lives, as you forever fulfill your Word in our hearing. Fill us with your Holy Spirit to believe anew in your light and grace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Faith Quest Sunday School meets today!
The Old Testament
NEHEMIAH 8:1–3, 5–6, 8–10
All the people gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had given to Israel. Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month. He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law.
And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading. And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
(New Revised Standard Version)
The New Testament
1 CORINTHIANS 12:12–31A
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – Jews or Greeks, slaves or free – and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot would say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear would say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and those members of the body that we think less honorable, we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; whereas our more respectable members do not need this. But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But strive for the greater gifts.
(New Revised Standard Version)
Song Trusting Anew The One True Light
What Star is This
Coffin & Nascitur
vs. 1
What star is this with beams so bright
More lovely than the noonday light
‘Tis sent to announce a newborn king
Glad tidings of our God to bring
vs. 5
To God Creator heav’nly light
To Christ revealed in earthly night
To God the Spirit blest we raise
An endless song of thankful praise
Gospel
LUKE 4:14–21
Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind to let the oppressed go free to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
(New Revised Standard Version)
Stating Our Faith in God
BASED ON HEBREWS 11-12:2
Long ago witnesses wrote words to proclaim Jesus as the Treasured Light fulfilling the coming of the promised Messiah, that his light and grace were sufficient to the Hebrew Christians considering returning to Judaism. Let us share our faith using these same words.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible. ...Without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. ...Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Amen.
Treasured Presence
1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-31A; LUKE 4:14-21
These days, it seems like everyone we talk to is an expert. Do you ever feel like what you stand for, what you know, what you believe in, is not enough? Someone claims what you think is right, is actually wrong? Someone says what you know, is only half the truth? Someone says what you believe in, is highly suspect? Do you know what you are talking about, what truly fulfills, satisfies? Do you know where to stand firm, so fulfilled, you will not waiver? Do you know where to turn? Who to turn to? When Jesus came to Nazareth, he went into the synagogue and when he was given the scroll of Isaiah, Jesus knew where to turn, where to open the scroll. Jesus read the scroll and knew what he was fulfilling. Long ago, Jesus opened the scroll and revealed to the people a new epiphany; all the Treasured One was fulfilling in our hearing! When we are the least bit sure what is right and wrong, when we do not know what to believe any more, let us turn to the One who treasures us first, for a new epiphany, to trust his treasured presence will forever be fulfilled in our hearing!
1. Where do you get your information, what scrolls do you open, where do you read about the Treasured One fulfilled in your presence?
A. "The one who does not read good books has no advantage over the person who cannot read them." Mark Twain
B. Jesus knew where to turn to. The Treasured One was given the scroll and he knew where to turn.
Luke 4:17
2. Do you know who to turn to? Do you know who to listen to? Turn to the Treasured One to fulfill the presence of God’s grace in your hearing!
A. Do you know the body of Christ is fulfilled?
1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
i. Do you know you are a member of it? Do you know so is the person next to you?
1 Corinthians 12:14, 27
ii. Do you know you are needed to fulfill still more of all the Treasured One promised would be fulfilled in our hearing?
1 Corinthians 12:15-22
B. Do you know all the Treasured One reveals to you and fulfills for you every day in your hearing?
Luke 4:21
i. Do you know the Treasured One who The Spirit rests on? Who brings good news to the poor? Who proclaims release to the captives? Who gives sight to those who are blind, blind to The Spirit? Who lets the oppressed go free? Who proclaims the year of the Lord's favor?
ii. Do you know the Treasured One is with you, revealing his grace and light to you, fulfilling it in your hearing, today, every day?'
Luke 4:21
a. "Today" is in Luke 12 times - Just 9 times in Matthew, Mark and John combined.
b. Today is a day to get started.
c. At the end of today, we know we are not done. Today is not perfect; today's work is life long.
d. Knowing what you are talking about, trusting and making known the epiphany of Christ in our midst; this is where we can turn, this is who gives us strength for every today, this is who reveals the presence of the Treasured One is fulfilled in our hearing!
Offering is available for our indoor services. Find a Lord of Life with a volunteer bucket to deposit offering in person as you leave worship today. If you find yourself wanting to offer your gifts to Lord of Life, you can do so online using the link below. You can also drop offering at anytime in our secure mailbox at Lord of Life located in the parking lot.
Song Anew in Spirit
Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness
Manley
refrain:
Spirit
Spirit of gentleness
Blow through the wilderness
Calling and free
Spirit
Spirit of restlessness
Stir me from placidness
Wind
Wind on the sea
vs. 1
You moved on the waters
You called to the deep
Then you coaxed up the mountains
From the valleys of sleep
And over the eons
You called to each thing
Awake from your slumbers
And rise on your wings
(refrain)
... as we pray to you, Jesus,
Bless us with a new epiphany, in your treasured light 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.
Carol During Holy Communion
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
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)
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, for you are blessed with every epiphany in God’s treasured light and grace in the One who treasures you first! 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 Light & Grace
My Life Is in You, Lord
Gardner
My life is in You Lord
My strength is in You Lord
My hope is in You Lord
In You it’s in You
My life is in You Lord
My strength is in You Lord
My hope is in You Lord
In You it’s in You
I will praise You
With all of my life
I will praise You
With all of my strength
With all of my life
With all of my strength
All of my hope is in You
My life is in You Lord
My strength is in You Lord
My hope is in You Lord
In You it’s in You
My life is in You Lord
My strength is in You Lord
My hope is in You Lord
In You it’s in You
In You
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Today, Sunday, January 26th, we celebrate The Third Sunday After Epiphany, “Treasured Presence!” Faith Quest, Sunday School meets!
Next Sunday, February 2nd, 9:30 a.m., we celebrate The Fourth Sunday After Epiphany, “Treasured Identity! Treasured Calling!” Faith Quest, Sunday School meets!
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 Treasuring A New Epiphany In God’s Light & Grace, written based on Psalm 27. “What Star Is This,” “Spirit, Spirit, Of Gentleness,” © 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. “Prayer of The Day,” “Lord’s Prayer,” “Post-Communion Blessing, Prayer, & Benediction,” based on the LBW. “Holy Spirit” © 2011 JesusCulture, CCLI #6087919 “Surely The Presence of The Lord” © 1977 Lanny Wolfe Music CCLI #7909 “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “Revelation Song” © 2004 Gateway Create Publishing CCLI #4447960 “My Life Is In You, Lord” © 1986, this arrangement © 1992 by Integrity’s Hosanna! Music CCLI #17315 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.