The Seventh Sunday After Epiphany - Online Worship - February 23, 2025
The Seventh Sunday After Epiphany
Join us next Sunday!
Sunday Worship - The Transfiguration of Our Lord
”Treasured Transformation”
March 2, 2025 - 9:30AM
Next week’s service will not be live streamed.
We look forward to resuming livestreaming on March 5 for Ash Wednesday.
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
Gather Us In
Haugen
vs. 1
Here in this place
New light is streaming
Now is the darkness
Vanished away
See in this space
Our fears and our dreamings
Brought here to you
In the light of this day
Gather us in
The lost and forsaken
Gather us in
The blind and the lame
Call to us now
And we shall awaken
We shall arise
At the sound of our name
vs. 2
We are the young
Our lives are a myst’ry
We are the old
Who yearn for your face
We have been sung
Throughout all of hist’ry
Called to be light
To the whole human race
Gather us in
The rich and the haughty
Gather us in
The proud and the strong
Give us a heart
So meek and so lowly
Give us the courage
To enter the song
vs. 3
Here we will take
The wine and the water
Here we will take
The bread of new birth
Here you shall call
Your sons and your daughters
Call us anew
To be salt for the earth
Give us to drink
The wine of compassion
Give us to eat
The bread that is you
Nourish us well
And teach us to fashion
Lives that are holy
And hearts that are true
Treasuring a New Epiphany in God’s Light & Grace
BASED ON PSALM 30
Today receive a new epiphany in light and grace, thanks to the One who gathers us in, and treasures us first, we imagine all of God’s people as one, so we worship, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen. I will praise your name, O Lord. I have cried to you for help, and you have heard me. Lord, you alone bring me out from the depths; when your people are divided, you restore each of us, you alone make us one!
People of God: The Lord hears our every prayer, our every confession. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we fail to treat others as we long to be treated, to honor one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.
(silence for reflection)
Friends of Christ: Sing praises to the Lord, give thanks to his holy name. The One who treasures us first, makes us one. Even while we were his enemies, God in grace came to us: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. Imagine all the people as one; be blessed with a new epiphany; share a closer walk with thee!
Song Anew In Faith & Grace
Just A Closer Walk with Thee
Traditional Gospel
vs. 1
I am weak but thou art strong
Jesus keep me from all wrong
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk let me walk close to thee
refrain:
Just a closer walk with thee
Grant it Jesus is my plea
Daily walking close to thee
Let it be dear Lord let it be
By your favor, O Lord, you renew us; you have established us to be as strong as the mountains; to celebrate, honor, serve, one and all, with all the people!
People of Light: The Father turns your mourning into dancing. Trust through God’s living Word, the One who treasures us first, forever blesses us with all the people, to share a closer walk with thee!
Song Anew In Faith & Grace
Just A Closer Walk with Thee
Traditional Gospel
vs. 2
Through this world of toil and snares
If I falter Lord who cares
Who with me my burden shares
None but thee dear Lord none but thee
refrain:
Just a closer walk with thee
Grant it Jesus is my plea
Daily walking close to thee
Let it be dear Lord let it be
Almighty and loving God, your grace and light have touched us in new ways, to trust anew, the One who treasures us first, has saved us, one and all, and made us one people. By your Holy Spirit, give us a new epiphany, to imagine all the people, to treat others as we wish to be treated, to love one another as you have first loved us, and together, to make you and our neighbors first. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Faith Quest Sunday School meets today!
The Old Testament
GENESIS 45:3–11, 15
Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, so dismayed were they at his presence. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come closer to me.” And they came closer. He said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years; and there are five more years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, ‘Thus says your son, Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not delay. You shall settle in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children’s children, as well as your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. I will provide for you there – since there are five more years of famine to come – so that you and your household, and all that you have, will not come to poverty.’” And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them; and after that his brothers talked with him.
(New Revised Standard Version)
Song Trusting Anew in Light & Grace
Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
Van Dyke / Beethoven
Joyful joyful we adore thee
God of glory Lord of love
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before thee
Praising thee their sun above
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness
Drive the gloom of doubt away
Giver of immortal gladness
Fill us with the light of day
Thou art giving and forgiving
Ever blessing ever blest
Wellspring of the joy of living
Ocean-depth of happy rest
Thou our Father Christ our brother
All who live in love are thine
Teach us how to love each other
Lift us to the joy divine
Gospel
LUKE 6:27–38
Jesus said, “But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you. what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”
(New Revised Standard Version)
Stating Our Faith
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 to Imagine All The People!
GENESIS 45:3-11, 15; LUKE 6:27-38
How do you do it? Loving your spouse and children and family bless us in many ways, and yet, can be a challenge at times. Our extended family, circle of friends, co-workers, neighbors, touch our lives in many ways, too, and yet, also are not always easy. But how do you get along with your enemies? Do you carry grudges? Even if a relationship never reconciles, even if security or comfort are never a possibility, how do you go forward? In a world that often begs us to error on the side of caution, what can we do to reach out without setting up ourselves? Jesus challenges us with a new epiphany today, to call on his light and grace to love our enemies, to do unto others, to give and to expect nothing in return. Imagine if all of God's people could set aside what makes them self-motivated, and instead, celebrate what makes us unique and different in God's own image! What could we do together? But how could we do such a thing? The One who treasures us first, accepts us while we were still sinners; died for us while we were still his enemies. Here is another epiphany to trust anew: Jesus loves us always, even when we are not loveable! The One who treasures us first, is driven to let us know: When we feel like loving ourselves is not easy, too big of a challenge, God is faithful! Here is just one thing Jesus longs for: To imagine all the people; unity; for us to be one with God and one with each other! This is God's own image, vision, purpose from the beginning; and in Jesus, God reconciles, calls, saves, treasures, graces, one and all!
1. Imagine all the people; yet there is so much that divides us in this world.
A. Unfortunately, we let a lot of things get between us, one another, and the One who treasures us first.
Luke 6:32-34, 37
Insecurity; Status; Differences; Comfort; Convenience; Commitment; more!
B. Just like us, Joseph and his brothers knew about many of these pressures and temptations. They had been jealous, egotistical, concerned only for self; and now they had the chance to put those differences aside.
Genesis 45:3-11, 15
2. The One who treasures us first, calls out to us with his grace and light to love our enemies, to do unto others as we would have them do unto us.
Luke 6:27, 31, 35
A. Love our enemies and do good to those who hate us, ... turn the other cheek, ... do not withhold your shirt, ... lend money.
i. We are to let our lights shine so others see our good works and give glory to our Father in heaven.
ii. Jesus longs for us to do for others, those who, too, belong to him; those who, too, are created in God’s own image!
B. We are to do to others and for others, thanks to Jesus who did for us, gave his all, for each of us, one and all!
Luke 6:31-37
i. The One who treasures us first, places great value on us, though we are sinners, though we do not make God and all our neighbors first!
ii. What we forget at times is that Jesus places the same value on everyone else.
a. No one is valued greater than another.
b. No one is washed more thoroughly in baptism.
c. No one was died for more, risen for more, forgiven more, saved more, loved more, than another!
C. Thanks be to God, while we were still his enemies, God sent Jesus for our sake; those created in God’s own image!
i. He was struck on the cheek, and he turned and offered the other. He gave us his all in redeeming and buying us back, he expects nothing in return, he knows how human we are. Our Father, and our Savior, offer mercy, though we cannot.
ii. The One who treasures us first, has already done unto us; let us go and do likewise. Let us go with the power of God's grace, and let us together imagine all God's people!
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 Light & Grace
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
... 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
People Need The Lord
Nelson, McHugh
vs. 1
Ev’ryday they pass me by
I can see it in their eyes
Empty people filled with care
Headed who knows where
On they go through private pain
Living fear to fear
Laughter hides their silent cries
Only Jesus hears
refrain:
People need the Lord
People need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams
He’s the open door
People need the Lord
People need the Lord
When will we realize
People need the Lord
vs. 2
We are called to take His light
To a world where wrong seems right
What could be too great a cost
For sharing life with one who’s lost
Through His love our hearts can feel
All the grief they bear
They must hear the words of life
Only we can share
(refrain)
People need the Lord
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
Shout to The Lord
Zschech
My Jesus
My Savior
Lord there is none like You
All of my days
I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love
My Comfort
My Shelter
Tower of refuge and strength
Let ev’ry breath
All that I am
Never cease to worship You
Shout to the Lord
All the earth let us sing
Power and majesty
Praise to the King
Mountains bow down
And the seas will roar
At the sound
Of Your name
I sing for joy
At the work of Your hands
Forever I’ll love You
Forever I’ll stand
Nothing compares
To the promise I have
In You
Shout to the Lord
All the earth let us sing
Power and majesty
Praise to the King
Mountains bow down
And the seas will roar
At the sound
Of Your name
I sing for joy
At the work of Your hands
Forever I’ll love You
Forever I’ll stand
Nothing compares
To the promise I have in
Nothing compares
To the promise I have in
Nothing compares
To the promise I have
In You
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Today we celebrate The Seventh Sunday After Epiphany, “Treasured To Imagine All The People!” Faith Quest, Sunday School meets! Today, our Annual Meeting follows worship!
Next Sunday, March 2nd, we celebrate The Transfiguration Of Our Lord, “Treasured Transformation!” 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 30. “Gather Us In, Here In This Place,” “Just A Closer Walk With Thee,” “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee,” © 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. “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” © Words and Music Public Domain, OL #95172 “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “Lord, I Need You” © 2011 sixsteps Music, CCLI #5925687 “People Need The Lord” © 1983 River Oaks Music CCLI #18084 “Shout to the Lord” © 1993 Wondrous Worship CCLI #1406918 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.