The Fifth Sunday After Epiphany – Online Worship

Lord of Life LIVE - The Fifth Sunday After Epiphany

Upcoming Events

Sunday Worship - The Transfiguration of Our Lord
”Celebrating & Trusting … The Bright New Change!”
Sunday, February 11, 2023, 9:30am
Join us for our first Lord of Life LIVE on YouTube!
Faith Quest meets during worship

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

Gathering In Light & Grace

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)

Trusting A New Epiphany in the Grace of the Bright New Light

based on Psalm 147

Friends, today we celebrate and trust anew, blessed be the name of the Lord, every new finding is another epiphany in the Bright New Light and God’s grace, so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.

Amen. Praise the Lord! Sing praises; for he is gracious. The Light of the world opens our eyes, and our hearts, to The One who is holy; to gather the outcast. The Spirit alone gives us hope.

People of God: The Lord determines the number of stars, he gives them all names. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we have failed to trust every new finding in The Light of the world.

(silence for reflection)

Friends, God is the One who heals the brokenhearted. A new finding breaks forth! Receive a new epiphany today, in the grace of these words: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. This morning, all your days, rise anew, live anew, in the One who purifies your hearts!

Song Anew In Light & Grace

Purify My Heart

Nelson

Purify my heart
Touch me with Your cleansing fire
Take me to the cross
Your holiness is my desire
Breathe Your life in me
Kindle a love
That flows from Your throne
Oh purify my heart
Purify my heart

Let us sing to the Lord with thanksgiving. The One who sends the rain, the one who takes pleasure in us, blesses us to go carry the light and hope of his steadfast love.

As we search for Jesus, as we look for his grace and light in our lives, we will find and see anew, every new epiphany of Jesus, coming to us. Celebrate and trust anew, every new finding breaking forth, in the One who forever purifies your hearts!

Song Anew In Light & Grace

Purify My Heart

Nelson

Purify my heart
Touch me with Your cleansing fire
Take me to the cross
Your holiness is my desire
Breathe Your life in me
Kindle a love
That flows from Your throne
Oh purify my heart
Purify my heart

Almighty and loving God, as Jesus came to the first disciples, come to us, and fill us with your grace. By your Holy Spirit, purify our hearts and souls, to search first for you, to see you in our daily lives. In the midst of all we go searching for, bless us with a new finding, a new epiphany; renew our spirits, lift us up, in The Bright New Light, as you forever find us first. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Faith Quest meets following today’s Children’s Message!

Old Testament Lesson

Isaiah 40:21-31

Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to live in; who brings princes to naught, and makes rulers of the earth as nothing. Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown, scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth, when he blows upon them, and they wither, and the tempest carries them off like stubble. To whom then will you compare me, or who is my equal? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? He who brings out their host and numbers them, calling them all by name; because he is great in strength, mighty in power, not one is missing. Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God”? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the Lord will renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

(New Revised Standard Version)

New Testament Lesson

1 Corinthians 9:16-23

And the Apostle Paul wrote, If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward; but if not of my own will, I am entrusted with a commission. What then is my reward? Just this: that in my proclamation I may make the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my rights in the gospel. For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) so that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law) so that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I might by all means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.

(New Revised Standard Version)

Song Anew In Light & Grace

He Who Began A Good Work In You

Mohr

He who began a good work in you
He who began a good work in you
Will be faithful to complete it
He’ll be faithful to complete it
He who started the work
Will be faithful to complete it in you

(repeat)

Gospel

Mark 1:29-39

As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them. That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came to do.” And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.

(New Revised Standard Version)

Based on Revelation 21:5-7

God’s Son who was born in a manger, who went forward to make us all one through his death and resurrection, will come again. Trusting every sign of hope and grace anew in each epiphany, we share our faith, for his light has come and the darkness will not overcome it.

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.

The Bright New Finding!

ISAIAH 40:21-31; 1 CORINTHIANS 9:16-23; MARK 1:29-39

Have you ever been in the dark?  You looked and could not find the light switch?  It was not where you thought it was?  You think, who moved it?  Have you ever been alone in the dark?  You thought someone was with you?  Maybe you thought you could make it through the dark on your own, then you realized you were lost, in despair?  How did it feel when you found the light or turned it on, or when you saw you were not alone after all?  Our lives are not different from the first disciples.  Today we hear again of illness and despair.  We hear about searching.  We hear, too, about Jesus' faithfulness to his calling - "for that is what I came to do."  Jesus came so we would not be alone, to be The Bright New Light in our darkness, so our search for hope, grace and light would be over!

Count the letter “I,” upper and lower case, in the following sentence:

Why am I forever searching for
The One who is for all eternity faithfully
searching for me, finding me first,
saving me first, in The Bright New Light?

(There are 14 “i”s in the question above, 2 in line 1, 3 in line 2, 4 in line 3, and 5 in line 4 - the reason for the simple exercise, is that often, when we go searching, we miss what is right in front of us!  May we forever see The Christ, The Spirit, right in front of us!)

1. Do you ever find yourself reaching for some light?  Are you afraid of the dark?
Isaiah 40:21; Mark 1:35 `In the morning, while still dark...’

A. Our world at times is very dark.  It is sad, unknown, heavy, hard to understand, unjust, unfair.

B. We feel left in the dark as we face questions, doubts.  We worry: `How good do I have to be?'  `Why do we love Jesus, and still make mistakes?'  `Will we get to see God when we die?'  Even though we see, we hear, we are still unsure.

C. We go searching and hunting for the light of Christ.
Mark 1:35-37

i. We can feel like he has deserted us.

ii. We need his light to heal us and to fix us.

iii. We look for The Bright New Light to save us from the dark, the demons, evil, and all that persists around us.

iv.    "... those who wait for the Lord will renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings, as eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
Hope is right in front of us, in The One who finds us!

2. To be in the dark and searching is bad enough.  To be in the dark, and to feel all alone is even worse.
1 Corinthians 9:19,23; Mark 1:31,33-34,38-39

A. Have you ever been alone in the dark?  So alone, and so dark, you are not sure which direction you are going?

B. As bad as the dark can feel, it always feels better to have someone else with us.  We are not the only ones in the dark.

C. God gives us each other, to search with, to serve, to share the story, and to follow with, side by side.

D. For the sake of the gospel, we may need to go into the dark, to tell those in the dark, to serve those in the dark, to invite, stand firm, uphold justice, as we find Who is always right in front of us!

3. When we are in the dark, no matter how alone we feel, we can trust The Bright New Light we reach for and search for will shine on us.

A. Trust God has already given us all the light we need to fill every corner of our life.  Mark 1:30-31 - Jesus came to Simon's mother-in-law in her time of need.  Our Lord comes to us, too!

B. Whatever need you have, look for Jesus to fill it.  Whatever you are desperate for, trust the Lord will satisfy it.

C. Isaiah 40:25 - Nothing on earth can compare to God and his light.  Nothing is equal to God and God's light.

D. Mark 1:35 - In the morning, while it was still dark - Jesus prayed.  In the morning, while it was still dark - Jesus rose again, Easter morning, for you and for the world.  Jesus is The Bright New Light, our hope, our strength.  In Christ, celebrate and hold fast: The search for The Bright New Light is over!

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

Precious Lord, Take My Hand

Dorsey

vs. 1
Precious Lord take my hand
Lead me on let me stand
I am tired I am weak I am worn
Through the storm through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord
Lead me home

vs. 2
When my way grows drear
Precious Lord linger near
When my life is almost gone
Hear my cry hear my call
Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand precious Lord
Lead me home

vs. 3
When the darkness appears
And the night draws near
And the day is past and gone
At the river I stand
Guide my feet hold my hand
Take my hand precious Lord
Lead me home

Take my hand precious Lord
Lead me home

... as we pray to you, Jesus,
Give us a new epiphany, of your bright new 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.

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

Carry The Light

Paris

In this world of darkness
We are given light
Hope for all the dying
How will they know
How will they know
That Jesus loves them
And He died to save them

Carry the Light
Carry the Light
Go and tell the children 
They are precious in His sight
Carry the Light
Carry the Light
Go and preach the gospel
‘Til there is no more night
In the name of Jesus Christ
Carry the Light

Count them by the millions
Blinded slaves to sin
Inside they are dying
How will they know
How will they know
That Jesus loves them
And His heart is breaking

Carry the Light
Carry the Light
Go and tell the children
They are precious in His sight
Carry the Light
Carry the Light
Go and preach the gospel
‘Til there is no more night
In the name of Jesus Christ
Carry the Light
The Light
Carry the Light

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 The Bright New Light of God’s saving grace in Jesus Christ! 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

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, February 4, we celebrate The Fifth Sunday After Epiphany “Celebrating & Trusting … The Bight New Finding!” Faith Quest, Sunday School meets today!

Next Sunday, February 11, we celebrate The Transfiguration Of Our Lord, 9:30 a.m. “Celebrating & Trusting … The Bight New Change!” Faith Quest, Sunday School meets next Sunday!

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 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 A New Epiphany In The Grace Of The Bright New Light, based on Psalm 147. “Prayer of The Day,” “The Lord’s Prayer,” “Post-Communion Blessing, Prayer, & Benediction,” “Presious Lord,” based on the Lutheran Book of Worship. © 1978 Augsburg Publishing House, Mpls & Board of Publication, Lutheran Church In America, Philadelphia. Used w/permission. “Blessed Be Your Name” © 2002 Thankyou Music, CCLI #3798438 “Purify My Heart” © 1993 Maranatha Praise, Inc. CCLI #1314323 “He Who Began A Good Work In You” © 1987 Birdwing Music CCLI #15238 “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” © 1938 Unichappell Music Inc. OL#59543 “Carry The Light” © 1989 Ariose Music CCLI #126402 “Forever” © 2001 worshiptogether.com Songs CCLI #3148428  All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.