The Fourth Sunday After Epiphany - Online Worship - February 2, 2025
The Fourth Sunday After Epiphany
Join us next Sunday!
Sunday Worship - The Fifth Sunday After Epiphany
”Treasured to Go Down Deep!”
February 9, 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
Hear Our Praises
Morgan
vs. 1
May our homes be filled with dancing
May our streets be filled with joy
May injustice bow to Jesus
As the people turn to pray
refrain:
From the mountains
To the valleys
Hear our praises
Rise to You
From the heavens
To the nations
Hear our singing
Fill the air
vs. 2
May Your light shine in the darkness
As we walk before the cross
May Your glory fill the whole earth
As the water o’er seas
(refrain)
Treasuring a New Epiphany in God’s Light & Grace
BASED ON PSALM 111
Friends, from the mountains to the valleys, we trust anew our treasured identity and calling are made known in God’s light and grace, so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen. Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the congregation. Great are his works. Let us study the authority of our Lord, and take delight in him.
People of God: The Lord is full of honor and majesty, and his righteousness endures forever. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we have failed to trust and treasure The Lord’s light and grace.
(silence)
Friends, trust Jesus treasures us in the grace of these words: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. Receive this new epiphany today: We are on our way! Our treasured identity and calling are in Jesus, the One who treasures us first. Trust anew, live anew, be still, the Holy One is here!
Song of Light & Spirit
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
The Lord has shown us the power of his mighty works. He is faithful and just. The authority of God’s Word is forever treasured, trustworthy and true.
People of Faith: The Lord has saved you. As we trust our new and treasured identity and calling, we will clearly see again The One who is holy. We are on our way, for our wisdom is in Jesus. Be still, and then go in the grace of the One who is moving in this and every place!
Song of Light & Spirit
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
Almighty and loving God, make known to us again today, you alone are our treasured identity in your light and grace. Give us a new epiphany today. Increase in us your Holy Spirit; call us anew, to be on our way in faith, to believe all you reveal, to see all you fulfill in Christ alone, to call on your wisdom, to follow your goodness and light, treasuring The One who treasures us first. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Faith Quest Sunday School meets today!
The Old Testament
JEREMIAH 1:4–10
Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you, do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.” Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord said to me, “Now I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.”
(New Revised Standard Version)
The New Testament
1 CORINTHIANS 13:1–13
If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope, love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.
(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
LUKE 4:21–30
Then Jesus began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, “Is not this Joseph's son?” He said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘Doctor, cure yourself!’ And you will say, ‘Do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.’” And Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s hometown. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.” When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.
(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 Identity! Treasured Calling!
JEREMIAH 1:4-10; 1 CORINTHIANS 13:1-13; LUKE 4:21-30
Who are you? How have you become the person you are? How does what other people say about you influence you, what you become, and what you believe about yourself? It is human for us to believe and see within ourselves what others are saying, expecting, pressuring us to be. Jesus, himself was often criticized for who he was, where he came from, and who his family was. And yet Jesus knew he was called to be much more. Jesus invites us to trust his light and grace are shining bright in our lives - in who we are, shaping and defining our identity, and in who we are called to be. Today we are invited to draw strength and faith from Christ's presence in our lives - we do not have to be what others are expecting; his love for us will help us endure all things. The epiphany of each new day is this: Believe Jesus believes in you, and you will see more clearly your treasured identity, your treasured calling, and all Christ is helping you to become, for Jesus’ light and grace are forever brightly shining in you!
1. All too often, it is human, to limit the light, for us to believe and see we are who others think we are. We are so much more; Jesus is so much more! Our identity and calling are in Jesus’ shining light and grace!
A. Luke 4:22-24 - We constantly live in tension between:
i. Who we are and who others expect us to be; Who we are and who others think we are; Who we are and who others are; Who we are and who we want to be.
ii. Jesus was not who others expected him to be; thought he was. Jesus was not concerned with who others were. Jesus knew who he needed to be.
B. These tensions, unfortunately, are based far more on expectations than on acceptance and appreciation. Our treasured identity and treasured calling are thanks to Jesus’ light and grace shining in our midst.
1 Corinthians 13:13
i. Easy to think we know each other; easy to assume expectations; easy to experience a disappointment or a change in the system.
ii. Jesus is known by no one; he surpasses all expectations. Hold fast to this epiphany: Jesus totally changes the system, in light and grace!
C. When the expectations of others are not met, people soon experience doubt, yet light and grace break forth!
i. People doubt motives, authenticity, possibility.
ii. No one believed or saw Jesus as Savior, as Messiah, as God's Son, yet he shined, and shined brightly!
2. Be blessed by this new epiphany: In the light and grace of Jesus Christ, we believe, we see, our treasured identity and our treasured calling; we see all we are and whose we are, in what God has created, and in all God has created us to be!
A. Jerermiah1:4-10 - It is risky for us to be who God is calling us to be, when everyone is expecting us to be someone else, when we want to be someone else, yet light and grace shine!
B. Luke 4:30 - We can trust the light of Jesus will help us through all that comes our way. Jesus believes in you, and Jesus will help us see more and more, just who we are, whose we are, and what we will yet become in God’s light and grace, forever shining brightly!
C. Jesus, the One who treasures us first, came not to only be who we were looking for, not to only be who we wanted, not to only be who others thought he should be; Jesus came to bless us with this new epiphany; to be all we needed, more than we imagined, more than we would ever go looking for, more than we thought possible, to forever make known, to abundantly and eternally shower upon us God’s light and grace!
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 Grace
Here I Am, Lord
Schutte
I the Lord of sea and sky
I have heard my people cry
All who dwell in dark and sin
My hand will save
I who made the stars of night
I will make their darkness bright
Who will bear my light to them
Whom shall I send
refrain:
Here I am Lord
Is it I Lord
I have heard
You calling in the night
I will go Lord
If you lead me
I will hold
Your people in my heart
I the Lord of wind and flame
I will tend the poor and lame
I will set a feast for them
My hand will save
Finest bread I will provide
‘Til their hearts be satisfied
I will give my life to them
Whom shall I send
(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
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 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
All the People Said Amen
Maher
vs. 1
You are not alone
If you are lonely
When you feel afraid
You’re not the only
We are all the same
In need of mercy
To be forgiven and be free
It’s all you got to lean on
But thank God it’s all you need
refrain:
And all the people said Amen
Oh
And all the people said Amen
Give thanks to the Lord
For His love never ends
And all the people said Amen
vs. 2
If you’re rich or poor
Well it don’t matter
Weak or strong
You know love is what we’re after
We’re all broken
But we’re all in this together
God knows we stumble and fall
And He so loved the world
He sent His Son to save us all
(refrain)
bridge:
Blessed are the poor in spirit
Who are torn apart
Blessed are the persecuted
And the pure in heart
Blessed are the people hungry
For another start
For theirs is the kingdom
The kingdom of God
(refrain twice)
And all the people said Amen
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Today, Sunday, February 2nd, we celebrate The Fourth Sunday After Epiphany, “Treasured Identity! Treasured Calling!” Faith Quest, Sunday School meets!
Next Sunday, February 9th, 9:30 a.m., we celebrate The Fifth Sunday After Epiphany, “Treasured To Go Down Deep!” 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 111. “Here I Am, Lord,” © 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. . “Hear Our Praises” © 1998 Hillsong Music, CCLI #2543402 “Be Still” © 1986 Thankyou Music, CCLI #120824 “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “He Who Began A Good Work In You” © 1987 Birdwing Music CCLI #15238 “Carry The Light” © 1989 Ariose Music CCLI #126402 “All The People Said Amen” © 2013 Universal Music CCLI #6518275 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.