The Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost - Online Worship - September 20, 2026
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The Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost
Join us next Sunday!
The Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost
”A New Beginning … Confirmed Anew, Each and Every Day”
September 27th, 2026 - 9:30AM
Faith Quest Sunday School meets next Sunday!
Join us as we conclude our seasonal donation efforts to our local food shelf! “
Upcoming Events:
All are welcome, encouraged to visit the Prayer Cross as moved to do so.
Gathering In Spirit & Grace
Here I Am to Worship
Hughes
Light of the World
You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes
Let me see
Beauty that made
This heart adore You
Hope of a life
Spent with you
refrain:
Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say
That You’re my God
You’re altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether
Wonderful to me
King of all days
Oh so highly exalted
Glorious in heaven
Above
Humbly You came
To the earth You created
All for love’s sake
Became poor
(refrain)
And I’ll never know
How much it cost
To see my sin
Up on that cross
And I’ll never know
How much it cost
To see my sin
Up on that cross
(refrain)
Litany Trusting a New Beginning in God’s Faithfulness & Grace
BASED ON PSALM 107
Friends, today we trust anew, a new beginning in God’s grace, is far more than we ever imagined, so, here we are to worship, in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for the Lord’s steadfast love endures forever. Our God has gathered us in from all the lands that we might trust in him.
People of God: At times we wander in the desert, losing our way. We thirst for our souls to be satisfied. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins, and those times we have failed to trust alone in the Lord’s abundant mercy and forgiveness.
(silence for reflection)
Friends in Christ, trust the new beginning that is more than you think, in the grace of these words: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. You are anew! Believe anew! Come, just as you are, to the One who comes to you first!
Song of Renewal in Grace
Just As I Am
Elliot & Bradbury
vs. 1
Just as I am without one plea
But that thy blood was shed for me
And that thou bidd’st me come to thee
O Lamb of God I come I come
We thank you, Lord, for your steadfast love. You bless us with a new beginning, that is far more than we think, in your abundant grace! Lead us in the straight and narrow, that we might come, and reach the promised land, just as we are!
Friends of Jesus: The Lord guards you and guides you through every darkness. In the midst of your every struggle, come just as you are; receive a new beginning in God’s grace that is far more than we ever thought possible!
Song of Renewal in Grace
Just As I Am
Elliot & Bradbury
vs. 5
Just as I am thou wilt receive
Wilt welcome pardon cleanse relieve
Because thy promise I believe
O Lamb of God I come I come
Loving God, we thank you and praise you, for your abundant grace is so much more than we ever dreamed. Bless us with a new beginning today, to make you and our neighbors first in new ways, to open ourselves to your love and salvation. By your Holy Spirit we come just as we are, to believe anew, to hope anew, to have you bless our souls again, calling on your blessed power and presence. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
New Testament Lesson
Philippians 1:21–30
For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again. Only, live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them, this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well – since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
(New Revised Standard Version)
Song Anew in Grace
I Love to Tell the Story
Hankey & Fischer
vs. 1
I love to tell the story
Of unseen things above
Of Jesus and his glory
Of Jesus and his love
I love to tell the story
Because I know it’s true
It satisfies my longings
As nothing else would do
refrain:
I love to tell the story
I’ll sing this theme in glory
And tell the old old story
Of Jesus and his love
vs. 2
I love to tell the story
How pleasant to repeat
What seems each time I tell it
More wonderfully sweet
I love to tell the story
For some have never heard
The message of salvation
From God’s own holy Word
(refrain)
vs. 3
I love to tell the story
For those who know it best
Seem hungering and thirsting
To hear it like the rest
And when in scenes of glory
I sing the new new song
I’ll sing the old old story
That I have loved so long
(refrain)
Gospel
MATTHEW 20:1–16
Jesus said, “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
(New Revised Standard Version)
Stating Our Faith in God
BASED ON ROMANS 8:31–39
As God’s Word in grace gave Saul a new beginning to become the Apostle Paul, we, now boldly speak these words to renew our faith.
“What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Amen.
Children are invited to join volunteers for Rainbow Time during today’s Sermon!
Faith Quest Meets Today!
Registration for Faith Quest 2026/2027 is now open!
Click the link below to register or learn more!
A New Beginning … More Than Expected
JONAH 3:10-4:11; PHILIPPIANS 1:21-30; MATTHEW 20:1-16
We would love something, for nothing - but that is not life. We would like more than we have, more than those who we think do less; that is human. But how much more do we really want? Do we really want more fairness? As we share today in the parable of the laborers, as we celebrate the Rite of Confirmation and the Affirmation of Baptism, we are reminded, we are blessed anew, it is Jesus who confirms us, affirms us, every day; that our very salvation is not dependent on when we hear the good news of Jesus Christ, or what we do in the field. Thanks be to God, our place is not based on fairness; our new beginning in grace is more than we expected! Thanks be to God, God gives as God chooses, to whom God chooses, when God chooses. In a world that tempts us to expect more; go for it: Affirm the One who affirms you first, with more grace than ever expected!
1. We are confirmed, affirmed, with more fairness than expected, as we receive a new beginning in God’s grace!
Jonah 4:9-11; Matt. 20:8-15
A. We would like life to be fair.
B. Jesus' parable does not sound very fair, and that troubles us.
C. Jesus' parable does not sound fair, and that is what saves us, affirming for us a new beginning in God’s grace!
2. We are confirmed, affirmed, as Jesus makes things more clear than expected, giving us a new beginning in grace!
Phil.1:21,27; Mt.20:1-7,14
A. We like it when things are clearly explained to us.
B. How much more clear can Jesus be about all we are to do, as we hear his invitation and call?
C. We are confirmed, affirmed, in all Jesus makes clear, more than expected, in all we are promised, with a new beginning in grace!
3. We are confirmed, affirmed, with more grace than expected!
Mt. 20:8,15
A. We are confirmed, affirmed, with more forgiveness, more eternal life, more hope, more new life, than ever expected!
B. We are forever confirmed, affirmed, with more grace than expected, with a new beginning, each and every day!
4. It is only human for us to want a little more out of life - a little more recognition, a little more control. Today we give thanks we are confirmed, affirmed, with more of God’s love than ever expected, more than we ever dreamed, forever confirming and affirming us, each and every day with a new beginning in God’s grace!
Offering is available for our 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 Hope & Grace
In Christ Alone
Getty/Townend
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light my strength
My song
This cornerstone this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought
And storm
What heights of love
What depths of peace
When fears are stilled
When strivings cease
My Comforter
My all in all
Here in the love of Christ
I stand
Two weeks after the attacks of September 11, 2001, the grieving families of the airline crews who died in the plane crashes in Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., and New York, gathered near LaGuardia Airport in New York. In the depth of their shock and pain, they prayed this litany, remembering those who died, and seeking for one and all God’s comfort ad guidance. A year later, Christians around the world used these same words to pray in the name of our Faithful Savior, who loves us and walks with us in remembrance and renewal. Today, 25 years later, we use these power words, for God is forever speaking, and forever with us.
Hear these words from Lamentations, Chapter 1: How lonely sits the city that once was full of people! How like a widow she has become – Jerusalem remembers, in the days of the affliction and wandering, all the precious things that were hers in the days of old. Brothers and Sisters, we gather to share our laments following our grief and emotions 25 years ago this month, to keep listening to each others hearts, and to hear words of remembrance, encouragement, faith and love. Let us pray together to the God of our faith, in thanksgiving for the lives shared and care given, and in hope for our future and our nation. And so, for the lives of those we mourn, and for sharing them with us for even a brief while,
We give thanks to you, O God.
For the valiant efforts of the men and women who gave their lives for the sake of others, and for those who continue to assist in so many exhaustive ways,
We give thanks to you, O God.
For great buildings that have inspired, and for those that will inspire again,
We give thanks to you, O God.
For the miraculous and the untold, for the common and the good, and for all these things that keep us going in this time,
We give thanks to you, O God.
Build us up again, O God. Heal our hearts, comfort our sorrows, calm our fears, rebuild our cities, and guide us in faith.
Build us up, O God.
Give us strength to continue to address the years ahead. Give us wisdom and patience as we continue to go forward into the future. Give us knowledge and insight as we seek to protect ourselves and others. Give us courage as we seek justice and peace.
Build us up, O God.
Fill our hearts with love and peace, O God. Let no hatred or bitterness divide us from the world in which we live. Turn our darkness into the light of day and bless us.
Build us up, O God.
Above all things, make us confident in the hope that is in you, O God. For you are the power, and the glory, and the wisdom, and the strength of all who turn to you. Build us up and give us hope.
Amen.
Sharing Words Of Prayer For One And All
Though the world reminds us we are vulnerable, The Risen Jesus invites us to live today in confidence and hope. “Do not worry about your life. If God clothes the grass of the field, will He not much more clothe you?” And “not one sparrow falls to the ground apart from The Father. Do not be afraid, for you are of more value to him than the sparrows.” When we are troubled, “God gives us peace that passes all understanding, he keeps our hearts guarded and our minds in Christ Jesus.” Therefore, “let us love one another as he has loved us” for peace comes in knowing “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that all who believe would not die, but have eternal life.” In grace and peace and hope, we pray anew the prayer of St. Francis:
Lord, make us instruments of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let us sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is discord, union;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
Grant that we would not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
...as we pray to you, Jesus, ...
Give us a new beginning in your power and 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 Lord.
Amen.
Holy Communion will take place during our service. 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.
Song During Holy Communion
Let There Be Peace on Earth
Jackson-Miller & Miller
vs. 1
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be
With God as our Father
Family all are we
Let me walk with my neighbors
In perfect harmony
vs. 2
Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now
With ev’ry step I take
Let this be my solemn vow
To take each moment
And live each moment
In peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
To take each moment
And live each moment
In peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Breathe
Barnett & Moore
This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
Your holy presence
Living in me|
This is my daily bread
This is my daily bread
Your very Word
Spoken to me
And I
I’m desp’rate for You
And I
I’m lost without You
(repeat)
And I
I’m desp’rate for You
And I
I’m lost without You
This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
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, as you trust each new beginning in the grace of Jesus Christ. In the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Let us go anew in the peace of Christ, celebrating the love of God, together, serving The Lord of life.
Thanks be to God!
Going Anew in Light & Grace
Shine, Jesus, Shine
Kendrick
refrain:
Shine Jesus shine
Fill this land with the Father’s glory
Blaze Spirit blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow river flow
Flood the nations with love and mercy
Send forth your Word
Lord and let there be light
vs. 1
Lord the light of your love is shining
In the midst of the darkness shining
Jesus light of the world shine upon us
Set us free by the truth you now bring us
Shine on me
Shine on me
(refrain)
vs. 2
As we gaze on your kingly brightness
So our faces display your likeness
Ever changing from glory to glory
Mirrored here may our lives tell your story
Shine on me
Shine on me
(refrain)
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Today, Sunday, September 20th, we share, The Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost! “A New Beginning … More Than Expected!” Faith Quest Sunday School meets today! Registration available! Today we continue, “God’s Work! Our Hands!”
Join us as we share our seasonal donation efforts to our local food shelf, “The Drawer,” and local school supply efforts!
Join us next Sunday, September 27th, as we share, Confirmation Sunday, The Affirmation Of Baptism The Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost! “A New Beginning … Confirmed Anew, Each And Every Day!”
Faith Quest Sunday School meets next Sunday! Registration available!
Next Sunday, “God’s Work! Our Hands!” Join us as we conclude our seasonal donation efforts to our local food shelf, “The Drawer,” and local school supply efforts!
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
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 a basket as you exit the building.
Acknowledgments for today’s service include:
Litany Trusting A New Beginning In God’s Faithfulness And Grace – written based on Psalm 107. “Just As I Am, Without One Plea,” “I Love To Tell The Story,” “Shine, Jesus, Shine,” © 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. “Here I Am To Worship,” © 2000 Thankyou Music CCLI #3266032 “Just As I Am, Without One Plea,” Words & Music Public “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “In Christ Alone” © 2002 Thankyou Music CCLI #3350395 “Let There Be Peace on Earth” © 1955, Renewed 1983 Jan-Lee Music CCLI #93690 “Breathe” © 1995 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing CCLI #1874117
All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.
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Litany For Seeking Peace & Calm In The Midst Of An Uncertain World based on Psalm 61, Isaiah 40, Isaiah 43, Ezekiel 34, Psalm 22, Psalm 121, 2 Corinthians 12, John 1, Ephesians 2, Micah 4, Isaiah 11, John 17, Matthew 28, Matthew 11, Matthew 10, Philippians 4, John 3, John 15.