Choices, choices and AdChoices. Our hyper-consumer culture overwhelms us with all the choices we can make to please our whims. For all the hyper-individually focused advertising that is pushed at you, you as a person are lost. You are just a consumer whose only value is what you can spend.

Our Adchoice mentality affects our faith. We say we can be spiritual on our own with a custom order Jesus on our terms. This consumeristic spirituality caters to our self-centeredness. The whole “ME and Jesus” private relationship is not biblical, but blasphemous. This misguided, “Me and Jesus” spirituality not only runs counter to scripture, but even more, it degrades God’s saving work. We are redeemed as we are part of God’s people. Our ultimate communal expression is communion where we are joined to Christ and one another (1 Cor 10:17). Certainly, a self-centered spirituality will not require us to participate seriously in a church community.

If you revel in being a severed foot cut off from the body of Christ because us other Christians stink and you are more holy than us, I am offended! Who are you not to grace us with your unique embodiment of sinfulness? Who are you to think you can have Christ without us? Who are you to withhold the work of the Spirit in you to bless others for God’s glory?

The Way of Christ is not about and cannot be just a personal relationship with Jesus. Our faith has been handed down through the faith community. We are individually members of the body, the Church, but there is no severed foot faith separate from the body. The weakness of this self-centered faith in the United States is apparent from the weakness of individuals to pass along the faith.

Following Christ is not a private individualistic affair. Yes, you are to have a personal connection to Christ. While we do have our personal and solitary times with the LORD, we are baptized and called to exercise our faith in God by how we live with one another. We are to meet together to encourage one another in the faith, rather than flying solo to be picked off one by one in spiritual warfare. (Heb 10:23-25) If even the Son of God needed a small group of disciples to do faith with, why would we think we can sever ourselves from the body and be okay?

That we are to follow Christ with one another is abundantly clear throughout the New Testament (see below). We worship together. We experience life and salvation together. We are bound together. In Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others (1 Cor 12, Rom 12:5). So, we forgive one another. We bear one another’s burdens. We share God’s love with one another. We are to be devoted to one another in love. We are to honor one another above ourselves. Rather than slacking, we are encouraged to do more and more life together as God’s people.

Don’t be a sinner alone.  You are redeemed by Christ to belong to His people, not to go life alone. To be clear, if you are doing faith as a severed foot without fellow sinners, you are unbiblical and disobeying Christ. So as baptized Christians joined to the Body of Christ, actively engage your spiritual life by living it out in the temple of God’s people (1 Pet 2:4-5). Embrace the Spirit-given blessing of belonging to the family of God.  Come join your brothers and sisters in Christ so you may more powerfully grow in knowing Christ in your life.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give y’all a spirit of unity with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together y’all may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom. 15:5-6)

Your servant in his Church, Pastor Douglas

(See Jn 13:34, Rom 12:10, 13:8, 1 Cor 3:16-17, 12:12-14, 2 Cor 13:11, Gal 5:13, Eph 4:2, 4:32, Phil 2:5, Col 3:13, 1 Thess 4:9, 5:11, Heb 3:13, 10:23-25, 13:1, 1 Pet 1:22, 1 Pet 3:8, 1 Pet 5:5, 1 Jn 1:7, 3:23, 4:11-12)

If there ever will be a time when that old adage will be proven true, it will be with the ELCA’s thirty-five-member Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church.

This commission was formed in response to action taken by the ELCA’s 2022 Churchwide Assembly.  The assembly directed the Church Council “to establish a Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church” which would be “particularly attentive to our shared commitment to dismantle racism” and would “present its findings and recommendations to the 2025 Churchwide Assembly in preparation for a possible reconstituting convention.”  

Later communication from the ELCA Church Council stated that the commission should be made up of at least 25% people of color or whose primary language was other than English and 20% youth and young adults.  Keeping in mind that the membership of the typical ELCA congregation is older and white, this means that the commission will not represent the ELCA as it is but the ELCA as those who are leading and driving the process want the ELCA to be. 

The thirty-five members of the commission have been chosen and have met once (in mid-July).  Their biographical paragraphs can be found on the ELCA website under www.elca.org/future. 

As I read the bios there is no doubt in my mind that the commission is made up of people of great experience and expertise.  I have no question about their ability.  My concern is with their passions and priorities.  Reading their bios and remembering that these are the people who have been chosen to reshape the ELCA, one realizes that in a very short time the ELCA is going to be radically different from the church body that was formed in 1988. 

This is a very capable group.  It includes –

• Two synodical bishops
• One seminary president
• Three ELCA college and seminary professors

Members of the commission have held such positions as –

• President of the ELCA Latino Ministries Association
• Assistant general secretary for international affairs and human rights for Lutheran World Federation
• Top leaders of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
• Chair of the Lutheran Campus Ministry Network
• A person who has been chair, vice chair, and secretary of the board of trustees for Portico Benefit Services
• Executive Director of South Carolina Lutheran Retreat Centers 
• Member of the board of trustees and treasurer for Lutheran Outdoor Ministries
• President and chief executive officer of Mosaic (a social ministry agency which serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other diverse needs)   

Thirteen of these people have held positions within their synods or have served on the ELCA Church Council. 

I was glad when I read comments from two of them.

• One said that “he hopes the perspectives he brings from his law practice and his work on synod and churchwide constitution committees will help him spot obstacles and identify solutions in our governing documents.”   
• Another one (one of the co-chairs) described himself as having “a penchant for good governance and organizational structure.”

But beyond that, reading the bios I became more and more deeply concerned.  I see this group as creating a new church body whose primary focus will be not on fulfilling the Great Commission but on social justice, LGBTQ+ and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion activism, and where men will continue to play a diminishing role. 

For all of the talk about the equal participation of women in the church, the ELCA Church Council and this commission are obviously not concerned about the equal participation of men in the church.  The commission is made up of twenty-one women and only fourteen men.  Women outnumber men by 50%.  And there are nearly three times as many women of color on the commission as men of color.  Of the eleven people of color (eleven out of thirty-five or nearly one-third of the commission), eight are women and only three are men.

Three of the members of the commission are assistants to synodical bishops.  But in each case their focus is on social justice issues and anti-racism, not on any of the other functions and ministries of a congregation.  As an example, one of the members is assistant to a bishop for communications and development, but in his bio paragraph he celebrates the fact that he “has successfully centered social justice and advocacy in all aspects of communication and community engagement.”

Seven out of thirty-five (20% of the commission) hold positions of leadership within LGBTQ+ activist organizations and/or mention that they are in a same-sex married relationship.  Please note:  This is not saying that only 20% of them are in favor of LGBTQ+ issues.  Rather it is saying that 20% of them see their being an LGBTQ+ activist as among their most prominent qualifications for being on the commission.  These people include –

• A Proclaim chaplain with Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries 
• Someone who has consulted with numerous synods supporting LGBTQIA+ cultural competency
• An ordained deacon at a Reconciled in Christ congregation
• The convenor of a synodical Reconciled in Christ ministry 
• The director for Pride in her company’s LGBTQIA+ Business Resource Group 
• Someone who has served as director of community relations for a non-profit corporation that serves the support and advocacy needs of transgender service members
• A board member and former co-chair of ReconcilingWorks 
• Someone who since the age of six has “stubbornly refused to conform to society’s expectations” and whose self-description is a “genderqueer lesbian” who “seeks to bridge binaries and transgress borders”

Equally alarming is the fact that seven out of thirty-five (again 20% of the commission) hold positions of diversity, equity, and inclusion activism in their place of employment and/or leadership.  Again this is not saying that only 20% of them make decisions and take actions based upon the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.  Rather it is saying that a full 20% of them see their holding positions of diversity, equity, and inclusion activism in their places of employment and/or leadership as among their most prominent qualifications for being on the commission.  These people include –

• A senior diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant in local government
• The chief diversity officer for a religious health organization who has received two certificates in diversity, equity, and inclusion
• A former diversity/cultural competency consultant in the non-profit sector 
• The convenor for a synodical resolution on authentic diversity and inclusion 
• Someone with over thirty years’ experience facilitating and training for intercultural equity leadership and organizational change 
• Someone who conducted discussions about race and diversity at the 2015 and 2018 ELCA youth gatherings 
• A person who is vice president of diversity and inclusion at one college after being director of diversity and inclusion at another college  

This final person shows the great extent of her passion for and experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion as she writes that she has “facilitated several workshops on privilege and identity, creating inclusive learning environments, and the basics of diversity and inclusion.”  In addition she has “served as a keynote speaker on topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion,” and has “completed a year-long fellowship with the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education.”

Following the principle that “once you know the makeup, you know the outcome,” it should be painfully obvious and clear what this group is going to come up with for the shape and mission of a fully reconstituted Lutheran church.  We will keep you posted.

I recently attended a traditional worship service where the emotional and spiritual highlight for me was the opening and closing hymns.  This was not because the sermon message was subpar (far from it), but because of the quality of congregational singing.  The opening hymn that Sunday was “When Peace Like a River”, and the closing hymn “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus”.

I hesitate to bring up the importance of congregational singing, because this particular worship ministry challenge can present something of an “uneven playing field”, especially for smaller churches. So full disclosure: In the above worship service I was one of about 150 worshipers.  So you could argue that my positive worship “experience” would not have been so memorable if I had been one of only 35 or 40.  In fact, in that scenario I might have only heard my own voice during these hymns. (Heaven forbid!)

However, I am absolutely convinced that the following worship music principle is true for congregations of virtually any size, not just mid-sized or large churches.   The principle is this: For any church worship service that includes hymns (or contemporary songs), the quality of congregational singing will usually depend on two factors: The familiarity and popularity (among worshipers) of a given hymn.  And this principle is just as true for a worshiping community of 50 or fewer as it is for a worship gathering of 150 or more.  In fact, the fewer people present at a worship service the more awkward it is for worshipers to feel comfortable and motivated to sing aloud when the hymn is not familiar and not a “favorite”.

Here are some questions that might have already come to mind for some of you:

1. “How am I to determine my congregation’s “favorites”?”  If you don’t trust your own judgment on this matter, a congregational survey might be in order.  This can be done during announcements on a well-attended Sunday.  Those worshipers who need more time can be invited to take the survey home and return it the following Sunday.
2. “What about when we want to introduce a new, less familiar hymn?”  Unless you have an above-average vocal song leadership team to help, do not introduce unfamiliar compositions at the beginning or end of a worship service.  You don’t want the first or last impressions of worshipers on that Sunday to be based on trying to sing unfamiliar and potentially difficult hymns.  Instead, “teach” and lead an unfamiliar hymn toward the middle of your service; perhaps after the sermon.  And please, let them learn this hymn sitting down.
3. “What about when we have a particular yet unfamiliar hymn we want to introduce based on the lyrics alone?”  Trust me on this: If your worshipers can’t sing it, it is unlikely they will appreciate the lyrics.  A suggestion: Have the lyrics printed out in the bulletin (or projected), and play an audio or video recording of this composition.

There is one additional reason for selecting familiar “favorites” for your opening and closing hymns: Quality congregational singing goes a long way toward encouraging members to worship in-person rather than online.  Why?  Because quality online vocal worship music is, more often than not, a oxymoron.  When watching online worship the viewer typically only hears the amplified voices of song leaders; or the two or three worshipers that happen to be closest to the microphone.  In fact, I later watched the very same service I mentioned above online.  The sermon message was just as good, but not the hymns.  All I heard during the hymns was the voices of two song leaders.  I could not hear the congregation at all.

So if you suspect that the quality of your congregation’s singing can be improved, I have a suggestion.  If you currently draw from a list of over one hundred different compositions for your opening and closing hymns, consider this challenge: Shorten your list to the fifty hymns and songs you deem—or discern to be, through a survey—your congregation’s familiar “favorites”.  Then for at least three months, only select your opening and closing hymns from this list.  (Just one caveat: If your worship attendance averages less than about fifty, avoid compositions—no matter how familiar—that are beyond the vocal range of most of your worshipers.)  My conviction is that, over this three-month trial period, you will be pleasantly surprised by what you hear.

Pastor Don Brandt

Congregations in Transition

The Congregational Lay-leadership Initiative

“He will command his angels to guard you in all your ways.  They will bear you up in their hands so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.”  (Psalm 91: 11-12) 

Dear Friends:

I experienced the truth and power of that promise last month.  I do not have a good sense of balance so I take precautions.  For example, I do not ride escalators, especially in airports when I have luggage and my carry on.  But after I arrived at the Oklahoma City airport on my way to the NALC Convocation, as I left the gate area the escalator down to baggage claim was straight ahead and I did not know where the elevator was, so I foolishly did what normally I no longer do.  I took the escalator. 

As I remember, a little way down the step jerked.  I lost my balance, fell to the side, and badly cut my upper left arm – I believe on the metal edge of the step.  People were so concerned and so kind.  They brought paper towels to wrap up the blood and called the airport fire department triage team, who retrieved my luggage, called an ambulance, and I was taken to the emergency room of a hospital not too far from where the convocation was taking place.  My laceration was treated and I was released. 

Afterwards I was thinking about how fortunate I was that I did not fall forward or fall down the escalator and how much more serious the injury could have been (though the escalator did leave tread marks on my upper left arm).  I was also very glad when I heard the announcement that first aid was available during the convocation at the volunteer central room.  There I found kind people who would change the dressing.  It is hard to change the dressing on your own upper left arm. 

And then I got to thinking about what people can do – show concern, wipe up the blood, retrieve luggage, get me to emergency, treat the wound, and change the dressing – but what only God can do – command His angels to watch over us and give our bodies the amazing ability to heal. 

I am very sad whenever I hear preachers and Bible study leaders reduce the Christian message to what we do – whether it is doing works of compassion, advocating for justice, or what is now the dominating emphasis in some church circles – dismantling systemic racism, white supremacy, and male dominance.  I think of the account of the raising of Lazarus in John 11.  The people could move the stone and unwrap the grave clothes, but only Jesus could raise the dead.  We of Lutheran CORE are committed to preserving and proclaiming the full and pure Gospel message – not of the far-left political agenda but of the gifts that God gives as He forgives our sins, makes us new creations, calls us to service, and commands His angels to watch over us. 

We have promised to keep you posted regarding the work of the commission that will be developing the plan to remake and reconstitute the ELCA.  The thirty-five members of the commission have been appointed and have held their first meeting.  Biographical paragraphs of the members are now available.  We will be analyzing the makeup of the commission and will share our analysis in the September issue of our newsletter, CORE Voice.  The makeup of the commission should be cause for great concern.  As they say, When you know the makeup, you know the outcome.

Also in the September issue of our newsletter a couple members of our young adult group – both of whom are students at the North American Lutheran Seminary – will be writing about their experiences serving as mentors at NEXUS this past summer.  A ministry of Grand View University in Des Moines, NEXUS is a week of Bible study, theological reflection, and fellowship for high schoolers, where they are challenged to become involved in Christian ministry and consider attending seminary.  Thank you for your gifts, which make it possible for Lutheran CORE to be one of the sponsors of NEXUS.  Ethan Zimmerman, one of the seminarians who again served as a mentor this past summer, wrote about his experiences –

“This summer’s NEXUS Institute was the best NEXUS I’ve been to in my five years of being involved!  The Holy Spirit was moving in and amidst everyone, from the high school student participants, to the young adult mentors, all the way to the adult chaperones!  Everyone’s faith was deepened and broadened in such a fantastic way, and speaking for myself, I will forever be changed for the better because of my involvement as a mentor.  The NEXUS Institute is one of the premier places for high school students to grow and learn more about their faith, and to see what a calling and vocation from God truly looks like!”

I am writing this letter the week after the devastating fires on the island of Maui.  Having visited that beautiful island, I have a hard time imagining what it must be like now.  We are continually reminded of tragedies and natural disasters that are happening to people.  But the greatest tragedy of all is what sin, death, and the devil have done to God’s creation.  People need to know and be in right relationship with a God who loves, forgives, calls, empowers, and is with them, and who commands His angels to watch over them.

Thank you for your ongoing prayers and gifts to Lutheran CORE, which enable us to continue our work of being a Voice for Biblical Truth and a Network for Confessing Lutherans.  Thank you for your prayers for us.  Please click here to print a form that you can use to let us know how we can be praying for you.

Blessings in Christ,   

Dennis D. Nelson

Executive Director of Lutheran CORE

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“And the fourth angel poured out his bowl upon the sun, and it was given power to scorch people with fire” (Revelation 16:8).

What will it take?  I have seen calamity come upon people and they curse the Lord.  I have heard them say, “Where is your God now?”  It is sad that the rebellion runs so deep in some people.  The Lord allows us to be “scorched” in this world to remind us that we do pay a price for the choices we make.  Sometimes we pay a price for the choices others make.  Christ paid the price for all of us; that for which He had no guilt.

Lord, grant me perspective so that I do not react so quickly to things that happen.  Guide me according to Your purpose so that I live humbly in the truth that I am a redeemed sinner.  Things will happen in this life that I do not understand, but You have promised that it all works together because I am in Your grace and mercy.  Teach me to love You, Lord, as You conform me to Your image.

Thank You, Jesus, for doing the hard work.  You were not just “scorched”, You were killed on the cross and willingly allowed this for all who believe, by which You paid the price for our redemption.  Lead me in the way of truth.  No matter what comes in this life, guide me according to Your purposes so that I may learn from You.  Guide me today, moment by moment, so that I may learn from You how to live fully in the truth of Your presence.  Amen.

“And I heard the altar saying, “Yes, Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments” (Revelation 16:7).

True are the judgements of the Lord.  The opposite is also true.  Untrue are the judgements of this age.  The Lord knows, and not only in our lifetime, the outcome of the string of events that are unleashed with judgement.  We know there will be an end to this age.  The question remains before us: “What kind of person ought you to be?”  Indeed, what will I do knwing these things?

Lord, who knows whether the whole of creation was not put together for the sole purpose of giving us the opportunity of joining with You.  Lead me in the right way.  You are righteous and just.  You have come to give life to those who would follow You.  Help me to walk the path that You have set before me, seeking life first and leaving all other things in Your hands.

Lord, You know all that I need.  You allow things to happen in my life so that I may be moved to where I need to be.  Guide me in the way You know I need to go and help me to move there.  Lead me, Lord, and help me to have a heart that willingly receives what You are giving me.  In You Lord I have hope, for all things are in Your hands.  Lead me according to Your goodness and mercy.  Amen.

 

The 2^nd Half of the Season of Pentecost, Cycle A

September 10 – November 26, 2023

 

NOTE: LBW – Lutheran Book of Worship (The Green Book)

WOV – With One Voice (The Blue Book)

LSB – Lutheran Service Book (The Maroon Book)
ELW – Evangelical Lutheran Worship (The Cranberry Book)

 

There are versions of some hymns that are superior in LSB and I recommend using them if possible. Also, there are some superb hymns in LSB that aren’t available in the other hymnals. When I suggest one of the latter, I try to include an alternative from LBW or WOV. I recommend that a license and DVD of downloadable hymns from LSB be purchased if you are looking to expand your hymnody. There are, in ELW, some familiar hymns that have been drastically altered, which I try to note. ELW also has some fine hymns not available in the other hymnals, or has, interestingly, a more “traditional” translation or harmonization.

 

Color for the day is indicated for each Sunday. Primary liturgical calendar taken from Sola Publishing (www.solapublishing.org), based on LSB. Also, I include the lessons from the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) found in ELW and used in some congregations. It often overlaps the Sola/LCMS calendar lectionary, but when there are differences, I will note them.

 

 

 

 

For General/Green Season Use: A Brief Order of Confession and Holy Absolution

 

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son+, and of the Holy Spirit: Amen.

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence may be kept.

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

 

For General/Green Season Use: The Gospel Acclamation (Spoken)

Alleluia. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of eternal life. Alleluia.

OR

Alleluia. Your Word, O Lord, is truth; consecrate us in the truth. Alleluia.

 

 

For General/Green Season Use: The Offertory Prayer

(Note: both are prayers of Ignatius Loyola!)

Let us pray. Lord, teach me to be generous. Teach me to serve you as you deserve; to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to ask for reward, save that of knowing that I do your will. Amen.

 

OR

 

Let us pray. Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will. All I have and call my own, You have given all to me; to you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace, for

that is enough for me. Amen.

 

For General/Green Season Use: The Great Thanksgiving and Proper Preface

 

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. For you are the source of light and life, you made us in your image, and called us to new life in Jesus Christ our Lord; who on the first day of the week overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

 

For General/Green Season Use: The Eucharistic Prayer

 

Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.

On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:

Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, with praise and thanksgiving. Recalling our Savior’s death, resurrection, and ascension, we pray that you would sanctify these gifts by your Holy Spirit, to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.

All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and forever. AMEN.

 

OR

And so, Father, we bring you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ our Lord.

On the night he was betrayed he took bread, said the blessing, broke the bread, and gave it to his friends, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”

After supper, he took the cup of wine, gave thanks, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

Father, we now celebrate the memorial of your Son. By means of this holy bread and cup, we proclaim his death and resurrection, until he comes again. Gather us by this Holy Communion into one body in your Son Jesus Christ. Make us a living sacrifice of praise. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and forever. AMEN.

 

 

For General/Green Season Use: Post-Communion Prayer

Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members

of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

OR

Almighty and ever-living God, we thank you for feeding us with the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. Send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

 

 

 

September 10, 15^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 18)

Ezekiel 33:7-11 (You are a sentinel, so warn those who sin. I do not desire the death of sinners, but that they turn to me and live)

 

Psalm 32:1-7 (The joy of confession and forgiveness of sin)

            ELW/RCL: Psalm 119: 33-40 (Teach, lead, give me a heart to obey your commandments)

 

Romans 13:1-10 (Obey earthly rulers. Love fulfills all the commandments)

            ELW/RCL: Romans 13:8-14 (No rulers mentioned. Love each other, put on Christ, for salvation is near!)

 

Matthew 18:1-20 (Become like a little child. Do not lead God’s little ones astray! Cut off whatever causes you to sin. God rejoices over penitent sinners. Discipline in the Church.)

            ELW/RCL: Matthew 18:15-20 (Discipline in the Church)

 

********************

 

Opening Hymn: Herald, Sound the Note of Judgment (can be sung to tune for “Angels, From the Realms of Glory): LBW #556, LSB #511

OR Hark, a Thrilling Voice is Sounding (Ties in with OT and the ELW/RCL  2^nd lesson):           

LBW #37 (Danger, Will Robinson! This tune wanders over half the continent. Use Merton, like ELW, LSB, and SBH. OR use tune for LBW 549, Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven); ELW #246, LSB #345

 

Hymn of the Day: Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive, LBW #307, ELW #605, LSB #843

OR Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us: LBW #481 (Oh for pity’s sake, this tune is dorky too! Use “Bradbury” from SBH, also used in ELW and LSB – like decent people do!!!), ELW #789, LSB #711

 

Communion 1: Blest Be the Tie That Binds: LBW #370, ELW #656, LSB #649/975

Communion 2: Where Charity and Love Prevail: LBW #126, ELW #359, LSB #845

 

Closing Hymn: May We Your/Thy Precepts, Lord, Fulfill: LBW #353, LSB #698

 

            OR O/In God, My Faithful God: LBW #504, ELW #806, LSB #745

 

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September 17: 16^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 19)

 

 

Genesis 50:15-21 (Joseph forgives his brothers)

           

Psalm 103:1-13 (Bless the Lord, O my soul; he has not dealt with us according to our sins)

 

Romans 14:1-12 (Don’t quarrel with those weaker in faith over opinions;

whether we live or die, it’s unto the Lord)

 

Matthew 18:21-35 (Parable of the unforgiving servant)

 

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Opening Hymn: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (nice Psalm paraphrase):

LBW #543, ELW #858 Note: ELW #859 is the politically correct “re-translation”; LSB #790

 

OR (if you’re up for a challenging but dance-like tune and a paraphrase of the Psalm)

My Soul, Now Praise Your Maker: LSB #820

 

Hymn of the Day: Come Down, O Love Divine: LBW #508, ELW #804, LSB #501

OR Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us: LBW #424, ELW #707, LSB #851

 

Communion 1: I Lay My Sins on Jesus: LBW #305, LSB #606

OR Bread of Life, Our Host and Meal: ELW #464

OR Bless the Lord, O My Soul: WOV #798 (repeat as needed)

 

Communion 2: Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive: LBW #307, ELW #605, LSB #843

 

Closing Hymn: Son of God, Eternal Savior: LBW #364, ELW #655, LSB #842

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

 

 

September 24: 17^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 20)

 

 

Isaiah 55:6-9 (Seek the Lord; he will abundantly pardon, for his ways are not our ways)

            ELW/RCL, Jonah 3:10-4:11 (Jonah’s ticked at God’s mercy; God’s rejoinder)

 

Psalm 27:1-9 (The Lord is my light and salvation, whom then shall I fear?)

            ELW/RCL, Psalm 145:1-8 (Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised)

 

Philippians 1:12-14, 19-30 (Paul’s imprisonment. To live is Christ, to die is gain; only live lives worthy of your calling in Christ)

            ELW/RCL, Philippians 1:21-30 (Eliminates imprisonment)

 

Matthew 20:1-16 (Parable of the 11^th-hour workers in the vineyard)

 

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Opening Hymn: There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy: LBW #290, ELW #588

 

OR for a Hispanic paraphrase of Psalm 27, The Lord is My Light: LSB #723

 

OR Seek Where You May To Find A Way: LSB #557

 

Hymn of the Day: Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling: LBW #381, LSB #827

OR How Clear is Our Vocation, Lord (lovely, fairly familiar tune): LSB #853

 

Communion 1: For Me to Live is Jesus: LSB #742

OR O Jesus, I Have Promised: LBW #503, ELW #810

 

Communion 2: Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service: LBW #423, ELW #712, LSB #848

 

Closing Hymn: Lord of All Hopefulness: LBW #469, ELW #765, LSB #738

            OR Take My Life, That I May Be: LBW #406, ELW #583/685

Take My Life, and Let It Be: LSB #783/784

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

 

October 1: 18^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 21)

 

Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 (you are responsible for your own sins; turn from them and live!)

 

Psalm 25:1-10 (Lead me in your truth and teach me!)

 

Philippians 2:1-18 (Be of one heart and mind – the mind of Christ; act without grumbling;

 be his lights in this broken world, that Paul may boast in you!)

ELW/RCL, Philippians 2:1-13 (Eliminates personal reference)

 

Matthew 21:23-32 (By what authority does Jesus act? Parable of two sons who act contrary to

 their words; which are you like?)

 

****************

 

Opening Hymn: (echoing Psalm) Lead Me, Guide Me: ELW #768, LSB #721

 

OR The Head That Once Was Crowned With Thorns (A good enough tune, but the tune for “O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing” may be more familiar and perky!):  LBW #173, ELW #432, LSB #532

 

Hymn of the Day: Lord, Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word: LBW #230, ELW #517, LSB #655

OR O Master, Let Me Walk with You: LBW #492, ELW #818

 

Communion 1: Jesus Calls Us; O’er the Tumult: LBW #494, ELW #696

 

Communion 2: O God, My Faithful God: LBW #504, LSB #696

 

Closing Hymn: Strengthen for Service, Lord, the Hands: LBW #218, ELW #497

OR Forth in Thy Name, O Lord, I Go (Not the most inspiring tune. The tune for “On Jordan’s Banks” is a fun substitute): LBW #505, LSB #854

 

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

 

 

October 8: 19^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 22)

 

Isaiah 5:1-7 (Love song about beloved vineyard turns to lament over its wild grapes)

 

Psalm 80:7-19 (Come to the aid of your vineyard, against those who trample it!)

            ELW/RCL, Psalm 80:7-15

 

Philippians 3:4b-14 (My richest gains I count but loss because of surpassing excellence

of knowing Christ)

 

Matthew 21:33-46 (Parable of the wicked tenants in master’s vineyard)

 

*****************

 

Opening Hymn: Judge Eternal, Throned in Splendor: LBW #418

OR Built on A/The Rock the Church Shall Stand: LBW #365, ELW #652, LSB #645

OR As Saints of Old Their Firstfruits Brought: LBW #404 (aw heck. I hate when great hymns are set to bad or difficult tunes. Use “Forest Green,” the jaunty English folk melody used for “I Sing the Almighty Power of God.” That’s what is used in ELW #695!), ELW #695

 

Hymn of the Day: There in God’s Garden: WOV #668, ELW #342

OR Ah, Holy Jesus: LBW #123, ELW #349

OR  Fruitful Trees, the Spirit’s Sowing: LSB #691

 

Communion 1: Son of God, Eternal Savior: LBW #364, ELW #655, LSB #842

 

Communion 2:  When I Survey the Wondrous Cross: LBW #482, ELW #803, LSB #425/6

 

Closing Hymn: The Church’s One Foundation: LBW #369, ELW #654, LSB #644

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

October 15: 20^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 23)

 

Note: even if your practice isn’t to have weekly communion, you might want to make an exception today! 😉

 

Isaiah 25:6-9 (On God’s holy mountain, a feast of fat things; death shall be destroyed)

 

Psalm 23 (You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies)

 

Philippians 4:4-13 (Rejoice in the Lord always; think on things excellent, honorable;

thanks for Philippians’ gift)

            ELW/RCL, Philippians 4:1-9, Stand fast in the Lord, rejoice, think on these things

 

Matthew 22:1-14 (The wedding feast…and its, er, substitute guest list)

 

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Opening Hymn: Arise, My Soul, Arise: LBW #516, ELW #827

OR Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee: LBW #551, ELW #836, LSB #803

 

Hymn of the Day:  O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts: LBW #356, ELW #658

OR At the Lamb’s High Feast: LBW #210, ELW #362, LSB #633

OR O Living Bread From Heaven: LBW #197, ELW #542, LSB #642

OR The Feast is Ready: ELW #531

 

 

Communion 1: Come, Let Us Eat, For Now the Feast is Spread: LBW #214, ELW #491, LSB #626

 

Communion 2: Soul Adorn Yourself with Gladness: LBW #224, ELW #488/9, LSB #636

 

Closing Hymn: Thine the Amen, Thine the Praise: WOV #801, ELW #826, LSB #680

OR Sent Forth By God’s Blessing: LBW #221, ELW #547, LSB #643

 

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October 22: 21^st Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 24)

 

Isaiah 45:1-7 (God anoints Cyrus on behalf of his Chosen People)

 

Psalm 96: 1-13 (Declare God’s glory among the nations, whose gods are but worthless idols)

 

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 (Paul commends Thessalonians for turning from idols to Christ)

 

Matthew 22:15-22 (Render to Caesar, and to God, what is due each)

 

********************

 

Opening Hymn: All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name: LBW #328/9, ELW #634, LSB #549

OR Come, All You People: ELW #819

 

Hymn of the Day: Holy God, We Praise Your Name: LBW #535, ELW #414, LSB #940

OR We Give Thee But Thine Own: LBW #410, ELW #686, LSB #781

 

Communion 1: On My Heart Imprint Your Image: LBW #102, ELW #811, LSB #422

 

Communion 2: Take My Life, That I May Be: LBW #406, ELW #583, 685, LSB #783/4

 

Closing Hymn: Gracious God, You Send Great Blessings: LSB #782 (really nice hymn!)

OR God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending: LBW #408, ELW #678

                        Note: if tune is unfamiliar, sing it to “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”

 

 

 

 

October 29: Reformation Sunday

 

Revelation 14:6-7 (Angel with eternal Gospel: fear God, give glory, hour of judgment)

            ELW/RCL, Jeremiah 31:31-34 (A new heart, engraved with God’s Word)

 

Psalm 46 (A mighty fortress is our God!)

 

Romans 3:19-28 (All have sinned, fallen short of God’s glory; but his righteousness is grasped

by faith, not works)

 

John 8:31-36 (If the Son makes you free, you are free indeed)

 

******************

 

Opening Hymn: Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty: LBW #250, ELW #533, LSB #901

 

Hymn of Praise: All Glory Be to God on High: LBW #166, ELW #410, LSB #947

 

Hymn of the Day: Thy Strong Word Did Cleave the Darkness: LBW #233, ELW #511, LSB #578

 

Communion 1: Word of God, Come Down on Earth: WOV #716, ELW #510, LSB #545

 

Communion 2:  Now Thank We All Our God: LBW #534, ELW #839/840, LSB #895

 

Closing Hymn: A Mighty Fortress is Our God:

LBW #228/9, ELW #504 (note, #505 is a gender-neutral version), LSB #656/7

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

 

November 5: All Saints’ Sunday

 

Revelation 7:9-17 (Behold a host, arrayed in white! Blessing and honor and glory and power

be unto God and the Lamb!)

 

Psalm 34:1-10, 22 (O taste and see how gracious the Lord is; look upon him and be radiant;

the Lord ransoms the lives of his servants)

 

1 John 3:1-3 (We are God’s children now; we shall be like Jesus, for we shall see him as he is)

 

Matthew 5:1-12 (The Beatitudes)

 

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Opening Hymn: For All the Saints: LBW #174, ELW #422 (note: it’s edited to be less martial), LSB #677

 

OR Blessing, Honor, Glory to the Lamb: ELW #433

 

Hymn of Praise: Blessing and Honor and Glory and Power: LBW #525, ELW #854

OR Alabare: WOV #791, LSB #799/800

OR Cantad Al Senor: WOV #795, ELW #822

 

Hymn of the Day: Behold the/a Host, Arrayed in White: ELW #425, LSB #676

Who Is this Host, Arrayed in White: LBW #314

 

OR Blest are They: WOV #764, ELW #728

 

Communion 1: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling: LBW #315, ELW #631, LSB #700

 

Communion 2: Thee We Adore, O Hidden Savior, Thee: LBW #199, LSB #640

Thee We Adore, O Savior, God Most True: ELW #476

 

Closing Hymn: Rejoice, O Pilgrim Throng: LBW #553, LSB #813

Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart: ELW #873/4

 

 

November 12: 24^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 27)

 

Amos 5:18-24 (Woe to those who desire the Day of the Lord! He despises your feasts

 and sacrifices; let justice, righteousness roll down like streams of water)

 

Psalm 70 (Let those who seek you find deliverance)

 

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (Do not grieve as those without hope; Christ will come with trumpet)

 

Matthew 25:1-13 (Parable of the wise and foolish virgins)

 

***************

 

Opening Hymn: Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers: LBW #25, ELW #244, LSB #515

 

Hymn of the Day: Wake, Awake, For Night is Flying: LBW #31, ELW #436 (funky translation warning!), LSB #516

 

Communion 1: Let Justice Roll Like Streams: WOV #763, ELW #717

OR Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise: LBW #526, ELW #834, LSB #802

 

Communion 2: My Lord, What a Morning: WOV #627, ELW #438, LSB #968

 

Closing Hymn: My Hope is Built on Nothing Less: LBW #293/4, ELW #596/597, LSB #575/6

OR Let Streams of Living Justice (great tune!): ELW #710

 

OR The Bridegroom Soon Will Call Us: LSB #514

 

 

 

 

November 19: 25^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 28)

 

Zephaniah 1:7-16 (The Day of the Lord comes as darkness and judgment for the complacent)

 

Psalm 90:1-12 (O God, our help in ages past! Teach us to number our days

and apply our hearts to wisdom)

 

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 (Be sober, watchful – the Lord will come like a thief in the night;

therefore act as children of the day)

 

Matthew 25:14-30 (The parable of the servants given talents)

 

***************

 

Opening Hymn: Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending: LBW #27, ELW #435, LSB #336

OR Christ is Surely Coming: LSB #509

 

Hymn of the Day:  The Night Will Soon Be Ending (great words and tune!): LSB #337

OR Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding: LBW #37 (I’m sure this is a worthy, though obscure, tune. MY advice: find something different, like “Merton,” used in ELW, LSB, and SBH. If you don’t have any of those hymnals for that ridiculously familiar tune, sing this hymn to “Omni Dei,” used for LBW #200, “For the Bread Which You Have Broken.”), ELW #246, LSB #345

OR (if NOT used on Oct. 22)  We Give Thee But Thine Own: LBW #410, ELW #686, LSB #781

 

Communion 1: O God, Our Help in Ages Past: LBW #320, ELW #733 LSB #733

 

Communion 2: I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light: WOV #649, ELW #815 LSB #411

 

Closing Hymn: Through the Night of Doubt and Sorrow: LBW #355, ELW #327

OR One Thing’s Needful; Lord, This Treasure: LSB #536, v. 1, 3-5

 

 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

November 26: Christ the King Sunday

 

Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 (God himself will be King and Shepherd to his people)

 

Psalm 95:1-7a (The Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods)

 

Ephesians 1:15-23 (Glorious inheritance given those who believe in Christ,

whom the Father has exalted high above all rulers and authorities)

 

Matthew 25:31-46 (Parable of the Last Judgment and the sheep/goat divide)

 

*******************

 

Opening Hymn: O God Beyond All Praising: WOV #797, ELW #880

 

OR Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor: LBW #172, LSB #534, ELW #475

 

Hymn of the Day: Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us: LBW #424, ELW #707, LSB #851

OR O Christ, What Can It Mean for Us (familiar tune) (ELW #431)

OR Jesus Shall Reign: LBW #530, ELW #434, LSB #832

 

Communion 1: Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love: WOV #765, ELW #708 LSB #980

 

Communion 2:  Beautiful Savior: LBW #518, ELW #838, LSB #537

 

Closing Hymn: Crown Him with Many Crowns: LBW #170, ELW #855, LSB #525

 

 

“And I heard the angel of the waters saying, “Righteous are You, the One who is and who was, O Holy One, because You judged these things; for they poured out the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. They deserve it” (Revelation 16:5-6)

Vengeance belongs to the Lord.  He will repay.  But do not pray for vengeance, but instead pray for mercy.  Pray that those in this world would repent and come to the Lord while they can.  Bend your heart toward compassion, for this world is filled with vengeance – and it belongs to God alone.  Only the Lord knows true justice.  Only the Lord can properly deal with the rebellion of the wicked in this age.

Lord, I see these things and then want to seek vengeance.  It is not mine, but yours alone.  Teach me how to be merciful even to those whom I think should not receive mercy.  You have given me mercy and I suppose there could well be those who would rather I had not received it.  Teach me to live as Your disciple as I journey toward becoming like You.  Take me away from living in the way of this world.

Lord, I am easily and often confused between the way of this world and the way to which You are calling me.  It frightens me how easily I revert to thinking in terms of anger and hatred.  Guide me in the way of everlasting life, saving Lord, so that I may walk humbly with You.  I deserve vengeance and wrath, but by Your grace, I have received mercy.  Help me to be forever thankful.  Amen.

“Then the third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of waters; and they became blood” (Revelation 16:4).

From the oceans, up through the rivers and to the springs.  We are guilty of having polluted our land.  We have not been good stewards.  How much soil has been forever ruined because of our acts?  The gall and wormwood will kill.  Lord, have mercy.  Christ, have mercy.  Lord, have mercy.  There are none who are good, no, not one.  Turn my eyes to You, O Lord, that I would look and live.

Lord, You have given us the sign of Moses.  You did not promise that we would escape unscathed.  You promised that we would be with You.  Lead me away from foolish thinking to humbly submit to Your salvation.  Guide me away from where the world seems to be heading.  They believe that we sinners can save ourselves from sin.  Lord, You have revealed the truth.  Only in You is there hope.

Lord Jesus, I sometimes let others define who I am.  I do not look to You and hear the truth of all that You have spoken.  Guide me in the way of everlasting life so that I may humbly walk with You, my Lord and God.  Lead me in the way of righteousness so that no matter what happens to me in this age, I may praise You and thank You for the grace You have given me and do what You require.  Your grace is more than sufficient, and I thank You.  Amen.

“The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became blood like that of a dead man; and every living thing in the sea died” (Revelation 16:3).

 have often wondered if this is the pollution we have poured into the sea or the after-effects of it.  We humans are guilty of having polluted so many places.  Will we eventually pay the price for our lack of stewardship?  We already do.  This does not mean that a day may come where, quite literally, this happens as it is being described.  For us, this is a reminder that we are called to be stewards of the earth and to seek to obey all that the Lord has commanded. 

Lord, it is difficult enough for me just to work on the commandments You have given me.  I confess that I try to be a good steward, but I am not good.  Tribulation will come because of sin.  Even if I am not directly involved, I will pay a price.  Lead me away from selfish thinking so that in all circumstances, I will give thanks for the salvation You have given me.  Knowing these things makes me sad, but to know Your grace restores my joy.

Lord Jesus, You said there would be a new heaven and a new earth.  You have promised that all who are in You should be with You forever.  In hearing these words today, what will happen between here and there is not going to be pleasant.  Wrap Your protective arms around me that I may be strengthened for whatever befalls me on this side of life, knowing that You will use all things to shape me for eternity.  Help me to be a steward and care where I am able for the world around me.  Amen.