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Lessons and Suggested Hymns, Advent – Transfiguration, Cycle B

(December 3, 2023 – February 11, 2024)

 

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

WOV – With One Voice (The Blue Book)

ELW – Evangelical Lutheran Worship (The Cranberry Book)

LSB – Lutheran Service Book (The Maroon 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.

 

Because some of the prayers of confession, as well as offertory and post-communion prayers, provided on certain resource pages lack theological heft or linguistic elegance, I have added some seasonal prayers that you are free to cut, paste, and revise as needed. They are modified from the copyright-free Online Book of Common Prayer, or are my own creation. These are found on the following pages. The regular prayers of intercession will, as usual, be provided weekly in their own Word documents.

 

 

 

 

A Brief Order of Confession and Holy Absolution for Advent

 

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, I confess to you with my whole heart my neglect and forgetfulness of your commandments: my wrong thinking, speaking, and acting; the hurts I have done to others; and the good I have left undone.  O God, forgive me, for I have sinned against you. Raise me to newness of life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Hear this promise of Almighty God: He prepares in our hearts a royal highway for his Son’s near approach, and cleanses us from all our sins. He drives away the darkness of sin and death, that we may behold the glory of his Son, the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Spoken Gospel Acclamation for Advent

 

Alleluia. Come and save us, LORD our God. Let your face shine upon us that we may be saved. Alleluia.

 

Offertory Prayer for Advent

 

Holy God, receive these tokens of our love for you. Make them holy, and use them as you desire, for the glory of your coming Kingdom, and for the well-being of the people you long to redeem. This we ask in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

 

Post-Communion Prayer for Advent

 

Almighty and ever-living God, we give you thanks for these heavenly gifts.  Kindle in us the fire of your Spirit. When your Christ comes again, make us shine as lights before his face; who is alive and reigns now and forever. Amen.

 

Sending Words for Advent

 

Go in peace. Prepare the way of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

 

 

 

A Brief Order of Confession and Holy Absolution for Christmastide

 

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 Father, we confess that we walk in the darkness of sin and not in your light. Sometimes we treat the priceless gift of your Son as an afterthought. And often we do not give the gifts of forgiveness, mercy, and care to those who need them from us. Lead us into the light of your love. Restore to us the joy proclaimed by angels and shepherds at your Son’s birth among us. Amen.

 

Behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy: For unto you is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord.  His name is Jesus, for he saves us from our sins. He is called Emmanuel, for he is God with us. For his sake, his Father forgives and blesses you, calls you his children, and bestows his Holy Spirit to guide, strengthen, and sanctify you in all your words and deeds. Amen.

 

Spoken Gospel Acclamation for Christmastide

 

Alleluia. The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. To those who accepted him he gave power to become the children of God. Alleluia.

 

Offertory Prayer for Christmastide

 

Heavenly Father, receive, bless, and use these gifts, given for love Jesus Christ, your gift to us, your Son, our Savior, and our Lord. Amen.

 

Post-Communion Prayer for Christmastide

 

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your great gift of love, your Son Jesus Christ. May we who have received his body and blood bear the light of his love into the world, to your glory and for the healing of the nations. Amen.

 

Sending Words for Christmastide

 

Go in peace. Christ is born. Thanks be to God. 

 

 

 

 

A Brief Order of Confession and Holy Absolution for the Epiphany Season

 

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 Father, although in Christ our light has come, at times we prefer the darkness of sin. We do not let your light shine in our lives so others may see our good works and glorify you. We are deeply sorry and humbly repent. Forgive us and fill us with your Spirit. Give us the joy of your salvation. Send us out to proclaim your salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Arise, shine, for your Light has come; and the glorious mercy of the Lord shines round about you. In the name of and by the authority of our Savior Jesus Christ, I announce the forgiveness of your sin. May the Holy Spirit strengthen your faith, heal your spirit, and equip you to proclaim the greatness of the Lord until he comes in glory. Amen.

 

Spoken Gospel Acclamation for the Epiphany Season

 

Alleluia. Glory to you, O Christ, proclaimed to the Gentiles. Glory to you, O Christ, believed in throughout the world. Alleluia.

 

Offertory Prayer for the Epiphany Season

 

Merciful Father, the magi brought gifts to your Son, the Babe of Bethlehem. Graciously accept our gifts, given to glorify and worship Christ our Savior, and to bring healing and hope to the people he came to redeem. Amen.

 

Post-Communion Prayer for the Epiphany Season

 

Gracious heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your dear Son, given to us in this holy Sacrament. Strengthen us, through this gift, in faith toward you, and in fervent love toward one another.  This we ask in the name of your Son Jesus Christ, our Light and our Life. Amen.

 

Sending Words for the Epiphany Season

 

Go in peace. Share the light of Christ. Thanks be to God.

 

December 3, 2023: Advent 1 (Blue or purple)

 

Isaiah 64:1-9 (tear open heavens and come; we are clay; do not be angry forever)

 

Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 (stir up your might and come; do not be angry forever)

 

1 Corinthians 1:39 (God strengths you; wait for Christ to be revealed)

 

Mark 13:24-37 (stay alert; lesson of fig tree; parable: master comes unexpectedly)

                OR Mark 11:1-10 (Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey)

 

 

Opening hymn: The King Shall Come: LBW #33, ELW #260, LSB #348

 

Or my “Advent hymn” (sung to the same tune)

With glory bright and heavenly peace, come quickly, Lord, again.

With judgment true the earth renew; the gates of life unpen.

 

God, Father, glory gilds your name; we worship and adore,

We bless and praise, our thanks we raise; your mercy we implore.

 

O glorious Sun of righteousness, bring healing on your wing.

By your dear grace, reveal your face, unbar our hearts to sing:

 

Sing, “Glory be to you, O Lord; to you, O Christ, be praise,

God’s Lamb of love from heav’n above, Redeemer of our race.”

 

Most glorious Spirit, Holy Lord, conform us to the Son,

To rightly praise through all our days what he for us has done.

 

O glory to the Father, Son, and Spirit ever be!

God, bring your life amidst our strife; Lord Jesus, come quickly.

 

Hymn of the Day: O Lord, How Shall I Meet You: LBW #23, ELW #241, LSB #355

(if the tune is unfamiliar, use the tune for “All Glory, Laud and Honor,” especially if the Palm Sunday processional gospel is used today. However, the words are also great for Isaiah text and Psalm)

 

OR O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: LBW #34, ELW #257, LSB #357

 

Communion Hymn #1: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus: LBW #30, ELW #254, LSB #338

 

Communion Hymn #2: My Lord, What a Morning: WOV #627, ELW #438, LSB #986

 

Closing Hymn: Savior of the Nations, Come: LBW #28, ELW #263 LSB #332

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December 10, 2023: Advent 2 (Blue or purple)

 

Isaiah 40:1-11 (Comfort my people; prepare way of the Lord; here is your God,

                who feeds his flock like a shepherd)

 

Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 (righteousness and peace kiss)

 

2 Peter 3:8-15a (1000 years like a day; end comes suddenly; live in righteousness, peace until He comes)

 

Mark 1:1-8 (John the Baptist announces One who is greater than he)

 

 

Opening hymn: Comfort, Comfort Now My People: LBW #29, ELW #256, LSB #347

 

Hymn of the Day:, On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry: LBW #26, ELW #249, LSB #344

(feel free to teach the choir my version: On Jordan’s banks, the Baptists cry; the Methodists are standing by; the Presbyterians all do sing, while Lutherans a hot dish bring….)

 

Communion Hymn #1:, O God, Our Help in Ages Past: LBW #320, ELW #632, LSB #733

 

OR Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah: WOV #630, ELW #240

 

Communion Hymn #2: The Advent of Our God/King: LBW #22, LSB #331

 

OR Come Now, O Prince of Peace: ELW #247

 

Closing Hymn: Prepare the Royal Highway: LBW #26, ELW #264, LSB #343

 

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December 17, 2023: Advent 3 (Blue, purple – or rose, if you can)

 

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 (God has anointed me with his Spirit; clothed me with joy of his salvation)

 

Psalm 126 (God restored fortunes of Jerusalem; those who go out weeping come back rejoicing)

                (ELW: this, or Luke 1:46b-55, the Magnificat)

 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (Rejoice; don’t quench Spirit; be holy)

 

John 1:6-8, 19-28 (John says who he isn’t, there’s one greater than he)

 

 

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

 

Hymn of the Day: Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding: LBW #37, ELW #246, LSB #345.  (The tune used in ELW and LSB is much superior to the LBW tune. Since the tune “Merton”isn’t in LBW, use “Omni Dei,” used for For the Bread Which You Have Broken)

 

Communion Hymn #1: Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness: LBW #224, LSB #636

 

Communion Hymn #2: Hail to the Lord’s Anointed: LBW #87, LSB #398

(Can also sing this hymn to tune of LBW #369, “The Church’s One Foundation. In fact, if you use it during communion, or have a congregation unfamiliar with the hymn, I’d recommend it.)

 

Closing Hymn: People, Look East: WOV #626, ELW #248

 

OR There’s a Voice in the Wilderness: ELW #255

 

OR, Hark, the Glad Sound!: LBW #35, LSB #349, ELW #239

 

 

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December 24, 2023: Advent 4 (Blue or purple)

 

2 Samuel 7:1-11,16 (David won’t build God’s house; God promises David’s house will endure)

 

Luke 1:46b-55 (Magnificat) (ELW alternate: Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26)

 

Romans 16:25-27 (Mysteries long hidden now revealed; final blessing)

 

Luke 1:26-38 (Annunciation of Gabriel to Mary)

 

 

Opening hymn: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: LBW #34, ELW #257, LSB #357

(if you didn’t use this the 1st Sunday in Advent. Or, heck, even if you did!)

 

Hymn of the Day: My Soul Now Magnifies the Lord: LBW #180, ELW #573, LSB #934

 

OR I Will Greatly Rejoice in the Lord: LSB #929, Chanted Canticle

 

OR The Angel Gabriel From Heaven Came: WOV #632, ELW #265, LSB #356

 

Communion Hymn #1:, O Jesus So Sweet, O Jesus So Mild: LSB #546

 

OR O Little Town of Bethlehem: LBW #41, LSB #361, ELW #279

 

Communion Hymn #2:, Lo, How A Rose E’er Growing/Blooming: LBW #58, ELW #272, LSB #359 (ELW and LSB use the familiar words and harmonization)

 

Closing Hymn: Let Our Gladness Have No End: LBW #57, ELW #291, LSB #381

 

OR My Soul Proclaims Your Greatness: ELW #251

 

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December 24, 2020: Christmas Eve (white/gold)

 

Isaiah 9:2-11 (Those in darkness have seen a great light; unto us a child is born)

 

Psalm 96 (great is the Lord; bring offerings, all nations!)

 

Titus 2:11-14 (God’s grace revealed in the flesh, gives strength

to be upright, pious)

 

Luke 2:1-20 (The birth of Jesus and visitation of the shepherds)

 

 

Opening hymn: O Come, All Ye Faithful: LBW #45, ELW #283, LSB #379

 

Hymn of Praise:  Hark the Herald Angels Sing: LBW #60, LSB #380, ELW #270

 

Hymn of Day:, From Heaven Above to Earth I Come: LBW #51, ELW #268, LSB #358

 

OR Holy Child Within the Manger: WOV #638  (a nice Marty Haugen piece)

 

Communion Hymn #1: ‘Twas In the Moon of Wintertime: LBW #72, ELW #284

 

OR Once in Royal David’s City: WOV #643, ELW #269, LSB #376

 

Communion Hymn #2: I Am So Glad Each Christmas Eve: LBW #69, ELW #271

 

Communion Hymn #3: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly: LBW #44, ELW #276, LSB #393

 

Hymn during candle lighting: Silent Night, Holy Night: LBW #65, ELW #281, LSB #363

 

Closing Hymn: Joy to the World: LBW #39, ELW #267, LSB #387

 

 

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December 25, 2020: Christmas Day: The Nativity of Our Lord (White or gold)

 

Isaiah 52:7-10 (Beautiful on mountain are feet of those announcing peace, salvation of God)

 

Psalm 98 (Sing a new song, all creation; God judges with equity, righteousness)

 

Hebrews 1:1-12 (God speaks to us through his Son, who is greater than angels)

 

John 1:1-14 (The Word is made flesh!)

 

 

Opening hymn: Angels, From the Realms of Glory: LBW #50, ELW #275, LSB #367

 

OR Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light: LSB #378

 

Hymn of Praise: Angels We Have Heard on High: LBW #71, ELW #289, LSB #368

 

Hymn of the Day: Of the Father’s Love Begotten: LBW #42, ELW #295, LSB #384

 

OR A Great and Mighty Wonder: LSB #383 (tune is “The Church’s One Foundation”)

 

Communion Hymn #1: The First Noel: LBW #56, ELW #300

 

Communion Hymn #2: In the Bleak Midwinter: ELW #294

 

OR Go Tell It on the Mountain: LBW #70, ELW #290, LSB #388

 

Closing Hymn: The Bells of Christmas Chime Once More: LBW #62, ELW #298

 

 

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December 31, 2023: 1st Sunday after Christmas (White or gold)

 

Isaiah 61:10—62:3 (I will exult in God, who has clothed me with salvation;

Zion will shine with the vindication of God, and all nations will see it!)

 

Psalm 111 (God has sent redemption; the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom)

                (ELW: Psalm 148)

 

Galatians 4:4-7 (God sent his Son under the law, adopts us as children so we may say Abba)

 

Luke 2:22-40 (The Holy Family in the temple)

 

 

Opening hymn: Good Christian Friends, Rejoice: LBW #55, ELW #288

 

OR LSB #386, Now Sing We, Now Rejoice: (same tune as above, different lyrics)

 

OR O Sing of Christ: LSB #362 (easy English folk tune)

 

OR Cold December Flies Away: LBW #53, ELW #299

 

Hymn of Praise: Let All Together Praise Our God: LBW #47, ELW #287, LSB #389

 

Hymn of the Day: In His Temple Now Behold Him: LBW #184, ELW #417, LSB #519 (if LBW tune is unfamiliar sing this to Regent Square, #50, Angels from the Realms of Glory, which is the tune ELW uses. The LSB tune, “Westminster,” is a wonderful English melody used in WOV for “Christ is Made the Sure Foundation.” 3 nice choices.)     

 

Communion Hymn #1: What Child is This: LBW #40, LSB #370, ELW #296

 

Communion Hymn #2: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly: LBW #44, ELW #276, LSB #393

 

Closing Hymn: O Lord, Now Let Your Servant: LBW #339, ELW #313

 

OR Lord, Bid Your Servant Go In Peace: LSB #937

 

OR my hymn paraphrase of the Nunc Dimitis

(sung to “The Bells of Christmas Chime Once More” or to “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come”)

 

Lord, let your servant go in peace, your faithful Word you have fulfilled.

This Word made flesh I now embrace: the sure salvation you have willed!

 

With my own eyes I see the lamp of glory giv’n to Israel,

The light for nations lost; the peace that makes your wounded people well.

 

Glory and praise, blest Trinity, dear Father, Holy Spirit, Son,

Your light no darkness overtakes, while endless ages ever run! *************************************************

Saturday, January 6, 2024: The Epiphany of Our Lord (White)

 

Isaiah 60:1-6 (Arise, shine, for your light has come! Israel gathered in; nations come and worship)

 

Psalm 72: 1-15 (Give the King your justice, O God; may he rule with righteousness)

ELW: Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14

 

Ephesians 3:1-12 (Gentiles are now fellow heirs, sharers of the promise of salvation in Christ; Paul’s ministry is to disclose this mystery to all people)

 

Matthew 2:1-12 (Magi worship infant Jesus)

 

 

Opening hymn: Bright and Glorious is the Sky: LBW #75, ELW #301

 

Hymn of Praise: Let All Together Praise Our God: LBW #47, ELW #287LSB #389

 

Hymn of the Day: O Chief of Cities, Bethlehem: LBW #81 good sung to “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come”

 

OR The Star Proclaims the King is Here (LSB #399) (same theme as “O Chief of Cities,” same meter, so if THIS tune is unfamiliar, you can also sing it to “From Heaven Above”!)

               

OR As With Gladness Men of Old: LBW #82, ELW #302, LSB #397

 

Communion Hymn #1: Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning: LBW #84, ELW #303, LSB #400

 

Communion Hymn #2: We Three Kings of Orient Are: WOV #646

 

OR When Morning Gilds the Skies: LBW #546, ELW #853, LSB #807

 

Closing Hymn: O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright: LBW #76, ELW #308, LSB #395

 

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January 7, 2024: Baptism of Our Lord (white)

Note: churches may dither, transfer, or combine this feast with the epiphany. This church year has compressed some festivals!!

 

Genesis 1:1-5 (God creates light)

 

Psalm 29 (the voice of the Lord upon the waters)

 

Acts 19:1-7 (baptism in name of Jesus)

 

Mark 1:4-11 (the Baptism of Jesus)

 

 

Opening hymn: Thy Strong Word Didst Cleave the Darkness: LBW #233, LSB #578

 

Hymn of Praise/prior to baptism or renewal of baptismal promises:

I Bind Unto Myself Today: LBW #188, ELW #450, LSB #604

 

Hymn of the Day: From God the Father, Virgin-Born: LBW #83, LSB #401

(Why, yes, I can suggest a familiar tune. Thanks for asking! The Doxology; From Heaven Above To Earth I Come; or Lord Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word will all work. Depending on whether you have already used the first two elsewhere in the season, the latter might be a good choice.)

 

OR When Jesus Came to Jordan: WOV #647, ELW #305

 

OR Remember and Rejoice: ELW #454 (very familiar tune)

 

OR Christ, When for Us You Were Baptized: ELW #304 (ditto!)

 

Communion Hymn #1: Praise and thanksgiving Be to God Our Maker: LBW #191 (tune is familiar – Father Most Holy, Merciful and Tender)

 

OR We Were/Are Baptized in Christ Jesus: WOV #698, ELW #452 (A piece of trivia: Ouilmette, the tune name, is the old French/Indian name for Wilmette, the town on the north shore of the Chicago area where my brother and sister-in-law live. Just thought you’d like to know.)

 

OR Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters: WOV #697

 

Communion Hymn #2: O Worship the King: LBW #548, ELW #842. LSB #804

 

Closing Hymn: Hail to the Lord’s Anointed: LBW #87, ELW #311. LSB #398

 

 

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January 14, 2024: 2nd Sunday after Epiphany (Proper 1)

 

1 Samuel 3:1-20 (the call of Samuel to be a prophet)

 

Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 (I am fearfully and wonderfully made; you knew me in the womb)

 

1 Corinthians 6:12-20 (the body made for the Lord; you are a temple for the Holy Spirit)

 

John 1:43-51 (Jesus calls Philip and Nathaniel)

 

 

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

 

OR Wondrous Are Your Ways, O God: LBW #311 (paraphrase of psalm, but tune wanders a bit.)

 

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

 

OR “Come, Follow Me” the Savior Spake: LBW #455, ELW #799, LSB #688

 

OR Speak, O Lord, Your Servant Listens: LSB #589 (Ties Old Testament and Gospel together!)

 

Communion Hymn #1:, Take My Life, That I May Be/and Let It Be: LBW #406, ELW #583, 685; LSB 783/4

 

Communion Hymn #2: Blessed Assurance: WOV #699, ELW #638

 

Closing Hymn: The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve: WOV #723

 

OR God’s Word is Our Great Heritage: LBW #239, ELW #509, LSB #582

 

 

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January 21, 2024: 3rd Sunday after Epiphany (Proper 2)

 

Jonah 3:1-5, 10 (Jonah preaches, Nineveh repents, God has mercy)

 

Psalm 62:5-12 (God judges all justly; trust in him)

 

1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (the time as short; live accordingly)

 

Mark 1:14-20 (time fulfilled, Kingdom near, repent; I will make you fishers of men)

 

 

Opening hymn: Christ Be My Leader: LSB #861 (tune is Lord of All Hopefulness)

 

OR O Christ Our Light, Our Radiance True: LBW #380, ELW #675

O Christ, Our True and Only Light : LSB #839

 

OR Christ, Be Our Light: ELW #715

 

Hymn of the Day: “As Surely As I Live,” God Said: LSB #614

 

OR O God of Light: Your Word, a Lamp Unfailing: LBW #237, LSB #836

 

OR Spread, O Spread, Almighty Word: LBW #379, ELW #663

Spread the Reign of God the Lord: LSB #830

 

Communion Hymn #1: I Love to Tell the Story: LBW #390, ELW #661

 

Communion Hymn #2: Rise Up, O Saints of God!: LBW #383, ELW #669

 

Closing Hymn: Lord of Light: LBW #405, ELW #688

 

 

 

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January 28, 2024: 4th Sunday after Epiphany (Proper 3)

 

 

Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (I will raise up a prophet, put my words in his mouth; listen to him alone)

 

Psalm 111 (God is faithful and just; praise him for his righteous deeds)

 

1 Corinthians 8:1-13 (Caring for brethren with weak consciences; eating food offered to idols)

 

Mark 1:21-28 (Jesus drives out a demon in Capernaum on Sabbath)

 

 

Opening hymn: Rise, Shine, You People!: LBW #393, ELW #665, LSB #825

 

Hymn of the Day: “Away From Us!” The Demon Cried: LSB #541 (Don’t panic; it’s same tune as “In Christ There Is No East or West”)

 

OR Hope of the World, Thou Christ of Great Compassion: LBW #493 (Do NOT panic if you think the congregation will struggle. You can sing this to hymn #84, “Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning,” a perfectly fine Epiphany hymn tune to boot!)

 

OR You are Mine: ELW #581 (It’s easier than it looks, honest!)

 

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

 

Communion Hymn #2: O Savior, Precious Savior: LBW #514, ELW #820, LSB #527

 

Closing Hymn: O Jesus, King Most Wonderful: LBW #537, LSB #554

 

OR Praise, Praise! You Are My Rock: ELW #862 (a sprightly Herb Brokering hymn)

 

 

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February 4, 2024: 5th Sunday after Epiphany (Proper 4)

 

Isaiah 40:21-31 (Those who trust the Lord will renew strength, rise like eagles)

 

Psalm 147:1-11,20c (The Lord cares for creation, lifts up downtrodden)

 

1 Corinthians 9:16-23 (Paul became all things to all people so some may be saved)

 

Mark 1:29-39 (Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law, then many people)

 

 

Opening hymn: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation

(LBW #543, ELW #858 (#859 is politically correct version!), LSB #790

 

OR I’m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me: ELW #860

 

OR Voices Raised to You We Offer: ELW #845, LSB #795 (Nice Herman Stuempfle hymn.)

 

Hymn of the Day: Hail to the Lord’s Anointed: LBW #87, ELW #311, LSB #398

(Yes, I know I selected this during Advent. See if anyone remembers! 😊 )

 

OR Praise to the Lord, All of You, God’s Servants: ELW #844

 

Communion Hymn #1: Let All Things Now Living: LBW #557, ELW #881

 

Communion Hymn #2: Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us With Your Love: WOV #765, ELW #708, LSB #980

 

Closing Hymn: When To Our World the Savior Came: LSB #551

(tune is “Lord, Speak to Us, That We May Speak”)

 

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

 

 

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February 11, 2024: Transfiguration of Our Lord

 

 

2 Kings 2:1-12 (Elisha sees Elijah being taken up into heaven in fiery chariot)

 

Psalm 50:1-6 (Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth)

 

2 Corinthians 4:3-6 (God shines in our hearts, gives light of knowledge of his glory, seen in face of Christ)

 

Mark 9:2-9 (The transfiguration of Christ)

 

 

Opening hymn: How/Tis Good, Lord, To Be Here!: LBW #89, ELW #315, LSB #414

 

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

 

Hymn of the Day: Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory: LSB #416

 

OR In Thee is Gladness: LBW #552, ELW #867, LSB #818

 

OR Jesus On the Mountain Peak: ELW #317

 

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

 

Communion Hymn #1: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise: LBW #526, LSB #802

 

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

 

Closing Hymn:  Alleluia, Song of Gladness: WOV #654, LSB #417 ELW #318

 

OR Alleluia! Sing to Jesus: LBW #158, LSB #821, ELW #392

 

OR O Wondrous Type/Image! O Vision Fair: LBW #80, ELW #316, LSB #413