“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits;” (Psalm 103:1-2)

 

To be blessed is to go through the difficulties to see that a work has been done. Jesus was blessed through the cross. We are that blessing. To ask the Lord for blessing is not to receive some gift from out of the blue, but to know that the Lord is working in and through your life to produce the good fruit that only He can produce when you abide in Him, and He in you.

Lord, guide me ever deeper into the mystery of faith that I would truly be blessed and understand the blessings that You give and have given. Work on my heart and mind that I would be transformed into the image of Christ. Help me now and always to see in the salvation You provide the only hope to navigate through this life and this world. Lift me up to always be with You.

Lord Jesus, you taught us to abide in You and that You would abide in us. In the monotony of life give me the singular purpose of abiding in all that You give me to abide in. You are the Savior and it is You who must always lead. Guide me, O Lord, that I may now and always live into the life to which You have called me through faith. May I bless others as You have blessed me. Amen.

November 2018 Lutheran CORE Newsletter

“But You are the same, and Your years will not come to an end. “The children of Your servants will continue, and their descendants will be established before You.” (Psalm 102:27-28)

 

The Lord is the same today, yesterday, tomorrow and forever. He who knows all things is unchanging and He is not inside of time. The passage of time means change. Time and space were invented by Him. Know that it is He who established you and He will establish those who come after you. Trust in the Lord who is forever and be comforted that His all-knowing, all-seeing, truth is with You and all who trust in Him.

Lord, there are parts of what You speak that I can only begin to fathom. I can say the words, but the reality is something I am unable to grasp. Lead me, O Lord, into the truth of Your provision that I would humbly submit to the reality that You are the One in whom all things have their being. Guide me in Your goodness to know that without You I am nothing but that I can do all things through You. 

Lead me, Lord Jesus, in the way of salvation. Guide me through this life to see the hope of eternity no matter what comes. Guide me in the truth of Your will and way that I may grow each day according to Your grace and mercy. In and through all things, help me to realize that it is only through You that anything in this life makes sense. Thank You for Your salvation. Amen.

“Of old You founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. “Even they will perish, but You endure; and all of them will wear out like a garment; like clothing You will change them and they will be changed.” (Psalm 102:25-26)

 

Everything you see in this creation is temporary. The Lord God is forever. Do you place your hope on that which is temporary or are you looking to the One who is forever. Come into the Lord’s presence and know that He who formed You knows you by name. He has called you into His presence to be with Him now and forever. Be guided by His ways and know the life into which You are called.

Lord, Your Word speaks clearly of the things You have made. It also speaks of the reality of eternity. You have called me to come into Your will and walk according to Your ways. Lead me, O Lord, in the way of salvation that I may abide in You now and forever. Lift up my countenance to see more clearly each day the way You would have me go that I may go Your way.

Holy Spirit, lead me by the grace You have provided that I may today and every day grow into the image of Christ my Savior. Teach me what I need to learn and remove the obstacles that get in the way that I may now and always walk the narrow path that leads to eternal life. May I abide in Your presence and I ask that You abide in me that I may be directed according to the Father’s will. Amen.

He has weakened my strength in the way; He has shortened my days. I say, “O my God, do not take me away in the midst of my days, Your years are throughout all generations.” (Psalm 102:23-24)

 

We each have the desires of our heart. We want more years in which to do the things that compel us. Yet, behind this desire is the call of eternity. Yes, relish this life that you have been given, but know also that you were created for eternity. Care for this life as you prepare for the eternity to which you have been called in and through the One who is eternal.

Lord, this life You have given me is filled with conflict. Guide me, O Lord, in the way of eternity that I may learn how to become like Christ. Lead me through this life as I learn the way You have shown through grace. Guide me, Lord, that I may now and always live the way that is pleasing in Your sight. O Lord, keep me in You and Your way now and always.

Lord Jesus, this life is fleeting and temporary. You have come to lead the way that all who are in You would learn from You and be transformed by You. Guide me now and always in the grace I need to live into the life to which You have called me and for which You have prepared the way. May I always remain in You by listening to the Spirit as You speak and guide me. Amen.

“That men may tell of the name of the Lord in Zion and His praise in Jerusalem, when the peoples are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the Lord.” (Psalm 102:21-22)

 

What is our purpose? Why did the Lord create us? We are to love the Lord and our neighbor – serving the Lord and serving one another knowing that He also has been serving us. It is not about self alone, but also the community in which you find yourself. The community begins with the Lord. Be gathered together and live in the realm of Zion. Know the Lord and know yourself.

Lord, this world is very isolating. There are people all around, yet I see that many, including myself, are often very isolated and alone. Help me, O Lord, to see that in You alone is the hope of life, for You created it. Guide me into the life which You have given by grace that I may live into the eternal life that You have promised. May I always serve You and my neighbor according to Your purpose.

Come, Holy Spirit, and guide me in the goodness of the life of one who dwells in Zion. Let Your name be on my lips and Your presence evident to those around me. May I do the bidding of the Father and learn to delight in the life into which I have been called. Grant that I be bold in faith and firm in conviction, gracious in action and loving to all who are around me, according to Your will . Amen.

“For He looked down from His holy height; from heaven the Lord gazed upon the earth, to hear the groaning of the prisoner, to set free those who were doomed to death,” (Psalm 102:19-20)

 

All have sinned and the wages of sin is death. We are born into a prison camp with a death sentence upon us. The Lord has come in His mercy to give grace that all who turn to Him would have the sentence commuted that they would join with the Lord in eternity. The doom has been removed, though we remain still in the camp filled with those under the death sentence.

Lord, help me to see through the nonsense of this world to live into the purpose for which You have created me. Guide me according to Your goodness to live into my call. You have given me grace upon grace that I may know that You are God and there is no other. Lead me into a life of praise and thanks in which I may do what is pleasing in Your sight. Place praise upon my lips and love in my heart.

Lord Jesus, by Your example and through Your grace, help me now and always to see You first each and every day. Guide me into the life to which I have been called and teach me every step of the way. May my heart be pliable to You and my attitude receptive to all that You teach. Lead me today to grow in becoming a child of the Heavenly Father to His praise forever. Amen

“He has regarded the prayer of the destitute and has not despised their prayer. This will be written for the generation to come, that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord.” (Psalm 102:17-18)

 

A people yet created will praise the Lord. There are amongst all of those in the world, from every tribe and tongue, those who praise the Lord. God’s Word has gone out and not come back void. Be amongst those from all around the globe who lift up their voices knowing that He hears and answers. Give your response by praising the One who has made you and holds you in His hands.

Lord, amidst the cacophony of this world, Your voice rings true. Let me hear Your Word above all the noise of this world that I may sing your praises with my life. Lead me, O Lord, in the way of eternal life that by grace I may move forward according to Your good and gracious plan. Help me now and always to see Your goodness and mercy and know that I am always in Your hands.

Lord Jesus, You came to pave the way for a people not yet born to walk in the way You have established so as to be amongst those who will be in Zion. Lead me into Your congregation that I would now and always praise You above all the gods of this world and be transformed into Your perfect image. Help me this day by reminding me that all of my prayers are heard and answered. Amen.

Lessons and Hymn Suggestions

Advent-Transfiguration of Our Lord, Cycle C

December 2, 2018 – March 3, 2019

 

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 standard Revised Common Lectionary, 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.

 

December 2, 2018: 1^st Sunday of Advent

 

Jeremiah 33:14-16 (The righteous branch of David will spring up)

Psalm 25:1-10 (Be mindful of your mercy, instruct sinners in your way, do not let enemies exult)

1 Thessalonians 3:8-13 (The Lord make you abound in love, and strengthen hearts in holiness, 

that you may be blameless at the coming of Jesus)

Luke 21:25-36 (The Son of Man comes; heaven and earth will pass away, but not my words)

 

Opening Hymn: LBW #32, Fling Wide the Door (ELW #259)

OR LSB #340, Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates; a nice translation)

OR LSB #339, Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Everlasting Doors

Hymn of the Day: LBW #28, Savior of the Nations, Come (LSB #332, ELW #263)

OR   LBW #33, The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns (LSB #348, ELW #260)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW#22, The Advent of Our God (LSB #331, The Advent of Our King)

OR ELW #359, Where Charity and Love Prevail (goes with Epistle)   (LBW #126, LSB #845)

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

Closing Hymn: LBW #322, The Clouds of Judgment Gather (a much more upbeat hymn than the first line indicates. If the tune is tough, sing it to “Aurelia,” aka “The Church’s One Foundation.” Or use what LSB uses- “Llangloffan,” a sturdy Welsh tune.) (LSB #513)

            OR ELW #438, My Lord, What a Morning (WOV #627)

 

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December 9, 2018: 2^nd Sunday of Advent

 

Malachi 3:1-7b (I will send my messenger; refiner’s fire; presents God’s people for judgment)

ELW: Malachi 3:1-4 (no presentation for judgment)

Psalm 66:1-12 (You refined and tested us, and brought us into spacious place)

            ELW: Luke 1:68-79 (the song of Zechariah)

Philippians 1:2-11 (Prayer that they may overflow with love, wisdom and insight, and be blameless at the day of Christ, having produced harvest of righteousness)

Luke 3:1-14(15-20) (The ministry of John the Baptist)

ELW: Luke 3:1-6 (the rest comes next week)

 

Opening Hymn: LBW #37, Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding (The words are great. This tune is weird. I suggest using the tune that every sensible hymnal uses, including SBH, ELW and LSB, “Merton.” You can also use “Rathbun” which in LBW is used for “In the Cross of Christ I Glory”.) (LSB #345, ELW #246)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #556, Herald, Sound the Note of Judgment (LSB #511)

          OR ELW #552, Blest Be the God of Israel

OR WOV #725, Blessed Be the God of Israel (ELW #250)

          OR LSB #936, Sing Praise to the God of Israel

Communion Hymn #1: WOV #630, Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah (ELW #240)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #36, On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry (LSB #344, ELW #249)

Closing Hymn: LBW #29, Comfort, Comfort Now My People (LSB #347, ELW #256)

 

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December 16, 2018: 3^rd Sunday of Advent

 

Zephaniah 3:14-20 (Shout for joy, daughter of Zion! God comes as warrior and lover)

Psalm 85 (Show us your steadfast love, grant us your salvation; love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss)

            ELW: Isaiah 12:2-6 (God is my salvation, give thanks, sing praise, make his name known)

Philippians 4:4-7 (Rejoice in the Lord always; God’s peace, which passes understanding, guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus)

Luke 7:18-28 (29-35) (Tell John you have seen the lame walk, the blind given sight, and the poor given the Gospel)

            ELW: Luke 3:17-18: (Ministry of John, stopping short of being put in prison)

 

Opening Hymn: LBW #32, Fling Wide the Door (ELW #259)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #35, Hark, the Glad Sound! (LSB #349, ELW #239)

          OR LSB #849, Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness (ELW #843; different tune, but either is familiar)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #537, O Jesus, King Most Wonderful

          OR ELW #242, Awake, Awake, and Greet the New Morn (WOV #633)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #530, Jesus Shall Reign Where E’er the Sun (LSB #832, ELW #434)

Closing Hymn: LBW #25, Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers (LSB #515, ELW #244)

 

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December 23, 2018: 4^th Sunday of Advent

 

Micah 5:2-5a (From Bethlehem comes the mighty Shepherd who will feed his flock)

Psalm 80:1-7 (Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel! You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine! Stir up your might! Restore us; let your face shine, that we may be saved.

Hebrews 10:5-10 (Christ comes to do God’s will and sanctify us by his offering)

Luke 1:39-56 (Magnificat!)

 

Opening Hymn:  LBW #58, Lo, How a Rose is Growing (LSB #359, ELW #272, Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming – traditional words and nice harmonization. I suggest this version.)

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

          OR LSB #346, When All the World Was Cursed (Trust me. Familiar tune, and verse 2 is perfect for today)

          OR ELW #266, All Earth is Hopeful

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #34, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (LSB #357, ELW 257)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #42, Of the Father’s Love Begotten (LSB #384, ELW #295)

Closing Hymn: LBW #41, O Little Town of Bethlehem (LSB #361, ELW #279)

 

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December 24, 2018: Christmas Eve, the Nativity of Our Lord

 

Isaiah 9:2-7 (The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; for to us a child is born; his name is Wonderful Counsellor…)

Psalm 96 (The Lord is king; he will judge world with righteousness and the people with his truth)

Titus 2:11-14 (We wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave himself for us, redeems us from iniquity, and purifies for himself a people zealous for good deeds)

 Luke 2:1-20 (The Nativity of Jesus Christ)

 

Opening Hymn: LBW #45, O Come, All Ye Faithful (LSB #379, ELW #283)

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

Gradual Hymn: LBW #55, Good Christian Friends, Rejoice (ELW #288)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #54, It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (LSB #366, ELW #282)

          OR LSB #362, O Sing of Christ (tune is “I sing th’almighty power of God”)

Offertory Hymn: LBW #40, What Child is This (ELW #296)

Communion Hymns: Use as many as needed for your circumstance!

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #69, I Am So Glad Each Christmas Eve (ELW #271)

Communion Hymn #2:  LBW #67, Away in a Manger (LSB #364, 365; ELW #277, 278)

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

Communion Hymn #4: LBW #41, O Little Town of Bethlehem (LSB #361, ELW #279)

Candle-Lighting Hymn: LBW #65, Silent Night (LSB #363, ELW #281)

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

 

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December 25, 2018: Christmas Day, the Nativity of Our Lord

 

Isaiah 52:7-10 (How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, brings good news, announces salvation, and who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”)

Psalm 2 (He said to me, “You are my son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.)

            ELW: Psalm 98 (Sing joyous praise to the Lord, who comes to judge with righteousness!)

Hebrews 1:1-12 (In many and various ways, God spoke to his people of old by the prophets; but now in these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son.)

John 1:1-18 (In the beginning was the Word; the Word became flesh and dwelt among us; we have beheld his glory, full of grace and truth…)

 

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

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

Gradual Hymn: LBW #51, v. 1-4, 12-14, From Heaven Above to Earth I Come

          (LSB #358, v. 1-4, 13-15; ELW #268, v. 1-4, 12-14)

Hymn of the Day: ELW #269, Once in Royal David’s City (LSB #376, WOV #643)

          OR LBW #73, All Hail to You, O Blessed Morn

          OR the 1-verse wonder of the same tune, LSB #43, Rejoice, Rejoice This Happy Morn

          OR LSB #378, Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light. I can’t believe this isn’t in LBW.)

Offertory Hymn: ELW #294, In the Bleak Midwinter

          OR  LBW #40, What Child is This (ELW #296)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW#62, The Bells of Christmas (ELW #298)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #58, Lo How a Rose (ELW #272)

Closing Hymn: LBW #70, Go Tell it on the Mountain (ELW #290)

 

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December 30, 2019: Christmas 1

 

Exodus 13:1-3a, 11-15 (Consecrate the firstborn males of your people; for I redeemed you out of slavery by killing Egyptian firstborn)

          ELW: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 (The child Samuel ministers at Shiloh)

Psalm 111 (Great are God’s works; the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom)

Colossians 3:12-17 (Clothe selves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, forgiveness, love. Let peace of Christ rule in your hearts, and his word dwell in you richly)

Luke 2:22-40 (In Temple, Simeon and Anna glorify God for Jesus, the fulfillment of his promises)

            ELW: Luke 2:41-5 (the boy Jesus with the elders in the Temple)

 

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

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

Gradual Hymn: WOV #716, Word of God, Come Down on Earth (LSB #545, ELW #510)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #184, In His Temple Now Behold Him (LSB #519, ELW #417)

             OR LBW #30, Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus (LSB #338, ELW #254)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #41, O Little Town of Bethlehem (LSB #361, ELW #279)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #56, The First Noel (ELW #300)

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

 

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January 6, 2019: The Epiphany of Our Lord

 

Isaiah 60:1-6 (Arise, shine, your Light has come; kings shall bring riches)

Psalm 72:1-11(12-15) (Give the king justice, O God, let kings from far away bring tribute)

Ephesians 3:1-12 (Paul is an apostle to the Gentiles, who are granted fullness of salvation through Christ)

Matthew 2:1-12 (The wise men come to worship Jesus, return home by another way)

 

Opening Hymn: LBW #82, As With Gladness Men of Old (LSB #397; ELW #302)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #81, O Chief of Cities, Bethlehem (a nice English folk tune. And the words really shouldn’t be missed. If you think the tune is more than your folks can handle, use tune for “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come”)

          OR LBW #265, Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies (LSB #873; ELW #553)

          OR LSB #399, v. 1, 2, 5, The Star Proclaims the King is Here

Offertory Hymn: LBW #84, Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning (LSB #400; ELW #303)

Communion Hymn #1: WOV #646, We Three Kings of Orient Are

          OR ELW #307, Light Shone in Darkness

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #75, Bright and Glorious is the Sky (ELW #301)

Closing Hymn: LBW #76, O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright (LSB #395; ELW #308) (you may, for the sake of time, use just verses 1, 4, 6; or, if you choose to not use LBW #81 as the Hymn of the day, then use#76, v. 1-4 in that place, and use v.5-6 as the closing hymn)

 

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January 13, 2019: The Baptism of Our Lord

 

Isaiah 43:1-7 (I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior)

Psalm 29 (Ascribe glory to the Lord; his mighty voice resounds over the waters)

Romans 6:1-11 (We are baptized into the death and resurrection of Christ)

            ELW:  Acts 8:14-17 (Peter and John lay hands on those baptized in Jesus’ name, they receive Spirit)

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 (John speaks of the One who will baptize with fire and the Holy Spirit; the baptism of Jesus)

 

Opening Hymn: LBW #546, When Morning Gilds the Skies (ELW #853)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #191, Praise and Thanksgiving Be to God Our Maker (ELW #458) (tune is same as for “Father Most Holy”)

          OR LSB #405, To Jordan’s River Came Our Lord

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

          OR LSB #399, v. 1, 3, 5, The Star Proclaims the King is Here

Communion Hymn #1: LBW 507, How Firm a Foundation (LSB #728, ELW #796)

           OR ELW #454, Remember and Rejoice

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

Closing Hymn: LBW #188, I Bind Unto Myself Today (LSB #604, ELW #450) (Note: ELW and LSB conveniently have this laid out on 2 facing pages. LSB also has a verse that has been omitted from LBW and ELW. If you dare, add it: “Against the demon snares of sin, the vice that gives temptation force, the natural lusts that war within, the hostile foes that mar my course; Or few or many, far or nigh, in ev’ry place, and in all hours, against their fierce hostility, I bind to me those holy pow’rs!)

 

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January 20, 2019: 2^nd Sunday after the Epiphany, Proper 1

 

Isaiah 62:1-5 (Zion shall be the beautiful and beloved bride of God)

Psalm 128 (The blessedness of family life for those who love God)

            ELW: Psalm 36:5-10 (God’s steadfast love, righteousness, judgments, salvation are for all. “In your light we see light.”)

1 Corinthians 12:1-11 (no one speaking by the Spirit of God says “Let Jesus be cursed;” no one says “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit. There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit)

John 2:1-11 (Wedding at Cana)

 

Opening Hymn: LBW #90, Songs of Thankfulness and Praise (LSB #394, ELW #310)

Hymn of the Day: LSB #408, Come, Join in Cana’s Feast

          OR LBW #78, All Praise to You, O Lord

          OR ELW #312, Jesus, Come! For We Invite You

          OR LSB #399, v. 1, 4, 5, The Star Proclaims the King is Here

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #457, 458, Jesus, Priceless Treasure (LSB #743, ELW #775)

          OR ELW #487, What Feast of Love (WOV #701)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #205, Now the Silence (LSB #910, ELW #460)

Closing Hymn: LBW #224, Soul, Adorn Yourself With Gladness (LSB #636, ELW #488, 489 {the latter is a lovely Hispanic tune, same words})

 

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January 27, 2019: 3^rd Sunday after the Epiphany, Proper 2

 

Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 (Ezra reads the book of Moses, instructs the people; Nehemiah declares a day of feasting)

Psalm 19:1-14 (The heavens proclaim God’s glory; my heart rejoices in his precepts. Let the words of my mouth and meditation of my heart be acceptable in his sight)

1 Corinthians 12:12-31a (The unity of the Body of Christ)

Luke 4:16-30 (Jesus reads from the prophet Isaiah concerning the healing of the poor, lame, blind and imprisoned, declaring that today that Word has been fulfilled)

              ELW: Luke 4:14-21 (Rest heard next week)

 

Opening Hymn: LBW #87, Hail to the Lord’s Anointed (LSB #398; ELW #311)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #380, O Christ Our Light, Our Radiance True (ELW #675) (LSB #839, O Christ, Our True and Only Light)

          OR LSB #412, The People That in Darkness Sat

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #410, We Give Thee But Thine Own (LSB #781, ELW #686)

          OR WOV #652, Arise, Your Light Has Come (ELW #314)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #425, O God of Mercy, God of Might (LSB #852; ELW #714; both are “O God of Mercy, God of Light”)

Closing Hymn: LBW #559, O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing (LSB #528, ELW #886)

 

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February 3, 2019: 4^th Sunday after the Epiphany, Proper 3

 

Jeremiah 1:4-10, 17-19 (God calls Jeremiah to speak his Word)

            ELW: Jeremiah 1:4-10 (Omits “Gird up your loins, tell them everything I speak against them; I make you like a fortified city”)

Psalm 71:1-11 (O God, be my rock of refuge; deliver me from my enemies; rescue me from the cruel and wicked)

            ELW: Psalm 71:1-6 (Eliminates obeisance of the King’s enemies)

1 Corinthians 12:31b-13:13 (In praise of charity; faith, hope and love abide, the greatest is love)

Luke 4:31-44 (Jesus casts out demon in temple; heals Peter’s mother-in-law; tells assorted demons to take a hike and shut up about him)

          ELW: Luke 4:21-30 (The worshippers take offense at Jesus’ words, try to run him off cliff)

 

Opening Hymn: LBW #315, Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (LSB #700, ELW #631)

Hymn of the Day: ELW #843, Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness (LSB #849)

OR LBW #400, God, Whose Almighty Word (ELW #673)

          OR ELW #44, Although I Speak With Heaven’s Tongue

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #126, Where Charity and Love Prevail (LSB #845, ELW #359)

          OR ELW #642, Ubi Caritas et Amor

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #406, Take My Life, That I May Be (LSB #783, 784; ELW #583, 685)

Closing Hymn: LSB #695, Not for Tongues of Heaven’ Angels

          OR LBW #359, In Christ There is no East or West (LSB #653, ELW #650)

 

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February 10, 2019: Fifth Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 4

 

Isaiah 6: 1-13 (Isaiah’s vision of God and commissioning as a prophet of judgment)

Psalm 138 (All shall praise God; he is high, yet regards the lowly. Preserve and save me from my foes, and fulfil your purpose for me!)

1 Corinthians 14:12b-20 (Spiritual gifts; interpretation is greater than tongues)

            ELW: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 (Proof and witnesses of the Resurrection)

Luke 5:1-11 (Jesus calls his first disciples; “Depart from me for I am a sinful man!”)

 

Opening Hymn: LBW #165, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty (LSB #507, ELW #413)

Hymn of the Day: ELW #580, How Clear is Our Vocation, Lord (LSB #853)

          OR LBW #381, Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling (LSB #826, “Hark the Voice of Jesus CRYING.” But LSB #827, confusingly, is called “Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling,” is similar, and certainly just as appropriate!)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #249, God Himself is Present (LSB #907)

          OR ELW #473, Holy, Holy Holy (sing through 3x)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #198, Let All Mortal flesh Keep Silence (LSB #621, ELW #490)

Closing Hymn: (if using 1 Cor. 15 text): LBW #189, We Know That Christ is Raised   (LSB #603, ELW #449)

          (if using 1 Cor. 14 text): LBW #415, God of Grace and God of Glory (LSB #850, ELW #705)

 

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February 17, 2019: Sixth Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 5

 

Jeremiah 17:5-8 (Cursed are those who trust mortals; they are like shrub in desert. Blessed are  those who trust God; they are like tree planted by water)

Psalm 1 (Ditto! The wicked shall not withstand judgment. God preserves the righteous.)

1 Corinthians 15:1-20 (The proofs and witnesses to the Resurrection. Consequences of believing or disbelieving that Christ is raised.)

          ELW: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 (Did first half last week!)

Luke 6:17-26 (Jesus heals; blessings and woes from Sermon on the Plain)

 

Opening Hymn: LSB #705, The Man is Ever Blessed (nice paraphrase of Psalm 1 and 1^st lesson!)

          OR LBW #227, How Blest are They Who Hear God’s Word (I know, you don’t know the tune and there’s no substitute possible. Try it anyway. It is very easy, from the Danish Psalter.)

          OR LBW #248, Dearest Jesus, At Your Word (ELW #520) (LSB #904, Blessed Jesus, at Your Word)

Hymn of the Day: WOV #764, Blest Are They (LSB #982, ELW #728)

          OR LBW #300, O Christ, Our Hope (LSB #553, ELW #604)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #352, I Know That My Redeemer Lives! (LSB #461, ELW #619)

Communion Hymn #2: you may not need one… 😉

Closing Hymn: (if you did NOT read the 1 Cor. 15 text last Sunday):

          LBW #189, We Know That Christ is Raised (LSB #603, ELW #449)

          (Otherwise…!) LBW #504, O God, My Faithful God (LSB #696)

          OR ELW #715, Christ, Be Our Light

 

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February 24, 2019: Seventh Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 6

 

Genesis 45:3-15 (Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and forgives them)

Psalm 103:1-13 (Bless the Lord, O my soul! As far as the east is from the west, so far does God remove our sins from us)

1 Corinthians 15:21-26, 30-42 (The consequences of the Resurrection; more than hoping in human power; the resurrection of the faithful, and glorified bodies)

          ELW: 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 (The resurrection body)

Luke 6:27-38 (Love enemies; be merciful, as Father is. Forgive and give, and you will be forgiven and will be given much!)

 

Opening Hymn: LBW #270, God of Our Life, All-Glorious Lord (Relax, the tune is the same as for “Holy God, We Praise Your Name!”)

          OR LBW #269, Awake, My Soul, and With The Sun (LSB #868, ELW #557)

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

          OR LBW #307, Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive (LSB #843, ELW #605)

          OR ELW #603, God, When Human Bonds Are Broken (It’s a familiar tune!)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #225, Lord Jesus Christ, We Humbly Pray (LSB #623)

          OR ELW #470, Draw Us In the Spirit’s Tether (WOV #703)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #353, May We Your Precepts, Lord, Fulfil (LSB #698)

          OR ELW #646, The Peace of the Lord

Closing Hymn: LBW #505, Forth in Thy Name, O Lord, I Go (If tune is too tough, toot to the Doxology!!)

                (LSB #854 different tune, same suggestion.)

          OR ELW #648, Beloved, God’s Chosen

          OR LSB #479, Christ is Risen, Christ is Living (Nice reflection on 1 Corinthians texts; can also be sung to “Come, Thou Fount of Ev’ry Blessing”)

          OR LBW #363, Christ is Alive! Let Christians Sing (ELW #389)

 

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March 3, 2019: The Transfiguration of Our Lord

 

Deuteronomy 34:1-12 (The death of Moses after God shows him the Promised Land; no one has arisen like Moses, whom God spoke to as a friend, face to face)

ELW: Exodus 34:29-35 (The shining face of Moses)

Psalm 99 (Extol the Lord, who spoke to his servants Moses and Aaron in a pillar of cloud. You, Lord, love justice and establish equity; you forgive sin and avenge wrongdoing)

Hebrews 3:1-6 (Moses was faithful as a servant in God’s house. Jesus is faithful as the Son)

          ELW: 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 (Unlike with Moses, who had to veil his face to the people after being with                    God,  we look upon the Lord with unveiled faces. Being transfigured from glory unto glory, we put aside                    shameful practices, commend selves to everyone in the sight of God)

Luke 9:28-36 (The Transfiguration of our Lord)

 

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

          OR LBW #525, Blessing and Honor (ELW #854)

Hymn of the Day:  LBW #80, O Wondrous Type! O Vision Fair!

          (LSB #413; ELW #316, “O Wondrous Image, Vision Fair”)

           LSB #416, Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory (can be sung to tune for “Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service”)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #89, How Good, Lord, to be Here (ELW #315)  (LSB #414, Tis Good, Lord, To Be Here)

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

Closing Hymn: LBW #552, In Thee is Gladness (LSB #818, ELW #867)

 

“So the nations will fear the name of the Lord and all the kings of the earth Your glory. For the Lord has built up Zion; He has appeared in His glory.” (Psalm 102:15-16)

 

The nations do fear the Lord. In those places where the faithful are attacked for clinging to what the Lord has taught, do not take it personally, but do see how much the Lord is reviled. Rebellion has increased and there are many who do not want to be reminded that God is Lord of all. But He has been made known to you and calls for you to walk in His goodness and mercy all the days of this life.

Lord, I often take things personally and do not see that You are not only always present, but also still Sovereign over all that You have made. Of course those who hate You rebel and want no reminder of You before them. Help me to see more clearly the battle of this age and to walk in Your presence humbly as one of Your redeemed. May the reflection of Your glory shine through me always.

Holy Spirit, I sometimes want to navigate through what is happening around me. Instead, help me to trust in Your leading that I would humbly submit as You direct and not worry about the outcomes. Guide me in the grace given that I may this day walk as You direct and do those things which are pleasing to You always. May I be found reflecting the glory of the Father this day. Amen.