Lessons and Suggested Hymns and Prayers,
Advent through Transfiguration,
Cycle A, December 1, 2019 – February 23, 2020
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.
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.
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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, that when your Christ comes again, we may 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.
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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 gift of forgiveness, mercy, and care to those who need them from us. Lead us into the light of your healing, forgiveness, and 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.
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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, too much we prefer the darkness of sin. We do not let your holy 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 once again the joy of your salvation; and send us out to proclaim your strong saving love, 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
Let us pray. 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
We thank you, gracious Father, 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.
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December 1, 2019: Advent 1
Isaiah 2:1-5 (Nations stream to the house of the Lord)
Psalm 122 (I was glad when they said to me Let us go up to the house of the Lord)
Romans 13:8-14 (Keep the commandments. Behave as children of the day)
RCL: Romans 13:11-14 (Omits part about commandments)
Matthew 21:1-11 (Jesus enters Jerusalem)
OR Matthew 24:36-44 (Signs of the end; coming of Son of Man)
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Opening Hymn: LBW #22, The Advent of Our God (LSB #331, The Advent of Our King)
OR ELW #247, Come Now, O Prince of Peace (simple Asian tune)
Hymn of the Day: LBW #28, Savior of the Nations, Come (LSB #332) (ELW #263; note omission of verse about dull hellfires…)
Communion 1: LBW #351, O Happy Day when We Shall Stand (ELW #441)
Communion 2: LBW #34, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (LSB #357, ELW #257 – they both have all the verses!)
Closing: LBW #31, Wake, Awake, For Night is Flying (LSB #516) (ELW #436: note “Dear friend” replaces “bridegroom…”)
OR ELW #539, Abide, O Dearest Jesus (LSB #919, LBW #263, Abide With Us, Our Savior)
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December 8, 2019: Advent 2
Isaiah 11:1-10 (A shoot springs up from Jesse’s root; God’s Spirit is upon him)
Psalm 72:1-10 (Prayer for the King’s son to rule with justice)
RCL: Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
Romans 15:4-13 (Live in harmony; Gentiles have also received God’s mercy)
Matthew 3:1-12(John the Baptist: prepare the way of the Lord!)
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Opening Hymn: LBW #29, Comfort, Comfort Now My People (ELW #256, LSB #347)
OR LBW #58, Lo, How a Rose is Growing
(ELW#272, LSB #359, Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming (familiar translation)
Yes I KNOW it’s a Christmas hymn, but it ties directly to the Isaiah text!
Hymn of the Day: LSB #346, When All the World Was Cursed (familiar tune)
OR LBW #26, Prepare the Royal Highway (ELW #264)
OR ELW #255, There’s a Voice in the Wilderness
Communion 1: LBW #36, On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry (ELW #249, LSB #344)
Communion 2: WOV #647, My Lord, What a Morning (ELW #438, LSB #968)
Closing Hymn: LBW #57, Let Our Gladness Have No End (ELW #291; LSB #381)
YES I KNOW it is a Christmas hymn, but our brethren at Concordia suggest it because of its link to the Isaiah text. Plus it’s pretty. So there.
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December 15, 2019: Advent 3
Isaiah 35:1-10 (The wilderness rejoices when God comes to it)
Psalm 146 (The Lord sets prisoners free, opens eyes of blind)
RCL: Ps. 146:5-10 (eliminates “do not put trust in rulers”)
or Luke 1:46b-55 (The Magnificat)
James 5:7-11 (Be patient until the Lord comes)
Matthew 11:2-15 (Jesus addresses John’s disciples: blind see, poor hear the Gospel; violence attends coming of Kingdom)
RCL: Matthew 11:2-11 (Eliminates bit about violence)
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Opening Hymn: ELW #242, Awake, Awake, and Greet the New Morn (WOV #633)
OR LBW #87, Hail to the Lord’s Anointed (ELW #311, LSB #398)
Hymn of the Day: LBW #23, O Lord, How Shall I Meet You (ELW #241, LSB #334)
OR ELW #266, All Earth is Hopeful (WOV #629)
Communion 1: LBW #530, Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun (LSB #832)
Communion 2: LBW #35, Hark the Glad Sound! (ELW #239, LSB #349)
Closing Hymn: LBW #33, The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns (ELW #260, LSB #348)
OR (especially if Magnificat is used) ELW #723, Canticle of the Turning
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December 22, 2019: Advent 4
Isaiah 7:1-17 (2 assurances to King Ahaz of God’s presence: the second is that Emmanuel shall be born of the virgin)
RCL: Isaiah 7:10-16 (only 2nd promise)
Psalm 24 (Lift up your heads, that the King of Glory may come in)
RCL: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 (Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.)
Romans 1:1-7 (Promise of the Messiah, coming from David’s line)
Matthew 1:18-25 (The annunciation – to Joseph)
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Opening Hymn: LBW #32, Fling Wide the Door (ELW #259)
OR LSB #340, Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates
OR WOV #633, Awake, Awake, and Greet the New Morn (ELW #242)
Hymn of the Day: LBW #38, O Savior, Rend the Heavens Wide (LSB #355)
(Wonderful, powerful prayer. If tune is unfamiliar, use the Doxology!)
OR ELW #250, Blessed Be the God of Israel (WOV #725)
Communion 1: LBW #41, O Little Town of Bethlehem (ELW #279; LSB #361)
Communion 2: WOV #643, Once in Royal David’s City (ELW #269; LSB #376)
Closing Hymn: ELW #593, Drawn to the Light
OR LBW #30, Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus (ELW #254; LSB #338)
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December 24, 2019: Christmas Eve, the Nativity of Our Lord
Isaiah 9:2-7 (For Unto us a child is born)
Psalm 96 (Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name)
Titus 2:11-14 (God’s salvation has appeared in Jesus, training us to live godly lives)
Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) (The story of Jesus’ birth)
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Opening Hymn: LBW #45, O Come, All Ye Faithful (ELW #283; LSB #379)
Hymn of Praise: LBW #71, Angels We Have Heard on High (ELW #289; LSB #368)
Gradual Hymn: LBW #43, Rejoice, Rejoice, This Happy Morn (LSB #391)
OR ELW #297, Jesus, What a Wonderful Child
Hymn of the Day: LBW #47, Let All Together Praise Our God (Break out the trumpets and horns and timpani, please!!) (ELW #287; LSB #389)
OR LBW #55, Good Christian Friends, Rejoice (ELW #288)
Offertory Hymn: LBW #40, What Child is This (ELW #296; LSB #370)
Communion Hymns: Use as many as needed for your circumstance, or if you have a family service early and a festive service later, I have some for either!
Communion Hymn #1: LBW #69, I Am So Glad Each Christmas Eve (ELW #271)
Communion Hymn #2: LBW #67, Away in a Manger (ELW #277, 278; LSB #364, 365)
Communion Hymn #3: LBW #54, It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (ELW #282; LSB #366)
Communion Hymn #4: LBW #44, Infant Holy, Infant Lowly (ELW #276; LSB #393)
Communion Hymn #5: LBW #41, O Little Town of Bethlehem (ELW #279; LSB #361)
Candle-Lighting Hymn: LBW #65, Silent Night (ELW #281; LSB #363)
Closing Hymn: LBW #39, Joy to the World (ELW #267; LSB #387)
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December 25, 2019: Christmas Day, the Nativity of Our Lord
Isaiah 52:7-10 (How beautiful the feet of messengers who announce, ‘Your God reigns;’ the ends of the earth shall see his salvation)
Psalm 2 (You are my Son; today have I begotten you; you shall rule the nations)
RCL: Psalm 98
Hebrews 1:1-12 (The Son, the perfect image of God, far higher than angels)
John 1:1-18 (In the beginning was the Word…)
RCL: John 1:1-14
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Opening Hymn: LBW #51, v. 1-4, 12-14, From Heaven Above To Earth I Come (ELW #268, v.1-4, 12-14, LSB #358, 1-3, 5, 13-15)
Hymn of Praise: LBW #60, Hark, the Herald Angels Sing (ELW #270, LSB #380)
Gradual Hymn: LBW #50, Angels, From the Realms of Glory (ELW #275, LSB #367)
Hymn of the Day: LBW #42, Of the Father’s Love Begotten (ELW #295, LSB #384)
Offertory Hymn: ELW #294, In the Bleak Midwinter
OR LBW #40, What Child is This (ELW #296, LSB #370)
Communion Hymn #1: LBW #72, ‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime (ELW #284)
Communion Hymn #2: LBW #56, The First Noel (ELW #300)
Closing Hymn: LBW #70, Go Tell it on the Mountain (ELW #290, LSB #388)
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December 29, 2019: 1st Sunday after Christmas
Isaiah 63:7-14 (Remembrance of God’s mercy, steadfast love and guidance)
RCL: Isaiah 63:7-9
Psalm 111 (The works of God’s hands are faithful, just; fear of the Lord is beginning of wisdom)
Galatians 4:4-7 (God sent his Son so we may be adopted and cry Abba)
Matthew 2:13-23(Slaughter of the innocents; escape to and return from Egypt)
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Opening Hymn: LBW #39, Joy to the World (ELW #267; LSB #387)
Hymn of the Day: LBW #62, The Bells of Christmas (lovely Scandinavian carol!)
OR LBW #57, Let Our Gladness Have No End (ELW #291; LSB #381)
Communion 1: WOV #642, I Wonder as I Wander
Communion 2: LBW #55, Good Christian Friends, Rejoice (ELW #288)
Closing Hymn: LBW #53, Cold December Flies Away (ELW #299)
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January 6, 2020: The Epiphany of Our Lord
Isaiah 60:1-6 (Arise, shine, your light has come; nations stream to Israel, bringing gifts)
Psalm 72:1-11 (Prayer for guidance and support for the King)
RCL: Ps. 72:1-7, 10-14
Ephesians 3:1-12 (The mystery of salvation revealed to Gentiles; Paul has become steward of God’s mysteries so that through the Church, nations may know God’s wisdom)
Matthew 2:1-12 (The magi adore Jesus, bringing gifts, departing by another way)
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Opening Hymn: LBW #76, O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright, v. 1-3 (ELW #308; LSB #395)
Hymn of the Day: LBW #82, As With Gladness Men of Old (ELW #302; LSB #397)
Communion 1: LBW #75, Bright and Glorious is the Sky (ELW #301)
Communion 2: WOV #646, We Three Kings of Orient Are
Closing Hymn: LBW #76, O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright, v. 4-6 (ELW #308; LSB #395)
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January 12, 2020: The Baptism of Our Lord, Proper 1
Isaiah 42:1-9 (God’s servant will not crush a bruised reed; he is given as light to nations, to open blind eyes and free prisoners of darkness)
Psalm 29 (The voice of the Lord; all cry “Glory!”)
Romans 6:1-11 (We have been baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection)
RCL: Acts 10:34-43 (Peter preaches sermon to newly-baptized Gentiles)
Matthew 3:13-17 (Jesus comes to John in the Jordan and is baptized)
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Opening Hymn: LBW #548, O, Worship the King (ELW #842; LSB #804)
OR LBW #515, How Marvelous God’s Greatness (ELW #830) (very simple, lovely Swedish tune)
Hymn of the Day: LBW #191, Praise and Thanksgiving Be to God Our Maker (ELW #458)
(it’s a familiar tune, and it’s a good hymn for baptism/renewal of baptism in the service)
OR LBW #79, To Jordan Came the Christ, Our Lord (LSB #406/7)
I know, I know, but it’s one of the great doctrinal hymns on Baptism. Heck, you might not have to preach more than 5 minutes if you sing this hymn. Have the choir do a few verses, then alternate choir and congregation. It’s good for them.
OR ELW #305, When Jesus Came to Jordan (WOV #647)
Communion 1: LBW #90, Songs of Thankfulness and Praise (ELW #310; LSB #394)
Communion 2: WOV #693, Baptized in Water (ELW #456)
OR ELW #454, Remember and Rejoice (Familiar tune, great words!)
Closing Hymn: LBW #188 I Bind Unto Myself This Day (ELW #450; LSB #604)
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January 19, 2020: 2nd Sunday after the Epiphany; Proper 2
OR The Confession of St. Peter, Transferred
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2nd Sunday after Epiphany lessons and hymn suggestions
Isaiah 49:1-7 (God’s Servant given as light to all nations)
Psalm 40:1-11 (Happy are they who make the Lord their trust; he does not require burnt offerings but a willing heart)
1 Corinthians 1:1-9 (Thanksgiving that the Corinthians are enriched with every spiritual gift)
John 1:29-42a (John says, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!” 2 of his disciples become Jesus’ disciples)
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Opening Hymn: LBW #504, O God, My Faithful God (ELW #806; LSB #696)
OR LSB #540, Christ, the Word of God Incarnate, v.1-3 (GREAT hymn, singable tune! This is worth getting copyright permissions for, if you don’t have LSB)
Hymn of the Day: LBW #103, O Christ, Thou Lamb of God
OR ELW #199, Jesus, Lamb of God
OR ELW #336, Lamb of God (Your only Son, no sin to hide) (LSB #550)
Communion 1: LBW #305, I Lay My Sins on Jesus (LSB #606)
Communion 2: ELW #733, Great is Thy Faithfulness (WOV #771, LSB #809)
Closing Hymn: ELW #866, We Are Marching in the Light of God (WOV #650)
OR LBW #87, Hail to the Lord’s Anointed (ELW #311; LSB #398)
OR LSB #540, Christ, the Word of God Incarnate, v. 4-6
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Confession of St. Peter Lessons and Hymn Suggestions
Acts 4:8-13 (Peter explains how lame man was healed by power of Jesus’ name)
Psalm 18:1-7, 17-20 (God’s mighty deliverance in time of great distress)
1 Corinthians 10:1-5 (Not all Israelites were saved in the wilderness!)
Matthew 16:13-19 (Peter’s confession; Jesus’ commendation)
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Opening Hymn: LBW #504, O God, My Faithful God (ELW #806; LSB #696)
OR LSB #540, Christ, the Word of God Incarnate, v.1-3
(GREAT hymn, singable tune! This is worth getting copyright permissions for, if you don’t have LSB)
Hymn of the Day: LBW #464, You Are the Way (ELW #758; LSB #526)
Communion 1: LBW #328/329, All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name
(ELW #634 [lacks verse about martyrs]; LSB #549)
Communion 2: WOV #771, Great is Thy Faithfulness (ELW #733; LSB #809)
Closing Hymn: WOV #650, We Are Marching in the Light of God (ELW #866)
OR LSB #540, Christ, the Word of God Incarnate, v. 4-6
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January 26, 2020: 3rd Sunday after the Epiphany; Proper 3
OR The Conversion of St. Paul
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3rd Sunday after the Epiphany Lessons and Hymn Suggestions
Isaiah 9:1-4 (The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light)
Psalm 27:1-9 (The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?)
RCL: Psalm 27:1, 4-9
1 Corinthians 1:10-18 (1st mention of divisions in Church; message of Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but the power of God to those being saved)
Matthew 4:12-25 (In the region mentioned by Isaiah, Jesus begins his ministry – “Repent; the kingdom of Heaven has come near” – and calls his first disciples)
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Opening Hymn: LSB #412, The People That in Darkness Sat (great words, tune!)
OR LBW #393, Rise, Shine, You People! (ELW #665; LSB #825)
OR WOV #671, Shine, Jesus, Shine (ELW #651)
Hymn of the Day: LBW #380, O Christ, Our Light, Our Radiance True (ELW #875) (LSB #839, O Christ, Our True and Only Light)
Communion 1: LBW #249, God Himself is Present
OR WOV #660, I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light (ELW #815; LSB #411)
Communion 2: LBW #511, Renew Me, O Eternal Light (LSB #704)
Closing Hymn: LBW #494, Jesus Calls Us; O’er the Tumult (ELW #696)
OR ELW #715, Christ, Be Our Light
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The Conversion of St. Paul Lessons and Hymn Suggestions
Acts 9:1-22 (Saul falls off his high horse, is converted)
Psalm 67 (May God be gracious and bless us. “Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.)
Galatians 1:11-24 (Paul speaks of his persecution of the Church, his conversion, and his ministry)
Luke 21:10-19 (they will arrest you and persecute you because of my name. I will give you words and wisdom that none will be able to contradict)
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Opening Hymn: LSB #412, The People That in Darkness Sat (great words, tune!)
OR LBW #393, Rise, Shine, You People! (ELW #665; LSB #825)
Hymn of the Day: LBW #507, How Firm a Foundation (ELW #796; LSB #728)
Communion 1: LBW #379, Spread, O Spread, Almighty Word (ELW #663) (LSB #830, Spread the Reign of God the Lord)
Communion 2: WOV #660, I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light (ELW #815; LSB #411)
Closing Hymn: LBW #389, Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus
OR ELW #715, Christ, Be Our Light
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February 2, 2020: The Presentation of Our Lord
OR 4th Sunday after the Epiphany, Proper 4
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Presentation of Our Lord lessons and hymns
1 Samuel 1:21-28 (Hannah brings the boy Samuel to the Temple, fulfilling her vow)
Psalm 84 (How lovely is thy dwelling, O Lord of hosts! My soul has a desire and longing to dwell in the courts of the Lord!)
Hebrews 2:14-18 (We have a merciful high priest, like us in every way except without sin)
Luke 2:22-40 (Baby Jesus is brought to the Temple)
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Opening Hymn: LBW #250, Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty (ELW #533; LSB #901)
Hymn of the Day: ELW #417, In His Temple Now Behold Him
(LBW #184 uses an unfamiliar tune. Use the tune suggested in ELW – the one for “Angels, From the Realms of Glory”)
(LSB #519, uses another, Westminster Abby, often used for “Christ is Made the Sure Foundation”)
Communion 1: LBW #364, Son of God, Eternal Savior (ELW #655; LSB #842)
Communion 2: LBW #351, O Happy Day When We Shall Stand (familiar tune!)
Closing Hymn: LBW #339, O Lord, Now Let Your Servant (ELW #313)
OR ELW #201, Now, Lord
OR LSB #937, Lord, Bid Your Servant Go in Peace
OR LSB #938, In Peace and Joy I Now Depart (LBW #349, I Leave As You Have Promised, Lord – has only the first verse)
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4th Sunday after Epiphany lessons and hymns
Micah 6:1-8 (Answer me, my people; how have I burdened you? What does the Lord require but to love justice, do mercy, walk humbly before him?)
Psalm 15 (Who abides with God? Those who walk blamelessly and do what is right)
1 Corinthians 1:18-31 (Christ is the wisdom and power of God, despite the foolishness and stumbling-block nature of the Cross)
Matthew 5:1-12 (The Beatitudes)
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Opening Hymn: ELW #710, Let Streams of Living Justice Flow
(Gustav Holst’s majestic tune Thaxted pairs well with the Micah text!)
OR WOV #763, Let Justice Flow Like Streams (Very familiar tune)
OR LBW #418, Judge Eternal, Throned in Splendor (Simple Welsh folk tune)
Hymn of the Day: WOV #764, Blest Are They (ELW #728; LSB #982)
OR LBW #492, O Master, Let Me Walk With You (ELW #818)
Communion 1: LBW #336, Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me (LSB #683)
Communion 2: LBW #364, Son of God, Eternal Savior (ELW #655; LSB #842)
Closing Hymn: LBW #377, Lift High the Cross (ELW #660. Note: “soldiers” replaced with “servants,” and a verse is omitted. LSB #837,)
OR LBW #425, O God of Mercy, God of Light (LSB #852)
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February 9, 2020: 5th Sunday after the Epiphany; Proper 5
Isaiah 58:3-9a (The fasting God requires is justice and refraining from evil)
Psalm 112:1-9(God’s blessing to the righteous and those who remember the poor)
1 Corinthians 2:1-16 (We preach Christ crucified; God’s wisdom, given through the Spirit, contrasted with “wisdom of the age”)
Matthew 5:13-20 (You are to be salt and light; Christ came not to abolish but to fulfill the Law and prophets)
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Opening Hymn: LBW #376, Your Kingdom Come!
OR ELW #706, The People Walk (Nice Hispanic melody)
Hymn of the Day: LBW #233, Thy Strong Word Did Cleave the Darkness (ELW #511; LSB 578)
Communion 1: LBW #479, My Faith Looks Up to Thee (ELW #759; LSB #702)
Communion 2: LBW #104, In the Cross of Christ I Glory (ELW #324; LSB #427)
Closing Hymn: LBW # 353, May We Your Precepts, Lord, Fulfill (LSB #698)
OR ELW #722, O Christ, Your Heart, Compassionate (Familiar tune)
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February 16, 2020: 6th Sunday after the Epiphany; Proper 6
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 (I set before you life and death; choose life; obey my commandments)
Psalm 119:1-8 (Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the Lord)
1 Corinthians 3:1-9 (Paul chides Corinthians for childish quarreling; he, Apollos and others are ALL Christ’s servants, working together; Church is God’s field and building)
Matthew 5:21-37 (Hard words about anger, lust, and divorce)
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Opening Hymn: LBW #499, Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing (ELW #807; LSB #686)
Hymn of the Day: LBW #307, Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive (ELW #605; LSB #843)
Communion 1: LBW #257, Holy Spirit, Truth Divine (ELW #398) (LSB #496, Holy Spirit, Light Divine)
Communion 2: LBW #423, Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service (ELW #712) (LSB #848, Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service)
OR ELW #697, Just a Closer Walk With Thee
Closing Hymn: LBW #370, Blest Be the Tie That Binds (ELW #656, LSB #549)
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February 23, 2020: The Transfiguration of Our Lord
Exodus 24:8-18 (The 70 elders and Moses on the mountain with God)
Psalm 2:6-12 (You are my Son, today have I begotten you; tremble, O nations, before him!)
RCL: Psalm 2, complete
2 Peter 1:16-21 (We do not follow cleverly devised myths; we are eyewitnesses to God’s glory in Christ as he was transfigured before us)
Matthew 17:1-9 (The Transfiguration account)
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Opening Hymn: LBW 549, When Morning Gilds the Skies (ELW #853; LSB #807)
Hymn of the Day: LSB #416, Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory
OR LBW #80, O Wondrous Type! O Vision Fair! (LSB #413) (ELW #316, O wondrous Vision! Image Fair!)
Communion 1: LBW #89, How Good, Lord, to be Here! (ELW #315)
Communion 2: WOV #651, Shine, Jesus, Shine (ELW #671)
Closing Hymn: LBW #552, In Thee is Gladness (ELW #867; LSB #818)
OR WOV #654, Alleluia, Song of Gladness (ELW #318; LSB #417)
