Lessons and Suggested Hymns, The First Half of the Season of Pentecost, Cycle A June 14 – September 6, 2020
The First Half of the Season of Pentecost, Cycle A
June 14 – September 6, 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.
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.
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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.
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For General/Green Season Use: The Offertory Prayer
Let us pray. Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated unto
you; and then use us, we pray you, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
OR
Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we humbly offer to you the gifts of our treasures, talents, and time. Use them to you glory, and for the benefit of all your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 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:
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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.
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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.
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June 14, 2nd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 6)
Exodus 19:2-8a (Obey my voice, be my treasured people)
Psalm 100 (Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!)
Romans 5:6-15 (While we were weak, Christ died for the ungodly. Though in Adam’s trespass all
died, God’s grace abounds in Christ’s righteousness)
(ELW: Romans 5:1-8)
Matthew 9:35-10:8 (9-20) (Jesus calls, instructs, and sends out the Twelve)
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Opening Hymn: All People That on Earth Do Dwell (LBW #245, ELW #883, LSB #791)
Hymn of the Day: Preach You the Word and Plant it Home (LSB #586)
OR, Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling (LBW 381, LSB #827)
OR Rise, Shine, You People (LBW #393, ELW #665, LSB #825)
Communion 1: In Adam We Have All Been One (LBW #372, LSB #569)
(can use as hymn of day if you preach on Romans text)
OR Our Father, By Whose Name (LBW #357, ELW #640, LSB #863)
Communion 2: Lord, Speak to Us, That We May Speak (LBW #403, ELW #676)
Closing Hymn: Rise Up, O Saints of God (LBW #383, ELW #669)
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June 21, 3rd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 7; also Father’s Day)
Jeremiah 20:7-13 (I must speak God’s Word, though I’m mocked for it)
Psalm 91:1-16 (God will deliver from snares, pestilence and evil)
(ELW: Psalm 69:7-18, Zeal for your house has consumed me; save me from the mire)
Romans 6:12-23 (Having been delivered from slavery to sin, now be slaves to righteousness)
(ELW, Romans 6:1-11, Baptized into Jesus’ death and resurrection)
Matthew 10:5, 21-33 (Jesus instructs disciples before their mission;
fear the One who can destroy body and soul!)
(ELW, Matthew 10:24-39, Disciple not above teacher, but you are of great value
to your Father. I have not come to bring peace but a sword.)
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Opening Hymn: Herald, Sound the Note of Judgment (LBW #556, LSB #511)
NOTE: If tune is unfamiliar, use the tune Regent Square, LBW #50, “Angels, From the Realms of Glory”
OR, Lift Every Voice and Sing (LBW #562, ELW #841, LSB #964)
Hymn of the Day: O Master, Let Me Walk with You (LBW #492, ELW #818)
Communion 1: Just as I Am, Without One Flea (LBW #296, ELW #592, LSB #570)
Communion 2: Amazing Grace (LBW #448, ELW #779, LSB #744)
Closing Hymn: Our Father, By Whose Name (LBW #357, ELW #640, LSB #863)
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June 28: 4th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 8)
Jeremiah 28:5-9 (Would that the word of the prophet who speaks peace come to pass!)
Psalm 119:153-160 (Preserve my life from those who do not heed your law)
(ELW, Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18, God’s covenant with David)
Romans 7:1-13 (We have died to Law in Christ; sin caused the Law to be death for us)
(ELW, Romans 6:12-23, Delivered from slavery to sin, now be slaves to righteousness)
Matthew 10:34-42 (I come not with peace but a sword; whoever doesn’t take up cross and follow isn’t worthy of Jesus, but whoever gives cup of water in His name will receive reward)
(ELW, Matthew 10:40-42, Whoever welcomes you welcomes me)
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Opening Hymn: The Son of God Goes Forth to War (LBW #183, LSB #661)
OR If God Himself be For Me (LBW #454; ELW #788 If God My Lord Be For Me, heaven forbid we say “Himself!”; LSB #724)
Hymn of the Day: Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus (LBW #487, ELW #802, LSB #685)
Communion 1: We Give Thee but Thine Own (LBW #410, ELW #686, LSB #781)
Communion 2: Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love (WOV #765, ELW #708)
Closing Hymn: Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun (LBW #530, ELW #434, LSB #832)
OR Son of God, Eternal Savior (LBW #364, ELW #655, LSB #842)
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July 5: 5th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 9; Independence Day weekend)
Zechariah 9:9-12 (Rejoice, daughter of Zion, your lowly King comes to you)
Psalm 145:1-14 (The Lord is gracious and full of compassion; all his works praise him)
Romans 7:14-25 (I don’t do the good I want to do; another law is at work in me!)
Matthew 11:25-30 (My yoke is easy, my burden light)
(ELW, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Jesus, friend of sinners; take my yoke…)
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Opening Hymn: Hark, the Glad Sound (LBW #35, ELW #239, LSB #349)
OR Before You, Lord, We Bow (LBW #401, ELW #893, LSB #966)
Hymn of the Day: I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say (LBW #497, ELW #332/611, LSB #699,)
NOTE: The words, which are wonderful with the Gospel, can also be sung to the tune Kingsfold, and in ELW is specifically set to that melody at #611. The tune is commonly used for “My Soul Proclaims Your Greatness, Lord” (WOV #730) and is also used for hymns in LSB and LBW. Try it out!
OR Come to Me, All Pilgrims Thirsty (ELW #777)
OR Come unto Me, Ye Weary (LSB #684)
Communion 1: Father Most Holy, Merciful and Tender (LBW #169, ELW #415, LSB #504)
Communion 2: When Peace, Like a River, Attendeth My Way (LBW #346, ELW #785, LSB #763)
OR One There Is, Above All Others (LBW #298)
Closing Hymn: God of Our Fathers (LBW #567)
OR America the Beautiful (ELW #888)
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July 12: 6th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 10)
Isaiah 55:10-13 (God’s Word does not return to him empty)
Psalm 65:1-13 (A song of praise for God’s bounty in nature)
(ELW, Psalm 65:1-13, Happy are they whom you choose to live in your courts;
thanksgiving for the bounty of creation)
Romans 8:12-17 (The Spirit bears witness to our adoption by God, so we cry Abba, Father)
(ELW, Romans 8:1-11, The mind set on the flesh cannot please God;
but you are in the Spirit, and the life of Christ dwells in you)
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (Parable of the good seed on different soils)
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Opening Hymn: How Marvelous God’s Greatness (LBW #515) simple, singable tune!
OR This Is My Father’s World (LBW #554, ELW #824)
Hymn of the Day: Sing to the Lord of Harvest (LBW #412, ELW #412, LSB #893)
OR We Plow the Fields and Scatter (LBW #362, ELW #680 [more modern, Hispanic tune], #681 [traditional, German tune])
Communion 1: For the Fruit of All Creation (LBW #563, ELW #679, LSB #894, For the Fruits of His Creation) Note: A more familiar tune, “All Through the Night,” is used in ELW and LSB. I’d go with that tune if you’re using LBW!!
Communion 2: Now Thank We All Our God (LBW #533/4, ELW #839/40, LSB #895)
Closing Hymn: On What Has Now Been Sown (LBW #261, ELW #550, LSB #921)
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July 19: 7th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 11)
Isaiah 44:6-8 (I am the first and last; beside me there is no god.)
Psalm 119:57-64 (I hasten to keep your commandments)
(ELW, Psalm 86:11-17, Teach me your way; you are gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love)
Romans 8:18-27 (Creation is in travail; we groan, but Spirit searches heart, intercedes for us)
(ELW, Romans 8:12-25)
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 (Parable of the wheat and the weeds)
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Opening Hymn: Gracious Spirit, Heed Our Pleading (WOV #687, ELW #401)
OR Holy Spirit, Truth Divine (if you didn’t use this on Pentecost)
(LBW #257, ELW #398, LSB #496, Holy Spirit, Light Divine)
Hymn of the Day: Come, You Thankful People, Come (LBW #407, ELW #693, LSB #892)
Communion 1: Eternal Spirit of the Living Christ (LBW #441, ELW #402, LSB #769)
Communion 2: Great Is Thy Faithfulness (WOV #771, ELW #733, LSB #809,)
Closing Hymn: Abide with Us, Our Savior (LBW #263, ELW #539, LSB #919, Abide, O Dearest Jesus)
OR Almighty Father, Bless the Word (LSB #923)
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July 26: 8th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 12)
Deuteronomy 7:6-9 (Israel chosen because of God’s love, not their deserving)
(ELW, 1 Kings 3:5-12, Solomon asks for wisdom)
Psalm 125 (God stands round his people like the hills surrounding Jerusalem)
(ELW, Psalm 119:129-136, Your words enlighten the simple; keep my steps steady
in your precepts)
Romans 8:28-39 (Nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus)
Matthew 13:44-52 (Parable of the pearl of great price)
(ELW, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Mustard seed, yeast, pearl)
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Opening Hymn: I Love Your Kingdom, Lord (LBW #368, LSB #651)
OR, Praise, Praise! You are the Rock (ELW #862)
Hymn of the Day: Jesus, Priceless Treasure (LBW #457/8, ELW #775, LSB #743)
OR One Thing’s Needful; Lord, This Treasure (LSB #536)
Communion 1: Children of the Heavenly Father (LBW #474, ELW #781, LSB #725)
Communion 2: How Great Thou Art (LBW #532, ELW #856, LSB #801 )
Closing Hymn: In Thee is Gladness (LBW #552, ELW #867, LSB #818)
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August 2: 9th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 13)
Isaiah 55:1-5 (Buy wine and milk without money; don’t spend for bread that doesn’t satisfy)
Psalm 136:1-26 (God’s mercy endures forever!)
(ELW, Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21, God is gracious and merciful, opens his hand,
feeds every living thing)
Romans 9:1-13 (Paul’s anguish for fellow Jews who do not have faith in Christ)
(ELW, Romans 9:1-5)
Matthew 14:13-21 (Miracle of feeding 5000)
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Opening Hymn: What Feast of Love (WOV #701, ELW #487)
OR Lord Jesus Christ, We Humbly Pray (LBW #225, LSB #623)
Hymn of the Day: At the Lamb’s High Feast (LBW #210, ELW #362, LSB #633)
Communion 1: You Satisfy the Hungry Heart (WOV #711, ELW #484, LSB #641)
Communion 2: Break Now the Bread of Life (LBW #235, ELW #515)
Closing Hymn: O Living Bread from Heaven (LBW #197, ELW #542, LSB #642)
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August 9: 10th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 14)
Job 38:4-18 (Where were you when I laid out the foundations of the earth?!)
(ELW, 1 Kings 19:9-18, Elijah encounters God as still small voice)
Psalm 18:1-16 (“His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form, and dark is his path
on the wings of the storm!”)
(ELW, Psalm 85:8-13, God will speak peace to his people;
righteousness and peace have kissed)
Romans 10:5-17 (Righteousness of faith comes through hearing the Gospel preached)
Matthew 14:22-33 (Jesus and Peter take a watery walk on the sea)
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Opening Hymn: O Worship the King, All-glorious Above (LBW #548, ELW #842, LSB #804)
Hymn of the Day:, Eternal Father, Strong to Save (LBW #467, ELW #756, LSB #717)
OR Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me (LBW #534, ELW #755, LSB #715 )
Communion 1: Precious Lord, Take My Hand (WOV #731, ELW #773, LSB #739)
OR I am Trusting You, Lord Jesus (LBW #460, LSB #729)
Communion 2: Lead Me, Guide Me (ELW #768 LSB #721)
OR Calm to the Waves (ELW #794)
Closing Hymn: Great Is Thy Faithfulness (WOV #771, ELW #733, LSB #809,)
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August 16: 11th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 15)
Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 (My house shall be a house of prayer for all peoples)
Psalm 67 (God judges the nations with equity and guides all the people of earth)
Romans 11:1-2a, 13-15, 28-32 (God’s election of Jews irrevocable; he will show mercy!)
Matthew 15:21-28 (Healing of Syro-Phoenecian woman’s daughter)
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Opening Hymn: Note: both go well with Romans text
Blessed Be the God of Israel (WOV #725, ELW #250)
OR Bless Israel’s God Words: Rev. Cathy Ammlung, STS; Tune: Angelic Songs (O Zion, Haste)
- Bless Israel’s God; he has redeemed his people:
Raised up a Savior born from David’s line;
Promised of old, through prophets’ proclamation,
To save from deadly foes with pow’r divine;
Promised to show our fathers mercy sure;
Promised his covenant forever shall endure.
- Through Abraham, God swore an oath to save us
From hands of foes, to serve him fearlessly
In holiness and righteousness before him,
There to adore and bless him constantly.
You, child – God’s prophet, go before his face,
Give saving knowledge of forgiveness and God’s grace!
- Tenderly, God bestows his love and mercy,
His heav’nly Dayspring shines upon our plight.
Darkness and death no longer can confound us:
In paths of peace, he guides us by his light.
Glory to Father, Son, and Spirit – Lord
God who through the ages ever is adored!
Hymn of the Day: In Christ There is No East or West (LBW #359, ELW #650, LSB #653)
Communion 1: I Love to Tell the Story (LBW #390, ELW #661)
Communion 2: What a Friend We Have in Jesus (LBW #439, ELW #742, LSB #770)
Closing Hymn: Spread, O Spread, Almighty Word (LBW #279, ELW #663, LSB #830, Spread the
Reign of God the Lord)
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August 23: 12th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 16)
Isaiah 51:1-6 (Listen for God’s teaching, wait for his deliverance)
Psalm 138 (God is faithful; he listens to the lowly)
Romans 11:33-12:8 (The depth and riches of God’s wisdom! Present your bodies
as living sacrifice to him)
(ELW, Romans 12:1-8, Present your body as a living sacrifice to God;
do not be conformed to this world, but transformed by renewal of your mind)
Matthew 16:13-20 (Peter’s confession; on this rock I will build my Church)
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Opening Hymn: Listen, God is Calling (WOV #712, ELW #513, LSB #833)
OR Father of Mercies, In Your Word (LBW #240) Note: do try this nice hymn; same tune as
“Forgive our sins as we forgive” – early American.
Hymn of the Day: Built on a Rock, the Church Shall Stand (LBW #365, ELW #652, LSB #645)
Communion 1: Take My Life, That I May Be (LBW #406, ELW #583, 685;
LSB #783/4, Take My Life and Let it Be)
Communion 2: The Church’s One Foundation (LBW #369, ELW #654, LSB #644)
Closing Hymn: Christ is Made the Sure Foundation (WOV #747, ELW #645, LSB #909)
(LBW #367, different tune)
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August 30: 13th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 17)
Jeremiah 15:15-21(Jeremiah laments; God promises strength, deliverance
if he speaks what is precious)
Psalm 26 (I have lived with integrity; do not sweep me away with sinners)
Romans 12:9-21 (Live in harmony, respect, and mutual forbearance; vengeance is God’s)
Matthew 16:21-28 (Get behind me, Satan! Take up cross and follow me;
what does it profit to gain world, lose soul?
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Opening Hymn: God’s Word is Our Great Heritage (LBW #239, ELW #509, LSB #582)
Hymn of the Day: “Take Up Your Cross,” the Savior Said (if tune is unfamiliar, substitute tune for Lord Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word, LBW #230) (LBW #398, ELW #667)
OR When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (LBW #482, ELW #803, LSB #425/426)
Communion 1: Blest Be the Tie That Binds (LBW #370, ELW #649/975, ELW #656)
Communion 2: In the Cross of Christ I Glory (LBW #104, ELW #324, LSB #427)
Closing Hymn: Jesus, Still Lead On (LBW #341, ELW #624, LSB #718 Jesus, Lead Thou On)
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September 6: 14th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 18; Labor Day weekend)
Ezekiel 33:7-9 (Warn Israel, O watchman, at peril of having their guilt be upon you)
Psalm 32:1-7 (Happy are those whose sins are forgiven; whose guilt is put away)
(ELW, Psalm 119:33-40, Turn my heart to your decrees, not to selfish gain)
Romans 13:1-10 (Be subject to the authorities; give honor, respect, taxes to whom they’re due;
love does no wrong to neighbor but is the fulfilling of the law)
(ELW, Romans 12:9-21, Let love be genuine; do not return evil for evil)
Matthew 18:1-20 (Warnings against temptations to sin, and exhortation on dealing with
grievances in church)
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Opening Hymn: Thy Strong Word Did Cleave the Darkness (LBW #233, ELW #511, LSB #578)
Hymn of the Day: Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us (LBW #424, ELW #707, LSB #851)
OR God, When Human Bonds Are Broken (WOV #735, ELW #603) (Fairly familiar tune)
Communion 1: Where Charity and Love Prevail (LBW #126, ELW #359, LSB #845)
OR Although I Speak with Angel’s Tongue (ELW #644)
Communion 2: Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling (WOV #734, ELW #608)
Closing Hymn: O God, My Faithful God (LBW #504, ELW #806, LSB #696)
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