“My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20).

If your focus is upon another and not upon yourself, that is an important first step in relating with one’s neighbor.  We are called to care for one another and help each other as we journey with Jesus.  Come then and be a help to others so that we each may grow in the likeness of Christ.  Christ alone redeems us, but we too have our part; for God has chosen to work through means.  Come then and live according to the Word of God and be led by the One who redeemed you.

Lord, in You alone is all hope.  But especially in these self-serving times, I focus too much upon myself.  Lead me, Lord, in the way of everlasting life in order that I may now and always be guided by You.  Help me to understand that You have provided the way of life and that I cannot go by my own direction.  Without You I am lost.  Only the One who has descended can ascend because only He knows the way (and is the way).

Lead on, O King eternal, our Savior Jesus, for You who are from eternity have come to lead into eternity those who will not perish, but have everlasting life.  Guide me, Lord, to see that in You is all hope and the only future worth living.  Keep me and others around me from error so that we may live peaceful lives that conform to the Father’s will, the way You have laid before us.  Amen.

“Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit” (James 5:18).

Elijah was never in control of the circumstances.  You and I will never be in full control of our circumstances.  When we learn to listen to the Lord, we learn to do what He commands us to do.  If he tells us to tell a mountain to be moved, it will be moved.  Come then into the fulness of faith and learn to walk in the Lord’s admonition and be guided by His goodness and mercy.

Lord, Your word is constantly pointing me to come in prayer to You and learn from You.  Lead me, dear Lord, in this faith You have given me so that I may now and always be guided by Your goodness and mercy.  Teach me to see that it is not about discovering how to do something, but about listening to You.  It is not about magnificent powers, but about You who is the One through whom all things have their being.

Lord Jesus, You have said things plainly, but I do not listen.  You have told me to come to You in prayer; in fact, to never cease praying.  Lead me, O Lord, to know that in You alone is there all hope.  Guide me according to Your purpose and by Your grace to have ears that are open and a willingness to do what You know I need to do.  Help me to obey no matter what You ask me to say and do knowing that what You give me is always good.  Amen.

 

Lessons and Suggested Hymns,

September 11: 14^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 19) –

November 20, 2022, Christ the King

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

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

 

OR

 

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

 

 

For General/Green Season Use: The Offertory Prayer

 

Let us pray. Take, O Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my whole will. Thou hast given me all that I am and all that I possess: I surrender it all to Thee that Thou mayest dispose of it according to Thy will. Give me only Thy love and Thy grace; with these I will be rich enough, and will have no more to desire. Amen.

 

 

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

 

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

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

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

 

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

 

For General/Green Season Use: The Eucharistic Prayer

 

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

 

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

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

OR

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

For General/Green Season Use: Post-Communion Prayer

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

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

OR

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

 

 

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

 

 

September 11: 14^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 19)

 

Ezekiel 34:11-24 (God will be the Good Shepherd, will judge between strong and weak sheep)

             ELW/RCL: Exodus 32:7-14 (Moses pleads for Israel after they make gold calf)

Psalm 119:169-176 (Teach me your statutes; I will sing your praises!)

             ELW/RCL: Psalm 51:1010 (Have mercy on me for my wickedness and sin!)

1 Timothy 1:(5-11), 12-17 (The Law is good; meant to convict evildoers of their sin; yet Christ came to save sinners)

             ELW/RCL: 1 Timothy 1:12-17 (Eliminates warning against bad teachers, and discussion of why the law exists to convict the wicked)

 Luke 15:1-10 (Jesus eats with sinners, parables of lost sheep, lost coin)

 

*******

 

Opening Hymn:   Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us: LBW #481, ELW #789, LSB #711 (ELW and LSB tunes are way more familiar than the LBW one!)

 

          OR The Lord’s My Shepherd; I’ll Not Want: LBW #451, ELW #778, LSB #710

 

Hymn of the Day: Jesus Sinners Will/Doth Receive:  LBW #291, LSB #609

(NOTE: Although the LSB tune is more singable and familiar than is the LBW tune, if you don’t want to try either, I suggest setting this to LBW #535, Holy God, We Praise Your Name. The words to this hymn are good with the epistle and Gospel texts.)

 

           OR In Adam We Have All Been One: LBW #372, LSB #569

 

          OR How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds: LBW #345, ELW #620, LSB #524

 

Communion Hymn #1: Amazing Grace: LBW #448, ELW #779, LSB #744

 

Communion Hymn #2: One There is, Above All Others: LBW #298

 

OR Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling: WOV #734, ELW #608

 

Closing Hymn: Abide With Us, Our Savior: LBW #263

Abide, O Dearest Jesus: ELW #539, LSB #919

 

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

September 18: 15^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 20)

Amos 8:4-7 (God sees the deeds of the greedy who despoil the poor)

 Psalm 113 (Praise God; he raises the poor from the dust!)

1 Timothy 2:1-15 (Pray for all, including rulers, so we may live at peace; women dress modestly and be silent in assembly)

             ELW/RCL: 1 Timothy 2:1-7 (gee, can you guess what’s missing?!)

 Luke 16:1-15 (Parable of dishonest servant)

             ELW/RCL: Luke 16:1-13 (Eliminates rebuke of Pharisees)

 

*******

 

Opening Hymn:, Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace: LBW #419, ELW #716, LSB #844

 

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

 

Hymn of the Day: Seek Where You May to Find a Way: LSB #557 (neat old hymn!)

 

          OR Jesus, Priceless Treasure: LBW #457/458, ELW #775, LSB 743

 

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

 

Communion Hymn #2: Praise and Thanksgiving: LBW #409, ELW #689, LSB #789

 

Closing Hymn: God the Omnipotent!: LBW #462

 

OR O God of Mercy, God of Light/Might: LBW #425, ELW #714, LSB #852

 

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

 

 

 

September 25: 16^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 21)

 

Amos 6:1-7: (Woe to those who are at ease in Zion! The shall go into exile)

 

            ELW/RCL: Amos 6:1a, 4-7 (Eliminates obscure reference to surrounding nations)

 

Psalm 146: (The Lord sets the prisoners free, saves those who perish)

 

1 Timothy 3:1-13: (Qualifications of bishops and deacons)

 

            ELW/RCL: 1 Timothy 6:6-19 (Temptations of riches; exhortation to Timothy to fight good fight of faith)

 

Luke 16:19-31: (The rich man and Lazarus)

 

*******

 

Opening Hymn: The God of Abraham Praise:

LBW #544, v. 1-4, ELW #831, v. 1-3, LSB #798, v.1-3

 

OR (if using ELW/RCL lectionary): Fight the Good Fight: LBW #461, LSB #664

 

           OR God of Grace and God of Glory: LBW #415, ELW #705, LSB #850

 

Hymn of the Day: The God of Abraham Praise: LBW #544, v. 5-8, ELW #831, v.4-6, LSB #798, v. 4-6

 

          OR Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven: LBW #549, ELW #865, LSB #793

 

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #504, O God, My Faithful God (LSB #696)

 

Communion Hymn #2: I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say:

LBW #497, ELW #332/611 (latter is familiar English folk tune), LSB #699

 

Closing Hymn: The God of Abraham Praise: LBW #544, v. 9-12, ELW #831, v. 7-8, LSB #798, v. 7-9

 

OR How Great Thou Art: LBW #532, ELW :856, LSB #801

 

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

 

 

 

 October 2: 17^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 22)

 

Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 (Prophet mourns that he can only see evil and violence; but he will stand at his watch post; he must write God’s words large and bold)

 

Psalm 62 (For God my soul in stillness waits; he alone is my rock, strength, and salvation)

 

            ELW/RCL: Psalm 37:1-9 (Commit your way to God; don’t fret over evildoers)

 

2 Timothy 1:1-14 (Rekindle gift given at ordination; never be ashamed of Christ)

 

Luke 17:1-10 (Again, don’t cause another to stumble! Forgive willingly; have mustard seed faith; do your work faithfully whether the Master is away or is present)

 

            ELW/RCL: Luke 17:5-10 (Eliminates warning to not mislead little ones, rebuking brother, forgiving repeatedly if he repents)

 

*******

 

Opening Hymn:   The Night Will Soon be Ending: LSB #337

 

          OR Wake, Awake, For Night is Flying: LBW #31, ELW #436 (Warning: not the Bridegroom, but “her dear friend” comes in v. 2), LSB #516

 

Hymn of the Day: Awake, O Spirit of the Watchmen: LBW #382

(not real familiar, but not a tough tune, and the words bridge the 3 lessons well)

 

OR Lord, Help Us Walk Your Servant Way: LSB #857

 

OR Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word: LBW #230, ELW #517, LSB #655

 

Communion Hymn #1: Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive: LBW #307, ELW #605, LSB #843

 

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

 

Closing Hymn: My Hope is Built on Nothing Less: LBW #293/294, ELW #596/597, (LSB #575/576)

 

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

 

 

 

October 9: 18^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 23)

 

Ruth 1:1-19a (Ruth’s love for Naomi)

 

            ELW/RCL: 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15 (Naaman the leper healed by Elisha)

 

Psalm 111 (God is gracious, provides for those who fear him. His works, laws are trustworthy)

 

2 Timothy 2:1-13 (Paul encourages Timothy to be steadfast and diligent in his labors)

 

            ELW/RCL: 1 Timothy 2:8-15 (Eliminates exhortation to strive, even suffer; adds counsel to exhort against quarreling and to be worker approved by God)

 

Luke 17:11-19 (Jesus heals 10 lepers; one returns to thank and worship)

 

*******

 

Opening Hymn:  Entrust Your Days and Burdens: LSB #754 (Wonderful words! I’d sing it to “The Church’s One Foundation, as the suggested tune is unfamiliar)

 

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

 

Hymn of the Day: O God Beyond All Praising: WOV #797, ELW #880

 

          OR Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me: LBW #336, LSB #683

 

Communion Hymn #1: Blest be the Tie that Binds: LBW #370, ELW #656, LSB #649

 

Communion Hymn #2: I’ve Just Come From the Fountain: WOV #696

 

OR Day By Day: WOV #746, ELW #790

 

Closing Hymn: Lift Every Voice and Sing: LBW #562, ELW #841, LSB #964

 

           OR Oh, Worship the King: LBW #548, ELW #842, LSB #804

 

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

 

 

 

October 16: 19^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 24)

OR – and it is a stretch but this is the year of Luke, St. Luke, Evangelist

 

Pentecost 19 lessons and hymns

 

Genesis 32:22-30 (Jacob wrestles with mysterious stranger, is wounded but named Israel)

 

Psalm 121 (My help comes from the Lord. He neither slumbers nor sleeps, will watch your going and coming)

 

2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 (All Scripture is inspired, useful for teaching and reproof; but people will have itching ears and refuse sound doctrine)

 

Luke 18:1-8 (Parable of widow and unjust judge; God hears cries of his chosen ones; but will Son of Man find such faith when he returns?)

 

*******

 

Opening Hymn:   Unto the Hills: LBW #445

 

OR God, Who Made the Earth and Heaven: LBW #281, ELW #564, LSB #877

 

OR Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing: LBW #499, ELW #807, LSB #686

 

Hymn of the Day: How Firm a Foundation: LBW #507, ELW #796, LSB #728

 

Communion Hymn #1: O God of Jacob, By Whose Hand: LBW #477

 

OR Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me: LBW #333, ELW #767, LSB #722

 

Communion Hymn #2: My Faith Looks Up to Thee: LBW #479, ELW #759, LSB #702

 

Closing Hymn: Great is Thy Faithfulness: WOV #771, ELW #733, LSB #809

OR On Eagle’s Wings (You Who Dwell in the Shelter of the Lord):

WOV #779, ELW #787, LSB #727

 

*******

 

 

 

St. Luke lessons and hymns

 

Isaiah 43:8-13 (I am your God and Savior; and you are my witnesses!)

            Or Isaiah 35:5-8 (Promise that the blind shall see, lame shall run; there will be water, joy, and a highway in the desert)

 

Psalm 124 (The Lord was on our side, we have escaped our enemies!)

 

2 Timothy 4:5-11 (Paul has run his race, fought his fight; only Luke remains with him now)

 

Luke 1:1-4; 24:44 (…then Jesus said…)-53 (Why Luke writes; conclusion of Gospel)

 

*******

 

Opening Hymn:   Hail to the Lord’s Anointed (for Is. 35): LBW #87, ELW #311, LSB #398

 

Hymn of the Day: Fight the Good Fight With All Thy Might: LBW #461 (dorky tune, but easily sung to Duke Street, the tune for “Give to Our God Immortal Praise), LSB #664

 

OR O Word of God Incarnate: LBW #231, ELW #514, LSB #523

 

Communion Hymn #1: There is a Balm in Gilead: WOV #737, ELW #614, LSB #745

 

Communion Hymn #2: Here I Am, Lord:  WOV #752, ELW #574, LSB #727

 

Closing Hymn: O Zion, Haste: LBW #397, ELW #668

 

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

 

 

October 23: 20^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 25)

 

Genesis 4:1-15: (Cain murders Abel)

 

            ELW/RCL: Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22 (Condemnation of Israel for its sins, prayer for forgiveness; eliminates God’s command to not pray for them, especially the false prophets)

 

Psalm 5: (God doesn’t delight in wickedness. Spread your protection over those who love you)

 

            ELW/RCL: Psalm 84:1-7 Beauty of God’s house; blessed are God’s pilgrims!)

 

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18: (I have fought the good fight, I have run the race)

 

Luke 18:9-17: Parable of Pharisee and tax collector; Jesus blesses children)

 

            ELW/RCL: Luke 18:9-14 (Eliminates blessing children)

 

*******

 

Opening Hymn:  There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy: LBW #290, ELW #588 (also 587; I don’t know this tune)

                OR Father, We Praise You, Now the Night is Over: LBW #267, LSB #875

 

Hymn of the Day: Just As I Am, Without One Flea: LBW #296, ELW #592, LSB #570

 

OR Jesus Loves Me, This I Know: ELW #595, LSB #588

 

Communion Hymn #1: O Christ, Thou Lamb of God: LBW #103, ,

 

Communion Hymn #2: What Wondrous Love is This: LBW #385, ELW #666, LSB #543

 

Closing Hymn: O Christ, Our Hope: LBW #300, ELW #604, LSB #553

OR, IF you didn’t do this last week for St. Luke…

Fight the Good Fight With All Thy Might: LBW #461 (dorky tune, but easily sung to Duke Street, the tune for “Give to Our God Immortal Praise), LSB #664

 

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

 

 

 

October 30: Reformation Sunday

 

Revelation 14:6-7 (Eternal Gospel announced to every person)

 

Psalm 46 (A mighty fortress!)

 

Romans 3:19-28 (We’re justified by faith apart from works of the Law)

 

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

 

*******

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Communion Hymn #2: What Feast of Love: WOV #701, ELW #487

 

Closing Hymn: A Mighty Fortress is Our God:  LBW #229, ELW #504, LSB #657 (In all hymnals, y’all are free to sing the non-metric version, which is the one prior to the hymn number listed)

 

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

 

 

November 6: All Saints Sunday

 

Revelation 7:(2-8) 9-17 (The tribes of Israel are numbered; behold a host arrayed in white, praising the God who has delivered them)

 

            ELW/RCL: Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 (Vision of 4 great beasts; saints shall receive God’s kingdom forever)

 

Psalm 149 (Praise God for his deliverance – and his vengeance!)

 

1 John 3:1-3 (We are God’s children; when Jesus appears, we shall be like him.)

 

            ELW/RCL: Ephesians 1:11-23 (Inheritance of saints in Christ; prayer for Spirit to enlighten, reveal Jesus’ greatness and gifts)

 

Matthew 5:1-12 (The beatitudes)

 

            ELW/RCL: (Beatitudes and woes; do to others as you wish them to do to you)

 

*******

 

Opening Hymn:  Behold a Host, Arrayed in White (superior translation!): LSB #676

Behold a Host, Like Mountains Bright: LBW #314

Behold the Host, Arrayed in White: ELW # 425

 

          OR Alabare: WOV #791 LSB #800

 

          OR Holy God, We Praise Your/Thy Name: LBW #535, ELW #414, LSB #940

 

Hymn of the Day: For All the Saints: LBW #174, ELW #422, LSB #677

 

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

 

Communion Hymn #1: Shall We Gather By/At the River: WOV #690, ELW #423

 

Communion Hymn #2: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling: LBW #315, ELW #631, LSB #700

 

Closing Hymn: All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name: LBW #328/3299, ELW #634, LSB #549

 

OR Blessing and Honor and Glory and Power: LBW #535, ELW #854,

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

 

 

 

November 13: 23^rd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 28)

 

Exodus 3:1-15 (Moses at burning bush; God reveals his name; ‘Let My people go!’)

 

            ELW/RCL: Malachi 4:1-2 (Day of Lord burns wicked like stubble; Sun of Righteousness dawns for those who fear Name of Lord)

 

Psalm 148 (All creation enjoined to praise God)

 

            ELW/RCL: Psalm 98 (Sing a new song to God for his love, faithfulness!)

 

2 Thessalonians 2:1-8, 13-17 (As to the coming of Christ again, do not be deceived or dismayed; many tribulations must first come)

 

            ELW/RCL: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 (Don’t be idle as we await Christ’s return)

 

Luke 20:27-40 (Jesus corrects Sadducees concerning marriage AND resurrection, using story of Moses at the burning bush)

 

            ELW/RCL: Luke 21:5-19 (Jesus warns: persecution, destruction before his return)

 

*******

 

Opening Hymn:  When Israel Was in Egypt’s Land (if using Exodus text): WOV #670

 

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

 

Hymn of the Day: Who Trusts in God, a Strong Abode: LBW #450 (bear with me: This is a sturdy German chorale, but nobody will know it. I want you to sing this to “The King of Love My Shepherd Is.” That means you’ll sing through the melody twice on each verse. But it’s the only tune I know that people will know, and the words are so powerful, especially if you’re using the ELW/RCL Gospel, Luke 21, that I don’t want you to miss out!)

 

OR All Depends on Our Possessing: LBW #447, ELW #589, LSB #732

 

OR We Know That Christ is Raised and Dies No More: LBW#189, ELW #449, LSB #603

 

Communion Hymn #1: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise: LBW #526, ELW #834, LSB #802

 

Communion Hymn #2: Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer: LBW #343, ELW # 618, LSB #918

 

Closing Hymn: O Happy Day When We Shall Stand: LBW #351, ELW #441

 

          OR O Christ the Same (gotta love singing O Danny Boy!): WOV #778, ELW #760

 

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November 20: Christ the King Sunday

 

Malachi 3:13-18 (God tells his people of their complaints against him; they listen and ponder his words; God will spare the righteous as a father spares his children)

 

            ELW/RCL: Jeremiah 23:1-6 (God gives good Shepherd, righteous Branch for his people)

 

Psalm 46, again?!? (Kingdoms totter and fall into the sea, but God is our refuge and strength)

 

Colossians 1:13-20 (Jesus is the perfect image of God; in him all things hang together)

 

            ELW/RCL: Colossians 1:11-20 (Adds prayer for strength, joy, endurance, thanks)

 

Luke 23:27-43 (From the Via Dolorosa to the Cross; Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom; Father, into your hands I commend my spirit)

 

            ELW/RCL: Luke 23:33-43 (Eliminates Via Dolorosa)

 

*******

 

Opening Hymn:   The Head That once Was Crowned With Thorns:

LBW #173, ELW #432, LSB #532 (if tune is unfamiliar, use “O For 1000 Tongues”)

 

          OR Lift High the Cross, the Love of Christ Proclaim: LBW #377, ELW #660 (Beware, no more newborn soldiers of the Crucified!), LSB #837

 

Hymn of the Day: The Strife is O’er, The Battle Done: LBW #135, ELW #366, LSB #464

 

OR O Savior, Precious Savior: LBW #514, ELW #820, LSB #527

 

Communion Hymn #1: Jesus, Remember Me: WOV #740, ELW #616, LSB #767

 

Communion Hymn #2: Soon and Very Soon: WOV #744, ELW #439

 

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

 

 

“Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months” (James 5:17).

None of us has extraordinary powers.  The Lord has all power and authority.  We are called to come into the community which is Trinity and live out our lives of faith in the Father’s will and to His glory.  Elijah was just like us and in his example, we are to live lives of faith.  Come live the life of faith You have been given and be encouraged according to the measure of grace given you.

The Lord has said that His grace is sufficient.  Walk in that grace and be led to live out His purpose in your life now and forever.  Be guided by the Lord and not by the world.  Live in the community and do not lament that it is not what you want.  The Lord has given you everything you need.  Be content with your portion and do not hesitate to pray and hear as the Lord answers.

Come, Holy Spirit, and kindle in me the spirit of willingness to do what is right.  Guide me in the grace You give so that I would be a person of prayer.  Lead me according to Your goodness to see that in You alone is all hope, for all authority is Yours.  Stir my heart to want doing what You give me to do and then, move me to actually do it.  In and through all things, grow in me a willing and contrite heart.  Amen.

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (James 5:16).

We need community.  Isolate someone and they will not do well.  We have been created as social creatures.  The church is a living organism and not just a meeting place.  Be in community and share with one another.  Share your burdens and share your joys.  Pray for one another.  The healing is of the soul.  It will happen for those who are in faith which is why we live in Christ.

Lord, help me to separate how I feel from the promises You give.  The body I now occupy will fail, but Your promises are forever.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way of life so that I may now and always be guided by You and the promise You give.  Help me to connect in the community where You have placed me.  Lead me according to Your goodness to see through this age’s nonsense.

Lord Jesus, You gathered together the twelve, the seventy, and all of those who are called through Your grace into salvation.  You are building a community.  Help me to live in the community in which You have placed me.  Guide me according to Your purpose to live the life of faith You have given me.  Grow me  in the ways of caring, communicating, and praying for others.  Amen.

“Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him” (James 5:14-15).

The concern is to go deeper than just a quick prayer or word of encouragement.  As the Lord has invested Himself in us, we are to invest ourselves in others.  Be guided in the goodness of the Lord to learn how to care for the members of your extended family.  Learn how to love your neighbor as yourself.  This is a part of what the Lord is doing as He brings you into conformity to Him.

Lord, help me to be aware and intentional about this faith You have given me.  Guide me in Your goodness to learn how to truly care for those around me.  Show me the need and then help me learn how to meet that need.  Guide me Lord in the way of everlasting life.  Lead me according to Your word to fulfill Your will and live in the righteousness You have shown me.

Lord Jesus, throughout Your earthly ministry You did these things.  You are now asking me to step up and do the same.  Guide me in order that I might truly be one who completes the ministry You have given me to do.  Let me not just talk about my faith but live it and carry it out through the ministry You give me.  Teach me how to love my neighbor as You have loved me.  Guide me always in the way of righteousness.  Amen.

“Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises” (James 5:13).

The Lord has called for us to learn how to care for one another.  Yes, the Lord sent salvation for  you, but He also placed you in a fellowship for His sake.  If there is a need, then pray.  If there is something to rejoice over, then rejoice.  We are put together as a family, a social unit.  The world seeks to tear us apart, but the Lord will bring us together.  Seek the way of the Lord now and always.

Lord, help me to understand that when one part of the body hurts, we all hurt.  Guide me to know that in the truth of what You have revealed we do need to care for one another.  Lead me, O Lord, so that I may learn how to do these things and live into the life to which You have called me.  Help me to be sensitive to my neighbor’s needs and seek to be united with them as I am with You.

Lord Jesus, You called together Your disciples and taught them to look to You and care for one another.  You demonstrated Your care by healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, opening the ears of the deaf, and feeding the hungry.  Lead me by Your example to care for those whom You give me to care for.  Lead me in order that I would now and forever live toward the goal that faith in You has given me.  Amen.

“But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment” (James 5:12).

Is it a sin to make a pledge or a vow?  There are many over the ages who have argued from this verse that it is.  But look at the intent of the whole passage and what you see is submission to the Lord and His ways rather than thinking that you, in yourself, have power or authority.  You cannot change a thing; so be honest and truthful and if another requires certain words to hear the pledge, then give it to them.

Lord, You have struck me to the heart.  Am I honest with You and with others?  Do I think I have power or authority?  Guide me into right thinking so that I would now and forever be guided by the truth You have revealed.  Help to not get caught up in word games, but to live according to Your Word.  Lead me, Lord, in the way of righteousness and bring my steps into line with Your will.

Lord Jesus, You said that we are to let our yes be yes and our no be no.  We cannot change a single hair on our head.  Guide me, Lord, to live in the truth that You alone are the Lord and that I can do nothing to change anything.  Lead me in the way of righteousness, for You alone know what is needed.  Guide me according to Your goodness to see through the fog of this age and live into the truth You have revealed.  Amen.

“As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.  We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful” (James 5:10-11).

Why is it we have an idea in our minds that there was some idyllic time when everyone loved the Lord?  The prophets were always hated for telling the truth.  We have been called into the life which comes through faith and Jesus promised that it would be hard.  Do not think yourself exempt from suffering but live in the goodness and mercy the Lord gives you in the face of a hostile world.

Lord, You have said that suffering is a part of what we experience in this life.  Help me to understand that this is what sin has caused.  Lead me through all my suffering to know that in You is the only hope there is and that those who cling to a false hope become angry when they hear the truth.  Help me to live in the true hope and speak the truth always.  Your Word is truth, and I am thankful for those who have spoken it that I may hear and obey it.

Lord Jesus, they killed You because of what You said.  Let me not take lightly these things, nor set them aside, but live into the reality that You are the Lord of all.  Guide me through all suffering for Your name’s sake so that I may stand firm and live in the true hope of Your salvation and not in false hope or for the demands of this world.  You know the way, for You are the way.  Lead me, Lord Jesus.  Amen.

The ELCA will be holding its triennial Churchwide Assembly next week, August 8-12, in Columbus, Ohio.  The Churchwide Assembly is the highest legislative body of the ELCA.  There is much coming up which should be of grave concern to Biblically faithful, confessional Lutherans.  I will be watching the assembly online and will report back in my August letter from the director.  But in the meantime, I wanted to inform you of three actions which are on the agenda, which only go to show how far and how quickly the ELCA has strayed from Biblical truth and moral values and the mission that Jesus gave to His Church.

The first two are amendments to the ELCA constitution.  The first one has to do with the mission and purpose of ELCA colleges and universities.  My understanding is that if this amendment is approved, it will need to be ratified at the 2025 assembly.  Here is a link to all of the amendments which will be voted on.

The second amendment has to do with the role of rostered ministers.  This amendment was approved at the 2019 Churchwide Assembly and needs to be ratified at the 2022 Assembly.  Here is a link to all of the amendments which were approved in 2019 and need to be ratified in 2022.

Unfortunately, both of the above are to be passed – or not passed – “en bloc,” meaning one vote on many amendments, so specific discussion about any one amendment is discouraged.  My expectation (and fear) is that many people will not know what they are voting on and for, because there is so much material for them to go through and master in the Pre-Assembly Report.  (The cynic in me believes that part of the ELCA strategy is to inundate voting members with “so much stuff” that the assembly will approve what the “powers that be” want them to approve.)

#1:  The Mission of Colleges & Universities

Here is the text of the first amendment. 

Any section which is underlined is being added.  Any section which is crossed off has been in the constitution and is being deleted.  The implications for ELCA colleges and universities are enormous.

Are ELCA colleges and universities no longer to be Lutheran/Christian?  Are they no longer to be faithful to the will of God?  Are they no longer to provide religious education and worshipping community?  Are they no longer to provide holistic care of students (body, mind, spirit)?  Are they to be reduced to mere vocational training institutes–not distinctive from any other college or university out there–and nothing more?

What impact will this have upon colleges and universities which previously have had a strong Lutheran identity and/or solid confessional teaching?  What will become of colleges and universities when they are no longer held accountable to the godly mission for which they were founded, and which is now being removed by constitutional amendment?

#2: The Role of Rostered Ministers

Something very similar is being done to the role of pastors (Ministers of Word and Sacrament) and deacons (Ministers of Word and Service).  Here is the text to the second amendment.  Again, these amendments were approved at the 2019 Churchwide Assembly and will not be made official until and unless they are ratified at the 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.  (I guess there was so much focus on the ELCA’s declaring itself to be a sanctuary church body and the Declaration of Inter-Religious Commitment back in 2019 that this one “slipped by us.”  Again, this can happen when you inundate people with so much “stuff.”)

Are rostered ministers no longer to be “proclaiming God’s love for the world” and “witnessing to the realm of God in the community, the nation, and abroad”?  This change is rather shocking, and I would assume that even “radical, liberal, and progressive” clergy, with their very different definitions of “God’s love” and the “realm of God,” would generally agree that the role of clergy should include “proclaiming God’s love” and “witnessing to the realm of God.”  Are clergy to be primarily social justice advocates?  How will it go for your congregation if your next pastor is primarily a social justice advocate? 

#3: Revision of Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust

We knew it would be coming, and now may be the time.  We knew that the human sexuality social statement which was approved by the 2009 Churchwide Assembly would not stand.  Eventually this statement, which is far more traditional than current ELCA belief and practice, would fall.    

Memorials have come from three synods, which ask the ELCA to review and revise the “Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust” social statement.  The most extensive wording comes from the Milwaukee Synod.

Although the “resolved” is not clear about what it means when it says “current church understanding, church policy, civil law, and public acceptance,” the activities and advocacy of ReconcilingWorks and Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries give us some hint as to what we might expect from a proposed revision of this social statement.  These two groups are calling for such things as allowing those who identify as polyamorous to be included on the Proclaim roster of LGBTQ+ clergy and seminarians, and redefining marriage as a mere aspiration rather than as a hard requirement for sexually active rostered leaders.

Here is a link to the complete report of the Memorials Committee.

There are seventy-eight memorials coming to the Churchwide Assembly, so it should not surprise us that the recommendation of the Memorials Committee is to vote on most of them “en bloc” – in a yes or no vote on all of the memorials, which, as in the case of the amendments to the constitution would work against any discussion of individual memorials.  Again, things get approved because there is too much “stuff” for voting members to be able to process.     

I believe it is good that the Memorials Committee is recommending that three memorials be removed from the bloc and voted on separately, including the memorials regarding “Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust.”  Therefore, there will be opportunity for discussion on this issue.

However, no matter how the revision process unfolds this time, I am certain that it is only a matter of time until there is no place for traditional views within the ELCA and congregations and clergy in the ELCA will be forced to adhere to LGBTQ+ affirming policies, all in the name of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.