Lessons and Suggested Hymns, Advent – Transfiguration, Cycle B (November 29, 2026 – February 7, 2027)
Lessons and Suggested Hymns, Advent – Transfiguration, Cycle B
(November 29, 2026 – February 7, 2027)
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)
Please note, I’ve done some updates to the format to make things as user friendly as I can – given that I’m using two lectionaries and four hymnals….
Some hymn translations/versions are superior in LSB. There are some great hymns in LSB that aren’t available in the other hymnals (I try to include an alternative from ELW, 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. Additionally, in ELW, some familiar hymns have been significantly altered, which I try to note. ELW also has some fine hymns not available in the other hymnals, or sometimes has 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 the LSB/Missouri Synod rendition of RCL. I also include the lessons from the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) found in ELW and used in most Augsburg/Fortress inserts. It often overlaps the Sola/LSB calendar lectionary, but when there are differences, I will note them. I denote things as RCL/ELW and SOLA/LSB, indicating where they’re most commonly found.
Green Sundays are Proper 1,2,3, etc., in Sola/LSB. They’re designated “Lectionary 1, 2, 3” in RCL/ELW, and they’re a week off from the Propers because the Propers begin the Sunday after Baptism of Our Lord – 2nd Sunday after Epiphany. However, the Lectionary numeration begins with the Baptism of Our Lord. I’ll try to indicate where we are so you can reference things from the Sola liturgical calendar, the lectionaries in the front of ELW or LSB, or elsewhere. A reminder that the lectionary in the front of LBW is an older, first “go” at a three year lectionary. It’s got significant enough differences that I don’t reference it, and to my knowledge Augsburg-Fortress doesn’t support it. Reminder, very soon they won’t be providing LBW-specific materials at all. LBW is nearly 50 years old, after all!
I have added some seasonal liturgies that you are free to cut, paste, and revise as needed. They are modified from the copyright-free Online Book of Common Prayer, or are my own creation. These are found on the following pages. The regular prayers of intercession will, as usual, be provided weekly in their own Word documents.
A Brief Order of Confession and Holy Absolution for Advent
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son+, and of the Holy Spirit: Amen.
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence may be kept.
Most merciful God, I confess to you with my whole heart my neglect and forgetfulness of your commandments: my wrong thinking, speaking, and acting; the hurts I have done to others; and the good I have left undone. O God, forgive me, for I have sinned against you. Raise me to newness of life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hear this promise of Almighty God: He prepares in our hearts a royal highway for his Son’s near approach, and cleanses us from all our sins. He drives away the darkness of sin and death, that we may behold the glory of his Son, the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Spoken Gospel Acclamation for Advent
Alleluia. Come and save us, LORD our God. Let your face shine upon us that we may be saved. Alleluia.
Offertory Prayer/ Prayer of Self-Dedication for Advent
Holy God, receive these tokens of our love for you. Make them, and us, holy. Use them, and us, as you desire. In everything, grant that we speak and act for the glory of your coming Kingdom, and for the well-being of the people you long to redeem. This we ask in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Post-Communion Prayer for Advent
Almighty and ever-living God, we give you thanks for these heavenly gifts. Kindle in us the fire of your Spirit. When your Christ comes again, make us shine as lights before his face; who is alive and reigns now and forever. Amen.
Sending Words for Advent
Go in peace. Prepare the way of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
A Brief Order of Confession and Holy Absolution for Christmastide
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son+, and of the Holy Spirit: Amen.
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence may be kept.
Most merciful Father, we confess that we walk in the darkness of sin and not in your light. Sometimes we treat the priceless gift of your Son as an afterthought. And often we do not give the 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/Prayer of Self-Dedication 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.
OR
Heavenly Father, in giving us your beloved Son, you have given us your very heart. By your Holy Spirit, give us grace to offer you our own hearts in humble gratitude. Take, bless, heal, and use them, dear Lord, to your glory and for the good of all people. Amen.
Post-Communion Prayer for Christmastide
Heavenly Father, thank you for your great gift of love, your Son Jesus Christ. May we who have received his body and blood bear the light of his love into the world, to your glory and for the healing of the nations. Amen.
Sending Words for Christmastide
Go in peace. Christ is born. Thanks be to God.
A Brief Order of Confession and Holy Absolution for the Epiphany Season
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son+, and of the Holy Spirit: Amen.
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence may be kept.
Most merciful Father, although in Christ our light has come, at times we prefer the darkness of sin. We do not let your light shine in our lives so others may see our good works and glorify you. We are deeply sorry and humbly repent. Forgive us and fill us with your Spirit. Give us the joy of your salvation. Send us out to proclaim your salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Arise, shine, for your Light has come; and the glorious mercy of the Lord shines round about you. In the name of and by the authority of our Savior Jesus Christ, I announce the forgiveness of your sin. May the Holy Spirit strengthen your faith, heal your spirit, and equip you to proclaim the greatness of the Lord until he comes in glory. Amen.
Spoken Gospel Acclamation for the Epiphany Season
Alleluia. Glory to you, O Christ, proclaimed to the Gentiles. Glory to you, O Christ, believed in throughout the world. Alleluia.
November 29, 2026: Advent 1 (Blue or purple)
All: Isaiah 64:1-9 (tear open heavens and come; we are clay; do not be angry forever)
All: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 (stir up your might and come; do not be angry forever)
All: 1 Corinthians 1:3–9 (God strengths you; wait for Christ to be revealed)
All: Mark 13:24-37 (stay alert; lesson of fig tree; parable: master comes unexpectedly)
OR Mark 11:1-10 (Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey)
*******
Opening hymn: The King Shall Come: LBW #33, ELW #260, LSB #348
Or my “Advent hymn” (sung to the same tune)
With glory bright and heavenly peace, come quickly, Lord, again.
With judgment true the earth renew; the gates of life unpen.
God, Father, glory gilds your name; we worship and adore,
We bless and praise, our thanks we raise; your mercy we implore.
O glorious Sun of righteousness, bring healing on your wing.
By your dear grace, reveal your face, unbar our hearts to sing:
Sing, “Glory be to you, O Lord; to you, O Christ, be praise,
God’s Lamb of love from heav’n above, Redeemer of our race.”
Most glorious Spirit, Holy Lord, conform us to the Son,
To rightly praise through all our days what he for us has done.
O glory to the Father, Son, and Spirit ever be!
God, bring your life amidst our strife; Lord Jesus, come quickly.
Hymn of the Day: Savior of the Nations, Come: LBW #28, ELW #263 LSB #332
OR O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: LBW #34, ELW #257, LSB #357
Communion Hymn #1: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus: LBW #30, ELW #254, LSB #338
Communion Hymn #2: My Lord, What a Morning: WOV #627, ELW #438, LSB #986
Closing Hymn: Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates: LBW #32, LSB #340, 341
OR Christ, Be Our Light: ELW #715
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December 6, 2026: Advent 2 (Blue or purple)
All: Isaiah 40:1-11 (Comfort my people; prepare way of the Lord; here is your God,
who feeds his flock like a shepherd)
All: Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 (righteousness and peace kiss)
All: 2 Peter 3:8-15a (1000 years like a day; end comes suddenly; live in righteousness, peace until He comes)
All: Mark 1:1-8 (John the Baptist announces One who is greater than he)
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Opening hymn: On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry: LBW #26, ELW #249, LSB #344
(feel free to teach the choir my version: On Jordan’s banks, the Baptists cry; the Methodists are standing by; the Presbyterians all do sing, while Lutherans a hot dish bring….)
Hymn of the Day: Comfort, Comfort Now My People: LBW #29, ELW #256, LSB #347
Communion Hymn #1:, O God, Our Help in Ages Past: LBW #320, ELW #632, LSB #733
OR Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah: WOV #630, ELW #240
Communion Hymn #2: The Advent of Our God/King: LBW #22, LSB #331
OR Come Now, O Prince of Peace: ELW #247
Closing Hymn: Prepare the Royal Highway: LBW #26, ELW #264, LSB #343
*******
December 13, 2026: Advent 3 (Blue, purple – or rose, if you can)
All: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 (God anointed me with his Spirit; clothed me with joy of his salvation)
All: Psalm 126 (God restored fortunes of Jerusalem; those who go out weeping return rejoicing)
OR ELW/RCL: Luke 1:46b-55 (The Magnificat)
All: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (Rejoice; don’t quench Spirit; be holy)
All: John 1:6-8, 19-28 (John says who he isn’t, there’s one greater than he)
*******
Opening hymn: Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers: LBW #25, ELW #244, LSB #515
Hymn of the Day: Hail to the Lord’s Anointed: LBW #87, ELW #398, LSB #398
(Can also sing this hymn to tune of LBW #369, “The Church’s One Foundation. In fact, if you use it during communion, or have a congregation unfamiliar with the hymn, I’d recommend it.)
Communion Hymn #1: Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness: LBW #224, LSB #636
Communion Hymn #2: Hark, the Glad Sound!: LBW #35, LSB #349, ELW #239
Closing Hymn: People, Look East: WOV #626, ELW #248
OR Come, We That Love the Lord: WOV #742, ELW #625, LSB #669
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December 20, 2026: Advent 4 (Blue or purple)
All: 2 Samuel 7:1-11,16 (David won’t build God’s house; God vows David’s house will endure)
All: Luke 1:46b-55 (Magnificat)
OR ELW/RCL alternate: Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26
All: Romans 16:25-27 (Mysteries long hidden now revealed; final blessing)
All: Luke 1:26-38 (Annunciation of Gabriel to Mary)
*******
Opening hymn: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: LBW #34, ELW #257, LSB #357
(if you didn’t use this the 1st Sunday in Advent. Or, heck, even if you did!)
Hymn of the Day: My Soul Now Magnifies the Lord: LBW #180, ELW #573, LSB #934
OR I Will Greatly Rejoice in the Lord: LSB #929, Chanted Canticle
OR The Angel Gabriel From Heaven Came: WOV #632, ELW #265, LSB #356
Communion Hymn #1:, O Jesus So Sweet, O Jesus So Mild: LSB #546
OR O Little Town of Bethlehem: LBW #41, LSB #361, ELW #279
Communion Hymn #2:, Lo, How A Rose E’er Growing/Blooming: LBW #58, ELW #272, LSB #359 (ELW and LSB use the familiar words and harmonization)
Closing Hymn: Let Our Gladness Have No End: LBW #57, ELW #291, LSB #381
OR Cone, Thou Long-Expected Jesus: LBW #30, ELW #254, LSB #338
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December 24, 2026: Christmas Eve (white/gold)
All: Isaiah 9:2-11 (Those in darkness have seen a great light; unto us a child is born)
All: Psalm 96 (great is the Lord; bring offerings, all nations!)
All: Titus 2:11-14 (God’s grace revealed in the flesh, gives strength to be upright, pious)
All: Luke 2:1-20 (The birth of Jesus and visitation of the shepherds)
*******
Opening hymn: O Come, All Ye Faithful: LBW #45, ELW #283, LSB #379
Hymn of Praise: Hark the Herald Angels Sing: LBW #60, LSB #380, ELW #270
Hymn of Day:, From Heaven Above to Earth I Come: LBW #51, ELW #268, LSB #358
OR Holy Child Within the Manger: WOV #638 (a nice Marty Haugen piece)
Communion Hymn #1: ‘Twas In the Moon of Wintertime: LBW #72, ELW #284
OR Once in Royal David’s City: WOV #643, ELW #269, LSB #376
Communion Hymn #2: I Am So Glad Each Christmas Eve: LBW #69, ELW #271
Communion Hymn #3: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly: LBW #44, ELW #276, LSB #393
Hymn during candle lighting: Silent Night, Holy Night: LBW #65, ELW #281, LSB #363
Closing Hymn: Joy to the World: LBW #39, ELW #267, LSB #387
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December 25, 2026: Christmas Day: The Nativity of Our Lord (White or gold)
All: Isaiah 52:7-10 (Beautiful on mountain are feet of those announcing peace, salvation of God)
All: Psalm 98 (Sing a new song, all creation; God judges with equity, righteousness)
All: Hebrews 1:1-12 (God speaks to us through his Son, who is greater than angels)
All: John 1:1-14 (The Word is made flesh!)
*******
Opening hymn: Angels, From the Realms of Glory: LBW #50, ELW #275, LSB #367
OR Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light: LSB #378
Hymn of Praise: Angels We Have Heard on High: LBW #71, ELW #289, LSB #368
Hymn of the Day: Of the Father’s Love Begotten: LBW #42, ELW #295, LSB #384
OR A Great and Mighty Wonder: LSB #383 (tune is “The Church’s One Foundation”)
Communion Hymn #1: The First Noel: LBW #56, ELW #300
Communion Hymn #2: In the Bleak Midwinter: ELW #294
OR Go Tell It on the Mountain: LBW #70, ELW #290, LSB #388
Closing Hymn: The Bells of Christmas Chime Once More: LBW #62, ELW #298
*******
December 27, 2026: 1st Sunday after Christmas (White or gold)
OR St. John, Apostle and Evangelist
1 Christmas:
All: Isaiah 61:10—62:3 (I will exult in God, who has clothed me with salvation;
Zion will shine with the vindication of God, and all nations will see it!)
Sola/LSB: Psalm 111 (God has sent redemption; the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom)
ELW/RCL: Psalm 148
All: Galatians 4:4-7 (God sent his Son under the law, adopts us as children so we may say Abba)
All: Luke 2:22-40 (The Holy Family in the temple)
*******
Opening hymn: Good Christian Friends, Rejoice: LBW #55, ELW #288
OR LSB #386, Now Sing We, Now Rejoice: (same tune as above, different lyrics)
OR O Sing of Christ: LSB #362 (easy English folk tune)
OR Cold December Flies Away: LBW #53, ELW #299
Hymn of Praise: Let All Together Praise Our God: LBW #47, ELW #287, LSB #389
Hymn of the Day: In His Temple Now Behold Him: LBW #184, ELW #417, LSB #519 (if LBW tune is unfamiliar sing this to Regent Square, #50, Angels from the Realms of Glory, which is the tune ELW uses. The LSB tune, “Westminster,” is a wonderful English melody used in WOV for “Christ is Made the Sure Foundation.” 3 nice choices.)
Communion Hymn #1: What Child is This: LBW #40, LSB #370, ELW #296
Communion Hymn #2: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly: LBW #44, ELW #276, LSB #393
Closing Hymn: O Lord, Now Let Your Servant: LBW #339, ELW #313
OR Lord, Bid Your Servant Go In Peace: LSB #937
OR my hymn paraphrase of the Nunc Dimitis
(sung to “The Bells of Christmas Chime Once More” or to “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come”)
Lord, let your servant go in peace, your faithful Word you have fulfilled.
This Word made flesh I now embrace: the sure salvation you have willed!
With my own eyes I see the lamp of glory giv’n to Israel,
The light for nations lost; the peace that makes your wounded people well.
Glory and praise, blest Trinity, dear Father, Holy Spirit, Son,
Your light no darkness overtakes, while endless ages ever run!
*******
St. John:
Revelation 1:1-6: The beginning of the end!
Psalm 11: (David’s trust in God in midst of danger, persecution)
1 John 1:1-2:2: What we have seen, heard, touched concerning Jesus, we declare to you
John 21:20-25: I suppose all the books in the world couldn’t say it all!
*******
Opening hymn: Of the Father’ Love Begotten: LBW #42, ELW #295, LSB #384
OR Thy Strong Word: LBW #233, ELW #511, LSB #578
Hymn of Praise: Let All Together Praise Our God: LBW #47, ELW #287, LSB #389
Hymn of the Day: O Word of God Incarnate: LBW #231, ELW #514, LSB #523
OR Hark, the Herald Angels Sing: LBW #60, ELW #270, LSB #380
Communion Hymn #1: Ler All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence: LBW #198, ELW #490, LSB #621
Communion Hymn #2: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly: LBW #44, ELW #276, LSB #393
Closing Hymn: What Child is This: LBW #40, LSB #370, ELW #296
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January 3, 2027: Second Sunday After Christmas
Sola/LSB: 1 Kings 3:4-15: (God grants King Solomon wisdom)
ELW/RCL: Jeremiah 31:7-14: (Sing for joy; God will deliver his people from captivity)
Sola/LSB: Psalm 119:97-104: (Meditating on your Law makes me wiser than my teachers)
ELW/RCL: Psalm 147:12-20: (Praise God, who strengthens your gates, blesses you with peace and plenty)
All: Ephesians 1:3-14: (Praise God, who has blessed us in Christ with adoption, forgiveness, inheritance, wisdom!)
Sola/LSB: Luke 2:40-52: (Jesus in Temple with elders who raise his wisdom)
ELW/RCL: John 1:1-18: (In the beginning was the Word…)
*******
Opening hymn: (If not used for St. John): O Word of God Incarnate: LBW #231, ELW #514, LSB #523
OR God of Grace and God of Glory: LBW #415, ELW #705, LSB #850
Hymn of Praise: Let Our Gladness Have No End: LBW #57, ELW #291, LSB #381
Hymn of the Day: Your Little Ones, O Lord, Are We (Simple tune, goes with Epistle and, really, both Gospel choices): LBW #52, ELW #286
OR Within the Father’s House (Excellent hymn for Sola/LSB Gospel, familiar tune!): LSB #410
Communion Hymn #1: Children of the Heavenly Father: LBW #474, ELW #781, LSB #725
Communion Hymn #2: Gloria (Taize chant; repeat as desired): WOV #640
OR Come, Thou Fount of Ever’y Blessing: LBW #499, ELW #807, LSB #686
Closing Hymn: Let All Together Praise Our Lord: LBW #47, v.1-4, 7; ELW #287, v. 1, 2, 5, 6;
LSB #389, v. 1-4, 7
*******
Wednesday, January 6, 2027: The Epiphany of Our Lord (White)
ALL: Isaiah 60:1-6 (Arise, shine, for your light has come! Israel gathered in; nations come and worship)
Sola/LSB: Psalm 72: 1-15 (Give the King your justice, O God; may he rule with righteousness)
ELW/RCL: Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
All: Ephesians 3:1-12 (Gentiles are now fellow heirs, sharers of the promise of salvation in Christ; Paul’s ministry is to disclose this mystery to all people)
All: Matthew 2:1-12 (Magi worship infant Jesus)
*******
Opening hymn: Bright and Glorious is the Sky: LBW #75, ELW #301
Hymn of Praise: Let All Together Praise Our God: LBW #47, ELW #287LSB #389
Hymn of the Day: O Chief of Cities, Bethlehem: LBW #81 (can sing to “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come”)
OR The Star Proclaims the King is Here (LSB #399) (same theme as “O Chief of Cities,” same meter, so if THIS tune is unfamiliar, you can also sing it to “From Heaven Above”!)
OR As With Gladness Men of Old: LBW #82, ELW #302, LSB #397
Communion Hymn #1: Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning: LBW #84, ELW #303,
LSB #400
Communion Hymn #2: We Three Kings of Orient Are: WOV #646
OR When Morning Gilds the Skies: LBW #546, ELW #853, LSB #807
Closing Hymn: O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright: LBW #76, ELW #308, LSB #395
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January 10, 2027: Baptism of Our Lord (Lectionary 1) (white)
All: Genesis 1:1-5 (God creates light)
All: Psalm 29 (the voice of the Lord upon the waters)
All: Acts 19:1-7 (baptism in name of Jesus)
All: Mark 1:4-11 (the Baptism of Jesus)
*******
Opening hymn: Thy Strong Word Didst Cleave the Darkness: LBW #233, LSB #578
OR Opening hymn/Hymn of Praise/prior to baptism or renewal of baptismal promises:
I Bind Unto Myself Today: LBW #188, ELW #450, LSB #604
Hymn of Praise: How Great Thou Art: LBW #532, ELW #856, LSB #801
Hymn of the Day: From God the Father, Virgin-Born: LBW #83, LSB #401
(Why, yes, I can suggest a familiar tune. Thanks for asking! The Doxology; From Heaven Above To Earth I Come; or Lord Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word will all work. Depending on whether you have already used the first two elsewhere in the season, the latter might be a good choice.)
OR When Jesus Came to Jordan: WOV #647, ELW #305
OR Remember and Rejoice: ELW #454 (very familiar tune)
OR Christ, When for Us You Were Baptized: ELW #304 (ditto!)
Communion Hymn #1: Eternal Father, Strong to Save: LBW #467, ELW #756, LSB #717
OR We Were/Are Baptized in Christ Jesus: WOV #698, ELW #452 (A piece of trivia: Ouilmette, the tune name, is the old French/Indian name for Wilmette, the town on the north shore of the Chicago area where my brother and sister-in-law live. Just thought you’d like to know.)
OR Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters: WOV #697
Communion Hymn #2: O Worship the King: LBW #548, ELW #842. LSB #804
Closing Hymn: Hail to the Lord’s Anointed: LBW #87, ELW #311. LSB #398
OR (if not used as hymn of praise): How Great Thou Art: LBW #532, ELW #856, LSB #801
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January 17, 2027: 2nd Sunday after Epiphany (Proper 1, Lectionary 2)
All: 1 Samuel 3:1-20 (the call of Samuel to be a prophet)
All: Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 (I am fearfully and wonderfully made; you knew me in the womb)
All: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 (the body made for the Lord; you are a temple for the Holy Spirit)
All: John 1:43-51 (Jesus calls Philip and Nathaniel)
*******
Opening Hymn: Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty: LBW #250, ELW #533, LSB #901
OR Wondrous Are Your Ways, O God: LBW #311 (paraphrase of psalm, but tune wanders a bit.)
Hymn of the Day: I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light: WOV #649, ELW #815, LSB #411
OR “Come, Follow Me” the Savior Spake: LBW #455, ELW #799, LSB #688
OR Speak, O Lord, Your Servant Listens: LSB #589 (Ties Old Testament and Gospel together!)
Communion Hymn #1:, Take My Life, That I May Be/and Let It Be: LBW #406, ELW #583/685;
LSB #783/784
Communion Hymn #2: Blessed Assurance: WOV #699, ELW #638
OR Hark the Voice of Jesus Calling/Crying: LBW #381, LSB #826
Closing Hymn: The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve: WOV #723
OR God’s Word is Our Great Heritage: LBW #239, ELW #509, LSB #582
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January 24, 2027: 3rd Sunday after Epiphany (Proper 2, Lectionary 3)
All: Jonah 3:1-5, 10 (Jonah preaches, Nineveh repents, God has mercy)
All: Psalm 62:5-12 (God judges all justly; trust in him)
All: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (the time as short; live accordingly)
All: Mark 1:14-20 (time fulfilled, Kingdom near, repent; I will make you fishers of men)
*******
Opening hymn: Christ Be My Leader: LSB #861 (tune is Lord of All Hopefulness)
OR O Christ Our Light, Our Radiance True: LBW #380, ELW #675
O Christ, Our True and Only Light : LSB #839
OR Christ, Be Our Light: ELW #715
Hymn of the Day: “As Surely As I Live,” God Said: LSB #614
OR You Have Come Down to the Lakeshore: WOV #784, ELW #817
OR Spread, O Spread, Almighty Word: LBW #379, ELW #663
Spread the Reign of God the Lord: LSB #830
Communion Hymn #1: I Love to Tell the Story: LBW #390, ELW #661
Communion Hymn #2: Rise Up, O Saints of God!: LBW #383, ELW #669
Closing Hymn: Listen, God is Calling: WOV #712, ELW #513, LSB #833
OR God, Whose Almighty Word: LBW #400, ELW #673
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January 31, 2027: 4th Sunday after Epiphany (Proper 3, Lectionary 4)
All: Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (I will raise up a prophet, put my words in his mouth; listen to him alone)
All: Psalm 111 (God is faithful and just; praise him for his righteous deeds)
All: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 (Caring for brethren with weak consciences; eating food offered to idols)
All: Mark 1:21-28 (Jesus drives out a demon in Capernaum on Sabbath)
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Opening hymn: Rise, Shine, You People!: LBW #393, ELW #665, LSB #825
Hymn of the Day: “Away From Us!” The Demon Cried: LSB #541 (Don’t panic; it’s same tune as “In Christ There Is No East or West”)
OR Hope of the World, Thou Christ of Great Compassion: LBW #493 (Do NOT panic if you think the congregation will struggle. You can sing this to hymn #84, “Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning,” a perfectly fine Epiphany hymn tune to boot!)
OR You are Mine: ELW #581 (It’s easier than it looks, honest!)
Communion Hymn #1: Son of God, Eternal Savior: LBW #364, ELW #655, LSB #842
Communion Hymn #2: O Savior, Precious Savior: LBW #514, ELW #820, LSB #527
Closing Hymn: O Jesus, King Most Wonderful: LBW #537, LSB #554
OR Praise, Praise! You Are My Rock: ELW #862 (a sprightly Herb Brokering hymn)
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February 7, 2027: Transfiguration of Our Lord
All: 2 Kings 2:1-12 (Elisha sees Elijah being taken up into heaven in fiery chariot)
All: Psalm 50:1-6 (Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth)
All: 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 (God shines in our hearts, gives light of knowledge of his glory seen in Jesus’ face)
All: Mark 9:2-9 (The transfiguration of Christ)
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Opening hymn: How/Tis Good, Lord, To Be Here!: LBW #89, ELW #315, LSB #414
Hymn of Praise: Holy God, We Praise Thy Name: LBW #535, ELW #414, LSB #940
Hymn of the Day: Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory: LSB #416
OR In Thee is Gladness: LBW #552, ELW #867, LSB #818
OR Jesus On the Mountain Peak: ELW #317
OR I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light: WOV #649, ELW #815, LSB #411
Communion Hymn #1: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise: LBW #526, LSB #802
Communion Hymn #2: Beautiful Savior: LBW #518, ELW #838, LSB #537
Closing Hymn: Alleluia, Song of Gladness: WOV #654, LSB #417 ELW #318
OR Alleluia! Sing to Jesus: LBW #158, LSB #821, ELW #392
OR O Wondrous Type/Image! O Vision Fair: LBW #80, ELW #316, LSB #413