Lessons and Hymn Suggestions Advent-Transfiguration of Our Lord, Cycle C December 1, 2024 – March 2, 2025

written by Cathy Ammlung | November 13, 2024

Lessons and Hymn Suggestions

Advent-Transfiguration of Our Lord, Cycle C

December 1, 2024 – March 2, 2025

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.

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.

A Brief Order of Confession and Holy Absolution for Advent

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son+, and of the Holy Spirit: Amen.

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence may be kept.

Most merciful God, I confess to you with my whole heart my neglect and forgetfulness of your commandments: my wrong thinking, speaking, and acting; the hurts I have done to others; and the good I have left undone. O God, forgive me, for I have sinned against you. Raise me to newness of life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hear this promise of Almighty God: He prepares in our hearts a royal highway for his Son’s near approach, and cleanses us from all our sins. He drives away the darkness of sin and death, that we may behold the glory of his Son, the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Spoken Gospel Acclamation for Advent

Alleluia. Come and save us, LORD our God. Let your face shine upon us, that we may be saved. Alleluia.

Offertory Prayer for Advent

Holy God, receive these tokens of our love for you. Make them holy, and use them as you desire, for the glory of your coming Kingdom, and for the well-being of the people you long to redeem. This we ask in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Post-Communion Prayer for Advent

Almighty and ever-living God, we give you thanks for these heavenly gifts. Kindle in us the fire of your Spirit. 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. We do not share the gifts of forgiveness, mercy, and care with those who need them from us. Lead us into the light of your love. Restore to us the joy proclaimed by angels and shepherds at your Son’s birth among us. Amen.

Behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy: For unto you is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord. His name is Jesus, for he saves us from our sins. He is called Emmanuel, for he is God with us. For his sake, his Father forgives and blesses you, calls you his children, and bestows his Holy Spirit to guide, strengthen, and sanctify you in all your words and deeds. Amen.

Spoken Gospel Acclamation for Christmastide

Alleluia. The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. To those who accepted him he gave power to become the children of God. Alleluia.

Offertory Prayer for Christmastide

Heavenly Father, receive, bless, and use these gifts, given for love Jesus Christ, your gift to us, your Son, our Savior, and our Lord. Amen.

Post-Communion Prayer for Christmastide

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your great gift of love, your Son Jesus Christ. May we who have received his body and blood bear the light of his love into the world, to your glory and for the healing of the nations. Amen.

Sending Words for Christmastide

Go in peace. Christ is born. Thanks be to God.

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, in Christ our light has come. But sometimes 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.

Offertory Prayer for the Epiphany Season

Merciful Father, the magi brought gifts to your Son, the Babe of Bethlehem. Graciously accept our gifts, given to glorify and worship Christ our Savior, and to bring healing and hope to the people he came to redeem. Amen.

Post-Communion Prayer for the Epiphany Season

Gracious heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your dear Son, given to us in this holy Sacrament. Strengthen us, through this gift, in faith toward you, and in fervent love toward one another. This we ask in the name of your Son Jesus Christ, our Light and our Life. Amen.

Sending Words for the Epiphany Season

Go in peace. Share the light of Christ. Thanks be to God.

December 1, 2024: 1^st Sunday of Advent

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

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

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

that you may be blameless at the coming of Jesus)

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

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Opening Hymn: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: LBW #34, ELW #257, LSB #357

OR When Morning Gilds the Skies: LBW #546, ELW #853, LSB #807

Hymn of the Day: Jesus, Your/Thy Blood and Righteousness (Trust me on this, it works. Play it as a lively lilt, not a tiresome dirge!): LBW #302, LSB #563

OR Savior of the Nations, Come: LBW #28, ELW #263, LSB #332

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

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

Communion Hymn #2: People, Look East: WOV #626, ELW #248

OR Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah: WOV #630, ELW #240

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

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

December 8, 2024: 2^nd Sunday of Advent

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

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

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

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

Philippians 1:2-11: (Prayer that they may overflow with love, wisdom, and insight, and be

blameless at the day of Christ, having produced harvest of righteousness)

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

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

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Opening Hymn: Come, You/Ye Thankful People, Come (Goes with Old Testament, Epistle): LBW #407, ELW #693, LSB #892

Hymn of the Day: My version of the Benedictus, “Bless Israel’s God” (sung to “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!

OR Blest Be the God of Israel (I don’t know the tune, but it looks harmless): ELW #552

OR Blessed Be the God of Israel (The jaunty English folk tune): WOV #725, ELW #250

OR Sing Praise to the God of Israel (A sturdy German tune): LSB #936

Communion Hymn #1: O Lord, How Shall I Meet You: LBW #23, ELW #241, LSB #334

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

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

December 15, 2024: 3^rd Sunday of Advent

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

Psalm 85: (Show us your steadfast love, grant us your salvation; love and faithfulness meet;

righteousness and peace kiss)

RCL/ELW: Isaiah 12:2-6: (God is my salvation. Give thanks, sing praise,

make his name known)

Philippians 4:4-7: (Rejoice in the Lord always; God’s peace, which passes understanding,

guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus)

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

the poor given the Gospel)

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

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Opening Hymn: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus: LBW#30, ELW #254, LSB #338

OR Let the Earth Now Praise the Lord (tune for “Savior of the Nations Come”): LSB #352

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

OR Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness: ELW #843, LSB #849 (both familiar tunes)

OR There’s a Voice in the Wilderness: ELW #255

Communion Hymn #1: O Jesus, King Most Wonderful: LBW #537, LSB #554

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

Communion Hymn #2: Once He Came in Blessing: LBW #312, LSB # 333

OR Jesus, the Very Thought of you: LBW #316, ELW #754

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

OR Light Dawns on a Weary World: ELW #726

December 22, 2024: 4^th Sunday of Advent

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

Psalm 80:1-7: (Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel! You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine!

Stir up your might! Restore us; let your face shine, that we may be saved.

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

Luke 1:39-56: (Magnificat!)

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Opening Hymn: Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming (traditional words, harmonies): ELW #272, LSB #359

Lo, How a Rose is Growing: LBW #58

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

OR All Earth is Hopeful (Very simple, gentle Hispanic carol): WOV 629, ELW #266

OR My version of the Magnificat (sung to “Cantad al Senor”)

My soul magnifies my God and my true Lord,

My Savior, my joy, by my spirit adored!

He looks upon me, though servant most lowly

With favor and grace. O, praise God most holy!

Now all generations shall call me blessed,

Great things God has done for me: I confess it!

Almighty and holy, to all who fear him,

His mercy he grants, to draw them near him.

But his mighty arm refuses and scatters

The haughty and vain, the proud and their matters.

The high and the mighty, God shall dethrone,

But lift up the poor and needy alone.

The hungry are fed from God’s hand, with his bread,

But he sends away the fortunate, unfed.

He helps Israel, his servant of old,

For his promised mercy now shall unfold.

To forefather Abraham, and to his seed,

God promises help and mercy in their need.

Give glory, therefore, to Father and Son,

And to Holy Spirit, while ages run!

Communion Hymn #1: Let Our Gladness Have No End: LBW #57, ELW #291, LSB #381

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

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

December 24, 2024: Christmas Eve, the Nativity of Our Lord

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OR The People That in Darkness Sat (familiar tune, great paraphrase of Isaiah!): LSB #412

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

OR (for something different but easy, beautiful, classic): See Amid the Winter’s Snow: LSB #373

Offertory Hymn: What Child is This: LBW #40, ELW #296, LSB #370

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

I Am So Glad Each Christmas Eve: LBW #69, ELW #271

Away in a Manger: LBW #67, ELW #277, 278; LSB #364, 365

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly: LBW #44, ELW #276, LSB #393

O Little Town of Bethlehem: LBW #41, ELW #279, LSB #361

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

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

December 25, 2024: Christmas Day, the Nativity of Our Lord

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

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

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

Hebrews 1:1-12: (In many and various ways, God spoke to his people of old by the prophets; but

now in these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son.)

John 1:1-18: (In the beginning was the Word; the Word became flesh and dwelt among us; we

have beheld his glory, full of grace and truth…)

*******

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

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

Gradual Hymn: From Heaven Above to Earth I Come: LBW #51, v. 1-4, 12-14, LSB #358, v. 1-4, 13-15; ELW #268, v. 1-4, 12-14

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

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

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

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

Offertory Hymn: In the Bleak Midwinter (I can’t believe THIS isn’t, either!): ELW #294

OR What Child is This: LBW #40, ELW #296, LSB #370

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

Communion Hymn #2: Lo How a Rose: LBW #58, ELW #272, LSB #359

Closing Hymn: Go Tell it on the Mountain: LBW #70, ELW #290, LSB #388

December 29, 2024: First Sunday of Christmas

Exodus 13:1-3a, 11-15:(Consecrate your firstborn males: I freed you from slavery by killing Egyptian firstborn)

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

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

Colossians 3:12-17: (Clothe selves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,

forgiveness, love. Let peace of Christ rule in your hearts, and his word dwell in you richly)

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

RCL/ELW: Luke 2:41-52: (the boy Jesus with the elders in the Temple)

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

OR Let All Together Praise Our God: LBW #47, v. 1-4; ELW #287, v. 1-4; LSB #389, v. 1-4

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

Hymn of the Day: Speak, O Lord, Your Servant Listens: LSB #589 (Outstanding words. Fits Samuel, either Gospel text)

OR Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus (Good for Simeon/ Anna): LBW#30, ELW #254, LSB#338

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

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

Closing Hymn: Let All Together Praise Our God: LBW #47, v. 5-7; ELW #287, v. 5-6; LSB #389, v. 5-7

OR O Lord, Now Let Your Servant: LBW #339, ELW #313

OR my paraphrase of the Nunc Dimittus, “Lord, Let Your Servant Go in Peace.”

Use tune for “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come” or “The Bells of Christmas.”

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 given to Israel,

The Light to 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.

January 5, 2025: 2^nd Sunday of Christmas 2 OR Epiphany, Transferred

Christmas 2 Lessons and Hymns:

1 Kings 3:4-15: (God grants Solomon’s request for wisdom)

RCL/ELW: Jeremiah 31:7-14: (God will ransom his people, lead them like a shepherd)

Psalm 119:97-104: (You have made me wiser than my enemies because I meditate on your law)

RCL/ELW: Psalm 147: 12-20: Praise for God feeding, protecting, blessing his people)

Ephesians 1: 3-14: (God makes us holy, blameless in Christ, adopts us as children)

Luke 2:40-52: (the boy Jesus with the elders in the Temple)

RCL/ELW: John 1:1-18: In the beginning was the Word, full of grace and truth!

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Opening Hymn: Come Rejoicing, Praises Voicing (A lovely, simple Bohemian carol): LBW #66

OR Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty: LBW #250, ELW #533, LSB #901

Hymn of Praise: Joy to the World: LBW #39, ELW #267, LSB #387

Hymn of the Day: All Hail To You, O Blessed Morn: LBW #73

OR Of the Father’s Love Begotten: LBW #42, ELW #295, LSB #384

Communion Hymn #1: Children of the Heavenly Father: LBW #474, ELW #781, LSB #725

Communion Hymn #2: Go Tell It On the Mountain: LBW #70, ELW #290, ELW #388

Closing Hymn: The Bells of Christmas: LBW #62, ELW #298

The Epiphany of Our Lord lessons and texts (transferred or on the day!)

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

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

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

through Christ)

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

*******

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

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

OR Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies: LBW #265, ELW #553, LSB #873

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

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

OR Light Shone in Darkness: ELW #307

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

Closing Hymn: Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning: LBW #84, ELW #303, LSB #400

January 12, 2025: The Baptism of Our Lord

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

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

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

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

receive Spirit)

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

baptism of Jesus)

*******

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

Hymn of the Day: Praise and Thanksgiving Be to God Our Maker

(tune is same as for “Father Most Holy”): LBW #191, ELW #458

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

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

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

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

OR Remember and Rejoice: ELW #454

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

Closing Hymn: I Bind Unto Myself Today: LBW #188, ELW #450, LSB #604

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

January 19, 2025: 2^nd Sunday after the Epiphany, Proper 1

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

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

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

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

John 2:1-11: (Wedding at Cana)

*******

Opening Hymn: O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright, v. 1-3: LBW #76, ELW #308 (Heaven forfend we should call Jesus our heavenly Bridegroom in verse 2; instead he’s our precious diamond. Sigh.), LSB #395

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

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

Hymn of the Day: All Praise to You, O Lord: LBW #78

OR Songs of Thankfulness and Praise: LBW #90, ELW #310, LSB #394

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

OR What Feast of Love: WOV #701, ELW #487

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

Closing Hymn: O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright, v. 4-6: LBW #76, ELW #308, LSB #395

OR Come, Join in Cana’s Feast: LSB #408

January 26, 2025: 3^rd Sunday after the Epiphany, Proper 2

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

declares a day of feasting)

Psalm 19:1-14: (The heavens proclaim God’s glory; my heart rejoices in his precepts. Let the

words of my mouth and meditation of my heart be acceptable in his sight)

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

Luke 4:16-30: (Jesus reads from the prophet Isaiah concerning the healing of the poor, lame,

blind and imprisoned, declaring that today that Word has been fulfilled)

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

*******

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

Hymn of the Day: O Christ Our Light, Our Radiance True: LBW #380, ELW #675

O Christ, Our True and Only Light: LSB #839

OR Rise, Shine, You People: LBW #393, ELW #665, LSB #825

OR The People That in Darkness Sat: LSB #412

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

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

Communion Hymn #2: O God of Mercy, God of Light/Might: LBW #425, ELW #714; LSB #852

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

February 2, 2025: 4^th Sunday after the Epiphany, Proper 3

OR Presentation of Our Lord

Epiphany 4 Lessons and Hymns

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

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

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

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

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

Luke 4:31-44: (Jesus casts out demon in temple; heals Peter’s mother-in-law; tells assorted

demons to take a hike and shut up about him)

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

*******

Opening Hymn: God, Whose Almighty Word: LBW #400, ELW #673

OR Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness: ELW #843, LSB #849

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

OR (If preaching on 1 Cor.) Although I Speak With Angel’s Tongue: ELW #644

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

OR Ubi Caritas et Amor: ELW #642

Communion Hymn #2: Son of God, Eternal Savior: LBW #364, ELW #655, LSB #842

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

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

Presentation of Our Lord Lessons and Hymns

1 Samuel 1: 21-28: (Boy Samuel promised, dedicated to God in temple)

Psalm 84: (How lovely is your dwelling, how precious to serve in your Temple!)

Hebrews 2:14-18: (Jesus shares our humanity; frees us from slavery to sin, fear of death; is our merciful high priest, tempted yet sinless)

Luke 2:22-40: (Revisit Simeon and Anna in the Temple!)

*****

Note: Yes, you did this Gospel a few weeks ago. I’ve added some other hymns, but yes, you might want to sing some of the “Presentation-y” hymns again!!

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

OR Let All Together Praise Our God: LBW #47, v. 1-4; ELW #287, v. 1-4; LSB #389, v. 1-4

Hymn of the Day: Speak, O Lord, Your Servant Listens: LSB #589

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

Communion Hymn #1: Son of God, Eternal Savior: LBW #364, ELW #655, LSB #842

Communion Hymn #2: Go, My Children, With My Blessing: WOV #721, ELW #543, LSB #922

Closing Hymn: Let All Together Praise Our God: LBW #47, v. 5-7; ELW #287, v. 5-6; LSB #389, v. 5-7

OR O Lord, Now Let Your Servant: LBW #339, ELW #313

OR my paraphrase of the Nunc Dimittus, “Lord, Let Your Servant Go in Peace.”

Use tune for the Doxology

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 given to Israel,

The Light to 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.

February 9, 2025: Fifth Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 4

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

Psalm 138: (All shall praise God; he is high, yet regards the lowly. Preserve and save me from my

foes, and fulfil your purpose for me!)

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

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

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

*******

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

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

OR Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling/Crying: LBW #381, LSB #826/827

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

OR If Christ Had Not Been Raised From Death (ditto; great paraphrase!): LSB #486

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

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

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

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

February 16, 2025: Sixth Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 5

Jeremiah 17:5-8: (Cursed are those who trust mortals; they are like shrub in desert. Blessed are

those who trust God; they are like tree planted by water)

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

1 Corinthians 15:1-20: (The proofs and witnesses to the Resurrection. Consequences of believing

or disbelieving that Christ is raised.)

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

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

*******

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

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

OR Dearest/ Blessed Jesus, At Your Word: LBW #248, ELW #520, LSB #904

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

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

OR We Know That Christ is Raised (if you did NOT read the 1 Cor. 15 text last Sunday):

LBW #189, ELW #449, LSB #603

OR If Christ Had Not Been Raised From Death (ditto; great paraphrase!): LSB #486

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

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

Closing Hymn: O God, My Faithful God: LBW #504, LSB #696

OR Christ, Be Our Light: ELW #715

February 23, 2025: Seventh Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 6

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

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

remove our sins from us)

1 Corinthians 15:21-26, 30-42: (The consequences of the Resurrection; more than hoping in

human power; the resurrection of the faithful, and glorified bodies)

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

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

and will be given much!)

*******

Opening Hymn: God of Our Life, All-Glorious Lord (tune: “Holy God, We Praise Your Name”): LBW #270

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

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

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

OR God, When Human Bonds Are Broken (It’s a familiar tune!): WOV #735, ELW #603

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

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

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

OR The Peace of the Lord: ELW #646

Closing Hymn: Forth in Thy Name, O Lord, I Go (Can be sung to the Doxology): LBW #505, LSB #854

OR Beloved, God’s Chosen: ELW #648

OR Christ is Risen, Christ is Living (Nice reflection on 1 Corinthians texts; can also be sung to “Come,

Thou Fount of Ev’ry Blessing”): LSB #479

March 2: The Transfiguration of Our Lord

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

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

Psalm 99: (Extol the Lord, who spoke to his servants Moses and Aaron in a pillar of cloud. You,

Lord, love justice and establish equity; you forgive sin and avenge wrongdoing)

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

RCL/ELW: 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2: (We look upon the Lord with unveiled faces. Being transfigured from glory unto glory, we put aside shameful practices, commend selves to everyone in the sight of God)

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

*******

Opening Hymn: O God Beyond All Praising (Tune is almost the “English national hymn.” It’s stately, majestic, and – hint, hint, the intercessory prayers for today just might echo phrases of it. Highly recommended!):

WOV #797, ELW #880

OR Blessing and Honor: LBW #525, ELW #854

Hymn of the Day: O Wondrous Type/! O Vision Fair!: LBW #80, LSB #413

O Wondrous Image, Vision Fair: ELW #316

OR Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory (can sing to “Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service”): LSB #416

Communion Hymn #1: How/Tis Good, Lord, to be Here: LBW #89, ELW #315, LSB #414

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

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

OR Alleluia, Song of Gladness: WOV #654, #318, LSB #417

Lessons and Suggested Hymns, 16th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 18) – Christ the King Sunday, Cycle B September 8 – November 24, 2024

written by Cathy Ammlung | November 13, 2024

Lessons and Suggested Hymns,

16^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 18) – Christ the King Sunday, Cycle B

September 8 – November 24, 2024

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.

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.

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. 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:

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 8, 2024: 16^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 18

Isaiah 35:4-7a (Promise of recompense, salvation, healing, and joy)

Psalm 146 (God sets prisoners free, opens eyes of blind, lifts poor from the dust)

James 2:1-10, 14-18 (Warning against partiality; faith without works is dead)

Mark 7:24-37 (Syrophoenician woman’s faith; Jesus heals deaf man)

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

Opening hymn: Hail to the Lord’s Anointed: LBW #87, ELW #311, LSB #398

OR Hark, the Glad Sound: LBW #35, ELW #239, LSB #349

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

OR O Son of God, in Galilee: LBW #426 (Great words! This is a less familiar tune. I suggest using melody for “O God, Our Help in Ages Past”). LSB #841 (familiar tune)

Communion Hymn #1: Oh For a Thousand Tongues to Sing: LBW #559, ELW #886, LSB #528

Communion Hymn #2: Lord of All Hopefulness (LSB #738, ELW #765)

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

OR Go, My Children, With My Blessing: WOV #721, ELW #543, LSB #922

September 15: 17^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 19

OR Holy Cross Day (Transferred)

17 Pentecost Lessons and Hymns

Isaiah 50:4-10 (Suffering Servant’s humiliation and vindication)

RCL/ELW: Isaiah 50:4-9a (eliminates punishment of Suffering Servant’s accusers,

and also the verse about obeying God while walking in darkness)

Psalm 116:1-9 (You deliver soul from death, eyes from tears, feet from stumbling)

James 3:1-12 (Taming the tongue)

Mark 9:14-29 (Jesus heals the boy with epilepsy)

RCL/ELW: Mark 8:27-38 (Peter’s confession, Jesus’ rebuke, following him, denying self

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

Opening hymn: Look, O Look/ Look Ye Saints, the Sight is Glorious LBW #156, LSB #495

Hymn of the Day: O Jesus, King Most Wonderful: LBW #537, LSB #554

OR In All Our Grief: ELW #615

OR, if using ELW lectionary, Take Up Your Cross, the Savior Said: LBW #398, ELW #667

Communion Hymn #1: O Master, Let Me Walk With You: LBW #492, ELW #818

Communion Hymn #2: Oh, for 1000 Tongues to Sing: LBW #559, ELW #886, LSB #528

Closing Hymn: O God, My Faithful God: LBW #504, ELW #806, LSB #696

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

Holy Cross Day (Transferred) Lessons and Hymns

Isaiah 45:21-25 (There is no other god but me; turn to me and be saved)

Psalm 98:1-5 (The Lord has gained victory, shown steadfast love to Israel)

1 Corinthians 1:18-24 (Folly of Cross. Christ crucified is the power and wisdom of God)

John 12:20-33 (Jesus speaks of his death and glorification)

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

Opening hymn: Look, O Look/ Look Ye Saints, the Sight is Glorious LBW #156, LSB #495

Hymn of the Day: Lift High the Cross: LBW #377, ELW #660, LSB #837

OR Upon the Cross Extended: LSB #453 (Beautiful words, familiar tune)

Communion Hymn #1: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross: LBW #482, ELW #803, LSB #425/6

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

Closing Hymn: Onward, Christian Soldiers: LBW #509, LSB #662

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

September 22: 18^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 20

OR St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, Transferred

18 Pentecost Lessons and Hymns

Jeremiah 11:18-20 (Jeremiah’s life threatened, like lamb led to slaughter)

Psalm 54 (Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate my by your might)

James 3:13-4:10 (Earthly versus heavenly wisdom and friendship)

RCL/ELW: James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a (Eliminates “Adulterers! Friendship with world is enmity with God,” and exhortation to lament sin, humble self that God may exalt)

Mark 9:30-37 (Passion prediction; argument over who is greatest)

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

Opening hymn: Son of God, Eternal Savior: LBW #364, ELW #655, LSB #842

Hymn of the Day: Ah, Holy Jesus: LBW #123, ELW #349

OR What Is the World to Me: LSB #730 (Works for Epistle, Gospel; tune same as “O God, My Faithful God)

OR Lamb of God (Your Only Son): ELW #336, LSB #550

Communion Hymn #1: Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love: WOV #765, ELW #708, LSB #980

OR Love in Christ is Strong and Living: LSB #706

Communion Hymn #2: Lamb of God, Pure and Sinless/Holy: LBW #111, ELW #357; LSB # 434

Closing Hymn: Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us: LBW #424, ELW #707, LSB #851

St. Matthew, Transferred, Lessons and Hymns

Ezekiel 2:8-3:11: Ezekiel commissioned to speak God’s words to a rebellious people

Psalm 119:33-40: “Turn my heart to your decrees, and not to selfish gain.”

Ephesians 2:4-10: Salvation is by grace, a gift of God, and not by works

Matthew 9:9-13: Jesus calls Matthew, and eats with tax-collectors and sinners

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

Opening hymn: Son of God, Eternal Savior: LBW #364, ELW #655, LSB #842

Hymn of the Day: What Is the World to Me: LSB #730 (Works for Epistle, Gospel; tune same as “O God, My Faithful God)

OR Today Your Mercy Calls Us: LBW #304, LSB # 915

OR O God, My Faithful God: LBW #504; ELW #806, LSB #696

Communion Hymn #1: Chief of Sinners Though I Be: LBW #

Communion Hymn #2: You Who Dwell in the Shelter of the Lord (On Eagles’ Wings):

WOV #779, ELW #787, LSB #727

Closing Hymn: Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us: LBW #424, ELW #707, LSB #851

September 29: St. Michael and All Angels

OR 19^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 21

St. Michael and All Angels Lessons and Hymns:

Daniel 10:10-14; 12:1-3: Angel strengthens Daniel; Michael aids Israel in a time of tribulation

Psalm 103:1-5; 20-22: Bless the Lord, O my soul, for all his benefits. Bless him, all his angels!

Revelation 12:7-12: War in heaven; Michael defeats the dragon; an angel announces God’s judgment on Satan, and salvation for the righteous.

Luke 10:17-20: Jesus rejoices in disciples’ casting out of demons; nevertheless, the greater blessing is being written in the Book of Life.

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

Opening hymn: Lord God, To Thee We Give All Praise, v. 1-4: LSB #522 (Great Philip Melancthon hymn on angels, war in heaven, and defeat of Satan. Tune: Lord Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word)

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

Hymn of the Day: Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones: LBW #175, ELW #424, LSB #670

OR Come, Let Us Join Our Cheerful Songs: LBW # 254, ELW #847, LSB #812

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

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

Closing Hymn: Praise the Lord! O Heavens, Adore Him: LBW #540, ELW #823

19 Pentecost Lessons and Hymns

With a bit of a nod toward St. Michael and All Angels in some hymns!

Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29 (Israel kvetches to Moses. Moses kvetches to God. God appoints 70 to help him deal with aforementioned kvetching)

Psalm 104:27-35 (You give food in due season; your Spirit gives them breath)

RCL/ELW: Psalm 19:7-14: (God’s perfect law keeps one from sin; let words of mouth, meditation of heart be acceptable in his sight)

James 5:1-20 (Warning to rich oppressors; patience in suffering; prayers, anointing, and confession; bringing one back from sin a great thing)

RCL/ELW: James 5:13-20 (omits first 2 things)

Mark 9:38-50 (Who is not against me is for me; cup of cold water; solemn warning about temptations to sin)

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

Opening hymn: Come, Let Us Join Our Cheerful Songs: LBW # 254, ELW #847, LSB #812

Hymn of the Day: Lord, Whose Love in/through Humble Service:

LBW #423, ELW #712, LSB #848

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

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

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

Closing Hymn: Praise the Lord! O Heavens, Adore Him: LBW #540, ELW #823

October 6: 20^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 22

Genesis 2:18-25 (It is not good for the man to be alone; creation of woman)

Psalm 128 (The happy home of the faithful)

RCL/ELW: Psalm 8 (What is man, that you are mindful of him?)

Hebrews 2:1-18 (Pay attention to the message; if we ignore it, how can we escape penalty; Jesus tested in all things as we are, not ashamed to call us brothers; is our merciful high priest)

RCL/ELW: Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12 (Excellence of God’s Son; omits section from above on penalty for drifting from message of salvation)

Mark 10:2-16 (Teaching on divorce; let the children come to me)

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

Opening hymn: O Blest, the House: LBW #512, LSB #862

(If tune is unfamiliar, use tune for LBW #51, “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come”)

OR Blest Be the Tie that Binds: LBW #370, ELW #656, LSB #649

Hymn of the Day: When Love is Found: WOV #749

OR Our Father, By Whose Name: LBW #357, ELW #640

OR O Father, All Creating LSB #858 (You might get the license if you don’t have LSB; it’s good for

today’s texts AND for weddings! And the tune is Aurelia, The Church’s One Foundation)

Communion Hymn #1: O Christ, You Walked the Road: LSB #424

OR Children of the Heavenly Father: LBW #474, ELW #781, LSB #725

Communion Hymn #2: All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name: LBW #328/329, ELW #634, LSB #549

Closing Hymn: O Christ, the Same (Gotta love O Danny Boy!): WOV #778, ELW #760

October 13: 21^st Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 23

Amos 5:6-7, 10-15 (seek good, not evil, that you may live)

Psalm 90:12-17 (Teach us to have wise heart; prosper our handiwork)

Hebrews 3:12-19 (Do not have evil, unbelieving heart; exhort against sin)

RCL/ELW: Hebrews 4:12-16

Mark 10:17-22 (Rich man told to sell all, give to poor, and follow Jesus)

RCL/ELW: Mark 10:17-31 (adds disciples perplexity over leaving riches, wondering how they’ll be rewarded for following Jesus)

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

Opening hymn: Blest are They: WOV #764, ELW #728, LSB #982

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

Hymn of the Day: Jesus, Priceless Treasure: LBW #457/458, ELW #775, LSB #743

OR Will You Come and Follow Me: ELW #798

Communion Hymn #1: Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God: WOV #783, LSB #712

OR Great is Thy Faithfulness: WOV #771, ELW #773, LSB #809

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

OR Take My Life, That I May Be: LBW #406, ELW #583, 685

Take My Life and Let It Be: LSB #783, 784

Closing Hymn: Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing: LBW #259, ELW #545, LSB #924

October 20: 22nd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 24

Ecclesiastes 5:10-20 (Pointlessness of amassing wealth)

RCL/ELW: Isaiah 53:4-12 (Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows)

Psalm 119:9-16 (How can young remain pure? Follow God’s commandments)

RCL/ELW: Psalm 91:9-16 (God promises deliverance to those whom he loves)

Hebrews 4:1-16 (Do not harden your hearts against God, God’s word sharper than 2-edged sword; we may approach High Priest who has been tempted but did not sin)

RCL/ELW: Hebrews 5:1-10 (Great high priest, deals gently with us because he himself has suffered)

Mark 10:23-31 (Hard for rich to enter Kingdom; followers promised much – with persecution)

RCL/ELW: Mark 10:35-45 (James and John want special honors; true greatness is in suffering and serving as Jesus does)

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

Opening hymn: Today Your Mercy Calls Us: LBW #304, LSB #915

OR O Christ, Your Heart, Compassionate: ELW #722

Hymn of the Day: Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service: LBW #423, ELW #712, LSB #848

OR Hope of the World, Thou Christ of Great Compassion (Tune isn’t that hard. Words are a beautiful prayer, especially appropriate as national and world tensions are high): LBW #493, LSB #690

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

Communion Hymn #2: Be Thou My Vision: WOV #776, ELW #793

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

OR Send Me, Lord (Jesus): ELW #809, WOV #773

October 27: Reformation Sunday

Jeremiah 31:31-34 (God’s new covenant will be written on the heart)

Psalm 46 (The God of Jacob is our stronghold!)

Romans 3:19-28 (We are 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: A Mighty Fortress: LBW #228/229, ELW #503-505, LSB 656/657

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

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

Communion Hymn #1: The Church’s One Foundation: LBW #369, ELW #654, LSB #644

Communion Hymn #2: My Hope is Built on Nothing Less:

LBW #293/294, ELW #596/597, LSB #575/576

Closing Hymn: Built on a/the Rock the Church Shall Stand: LBW #365, ELW #652, LSB #645

November 3: All Saints’ Sunday

Revelation 7: 2-17 (An angel seals the righteous. Blessing, honor, glory, power to the Lamb!)

ELW/RCL: Isaiah 25:6-9 (The feast; God wipes away tears, removes shame, destroys death)

Psalm 149: Praise the Lord for his righteousness and victory!

ELW/RCL: Psalm 24 (Who ascends God’s holy hill, enters temple? Those with clean hands, pure hearts)

1 John 3:1-3: (We shall be like Jesus as we see him as he is)

ELW/RCL: Revelation 21:1-6a (New heaven and earth, New Jerusalem; death is no more)

Matthew 5:1-12 (The Beatitudes)

ELW/RCL: John 11:32-44 (Jesus raises Lazarus)

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

Opening hymn: Rejoice, O Pilgrim Throng: LBW #553, LSB #813

Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart: ELW #873/874

Hymn of the Day: Blessing and Honor: LBW #525, ELW #854

OR At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing: LBW #210, ELW #362, LSB #633

OR Alabare: WOV #791, LSB #799, 800

Communion Hymn #1: Children of the Heavenly Father: LBW #474, ELW #781, LSB #725

Communion Hymn #2: Day by Day: WOV #746, ELW #790

OR Jesus Loves Me: ELW #595, LSB #588

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

OR For All the Saints: LBW #174, ELW #422, LSB #677

November 10: 25^th Sun day after Pentecost, Proper 27

1 Kings 17:8-16: Elijah tells widow of Zaraphath that God will provide food during famine

Psalm 146: God gives food to hungry, cares for widows, orphans

Hebrews 9:24-28: Christ enters heavenly sanctuary once, to atone for sins of all

Mark 12:38-44: Jesus denounces scribes, commends widow’s offering

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

Opening Hymn: How Firm a Foundation: LBW #507, ELW #796, LSB #728

Hymn of the Day: The Temple Rang With Golden Coins (OMG you GOTTA get 1-time permission for this great Herm Stuempfle hymn! Familiar tune, great reflection on Gospel): LSB #787

OR We Give Thee But Thine Own: LBW #410, ELW #686 , LSB #781

Communion Hymn #1: Praise and Thanksgiving: LBW #409, ELW #689, LSB #789

Communion Hymn #2: O Savior, Precious Savior: LBW #514, ELW #820, LSB #527

Closing Hymn: Alleluia! Sing to Jesus: LBW #158, ELW #392, LSB #821

November 17: 26^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 28

Daniel 12:1-3 (Some will be raised to everlasting life, others to shame)

Psalm 16 (You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy)

Hebrews 10:11-25 (We have confidence to approach God, having been made clean.

Let us persevere in faith)

Mark 13:1-13 (Jesus foretells destruction of Temple, persecution of his followers)

RCL/ELW: Mark 13:1-8 (Omits persecution and testimony)

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

Opening hymn: When Morning Gilds the Skies: LBW #546, ELW #853, LSB #807

OR All Who Would Valiant Be: LBW #498

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

Hymn of the Day: Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word: LBW #230, ELW #517, LSB #655

OR O God of Youth: LBW #510 (I know, I know. Don’t know the tune. No substitutes available. It’s pretty straightforward, and the words are outstanding. If it just won’t sing, then have folks READ the words aloud together. I’m serious. The words are THAT GOOD!)

Communion Hymn #1: Jesus, Still Lead On: LBW #341, ELW #624

Jesus, Lead Thou On: LSB #718

Communion Hymn #2: Lord Take My Hand and Lead Me: LBW #333, ELW #767, LSB#722

Closing Hymn: Jerusalem, My Happy Home: LBW #331, ELW #628, LSB #673

OR My Life Flows on in Endless Song: WOV #781, ELW #763

November 24: Christ the King Sunday

Daniel 7:9-10,13-14 (Vision of the Son of Man)

Psalm 93 (The Lord is King, robed in majesty)

Revelation 1:4b-8 (Vision of the glorified Jesus)

John 18:33-37 (Jesus before Pilate: What is truth?)

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

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

OR Lord Jesus Christ, Our God and King, v. 1-4

Tune: Deo Gracias (O Wondrous Type), LM

Copyright @Rev. Cathy Ammlung, STS

1. Lord Jesus Christ, Our God and King,

Your Father’s well-beloved Son!

His Word, through whom all worlds do spring;

His love, through whom our life is won!

2. O God-with-us, Emmanuel,

How strangely meek your kingliness!

A manger for your throne; you dwell

With mortals in their sinfulness!

3. As babe, as boy, as youth, as man,

No pampered prince, you toiled and grew

In knowledge of your Father’s plan:

To spend yourself for our rescue.

4. As Good Physician, Bread, and Light;

As Teacher, Shepherd, Friend, and Guide,

Though King, you saw our dreadful plight

And lovingly came to our side.

Hymn of the Day: Look, O Look, the Sight is Glorious: LBW #156

Look, Ye Saints, the Sight is Glorious: LSB #495

OR O Christ, What Can it Mean for Us: ELW #431 (tune: The Son of God Goes Forth to War)

OR Praise Be to Christ: LSB #538

Communion Hymn #1: Soon and Very Soon: WOV #744, ELW #439

Communion Hymn #2: Jesus Shall Reign: LBW #530, ELW #434, LSB #832

Closing Hymn: Alleluia! Sing to Jesus: LBW #158, ELW #392, LSB #821

OR Crown Him with Many Crowns LBW #170, ELW #855, LSB #525

OR Lord Jesus Christ, Our God and King, v. 5-9

Tune: Deo Gracias (O Wondrous Type), LM

Copyright @Rev. Cathy Ammlung, STS

5. You spurned the devil’s evil sway,

Your Father’s will, your royal path.

You took our place that dreadful day

To bear destruction, death, and wrath.

6. Your crown was thorns; your throne, a Cross.

Yet, “Father, forgive” was on your breath.

We counted that as foolish loss;

Abandoned you to final death.

7. But you destroyed the gates of Hell;

Crushed ancient Serpent, sin, and shame;

Destroyed death’s pow’r; arose to tell

The pow’r of your triumphant Name.

8. Your kingly life you gladly give

Through Water and Spirit: baptismal grace.

Your lovely power in us shall live

As holy love in ev’ry place.

9. O Christ our King, Redeemer, Lord!

Grant that from you, we ne’er depart.

O fairest Savior, blest, adored,

Rule undisturbed in ev’ry heart!

Lessons and Suggested Hymns, Pentecost 2- Labor Day Weekend, Cycle B (June 2 – September 1, 2024)

written by Cathy Ammlung | November 13, 2024

Lessons and Suggested Hymns,

Pentecost 2- Labor Day Weekend, Cycle B

(June 2 – September 1, 2024)

Please note: A few WOV numbers are missing, as I was doing this on vacation and forgot that hymnal!

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.

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.

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. 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:

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, thank you for feeding us with the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Thank you 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. Let us love and serve you as faithful witnesses of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

June 2: 2^nd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 4

Deuteronomy 5:12-15 (You were slaves, God freed you, so let everyone rest on Sabbath.

Psalm 81:1-10 (Sing to God, listen to him who freed you, eased burdens, admonishes you. You shall have no other god than him!.

2 Corinthians 4:5-12 (Apostles proclaim Christ crucified, not themselves. They contain treasure in clay pots, carrying death of Christ so that his life may be shown to others)

Mark 2:23-28 (3:1-6) (Son of Man is Lord of Sabbath, which was made for man. Jesus heals man with withered hand)

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

Opening Hymn: Morning Has Broken: WOV # , ELW #556

OR We Praise You, O God: LBW #241, ELW #870, LSB #785

Hymn of the Day: O Day of Rest and Gladness: LBW #251, ELW #521, LSB #906

OR When Morning Gilds the Skies: LBW #546, ELW #853, LSB #807

Communion Hymn #1: When Peace, Like a River: LBW #346, ELW #785, LSB #763

Communion Hymn #2: This is the Day the Lord Has Made: LSB #903

OR God Himself is Present: LBW #249, LSB #907

OR Jesus, We Are Gathered/Come and Fill Our Hearts: ELW #529 and 528 (Note, these are 2 very short, 1 verse hymns. During Communion, you could alternate them repetitively, or do one a few times before going to the other. Note, however, key signatures may be awkward! Feel free to use just one!)

Closing Hymn: Savior, Again to Your/Thy Dear Name: LBW #262, ELW #534; LSB #917

June 9: 3rd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 5

Genesis 3:8-15 (The consequences of the Fall)

Psalm 130 (Out of the depths…)

2 Corinthians 4:13 – 5:1 (Outer nature wastes away, but prepares for weight of glory)

Mark 3:20-35 (How can Satan cast out Satan; who is my mother, brother, sister?)

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

Opening hymn: Built on a Rock the Church Shall Stand: LBW #365, ELW #652, LSB #645

Hymn of the Day: Rise! To Arms! With Prayer Employ You: LSB #668 (Tune is “Wake, Awake,

For Night is Flying.” Words are powerful!)

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

OR A Mighty Fortress: LBW #229, ELW #504 (505 has dorky words, avoid)

Communion Hymn #1: Have No Fear, Little Flock: LBW #476, ELW #764, LSB #735

Communion Hymn #2: Blest Be the Tie That Binds: LBW #370, ELW #656, LSB #649

Closing Hymn: My Life Flows on In Endless Song: WOV #781, ELW #763

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

June 16: 4th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 6, Father’s Day

Ezekiel 17:22-24 (God plants cedar sprig on mountain of Israel; all may find shelter)

Psalm 1 (Blessed is the man who meditates on God’s Law day and night)

ELW: Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15 (Praise God always; righteous flourish like palm trees)

2 Corinthians 5:1-11 (We will be further clothed, in eternal life)

ELW/RCL: 2 Corinthians 5:6-13 (Walk by faith, not sight; all must appear before

judgment seat; all done in Christ for others, not self)

Mark 4:26-34 (Parable of growing seed & mustard seed)

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

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

Hymn of the Day: We Plow the Fields and Scatter: LBW #362, ELW #680 Spanish tune/ 681

OR Preach You the Word, and Plant it Home: LSB #586

Communion Hymn #1: Great is Thy Faithfulness: WOV #771, ELW #733, LSB #809

Communion Hymn #2: Our Father, By Whose Name: LBW #357, ELW #640, LSB #863

Closing Hymn: On What Has Now Been Sown: LBW #261, ELW #550, LSB #921

June 23: 5^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 7

Job 38:1-11 (God answers Job from whirlwind)

Psalm 124 (If the Lord had not been our own side, the flood would have taken us)

RCL/ELW: Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32 (God delivered those in peril on sea; praise him!)

2 Corinthians 6:1-13 (Now is the acceptable time: accept God’s grace! Paul’s suffering)

Mark 4:35-41 (Jesus stills the storm)

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

Opening hymn: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty: LBW #543, ELW #858, LSB #790

Hymn of the Day: Eternal Father, Strong to Save: LBW #467, ELW #756, LSB #717

Communion Hymn #1: Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me:

LBW #333, ELW #767, LSB #722

Communion Hymn #2: Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me: LBW #334, ELW #755, LSB #715

OR I Am Trusting You/Thee, Lord Jesus: LBW #460, LSB #729

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

OR How Firm a Foundation: LBW #507, ELW #796, LSB #728

June 30: 6^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 8

Lamentations 3:22-33 (God’s steadfast love & compassion never cease)

Psalm 30 (I cried to you for help; you healed me; what profit if I go into the Pit?)

2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 13-15 (Be generous in giving to needs of the saints)

RCL/ELW: 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 (Omits example of Macedonians)

Mark 5:21-43 (A girl restored to life; a woman with flow of blood healed)

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

Opening hymn: Great is Thy Faithfulness: WOV 771, ELW #733, LSB #809

Hymn of the Day: I Know that My Redeemer Lives, v. 1-4:

LBW #352, ELW #619, LSB #461

OR (If preaching on Corinthians): Take My Life, That I May Be: LBW 406, ELW #585 (A nice Hispanic tune), #685; Take My Life, And Let It Be: LSB #783, 784

OR (If celebrating Independence Day this weekend, put closing hymn here):

I Know that My Redeemer Lives, v. 5-8: LBW #352, ELW #619, LSB #461

Communion Hymn #1: Precious Lord, Take My Hand: WOV #731, ELW #773, LSB #739

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

Communion Hymn #2: Day By Day: WOV #746, ELW #790

OR Give Me Jesus: WOV 777, ELW #770

OR (If you didn’t use it last week) I am Trusting You, Lord Jesus: LBW #460, LSB #729

Closing Hymn: (If celebrating Independence Day next weekend): I Know that My Redeemer Lives, v. 5-8: LBW #352, ELW #619, LSB #461

OR (If celebrating Independence Day this weekend): My Country, ‘Tis of Thee: LBW #565

OR God Bless Our Native Land: LBW #569, ELW #891, LSB #965

July 7: 7^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 9

Ezekiel 2:1-5 (God’s Spirit within the prophet called to speak to rebellious people)

Psalm 123 (Have mercy; we have had enough of contempt)

2 Corinthians 12:1-10 (Paul’s visions, and the thorn in the flesh)

Mark 6:1-13 (Jesus rejected in Nazareth; the 12 are sent on mission trip)

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

Opening hymn: Before You, Lord, We Bow: LBW #401, ELW #893, LSB #966

Hymn of the Day: Lord, You Give the Great Commission: WOV #756, ELW #579

OR Rise Up, O Saints of God: LBW #383, ELW #669

Communion Hymn #1: O Master, Let Me Walk With You: LBW #492, ELW #818

Communion Hymn #2: Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling: LBW #381, LSB #827

OR Here I Am, Lord: WOV #752, ELW #574

Closing Hymn: (If celebrating Independence Day this weekend): God of Our Fathers: LBW #567

OR This is My Song: ELW #887 (tune is Finlandia; nice words)

OR On Eagles’ Wings: WOV # , ELW #787, LSB #727

July 14: 8^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 10

Amos 7:7-15 (Amos speaks of God’s judgment, and is told by king to take a hike)

Psalm 85:1-13 (Restore us, O God of our salvation; righteousness and peace have kissed)

RCL/ELW: Psalm 85:8-13 (Eliminates wrath, plea for forgiveness)

Ephesians 1:3-14 (Spiritual blessings in Christ, who has prepared our eternal inheritance)

Mark 6:14-29 (John the Baptist loses his head)

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

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

OR My Lord, What a Morning: WOV #627, ELW #438, LSB #968

Hymn of the Day: All Who Would Valiant Be: LBW #498

(gotta love a John Bunyan “Pilgrim’s Progress” hymn!)

OR Faith of Our Fathers: LBW #500, ELW #812/813 (813 is the “inclusive” version, keeps

old 1^st verse, adds new ones that are a tad earnest but quite good).

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

(same as LBW 457, the German one); LSB #743

Communion Hymn #1: He Leadeth Me: LBW #501

OR Rock of Ages, Cleft For Me: LBW #327, ELW #623, LSB #761

Communion Hymn #2: Fight the Good Fight: LBW #461, LSB #664

OR Here is Bread: ELW #483

Closing Hymn: O Jesus, I Have Promised: LBW #503, ELW #810

July 21: 9^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 11

Jeremiah 23:1-5 (God will replace Israel’s false shepherds; righteous branch of David)

Psalm 23 (The Lord is my shepherd)

Ephesians 2:11-22 (Joined together in Christ, he is our peace through blood of his cross)

Mark 6:30-44 (Feeding the 5000)

RCL/ELW: Mark 6: 30-34, 53-56 (Jesus teaches [before feeding 5000] and heals

[after; will get feeding miracle from John])

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

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

OR Church of God, Elect and Glorious: LSB #646 (Really nice. Tune is same as “Lord, You

gave the great commission”)

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

OR Break Now the Bread of Life: LBW #235, ELW #515

Communion Hymn #1: Let Us Break Bread Together: LBW #212, ELW #471

Communion Hymn #2: Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us:

LBW #481, ELW #789, LSB #711 (ELW and LSB use the MUCH more familiar tune,

“Bradbury.” If you use LBW and don’t like the tune used there, rustle up an old SBH, it’s #524.

You’re welcome.)

Closing Hymn: Praise the Lord, Rise Up Rejoicing (2^nd verse is perfect!): LBW #196, ELW #544

OR With God as Our Friend: LBW #371 (it sings like a Swedish folk tune; words are delightful)

OR Lord, Dismiss Us With Your Blessing: LBW #259, ELW #545, LSB #924

July 28: 10^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 12

Genesis 9:8-17 (God makes rainbow a sign of his covenant with Noah)

RCL/ELW: 2 Kings 4:42-44 (Elisha feeds 100)

Psalm 136:1-9 (Give thanks to God; he is good; his steadfast love endures forever)

RCL/ELW: Psalm 145:10-18 (All eyes look to you, you give food in due season)

Ephesians 3:14-21 (Be strengthened by Spirit, rooted and grounded in Christ)

Mark 6:45-56 (Jesus walks on water, heals many in Gennesaret)

RCL/ELW: John 6:1-21 (Feeding of 5000, walking on water)

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

Opening hymn: Evening and Morning: LBW #465, ELW #761, LSB #726

OR Great is Thy Faithfulness: WOV # , ELW #733, LSB #809

Hymn of the Day: Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me: LBW #333, ELW #767, LSB #722

OR (if using RCL/ELW texts) All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly: ELW #461

OR (ditto) Break Now the Bread of Life: LBW #235, ELW #515

Communion Hymn #1: When Peace, Like a River: LBW #346, LSB #763

Communion Hymn #2: : All Creatures of Our God and King: LBW #527, v. 1-3, 6-7

“All Creatures, Worship God Most High”- fewer verses, altered: ELW #835

Closing Hymn: God the Omnipotent: LBW #462

OR I Bind Unto Myself Today: LBW #188, ELW #450, LSB #604

OR I Come With Joy: ELW #482

August 4: 11^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 13

Exodus 16:2-15 (Israelites complain, God sends quail, manna; Moses says complaint is

against God)

RCL/ELW: Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15 (less warning)

Psalm 145:10-21 (The eyes of all look to you, you give them food in due season)

RCL/ELW: Psalm 78:23-29 (Mortals ate bread of heaven)

Ephesians 4:1-16 (Unity of the Body of Christ, through the Spirit)

John 6:22-35 (My Father gives true bread from heaven. I am the bread of life)

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

Opening hymn: Guide Me Ever/O Thou Great Redeemer:

LBW #343, ELW #618, LSB #918

Hymn of the Day: At the Lamb’s High Feast: LBW #210, ELW #362, LSB #633

(This can also be sung to tune for “Songs of Thankfulness and Praise, LBW #90)

OR You Satisfy the Hungry Heart: WOV #711, ELW #484, LSB #641

Communion Hymn #1: Come, Let Us Eat, for Now the Feast Is Spread:

LBW #214, ELW #491, LSB #626

OR What Feast of Love: WOV # , ELW #487

Communion Hymn #2: O Living Bread from Heaven: LBW #197, LSB #642

Closing Hymn: Onward, Christian Soldiers: LBW #509, LSB #662

OR Behold, How Pleasant: ELW #649

August 11: 12^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 14

1 Kings 19:1-8 (Elijah flees from Jezebel, is fed by angel, to go where God leads him)

RCL/ELW: 1 Kings 19:4-8 (No Jezebel!)

Psalm 34:1-8 (Look to the Lord, be radiant; taste and see how gracious the Lord is)

Ephesians 4:17-5:2 (Old vs. new life; rules of that new life)

RCL/ELW: Ephesians 4:25-5:2 (No mention of lusts, licentiousness)

John 6:35-51 (I am the bread of life; I will raise you up at the last day)

RCL/ELW: John 6:35, 41-51 (Omits Jesus’s words about doing Father’s will)

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

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

OR Let the Whole Creation Cry: LBW #242, ELW #876

OR Now We Join in Celebration: LBW #203, ELW #462

Hymn of the Day: Lord, Enthroned in Heav’nly Splendor: LBW #172, ELW #475, LSB #534

OR I Am the Bread of Life: WOV #702, ELW #485

Communion Hymn #1: Where Charity and Love Prevail: LBW #126, LSB #845

Communion Hymn #2: For the Bread Which You Have Broken: LBW #200, ELW #494

OR Eat This Bread, Drink This Cup: WOV #706, ELW #492, LSB #638

Closing Hymn:

OR O Living Bread from Heaven: LBW #197, ELW #542, LSB #642

OR By Your Hand You Feed Your People: ELW #469

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

August 18: 13^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 15

Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18 (Renewal of covenant before entering Promised Land)

RCL/ELW: Proverbs 9:1-16 (Wisdom sets feast, beckons all to eat)

Psalm 34:12-22 (Many are the afflictions of the righteous; the Lord rescues them

from them all)

RCL/ELW: Psalm 34:9-14 (fear and seek the Lord, pursue righteousness;

omits verses about afflictions of righteous)

Ephesians 5:6-21 (Don’t be drunk on wine, but filled with the Spirit)

RCL/ELW: Ephesians 5:15-20 (eliminates being subject to one another)

John 6:51-69 (My flesh is true food, my blood, true drink; Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life)

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

Opening hymn: Father, We Praise You: LBW #267, LSB #875

OR Father Most Holy (same tune as previous): LBW #169, ELW # 415, LSB #504

Hymn of the Day: You Are the Way; Through You Alone: LBW #464, ELW #758, LSB #526

Communion Hymn #1: Now the Silence: LBW #205, ELW #460, LSB #910

OR O God, My Faithful God: LBW #504, ELW #806, LSB #696

Communion Hymn #2: Thee We Adore, O Hidden Savior: LBW #199, LSB #640

Thee We Adore, O Savior, God Most True: ELW #476 (Gerard Manley Hopkins translation)

OR I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light: WOV #, ELW #815, LSB #411

Closing Hymn: Now Thank We All Our God: LBW #534/533, ELW #839/840, LSB #895

August 25: 14^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 16

Isaiah 29:11-19 (Wisdom of wise shall perish; poor shall obtain joy, exult in the Lord)

RCL/ELW: Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18 (Chose your god; “as for me and my house, we

will serve the Lord”)

Psalm 14 (Denunciation of fools who say, “There is no God”)

RCL/ELW: Psalm 34:15-22 (Vindication of righteous, punishment of evildoers)

Ephesians 5:22-33 (Exhorts wives, husbands; marriage is symbol of Christ and Church)

ELW: Ephesians 6:10-20 (Put on the whole armor of God)

Mark 7:1-13 (You abandon commandment of God, hold to human tradition!)

RCL/ELW: John 6:56-59 (The one who eats me, the living bread, will live forever)

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

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

Hymn of the Day: Lord of Our Life and God of Our Salvation: LBW #366, ELW #766, LSB #659

OR (if preaching on Ephesians 5) As Man and Woman We Were Made: WOV #751

OR (If preaching on Ephesians 5 OR 6) Beloved, God’s Chosen: ELW #648

OR LSB #665, Be Strong in the Lord in Armor of Light (easy tune!)

OR (If preaching on John) Bread of Life, Our Host and Meal: ELW #464

Communion Hymn #1: Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word:

LBW #230, ELW #517, LSB #655

OR Come with Us, O Blessed Jesus: LBW #219, ELW #501

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #263, Abide with Us, Our Savior

(LSB #919, ELW #539, Abide, O Dearest Jesus)

Closing Hymn: LBW #239, God’s Word is Our Great Heritage (LSB #582, ELW #509)

September 1: 15^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 17; Labor Day weekend

Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9 (Keep God’s command fully and diligently)

Psalm 119:129-136 (Your decrees are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them)

RCL/ELW: Psalm 15 (Those who keep commandments may live on his holy hill)

Ephesians 6:10-20 (Put on the whole armor of God)

RCL/ELW: James 1:17-27 (Be doers, not just hearers, of the Word)

Mark 7:14-23 (Defilement is from within, not without; evils arise in human heart)

RCL/ELW: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 (Jesus rebukes Pharisee; omits a repetition)

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

Opening hymn: (If not used last week) Be Strong in the Lord in Armor of Light: LSB #665 (perfect for Ephesians text)

OR (Also if didn’t use last week!) Beloved, God’s Chosen: ELW #648

OR Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus: LBW #389, LSB #660

OR (if not used 7/29) I Bind Unto Myself Today: LBW #188, LSB #604, ELW #450

Hymn of the Day: Fight the Good Fight: LBW #461, LSB #664

OR O, That the Lord Would Guide My Ways: LBW #480, ELW #772, LSB #707

Communion Hymn #1: Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word: LBW #230, ELW #517,LSB #655

Communion Hymn #2: Lord of All Hopefulness: LBW #469, ELW #765, LSB #738

Closing Hymn: May We Your/Thy Precepts, Lord, Fulfil: LBW #353, LSB #698

OR On Our Way Rejoicing: LBW #260, ELW #537

Lessons and Suggested Hymns, Easter Sunday – Trinity Sunday, Cycle B March 31 – May 26, 2024

written by Cathy Ammlung | November 13, 2024

Lessons and Suggested Hymns,

Easter Sunday – Trinity Sunday, Cycle B

March 31 – May 26, 2024

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.

A Brief Order of Confession and Holy Absolution for the Easter 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.

Lord Jesus, our risen Savior,

We confess to you our sinfulness. We believe anyone and anything but your holy Word. We prefer easy lies to hard truth. We are quick to judge, condemn, and exclude, but slow to forgive. We have lived for this world alone, and doubted our home in heaven. In your mercy, forgive us. In your goodness, resurrect us. Amen.

Our Savior Christ comes with healing, forgiveness, and life in his wounded hands. He breathes his Holy Spirit upon us, kindling renewed faith, hope, and love. Receive all he gives with humble joy, and share them with warm generosity, in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

A Gospel Acclamation for the Easter Season

Alleluia. I am the way, the truth, and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father, except through me. Alleluia.

An Offertory Prayer/Prayer of Self-Dedication for the Easter Season

P: Let us pray.

C: Lord Jesus, thank you for being our strength and our song. We gladly lay before you everything we have received from you: our lives, our time, our treasures, and our talents. Use all we have and all we are to glorify you and show your love to those who need it most.

OR:

C: 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.

A Proper Preface for the Easter Season

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. But chiefly are we bound to praise you for the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the true Paschal Lamb, who was sacrificed for us, and has taken away the sin of the world. By his death he has destroyed death, and by his rising to life again he has won for us 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:

A Eucharistic Prayer for the Easter Season

We give thanks to you almighty God, through your beloved son Jesus Christ, whom you sent to us in former times as Savior, Redeemer, and Messenger of your Will. He is your inseparable Word, through whom you made all things, and in whom you were well-pleased. You sent from heaven into the womb of a virgin, who, being conceived within her, was made flesh, and appeared as your Son, born of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary. It is he who, fulfilling your will and acquiring for you a holy people, extended his hands in suffering, in order to liberate from sufferings those who believe in you. Who, when he was delivered to voluntary suffering, in order to dissolve death, and break the chains of the devil, and tread down hell, and bring the just to the light, and set the limit, and manifest the resurrection, taking the bread, and giving thanks to you, said, “Take, eat, for this is my body which is broken for you.” Likewise the chalice, saying, “This is my blood which is shed for you. Whenever you do this, do this in memory of me.”

Therefore, remembering his death and resurrection, we offer to you the bread and the chalice, giving thanks to you, who has made us worthy to stand before you and to serve as your priests. And we pray that you would send your Holy Spirit upon your Holy Church. In their gathering together, give to all those who partake of your holy mysteries the fullness of the Holy Spirit, toward the strengthening of the faith in truth, that we may praise you and glorify you, through your son Jesus Christ, through whom to you be glory and honor, Father and Son, with the Holy Spirit, in your Holy Church, now and throughout the ages of the ages.

Amen. AMEN.

A Post-Communion Prayer for the Easter Season

P: Let us pray. Heavenly Father, C: We thank you for your great gift of love, your Son Jesus Christ. May we who have received his body and blood bear the light of his love into the world, to your glory and for the healing of our world. Amen.

March 31, 2024, Easter Sunday, The Resurrection of Our Lord, B

Easter Sunrise:

Exodus 15:1-11(Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously)

Psalm 118:15-29 (I shall not die but live, and declare the works of the Lord)

1 Corinthians 5:6b-8 (Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us)

John 20:1-18 (John and Peter at tomb; Mary Magdalene meets risen Jesus)

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

Opening hymn: Christ the Lord is Risen Today (this is the one that DOESN’T have the alleluias at

the end of each line!): LBW #130, ELW #373, LSB #469

Hymn of the Day: This Joyful Eastertide:

LBW #149 (has only 1 verse), WOV #676, ELW #391, LSB #482

Communion Hymn #1: Let Us Break Bread Together: LBW #212

Communion Hymn #2: Now the Green Blade Rises: LBW #148

Closing Hymn: The Day of Resurrection: LBW #141, ELW #361, LSB #478

(I’d suggest singing the LBW version to the tune for Lead On, O King Eternal, which LSB uses)

OR Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain: LBW #132, ELW #363, LSB #487

Easter Day, Main Services

Isaiah 25:6-9 (A feast of fat things; God will swallow up death forever)

ELW: Isaiah 25:6-9 OR Acts 10:34-43 (Peter preaches Gospel to Gentiles)

Psalm 16 (My heart is glad; my body rests secure;¹⁰ you do not let your faithful one see the Pit.)

ELW: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 (This is the Lord’s gate; the rejected stone now head of the corner)

1 Corinthians 15:1-11 (Christ died for our sins, was buried, rose in accordance with

Scripture; and appeared to many, including Paul)

ELW: I Corinthians 15:1-11 OR Acts 10:34-43, as above)

Mark 16:1-8 (Angel announces Resurrection to the women)

ELW: Mark 16:1-8 OR John 20:1-18 (Foot race to tomb; Magdalene and Jesus)

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

Opening hymn: Jesus Christ is Risen Today: LBW #151, ELW #365, LSB #457

Hymn of the Day: Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands:

LBW #134, ELW #370, LSB #458

OR (if using ELW Gospel): O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing (version 2): ELW #387

OR (if preaching on 1 Corinthians) Christ is Risen, Christ is Living: LSB #479

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

Communion Hymn #2: At the Lamb’s High Feast LBW #210, ELW #362, LSB #633

Closing Hymn: Thine is the Glory LBW #145, ELW #376

April 7, 2024, 2^nd Sunday of Easter, B

Acts 4:32-35 (The believers share their possessions)

Psalm 148 (Praise for God’s universal glory)

ELW: Psalm 133 (The blessedness of unity)

1 John 1:1-2:2 (We declare what we have seen, heard, touched; Christ is advocate when we confess sins)

John 20:19-31 (Jesus appears to disciples – and Thomas)

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

Opening hymn: This Joyful Eastertide:

LBW #149 (has only 1 verse), WOV #676, ELW #391, LSB #482

Hymn of the Day: O Sons and Daughters of the King: LBW #139, LSB #470/471

O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing, ELW #386, version 1

OR We Walk By Faith and Not By Sight: WOV #675, ELW #635, LSB #720

OR Three Things Did Thomas Count as Real: LSB #472

OR The Risen Christ: ELW #390

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

Communion Hymn #2: Alleluia! Jesus is Risen!: WOV #674, ELW #377, LSB #474

OR Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing!: LBW #144, ELW #385, LSB #475

Closing Hymn: In Thee Is Gladness: LBW #552, ELW #867, LSB #818

April 14, 2024, 3^rd Sunday of Easter, B

Acts 3:11-21 (Peter preaches: “you acted in ignorance; repent, believe in Jesus, be forgiven”)

ELW: Acts 3:12-19)

Psalm 4 (The Lord has set apart the faithful for himself; in him, we may lie down in safety)

1 John 3:1-7 (We are God’s children now; we shall be like Jesus, for we will see him face to face)

Luke 24:36-49 (Risen Jesus appears to disciples; opens their minds to understand Scriptures)

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

Opening hymn: Christ the Lord is Risen Today; Alleluia!: LBW #128, ELW #369, LSB #463

Hymn of the Day: Christ is Risen! Alleluia!: LBW #131, ELW #382

Communion Hymn #1: Children of the Heavenly Father: LBW #474, ELW #781, LSB #725

Communion Hymn #2: I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light:

WOV #649, ELW #815, LSB #411

Closing Hymn: The Day of Resurrection!: LBW #141, ELW #361, LSB #478

(NOTE: The LBW version of this hymn has a dorky tune. It works MUCH better to tune

“Lancashire,” (Lead On O King Eternal) – used for this in LSB, or “Ellacombe,” (O Day of

Rest and Gladness), the tune used in ELW)

April 21, 2024, 4^th Sunday of Easter (Good Shepherd Sunday), B

Acts 4:1-12 (Upon healing the lame man, Peter says: “there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.”)

ELW: Acts 4:5-12

Psalm 23 (The Lord is my Shepherd)

1 John 3:16-24 (Believe in the name of Jesus, and love one another)

John 10:11-18 (The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. There will be one flock, one shepherd)

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

Opening hymn: All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name: LBW #328/329, ELW #634, LSB #549

Hymn of the Day: The King of Love My Shepherd Is: LBW #456, ELW #502, LSB #709

OR, With God as Our Friend: LBW #371 (I have a soft spot in my heart for this hymn, as a friend composed an anthem version for my installation at my first congregation after I was ordained. It’s a gently rhythmic Swedish folk tune.)

Communion Hymn #1: Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us: LBW #481, ELW #789, LSB #711

(Note: LSB and ELW both use the tune most people remember for this hymn)

Communion Hymn #2: The Lord’s My Shepherd; I’ll Not Want: LBW #451, ELW #778, LSB #710

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

April 28, 2024, 5^th Sunday of Easter, B

Acts 8:26-40 (Philip explains Suffering Servant to Ethiopian eunuch)

Psalm 150 (Let everything praise the Lord!)

ELW: Psalm 22:25-31 (Everyone shall bow down and worship!)

1 John 4:1-21 (Test spirits to see if they are from God. Love one another, for love is of God)

ELW: 1 John 4:7-21 (no testing of spirits!)

John 15:1-8 (I am the vine; you are the branches; my Father prunes you so you bear much fruit)

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

Opening hymn: Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven:

LBW #549, ELW #865 (note: 864 is the gender-neutral version), LSB #793

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

Hymn of the Day: Alleluia! Jesus is Risen: WOV #674, ELW #377, LSB #474

OR Fruitful Trees, the Spirit’s Sowing: LSB #691

OR (especially if there’s a baptism) All Who Believe and Are Baptized:

LBW ##194, ELW #442, LSB #601

Communion Hymn #1: Let All Things Now Living: LBW #557, ELW #881

Communion Hymn #2: Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee: LBW #551, ELW #836, LSB #803

Closing Hymn: Oh, That I Had A Thousand Voices: LBW #560, ELW #833

May 5, 2024, 6^th Sunday of Easter, B

Acts 10:34-48 (Peter preaches to Gentiles, who receive Holy Spirit and are baptized)

ELW: Acts 10:44-48 (having preached to them a couple of weeks ago 😉,

now Peter baptizes Gentiles)

Psalm 98 (Let all creation praise the Lord, the Judge of the world!)

1 John 5:1-8 (We know we love God’s children when we love him,

obey his commandments and believe Jesus is his Son.)

ELW: 1 John 5:1-6 (stops short of obeying his commandments…)

John 15:9-17 (Love each other as I have loved you. You didn’t choose me, I chose you to bear much fruit)

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

Opening hymn: All People That on Earth Do Dwell: LBW #245, ELW #883, LSB #791

OR This is the Spirit’s Entry Now: LBW #195, ELW #448, LSB #591

Hymn of the Day: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling: LBW #315, ELW #631, LSB #700

OR Eternal Ruler of the Ceaseless Round: LBW #373 (trust me on this.

The words are gorgeous and fit the Epistle and Gospel)

Communion Hymn #1: In Christ There Is No East or West:

LBW #359, ELW #650, LSB #653

Communion Hymn #2: O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts: LBW #356, ELW #658

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

May 12, 2024, 7^th Sunday of Easter, or Ascension (Transferred); Mother’s Day

7^th Sunday of Easter

Acts 1:12-26 (Matthias chosen to replace Judas)

ELW: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 (no references to Judas)

Psalm 1 (Blessed is the one whose delight is in the law of the Lord!)

1 John 5:9-15 (¹¹And this is God’s testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life

is in his Son. ¹²Whoever has the Son has life; if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.)

ELW: 1 John 5:9-13 (omits praying according to his will)

John 17:11b-19 (Jesus prays that his Father would protect and sanctify all who believe in him)

ELW: John 17:6-19 (adds “They have known everything I have from you”)

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Opening hymn: By All Your Saints in Warfare:

LBW #177, v. 1, 12, 3; ELW #420, v. 1, 12, “last”; LSB #517, v. 1, 13, 3

OR Blessing and Honor: LBW #525, ELW #854

Hymn of the Day: Up Through Endless Ranks of Angels: LBW #159, LSB #491

(Note: If tune isn’t familiar, use melody for Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, “Picardy”)

OR Alleluia! Sing to Jesus: LBW #158, ELW #392, LSB #821

Communion Hymn #1: O Christ, Our Hope, Our Heart’s Desire: LBW #300, LSB #553

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

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

Ascension (Transferred)

Acts 1:1-11(Promise of Holy Spirit and ascension of Jesus)

Psalm 47 (God has gone up with a shout! He rules over the nations)

Ephesians 1:15-23 (Paul’s prayer for eternal inheritance in Christ, whom God has raised, given all power and authority, and made him head over all things for the Church, his body)

Luke 24:44-53 (Jesus reminds followers of Scriptures; blesses them and ascends)

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Opening hymn: Look, The Sight is Glorious: LBW #156

Look, Ye Saints, the Sight is Glorious: LSB #495

OR Alleluia! Sing to Jesus: LBW #158, ELW #392, LSB #821

Hymn of the Day: Up Through Endless Ranks of Angels: LBW #159, LSB #491

If tune isn’t familiar, use melody for Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, LBW #198)

OR Blessing, Honor, Glory to the Lamb: ELW #433

Communion Hymn #1: Beautiful Savior: LBW #518, ELW #838, LSB #537

Communion Hymn #2: Blessing and Honor: LBW #525, ELW #854

Closing Hymn: At the Name of Jesus: LBW #179, ELW #416, LSB #512

OR Thine the Amen, Thine the Praise: WOV #801, ELW #826, (LSB #680

May 19, 2024, Day of Pentecost, B

Ezekiel 37:1-14 (Mortal, can these bones live?!)

ELW: same, OR Acts 2:1-21 Spirit descends; “All who call on Name of Lord shall be saved!”)

Psalm 139:1-16 (You search and know us; none can escape from your Spirit)

ELW: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b (God’s manifold works; he gives food in due season; bless his name. Oh, v. 35a is omitted, the bit about the wicked being no more…)

Acts 2:1-21(The Spirit descends; “All who call on the Name of the Lord shall be saved!)

ELW: Romans 8:22-27 (Creation groans; Spirit intercedes in sighs too deep for words)

John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 (The Advocate Spirit will testify; prove the world wrong; guide you in all truth; glorify me by taking what is mine and giving it to you)

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Opening hymn: Come Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire: LBW #472/473

Come Holy Ghost, Creator Blest: LSB #498/499

Creator Spirit Heavenly Dove: ELW #577/578 (nice variant; has all 7 verses)

Hymn of the Day: Gracious Spirit, Hear Our Pleading: WOV #687, ELW #401

OR Come, O Come, O Quickening Spirit: LBW #478

OR Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord: LBW #163, ELW #395, LSB #497

Communion Hymn #1: O Spirit of Life: WOV #680, ELW #405

Communion Hymn #2: Come Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove: LBW #475, ELW #404

Closing Hymn: Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling: LBW #523, ELW #582, LSB #650

May 26, 2024, The Holy Trinity, B

Isaiah 6:1-8 (“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts!”)

Psalm 29 (The voice of the Lord is a powerful voice; in his temple, all cry, “Glory!”)

Acts 2:14a,22-36 (“This Jesus, God raised up; ³³having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this, that you both see and hear”)

ELW: Romans 8:12-17 (We have received the Spirit of adoption, cry out “Abba, Father”)

John 3:1-17 (Jesus and Nicodemus; the Spirit blows where it wills; God gave his only-begotten Son….)

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Opening hymn: O Worship the King: LBW #548, ELW #842, LSB #804

Hymn of the Day: All Glory Be to God on High: LBW #166, ELW #410, LSB #947

OR my versification of the Nicene Creed, sung to “The Strife is O’er”

Credo, credo, credo in_ unum Deum!

Almighty Father, Creator blest, worlds sprang to life at his behest;

Seen and unseen, his name they confessed: Credo, credo!

Lord Jesus Christ, his only Son, in truth and substance, they are one;

Pure Light from Light, in him life’s begun: Credo, credo!

For us poor sinners, mortal and weak, he came from heav’n, the lost to seek,

God’s Word made flesh, salvation to speak. Credo, credo!

Born of the virgin, Mary most pure, and of the Spirit, to be sin’s cure,

Christ became man; let praises endure! Credo, credo!

For us, ‘neath Pilate’s judgment he died; for us, our Lord was crucified,

For us, he rose again, glorified: Credo, credo!

Ascended to the Father’s throne, he shall return, to judge everyone,

And rule fore’er, as God and Lord: Credo, credo!

Most Holy Spirit, life-giving Lord, one with the Father and Son, adored,

Inspiring prophets’ holy word. Credo, credo!

Making one holy Church in the world, one with apostles, martyrs and Lord,

One through baptism with water and Word. Credo, credo!

From sin forgiven, we are made free, Christ’s life from death our future shall be,

Forever praising the Trinity: Credo, credo!

(final refrain: as in opening)

Credo, credo, credo in_ unum Deum!

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

Communion Hymn #2: Holy, Holy, Holy: LBW #165, ELW #473, (LSB #507

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

Hymn Paraphrases of Liturgy, for Lent and Easter Seasons

LENT

Kyrie

Meter: Common Meter Doubled (CMD, 8 6 8 6 8 6 8 6)

Tune: “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need”, sung antiphonally

A: In heav’nly peace, we pray to Thee. C: Have mercy, Lord, on us.

A: For peace, salvation, unity, C: Have mercy, Christ, on us.

A: For world, for Church, for this dear place, C: Have mercy, Lord on us.

A: Grant comfort, help, defense and grace. C: Amen, Lord Christ, amen.

Lenten hymn (Yes, I know.)

Meter: 88 88 88

Tune: St. Catherine, “Faith of Our Fathers.”

Use refrain as opening line by cantor.

A: Glory we give you, God of Grace! In Jesus’ Cross, you grant us peace.

C: Father almighty, great God and King,

Glorious, gracious, merciful, true,

Our praise and worship and blessing we bring;

Receive it, Lord, as homage due.

Glory we give you, God of grace! In Jesus’ Cross, you grant us peace.

Lord Jesus Christ, your Father’s true Son,

Sin-bearing Lamb, the world’s one true Light,

Grant life and mercy from your heav’nly throne.

Our praise make perfect in your sight.

Glory we give you, God of Grace! In Jesus’ Cross, you grant us peace.

Most Holy Spirit, great God and Lord,

You give us grace to bless and adore

One with the Father and with the Word,

To you be glory forevermore!

Glory we give you, God of Grace! In Jesus’ Cross, you grant us peace.

Nicene Creed

Meter 10 10 10 10 10

Tune: Old 124^th, “Your Kingdom Come; O Father, Hear Our Prayer”

Thrice Holy, mighty and immortal Lord,

Three-personed God, confessed, praised, and adored.

Father, you spoke: by your might and your grace,

All things, all creatures, all time, and all space,

Burst into being, and were giv’n their place.

Lord Jesus Christ, the Father’s well-loved Son,

Only-begotten, with him you are one.

True God from God, true light from endless light,

Worlds sprang from you, O Word who spoke them right.

In you we live and move and take delight.

For us, to save and to redeem your bride,

Spirit- and Virgin-born, come to our side.

Flesh of our flesh, who under Pilate died:

Risen, ascended to your Father’s side,

Returning as Judge and King, glorified.

Life-giving Spirit, come from Fath’r through Son,

Holy and glorious, with them you are one.

Advocate, Comforter, Guide, God’s own Breath,

You spoke through prophets; you bring life from death.

You form the worldwide Church in all its breadth!

Built on the Rock, that Church confesses faith

Professed by martyr, apostle, and saint.

One in our baptism, bride of our Lord,

Heirs of his Kingdom, forgiven, restored,

By us fore’er will God’s name be adored!

Lamb of God

Meter: SM, 6 6 8 6

Tune: Southwell, “Lord Jesus, Think on Me”

Christ Jesus, God’s own Lamb,

True man, yet great I AM,

Our sins you take, slain for our sake.

Have mercy, Lord, on us.

Christ Jesus, Lamb and Lord

By heav’n and earth adored,

This sad world’s sin you bear within;

Have mercy, Christ, on us.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God,

You die beneath sin’s rod,

And rise with life to heal our strife.

To us, O Lord, grant peace.

Sanctus

Meter: 12 9 12 12 9

Tune: Wondrous Love, “What Wondrous Love is This, O My Soul”

Holy, most holy God, holy Lord God of hosts,

Your glory fills all heaven and earth.

“Hosanna!” angels cry; “hosanna!” we reply;

“Hosanna, God most high, Lord of love, high above;

Hosanna, mighty Lord, God of love.”

Blest be the One who bears God’s blest name unto us,

Blest be the holy name of our Lord.

Let Jesus’ name be blest, by all the world confessed;

Our highest and our best praises ring, anthems sing:

“Hosanna, Christ our Lord, God and King!”

Nunc Dimittus

Meter: LM, 8 8 8 8

Tune: Walton, “O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts”

Or Distress, “We Place Upon You Table, Lord”

Or Rockingham Old, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”

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!

EASTER

Kyrie

Meter: 7 7 7 7 and Alleluias

Tune: Llanfair, “Christ the Lord is Ris’n today! Alleluia!”

A: In Thy peace, we pray to Thee. C: Lord, have mercy on us.

A: For our life and unity, C: Christ, have mercy on us.

A: For the world, for this dear place, C: Lord, have mercy on us.

A: For Thy all-sufficient grace, C: Lord, have mercy. Amen.

Hymn of Praise

Meter: Peculiar

Tune: In Dir Ist Freude, “In Thee is Gladness”

This feast of gladness triumphs o’er sadness; Jesus, Lord, the victor now.

The Lamb, once slain now lives again! Every knee to him shall bow.

Joy in full flower! Blessing and power, honor and praises all heaven raises,

And earth shall echo: Alleluia!

Sing of his glory, for Christ is worthy of adoration; and our salvation

In love he wins for us. Alleluia!

Nicene Creed

Meter: 10 10 10 10 10

Tune: American Hymn, “Blessing Honor and Glory and Power”

Thrice Holy, mighty and immortal Lord,

God in three persons, confessed and adored.

Father, you spoke: by your might and your grace,

All things, all creatures, all time, and all space,

Burst into being, and were giv’n their right place.

Lord Jesus Christ, God the Father’s dear Son,

Only-begotten, with him you are one.

True God from God, endless light from true light,

Worlds sprang from you, O Word who spoke them aright.

In you we live and move and take our delight.

For us, to save and to redeem us, your bride,

Spirit- and Virgin-born, come to our side.

Flesh of our flesh, under Pilate you died:

Risen, ascended to your Father’s right side,

You shall return as Judge and King, glorified.

Life-giving Spirit, come from Father through Son,

Holy and glorious, with them you are one.

Advocate, Comforter, Guide, God’s own Breath,

You spoke through prophets; you bring life out of death.

You form the Church throughout the world in it breadth!

Built on the Rock, that Church confesses the faith

Professed by martyr, apostle, and saint.

One in our baptism, bride of our Lord,

Heirs of his Kingdom, forgiven, restored,

By us forever will God’s name be adored!

OR

Meter: 8 8 8, with Alleluias

Tune: Victory, “The Strife is O’er”

Refrain, before first and after last verse; note, “in” is sung on two notes):

Credo, credo, credo in_ unum Deum!

Almighty Father, Creator blest, worlds sprang to life at his behest;

Seen and unseen, his name they confessed: Credo, credo!

Lord Jesus Christ, his only Son, in truth and substance, they are one;

Pure Light from Light, in him life’s begun: Credo, credo!

For us poor sinners, mortal and weak, he came from heav’n, the lost to seek,

God’s Word made flesh, salvation to speak. Credo, credo!

Born of the virgin, Mary most pure, and of the Spirit, to be sin’s cure,

Christ became man; let praises endure! Credo, credo!

For us, ‘neath Pilate’s judgment he died; for us, our Lord was crucified,

For us, he rose again, glorified: Credo, credo!

Ascended to the Father’s throne, he shall return, to judge everyone,

And rule fore’er, as God and Lord: Credo, credo!

Most Holy Spirit, life-giving Lord, one with the Father and Son, adored,

Inspiring prophets’ holy word. Credo, credo!

Making one holy Church in the world, one with apostles, martyrs and Lord,

One through baptism with water and Word. Credo, credo!

From sin forgiven, we are made free, Christ’s life from death our future shall be,

Forever praising the Trinity: Credo, credo!

(final refrain: as in opening)

Credo, credo, credo in_ unum Deum!

Lamb of God

Meter: CM, 8 6 8 6

Tune: Dundee, “My God, How Wonderful Thou Art”

OR Winchester Old, “When All Your Mercies, O My God”

Lord Jesus Christ, God’s blessed Lamb,

True man, yet great I AM.

Our sins you take, slain for our sake.

Have mercy, Lord on us.

O risen Christ, our Lamb and Lord,

By heav’n and earth adored,

Victorious over sin and death,

Have mercy, Christ, on us.

O Christ, our Lamb and Priest and King,

Forgiveness to us bring.

Let hatred cease, let love increase;

Grant mercy, Lord, and peace.

Sanctus

Meter: 11 10 10 11

Tune: Noel Nouvelet, “Now the Green Blade Rises”

Holy, holy, holy, God of power and might,

Heav’n and earth are glorious with your splendid light.

“Hosanna!” angels cry; “hosanna!” we reply;

All creation sings hosanna in the heights!

Blessed is our Savior, bearing God’s own Name,

Coming to redeem us from our guilt and shame.

Glad, now we stand and see him face to face,

Shouting our hosannas, saved by his dear grace!

Nunc Dimittus

Meter: LM, 8 8 8 8

Tune: Old Hundredth, “Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow”

Or Mendon, “Thee We Adore, Eternal Lord!”

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!

OR

Meter: LMD, Long Meter Doubled, 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8

Tune: He Leadeth Me, “He Leadeth Me, O Blessed Thought”

Note: this is identical to the one above, except it uses the last verse as a refrain.

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!

Refrain: Glory and praise, blest Trinity, dear Father, Holy Spirit, Son,

Your light no darkness overtakes, while endless ages ever run!

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.

Refrain: Glory and praise, blest Trinity, dear Father, Holy Spirit, Son,

Your light no darkness overtakes, while endless ages ever run!

Lessons and Suggested Hymns, Ash Wednesday – Vigil of Easter, Cycle B February 14 – March 30, 2024

written by Cathy Ammlung | November 13, 2024

Lessons and Suggested Hymns,

Ash Wednesday – Vigil of Easter, Cycle B

February 14 – March 30, 2024

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.

A Brief Order of Confession and Holy Absolution for Lent

P: 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.

P: Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal,

C: Have mercy and hear us. Though we are poor sinful creatures, have mercy and hear us. Though we have turned from you and grieved you, have mercy and hear us. Though we have hardened our hearts against you and against our sisters and brothers, have mercy and hear us. Though we deserve judgment, wrath, and condemnation, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy and hear us. Forgive us, heal us, and save us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

P: God hates nothing that he has made and forgives the sins of all those who are penitent. He shall create in us new and contrite hearts, so that we who worthily lament our sins and acknowledge our wretchedness, may receive from him, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness. This he promises through Jesus Christ, his Son, who is our Lord, our Savior, and our righteousness forever. AMEN.

A Spoken Gospel Acclamation for Lent:

C: One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God. Your words, O Lord, are Spirit and life.

An Offertory Prayer/ Prayer of Self-Dedication for Lent

P: Let us pray.

C: {this is adapted from The Imitation of Christ: Regulating Speech and Conduct}

O Lord, let all I say and do be done as you want. Give me what you want; put me where you want; and use me freely in all things. Lord, may your holy will be behind all my actions and desires. May I always want and seek what is most pleasing to you. Amen.

OR:

C: What can we render to you, Lord, for all your benefits to us? All we have is yours. Our lives are in your hands. Receive, hallow, and use our time, talents, and treasures, for the love of your Son and the benefit of those he came to save. Amen.

A Proper Preface for Lent

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. You bid your faithful people cleanse their hearts, and prepare with joy for the Paschal feast; that, fervent in prayer and in works of mercy, and renewed by your Word and Sacraments, they may come to the fullness of grace which you have prepared for those who love you.. 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:

A Eucharistic Prayer for Lent

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.”

Sanctify these gifts of bread and wine 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.

A Post-Communion Prayer for Lent

P: Let us pray. Almighty and ever-living God,

C: You have given your only Son to be for us both a sacrifice for sin and also an example of godly life. Give us grace that we may always most thankfully receive these his inestimable gifts, and also daily endeavor to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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A Brief Order of Confession and Holy Absolution for the Easter 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.

Lord Jesus, our risen Savior,

We confess to you our sinfulness. We believe anyone and anything but your holy Word. We prefer easy lies to hard truth. We are quick to judge, condemn, and exclude, but slow to forgive. We have lived for this world alone, and doubted our home in heaven. In your mercy, forgive us. In your goodness, resurrect us. Amen.

Our Savior Christ comes with healing, forgiveness, and life in his wounded hands. He breathes his Holy Spirit upon us, kindling renewed faith, hope, and love. Receive all he gives with humble joy, and share them with warm generosity, in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

A Gospel Acclamation for the Easter Season

Alleluia. I am the way, the truth, and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father, except through me. Alleluia.

An Offertory Prayer/Prayer of Self-Dedication for the Easter Season

P: Let us pray.

C: Lord Jesus, thank you for being our strength and our song. We gladly lay before you everything we have received from you: our lives, our time, our treasures, and our talents. Use all we have and all we are to glorify you and show your love to those who need it most.

OR:

C: 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.

A Proper Preface for the Easter Season

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. But chiefly are we bound to praise you for the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the true Paschal Lamb, who was sacrificed for us, and has taken away the sin of the world. By his death he has destroyed death, and by his rising to life again he has won for us 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:

A Eucharistic Prayer for the Easter Season

We give thanks to you almighty God, through your beloved son Jesus Christ, whom you sent to us in former times as Savior, Redeemer, and Messenger of your Will. He is your inseparable Word, through whom you made all things, and in whom you were well-pleased. You sent from heaven into the womb of a virgin, who, being conceived within her, was made flesh, and appeared as your Son, born of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary. It is he who, fulfilling your will and acquiring for you a holy people, extended his hands in suffering, in order to liberate from sufferings those who believe in you. Who, when he was delivered to voluntary suffering, in order to dissolve death, and break the chains of the devil, and tread down hell, and bring the just to the light, and set the limit, and manifest the resurrection, taking the bread, and giving thanks to you, said, “Take, eat, for this is my body which is broken for you.” Likewise the chalice, saying, “This is my blood which is shed for you. Whenever you do this, do this in memory of me.”

Therefore, remembering his death and resurrection, we offer to you the bread and the chalice, giving thanks to you, who has made us worthy to stand before you and to serve as your priests. And we pray that you would send your Holy Spirit upon your Holy Church. In their gathering together, give to all those who partake of your holy mysteries the fullness of the Holy Spirit, toward the strengthening of the faith in truth, that we may praise you and glorify you, through your son Jesus Christ, through whom to you be glory and honor, Father and Son, with the Holy Spirit, in your Holy Church, now and throughout the ages of the ages.

Amen. AMEN.

A Post-Communion Prayer for the Easter Season

P: Let us pray. Heavenly Father, C: We thank you for your great gift of love, your Son Jesus Christ. May we who have received his body and blood bear the light of his love into the world, to your glory and for the healing of our world. Amen.

February 14, 2024: Ash Wednesday, B

Joel 2:12-19 (Rend you heart, not your garments)

RCL/ELW: Joel 2:12, 12-17, OR Isaiah 58:1-12 (True fasting is doing justice)

Psalm 51:1-19 (Create in me a clean heart, O God)

2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 (Ambassadors for Christ; now is the acceptable time

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (Prayer, fasting, alms that are acceptable to God)

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Opening Hymn (may be omitted if Psalm 51 is spoken or chanted here):

I Want Jesus to Walk With Me: WOV #660, ELW #325

OR When in the Hour of Deepest Need, v. 1-4: LBW #303 (Tune may be unfamiliar. Substitute tune

for “Lord, Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word,” LBW #230)

Hymn of the Day: Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive: LBW #307, ELW #605, LSB #843

OR O Sun of Justice: WOV #659 (2^nd verse great if you preach on 2 Corinthians text; tune is simple plainsong chant, or sing this to the Doxology)

Communion 1: Restore in Us, O God: ELW #328

OR O Christ, Thou Lamb of God: LBW #103

Communion 2: Today Your Mercy Calls Us: LBW #304, LSB #915

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

Closing Hymn: Strengthen for Service, Lord: LBW #218, ELW #497

OR When in the Hour of Deepest Need, v. 5-6: LBW #303

February 18, 2024, 1^st Sunday in Lent, B

Genesis 22:1-18 (The near-sacrifice of Isaac)

RCL/ELW: Genesis 9:8-17 (God’s rainbow covenant with Noah)

Psalm 25:1-10 (Be mindful of your mercy; do not remember the sins of my youth)

James 1:12-18 (God doesn’t tempt evil deeds; all good gifts come from Father of lights)

RCL/ELW: 1 Peter 3:18-22 (Christ suffered for all; the Flood points to baptism)

Mark 1:9-15 (Temptation in the wilderness)

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Opening hymn: O Lord, Throughout These Forty Days: LSB #99, ELW #319, LSB #418

OR The Glory of These Forty Days: ELW #320

OR Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery, v.1-3; verse for Lent 1; end with “General” verse: ELW #334

Hymn of the Day: What a Friend We Have in Jesus: LBW 439, ELW #742, LSB #770

OR Lead Me, Guide Me: ELW #768, LSB #721

Communion Hymn #1: Oh Love, How Deep: LBW #88, LSB #544, ELW #322

Communion Hymn #2: Jesus, Still Lead /Lead Thou On: LBW #541, ELW #624, LSB #718

Closing Hymn: A Mighty Fortress: LBW #228/9, ELW #503-505, LSB #656/7

OR The Lamb, the Lamb: LSB #547

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

February 25, 2024: 2nd Sunday in Lent, B

Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 (God makes everlasting covenant with Abraham and Sarah)

Psalm 22:23–31 (All nations, those who sleep in the earth shall bow before God and praise him)

Romans 5:1-11 (Justified, we have peace with God, boast in sufferings. Christ dies for the ungodly)

RCL/ELW: Romans 4:13-25 (God’s promise to Abraham received by faith)

Mark 8:27-38 (Peter’s confession; passion prediction; Christ’s rebuke; take up your cross and follow me)

RCL/ELW: Mark 8:31-38 (only the section on taking up cross and following)

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Opening hymn: Chief of Sinners Though I Be: LBW #306, ELW #609, LSB #611

OR The God of Abraham Praise: LBW #544 v. 1-4, 9-11; ELW #831 v. 1-4, 7-8; LSB #798 v. 1-4, 8-9

Hymn of the Day: Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart: LBW #325, ELW #750, LSB #708

OR Eternal Lord of Love, Behold Your Church: ELW #321(Good words; tune is the same as for “Turn back, O man, forswear thy foolish ways.”)

Communion Hymn #1: When Peace, Like a River: LBW #346; ELW #785; LSB #763

OR Just A Closer Walk with Thee: ELW #697

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

Closing Hymn: Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus: LBW #487, ELW #802, LSB #685

OR I Am Trusting You, Lord Jesus: LBW #460, LSB #729

OR Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery, v.1-3; verse for Lent 2; end with “General” verse: ELW #334

March 3, 2024, 3rd Sunday in Lent, B

Exodus 20:1-17 (God gives Israel the 10 Commandments)

Psalm 19 (Heavens tell the glory of God; his law is perfect, reviving the soul)

1 Corinthians 1:18-31 (Message of Cross is foolish, weak; but is God’s wisdom, strength)

John 2:13-25 (Jesus cleanses the Temple)

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Opening hymn: Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty: LBW #250, ELW #533

OR O Sing to God Above: WOV #726, ELW #555 (Simple, singable Hispanic hymn that ties into Psalm)

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

Hymn of the Day: Built on a/the Rock the Church Shall Stand: LBW#365, ELW #652, LSB #645

OR These Are the Holy Ten Commands: LSB #581

OR Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery, v.1-3; verse for Lent 3; end with “General” verse: ELW #334

Communion Hymn #1: In the Cross of Christ I Glory: LBW #104, ELW #324, LSB #427

Communion Hymn #2: God Himself is Present: LBW #249, LSB #907

Closing Hymn: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross: LBW #482, ELW #803, LSB #425, 426

March 10, 2024, 4th Sunday in Lent, B

Numbers 21:4-9 (The bronze serpent; look upon it and live)

Psalm 107:1-9 (Wanderers in desert wastes cry to the Lord; he delivers them

from their trouble)

Ephesians 2:1-10 (Dead in sin, now made alive in Christ by the grace of God)

John 3:14-21 (As Moses lifted up the serpent, so Son of Man is lifted up)

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Opening hymn: What Wondrous Love is This: LBW #385, ELW #666, LSB #543

Hymn of the Day: God Loved the World, So That He Gave (if tune is unfamiliar, you can substitute the melody

of “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come” or, as ELW pairs it, to “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross)

LBW #292, ELW #323, LSB #571

OR Lift High the Cross: LBW #377, ELW #660, LSB #837

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

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

OR Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery, v.1-3; verse for Lent 4; end with “General” verse: ELW #334

Closing Hymn: Guide Me Ever/O Thou Great Redeemer: LBW #343, ELW #618, LSB #918

March 17, 2024, 5th Sunday in Lent, B (Also St. Patrick’s Day; hence a closing hymn choice)

Jeremiah 31:31-34 (God promises to put his law in his peoples’ hearts)

Psalm 119:9-16 (I will delight in your statutes and meditate on your Word)

RCL/ELW: Psalm 119:9-16 or Psalm 51:1-12, (Have mercy on me; create in me a clean heart)

Hebrews 5:1-10 (Jesus, as High Priest knows our weakness; learned obedience through suffering,

became the salvation of all who obey him)

Mark 10:32-45 (Passion prediction; “can you drink from my cup?”; those who wish to be greatest must become least; Son of man came not to be served but to serve, give his life as ransom for many)

RCL/ELW: John 12:20-33 (We wish to see Jesus; when lifted up, he draws all people to himself)

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Opening hymn: My Hope is Built on Nothing Less: LBW #293/4, ELW #596/597, LSB #575/576

Hymn of the Day: “Come, Follow Me,” the Savior Spake: LBW#455, ELW #799, LSB #688

OR Since Our Great High Priest, Christ Jesus: LSB #529

OR (if following ELW & didn’t sing last week) Lift High the Cross: LBW #377; ELW #660, LSB #837

Communion Hymn #1: On My Heart Imprint Your Image LBW #102, LSB #422, ELW #811

Communion Hymn #2: Glory Be to Jesus: LBW #95, LSB #433

Closing Hymn: O Christ, the Same (Tune is “O Danny Boy!”): WOV # 778, ELW #760

OR O God, My Faithful God: LBW #504, ELW #806, LSB #696

OR Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery, v.1-3; verse for Lent 5; end with “General” verse: ELW #334

March 24, 2024, Palm/Passion Sunday, B

Processional Gospel: John 12:12-19 (Entry into Jerusalem)

RCL/ELW: John 12:12-16 or Mark 11:1-11)

Zechariah 9:9-12 {Behold your lowly King!)

RCL/ELW: Isaiah 50:4-9a (Suffering Servant’s humiliation and vindication)

Psalm 31:9-16 I hear the whispering of many; they plot to take my life. ¹⁴I trust you, Lord; You are my God.

Philippians 2:5-11(Christ has humbled himself and become obedient unto death

Mark 14:26-15-47 {Passion narrative)

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Processional hymn: All Glory, Laud and Honor: LBW #108, ELW #344, LSB #442

OR Prepare the Royal Highway: LBW #26, ELW #264, LSB #343

Hymn of the Day: Come, O Precious Ransom (This is really a great hymn for today. It can be sung to tune for

“Holy God, We Praise Your Name.”) LBW #24

Come, Thou Precious Ransom, Come: LSB #350

OR Alas, and Did My Savior Bleed: LBW #98, ELW #337, LSB #437

Communion Hymn #1: Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross: ELW #335

OR Cross of Jesus, Cross of Sorrow: LSB #428

Communion Hymn #2: Beneath the Cross of Jesus: LBW #104, ELW #338

Closing Hymn: Ride on, Ride on In Majesty: LBW #121, ELW #346; LSB #441, different tune

OR O Sacred Head, Now Wounded: LBW #116/117, ELW #351/352, LSB #449/450

Thursday, March 28, 2024: Maundy Thursday, B

For foot-washing: John 13:1-7, 31b-35

Exodus 24:3-11 (Moses reads aloud the covenant; the people promise to abide by it; the

70 elders eat in the presence of God)

ELW: Exodus 12:1-14 (First Passover instituted)

Psalm 116:12-19 (What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me?

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his servants)

1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (This bread is the body of Christ; we are all one body)

ELW: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (Institution of the Lord’s Supper)

Mark 14:12-26 (The Last Supper)

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Opening hymn: Thee We Adore, O Hidden Savior, Thee: LBW #199, LSB #640

Thee We Adore, O Savior, God Most True: ELW #476

Foot-Washing Hymn: Where Charity and Love Prevail: LBW #126, ELW #359, LSB #845

OR Love Consecrates the Humblest Acts: LBW #122, ELW #360

OR Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love: WOV #765, ELW #708

Hymn of the Day: Lord, Who the Night You Were Betrayed Did Pray: LBW #306, ELW #463 (I love the tune but it may be unfamiliar to many. There’s no good substitute. I may do this as a spoken “hymn prayer,” alternating me/congregation or men/women speaking each verse in turn.)

OR By Your Hand You Feed Your People: ELW #469

OR When You Woke That Thursday Morning: LSB #445 (Wowza. Wonderful text by Jaroslav Vajda. Tune is very singable -“Joyous Light,” the Marty Haugen tune used in WOV Evening Prayer service. Really a nice hymn. Consider getting a 1-time permission from CPH for this.)

Communion Hymn #1: For the Bread Which You Have Broken: LBW #200, ELW #494

Communion Hymn #2: O Bread of Life from Heaven: LBW #222, ELW #480

Closing Hymn: If it’s not a chanted version of Psalm 22, try It Happened on That Fateful Night: LBW #122 (if tune is unfamiliar, use the melody for “Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word”)

OR Go to Dark Gethsemane LBW #109, ELW #437, LSB #436

Friday, March 29, 2024: Good Friday, B

Isaiah 52:13-53:12 (Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows….)

Psalm 22 or Psalm 31 (Psalms of the Passion)

Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 (Again, Jesus our gentle and obedient High Priest;

he offered up loud cries and tears to the One who could save him from death)

ELW: Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9, OR Hebrews 10:16-25 (God remembers sin no

more; let us approach with bodies and hearts sprinkled clean)

John 18:1-19:42(The Passion According to St. John)

Since many people use very different services, I’m just offering hymn possibilities:

O Sacred Head LBW #116/117: ELW #351/352, LSB #449/450

Ah, Holy Jesus! How Hast Thou Offended: LBW #123, ELW #349

The 15-verse alternative translation is O Dearest Jesus, What Law Hast Thou Broken, LSB #439.

I commend it to you, especially if you use selected verses between sections of the passion reading

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross: LBW #482, ELW #803, LSB #425/426

Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle: LBW #118, ELW #355/356 LSB #454;

There in God’s Garden: WOV #668, ELW #342

The Tree of Life: LSB #561

Jesus, Your/Thy Blood and Righteousness: LBW #302, LSB #563

They Crucified My Lord: ELW #350

Saturday, March 30, 2024: The Vigil of Easter, B

For the Service of the Word portion: The great acts of salvation, as taken shamelessly from the ELW periscope If fewer than 12 readings (snort) are used,

make sure to use the ones marked with an asterisk

*Genesis 1:1-2:4a: Creation

Response: Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26

OR How Marvelous God’s Greatness LBW #515, ELW #830 (Easy Swedish tune)

Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18; 8:6-18; 9:8-13: The Great Flood

Response: Psalm 46

OR Thy Holy Wings WOV #741, ELW #613

Genesis 22:1-18: God tests Abraham, commanding him to sacrifice his son

Response: Psalm 16

OR God Loved the World (So That He Gave) (Even I don’t know the tune in LBW,

so use the tune suggested in ELW, used often for “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”)

LBW #292, ELW #323, LSB #571

*Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21: Deliverance of Israel at the Red Sea

Response: Exodus 15:1b-13, 17-18

OR Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer LBW #343, ELW #618, LSB #918

OR The God of Abraham Praise, v. 1, 3, 5 LBW #544, ELW #831, LSB #798

*Isaiah 55:1-11: Salvation freely offered to all

Response: Isaiah 12:2-6

OR I’ve Just Come From the Fountain WOV #696

Proverbs 8:1-8, 19-21; 9:4b-6: The wisdom of God

Response: Psalm 19

OR Let All Things Now Living LBW #557, ELW #881

Ezekiel 36:24-28: God promises to give a new heart and spirit to his people

Response: Psalms 42 and 43 (combine them)

OR As Pants the Hart for Cooling Streams LBW #452

OR As the Deer Runs to the River ELW #331

Ezekiel 37:1-14: The valley of the dry bones

Response: Psalm 143

OR O Happy Day When We Shall Stand LBW #351, ELW #441

Zephaniah 3:14-20: The gathering of God’s people

Response: Psalm 98

OR Joy to the World (hey why not?!) LBW #39, ELW #267, LSB #387

Jonah 1:1-2:1: Jonah’s faithlessness and deliverance

Response: Jonah 2:2-9

OR Great is Thy Faithfulness WOV #771, ELW #733, LSB #809

Isaiah 61:1-4, 9-11: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me” to proclaim good news to

all who suffer; God clothes his servant in the garments of salvation

Response: Deuteronomy 32:1-4, 7, 36a, 43a

OR In Thee Is Gladness LBW #552, ELW #867, LSB #818

*Daniel 3:1-29: Shadrach, Meshach, and a Bean to Go (www.abeantogo.com. Great coffee.

Motto: “Master Roasted Never Burnt”!) are delivered from the fiery furnace

Response: Song of the Three (LBW Canticle #18)

OR All Creatures of Our God and King LBW #527, ELW #835 (de-gendered, de-kinged –

it’s All Creatures of Our God Most High)

During the order for Holy Baptism or Affirmation of Baptism

The Litany of the Saints (ELW Service Music, #237) may be sung

The Service of Holy Communion

Romans 6:3-11: We are baptized into the death and resurrection of Christ:

dead now to sin, alive in Christ!

John 20:1-18: John and Peter race to the tomb; Mary Magdalene meets the risen Jesus

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Hymn of the Day: We Know That Christ is Raised and Dies No More

LBW #189, ELW #449, LSB #603

Hymn During Communion: I Know That My Redeemer Lives

LBW #352, ELW #619, LSB #461

Closing Hymn: This Joyful Eastertide WOV #676, ELW #391, LSB #482

Lessons and Suggested Hymns, Advent – Transfiguration, Cycle B (December 3, 2023 – February 11, 2024)

written by Cathy Ammlung | November 13, 2024

Lessons and Suggested Hymns, Advent – Transfiguration, Cycle B

(December 3, 2023 – February 11, 2024)

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.

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.

A Brief Order of Confession and Holy Absolution for Advent

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son+, and of the Holy Spirit: Amen.

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence may be kept.

Most merciful God, I confess to you with my whole heart my neglect and forgetfulness of your commandments: my wrong thinking, speaking, and acting; the hurts I have done to others; and the good I have left undone. O God, forgive me, for I have sinned against you. Raise me to newness of life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hear this promise of Almighty God: He prepares in our hearts a royal highway for his Son’s near approach, and cleanses us from all our sins. He drives away the darkness of sin and death, that we may behold the glory of his Son, the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Spoken Gospel Acclamation for Advent

Alleluia. Come and save us, LORD our God. Let your face shine upon us that we may be saved. Alleluia.

Offertory Prayer for Advent

Holy God, receive these tokens of our love for you. Make them holy, and use them as you desire, for the glory of your coming Kingdom, and for the well-being of the people you long to redeem. This we ask in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Post-Communion Prayer for Advent

Almighty and ever-living God, we give you thanks for these heavenly gifts. Kindle in us the fire of your Spirit. 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 gifts of forgiveness, mercy, and care to those who need them from us. Lead us into the light of your love. Restore to us the joy proclaimed by angels and shepherds at your Son’s birth among us. Amen.

Behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy: For unto you is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord. His name is Jesus, for he saves us from our sins. He is called Emmanuel, for he is God with us. For his sake, his Father forgives and blesses you, calls you his children, and bestows his Holy Spirit to guide, strengthen, and sanctify you in all your words and deeds. Amen.

Spoken Gospel Acclamation for Christmastide

Alleluia. The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. To those who accepted him he gave power to become the children of God. Alleluia.

Offertory Prayer for Christmastide

Heavenly Father, receive, bless, and use these gifts, given for love Jesus Christ, your gift to us, your Son, our Savior, and our Lord. Amen.

Post-Communion Prayer for Christmastide

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your great gift of love, your Son Jesus Christ. May we who have received his body and blood bear the light of his love into the world, to your glory and for the healing of the nations. Amen.

Sending Words for Christmastide

Go in peace. Christ is born. Thanks be to God.

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.

Offertory Prayer for the Epiphany Season

Merciful Father, the magi brought gifts to your Son, the Babe of Bethlehem. Graciously accept our gifts, given to glorify and worship Christ our Savior, and to bring healing and hope to the people he came to redeem. Amen.

Post-Communion Prayer for the Epiphany Season

Gracious heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your dear Son, given to us in this holy Sacrament. Strengthen us, through this gift, in faith toward you, and in fervent love toward one another. This we ask in the name of your Son Jesus Christ, our Light and our Life. Amen.

Sending Words for the Epiphany Season

Go in peace. Share the light of Christ. Thanks be to God.

December 3, 2023: Advent 1 (Blue or purple)

Isaiah 64:1-9 (tear open heavens and come; we are clay; do not be angry forever)

Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 (stir up your might and come; do not be angry forever)

1 Corinthians 1:3–9 (God strengths you; wait for Christ to be revealed)

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: O Lord, How Shall I Meet You: LBW #23, ELW #241, LSB #355

(if the tune is unfamiliar, use the tune for “All Glory, Laud and Honor,” especially if the Palm Sunday processional gospel is used today. However, the words are also great for Isaiah text and Psalm)

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: Savior of the Nations, Come: LBW #28, ELW #263 LSB #332

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

December 10, 2023: Advent 2 (Blue or purple)

Isaiah 40:1-11 (Comfort my people; prepare way of the Lord; here is your God,

who feeds his flock like a shepherd)

Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 (righteousness and peace kiss)

2 Peter 3:8-15a (1000 years like a day; end comes suddenly; live in righteousness, peace until He comes)

Mark 1:1-8 (John the Baptist announces One who is greater than he)

Opening hymn: Comfort, Comfort Now My People: LBW #29, ELW #256, LSB #347

Hymn of the Day:, 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….)

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 17, 2023: Advent 3 (Blue, purple – or rose, if you can)

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 (God has anointed me with his Spirit; clothed me with joy of his salvation)

Psalm 126 (God restored fortunes of Jerusalem; those who go out weeping come back rejoicing)

(ELW: this, or Luke 1:46b-55, the Magnificat)

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (Rejoice; don’t quench Spirit; be holy)

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: Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding: LBW #37, ELW #246, LSB #345. (The tune used in ELW and LSB is much superior to the LBW tune. Since the tune “Merton”isn’t in LBW, use “Omni Dei,” used for For the Bread Which You Have Broken)

Communion Hymn #1: Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness: LBW #224, LSB #636

Communion Hymn #2: Hail to the Lord’s Anointed: LBW #87, 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.)

Closing Hymn: People, Look East: WOV #626, ELW #248

OR There’s a Voice in the Wilderness: ELW #255

OR, Hark, the Glad Sound!: LBW #35, LSB #349, ELW #239

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

December 24, 2023: Advent 4 (Blue or purple)

2 Samuel 7:1-11,16 (David won’t build God’s house; God promises David’s house will endure)

Luke 1:46b-55 (Magnificat) (ELW alternate: Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26)

Romans 16:25-27 (Mysteries long hidden now revealed; final blessing)

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 1^st 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 My Soul Proclaims Your Greatness: ELW #251

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

December 24, 2020: Christmas Eve (white/gold)

Isaiah 9:2-11 (Those in darkness have seen a great light; unto us a child is born)

Psalm 96 (great is the Lord; bring offerings, all nations!)

Titus 2:11-14 (God’s grace revealed in the flesh, gives strength

to be upright, pious)

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

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

December 25, 2020: Christmas Day: The Nativity of Our Lord (White or gold)

Isaiah 52:7-10 (Beautiful on mountain are feet of those announcing peace, salvation of God)

Psalm 98 (Sing a new song, all creation; God judges with equity, righteousness)

Hebrews 1:1-12 (God speaks to us through his Son, who is greater than angels)

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 31, 2023: 1^st Sunday after Christmas (White or gold)

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!)

Psalm 111 (God has sent redemption; the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom)

(ELW: Psalm 148)

Galatians 4:4-7 (God sent his Son under the law, adopts us as children so we may say Abba)

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! *************************************************

Saturday, January 6, 2024: The Epiphany of Our Lord (White)

Isaiah 60:1-6 (Arise, shine, for your light has come! Israel gathered in; nations come and worship)

Psalm 72: 1-15 (Give the King your justice, O God; may he rule with righteousness)

ELW: Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14

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)

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 good sung 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

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

January 7, 2024: Baptism of Our Lord (white)

Note: churches may dither, transfer, or combine this feast with the epiphany. This church year has compressed some festivals!!

Genesis 1:1-5 (God creates light)

Psalm 29 (the voice of the Lord upon the waters)

Acts 19:1-7 (baptism in name of Jesus)

Mark 1:4-11 (the Baptism of Jesus)

Opening hymn: Thy Strong Word Didst Cleave the Darkness: LBW #233, LSB #578

Hymn of Praise/prior to baptism or renewal of baptismal promises:

I Bind Unto Myself Today: LBW #188, ELW #450, LSB #604

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: Praise and thanksgiving Be to God Our Maker: LBW #191 (tune is familiar – Father Most Holy, Merciful and Tender)

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

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

January 14, 2024: 2^nd Sunday after Epiphany (Proper 1)

1 Samuel 3:1-20 (the call of Samuel to be a prophet)

Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 (I am fearfully and wonderfully made; you knew me in the womb)

1 Corinthians 6:12-20 (the body made for the Lord; you are a temple for the Holy Spirit)

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 783/4

Communion Hymn #2: Blessed Assurance: WOV #699, ELW #638

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

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

January 21, 2024: 3^rd Sunday after Epiphany (Proper 2)

Jonah 3:1-5, 10 (Jonah preaches, Nineveh repents, God has mercy)

Psalm 62:5-12 (God judges all justly; trust in him)

1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (the time as short; live accordingly)

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 O God of Light: Your Word, a Lamp Unfailing: LBW #237, LSB #836

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: Lord of Light: LBW #405, ELW #688

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

January 28, 2024: 4^th Sunday after Epiphany (Proper 3)

Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (I will raise up a prophet, put my words in his mouth; listen to him alone)

Psalm 111 (God is faithful and just; praise him for his righteous deeds)

1 Corinthians 8:1-13 (Caring for brethren with weak consciences; eating food offered to idols)

Mark 1:21-28 (Jesus drives out a demon in Capernaum on Sabbath)

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)

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

February 4, 2024: 5^th Sunday after Epiphany (Proper 4)

Isaiah 40:21-31 (Those who trust the Lord will renew strength, rise like eagles)

Psalm 147:1-11,20c (The Lord cares for creation, lifts up downtrodden)

1 Corinthians 9:16-23 (Paul became all things to all people so some may be saved)

Mark 1:29-39 (Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law, then many people)

Opening hymn: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation

(LBW #543, ELW #858 (#859 is politically correct version!), LSB #790

OR I’m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me: ELW #860

OR Voices Raised to You We Offer: ELW #845, LSB #795 (Nice Herman Stuempfle hymn.)

Hymn of the Day: Hail to the Lord’s Anointed: LBW #87, ELW #311, LSB #398

(Yes, I know I selected this during Advent. See if anyone remembers! 😊 )

OR Praise to the Lord, All of You, God’s Servants: ELW #844

Communion Hymn #1: Let All Things Now Living: LBW #557, ELW #881

Communion Hymn #2: Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us With Your Love: WOV #765, ELW #708, LSB #980

Closing Hymn: When To Our World the Savior Came: LSB #551

(tune is “Lord, Speak to Us, That We May Speak”)

OR Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee: LBW #551, ELW #836, LSB #803

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

February 11, 2024: Transfiguration of Our Lord

2 Kings 2:1-12 (Elisha sees Elijah being taken up into heaven in fiery chariot)

Psalm 50:1-6 (Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth)

2 Corinthians 4:3-6 (God shines in our hearts, gives light of knowledge of his glory, seen in face of Christ)

Mark 9:2-9 (The transfiguration of Christ)

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

The 2nd Half of the Season of Pentecost, Cycle A September 10 – November 26, 2023

written by Cathy Ammlung | November 13, 2024

The 2^nd Half of the Season of Pentecost, Cycle A

September 10 – November 26, 2023

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.

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

(Note: both are prayers of Ignatius Loyola!)

Let us pray. Lord, teach me to be generous. Teach me to serve you as you deserve; to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to ask for reward, save that of knowing that I do your will. Amen.

OR

Let us pray. Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will. All I have and call my own, You have given all to me; to you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace, for

that is enough for me. 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 10, 15^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 18)

Ezekiel 33:7-11 (You are a sentinel, so warn those who sin. I do not desire the death of sinners, but that they turn to me and live)

Psalm 32:1-7 (The joy of confession and forgiveness of sin)

ELW/RCL: Psalm 119: 33-40 (Teach, lead, give me a heart to obey your commandments)

Romans 13:1-10 (Obey earthly rulers. Love fulfills all the commandments)

ELW/RCL: Romans 13:8-14 (No rulers mentioned. Love each other, put on Christ, for salvation is near!)

Matthew 18:1-20 (Become like a little child. Do not lead God’s little ones astray! Cut off whatever causes you to sin. God rejoices over penitent sinners. Discipline in the Church.)

ELW/RCL: Matthew 18:15-20 (Discipline in the Church)

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

Opening Hymn: Herald, Sound the Note of Judgment (can be sung to tune for “Angels, From the Realms of Glory): LBW #556, LSB #511

OR Hark, a Thrilling Voice is Sounding (Ties in with OT and the ELW/RCL 2^nd lesson):

LBW #37 (Danger, Will Robinson! This tune wanders over half the continent. Use Merton, like ELW, LSB, and SBH. OR use tune for LBW 549, Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven); ELW #246, LSB #345

Hymn of the Day: Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive, LBW #307, ELW #605, LSB #843

OR Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us: LBW #481 (Oh for pity’s sake, this tune is dorky too! Use “Bradbury” from SBH, also used in ELW and LSB – like decent people do!!!), ELW #789, LSB #711

Communion 1: Blest Be the Tie That Binds: LBW #370, ELW #656, LSB #649/975

Communion 2: Where Charity and Love Prevail: LBW #126, ELW #359, LSB #845

Closing Hymn: May We Your/Thy Precepts, Lord, Fulfill: LBW #353, LSB #698

OR O/In God, My Faithful God: LBW #504, ELW #806, LSB #745

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

September 17: 16^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 19)

Genesis 50:15-21 (Joseph forgives his brothers)

Psalm 103:1-13 (Bless the Lord, O my soul; he has not dealt with us according to our sins)

Romans 14:1-12 (Don’t quarrel with those weaker in faith over opinions;

whether we live or die, it’s unto the Lord)

Matthew 18:21-35 (Parable of the unforgiving servant)

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

Opening Hymn: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (nice Psalm paraphrase):

LBW #543, ELW #858 Note: ELW #859 is the politically correct “re-translation”; LSB #790

OR (if you’re up for a challenging but dance-like tune and a paraphrase of the Psalm)

My Soul, Now Praise Your Maker: LSB #820

Hymn of the Day: Come Down, O Love Divine: LBW #508, ELW #804, LSB #501

OR Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us: LBW #424, ELW #707, LSB #851

Communion 1: I Lay My Sins on Jesus: LBW #305, LSB #606

OR Bread of Life, Our Host and Meal: ELW #464

OR Bless the Lord, O My Soul: WOV #798 (repeat as needed)

Communion 2: Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive: LBW #307, ELW #605, LSB #843

Closing Hymn: Son of God, Eternal Savior: LBW #364, ELW #655, LSB #842

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

September 24: 17^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 20)

Isaiah 55:6-9 (Seek the Lord; he will abundantly pardon, for his ways are not our ways)

ELW/RCL, Jonah 3:10-4:11 (Jonah’s ticked at God’s mercy; God’s rejoinder)

Psalm 27:1-9 (The Lord is my light and salvation, whom then shall I fear?)

ELW/RCL, Psalm 145:1-8 (Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised)

Philippians 1:12-14, 19-30 (Paul’s imprisonment. To live is Christ, to die is gain; only live lives worthy of your calling in Christ)

ELW/RCL, Philippians 1:21-30 (Eliminates imprisonment)

Matthew 20:1-16 (Parable of the 11^th-hour workers in the vineyard)

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

Opening Hymn: There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy: LBW #290, ELW #588

OR for a Hispanic paraphrase of Psalm 27, The Lord is My Light: LSB #723

OR Seek Where You May To Find A Way: LSB #557

Hymn of the Day: Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling: LBW #381, LSB #827

OR How Clear is Our Vocation, Lord (lovely, fairly familiar tune): LSB #853

Communion 1: For Me to Live is Jesus: LSB #742

OR O Jesus, I Have Promised: LBW #503, ELW #810

Communion 2: Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service: LBW #423, ELW #712, LSB #848

Closing Hymn: Lord of All Hopefulness: LBW #469, ELW #765, LSB #738

OR Take My Life, That I May Be: LBW #406, ELW #583/685

Take My Life, and Let It Be: LSB #783/784

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

October 1: 18^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 21)

Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 (you are responsible for your own sins; turn from them and live!)

Psalm 25:1-10 (Lead me in your truth and teach me!)

Philippians 2:1-18 (Be of one heart and mind – the mind of Christ; act without grumbling;

be his lights in this broken world, that Paul may boast in you!)

ELW/RCL, Philippians 2:1-13 (Eliminates personal reference)

Matthew 21:23-32 (By what authority does Jesus act? Parable of two sons who act contrary to

their words; which are you like?)

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

Opening Hymn: (echoing Psalm) Lead Me, Guide Me: ELW #768, LSB #721

OR The Head That Once Was Crowned With Thorns (A good enough tune, but the tune for “O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing” may be more familiar and perky!): LBW #173, ELW #432, LSB #532

Hymn of the Day: Lord, Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word: LBW #230, ELW #517, LSB #655

OR O Master, Let Me Walk with You: LBW #492, ELW #818

Communion 1: Jesus Calls Us; O’er the Tumult: LBW #494, ELW #696

Communion 2: O God, My Faithful God: LBW #504, LSB #696

Closing Hymn: Strengthen for Service, Lord, the Hands: LBW #218, ELW #497

OR Forth in Thy Name, O Lord, I Go (Not the most inspiring tune. The tune for “On Jordan’s Banks” is a fun substitute): LBW #505, LSB #854

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

October 8: 19^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 22)

Isaiah 5:1-7 (Love song about beloved vineyard turns to lament over its wild grapes)

Psalm 80:7-19 (Come to the aid of your vineyard, against those who trample it!)

ELW/RCL, Psalm 80:7-15

Philippians 3:4b-14 (My richest gains I count but loss because of surpassing excellence

of knowing Christ)

Matthew 21:33-46 (Parable of the wicked tenants in master’s vineyard)

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

Opening Hymn: Judge Eternal, Throned in Splendor: LBW #418

OR Built on A/The Rock the Church Shall Stand: LBW #365, ELW #652, LSB #645

OR As Saints of Old Their Firstfruits Brought: LBW #404 (aw heck. I hate when great hymns are set to bad or difficult tunes. Use “Forest Green,” the jaunty English folk melody used for “I Sing the Almighty Power of God.” That’s what is used in ELW #695!), ELW #695

Hymn of the Day: There in God’s Garden: WOV #668, ELW #342

OR Ah, Holy Jesus: LBW #123, ELW #349

OR Fruitful Trees, the Spirit’s Sowing: LSB #691

Communion 1: Son of God, Eternal Savior: LBW #364, ELW #655, LSB #842

Communion 2: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross: LBW #482, ELW #803, LSB #425/6

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

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

October 15: 20^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 23)

Note: even if your practice isn’t to have weekly communion, you might want to make an exception today! 😉

Isaiah 25:6-9 (On God’s holy mountain, a feast of fat things; death shall be destroyed)

Psalm 23 (You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies)

Philippians 4:4-13 (Rejoice in the Lord always; think on things excellent, honorable;

thanks for Philippians’ gift)

ELW/RCL, Philippians 4:1-9, Stand fast in the Lord, rejoice, think on these things

Matthew 22:1-14 (The wedding feast…and its, er, substitute guest list)

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

Opening Hymn: Arise, My Soul, Arise: LBW #516, ELW #827

OR Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee: LBW #551, ELW #836, LSB #803

Hymn of the Day: O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts: LBW #356, ELW #658

OR At the Lamb’s High Feast: LBW #210, ELW #362, LSB #633

OR O Living Bread From Heaven: LBW #197, ELW #542, LSB #642

OR The Feast is Ready: ELW #531

Communion 1: Come, Let Us Eat, For Now the Feast is Spread: LBW #214, ELW #491, LSB #626

Communion 2: Soul Adorn Yourself with Gladness: LBW #224, ELW #488/9, LSB #636

Closing Hymn: Thine the Amen, Thine the Praise: WOV #801, ELW #826, LSB #680

OR Sent Forth By God’s Blessing: LBW #221, ELW #547, LSB #643

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

October 22: 21^st Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 24)

Isaiah 45:1-7 (God anoints Cyrus on behalf of his Chosen People)

Psalm 96: 1-13 (Declare God’s glory among the nations, whose gods are but worthless idols)

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 (Paul commends Thessalonians for turning from idols to Christ)

Matthew 22:15-22 (Render to Caesar, and to God, what is due each)

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

Opening Hymn: All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name: LBW #328/9, ELW #634, LSB #549

OR Come, All You People: ELW #819

Hymn of the Day: Holy God, We Praise Your Name: LBW #535, ELW #414, LSB #940

OR We Give Thee But Thine Own: LBW #410, ELW #686, LSB #781

Communion 1: On My Heart Imprint Your Image: LBW #102, ELW #811, LSB #422

Communion 2: Take My Life, That I May Be: LBW #406, ELW #583, 685, LSB #783/4

Closing Hymn: Gracious God, You Send Great Blessings: LSB #782 (really nice hymn!)

OR God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending: LBW #408, ELW #678

Note: if tune is unfamiliar, sing it to “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”

October 29: Reformation Sunday

Revelation 14:6-7 (Angel with eternal Gospel: fear God, give glory, hour of judgment)

ELW/RCL, Jeremiah 31:31-34 (A new heart, engraved with God’s Word)

Psalm 46 (A mighty fortress is our God!)

Romans 3:19-28 (All have sinned, fallen short of God’s glory; but his righteousness is grasped

by faith, not works)

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

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

Opening Hymn: Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty: LBW #250, ELW #533, LSB #901

Hymn of Praise: All Glory Be to God on High: LBW #166, ELW #410, LSB #947

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

Communion 1: Word of God, Come Down on Earth: WOV #716, ELW #510, LSB #545

Communion 2: Now Thank We All Our God: LBW #534, ELW #839/840, LSB #895

Closing Hymn: A Mighty Fortress is Our God:

LBW #228/9, ELW #504 (note, #505 is a gender-neutral version), LSB #656/7

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

November 5: All Saints’ Sunday

Revelation 7:9-17 (Behold a host, arrayed in white! Blessing and honor and glory and power

be unto God and the Lamb!)

Psalm 34:1-10, 22 (O taste and see how gracious the Lord is; look upon him and be radiant;

the Lord ransoms the lives of his servants)

1 John 3:1-3 (We are God’s children now; we shall be like Jesus, for we shall see him as he is)

Matthew 5:1-12 (The Beatitudes)

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

Opening Hymn: For All the Saints: LBW #174, ELW #422 (note: it’s edited to be less martial), LSB #677

OR Blessing, Honor, Glory to the Lamb: ELW #433

Hymn of Praise: Blessing and Honor and Glory and Power: LBW #525, ELW #854

OR Alabare: WOV #791, LSB #799/800

OR Cantad Al Senor: WOV #795, ELW #822

Hymn of the Day: Behold the/a Host, Arrayed in White: ELW #425, LSB #676

Who Is this Host, Arrayed in White: LBW #314

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

Communion 1: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling: LBW #315, ELW #631, LSB #700

Communion 2: Thee We Adore, O Hidden Savior, Thee: LBW #199, LSB #640

Thee We Adore, O Savior, God Most True: ELW #476

Closing Hymn: Rejoice, O Pilgrim Throng: LBW #553, LSB #813

Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart: ELW #873/4

November 12: 24^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 27)

Amos 5:18-24 (Woe to those who desire the Day of the Lord! He despises your feasts

and sacrifices; let justice, righteousness roll down like streams of water)

Psalm 70 (Let those who seek you find deliverance)

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (Do not grieve as those without hope; Christ will come with trumpet)

Matthew 25:1-13 (Parable of the wise and foolish virgins)

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

Opening Hymn: Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers: LBW #25, ELW #244, LSB #515

Hymn of the Day: Wake, Awake, For Night is Flying: LBW #31, ELW #436 (funky translation warning!), LSB #516

Communion 1: Let Justice Roll Like Streams: WOV #763, ELW #717

OR Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise: LBW #526, ELW #834, LSB #802

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

Closing Hymn: My Hope is Built on Nothing Less: LBW #293/4, ELW #596/597, LSB #575/6

OR Let Streams of Living Justice (great tune!): ELW #710

OR The Bridegroom Soon Will Call Us: LSB #514

November 19: 25^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 28)

Zephaniah 1:7-16 (The Day of the Lord comes as darkness and judgment for the complacent)

Psalm 90:1-12 (O God, our help in ages past! Teach us to number our days

and apply our hearts to wisdom)

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 (Be sober, watchful – the Lord will come like a thief in the night;

therefore act as children of the day)

Matthew 25:14-30 (The parable of the servants given talents)

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

Opening Hymn: Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending: LBW #27, ELW #435, LSB #336

OR Christ is Surely Coming: LSB #509

Hymn of the Day: The Night Will Soon Be Ending (great words and tune!): LSB #337

OR Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding: LBW #37 (I’m sure this is a worthy, though obscure, tune. MY advice: find something different, like “Merton,” used in ELW, LSB, and SBH. If you don’t have any of those hymnals for that ridiculously familiar tune, sing this hymn to “Omni Dei,” used for LBW #200, “For the Bread Which You Have Broken.”), ELW #246, LSB #345

OR (if NOT used on Oct. 22) We Give Thee But Thine Own: LBW #410, ELW #686, LSB #781

Communion 1: O God, Our Help in Ages Past: LBW #320, ELW #733 LSB #733

Communion 2: I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light: WOV #649, ELW #815 LSB #411

Closing Hymn: Through the Night of Doubt and Sorrow: LBW #355, ELW #327

OR One Thing’s Needful; Lord, This Treasure: LSB #536, v. 1, 3-5

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

November 26: Christ the King Sunday

Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 (God himself will be King and Shepherd to his people)

Psalm 95:1-7a (The Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods)

Ephesians 1:15-23 (Glorious inheritance given those who believe in Christ,

whom the Father has exalted high above all rulers and authorities)

Matthew 25:31-46 (Parable of the Last Judgment and the sheep/goat divide)

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

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

OR Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor: LBW #172, LSB #534, ELW #475

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

OR O Christ, What Can It Mean for Us (familiar tune) (ELW #431)

OR Jesus Shall Reign: LBW #530, ELW #434, LSB #832

Communion 1: Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love: WOV #765, ELW #708 LSB #980

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

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

The First Half of the Season of Pentecost, Cycle A June 11 – September 3, 2023

written by Cathy Ammlung | November 13, 2024

The First Half of the Season of Pentecost, Cycle A

June 11 – September 3, 2023

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.

I’ve also included a complete Tenebrae service for Good Friday. This is one I’ve used at my little churches. Feel free to use different hymns, but the ones I chose seemed to fit the readings.

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. 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:

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.

June 11, 2023: 2^nd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 5

OR St. Barnabas, Apostle

For 2 Pentecost

Hosea 5:15-6:6 (Israel’s superficial repentance, God’s frustration. God desires not sacrifice but steadfast love, knowledge of God)

Psalm 119:65-72: (You humbled me when I strayed from your commands. Teach me your way!)

ELW/RCL: Psalm 50:7-15 (God wants not burnt offerings but the sacrifice of praise)

Romans 4:13-25: (God’s promise realized through faith like Abraham’s)

Matthew 9:9-13: (Call of Matthew. Jesus comes to call sinners!)

ELW/RCL: Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 (Ditto; also girl restored to life, woman healed)

*******

Opening Hymn: The God of Abraham Praise, v. 1-4: LBW #544, ELW #831, LSB #798

OR Dearest Jesus, At Your Word/We Are Here: LBW #248, ELW #520, LSB #520

Hymn of the Day: What Wondrous Love is This: LBW #385, ELW #666, LSB #543

Communion Hymn #1: Chief of Sinners Though I Be: LBW #306, ELW #609, LSB #611

Communion Hymn #2: Give Me Jesus/ In the Morning When I Rise:

WOV #777, ELW #770, LSB #976

Closing Hymn: The God of Abraham Praise:

LBW #544, v. 6, 7, 10, 11, ELW #831, v. 5-8, LSB #798, v. 6-9

OR One There Is, Above All Others: LBW #298

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

For St. Barnabas:

Isaiah 42:5-12: (The Lord, who created all, called you in righteousness to be a covenant to the people. Let them all praise God!)

Psalm 112: (Happy are the righteous, who are gracious, merciful, and generous)

Acts 11:19-30; 13:1-3: (Barnabas sent to Antioch; he was gracious and good; he and Paul commissioned by the Spirit in Antioch church)

Matthew 10:7-16: (Jesus commissions the Twelve: preach, heal, drive out demons, be as sheep among wolves.)

*******

Opening Hymn: Dearest Jesus, At Your Word/We Are Here: LBW #248, ELW #520, LSB #520

OR Word of God, Come Down on Earth (Yes, smartypants, it’s the same tune!!):

WOV #716, ELW #510, LSB #545

Hymn of the Day: Lord, You Gave the Great Commission: WOV #756, ELW #579

OR Lord, Speak to Us, That We May Speak: LBW #403, ELW #676

Communion Hymn #1: Give Me Jesus: WOV #777, ELW #770, LSB #976

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

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

June 18, 3^rd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 6); Fathers’ Day

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)

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

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 Spread, O Spread, Almighty Word: LBW #379, ELW #663

Spread the Reign of God the Lord, LSB #830

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

(use if you preach on Romans text)

Communion 1: I Love to Tell the Story: LBW #390, ELW #661

OR This Little Light of Mine: ELW #677

Communion 2: Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling: LBW 381, LSB #827

Closing Hymn: Our Father, By Whose Name: (LBW #357, ELW #640, ELW #863)

OR Rise Up, O Saints of God: (LBW #383, ELW #669)

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June 25, 4th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 7)

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.)

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

Opening Hymn: On Eagles’ Wings: WOV #779, ELW #787, LSB #727

OR 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”

Hymn of the Day: O Master, Let Me Walk with You: LBW #492, ELW #818

OR Let Us Ever Walk With Jesus: LBW #487, ELW #802, LSB #685

Communion 1: Just as I Am, Without One Flea: LBW #296, LSB #570

Communion 2: Amazing Grace: LBW #448, ELW #779, LSB #744

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

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

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July 2, 5^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 8); Independence Day Weekend

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)

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

Opening Hymn: Before You, Lord, We Bow: LBW #401, ELW #893, LSB #966

Hymn of the Day: Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus: LBW #389, LSB #660 (Even if your congregation , like mine, normally sits for the Hymn of the Day, GET EM ON THEIR FEETSES for this one!)

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

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

Communion 2: Son of God, Eternal Savior: LBW #364, ELW #655, LSB #842

Closing Hymn: Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun: LBW #530, ELW #434, LSB #832

OR God of Our Fathers: LBW #567

OR America the Beautiful: ELW #888

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July 9: 6^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 9)

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…)

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

Opening Hymn: Hark, the Glad Sound: LBW #35, ELW #239, LSB #349

OR I Know That My Redeemer Lives, v. 1-4: LBW # 352, ELW #619, LSB #461

Hymn of the Day: I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say: LBW #497, ELW #332/611, LSB #699

NOTE: I know, nobody knows Lydian and Doric modes anymore, so the Tallis tune is tough for many folks. 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 (#444, 846) and LBW (#391). 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: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling: LBW #315, ELW #631, LSB #700

OR I Know That My Redeemer Lives, v. 5-8: LBW # 352, ELW #619, LSB #461

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

July 16: 7^th 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)

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

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: Children of the Heavenly Father: LBW #474, ELW #781, LSB #725

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

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

July 23: 8^th 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)

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

Opening Hymn: Gracious Spirit, Heed Our Pleading: WOV #687, ELW #401

OR Holy Spirit, Truth/Light Divine (if not used on Pentecost): LBW #257, ELW #398, LSB #496

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, LSB #769, ELW #402

OR Abide with Us, Our Savior: LBW #263, ELW #539,

LSB #919, Abide, O Dearest Jesus

Communion 2: Great Is Thy Faithfulness: WOV #771, LSB #809, ELW #733

Closing Hymn: Savior, Again to Your/Thy Dear Name: LBW #262, ELW #534, LSB #917

OR Almighty Father, Bless the Word: LSB #923

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July 30: 9^th 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)

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

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: Jesus, the Very Thought of You: LBW #316, ELW #754

Communion 2: How Great Thou Art: LBW #532, ELW #856, LSB #801

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

OR Praise to the Father: LBW #517 (simple tune)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

August 6: 10^th 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)

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

Opening Hymn: All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly: ELW #461

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

OR Thee We Adore, O Hidden Savior: LBW #199, LSB #640

Thee We Adore, O Savior: ELW #476 (different translation of Thomas Aquinas’ wonderful hymn)

Communion 1: What Feast of Love: WOV #701, ELW #487

OR What is This Bread: LSB #629

Communion 2: Break Now the Bread of Life: LBW #235, ELW #515

OR O Gracious Lord, I Firmly Am Believing: LSB #635

Closing Hymn: O Living Bread from Heaven: LBW #197, ELW #542, LSB #642

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

August 13: 11^th 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)

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

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, LSB #715, ELW #755

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

OR My Life Flows On in Endless Song: WOV #781, ELW #763

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

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

August 20: 12^th 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: 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

OR How Wide the Love of Christ!: LSB #535 (Simple tune. Another Herm Stuempfle gem ignored by many Lutheran hymnals. I’d recommend you get a one-time license from CPH to use this.)

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

Spread the Reign of God the Lord: LSB #830

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August 27: 13^th 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)

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

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

OR The Son of God Goes Forth to War: LBW #183, LSB #661

Communion 1: Take My Life, That I May Be: LBW #406, ELW #583, 685

Take My Life and Let it Be: LSB #783/4

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, same words, different tune. I recommend using the WOV version if you can.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

September 3: 14^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 17; Labor Day weekend)

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?

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

Opening Hymn: God’s Word is Our Great Heritage: LBW #239, ELW #509, LSB #582

Hymn of the Day: The Son of God Goes Forth to War: LBW #183, LSB #661

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

Jesus, Lead Thou On: LSB #718

OR Onward, Christian Soldiers: LBW #509, LSB #662

Lessons and Suggested Hymns, Ash Wednesday – Trinity Sunday, Cycle A February 22 – June 4, 2023

written by Cathy Ammlung | November 13, 2024

Lessons and Suggested Hymns, Ash Wednesday – Trinity Sunday, Cycle A

February 22 – June 4, 2023