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)

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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

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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)

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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.

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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)

 

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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)

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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?)

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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!

“A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household!” (Matthew 10:24-24)

Jesus was accused of being a chief of demons.  The wicked demonize.  We are called to love.  Accusations abound in wickedness.  If they accused Jesus, they will accuse you when You follow Jesus.  Do not be surprised.  Love and hatred are opposites.  Seek love and watch grace kill hatred.  We are slaves to the Master.  Yes, follow Jesus and see Him alone as the Master of your life.

Lord, in this hyper-hating culture, there are so many who are accusing others of all kinds of things.  I too feel accused.  Let me walk through the cloud of this hatred without receiving its infection.  I do not know all that will come; but You do Jesus.  You have told us that there is purpose in everything.  Guide me to live into the purpose You have promised so that I may now and always humbly abide in Your goodness and mercy.

Come, Holy Spirit, and guide me to stand firm when the accuser comes.  Let me not be surprised at its coming, even though sad about whom it comes from, so that I may not compromise the simple truth that You are God, and I am, for now, but a slave.  As I walk faithfully this day, lead me to live in the promise of salvation I have by grace.  Amen.

“When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes” (Matthew 10:23).

How far are we to evangelize? We are to go to the ends of the earth. Jacob is the one who contends, and Israel is the one who knows God prevails. All of Israel is not a physical location, but the place, throughout time and place where the sheep of the Lord are found. From every tribe, tongue, folk, and nation, there will come those who will follow the Lord in all His ways.

Lord, You have come to gather the scattered sheep. They are all over the place, but they know in their hearts that You are Lord. Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to humbly walk with You as You send me into the world with the Good News of salvation. Gather all of us together. Do not let Your sheep be scattered and tossed about by the wicked one. You will come again to judge the living and the dead.

Lord Jesus, the longer I live, the simpler all of this becomes. Guide me to realize that in You, I have hope and a future. May I now and always look to You, no matter what. May I always point to You, no matter the temptation to look at myself. You are the One and You have chosen to work through Your faithful ones. Let me not be bound to a location, but to You alone as You lead me through the wilderness of this life.  Amen.

WOE TO THE SHEPHERDS

The First Reading for July 21, the day after the conclusion of the ELCA Youth Gathering, was from Jeremiah 23.  In verse 1 the Lord says to the leaders of God’s people, “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!”  I believe that the same thing could be said about the leaders of the ELCA, including the planners of the youth gathering, which was held July 16-20 in New Orleans. 

Because of COVID, the last youth gathering occurred six years ago in 2018.  That time recordings of the messages from the keynote speakers were available for some time after, so I was able to listen to them, analyze them, and report on some of them in detail.  This time the sessions were live streamed (except for when the arena was having difficulties with the internet connection) and the recordings were available only for a short time before they were removed.  I was able to watch the evening session on Tuesday, part of the evening session on Thursday, and the closing worship service on Saturday morning.  Other than that I am dependent upon written comments, including on Facebook, and the daily summaries – complete with ELCA spin – in the ELCA’s digital magazine, “Living Lutheran.”  Even the video recaps for days 1, 2, and 3 – which are still available on the gathering’s YouTube channel – do not give any content from the keynote speakers.  They basically show young people being energetic and doing service projects.  It gives the impression that the gathering planning team do not want people to know what the keynote speakers said.    

However, the team did put together a five minute “Week in Review” video, which is still available.  I will use that video to share my reflections on the gathering.  A link to the video can be found HERE.

The video concludes with the person who actually opened the gathering – Bishop Michael Rinehart of the host synod, the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod (4: 40).  He began not with an opening prayer calling upon the Lord to bless the event but instead by acknowledging the indigenous people who had previously lived on the land and from whom the land was stolen.  It reminded me of the opening of the August 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, where greater emphasis was placed upon the rivers that flow through the area of the host synod than upon the God who created the rivers.  Bishop Rinehart told of how one of the indigenous tribes had sued the federal government and had succeeded in getting their land back.  At the announcement that a tribe had been successful in a lawsuit against the U. S. government, the young people cheered.  Hearing their cheers, I wondered what else they would become (and had already become) conditioned to cheer for.

But what I thought was most significant in Bishop Rinehart’s comments in the “Week in Review” video is the fact that he is the only person in the video who mentions Jesus.  And how does he describe Jesus?  As the “Jesus who calls us to challenge systems of oppression and power.”  Jesus through the lens of Marxism, critical race theory, and DEIA ideology.

The “Week in Review” video opens with Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton.  This is not in the video, but on Tuesday (opening) night Bishop Eaton was introduced by one of the emcees, Rebekah Bruesehoff, as having worked for eleven years for “inclusivity, advocacy, and social justice.”  The introduction certainly shows what is considered most important.  I thought it was very interesting that Rebekah Bruesehoff, who along with her mother Naomi spoke at the last gathering in 2018 promoting transgenderism, was now one of the emcees.  In 2018 Rebekah was a pre-adolescent, transgender child.  Her mother is the author of “Raising Kids beyond the Binary: Celebrating God’s Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children.”  The ELCA reveals what it values most by whom it elevates, lifts up, and makes heroes of.

The “Week in Review” video quotes Bishop Eaton as saying with joy and anticipation on opening night, “You can make a change; you can be disruptive” (0: 01).  Actually on opening night Bishop Eaton used three phrases – “You make a difference; you can make a change; you can be disruptive.”  Anyone who does public speaking knows that in a series like that, whatever you want to give the greatest emphasis to – whatever you want to be the climax of your comments – you put last.  On opening night, when Bishop Eaton said, “You can be disruptive,” the crowd cheered.

Many times during the five days the youth were told that they were “Created to Be Brave, Free, Authentic, and Disruptive Disciples.”  I noticed that none of the keynote speakers were brave and free enough to be introduced without including their pronouns.  (When I register for ELCA synodical events, I make sure that I do not give my pronouns.)  The model for being disruptive that was held up was Jesus’ overturning the tables of the money changers in the Temple.  But I wonder what kinds of behavior 16, 000 youth thought were being approved, endorsed, and even promoted when they were told that they were created to be disruptive.

Evidently there was one example of being disruptive that did not please everyone.  At the closing worship service Bishop Eaton mentioned that there had been a low point during the gathering when a group was made to feel as if they did not matter.  She said that the group had been offered a heart-felt apology on a previous evening.  Again, because recordings of the evening sessions were very quickly removed, I was not able to watch that apology and find out exactly what it was in response to.  But I can think of one strong possibility.  Someone posted on Facebook that his group had felt “triggered” by one of the speakers.  “Triggered” seems to be a favorite term for those who feel offended.  So the group started talking about it out loud.  People who were nearby asked them to be quiet because they wanted to hear the speaker.  That request led to the group’s feeling even more triggered and claiming that they were being subjected to racist behavior so they will never attend a future youth gathering.  I do not know if that is the incident that triggered the apology, but if it is, it does raise the question of whether talking out loud as a group near other people during a public gathering was validated and legitimized by the ELCA’s saying that we are created to be disruptive.  If my public rudeness leads to your having to apologize publicly because I feel triggered and subjected to your racist behavior, it also shows – in the strange world of wokeness, critical race theory, and DEIA ideology – that the one who is the most empowered is the one who claims to be the most victimized and oppressed.

For me the bright spot of the gathering was the presentation Tuesday evening by Michael Chan (2: 06).  Michael’s message at the ELCA’s Rostered Leaders Gathering last summer was also the bright spot at that event for me.  At the Rostered Leaders Gathering I felt that he was the only keynote speaker who expressed care and concern for us – the ministers of the church – rather than merely viewing us as underlings who need to get totally on board with fully supporting the ELCA agenda and priorities.  At the youth gathering he spoke on Psalm 139: 13 – “You formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”  He began by saying, “Wonders happen in the dark,” and then said so many other good things that I would have wanted the youth from my former congregation to hear.  These comments include “You were loved and treasured long before you performed your first good act” and “You were precious long before you could prove it.”  He talked about the difficult circumstances that can bury us and then said, “You are not in the grave, you are in the womb: something is happening in the darkness.” 

I would have been happy to have the youth from my former congregation hear Michael Chan.  I would not have wanted them to hear another keynote presenter, ELCA pastor Keats Miles-Wallace, who spoke on Thursday evening (3: 00).  Pastor Miles-Wallace shared that he always knew that he was different.  In middle school he did not fit in anywhere, and he made himself miserable trying to be what every group that he wanted to be a part of wanted him to be.  He finally learned that God created him to be free – “free to be my weird, different, unique, transgender, non-binary, neuro-divergent, and Anglo-Mexican-Indigenous self.”  Rather than finding his identity in Christ, he found his identity in being himself “out loud.”  He found peace when he finally experienced the “freedom of expression that God intended for all of creation.”  He is a member of the task force that is reviewing the 2009 human sexuality social statement. 

A video was shown on Thursday evening about ten minutes before Pastor Miles-Wallace spoke, which certainly set the stage and prepared the way for Pastor Miles-Wallace’s remarks.  This video went through the various days of creation in Genesis 1 as it prepared the young people to fully embrace the LGBTQ+ agenda.  Its argument was that at first glance, creation seems full of binaries.  God created light and then separated the light from the darkness, but there are also sunrises and sunsets, dawn and dusk.  God separated the land from the waters, but there are places that are not fully land or fully water, such as marshes and bogs.  God created the sun and the moon, but there are also stars, planets, and asteroids.  God created creatures of the land, sea, and sky, but there are also land animals such as penguins that swim and fish that fly.  God created male and female, but He also made all other types of people.  The video concluded, “At a glance creation seems full of binaries, but there is also a beautiful in between.  Genesis gives examples, but does not exclude the possibility of more, and God saw that it was good.”

The video said nothing about God’s creating male and female not as just two of an endless number of possible varieties, but instead so that two could become one flesh and so that the two would be able to be fruitful and multiply.  (Genesis 1: 27-28, 2: 24; Matthew 19: 4-6)  The stage was now set for ELCA youth to fully embrace the full LGBTQIA2S+ agenda and every variety of gender identity.  No wonder the “Week in Review” video even showed a group of youth with a drag queen (2: 00).  

The video of the closing worship service on Saturday ended with a short introduction of the location of the 2027 gathering – Minneapolis.  Minneapolis was described as a city that has a “commitment to inclusivity,” “celebrates diversity and embraces dialog,” and where “every voice is heard and every story matters.”  I noticed the Palestinian flag at one point in the “Week in Review” video (4: 20).  I am sure that during the gathering the voices of the Israeli people were never heard and their story did not matter.  Typical of ELCA youth events, there was not even one person who spoke in support of traditional views of human sexuality and gender identity.  Typical of the ELCA, this time also not every voice was heard and there were stories that did not matter. 

Dennis D. Nelson

lcorewebmail@gmail.com

 

Scripture

John 6:24-35

 

Script

[Props: goldfish or other small crackers, one pack for each child]

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning, everyone!

 

Pastor: Sammy, do you know the story of Moses and the manna in the wilderness? 

Sammy: I don’t think so, Pastor. What is the story of the man in the wilderness?

Pastor: Manna, Sammy. Manna is a flat bread.

Sammy: Well, why didn’t you just call it flat bread, Pastor? Why did you call the bread manna?

Pastor: Manna is very special, Sammy. The people of Israel were traveling in the desert to the promised land, and they became hungry.

Sammy: I know what it feels like to be hungry.

Pastor: Me too! Boys and girls, can you share what happens when you feel hungry?

[Allow time for responses]

Sammy: Great answers, everyone! The people of Israel were hungry, so they ate manna.

Pastor: Yes, but the manna was a gift from God. Each morning, when the people woke up, they found the manna on the ground, and they were able to pick it up and eat it. There were some special rules about storing the manna and how much to take.

Sammy: But did it taste good?

Pastor: Yes—the people said it was the best bread they had, but each day they had to eat manna. They didn’t stay full for long.

Sammy: I eat all the time, Pastor. Breakfast, second breakfast, lunch, dinner, supper, snack…

Pastor: You eat all the time, Sammy.

Sammy: I am a growing lamb.

Pastor: We need food to grow and to live, but what is really important is what Jesus says about manna in our gospel reading today.

Sammy: Ooo tell us! What did he say?

Pastor: Jesus says that the manna from Heaven came from God. And then he declares, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

Sammy: Wow!

Pastor: I know! Jesus is telling the people that he is God. He gives us food and feeds our spirits. When we believe in Jesus, we believe in God—Jesus says, “I am” which is a declaration of divinity. Moses hears God say, “I am” as well.

Sammy: There are many parallels between the Old Testament and the New Testament here.

Pastor: Yes, there are.

Sammy: Well, Pastor, all this talking is making me hungry. Do you have bread?

Pastor: I did bring a snack for each of you today. [Give goldfish or small crackers to each child] When you eat this snack, I want you to remember that Jesus is the bread of life. Let’s fold our hands and bow our heads. Dear Jesus, Thank you for giving us food for our bodies and souls. Thank you for coming to earth to save us so that we will never be hungry again. We love you. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:21).

Jesus stands in the divide. He does not divide, The divide is already present. Those who follow Jesus are given a new life and cross the divide through Him, separating those who are in rebellion against God from those who love the Lord. Some will choose themselves as their own highest authority, while those who hear the voice of the Master will follow Him. Hatred rules the wicked. But love reigns for those who are in the Lord.

Lord, I have already experienced those close to me who would stifle me if they could. I have experienced that animosity because of my faith. Do not let me compromise the truth that I am in You and You in me. Lead me to know that You are the One through whom all life is given. The wicked one would see me compromised, even threatening death, if possible. Lead me to resolute faith in You, Lord.

Lord Jesus, You were betrayed not just by Judas, but by all of those who have turned against You throughout the ages. Lead me away from the rebellion of sin, no matter the cost, to come into Your everlasting presence to become who You are making me to be. Teach me to return hatred with love. No matter the betrayal, let me work through the rebellion in this world for the glory of the Father. Amen.

“When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you” (Matthew 10:19-20).

Dive into the word such that it is in you. When confronted by those who will persecute you, do not worry about what you are going to say. The word will be in you. The Holy Spirit will bring out what is in you to speak what needs to be spoken. Why do you worry so much? The Lord knows all your circumstances and He will make sure you are prepared for whatever faces you. Trust in His leading.

Lord, You know how much I worry and fret. Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to understand that You will allow nothing to happen that is not in Your will. If it be such that I stand before those who persecute You through me, grant me Your peace such that I know Your Holy Spirit in me will guide me through this and every circumstance. May Your Spirit speak through me.

Jesus, You knew what was coming and You marched to Jerusalem anyway. Prepare me, one who does not know what is coming, so that I am a willing servant open to what You will do. Place in my heart a confident strength that even if they kill me, they only slay the body which You will resurrect on the last day. In all things, help me to live according to Your word so that I may grow in this faith that You have given me. Amen.

“Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles” (Matthew 10:17-18).

The wicked are, well, wicked. They think they know what they are doing and if you dare to cross them, they will crucify you. But actually they do not know what they are doing, they just act as if they do. Our Lord has given us invaluable instructions to live in this world without remaining sinners who seek to control. The Lord is in control and all the violence in this world will never overcome the truth that all authority and power belongs to Jesus.

Lord, You have given me fair warning. There are those in this world who hate You and therefore will hate me. Help me to be clear about this so that I do not become surprised when this happens to me. This can happen in a fellowship that calls itself the church as easily as a government or group of rebels. Grant that I would see things as they are, knowing that all things are in Your hands.

Lord Jesus, You send me with Your peace into the world and advise me to beware of those who will not only reject that peace, but become hostile with any mention of You. Grant that I would not back down because of danger, nor compromise because of force. Help me to live into the life You give me with boldness and faithfulness. Prepare me to meet whatever challenge You have placed before me. Amen.

“See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

There are wicked people in the world. But to understand them, one must understand the wolf in themselves. The sinner is there. That serpent in you has wisdom of the world. It sees things. Be wise, but, and this is the big part, remain in the innocence of Christ while seeing how the wolf thinks. This easier than you think. It is a matter of living the truth that you are a sinner and a saint.

Lord, You know how the wicked one wants me to play nice and confront no one. Sheep are slaughtered continuously for lack of wisdom. Teach me to be shrewd and wise yet remain innocent in the Father’s eyes. You have given me these instructions, so help me to push through my idea of religion to live in the faith that You give me. Guide me into this kind of faith.

Holy Spirit, You know the inner struggle I have between the sinner and the saint. I do know the ways of the world, but sometimes outwardly pretend that I do not. Guide me, Lord, so that I do use the wisdom You give me. Grant me understanding and remove from me all wickedness. Help me to go out into the world, aware of circumstances, and willing to confront the wolves I meet with the truth. Amen.

“If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town” (Matthew 10:14-15).

There are many, even in churches, who are hostile to the Gospel. Folks believe they know what they need. None of us truly knows. We need what only Christ can give. If you meet hostility, even in a fellowship that calls itself the church, move on. Those who reject you when you are sharing the love of Jesus are rejecting Jesus. They bring upon themselves their own judgement.

Lord, I am guilty of being one who has been hostile to strangers. I want to be comfortable, but in that desire, sometimes I am led away from You. Guide me to look to You first so that if I am in a hostile situation I will be empowered to move on. Lead me, Lord, so that I humbly walk in the way You desire. Help me to be willing to share who I am with any You cause to cross my path.

Lord, I often make things more difficult than they need to be. You have told me to abide in You knowing that You abide in me. Guide me so that I willingly walk in all Your ways. Open my heart so that I receive those who will come to You. But grant me wisdom to not be used by those who are trying to use You. Lead me always, Lord and make me ready to do the Father’s will. Amen.