Month: March 2019

Worship Resources: April 7, 2019

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Lent 5 Year 1

Color: Purple
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Reign of Christ A
Readings: Last Judgement Sermon text Matthew 25:31-46 – Companion text – Psalm 98:7-9
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): God of justice, you have shown yourself in this world in the poor, the hungry, and the needy. Make us willing participants of your grace and generosity, so that when you come again, we will know your face. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #695. As Saints of Old
ELW #522. As We Gather at Your Table
ELW #416. At the Name of Jesus
ELW #715. Christ, Be Our Light
ELW #729. The Church of Christ, in Every Age
ELW #679. For the Fruit of All Creation
ELW #714. O God of Mercy, God of Light
ELW #764. Have No Fear, Little Flock
ELW #650. In Christ There Is No East or West
ELW #708. Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love
ELW #810. O Jesus, I Have Promised
ELW #434. Jesus Shall Reign
ELW #260. The King Shall come
ELW #707. Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us
ELW #712. Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service
ELW #720. We Are Called
ELW #479. We Come to the Hungry Feast
ELW #686. We Give Thee but Thine Own
ELW #487. What Feast of Love
ELW #725. When the Poor Ones (Cuando el pobre)
ELW #719. Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life
ELW #659. Will You Let Me Be Your Servant
Various Hymnals Come Now, You Blessed, Eat At My Table (1992) by Ruth C. Duck
Various Hymnals God of Day and God of Darkness (1994) by Marty Haugen
Various Hymnals Help Us Accept Each Other (1975) by Fred Kaan
Various Hymnals There’s a Spirit in the Air (1979) by Brian Wren
Various Hymnals When I Needed a Neighbor (1965) by Sydney Carter
Various Hymnals When the Church of Jesus (1969) by Fred Green
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #883. All People That on Earth Do Dwell
ELW #819. Come, All You People (Uyaimose)
ELW #731. Earth and All Stars!
ELW #311. Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
ELW #836. Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
ELW #763. My Life Flows On in Endless Song
ELW #822. Oh, Sing to the Lord (Cantad al Señor)
ELW #694. Sing to the Lord of Harvest
ELW #821. Shout to the Lord
ELW #587/8. There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
ELW #824. This Is My Father’s World
Various Hymnals Come, Let Us Sing unto the Lord (1931)
Various Hymnals The Lord comes to rule the earth
Various Hymnals Sing a New Song (1979) by Daniel Schutte
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Compassion Hymn” By Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, et al.
“To the Least of These” By Randy Gill.
“We Will Dance” By David Ruis.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

(Introduction and Conclusion from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002)

Beloved friends, in this season of repentance and healing, we accept God’s invitation to be ever-mindful of the needs of others, offering our prayers on behalf of God’s community in the church and the world.

A brief silence.

Bless the church with boldness, O God, that we may proclaim your love for all people. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless creation with your life, O God, that all life sing for joy. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless our leaders with compassion, O God, that your justice and peace rule over all nations. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless those who suffer want, O God, that those who have much may see you in their neighbors. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless the sick, O God (especially,…), that your care may be at work in the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless this assembly, O God, that we might better serve the needs of our neighbors. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Bless those who have gone before us, O God, that their faithful service inspire our own. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill us with your strength to resist the seductions of our foolish desires and the tempter’s vain delights, that we may walk in obedience and righteousness, rejoicing in you with an upright heart. Amen.

Worship Resources: March 31, 2019

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Lent 4 Year 1

Color: Purple
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 27(32)A
Readings: Bridesmaids Sermon text Matthew 25:1-13 – Companion text – Psalm 43:3-4
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): God of holy anticipation, you have promised that you would return at a time unknown to us. Make us ready, so that when you return we might be welcomed into your kingdom with open arms. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #638. Blessed Assurance
ELW #246. Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding!
ELW #260. The King Shall come
ELW #240. Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah
ELW #241. O Lord, How Shall I Meet You
ELW #244. Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers*
ELW #348. Stay with Me
ELW #798. Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons)
LBW #443. Rise, My Soul, to Watch and Pray
Various Hymnals The Bridegroom Soon Will Call Us (1880) translated by Matthias Loy
Various Hymnals Jesus Is Coming Again (1957) John W. Peterson
Various Hymnals Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning (1928) Variously Attributed
Various Hymnals The Sands of Time Are Sinking (1857) A. R. Cousin
Various Hymnals What If It Were Today? (1912) Mrs. C. H. Morris
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)
*contains “alleluia”

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #757. All My Hope on God Is Founded
ELW #816. Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life
ELW #624. Jesus, Still Lead On
ELW #527. Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now
ELW #773. Precious Lord, Take My Hand
ELW #671. Shine, Jesus, Shine
LBW #452. As Pants the Hart for Cooling Streams
LBW #536. O God of God, O Light of Light
LBW #501. He Leadeth Me: Oh, Blessed Thought!
Various Hymnals As a Deer in Want of Water (1987)
Various Hymnals Now, when the dusky shades of night retreating (1853)
Various Hymnals Send Out Thy Light and Thy Truth (1912)
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Awesome God” By Rich Mullins.
“Blessed Be Your Name” By Matt Redman, Beth Redman.
“In the Secret” By Andy Park.
“Open The Eyes of My Heart” By Paul Baloche.
“You Are the Light” By Steve Fee.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

(Introduction and Conclusion from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002)

Beloved friends, in this season of repentance and healing, we accept God’s invitation to be ever-mindful of the needs of others, offering our prayers on behalf of God’s community in the church and the world.

A brief silence.

For the church and all its ministers; that we may keep busy with the proclamation of the Gospel as we await the coming of our Lord. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For creation in all its glory; that your vibrant life infuse all plants and animals. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For our President, Governor, Mayor and all elected officials; that they may seek to do your will as they lead. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For those experiencing hunger or homelessness; that all may know the abundance that you  provide for us. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For those dealing with illness (especially,…); that they may find hope in you and comfort from us. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For this congregation and its ministries; that we may better exemplify blessed and beloved community. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

For the saints who have gone before us; that the example of their faith deepen and enliven our own. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill us with your strength to resist the seductions of our foolish desires and the tempter’s vain delights, that we may walk in obedience and righteousness, rejoicing in you with an upright heart. Amen.

Worship Resources: March 24, 2019

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Lent 3 Year 1

Color: Purple
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 23(28)A
Readings: Wedding Banquet Sermon text – Matthew 22:1-14 Companion text – Psalm 45:6-7
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): God of celebration, you have invited all people to rejoice in the goodness of your love. Help us to be hospitable to all people at your banquet, so that all might receive your blessing. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #522. As We Gather at Your Table
ELW #532. Gather Us In
ELW #358. Great God, Your Love Has Called Us
ELW #574. Here I Am, Lord
ELW #485. I Am the Bread of Life
ELW #523. Let Us Go Now to the Banquet
ELW #295. Of the Father’s Love Begotten
ELW #488/9. Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness
ELW #531. The Trumpets Sound, the Angels Sing (The Feast Is Ready)
ELW #719. Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life
Various Hymnals Among us and before us (1989) by John L. Bell
Various Hymnals City of God, Jerusalem (1998) by Christopher M. Idle
Various Hymnals Come, Share the Lord (1984) by Bryan Jeffery Leech
Various Hymnals Shout for Joy (2005) by John L. Bell
Various Hymnals We Come as Guests Invited (1975) by Timothy Dudley-Smith
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #505. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
ELW #855. Crown Him with Many Crowns
ELW #311. Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
ELW #308. O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright!
LBW #472/3. Come, Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire
Various Hymnals From Every Stormy Wind That Blows (1828) by Hugh Stowell
Various Hymnals My Heart Doth Overflow (Public Domain)
Various Hymnals My heart is full of admiration (1991) by Graham Kendrick
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Holy Moment” By Matt Redman.
“Micah 6:8” By Charlie Hall.
“Mighty to Save” By Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

(Introduction and Conclusion from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002)

Beloved friends, in this season of repentance and healing, we accept God’s invitation to be ever-mindful of the needs of others, offering our prayers on behalf of God’s community in the church and the world.

A brief silence.

We pray for the church and it’s leaders; that our focus be always on inviting others into blessed community and communion with you. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for streams and waterways; that spring flooding be minimal and that we may better care for all waters on the earth. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our political leaders; that compassion, empathy, and compromise be at work in order to ensure justice and peace. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those without community or hope; that they may find love and support and that we may better minister to those outside our community. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the sick and suffering (especially,…); that all people may know care and comfort in times of trial and adversity. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for this assembly; that relationship, reconciliation, and community ever be our focus and priorities. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We pray for the saints who have gone before us; that their example may guide us along the path of faith. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill us with your strength to resist the seductions of our foolish desires and the tempter’s vain delights, that we may walk in obedience and righteousness, rejoicing in you with an upright heart. Amen.

Worship Resources: March 17, 2019

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Lent 2 Year 1

Color: Purple
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 20(25)A
Readings: Laborers in the Vineyard Sermon text – Matthew 20:1-16 Companion text – Psalm 16:5-8
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): Generous God, you have promised to open your kingdom to all people, despite their circumstances. Bring us close to you, and help us to proclaim the goodness of your generosity. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #266. All Earth Is Hopeful (Toda la tierra)
ELW #522. As We Gather at Your Table
ELW #838. Beautiful Savior
ELW #679. For the Fruit of All Creation
ELW #818. O Master, Let Me Walk with You
ELW #587. There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
ELW #588. There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
LBW #381. Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling
LBW #431. Your Hand, O Lord, in Days of Old
Various Hymnals From Heaven You Came (1983) by Graham Kendrick
Various Hymnals Give Thanks (1970) by Henry Smith
Various Hymnals Jesus, Lover of My Soul (1740) Charles Wesley
Various Hymnals The World Turned Upside Down (1991) by John Ylvisaker
Various Hymnals When God Is a Child (1989) by Brian A. Wren
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #629. Abide with Me
ELW #565. All Praise to Thee, My God, This Night
ELW #779. Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
ELW #793. Be Thou My Vision
ELW #831. The God of Abraham Praise
ELW #482. I Come with Joy
ELW #765. Lord of All Hopefulness
ELW #778. The Lord’s My Shepherd
ELW #773. Precious Lord, Take My Hand
ELW #613. Thy Holy Wings
LBW #505. Forth in Thy Name, O Lord, I Go
Various Hymnals Center of My Life (1985) by Paul Inwood
Various Hymnals To Thee, O Lord, I Fly (1862) by George William Martin
Various Hymnals When in the Night I Meditate
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” By Chris Tomlin, John Newton, et al.
“Every Move I Make” By David Ruis.
“Here I Am to Worship” By Tim Hughes.
“My Lighthouse” As performed by Rend collective, Rend Collective Experiment.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

(Introduction and Conclusion from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002)

Beloved friends, in this season of repentance and healing, we accept God’s invitation to be ever-mindful of the needs of others, offering our prayers on behalf of God’s community in the church and the world.

A brief silence.

Keep the church from jealousy over your amazing and abundant grace O Lord, and show us how to be better workers for you kingdom. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Strengthen creation, O Lord, and instill in all people a desire to care for and nurture all plants and animals. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bend governments and rulers to your will, O Lord, and instill in all nations an earnest desire for peace, and justice. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Help us to better live with respect and equality for all, O Lord, especially between  genders. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Provide hope and healing for the sick, O Lord, (especially,…) that all may know vibrant and whole life. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Direct this congregation in your ways, O Lord, and help us to better serve you in our daily lives. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Grant peaceful rest to the faithful dead, O Lord, and bring us, with them, to your new creation. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill us with your strength to resist the seductions of our foolish desires and the tempter’s vain delights, that we may walk in obedience and righteousness, rejoicing in you with an upright heart. Amen.