Sermon Text: (The Promise of Passover) Exodus 12:1-13; 13:1-8
Other Text Suggestions: Psalm 149; Romans 13:8-14
Prayer of the Day (WP): Lord God of grace and liberty, On the night of the Passover the sacrificed lamb became a sign of freedom and you freed the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt. In Jesus, you sacrificed your son as a gift, thereby freeing all humanity from sin and death. Help us live into this new life, teaching us to serve you in faithfulness as you have served us. To you we offer our gratefulness in the name of the one who turned slavery into new life, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Helpful Resources: re:Worship, revgalblog, SermonWriter, TextWeek, Word&World, BibleHub
Month: September 2020
Worship Resources: October 11, 2020
19th Sunday after Pentecost (NL305)
Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 23(28)A
Gospel Text: Luke 23:34
Sermon Text: Exodus 32:1-14 (Golden Calf)
Other Text Suggestions: Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23; Philippians 4:1-9
Prayer of the Day (WP): Faithful God of an unfaithful people, the people of Israel doubted your power and turned to other gods to fulfill their needs. We too, turn to other gods, seeking acceptance, power, and independence. Show us how to live humbly in you, and walk in your ways, in the name of the one who offered true power to all humanity, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Helpful Resources: re:Worship, revgalblog, SermonWriter, TextWeek, Word&World, BibleHub
Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:
ELW #695. As Saints of Old
ELW #362. At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing
ELW #326. Bless Now, O God, the Journey
ELW #515. Break Now the Bread of Life
ELW #321. Eternal Lord of Love, Behold Your Church
ELW #605. Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive
ELW #647. Glorious Things of You Are Spoken
ELW #358. Great God, Your Love Has Called Us
ELW #795. God, My Lord, My Strength
ELW #673. God, Whose Almighty Word
ELW #678. God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending
ELW #399. O Holy Spirit, Root of Life
ELW #696. Jesus Calls Us; o’er the Tumult
ELW #336. Lamb of God (Your Only Son)
ELW #475. Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor
ELW #716. Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace
ELW #863. My God, How Wonderful Thou Art
ELW #343. My Song Is Love Unknown
ELW #322. Oh, Love How Deep
ELW #864/5. Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven
ELW #623. Rock of Ages
ELW #351. O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
ELW #729. The Church of Christ, in Every Age
ELW #831. The God of Abraham Praise
ELW #506. The Word of God is Source and Seed
ELW #791. We Sing to You, O God
ELW #776. What God Ordains Is Good Indeed
ELW #510. Word of God, Come Down on Earth
Various Hymnals Cast Down, O God, the Idols (1997) by Herman Stuempfle
Various Hymnals Lord of All Being, Throned Afar by Oliver Wendell Holmes
Various Hymnals Lord of the Dance (1963) by Sydney Carter
Various Hymnals Meekness and Majesty (1986) by Graham Kendrick
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)
Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:
“Amazing Love” By Graham Kendrick.
“Every Move I Make” By David Ruis.
“The King of Love My Shepherd Is” By Henry Williams Baker, John Bacchus Dykes.
“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)
Creator God, you call us to love and serve you with body, mind, and spirit through loving your creation and our sisters and brothers. Open our hearts in compassion and receive these petitions on behalf of the needs of the church and the world.
A brief silence.
We pray for the church universal, that we turn from the idols of dogma and judgement and worship you in honesty and truth. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for creation, that we turn from the idols of over-consumption and abuse and work to restore creation to the good state you made it. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for our leaders, that they may turn from the idols of greed and power and work for the benefit of all people. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for the sick and suffering, that they may be rescued from the evils of pain, disease, and hopelessness and that you may use us to bring hope and healing where it is needed. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for our congregation, that we may turn from the idols of apathy and selfishness and turn towards our neighbors in love and service. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
We pray for the saints who have walked before us in the way of Christ, that their dedicated example of love and faith inspire and strengthen our journey. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Holy One, hear our prayers and make us faithful stewards of the fragile bounty of this earth so that we may be entrusted with the riches of heaven. Amen.
Episode 37 – Jacob & Joseph
Sermon Text: Genesis 37:3-8, 17b-22, 26-34; 50:15-21 (Jacob & Joseph)
Other Text Suggestions: Psalm 105: 1-6, 16-22, 45b; Romans 10:5-15
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of dreams and hope, You spoke to Joseph in his dreams, and those dreams led him to great danger. Yet you used the challenges in his life to save the lives of others. In you, no good thing is accidental. You work in us and through us, even when we are not aware of your presence. Help us to know that you are with us, and that only you are capable of turning all evil to good. We pray all these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen.
Helpful Resources: re:Worship, revgalblog, SermonWriter, SermonWriter, Word&World, BibleHub
Worship Resources: October 4, 2020
18th Sunday after Pentecost (NL304)
Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 18(23)A
Gospel Text: Luke 22:14-20
Sermon Text: (The Promise of Passover) Exodus 12:1-13; 13:1-8
Other Text Suggestions: Psalm 149; Romans 13:8-14
Prayer of the Day (WP): Lord God of grace and liberty, On the night of the Passover the sacrificed lamb became a sign of freedom and you freed the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt. In Jesus, you sacrificed your son as a gift, thereby freeing all humanity from sin and death. Help us live into this new life, teaching us to serve you in faithfulness as you have served us. To you we offer our gratefulness in the name of the one who turned slavery into new life, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Helpful Resources: re:Worship, revgalblog, SermonWriter, TextWeek, Word&World, BibleHub
Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:
ELW #779. Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
ELW #695. As Saints of Old
ELW #522. As We Gather at Your Table
ELW #362. At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing
ELW #326. Bless Now, O God, the Journey
ELW #474. Bread of Life from Heaven
ELW #370. Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands
ELW #339. Christ, the Life of All the Living
ELW #491. Come, Let Us Eat
ELW #363. Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain
ELW #472. Eat This Bread
ELW #494. For the Bread Which You Have Broken
ELW #358. Great God, Your Love Has Called Us
ELW #618. Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer
ELW #483. Here Is Bread
ELW #482. I Come with Joy
ELW #471. Let Us Break Bread Together
ELW #674. Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ
ELW #841. Lift Every Voice and Sing
ELW #542. O Living Bread from Heaven
ELW #475. Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor
ELW #735. Mothering God, You Gave Me Birth
ELW #343. My Song Is Love Unknown
ELW #460. Now the Silence
ELW #831. The God of Abraham Praise
ELW #484. You Satisfy the Hungry Heart
WOV #670. When Israel Was in Egypt’s Land
Various Hymnals As We Remember (1987) by Rory Cooney
Various Hymnals Bless the Feast (1989) by James Hansen
Various Hymnals Come, Share the Lord (1984) by Bryan Leech
Various Hymnals We Are People on a Journey (1993) by Manuel Dávila
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)
Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:
“Amazing Love” By Graham Kendrick.
“Behold The Lamb” By Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, et al.
“Give Thanks” By Henry Smith.
“Sweetly Broken” By Jeremy Riddle.
More contemporary suggestions here.
Prayers of Intercession:
(Introduction and Conclusion from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002)
Creator God, you call us to love and serve you with body, mind, and spirit through loving your creation and our sisters and brothers. Open our hearts in compassion and receive these petitions on behalf of the needs of the church and the world.
A brief silence.
Freeing God, liberate your church from apathy, intolerance and judgement. Inspire our witness, that your redeeming love for all may be boldly proclaimed. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Freeing God, liberate creation from its bonds of brokenness and damage. Help us to be better stewards and to look with love and care upon all that you have made. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Freeing God, liberate the nations from violence and selfishness. Pour your wisdom and peace upon the leaders of nations and bring unity to our divided world. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Freeing God, liberate the sick and suffering from their pain. Use us to provide comfort and care to all who need it. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Freeing God, liberate our congregation from all that hinders our ministry. Turn us ever outwards towards our neighbors in service and love. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
Freeing God, liberate your people of all times and all places. Unite your saints in love and praise of you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Holy One, hear our prayers and make us faithful stewards of the fragile bounty of this earth so that we may be entrusted with the riches of heaven. Amen.
Episode 36 – God’s Promise to Abram
Gospel Text: Luke 3:8
Sermon Text: Genesis 15:1-6 (God’s Promise to Abraham)
Other Text Suggestions: Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23; Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of the covenant, as you promised Abraham descendants as numerous as the stars, you have also promised us that we might live under those stars as your people, faithful and loved. Show us how to live as your people, and how to nurture all your children with whom we share the same canopy of sky night after night. Amen.
Worship Resources: September 27, 2020
17th Sunday after Pentecost (NL303)
Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 14(19)A
Gospel Text: Luke 6:35
Sermon Text: Genesis 37:3-8, 17b-22, 26-34; 50:15-21 (Jacob & Joseph)
Other Text Suggestions: Psalm 105: 1-6, 16-22, 45b; Romans 10:5-15
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of dreams and hope, You spoke to Joseph in his dreams, and those dreams led him to great danger. Yet you used the challenges in his life to save the lives of others. In you, no good thing is accidental. You work in us and through us, even when we are not aware of your presence. Help us to know that you are with us, and that only you are capable of turning all evil to good. We pray all these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen.
Helpful Resources: re:Worship, revgalblog, SermonWriter, SermonWriter, Word&World, BibleHub
Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:
ELW #793. Be Thou My Vision
ELW #605. Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive
ELW #532. Gather Us In
ELW #603. God, When Human Bonds Are Broken
ELW #721. Goodness Is Stronger than Evil
ELW #764. Have No Fear, Little Flock
ELW #612. Healer of Our Every Ill
ELW #660. Lift High the Cross
ELW #716. Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace
ELW #707. Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us
ELW #632. O God, Our Help in Ages Past
ELW #864/5. Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven
ELW #655. Son of God, Eternal Savior
ELW #800. Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart
ELW #729. The Church of Christ, in Every Age
ELW #359. Where Charity and Love Prevail
LBW #483. God Moves in a Mysterious Way
PPSJ #12. When We Share God’s Dream
Various Hymnals All Will Be Well (1993) adapted by Steven Warner
Various Hymnals God of Freedom, God of Justice (1980) by Shirley Murray
Various Hymnals Song of Joseph (1994) by Bonnie Bratt Meyer
Various Hymnals We lay our broken world (2005) by Anna Briggs
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)
Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:
“Every Move I Make” By David Ruis.
“Flawless” By Barry Graul, Bart Millard, et al.
“Mighty to Save” By Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan.
“Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen” As performed by Golden Gate Quartet.
More contemporary suggestions here.
Prayers of Intercession:
(Introduction and Conclusion from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002)
Creator God, you call us to love and serve you with body, mind, and spirit through loving your creation and our sisters and brothers. Open our hearts in compassion and receive these petitions on behalf of the needs of the church and the world.
A brief silence.
We pray for the church universal; may our dreams be of your great and glorious kingdom of peace and justice. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for fields and streams, mountains, deserts, and oceans; may creation fulfill your dreams of health and wholeness for the world. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for the nations and the leaders of nations; may our dreams and hopes be of peace, freedom, justice and equality for all who are made in your image. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for the sick and suffering (especially,…); may their dreams of recovery and strength be fulfilled and may we be instruments of comfort and compassion. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for our community gathered here today; may our dreams be bold and our vision guided by your love and grace. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
We pray for all who have gone before us; may they reflect the light of your glory into our lives and show us your future. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Holy One, hear our prayers and make us faithful stewards of the fragile bounty of this earth so that we may be entrusted with the riches of heaven. Amen.
Episode 35 – Creation and Fall
Sermon Text: Genesis 2:4b-7, 15-17; 3:1-8 (Creation & Fall)
Other Text Suggestions: Psalm 32; Romans 5:12-19
Prayer of the Day (WP): Lord God, grand architect of the universe, Your design of creation is unflawed. Yet we continue to litter your creation with defects and imperfections. Show us how not to destroy, but to create, not to demean, but to uplift, not to hate, but to love, so that your creation may be made perfect once again. Amen.
Worship Resources: September 20, 2020
16th Sunday after Pentecost
Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 14(19)C
Gospel Text: Luke 3:8
Sermon Text: Genesis 15:1-6 (God’s Promise to Abraham)
Other Text Suggestions: Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23; Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of the covenant, as you promised Abraham descendants as numerous as the stars, you have also promised us that we might live under those stars as your people, faithful and loved. Show us how to live as your people, and how to nurture all your children with whom we share the same canopy of sky night after night. Amen.
Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:
ELW #336. All my hope on God is founded
ELW #779. Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
ELW #793. Be Thou My Vision
ELW #638. Blessed Assurance
ELW #625. Come, We That love the Lord
ELW #455. Crashing Waters at Creation
ELW #245. Creator of the Stars of Night
ELW #812/3. Faith of Our Fathers
ELW #422. For All the Saints
ELW #427. For All Your Saints, O Lord
ELW #733. Great Is Thy Faithfulness
ELW #618. Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer
ELW #580. How Clear Is Our Vocation, Lord
ELW #796. How Firm a Foundation
ELW #856. How Great Thou Art
ELW #429. In Our Day of Thanksgiving
ELW #841. Lift Every Voice and Sing
ELW #837. Many and Great, O God
ELW #596/7. My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less
ELW #322. Oh, Love How Deep
ELW #533. Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty
ELW #519. Open Your Ears, O Faithful People
ELW #640. Our Father, by Whose Name
ELW #418. Rejoice in God’s Saints
ELW #831. The God of Abraham Praise
ELW #739. Touch the Earth Lightly
LBW #160. Filled with the Spirit’s Power
LBW #388. O Spirit of the Living God
WOV #767. All Things Bright and Beautiful
Various Hymnals Abraham, Sarah Too (2004) by Brian Wren
Various Hymnals Timeless Love! We Sing the Story (1970) by Timothy Dudley-Smith
Various Hymnals To Abraham and Sarah (1984) by Judith Fetter
Various Hymnals You Are Our God; We Are Your People (1978) by David Hoekema
Various Hymnals Yahweh Is Calling (1977) by Susan Langeland
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)
Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:
“Days of Elijah” By Robin Mark.
“God Is In Control” By Twila Paris.
“Our God” By Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, et al.
More contemporary suggestions here.
Prayers of Intercession:
(Introduction and Conclusion from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002)
Creator God, you call us to love and serve you with body, mind, and spirit through loving your creation and our sisters and brothers. Open our hearts in compassion and receive these petitions on behalf of the needs of the church and the world.
A brief silence.
Lord God, help your church to remain faithful to you and to your promises. Keep us steadfast in your way of righteousness and trust. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God, be present in creation. Come to the broken places of the world and bring restoration, healing, and wholeness. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God, inspire our leaders towards your justice. Be a shield to the oppressed, the poor, the refugee, and all who need your gracious protection. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God, be present with all those in any pain. Come to the broken and hurting and provide them with your healing, comfort, and peace. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God, strengthen our community of faith. Help us to walk always in the paths of peace, justice, and righteousness. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
Lord God, we give you thanks for all the saints who have gone before us. Use their witness to deepen our faith and trust in your eternal promises. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Holy One, hear our prayers and make us faithful stewards of the fragile bounty of this earth so that we may be entrusted with the riches of heaven. Amen.
Episode 34 – Holy Cross Day
Readings: 1 Corinthians 1:18-24; John 3:13-17
Resources: Wikipedia, anglican.com
Worship Resources: September 13, 2020
15th Sunday after Pentecost
Back to the usual Narrative Lectionary readings!
Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Lent 1A
Gospel Text: Luke 11:4
Sermon Text: Genesis 2:4b-7, 15-17; 3:1-8 (Creation & Fall)
Other Text Suggestions: Psalm 32; Romans 5:12-19
Prayer of the Day (WP): Lord God, grand architect of the universe, Your design of creation is unflawed. Yet we continue to litter your creation with defects and imperfections. Show us how not to destroy, but to create, not to demean, but to uplift, not to hate, but to love, so that your creation may be made perfect once again. Amen.
Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:
ELW #504/5. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
ELW #326. Bless Now, O God, the Journey
ELW #684. Creating God, Your Fingers Trace
ELW #605. Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive
ELW #879. For the Beauty of the Earth
ELW #795. God, My Lord, My Strength
ELW #618. Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer
ELW #788. If God My Lord Be for Me
ELW #325. I Want Jesus to Walk with Me
ELW #336. Lamb of God (Your Only Son)
ELW #545. Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing
ELW #808. Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song
ELW #517. Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word
ELW #837. Many and Great, O God
ELW #556. Morning Has Broken
ELW #447. O Blessed Spring
ELW #431. O Christ, What Can It Mean for Us
ELW #322. Oh, Love How Deep
ELW #787. On Eagle’s Wings
ELW #606. Our Father, We Have Wandered
ELW #783. Praise and Thanks and Adoration
ELW #544. Praise the Lord, Rise Up Rejoicing
ELW #330. Seed That in Earth Is Dying
ELW #814. Take, Oh, Take Me As I Am
ELW #342. There in God’s Garden
ELW #739. Touch the Earth Lightly
ELW #680/1. We Plow the Fields and Scatter
ELW #742. What a Friend We Have in Jesus
ELW #861. When Long Before Time
LBW #372. In Adam We Have All Been One
WOV #746. Day by Day
WOV #783. Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God
W&P #95 Make Me a Channel of Your Peace
Various Hymnals God, You Spin the Whirling Planets (1978) by Jane Huber
Various Hymnals In the Garden (1913) by C. Austin Miles
Various Hymnals The Love of God (1917) by Frederick Lehman
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)
Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:
“10,000 Reasons” By Jonas Myrin, Matt Redman.
“Amazing Love” By Graham Kendrick.
“Rise Up” As performed by BiFrost Arts.
More contemporary suggestions here.
Prayers of Intercession:
(Introduction and Conclusion from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002)
Creator God, you call us to love and serve you with body, mind, and spirit through loving your creation and our sisters and brothers. Open our hearts in compassion and receive these petitions on behalf of the needs of the church and the world.
A brief silence.
Lord God, bless the church and it ministries: where we are in err, bring repentance; where we are divided, bring reconciliation; and where we are reticent make us bold in our witness to your love and grace. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God, bless the good creation that you have made: make us better stewards of the earth; bring healing to damaged places; and open our eyes to see the beauty of all that you have made. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God, bless the nations and their leaders: grant humility and wisdom to presidents and prime ministers; grant compassion in our justice system; and shower your peace upon areas of conflict. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God, bless health care workers and all who provide comfort and healing: keep these workers safe in their vocation; grant wisdom and insight to those working for cures; and bring healing and wholeness to all. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God, bless our congregation: strengthen our ministries; deepen our relationships; and turn us ever again towards you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
Lord God, bless and keep those who have gone before us in the faith: keep us steadfast in your word; lift up examples of just and faithful living; and unite all your saints in life eternal. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Holy One, hear our prayers and make us faithful stewards of the fragile bounty of this earth so that we may be entrusted with the riches of heaven. Amen.
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