So, my big news is that I have taken a new call out in Virginia (MN winters got too cold!). The congregation I will be serving uses the RCL (I may try to talk them into trying the NL at some point). Despite that, I am only 4 months away from having written/curated resources for all four years of the NL cycle. Since I have just a few months left, I intend to finish this project. Then, over the summer I will reorganize this blog so that it is easier to find the NL resources. I will also be contemplating what direction to take this site once I’ve completed the NL cycle I’m working on. I would welcome suggestions from you all as to what kind of resources you would like to get from me (I have written several VBS curricula for instance). Feel free to leave a comment or email me any thoughts/suggestions!
Month: January 2021
Worship Resources for February 7, 2021
5th Sunday after Epiphany NL325: Raising the Widow’s Son
Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Epiphany 9C, Proper 4(9)C, Proper 5(10)C
Psalm Text: Psalm 119:105-107
Sermon Text: Luke 7:1-17
Other Text Suggestions: 1 Kings 17:17-24, Galatians 1:11-24
Prayer of the Day (WP): Healing Lord, by your goodness you healed many who were ill, even raising the dead to life. Restore us to new life, healing our hearts, minds, and spirits, so that we may proclaim praise and gratitude for your compassion to all who will hear. In the name of the one who is himself new life, Jesus Christ our savior. Amen.
Helpful Resources: SermonWriter, Sermon Writer, TextWeek, RevGalPals, re:Worship, Word&World, BibleHub
Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:
ELW #610. O Christ, the Healer, We Have Come
ELW #705. God of Grace and God of Glory
ELW #618. Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer
ELW #612. Healer of Our Every Ill
ELW #620. How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds
ELW #769. If You But Trust in God to Guide You
ELW #332. I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
ELW #611. I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
ELW #860. I’m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me
ELW #696. Jesus Calls Us; o’er the Tumult
ELW #335. Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross
ELW #592. Just As I Am, without One Plea
ELW #712. Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service
ELW #631. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
ELW #220. May the God of All Healing
ELW #343. My Song Is Love Unknown
ELW #379. Now the Green Blade Rises
ELW #864/5. Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven
ELW #843. Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness
ELW #773. Precious Lord, Take My Hand
ELW #623. Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me
ELW #886. Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
ELW #787. On Eagle’s Wings
ELW #583. Take My Life, That I May Be
ELW #685. Take My Life, That I May Be
ELW #614. There Is a Balm in Gilead
ELW #587/8. There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
ELW #617. We Come to You for Healing, Lord
ELW #785. When Peace like a River (It Is Well with My Soul)
ELW #719. Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life
LBW #493. Hope of the World
LBW #431. Your Hand, O Lord, in Days of Old
Various Hymnals O Christ, Who Shared Our Mortal Life (2003) by Herman Stuempfle
Various Hymnals Easter Alleluia (1986) by Marty Haugen
Various Hymnals I Stand in Awe (1987) by Mark Altrogge
Various Hymnals We Cannot Measure How You Heal (1989) by John Bell
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)
* Epiphany/Time After Epiphany Hymns
Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:
“Breath Of God” By Vicky Beeching.
“Glorious Unfolding” By Steven Curtis Chapman.
“More Than Conquerors” As performed by Rend collective.
“My Lighthouse” As performed by Rend collective
More contemporary suggestions here.
Dakota Road options:
“BUILD UP – Isaiah 57, 58”
“DREAM GOD’S DREAM”
“FROM NOW ON”
“HEALER”
“I WILL SING TO YOU”
“OPEN MY HEART TO YOUR LOVE”
Prayers of Intercession:
(Introduction and Conclusion from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002)
Sisters and brothers, our baptismal vows call us to compassion and mercy on behalf of those in need. We offer our prayers for the church and the world.
A brief silence.
Heal the church, O Lord, and protect it from hypocrisy, oppression, and injustice. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heal the world, O Lord, and use us bring about your abundant providence for all people. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heal the nations, O Lord, and turn us from selfishness and violence towards cooperation and peace. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heal those suffering in mind or spirit, O Lord, grant them the knowledge of your great love and care for them. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heal those suffering in body, O Lord, and restore them to wholeness in you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heal this assembly, O Lord, and deepen our faith in your eternal promises. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
We give you thanks for the healing you worked through the saints before us, please use us to bring your wholeness to the world. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God, you revealed your Son in the waters of the Jordan and anointed him with the power of the Holy Spirit to proclaim good news to all people. Sanctify us by the same Spirit, that we may proclaim the healing power of the gospel by acts of love in your name. Amen.
Episode 53 – Fish for People
3rd Sunday after Epiphany NL323: Fish for People
Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Epiphany 5C
Psalm Text: Psalm 90:14-17
Sermon Text: Luke 5:1-11
Other Text Suggestions: Isaiah 6:1-8, (9-13); 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Prayer of the Day (WP): Lord Jesus of fisher folk, you taught your disciples to cast a wide net — not for fish, but for people. Teach us the fishing craft. Make our fingers nimble so we may handle hearts and hands gently; make our minds quiet and patient while we wait for those who are not yet ready to receive you; and make our hearts hungry for your word, for the sake of the one who has captured our hearts already, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Helpful Resources: RevGalPals, re:Worship, SermonWriter, TextWeek, BibleHub, Word&World
Worship Resources for January 31, 2021
4th Sunday after Epiphany NL324: Healing on the Sabbath
Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): N/A
Psalm Text: Psalm 92
Sermon Text: Luke 6:1-16
Other Text Suggestions: Exodus 20:9-11; Colossians 2:13-17
Prayer of the Day (WP): Lord of the Sabbath, your followers were told not to work on the Sabbath, and yet they boldly plucked grain to show that you are Lord of all. The world tells us not to rest on the Sabbath. Show us how to rest boldly, rejecting conventions that go against your will, and instead praying and resting as you did up on the mountain, for the glory of your word and work, Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Helpful Resources: RevGalPals, TextWeek, BibleHub
Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:
ELW #634. All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!
ELW #465. As the Grains of Wheat
ELW #302. As with Gladness Men of Old*
ELW #338. Beneath the Cross of Jesus
ELW #625. Come, We That love the Lord (We’re Marching to Zion)
ELW #521. O Day of Rest and Gladness
ELW #311. Hail to the Lord’s Anointed*
ELW #413. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!
ELW #796. How Firm a Foundation
ELW #324. In the Cross of Christ I Glory
ELW #658. O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts
ELW #754. Jesus, the Very Thought of You
ELW #545. Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing
ELW #766. Lord of Our Life
ELW #676. Lord, Speak to Us, That We May Speak
ELW #772. Oh, that the Lord Would Guide My Ways
ELW #823. Praise the Lord! O Heavens
ELW #773. Precious Lord, Take My Hand
ELW #430. Rejoice, for Christ is King!
ELW #623. Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me
ELW #655. Son of God, Eternal Savior
ELW #729. The Church of Christ, in Every Age
ELW #569. The Day You Gave Us, Lord, Has Ended
ELW #831. The God of Abraham Praise
ELW #778. The Lord’s My Shepherd
ELW #825. You Servants of God
LBW #506. Dear Lord and Father of Mankind
LBW #337. Oh, What Their Joy
Various Hymnals O Christ, who holds the open gate (1911) by John Masefield
Various Hymnals Give to the Lord (1996) by Ron Kenoly
Various Hymnals Jesus Christ Is Waiting (1988) by John Bell
Various Hymnals Lord of the Dance (1963) by Sydney Carter
Various Hymnals Praise with Joy the World’s Creator (1996) by John Bell
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)
* Epiphany/Time After Epiphany Hymns
Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:
“We Will Glorify” By Twila Paris.
More contemporary suggestions here.
Dakota Road options:
“ALL OF MY LIFE”
“BRING YOUR MERCY”
“GO IN PEACE”
“I BELIEVE, I DO BELIEVE”
“WHAT SHALL I GIVE”
“WE JOIN WITH THE EARTH”
Prayers of Intercession:
(Introduction and Conclusion from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002)
Sisters and brothers, our baptismal vows call us to compassion and mercy on behalf of those in need. We offer our prayers for the church and the world.
A brief silence.
For the church and its leaders; that we may be more concerned with proclaiming your grace and love than judgement and rule-keeping. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For creatures of all shapes and sizes; that we may better protect and care for the good creation that you have made. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For the nations and the leaders of nations; that peace and justice may be the motivation of our actions instead of greed and power. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For the lonely and depressed; that we may reach out in love to those who are experiencing pain that we cannot see. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For the sick and dying; that your healing will and comforting peace may be active in their lives. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For this assembly; that we may go out into our daily lives proclaiming your reign and rule. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
For the saints who went before; that we may follow in their footsteps and proclaim your faithfulness through the generations. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God, you revealed your Son in the waters of the Jordan and anointed him with the power of the Holy Spirit to proclaim good news to all people. Sanctify us by the same Spirit, that we may proclaim the healing power of the gospel by acts of love in your name. Amen.
Episode 52 – Sermon at Nazareth
Sermon at Nazareth (NL322)
Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Epiphany 3C, Epiphany 4C
Psalm Text: Psalm 146
Sermon Text: Luke 4:14-30
Other Text Suggestions: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of the nations, show us how to love all the people of the earth, of all colors and kinds: those with technology and without; those who make due with very little and who use many resources; those with formal education and without; those who call upon your name and who do not; so that all your children may be glorified in the name of the One who brought glory and liberty, Jesus Christ our salvation. Amen.
Helpful Resources: re:Worship, SermonWriter, Word&World, RevGalPals, TextWeek, BibleHub
Worship Resources for January 24, 2021
3rd Sunday after Epiphany NL323: Fish for People
Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Epiphany 5C
Psalm Text: Psalm 90:14-17
Sermon Text: Luke 5:1-11
Other Text Suggestions: Isaiah 6:1-8, (9-13); 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Prayer of the Day (WP): Lord Jesus of fisher folk, you taught your disciples to cast a wide net — not for fish, but for people. Teach us the fishing craft. Make our fingers nimble so we may handle hearts and hands gently; make our minds quiet and patient while we wait for those who are not yet ready to receive you; and make our hearts hungry for your word, for the sake of the one who has captured our hearts already, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Helpful Resources: RevGalPals, re:Worship, SermonWriter, TextWeek, BibleHub, Word&World
Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:
ELW #757. All My Hope on God Is Founded
ELW #779. Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
ELW #553. Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies
ELW #807. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
ELW #520. Dearest Jesus, at Your Word
ELW #494. For the Bread Which You Have Broken
ELW #540. Go, Make Disciples
ELW #574. Here I Am, Lord
ELW #473. Holy, Holy, Holy (Santo, santo, santo)
ELW #413. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!
ELW #580. How Clear Is Our Vocation, Lord
ELW #796. How Firm a Foundation
ELW #834. Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
ELW #658. O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts
ELW #624. Jesus, Still Lead On
ELW #490. Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
ELW #863. My God, How Wonderful Thou Art
ELW #322. Oh, Love How Deep
ELW #858/9. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
ELW #663. Spread, Oh, Spread, Almighty Word
ELW #497. Strengthen for Service, Lord
ELW #831. The God of Abraham Praise
ELW #551. The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve
ELW #677. This Little Light of Mine
ELW #798. Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons)
ELW #424. Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones
ELW #817. You Have Come Down to the Lakeshore (Tú Has Venido a La Orilla)
ELW #825. You Servants of God
LBW #505. Forth in Thy Name, O Lord, I Go
LBW #494. Jesus Calls Us; O’er the Tumult
Various Hymnals Isaiah in a vision did of old (1978) by Martin Luther
Various Hymnals Lord of the Dance (1963) by Sydney Carter
Various Hymnals Lord, When You Came (1979) by Cesáreo Gabarain
Various Hymnals Sing Hey for the Carpenter (1987) by John Bell
Various Hymnals Two Fishermen (1986) by Suzanne Toolan
Various Hymnals You Walk Along Our Shoreline (1991) by Sylvia Dunstan
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)
* Epiphany/Time After Epiphany Hymns
Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:
“Ancient Words” By Lynn DeShazo.
“Broken” By Michael Himes.
“The King of Love My Shepherd Is” By Henry Williams Baker, John Bacchus Dykes.
“Thy Word” By Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith.
More contemporary suggestions here.
Dakota Road options:
“ALL OF MY LIFE”
“BLESSINGS ON THE ROAD”
“BUILD UP – Isaiah 57, 58”
“DO JUSTICE”
“EVERYBODY’S GOT SOMETHING TO OFFER”
“GO NOW”
“MESSIAH”
“PEOPLE OF HOPE”
“PEOPLES CHURCH”
“TO LIVE ON”
Prayers of Intercession:
(Introduction and Conclusion from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002)
Sisters and brothers, our baptismal vows call us to compassion and mercy on behalf of those in need. We offer our prayers for the church and the world.
A brief silence.
You call your church to fish for people by proclaiming your love and grace in word and in deed; strengthen us for service and deepen our faith and trust in you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You call humanity to steward the earth and all that you have made; instill in us a desire to protect and care for all that you have made. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You call upon the leaders of nations to work for justice and peace; make your justice roll down upon all people like rolling waters. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You call upon us to reach out in love to all of our neighbors; open our eyes to see your face in the lonely, the anxious, the mentally ill, and all who suffer in mind or spirit. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You call upon us to serve our neighbor’s need; work through us to provide comfort and healing to all who are in pain or are suffering physical maladies. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You call upon your church to unite in service to the world; grant that this assembly may go forth to work on behalf of your blessed kingdom. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
You call all people to yourself; draw us, with the saints, to our home in you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God, you revealed your Son in the waters of the Jordan and anointed him with the power of the Holy Spirit to proclaim good news to all people. Sanctify us by the same Spirit, that we may proclaim the healing power of the gospel by acts of love in your name. Amen.
Episode 51 – Baptism of Our Lord
Baptism of Our Lord (NL321)
Color: White
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Baptism of Our Lord C
Psalm Text: Psalm 51:6-17
Sermon Text: Luke 3:1-22
Other Text Suggestions: Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17
Prayer of the Day (WP): Heavenly Father, with joy and awe we praise you for claiming us as your sons and daughters, and for pouring your Holy Spirit upon us. Help us to prepare this earth for your glory, and shine your light on all your faithful children, for the sake of the one whose birth and baptism brought renewal and transformation to this world, Jesus Christ. AmenHelpful Resources: re:Worship, SermonWriter, RevGalPals, TextWeek, BibleHub, Word&World
Worship Resources for January 17, 2021
Sermon at Nazareth (NL322)
Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Epiphany 3C, Epiphany 4C
Psalm Text: Psalm 146
Sermon Text: Luke 4:14-30
Other Text Suggestions: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of the nations, show us how to love all the people of the earth, of all colors and kinds: those with technology and without; those who make due with very little and who use many resources; those with formal education and without; those who call upon your name and who do not; so that all your children may be glorified in the name of the One who brought glory and liberty, Jesus Christ our salvation. Amen.
Helpful Resources: re:Worship, SermonWriter, Word&World, RevGalPals, TextWeek, BibleHub
Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:
ELW #641. All Are Welcome
ELW #314. Arise, Your Light Has Come!*
ELW #242. Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn
ELW #552. Blessed Be the God of Israel
ELW #254. Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
ELW #607. Come, Ye Disconsolate
ELW #532. Gather Us In
ELW #673. God, Whose Almighty Word
ELW #311. Hail to the Lord’s Anointed*
ELW #239. Hark, the Glad Sound!
ELW #582. Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling
ELW #434. Jesus Shall Reign
ELW #805. Lead On, O King Eternal!
ELW #563. O Light Whose Splendor Thrills
ELW #403. Like the Murmur of the Dove’s Song
ELW #712. Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service
ELW #886. Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
ELW #249. On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry
ELW #843. Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness
ELW #665. Rise, Shine, You People!
ELW #878. Soli Deo Gloria
ELW #614. There Is a Balm in Gilead
ELW #551. The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve
ELW #853. When Morning Gilds the Skies
ELW #798. Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons)
ELW #668. O Zion, Haste
LBW #312. Once He Came in Blessing
LBW #430. Where Restless Crowds Are Thronging
WOV #638. Holy Child Within the Manger (Carol at the Manger)
Various Hymnals God Has Chosen Me (1990) by Bernadette Farrell
Various Hymnals Good News (1993) by Howard Olson
Various Hymnals Make Way (1986) by Graham Kendrick
Various Hymnals The Kingdom of God Is Justice and Joy (1973) by Bryn Rees
Various Hymnals You Have Anointed Me (1981) by Gary Daigle
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)
* Epiphany/Time After Epiphany Hymns
Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:
“Awesome God” By Rich Mullins.
“Days of Elijah” By Robin Mark.
“Grace Wins” As performed by Matthew West.
“Love Has Come” By Brown Bannister, Mark Schultz, et al.
More contemporary suggestions here.
Prayers of Intercession:
(Introduction and Conclusion from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002)
Sisters and brothers, our baptismal vows call us to compassion and mercy on behalf of those in need. We offer our prayers for the church and the world.
A brief silence.
Make the church bold in its proclamation of good news to the poor and the oppressed; bless our leaders with a vision of your future in which all are fed and welcomed. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Pour out your spirit of healing upon the damaged places of the world; open our eyes to the beauty of all that you have made. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Shower the world with your peace and justice; work through governments, non-profits, and NGOs to end conflicts and bring about equity. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Work in the lives of the lonely and anxious; use us to wrap those who are hurting in mind or spirit with your comfort and love. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heal the sick (especially,…) and comfort the dying; grant wisdom and insight to doctors and researchers. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Use those gathered in worship today to proclaim your favor; strengthen our faith and move us to acts of compassion and service. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
Inspire us through the example of the saints; work in and through us like you worked through them to proclaim your grace to the world. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God, you revealed your Son in the waters of the Jordan and anointed him with the power of the Holy Spirit to proclaim good news to all people. Sanctify us by the same Spirit, that we may proclaim the healing power of the gospel by acts of love in your name. Amen.
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