Dear beloved of God,
Listen to the word that God has spoken; listen to the One who is close at hand; listen to the voice that began creation; listen even if you don’t understand.
—Anonymous, All Creation Sings 974
We have entered a new calendar year, a time of beginnings, resolutions and visions. Perhaps you are more attentive, listening more intently for God’s voice. Perhaps you are “zoomed out” and the ability to listen grows more challenging every day. Yet amid stress, grief, and uncertainty, the same Spirit that called Jesus beloved beckons us into the world, challenging us to listen and follow even when we don’t understand the path forward.
The anonymous hymn from Canada “Listen to the Word” is included in All Creation Sings, the newly published supplement to Evangelical Lutheran Worship. This collection of 200 hymns and songs, as well as new liturgies, prayers, thanksgivings, and laments, is a welcome gift in this challenging year. In late 2020, congregations and leaders began to receive their copies and many shared excited posts of gratitude on social media. Several years of listening, creating, and discerning led to this new resource that will help assemblies worship in the coming years. Find out more on the All Creation Sings website.
Even as we sing together less in these days, the same voice that began creation is still resounding. Creation sings in the percussive ice cracking under our feet, the birds singing outside home office windows, or the pets who have become accustomed to our constant presence. Creation sings in our human cries of lament. We may not be singing in the same way; it will be wonderful when we can join in full-throated song. Until then, we sing as we are able and listen to creation’s song. We can explore and begin to learn new texts and prayers. As another text, from hymn writer Ruth Duck, promises:
In ease or pain, in life and death, to you our fragile lives belong, and so we trust you in all things. You are our hope, our health, our song. —
Ruth Duck, "When We Must Bear Persistent Pain,” All Creation Sings 1014
Deacon Jennifer Baker-Trinity
Program Director, Worship Resources
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Pew, Accompaniment, and Leaders editions are now available for purchase. Introductory pricing for the Pew edition is available until June 15, 2021.
The All Creation Sings includes resources to support introducing ACS in synods and congregations. Recordings of Holy Communion Setting 11's bilingual liturgical music will be available later in January.
“All Creation Sings: An Overview” Webinar Feb. 9 at 3 p.m. (Central time)
This 60-minute webinar will introduce All Creation Sings, the newly published supplement to Evangelical Lutheran Worship. You will be taken on a tour exploring its three liturgical settings, its prayer resources and its collection of 200 hymns and songs. It will conclude with time for questions and answers. Join us to learn more about how this new worship resource can support and enliven your worshiping community. Register Now
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Worship in the Home
“Worship in the Home” is available weekly on the ELCA Worship blog. You are encouraged to worship as you are able in homes on Sunday and throughout the week. If you don’t have Evangelical Lutheran Worship at home, a copy can be purchased through Augsburg Fortress’ web store, or perhaps your church might set up a lending library for home use. In addition to Sunday worship resources, resources for Daily Prayer are available, including simplified forms of Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, and Night Prayer as well as table prayers.
Recently featured in the Worship blog
“Reflections on Ash Wednesday Worship in 2021” As congregations and worship leaders prepare for Ash Wednesday in this most challenging year, the ELCA Worship team offers this set of reflections by those serving the church as scholars, pastors, and bishops.
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