Dear people of God,
The church anticipates the coming Day of Pentecost, this festival celebrating the animating and guiding power of the Holy Spirit. Worshiping communities may be grateful to be newly gathering in person. The arrival of warmer weather makes worshiping outside a wonderful option, offering the opportunity not only to hear Scripture and song about the wind of God but also to feel it blowing, even when the breeze is so strong it is inconvenient.
The Spirit blows where it wills. Sometimes it’s barely noticeable, but we trust it is renewing the face of the earth, our communities and ourselves. This spring is still a challenging time; the creation is still groaning. Since we are united by the Spirit, we suffer when another body suffers. Yet in all this, we trust the promise that the Spirit does help us in our weakness, that the Spirit is calling the church into being — whether that is in our homes, church buildings, city parks, hospitals, and more.
As you reflect on these past many months in pandemic and as you look forward to your worship life in the future, may you be guided by the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, in your listening, discerning, planning and praying. Trust that this Spirit is your constant companion and labors with you.
Brooding Spirit, move among us;
be our partner, be our friend.
When our mem’ry fails, remind us
whose we are, what we intend.
Labor with us; aid the birthing
of the new world yet to be,
free of servant, lord, and master,
free for love and unity.
—“Womb of Life and Source of Being” (All Creation Sings 948)
Peace in Christ,
Deacon Jennifer Baker-Trinity
Program Director for Worship Resources
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All Creation Sings
Introductory pricing for the Pew edition is available until June 15, 2021. Pew, Accompaniment and Leaders editions are available for purchase.
“All Creation Sings: Liturgies and Prayers” Webinar, June 8 at 3 p.m. (Central time)
This 60-minute webinar will explore the two Holy Communion liturgies, the Service of Word and Prayer, and the prayers, thanksgivings and laments in All Creation Sings. Voices from around the church will provide helpful perspectives and suggestions. The webinar will conclude with a time for questions and answers. Join us to explore the liturgical content of All Creation Sings.
Brief Descriptions for ACS Assembly Song
Brief descriptions of the 200 assembly songs in ACS are now available with a Sundays and Seasons subscription. These give context to the hymn or song through biographical background, lectionary or Scripture connections, or usage suggestions. For more information, see this Augsburg Fortress blog post.
The All Creation Sings website includes videos of selected hymns and songs, several blog posts, an overview webinar and a resource to support introducing ACS in synods and congregations.
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Living Lutheran
The feature story in the May Living Lutheran, “Let there always be a song,” addresses experiences of music in congregations and the vocation of church musicians during this pandemic time. Written by ELCA Worship team member Jennifer Baker-Trinity and informed by engaging conversation with several church musicians, the article is framed by new hymns and songs from All Creation Sings. A study guide is also available.
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Emanuel Nine
Refreshed worship resources for the Commemoration of the Emanuel Nine (June 17) are available in PDF and Word formats, including Scripture suggestions for a commemoration service. Additional resources for marking this commemoration in synods and congregations can be found at ELCA.org/EmanuelNine.
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Lesser Festivals
Evangelical Lutheran Worship lists several lesser festivals as part of the church year calendar. Prayers of intercession specific to these days are now available to SundaysandSeasons.com subscribers both in the library and through the planner. To learn more about when and how you might observe a lesser festival, please consult the FAQ “What is a lesser festival?”
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Worship Resources at ELCA.org
When it is possible for worshiping communities to gather safely in person, you may desire a rite for regathering. "Worship Resource for Re-Gathering" is available in both PDF and Word formats. You are invited to adapt as needed for your context.
Thanksgiving for the Word prayers for Easter and the Time after Pentecost are available in PDF and Word formats. |
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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
“All Creation Sings Hymn Spotlight: ‘Christ Has Risen While Earth Slumbers’”
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