August 2021

Dear siblings in Christ,

This Sunday’s gospel proclamation includes familiar words: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). We often sing these words surrounded with alleluias before the reading of the gospel in worship. In the gospel acclamation, the assembly stands to welcome and honor the risen Christ, known to us in the Scriptures and who is among us.

Our worship is deeply rooted in the Bible. This is obvious when Scripture is read aloud in worship. But Scripture also shapes the whole of our worship. Our communal prayer, actions and songs are rooted in Scripture.

“Just as biblical preaching participates in the creating and transforming power of God’s own word, so biblical language, imagery, and action draw the Christian assembly into God’s saving story” (ELW p. 1154). You might take some time to revisit “Scripture and Worship” on pages 1154-1159 of Evangelical Lutheran Worship and review some of the key biblical foundations for worship. You might also then visit “Scriptural Images for God” on pages 268-271 of All Creation Sings for the many ways God is addressed in Scripture. Consider how you might open up these biblical connections to our worship life in preaching, teaching, or by simply pointing out these resources to a neighbor in worship.

In peace,
Deacon John Weit
Executive for Worship

Updated Guidance for Safe Worship Practices

“Care-filled Worship and Sacramental Life in a Lingering Pandemic” is a comprehensive update from the consultation on Ecumenical Protocols for Worship, Fellowship, and Sacramental Practices. Incorporating the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, this update informs decision making and basic practices of Christian worship and congregational life. The ELCA has been a partner in this consultation throughout the pandemic.

Worship in the Home

Since spring 2020, “Worship in the Home” has been a resource for any who could not join in-person or virtual worship during this pandemic time. The final installment of “Worship in the Home” will be released Aug. 31 (for Sunday, Sept. 5). Weekly prayers of intercession continue to be provided with a subscription to SundaysandSeasons.com. As always, you are encouraged to adapt it for local use. Occasional topical worship resources can be found at ELCA.org/worship.

Worship resources for “God’s Work. Our Hands.” Sunday

Prayers, hymn suggestions and considerations for preaching for use on Sunday, Sept. 12, the ELCA’s annual day of service, are available in PDF and Word formats.

All Creation Sings

The “All Creation Sings: Liturgy Webinar” from June 8 is now available to view.

Read a new blog post about teaching “short songs” in All Creation Sings. This post includes several links to introductory teaching videos from Music that Makes Community.

As one way to introduce the contents of All Creation Sings, Augsburg Fortress has provided teaching videos of selected hymns and songs. Newly added to this collection are audio recordings of Setting 12’s liturgical music. These recordings can help individuals and congregations get acquainted with the liturgical music prior to leading and singing in their contexts. For more information on how recordings of liturgical music, in both Settings 11 and 12, can assist you, see this February 2021 blog post.

Visit the All Creation Sings website to learn more and place an order. You can view videos of recent webinars and selected hymns and songs, access introductory helps, and read several blog posts about this resource.

“How Is Lament Included in Worship?”

This new Frequently Asked Question explores the concept of lament and points to resources to assist with incorporating lament into worship.

Review other frequently asked questions about worship at www.ELCA.org/worshipfaq.

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.

Copyright Helps for Worship

Augsburg Fortress offers updated guidance on copyright and permissions for reprinting, displaying and streaming texts and music for worship. Learn about different licenses for different situations, and what is and is not covered, with a subscription to SundaysandSeasons.com.

Resources and Events

ALCM 2021 Webinar Series

“Worship and Civic Life,” Aug. 27 at
2 p.m. (Eastern time)

Join Mark Oldenberg, professor emeritus of the art of worship, United Lutheran Seminary, Gettysburg, Pa., as he talks about how Lutherans firmly declare that Christians are in but not of the world. That means that observing civic holidays in worship is an important but dangerous practice. How might worship leaders plan to proclaim the Gospel in the context of those festivals? And how might civic engagement more generally be part of a community’s worship life?

Learn more about this webinar and register.

The Association of Lutheran Church Musicians also invites all worship leaders to become members of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians today to receive 2021-22 program year resources. Members receive seven resource publications throughout the year and are given online resource access and discounted continuing education rates. Please visit the ALCM website for more information or to join.

Music that Makes Community (MMC) has spent the past two months listening to leaders and participants in our community, looking toward the fall season with care. While in-person events will slowly resume, beginning with local Practice Groups around North America, we will continue to explore hybrid and online programming.

Morning Grounding, a brief, weekly ritual of centering and singing, returns Sept. 13. All are welcome! We are planning an Advent-focused retreat in late October, another round of Virtual Practice Groups, and we are excited to launch a new series of workshops focused on the craft of songwriting led by talented composers in the MMC community. Stay tuned and plan to join us!

Worship resources from Augsburg Fortress

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