Dear siblings in Christ,
“The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart” (Romans 10:8).
One of the Scripture readings we have heard this month, from Paul’s letter to the Romans, promises that the word is near you. And if we have not heard this word, how beautiful are the feet that bring this good news among us.
You may be receiving the good news differently these days. Perhaps it is proclaimed in your church building but made available via video; a child reads a lesson from home and it is streamed live; a reader announces the word aided by an outdoor sound system so that even those beyond the church parking lot can hear. A family reads the lessons at home, using a family Bible or story Bible; images and signs aid in the sharing of the word. In all these ways, the word comes near.
Evangelical Lutheran Worship includes “Thanksgiving for the Word” (ELW, p. 220). In addition to the two options provided there, new prayers have been composed and are now available. Additional options will be made available in the coming months. Such prayers give thanks for the word that has come near and dwells among us, and especially for the Word made flesh in Jesus. This Word comes near not only through what is heard but also in the ways beautiful feet reveal Christ in deeds of love and mercy.
As we prepare to enter an autumn season unlike others we have known, may you trust the nearness of the Word of God, this Word that dwells with us in silence and in speech, that challenges and comforts. For this Word, we give thanks.
Peace in Christ,
Deacon Jennifer Baker-Trinity
Program Director, Resource Development
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Worship in the Home
“Worship in the Home” continues to be available each week 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 a hymnal at home, perhaps your church might set up a hymnal 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.
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