Addendum to

Education 1 January Term 2010 Review

Instructor: Mary Hess

Reviewed by: Lori Pankratz

This would be a great educational resource for confirmation students, adults in the congregation including lay leaders and pastor interns to give a clear understanding of the outline of the ELCA liturgy and church service format. It gives explanations of why and when the particular parts of the service are used. This can be shown in comparison with the LBW (Lutheran Book of Worship-Hymnal) to outline its use. This is a valuable contribution because it also clarifies some of the purposes for our liturgy It is well stated and organized so as to be clear and concise which is not the case in the LBW as there are several options which may be confusing to a new learner, this could perhaps have been a part of the explanation as to why there are different settings. The exceptions to the traditional liturgy are not however described such as baptism, funeral and communion services, this could perhaps be the format for additional contributions. Parker Palmer's faith tradition compares to one faith tradition in the importance of liturgy in the Lutheran tradition. This was also reiterated in the Opening the Book of Faith book that was read in class as well.

FeAutor Review

Education 1 January Term 2010

Mary Hess Instructor

Lori Pankratz

I reviewed an article of a Lutheran Worship Presentation for a Confirmation Class. This contribution outlines the history and structure of the Lutheran Worship service in the ELCA using the Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW).

The outline explains that Lutheran Worship is historical, liturgical and traditional.
The structure of the service is outlined below.

Part 1

Confession is optional and not included in festival services such as Christmas and Easter. In confession for us not God, we are dependent on God’s grace and we cannot by our own power free ourselves from sin and death. Luther stated that in our confession we return daily to our baptism.

This sign of the cross is unique to Christians; this is done usually at the beginning and end of services.

The Entrance Hymn calls and invites members to join in praise.

The Greeting was also used by the disciples/ apostles in 2 Corinthians 13:14

The Kyrie is considered an entrance rite meaning “Lord have Mercy” in Greek. It may be spoken or sung.

The Hymn of Praise of which there are 2 in the LBW: Gloria and This is the Feast both are songs of thanks and praise to God. They many come from other sources.

The Prayer of the day relates to the lectionary readings to bridge to the 2nd part of the service (LBW 13ff)

Part 2
Proclamation of the Word

1. Old Testament Reading
2. Psalm
3. Second Lesson
4. Gospel Verse /Lesson(Stand)
5. Sermon
Response

1. Hymn of the Day (usually related to the gospel lesson)
2. Creed (Apostle’s Creed—Statement of Belief) (Nicene Creed Confesses what the church believes –written in 325 AD)

Prayers for the whole church, people in the world and in our congregation.

Sharing of the Peace

Part 3

Offering (time, talents and possessions) In the offertory prayer we are reminded that God is the source of all good gifts.

Offertory response (Psalm 51: 10-12) is referenced.

Sacramental Meal also called Eucharist, Communion, or Lord’s Supper

Sanctus (Holy) Response to hearing God’s mighty acts.

Words of Institution God’s saving acts throughout history

The Lord’s Prayer is our table grace before the meal.

Communion –Receive the bread and wine, and God forgives our sins.

Post communion canticle is a response to the gift of Christ in the Holy meal by praising and thanking Him.

The Benediction

Dismissal: Go in Peace serve the Lord ---Thanks be to God.

I find this would be helpful to teach confirmation students, new staff orientation members, interning pastors, and council members or congregation members. It helps to know our roots to our Liturgy in the ELCA and the connection to our history, liturgy and tradition. It teaches us that the Liturgy is scripturally based- God's Word.