Reformation Sunday October 29/30
Scripture Notes
Old Testament Lesson: Jeremiah 31:31-34
The renewed covenant will not be breakable, but like the old covenant it will expect the people to live upright lives. To know the Lord means that one will defend the cause of the poor and needy (Jer. 22:16). The renewed covenant is possible only because the Lord will forgive iniquity and not remember sin. Our hope lies in a God who forgets.
Psalm: Psalm 46
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. (Ps. 46:7)
Epistle Lesson: Romans 3:19-28
Paul’s words stand at the heart of the preaching of Martin Luther and the other Reformation leaders. No human beings make themselves right with God through works of the law. We are brought into a right relationship with God through the divine activity centered in Christ’s death. This act is a gift of grace that liberates us from sin and empowers our faith in Jesus Christ.
Gospel: John 8:31-36
Jesus speaks of truth and freedom as spiritual realities known through his word. He reveals the truth that sets people free from sin.
Hymn Notes
A Mighty Fortress (ELW 504)
Inspired by Psalm 46, this hymn by Martin Luther paints a vivid picture that captures the spirit of the Reformation. God's love is a gift that cannot be conquered by sin, death, or the powers of this world. God's love took flesh in Jesus, and continues to fight with and for us against all that would threaten us. Here is the good news, says Luther: "The kingdom's ours forever!"
Light Dawns on a Weary World (ELW 726)
This hymn by Mel Bringle and Bill Rowan vividly illustrates God's promises of love taking root, growing, and coming to bloom in a world made weary by sin and injustice. Tied to confirmation and the affirmation of baptism by these young people, it also illustrates how they have been touched by this same love, planted, growing, and now blossoming in them. A powerful part of the confirmation program at St. Andrew's is the summer expedition to Rainbow Trails in Colorado, and the refrain's image of the trees clapping and the hills and mountains singing speaks loudly to those who have taken that trip.
Lord of All Hopefulness (ELW 765)
One of the grand lessons of the Reformation generally and our confirmation program more specifically is that God is always present with God's people, giving them gifts beyond measure and price. In the life of Jesus, we see God's love in all its emotional power at work; in our lives, we trust that this love is with us in exactly the same way, all through the day and all through the night.
Scripture Notes
Old Testament Lesson: Jeremiah 31:31-34
The renewed covenant will not be breakable, but like the old covenant it will expect the people to live upright lives. To know the Lord means that one will defend the cause of the poor and needy (Jer. 22:16). The renewed covenant is possible only because the Lord will forgive iniquity and not remember sin. Our hope lies in a God who forgets.
Psalm: Psalm 46
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. (Ps. 46:7)
Epistle Lesson: Romans 3:19-28
Paul’s words stand at the heart of the preaching of Martin Luther and the other Reformation leaders. No human beings make themselves right with God through works of the law. We are brought into a right relationship with God through the divine activity centered in Christ’s death. This act is a gift of grace that liberates us from sin and empowers our faith in Jesus Christ.
Gospel: John 8:31-36
Jesus speaks of truth and freedom as spiritual realities known through his word. He reveals the truth that sets people free from sin.
Hymn Notes
A Mighty Fortress (ELW 504)
Inspired by Psalm 46, this hymn by Martin Luther paints a vivid picture that captures the spirit of the Reformation. God's love is a gift that cannot be conquered by sin, death, or the powers of this world. God's love took flesh in Jesus, and continues to fight with and for us against all that would threaten us. Here is the good news, says Luther: "The kingdom's ours forever!"
Light Dawns on a Weary World (ELW 726)
This hymn by Mel Bringle and Bill Rowan vividly illustrates God's promises of love taking root, growing, and coming to bloom in a world made weary by sin and injustice. Tied to confirmation and the affirmation of baptism by these young people, it also illustrates how they have been touched by this same love, planted, growing, and now blossoming in them. A powerful part of the confirmation program at St. Andrew's is the summer expedition to Rainbow Trails in Colorado, and the refrain's image of the trees clapping and the hills and mountains singing speaks loudly to those who have taken that trip.
Lord of All Hopefulness (ELW 765)
One of the grand lessons of the Reformation generally and our confirmation program more specifically is that God is always present with God's people, giving them gifts beyond measure and price. In the life of Jesus, we see God's love in all its emotional power at work; in our lives, we trust that this love is with us in exactly the same way, all through the day and all through the night.
October 22/23
Scripture Notes
Old Testament Lesson: Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22
In a time of drought, the people pray for mercy, repenting of their sins and the sins of their ancestors. They appeal to God to remember the covenant, to show forth God’s power, and to heal their land by sending life-giving rain.
Psalm 84:1-7
The psalmist sings of God's house as a place of peace, protection, and praise that inspires and gives joy to all God's people.
First Lesson: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
The conclusion of this letter to a young minister offers a final perspective on life from one who is now facing death. Though others have let him down, Paul is sure of his faith in the Lord, who has stood by him and lent him strength.
Gospel: Luke 18:9-14
The coming reign of God will involve unexpected reversals of fortune with judgment rooted in mercy. Jesus tells a parable in which the one who humbles himself is exalted and the one who exalts his own righteousness is humbled.
Hymn Notes
Gathering Song: Lord, Let My Heart Be Good Soil--ELW 512
This song was written as a part of a children's musical built around Jesus' parables. The parable of the sower was told by the owner of a seed and feed store, and from that this song was born.
Hymn of the Day: Our Father, We Have Wandered – ELW 606
It is fitting that a hymn that laments the brokenness of the world and the failures of people to follow in God's ways uses words written by Kevin Nichols, a Roman Catholic priest, and set to a tune and musical arrangement by two great Lutheran musicians, Hans Leo Hassler and Johann Sebastian Bach. Like our two churches, this hymn cries out for healing, wholeness, and peace.
Sending Song: Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer – ELW 618
William Williams picks up the Old Testament image of God's people crying to God for guidance as they journey in the wilderness to give voice to our own cries for direction. In the midst of personal difficulties, societal divisions (how about that election campaign?), and global unrest, we turn with confidence to the God who journeys with us, trusting that our fears will be banished and our paths be made sure.
Scripture Notes
Old Testament Lesson: Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22
In a time of drought, the people pray for mercy, repenting of their sins and the sins of their ancestors. They appeal to God to remember the covenant, to show forth God’s power, and to heal their land by sending life-giving rain.
Psalm 84:1-7
The psalmist sings of God's house as a place of peace, protection, and praise that inspires and gives joy to all God's people.
First Lesson: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
The conclusion of this letter to a young minister offers a final perspective on life from one who is now facing death. Though others have let him down, Paul is sure of his faith in the Lord, who has stood by him and lent him strength.
Gospel: Luke 18:9-14
The coming reign of God will involve unexpected reversals of fortune with judgment rooted in mercy. Jesus tells a parable in which the one who humbles himself is exalted and the one who exalts his own righteousness is humbled.
Hymn Notes
Gathering Song: Lord, Let My Heart Be Good Soil--ELW 512
This song was written as a part of a children's musical built around Jesus' parables. The parable of the sower was told by the owner of a seed and feed store, and from that this song was born.
Hymn of the Day: Our Father, We Have Wandered – ELW 606
It is fitting that a hymn that laments the brokenness of the world and the failures of people to follow in God's ways uses words written by Kevin Nichols, a Roman Catholic priest, and set to a tune and musical arrangement by two great Lutheran musicians, Hans Leo Hassler and Johann Sebastian Bach. Like our two churches, this hymn cries out for healing, wholeness, and peace.
Sending Song: Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer – ELW 618
William Williams picks up the Old Testament image of God's people crying to God for guidance as they journey in the wilderness to give voice to our own cries for direction. In the midst of personal difficulties, societal divisions (how about that election campaign?), and global unrest, we turn with confidence to the God who journeys with us, trusting that our fears will be banished and our paths be made sure.
