Preparing for Worship | November 13, 2022

On October 30 we will observe the celebration of the Reformation. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, which is widely considered to be the event that began the Lutheran Reformation. This year, we'll consider how the Reformation impacted Lutheran Worship

View this week's worship folder here.

Watch worship live on Sunday at 9 a.m. or anytime after on demand here.

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LCMS Lectionary Summary

Readings

Malachi 4:1–6
2 Thessalonians 3:(1–5) 6–13
Luke 21:5–28 (29–36)
 
God’s Plan of Redemption Trumps Earthly Destruction and Violence
 
There are signs of the Lord’s coming all around: the cross that marks His Church, the violence and death of the sinful world, and the shaking of the natural order. “There will be great distress upon the earth” (Luke 21:23), but the faithful know that “the kingdom of God is near” (Luke 21:31). Therefore, “straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28). Be awake and alert, and heed the words of Christ, which “will not pass away” (Luke 21:33). For you, “the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings” (Mal. 4:2). He sends His preachers of repentance in the spirit and power of Elijah “before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes” (Mal. 4:5), in order to “direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ” (2 Thess. 3:5). Although you are often faithless, “the Lord is faithful,” and by the preaching of His Word “he will establish you and guard you against the evil one” (2 Thess. 3:3). Therefore, “do not grow weary in doing good” (2 Thess. 3:13). In the midst of calamity, believe upon the Lord, Jesus Christ. 

Worship

Worship returns to Divine Service, Setting 1 during the final Sundays of the Church Year. With our hearts and minds turned to the Last Day and the return of Christ, we sing the song of the New Creation, This Is the Feast and our Post-communion Collect speaks of the saints gathered around the throne of God. 

Hymns

Hymns during the closing Sundays of the Church Year focus on Christ's return, judgment, heaven, the saints, and eternal life.

The hymn numbers are from Lutheran Service Book (LSB). 

The Hymn of the Day is The Day Is Surely Drawing Near (LSB 508), which serves as a reminder that our Lord's return could happen at any time. But while the final judgment will be a day of fear and dread for those who rebel against God, for those who trust in His sacrificial death and resurrection will welcome it as a day of joy and gladness.

The Clouds of Judgment Gather (LSB 513) is part of a 3,000 verse poem written by Bernard of Cluny, which laments the condition of the sinful world and anticipates Christ's return to usher a new creation. 

Built on the Rock, the Church Shall Stand (LSB 645), our Hymn to Depart, reminds us that even when the world is falling apart around us, the foundation of the Church, Jesus Christ, will never crumble.