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Partner Organization Resources and Events

Each month ELCA Worship highlights resources and events from other organizations and institutions. These Lutheran and ecumenical partner organizations work alongside the ELCA to support worship leaders, worship planners, musicians, and all who care about the worship of the church.

Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

ALCM nurtures and equips musicians to serve and lead the church’s song.

Ponder Anew: Serving and Leading the Church’s Song
July 22 – 25
Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Ind.

Join us on the campus of Valparaiso University and the beautiful Chapel of the Resurrection as we Ponder Anew how to communicate God’s saving grace to all peoples in meaningful, relevant ways. Through workshops, discussions, worship, and hands-on learning opportunities, we invite you to strengthen your gifts and develop new skills in topics such as worship leadership, technology, composition, enriching assembly song and more, all the while forming connections from Generation to Generation with young musicians attending the Lutheran Summer Music Academy (LSM).

The emphasis of this conference is on practical skill-building. Registrants will be able to attend in-depth learning sessions on a variety of topics. These sessions are 90 minutes long and typically consist of multiple sessions, with each session building on the previous. In addition to the in-depth learning sessions, a variety of workshops will round out this practical learning experience. Many fine presenters will be on hand to lead us in a variety of learning opportunities.

On Wednesday, July 24 at 7:30 PM, all are invited to attend a 300th anniversary performance of J. S. Bach’s St. John Passion, performed by the Bach Collegium Valparaiso and directed by Christopher M. Cock, artistic director and conductor, in the Chapel of the Resurrection. You do not need to register for the conference to attend. Cannot be in Valparaiso for the conference? Live Streaming Virtual Registration Now Available!

Additional information about the conference, including pricing, scholarships, and accommodations, is available on the ALCM website.

Music that Makes Community

Music that Makes Community (MMC) practices communal song-sharing that inspires deep spiritual connection, brave shared leadership, and sparks the possibility of transformation in our world.

Music that Makes Community

Music that Makes Community (MMC) practices communal song-sharing that inspires deep spiritual connection, brave shared leadership, and sparks the possibility of transformation in our world.

Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!  Alleluia!

MMC is delighted to share a number of upcoming workshops and events, more details on the “Sacred Land” Call for Songs, a song for Pentecost, and the story of a new song birthed by one of our board members.

Upcoming in-person workshops!

Virtual gatherings: Monday Morning Grounding is a virtual point of connection and reflection for clergy and musicians. The current session continues until May 20, 2024. Register for the Zoom link!

The Sacred Land Call for Songs is now open! Learn more about the playlist project partnership between MMC and the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery here. Open Office Hours to ask questions and get feedback are on Tuesday, April 23 and Thursday, May 23.  The deadline to submit songs is June 1. Even if you don’t submit a song, we hope worship planners, clergy, and musicians will watch for the release of the playlist in September and use the resources as they plan ways to amplify indigenous voices for Indigenous Peoples Day, Native American Heritage month, and every day.

To conclude, we suggest Rachael Weasley’s round Windy God for Pentecost this year. It can be found in their Songs for Contemplation for Activists and Christians, which you can purchase here. We also invite you to read about MMC board member Jennifer Sanborn’s experience of birthing the song “We Are All Doing Our Best” on the blog

May the rest of your Easter season be a glorious noticing of miracles amidst challenging times.

Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival

Transforming and connecting lives through faith and music since 1981.

Happy Easter from your friends at Lutheran Summer Music! Please enjoy this musical offering of Paul Basler’s Alleluia from Songs of Faith, performed by the LSM 2023 Festival Choir, conducted by Dr. Shannon Gravelle. Learn more about LSM at LSMacademy.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Augsburg Fortress Events and Resources

Augsburg Fortress is an imprint of 1517 Media, the publishing ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Sundays and Seasons Print Subscription
Enroll in the Sundays and Seasons print subscription to receive each subsequent release of the Sundays and Seasons resources you have selected when the next volume releases. Your subscription begins with the next annual edition released in the spring.

You can choose which planning resources you want to purchase each year together or separately

  • Sundays and Seasons: Guide to Worship Planning
  • Sundays and Seasons: Preaching
  • Planning Guide and Preaching Combo Pack
  • Worship Planning Calendar: Sundays and Seasons
  • Planning Guide and Calendar Combo Pack
  • Calendar of Word and Season

 

Operation Restoration
This VBS invites kids to be menders in God’s world. As they make connections between Bible stories and mending actions, they’ll discover simple ways to live out faith in daily life. Everyone at Operation Restoration explores language and practices to mend God’s world.

 

Call to Allyship: Preparing Your Congregation for Leaders of Color
How can churches do the work of becoming allies for the leaders they call? In belonging to a predominantly white denomination, ELCA members are called to listen and learn from its leaders of color to recognize the assumptions, biases, and harmful actions that result when congregations don’t commit to become allies. Authors offer wisdom, storytelling, and concrete suggestions for churches preparing to call a leader of color. Call to Allyship is a must-read for call committees, church councils, social justice teams, and anyone prepared to do the work of understanding, welcoming, and celebrating these leaders.

 

Baptism Certificates
Augsburg Fortress offers a variety of baptismal certificates, including both physical and downloadable options for both children and adults in English and Spanish.

 

Save the Date for Augsburg Fortress Summer Music Clinics

Join clinicians David Cherwien and Mark Sedio for Augsburg Fortress’ free summer music clinics this summer in any of our five locations! Registration information is still forthcoming, but now is the time to save the date:
July 16-17 in St. Paul, Minn
July 19-20 in Columbia, S.C.
August 1-2 in Philadelphia, Pa.
August 5-6 in Columbus, Ohio
August 9-10 in Chicago, Ill.

All Creation Sings Resources for Day of Pentecost, Holy Trinity, and Summer

 

As you make plans to celebrate the festivals of Pentecost and Holy Trinity and look ahead to summer worship, consider the following ways to explore All Creation Sings. 

Day of Pentecost 

Try worshiping in multiple languages through either song or spoken word. Has your assembly worshiped using ACS Setting 11, a fully bilingual setting in Spanish and English? Watch this video from Bishop Felix Malpica as he gives pointers for beginning the process of bilingual worship. Audio recordings of the music in Setting 11 are available to support your introduction process.

Sing “Come, Holy Spirit” (ACS 940) as a gathering song or around a time of prayer. This video from Music that Makes Community shows how it can be taught to an assembly. 

Teach your choir “As the Wind Song” (ACS 943). A lovely two-part arrangement by Helen Kemp in the St. Olaf Choirbook for Women can be enhanced with free instrument parts for chime tree and glockenspiel. Subscribers to Prelude Music Planner can download this anthem (titled Wind Song) as well as an arrangement for SATB choir and handbells (Published by Choristers Guild). 

Holy Trinity 

Explore rich imagery for God by getting to know the “Scriptural Images for God” (p. 268 in the Pew Edition). This blog post gives one pastor’s perspective on this helpful appendix. Another post written prior to the publication of ACS gives helpful background on the inclusion of this content. 

Experience more fully the richness of Trinity in ACS through Kids Celebrate the Trinity, a booklet for kids but also super helpful for their grown-ups. Purchase in advance and have available for kids in worship that day and throughout the year.

Sing the hymn “The Play of the Godhead” by Mary Louise Bringle. This video will introduce you to the text and tune.    

Summer 

Discover All Creation Sings outside of worship with an intergenerational event using Gather Together: 8 Intergenerational Events to Explore All Creation Sings. Perhaps you have a session close to Trinity Sunday and use “Image-ine the Possibilities: An Event about the Images of God.”  

Plan for next year’s choir season by choosing some anthem arrangements of hymns in ACS. This is an excellent way for the choir to introduce unfamiliar texts and tunes to the assembly.  This PDF available from Augsburg Fortress offers several suggestions from multiple publishers. 

Use the Service of Word and Prayer as the scaffolding for a brief summer outdoor worship. This video gives help for using the service. 

Dig Deep into the All Creation Sings website, especially if ACS is new to you. You’ll find many more articles, videos, and webinars as well as PDFS and image files to assist in any introductory events.

Partner Organization Resources and Events

Each month ELCA Worship highlights resources and events from other organizations and institutions. These Lutheran and ecumenical partner organizations work alongside the ELCA to support worship leaders, worship planners, musicians, and all who care about the worship of the church.

Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

ALCM nurtures and equips musicians to serve and lead the church’s song.

Ponder Anew: Serving and Leading the Church’s Song
July 22 – 25
Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Ind.

Join us on the campus of Valparaiso University and the beautiful Chapel of the Resurrection as we Ponder Anew how to communicate God’s saving grace to all peoples in meaningful, relevant ways. Through workshops, discussions, worship, and hands-on learning opportunities, we invite you to strengthen your gifts and develop new skills in topics such as worship leadership, technology, composition, enriching assembly song and more, all the while forming connections from Generation to Generation with young musicians attending the Lutheran Summer Music Academy (LSM).

The emphasis of this conference is on practical skill-building. Registrants will be able to attend in-depth learning sessions on a variety of topics. These sessions are 90 minutes long and typically consist of multiple sessions, with each session building on the previous. In addition to the in-depth learning sessions, a variety of workshops will round out this practical learning experience. Many fine presenters will be on hand to lead us in a variety of learning opportunities.

On Wednesday, July 24 at 7:30 PM, all are invited to attend a 300th anniversary performance of J. S. Bach’s St. John Passion performed by the Bach Collegium Valparaiso and directed by Christopher M. Cock, artistic director and conductor, on Wednesday, July 24, 7:30 PM in the Chapel of the Resurrection. You do not need to register for the conference to attend.

Early registration closes March 19. Additional information about the conference, including pricing, scholarships, and accommodations, is available on the ALCM website.

Institute of Liturgical Studies

An ecumenical conference on liturgical renewal for the church today.

Creation, Not Commodity: The Church’s Liturgy in a Consumer Culture
April 9-11, 2024
Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Ind.

Consumer or market culture’s role in our lives is so ubiquitous that we frequently fail to recognize its presence and influence over us. Even committed church folk will talk about “church shopping” when they move to a new location.

Visit valpo.edu/ils for more information and registration. Registration is now open.

Music that Makes Community

Music that Makes Community (MMC) practices communal song-sharing that inspires deep spiritual connection, brave shared leadership, and sparks the possibility of transformation in our world.

On Mon, Mar 18, MMC and partner, the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, will be hosting a Soup Singing from 5:30-7:30 PM,  Central / 3:30-5:30 PM Pacific / 6:30-8:30 PM Eastern. A Soup Singing, as developed by Coalition organizer Doe Hoyer, is an online gathering where participants make and share a meal together while sharing songs, information, and conversation. This evening we will be introducing our partnership and inviting churches and song leaders into catching and sharing songs to support the transformative work of organizing in solidarity alongside our Indigenous relatives. If you can’t make it, look for a recording and more information on MMC’s website afterwards.

Save the Date!
July 13: MMC will offer a 1-day workshop preceding The Hymn Society conference in Atlanta.
Oct. 11-12: MMC will host a Friday night Community Sing and half-day Saturday morning workshop with the ELCA Lay School in central Wisconsin.
April 8 – May 20: Monday Morning Grounding continues to be a point of connection and reflection for clergy and musicians.

Stay tuned to the MMC calendar for registration details on upcoming events.

As we conclude Lent, here’s a few blog posts for paperless music during Holy Week, unsettled times, and a round for Easter, Hope is Deeper Than Despair, by New Mexico musician, David E. Poole.

Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival

Transforming and connecting lives through faith and music since 1981.

June 30 – July 28
Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Ind.

Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival (LSM) is a residential academy for high school musicians. Students study with nationally recognized faculty, and are immersed in musical experiences through large ensembles (Choir, Band and Symphony Orchestra), chamber music, private lessons, elective classes, ongoing recitals, and concerts. Students also experience a welcoming and joyful community that worships together daily, offering musical gifts through Lutheran liturgy and hymnody. Spots for LSM 2024 are filling fast! Nominate a student today at LSMacademy.org/nominate.

Augsburg Fortress Events and Resources

Augsburg Fortress is an imprint of 1517 Media, the publishing ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

A Lutheran Welcome

Giving you everything you need to help guests, first-time visitors, and even life-long Lutherans learn more about the Lutheran expression of faith. Place them in a narthex or welcome area display rack, include them in new member packets, or keep them handy for whenever someone may have questions about the basics of Lutheran faith.

This series of booklets explores the following topics:
~ A Lutheran Welcome to Holy Baptism
~ A Lutheran Welcome to Holy Communion
~ A Lutheran Welcome to Jesus
~ A Lutheran Welcome to the Bible
~ A Lutheran Welcome to Forgiveness
~ A Lutheran Welcome to a Reformation Way

Love Astounding: Hymns of Jeannette M. Lindholm

This collection contains twenty-three hymns by Jeannette M. Lindholm, hymns that give careful and thoughtful voice to the mystery and wonder of God and God’s people. Her poetry not only invites us to sing but to examine and expand the metaphors we use for God in our worship and devotion. Lindholm’s Introduction is also a brilliant essay on the particular ways she considers language, word choice, and poetic construction to explore and proclaim theology. Indexes by topic, scripture, and meter make this a useful volume for church musicians, pastors, and all who plan worship.

Unscheduled Grace: 40 Devotions and Prayers for College Students

Unscheduled Grace: 40 Reflections and Prayers for College Students is a collection of devotions and prayers. This book can accompany students through the changes, challenges, and joys of college living, including homework, relationships, stress, vocation, and more. Through all its entries, the authors assure readers that no matter what they face, their lives are blessed by the unscheduled grace of God. Authors Matt Marohl and Katie Fick are campus pastors at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.

We Rise Higher: Poems and Prayers for Graduates

We Rise Higher: Poems and Prayers for Graduates supports youth as they celebrate, commemorate, and reflect on graduating high school and moving on to the next phase of life. A perfect gift for congregations to give in recognition of their high school grads! Poet, artist, and educator Joe Davis combines poetry and prayer to support and encourage new high school graduates.

This collection includes:
~ Poems of joy and celebration
~ Poems of praise and affirmation
~ Poems for heavy emotions
~ Poems for growth and new beginnings

Each poem features interactive content that invites creative responses and reflection by the graduate.

Confirmation Certificates

These certificates celebrate confirmands’ affirmation of their baptism. Multiple sizes and designs are available in both English and Spanish.

 

Save the Date for Augsburg Fortress Summer Music Clinics

Join clinicians David Cherwien and Mark Sedio for Augsburg Fortress’ free summer music clinics this summer in any of our five locations! Registration information is still forthcoming, but now is the time to save the date:
July 16-17 in St. Paul, Minn
July 19-20 in Columbia, S.C.
August 1-2 in Philadelphia, Pa.
August 5-6 in Columbus, Ohio
August 9-10 in Chicago, Ill.

Partner Organization Resources and Events

Each month ELCA Worship highlights resources and events from other organizations and institutions. These Lutheran and ecumenical partner organizations work alongside the ELCA to support worship leaders, worship planners, musicians, and all who care about the worship of the church.

Institute of Liturgical Studies

An ecumenical conference on liturgical renewal for the church today.

Creation, Not Commodity: The Church’s Liturgy in a Consumer CultureApril 9-11, 2024, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Ind.

Consumer or market culture’s role in our lives is so ubiquitous that we frequently fail to recognize its presence and influence over us. Even committed church folk will talk about “church shopping” when they move to a new location.

Visit valpo.edu/ils for more information and registration.
Registration is now open; early registration discount ends Feb. 29.

Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival

Transforming and connecting lives through faith and music since 1981.

Introducing two FREE compositions from Lutheran Summer Music by Anne Krentz Organ: Holy Manna, for solo instrument with keyboard accompaniment, and Be Thankful, for SATB chorus, descant, keyboard accompaniment, optional: assembly, handbells. Free sheet music download: https://www.lsmacademy.org/resources

Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

ALCM nurtures and equips musicians to serve and lead the church’s song.

Ponder Anew: a continuing education conference for church musicians, pastors and worship leaders
July 22-25 at Valparaiso University

With an emphasis on practical skill-building, you will be able to attend workshops and in-depth learning sessions on a variety of topics. Early registration closes March 19. Additional information about the conference, including pricing, scholarships, and accommodations, is available on the ALCM website.

Hearts, Hands, Voices: Local Workshops for Church Musicians

The schedule for 2024 workshops is continually being updated. These are one-day events for musicians to learn new skills, share best practices, build relationships and support systems, and introduce others to the ALCM community. Questions? Contact Contact ALCM.

Augsburg Fortress Events and Resources

Augsburg Fortress is an imprint of 1517 Media, the publishing ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Three-Day Feast: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter
Recent decades have witnessed the revival of the ancient liturgies of the Three Days—Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil. In this book Gail Ramshaw gives a little history and a lot of suggestions about how these services can enrich the worship life of your entire assembly.

 

Paschal Candles
The exclusive SCULPTWAX hand decorated artistry and its unmatched time-tested appliqué process, originally created and developed by Cathedral Candle Company, is still without equal. SCULPTWAX candles are prominently recognized first and foremost in the church candle industry.

 

Augsburg Organ Library: Easter, Series 2
Augsburg Organ Library Series 2: Easter, contains 36 pieces for worship or recitals based on Easter hymn tunes. The Augsburg Organ Library is a highly acclaimed multi-volume series that reflects the twentieth century renewal of the organ and its music.

 

Call to Allyship
How can churches do the work of becoming allies for the leaders they call? In belonging to a predominantly white denomination, ELCA members are called to listen and learn from its leaders of color to recognize the assumptions, biases, and harmful actions that result when congregations don’t do the work to become allies. Authors offer wisdom, storytelling, and concrete suggestions for churches preparing to call a leader of color. Call to Allyship is a must-read for call committees, church councils, social justice teams, and anyone prepared to do the work of understanding, welcoming, and celebrating these leaders.

 

Save the Date for Augsburg Fortress Summer Music Clinics

Join clinicians David Cherwien and Mark Sedio for Augsburg Fortress’ free summer music clinics this summer in any of our five locations! Registration information is still forthcoming, but now is the time to save the date:
July 16-17 in St. Paul, Minn
July 19-20 in Columbia, S.C.
August 1-2 in Philadelphia, Pa.
August 5-6 in Columbus, Ohio
August 9-10 in Chicago, Ill.

Music that Makes Community

Music that Makes Community (MMC) practices communal song-sharing that inspires deep spiritual connection, brave shared leadership, and sparks the possibility of transformation in our world.

Music that Makes Community announced a leadership transition in November.  After 8 years of serving as MMC’s Executive Director, Paul Vasile discerned it was time for a new adventure. We are grateful for his service and all the ways he grew this community of practice and shared resources so generously. To succeed him, the Board of Trustees hired Conie Borchardt, a long time MMC practitioner and facilitator.

To support you in planning your Lenten experiences this year, MMC is offering three virtual gatherings. On Monday, March 4, (4p ET) there will be Drop-In spaces with MMC leaders to explore and envision meaningful experiences for the Lent arc from Ash Wednesday to Easter.  The latter will specifically focus on Holy Week and Easter.  As always, our facebook group is an ever present place to start and continue conversations about creative liturgical music practices. Please visit our website calendar for more details!

May the Song support and nourish you during this little green time between Advent and Lent.  Please be in touch at hello@musicthatmakescommunity.org and keep singing.

Luther Seminary: Faith + Lead

Who plans worship in your congregation? Perhaps roles are shifting, and a common framework would be helpful. Or you’re trying a new worship service but want to keep the essential elements centered. Luther Seminary’s Faith+Lead has a new on-demand course A Lay Leader’s Guide to Planning Worship Experiences ideal for equipping individuals or groups to faithfully design worship that grows along with your community’s needs. Integrating multiple learning styles, this course will help you connect your understanding and hopes for worship.

Partner Organization Resources and Events

Each month ELCA Worship highlights resources and events from other organizations and institutions. These Lutheran and ecumenical partner organizations work alongside the ELCA to support worship leaders, worship planners, musicians, and all who care about the worship of the church.

Music that Makes Community

Music that Makes Community (MMC) practices communal song-sharing that inspires deep spiritual connection, brave shared leadership, and sparks the possibility of transformation in our world.

Music that Makes Community announced a leadership transition in November.  After 8 years of serving as MMC’s Executive Director, Paul Vasile discerned it was time for a new adventure. We are grateful for his service and all the ways he grew this community of practice and shared resources so generously. To succeed him, the Board of Trustees hired Conie Borchardt, a long time MMC practitioner and facilitator. Please join us for Coffee Hour (10a ET) and Happy Hour (5p ET) on Monday, Jan. 15 to meet Conie.

To support you in planning your Lenten experiences this year, MMC is offering three virtual gatherings.  On Friday, Jan. 15, 3:30p ET, there will be a hybrid Lenten Resource workshop offered live from Albuquerque, N.M. (1:30p MT) which will be recorded and available for later purchase.  (If you’re local to ABQ, please join us in person!)  On Thursday, Feb. 1 (2:30p ET) and Monday, March 4, (4p ET) there will be Drop-In spaces with MMC leaders to explore and envision meaningful experiences for the Lent arc from Ash Wednesday to Easter.  The latter will specifically focus on Holy Week and Easter.  As always, our facebook group is an ever present place to start and continue conversations about creative liturgical music practices.

Our facilitators, Breen Sipes, ELCA pastor, and Charles Murphy will be leading music and offering a plenary at the Messy Church conference in Chicago in April.  Charles will be leading a 1/2 day workshop in Birmingham, AL on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 4. Practice groups continue in Chicago and Albuquerque and monthly community sing/song circles are starting in central Washington state and Indianapolis.  In addition to these in-person events, Monday Morning Grounding is currently meeting on Zoom at 10a ET until March 4.  Please visit our website calendar for more details!

May the Song support and nourish you during this little green time between Advent and Lent.  Please be in touch at hello@musicthatmakescommunity.org and keep singing.

Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival

Transforming and connecting lives through faith and music since 1981.

It’s time to nominate students for Lutheran Summer Music
Each year, the primary way that music students find their way to LSM is through the encouragement of their church musician! LSM offers opportunities for musicians of all kinds: brass, winds, strings, percussion, piano, organ, voice, harp, guitar, handbells, and more! Students receive advanced musical instruction through large ensembles (Festival Choir, Band and Orchestra), chamber music, private lessons with collegiate-level faculty, and elective classes (such as conducting, composition, church music, intro to the pipe organ, jazz band, musical theatre, music therapy). In the evenings, students attend recitals and Evening Prayer services, and social events with their friends.

LSM 2024 takes place at Valparaiso University in Indiana from June 30-July 28 (Full Session) or June 30-July 14 (Half Session) and is open to students who have completed grades 8-12. Know a musical young person who would thrive at LSM? Nominate them today.

Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

ALCM nurtures and equips musicians to serve and lead the church’s song.

Ponder Anew: a continuing education conference for church musicians, pastors and worship leaders
July 22-25 at Valparaiso University

With an emphasis on practical skill-building, you will be able to attend workshops and in-depth learning sessions on a variety of topics. Early registration closes March 19. Additional information about the conference, including pricing, scholarships, and accommodations, is available on the ALCM website.

Institute of Liturgical Studies

An ecumenical conference on liturgical renewal for the church today.

Creation, Not Commodity: The Church’s Liturgy in a Consumer Culture
Consumer or market culture’s role in our lives is so ubiquitous that we frequently fail to recognize its presence and influence over us. Even committed church folk will talk about “church shopping” when they move to a new location.

In its 75th year, the Institute will turn its attention to this phenomenon. It will be held April 9-11, 2024 (note start date is one day later than usual).  Sign up for registration updates and other news from ILS.

Augsburg Fortress Events and Resources

Augsburg Fortress is an imprint of 1517 Media, the publishing ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Gathered into One: Devotions for Lent 2024

Gathered into One provides daily devotions for each day from Ash Wednesday to the Resurrection of Our Lord/Vigil of Easter (traditionally known as Holy Saturday). Devotions begin with an evocative image and a brief passage from First Corinthians. The writers then bring their diverse voices and pastoral wisdom to the texts with quotations to ponder, reflections, and prayers. The apostle Paul writes First Corinthians after hearing of quarreling and divisions among the people, emphasizing a theme of unity amid diversity is as timely now as it was when Paul was writing.

Worship Guidebook for Lent and the Three Days

An essential companion resource to the Worship Guidebook, this collection greatly expands the repertoire of resources for the song of the assembly and its leaders during the days from Ash Wednesday to Easter. Most materials are reproducible and newly composed in a broad range of styles. Spiral-bound, includes a CD-ROM with assembly and instrumental parts.

Music Sourcebook for Lent and the Three Days

This guidebook is a treasure trove of insights, images, and practical tips to help deepen your congregation’s worship life during the days from Ash Wednesday to Easter. An essential companion to the guidebook is the Music Sourcebook.

 

New Music for Lent, Easter, and Spring

Check out new music for Lent, Easter, and Spring from Augsburg Fortress. A piece that may become a new favorite is “Dust, Remember You Are Splendor.” Susan Palo Cherwien’s poetry brings new imagery and depth to the traditional Ash Wednesday themes of dust and repentance. In this setting for SAB choir, composer Anne Krentz Organ beautifully writes original music which underscores the hopeful and contemplative text. The assembly can be invited to join on the last stanza as well.

Save the Date for Augsburg Fortress Summer Music Clinics

Join clinicians David Cherwien and Mark Sedio for Augsburg Fortress’ free summer music clinics this summer in any of our five locations! Registration information is still forthcoming, but now is the time to save the date:
July 16-17 in St. Paul, Minn
July 19-20 in Columbia, S.C.
August 1-2 in Philadelphia, Pa.
August 5-6 in Columbus, Ohio
August 9-10 in Chicago, Ill.

Luther Seminary: Faith + Lead

Who plans worship in your congregation? Perhaps roles are shifting, and a common framework would be helpful. Or you’re trying a new worship service but want to keep the essential elements centered. Luther Seminary’s Faith+Lead has a new on-demand course A Lay Leader’s Guide to Planning Worship Experiences ideal for equipping individuals or groups to faithfully design worship that grows along with your community’s needs. Integrating multiple learning styles, this course will help you connect your understanding and hopes for worship.

Calvin Institute of Christian Worship

An interdisciplinary study and ministry center that promotes the scholarly study of the theology, history, and practice of Christian worship and the renewal of worship in worshiping communities across North America and beyond.

The Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grants Program at the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship is designed to foster, strengthen and sustain well-grounded worship in congregations Grants to worshiping communities stimulate thoughtful and energetic work that will result in worship services that exhibit renewed creativity, theological integrity, and relevance. Learn more about Worshiping Communities Grants. The deadline for this round of proposals is October 15. Future dates for submissions include Feb. 15 and June 15, 2024.

Journey to Baptismal Living

Journey to Baptismal Living (JBL) announces the launch of its new website journeytobaptism.org, on Nov. 15. Founded as the North American Association for the Catechumenate in 1993, JBL remains an organization committed to providing training and resources for those who guide formation in Christian discipleship with individuals both unbaptized and baptized. The redesigned website offers insights and strategies for facilitating discernment, worship, instruction, and reflection, as well as advice on how to form a team and mentor sponsors. Primarily, the new website is a place to connect: to arrange for practitioner training and for ongoing development through monthly blogs and frequent community chats.

All Creation Sings Resources for Lent, The Three Days, and Easter

As you are planning for Lent, the Three Days, and Easter, All Creation Sings provides several resources for your assembly’s worship.

Lent

Explore the collection of “short songs” in All Creation Sings. These could be incorporated into a weekly Service of Word and Prayer (ACS pp. 42-45) for a Lenten midweek service or during communion, gathering, or other times in Sunday worship. This blog post provides video links and tips for using these songs in ACS. 

Enrich your use of Setting 12 in All Creation Sings with the Ensemble Setting arranged by Anne Krentz Organ. You don’t need a full orchestra; even a single instrumentalist or a few handbells would be a lovely addition. Read this blog post for one congregation’s experience using this setting.  Watch the composer share more about Setting 12. 

Pray using several of the new prayers in All Creation Sings. Several collects, laments, and thanksgivings are offered. This video gives a very brief introduction to this content.  

Holy Week and The Three Days 

Teach a “paperless” setting for the procession with palms. Both “Pave the Way with Branches” (ACS 928) and “Blessed is the One” (ACS 929) could be taught and sung by rote, with harmonies being added as it becomes more familiar. Children could lead these as well. 

Sing from All Creation Sings as part of your Easter Vigil service. This blog post provides several ideas. If you are considering “Earth Is Full of Wit and Wisdom” as an assembly response to the creation story, this video offers a brief introduction. Do you have a children’s or unison choir? See this setting in ChildrenSing Creation.  

Consult the Indexes to Evangelical Lutheran Worship and All Creation Sings to see several suggestions from ACS for this week and throughout the year. 

Easter 

Teach a new Easter hymn such as “Woman, Weeping in the Garden.”  This video provides background on the text and a singing of the tune. There is a short description of this and every hymn/song in All Creation Sings through Sundays and Seasons. This Augsburg Fortress blog post describes the value of these brief descriptions. 

Introduce your congregation to other new Easter hymns through choral settings. “Touch That Soothes and Heals” by Thomas Keesecker offers a more meditative expression of Easter and is especially suitable for Easter 2. With its beautiful piano accompaniment and setting for SAB choir, a choir could introduce the assembly to this new hymn. Take a listen. Curious about what other ACS hymns and songs have anthem arrangements? This listing would be a great help to church musicians.  

Discover All Creation Sings outside of worship with an intergenerational event using Gather Together: 8 Intergenerational Events to Explore All Creation Sings. Perhaps you have a session close to Earth Day and use the Creation Care event or Climate Justice event. You could have a “kick off” session in Easter and plan other sessions throughout the year.