“Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.” Ephesians 5:18,19
“With more than a million copies sold, Lutheran Service Book builds on the riches of the
liturgical and hymnic heritage that Lutherans have received from past generations. (This
hymnal) is a rich compilation of services, psalms, hymns, and prayers that nourish and edify the faithful week after week for generations to come.” Cph.org
The Lutheran Service Book is the new hymnal for the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The
Lutheran Service Book (LSB) is a hymnal that makes use of the worship heritage of the Church
of the ages! It draws upon the very best of past hymnals in our tradition while introducing fresh expressions of worship as well.
At our recent church council meeting the subject of the LSB was discussed. Both the council
and the voter’s assembly, that followed a few days later, voted to move ahead in exploring this great resource for our church’s worship! Information on fundraising is soon to come. This
summer our music director, Matthew Bartlett will be sharing with us a brief course on the
historic hymnody of the church. I will be present for these evenings as we also reflect on the
biblical meaning of these time-honored hymns together. The plans are to begin this weekly
study in the month of July. During these sessions Mathew will also be introducing us to aspects of the LSB.
For many centuries God’s people have enjoyed growth in God’s grace while feeding on the
riches of his word in story and also in song inspired by scripture. God serves his people in this
way! The Lutheran Service Book reminds us of God’s service to us in its very title!
Of course, the Lord’s service to us calls forth our own service in response! The Lord bless us to that end then as we share together in scripture, story and song. Let us sing and make melody in our hearts to our Lord, preparing to make use of this popular resource at Saint John Lutheran Church!