Grace and Peace (Philippians 1)

Theme of the Service

The body of Christ in this world, gathered by God and called saints, can be confident that grace and peace continually come to them through the same love that called them to be God’s children.

Gathering

Prelude:
“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” [see music notes]
“God, You Call Us to This Place”

Call to Worship

*Gathering Hymn: “God, You Call Us to This Place”

*God’s Greeting:
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in _______, grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

*Songs of Praise:
“I Am the Lord Your God”
“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” [see music notes] [see also ELW 807, HW 104, PH 356]

We Are Renewed in Grace

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 115:1-11

Prayer of Confession

Assurance of Pardon

Response: Psalm 115:12-18

Song of Thanksgiving: “When Peace Like a River” [see also ELW 785, HW 186] or “Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” [see also ELW 886, GSW 1, HW 84] or “Not What My Hands Have Done”  [see HW 139]

Offerings and the Offertory: “When Peace Like a River” [see also ELW 785, HW 186] or “Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” [see also ELW 886, GSW 1, HW 84]

God Speaks to Us through His Word

Sung Prayer for Illumination: “We Are Waiting” [CSW 18]

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 43:1-3
New Testament Reading: I Peter 2:9-10
New Testament Reading: Philippians 1:1-2

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God! 

Sermon: Grace and Peace

Prayer of Application

We Respond to God’s Word

*Song of Response: “You Who Know the Lord Is Gracious”

*Profession of the Apostles’ Creed

Prayers of the People

We Go Out in God’s Peace

*Passing of the Peace:

Song: “Grace to You and Peace”

Worshipers extend the peace of Christ to each other with the words: “The peace of the Lord go with you.”

Song: “Grace to You and Peace”

*Words of Sending:
Go in peace, in the knowledge of God’s power.
Go in confidence, in the knowledge of God’s strength.
Go in joy, in the knowledge of God’s love.
Go in grace, in thankfulness for God’s salvation.
(adapted from TWS, 9.1.12)

*Benediction with congregational Amen! 

*Parting Song: “God, the Father of Your People”,

Postlude: “God, the Father of Your People” 

*Indicates standing if you are able

Liturgy Notes

1. For God’s Greeting at the opening of the service, we have chosen to use an adapted form of the words of Paul in the text for the day. We believe this will personalize the passage and set the direction of theme for the service.
2. We have included three short Scripture readings. The last, of course, is from Philippians and is the text for the sermon. The other two reinforce the theme of the church as the gathered body of Christ. If your congregation is accustomed to including lay leaders in worship, we suggest that three different persons read these three passages.
3. The Passing of the Peace can be very rich at the conclusion of this service. It is placed at the end of the service so that its intent can be shaped by the sermon. This is not merely a matter of greeting each other, but sharing God’s peace for our continued journey. For this to occur most meaningfully, it may be wise to provide a bit of explanation and instruction for worshipers.  Bracketing it with the song will give it more significance.
4. Please notice the difference between “Sending” and “Benediction.” Whereas “Sending” is a word of exhortation about going out in obedience, “Benediction” is a word of promise about God’s continued faithful presence with us.

Sermon Notes

Since this is a very personal letter from two specific people to a particular group of people, our consideration of it must be personalized. 

Paul and Timothy are the embodiment of God’s grace; they are people to whom God has graciously reached. Paul, a persecutor brought to Jesus Christ on the Damascus Road (see Acts 9:1-18), and Timothy, a Gentile (see II Timothy 1:5-7 and 3:14-15) instructed in the Christian faith by his mother and grandmother, come together  from very different paths.  Yet here they declare themselves to be “servants” (“slaves”) of Jesus Christ. As such, they are models for the Philippian Christians.

The members of the church at Philippi (“saints!”) each have their own story, too. In Acts 16:11-15, we read of the conversion of Lydia (and perhaps others with her who were gathered for prayer and worship), and verses 16-34 tell of the conversion of the Jailer. In both instances a family was involved. We must picture all the others to whom God has reached as this church was formed. But in verses 35-40 of Acts 16, we see another side of the city: its opposition to Paul and his ministry. So it was a gathered church in a somewhat hostile context.

Each of us is, therefore, prodded to examine our story. We are saints! How, when, and through whom did God reach to us? How did God gather the worshiping community of which we are a part? As we gather, do we consider ourselves to be “servants”? What about our context could be considered hostile?

The greeting here from the two saint-servants to the gathered congregation is most significant. The greeting is not really from the two pastors, but from God through the pastors. The pastors are only the means through which the grace-and-peace greeting is provided.

These are words of warm welcome. Sinners need not wonder if they are welcome in the presence of God. Worshipers need not wonder if they are fit to come to worship. All who come are greeted with “grace and peace.” It’s God’s great welcome!

Today, too, as the Christian Church gathers in worship, many may (consciously or subconsciously) wonder if they are fit to be present, if the welcome is wide enough to include them. Paul and Timothy leave no doubt about the welcome. And the opening of each worship service should have a welcome that is as wide and warm as the greeting of this epistle.

Music Notes

1. Suggestions for the prelude are drawn from resources on two of the congregational songs in the gathering section of the service:

“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” [NETTLETON: PH 356; PsH 486; RL 449; TH 457; UMH 400; W&R 68]

• Organ: 
  • Cherwien, David. Groundings. Augsburg 11-11119 [2001] (E-M)
  • Eggert, John.  Partita on Nettleton. Concordia 97-6862 [2000] (adaptable [mostly] to piano; E)
  • Hildebrand, Kevin. Musica Sacra: Easy Hymn Preludes for Organ. vol 3 Concordia 97-7052 [2004] (E)
  • Hobby, Robert A. Three Hymns of Praise. Set 6 Morningstar MSM-10-542 [2000] (E-M)
  • Kuykendall, James Brooks. Scherzo on “Nettleton”. Adoro AMP-41 [2009] (E-M)
  • Martin, Gilbert. Two Preludes on American Hymn Tunes. H. W. Grey GSTC 962 [1972] (E-M)
• Piano:
  • Carter, John. Hymns for Piano II. Hope 8197 [2003] (M)
  • David, Anne Marie. Here I Am, Lord. Augsburg ISBN 0-8006-7566-5 [2002] (M)
  • Larkin, Michael. Be Thou My Vision. Morningstar MSM-15-832 [2004] (E-M)
  • Shaw, Timothy. Great Hymns of Faith for the Church Pianist. Augsburg Fortress
  • ISBN 978-0-8006-2167-4 [2008]
  • Sowash, Bradley. Great English Hymns. Augsburg Fortress ISBN 978-0-8006-7879 [2007] (E-M)
• Handbells:
  • Bish, Diane. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. Fred Bock BG0798 [1986] (4-5 octaves, level 4)
  • McChesney, Kevin. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. (3-5 octaves)

 “God, You Call Us to This Place” [ALLE MENSCHEN MÜSSEN STERBEN/SALZBURG : SNC 14]

• Organ:
  • Biery, James. Augsburg Organ Library – Epiphany. Augsburg 11-11073 [2001] (M)
  • Cherwien, David. Interpretations. bk. 9 AMSI SP-106 [1992] (E-M)
  • Johnson, David N. Hymns Settings for Organ. Augsburg Fortress ISBN 0-8006-7498-7 [2002] (M)
  • Pachelbel, Johann. Selected Organ Works. vol. 4 Barenreiter 1016 (E-M)
  • Sedio, Mark. Eight Hymn Introductions. Morningstar MSM-10-836 [1991] (E-M)
• Piano:
  • Organ, Anne Krentz. Come to Us, Creative Spirit. Augsburg Fortress 11-11043 [2000] (M)

1. Free accompaniments on the opening hymn and the song of praise can be found in:

“God, You Call Us to This Place” [ALLE MENSCHEN MÜSSEN STERBEN/SALZBURG : SNC 14]

• Alternative Harmonizations for Organ:
  • Ferguson, John. Hymn Harmonizations. bk. 5 Ludwig O-14 [1992]
  • Johnson, David N. Free Organ Accompaniments to Hymns. vol. 3 Augsburg 11-9189 [1966]
• Alternative Harmonization for Piano:
  • Hopson, Hal H. The Creative Use of the Piano in Worship. Hope 8392 [2008]

“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” [NETTLETON: PH 356; PsH 486; RL 449; TH 457; UMH 400; W&R 68]

• Alternative Harmonization for Piano:
  • Carlson, J. Bert. Let It Rip! At the Piano. Augsburg 11-11045 [2000]
  • Hopson, Hal H. The Creative Use of the Piano in Worship. Hope 8392 [2008]

1. We are offering three suggestions for the Song of Thanksgiving. Each one carries a different spirit, and any of the three would be compatible with the flow of liturgy. The following are suggested resources for free accompaniments for the hymns and transcriptions that could be useful for offertory music:

“When Peace Like a River” [VILLE DU HAVRE : HW 186; ELW 785; PsH 489; TH 691; UMH 377; W&R 428]

• Piano:
  • Carter, John. Gospel Treats for Jazz Piano. Augsburg Fortress ISBN 0-8006-7759-5 [2005] (M)
  • Medema, Ken. Sanctuary. Genevox 4181-16 [1989] (M)
  • Oquin, Wayne. All Things New. Concordia 97-7205 [2006]  (D; new-age feel)
  • Sanborn, Jan. Piano Music for the Care of the Soul. Ron Harris RHP0403 [1997] (M)
  • Wilhelmi, Teresa. Hymns…Light Jazz Style. Word 301 0136 315 [1997] (M)
• Handbells:
  • Burroughs, Bob. It Is Well With My Soul. Triune HB 160 [1986] (3 octaves C Instrument, E-M)
  • Moklebust, Cathy. It Is Well With My Soul. Alfred 20206 [2002] (3-5 octaves with opt. handchimes and C instrument, level 3)

“Oh, for a  Thousand Tongues to Sing” [AZMON: HW 84; PH 466; PsH 501; RL 363; RN 32; SFL 19; SWM 42; TH 164; UMH 57; W&R 96; WOV 745]

• Organ:
  • Bouman, Paul. Partita on Azmon. CPH 97-6506 [1995] (E-M)
  • Cherwien, David. Groundings. Augsburg 11-11119 [2001] (E-M)
  • Hobby, Robert A. Three Hymns of Praise. set 6 Morningstar MSM-10-542 [2000] (E-M)
  • Kosche, Kenneth. Musica Sacra: Easy Hymn Preludes for Organ vol. 2. Concordia 97-7015 [2003] (E-M)
  • Smith, Mark. Brampton Partita on Azmon. Morningstar MSM-10-718 [1996] (E-M)
• Piano:
  • Bottomley, Greg. Piano Sunday Morning. Augsburg Fortress ISBN 978-0-8006-6384-1 [2009] (M)
• Handbells:
  • Sherman, Arnold B. Acclamation on "Azmon. " Agape 1363 [1989] (3-5 octaves, M)
  • Sherman, Arnold B. Our Great Redeemer’s Praise. Red River HB0018 [1997] (3-5 octaves, level 3)
• Alternative Harmonization for Organ:
  • Ferguson, John. Hymn Harmonizations for Organ. bk. 2 Ludwig O-07 [1983]
• Alternative Harmonization for Piano:
  • Carlson, J. Bert. Let It Rip! At the Piano. vol. 2 Augsburg ISBN 0-8006-7580-0 [2003]
  • Hopson, Hal H. The Creative Use of the Piano in Worship. Hope 8392 [2008]

1. Resources for the parting song and suggestions for the postlude can be found in:

“God, the Father of Your People” [HOLY MANNA: PH 268; PsH 322; RL 29, 381; SNC 89, 101; TH 381; TWC 54, 347, 802; UMH 150]

• Organ: 
  • Cherwien, David. (2003) Augsburg Organ Library – Autumn. Augsburg ISBN 0-8006-7579-7 [2003] (E-M)
  • Cherwien, David. Groundings. Augsburg 11-11119 [2001] (E-M)
  • Haan, Raymond H. O Worship the King. Broadman 4570-42 [1979] (E-M)
  • Held, Wilbur. Preludes and Postludes. vol. 1 Augsburg 11-9318 [1972] (E-M)
  • Wood, Dale. Wood Works. bk. 2 SMP KK400 [1989] (E-M)
• Piano:
  • Bottomley, Greg. Piano Sunday Morning. Augsburg Fortress ISBN 978-0-8006-6384-1 [2009] (M)
  • Carter, John. Contemplative Folk Tunes for Piano. Augsburg Fortress ISBN 0-8006-5977-5 [2001] (E-M)
  • Carter, John. Folk Hymns for Piano. Hope 240 [1987] (E-M)
  • Carter, John. Hymns for Piano II. Hope 8197 [2003] (M)
  • Larkin, Michael. Simple Gifts Piano Meditations on American Hymn Tunes and Spirituals. Morningstar MSM-15-836 [2006] (E-M)
  • Miller, Aaron David. Chorale Preludes for Piano in Traditional Styles. Augsburg Fortress ISBN 978-0-8006-7903-3 [2008] (M)
  • Organ, Anne Krentz. Reflections on Hymn Tunes for Holy Communion, vol. 2. Augsburg Fortress ISBN 978-0-8006-7909-5 [2008] (M)
• Alternative Harmonization for Organ:
  • Busarow, Donald. All Praise to You, Eternal God. Augsburg 11-9076 [1980]
  • Ferguson, John. Hymn Harmonizations for Organ. bk. 5 Ludwig O-14 [1992]
• Alternative Harmonization for Piano:
  • Hopson, Hal H. The Creative Use of the Piano in Worship. Hope 8392 [2008]
  • Organ, Anne Krentz. Let It Rip! At the Piano. Augsburg 11-11045 [2000]

Glossary of Hymnal Abbreviations

• CSW: Contemporary Songs for Worship (Calvin Institute of Christian Worship; Faith Alive Christian Resources)
• ELW: Evangelical Lutheran Worship (Augsburg Fortress Publishing)
• GSW: Global Songs for Worship (Calvin Institute of Christian Worship; Faith Alive Christian Resources)
• HW: Hymns for Worship (Calvin Institute of Christian worship; Faith Alive Christian Resources) 
• PH: The Presbyterian Hymnal (Presbyterian Church USA; Westminster/John Knox Press)
• PsH: The Psalter Hymnal (Christian Reformed Church; Faith Alive Christian Resources)
• RL: Rejoice in the Lord (Reformed Church in America; W.B. Eerdmans Publishing Company)
• RN: Renew! (Hope Publishing Company)
• SFL: Songs for LiFE (children’s songbook; Faith Alive Christian Resources)
• SNC: Sing! A New Creation (Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Christian Reformed Church, Reformed Church in America; Faith Alive Christian Resources)
• SNT: Singing the New Testament (Calvin Institute of Christian Worship; Faith Alive Christian Resources)
• SWM: Sing With Me (Faith Alive Christian Resources)
• TWC: The Worshiping Church (Hope Publishing)
• TH: Trinity Hymnal (Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Presbyterian Church in America; Great Commission Publications)
• UMH: The United Methodist Hymnal (United Methodist Publishing House)
• WOV: With One Voice (Augsburg Fortress)
• W&R: Worship and Rejoice (Hope Publishing)