Diagram of Streaming Multicast (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The following lists known LCMS & affiliated churches that offer live streaming of their services so you and your members can attend virtually. Note that this does not include those who only prerecord services and post them online later. You can find those easily enough on your video site of choice.
If your church streams services and would like to be added to this list, please contact me with the following details:
Church name and city, state
Church website
Service times (Note of it changes seasonally)
Service format (traditional / contemporary / etc.)
URL to watch the stream
Mobile friendly? (yes / no)
Language if other than English
Strepitus
Tenebrae “herse” (candelabrum) used during Holy Week, Mainz Cathedral (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I’ve never been satisfied with the sound of a slamming book for a Strepitus sound in the Good Friday Tenebrae service. I like the sound of a closing grave, so I created this sound effect, which sounds pretty good over most church sound systems.
So many people ask me to pray for them. With this, not only does it help me keep track of them, linking right with my address book if I want, but also allows me to notify them I’m praying for them and lots of other options. I personally love being able to subscribe to prayer request feeds, and I put my whole congregation into a field so it brings up a couple names each day for me to pray for all of them over a few months.
PrayerMate brings all your prayer points together. Whether its your personal prayer points for friends and family, regular updates from some fantastic mission organisations, or the latest PDF prayer letter that just arrived in your inbox, PrayerMate puts it all together in one place and helps you get on and pray.
When our congregation looked into the various online giving/offering options, here’s our research, based on a small church and not expecting a lot of buy-in to start with, since we have a lot of older members without computers and smartphones. I will continue to update this as I find more.
Note that we ended up choosing SecureGive when this was published, but your choice will depend on your needs.
UPDATE 2020: The table below is out of date, and I encourage you, as you consider multiple solutions, to check out Rebelgive, which offers a different model, and I’ve found it to generally be the most affordable for churches — we switched away from SecureGive and have been very happy with it.
The Central Goal
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Text: …If anyone else thinks that he can trust in something physical, I can claim even more. I was circumcised on the eighth day. I’m a descendant of Israel. I’m from the tribe of Benjamin. I’m a pure-blooded Hebrew. When it comes to living up to standards, I was a Pharisee. When it comes to being enthusiastic, I was a persecutor of the church. When it comes to winning God’s approval by keeping Jewish laws, I was perfect. These things that I once considered valuable, I now consider worthless for Christ. It’s far more than that! I consider everything else worthless because I’m much better off knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. It’s because of him that I think of everything as worthless. I threw it all away in order to gain Christ and to have a relationship with him. This means that I didn’t receive God’s approval by obeying his laws. The opposite is true! I have God’s approval through faith in Christ. This is the approval that comes from God and is based on faith that knows Christ. Faith knows the power that his coming back to life gives and what it means to share his suffering. In this way I’m becoming like him in his death, with the confidence that I’ll come back to life from the dead. It’s not that I’ve already reached the goal or have already completed the course. But I run to win that which Jesus Christ has already won for me. Brothers and sisters, I can’t consider myself a winner yet. This is what I do: I don’t look back, I lengthen my stride, and I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God’s heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:4-14, GWV)
Christians all have been set free
When Jesus died upon the tree
So all the sin that ties us down
Was covered by a bloody crown
Yet though Christ rose without a doubt
We just won’t get the garbage out
We’ll pray our prayers and sing a song
Catch a sermon, short or long,
Don’t use much profanity
And guard our sexuality
But that’s not what it’s all about
No, that won’t get the garbage out
We feed the hungry, serve the poor
Tell of Jesus door to door
Read our Bibles every day
Tell the hurting they’re okay
Help out strangers on the way
And when the plate comes, amply pay
Come to classes more than others
Cook a meal, eat with our brothers
Offer prayers for one another
And don’t forget to call our mothers
Grant forgiveness one and all
Welcome guests both great and small
Love our kids, support our wives
Offer up our very lives
Yet though from hills His name we shout,
That still won’t get the garbage out
Though trying hard all good to be
That only makes a Pharisee
Pride credits us with worthless trash
And builds a house on sand and ash
Each time you’re looking down your nose
It’s as if Jesus never rose
The sewage simply piles high
Until it towers to the sky
And when the Lord gives you a glance
He simply sees your arrogance
Dear Christian friend, the day’s begun
And there’s a race for you to run
Throw off that pride you’re carrying
So only to the cross you cling
And lift your voice and gladly sing
All glory only to our King
Since long before our first birth shout
He, with our garbage, was taken out
The victory’s already won
When Jesus cried out, “It is done!”
And God Himself to us has run
He’s present now: “You’re home now, son.”
Your garbage He’s washed clean away
The cleansing flood brings a new day
And that with Word and bread and wine
You’re called by name. He says, “You’re mine.”
What pride are you still clinging to?
That clogs your heart with fearful goo?
This week, what change occurs in you
When not defined by what you do?
How will you jump the hurdles now
His victor’s crown upon your brow
When, knowing that your race is won,
You follow footprints of God’s Son
And to eternity you run
But while you’re breathing, never done
The Lord keep you each day en route
For Jesus took our garbage out.
I Believe the Mystery
I originally wrote this song with a contemporary feel, but the band complained that the tune had too many triplets in it, and with another look, I realized it worked well in a more traditional setting using the tune “Bunessan” (LSB #789), best known as the tune to “Morning Has Broken.” So I offer the lyrics and both settings in multiple formats. It’s based on the creeds and works well as a credal song and possibly as a Sanctus or hymn for Christ the King Sunday (AKA The Last Sunday of the Church Year) or Trinity Sunday.
One thing to note: using Bunessan, the first 3 stanzas use the tune twice, so think of it as 8 total stanzas for the purpose of accompaniment.
I Believe the Mystery
1. One God Almighty, Maker of ages
Father of all, knit me in the dark
Spreading the cosmos, fueling the atom
Birthing the nova, watching the lark
Majesty, glory, pow’r without limit
Yet in His mercy, He calls me, “Son”
Crafted from clay Divine exhalation
Formed by the Master, Three Who are One
2. For my salvation from my rebellion
Womb of a virgin, sent forth His Son
Feet above heaven too weak to stand up
One became two so all may be one
Carried my weakness, suffered by Pilate
Nailed to a tree for us in our sin
Buried, descended, risen, ascended
Coming to claim us, merit through Him
3. Sevenfold Spirit binds us together
Sent to give life from Father and Son
Wiser than reason, greater than power
Pours out the gift that bonds us as one
Mystical Body, holy communion
Rising to life without sorrow or end
All by His grace, Divine mediation
Father yet Brother, King and yet Friend
B: Open our eyes, Lord, to those in blindness
Open our hearts, Lord, kindness to show
Open our hands, Lord, reaching in service
Open our mouths that Your world may know
C. Immortal Myst’ry, Maker of hist’ry
You have revealed to all through Your Word
Eternal gifted, penalty lifted
Freed us from bondage we’ve all incurred
English: Wall painting at Partrishow (3) The Apostles’ Creed. Note the scraps of paintwork around the panel: there may be a palimpsest of images here, with possibly most or all the walls painted in the mediaeval period. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Here’s a credal song that I wrote that we use around here.
1
By the Word the Father spoke light into the darkness
By the Word all creatures came to be
By the Word the Father broke the land from formless waters
By the Word breathed life in you and me
2
By the Word the Son became the light into the darkness
By the Word born flesh in Bethlehem
By the Word Who’s crucified and raised to rule forever
And the Word will come to judge all men
C
He is the way, the truth and the life
Christ Jesus, God’s only Son
Lamb who was slain is the Lion forever
And in His blood we are one
3
By the Word the Spirit speaks light into our darkness
For a sermon series I did for Advent 2011. It’s designed to use the first and last verses and choosing one of the middle topic verses, not to be sung straight through. Individual verses could also be used, such as a Magnificat substitute.
Celebration Hymn
Tune: In Thee Is Gladness
1
Come celebration, Glad exultation
Join the song of Zion here
Sing, choirs terrestrial, with saints celestial
Word in flesh with us appear
Incarnate lowly, yet ever holy
Lifted up gory, then raised in glory
To reign forever, Alleluia!
Offered for sinners to make us winners
Though we denied Him and crucified Him
He’ll leave us never, Alleluia!
2 (Baby Shower: Mary & Elizabeth)
My soul rejoices; my spirit voices
In the Lord, Who saves my soul
He has concern for all those who yearn for
Israel to be made whole
‘Til time’s arrested, I’ll be called blessed
God blessed the lowly. His name is holy.
Mercy paternal, Alleluia!
He shows His power, Arrogants cower.
He lifts the humble while mighty tumble
Promise eternal, Alleluia!
3 (Dinner Party: Last Supper)
Meal of redemption, Israel’s exemption
Lamb’s blood saved His people then
Promise renewed as traitors like Judas
Plot the Lamb to slay again
Body unleavened of King of heaven
Covenant blood, Thine, in and with the wine
For His remembrance, Alleluia!
Sinners forgiven, new life we’re given
Into His Presence come kings and peasants
For our deliverance, Alleluia!
4 (Wedding: Cana)
Couple united, Jesus invited
Celebrate the wedding feast
Wine jars all finished, contents diminished
Celebration almost ceased
Mary comes pleading for Jesus leading
Water in jars poured trusting the Lord’s Word
Wine transmutation, Alleluia!
Though in form humble for all who stumble
God come in person to take our curse on
Reaffirmation, Alleluia!
5 (Surprise Party: Epiphany) Wise men’s arrival seeking the child
Traveling from lands afar
Stargazing sages seek King of ages
Following the Eastern star
Offer sincere their gifts to revere Him
Worship the One Who’s God’s only Son, too
Lord of all nations, Alleluia!
Though only crawling, to all men calling
Infant has come to die for the ones who
Face accusations, Alleluia!
6 (Birthday Party: Shepherds @ Jesus’ Birth)
Angel appearing while shepherds fearing
Glory shines with holy light
“Fear not! I’ve good news for all from God, Whose
Words will give you joy this night
In David’s city,God has shown pity
Sent you a Savior, given His favor
Laid in a manger, Alleluia!”
Angels come praising, their voices raising
Shepherds arrive, view all as described too
Tell of this Stranger, Alleluia!
7
So lift your voices as earth rejoices
To the Lamb Who once was slain
For He has risen, opened death’s prison
With us endless will remain
Give invitation to every nation
That all may follow and His name hallow
In each endeavor, Alleluia!
Let celebration bring transformation
Sharing His favor with every neighbor
To live forever, Alleluia!
Celebration Hymn by Strength and Song Publishing is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
Our guest integration process is customized based on a person’s first Point of Contact, how they first encounter us.
Road Sign
2 “Reserved for First Time Guests” parking spots
Sunday Worship
PowerPoint Preservice Slide
Welcome Guests
Welcome to Shepherd of the Ridge. We hope today will be just the beginning of your time with us.
We want to get to know you and are serious about making a difference in our community, so if this is your first time worshiping with us, please complete the Guest Information insert in your program and leave it with us, and we’ll donate $5 to Love INC., a local organization that helps without hurting, giving a hand-up instead of a handout.
Parking Lot/Entry
Guest Parking (3 spots designated)
Greeter with Guest Packets in hand
Sanctuary Greeter to watch for new faces and welcome after guest sits
Coffee/tea/water on back table, Keurig, water pitchers for drinking or to refill Keurig, ice bucket, paper racks for newsletters and other documents on table so they take up less space, cups, lids, napkins
First Time Guests
Red Guest Packet: Custom folders/envelopes
(In bulletin: Fill out & turn in card, we donate $5 to Love, INC., a local organization that helps by giving a hand up, not a hand out)
CD: Fountain of New Life (worship band) music
DVD: Vision, DQuest, Journey Groups, Family Secrets Sermon Series
Post-service look-around: Before you leave the sanctuary, look around you, find someone you don’t know well, and introduce yourself
On Exit
Greeter inviting them back
Hospitality team: Someone invite them to lunch (Simple for the 1st service people who go out for brunch after. They could pitch in to cover the guest’s bill.)
Follow-Up
Phone call: thanks, hope to see you again, anything I can pray about for you or someone you know?
Email with link to service, online survey, share, etc.
Hand-written postcard
If made prayer request, phone follow-up a week later
2nd Time Guests
Arrival/Preservice (Greeter watches for those parking in guest spots)
Greeter asks if already received guest packet, if so, offers next steps packet
Usher welcomes back after seeing next steps packet & points out hospitality table
Usher points guest out to Sanctuary Greeter, who also says welcome back
During Service
Post-service look around
After Service
Greeter Invite back
Make sure got packet
Next Steps Packet
Blue for easy identification
DQuest manual
Sermon DVD set: some new series, CD set until then with Family Secrets series
Sign-up sheet with SASE: Family member list; (DQuest, Journey Group, audition for band, AV team, welcome team (greeter/usher), marriage enrichment, community action team, intergenerational incarnational recreation team, CLM), what are your hobbies?; description of different items on sheet; will donate $5 if return sheet or use online form; Next steps & contact info for different life situations (As we connect the people in our community to Christ’s love, we strengthen each other as we make a difference side-by-side. We accomplish this through spiritual training and compassionate kindness to those in need.)
Voucher for free DVD movie next visit (With DVD comes pass to get access to Table after next visit)
Follow-Up
Phone call: thank-you, invite back, offer to pray
Email like 1st visit, link to online sign-up form
Prayer request follow-up a week later
Preschool
Parent Night Presentation & more info sheet
November kids sing in service: use standard guest protocol
Journey Group
See separate manual
God & Grub
Informal over dinner/pizza and/or non-word game like Uno
Everyone invited to bring questions about God, no question off-limits, no minimum participation, silent observers welcome. Adult, teen, or kid; not cross-generational except leader.
Led by DQuest mentor & apprentice
Separate teen & adult events
Meet at restaurant or other public space allowing food (park, etc.), nothing with too much background noise so all can hear. Corner booths or picnic tables work especially well.
Ppt slide: Got questions about God or the Bible? Got doubts? Got friends with questions or doubts? Or just want to hear some forbidden questions asked & discussed? Meet us at the next God & Grub: a meal at a local restaurant where no question is off-limits, and anyone is welcome.
Suggested Catalyst questions:
What keeps people away from God?
What’s your experience with churches, good or bad?
If you could ask God one question, what would it be?
If God had a job in our community, what would He like to do?
What is the best objection you’ve heard to Christianity?
Would you like to have Jesus at your Super Bowl party?
End with Next Steps handout like 2nd time guest
DiscipleQuest
Not normally a first point of contact, but rather a destination for the rest.
Camp Soter
Closing program Sunday morning during service
Standard guest protocol
Picnic following service: opportunity for congregation to make connections
Membership Steps
Begin DiscipleQuest
If LCMS member, Seasoned Veteran, train to honorary apprentice
If not, begin as Trainee
Baptized member after Meet the Mystery
Communicant & Voting Member once Honorary Apprentice
At end of Member mission, honorary trainees complete membership class as final challenge and sign a Membership Covenant.
So many people ask me to pray for them. With this, not only does it help me keep track of them, linking right with my address book if I want, but also allows me to notify them I’m praying for them and lots of other options. I personally love being able to subscribe to prayer request feeds, and I put my whole congregation into a field so it brings up a couple names each day for me to pray for all of them over a few months.
_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1213970.jpg "English: Wall painting at Partrishow (3) The A...")
