Understanding the Liturgical Worship Service: Service of the Word Part V

Hymn of the Day

Explanation: This is the main (sometimes called 'chief') hymn of the day that focuses on the theme of the Gospel reading and the sermon.
Sacrificial: We sing to God
Scripture: Ephesians 5:19
Alternatives: Depending on the theme of the sermon, there might be contemporary songs out there. If one does a mixed service, this might be the time to insert the hymn, as most "contemporary" songs are not story-specific.

Sermon

Explanation: This is the part of the service where the pastor takes the theme of the day and applies it to his congregation and her times. A good sermon, like the liturgy, will properly distinguish and apply both the Law and the GoodNews. While it may not always be received well, it should always be what one needs to hear; not what the world has to say, but what God has said.
Sacramental: We hear God's Word.
Alternatives: When done well, narrative sermons (i.e., those given from the eyes of a Biblical character) can be a welcome change of pace and put a new perspective on a familiar theme. Art displays, etc. can be effective if they are presented tastefully. Sermon series can also be a good way to delve deeper into a particular theme, story, or idea.

Prayer of the Church

Explanation: This prayer is a bridge between the Service of the Word and Sacrament, serving as a response to the Word and a preparation for the Sacrament.
Sacrificial: We pray to God.

Offertory: What Shall I Render

Explanation: This serves also as a bridge between the Service of the Word and of the Sacrament and is an acknowledgement that while we cannot repay the Lord for what He benefits of His Word and Sacrament, we can give our lives in worship as a sacrifice to Him. There are some beautiful allusions: an alternative name for Communion is 'Eucharist,' which means 'thanksgiving;' "call on the Name of the Lord' is an Hebrew idiom meaning 'worship;' the 'cup of salvation' alludes to the drinking of Christ's blood; when we take Communion, we proclaim that we are in doctrinal agreement with them; this is, of course, done in God's house (church bldg), and the new Jerusalem is the body of believers on Christ.
Scripture: Psalm 116
Sacramental: We sing God's Word back to Him.
Alternatives: see below
Hymns: Try this one.

Offertory: Create in Me

Explanation: The "Create in me" is a prayer that God would cleanse our hearts from sin, deepen and strengthen our faith, give us divine joy, and prepare us for the Word-Made-Flesh. How does He cleanse our hearts, strengthen our faith, and give us divine joy? He does all this in the giving of His very body and blood.
Scripture: Psalm 51
Sacramental: We sing God's Word back to Him.
Alternatives: This has become a standard in some circles. You can hear the original artist sing it here.
Hymns: LSB 704 (Renew Me, O Eternal Light), LSB 956 (Create in Me)

Offertory: Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful

Explanation: While there is only one setting in the LSB (955), I've seen this text set to a number of different tunes so I'm giving it its own category. The vineyards refers to John 15:5; numerous times the Psalms refer to his cup overflowing- our cup of blessing is the cup Jesus blessed on "the night in which He was betrayed;" we ask God to take the seed of faith that He has planted in us and strengthen that faith with His very body, the bread of eternal life; the hope and dream of all is to live forever with Christ; we further ask Him to be physically present in the meal that is but an appetizer of the feast we will celebrate in heaven.

Scripture: John 15:5, Isaiah 25:6

Sacrificial: We pray to God

Offering

Historically, this was not done during the service, but rather offering plates were placed in the back of the church, allowing for better secrecy. For various reasons, that is no longer the case in most churches.

Explanation: While there is nothing that we can give to pay for our sins, the Word of God 

manifests itself in us and through us by our works and sacrifices. Having 

just received the Word of God, we naturally say, "Yes!" and give a physical 

offering to further the Word of God, so that others may receive the joy which w

e have just received.

If I may... I suggest that in order to not further the stereotype that churches only want money, please either make a verbal announcement or a brief note in the worship folder that the offering is intended for members and that guests should not feel obligated to contribute.

Scripture: Luke 21:1-4, Matthew 25:14-30

Sacrificial: We give our "hard earned" money to God's service.