Service of the Word: Part IV

Scripture Readings

Historically: The readings for each Sunday are based on what is called a "pericope", which is an organisation of readings throughout the church year, intended to cover each of the major points in the life of Jesus and the life of His church. I will discuss this more in a later post; for now, suffice it to say there is a reason we read what we read when we read it.
Explanation: There are usually 3 readings: the 1st from the Old Testament or the book of Acts, the 2nd from the Epistles (Letters of Faith), and the 3rd from one of the four Gospels.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16,17; many others
Sacramental: We hear God's speaking to us through His word.
Alternatives: One way to shake things up is to have various readers read different parts. For example, have one person read Jesus' words, another read Mary's words, and still another Martha's. Whether this is done or not, all readers should at the very least be familiar with the readings so as to not impede the work of the Spirit. (i.e., don't monotone, stumble over pronunciations, stutter, etc. It's annoying and takes to focus from the Word to the speaker.)
Hymns: Obviously there are quite a few hymns based on Scripture readings. Some hymnals are generous enough to include an index in the back of the hymnal. Cyberhymnal also has a similar section.

Gradual or Psalm

Explanation: This is a short response taken usually from a Psalm, but there are occasions when other Scripture is used. The theme usually corresponds to the Introit. Like the Introit, it is usually sung antiphonally, or responsively.
Scripture: Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3
Sacramental: We repeat God's Word back to Him.
Alternatives: Many congregations have the choir sing at this time. That's fine, but I would prefer them to "highlight" other portions of the service, such as singing a stanza of an hymn or a portion of the liturgy, like the Kyrie; but that's a matter of taste.
Hymns: There are many Psalm paraphrases out there: our LSB has quite a few, the Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary (Evangelical Lutheran Synod) has a few more, and the Cantus Christi (Reformed) has a lot more, let alone Cyberhymnal. See also Hymnoglypt.

The Creed

Explanation: The three "ecumenical" (universally Christian) creeds are the Apostles', Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds. They are basically summaries of what we believe and what the Scriptures say about God. While no Scripture is directly quoted, they are based heavily on Scripture. This shows Scripture verses for the Nicene, this shows the Same for the Apostles'.
After hearing God's Word, we are moved to "boldly confess" our unity in the faith. I have heard one person describe the Creed as the liturgical version of "testimonials." While this analogy is not perfect, it can be an "in" with those who might be apprehensive of the notion of "creed." This is not a statement of what is needed to be believed (although this is true), but rather a statement of what is believed. A similar idea is that most grammar books do not prescribe how to speak, but instead describe the normal patterns of speech.
Sacrificial: We state what we believe.
Scripture: See my two links in the explanation.
Alternatives: "Because We Believe" Also, check out this document, which offers alternative translations. Then there's this link, as well.
Hymns: In addition to the LSB, Timothy Dudley-Smith has this hymn.

Understanding the Liturgical Worship Service: Acts of Entrance Part II

Confession

Explanation: Before we enter the presence of God we must be pure. Thus we confess, or acknowledge, to Him who and what we are: sinners. We are honest- knowing He already knows our sinful condition- but confident of His forgiveness and mercy.
Scripture: for the order, the LSB uses I John 1, Psalm 32, and Psalm 130. Concerning our need for confession: James 5 and Hebrews 10.
Sacramental (God has written His Law in the Bible as well as on our hearts) and Sacrificial (we confess our sin).
Alternatives: (People need to confess their sin; this portion of the service should not be optional, unless private confession is a regular occurance.) I find that most congregations that use their own words for the confession come up short. Either they are too generic (i.e., they tip-toe around the issue of sin) or they are too specific. (e.g. "Lord, forgive us when we eat too much turkey.") Creative Worship usually does a pretty good job of writing confessions that are well-rounded, but also reference the particular season.
Hymns: "Lord, to You I Make Confession" (608) The tune is unfamiliar to many, but well worth learning.

Absolution

Explanation: This is where the pastor, on behalf of Christ, announces to all that they are absolved, or forgiven of their sins. Many Protestants struggle with this, however Jesus says in Matthew 16:19, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you free on earth shall be freed in heaven," (translated by yours truly) and in John 20:23, "If you forgive the sins of anyone, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." (NIV)
Scripture: Matthew 16, and John 20.
Sacramental (God assures of His forgiveness in Christ)
Alternatives: Obviously, the Absolution must occur if there has been a confession. Again, check Creative Worship.
Hymns: Jesus Sinners Doth Receive (LSB 609) vv. 1,5-7

Introit (Latin for 'Entrance.')

Explanation: The Introit is usually a Psalm or a paraphrase of a Psalm, with a repeated refrain (Antiphon). Some chant the Psalm responsively, between the pastor and the congregation, others speak it. Once in a while a choir might sing a setting of the Psalm. Chanting is quite foreign to many people, but once learned it can be very effective in creating a numinous (having a wholly other quality) atmosphere.
Historically, this was the beginning of the DS, since Confession and Absolution was done privately. The priest, following the crucifer, et al., would chant the Introit as he made his way up the long cathedral. As the congregation realised what was going on (the bells and incense were big clues), they would turn and face the cross, reminding them that it is the cross that is the focus of God's service for humanity.
Scripture: Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3
Sacramental (God comes to dwell with/in us in His Word)
Alternatives: There are quite a few "contemporary" settings of Psalms out there.
Hymns: There are many paraphrases out there: our LSB has quite a few, the Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary (Evangelical Lutheran Synod) has a few more, and the Cantus Christi (Reformed) has a lot more, let alone Cyberhymnal. See also Hymnoglypt.