A brand new "baby" arrived via UPS on October 4. It's our new worship book, Evangelical Lutheran Worship.

Here is the Pastor's immediate first impression and the ten top things he loves about the ELW

1. It's Beautiful!
   • The ELW is visually stunning!
   • The type is clear
   • The paper is a brighter white
   • The graphics are rich & suggestive

2. The Psalms are treated as hymns
   • The "hymns" begin with #151
   • This is because all 150 Psalms are included
   • The Psalms, the bible's "song book," are treated as hymns of the church

3. One book
   • Almost everything we know is included
   • Yet there is fun stuff to learn
   • No more juggling two books! Alleluia!

4. Ten Musical Settings for Holy Communion
   • We already know 4 1/2 of the ten
   • And we have 20+ years to learn the rest

5. The Lessons & Prayers in the front
   • The bible readings listed in the front match what we use in worship
   • Fresh, new "Prayers of the Day"

6. Thanksgiving for Baptism
   • A "Thanksgiving for Baptism" is included as a "festive" option along with "Confession & Forgiveness"
   • Perfect for the Easter and the Epiphany seasons

7. Healing Service
   • A Service of Healing is included in the book
   • This would be a good monthly addition

8. A total of 893 Hymns!
   • Which include the 150 Psalms, remember
   • All our old favorites plus new favorites

9. Small Catechism
   • Luther's Small Catechism is included
   • Get ready for a sermon series on Luther's Catechism in 2007

10. This is the last one for this pastor
    • New books of worship come out every 20+ years
    • So, this is the last major book of worship this pastor will have to introduce.