A groundbreaking contemporary liturgy featuring 10 songs, prayers, and a commissioning based upon the Gospel of John. This expansive and theologically rich full communion setting provides an unparalleled worship experience. Explore the resources below and experience what worshipping communities across North America are calling…
“A profound work that joins sage creative spirituality with deep musical understanding. It invites the worshipper on a liturgical journey that opens up new ways of connecting to the Divine with fresh imagery and heartfelt singable music. The Liturgy will have reverberations across the church as it speaks to today's spiritual longings.”
— Rev Dr. Kevin Powell (ELCIC)
“An invitation into the boundless love and mercy of God, together with all creation. Fresh language and engaging music break open familiar themes of incarnation, mercy, and grace. With renewed wonder in God’s presence, I go out from this experience desiring to be God’s love for the world.”
— Rev. Michael Mueller (ELCA)
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“With soaring and dramatic melodies, and lyrics that evoke the array of emotions we as humans experience in our natural world, Ben and Caitlin have created a beautiful worship setting through which congregations can pray. Music, like prayer and life, is fleeting and liminal. The Liturgy of the Beloved encourages musicians and congregations to embrace this experience, and sit in hope with our Creator. I've been learning each piece, singing and playing, and every time I welcome a sense of awe or stillness that is different from the time before. That experience, in and of itself, is a gift, and I am thankful for this beautiful and thought-filled creation.”
— Amy Hartsough, Director of Music (ELCA)
“May all who now go forth using the liturgy in their own worshipping community be blessed with the same spirit of unity, grace and inspiration that guided its creation. May it deepen your faith, enrich your worship, and draw your hearts closer together in the love and hope of Christ.” - Canada Lutheran Magazine
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Sheet Music and Text for Liturgy of the Beloved
Everything you need to learn and lead the Liturgy - piano/organ accompaniment, lead sheets, image files and text for slideshow creation, and more!
Worship Booklet with Artwork
Worship booklet with artwork from acclaimed Yukon wilderness artist Harry Penington.
“This liturgy works really well and teaches easily... we are adding it into our worship life one piece at a time, and the congregation is loving it!”
— Dr. Joy Berg, Worship Director (ELCIC)
SONG OF CONFESSION: “Return & Renewal”
Drawing from traditional Lutheran confession and assurance texts, “Return & Renewal” emphasizes a continuous cycle of renewal and spiritual growth that transcends specific doctrinal beliefs to encompass a broader, more inclusive understanding of divine love and forgiveness. Includes optional cantor part.
SONG OF MERCY: “I Desire Mercy”
Inspired by Matthew 9:13 and 12:7, "I Desire Mercy" is a heartfelt plea for God’s mercy, emphasizing the divine desire for compassion over sacrifice. The lyrics invite the congregation to embody mercy in their daily lives, creating a worshipful atmosphere that is both reflective and hopeful.
HYMN OF PRAISE: "Oxyrhynchus Hymn"
“Oxyrhynchus Hymn” incorporates the language and metaphors of the earliest known example of Trinitarian praise, emphasizing the transcendence and immanence of God. Experience this ancient hymn through a contemporary setting equally suited for piano or organ, and celebrate the timeless goodness and glory of God! Optional 2-part voicing.
SONG OF THE GOSPEL: “The Living Word”
This stirring acclamation underscores the timeless continuity of God's message. "The Living Word" draws parallels to the I Am statements found in the Gospel of John, inviting the congregation to reflect on the enduring truth and presence of Christ in their lives as they prepare to receive the Gospel. Optional SATB choral voicing available.
SONG OF THE BEATITUDES: “Song of You and I”
Utilizing an Aramaic translation of The Beatitudes—the language Jesus likely spoke during the Sermon on the Mount—this lyrical prayer reflects themes of unity and communal support. It encourages the congregation to see Christ in one another and to work towards peace and justice in the world, grounded in the love of God.
ANTHEM: “Come to Me, All You Who are Weary”
“Come to Me” is an invitation to find rest and peace in Christ. The lyrics echo Jesus' words to a gathered crowd of fellow Galileans using the expressive and poetic language of his mother tongue, Aramaic. This piece draws connections between the promise of spiritual refreshment and peace Jesus offers, and the tranquility of Eden. Well-suited as a solo or offering song!
THANKSGIVING AND SANCTUS
This traditional lyric setting , set as a sung call and response, reprises the melody of the Oxyrhynchus Hymn. Lift up your hearts in radiant alignment with the Lord, as you join together with worshippers across time and place in a continuous hymn of praise! Optional 2-part choral voicing available.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION:
“In Remembrance of Me”
“In Remembrance of Me” echoes the words of Jesus spoken to his friends during the Last Supper. Solemn and reflective, the piece is a contemporary sung setting for the Words of Institution, and emphasizes the new covenant and the sacrificial love of Christ. May be led by the presider or a song leader.
About the Liturgy...
In 2023, in preparation for the conclusion of the call to serve as Synod Bishop in the Synod of Alberta and the Territories - Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, Bishop Larry and Cathy Kochendorfer commissioned the creation of the Liturgy of the Beloved as a gift to their beloved Synod. Although the liturgy follows the four-fold pattern of worship and the traditional liturgical elements, there was a desire to create a liturgy for congregations and ministries in a language fresh and evocative in its imagery and expression of grace, while musically welcoming and accessible in its melodies and rhythms.
As Bishop Larry shared several times in correspondence to the Synod:
"Beloved of God, as people of faith, continue to be humble and gentle with one another.
Honour each other. Make space for the lament that always accompanies change.
Welcome moments of joy. Help each other to live into hope.
Trust that God is with us in this time and look for the new things God is doing even now."
May the Liturgy of the Beloved be an instrument so that "joined together in harmony and having received the godly melody in unison, you might sing in one voice through Jesus Christ." (Ephesians IV, Ignatius of Antioch, c. 35-c. 107 A.D.)
In love we were made, in love we live, and to love we shall return.
“The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)