Lutheran Service Book Another Positive For Synod

By Eric Van Scyoc

LSB is the newest acronym to enter the LCMS alphabet soup.  It officially stands for the name of the newest star in the constellation of hymnals: Lutheran Service Book (LSB).   Over 23,000 people participated in one of the 280 introductory workshops across the U.S. and Canada.  The first run of 250,000 pew editions has been shipped and the second printing is due to arrive December 22.

 Even though I subscribe to other newsletters,  I was invited to write these thoughts about LSB because I presented three introductory workshops in Greater Cleveland OH.  It was fun to see some stern faces relax and smile after we sang the first familiar hymn from LSB.  The smiles turned to “wow!” as people saw all of the thought and prayer that went into the artwork, numbering, content of the pew edition, and the powerful software. 

Many participants confessed to me that the workshop was expected to be a waste of time because “we don’t need another hymnal.”  Now they are very excited about LSB because it combines what was commonly used from The Lutheran Hymnal and Lutheran Worship, adds newer music and liturgies, and has so much useful support material.  The question of  “red or blue hymnal?” is fading away.

 A huge effort was made to use input from across the Synod.  I chuckle when I see that “Silent Night” is not only printed in English, Spanish and German, but a second German language text to the first verse is provided as a resolution to conflicting traditions in the LCMS.  The SATB parts are once again printed out with most hymns.  Congregations that enjoy singing newer music may consider using the new liturgies and chant tunes. 

Over 100 of the 635 hymns are new to a Lutheran hymnal.  A local pastor stated “I’m impressed that Twila Paris is included.”  One congregation will have to change the way it informally refers to its two Sunday worship services as either “A.C.” or “D.C.”, that is,  “Alive Composers” or “Dead Composers.”

 Those who use projectors or print out their service may find that they need buy only the electronic resources of LSB.   Some of the newer songs and hymns are included only in the software and are not in the pew edition.  This structure may allow the addition of new hymns and resources by simply updating the software rather than having to wait 35 years for the next printing of a pew edition.  The software is also a big help with copyright management even for music from other sources. Learn more at lsb.cph.org.

 The LSB is not just a new pew edition, but it is a resource of devotions, liturgy, and hymns, as well as an entire library of support material including a hymn concordance, pastor’s companion, accompaniment editions (even one for guitar) and jaw-dropping software. Every congregation and each individual will find something to use for the praise and worship of the Triune God.

Rev. Eric Van Scyoc is pastor of St. Thomas Lutheran Church, Rocky River OH.