When it comes to consecrating the elements of Holy Communion, pastors have one job. That job is to unite Word to element. It is our one job. The problem is with innovation. Some guys feel like they have to do object lessons, change the words around to make them more “special,” or move the elements for the sake of convenience.

Note: Michael Kiener put together an outstanding downloadable PDF called Reverent Worship: What It Is and Why It Matters, “an educational resource for congregations and those exploring Lutheran liturgical worship.” What follows is his introduction to it. — Ed.

Our family made our yearly hajj to one of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra's family concerts this past Sunday. These are family friendly, one-hour affairs and many of them have been quite good. It's a rite of passage in our home: you get to start coming along when you turn four.