The Family Altar

Several years ago, I was visiting our seminarian in St. Louis. I attended the Divine Service with him and his wife. As I was sitting and waiting for the bells to chime, I flipped through the bulletin to find a page titled, “The Family Altar.” It’s goal was to provide simple devotional material for the home that’s purpose was to prepare for the week ahead.

I began to wonder, “How many people who attend on Sunday morning know ahead of time what is to be read?” Even among the most faithful, it would seem the first time they are presented with the texts for the day is when they open the bulletin and begin to read through it. For some, it may be they are unaware of the readings until the Word is being read in the Divine Service. Some of our people might know. Some might have the lectionary memorized, but if any do, that number isn’t a big one. As I looked at the bulletin insert, I thought I could do better to prepare my people for the upcoming week.

I don’t know if this idea is unique to Village Lutheran Church in Ladue, Missouri, or if they got the idea from somewhere else. Since I don’t know, they’re the ones who get the credit. I have altered their order slightly to coincide with what we preach in our daily chapel services for the school, but after reflection on Sunday, each day is dedicated to Catechism memory, the Propers for the week, or the Hymn of the Day. As I go through the text, I pick out simple observances and may ask questions for reflection. As I write them, I also have the benefit of where my mind is headed for my sermon, so anything I can write to help focus the hearers on that, the better.

The picture above is the insert I provide. Thanks to Village for the inspiration. Any of you out there who want to use this or a variation of it, please do. It has been of great benefit to my people.