BOC Journal

Update on Archived Articles

2009-09-29T08:48:00.000-07:00

St. Michael the Archangel

An observant reader notes that some of the links do not work. Thank you for your note, they are now fixed.

Once again, you can find a few recently digitized and archived files in .pdf form at the website. Scroll down the main page to find them. When you click on the page links they automatically download to your computer so you will need to check your download file on your computer to find them.

Hope this helps. Thank you for your interest.

Fr. May

Archived Articles

2009-09-28T19:08:00.000-07:00

St. Wenceslaus
28 September

Some archived articles are now available at the website in .pdf format. Scroll down below the announcement of the annual meeting to find them. Below is a copy of what is now archived and available:

ARCHIVE of past articles, essays, etc.:
About Being Lutheran, VII: The Holy Catholic Church
(Vol. 12, No. 1)page 20
Angels: Messengers of God by the Rev. George A. Maloney, S.J.
(Vol. 14, No. 4) page 5, page 6, page 7,page 8, page 9, page 10, page 11
Holy Absolution by the Rev. Arthur Carl Piepkorn
(Vol 16, No. 2) page 5, page 6
The Sign of the Cross (Vol. 2, No. 1; Incarnate Word Tract Series, No.3)
page 30, page 31

De Ecclesiasticis Officiis

2009-09-04T09:31:00.000-07:00

Recently I picked up a recent English translation of the Latin, De Ecclesiasticis Officiis by Isidore of Seville (c. 560 - 636). This writing would be of most interest to those interested in liturgical history and the education of clergy, which are two emphases of Isidore here. The reason for these emphases was the Visigoths had recently converted from Arianism to Orthodoxy and Isidore was responsible for moving toward ending the remaining influences of Arianism.

The Mozarabic Rite, or "the old Spanish liturgy" (Fortescue), is one of the western Rites that pre-dates the Roman Rite. Although this Rite is in limited use today the history and practice of this Rite is helpful in understanding the development of the eucharistic liturgy. Book I describes the liturgy. Book II describes the office of clerics and other offices of the Church. The translation includes notes and a selected bibliography at the end.

Isidore is writing for the Church. Those interested in the history and development of the liturgy and the offices of the Church and how both continued in difficult times should read this book.

Looking Back - Holy Absolution (1992)

2009-08-28T19:46:00.000-07:00

The following two images are copies of an article on Holy Absolution by the Rev. Arthur Carl Piepkorn. This article was reprinted in The Bride of Christ: The Journal of Lutheran Liturgical Renewal Volume XVI, No. 2 Resurrection 1992.

As promised, copied articles, essays, etc. from previous issues of The Bride of Christ will be shared via this forum under the heading "Looking Back." The articles chosen will be taken from issues from the earliest to the latest days of the journal and will reflect a wide variety of topics that have been addressed by the journal and her authors throughout the years.

As the editor of the journal, it is my hope that these reprints will help not only to catechize and encourage you and other Lutherans toward liturgical renewal in evangelical faithfulness to the catholic tradition but also spur future publication of the same journal.

In Christ,

Fr. Tim May

The Rev. Timothy D. May, Editor
The Bride of Christ: The Journal of Lutheran Liturgical Renewal

-----------------------------------------------------
Holy Absolution
The Rev. Arthur Carl Piepkorn

Liturgical Piety

2009-07-10T19:00:00.000-07:00

Within Christianity, when a different church body or denomination is raised in discussion, often similarities and differences are brought up or highlighted in terms of particular practices of piety and acts of devotion. This is also the case among those within one's own church body or denomination who differ on these matters.

When liturgical piety is attacked or undermined within church bodies that are historically liturgical it may be due to the questioning of acts of piety or a questioning of the essence of the liturgy itself. Whole movements within and outside of Christianity have arisen over the centuries in opposition to the liturgy. Charges of "ritualization" or "hyper-ritualization" are raised. The liturgy may be characterized in different ways and minimized as mere aesthetics (which implies that action is disconnected from the faith; worship is but public "show").

Is it rationalism? Is the liturgy now defined by the social sciences? The Scripture and the Church's tradition dare root the practice of liturgy in the Church's prayer. In the Christian tradition the liturgical direction is toward Christ in the Eucharist on the altar where the Lord's death is proclaimed. Even the preached Word leads to the altar.

When the liturgy and liturgical piety are attacked or undermined this may be due to a desire for new and exciting trends and fads, a desire to follow after movements or groups who do not follow the practices of the historic liturgy or a misunderstanding or rejection of the focus and spirit of the liturgy - that is the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.

Liturgical piety is best practiced in the light of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church and her Tradition. The handing over of the deposit of faith takes place in the Church and is prayed in the liturgy. The Church believes, teaches and confesses what she prays and what she passes on to the faithful.

Rejection of the liturgy and acts of liturgical piety, even if we ourselves are not comfortable with such, is a conscious or unconscious rejection of the continuity of the faith. We do best to uphold the distinct nature of the liturgy and return to an appreciation of the essence of liturgical piety as is summarized in the lex orandi, lex credendi.

Lutheran Liturgical Renewal

2009-06-27T14:21:00.000-07:00

Lutheran liturgical renewal is both evangelical and catholic. "Evangelical" here does not mean a style/substance move toward less "ritual" and toward "user friendly" and minimalistic and entertaining worship. Rather, Lutheran liturgical renewal is a move toward what is truly catholic, as is found in the historic liturgy, where the "evangel," ie, the faith, is delivered to the saints. This means that Lutheran liturgical renewal is not bound by the Reformation nor the Englightenment and that which came later, nor even that which has prevailed in the West as a result of Vatican II, but rather it demonstrates an appreciation of the catholic continuity in the liturgy that is found in Scripture and in the early church and is today also shared in greater part with the Church catholic throughout the world. Lutheran liturgical renewal upholds the lex orandi, lex credendi.

Liturgical Renewal

2009-03-11T10:48:00.000-07:00

Liturgical Renewal . . .
- begins and ends with God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost
- is in Christ through the Word and Sacraments
- is in Christ in the ministry of the Church (ministerium Ecclesiasticum)
i.e., bishop, priest, deacon (the scriptural and traditional order)
more to come . . .

The Possibility of Liturgical Renewal

2009-03-07T14:17:00.000-08:00

Liturgical renewal is possible among Lutherans today but only with a small number of pastors and congregations. Only small steps can be made within Lutheranism for a variety of reasons. These reasons arise from a variety of other concerns and priorities that, on an ongoing basis, present themselves to pastors and congregations. Liturgical renewal clearly cannot be imposed on either the pastor or the congregation. Rather such renewal should be based on and arise out of the Holy Eucharist, the Sacrament of the Altar. As the Eucharist is the focus of any and all liturgical renewal this means that the renewal must be recognized and supported by pastors and congregations in their own places. Everything depends on how the Eucharist is understood and received in each place. With renewed appreciation of the Eucharist appreciation and renewal of the liturgy will follow.

The Bride of Christ Journal: The Journal of Lutheran Liturgical Renewal was published from 1977 to 2007. Although the journal is currently not being published, liturgical renewal among Lutherans continues. Until the journal begins publication again we hope to use this blog and the accompanying website to encourage and support liturgical renewal by making past issues available online and by discussing the historic liturgy and its use among Lutherans today.

Coming soon: What is meant by "liturgical renewal"?

Past Issues - Update #4

2009-03-03T11:17:00.000-08:00

Again, thank you for your donations of past issues and inquiries.
The following issues are still needed to help complete our collection.
We are interested in providing past issues online in the future.

2001 Vol. XXV, No. 1
1999 Vol. XXIII, No. 4
1993 Vol. XVII, No. 1
1990 Vol. XIV, Nos. 2 & 4
1989 Vol. XIII, Nos. 1 & 2
1988 ALL
1987 Vol. XI, Nos. 1, 3 & 4
1981-1986 ALL
1980 Vol. 4, Nos. 1,2,4
1977 -1979 ALL
(Note that the journal was first published with limited circulation
in 1977.)

(also UNA SANCTA)

Inquiries may be directed to me, Fr. Tim May, at maytd(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
Thank you.

Pope: "learn to live with Christ in mutual love"

2009-01-14T09:53:00.000-08:00

Pope explores St. Paul's teaching on the Church as Bride of Christ

Facing the Bridegroom

2008-12-11T14:36:00.001-08:00

"The faithful so anticipate the Lord's Second Coming and can be likened to the virgins in the Gospel parable: 'But at midnight there was a cry, "Behold the Bridegroom! Come out to meet him"' (Matt. 25:6) So are the faithful described in their "common direction of liturgical prayer." "The whole liturgy is celebrated . . . facing the Bridegroom."

- U.M. Lang, citing C. Schönborn, p. 102

Hymnody

2008-12-10T20:27:00.000-08:00

From midweek Vespers (Populus Sion - Advent 2):

Thou cam'st the Bridegroom of the bride,
As drew the world to eventide,
The spotless Victim all divine
Proceeding from a virgin shrine.

(LSB 351, st. 3)

The Liturgy and the Economy

2008-11-12T08:48:00.000-08:00

In society when the economy is the issue the economy becomes the issue. The economy is usually made the issue whenever an election rolls around (we see that it also helps to avoid other issues). In terms of the election this year the economy made its way forcefully into the spotlight.

The liturgy is concerned with the worship of the Holy Trinity by those who, in Christ, have a citizenship which is in heaven. The strength of the liturgy is also the cause of its greatest misunderstanding in this world. The great economic systems of the world seek to influence the liturgy in ways that best reflect their view of the world. On the one hand, attempts might be made to turn the liturgy into entertainment and worshipers into an audience. The pastor takes on the role of motivator. On the other hand, attempts might be made to turn the liturgy into a gathering to promote social and political issues. Here the pastor takes on the role of social revolutionary seeking justice. Both of these approaches, if and when they are allowed to influence and take precedence over the liturgy, do not appreciate the true focus and value of the liturgy.

For the Church the liturgy is the issue because here is where the economy of God's salvation for His people in Christ and His cross is worked out among His people. Here is where we are gathered by God so that He may distribute to us His gifts and we may offer up our sacrifices of thanksgiving to Him. In this liturgy the people are redeemed by Christ. They are made part of Christ's Body and strengthened in the one true faith. The worshipers are shaped by Word and Sacrament and participate in the divine life of forgiveness and salvation. Here the pastor remains in the God-given role of pastor.

In the divine economy the liturgy is the issue for it is concerned with the relationship God has with His people. It becomes especially so when it is taken away from its divine origins and divine focus and revised to cater to the felt needs of the consumers.

Past Issues - Update # 3

2008-07-01T14:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends of the Liturgy,

Thank you for your response so far.
Since the last post two of you have
responded by sending a number of issues
making it possible to fill in a few
of the gaps. Below is the list of
issues still needed:

1999 Vol. XXIII, No. 4
1993 Vol. XVII, Nos. 1
1990 Vol. XIV, Nos. 2 & 4
1989 Vol. XIII, Nos. 1 & 2
1988 ALL
1987 Vol. XI, Nos. 1, 3 & 4
1981-86 ALL
1980 Vol. 4, Nos. 1,2,4
-1979 ALL
(also UNA SANCTA)

Thank you for your response and
assistance!

Fr. Timothy May

Seeking Past Issues - Update

2008-06-03T19:19:00.000-07:00

In response to our search for past issues we have had donations from a couple of sources, providing us with an issue from 1980 and almost all issues between 1989-2003. Thank you!

Hopefully, not too far in the near future we hope to be able to make available online digitized copies of the issues in our library. In the meantime, we are still seeking past issues. If you have any of the following issues and are willing to donate them please contact me.

1999 Vol. XXIII, Nos. 2 & 4
1994 Vol. XVIII, No. 3
1993 Vol. XVII, Nos. 1 & 3
1992 Vol. XVI, No. 3
1990 Vol. XIV, Nos. 2 & 4
1989 Vol. XIII, Nos. 1 & 2
1981 - 1988 All
1980 Vol. 4, Nos. 1,2,4
? - 1979 All

Thank you again for any help you can provide.

In Christ,
Fr. Timothy May
E-mail: Administrator(at)bocjournal(dot)org
or maytd(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

Announcement of Annual Meeting

2008-03-31T04:08:00.000-07:00

Lutheran Liturgical Renewal, Inc.
C/o St. Augustine’s House
P. O. Box 125
Oxford, Michigan 48371

31. March, 2008
The Annunciation of Our Lord

TO: All Members of Lutheran Liturgical Renewal, Inc., and others who may be interested

FROM: The Rt. Rev. Aubrey N. Bougher, STS, President

RE: Announcement of Annual Meeting

Dear Colleagues and Friends:

Apostolic Greetings on this day within the Great 50 Days of Victory on which the Church rejoices in the faithful virgin Who received the Word of God and bore Him for us.

The annual meeting of Lutheran Liturgical Renewal, Inc., will be held at St. Augustine’s House, 3215 East Drahner Road, Oxford, Michigan, on Tuesday, May 6th, 2008 (St. Monica, transferred), beginning in the downstairs quarters of the House at or about 10:00 A.M. All who are registered as members are entitled to voice and vote. Those who are interested in becoming members may send or bring their annual fee of $10 prior to the call to order of the meeting. This notice is being sent to recent former members as well as others who may be interested, in the hope that all who might be interested might be able to be in attendance and participate in the meeting. The order of business will include those items specified in our by-laws for an annual meeting, and it is hoped that a discussion may take place about future plans. If you plan to stay for lunch, please notify Fr. Richard Herbel, our host, so that he may make adequate arrangements. Following the meeting, sext, and lunch, the Board of Directors will meet to conduct its necessary business.

I look forward to this meeting, and hope to be able to see you there.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

+ Aubrey N. Bougher (s)

(The Rt. Rev.) Aubrey N. Bougher, STS, S.T.D.,
President, LLR

PAST ISSUES

2008-03-15T05:03:00.001-07:00

If you have any past issues of the journal The Bride of Christ that you would like to part with please let me know. We would like to form a complete, or as close to a complete, collection as possible. Thank you.

VOL. XXIX, NO. 3

2008-02-28T20:34:00.000-08:00

PENTECOST A.D. 2005

VOL. XXVIII, NO. 3-4

2008-02-28T20:33:00.000-08:00

PENTECOST
MAY A.D. 2005

VOL. XXVIII, NO. 1-2

2008-02-28T20:31:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMASTIDE
DECEMBER A.D. 2004

VOL. XXVII, NO. 4

2008-02-28T20:29:00.000-08:00

MICHAELMAS
SEPTEMBER A.D. 2003

VOL. XXVII, NO. 3

2008-02-28T20:27:00.000-08:00

PENTECOST
JUNE A.D. 2003

VOL. XXVII, NO. 1-2

2008-02-28T20:25:00.000-08:00

ADVENT-LENT
APRIL A.D. 2003

VOL. XXVI, NO. 4

2008-02-28T20:21:00.000-08:00

VOL. XXVI, NO. 3

2008-02-28T20:18:00.000-08:00

PENTECOST
JULY A.D. 2002