Lectionary Worship Aids, Echoes of the Word

A structured liturgy is essential to regular worship; it encourages responses and prayers directly from and for the congregation. This holy rhythm allows for echoes of the lectionary readings, to create a worship service that brings each participant closer in their relationship with God.

Ralph Mineo has compiled Echoes of the World to help other pastors and worship leaders create a holy cadence that echoes the lectionary readings in Cycle A, so that the message each week would resound throughout each service. Each liturgical piece offers a unique Call to Worship, Prayer of the Day, Confession & Forgiveness, and Prayers of Intercession that harken back to the readings for each individual week.

Mineo has also taken the liberty of including a selection of hymns for each week, helping to plan out the service in a way that invites the congregation to participate in spreading the Holy Word. This volume is intended to serve as a springboard for the work of worship leaders, preparing a service that allows for deeper connections between the congregation and the messages from our Heavenly Father.

Ralph Mineo began his journey into pastoral ministry as a sophomore in high school. He was ordained a Roman Catholic priest, after earning M.Div. and Th.M. degrees. He taught high school, where he had been a student, at St. John Kanty Prep High School in Erie, Pennsylvania. He resigned from the school and the priesthood to marry his wife, Jo. He became an administrative assistant and teacher for a government funded program for adult students, enlisting and organizing several teachers in a wide variety of subjects. After a couple years, he resumed his journey of pastoral ministry, serving four Lutheran congregations in Northwestern Ohio for over 46 years. He has served the church locally, regionally, and nationally in various roles. He has composed church music, including hymns, liturgical music, about eighty Psalm paraphrases, children's songs, as well as songs for Jo. Upon retirement, he and Jo moved back to the Erie, Pennsylvania area, relishing time with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Currently, he is in Supply Ministry (preaching and leading worship) in Northwestern Pennsylvania and writing for CSS Publishing.