Full of Joy Podcast - Worship Stories: Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW)

March 16, 2026

Heather Wald

Today we are paging through the Evangelical Lutheran Worship—perhaps you know it better as the ELW or the cranberry hymnal. Heather gives a quick layout of everything it includes: hymns, liturgies, psalms, prayers & services. She also gives an in-depth explanation of all 654 hymns…just kidding. Marnie and Heather share their favorite hymns, Marnie takes issue with bridges in church music, and Heather tells the fascinating and tragic story of the song “When Peace Like a River.”