December 1, 2015
Lectionary Usage:
The Living Word of Scripture
and Holy Week are just a few celebrations of the
And how from childhood you have
known the sacred writings that are able
to instruct you for salvation through
faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for
training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
calendar. Beginning each year at Advent, the calendar is divided between:
Festival Sundays—those Sundays that fall
in the seasons of Advent/Christmas/Epiphany
and Lent/Easter/Pentecost; and
Ordinary Time—(ordinary meaning “the
ongoing divine providence around us”) those
Sundays that fall between the seasons following
Epiphany and Pentecost. The Sundays are num-
—2 Timothy 3:15–17 NRSV
bered and have the term Proper, as in Ordinary
What Is a Lectionary?
Time (Proper 4), to facilitate the location of a particular Ordinary Time Sunday in resources used
We have all heard lectures, maybe given by
throughout the Christian world.
someone standing behind a lectern. In the old
The Liturgical Year
days, a lecture was usually read. In fact, the lecturer was called a lector. And if he (it was usually a
“he”) read a passage of scripture, he was reading a
lection. Today we often call them lessons. All these
J an
ary; they all are based on the Latin word lectus,
which means “read.” A lectionary is a schedule of
occasions or for a given length of time.
Proclamation is one of the central elements
M
Sep
arch
of Christian worship. The reading of scripture ex-
uary
scripture lessons to be read in worship on specific
Feb r
t emb e r Oc t o b
er
ry
“lect” words have the same root word as lection-
ov
e r D e c emb e r
ua
N
b
em
st
J une
July
Advent
calendar, the Revised Common Lectionary is a table
y
gu
day—the Revised Common Lectionary (Nashville:
Abingdon Press, 1992). Based on the Christian
Au
has adopted the most widely used lectionary to-
Ma
port that commitment, Community of Christ
Ap
the scripture: the Word in Jesus Christ. To sup-
ril
hibits the centrality of God’s word as revealed in
The season encompassing the four Sundays
of scripture passages prescribed for weekly wor-
before Christmas begins with the Sunday fall-
ship during a three-year cycle. During the course
ing on or nearest November 30. This is a time
of that cycle, we remember the events and minis-
of preparation and penitence before Jesus’ birth
try of the life of Jesus while we hold up our own
and/or the Second Coming.
lives for analysis. During that cycle, all the other
Christmas
major themes of the Bible are also explored.
Christ’s birth is celebrated during the 12 days
How It Works
from December 25 through January 5.
The Christian calendar is an organized list
Epiphany
of Christian religious commemorations that enable us to focus on the birth, ministry, death, and
January 6 is Epiphany Day. The length of
resurrection of Jesus Christ within the space of a
Epiphany varies, depending on the date of Eas-
year. Christmas, Easter, Advent, Lent, Pentecost,
ter, and ends on Tuesday (Fat Tuesday) before Ash
11
Lectionary Usage: The Living Word of Scripture
Wednesday. The Epiphany theme of “appear-
or C, and begins with Advent—not only with the
ance” or “manifestation” usually includes the
anticipation of Jesus’ birth at Christmas but with
story of the wise men, the star, and the flight into
the anticipation of the Second Coming—and is
Egypt. Another major focus of this season is on
regarded as the beginning of the Christian year.
the growth, life, and teachings of Jesus.
At the end of three years, the cycle repeats.
Lent
one of the Gospels: the book of Matthew in Year
Each of the three years is distinguished by
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (40 days be-
A, Mark in Year B, and Luke in Year C. John is dis-
fore Easter, not including Sundays) and ends on
tributed throughout the three years with a heavy
Easter Eve. This is a season of personal reflection
emphasis during Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, and
and inward soul-searching and repentance as we
Easter, and in Year B because Mark is a shorter
remember Christ’s sacrifice.
book.
During Ordinary Time, the Hebrew Scrip-
Holy Week
tures from the Mosaic tradition are read in Year
This week includes:
A, the Davidic sequence in Year B, and the major
Palm/Passion Sunday: Christ’s trium-
prophets in Year C, with selections from some
phal entry into Jerusalem
minor prophets. For example, in Year B the Old
(The term Passion Sunday is used when no
Testament readings are from the Davidic narra-
other Holy Week services will be scheduled. Pas-
tive because of Mark’s concern to present Jesus as
sion Sunday focuses on all the events of Holy
the Son of David.
Week, starting with Palm Sunday and ending on
It is traditional in Christian worship to have
Holy Saturday.)
three texts read each Lord’s Day. Most lectionar-
Maundy Thursday: remembering the Last
ies suggest three lessons:
Supper
Good Friday: remembering Jesus’ suffering
and death
•
Old Testament or Hebrew Scripture
•
New Testament—usually from an epistle,
Acts, or Revelation
Holy Saturday: a day of fasting, reflecting
•
on Jesus’ rest in the tomb
Gospel
The text from the Psalms is often not con-
sidered a “lesson.” It was originally intended to
Easter
follow the Old Testament reading as the congre-
The Easter season begins Easter Sunday and
gation’s response to that text—praising God in
celebrates Christ’s resurrection for 50 days. Easter
the words of the ancient prayer book and hymnal
Day is always the first Sunday after the first full
of God’s people. Psalms are prayers presented in
moon falling on or after March 21 (falls between
various ways: sung, paraphrased, chanted, and
March 21 and April 25).
used in other ways as part of the service. While
the other scriptures are to be heard and obeyed,
Pentecost
the psalm is itself our response.
Pentecost means “50 days” and is 50 days
There are two basic methods of scripture
past Easter, including Sundays. It focuses on the
coming of the Holy Spirit to the early church.
selection. Both are used in the Revised Common
Ordinary Time
1. Readings selected according to the day, sea-
Lectionary:
The time from Pentecost until Advent stress-
son, or occasion in the Christian year.
es Jesus’ teachings and other major themes of the
2. Continuous or semicontinuous readings, us-
scriptures.
ing the layout of the books of scripture as
Because of the movement of the holidays in
the system, producing a reading of passages
the calendar, the Christmas and Easter seasons
in sequence. The Revised Common Lection-
“float” in relation to each other; therefore, the
ary has sequential readings, but they are not
number of Sundays between them changes.
always continuous, sometimes jumping certain passages.
Each year of the cycle is labeled either A, B,
12
Lectionary Usage: The Living Word of Scripture
On the Sundays during the Christmas and
which the church membership was being led. An
Easter seasons, the readings form a set with
annual theme was then supported by monthly
themes related to the days or seasons. The Gospel
themes and weekly themes, used as the basis for
text is central with the other readings selected
weekly congregational worship. In addition, the
to illuminate the meaning of the Gospel pas-
church also continued to develop its own special
sage. During this time, the Old Testament lesson
emphasis days, such as Racial Justice Day, Youth
is chosen to inform the New Testament text. An
Ministries Day, World Hunger Emphasis, and
example of this is the use of Isaiah lessons during
Heritage Day. All the hymns, readings, scriptures,
Advent.
and other resources were chosen for their ability
to speak to the theme.
During Ordinary Time, readings are semiconnection
During this time, the church’s involvement
among the lessons. This can often produce seem-
with the global and ecumenical community in-
ingly disparate scriptures to use in one service.
creased as did its call for increased competency
However, this is to provide the opportunity to
from its priesthood. The church began to recog-
experience all of the most important passages of
nize that it had moved away from scripture-based
scripture with the original poetry, history, and
preaching. There was a need for its members to
theology of the text. It is in the sum of all the
be knowledgeable of their own canon and to be
passages, after all, that the fullness of the scrip-
able to teach and preach from it.
continuous
with
no
necessary
ture message is found. During a three-year pe-
Beginning in the late 1970s, the Saints Herald
riod, about 95 percent of the New Testament is
published weekly themes with suggested scrip-
used, as is about 60 percent of the Old Testament
tures, hymns, and short worship suggestions. In
(Hebrew Scripture).
the 1980s and early 1990s, one suggested service
Lectionaries have also been devised for dai-
per month was also provided. During that time
ly use, usually on a two-year cycle with longer
the church began to explore increased use of the
scriptures for personal meditation. The Lutheran
Christian calendar. We were already celebrating
Book of Worship and The Episcopal Book of Com-
the central Christian festivals of Christmas and
mon Prayer use such a structure. The Revised Com-
Easter, so we slowly began to incorporate the four
mon Lectionary can be adapted for daily use by
Sundays of Advent; Maundy Thursday and Good
drawing from the other two years for the other
Friday of Holy Week; then Epiphany, Pentecost,
six days of the week. The Daily Bread blog offers a
and Lent. Congregational worship planners and
one-year cycle of scripture readings.
preachers—often from small congregations—
were largely on their own to produce services.
Community of Christ Use
of the Lectionary
Beginning in 1995, the church began to produce Worship and Program Helps, an annual book
Community of Christ follows a free-church
containing complete service suggestions for each
tradition. The style of our worship comes origi-
Sunday of the year and sermon helps for each
nally from the mixing and sorting of styles from
Sunday. With this came the opportunity for the
many denominations. In the early church, Joseph
church to use the Revised Common Lectionary.
Smith Jr. and his followers developed a free-form
The book of helps provided an avenue to educate
pattern, heavily dependent on scripture-based
congregational leaders about the biblical lection-
preaching and celebration of the sacraments, but
ary, assist worship planners in basing worship
not bound by the parameters dictated by more
on the lectionary scriptures, educate and assist
liturgical denominations. This beginning has al-
preachers in exploring the scripture as a basis for
lowed our worship to be dynamic over the years,
teaching and preaching, and bring us more into
following changes in our understanding and the-
communion with other Christian brothers and
ology and responding to God’s revelation to us.
sisters. The response to the helps was overwhelm-
During the last decades of the 1900s, the
ingly positive—with one exception.
church leadership developed annual themes sup-
There wasn’t a prescribed lectionary for our
porting the theological or program direction in
Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants
13
Lectionary Usage: The Living Word of Scripture
scriptures. Those scriptures were only chosen
other worship leaders should be free to respond
to fit the theme. There was no organized way of
to current issues and open to the leading of the
exposing Community of Christ people to those
Spirit. They can abandon the texts occasionally
scriptures and including them in our worship.
for special needs.
In 1996, readings from the Book of Mormon
Preachers should not go straight for
and Doctrine and Covenants were developed to
resources such as sermon aids and com-
be used in conjunction with the Bible readings
mentaries. First, internalize the text and ex-
from the Revised Common Lectionary. Those were
plore the questions that emerge. No resource can
included as part of the lectionary from 1997 to
replace prayer and study. We should allow the
2008.
text to wash over and through us before we start
However, people who developed the service
washing it with our own agenda.
outlines for the resource rarely included the sug-
Use passages in context with their sur-
gested Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Cov-
rounding scriptures. Don’t be limited to just
enants scriptures because they did not often fit
the prescribed verses. Explore the context of pas-
well with the theme and key Bible scripture. To
sages with the congregation.
offer scripture selections from these two books
Explore the history and interpreta-
that are more suited to the theme and service
tion of the passages. Make liberal use of com-
emphasis, Book of Mormon and Doctrine and
mentaries and other resources to research the
Covenants passages have been chosen specifical-
“story behind the story.”
ly for their connection to the Bible scripture and
Read a variety of versions for poetic
theme. These Book of Mormon and Doctrine and
and interpretative differences. Passages
Covenants scriptures are listed with the Bible
may be modified to use inclusive language; for
scriptures at the top of the service outline where
example, use “brothers and sisters” where the
applicable.
text reads “brothers” and “people” where it uses
Our denomination still enjoys the variety
“men.”
Use other scriptures to supplement
and energy of free-form worship but again places
more of the worship foundation on scripture.
and illustrate the primary text.
How to Use the Lectionary
in Worship
those in the congregation. Bring them into
Relate the passages to the lives of
the present.
Don’t make it “legal”—make it inspi-
Develop a series of sermons covering
rational. The lectionary was developed to en-
sequential lessons. For example, the four con-
hance worship and understanding, not to inhibit
secutive weeks with scriptures from Job would
it. Many combinations of scriptures are confus-
easily form the basis of a series.
ing when viewed together. Look at that as a cre-
Extend scripture use beyond the wor-
ative challenge to worship planning and sermon
ship service. Recommend that individuals,
preparation.
families, and groups read, study, and pray about
Try to connect other important occa-
upcoming scripture lessons. Encourage them to
sions. There will be significant issues locally, na-
prepare ahead and reflect on the past. Members
tionally, or globally that can be addressed while
of the congregation can meet during the week to
using the lectionary. There are important dates
study the passages to be used the following Sun-
and issues that need to be remembered and cel-
day. Even ecumenical groups of clergy can meet
ebrated in the life of a denomination, congrega-
in the same way to explore together the mean-
tion, or individual. Worship Resources attempts
ings and possibilities of the scripture. Print the
to combine our Community of Christ calendar
following Sunday’s readings in the worship bul-
days, such as Youth Ministries Day and Heritage
letin.
Use scripture lessons as a basis for
Day, with the prescribed lectionary.
Don’t follow the prescribed texts at
midweek prayer services.
the price of needed ministry. Speakers and
Use the lectionary as a guide for
14
Lectionary Usage: The Living Word of Scripture
The Lectionary. . .
church school teachers or other teachers
and youth leaders to link their classes with
…expands our scriptural literacy. With
congregational worship and prayer services.
an increased emphasis on scripture in our wor-
Seasons of the Spirit, The Best of Power & Light for
ship, we are encouraged to read, explore, and
Kids (and Youth) are based on the lectionary. The
study. For a people blessed with three books of
disciple formation section of the Community of
scripture—more than most Christian denomina-
Christ website includes lectionary-based prac-
tions—we are a people largely unfamiliar with
tices of discipleship, focus moments, and other
our canon. Generally, we are not as knowledge-
resources.
able about the Bible as many of our Christian
Use the lessons to inform the struc-
sisters and brothers. Churches that use a lection-
ture of the service. See how the lessons fit to-
ary usually hear more scripture in worship than
gether and flow. Use them as integral parts of the
those that do not. Our increased use stretches
service. The entire service can be built around
us, educates us, and influences our formation as
scripture lessons.
Christians, affecting our understanding and ac-
Let lessons inform the parts of the ser-
tions that follow worship and send us out to dis-
vice in addition to the sermon: the content
cipleship.
of prayers, affirmations of faith, and hymns.
…encourages better preaching and
Encourage preparation for reading.
worship planning. Not only is preparation for
Teach members how to enhance their public
preachers, musicians, other worship participants,
reading skills.
and service planners made easier by knowing the
Explore creative ways to use scripture.
scriptures in advance, but use of the lectionary
They are endless and include such examples as
encourages discipline to read, search, and ana-
the following:
lyze in ways we may have not “needed” to do
•
Read passages solo, in dialogue, groups,
previously. In addition, an abundance of mu-
speech choirs, or with the entire congrega-
sic, sermon, and worship planning resources are
tion.
available developed around this system.
•
•
Dramatize in different ways such as mono-
…spurs us to wrestle with the human
logue, mime, clown, reading with move-
issues posed in the scriptures. In the past,
ment, or skit.
our church worked from a system of themes and
Dance—interpretative or nonrepresentation-
fit weekly scriptures into that system. We had
the opportunity to use only the scriptures we
al movement. Have the congregation partici-
wanted to acknowledge, the ones that were easy
pate in movement.
•
to understand or comfortable for us. We are now
Illustrate with banners or pictures drawn by
challenged to work with even the uncomfortable
church school classes.
•
scriptures, explain their historic and theological
Use real items to illustrate a passage; for ex-
significance, and relate those passages to our own
ample, exhibit a real oxen yoke for Matthew
lives and the lives of the people in our congrega-
11:30 NRSV, “For my yoke is easy, and my
tions.
burden is light.”
•
…guides our preparation for wor-
Use the prescribed readings in calls to wor-
ship. It enables members of the congregation,
ship, responsive readings, prayers, offerto-
individually—or as families or study groups—
ries, poems, stories, and the sermon text.
to study the lessons in advance and participate
•
Employ different senses where possible.
•
Use hymns, songs, or praise choruses that
in the pews share responsibility for preaching.
explore the scripture.
When we gather as a congregation of prepared
Have an instrumentalist accompany the
worshipers ready to participate in equal part with
reading.
worship leaders—not just a passive audience—it
Use chalk talk, slides, or other visual art to
makes our minds and spirits more receptive to
accompany the reading or to represent it.
the touch of the Divine.
•
•
in the sermon as prepared listeners. The people
15
Lectionary Usage: The Living Word of Scripture
…provides the ecumenical commu-
through a passage at a time was again preferred.
nity an important link for worshiping,
Teaching was also emphasized.
praying, and working together. Through
The past 50 years have seen a reformation in
ecumenism we recognize the global nature of
Christian worship. Growing dissatisfaction with
the church of Jesus Christ. We are not the only
the Roman Catholic lectionary and others in use
ones following gospel teachings in our pursuit of
led to unprecedented calls for renewal. Clergy
peace and love; we share many of our struggles
and members expressed discontent with the lec-
and beliefs with others in Christianity. The lec-
tionary in several areas. With a calendar that had
tionary provides an additional link through the
again become complicated, they called for a re-
commonality of preaching aids, devotional re-
turn to the centrality of the scripture read and
sources, and commentaries. It provides unity as
proclaimed. They complained of the nonuse of
we gather together around the Word.
many significant parts of scripture, the haphaz-
…calls us to remember and celebrate
ard text selections in Ordinary Times, and the
weekly the love of God as witnessed by
lack of interconnection among lessons on any
us through the life, death, and resurrec-
given occasion.
tion of Jesus Christ. It calls us to remember
The Second Vatican Council (1962–1965),
the sacramental moments of that life and death
from its search to provide spiritual renewal,
each year.
update the church, and promote unity with all
Christians, produced important developments in
the liturgical life of the Roman Catholic Church.
The History of the Lectionary
The council ruled:
The use of a lectionary reaches back to pre-
The treasures of the bible are to be opened
up more lavishly, so that richer fare may be
provided for the faithful at the table of God’s
word. In this way a more representative
portion of the holy scriptures will be read
to the people in the course of a prescribed
number of years.
Christian history. In Jewish tradition, readings
from Jewish scripture were used in synagogue
services. Readings of continuous passages were
prescribed for special Jewish feasts and ordinary
Sabbaths. The first example of Jesus’ public ministry may have been his observance of this ritual
— Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy,
Sacrosanctum Concilium, number 51,
Vatican Council II, 1964
in the synagogue described in Luke 4:16–19.
The early Christians, following the pattern
of synagogue worship, used assigned readings on
the Sabbath. By the fourth century, schemes of
As a result of the changes called for by the
readings from both the Hebrew and Christian
council, and in consultation with other Chris-
scriptures had formed.
tian denominations, a new table of readings for
Through the centuries, although the cal-
the Roman Catholic Church was compiled.
endar itself changed and lectionaries among
The Roman Catholic Lectionary for Mass
churches did not always agree, this practice con-
(1969) was a table of scripture readings for the
tinued. Over time, more special days, including
Sunday mass. It was well received by the Roman
days for many saints, were added. But every few
Catholic community and was so instantly popu-
centuries—after the addition of special days had
lar with many Protestants and Anglicans that five
increasingly complicated the continuous reading
other denominations soon developed their own
of scripture—dates would be winnowed out to
three-year cycles based on the Catholic model.
restore simplicity.
Unfortunately, this produced discrepancies that
During the Protestant Reformation in the
proved disruptive to the ecumenical communi-
16th century, various religious camps developed
ty in its worship and in producing resources for
differing views leading to slightly different lec-
preaching. The tables needed harmonizing and
tionaries, but the worship of the people was again
standardization.
returned to the more historical basis. Most saints’
As an ecumenical response to revision of
days were deleted, and reading the Bible straight
the Roman Catholic book, the Common Lection16
Lectionary Usage: The Living Word of Scripture
Consultation on Common Texts, a committee
The Abingdon Creative Preaching
Annual 2015
originally composed of representatives from 13
Includes weekly sermon ideas and illustrations,
ary was published in 1983 as a proposal by the
churches from Canada and the United States.
and monthly private devotionals for preachers.
Widely used in the English-speaking world, the
Jenee Woodard, ed.
Common Lectionary was adopted by many major
Abingdon Press, 2014
denominations with a variety of traditions. The
Consultation on Common Texts, now including
representatives of 22 churches or church agencies in the United States and Canada, tested the
ISBN 9781426780264 paperback
ISBN 9781426786365 e-book
vited churches to use it and offer suggestions for
Awaken: The Art of
Imaginative Preaching
modification. Several problems became evident:
A quarterly periodical in print and CD-ROM for-
•
The Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) les-
mat based on the Revised Common Lectionary.
sons were often paired with New Testament
Logos Productions Inc.
ones in an effort to see the Hebrew Scriptures
6160 Carmen Ave. E., Inver Grove Heights,
as anticipating the coming of Christ, instead
Minnesota 55076, United States
of reading them within their own context:
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schedule through two three-year cycles and in-
God’s interaction with people of faith.
•
In terms of remembering women of faith
Children’s Sermons for the
Revised Common Lectionary
and highlighting the numerous feminine
images of God in scripture—the role of bibli-
The author chooses one of the lectionary scrip-
cal women was woefully inadequate in the
tures each Sunday and prepares a focus moment
schedule.
•
using the five senses.
Insensitivity to cultural and religious context
Philip D. Schroeder
of scripture—for example, anti-Semitism.
•
Abingdon Press, 1997
Uneven inclusion of verses—for example, on
Year A
the first Sunday in Lent in Year B, the Old
Testament lesson was Genesis 9:8–17, which
contains God’s covenant with Noah and the
appearance of the rainbow. Missing in this
reading or at any other time in Year B was
ISBN 9780687049967 paperback
ISBN 9781426738975 e-book
Year B
ISBN 9780687018277 paperback
Year C
ISBN 9780687055777 paperback
storm. There was closure but no story.
Choosing Contemporary Music:
Seasonal, Topical, Lectionary Indexes
After addressing those concerns, the resul-
Compiled by Terri Bocklund McLean and Rob
the story about building the ark and the
tant and final modified table was the 1992 Re-
Glover
vised Common Lectionary, which is still in wide-
Augsburg Fortress Publishers, 2000
spread use today.
ISBN 9780806638744 paperback
ASIN B003INEK0W Kindle edition e-book
Lectionary-based Resources
The following books can be purchased or or-
Crushed into Glory: Lectionary-Based
Dramas for Preaching and Teaching
dered through many Christian bookstores or online booksellers. When the reference notes “set
Lectionary-based dramas tying scripture to con-
of three” or lists three ISBNs the resource is avail-
temporary life.
able for each of the three years of the lectionary
Joseph J. Juknialis and James Heimerl
cycle. E-books are listed where available. Be sure
to designate Year A, B, or C when ordering. This
Resource Publications, 1995
year is Year B (2014–15).
17
ISBN 9780893903404 paperback
Lectionary Usage: The Living Word of Scripture
Feasting on the Word: Preaching the
Revised Common Lectionary
based on the lectionary (set of three). Each vol-
David L. Bartlett and Barbara Brown Taylor, eds.
listed.
Westminster John Knox Press, 2011
United Church Press, 1994, 1995, 1996.
Years A, B, C
Volume 1: Cycle B–C
ISBN 9780664237134
Year B
ume begins and ends at Proper 17 of the cycles
ISBN 9780829809718
paperback
(12-volume set)
ISBN 9780664260491 (4-volume set)
Volume 2: Cycle C–A
ISBN 9780829810332
paperback
Feasting on the Word Worship
Companion: Liturgies for Year B,
Volume 1
Volume 3: Cycle A–B
ISBN 9780829810851
hardcover
Lectionary readings and prayers.
In Touch with the Word
Kimberly Bracken Long, ed.
Set of four lectionary-based prayer reflections
Westminster John Knox Press, 2014
with suggestions for adults, teenagers, and chil-
Year B, Vol. 1
dren for each Sunday in Ordinary Time, plus the
ISBN 9780664238049
special seasons.
hardcover and CD-ROM
Lisa-Marie Calderone-Stewart
Forbid Them Not—Involving Children
in Sunday Worship
Saint Mary’s Press, 2004–2009
Cycle A
ISBN 9780884898511 paperback
Includes sermon illustrations, children’s work-
Cycle B
ISBN 9780884898535 paperback
sheets, and creative ways to involve children in
Cycle C
ISBN 9780884898559 paperback
worship.
Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter
Carolyn C. Brown
ISBN 9780884898573 paperback
Abingdon Press, 1992–1994
Year A
Year B
Year C
Keeping Holy Time
ISBN 9780687132553 paperback
ISBN 9781426730726 e-book
Scripture study guide for the Revised Common
ISBN 9780687132560 paperback
Lectionary with a lesson for each Sunday (set of
three).
ISBN 9781426739026 e-book
Douglas E. Wingeier, ed.
ISBN 9780687132652 paperback
Abingdon Press, 2001–2003
ISBN 9781426730719 e-book
Gathering: Resources for
Worship Planners
Quarterly magazine containing diverse creative
Year A
ISBN 9780687098279 paperback
Year B
ISBN 9780687052349 paperback
Year C
ISBN 9780687079773 paperback
worship resources including readings, prayers,
Lectern Resource
scripts, hymn texts, and service outlines.
Quarterly periodical that contains a collection
United Church of Canada
of biblically based material supporting weekly
themes. Available in print, CD-ROM, and online.
3250 Bloor St. W., Ste. 300
Supports and supplements Pulpit Resource (see
Toronto, Ontario M8X 2Y4
Canada
separate entry).
(416) 231-7680, ext. 4024
Logos Productions, Inc.
[email protected]
6160 Carmen Ave. E.
www.ucrdstore.ca/magazines/gathering
Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota 55076
Imaging the Word: An Arts
and Lectionary Resource
1-800-328-0200
Collections of poetry, readings, and visual arts
OR
United States
www.logosproductions.com
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Lectionary Usage: The Living Word of Scripture
Wood Lake Books
Hoyt L. Hickman and others
9590 Jim Bailey Rd.
Abingdon Press, 1992
Kelowna, British Columbia V4V 1R2
ISBN 9780687277605 paperback
Canada
ISBN 9781426730740 e-book
1-800-663-2775
Lectionary Story Bible
The Pastor’s Underground Guide to
The Revised Common Lectionary
Includes one or two stories from the lectionary for
Set of weekly commentaries on all the lection-
each Sunday of the church year. The books also
ary passages with an emphasis on what might be
include a scripture index of the stories included
missed in more traditional approaches to the lec-
in the collection for non-lectionary settings and
tionary (three volumes).
uses. This is a companion book to use with Sea-
Shelley E. Cochran
sons of the Spirit curriculum www.seasonsonline
Chalice Press, 1995–1997
.ca. For ages 3–8.
www.chalicepress.com
Ralph Milton
Year A
ISBN 9780827229464
Wood Lake Books, 2009
Year B
ISBN 9780827229471
Year C
ISBN 9780827229488
Order at www.HeraldHouse.org
Year A
ISBN 9781551455471 hardcover
Year B ISBN 9781551455648 hardcover
Year C ISBN 9781551455761 hardcover
(set of three)
ISBN 9781551455778 hardcover
Preaching the Revised
Common Lectionary
Discussion of the scriptures with music and worship helps. EPUB editions available.
The Living Pulpit
(12-volume series—four for each year)
Quarterly online periodical. Articles and stories
Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe, and Mar-
explore one topic per journal, indexed for use
ion Soards
with current and upcoming lectionary texts.
Abingdon Press, 1992–1994
www.pulpit.org
www.abingdonpress.com
The Minister’s Annual Manual for
Preaching and Worship Planning
2014–2015
Preaching through the Christian Year:
A Comprehensive Commentary on the
Lectionary
Weekly sermon helps, prayers, children’s time
Set of weekly commentaries on all the lectionary
ideas, sermons, and other worship resources.
passages (three volumes).
Logos Productions, Inc., United States
Fred B. Craddock, John H. Hayes, Carl R. Holla-
1-800-328-0200
day, and Gene M. Tucker
www.logosproductions.com
Bloomsbury Publishing: T&T Clark 1992–1994
Wood Lake Books, Canada
www.bloomsbury.com
1-800-663-2775
www.woodlakebooks.com
Year A
ISBN 9781563380549
Year B
ISBN 9781563380686
ISBN 9781885361349 paperback with CD-ROM
Year C
ISBN 9781563381003
The New Handbook of the Christian
Year, 2nd ed.
Prepare! 2014–2015 An Ecumenical
Music and Worship Planner
Ecumenical look at the Christian calendar and
Published annually. Service-planning resource
lectionary with resources for special days.
including texts of readings and suggestions for
19
Lectionary Usage: The Living Word of Scripture
vocal solos, anthems, contemporary songs, and
Gathered by Love, Year C
other keyboard selections.
David L. Bone and Mary J. Scifres
Lavon Bayler
Abingdon Press, 2014
United Church Press
ISBN 9781426777448 spiral bound
1998, 1996, 1994
ISBN 9781426798474 e-book
ISBN 9780829810080 paperback
Texts for Preaching: A Lectionary
Commentary Based on the NRSV
Provoking the Gospel of Matthew
(Year A); Provoking the Gospel of Mark
(Year B); and Provoking the Gospel of
Luke (Year C)
Walter Brueggemann, Charles B. Cousar, and
others
Westminster John Knox Press, 1993–1995, CD
Includes suggestions for preaching using the
2007
Gospels according to the lectionary cycle.
Year A ISBN 9780664219277 hardcover
Richard W. Swanson
Year B
ISBN 9780664219703 hardcover
Year C ISBN 9780664220006 hardcover
The Pilgrim Press
2007, 2005, 2006; each with DVD
CD-ROM Years A, B, C Pulpit Resource
ISBN 9780664231934
Quarterly periodical.
Touch Holiness: Resources for
Worship, Updated
Logos Productions, Inc., United States
Ruth C. Duck and Maren C. Tirabassi, eds.
1-800-328-0200
The Pilgrim Press, rev. ed., 2012
www.logosproductions.com
ISBN 9780829819083 paperback
Wood Lake Books, Canada
1-800-663-2775
Treasures Old and New:
Images in the Lectionary
www.woodlakebooks.com
Gail Ramshaw
Revised Common Lectionary
Daily Readings
Augsburg Fortress Publishers, 2002
ISBN 9780800631895 hardcover
Prepared by the Consultation on Common Texts.
Lectionary-based Websites
Includes suggested scripture readings for every
day of the year through the three-year lectionary cycle.
Sermon and Scripture Sites
Augsburg Fortress Publishers, 2005
Alive Now Audio Lectio
PDF file is available at www.commontexts.org
alivenow.upperroom.org/audio-lectio
Sharing the Sunday Scriptures
with Youth
Anglican (Anglican Diocese of
Montreal)
Maryann Hakowski
montreal.anglican.org/comments
Saint Mary’s Press, 2000
Cycle A ISBN 9780884895466
Cycle B ISBN 9780884894100
Cycle C ISBN 9780884894315
The Christian Century
www.christiancentury.org/ministry/reflections
-lectionary
Taught by Love, Year A
Homiletics Online
Sermon helps, images, etc.—requires an annual
ISBN 9780829812350 paperback
Led by Love, Year B
fee
www.homileticsonline.com
ISBN 9780829811247 paperback
20
December
1, 2015
Lectionary Usage:
The Living
Word of Scripture
The Living Pulpit
Vanderbilt University
www.pulpit.org
lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu
Seasons of the Spirit
—Spirit Sightings
Current examples based on lectionary scripture
Working Preacher (a ministry of
the Center for Biblical Preaching at
Luther Seminary)
www.seasonsonline.ca/10/65
www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx
The Text This Week
Children’s Materials
www.textweek.com
www.kidsermons.com/books.html
The United Methodist Church,
(General Board of Discipleship)
Music Materials
www.gbod.org/worship
www.songsforthechurchyear.com
Photo by Steve Graffeo
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