Contorno da seção


    • Introduction

      In the following (10 mins) video, Rev. Dr. Sara Travis explains how to choose and present scriptures in worship, covering the use of the Revised Common Lectionary, context, and the communal nature of scripture. 

      Content

      Pause and Reflect


      Take a moment to pause and reflect on a time when you or your congregation faced a challenging situation (e.g., a local tragedy or a significant event). How might you choose a Scripture in response to that event?
    • The Revised Common Lectionary Library URL

      The Revised Common Lectionary is a three-year cycle of weekly lections used to varying degrees by the vast majority of mainline Protestant churches in Canada and the United States. The RCL is built around the seasons of the Church Year, and includes four lections for each Sunday, as well as additional readings for major feast days. During most of the year, the lections are: a reading from the Hebrew Bible, a Psalm, a reading from the Epistles, and a Gospel reading. During the season of Easter, the Hebrew Bible lection is usually replaced with one from the Acts of the Apostles. The lections from the Hebrew Bible are sometimes chosen from the Apocrypha.

      The seasons of the Church Year reflect the life of Christ. Consequently, the gospel lections for each Sunday provide the focus for that day. The other lections for a given day generally have a thematic relationship to the gospel reading for that day, although this is not always the case. In Ordinary Time, the Revised Common Lectionary offers two sets of readings for the lessons from the Hebrew Bible. One set proceeds mostly continuously, giving the story of the Patriarchs and the Exodus in Year A, the monarchial narratives in Year B, and readings from the Prophets in Year C. In the other set of readings for Ordinary Time, the readings from the Hebrew Bible are thematically related to the gospel lections. Denominations or local churches generally use either the semicontinuous readings or the thematic readings during Ordinary Time. They do not typically move back and forth between the two over the course of a single season.

      The gospel readings for each year come from one of the synoptic gospels according to the following pattern:

      • Year A - Matthew
      • Year B - Mark
      • Year C - Luke

      Readings from the Gospel of John can be found throughout the RCL.

      Read more frequently asked questions about the Revised Common Lectionary

    • Narrative Lectionary URL

      The Narrative Lectionary is a four-year cycle of readings. On the Sundays from September through May each year the texts follow the sweep of the biblical story, from Creation through the early Christian church.

      The texts show the breadth and variety of voices within Scripture. They invite people to hear the stories of Abraham and Sarah, Moses and the prophets, Jesus, and Paul. Listening to the many different voices within Scripture enriches preaching and the life of faith.

      Learn more about the narrative lectionary

    • Knowledge Check

      Instructions: Read the statement carefully and choose True if the statement is correct or False if it is incorrect.

      Want to Learn More?


      Explore how Touch Holiness can deepen your congregation’s worship experience. This collection offers theologically rich, liturgically sensitive resources that encourage creativity while respecting human diversity and the call for justice. Featuring alternative lectionary readings, a Service of Thanksgiving for Christian Dying into Life, intercessory prayers, and much more, it provides valuable tools to enrich worship and support your church community. With contributions from over fifty voices across many local churches, these resources invite your congregation to engage.