Last Sunday, after a break of several weeks, I returned to preaching from the Lectionary. We talk a lot about the Lectionary, but not everyone knows what it is. Here is a brief description:

A Lectionary is a book or listing that contains a collection of scripture readings appointed for Christian or Judaic worship on a given day or occasion. The use of pre-assigned, scheduled readings from the scriptures can be traced back to the early church. The Revised Common Lectionary (used by most Protestant and Catholic Churches) organizes scripture readings for worship services for every Sunday of the year. The readings for a given week include:

* Old Testament;
* Psalm;
* New Testament Letters;
* Gospel reading.

The Revised Common Lectionary is organized into three-year cycles of readings. The years are designated A, B, or C. Each yearly cycle begins on the first Sunday of Advent (the last Sunday of November or first Sunday of December).

* Year A: Gospel of Matthew (November 2010 through 2011)
* Year B: Gospel of Mark (December 2011 through 2012)
* Year C: Gospel of Luke (December 2012 through 2013)

The Gospel of John is read throughout Easter, and is used for other liturgical seasons including Advent, Christmas, and Lent where appropriate.

We list the monthly Lectionary readings in the Horizon. You can also find them in a variety of places on-line including here. I encourage people to read the Lectionary Scriptures during the week, in preparation for Sunday. That way you can come to church on Sunday with an idea of what we will be talking about.... and with questions for me!