The Narrative Lectionary

            Beginning on Sunday, September 7th, we’re going to be using something that is called the Narrative Lectionary.  In case you’re wondering, a lectionary is simply a cycle of readings.  For quite a few years now, we have been using the Revised Common Lectionary, a three-year cycle of readings that is used by many different Christian churches.  So why the switch?  Here are a few of the main differences between the two lectionaries:

            In the Revised Common Lectionary, there are four readings that are appointed for each Sunday, which usually consist of an Old Testament reading, a Psalm, a New Testament (or epistle) reading, and a gospel.  However, in the Narrative Lectionary there is one main reading for each Sunday (sometimes supported by a gospel or a Psalm).  These readings work their way through the Bible in sequence – beginning each fall in Genesis and ending each May or June with the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.  Then, during the summer, various options are available -- like a series on the Lord’s Prayer or 1 John or another book of the Bible.

            One of the drawbacks to the cycle of readings that we have been using is that they jump around a lot.  For much of the year we get bits and pieces from various parts of the Bible and never get a sense of the over-arching biblical story (the big picture!).  While there are certain parts of the year where we work our way through some books of the Bible in sequence, much of this happens in the summer when many people are absent.  The other thing that can be frustrating as a preacher is trying to figure out which reading to focus on each week, especially when there are several readings that are all well worth our time and attention.

            Another difference with the Narrative Lectionary is that it is a four-year cycle instead of a three-year one – one year for each of the four gospels.  One of the reasons for making the switch this fall is that we will be beginning with Year 1.

            However, that said, this is a bit of an experiment.  If it seems as though the Narrative Lectionary is not helpful, we can always return to the Revised Common Lectionary.  And so, see how it strikes you.  If you like it, please let me know.  If you don’t like it, please let me know.

            As a bit of background, the Narrative Lectionary was developed because less and less people seem to have basic biblical knowledge.  It seeks to include many of the foundational stories of our faith that have rarely been heard in worship and that less and less people know.  If you’d like to read more about it, here’s the link: http://www.workingpreacher.org/narrative_faqs.aspx

            As we begin the Narrative Lectionary, the insert you see in your bulletin each week will be different.  It will include the main preaching text and the prayer of the day, as well as readings and activities for throughout the following week.  The prayers of intercession will probably not be printed. Is it necessary to be able to see the prayers in order to pray? (Let me know!)

            It is my prayer that all of us will be led deeper into the Scriptures as we break new ground together.

                        In Christ,

                        Pastor Lynne Hutchison