Coming this Fall: Narrative Lectionary

Have you ever wondered how scripture passages are chosen for Sunday morning worship? Have you ever wondered why we read from three or four parts of the Bible—Old Testament, Psalm, Epistles, & Gospel—each Sunday? What does “lectionary” even mean?

All excellent questions that the Worship & Music team have been discussing and raise for our community’s consideration.

First, the word “lectionary” relates to a table of readings from Scripture appointed to be read in public worship services.

Currently, New Journey Lutheran and many ELCA congregations, follow the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year series of readings for Sunday that follows the Church calendar (Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, the Season after Pentecost and other festival days) and suggests and includes: a Gospel reading, an Old Testament reading, and a New Testament reading, and a psalm.

The RCL is the work of The Consultation on Common Texts, an ecumenical consultation of scholars and denominational representatives from the United States and Canada who produce scripture passages for use by North American Christian Churches.

Why did the RCL develop?

Out of a concern for the unity of the church and a desire for a common experience of Scripture. The big idea behind this ecumenical project was a harmonization of the many different denominational church bodies. On any given Sunday, Lutherans, Catholics, Episcopalians, Baptists, Mennonites, UCC folks, Disciples of Christ and Presbyterians from around the US and Canada are hearing the same scripture passages in worship. Pretty neat, huh?

Is it a rule that congregations must follow the Revised Common Lectionary if their denominational church body has adopted it?

No, there is no rule stating we must follow the RCL for our appointed Scripture passages in worship. In fact, there is an alternative to the RCL developed by Luther Seminary faculty in consultation with other church leaders from around the US and Canada. Around 2010, the Narrative Lectionary was developed and is gaining popularity in congregations as an alternative to the RCL.

What is the Narrative Lectionary?

The Narrative Lectionary is a set of readings for Christian worship that moves through the overarching biblical story in a nine month period (September-May/June). The narrative lectionary respects the traditional Christian church year, with its principal festivals and seasons — Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost. It also respects the rhythms of the American school year, which influences the program lives of many congregations. Instead of a three-year cycle, the Narrative Lectionary is a four year cycle

For a more thorough introduction, click here.

Why the Narrative Lectionary?

Because most of us don’t know the biblical story (VBS was a long time ago for many of us), and a knowledge of the biblical story is crucial to a mature Christian faith and witness in the world.

Why try the Narrative Lectionary at New Journey?

The Worship & Music team, with the support of the Congregation Council, have reflected on the 2024 Vision: “Telling the Story,” and we desire worship becomes a place where knowledge of the biblical story is shared so that our faith grows and deepens. Experimenting with the Narrative Lectionary gives us an opportunity to explore our community’s vision of “telling the story” in ways the Revised Common Lectionary does not.

When will the experiment begin? Is there a schedule?

The Narrative Lectionary debuts on Sunday, September 8, also God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday, and runs through June 8, 2025. Generally, Access the full list of appointed Scripture passages here.

Will we be given the opportunity to provide feedback on the Narrative Lectionary experiment?

Yes, the Worship & Music team will provide a congregation-wide survey in the Spring of 2025.

I have more questions after reading this blog, where should I direct them?

The Worship & Music team would love to answer your questions by email or in-person. We might even include them in a next eNews article so that our community can hear your questions and Our team includes: Pastor Beth, Jamie Asmus, Cindi Brady, Mary Shore, and Ron Schwartau.