What is the Lectionary?

We use the Revised Common Lectionary at Sandy Hook United Methodist Church. Let’s answer some questions:

What is it?

The Lectionary is a three-year cycle of weekly readings used by churches all around the world. The Lectionary is built around the seasons of the Church Year, and includes four readings for each Sunday. During most of the year, the readings 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.

What’s it for?

The Lectionary is used to provide a rhythm for churches and individuals to read through a major portion of Scripture during their weekly worship gatherings.  Since it covers both the Old & New Testament, it allows you to find yourself in God’s big Story as major themes emerge each week.  It also provides a great devotional reading plan for individuals to use during the week to prepare for Sunday morning.  We will have the opportunity to all be reading the same passages of Scripture each day.  it is our hope that by studying the Bible together as a community of faith, we will grow in Christlikeness and in Christian community.

Why does it matter to me?

Imagine being able to talk to anyone that you worship with about the same passage of Scripture you read today.  Imagine what it would be like not just to read the Bible each day, but to look for the theme that God is bringing to you through the four passages. Imagine your life being transformed as you read through the passages of Scripture each week.  Imagine what it would look like to be excited about the Bible again, with each week becoming an adventure through Scripture for you and your fellow traveling companions.