What is the Lectionary?

The lectionary is a pre-selected collection of scriptural readings from the Bible that is used for worship and study. Covenant uses the Revised Common Lectionary which follows the liturgical year in a 3-year cycle and provides scriptural recommendations that complement the current season of the liturgical year.  Why do we use the Lectionary as a basis for curriculum?     On Sunday mornings this year the Adult Education Study group and our Sunday School will use the lectionary as a curriculum.  Click HERE for each week's Lectionary readings.  Those in the Adult Study group who have wrestled together with the lectionary passage prior to Sunday worship report that worship has suddenly taken on a much greater depth of meaning. From the call to worship onward, they recognize how worship has been crafted to lift up the passages of the day in hymns, prayers, responses, etc. Most important, they can’t wait to hear what the pastor’s sermon has to say about those passages. Moreover, using the lectionary-based curriculum in the classroom prepares the children and youth for full participation in the worship service. Because all ages focus on the same scripture passages, followup conversations at home are natural and easy in a way not possible when children, adults and youth focus on different Bible stories.     The lectionary is not a perfect Christian Education tool, but its strengths far outweigh its difficulties, and can bring a special vitality and wholeness to our entire congregation. The Adult Bible Study group meets at 9:15 every Sunday morning in the Lounge. Why not get up a little early and join us?                               Jane Politi, Director of Adult and Children Ministries