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Journey Through the Bible

Beginning on September 11th and continuing through the end of May we will begin a journey through the Bible. We will start in Genesis and continue through the New Testament. From September through Advent we will be reading from the Old Testament. Then at Christmas we will being to read from the New Testament, specifically the Gospel of Mark, selections from Acts and some of Paul’s corresponding letters.

The goal is to increase our overall understanding of the Bible, grow in faith, hear stories that we usually do not hear in church, and get a big picture of how God has been at work in the this world, creating and recreating ways for us to be in relationship with him.

You may hear this referred to as the Narrative Lectionary. Two seminary professors began the Narrative Lectionary (see the Working Preacher Web site) as a way to deepen our understanding of the Bible. It was piloted last year by 60 churches and this year there are over 300 churches taking part. Many in worship will not notice much of a difference. We will still have Christmas at Christmas. We celebrate Reformation, Advent, Lent, and Easter as we always have. The main difference is that rather than jump around, we will be reading in a chronological sequence. Each week there will be a bulletin insert with historical information, a map when appropriate, readings for those who would like to prepare for the next week, and questions to consider to help see yourself in these stories of the Bible. There will also be a bulletin board with timelines and pictures to help bring these stories alive.

The worship committee and council agreed to try this for this year and see what you think. If we love it, we will do it again next year with different readings from the Old Testament and we will cover a different gospel. If there are things to change, we will change them and after this year, we can always return to the Revised Common Lectionary, (This is what we currently use - the readings are on a three year cycle and the same readings are in the cycle.) if we find it fits us better. However, based on what the churches have been saying that used it last year, it was successful, with minor changes, and their congregation enjoyed it.

Each week we will link the stories together, yet they will stand alone, so you will not be lost if you miss worship for a week or two. The bulletin inserts from previous weeks will be available for those who miss and would like the information. If you are unable to come to worship and would like to follow along, call the church office. We will send you the bulletin inserts and readings so you can take part at home.

Here are the readings for May: