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Dear Renewal,

As we approach the new church year, I'm pleased to share that we'll be using the Narrative Lectionary to guide our Sunday readings. This approach offers us a unique opportunity to explore the Bible's overarching story.

The Narrative Lectionary is a four-year cycle of readings that takes us through the broad sweep of the Bible. It starts in the fall with the Old Testament, moves through the Gospels during the winter and spring, and concludes with the early church after Easter.

We'll begin our journey in September with stories from the Old Testament, moving from creation through the prophets. As we enter Advent, we'll transition to the Gospel of Luke, which will be our focus for much of the year. Luke's account is known for its emphasis on Jesus' compassion and his teachings about social justice. We'll encounter well-known parables and stories, perhaps seeing them in a new light as we consider their place in the larger narrative.

After Easter, we'll explore the early days of the church through readings from Acts and some of Paul's letters. This will help us understand how the first Christians applied Jesus' teachings to their lives.

This approach to Scripture offers several benefits:

1. We'll gain a clearer understanding of the Bible's overall story.
2. We'll see how different parts of the Bible connect to each other.
3. We may find new meaning in familiar passages as we consider their context.
4. We'll have a shared focus for discussion and reflection as a community.

I encourage you to engage with the readings throughout the week. You might find it helpful to read the passages ahead of time or to reflect on them in the days following our service. Our small groups and Bible studies will also be following this lectionary, providing opportunities for deeper discussion.

As we embark on this journey through Scripture, my hope is that we'll grow in our understanding of God's word and its relevance to our lives today. Whether you're new to the Bible or have studied it for years, this approach offers fresh perspectives for everyone.

I look forward to exploring God's story with you in the coming year.

In Christ,

Pastor Adam