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Have you ever wondered how pastors choose which Bible passage to preach from each week? At Renewal we use the Revised Common Lectionary to guide us systematically through all the Bible over the course of three years.

The RCL is a cherished tool that many churches utilize to guide their congregations through the vast landscape of Scripture in a systematic and organized manner. The RCL is a collection of Bible readings assigned for each day or Sunday of the liturgical year, fostering a deep and reflective engagement with the Word of God.

Historically, the use of lectionaries has deep roots dating back to ancient times, initially in Jewish synagogue worship. Early Christian communities adopted this practice, finding it beneficial for a structured exploration of the Scriptures. Over the centuries, this practice evolved, leading to the development of various lectionary systems among Christian traditions.

The benefits of using the Revised Common Lectionary in a church setting are manifold:

1. Structured Scripture Engagement: The RCL provides a structured pathway through the Bible, ensuring a balanced exposure to the Old and New Testaments, as well as the various genres of scripture. This systematic approach helps congregants delve deeper into the Bible, fostering a more profound understanding and appreciation of God’s Word.

2. Liturgical Harmony: By following a common set of readings, churches within a denomination or tradition share a unified liturgical experience. This collective journey through scripture fosters a sense of unity and shared spiritual exploration.

3. Seasonal Reflection: The RCL is often aligned with the liturgical calendar, guiding congregations through the significant seasons of the Christian faith such as Advent, Lent, and Easter. This alignment helps believers to reflect seasonally on the central events and teachings of Christianity, enriching their faith journey.

4. Pastoral Planning: For pastors and worship leaders, the RCL serves as a valuable resource for planning sermons and worship services. It provides a ready framework that can help in crafting messages and services that are scripturally grounded and liturgically coherent.

The Lectionary Heritage of Methodism

The RCL ensures that the spirit of our worship remains deeply rooted in John Wesley's Anglican heritage and the early Methodist movement. Wesley, a seminal figure in the Methodist tradition, never severed his ties with the Anglican communion but sought to revitalize it with a renewed emphasis on personal and social holiness.

Our worship ethos at Renewal reflects this foundational commitment to both Word and Sacrament, hallmark traits of early Methodism in the United States:

1. Commitment to the Word: Our worship is steeped in the living Word of God. The Revised Common Lectionary facilitates a structured exploration of the Bible, ensuring that the teachings of Christ and the apostles are regularly illumined from the pulpit and reflected upon by the congregation.

2. Sacramental Engagement: Embracing Wesley’s reverence for the sacraments, we cherish them as means of grace, channels through which the love and presence of God are uniquely encountered. The regular observance of Holy Communion and Baptism nurtures both our communal and individual spiritual lives.

3. Light and Free Expression: Our worship is characterized by a light, free spirit, reminiscent of the early Methodist gatherings. This approach fosters an atmosphere of joyful celebration and heartfelt devotion, allowing for the work of the Holy Spirit in our midst.

4. Biblical Grounding: While cherishing freedom in worship, we remain firmly anchored in biblical orthodoxy, ensuring that our faith expression is aligned with the core teachings of Scripture and the apostolic faith.

5. Historical Continuity: By adhering to the Revised Common Lectionary, we maintain a sense of historical continuity, honoring the faith and practice of early Methodism, and connecting with the broader, apostolic Christian tradition.

Our worship at Renewal is a beautiful tapestry, intertwining the rich liturgical heritage from Anglicanism, the evangelical zeal of Methodism, and contemporary expressions of faith. Through this synthesis, we find a vibrant expression of Christian worship aimed at perfecting love and transforming lives, resonating with our broader mission as a faith community.