Lectionary Series

We are now in the Season of Pentecost…

July Lectionary

July 5 + Pentecost VI Zechariah 9:9-12 Romans 7:14-25 Matthew 11:25-30

Sermon: “Rest” - Pastor Albrechtsen on Matthew 11:25-30

How is it that Jesus makes it an easy yoke? A yoke is usually for two animals, not just for one. It is a double-sided yoke. It’s easy to see then that the yoke we carry is easy to bear when Jesus is carrying it with us. Knowing that Jesus is carrying the yoke that we’re heavy-laden with, knowing that He is carrying it too, makes it a little easier.

July 12 + Pentecost VII Isaiah 55:10-13 Romans 8:12-17 Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Sermon: “Which Soil are You?” - Pastor Albrechtsen on Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

God does not hold anything back. God doesn’t worry if there will be enough to go around. God wants our hearts to be good soil. He hurls a ridiculous amount of seed even on dry, thorny, or beaten soil. But do you sense God would probably scatter seed-love-mercy-grace on a parking lot! Why, because there is enough!

July 19 + Pentecost VIII Isaiah 44:6-8 Romans 8:18-27 Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

Sermon: “Weeds! There are Always Weeds!” - Pastor on Matthew 13:24-30

The weather is hot. The flowers have wilted a bit. And no matter how much you have mulched, there they are – weeds! What are you to do? Cast them into the fire, our Lord says. 40 Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. [Matthew 13:40] Oh.

July 26 + Pentecost IX Deuteronomy 7:6-9 Romans 8:28-39 Matthew 13:44-52

Sermon: “Hidden Treasures” - Pastor Albrechtsen on Matthew 13:44-52

Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field – a treasure so valuable that you would sell everything you own to get the field that it’s in. The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls – and that when you find one so perfect, so beautiful it’s worth selling everything you have to get it. And yet, the kingdom of heaven is hidden from our eyes. Now, would you sell everything for something you cannot see?

What is the Lectionary?

“Lectionary: is the term used broadly to refer to any book of biblical passages used for liturgical celebration, such as Sunday worship services. The individual readings are also known by the Greek technical term pericope. The history of the evolution of the pericopal system is complicated.

Early Christian Use of the Scriptures.

References found in the Acts of the Apostles attest to regular Sabbath readings that were firmly established and practiced wide-spread: For in every city, for generations past, Moses has had those who proclaim him, for he has been read aloud every Sabbath in the synagogues (Acts 15:21). Further references within the New Testament show early Christian use of the Hebrew Scriptures in worship, especially the Psalms (see Ephesians 5:18–20; Colossians 3:16).

Scripture was also read for community edification and instruction (see 1 Timothy 4:13). The first evidence of fixed readings for liturgy is related to the development of the liturgical year and to a lesser degree, the local church in which the liturgy was celebrated. The introduction of annual feasts, seasons, and commemoration of martyrs, is correlated to specially selected Biblical books and fixed passages that were deemed appropriate to the celebration. This evolved in the One-Year Lectionary commonly used in the Church prior to Vatican II.

Modern Lectionary Systems

After the Second Vatican Council of 1962–1965, an arrangement was introduced by which the readings on Sundays and on some principal feasts recur in a three-year cycle, with four passages from Scripture (Old Testament, Epistle, Gospel and the Psalms ). This revised Lectionary, covered much more of the Bible than the readings in the One-Year Lectionary, which repeats itself each year The Revised Common Lectionary was derived from the Roman Lectionary for use in Protestant Churches, including the Lutheran Church.

The Lectionary sets the tone for each Sunday, Feast and Special Occasion within the Church Year – Advent through Pentecost. Typically the Old Testament or First Reading compliments the Gospel reading. The Epistle readings are devised to work through entire letters from the Apostles throughout the Church Year. With the use of the Lectionary throughout our Churches we experience an additional depth of fellowship with our Confessional brothers and sisters.

Every month the appointed Lectionary readings for each Sunday will be posted so that worshipers may further prepare for Sunday service. The title and lectionary source for that week’s sermon will also be posted [see above].