From Pastors Pen…
Lectionary Series
… and [the Angel] said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” – Acts 1:111
The answer to this angelic question should be obvious; the disciples were seeking Jesus. So did the Shepherds when angels announced His birth, as did the Magi two years later. Multitudes sought after Jesus during His years of ministry. Even after His death, women sought Him at the tomb. And now, the disciples looked for Him as He ascended into heaven.
As the annual commemoration of our Lord’s Ascension approaches, are we seeking Him today? Where should we look to see Jesus? In His Word and the Supper; in the faces of those who love and believe in Him; in your own lives. Jesus is there. He promised this. And He will reappear at the Last Day so that we might be resurrected from the grave and ascend to be with Him for all eternity.
May Lectionary
May 4 + Easter III Acts 9:1-22 Revelation 5:8-14
Sermon: “Jesus’ Fish Fry” – Pastor Albrechtsen on John 21:1-14
May 11 + Easter IV Acts 20:17-35 Revelation 7:9-17 John 10:22-35
Sermon: “Who Wears White before Memorial Day>” – Pastor on Rev. 7:9-11
May 18 + Easter V Acts 11:1-18 Revelation 21:1-7
Sermon: “Turn Sorrow into Joy” – Pastor Albrechtsen on John 16:12-22
May 25 + Ascension Day Acts 1:1-11 Ephesians 1:15-23
[Observed[ Sermon: “Where’s Jesus?” – Pastor Albrechtsen on Luke 24:44-53
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].