The Church Lectionary
At the Reformed Church of the Holy Trinity, we practice the regular reading of Holy Scripture according to the church lectionary. This approach is a deliberate theological choice that helps the congregation live within the rhythm of the whole Church and be formed in faith through the fullness of God’s Word.
What Is a Lectionary?
A lectionary is an ordered cycle of biblical readings arranged according to the church year. It encompasses the major stages of the history of salvation: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, and the season after Pentecost. Each service includes appointed readings from the Old Testament, the Psalms, the Apostolic Epistles, and the Gospels.
Why Does the Church Use a Lectionary?
The use of a lectionary helps the Church avoid a selective or arbitrary approach to Scripture. The congregation hears the whole counsel of God, not only favorite or convenient passages. In this way, the Church allows the Word of God itself to shape its thinking, faith, and practice.
Moreover, the lectionary weaves individual biblical texts into a unified theological narrative. Old Testament readings, psalms, and New Testament passages interpret one another and together reveal Christ as the center of Holy Scripture.
The Lectionary and the Reformed Tradition
In the Reformed tradition, Holy Scripture holds supreme authority in the life of the Church. For this reason, the regular, systematic, and public reading of the Bible is an essential element of worship. The lectionary serves as a tool that helps the Church remain faithful to this principle.
At the same time, the lectionary does not restrict preaching; rather, it provides a theological horizon for it. Preaching arises from the biblical text read within the context of the church year and leads the congregation toward a deeper knowledge of God’s grace.
Unity with the Church Across Space and Time
By reading Scripture according to the lectionary, our congregation joins a wider ecclesial community. On the same day, Christians in different countries and denominations hear the same biblical passages. This reminds us that we are part of the one Church of Christ, living by one Word and one Spirit.
Living by the Word
For us, the lectionary is not merely a liturgical tool but an invitation to live by the Word of God each day. Regular exposure to Scripture shapes a Christian worldview, teaches repentance, hope, and gratitude, and continually directs us to Jesus Christ—the living Word of the Father.
For this reason, the reading of Holy Scripture according to the lectionary is a vital part of the worship and spiritual life of our church.