In the Episcopal Tradition (as well as in other denominations), our Sunday readings are appointed by using a set 3-year schedule of readings. A lectionary is a table or schedule of readings, not unlike a calendar. The association of certain passages in the Bible with particular seasons or days began as early as the 4th Century.
The unique benefit of using a lectionary is that everyone who is using the same lectionary to guide what readings they will use are hearing the same passages from the Bible in their worship services. This makes it easier for all of us to share our thoughts on what we've heard. It also means that Sunday's readings are not a surprise. Anyone may look ahead and read the lessons.
In the back of our current Book of Common Prayer (1979) a 3-year cycle of readings (Year A, Year B, and Year C) can be found, and this is known as the Episcopal Lectionary. The Roman Catholic lectionary was used as a starting point when the Episcopal lectionary was created.
The Revised Common Lectionary (RCL)
A common lectionary was created in 1983 as an ecumenical project by American and Canadian denominations out of a concern for unity in the greater church as well as a desire for a common experience of scripture. In 1992 the common lectionary was revised after many years of trial use, taking into account constructive criticism that had been received.
The Revised Common Lectionary follows a 3-year cycle (Years A, B, and C). Each year has a particular gospel that it's gospel readings come from (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), with all three years including lessons from John.
The Episcopal Church decided in recent years that the standard lectionary to be used in our worship services will be the Revised Common Lectionary.
In addition to the Lectionary Page linked to the above photo, two other websites to find the Revised Common Lectionary readings are:
Those who are using the Revised Common Lectionary include:
American Baptist Churches in the USA Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Anglican Church of Australia Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada Anglican Church of Canada Presbyterian Church in Canada Christian Church [Disciples of Christ] Presbyterian Church in the USA Christian Reformed Church in North America United Church of Canada Church of England United Church of Christ Anglican Church in South Africa United Methodist Church
The staff, leadership, and congregation of Trinity Episcopal Church of Flushing are here to "LOVE AND SERVE"! Please contact us if you are searching for a church family or you are in need of spiritual growth in your life. Feel free to visit Trinity on Sunday at 10:00 AM for our weekly worship. All who are baptized are welcome at the Communion table. Divorced? You are welcome to fully participate in our services. ALL ARE WELCOME!
