Get reading for Worship!
Did you know that most of the time we follow a pattern of scripture readings in our worship services? It’s called “following the lectionary” and it is based upon a three-year cycle of Bible readings. Many churches follow this pattern — Lutheran, Presbyterian, Catholic, etc. Sometimes, we set aside the lectionary readings in order to do a sermon series based upon other Scripture readings that we would not otherwise hear in worship.
We invite you to spend some time each week “reading ahead” and pondering the readings that you will hear in upcoming worship services. If you take this challenge, think about how it will change how you hear the word in worship after you have spent reading it during the week. It’s a great way to get ready for worship by reading for worship!
May 2023
May 27 & 28 (Pentecost)
Acts 2:1-21 Filled with the Spirit to tell God’s deeds
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 Varieties of gifts from the same Spirit
John 20:19-23 The Spirit poured out
Read Acts 2 and pay attention to all of the senses.
What are the gifts, services and activities that you have that help the body of Christ?
What do you think the breath of Jesus was like?
Is there a word, phrase, or image that strikes you?
To what do you hear God calling in this text?
June 2023
June 3-4 (Holy Trinity)
- Genesis 1:1-2:4a The creation of the heavens and the earth
- Psalm 8
- 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 Paul’s farewell to the church at Corinth
- Matthew 28:16-20 Living in the community of the Trinity
Did you know that there are 2 stories of creation in Genesis? Continue reading in Gen 2 and compare/contrast!
What is Jesus commanding us t do in Matthew 28?
Is there a word, phrase, or image that strikes you?
To what do you hear God calling in this text?
JUNE 10-11 (2nd Sunday after Pentecost)
- Hosea 5:15-6:6 God desires steadfast love
- Psalm 50:7-15
- Romans 4:13-25 The promise to those who share Abraham’s faith
- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 Christ heals a woman and raises a synagogue leader’s daughter
How do you “return to the Lord” and give “steadfast love and not sacrifice”?
How do you define mercy? Who around you needs to be seen?
Is there a word, phrase, or image that strikes you?
To what do you hear God calling in this text?
JUNE 17 & 18 (3rd SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST)
- Exodus 19:2-8a The covenant with Israel at Sinai
- Psalm 100
- Romans 5:1-8 While we were sinners, Christ died for us
- Matthew 9:35-10:8 [9-23] The sending of the Twelve
Explore the sights and sounds of Exodus 19.
If you listened, what is Jesus sending you to do?
Is there a word, phrase, or image that strikes you?
To what do you hear God calling in this text?
JUNE 24 & 25 (4th Sunday after Penetcost)
- Jeremiah 20:7-13 The prophet must speak despite opposition
- Psalm 69:7-10 [11-15] 16-18
- Romans 6:1b-11 Buried and raised with Christ by baptism
- Matthew 10:24-39 The cost of discipleship
What does it mean for Jeremiah to be called as a prophet?
Why is it difficult to read Jesus’ words in Matthew 10? Is there a time that your faith has made it difficult? How has your faith/following Jesus supported you?
Is there a word, phrase, or image that strikes you?
To what do you hear God calling in this text?
July 2023
JUly 1-2 (5th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST)
- Jeremiah 28:5-9 The test of a true prophet
- Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18
- Romans 6:12-23 No longer under law but under grace
- Matthew 10:40-42 Welcome Christ in those he sends
How do you know someone is a false prophet?
How do you welcome guests to your home? To your church?
Is there a word, phrase, or image that strikes you?
To what do you hear God calling in this text?
July 8-9 (6th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST)
- Zechariah 9:9-12 The king will come in humility and peace
- Psalm 148:8-14
- Romans 7:15-25a The struggle within the self
- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 The yoke of discipleship
Compare law and grace as illustrated in Romans 7.
What is making you weary? Write it down. Pray. Tear it up. Let it go.
Is there a word, phrase, or image that strikes you?
To what do you hear God calling in this text?
JULY 15-16 (7TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST)
- Isaiah 55:10-13 The growth of the word to accomplish God’s purpose
- Psalm 65: [1-8] 9-13
- Romans 8:1-11 Live according to the Spirit
- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 The parable of the sower and the seed
Spend some time outside and listen to the song of creation around you.
How do what you do and say show others that you live by the Spirit?
Is there a word, phrase, or image that strikes you?
To what do you hear God calling in this text?
JULY 22-23 (8TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST)
- Isaiah 44:6-8 There is no other God than the Lord
- Psalm 85:11-17
- Romans 8:12-25 The revealing of the children of God
- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 The parable of the weeds
What do you long for and hope for?
Are there parts of your life/things in your life that need to be weeded?
Is there a word, phrase, or image that strikes you?
To what do you hear God calling in this text?
JULY 29-30 (9TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST)
- 1 Kings 3:5-12 Solomon’s prayer for wisdom
- Psalm 119:129-136
- Romans 8:26-39 Nothing can separate us from God’s love
- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 Parable of the reign of heaven
How does Solomon define wisdom? How do you define it?
Read Romans 8 in the morning, at noon and at night. How can Romans 8 be your prayer?
Is there a word, phrase, or image that strikes you?
To what do you hear God calling in this text?