From Pastors Pen…

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house,

... they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold

and frankincense and myrrh. [Matthew 2:10-11]

The Magi from the East brought the Child Jesus gifts – gifts that would benefit Him: Gold for a

king, the incense frankincense as used in worship, and myrrh – a spice used in embalming the

dead.

What do we bring to Jesus today? Our offerings, our prayers, and our lives.

These treasures are every bit as precious as those the Magi presented Christ – perhaps even more so

for, having seen the brightness of Him in our lives, we give of ourselves.

May we continue throughout this New Year to fall before Him in worship.

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest.


Lectionary Series

Lectionary Series

January 5 + Sunday of the Epiphany [Observed]

Isaiah 66:1-6 Ephesians 3:1-12 Matthew 2:1-12

Sermon: “Wise Men Still Seek Him” + Pastor Albrechtsen on Matthew 2:1-12

January 12 + The Feast of the Baptism of our Lord

Isaiah 43:1-7 Romans 6:1-11 Luke 3:15-22

Sermon: “Why Be Baptized?” + Pastor Albrechtsen on Luke 3:15-22

January 19 + Epiphany II

Isaiah 62:1-5 I Corinthians 12:12-31 John 2:1-11

Sermon: “Christ the Vintner” + Pastor Albrchtsen on John 2:1-11

January 26 + Epiphany III

Nehemiah 8:1-3,5-6,8-20 I Corinthians 12:12-31 Luke 4:16-30

Sermon: “The Scri[ture Fuilfilled” + Pastor on Isaiah 62:1-5, & Luke 4:16-30

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 (a "snippet" of a biblical book). 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].